Stockholders' Equity

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

Note F. Stockholders' Equity

Stock-based compensation expense was approximately $185,000 and $360,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As of March 31, 2012, there was approximately $574,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation awards granted under Empire's plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of less than two years. This expected cost does not include the impact of any future stock-based compensation awards.

On March 13, 2012, Empire's Board of Directors (the "Board") authorized the issuance of 92,414 shares of Empire's common stock as payment of dividends due for the year ended December 31, 2011 on its Series B preferred stock. The value of these shares when issued was approximately $234,000.

On March 14, 2011, the Board authorized the issuance of 59,548 shares of Empire's common stock as payment of dividends due for the year ended December 31, 2010 on its Series B preferred stock. The approximate value of these shares when issued was $114,000.