Zara Founder Receives Record Dividend

Amancio Ortega, the founder of Inditex, the parent company of Zara, will receive a record dividend of €3.23 billion this year, following a 4% increase in the payout announced on Wednesday, March 13, 2026. This payment, surpassing last year's €3.1 billion, stems from Inditex's robust operating performance in the fiscal year ending January 31, 2026. Ortega, who retains a 59% controlling stake in the Spanish fashion retailer, will receive his dividend in two installments, in May and November.

Inditex reported a 3.2% increase in sales, reaching €39.9 billion, and a 5.8% rise in pre-tax profit to €8 billion for the fiscal year. Despite closing 103 stores globally, the company expanded its total selling space by shifting to larger outlets. Inditex, which operates 5,460 stores across more than 90 countries, anticipates a 5% increase in store space this year and continued online growth.

The company has commenced the new fiscal year with strong sales, up 9% between February 1 and March 8, excluding exchange rate impacts. Inditex plans to introduce its Lefties brand to the UK and expand its premium Zara concept, The Apartment. The retailer is also opening new outlets in the US, Norway, Denmark, and Curaçao.