HLI May Rise On Better 2Q Net; Improved Outlook

0016 GMT [Dow Jones] Hong Leong Industries (3301.KU) may rise to MYR4.76 (yesterday's intraday high) vs yesterday's close at MYR4.67 (down 1.5%) says dealer; this after company says 2Q net profit to December 31 rises more than three-fold to MYR50.5 million from MYR16.0 million a year earlier. Revenue grows to MYR717.2 million from MYR683.3 million previously. HLI says better earnings due to profit improvement in semiconductor business, higher revenue; expects a satisfactory performance for fiscal year ending June 30. For 1H, company posted net profit of MYR91.0 million vs MYR63.2 million previously. Dealer says HLI's better results in line with improved outlook for computer chip industry that has "brightened significantly"; "there are clear signs that demand has picked up... new products and still low inventory levels will likely continue to keep chip demand buoyant," dealer adds. (KPL)