14. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Corporation is required to report both basic earnings per share (EPS), based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, and diluted earnings per share, based on the basic EPS adjusted for all potentially dilutive shares issuable.

As of December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, there were no options outstanding that were considered anti-dilutive.

Earnings per share calculations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, are as follows:



(In thousands, except per share data)	Earnings from continuing operations		Weighted- Average Shares Outstanding	Earnings per share from continuing operations
2018
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	275,749	43,892	$	6.28
Dilutive effect of stock options and deferred stock compensation			424
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	275,749	44,316	$	6.22
2017
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	214,891	44,182	$	4.86
Dilutive effect of stock options and deferred stock compensation			579
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	214,891	44,761	$	4.80
2016
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	189,382	44,389	$	4.27
Dilutive effect of stock options and deferred stock compensation			656
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	189,382	45,045	$	4.20