Key findings

• Spanish companies exceed expectations: Spain’s 20 largest companies achieved an average score of 52.07, surpassing last year’s average of 49.70 and the Europe 500 average of 48.40. This demonstrates sustained progress in aligning corporate websites with stakeholder needs.
• Strength in financial transparency: Spanish companies excel in financial reporting, with an average criteria fulfilment of 54%. Notably, 45% provide at least five years of financial data, showcasing a commitment to long-term transparency.
• Innovation takes centre stage: With an average fulfilment of 85%, Spanish companies outperform their European peers (70%) in showcasing research and development initiatives, particularly in emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain.
• Opportunities in investor relations: Only 65% of Spanish companies explain how they plan to achieve their business goals, lagging behind the European average of 76%. Adding more detailed strategy explanations and leadership commentary could enhance stakeholder trust.
• Accessibility shows progress but needs focus: While 75% of Spanish companies provide accessibility statements (double the Europe 500 average), only 70% achieve an accessibility rating of A or B, highlighting room for improvement in delivering inclusive digital experiences.

Challenges and opportunities for improvement

Strategic details are lacking in investor relations sections

As we have seen in previous Webranking editions, investor relations-related information continues to be the biggest challenge for Spanish companies. This especially applies when it comes to communicating the business strategy, which is an area where Spanish companies can improve.

While 85% present their overall business goals, only 65% of these companies explain how they plan to achieve them, compared to 76% of their European peers. This gap highlights a need for clearer, more detailed articulation of actionable steps, which could strengthen stakeholder confidence and better align corporate websites with expectations.

However, 15% of Spanish companies complement their strategy presentations with a quote from the CEO, compared with only 11% of European companies. CEO quotes can be a powerful addition, providing a personal and authoritative voice that underscores strategic priorities. By including a direct message from the top, companies not only humanise their corporate narratives but also strengthen stakeholder confidence through authentic leadership. A well-crafted CEO quote can bridge the gap between high-level goals and actionable strategies, offering reassurance about a company’s direction and commitment.

Ferrovial set a benchmark for strategy presentation with their Horizon 24 Plan, combining clarity, structured goals, and an engaging narrative. CEO Ignacio Madridejos’ commentary adds further value by providing insight into the company’s vision and leadership direction, fostering transparency and stakeholder trust.

Accessibility gains focus in digital corporate communications

Website features and functionalities, which play a vital role in delivering a seamless user experience, remain a challenge. Spanish companies have an average fulfilment of 58% in this area, lagging behind the Europe 500 average of 70%. With stakeholders expecting increasingly intuitive and interactive websites, Spanish companies must prioritise investments in tools and features that enhance usability and engagement.

However, there are positive signs of progress in some aspects of functionality, particularly in accessibility. As many as 75% of Spanish companies provide an accessibility statement on their websites, more than double the Europe 500 average of 35%. This demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and transparency in digital communication.

Nevertheless, challenges remain in implementing effective accessibility measures. While 70% of Spanish companies have received an Accessibility Cloud rating of A or B, slightly falling behind the European average of 76%, indicating there is room for improvement to ensure their websites meet higher accessibility standards.

With stakeholders increasingly expecting websites that are both functional and inclusive, prioritising accessibility enhancements is a crucial step for Spanish companies to fully align with best practices and expectations.