STOCK COMPENSATION

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Pursuant to the Corporation's 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2021 Plan") the Corporation may make discretionary grants of restricted shares of the Corporation’s common stock to or for the benefit of employees selected to participate in the 2021 Plan, the chief executive officer and members of the Board of Directors. Awards are based on the performance, responsibility and contributions of the individual and are targeted at an average of the peer group. The maximum number of shares of the Corporation’s common stock that may be awarded as restricted shares related to the 2021 Plan may not exceed 170,000, upon which time a new plan may be created. Compensation expense for shares granted will be recognized over the vesting period of the award based upon the closing price of the Corporation's stock on the grant date.

During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, 12,088 and 13,069 shares, respectively, were re-issued from treasury to fund stock compensation. The expense related to these grants is recognized over a one year or a five year vesting period. Total expense related to the 2021 Plan of $0.3 million and $0.4 million was recognized during each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

A summary of restricted stock activity for the three months ended March 31, 2024 is presented below:


	Shares	Weighted–Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2024	62,984	$45.87
Granted	12,088	$48.11
Vested	(13,208)	$45.86
Forfeited or cancelled	—	—
Nonvested at March 31, 2024	61,864	$46.31

As of March 31, 2024, there was $2.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested shares granted under the 2021 Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.81 years. The total fair value of shares vested was $0.6 million for each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Due to the adoption of the 2021 Plan, certain grants were transitioned to a one-year vesting period.