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 515,712 and 512,039 shares of common stock outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and 364,811 and 501,319 shares of common stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were outstanding but were excluded from 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 38,606 and 46,091 shares for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and 33,047 and 42,390 shares of common stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, 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 September 30, 2011, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of $500,000,000 of the Company's common stock. As of September 30, 2011, the Company had repurchased 9,574,233 shares under this program at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $440,562,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company repurchased an aggregate of $19,325,000 of the Company's common stock, including $2,896,000 not yet settled. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company repurchased an aggregate of $13,838,000 of the Company's common stock, of which $4,339,000 was recorded as a reduction to total retained earnings; otherwise the aggregate purchase price would have resulted in a negative common stock carrying amount. 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.