Feb 18 (Reuters) - Sonic Healthcare Ltd SHL.AX :
* HALF YEAR NET PROFIT ROSE 166 PERCENT TO A$678 MILLION
* HALF YEAR REVENUE ROSE 33 PERCENT TO A$4.4 BILLION
* INTERIM DIVIDEND 36¢ PER SECURITY
* APPEARS THAT BASE BUSINESS IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY LESS AFFECTED BY SOCIAL RESTRICTIONS AND FEAR OF INFECTION
* STRONG H2 RESULT EXPECTED BASED ON REVENUE GROWTH TREND IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY (TO DATE)
* EXPECT DEMAND FOR COVID-19 PCR TESTING TO CONTINUE INTO FORESEEABLE FUTURE, VOLUMES UNPREDICTABLE Source: Further company coverage: SHL.AX