STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

6.Stock-based Compensation

We have recognized stock-based compensation cost as shown below. Historical amounts may not be representative of future amounts as the value of future awards may vary from historical amounts. During the second quarter of 2016, we accepted volunteers to participate in an early retirement incentive program, which includes accelerated vesting of certain service-based stock awards and stock option awards. At this time, the effect of the accelerated vesting on our total stock compensation cost for the second quarter of 2016 is not determinable.


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
(in thousands)	2016		2015
Restricted stock awards
Performance stock awards	$	5,694	$	4,998
Service-based stock awards		4,165		4,937
		9,859		9,935
Stock option awards		655		639
Total stock compensation cost		10,514		10,574
Less amounts capitalized to oil and gas properties		(4,986)		(5,419)
Compensation expense	$	5,528	$	5,155