The following information is available for Leon's Furniture Limited for the years ended December 31 (in thousands, except for share price):

_________________________________________________2015_______2014

Income available to common shareholders........$76,629........$75,524

Weighted average number of common shares....71,218.........70,899

Share price..................................................................$13.99..........$17.31

(a) Calculate the earnings per share and the price-earnings ratio for each year.

(b) Indicate whether profitability improved or deteriorated in 2015.