Stock Option Plans

9 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2011

Stock Option Plans [Abstract]

Stock Option Plans

4. Stock Option Plans

     The Company has options outstanding under three stock incentive plans: the 1994 Stock Option Plan (the “1994 Plan”), the 2004 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”) and the 2005 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan” and together with the 1994 Plan and the 2004 Plan, the “Plans”). The 2005 Plan is the only one of the three plans under which new awards may currently be granted. Under the 2005 Plan, which became effective October 10, 2005, 1,583,682 shares were initially reserved for issuance in the form of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, deferred stock awards and restricted stock awards. Additionally, the 2005 Plan provides that the number of shares reserved and available for issuance under the plan will automatically increase each January 1, beginning in 2007, by 4.5% of the outstanding number of shares of common stock on the immediately preceding December 31. Stock options returned to the Plans as a result of their expiration, cancellation or termination are automatically made available for issuance under the 2005 Plan. Eligibility for incentive stock options is limited to those individuals whose employment status would qualify them for the tax treatment associated with incentive stock options in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As of October 1, 2011, there were 2,676,424 shares available for future grant under the 2005 Plan.

     Options granted under the Plans are subject to terms and conditions as determined by the compensation committee of the board of directors, including vesting periods. Options granted under the Plans are exercisable in full at any time subsequent to vesting, generally vest over periods from zero to five years, and expire seven or ten years from the date of grant or, if earlier, 60 or 90 days from employee termination. The exercise price of incentive stock options is equal to the closing price on the NASDAQ Global Market on the date of grant. The exercise price of nonstatutory options may be set at a price other than the fair market value of the common stock.

     On September 30, 2011, the Company granted to certain employees an annual merit grant totaling 43,400 restricted stock units. These restricted stock units will vest 25% on each anniversary of the grant date.