Equity Stock Based Compensation (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Share Based Compensation Policy [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under the provisions of FASB ASC 718-10, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“ASC 718-10”), which requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options and restricted stock units, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. Share-based payments that contain performance conditions are recognized when such conditions are probable of being achieved.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the weighted-average fair value of options granted. The Company determines the intrinsic value of restricted stock and restricted stock units based on the closing price of its common stock on the date of grant. The Company recognizes the compensation expense of share-based awards on a straight-line basis for awards with only service conditions and on an accelerated method for awards with performance conditions. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the awards.

The determination of the fair value of share-based payment awards utilizing the Black-Scholes model is affected by the stock price and a number of assumptions, including expected volatility, expected life, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends. The expected life of the awards is estimated based on the midpoint scenario, which combines historical exercise data with hypothetical exercise data for outstanding options. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on observed interest rates appropriate for the terms of the awards. The dividend yield assumption is based on Company history and expectation of paying no dividends. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the financial statements is based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The Company evaluates the assumptions used to value the awards on a quarterly basis and if factors change and different assumptions are utilized, stock-based compensation expense may differ significantly from what has been recorded in the past. If there are any modifications or cancellations of the underlying unvested securities, the Company may be required to accelerate, increase or cancel any remaining unearned stock-based compensation expense.