The following is a description of the valuation techniques used for these assets and liabilities, as well as the level of input used to measure fair value:
Equity securities – the investments are exchange-traded equity securities. Fair values for these investments are based on closing stock prices from active markets and are therefore classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Derivative financial instruments – these derivatives are foreign currency forward and option contracts. See Note 9. Fair value is based on observable market inputs, such as forward rates in active markets; therefore, we classify these derivatives within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
There were no transfers in or out of Level 1 and Level 2 during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
At-the-Market Offering Program
On August 23, 2017, we entered into a sales agreement with Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc., which enabled the Company to issue and sell shares of Common stock in one or more negotiated transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), for a maximum aggregate offering amount of up to $250,000 (the “ATM Program”). The offer and sale of our Common stock pursuant to the ATM Program was registered under the Securities Act pursuant to our automatically effective shelf registration statement on FormS-3 (FileNo. 333-207831).
During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017, we sold 35,000 shares of Common stock under the ATM Program for net proceeds of $5,391. Direct costs of $285 incurred in connection with the offering were charged against the proceeds from the sale of Common stock and reflected as a reduction ofpaid-in capital. At September 30, 2017, $244,560 remained available for sale under the Sales Agreement. As of December 31, 2017, we had completed the offering of shares under the ATM Program. The net proceeds were primarily used to repay outstanding debt and for general corporate purposes.
Common Stock Dividends
We paid cash dividends of $1.45, $1.25, $4.15 and $3.35 per share of both Common stock and Class B common stock during the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Non-Vested Restricted Stock
During the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, we granted 10,000, 9,000, 110,109 and 164,899 shares ofnon-vested restricted stock, respectively.
During the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, 8,830, 12,354, 21,754 and 32,454 shares of Common stock, respectively, with aggregate fair market values of $1,562, $1,893, $3,775 and $4,664, respectively, were withheld as payment in lieu of cash to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting ofnon-vested restricted stock. These shares were retired upon delivery.
Exercise of Stock Options
During the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, 8,600, 9,084, 53,184 and 25,084 stock options, respectively, were exercised for Common stock. Cash received from common stock issued as a result of stock options exercised during the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, was $856, $801, $4,837 and $2,111, respectively.
During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018, 376 shares of Common stock with an aggregate fair market value of $69 and 7,027 shares of Common stock with an aggregate fair market value of $1,269, respectively, were withheld as payment in lieu of cash for stock option exercises and related tax withholdings. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017, 350 shares of Common stock with an aggregate fair market value of $53 were withheld as payment in lieu of cash for stock option exercises and related tax withholdings. These shares were retired upon delivery.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
During the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, 2,235, 2,718, 6,716 and 6,977 shares of Common stock, respectively, were issued under our employee stock purchase plan for which we received net proceeds of $382, $402, $1,142 and $1,004, respectively.
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