Sonova Holding AG (SWX: SOON), the global leader in 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, including a record gross dividend of CHF 4.70 per registered share, the highest in the company's history. The dividend corresponds to a payout ratio of around 45% and is expected to be paid from June 23, 2026.
The AGM saw 354 shareholders personally attend, with 67.84% of the share capital represented. Shareholders approved the Annual Report, the consolidated financial statements, and the report on non-financial matters for the 2025/26 financial year. They also formally discharged the Board of Directors and Group Executives for the past fiscal year. The Compensation Report was accepted in a non-binding advisory vote, and binding votes approved the maximum aggregate compensation for the Board of Directors (until the 2027 AGM) and for Group Executives (for the 2027/28 financial year).
All Board members standing for re-election were confirmed individually. 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 to the committee. Ernst & Young AG, Zurich, was re-elected as auditor, and Anwaltskanzlei Keller AG, Zurich, as independent proxy.
The record dividend underscores Sonova's strong financial health. In the 2025/26 financial year, the Group generated sales of CHF 3.6 billion and a net profit of CHF 546 million, with over 18,000 employees worldwide. Sonova operates through brands including Phonak, Unitron, AudioNova, and Advanced Bionics, and was ranked no. 12 among Europe's most innovative companies by Fortune in 2025.
The approval of all motions signals shareholder confidence in Sonova's strategy and governance. The next AGM is scheduled for June 15, 2027. Detailed voting results and minutes (in German) will be available on the Sonova website: https://www.sonova.com/en/AGM.
