Creating value: Our commitment to shareholders

Last update: 06/03/2026

Santander is committed to creating value for its 3.5 million shareholders worldwide, offering sustainable profitability and generating double-digit growth.

Increasing profitability and creating value for all our 3.5 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.

*Data as of December 2025

Charged to the results for the second half of 2025, the Board of Directors has approved:

• The implementation of a share buy-back programme for an approximate amount of €5,030 million, for which the Bank has already obtained the necessary regulatory authorization and is currently underway. In line with the Bank’s current shareholder remuneration policy, €1,830 million corresponds to an amount equivalent to approximately 25% of the Group’s net attributable profit (excluding non-cash, non-capital ratios impact items) for the second half of 2025. The remainder of the programme relates to an extraordinary share buy-back of €3,200 million, representing approximately 50% of the CET1 capital generated following the completion of the sale of 49% of Santander Bank Polska to Erste Group. You can find all the information about the share buyback program here.
  
  
• Submit to the 2026 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, in application of the Bank’s shareholder remuneration policy, the approval of the payment against 2025 results of a final gross cash dividend of €12.50 cents per share entitled to receive dividends. Subject to the approval of the 2026 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, the dividend would be payable from 5 May 2026. Thus, the last day to trade shares with a right to receive the dividend would be 29 April, the ex-dividend date would be 30 April and the record date would be 4 May.

Charged to the results for the first half of 2025, the Group carried out the following:

• A payment of an interim cash dividend of €11.50 cents per share, paid in November 2025, equivalent to c.25% of the Group’s net attributable profit in H1 2025 (excluding non-cash, non-capital ratios impact items), 15% higher than its 2024 equivalent.
  
  
• The first share buyback programme of €1.7 billion, carried out between 31 July 2025 and 23 December 2025.
  
  Total shareholder remuneration charged against H1 2025 results was €3,399 million, 11% higher than the remuneration charged against H1 2024 results. The amount is approximately 50% of H1 2025 net attributable profit (around 25% through cash dividend payments and around 25% through share buybacks).

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 2026, we presented our strategic plan for 2026-2028.

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.