Earnings Per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

The following table sets forth the computation of basic earnings per share and earnings per share, assuming dilution:



	First Quarters
	2019		2018
Numerator (Dollars in millions):
Net Earnings	$	834	$	695

Denominator (Units in millions):
Average Common Shares Outstanding	814		885
Other Potentially Dilutive Common Shares	3		3
Average Common Shares Outstanding, Assuming Dilution	817		888

Net Earnings Per Share, Basic	$	1.02	$	0.78
Net Earnings Per Share, Assuming Dilution	$	1.02	$	0.78

Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Earnings per share, assuming dilution, is based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding and common stock equivalents adjusted for the effects of common stock that may be issued as a result of potentially dilutive instruments. CSX's potentially dilutive instruments are made up of equity awards, including performance units and employee stock options.

When calculating diluted earnings per share, the potential shares that would be outstanding if all outstanding stock options were exercised are included. This number is different from outstanding stock options because it is offset by shares CSX could repurchase using the proceeds from these hypothetical exercises to obtain the common stock equivalent. Approximately 600 thousand and 800 thousand of total average outstanding stock options for the first quarters ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018, respectively, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because their effect was antidilutive.

Share Repurchases

In February 2018, the Company announced an increase to the $1.5 billion share repurchase program first announced in October 2017, bringing the total authorized to $5 billion. This program was completed on January 16, 2019. Also on January 16, 2019, the Company announced a new $5 billion share repurchase program. During the first quarters of 2019 and 2018, the Company repurchased approximately $796 million, or 12 million shares, and $836 million, or 15 million shares, respectively.

Under an accelerated share repurchase agreement executed in January 2018, the Company made a prepayment of $150 million to a financial institution and received an initial delivery of shares valued at $120 million. The remaining balance of $30 million was settled through receipt of additional shares in February 2018 with the final net number of shares calculated based on the volume-weighted average price of the Company's common stock over the term of the agreement, less a discount. Approximately 3 million total shares were repurchased under the agreement.

NOTE 2. Earnings Per Share, continued

Share repurchases may be made through a variety of methods including, but not limited to, open market purchases, purchases pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 plans, accelerated share repurchases and negotiated block purchases. The timing of share repurchases depends upon management's assessment of marketplace conditions and other factors, and the program remains subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors. Future share repurchases are expected to be funded by cash on hand, cash generated from operations and debt issuances. Shares are retired immediately upon repurchase. In accordance with the Equity Topic in the ASC, the excess of repurchase price over par value is recorded in retained earnings.

Dividend Increase

On February 6, 2019, the Company announced a 9 percent increase to the quarterly dividend from $0.22 per share of common stock to $0.24 per share of common stock, payable on March 15, 2019 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 28, 2019.