EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Earnings Per Share (EPS) [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

4. EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

Basic EPS is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of dilutive common share options and vesting of performance-accelerated restricted shares (restricted shares) by using the treasury stock method. The number of shares used in the calculation of earnings per share for each period presented is as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended June 30,		Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2013	2012	2013	2012
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic	26,436	26,730	26,453	26,702
Dilutive Options and Restricted Shares	313	297	299	267
Adjusted Shares - Diluted	26,749	27,027	26,752	26,969

Options to purchase 66,402 shares of common stock at prices of $37.54 were outstanding during the three-month periods ended June 30, 2013, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares. Options to purchase 131,129 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $32.55 - $45.81 were outstanding during the three-month periods ended June 30, 2012, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares. The options expire at various periods through 2014. Approximately 194,000 and 196,000 restricted shares were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, based upon the application of the treasury stock method.