Inditex has solidified its position as the world’s premier fashion retailer, reporting record sales of nearly €40bn and a significant profit increase. The company’s board announced on Wednesday that it would raise dividends by 4%, resulting in a €3.23bn payout for majority owner Amancio Ortega. This figure exceeds his 2025 dividend of €3.1bn, reflecting the company’s “robust operating performance” over the last fiscal year.
The retailer’s success is attributed to its diverse portfolio of brands, ranging from the high-fashion Zara to the budget-friendly Lefties. While the group closed 103 stores globally last year, it focused on expanding its total selling space through larger, more efficient outlets. This strategy has allowed Inditex to maintain its presence in over 90 countries with a total workforce of 160,000 employees.
Amancio Ortega, who will turn 90 this month, remains one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs. From his humble beginnings as a shirtmaker’s delivery boy, he built an empire that has made him the 15th wealthiest person on earth. His massive dividend payments are frequently used to acquire high-value real estate in the US and Europe, a move that also helps mitigate Spanish wealth tax liabilities.
Innovation remains a key pillar of the Inditex strategy under Chair Marta Ortega Pérez. The company is currently rolling out AI-based virtual-fitting systems and new experiential store concepts. “The Apartment,” which showcases premium Zara clothing in a residential-style setting, represents the company’s push into more lifestyle-oriented retail.
The outlook for the 2026 fiscal year remains highly positive, with sales already up 9% in the initial five-week period. Inditex plans to continue its global push, opening new locations in the Caribbean, Scandinavia, and the United States. With a 5% increase in total store space projected for this year, the company is continuing to extend its reach in the global fashion market.