Stock-Based Compensation

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has awarded performance and restricted shares under the Company's 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan ("2007 Plan") and the Company's 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated as of November 16, 2016) (as further amended, the "2016 Plan"). The aggregate number of shares that may be awarded by the Company under the 2016 Plan is 1,196 shares, less any shares previously awarded and subject to an adjustment for the forfeiture of any unvested shares. In addition, shares that may be awarded are subject to individual recipient award limitations. The shares awarded under the 2016 Plan may be made in multiple forms, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted or unrestricted stock, and performance related shares. Any such award is exercisable no later than ten years from the date of the grant.

The performance shares that have been awarded under both plans generally provide for the vesting of the Company’s common shares upon the Company achieving certain defined financial performance objectives during a period up to three years following the making of such award. The ultimate number of common shares of the Company that may be earned pursuant to an award ranges from a minimum of no shares to a maximum of 200% of the initial target number of performance shares awarded, depending on the level of the Company’s achievement of its financial performance objectives. Beginning in fiscal 2020, the maximum share amount that may be achieved was reduced to 150% of target.

With respect to such performance shares, compensation expense is being accrued based on the probability of meeting the performance target. The Company is currently recognizing compensation expense for two tranches of awards at 50% of target where it has concluded it is probable that the performance criteria for those awards will be met, while the Company is currently not recognizing compensation expense for one tranche of awards where it has concluded that it is not probable that the performance criteria for those awards will be met. During each future reporting period, such expense may be subject to adjustment based upon the Company's financial performance, which impacts the number of common shares that it expects to vest upon the completion of the performance period. The performance shares were valued at the closing market price of the Company’s common shares on the date of the grant. The vesting of such shares is determined at the end of the performance period.

The Company has awarded restricted shares to its directors, officers, and other employees of the Company. The restricted shares were valued at the closing market price of the Company’s common shares on the date of the grant, and such value was recorded as unearned compensation. The unearned compensation is being amortized ratably over the restricted stock vesting period of one year or three years.

In fiscal 2021, the Company granted 120 shares under the 2016 Plan to certain key employees. The awards were split into two tranches, 71 performance shares and 49 shares of time-based restricted shares, with a grant date fair value of $3.74 per share. The awards vest over three years.

In fiscal 2021, the Company granted its non-employee directors 30 restricted shares under the 2016 Plan, with a grant date fair value of $9.08, which vests over one year. One award for 57 restricted shares vested.

If all outstanding share awards are ultimately earned and vest at the target number of shares, there are approximately 442 shares that remain available for award at June 30, 2021. If any of the outstanding share awards are ultimately earned and vest at greater than the target number of shares, up to a maximum of 200% or 150% of such target, then a fewer number of shares would be available for award.

Stock-based compensation under the 2016 Plan was $378 and $262 during the first nine months of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively and $85 and $37 during the three months of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of June 30, 2021, there was $505 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the performance shares and restricted shares awarded under the 2016 Plan. The Company expects to recognize this cost over the next 1.3 years.