Sonova Holding AG (SWX: SOON), a leading provider of 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, marking a significant endorsement of the company's strategy and financial management. The AGM saw 354 shareholders attend in person, with 67.84% of the share capital represented.
Key approvals included the Annual Report, consolidated financial statements, and the report on non-financial matters for the 2025/26 financial year. Shareholders also approved 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. This record dividend underscores Sonova's strong financial performance and commitment to returning value to shareholders.
In a non-binding advisory vote, shareholders accepted the Compensation Report for the 2025/26 financial year. Additionally, in two separate binding votes, they approved the maximum aggregate compensation for the Board of Directors (from AGM 2026 to AGM 2027) and for the Group Executives (for the 2027/28 financial year). These votes reflect shareholder confidence in the company's governance and executive leadership.
All members of the Board of Directors standing for re-election were confirmed individually for another term. Three new independent members were elected: 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. The re-election of Ernst & Young AG as auditor and Anwaltskanzlei Keller AG as independent proxy were also approved.
The strong shareholder support comes as Sonova continues to innovate in hearing care. The company was ranked no. 12 among the most innovative companies in Europe in 2025 by Fortune magazine. For the 2025/26 financial year, Sonova generated sales of CHF 3.6 billion and a net profit of CHF 546 million, with over 18,000 employees worldwide. 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. The outcomes of this year's meeting reaffirm Sonova's strategic direction and its ability to deliver value to shareholders while advancing its mission of enabling everyone to enjoy the delight of hearing.
