NOTE 8 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings per share ("EPS") is presented on both a basic and diluted basis. Basic EPS is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. For the calculation of diluted EPS, the basic weighted average number of shares is increased by the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units determined using the treasury stock method.

A reconciliation of common shares used in the denominator for computing basic and diluted EPS is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Stock options and service-based restricted stock units representing 977,668 and 282,093 shares of common stock outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were excluded in the computation of diluted EPS because their effect would be anti-dilutive as a result of applying the treasury stock method. In addition, performance-based restricted stock units representing 30,865 and 24,647 shares for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because these shares were subject to performance conditions that had not been met.

Since the inception of the Company's stock repurchase plan in 2004 through March 31, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of $500,000,000 of the Company's common stock. As of March 31, 2012, the Company had repurchased 9,588,798 shares under this program at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $441,237,000. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company did not repurchase any shares of the Company's common stock. Shares of the Company's common stock may be purchased in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares or to acquire shares over any specified period of time.