The following table provides weighted average share information used in the calculation of the Company’s basic and diluted earnings per share:

DECEMBER 31	2018			2017			2016
(in millions, except per share data)
Basic shares used in the calculation of earnings per share		42.4			42.5			42.8
Dilutive effect of securities:
Employee stock options		0.3			0.3			0.2
Non-vested stock grants		0.3			0.2			0.2
Diluted shares used in the calculation of earnings per share		43.0			43.0			43.2
Per share effect of dilutive securities on income from continuing operations	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.04	)
Per share effect of dilutive securities on net income	$	(0.12	)	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.04	)

Diluted earnings per share during 2018, 2017 and 2016 excludes 0.3 million, 0.4 million and 0.6 million, respectively, of common shares issuable under the Company’s stock compensation plans, because their effect would be antidilutive.

Prior to December 30, 2018, the Board of Directors had authorized a stock repurchase program, which, including subsequent amendments to increase the number of shares subject to repurchase, provided for aggregate repurchases of up to $900 million. This program was terminated on December 30, 2018 in conjunction with the establishment of the new program discussed below. Prior to termination, the Company purchased 0.5 million shares of its common stock at a cost of $57.7 million during 2018. Total repurchases under this program were 14.9 million at a cost of $811.2 million. On December 30, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program which provides for aggregate repurchases of up to $600 million. Under the repurchase authorization, the Company may repurchase, from time to time, common shares in amounts, at prices and at such times as the Company deems appropriate, subject to market conditions and other considerations. Repurchases may be executed using open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated repurchase programs or other transactions. The Company is not required to purchase any specific number of shares or to make purchases by any certain date under this program. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had $600.0 million available for repurchases under this repurchase authorization. On January 2, 2019, pursuant to the terms of an accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreement executed on December 30, 2018, the Company paid $250.0 million and received an initial delivery of approximately 1.8 million shares of common stock, which is approximately 80% of the total number of shares expected to be repurchased under this agreement.

On December 30, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a special dividend of $4.75 per share to be paid on January 25, 2019. The Company held liabilities of $193.4 million at December 31, 2018 for payment of this obligation.