Stock-Based Compensation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

E.   Stock Based Compensation

The Company estimates the fair value of stock options on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model requires subjective assumptions, including future stock price volatility and expected time to exercise, which greatly affect the calculated values. There is no expected dividend rate. Historical Company information was the primary basis for the expected volatility assumption. The fair value of grants in prior years was calculated using historical volatility as the Company believes that the historical volatility over the life of the option is indicative of expected volatility in the future. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon rates with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the option. ASC 718, Stock Compensation, also requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Based on past history of actual performance, a zero forfeiture rate has been assumed.

On March 14, 2011, the Board of Directors granted options to purchase a total of 90,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to members of senior management and the Company’s Chairman of the Board. These stock options have an exercise price of $22.50 and vest as follows: 30% on the first anniversary of the grant date; an additional 30% on the second anniversary of the grant date; and the remaining 40% on the third anniversary of the grant date.  These stock options expire five years after the date of the grant.  Total stock compensation related expense for this grant for the six-month period ended June 30, 2011 was approximately $79,000. The unrecognized compensation expense related to these options of approximately $805,000 as of June 30, 2011 will be recognized over the vesting period.

Restricted stock awards are granted at a value equal to the market price of our common stock on the date of the grant. On December 15, 2010, the Board of Directors granted a total of 12,647 restricted shares to 14 employees of the Company. These shares vest as follows: 30% on the first anniversary of the grant date; an additional 30% on the second anniversary of the grant date; and the remaining 40% on the third anniversary of the grant date. Total stock compensation related expense for this grant for the six-month period ended June 30, 2011 was approximately $39,000. The unrecognized compensation expense related to these awards of approximately $200,000 as of June 30, 2011 will be recognized over the vesting period.