Inditex (the parent company of Zara) announced that its founder, Amancio Ortega, will receive a record-shattering €3.23 billion ($3.52 billion) dividend payout for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
This windfall follows a 4% increase in the company’s annual dividend, triggered by record-breaking profits that saw Inditex’s net income climb to €6.22 billion.
The €3.23 Billion Payout Schedule
Ortega, who still controls roughly 59.3% of Inditex through his investment vehicle, Pontegadea, will receive the record sum in two equal installments:
- Installment 1: €1.615 Billion on May 4, 2026.
- Installment 2: €1.615 Billion on November 2, 2026.
This payout narrowly beats his previous record of €3.1 billion received last year, reflecting the continued dominance of the Zara brand in the global fast-fashion market.
Inditex Group: 2025 Performance Highlights
The dividend hike was fueled by “robust operating performance” across all 90+ countries where the group operates.
| Metric | FY2025 (Ending Jan 31, 2026) | Year-on-Year Growth |
| Total Sales | €39.9 Billion | +3.2% |
| Pre-tax Profit | €8.0 Billion | +5.8% |
| Net Income | €6.22 Billion | +6.0% (New Record) |
| Store Count | 5,460 Locations | -103 (strategy of larger, more productive stores) |
The “Pontegadea” Real Estate Strategy
Historically, Ortega does not let his dividend cash sit idle. Through Pontegadea, he has built one of the world’s largest private real estate empires, focusing on “Economic Activity” assets to comply with Spain’s unique wealth tax laws.
- Recent Targets: Ortega has recently expanded into energy infrastructure and logistics, including a stake in the UK’s PD Ports and a 49% stake in multiple renewable energy plants.
- Prime Assets: His portfolio already includes iconic buildings such as The Post Building in London (leased to Amazon), the Southeast Financial Center in Miami, and the Haughwout Building in New York.
Succession and Leadership
The record results come during the fourth year of his daughter Marta Ortega Pérez’s tenure as Non-Executive Chair. Under her leadership, the company has successfully pivoted toward a more “premium” brand identity for Zara and expanded its digital footprint to counter the rise of ultra-fast-fashion rivals like Shein and Temu.
