Last update: 14/05/2025

Santander is committed to creating value for its 3.4 million shareholders worldwide, offering sustainable profitability and generating double-digit growth.

Increasing profitability and creating value for all our 3.4 million shareholders are among Grupo Santander’s top priorities. As a responsible bank, we pledge to offer constant, attractive returns that are underpinned by sustainable growth.

Shareholder remuneration charged against 2024 results

_{*Existing shareholder remuneration policy defined as c.50% of Group reported profi t (excluding non-cash, non-capital ratios impact items), distributed c.50% in cash dividends and c.50% in share buybacks. The implementation of the shareholder remuneration policy and any share buybacks to distribute CET1 surpluses are subject to future corporate and regulatory decisions and approvals.}

The ordinary general shareholders’ meeting approved a final cash dividend charged against 2024 results in the gross amount of EUR 11.00 cents per share entitled to dividends cash paid from 2 May 2025. Including the interim cash dividend paid in November 2024 (EUR 10.00 cents), the total cash dividend per share paid against 2024 results will be EUR 21.00 cents, around 19% more than the dividends paid against 2023 results.

These dividends are complemented by two share buyback programmes. The first has already been completed for a total of EUR 1,525 million, and the second started on February 2025 after having been approved by the board of directors and having obtained the required regulatory authorization, for a maximum amount of EUR 1,587 million (Click here to access all the information about this second programme). Following the completion of this second programme, the Group will have repurchased 14% of its outstanding shares since we began our buybacks in 2021.

After both actions have been carried out, total shareholder remuneration against 2024 results is therefore expected to be around EUR 6.3 billion, 13% higher than the remuneration against 2023 results, distributed approximately equally between cash dividends and share buybacks.

*March 2025 data

On 5 February 2025, we announced that the board of directors intends to return up to EUR 10 billion to our shareholders through share buybacks corresponding to 2025 and 2026 results as well as to distribute excesses of our capital¹. With regard to this, on 5 May 2025, Santander announced the sale of c. 49% of Santander Polska to Erste Group Bank and the intention to distribute 50% of the capital released upon completion of the transaction to accelerate its planned share buybacks, equivalent to approximately €3.2 billion, with potential to exceed the previously announced share buyback target, subject to regulatory approval².

_{¹ This share buyback target includes i) buybacks that are part of the existing shareholder remuneration policy, and ii) additional buybacks following the publication of annual results to distribute year-end excesses of CET1 capital, subject to future corporate and regulatory approvals.
² Reference is made to our notice of inside information of 5 May 2025 (official registry number 2728) relating to the sale of c.49% in Santander Bank Polska, S.A. and 50% of Santander’s Polish asset management business TFI to Erste Group Bank AG for a total cash consideration of €7 billion. The transaction is subject to customary conditions including regulatory approvals, including the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF).}

Promoting transparency and engagement

Transparency is key to maintaining trust in the market. Santander provides all information it considers pertinent to meet shareholders’ needs and interests, and regularly engages with shareholders through official communications channels.

We outline our strategy and targets at regular Investor Days. At the most recent Investor Day, in February 2023, we presented our growth plan for 2023-2025 which aims to maximize profitability and kick off a new phase of shareholder value creation. The overall strategy is to grow lending and our customer base while achieving greater efficiency on the back of automation and simplification of processes.

We listen to our shareholders’ opinions and encourage them to take part in decision-making at the bank. Every shareholder can take part in general shareholders’ meetings, regardless of the number of shares they hold. 

We hold regular meetings with shareholders and offer them tailor-made, real-time assistance through our website, our Shareholders and Investors app, a dedicated telephone line, WhatsApp and email. 

Santander shareholders also get exclusive financial products and services, as well as access to our Yo Soy Accionista loyalty programme with promotions, prize draws and discounts.  

Such organizations as Asociación Española de Relación con Inversores (Spanish association of shareholder relations, or AERI) and leading publications IR Magazine and Institutional Investor have often praised our shareholder engagement.