Stock Incentive Plans

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Stock Incentive Plans

STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS

The Company has four equity compensation plans, but since 2004 the Company’s only plan pursuant to which new grants are made is the Graphic Packaging Holding Company Amended and Restated 2004 Stock and Incentive Compensation plan (the “2004 Plan”). Stock options and other awards granted under all of the Company’s plans generally vest and expire in accordance with terms established at the time of grant. Shares issued pursuant to awards under the plans are from the Company’s authorized but unissued shares. Compensation costs are recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award.

Stock Awards, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

The Company’s 2004 Plan permits the grant of stock awards, restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSUs”). All RSUs vest and become payable in one to five years from date of grant. RSUs granted to employees generally contain performance conditions based on various financial targets and service requirements that must be met for the shares to vest. Upon vesting, RSUs are payable in cash and shares of common stock, based on the proportion set forth in the grant agreements. Stock awards granted to non-employee directors are unrestricted on the grant date.

Data concerning RSUs and stock awards granted in the first nine months of 2012 is as follows:

Shares in thousands	Shares	Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
RSUs — Employees	3,742	$	5.43
Stock Awards — Board of Directors	207	$	5.21

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, $21.2 million and $10.0 million, respectively, were charged to compensation expense for stock incentive plans.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, 3.7 million shares were issued. The shares issued were primarily related to RSUs granted during 2009.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, 0.3 million shares were issued through the exercise of stock options at an average exercise price of $1.56 per share.