Basic earnings per share are calculated using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula under which earnings per share is calculated from common stock and participating securities according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under this method, all earnings distributed and undistributed, are allocated to participating securities and common shares based on their respective rights to receive dividends. Unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are considered participating securities (i.e. unvested restricted stock), not subject to performance based measures. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Application of the two-class method for participating securities results in a more dilutive basic earnings per share as the participating securities are allocated the same amount of income as if they are outstanding for purposes of basic earnings per share. There is no additional potential dilution in calculating diluted earnings per share, therefore basic and diluted earnings per share are the same amounts. Other than the restricted stock plan, the Company has no other employee stock based compensation plans.

The Compensation Committee of the Company has determined that it is appropriate to award shares of the common stock of the Company to Outside Directors and Employees that are officers of the Company or the Bank who also serve as Directors of the Company and the Bank as a portion of their retainer for services rendered as Directors of the Company and the Bank. The Committee believes that it is appropriate to award the Directors shares equal to a specific dollar amount, rounded to the nearest whole share on an annual basis commencing on June 5, 2020 and thereafter on the first Friday of June in each year. Directors receive a prorated dollar value of shares for a partial year of service. The value for the shares is to be based upon the closing price for shares on June 4, 2020 and thereafter on the first Thursday in June in each year. On June 2, 2023, twelve Directors each received $14,997 which equated to 754 shares. The use of stock for Directors’ retainer, does not have an effect on diluted earnings per share as it is immediately vested.

Any stock awards to senior management are made in March with other members of management receiving any awards in August. On March 1, 2024, senior management received stock awards of 23,369 shares worth $472,054. On March 1, 2023, senior management received stock awards of 21,700 shares worth $562,030 while other members of management received stock awards of 41,225 shares worth $844,018 during third quarter 2023.


	(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2024			March 31, 2023
Earnings per share
Net income	$	5,359		$	6,466
Less: distributed earnings allocated to participating securities		(35	)		(32	)
Less: undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities		(26	)		(33	)
Net earnings available to common shareholders	$	5,298		$	6,401

Weighted average common shares outstanding including participating securities		13,671,166			13,615,655
Less: average unvested restricted shares		(156,506	)		(136,185	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding		13,514,660			13,479,470
Basic and diluted earnings per share	$	0.39		$	0.47