Australia's Billabong shares rise on outlook

SYDNEY, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Shares in Australian surf wear retailer Billabong Ltd (BBG.AX: Quote, Profile, Research) rose 2.6 percent at the open on Friday, despite reporting a 2 percent dip in first-half profit, as it maintained its full-year forecast despite worries about U.S. consumer spending.

For details, see [ID:SYD220541].

Billabong shares were up 3 percent at A$12.20 by 2305 GMT. ($1=A$1.09) (Reporting by Geraldine Chua)