HK's Hang Lung Properties eyes best day in 5-1/2 months as strong results cheer

** Shares of Hang Lung Properties Ltd rise as much as 4.6% to HK$19.88, on course for the best day since Feb. 16

** Stock hits the highest since June 11, extending gains for the second session; the second biggest percentage gainer in the Hang Seng property sub-index

** The property developing and leasing group posts a net profit of HK$2.24 bln ($288.1 mln) for six months ended in June, compared to a net loss of HK$2.54 bln in the same period a year ago, thanks to strong growth in property leasing in mainland China

** Says malls rich in luxury content experienced a significant jump in tenant sales, with overall tenant sales more than doubling compared to a year ago period, while rental revenue of malls jumped 38% year on year

** It declares an interim dividend of HK$0.18 per share against HK$0.17 the same period in 2020

** Shares of controlling parent Hang Lung Group climbs 1.4%

** The Hong Kong Hang Seng sub-index tracking property firms gains 0.4%, and the benchmark index jumps 2.9%

** Stock of Hang Lung Properties had fallen 7.1% this year as of last close