8. Earnings per share
The earnings per share (EPS) calculations are based on profit after tax attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company which excludes non-controlling interests. (a)Basic earnings per share | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Earnings | EPS | Earnings | EPS | | Six months ended 30 September | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | 2024 | | £m | pence | £m | pence | | Profit after tax from continuing operations attributable to the parent | 617 | | 12.6 | | 571 | | 12.6 | | | Profit after tax from discontinued operations attributable to the parent | — | | — | | 76 | | 1.7 | | | Total profit after tax attributable to the parent | 617 | | 12.6 | | 647 | | 14.3 | | | | | | | | | 2025 | | 2024 | | | millions | | millions | | Weighted average number of shares – basic | | 4,926 | | | 4,526 | |
(b)Diluted earnings per share | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Earnings | EPS | Earnings | EPS | | Six months ended 30 September | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | 2024 | | £m | pence | £m | pence | | Profit after tax from continuing operations attributable to the parent | 617 | | 12.5 | | 571 | | 12.6 | | | Profit after tax from discontinued operations attributable to the parent | — | | — | | 76 | | 1.6 | | | Total profit after tax attributable to the parent | 617 | | 12.5 | | 647 | | 14.2 | | | | | | | | | 2025 | | 2024 | | | millions | | millions | | Weighted average number of shares – diluted | | 4,950 | | | 4,547 | |
|