Stock-Based Compensation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

During 2012, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved grants totaling approximately 86,000 shares of restricted common stock to certain employees and members of the Board of Directors. A portion of these restricted shares vest 33% on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date, while another portion vested 33% upon grant and on the first and second anniversaries of the grant date. Unvested shares may not be sold or transferred. During the vesting period, dividends accrue on the restricted shares, but are paid in additional shares of common stock upon vesting, subject to the vesting provisions of the underlying restricted shares. The restricted shares are entitled to the same voting rights as other common shares. Upon vesting, all restrictions are removed.

During 2012 the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved the grant of Stock Only Stock Appreciation Rights (“SOSARs”) at the market price of the Company's common stock on the grant date. The SOSARs vest one-third on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date. The SOSARs are valued and recorded in the same manner as stock options, and will be settled with issuance of new stock for the difference between the market price on the date of exercise and the exercise price. The Company estimated the total recognized and unrecognized compensation using the Black-Scholes-Merton equity grant valuation model.

The table below shows the weighted average assumptions the Company used to develop the fair value estimates under its option valuation model:

	2012
Expected volatility (range)	58% - 59%
Risk free interest rate (range)	0.795% - 1.025%
Expected dividends	3.75%
Weighted average expected term (years)	6.0

In computing the fair value estimates using the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model, the Company took into consideration the exercise price of the equity grants and the market price of the Company's stock on the date of grant. The Company used an expected volatility that equals the historical volatility over the most recent period equal to the expected life of the equity grants. The risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The Company used the expected dividend yield at the date of grant, reflecting the level of annual cash dividends currently being paid on its common stock.

Stock-based compensation expense is non-cash and is included as a component of general and administrative expense or operating expense based upon the classification of cash compensation paid to the related employees. The Company recorded total stock-based compensation expense of $435,000 and $546,000 in the nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.