Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net earnings per common share ($ in millions, except per share data in dollars and shares in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
 202520242023
Earnings (loss) attributable to Centene Corporation$(6,674)$3,305 $2,702 
Shares used in computing per share amounts: 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding493,116 521,790 543,319 
Common stock equivalents (as determined by applying the treasury stock method)— 1,954 2,385 
Weighted average number of common shares and potential dilutive common shares outstanding493,116 523,744 545,704 
   
Net earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Centene Corporation:
Basic earnings (loss) per common share$(13.53)$6.33 $4.97 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share$(13.53)$6.31 $4.95 

The calculation of diluted loss per common share for 2025 excludes the impact of 5,658 thousand shares related to stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units as their effect would have been anti-dilutive due to the net loss for the year. The calculation of diluted earnings per common share for 2024 and 2023 exclude 278 thousand shares and 376 thousand shares, respectively, related to anti-dilutive stock options and restricted stock units.

Historical Timeline

Fiscal YearFiled
2025Feb 17, 2026Showing above
2017Feb 20, 2018

About Earnings Per Share Disclosures

The earnings per share disclosure breaks down the calculation from net income to both basic and diluted EPS, revealing the full impact of a company's capital structure on per-share economics. The reconciliation between basic and diluted share counts exposes how many stock options, RSUs, convertible securities, and warrants are potentially dilutive to existing shareholders.

Key signals: a widening gap between basic and diluted shares indicates growing dilution from equity compensation or convertible instruments. Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the diluted calculation deserve attention — they represent latent dilution that will materialize if the stock price rises. Watch for the effect of share buybacks on per-share metrics: EPS growth driven primarily by repurchases rather than income growth signals weakening fundamentals. Compare year-over-year changes in the diluted share count against equity compensation expense to assess whether management is effectively managing dilution.