Rubber glove maker Ansell Ltd
(ASX:ANN) has reported a 15% decline in first half profit but upgraded its full year guidance.
Net profit after tax for the six months to December 31, 2009 came to $61.4 million down from $72.2 million for the same period a year ago.
The company says it finished the first half better placed than anticipated after a strong recovery from the global financial crisis.
However it says the raw material and energy cost increases of recent months will impact its second half profit.
Ansell says it now expects earnings per share in the range of US$0.69 and US$0.74 up from previous guidance of between US$0.56 and US$0.62.
Ansell declared an interim dividend of 13 cents a share, up from 12 cents.
Ansell reported net profit after tax of $121.4 million for the year to June 30, 2009.
