F & P Healthcare tips better profits

F&P Healthcare said it expects operating revenue in the 2012-13 year to be in a range of $545m to $555m. Photo / Supplied

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare said it had revised up its net profit forecast for the year to March, based on improved sales, despite the ongoing strength of the New Zealand dollar.

The company now expects its net profit to be about $75 million for the year, up from a previous forecast - issued last November - of $69m to $72m.

The revised forecast assumes that the exchange rate will remain at current levels until the end of the financial year.

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, which specialises in making electronic respiratory devices for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), said sales growth during the second half had been encouraging, particularly for its respiratory consumables products.

"We are expecting constant currency operating revenue growth for the second half to increase to approximately 14 per cent, up from 8 per cent, for the first half," it said in a statement.

Chief executive Michael Daniell said operating margin had also continued to improve as a result of new products and operating efficiency gains.

The company also announced an expansion of its full face mask offering, with the introduction of the "F&P Simplus" - a full face mask for use in the treatment of OSA.

Fisher and Paykel Healthcare shares last traded at $2.45, up 11c or 4.7 per cent from Tuesday's close, and towards the top end of its $1.86 to $2.64 range over the last 52 weeks.