EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE [Abstract]

Calculations of Earnings Per Common Share [Table Text Block]

The calculations of earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 are as follows:

Year Ended December 31,

2023

2022

2021

(In thousands, except per share information)

Net income 

$

302,864

$

305,072

$

281,025

Less: Preferred stock dividends 

-

-

(2,453)

Less: Excess of redemption value over carrying value of Series A through E 

 Preferred Stock redeemed

-

-

(1,234)

Net income attributable to common stockholders

$

302,864

$

305,072

$

277,338

Weighted-Average Shares:

 Average common shares outstanding

176,504

190,805

210,122

 Average potential dilutive common shares 

676

1,163

1,178

 Average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution

177,180

191,968

211,300

Earnings per common share:

Basic 

$

1.72

$

1.60

$

1.32

Diluted 

$

1.71

$

1.59

$

1.31