v3.8.0.1
Earnings Per Share (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Calculation Of Basic And Diluted Net Earnings Per Common Share
The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per common share for the years ended December 31 ($ in millions, except shares in thousands and per share data in dollars):
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Earnings (loss) attributable to Centene Corporation:
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings from continuing operations, net of tax
$
828

 
$
559

 
$
356

Discontinued operations, net of tax
—

 
3

 
(1
)
Net earnings
$
828

 
$
562

 
$
355

 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares used in computing per share amounts:
 

 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
172,427

 
159,568

 
119,101

Common stock equivalents (as determined by applying the treasury stock method)
4,275

 
4,407

 
3,965

Weighted average number of common shares and potential dilutive common shares outstanding
176,702

 
163,975

 
123,066

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Centene Corporation:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
4.80

 
$
3.50

 
$
2.99

Discontinued operations
—

 
0.02

 
(0.01
)
Basic earnings per common share
$
4.80

 
$
3.52

 
$
2.98

 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
4.69

 
$
3.41

 
$
2.89

Discontinued operations
—

 
0.02

 
(0.01
)
Diluted earnings per common share
$
4.69

 
$
3.43

 
$
2.88