9.  Equity and Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense was $0.1 million in each of the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, and was $0.3 million in each of the nine months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.  Stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

The following table summarizes our stock option activity during the nine months ended June 30, 2021:

The fair value of options was estimated at the applicable grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

On February 4, 2020, our Board of Directors (“the Board”) approved a stock repurchase program, pursuant to which we may repurchase up to $4 million of our outstanding Common Stock over a one-year period, commencing on February 10, 2020. Repurchases under the program were to be made in open market transactions at prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions, or by other means in compliance with the rules and regulations of the SEC; however, we had no obligation to repurchase shares and the timing, actual number, and value of shares to be repurchased was subject to management’s discretion and depended on our stock price and other market conditions. We could have, in the sole discretion of the Board, terminated the repurchase program at any time while it was in effect. Repurchased shares were to be retired or kept in treasury for further issuance. During the quarter ended March 31, 2020, we repurchased 366,000 shares of our Common Stock on the open market at a total cost of approximately $2.0 million (an average price of $5.46 per share). All shares repurchased during the year ended September 30, 2020 have been retired. The term of our repurchase program expired as of the quarter ended March 31, 2021.

On February 9, 2021, the Board approved a new stock repurchase program, pursuant to which we may repurchase up to $4 million of our outstanding Common Stock over a one-year period, commencing on February 16, 2021. Repurchases under the program will be made in open market transactions at prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions, or by other means in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission; however, we have no obligation to repurchase shares and the timing, actual number, and value of shares to be repurchased is subject to management’s discretion and will depend on our stock price and other market conditions. We may, in the sole discretion of the Board, terminate the repurchase program at any time while it is in effect. Repurchased shares may be retired or kept in treasury for further issuance. There were no repurchases during the quarter ended June 30, 2021.