EARNINGS PER SHARE

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2021

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER SHARE

NOTE 16. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were as follows: 

	Year Ended August 31,
	2021		2020		2019
Earnings from continuing operations	$	412,865	$	278,302	$	198,779
Basic earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	120,338,357		118,921,854		117,834,558
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	3.43	$	2.34	$	1.69
Diluted earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	120,338,357		118,921,854		117,834,558
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based incentive/purchase plans	1,645,140		1,387,767		1,290,070
Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	121,983,497		120,309,621		119,124,628
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	3.38	$	2.31	$	1.67

Anti-dilutive shares not included in the table above were immaterial for all periods presented. Shares of the Company's restricted stock are included in the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding but omitted from the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares vest.