Shares in gloves and condoms maker, Ansell (ANN) rose 4.8% to $12.05 after the company reported strong sales for first-half results and upgraded full-year guidance for fiscal year 2008.
The company reported net profit of US$49.6 million, up 46% on the previous corresponding period.
Reported earnings per share was US35.2 cents, up 56% on the previous year's US22.36 cents.
Ansell reports its results in US dollars, which is its operating currency.
The group develops, manufactures and sources and sells gloves and protective products in the Professional Healthcare, Occupational Healthcare and Consumer Healthcare markets.
Chief executive officer, Doug Tough said the first-half was even stronger than expected with all regions producing a better result than last year.
"Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) in two of the three businesses was also up, led by a robust Occupational business performance," he said.
"Consumer was behind mainly due to our recently acquired Unimil business. We will take further action to bring Unimil in line with our expectations."
"Based on this result, the board has again increased the interim dividend to 11 cents and the decision to upgrade profit guidance is indicative of our positive view about the second half," chairman Peter Barnes said.
ANN finished the day 40 cents down at $11.90.
