NOTE M—COMMON STOCK AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) are based on the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for each period. Shares that have been repurchased and retired during the periods specified below have been included in the calculation of the number of weighted-average shares that are outstanding for the calculation of basic EPS based on the time they were outstanding in any period. Diluted EPS are based on shares that are outstanding (computed under basic EPS) and on potentially dilutive shares. Shares that are included in the diluted EPS calculations under the treasury stock method include equity awards that are in-the-money but have not yet been exercised.

The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used to calculate basic EPS and diluted EPS for the periods indicated:

Equity awards for the following shares were not included in the computation of diluted EPS due to the fact that their effect would be anti-dilutive:

During the years ended 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Company repurchased and retired 1,844 shares, 785 shares, and 2,009 shares for an aggregate price of $177,837, $57,029, and $150,000, respectively. 

Subsequent to January 1, 2022, and through  February 25, 2022, the Company repurchased and retired 153 shares of common stock for $13,533, at an average market price of $88.53 per share.