EARNINGS PER SHARE

The two-class method is utilized for the computation of EPS. The two-class method requires a portion of net income to be allocated to participating securities, which are unvested awards of share-based payments with non-forfeitable rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, including the Company’s restricted stock awards. Income allocated to these participating securities is excluded from net earnings available to common shares, as shown in the table below. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to basic common shares by the weighted average number of basic common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to diluted common shares by the weighted average number of dilutive common shares outstanding during the period.

The following table sets forth the calculation of EPS for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	23,148		23,380		23,096
Dilutive effect of contingently convertible notes and warrants	—		1,499		2,213
Dilutive effect of employee stock purchases, net of assumed repurchase of treasury stock	4		6		5
Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding	23,152		24,885		25,314
Basic:
Net income	$	93,999	$	93,004	$	113,992
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	3,595		3,643		4,963
Earnings available to basic common shares	$	90,404	$	89,361	$	109,029
Basic earnings per common share	$	3.91	$	3.82	$	4.72
Diluted:
Net income	$	93,999	$	93,004	$	113,992
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	3,595		3,468		4,599
Earnings available to diluted common shares	$	90,404	$	89,536	$	109,393
Diluted earnings per common share	$	3.90	$	3.60	$	4.32

As discussed in Note 12, “Long-Term Debt,” the Company was required to include the dilutive effect, if applicable, of the net shares issuable under the 2.25% and 3.00% Notes, as well as the 2.25% and 3.00% Warrants (as defined in Note 12) sold in connection with the respective notes, in its diluted common shares outstanding for the diluted earnings calculation, during the period in which each was outstanding. As a result, the number of shares included in the Company’s diluted shares outstanding each period varied based upon the Company’s average adjusted closing common stock price during the applicable period. Although the 2.25% and 3.00% Purchased Options (as defined in Note 12) had the economic benefit of decreasing the dilutive effect of the 2.25% and 3.00% Notes, the Company did not factor this benefit into the diluted common shares outstanding for the diluted earnings calculation since the impact would have been anti-dilutive. The average adjusted closing price of the Company's common stock for the first three quarters of 2014 and each quarter of 2013 was more than the respective conversion prices then in effect at the end of the periods for both the 2.25% and 3.00% Notes. Therefore, the dilutive effect of the 2.25% and 3.00% Notes was included in the computation of diluted EPS for such periods. In addition, the dilutive effect of the 2.25% and 3.00% Warrants was also included in the computation of diluted EPS for the first three quarters of 2014 and each quarter of 2013.

The 2.25% Notes and 2.25% Warrants were converted or redeemed and settled, respectively, during the three months ended September 30, 2014. The 3.00% Notes and 3.00% Warrants were repurchased during the second and third quarters of 2014. As a result, the dilution is calculated based on the weighted average length of time the 2.25% and 3.00% Notes, as well as the 2.25% and 3.00% Warrants were outstanding during the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. Refer to Note 12, "Long-Term Debt," for a description of the conversion of the 2.25% Notes and Warrants that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2014, as well as the repurchase of the 3.00% Notes and Warrants that occurred during 2014.