On January 1, 2021, Red Inc. issued stock options for 200,000 shares to a division manager. The options have an estimated fair value of $6 each. To provide additional incentive for managerial achievement, the options are not exercisable unless divisional revenue increases by 6% in three years. Red initially estimates that it is probable the goal will be achieved. Ignoring taxes, what is compensation expense for 2021?

$400,000

Explanation:

The compensation expense to be recognized in 2021 is portion of the options value for one year.

Total value of the options=200,000*$6=$1,200,000

Compensation expense per year=fair value of the options/vesting period

fair value of the options is $1,200,000

vesting period is 3 years

compensation expense per year=$1,200,000/ 3 years=$400,000

The $400,000 compensation expense is debited to compensation expense account and credited to paid in capital-stock options $400,000 for each of the vesting period until the paid in capital -stock options account balance becomes $1,200,000 at end of year 3