Stock-Based Compensation

9 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2024

Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Stock-based compensation expense reflects the fair value of stock-based awards measured at the grant date and recognized over the relevant service period. We estimate the fair value of each stock-based award on the measurement date using either the current market price of the stock, the Black-Scholes option valuation model, or the Monte Carlo Simulation valuation model. The Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo Simulation valuation models incorporate assumptions as to stock price volatility, the expected life of options or awards, a risk-free interest rate, and dividend yield. We recognize stock-based compensation expense related to options and restricted stock units on a straight-line basis over the service period of the award, which is generally four or five years for options and three or four years for restricted stock units, and adjust the expense each period for actual forfeitures. We recognize stock-based compensation expense related to performance stock units and our employee stock purchase plan using an accelerated attribution.

In 2022, 2023, and 2024, we granted performance-based restricted stock units that include two performance metrics under our Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") where the performance measurement period is three years. Vesting of the LTIP awards in the 2022, 2023, and 2024 plans are based on the following: (i) 75% is based on achievement of a three-year cumulative operating income, and (ii) 25% is based on our level of attainment of specified TSR targets relative to the percentage appreciation of a specified index of companies for the respective three-year periods. The vesting of LTIP awards is also subject to continued employment of the grantees through the performance period, except in the event of a qualifying termination. In order to estimate the fair value of such awards, we use a Monte Carlo Simulation valuation model for the market condition portion of the award, which uses the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant, less the present value of expected dividends when applicable, for the portion related to the performance condition.

The following table provides the classification of stock-based compensation as reflected on our condensed consolidated statements of operations:


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)	August 31, 2024		August 31, 2023		August 31, 2024		August 31, 2023
Cost of maintenance and services	$	834	$	797	$	2,732	$	2,146
Sales and marketing	2,169		1,763		6,939		5,027
Product development	3,199		3,065		10,255		9,112
General and administrative	4,356		4,447		15,085		13,826
Total stock-based compensation	$	10,558	$	10,072	$	35,011	$	30,111