EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Earnings Per Share (EPS) [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

3. 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 March 31,				Six Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic		26,493		26,417		26,488		26,460
Dilutive Options and Restricted Shares		220		328		261		303
Adjusted Shares - Diluted		26,713		26,745		26,749		26,763

Options to purchase 124,654 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $35.69 - $45.20 were outstanding during the three-month period ended March 31, 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. Approximately 186,000 and 192,000 restricted shares were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, based upon the application of the treasury stock method.