Share Repurchases

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Equity [Abstract]

Share Repurchases

Share Repurchases

In July 2016, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program (the "Stock Repurchase Program") pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to $200.0 million of the Company’s common stock. The shares may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions at prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions or others, including accelerated stock repurchase arrangements, pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 repurchase plan or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws. The timing and the amount of any repurchases will be determined by the Company’s management based on its evaluation of market conditions, capital allocation alternatives, and other factors.  There is no guarantee as to the number of shares that will be repurchased, and the repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice and at the Company's discretion, and at this time no estimate to the effect on the results of the Company due to the Stock Repurchase Program can be made.

During the three months and year ended December 31, 2016, the Company repurchased 0.9 million and 1.8 million shares at an average price of $22.06 and $24.89, respectively. In aggregate, over the life of the Stock Repurchase Program the Company has repurchased 1.8 million shares at an average purchase price of $24.89. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had $155.0 million remaining under the repurchase authorization.

Companies incorporated under Louisiana law are subject to the Louisiana Business Corporation Act ("LBCA"). Provisions of the LBCA eliminate the concept of treasury stock. As a result, all stock repurchases are presented as a reduction to issued shares of common stock, the stated value of common stock and retained earnings.