With all brands contributing to the consistently dynamic growth, sales reached a new record of CHF 1.2 billion. Sales growth of 12.3% shows that the Sonova Group continued to expand its market share significantly in the financial year 2007/08. Profitability improved at all levels and the free cash flow increased by 52% to CHF 219 million.

• Sales increase by 12.3% to CHF 1,204.8 million (whereof 11.1% organic growth, 1.7% from acquisitions and –0.5% currency effect) significantly exceeding hearing instrument market growth
• 59% of hearing system sales are generated with products launched less than two years ago
• EBITA margin (excluding one-off costs for the prohibited GN ReSound acquisition) rises to 28.2% (prior year 26.4%)
• Income after taxes (excluding one-off costs) grows by 25.7% to CHF 305.2 million. Reported income after taxes reaches CHF 274.1 million
• Dividend increases by 33% to CHF 1.00 (proposal to the Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting)
• New product releases: the hearing systems Exélia, Naída, Yuu and Next set new benchmarks in hearing system technology
• Distribution network extended further: new wholesale companies set up in India, Mexico and South Africa
• Hear the World, Phonak’s initiative has attracted new ambassadors: Mick Jagger, Annie Lennox and Rod Stewart
• Outlook for the financial year 2008/09: We expect to further expand our market share and anticipate organic sales growth of around 10%, as well as a continuing improvement of the EBITA margin

The Sonova Annual Report 2007/08 can be downloaded from: www.sonova.com/en/investors/annualreports