Annual sales, earnings jump at Sonova

(Sharecast News) - Shares in Switzerland's Sonova Holding sang on Monday, after the world's largest hearing aids manufacturer posted a jump in annual sales and earnings. The firm saw sales rise 5.9% in constant currencies to CHF3.6bn (£3.4bn) in the year to 31 March, while normalised earnings before interest, tax and amortisation surged 17.3% to CHF811.2m, comfortably beating forecasts for CHF780.1m.

Sonova said growth had been driven by strong performances in its wholesale and retail businesses, including "sustained" market share gains.

Eric Bernard, chief executive, said: "We outperformed the market and delivered results in line with guidance. Strong growth in our wholesale business - accelerating to 10.9% in local currencies in the second half - reflects our technology and innovation leadership, and consistent execution."

Looking to the current year, Bernard confirmed that plans to divest the consumer hearing business - first announced in March - were progressing. Sonova is offloading the unit as part of a wider strategy to refocus on its core hearing care activities.

"With the intended divestment of the consumer hearing business, the transition to a regionalised operating model and a strong pipeline of upcoming product launches across hearing aids and cochlear implants, we are executing our strategy as planned," he said.

"As we enter 2026/27, we remain confident in our strategy, our teams and our ability to deliver profit growth and sustainable value creation."

The company is currently forecasting consolidated sales to rise by between 5% and 8% in the current year, and core EBIT by 7% to 10% at constant exchange rates.

As at 1030 BST, the Zurich listed stock had put on 3%.