Sonova Holding AG (SWX: SOON), the global leader in hearing care solutions, held its 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 16, 2026, where shareholders approved all motions proposed by the Board of Directors. The meeting saw 354 shareholders in attendance, representing 67.84% of the share capital. The approvals included the Annual Report, consolidated financial statements, and a record gross dividend of CHF 4.70 per registered share, the highest in the company's history, with a payout ratio of around 45%. The dividend is expected to be paid from June 23, 2026.
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 net profit of CHF 546 million. The payout ratio of approximately 45% reflects the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders while maintaining investment capacity. For business leaders, this signals a robust and sustainable business model in the hearing care industry, which is poised for growth due to aging populations and increasing hearing loss awareness.
Shareholders also approved the Compensation Report in a non-binding advisory vote and, in separate binding votes, the maximum aggregate compensation for the Board of Directors (until the 2027 AGM) and the Group Executives (for the 2027/28 financial year). This transparency in executive pay aligns with best corporate governance practices, which is critical for investor confidence.
All standing Board members were re-elected individually, and three new independent directors were elected: Ingrid Cotoros, Malina Man Lin Ngai, and Hooi Ling Tan. Their addition brings fresh perspectives as Sonova continues to innovate in hearing technology, having been ranked no. 12 among the most innovative companies in Europe in 2025 by Fortune magazine. The Nomination & Compensation Committee saw the re-election of Roland Diggelmann (Chair), Gregory Behar, and Julie Tay, 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.
For industry observers, Sonova's consistent performance and shareholder-friendly policies highlight the resilience of the hearing care sector. With over 18,000 employees and operations in more than 100 countries, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on demographic trends. The approval of a record dividend and new board members indicates a strategic focus on long-term value creation, which may influence competitors and investors alike.
Detailed voting results and the minutes of the 2026 AGM (in German) will be available on the Sonova website at https://www.sonova.com/en/AGM.
