Equity Incentive Program

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2022

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]

Equity Incentive Program

12. Equity Incentive Program

The Company typically makes its annual grants of equity awards pursuant to actions taken by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors at its regularly scheduled first quarter meeting. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company issued stock-settled appreciation rights ("SARs") covering 327,940 shares, performance share awards of 40,087 and restricted stock units ("RSUs") of 71,961.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of each SAR on the date of grant. Expected volatilities are based on Dover's stock price history, including implied volatilities from traded options on Dover stock. The Company uses historical data to estimate SAR exercise and employee termination patterns within the valuation model. The expected life of SARs granted is derived from the output of the option valuation model and represents the average period of time that SARs granted are expected to be outstanding. The interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the SARs is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

The assumptions used in determining the fair value of the SARs awarded during the respective periods were as follows:

	SARs
	2022		2021
Risk-free interest rate	1.86	%	0.59	%
Dividend yield	1.25	%	1.62	%
Expected life (years)	5.4		5.5
Volatility	29.46	%	30.49	%
Grant price	$160.21		$122.73
Fair value per share at date of grant	$42.07		$29.08

The performance share awards granted in 2022 and 2021 are market condition awards as attainment is based on Dover's performance relative to its peer group (companies listed under the S&P 500 Industrials sector) for the relevant performance period. The performance period and vesting period for these awards is three years. These awards were valued on the date of grant using the Monte Carlo simulation model (a binomial lattice-based valuation model) and are generally recognized ratably over the vesting period, and the fair value is not subject to change based on future market conditions. The assumptions used in determining the fair value of the performance shares granted in the respective periods were as follows:

	Performance Shares
	2022		2021
Risk-free interest rate	1.68	%	0.19	%
Dividend yield	1.25	%	1.62	%
Expected life (years)	2.9		2.9
Volatility	31.10	%	31.90	%
Grant price	$160.21		$122.73
Fair value per share at date of grant	$196.40		$148.29

The Company also has granted RSUs, and the fair value of these awards was determined using Dover's closing stock price on the date of grant.

Stock-based compensation is reported within selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The following table summarizes the Company’s compensation expense relating to all stock-based incentive plans:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2022		2021
Pre-tax stock-based compensation expense	$	11,113	$	11,521
Tax benefit	(1,115)		(1,222)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$	9,998	$	10,299