Sonova Holding AG (SWX: SOON) held its 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 16, 2026, with shareholders approving all motions proposed by the Board of Directors. The meeting saw 354 shareholders in attendance, representing 67.84% of the share capital. Key approvals included the Annual Report, consolidated financial statements, and a gross dividend of CHF 4.70 per registered share, the highest in the company’s history, corresponding to a payout ratio of around 45%. The dividend is expected to be paid from June 23, 2026.
The approval of the record dividend underscores Sonova’s strong financial performance in the 2025/26 financial year, during which the Group generated sales of CHF 3.6 billion and a net profit of CHF 546 million. The dividend increase signals management’s confidence in sustained profitability and commitment to returning value to shareholders. This move is particularly significant given the company’s position as a global leader in hearing care solutions, operating in over 100 countries through brands such as Phonak, Unitron, AudioNova, and Advanced Bionics.
Shareholders also accepted the Compensation Report in a non-binding advisory vote and approved, in separate binding votes, the maximum aggregate compensation for the Board of Directors through the 2027 AGM and for Group Executives for the 2027/28 financial year. All incumbent Board members standing for re-election were confirmed, and three new independent directors—Ingrid Cotoros, Malina Man Lin Ngai, and Hooi Ling Tan—were elected. Roland Diggelmann (Chair), Gregory Behar, and Julie Tay were re-elected to the Nomination & Compensation Committee, with Malina Man Lin Ngai joining as a new member.
The re-election of Ernst & Young AG as auditor and Anwaltskanzlei Keller AG as independent proxy ensures continuity in oversight. The next AGM is scheduled for June 15, 2027. Detailed voting results will be available on the Sonova website at https://www.sonova.com/en/AGM.
The strong shareholder support reflects confidence in Sonova’s strategic direction and governance. The company’s innovation leadership was recently recognized by Fortune magazine, ranking no. 12 among the most innovative companies in Europe in 2025. With over 18,000 employees and a vertically integrated business model spanning wholesale, retail, and cochlear implants, Sonova is well-positioned to address the growing demand for hearing care solutions globally.
