EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, as well as dilutive common shares which include shares issuable under the equity compensation plans described in Note 12 of the consolidated financial statements. The weighted average number of diluted shares does not include potential anti-dilutive common shares aggregating 468,000, 653,000 and 643,000 at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The treasury stock method is used to calculate dilutive shares, which reduces the gross number of dilutive shares by the number of shares purchasable from the proceeds of the options assumed to be exercised and the unrecognized expense related to the restricted stock and restricted stock awards assumed to have vested.

Basic earnings and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding are as follows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):



	2017			2016			2015
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations	$	62,965		$	33,719		$	23,476
Loss from discontinued operations	(405		)	(44		)	(28		)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	62,560		$	33,675		$	23,448
Denominator for basic earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding	31,701			31,536			31,233
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Common stock options and restricted stock	549			533			312
Weighted average shares and conversions	32,250			32,069			31,545