Cochlear shares jump 6% on guidance upgrade

Demand for Cochlear's products has been stronger than expected in FY 2024.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH) shares are on the move on Thursday morning.

At the time of writing, the hearing solutions company's shares are up 6% to $310.00.

Two colleagues at work looking at a tablet and smiling at a rising share price.

Image source: Getty Images

Why are Cochlear shares charging higher?

Investors have been fighting to get hold of the company's shares today after it released an update on its guidance for FY 2024.

According to the release, Cochlear has had a stronger than expected first half for cochlear implant revenue and therefore believes it will now outperform its guidance over the full year.

As a reminder, Cochlear was guiding to underlying net profit of $355 million to $375 million for FY 2024.

However, today's update reveals that it is now guiding to underlying net profit in the range of $385 million to $400 million, which will represent a 26% to 31% increase on FY 2023's result.

First half update

While its results will be released in full later this month on 19 February, management has given investors a taste of what's to come.

It advised that it expects to report a first half sales revenue increase of 25% (20% in constant currency) to $1,113 million with underlying net profit of $192 million.

Cochlear's CEO and President, Dig Howitt, commented:

Cochlear implant trading conditions have been strong across the first half, with units growing 14%. We have maintained the market share gains made in FY23 and market growth has continued to be robust across both developed and emerging markets, as well as all age segments – children, adults and seniors. The key change to our expectations is that we now expect to achieve 10-15% growth in our cochlear implant units for FY24 compared to the high single-digit growth expected in August.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Cochlear. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Healthcare Shares

A group of people in a corporate setting do a collective high five.
Healthcare Shares

ASX 300 healthcare stock outperforming today on 'strategic' leadership news

The ASX healthcare stock announced the outcome of its CEO recruitment drive this morning.

Read more »

Cropped shot of a young female scientist working on her computer in the laboratory.
Healthcare Shares

Could Telix shares be a millionaire-maker stock?

Telix looks a compelling growth story, with brokers eyeing more than 150% upside.

Read more »

A child covering his eyes hiding from a toy bear.
Healthcare Shares

Down 20% in 2026, is now the time to buy CSL shares?

CSL shares hit a new multi-year low as the 2026 decline deepens.

Read more »

Scientists in white coats look disappointed.
Healthcare Shares

Down 87% since Thursday, why is this ASX 300 healthcare stock sliding again today?

The ASX healthcare share has plunged more than 87% in five trading days.

Read more »

Female scientist working in a laboratory.
Healthcare Shares

Which ASX biotech's shares have jumped more than 10% on positive clinical trial news?

A potential cancer treatment is progressing.

Read more »

Man jumps for joy in front of a background of a rising stocks graphic.
Healthcare Shares

3 ASX healthcare stocks tipped to soar over 100% higher this year

These ASX shares are on my radar this week.

Read more »

Scientists working in the laboratory and examining results.
Opinions

3 reasons to buy CSL shares today

The ASX biotech company has great growth potential this year.

Read more »

a man lies on his back on grass with his eyes shut and a contented look on his face as though he is dreaming
Broker Notes

With global populations ageing, are ResMed shares a good buy today?

A leading expert delivers his verdict on the outlook for ResMed shares.

Read more »