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## 12. Dividends 

As shown in note 29, the Company has various classes of share capital in issue comprising Ordinary Shares, 5% Cumulative Preference Shares and 7% ‘A’ Cumulative Preference Shares. The dividends paid and proposed in respect of these classes of share capital are as follows: 

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## 13. Earnings per Ordinary Share 

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per Ordinary Share is set out below: 

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(i) Computed by adding amortisation of intangible assets, depreciation and asset impairment charges to profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company and is presented here for information as management believes it is a useful indicator of the Group’s ability to generate cash from operations. “Cash” earnings per Ordinary Share on a diluted earnings basis amounted to 206.7c (2011: 193.9c). This is not a recognised measure under generally accepted accounting principles. 

(ii) The weighted average number of Ordinary Shares included in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per Ordinary Share has been adjusted to exclude shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust and Ordinary Shares repurchased and held by the Company (CRH plc) as Treasury Shares given that these shares do not rank for dividend. The number of Ordinary Shares so held at the balance sheet date is detailed in note 29. 

(iii) Contingently issuable Ordinary Shares (totalling 24,856,007 at 31 December 2012 and 21,429,061 at 31 December 2011) are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per Ordinary Share where the conditions governing exercisability have not been satisfied as at the end of the reporting period. 

