2. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share is computed similar to basic earnings per share except that it reflects the potential dilution that could occur if dilutive securities or other obligations to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 the dilutive effect of 716 thousand, 623 thousand and 431 thousand stock options (“NQSO”) and restricted stock units (“RSU”), respectively, were excluded from the diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding as the Company incurred a loss during these periods. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 2,476 thousand, 1,594 thousand and 1,179 thousand NQSOs and RSUs, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share based on the application of the treasury stock method, as such NQSOs and RSUs were determined to be anti-dilutive.

The computations for basic and diluted loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:

(shares in thousands)
		2017			2016			2015
Loss from continuing operations	$	(18,563	)	$	(8,177	)	$	(6,189	)
Loss on discontinued operations, net of income taxes, attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation		(12,697	)		—			—
Net loss attributable to common stockholders of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation	$	(31,260	)	$	(8,177	)	$	(6,189	)

Weighted-average common shares outstanding — basic		61,365			60,744			60,410
Effect of stock options and restricted stock units		—			—			—

Weighted-average common shares outstanding — diluted		61,365			60,744			60,410

Loss per share from continuing operations — basic	$	(0.30	)	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.10	)
Loss per share from continuing operations — diluted	$	(0.30	)	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.10	)