Bernstein Ups Sonova Price Target as Hearing Aid Recovery Gains Traction; Outperform Rating Kept

MT Newswires · 1d ago
06:14 AM EDT, 09/24/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Bernstein lifted its price target for Sonova (SOON.SW), as analysts noted that improving hearing aid market conditions and ongoing wholesale momentum are driving their above-consensus earnings expectations. "Sonova is our top short-term pick as the company is well positioned into its H1 2026/27E results (Nov 2026), supported by continued strength in its Wholesale business. Multiple drivers should underpin further market share gains and above-market growth through FY26/27, including improving underlying market conditions, the EON Sphere launch, continued momentum at Costco, and a further seven months of the Virto R VA tailwind. Margins should benefit from operational leverage and the recent weakening of the Swiss Franc," according to a note focused on European consumer medical technology companies published Wednesday. Bernstein models fiscal first-half wholesale organic growth of 10.1% and group organic growth of 6.5%, beating market forecasts of 8% and 4.9%, respectively. Analysts also anticipate a "sharp" fiscal second-half business improvement for cochlear implants, alongside accelerating retail mergers and acquisitions contribution as main rivals grapple with financial constraints. As such, the research firm raised the outperform-rated stock's price target to 275 francs from 255 francs.