Corporate Overview

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp Ltd is a New Zealand‑based specialist in respiratory‑care and neonatal equipment. The company’s product portfolio includes CPAP machines, humidifiers, and oxygen delivery systems used in hospitals and home care settings worldwide. As of December 2024, Fisher & Paykel remains a key component of the Kingfish investment portfolio, ranking among the five largest holdings and contributing approximately 20 % of the fund’s equity allocation.

Portfolio Context

The Kingfish portfolio, managed by Kingfish Investment Management, focuses on high‑quality, defensively positioned technology and healthcare companies within the Australasian market. During the month of December 2024, the portfolio recorded a modestly positive return, outpacing the New Zealand shares benchmark (NZSX) by 0.5 percentage points. Fisher & Paykel’s performance was largely driven by its stable cash‑flow profile, consistent dividend payout, and steady share‑price appreciation.

Dividend Update

In early December 2024, Fisher & Paykel announced a dividend of $0.30 Australian dollars per share (AUD $0.30). The company confirmed that the dividend amount represented 4.5 % of the pre‑dividend share price, aligning with its long‑term dividend policy of distributing 35–40 % of free cash flow to shareholders. The dividend was paid on 12 December 2024 to shareholders of record as of 5 December 2024. No change in the dividend yield was observed compared to the previous fiscal year.

Operational & Regulatory Status

During the reporting period, Fisher & Paykel did not report any material operational events, such as major product launches, recalls, or supply‑chain disruptions. No regulatory filings were required, and the company remained in good standing with the New Zealand Companies Office and the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

The company continues to comply with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 13485 quality management standard for medical devices and has maintained its ISO 14001 environmental management certification. No changes to these certifications were noted in the December update.

Implications for Investors and Healthcare Stakeholders

  • Shareholders: The dividend payout demonstrates the company’s commitment to returning capital, providing a predictable income stream. The stable portfolio weight within Kingfish suggests that Fisher & Paykel is perceived as a reliable, low‑volatility asset within a diversified technology‑heavy fund.

  • Healthcare Professionals: Fisher & Paykel’s products remain integral to neonatal and respiratory care units. The absence of regulatory changes implies continued compliance with safety and efficacy standards, assuring clinicians of product reliability.

  • Healthcare Systems: The company’s focus on cost‑effective, high‑quality devices supports broader efforts to improve patient outcomes while controlling expenditures. The firm’s established supply chain and ongoing R&D pipeline provide confidence that it will remain a valuable partner for healthcare providers.

Summary

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp Ltd’s December 2024 update highlights its solid performance within the Kingfish portfolio, a stable dividend policy, and the lack of significant operational or regulatory developments. The company continues to maintain rigorous quality and safety standards, reinforcing its standing as a trusted supplier of respiratory‑care equipment in both domestic and international markets.