Shipping and freight giant Grindrod announced in a statement on Monday that both its earnings and headline earnings per share for the half year to June 2005 are expected to be between 65 percent and 75 percent higher than the previous comparable period.

The group had previously said in May that both its earnings and headline earnings per share for the interim period under review would likely be between 50 percent and 60 percent higher than those recorded in the six months to June 2004.

The main reasons for the revised increase is the effect of the softer rand as well as the improved operating results in the period May to June 2005, Grindrod said.

Grindrod's interim results are due to be released on or around August 17, 2005.

Shares rallied 3.13 percent to end at 49.50 rand on the JSE on Monday.

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 Spending boom far from over SABMiller launches Miller Brands UK Barloworld in R118m BEE deal Soft rand to boost Nedbank Flights cancelled as SAA strike starts Pepsi set to return to SA IDC/Thales deal to boost small firms Randgold may be delisted in the US SABMiller gets into South America Amazon.com opens in Cape Town Another fuel hike expected Mr Price sells Galaxy Division SARB signs R9.9bn loan deal SA group buys Zim gold mine Grindrod sees 75% jump in earnings