PART I. EXHIBIT "A" COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) Three Months Ended December 31, ------------------ 1996 1995 ------------------ (Unaudited) Income applicable to common shares: Income from continuing operations ................ $19,108 $14,692 Income from discontinued operations .............. - - 1,248 ------------------ Net income ............................ $19,108 $15,940 ================== Shares: Weighted average common shares outstanding ....... $46,967 $47,378 Dilutive effect of certain stock options ......... 853 919 ------------------ Average common shares outstanding as adjusted .... $47,820 $48,297 ================== Earnings per common share: Income from continuing operations ................ $ 0.40 $ 0.30 Income from discontinued operations .............. 0.03 ------------------ Net income ............................ $ 0.40 $ 0.33 ==================