Sonova Holding AG (SWX: SOON), a global leader in innovative hearing care solutions, held its 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 16, 2026, in Stafa, Switzerland. Shareholders approved all motions submitted by the Board of Directors, underscoring strong support for the company's governance and strategic direction. The AGM saw 354 shareholders in attendance, representing 67.84% of the share capital.
Key approvals included the Annual Report, consolidated financial statements, and the report on non-financial matters for the 2025/26 financial year. Shareholders also endorsed the proposed appropriation of retained earnings and a gross dividend of CHF 4.70 per registered share, the highest in Sonova's history. This dividend corresponds to a payout ratio of approximately 45% and is expected to be paid from June 23, 2026. The discharge of the Board of Directors and Group Executives for the past financial year was also formally approved.
The Compensation Report for 2025/26 was accepted in a non-binding advisory vote. In binding votes, shareholders approved the maximum aggregate compensation for the Board of Directors from the 2026 AGM to the 2027 AGM, and for the Group Executives for the 2027/28 financial year. All Board members standing for re-election were confirmed individually. New independent directors elected were Ingrid Cotoros, Malina Man Lin Ngai, and Hooi Ling Tan. Roland Diggelmann (Chair), Gregory Behar, and Julie Tay were re-elected to the Nomination & Compensation Committee, with Malina Man Lin Ngai newly elected as a member. Ernst & Young AG, Zurich, was re-elected as auditor for one year, and Anwaltskanzlei Keller AG, Zurich, as the independent proxy.
The strong shareholder approval reflects confidence in Sonova's strategic direction and financial health. The record dividend highlights the company's robust cash generation and commitment to shareholder returns. Sonova's performance in the 2025/26 financial year included sales of CHF 3.6 billion and a net profit of CHF 546 million, driven by its leadership in hearing care solutions across wholesale, retail, and cochlear implants. The company operates through brands such as Phonak, Unitron, AudioNova, and Advanced Bionics, employing over 18,000 people in more than 100 countries.
Sonova's innovation focus was recognized by Fortune magazine, ranking no. 12 among the most innovative companies in Europe in 2025. The company's vision is a world where everyone enjoys the delight of hearing. Detailed voting results and minutes of the AGM (in German) will be available on the Sonova website at https://www.sonova.com/en/AGM. The next AGM is scheduled for June 15, 2027.
