0019 GMT - Cochlear's bull at Jefferies remains confident in the underlying strength of the hearing-implant maker despite the earnings headwind of a stronger Australian dollar. Analyst David Stanton lowers his EPS forecast for the current fiscal year by 7%--and for fiscal 2027 by 9%--citing the recent strengthening of the local currency against the U.S. dollar and Euro, as well as a lower comparable earnings multiple. Stanton says Cochlear remains a quality business. Pointing to feedback from hearing-industry professionals, Stanton adds that Cochlear's new Nexa implant will drive market-share gains over at least the medium term. Jefferies lowers its target price by 6.25% to A$285.00 and keeps a buy rating on the stock, which is flat at A$173.10. (stuart.condie@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 16, 2026 20:19 ET (00:19 GMT)
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