Sonova Projects Growth with 2026/27 New Platform Launch Amid Competition
Sonova's Growth Forecast and Strategic Initiatives
By Amir Orusov and Anastasiia Kozlova
May 18 (Reuters) - Sonova forecast higher sales and earnings for its 2026/27 financial year on Monday, as the world's biggest hearing aid maker gears up to launch a new platform amid intensifying competition.
Product Development and Platform Launch
Sonova is nearing two years since its last major platform launch. Product and platform cycles have shortened in the hearing aid sector amid rapid technological advances, putting pressure on companies to refresh their portfolios more frequently.
Leveraging AI for Competitive Advantage
"While it is too early to disclose any details on a new platform launch, it will maintain a clear leadership in leveraging AI to deliver premium sound for patients," CEO Eric Bernard told Reuters. The new products are set to be launched in the second half of 2026, he said.
Market Timing and Performance Outlook
Because of this, the Swiss company expects the second half of the year to be stronger than the first, although the beginning of the year was also very positive, Bernard said.
The company's shares were up 3.8% at 0704 GMT.
Competitive Landscape and Analyst Insights
"I think the new platform could help Sonova stay ahead of the competition, particularly as peers are now catching up on AI implementation," Morningstar analyst Max Jousma said.
Sales and Earnings Projections
Sonova expects its sales to rise between 5% and 8% in the year through March 2027, compared with 5.9% over the past year. Analysts polled by Vara had forecast local-currency sales growth of 5.8% for last year and 5.9% for 2026/27.
The company expects its annual core earnings before interest and taxes to grow between 7% and 10% at constant exchange rates, from the core EBIT of 780.1 million Swiss francs ($991.6 million) last year.
Market Recovery and External Factors
Sonova said it expected a gradual market recovery through the year, with overall market growth of 2% to 4%, improving towards the mid-term assumption of 3% to 5%.
The war in the Middle East had no significant impact on the company, as it was quick to reroute shipments and on track to fully mitigate the cost impact, Bernard said.
Management and Reporting
The annual report was the first under Sonova's new management team, which has been tasked with finding solutions amid a slower market, intensifying competition and sector consolidation.
($1 = 0.7867 Swiss francs)
(Reporting by Amir Orusov and Anastasiia Kozlova, editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak)
