Sonova Holding AG (SWX: SOON), a global leader in hearing care solutions, announced that its 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on June 16, 2026, resulted in shareholder approval of all motions proposed by the Board of Directors. The meeting, attended by 354 shareholders in person, represented 67.84% of the share capital, underscoring robust investor engagement.
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 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. Additionally, the discharge of the Board of Directors and Group Executives for the past financial year was formally approved.
The Compensation Report for 2025/26 was accepted in a non-binding advisory vote, while binding votes approved the maximum aggregate compensation for the Board of Directors from the 2026 AGM to the 2027 AGM and for Group Executives for the 2027/28 financial year. All Board members standing for re-election were confirmed individually. Notably, Ingrid Cotoros, Malina Man Lin Ngai, and Hooi Ling Tan were newly elected as independent directors, bringing fresh perspectives to the board.
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.
These outcomes are significant as they signal strong shareholder support for Sonova's strategic direction and financial performance. The record dividend reflects the company's robust cash generation and commitment to returning value to shareholders, while the board refreshment introduces new expertise to guide future growth. Sonova, ranked no. 12 among Europe's most innovative companies by Fortune in 2025, continues to leverage its leadership in hearing care technology. Detailed voting results will be available on the Sonova website at https://www.sonova.com/en/AGM.
