Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

EARNINGS PER SHARE

We compute basic earnings per share (EPS) using net earnings for the period and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Basic weighted average shares outstanding have decreased in 2019 and 2018 due to share repurchases. See Note M for further discussion of our share repurchases. Diluted EPS incorporates the additional shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options and the release of restricted stock and restricted stock units (RSUs).

Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding were as follows (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31	2019	2018	2017
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	288,286	295,262	299,172
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock/RSUs*	2,550	3,898	5,465
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	290,836	299,160	304,637

* Excludes outstanding options to purchase shares of common stock that had exercise prices in excess of the average market price of our common stock during the year and, therefore, the effect of including these options would be antidilutive. These options totaled 4,985 in 2019, 3,143 in 2018 and 1,547 in 2017.