Finance stars in Fisher & Paykel results

Its earnings before interest and tax rose 52.4% to $18.9 million for the six months ended September 30.

"In spite of a challenging economic environment and soft retail trading conditions in New Zealand, the finance group prospered," says the finance company's managing director Alastair Macfarlane.

One reason behind the finance company's strong earnings has been the expansion of its product offerings across a wider range of retailers through its Q and Farmers cards, Macfarlane says.

The company has also been encouraging retailers to use its finance products to be more creative in their marketing than simply discounting, he says.