NOTE 8. — EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic and diluted earnings per common share gives effect, utilizing the two-class method, to the potential dilution from the issuance of shares of our common stock in settlement of RSUs which provide for non-forfeitable dividend equivalents equal to the dividends declared per common share. Basic and diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net earnings less dividend equivalents attributable to RSUs by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share, also gives effect to the potential dilution from the exercise of stock options utilizing the treasury stock method. There were no options outstanding at June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017.

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)	2018			2017			2018			2017
Earnings from continuing operations	$	13,823		$	14,551		$	23,985		$	22,268
Less dividend equivalents attributable to RSUs outstanding		(191	)		(194	)		(365	)		(319	)
Earnings from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders		13,632			14,357			23,620			21,949
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations		(283	)		555			(413	)		2,542
Less dividend equivalents attributable to RSUs outstanding		—			—			—			—
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders		(283	)		555			(413	)		2,542
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders used for basic and diluted earnings per share calculation	$	13,349		$	14,912		$	23,207		$	24,491
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		39,901			34,634			39,806			34,594
Incremental shares from share based compensation		13			—			11			—
Diluted		39,914			34,634			39,817			34,594
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.33		$	0.43		$	0.58		$	0.71
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.33		$	0.43		$	0.58		$	0.71