Fisher & Paykel Healthcare profit up 86pc

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, which has benefited from a surge in demand for its breathing aids during the coronavirus pandemic, posted an 86 per cent jump in first-half profit and lifted its forecast for the full year. After-tax profit rose to $225.5million in the six months to September 30, from $121.2m last year. Revenue increased 59 per cent to $910.2m. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has experienced unprecedented demand for its breathing devices this year as hospitals stocked up on the machines and accessories used to help treat patients with the coronavirus. During the half year, demand for its hospital hardware increased, as clinicians increasingly used nasal high flow therapy as a frontline treatment for Covid-19 patients.