Shareholders' Equity

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Shareholders’ equity

Shareholders’ equity

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we declared cash dividends totaling $30.8 million and repurchased 0.9 million shares under our repurchase authorization for $25.0 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, we declared cash dividends totaling $26.1 million and repurchased 1.7 million shares under our repurchase authorization for $52.5 million. At March 31, 2019, we had remaining authorization to repurchase $274.9 million of common shares.

Under our share-based compensation plans, we accept shares as payment under certain conditions related to stock option exercises and vesting of shares, generally related to the payment of minimum tax obligations. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, participants surrendered shares valued at $10.4 million and $7.0 million, respectively, under these plans. Such share transactions are excluded from the above noted share repurchase authorization.