Zara Founder Amancio Ortega’s Record €3.23bn Dividend

The fashion industry is abuzz with news of a record-breaking dividend for Amancio Ortega, the founder of the iconic Zara brand. This year, Ortega will receive a staggering €3.23 billion (£2.8 billion) dividend from Inditex, the world's largest fashion retailer.

Ortega, who retains a 59% stake in the Spanish company, will receive his dividend in two installments, with half paid in May and the remaining in November. This distribution mirrors the payout schedule for other Inditex shareholders.

Inditex, which owns a diverse portfolio of high street brands, including Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Pull&Bear, Stradivarius, and Oysho, has announced a 4% increase in its dividend following a strong 2025 performance. This increase surpasses last year's dividend of €3.1 billion, solidifying Ortega's position as one of the world's wealthiest individuals.

With a net worth of approximately $126.7 billion (£94 billion), Ortega ranks 15th on the Bloomberg billionaires index. Inditex's financial results for the year ending January 31, 2026, reveal a 3.2% sales growth to €39.9 billion and a 5.8% increase in pre-tax profit to €8 billion.

Despite closing 103 stores globally, Inditex has strategically shifted to larger outlets, resulting in an overall increase in selling space. The company's success is a testament to Ortega's entrepreneurial journey, which began in 1975 when he launched Zara from a small store in La Coruña, Galicia, northern Spain.

Ortega's dividend payments have historically been invested in prestigious properties worldwide, including The Post Building in London, New York's Haughwout Building, and the Southeast Financial Center in Miami. Last year, Ortega reportedly rushed to invest his dividend in property to navigate Spain's unique wealth tax regulations, which encourage investment in economic activities.

Inditex is poised for further growth, with plans to expand its store space by 5% and continue its online expansion. The company has already started the year with a strong sales performance, up 9% between February 1 and March 8, excluding exchange rate fluctuations.

Looking ahead, Inditex aims to introduce its Lefties brand to the UK market and expand The Apartment concept, a unique store layout resembling an influencer's home. The company is also opening new outlets in the US, Norway, Denmark, and Curaçao, showcasing its global reach and innovative approach to retail.