Stock-Based Compensation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2023

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

(3) Stock-Based Compensation

During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company granted 125,780 restricted stock units and 391,810 performance shares to certain employees of the Company under the SkyWest, Inc. 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Both the restricted stock units and performance shares have a three-year vesting period, during which the recipient must remain employed with the Company. The number of performance shares awardable from the 2023 grants can range from 0% to 250% of the original amount granted depending on the Company’s performance over three one-year measurement periods against the pre-established targets. Upon vesting, each restricted stock unit and performance share will be replaced with one share of common stock. The weighted average fair value of these restricted stock units and performance shares on their date of grant was $18.65 per share. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company did not grant any options to purchase shares of common stock to employees. Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company granted 37,534 fully vested shares of common stock to the Company’s directors at a grant date fair value of $18.65.

The Company accounts for forfeitures of restricted stock units and performance shares when forfeitures occur. The estimated fair value of the restricted stock units and performance shares is amortized over the applicable vesting periods. Stock-based compensation expense for the performance shares is based on the Company’s anticipated outcome of achieving the performance metrics. During the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded pre-tax stock-based compensation expense of $4.3 million and $4.1 million, respectively.