Note 9. Repurchases of common STOCK

We primarily acquire shares by repurchases in the open market. However, we also acquire shares that are surrendered by employees in payment for the minimum required statutory withholding taxes due on the vesting of restricted stock units and the settlement of deferred stock units, otherwise referred to herein as employee surrenders.

We issue shares of treasury stock upon the vesting of certain restricted stock units and upon the exercise of certain stock options. The number of shares of treasury stock issued during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was not material.

The following is a summary of our open market common stock repurchases, reported on a trade date basis, and shares acquired through employee surrender for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except per share amounts):


	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2017		2016

Shares repurchased in the open market		390		708
Shares acquired through employee surrender for statutory tax withholding		52		52
Total shares repurchased		442		760

Cost of shares repurchased in the open market	$	50,744	$	49,715
Cost of shares for employee surrenders		7,303		3,529
Total cost of shares	$	58,047	$	53,244

Average cost per share - open market repurchase	$	130.12	$	70.21
Average cost per share - employee surrenders	$	141.09	$	67.96
Average cost per share - total	$	131.41	$	70.06