EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following information sets forth the computations of basic and diluted weighted average earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Years ended
December 31,
20242023
Net income from continuing operations$13,862,137 $20,717,377 
Dividends paid on preferred stock(7,500)(15,000)
Dividends paid on unvested restricted stock(440,028)(262,394)
Net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders13,414,609 20,439,983 
Net income from discontinued operations2,922,068 234,622 
Net income attributable to common shareholders16,336,677 20,674,605 
  Divided by:
  Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding20,821,239 20,321,091 
Weighted average unvested restricted stock and dilutive stock options67,741 24,828 
  Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding20,888,980 20,345,919 
Basic earnings per share
Continuing operations$0.64 $1.01 
Discontinued operations$0.14 $0.01 
Total basic weighted average earnings per common share$0.78 $1.02 
Diluted earnings per share
Continuing operations$0.64 $1.01 
Discontinued operations$0.14 $0.01 
Total diluted weighted average earnings per common share$0.78 $1.02 
Diluted earnings per share was computed using the treasury stock method for stock options and restricted stock. Diluted weighted average earnings per common share excluded 1,499,209 and 2,336,146 weighted average unvested restricted stock and stock options due to anti-dilutive effect for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively

About Earnings Per Share Disclosures

The earnings per share disclosure breaks down the calculation from net income to both basic and diluted EPS, revealing the full impact of a company's capital structure on per-share economics. The reconciliation between basic and diluted share counts exposes how many stock options, RSUs, convertible securities, and warrants are potentially dilutive to existing shareholders.

Key signals: a widening gap between basic and diluted shares indicates growing dilution from equity compensation or convertible instruments. Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the diluted calculation deserve attention — they represent latent dilution that will materialize if the stock price rises. Watch for the effect of share buybacks on per-share metrics: EPS growth driven primarily by repurchases rather than income growth signals weakening fundamentals. Compare year-over-year changes in the diluted share count against equity compensation expense to assess whether management is effectively managing dilution.