Equity
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]  
Equity
Equity
As of March 31, 2018, we had $1.86 billion of share repurchase authorization remaining under authorizations from our board of directors. We may utilize various methods to effect the repurchases, which could include open market repurchases, negotiated block transactions, accelerated share repurchases or open market solicitations for shares, some of which may be effected through Rule 10b5-1 plans. The timing and amount of future repurchases, if any, will depend upon several factors, including market and business conditions, and such repurchases may be discontinued at any time.
Total share repurchases were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
(In millions, except per share data)
2018
 
2017
Number of shares repurchased
19

 
9

Cash paid for shares repurchased
$
1,327

 
$
420

Average cost per share
$
68.74

 
$
50.15


As of March 31, 2018, we had agreements to acquire 619,415 common shares for $45 million, which were settled in early April 2018.