Share-Based Compensation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2015

Deferred Compensation Arrangements [Abstract]

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

We recognize share-based compensation for all stock options granted over the requisite service period using the fair value of these grants as estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model, and all restricted stock granted over the requisite service period using the market value of our publicly-traded common stock on the date of grant.

Share-Based Compensation Plans

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors ("the Committee") has the authority to select the participants to be granted options; to designate whether the option granted is an incentive stock option ("ISO"), a non-qualified option, or a stock appreciation right; to establish the number of shares of common stock that may be issued upon exercise of the option; to establish the vesting provision for any award; and to establish the term any award may be outstanding. The exercise price of any ISO’s granted will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date granted, and the term of an ISO may not be more than ten years. The exercise price of any non-qualified options granted will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date granted unless so determined by the Committee.

In May 2012, our stockholders approved the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan ("the 2012 Plan") pursuant to which 1,500,000 shares of our common stock were made available to grant as share-based payments to employees, officers, directors or consultants. As of June 30, 2015, there were 305,000 shares available for future grants under the 2012 Plan. The individual restricted stock and option grant awards vest over periods up to five years. The term of the options under the 2012 Plan is up to ten years from the date of grant. Through a vote of our shareholders on May 7, 2015, we have increased the maximum number of shares under the plan from 1,500,000 shares to 3,000,000 shares; increased the automatic annual grant to non-employee directors from 15,000 shares to 20,000 shares; and limited the Company's ability to re-issue shares under the Plan.

In May 2005, our stockholders approved the NHI 2005 Stock Option Plan ("the 2005 Plan") pursuant to which 1,500,000 shares of our common stock were made available to grant as share-based payments to employees, officers, directors or consultants. As of June 30, 2015, the 2005 Plan has expired and no additional shares may be granted under the 2005 Plan. The individual restricted stock and option grant awards vest over periods up to ten years. The term of the options outstanding under the 2005 Plan is up to ten years from the date of grant.

Compensation expense is recognized only for the awards that ultimately vest. Accordingly, forfeitures that were not expected may result in the reversal of previously recorded compensation expense. The compensation expense reported for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $233,000 and $223,000, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $1,697,000 and $1,573,000, respectively.

At June 30, 2015, we had, net of expected forfeitures, $898,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options which is expected to be expensed over the following periods: 2015 - $466,000, 2016 - $386,000 and 2017 - $46,000. Stock-based compensation is included in general and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

The following table summarizes our outstanding stock options:



	Six Months Ended
	June 30,
	2015		2014
Options outstanding January 1,	871,671		516,674
Options granted under 2012 Plan	450,000		400,000
Options granted under 2005 Plan	20,000		—
Options exercised under 2012 Plan	(421,657	)	—
Options exercised under 2005 Plan	(50,002	)	(13,334	)
Options outstanding, June 30,	870,012		903,340

Exercisable at June 30,	596,664		676,659