Shares in Group Five soared four percent on Thursday after the construction company said it expected its interim earnings to be higher.

Group Five said in a statement that it expects its headline earnings per share for the six months to December 31 to grow by between 30 and 40 percent compared to the previous corresponding period.

"After the strong base created in the second half of the financial year 2005 and on the back of continued strong growth in a buoyant construction market, earnings growth is expected for the six months to 31 December 2005," it said.

Shares were up 80 cents at 20.85 rand on the JSE on Thursday.

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