NOTE 16. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

SUMMARY OF STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

A summary of share activity for all equity and liability classified stock compensation during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, is presented below:


	Shares		Vested /			Shares
	Outstanding	Granted	Exercised	Expired	Forfeited	Outstanding
Type of Award	at 1/1/2017	Shares	Shares	Shares	Shares	at 9/30/2017
Equity Classified - Performance Share Awards - Peer Group Market Condition Vesting	—	12,635	—	—	—	12,635
Equity Classified - Market Condition Restricted Shares - Stock Price Vesting	69,500	—	—	(32,000)	—	37,500
Equity Classified - Three Year Vest Restricted Shares	37,504	17,451	(17,298)	—	(267)	37,390
Equity Classified - Non-Qualified Stock Option Awards	113,500	—	(23,500)	—	—	90,000
Liability Classified - Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights	11,000	—	—	(5,000)	—	6,000
Total Shares	231,504	30,086	(40,798)	(37,000)	(267)	183,525

EQUITY-CLASSIFIED STOCK COMPENSATION

Performance Share Awards – Peer Group Market Condition Vesting

On February 3, 2017, the Company awarded to certain employees, 12,635 Performance Shares under the Amended and Restated 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”). The Performance Shares awards entitle the recipient to receive, upon the vesting thereof, shares of common stock of the Company equal to between 0% and 150% of the number of Performance Shares awarded. The number of shares of common stock so vesting will be determined based on the Company’s total shareholder return as compared to the total shareholder return of a certain peer group during a three-year performance period commencing on January 1, 2017 and ending on December 31, 2019.

The Company used a Monte Carlo simulation pricing model to determine the fair value of its awards that are based on market conditions. The determination of the fair value of market condition-based awards is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of other variables. These variables include expected stock price volatility over the requisite performance term of the awards, the relative performance of the Company’s stock price and shareholder returns to companies in its peer group, annual dividends, and a risk-free interest rate assumption. Compensation cost is recognized regardless of the achievement of the market conditions, provided the requisite service period is met.

A summary of activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, is presented below:


		Wtd. Avg.
Performance Shares with Market Conditions	Shares	Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2017	—	$	—
Granted	12,635		55.66
Vested	—		—
Expired	—		—
Forfeited	—		—
Outstanding at September 30, 2017	12,635	$	55.66

As of September 30, 2017, there was approximately $527,000 of unrecognized compensation cost, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, related to Performance Share awards, which will be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of 2.3 years.

Effective as of August 4, 2017, the Company entered into amendments to the employment agreements and certain stock option award agreements and restricted share award agreements whereby such awards will fully vest following a change in control (as defined in the executive’s employment agreement) only if the executive’s employment is terminated without cause or if the executive resigns for good reason (as such terms are defined in the executive’s employment agreement), in each case, at any time during the 24-month period following the change in control.

Market Condition Restricted Shares – Stock Price Vesting

“Inducement” grants of 96,000 and 17,000 shares of restricted Company common stock were awarded to Mr. Albright and Mr. Patten in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Mr. Albright’s restricted shares were granted outside of the 2010 Plan while Mr. Patten’s restricted shares were awarded under the 2010 Plan. The Company filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form S-8 to register the resale of Mr. Albright’s restricted stock under this award. The restricted shares vest in six increments based upon the price per share of the Company’s common stock during the term of their employment (or within sixty days after termination of employment by the Company without cause) meeting or exceeding the target trailing sixty-day average closing prices ranging from $36 per share for the first increment to $65 per share for the final increment. If any increment of the restricted shares fails to satisfy the applicable stock price condition prior to six years from the grant date, that increment of the restricted shares will be forfeited. As of September 30, 2017, four increments of Mr. Albright’s and Mr. Patten’s awards had vested. On August 1, 2017, the remaining 32,000 unvested “inducement” grant restricted shares, for the $60 and $65 price increments, awarded to Mr. Albright in 2011 expired without vesting.

Additional grants of 2,500 and 3,000 shares of restricted Company common stock were awarded to Mr. Smith and another officer under the 2010 Plan, during the fourth quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2015, respectively. The restricted stock will vest in two increments based upon the price per share of Company common stock during the term of their employment (or within sixty days after termination of employment by the Company without cause), meeting or exceeding the target trailing sixty-day average closing prices of $60 per share and $65 per share for the two increments. If any increment of the restricted shares fails to satisfy the applicable stock price condition prior to six years from the grant date, that increment of the restricted shares will be forfeited. As of September 30, 2017, no increments of Mr. Smith’s or the other officer’s awards had vested.

A grant of 94,000 shares of restricted Company common stock was awarded to Mr. Albright under the 2010 Plan during the second quarter of 2015 under a new five-year employment agreement. On February 26, 2016, 72,000 of these shares were surrendered due to an over-grant by the Company, of which 4,000 were re-granted on February 26, 2016 with identical terms of the surrendered restricted stock and 68,000 were permanently surrendered. The 26,000 shares of restricted Company common stock outstanding from these grants will vest in four increments based upon the price per share of Company common stock during the term of his employment (or within sixty days after termination of employment by the Company without cause), meeting or exceeding the target trailing thirty-day average closing prices ranging from $60 and $65 per share for the first two increments of 2,000 shares each, $70 per share for the third increment of 18,000 shares, and $75 per share for the fourth increment of 4,000 shares. If any increment of the restricted shares fails to satisfy the applicable stock price condition prior to January 28, 2021, that increment of the restricted shares will be forfeited. As of September 30, 2017, no increments of this award had vested.

Pursuant to amendments to the employment agreements and certain restricted share award agreements entered into by the Company on February 26, 2016 and August 4, 2017, the restricted shares granted thereunder, if they are subject to performance-based vesting conditions, will fully vest following a change in control only if the executive’s employment is terminated without cause or if the executive resigns for good reason (as such terms are defined in the executive’s employment agreement), in each case, at any time during the 24-month period following the change in control (as defined in the executive’s employment agreement).

A summary of the activity for these awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, is presented below:


		Wtd. Avg.
Market Condition Non-Vested Restricted Shares	Shares	Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2017	69,500	$	27.03
Granted	—		—
Vested	—		—
Expired	(32,000)		14.08
Forfeited	—		—
Outstanding at September 30, 2017	37,500	$	38.09

As of September 30, 2017, there is no unrecognized compensation cost related to market condition restricted stock.

Three Year Vest Restricted Shares

On January 22, 2014, the Company granted to certain employees 14,500 shares of restricted Company common stock under the 2010 Plan. One-third of the restricted shares vest on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant date, provided the grantee is an employee of the Company on those dates. In addition, any unvested portion of the restricted shares will vest upon a change in control.

On January 28, 2015, the Company granted to certain employees, which did not include Mr. Albright, 11,700 shares of restricted Company common stock under the 2010 Plan. Additionally, on February 9, 2015, the Company granted 8,000 shares of restricted Company common stock to Mr. Albright under the 2010 Plan. One-third of both awards of restricted shares will vest on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of the January 28, 2015 grant date, provided the grantee is an employee of the Company on those dates. In addition, any unvested portion of the restricted shares will vest upon a change in control.

On January 27, 2016, the Company granted to certain employees 21,100 shares of restricted Company common stock under the 2010 Plan. One-third of the restricted shares will vest on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of January 28, 2016, provided the grantee is an employee of the Company on those dates. In addition, any unvested portion of the restricted shares will vest upon a change in control.

On January 25, 2017, the Company granted to certain employees 17,451 shares of restricted Company common stock under the 2010 Plan. One-third of the restricted shares will vest on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of January 28, 2017 provided the grantee is an employee of the Company on those dates. In addition, any unvested portion of the restricted shares will vest upon a change in control.

The Company’s determination of the fair value of the three year vest restricted stock awards was calculated by multiplying the number of shares issued by the Company’s stock price at the grant date, less the present value of expected dividends during the vesting period. Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

A summary of activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, is presented below:


		Wtd. Avg.
		Fair Value
Three Year Vest Non-Vested Restricted Shares	Shares	Per Share
Outstanding at January 1, 2017	37,504	$	47.53
Granted	17,451		55.06
Vested	(17,298)		46.70
Expired	—		—
Forfeited	(267)		52.51
Outstanding at September 30, 2017	37,390	$	51.39

As of September 30, 2017, there was approximately $1.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, related to the three year vest non-vested restricted shares, which will be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of 1.8 years.

Non-Qualified Stock Option Awards

Pursuant to the Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreements between the Company and Messrs. Albright, Patten, and Smith, each of these Company employees was granted an option to purchase 50,000, 10,000, and 10,000 shares of Company common stock, in 2011, 2012, and 2014, respectively, under the 2010 Plan, with an exercise price per share equal to the fair market value on their respective grant dates. One-third of the options will vest on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of their respective grant dates, provided the recipient is an employee of the Company on those dates. In addition, any unvested portion of the options will vest upon a change in control. The options expire on the earliest of: (a) the tenth anniversary of the grant date; (b) twelve months after the employee’s death or termination for disability; or (c) thirty days after the termination of employment for any reason other than death or disability.

On January 23, 2013, the Company granted options to purchase 51,000 shares of the Company’s common stock under the 2010 Plan to certain employees of the Company, including 10,000 shares to Mr. Patten, with an exercise price per share equal to the fair market value at the date of grant. One-third of these options vested on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant date, provided the recipient was an employee of the Company on those dates. The options expire on the earliest of: (a) the fifth anniversary of the grant date; (b) twelve months after the employee’s death or termination for disability; or (c) thirty days after the termination of employment for any reason other than death or disability.

On February 9, 2015, the Company granted to Mr. Albright an option to purchase 20,000 shares of the Company’s common stock under the 2010 Plan with an exercise price of $57.50. The option vested on January 28, 2016. The option expires on the earliest of: (a) January 28, 2025; (b) twelve months after the employee’s death or termination for disability; or (c) thirty days after the termination of employment for any reason other than death or disability.

On May 20, 2015, the Company granted to Mr. Albright an option to purchase 40,000 shares of the Company’s common stock under the 2010 Plan, with an exercise price of $55.62. On February 26, 2016, this option was surrendered and an option to purchase 40,000 shares was granted on February 26, 2016 with identical terms. One-third of the option vested immediately and the remaining two-thirds will vest on January 28, 2017 and January 28, 2018, provided he is an employee of the Company on such dates. In addition, any unvested portion of the option will vest upon a change in control. The option expires on the earliest of: (a) January 28, 2025; (b) twelve months after the employee’s death or termination for disability; or (c) thirty days after the termination of employment for any reason other than death or disability.

On June 29, 2015, the Company granted to an officer of the Company an option to purchase 10,000 shares of the Company’s common stock under the 2010 Plan, with an exercise price of $57.54. One-third of the option will vest on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant date, provided the recipient is an employee of the Company on such dates. In addition, any unvested portion of the option will vest upon a change in control. The option expires on the earliest of: (a) June 29, 2025; (b) twelve months after the employee’s death or termination for disability; or (c) thirty days after the termination of employment for any reason other than death or disability.

The Company used the Black-Scholes valuation pricing model to determine the fair value of its non-qualified stock option awards. The determination of the fair value of the awards is affected by the stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of other variables. These variables include expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, annual dividends, and a risk-free interest rate assumption.

A summary of the activity for the awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, is presented below:


				Wtd. Avg.
				Remaining
				Contractual		Aggregate
		Wtd. Avg.		Term		Intrinsic
Non-Qualified Stock Option Awards	Shares	Ex. Price		(Years)		Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2017	113,500	$	49.03
Granted	—		—
Exercised	(23,500)		34.95
Expired	—		—
Forfeited	—		—
Outstanding at September 30, 2017	90,000	$	52.71	7.23	$	662,700
Exercisable at January 1, 2017	76,600	$	45.94	5.75	$	573,181
Exercisable at September 30, 2017	69,600	$	52.03	7.13	$	559,340

A summary of the non-vested options for these awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, is presented below:


		Fair Value
		of Shares
Non-Qualified Stock Option Awards	Shares	Vested
Non-Vested at January 1, 2017	36,900
Granted	—
Vested	(16,500)	$	924,066
Expired	—
Forfeited	—
Non-Vested at September 30, 2017	20,400

No options were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was approximately $451,000. As of September 30, 2017, there was approximately $141,000 of unrecognized compensation related to non-qualified, non-vested stock option awards, which will be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of 0.6 years.

LIABILITY-CLASSIFIED STOCK COMPENSATION

The Company previously had a stock option plan (the “2001 Plan”) pursuant to which 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were eligible for issuance. The 2001 Plan expired in 2010, and no new stock options may be issued under the 2001 Plan. Under the 2001 Plan, both stock options and stock appreciation rights were issued in prior years and such issuances were deemed to be liability-classified awards under the Share-Based Payment Topic of FASB ASC, which are required to be remeasured at fair value at each balance sheet date until the award is settled.

A summary of share option activity under the 2001 Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is presented below:

Stock Options


				Wtd. Avg.
				Remaining
				Contractual	Aggregate
		Wtd. Avg.		Term	Intrinsic
Liability-Classified Stock Options	Shares	Ex. Price		(Years)	Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2017	11,000		63.87
Granted	—		—
Exercised	—		—
Expired	(5,000)		77.25
Forfeited	—		—
Outstanding at September 30, 2017	6,000	$	52.73	0.32	$	44,040
Exercisable at September 30, 2017	6,000	$	52.73	0.32	$	44,040

In connection with the grant of non-qualified stock options, a stock appreciation right for each share covered by the option was also granted. The stock appreciation right entitles the optionee to receive a supplemental payment, which may be paid in whole or in part in cash or in shares of common stock, equal to a portion of the spread between the exercise price and the fair market value of the underlying shares at the time of exercise. No options were exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Stock Appreciation Rights


				Wtd. Avg.
				Remaining
				Contractual	Aggregate
		Wtd. Avg.		Term	Intrinsic
Liability-Classified Stock Appreciation Rights	Shares	Fair Value		(Years)	Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2017	11,000		1.33
Granted	—		—
Exercised	—		—
Expired	(5,000)		—
Forfeited	—		—
Outstanding at September 30, 2017	6,000	$	4.08	0.32	$	23,714
Exercisable at September 30, 2017	6,000	$	4.08	0.32	$	23,714

No stock appreciation rights were exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

The fair value of each share option and stock appreciation right is estimated on the measurement date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s share price and other factors. The Company has elected to use the simplified method of estimating the expected term of the options and stock appreciation rights.

Due to the small number of employees included in the 2001 Plan, the Company uses the specific identification method to estimate forfeitures and includes all participants in one group. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual term of the share option is based on the United States Treasury rates in effect at the time of measurement. The Company issues new, previously unissued, shares as options are exercised.

Following are assumptions used in determining the fair value of stock options and stock appreciation rights:


Assumptions at:	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
Expected Volatility	14.70	%	14.13	%
Expected Dividends	0.27	%	0.22	%
Expected Term	0.32	years	0.61	years
Risk-Free Rate	1.06	%	0.66	%

There were no stock options or stock appreciation rights granted under the 2001 Plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 or 2016. The liability for stock options and stock appreciation rights, valued at fair value, reflected on the consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, was approximately $70,000 and $42,000, respectively. These fair value measurements are based on Level 2 inputs based on Black-Scholes and market implied volatility. The Black-Scholes determination of fair value is affected by variables including stock price, expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, annual dividends, and a risk-free interest rate assumption.

Amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements for stock options, stock appreciation rights, and restricted stock are as follows:


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2017		September 30, 2016		September 30, 2017		September 30, 2016
Accelerated Charge for Stock-Based Compensation	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,649,513
Recurring Charge for Stock-Based Compensation		398,925		401,967		1,142,090		1,244,076
Total Cost of Share-Based Plans Charged Against Income Before Tax Effect	$	398,925	$	401,967	$	1,142,090	$	2,893,589

Income Tax Expense Recognized in Income	$	(150,283)	$	(155,059)	$	(286,676)	$	(1,116,202)