| | (q) | Share-based Compensation |
The Company follows the fair value method of accounting for the stock option awards granted to employees, directors and consultants. The fair value of stock options is determined by the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with assumptions for risk-free interest rates, dividend yields, volatility of the expected market price of the Company’s common shares and the expected life of the options. The number of stock option awards expected to vest are estimated using a forfeiture rate based on historical experience and future expectations. The fair value of direct awards of stock is determined by the quoted market price of the Company’s stock. Share-based compensation is amortized to earnings over the vesting period of the related option. The Company uses graded or accelerated amortization which specifies that each vesting tranche must be accounted for as a separate arrangement with a unique fair value measurement. Each vesting tranche is subsequently amortized separately and in parallel from the grant date.
Option-pricing models require the use of highly subjective estimates and assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Changes in the underlying assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimates and, therefore, existing models do not necessarily provide reliable measurement of the fair value of the Company’s stock options.
Share-based compensation for deferred share units granted to directors is determined based on estimated fair values of the units at the time of grant using quoted market prices and recognized immediately. Share-based compensation for restricted share units granted to employees and consultants is determined based on estimated fair values of the units at the time of grant using quoted market prices and recognized over the vesting period of the respective units.
