EARNINGS PER SHARE

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

NOTE I: EARNINGS PER SHARE

The two class method is used in the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share. Under the two class method, earnings available to common shareholders for the period are allocated between common shareholders and participating securities according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The Company has determined that all of its outstanding non-vested stock awards are participating securities as of March 31, 2017.

Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average of the common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted-average of the shares outstanding adjusted for the dilutive effect of restricted stock and the assumed exercise of stock options during the year. The dilutive effect of options is calculated using the treasury stock method of accounting. The treasury stock method determines the number of common shares that would be outstanding if all the dilutive options (those where the average market price is greater than the exercise price) were exercised and the proceeds were used to repurchase common shares in the open market at the average market price for the applicable time period. There were approximately 0.2 million weighted-average anti-dilutive stock options outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to approximately 0.6 million weighted-average anti-dilutive stock options outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2016 that were not included in the computation below.

The following is a reconciliation of basic to diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(000's omitted, except per share data)	2017			2016
Net income	$	26,257		$	24,403
Income attributable to unvested stock-based compensation awards		(138	)		(89	)
Income available to common shareholders	$	26,119		$	24,314

Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic		45,284			43,863
Basic earnings per share	$	0.58		$	0.55

Net income	$	26,257		$	24,403
Income attributable to unvested stock-based compensation awards		(138	)		(89	)
Income available to common shareholders	$	26,119		$	24,314

Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic		45,284			43,863
Assumed exercise of stock options		703			333
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted		45,987			44,196
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.57		$	0.55

Stock Repurchase Program

At its December 2016 meeting, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to 2.2 million shares of the Company’s common stock in accordance with securities laws and regulations, through December 31, 2017. Any repurchased shares will be used for general corporate purposes, including those related to stock plan activities. The timing and extent of repurchases will depend on market conditions and other corporate considerations as determined at the Company’s discretion. The Company did not repurchase any shares under the authorized plan during the first three months of 2017.