Calculation of Earnings per Share

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Calculation of Earnings per Share [Abstract]

Calculation of Earnings per Share

7. Calculation of Earnings per Share

     Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc. by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, after giving effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2011		2010		2011		2010
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$	39,612	$	29,404	$	68,451	$	61,339
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic		86,535		86,041		86,445		85,933
Effect of dilutive potential common shares:
Stock options		647		951		664		943
Nonvested shares		122		186		194		193
Diluted		87,304		87,178		87,303		87,069
Basic earnings per share	$	0.46	$	0.34	$	0.79	$	0.71
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.45	$	0.34	$	0.78	$	0.70

     For the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, potential common shares of 1,139,567 and 4,200, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect. For the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, potential common shares of 40,067 and 12,264, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect.