NOTE 15. EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS AND SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Equity Compensation Plans

Our share-based compensation plan is described below.

2014 Equity Incentive Plan. Our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”), which was approved by our shareholders on October 22, 2014, is the successor to and continuation of the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”). The terms of the 2014 Plan provide for the grant of incentive stock options, nonstatutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, other stock awards and performance awards that may be settled in cash, stock or other property. At its October 22, 2014 effective date, the total number of shares of the Company’s common stock available for issuance under the 2014 Plan was 1,712,409 shares, which was equal to the sum of (i) the shares remaining available for issuance pursuant to the exercise of options or issuance or settlement of stock awards that had not previously been granted under the 2005 Plan, as of the effective date of the 2014 Plan and (ii) the Returning Shares (as defined below), as of the effective date of the 2014 Plan. The “Returning Shares” are shares subject to outstanding stock awards granted under the 2005 Plan (the “2005” Available Pool”), as of the effective date of the 2014 Plan, (i) expire or terminate for any reason prior to exercise or settlement, (ii) are forfeited, cancelled or otherwise returned to us because of the failure to meet a contingency or condition required for the vesting of such shares, or (iii) are reacquired or withheld (or not issued) by us to satisfy a tax withholding obligation in connection with a stock award or to satisfy the purchase price or exercise price of a stock award.

As of March 31, 2015, the 2014 Plan provided for the issuance of a maximum of 1,712,409 shares, of which 875,000 shares of common stock were then available for future issuance pursuant to stock awards that had not previously been granted. Shares that are canceled or forfeited from an award and shares withheld in satisfaction of tax withholding obligations are again available for issue under the 2014 Plan.

2005 Equity Incentive Plan. Our 2005 Plan was originally approved by our shareholders in October 2005 and restated and amended our 1998 Stock Option Plan. Our 2005 Plan allowed for the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance cash awards, performance shares, performance units, deferred compensation awards or other share-based awards to employees, directors and consultants. Our 2005 Plan was scheduled to terminate in 2015. Upon adoption of our 2014 Plan on October 22, 2014, no additional awards may be made under our 2005 Plan. However, as described above, the 2005 Available Pool became available for issuance under the 2014 Plan and Returning Shares may become available under the 2014 Plan from time to time.

Our current practice is to issue new shares of common stock from our authorized shares for share-based awards upon the exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock units.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-based compensation expense and related stock option and restricted stock unit award activity is presented on a consolidated basis, unless otherwise presented as continuing or discontinued operations.

The following table summarizes total share-based compensation expense, net of tax, related to restricted stock units for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, which is included in our consolidated statements of income (in thousands, except per share data):

	Year Ended March 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Cost of revenues	$	1,409		$	1,105		$	921
Research and development		1,574			1,138			1,150
Sales and marketing		3,156			2,146			2,506
General and administrative		3,648			3,254			2,509
Share-based compensation expense before income taxes		9,787			7,643			7,086
Income tax benefit		(3,293	)		(2,605	)		(2,557	)
Total share-based compensation expense after income taxes	$	6,494		$	5,038		$	4,529
Net impact of share-based compensation on:
Basic net income per share	$	0.29		$	0.23		$	0.21
Diluted net income per share	$	0.28		$	0.22		$	0.20

Share-based compensation has been classified in the consolidated statements of income or capitalized on the consolidated balance sheets in the same manner as cash compensation paid to employees. Capitalized share-based compensation costs at March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, which were included in inventories on our consolidated balance sheets.

Cash Flow Impact

The accounting standard with respect to share-based payment requires cash flows resulting from excess tax benefits to be classified as a part of cash flows from financing activities. Excess tax benefits are realized tax benefits from tax deductions for exercised stock options and vested restricted stock units in excess of the deferred tax asset attributable to share-based compensation expense for such share-based awards. Excess tax benefits are considered realized when the tax deductions reduce taxes that otherwise would be payable. Excess tax benefits classified as a financing cash inflow for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $0.9 million, $2.2 million and $2.7 million, respectively.

Stock Options

Prior to fiscal 2007, we granted stock option awards to employees and directors as part of our share-based compensation program. Option awards to consultants were insignificant. Options granted to employees and directors generally expire ten years from the grant date. Options granted to employees generally become exercisable over a period of four years based on cliff-vesting terms and continuous employment. Options granted to non-employee directors generally become exercisable over a period of one year based on monthly vesting terms and continuous service. We have not granted any stock options since the beginning of fiscal 2007. We have recognized compensation expense for stock options granted during the requisite service period of the stock option. As of March 31, 2015, we had no unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options granted. As of March 31, 2015, there were no stock options outstanding.

Stock Option Activity

Stock option activity under all stock plans is summarized as follows:

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Outstanding at March 31, 2012
(282,000 shares exercisable at a weighted average exercise price of $15.21 per share)		282,000		$	15.21
Granted		-			-
Exercised		(210,000	)		13.38
Canceled or forfeited		-			-
Outstanding at March 31, 2013
(72,000 shares exercisable at a weighted average exercise price of $20.50 per share)		72,000			20.50
Granted		-			-
Exercised		(70,000	)		20.74
Canceled or forfeited		-			-
Outstanding at March 31, 2014
(2,000 shares exercisable at a weighted average exercise price of $13.24 per share)		2,000			13.24
Granted		-			-
Exercised		(2,000	)		13.24
Canceled or forfeited		-			-
Outstanding at March 31, 2015		-		$	-

As of March 31, 2015, there were no stock options outstanding or exercisable. Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $92,000, $1.2 million and $5.5 million, respectively. Cash proceeds from stock options exercised during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $31,000, $1.5 million and $2.8 million, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units

Since fiscal 2007, we have granted restricted stock unit awards to employees and directors as part of our share-based compensation program. Restricted stock unit awards to consultants were not significant. Awards of restricted stock units are issued at no cost to the recipient and may have time-based vesting criteria, or a combination of time-based and performance-based vesting criteria, as described below. From time to time, restricted stock unit awards granted to employees may be subject to accelerated vesting upon achieving certain performance-based milestones. Additionally, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) in its discretion, may provide in the event of a change in control for the acceleration of vesting and/or settlement of the restricted stock unit held by a participant upon such conditions and to such extent as determined by the Compensation Committee. Our Board of Directors has adopted an executive change in control severance plan, which it may terminate or amend at any time, that provides that awards granted to executive officers will accelerate fully on a change of control. The vesting of non-employee director and officer awards granted under the 2014 Plan automatically will also accelerate in full upon a change in control. Beginning in fiscal 2015, the Compensation Committee discontinued the practice of granting such “single trigger” acceleration of vesting benefits to new executive officers pursuant to which an executive officer’s outstanding stock option(s) and other unvested equity-based instruments would accelerate in full upon the occurrence of a change of control. In fiscal 2015, we granted a “double-trigger” acceleration arrangement to an executive officer, which requires both the occurrence of a change of control and the termination by us (or our successor) for any reason other than cause, death or disability within 18 months following such change of control date, with the termination constituting a separation in service and subject to execution of a valid and effective release of claims against us, for the acceleration of vesting of the executive officer’s equity awards in full.

Restricted Stock Unit Awards (Time Vesting)

Restricted stock unit awards with only time-based vesting terms, which we refer to as restricted stock unit awards (time vesting), entitle holders to receive shares of common stock at the end of a specified period of time. For restricted stock unit awards (time vesting), vesting is based on continuous employment or service of the holder. Upon vesting, the equivalent number of common shares are typically issued net of tax withholdings. If the service vesting conditions are not met, unvested restricted stock unit awards (time vesting) will be forfeited. Generally, restricted stock unit awards (time vesting) vest according to one of the following time-based vesting schedules:

•

Restricted stock unit awards to employees: Four-year time-based vesting as follows: five percent vesting after the first year; additional ten percent after the second year; additional 15 percent after the third year; and the remaining 70 percent after the fourth year of continuous employment with the Company.

•	Restricted stock unit awards to non-employee directors: 100 percent vesting after one year of continuous service to the Company.

The fair value of restricted stock unit awards (time vesting) used in our expense recognition method is measured based on the number of shares granted and the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant. Such value is recognized as an expense over the corresponding requisite service period. The share-based compensation expense is reduced for an estimate of the restricted stock unit awards that are expected to be forfeited. The forfeiture estimate is based on historical data and other factors, and compensation expense is adjusted for actual results. As of March 31, 2015, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock unit awards (time vesting) granted amounted to $15.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average service period of 1.5 years.

Restricted Stock Unit Awards (Performance Vesting)

We also began granting restricted stock unit awards subject to performance vesting criteria, which we refer to as restricted stock unit awards (performance vesting), to our executive officers starting in fiscal 2013. Restricted stock unit awards (performance vesting) consist of the right to receive shares of common stock, subject to achievement of time-based criteria and certain corporate performance-related goals over a specified period, as established by the Compensation Committee. For restricted stock units subject to performance vesting, we recognize any related share-based compensation expense ratably over the service period based on the most probable outcome of the performance condition. The fair value of our restricted stock unit awards (performance vesting) used in our expense recognition method is measured based on the number of shares granted, the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant and an estimate of the probability of the achievement of the performance goals. The amount of share-based compensation expense recognized in any one period can vary based on the attainment or expected attainment of the performance goals. If such performance goals are not ultimately met, no compensation expense is recognized and any previously recognized compensation expense is reversed.

Restricted Stock Unit Awards (Performance Vesting) Granted in Fiscal 2013

In April 2012, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of restricted stock unit awards (performance vesting) for 84,000 shares of common stock to our executive officers that contained both time-based and performance-based vesting terms (the “FY2013 Performance RSUs”). The FY2013 Performance RSUs were subject to vesting in four equal annual increments based upon: (1) achievement of certain pre-established corporate annual performance-related goals, as established by the Compensation Committee; and (2) the grantee’s satisfaction of service requirements through the vesting period. The annual financial performance goals were established at the beginning of each performance period and, accordingly, the portion (or “tranche”) of the FY2013 Performance RSU subject to each goal is treated as a separate grant for accounting purposes. The number of vested restricted stock unit awards (performance vesting) is determined at the end of each annual performance period. The fiscal 2013 performance target for the FY2013 Performance RSUs was established at the grant date following Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718-10-55-95 and the aggregate estimated grant date fair value of the FY2013 Performance RSUs was $0.8 million, or $35.62 per share, based on the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant. Only the target for fiscal 2013 performance for the first tranche was set in April 2012, and accordingly, only 25% of the FY2013 Performance RSUs were deemed granted in fiscal 2013 in accordance with ASC 718-10-55-95. In April 2013, in consideration of the grant of the FY2014 Performance RSUs (as defined below) in fiscal 2014, the remaining 75% of the FY2013 Performance RSUs, which consisted of the second, third and fourth tranches, were cancelled. As a result, these restricted stock units are no longer outstanding. The remaining 75% of the FY2013 Performance RSUs were not deemed granted for accounting purposes because each annual performance target was to be set at the start of each respective single-fiscal year performance period in accordance with ASC 718-10-55-95.

On April 29, 2013, 21,000 shares subject to the FY2013 Performance RSUs were issued to our executive officers as a result of achieving performance-related goals for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013. We fully recognized compensation expense for the FY2013 Performance RSUs during the requisite service period in fiscal 2013.

Restricted Stock Unit Awards (Performance-Vesting) Granted in Fiscal 2014, 2015 and 2016

In April 2013, 2014 and 2015, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of restricted stock unit awards (performance vesting) described below. These restricted stock units vest only if both of the following criteria are satisfied: (1) our consolidated income from operations during the fiscal year in which grant occurred, as certified by the Compensation Committee, is in excess of the applicable target amount described below; and (2) the recipient remains in the continuous service of the Company until the applicable vesting date set forth as follows:

•	25% of the shares subject to an award vest in full upon achieving 90% of the consolidated income from operations target described above and continuous service until the third anniversary of the date of grant;

•	25% of the shares subject to an award vest in full upon achieving 90% of the consolidated income from operations target described above and continuous service until the fourth anniversary of the date of grant;

•	25% of the shares subject to an award vest in full upon achieving 100% of the consolidated income from operations target described above and continuous service until the third anniversary of the date of grant; and

•	25% of the shares subject to an award vest in full upon achieving 100% of the consolidated income from operations target described above and continuous service until the fourth anniversary of the date of grant.

Fiscal 2014 Performance RSUs. In April 2013, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of restricted stock unit awards (performance vesting) for 129,000 shares of common stock to our executive officers that contained the foregoing time-based and performance-based vesting terms (the “FY2014 Performance RSUs”). The aggregate estimated grant date fair value of the FY2014 Performance RSUs was $5.5 million based on the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant.

At March 31, 2014, we reviewed each of the underlying performance targets related to the outstanding FY2014 Performance RSUs and determined that it was not probable that the FY2014 Performance RSUs would vest and as a result did not record share-based compensation related to these awards during fiscal 2014. On April 23, 2014, the Compensation Committee determined that the Company’s consolidated income from operations for fiscal 2014 was below 90% of target and, accordingly, the FY2014 Performance RSUs did not vest and were cancelled.

Fiscal 2015 Performance RSUs. In April 2014, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of restricted stock unit awards (performance vesting) for 172,000 shares of common stock to our executive officers that contained the foregoing time-based and performance-based vesting terms (the “FY2015 Performance RSUs”). The aggregate estimated grant date fair value of the FY2015 Performance RSUs was $7.0 million based on the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant.

During fiscal 2015, we recorded share-based compensation expense ratably over the vesting terms of the FY2015 Performance RSUs, as we determined that the performance targets would be met. As of March 31, 2015, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock unit awards (performance vesting) granted amounted to $3.6 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average service period of 2.6 years.

Fiscal 2016 Performance RSUs. In April 2015, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of restricted stock unit awards (performance vesting) for 187,000 shares of common stock to our executive officers and to certain of our employees that contained the foregoing time-based and performance-based vesting terms (the “FY2016 Performance RSUs”). The aggregate estimated grant date fair value of the FY2016 Performance RSUs was $10.3 million based on the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant.

Restricted Stock Unit Activity

The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013:

	Time-Based Restricted Stock Units					Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value(1)		Number of Shares(2)			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value(1)
Unvested at March 31, 2012		1,120,000		$	24.06		-		$	-
Granted		192,000			36.30		21,000			35.62
Vested(3)		(257,000	)		23.40		-			-
Canceled or forfeited		(75,000	)		26.78		-			-
Unvested at March 31, 2013		980,000		$	26.42		21,000		$	35.62
Granted		175,000			41.29		129,000			42.43
Vested(3)		(295,000	)		21.73		(21,000	)		35.62
Canceled or forfeited		(86,000	)		31.61		(16,000	)		42.43
Unvested at March 31, 2014		774,000		$	30.98		113,000		$	42.43
Granted		189,000			43.85		172,000			40.82
Vested(3)		(272,000	)		27.24		-			-
Canceled or forfeited		(12,000	)		30.37		(137,000	)		42.15
Unvested at March 31, 2015		679,000		$	36.08		148,000		$	40.82

(1)	The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock units is based on the number of shares and the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant.

(2)	The shares granted during fiscal 2013 and unvested at March 31, 2013 related to FY2013 Performance RSUs do not include the awards approved by the Compensation Committee during the fiscal year 2013 that were deemed not to have been granted in accordance with ASC 718-10-55-95.

(3)	The number of restricted stock units vested includes shares that we withheld on behalf of our employees to satisfy the statutory tax withholding requirements.

Total intrinsic value of restricted stock units vested during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $11.7 million, $13.2 million and $9.1 million, respectively. The total grant date fair value of restricted stock units vested during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $7.4 million, $7.2 million and $6.0 million, respectively.