(Reuters) - The chief executive of Poland's Santander Bank Polska said on Thursday the lender plans to share profit with its shareholders through "a solid dividend".
The Polish arm of Spain's Banco Santander (BME:SAN) reported a net profit of 2.8 billion zloty ($654.3 million) in 2022, up 152% year on year, helped by high interest rates.
"I am optimistic, because all indicators show, the huge capital surplus plus meeting all criteria to pay a solid dividend," CEO Michal Gajewski told a post-earnings media call.
He added the bank was in dialogue with Polish financial regulator, KNF, over a potential dividend payment and is awaiting its decision.
The bank paid a dividend of 2.68 zlotys per share on 2021 results.
Chief Financial Officer Maciej Reluga added the bank expects its net interest margin to stabilise this year, provided there are no further interest rate hikes.
The margin came in at 4.94% in the fourth quarter and reached 4.31% for the full year, compared to 2.72% in 2021.
($1 = 4.2797 zlotys)