Note I - Stock Compensation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 24, 2012

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]

Note I – Stock Compensation

The fair value of stock-based compensation is recognized in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 718, Stock Compensation.

During the three months ended March 24, 2012 and pursuant to the 2007 Incentive Plan, in lieu of director fees, the Company awarded to certain directors 7,809 shares of common stock. In addition, the Company awarded 37,500 stock options to directors and 200,000 stock options to employees. The stock options awarded to directors vest at the end of one year and have an exercise price equal to the market price on the date of grant. Director stock options are subject to forfeiture, except for termination of services as a result of retirement, death or disability, if on the vesting date the director no longer holds a position with the Company. The 2012 stock options awarded to employees have a graded vesting of 25% per year over four years and are subject to forfeiture if on the vesting date the employee is no longer employed. The 2012 employee awards are conditioned upon stockholder approval of an amendment to the Escalade, Incorporated 2007 Incentive Plan and bank approval. The Plan amendment will be voted upon at the April 2012 Shareholder Meeting. The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options granted.

For the three months ended March 24, 2012 and March 19, 2011, the Company recognized stock based compensation expense of $171 thousand and $137 thousand, respectively. At March 24, 2012 and March 19, 2011, respectively, there was $1.5 million and $1.4 million in unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock awards.