Sonic Healthcare Ltd., the biggest operator of medical laboratories in Europe, posted a growth of 14% in the net income in the first six months of the current fiscal as the sales of the company in Europe and the U. S. were reported increased. The first half result was also driven by the strong organic growth in its key markets, especially in Australian pathology and United States.

Sonic Healthcare, the pathology and radiology services provider, posted a net income of A$155.2 million in the first six months of the year ended December, increasing by 14% while in the same period last year the company posted net income of A$136.5 million.

Though, Sonic Healthcare reported a growth in the first half profit but missed analysts' estimates of A$166 million.

Revenues for the first half of the year were reported A$1.49 billion, increasing by 3.5% while revenues were reported A$1.44 billion in the same period last year. Also the strong Australian dollar impacted negatively on the value of overseas earnings.

However, Sonic Healthcare remains optimistic for the coming second half as the company said that it is on track to meet full year guidance and its overseas markets are still growing strongly. The company provided a growth outlook of 15% for the full year FY 2010.