XML 23 R12.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.19.1
Note 6 - Stock-Based Compensation
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Stock-Based Compensation

NOTE 6 — Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company recognizes the compensation cost in the financial statements for all stock-based awards to employees, including grants of stock options and restricted stock units, based on the fair value of the awards as of the date that the awards are issued. Compensation cost for stock-based awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

 

The fair values of stock options are generally determined using a binomial lattice valuation model which incorporates assumptions about expected volatility, risk-free interest rate, dividend yield, and expected life. On February 15, 2019, 165,600 shares were granted to executive officers, selected employees and consultants as stock option refresher grants.

 

On February 15, 2019, the Company also granted 116,050 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to employees. Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock upon vesting. The fair value of these RSUs was calculated based upon the Company’s closing stock price on the date of grant. These RSUs are with service-based vesting provisions and vest over four years: 15% on February 2020, 20% on February 15, 2021, 25% on February 15, 2022, and 40% on February 15, 2023. The shares are issued in the name of each employee but held in an escrow account by the Company’s transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust. As they vest, the shares will be issued to the individual either electronically or as certificates as instructed by the individual.  Each individual has voting rights while shares are unvested.  The share totals are included in primary earnings per share. The expense of these RSUs is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

 

Total stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, was $121,965 and $112,133, respectively.