Banco Santander shares are trading higher as investors refocus on near-term shareholder returns and clearer visibility on the bank’s U.S. expansion plan. The company recently confirmed that shareholders approved the capital increase required to deliver Santander shares as part of the consideration for the planned acquisition of Webster, removing a major corporate hurdle and helping support sentiment around the transaction.

Support is also coming from explicit capital-return commitments. Santander confirmed a final cash dividend from 2025 results of €0.125 per share payable on May 5, 2026, taking the total 2025 cash dividend to €0.24 per share, and it emphasized that total shareholder remuneration charged against 2025 results is expected to be about €7.05 billion, split roughly evenly between cash dividends and share repurchases. The bank also pointed to a roughly €5 billion buyback program launched in February, noting that nearly half had already been executed—another factor that can tighten supply and buoy the stock.

Management reiterated that 2026 is tracking for profit growth versus 2025 and reaffirmed targets, citing continued customer and revenue growth, cost discipline, and stable credit quality. With the Webster-related capital increase approved, the market appears to be weighing a more straightforward path to closing while still pricing in integration and macro risks.