Note 12

Earnings Per Ordinary Share

The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on profit after tax of £9.8 million (2004: £7.7 million) and on the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year of 41,084,054 (2004: 41,062,429).

Adjusted basic earnings per share is presented as the directors consider that this gives a useful additional indication of the ongoing earnings performance of the Group.

This calculation is based on profit after tax before significant items from continuing operations. In 2005 this profit was £10.7 million (2004: £9.1 million).

Reconciliation of earnings and its effect on basic earnings per share and adjusted basic earnings per share

  Earnings per share
2005
£m
Profit
2004
£m
2005
pence
2004
pence
Profit for the financial year 9.8 7.7 23.9 18.8
Less: discontinued operation (0.4) - (1.0) -
Profit from continuing operations 9.4 7.7 22.9 18.8
Add back: significant items 1.3 1.4 3.1 3.4
Earnings before significant items from continuing operations 10.7 9.1 26.0 22.2

The calculation of diluted earnings per share of 23.7p (2004: 18.7p) is based on profit after tax of £9.8 million (2004: £7.7 million) and on 41,352,795 (2004: 41,236,750) ordinary shares, calculated as follows:

Reconciliation of shares and its effect on basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share

  Number of shares Earnings per share
2005 2004 2005
pence
2004
pence
Basic weighted average number of shares 41,084,054 41,062,429 23.9 18.8
Dilutive potential ordinary shares:        
Employee share options 179,712 143,894 (0.1) (0.1)
Deferred bonus plan 89,029 30,427 (0.1) -
Diluted weighted average number of shares 41,352,795 41,236,750 23.7 18.7

Information correct at 02/05/2006