2303 GMT - Ansell's apparent success in offsetting the margin impacts of inflation shows the business is in better shape than two or three years ago, Citi analyst Laura Sutcliffe says. Sutcliffe, who has a last-published neutral rating on the stock, tells clients in a note that the personal-protective equipment maker appears to have mitigated the effects of raw-material price volatility related to the U.S.-Iran conflict. She thinks Ansell has passed through price increases to its customers in a timely fashion, which she points out wasn't the case when inflation hit costs a few years ago. Sutcliffe expects a positive response to Ansell's stronger-than-expected earnings guidance. Citi has a last-published target price of A$33.50 on the stock, which is at A$34.90 ahead of the open.