9. Earnings per ordinary share
The earnings per share are based on the following:
| Group | |||
| 2006 £m |
2005 £m |
2004 £m |
|
| Earnings: | |||
| Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders | 6,202 | 5,392 | 4,856 |
| Add back dividends on dilutive convertible non-equity shares | 64 | 65 | 66 |
| Diluted earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders | 6,266 | 5,457 | 4,922 |
| Number of shares – millions | |||
| Number of ordinary shares: | |||
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year | 3,185 | 3,183 | 3,085 |
| Effect of dilutive share options and convertible non-equity shares | 58 | 60 | 73 |
| Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares during the year | 3,243 | 3,243 | 3,158 |
All convertible preference shares have a dilutive effect in 2006 and 2005 and have been included in the computation of diluted earnings per share. In 2004, US$1,500 million of convertible preference shares were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as their effect was anti-dilutive.
© 2007