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, where shareholders approved all motions submitted by the Board of Directors. With 354 shareholders personally attending and 67.84% of the share capital represented, the meeting underscored robust shareholder engagement and support for the company's strategic direction.
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 the company's history, corresponding to a payout ratio of approximately 45%. The dividend is expected to be paid from June 23, 2026. This record dividend reflects Sonova's strong financial performance, with net profit of CHF 546 million on sales of CHF 3.6 billion for the fiscal year.
In a non-binding advisory vote, shareholders accepted the Compensation Report for the 2025/26 financial year. Binding votes 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 standing Board members were re-elected individually. Additionally, Ingrid Cotoros, Malina Man Lin Ngai, and Hooi Ling Tan were newly elected as independent Board members. 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.
Ernst & Young AG, Zurich, was re-elected as auditor for one year, and Anwaltskanzlei Keller AG, Zurich, as the independent proxy. 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 approved dividend and board changes signal Sonova's commitment to shareholder value and robust governance as it continues to lead in hearing care innovation. Sonova, ranked no. 12 among Europe's most innovative companies by Fortune in 2025, operates through brands including Phonak, Unitron, AudioNova, and Advanced Bionics across more than 100 countries.
