Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the years ended December 31 (in thousands except per share amounts):



	2018		2017		2016
Numerator:
Income used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share	$	531,451	$	521,759	$	692,164
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted-average common shares	165,672		171,995		179,676
Effect of dilutive securities – employee stock compensation plan	832		937		859
Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding	166,504		172,932		180,535
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	3.21	$	3.03	$	3.85
Diluted	$	3.19	$	3.02	$	3.83

Options to purchase 1.1 million, 0.8 million and 1.4 million weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were not included in the Company’s computation of dilutive securities because the exercise price was greater than the market price and therefore the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

The Company has a share-based compensation plan under which employees may be granted share-based awards, including restricted stock units (RSUs). Non-forfeitable dividend equivalents are paid on unvested RSUs. As such, RSUs are considered participating securities under the two-class method of calculating earnings per share as described in ASC Topic 260, “Earnings per Share.” The two-class method of calculating earnings per share did not have a material impact on the Company’s earnings per share calculation as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.