ING announced a cash distribution of €0.172 per ordinary share, payable on 15 January 2026, as part of a €1.6 billion shareholder‑return package. The cash component totals €500 million and is based on 2.902 billion shares outstanding as of 31 December 2025.
The distribution is accompanied by a share‑buyback program of up to €1.1 billion that is currently underway and is expected to conclude by 27 April 2026. As of 2 January 2026, ING had repurchased 17.7 million shares, representing 36.5 % of the program’s maximum value, underscoring the bank’s commitment to reducing its share count and supporting earnings per share.
ING’s capital‑return strategy is linked to its Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio target of roughly 13 %. The bank’s CET1 ratio stood at 13.4 % at the end of Q3 2025, above the regulatory requirement of 10.95 %. CEO Steven van Rijswijk said the bank is “operating at the right level of around 13 % capital” and that the target reflects macro‑economic uncertainty. The buyback and dividend are intended to bring the ratio closer to the target while preserving a robust capital buffer.
The €1.6 billion package was first announced on 30 October 2025, when ING also disclosed a €2.5 billion capital‑return plan for Q3 2025 that included a €500 million dividend and a €2 billion share‑buyback. ING’s track record of substantial returns—such as the €4.5 billion distributed over the past four quarters—highlights a consistent focus on shareholder value.
Market reaction to the October 30 announcement was positive, with the share price rising up to 4.8 % in Amsterdam, driven by the size of the package and the bank’s strong earnings performance. While specific trading data for the 5 January announcement are not available, the announcement is expected to reinforce investor confidence in ING’s capital strategy.
The capital‑return decision signals management’s confidence in ING’s financial health and its ability to sustain a high CET1 ratio amid macro‑economic uncertainty. By returning cash and reducing share count, ING strengthens its balance sheet, supports earnings per share, and aligns with its recent ESG upgrade to ‘AAA’ by MSCI, reinforcing its long‑term value proposition for shareholders.
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