Earnings Per Share and Capital Structure (Text Block)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share and Capital Structure [Text Block]

Earnings Per Share and Capital Structure

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
	(in thousands, except per share data)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	25,353	$	27,120
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic	39,913		40,546
Dilutive effect of convertible notes	—		—
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	303		499
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted	40,216		41,045
Earnings per common share - Basic	$	0.64	$	0.67
Earnings per common share - Diluted	$	0.63	$	0.66

Convertible Notes

Our convertible notes, which were repaid/redeemed during the third quarter of 2011, contained a provision that would have required us to settle the principal amount of the convertible notes in cash and settle the remaining conversion obligation (stock price in excess of conversion price) in cash, shares, or a combination thereof. During the periods in which the convertible notes were outstanding, we included in the EPS calculation the amount of shares it would have taken to satisfy the conversion obligation, assuming that all of the convertible notes were converted. The average quarterly closing prices of our common stock were used as the basis for determining the dilutive effect on EPS. The quarterly average closing prices of our common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2011 did not exceed the conversion price of $65.16 and, therefore, did not have an effect on diluted shares outstanding.

Stock-based Awards

For stock-based awards, the dilutive effect is calculated using the treasury stock method. Under this method, the dilutive effect is computed as if the awards were exercised at the beginning of the period (or at time of issuance, if later) and assumes the related proceeds were used to repurchase common stock at the average market price during the period. Related proceeds include the amount the employee must pay upon exercise, future compensation cost associated with the stock award, and the amount of excess tax benefits, if any. Approximately 1.2 million and 657,000 stock-based awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, because they were anti-dilutive. These stock-based awards could be dilutive in future periods.

Preferred Stock

We have authorized the issuance of 10 million shares of preferred stock with no par value. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the affairs of the corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of any outstanding preferred stock will be entitled to be paid a preferential amount per share to be determined by the Board of Directors prior to any payment to holders of common stock. Shares of preferred stock may be converted into common stock based on terms, conditions, and rates as defined in the Rights Agreement, which may be adjusted by the Board of Directors. There was no preferred stock sold or outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Stock Repurchase Plan

On October 24, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized a twelve-month repurchase program of up to $100 million of our common stock, which will expire on October 23, 2012. Repurchases are made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, and in accordance with applicable securities laws. As of March 31, 2012, we have repurchased $40 million of our common stock, with $60 million remaining under the repurchase program.