Shares in Sonic Healthcare Ltd plunged almost six per cent after the company forecast 15 per cent earnings growth after a flat full year profit in 2010/11.

Sonic reported on Tuesday profit of $294.5 million in the year to June 30, up 0.4 per cent from $293.2 million the year before.

In constant currency terms, net profit rose 6.1 per cent.

Revenue increased by 3.4 per cent from the previous year to $3.1 billion, and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) were up five per cent at $570.01 million.

The company forecast EBITDA growth of between 10 and 15 per cent in 2011/12, on a constant currency basis, which applies the average exchange rate of fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012.

Sonic declared a final dividend of 35 cents, franked to 28 per cent, steady with 2009/10.

Chief executive Colin Goldschmidt said the company performed well in challenging financial markets and with the strong Australian dollar.

The Australian pathology business delivered significant margin improvement in the second half of the 2010/11 financial year after a poor performance in the first half, he said.

“At the business level, we expect to achieve ongoing growth and margin expansion in our major markets, thus reaping the benefits of the significant investment in acquisitions and infrastructure we have made over recent years,” Dr Goldschmidt said.

Revenue grew the Australian, United States and European pathology businesses, on a constant currency basis, Sonic reported.

Revenue was down by seven per cent in the New Zealand pathology business.

Revenue edged up in the radiology business, while it grew by 21.4 per cent in the medical centres business, Sonic said.

At 1153 AEST, Sonic shares were down 72 cents, by 6.2 per cent, at $10.81, just off their morning low at $10.79.