Banco Santander increases 2026 interim dividend by 10%

Banco Santander has approved a 10% increase in its 2026 interim cash dividend, setting the payout at 0.127 euros per share. This decision, made by the bank's board of directors, will result in a total distribution of 1.8 billion euros in cash.

When combined with ongoing share buyback programs, the total amount to be distributed to shareholders from the first half of 2026 will reach 3.7 billion euros. This move is part of a broader strategy to return approximately 50% of the group's profits to shareholders through a mix of dividends and buybacks.

Bank President Ana Botín noted that this marks the fifth consecutive year of double-digit dividend growth, representing a 162% increase in dividend per share since 2021. The bank aims to have distributed nearly 9 billion euros toward its goal of at least 10 billion euros in shareholder returns for the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years, bolstered by recent activities such as the sale of Santander Poland.