Stock based compensation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Stock based compensation [Abstract]

Stock Based Compensation

Note 6 — Stock Based Compensation

The Company applies the fair value recognition provisions of ASC Topic 718 Stock-Based Compensation.  Total stock-based compensation expense included within operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $164,000.  Total stock-based compensation expense included within operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $37,000.  These amounts were recorded net of benefits of $61,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, as the result of forfeitures of unvested stock options prior to the completion of the requisite service period.  At March 31, 2012, the unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested equity awards was $716,000 (net of estimated forfeitures), which is expected to be recognized as compensation expense in fiscal years 2011 through 2015.

On April 23, 2012, the Company’s Compensation Committee of its Board of Directors approved the granting of 135,000 restricted stock awards and 67,000 incentive stock options to various employees of the Company under the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan.  The restricted stock awards are performance based and vest upon the achievement of earnings per share targets from fiscal years 2012 through 2014.  The incentive stock options granted are service based awards that vest ratably through fiscal year 2014.  Future compensation expense related to these awards is estimated to be approximately $780,000 and will be recognized through 2014.