Stock Based Compensation

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. Under the provisions of FASB ASC 718, stock-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the award’s fair value and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. The Company generally issues grants to its employees, consultants and board members. At the date of grant, the Company determines the fair value of the stock option award and recognizes compensation expense over the requisite service period. The fair value of the stock option or warrant award is calculated using the Black Scholes option pricing model.

During 2017 and 2016, warrants were granted to employees, directors and consultants of the Company. As a result of these grants, the Company recorded compensation expense of $2,487,779 and $1,201,758 during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 respectively.

The fair value of warrants was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following weighted average assumptions:

The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option-pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company’s employee warrants have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s opinion the existing models may not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee options.