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.
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*Data as of June 2026
In application of the Bank’s ordinary shareholder remuneration policy, consisting of a total shareholder remuneration target of c. 50% of the Group’s underlying profit1, split approximately in equal parts in cash dividend payments and share buybacks, the board of directors today approved the payment of an interim cash dividend against 2026 results of 12.7 euro cents per share, equivalent to c. 25% of the Group’s underlying profit2 in the first half of 2026.
- The interim cash dividend will be paid from 2 November 2026; and
- The last day to trade shares with a right to receive the interim cash dividend will be 28 October 2026, the ex-dividend date will be 29 October 2026 and the record date will be 30 October 2026.
This distribution, together with the on-going share buyback programme that was announced on 10 August 2026 and commenced on 24 August 2026, represents the interim shareholder remuneration against the Group underlying profit3 in the first half of 2026.
The implementation of the remainder of the shareholder remuneration policy for 2026 is subject to the appropriate corporate and regulatory approvals and decisions.
1 2 3 The board of directors intends to: i) apply an ordinary shareholder remuneration policy for 2026 to 2028 results that entails allocating approximately 50% of the Group’s underlying profit (excluding non-cash, non-capital ratios impact items), split approximately evenly between cash dividends and share buybacks for 2026 results; and additionally ii) distribute excess capital at the end of the 2026-2028 period to shareholders. From 2027 results on, the ordinary shareholder remuneration policy is expected to comprise around 35% of Group underlying profit (on the same basis) in cash dividends and around 15% in share buybacks. Execution of the remainder of the ordinary shareholder remuneration policy and of the distribution to shareholders of excess capital at the end of the 2026-2028 period is subject to future corporate and regulatory decisions and approvals.
Think Value: Looking to the future
Our focus for the future is on increasing revenue sensibly and simplifying our business to do more with less. This way we will deliver shareholder value through double-digit growth on average throughout the cycle.
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.
