Earnings (Loss) Per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Earnings (loss) per share is based on the weighted average number of outstanding common shares. Basic earnings (loss) per share excludes the impact of dilutive securities and is computed by dividing Net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.

For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, approximately 971 thousand and 1,009 thousand potential shares attributable to exercises or conversions into common stock under stock-based employee compensation plans were included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 approximately 9 thousand potential shares attributable to exercises or conversions into common stock under stock-based employee compensation plans were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share, because the effect would have been antidilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2019 there were no antidilutive shares.

The Company repurchased 317,508 shares of CNA Financial Corporation common stock at an aggregate cost of $14 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019. No repurchases were made during 2018.