Cochlear Management
Management criteria checks 3/4
Cochlear's CEO is Dig Howitt, appointed in Jul 2017, has a tenure of 8.83 years. total yearly compensation is A$4.63M, comprised of 45.8% salary and 54.2% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 0.098% of the company’s shares, worth A$6.18M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 5.9 years and 5.9 years respectively.
Key information
Dig Howitt
Chief executive officer
AU$4.6m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 45.82% |
| CEO tenure | 8.8yrs |
| CEO ownership | 0.1% |
| Management average tenure | 5.9yrs |
| Board average tenure | 5.9yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • May 09
COH: Steadier Growth Assumptions Will Support Future Upside If Execution Holds
The updated analyst price target for Cochlear has shifted from A$239.95 to A$126.08 as analysts incorporate more moderate assumptions for revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E. This reflects mixed recent research views from Citi and Morgan Stanley.
New Narrative • May 09
Cochlear’s Crossroads: Temporary Setback or Structural Shift?
Cochlear Limited is an interesting company. It is a medical technology business with a specific focus on implantable hearing solutions.Narrative Update • Apr 21
COH: VA Access Expansion Will Support Future Upside Despite Slight Model Adjustments
The Analyst Price Target for Cochlear has been adjusted slightly lower to A$239.95 from A$244.58, as analysts now factor in modestly softer revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E assumptions, along with a slightly higher discount rate. Valuation Changes Fair Value: adjusted slightly lower from A$244.58 to A$239.95.Narrative Update • Apr 04
COH: VA Access Expansion And Upgraded Coverage Will Underpin Future Upside
Analysts have slightly adjusted their price target for Cochlear to A$244.58 from A$245.91. This reflects updated assumptions around discount rates and valuation multiples, while core growth and profitability expectations remain broadly unchanged.Narrative Update • Mar 21
COH: VA Access Expansion Will Support Future Upside Potential
Analysts have adjusted their price target on Cochlear slightly lower to A$245.91 from A$250.59, reflecting modest tweaks to assumptions around the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E following recent research updates. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts see the revised A$245.91 target as still supportive of upside potential relative to recent trading levels, suggesting the core earnings story remains intact despite the small adjustment.Narrative Update • Mar 06
COH: Steady Assumptions And New Access Channels Will Support Future Upside Potential
Analysts have reaffirmed their A$250.59 price target for Cochlear, citing recent research that supports steady assumptions around the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E expectations. Analyst Commentary Recent research behind the reaffirmed A$250.59 price target highlights a mix of supportive factors and watchpoints that matter for Cochlear's valuation and execution risk.
New Narrative • Mar 01
Cloud And R&D Investment Will Pressure Margins While Long Term Hearing Demand Supports Stability
Catalysts About Cochlear Cochlear develops and manufactures hearing implant systems for people with severe to profound hearing loss. What are the underlying business or industry changes driving this perspective?Narrative Update • Feb 20
COH: Reset Expectations And Product Adoption Will Support Future Upside Potential
Analysts have trimmed their Cochlear price target from A$301.76 to A$250.59 as they factor in slightly lower revenue growth assumptions, a marginally higher discount rate, modestly softer profit margin expectations and a reduced future P/E multiple, as highlighted in recent Street research, including the latest upgrade at RBC Capital. Analyst Commentary Recent Street commentary around Cochlear focuses on how current expectations stack up against its A$250.59 target price and what needs to go right, or wrong, for that valuation to hold.Analysis Article • Feb 16
Cochlear (ASX:COH) Has Affirmed Its Dividend Of A$2.15
Cochlear Limited's ( ASX:COH ) investors are due to receive a payment of A$2.15 per share on 13th of April. This means...Analysis Article • Feb 15
Some Confidence Is Lacking In Cochlear Limited (ASX:COH) As Shares Slide 26%
Cochlear Limited ( ASX:COH ) shareholders that were waiting for something to happen have been dealt a blow with a 26...
New Narrative • Feb 13
Hearing Health Tailwinds And Cloud Capabilities Will Support Multi Year Earnings Expansion
Catalysts About Cochlear Cochlear develops and manufactures implantable hearing solutions for people with severe to profound hearing loss. What are the underlying business or industry changes driving this perspective?Analysis Article • Feb 06
Here's Why We Think Cochlear (ASX:COH) Might Deserve Your Attention Today
The excitement of investing in a company that can reverse its fortunes is a big draw for some speculators, so even...Narrative Update • Feb 05
COH: Execution Upside And Premium P/E Will Underpin Future Upside Potential
Analysts have trimmed their price target on Cochlear to about A$302 from roughly A$305, reflecting a slightly higher discount rate, modestly lower revenue growth assumptions, and a small uplift in expected profit margins and future P/E multiples. Analyst Commentary Recent research adjustments on Cochlear point to a generally constructive stance, with the trimmed price target tied to updated assumptions rather than a material change in the long term story.Analysis Article • Jan 11
Investors Shouldn't Overlook Cochlear's (ASX:COH) Impressive Returns On Capital
If you're not sure where to start when looking for the next multi-bagger, there are a few key trends you should keep an...Analysis Article • Nov 18
Risks To Shareholder Returns Are Elevated At These Prices For Cochlear Limited (ASX:COH)
When close to half the companies in Australia have price-to-earnings ratios (or "P/E's") below 21x, you may consider...Analysis Article • Oct 14
Does Cochlear (ASX:COH) Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist?
The excitement of investing in a company that can reverse its fortunes is a big draw for some speculators, so even...Analysis Article • Sep 28
We Think Cochlear (ASX:COH) Might Have The DNA Of A Multi-Bagger
Finding a business that has the potential to grow substantially is not easy, but it is possible if we look at a few key...Narrative Update • Sep 19
Aging Population Will Spur Cochlear Implant Adoption Worldwide
Cochlear’s modestly lower consensus price target predominantly reflects a slight reduction in forecast revenue growth, resulting in a revised fair value estimate of A$305.38. What's in the News Cochlear extended its share buyback plan duration to August 28, 2026.Analysis Article • Aug 26
Cochlear (ASX:COH) Is Due To Pay A Dividend Of A$2.15
Cochlear Limited's ( ASX:COH ) investors are due to receive a payment of A$2.15 per share on 13th of October. This...Narrative Update • Aug 19
New Cochlear Implant Launch And Market Expansion Will Strengthen Future Prospects
Cochlear’s consensus price target has been revised upward, primarily reflecting improved revenue growth forecasts and a slight increase in net profit margin, resulting in a new fair value estimate of A$309.91. What's in the News FDA approved Cochlear’s Nucleus Nexa System, the first smart cochlear implant system with upgradeable firmware, allowing recipients to access future innovations through both the implant and sound processor.Analysis Article • Jul 16
Cochlear Limited's (ASX:COH) Shares May Have Run Too Fast Too Soon
When close to half the companies in Australia have price-to-earnings ratios (or "P/E's") below 18x, you may consider...Analysis Article • Jun 13
Here's Why We Think Cochlear (ASX:COH) Might Deserve Your Attention Today
Investors are often guided by the idea of discovering 'the next big thing', even if that means buying 'story stocks...Analysis Article • May 26
Why You Should Care About Cochlear's (ASX:COH) Strong Returns On Capital
To find a multi-bagger stock, what are the underlying trends we should look for in a business? Firstly, we'll want to...Analysis Article • Apr 05
Unpleasant Surprises Could Be In Store For Cochlear Limited's (ASX:COH) Shares
Cochlear Limited's ( ASX:COH ) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 46.1x might make it look like a strong sell right...Analysis Article • Mar 06
Cochlear (ASX:COH) Will Pay A Larger Dividend Than Last Year At A$2.15
Cochlear Limited's ( ASX:COH ) dividend will be increasing from last year's payment of the same period to A$2.15 on...Analysis Article • Feb 23
Here's Why We Think Cochlear (ASX:COH) Is Well Worth Watching
It's common for many investors, especially those who are inexperienced, to buy shares in companies with a good story...
New Narrative • Feb 23
New Cochlear Implant Launch And Market Expansion Will Strengthen Future Prospects
Focus on adult and senior markets in developed countries could drive revenue and net margin growth through increased sales volume.Analysis Article • Feb 08
Is Cochlear Limited (ASX:COH) Worth AU$310 Based On Its Intrinsic Value?
Key Insights The projected fair value for Cochlear is AU$247 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Current share...Analysis Article • Dec 20
Earnings Not Telling The Story For Cochlear Limited (ASX:COH)
Cochlear Limited's ( ASX:COH ) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 53x might make it look like a strong sell right...Analysis Article • Nov 19
Some Investors May Be Worried About Cochlear's (ASX:COH) Returns On Capital
If you're looking for a multi-bagger, there's a few things to keep an eye out for. One common approach is to try and...Analysis Article • Nov 04
Is Cochlear Limited (ASX:COH) Expensive For A Reason? A Look At Its Intrinsic Value
Key Insights The projected fair value for Cochlear is AU$234 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Cochlear's...Analysis Article • Oct 18
We Think Shareholders May Consider Being More Generous With Cochlear Limited's (ASX:COH) CEO Compensation Package
Key Insights Cochlear's Annual General Meeting to take place on 25th of October Total pay for CEO Dig Howitt includes...Analysis Article • Sep 19
Cochlear Limited's (ASX:COH) Shareholders Might Be Looking For Exit
When close to half the companies in Australia have price-to-earnings ratios (or "P/E's") below 19x, you may consider...Analysis Article • Aug 16
Cochlear Limited Just Missed EPS By 7.4%: Here's What Analysts Think Will Happen Next
Cochlear Limited ( ASX:COH ) shareholders are probably feeling a little disappointed, since its shares fell 5.4% to...Analysis Article • Aug 01
Investors Could Be Concerned With Cochlear's (ASX:COH) Returns On Capital
Did you know there are some financial metrics that can provide clues of a potential multi-bagger? Amongst other things...Analysis Article • Jun 08
Here's Why We Think Cochlear (ASX:COH) Is Well Worth Watching
It's common for many investors, especially those who are inexperienced, to buy shares in companies with a good story...Analysis Article • Mar 27
Cochlear (ASX:COH) Might Be Having Difficulty Using Its Capital Effectively
Finding a business that has the potential to grow substantially is not easy, but it is possible if we look at a few key...Analysis Article • Feb 21
Here's Why We Think Cochlear (ASX:COH) Is Well Worth Watching
The excitement of investing in a company that can reverse its fortunes is a big draw for some speculators, so even...Analysis Article • Dec 18
Cochlear (ASX:COH) Might Be Having Difficulty Using Its Capital Effectively
Did you know there are some financial metrics that can provide clues of a potential multi-bagger? Firstly, we'd want to...Analysis Article • Oct 04
Is Cochlear Limited (ASX:COH) Expensive For A Reason? A Look At Its Intrinsic Value
Key Insights The projected fair value for Cochlear is AU$192 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Current share...Analysis Article • Sep 12
Cochlear (ASX:COH) Could Be Struggling To Allocate Capital
If we want to find a potential multi-bagger, often there are underlying trends that can provide clues. Ideally, a...CEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 31 2025 | n/a | n/a | AU$345m |
| Sep 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | AU$367m |
| Jun 30 2025 | AU$5m | AU$2m | AU$389m |
| Mar 31 2025 | n/a | n/a | AU$380m |
| Dec 31 2024 | n/a | n/a | AU$371m |
| Sep 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | AU$364m |
| Jun 30 2024 | AU$6m | AU$2m | AU$357m |
| Mar 31 2024 | n/a | n/a | AU$354m |
| Dec 31 2023 | n/a | n/a | AU$350m |
| Sep 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | AU$326m |
| Jun 30 2023 | AU$6m | AU$2m | AU$301m |
| Mar 31 2023 | n/a | n/a | AU$281m |
| Dec 31 2022 | n/a | n/a | AU$261m |
| Sep 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | AU$275m |
| Jun 30 2022 | AU$5m | AU$2m | AU$289m |
| Mar 31 2022 | n/a | n/a | AU$273m |
| Dec 31 2021 | n/a | n/a | AU$257m |
| Sep 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | AU$291m |
| Jun 30 2021 | AU$5m | AU$2m | AU$324m |
| Mar 31 2021 | n/a | n/a | AU$82m |
| Dec 31 2020 | n/a | n/a | -AU$160m |
| Sep 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | -AU$199m |
| Jun 30 2020 | AU$3m | AU$2m | -AU$238m |
| Mar 31 2020 | n/a | n/a | AU$34m |
| Dec 31 2019 | n/a | n/a | AU$306m |
| Sep 30 2019 | n/a | n/a | AU$291m |
| Jun 30 2019 | AU$4m | AU$2m | AU$277m |
Compensation vs Market: Dig's total compensation ($USD3.32M) is above average for companies of similar size in the Australian market ($USD2.17M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Dig's compensation has been consistent with company performance over the past year.
CEO
Dig Howitt (58 yo)
8.8yrs
Tenure
AU$4,632,289
Compensation
Mr. Diggory William Howitt, also known as Dig, BE (Hons), MBA has been President of Cochlear Limited since July 31, 2017 and its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director since January 3, 2018. Mr. How...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO, MD | 8.8yrs | AU$4.63m | 0.098% A$ 6.2m | |
| Chief Financial Officer | 1.3yrs | AU$535.20k | no data | |
| Chief Technology Officer | 8.5yrs | AU$2.07m | 0.015% A$ 921.7k | |
| President of Asia Pacific & Latin America | 1.3yrs | AU$8.15m | no data | |
| Chief Information Officer | 3.3yrs | no data | no data | |
| VP of Corporate Strategy & Investor Relations | no data | no data | no data | |
| Group General Counsel & Company Secretary | 2.7yrs | no data | no data | |
| VP of Corporate Communications & Brand | no data | no data | no data | |
| Senior Vice President of Global Strategic Marketing | 9.9yrs | no data | no data | |
| Senior Vice President of Global People & Culture | 9.3yrs | no data | no data | |
| Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain | no data | no data | no data | |
| President of EMEA | no data | AU$1.45m | no data |
5.9yrs
Average Tenure
Experienced Management: COH's management team is seasoned and experienced (5.9 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO, MD | 8.5yrs | AU$4.63m | 0.098% A$ 6.2m | |
| Independent Non-Executive Director | less than a year | no data | 0.0013% A$ 79.4k | |
| Independent Non-Executive Director | 6.3yrs | AU$303.60k | 0.0025% A$ 155.6k | |
| Independent Non-Executive Chairman of the Board | 11.3yrs | AU$616.73k | 0.0069% A$ 433.4k | |
| Independent Non-Executive Director | 9.4yrs | AU$291.33k | 0.0022% A$ 138.6k | |
| Independent Non-Executive Director | 4.3yrs | AU$327.81k | 0.0015% A$ 97.6k | |
| Independent Non-Executive Director | 5.5yrs | AU$308.87k | 0.0040% A$ 250.7k | |
| Non-Executive Director | 1.7yrs | AU$217.01k | 0.00064% A$ 40.3k |
5.9yrs
Average Tenure
61.5yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: COH's board of directors are considered experienced (5.9 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/15 14:34 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/15 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/06/30 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Cochlear Limited is covered by 26 analysts. 15 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Saul Hadassin | Barrenjoey Markets Pty Limited |
| Stuart Roberts | Bell Potter |
| Elisabeth Decou Clive | Bernstein |