v3.26.1
Note 5 - Share-based Compensation
9 Months Ended
Jun. 27, 2026
Notes to Financial Statements  
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Text Block]

Note 5

Share-Based Compensation

 

As of June 27, 2026, the Company has two stock-based employee compensation plans. Pre-tax share-based compensation expense was recognized as follows:

 

   

Three months ended

   

Nine months ended

 
   

June 27,

   

June 28,

   

June 27,

   

June 28,

 
   

2026

   

2025

   

2026

   

2025

 
   

(in thousands)

   

(in thousands)

 
                                 

Stock options

  $ -     $ 114     $ -     $ 416  

Stock purchase plan

    90       103       397       330  

Stock issued to outside directors

    -       31       41       109  

Service share units issued to employees

    1,024       1,084       2,853       2,679  

Performance share units issued to employees

    439       495       1,393       1,046  

Total share-based compensation

  $ 1,553     $ 1,827     $ 4,684     $ 4,580  
                                 

Tax benefits

  $ 395     $ 439     $ 1,158     $ 1,139  

 

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes options-pricing model.

 

Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the price of our common shares over the past 51 months for 5-year options and 10 years for 10-year options. We use historical information to estimate expected life and forfeitures within the valuation model. The expected term of awards represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Compensation cost is recognized using a straight-line method over the vesting or service period and is net of estimated forfeitures.

 

The Company did not grant any stock options during the nine months ended June 27, 2026, or during the nine months ended June 28, 2025.

 

During the three and nine months ended June 27, 2026, the Company issued 34,609 and 62,761 RSUs, respectively. During the three and nine months ended June 28, 2025, the Company issued 21,311 and 34,868 RSUs, respectively. Each RSU entitles the awardee to one share of common stock upon vesting. The fair value of the RSUs was determined based upon the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

 

During the three and nine months ended June 27, 2026, the Company issued 8,919 and 37,063 PSUs, respectively. During the three and nine months ended June 28, 2025, the Company issued 3,951 and 17,500 PSUs, respectively. Each PSU may result in the issuance of up to two shares of common stock upon vesting, dependent upon the level of achievement of the applicable performance goal. The fair value of the PSUs was determined based upon the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Additionally, the Company applies a quarterly probability assessment in computing this non-cash compensation expense, and any change in estimate is reflected as a cumulative adjustment to expense in the quarter of the change.