Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Note 17 - Share-Based Compensation

v2.3.0.15
Note 17 - Share-Based Compensation
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]  
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]
Share-Based Compensation

We have granted options to purchase common stock to employees, consultants and outside directors under the Cheniere Energy, Inc. Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan ("1997 Plan") and the Cheniere Energy, Inc. Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Incentive Plan ("2003 Plan"). We recognize our share-based payments to employees and outside directors in the consolidated financial statements based on their fair values at the date of grant. We recognize our share-based payments to consultants in the consolidated financial statements based on their fair values at the end of each period. The calculated fair value is recognized as expense (net of any capitalization) over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures, using the straight-line method.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, the total share-based compensation expense recognized in our net loss attributable to common stockholders was $2.3 million and $3.5 million, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, the total share-based compensation expense recognized in our net loss attributable to common stockholders was $16.6 million and $13.4 million, respectively.  
 
The total unrecognized compensation cost at September 30, 2011 relating to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the 1997 Plan and 2003 Plan was $10.5 million. The total unrecognized compensation cost at September 30, 2011 is expected to be recognized over 4.0 years, with a weighted average period of 0.9 years.
 
We received no proceeds from the exercise of stock options in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.