21 Nov 2017

Fisher and Paykel Healthcare H1 profit rises

12:36 pm on 21 November 2017
One of the breathing masks built by F&P Healthcare to treat obstructive sleep apnea.

One of the breathing masks built by F&P Healthcare to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Photo: Supplied / F & P Healthcare

Its net profit rose four percent to $81.3 million in the six months ended September, compared with $78.2m the year before.

Operating revenue rose 8 percent to $458m, and the company increased its margins.

F&P Healthcare makes a range of equipment from humidifiers to breathing masks and systems for obstructive sleep apnea.

Chief executive Lewis Gradon said growth was broad-based, with a solid performance from new products.

"Our first half results are in line with our expectations and reflect consistent momentum across both our product groups," he said.

Mr Gradon said the company was rolling out new masks and other equipment which was being well reviewed in its largest market, the United States.

The company makes about a third of its equipment in neighbouring Mexico, with a new factory due to be opened next year.

However, it said the protracted legal battle with US rival ResMed had cost it another $9.8m, and the profit would have been higher but for the costs, which have cost the company more than $30m so far.

The two companies are locked in legal action in the US, Britain and Germany over patents and intellectual property about the design of masks used for treating sleep apnea.

Mr Gradon said the full year net profit was expected to be between $185 to $190m, with revenue headed towards $1 billion.

The company increased its interim dividend to 8.75 cents a share.

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