Cochlear share price halves after profit collapse

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 02:19 · Archive

Cochlear's share price has fallen more than 50 per cent as annual net profit fell 62 per cent to $147.3 million.

Cochlear's share price has fallen more than 50 per cent from around $300 a year ago to $142.90 following a dramatic collapse in profits. The Australian hearing implant pioneer reported a 62 per cent fall in annual net profit to $147.3 million for the 2025/26 financial year, with underlying profit down 22 per cent to $322.4 billion. Sales revenue remained flat at $2.3 billion, although sales of implant devices rose five per cent to almost 57,000 units.

The stock experienced several sharp declines. It fell to a three-year low of $199.22 in February when the company missed first-half earnings guidance. In April, it fell further to $88.74 after warning that 2025/26 earnings would drop by more than $100 million due to softer sales and demand linked to the Middle East conflict and higher costs.

Chief executive Dig Howitt told shareholders at the company's annual general meeting on Monday that management acknowledges the challenging year but understands what must be done. He said the company's strategy is clear, the opportunity is significant, and the focus is on execution to grow the market and improve performance. Cochlear maintained its forecast for modest underlying profit growth of between $330 million and $350 million in 2026/27.

How it is being reported

• Implant maker 'knows what needs to be done' after slipTwo years ago shares in Cochlear were regularly trading around $300 but now they are less than half that value, putting management on the back foot to perform.Perth Now · 26 Oct, 01:47
• Implant maker 'knows what needs to be done' after slipTwo years ago shares in Cochlear were regularly trading around $300 but now they are less than half that value, putting management on the back foot to perform.The West Australian · 26 Oct, 01:47

In this story: Cochlear · Dig Howitt · Sydney · Middle East

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