5 Basic and diluted (loss)/earnings per ordinary share

	2004 Six month to 30 June pence per share		2003 Six month to 30 June pence per share	2003 Year to 31 Dec pence per share
Basic (loss)/earnings per ordinary share	(0.7	)	1.0	1.0
Goodwill amortisation net of taxation	1.1		0.9	1.9
Exceptionals net of taxation	0.2		0.1	0.1
Basic earnings per ordinary share before goodwill amortisation and exceptionals	0.6		2.0	3.0

Basic earnings per ordinary share is based on the loss for the period of £3.1 million (2003: profit of £4.2 million, year to 31 December 2003: profit of £4.3 million) and on the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period of 431.8 million (2003: 431.6 million, year to 31 December 2003: 431.6 million). Basic earnings per ordinary share before goodwill amortisation and exceptionals is based on earnings of £2.4 million (2003: £8.5 million, year to 31 December 2003: £12.9 million).

Diluted earnings per ordinary share are based on an adjusted weighted average number of shares of 438.5 million (2003: 435.6 million, year to 31 December 2003: 437.8 million).

Notes to the financial statements continues on the next page >
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