EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the periods indicated:
Fiscal Years Ended November 30,
202520242023
(currency and share amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic earnings per common share:
     Net income attributable to common stockholders(1)
$820,165 $682,987 $622,045 
Weighted-average number of common shares - basic82,104 85,494 92,572 
Basic earnings per common share$9.99 $7.99 $6.72 
Diluted earnings per common share:
     Net income attributable to common stockholders(1)
$820,189 $683,009 $622,056 
Weighted-average number of common shares - basic82,104 85,494 92,572 
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and RSUs326 380 281 
Weighted-average number of common shares - diluted82,430 85,874 92,853 
Diluted earnings per common share$9.95 $7.95 $6.70 
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation17123287
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(1) RSAs granted by the Company are considered participating securities. Income available to participating securities was immaterial in all periods presented.

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.