EQUITY (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

EQUITY [Abstract]

Shares Purchased and Retired

	March 31	December 31	March 31
in thousands, except average cost	2020	2019	2019
Shares Purchased and Retired
Number	214	19	0
Total purchase price	$        26,132	$          2,602	$                 0
Average cost per share	$        121.92	$        139.90	$            0.00

Changes in Total Equity

	Three Months Ended
	March 31
in thousands, except per share data	2020	2019
Total Equity
Balance at beginning of year	$    5,621,857	$    5,202,903
Net earnings	60,258	63,299
Common stock issued
Share-based compensation plans, net of shares
withheld for taxes	(15,082)	(14,068)
Purchase and retirement of common stock	(26,132)	0
Share-based compensation expense	6,716	5,724
Cash dividends on common stock
($0.34/$0.31 per share, respectively)	(45,100)	(40,939)
Other comprehensive income	(12,191)	290
Balance at end of period	$    5,590,326	$    5,217,209