ResMed lifts FY profit

Sleep disorder equipment maker ResMed has posted a lift in profit despite soft sales in the US.

ResMed, which makes sleep disorder and respiratory equipment, has announced a 12% rise in full-year profit to $US345.3m ($A373.6m).

In the three months to June, the company's profit was $US87.7 million ($A94.9m), up from $US73m ($A79m) recorded in fourth quarter 2013.

However, ResMed chief executive Mick Farrell says the fourth quarter results weren't as good as expected.

"Our fourth quarter results were lower than anticipated, the result of softer sales in the Americas, partially offset by good growth in our international markets," he said.

He said a $US6.3m ($A6.82m) restructure of the company's commercial and research and development teams, including employee termination benefits, impacted on the quarter.

The San Diego-based company's shares on the Australian Securities Exchange were 5.08% lower at $5.23 at 2.55pm (AEST), against a benchmark index fall of 1.45%.

ResMed began in 1989, selling a device developed at the University of Sydney to treat sleep apnea.

It now develops and sells a range of devices around the world to treat sleep and respiratory disorders.