Consolidated net profit for the period declined by 4.6% to €1,459 million (previous year: €1,529 million). €1,466 million is attributable to Deutsche Post shareholders – an increase of €332 million – whilst minority interests fell by €402 million to €–7 million, due to the proportionate negative result from Postbank. Basic and diluted earnings per share rose from €0.94 to €1.21. Whereas earnings per share for the continuing operations rose from €0.65 to €1.25, they fell from €0.29 to €–0.04 for the discontinued operations.