Building materials group Cashbuild disappointed investors on Tuesday after announcing a three percent fall in diluted headline earnings per share (HEPS).

While the group managed to lift its revenues by 35 percent for the six months to end-December last year, to R1.43-billion from the R1.06-billion recorded in December the previous year, investors instead focused on the ailing HEPS, selling their shares.

By the close on the JSE, the share price had tumbled more than five percent to end down at 49.01 rand, a loss of 2.79 rand for the day.

According to Cashbuild, its diluted HEPS for the period under review fell to 174.4 cents from a re-stated 180.6 cents a year earlier.

On the upside, the group increased its dividend by nine percent to 58 cents per share, up from the 53 cents dividend the group paid out this time last year.

The group added that its increase in revenues was "achieved as a result of the continued favourable trading conditions, which included a good Christmas trading period, as well as initiatives to grow revenue".

SA COMPANIES & BUSINESS INFO Trying to find your way around South Africa's corporate landscape? Looking for a info on a particular company or sector? After the latest business, financial or market news? Here's a quick directory of links to get you started.

MORE BUSINESS NEWS Gold, copper surges to new highs Gauteng govt wants 70% BEE goods Another Kebble company hit by fraud More blackouts, Telkom stumped Cashbuild disappoints investors US, Sacu talk trade CPIX expectations fall to lowest level Koeberg bolt probe continues: Erwin Rates unchanged despite threats SAB sells stake to BEE group SA sees largest gold output drop Manufacturers labouring under rand Real Africa rejects Sun International SABMiller's beer volume up 5% Surge in insurance complaints