Implats is expected to announce impressive first half headline earnings following a rise in metal prices.

The results, released next month, are predicted to show an increase of between 55 and 75 per cent, confirming reports of a strong first half for the world's second largest platinum producer.

Overall earnings per share have grown thanks the increase in platinum prices, reports Reuters, which reached a record figure of $1,049 per ounce this week.

Prices have risen 12 per cent over the last six months, indicating that Implats will also see a strong second half and could be set to reach full year headline earnings per share of R66.

"It is pretty much as expected," commented an industry analyst.

"They are going to benefit more from stronger metals prices in the second half, unless the rand remains where it is, and then there will be problems," he added.

Despite these positive predictions, Implats warned that basic earnings per share would be up to 50 per cent lower compared with last year, as the results took into account the sale of the Lonplats stake.


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