23. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share
The calculation of basic earnings per share at 31 December 2006 was based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company (net profit) of €1,211 million (2005: €761 million) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year ended 31 December 2006 of 489,712,594 (2005: 489,974,594). Basic earnings per share for the year amount to €2.47.
Weighted average number of shares – basic
| In thousands of shares | 2006 | 2005 |
| Weighted average number of shares – basic – at 1 January | 489,974,594 | 489,974,594 |
| Effect of own shares held | (262,000) | – |
| Weighted average number of shares – basic – at 31 December | 489,712,594 | 489,974,594 |
Diluted earnings per share
The calculation of diluted earnings per share at 31 December 2006 was based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company (net profit) of €1,211 million (2005: €761 million) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding after adjustment for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares of 489,974,594 (2005: 489,974,594). Diluted earnings per share for the year amount to €2.47.
