Barclays switchers preference within European hearing aid makers, flagging US recovery risk
20/06/2025 08:56
** Following results of its U.S. audiologists survey, Barclays flags U.S. recovery at risk from worsening deferrals and downtrading, switching its preference among European hearing aid makers ** According to broker's survey among U.S. audiologists, 48% of respondents expect deferrals over the next 6 months (vs. 40% last 6 months), whilst 45% anticipate downtrading (vs. 42%) ** It cuts Sonova SOON.S to "underweight" from "equal weight", anticipating that its new platform Phonak will reverse recent share gains ** The broker ups Demant to "equal weight" from "underweight", saying it is its preferred name in wholesale, supported by more achievable guidance and as it expects the company's Oticon to rebound ** The broker continues to prefer "overweight"-rated Amplifon AMPF.MI and keeps its "equal weight" on GN Store GN.CO, saying the company's channel checks remain "underwhelming" despite a new product launch (Reporting by Amir Orusov) ((Amir.orusov@thomsonreuters.com))