Italy's Amplifon posts Q4 profit fall, sees margin lift

March 4 (Reuters) - Italian hearing aid maker Amplifon AMPF.MI reported a 7.9% drop in fourth‑quarter net profit on Wednesday but said it anticipates an improved profit margin going forward as cost cuts run ahead of plan.

The company said it now expects an adjusted core profit (EBITDA) margin improvement at the high end of the previously disclosed 150–200 basis-point range by 2027.

"2025 was a challenging year for the hearing care industry as a whole with growth below historic levels," CEO Enrico Vita said in a statement.

• The Milan-based group sees 2026 demand growth around 3% vs 2025, supported by progressive recovery in the U.S. private market

• Q4 adjusted net profit 49.5 million euros ($57.6 million), down 7.9%

• Q4 adjusted EBITDA 145.5 million euros, down 5.8%; margin 22.3%

• FY adjusted net profit 159.2 million euros, down 15.4%

• Net debt 1.045 billion euros, leverage 1.92x

• Proposed dividend of 0.29 euros per share
  ($1 = 0.8593 euros)