UPDATE 1-Australia's Ansell lifts year profit outlook

(Adds chairman comment)

SYDNEY, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Ansell Ltd (ANN.AX: Quote, Profile, Research), the world's top rubber gloves maker, upgraded its full-year profit outlook on Monday as it reported a 28 percent rise in first-half earnings, sending its shares up more than 4 percent.

Underlying full-year earnings would come in between 58 and 62 U.S. cents a share, Ansell said in a statement, up from a company forecast of 56 to 60 U.S. cents made in November.

"The decision to upgrade profit guidance is indicative of our positive view about the second half," said Ansell Chairman Peter Barnes.

Ansell, which makes household, industrial and medical gloves and condoms, posted a first-half net profit of A$56.9 million ($51.3 million) for the six months to December, from A$44.4 million a year ago.

"Revenues are expected to remain strong, though a potential U.S. and broader global slowdown may impact the second half and sales of natural rubber latex exam gloves may decline as Ansell seeks price increases," the company said.

Profit margins and earnings would remain strong even with higher latex costs in the second half, it said.

Ansell Chief Executive Doug Tough said the first half was stronger than the company had expected, with all regions improved.

Still, the company would need to take action before its Unimil condom making business in Poland, purchased for US$40 million in 2007, meets expectations, Tough said.