.7 million . 2022 in 1996 , the board authorized the company to repurchase shares of the company 2019s common stock from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions ( 201cthe 1996 authorization 201d ) . the 1996 authorization allows the repurchase of up to the number of shares issued or delivered from treasury from time to time under the various plans the company has in place that call for the issuance of the company 2019s common stock