Amplats expects first-half profit to more than quadruple

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's Anglo American Platinum <AMSJ.J> (Amplats) flagged a more than 350 percent increase in half-year profit boosted by improved operational performance and a more favourable rand basket price for the metal.

Amplats said it expects headline earnings per share (HEPS) to come in between 1,249 cents ($0.94) and 1,302 cents per share for the six months ended June 30, compared with 285 cents per share a year earlier.

HEPS is the main profit measure used in South Africa that strips out certain one-off items.

(Reporting by Tanisha Heiberg, editing by Louise Heavens)