On January 1, 2016, Luanda Ltd. established a stock appreciation rights plan for its executives. This plan entitles them to receive cash at any time during the next four years for the difference between the market price of its common shares and a pre-established price of $20, on 50,000 SARs. Market prices of the shares are as follows:

January 1, 2016 $35 per share

December 31, 2016 $38 per share

December 31, 2017 $30 per share

December 31, 2018 $33 per share

Compensation expense relating to the plan is to be recorded over a four-year period beginning January 1, 2016. On December 31, 2018, 8,000 SARs are exercised by executives.

What amount of compensation expense should Luanda recognize for calendar 2018?

a) 237,500

b) 162,500

c) 487,500

d) 65,000