Core Insights - The article compares Banco Santander-Chile (BSAC) and Nu Holdings Ltd. (NU) to determine which stock offers better value for investors [1] Valuation Metrics - BSAC has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook, while NU has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - BSAC's forward P/E ratio is 10.33, significantly lower than NU's forward P/E of 22.62 [5] - BSAC has a PEG ratio of 0.69, while NU's PEG ratio is 0.70, suggesting similar growth expectations [5] - BSAC's P/B ratio is 2.49, compared to NU's P/B of 6.8, indicating BSAC is more undervalued relative to its book value [6] - Based on these metrics, BSAC holds a Value grade of B, while NU has a Value grade of D [6] Earnings Outlook - BSAC is noted for its improving earnings outlook, which enhances its attractiveness in the Zacks Rank model [7]

Company Overview - Banco Santander-Chile (BSAC) is headquartered in Santiago, Chile, and operates in the Finance sector [3] - The stock has experienced a price change of 31.28% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - BSAC is currently paying a dividend of $0.99 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 4.01%, which is higher than the Banks - Foreign industry yield of 3.39% and the S&P 500 yield of 1.57% [3] - The annualized dividend of $0.99 represents a 74% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the last five years, BSAC has increased its dividend three times year-over-year, averaging an annual increase of 9.01% [4] - The current payout ratio for BSAC is 25%, indicating that it paid out 25% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BSAC's earnings for 2025 is $2.31 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 22.87% [5] Investment Perspective - BSAC is viewed as an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [7]

Investors interested in Finance stocks should always be looking to find the best-performing companies in the group. Is Banco Santander-Chile (BSAC) one of those stocks right now? By taking a look at the stock's year-to-date performance in comparison to its Finance peers, we might be able to answer that question.Banco Santander-Chile is one of 857 companies in the Finance group. The Finance group currently sits at #6 within the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank gauges the strength of our 16 individual ...

For those looking to find strong Finance stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Has Banco Santander-Chile (BSAC) been one of those stocks this year? Let's take a closer look at the stock's year-to-date performance to find out.Banco Santander-Chile is a member of the Finance sector. This group includes 857 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of #7. The Zacks Sector Rank gauges the strength of our 16 individual sector groups by meas ...

SANTIAGO, Chile, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yesterday Banco Santander Chile (“Santander Chile” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BSAC; SSE: Bsantander) held a new edition of its traditional Santander Day event, with the launch of commercial products and initiatives related to our community and reaffirming its commitment to being present in every moment of people's and businesses' lives, and consolidating its identity as a global, accessible, and inclusive bank throughout Chile. There was no discussion of finan ...

Company Overview - Banco Santander-Chile (BSAC) is based in Santiago, Chile, and operates in the Finance sector. The company's shares have experienced a price change of 30.7% this year [3]. Dividend Information - BSAC currently pays a dividend of $0.99 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 4.02%. This yield is higher than the Banks - Foreign industry's yield of 3.97% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.54% [3]. - The annualized dividend of $0.99 represents a 74% increase from the previous year. Over the last five years, BSAC has increased its dividend three times on a year-over-year basis, averaging an annual increase of 9.01% [4]. - The company's current payout ratio is 25%, indicating that it paid out 25% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share (EPS) as dividends [4]. Earnings Growth - BSAC is expected to see earnings expansion this fiscal year, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 projected at $2.22 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 18.09% [5]. Investment Appeal - BSAC is considered an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [7].

Core Viewpoint - Investors are evaluating Banco Santander-Chile (BSAC) and Banco De Chile (BCH) for potential undervalued stock opportunities, with BSAC appearing to be the superior option based on valuation metrics [1][6]. Valuation Metrics - BSAC has a forward P/E ratio of 10.97, while BCH has a forward P/E of 12.37, indicating that BSAC may be more attractively priced [5]. - The PEG ratio for BSAC is 0.74, suggesting a favorable valuation relative to its expected earnings growth, whereas BCH has a significantly higher PEG ratio of 6.58 [5]. - BSAC's P/B ratio stands at 2.54, compared to BCH's P/B of 2.83, further supporting the argument that BSAC is the better value option [6]. Earnings Outlook - Both BSAC and BCH currently hold a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting positive earnings estimate revisions and improving earnings outlooks [3]. - Despite both companies having solid earnings prospects, BSAC's valuation metrics suggest it is the more attractive investment choice at this time [6].

Group 1: America's Car-Mart, Inc. (CRMT) - America's Car-Mart is an automotive retailer with a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 87.2% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a PEG ratio of 0.34, which is lower than the industry average of 0.54 [1] - America's Car-Mart possesses a Growth Score of B [1] Group 2: Banco Santander-Chile (BSAC) - Banco Santander-Chile is a commercial and retail banking company with a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 7.3% over the last 60 days [2] - The company has a PEG ratio of 0.73, compared to the industry average of 1.00 [2] - Banco Santander-Chile also possesses a Growth Score of B [2]

Core Viewpoint - Banco Santander-Chile (BSAC) shows a significant improvement in earnings outlook, making it an attractive investment option as analysts continue to raise earnings estimates for the company [1][2]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - The upward trend in earnings estimate revisions indicates growing analyst optimism regarding Banco Santander-Chile's earnings prospects, which is expected to positively impact its stock price [2]. - The earnings estimate for the current quarter is $0.55 per share, reflecting a +12.24% change from the previous year [5]. - Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Banco Santander-Chile has increased by 10%, with one estimate moving higher and no negative revisions [5]. - For the full year, the earnings estimate is $2.22 per share, representing an +18.09% change from the year-ago figure [6]. - The consensus estimate for the current year has increased by 7.26%, with two estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [6][7]. Zacks Rank - Banco Santander-Chile currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to favorable estimate revisions, which is a reliable indicator for investors [8]. - Stocks with Zacks Rank 1 and 2 significantly outperform the S&P 500, highlighting the potential for strong returns [8]. Stock Performance - The stock has gained 9.5% over the past four weeks, driven by solid estimate revisions and positive earnings growth prospects [9].

Financial Performance - Net income for the year rose to Ch$857,623 million in 2024, compared to Ch$496,404 million in 2023, reflecting an increase of approximately 73%[15] - Total operating income rose to Ch$2,622,870 million in 2024, compared to Ch$1,950,445 million in 2023, marking an increase of 34.5%[16] - Consolidated net income for the period reached Ch$864,509 million in 2024, a substantial increase of 69.2% from Ch$510,814 million in 2023[17] - Basic earnings per share for bank owners improved to 4.55 in 2024, up from 2.63 in 2023, reflecting a growth of 73%[17] - Total comprehensive income for the year was Ch$762,579 million in 2024, compared to Ch$673,529 million in 2023, an increase of 13.2%[18] Assets and Liabilities - Total assets decreased to Ch$68,458,933 million in 2024 from Ch$70,857,888 million in 2023, representing a decline of approximately 3.4%[14] - Total liabilities decreased to Ch$64,062,099 million in 2024 from Ch$66,365,995 million in 2023, a reduction of about 3.5%[15] - The bank's equity attributable to shareholders decreased to Ch$4,292,440 million in 2024 from Ch$4,367,158 million in 2023, a decline of approximately 1.7%[15] - The bank's reserves increased to Ch$3,232,505 million in 2024, up from Ch$3,115,239 million in 2023, indicating a growth of approximately 3.8%[15] Cash Flow and Investments - Cash flows generated from operating activities amounted to Ch$1,027,036 million in 2024, up from Ch$831,573 million in 2023, representing a growth of 23.5%[19] - The ending balance of cash and cash equivalents was Ch$2,771,002 million in 2024, slightly up from Ch$2,760,724 million in 2023[20] - Total cash flows used in investment activities decreased to Ch$73,397 million in 2024 from Ch$100,085 million in 2023, a reduction of 26.6%[20] - Total flows used in financing activities increased significantly to Ch$950,678 million in 2024, compared to Ch$48,872 million in 2023[20] Provisions and Credit Risk - Credit loss expenses totaled Ch$525,831 million in 2024, compared to Ch$473,592 million in 2023, indicating an increase of 11%[17] - The Bank continuously evaluates its loan portfolio to establish necessary provisions for expected losses, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards[152] - The expected loss percentages for the Normal Portfolio range from 0.036% to 4.275%, while Substandard Portfolio losses can reach up to 43.875%[158] - The Impaired Portfolio includes loans that are 90 days or more overdue, with provisions ranging from 2% to 90% based on estimated loss[166] Dividends and Retained Earnings - The profit for the year 2023 was Ch$496,404 million, with a proposed dividend distribution of Ch$347,483 million, representing 70% of the profit[25] - The payment of common stock dividends in 2024 was Ch$347,483 million, down from Ch$485,191 million in 2023[25] - The bank's retained earnings increased from Ch$23,487 million in 2023 to Ch$24,324 million in 2024[23] Financial Instruments and Valuation - Financial assets are classified based on their measurement approach: amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income, or fair value through profit or loss[81] - The Bank's investments in other companies are measured at fair value according to IFRS 9, with dividends recorded under "Income from investments in companies"[45] - The Bank's governance scheme for financial instrument valuation involves two independent divisions: Treasury and Market Risks[113] - The present value method is used to value financial instruments allowing static hedging, with expected future cash flows discounted using observable interest rate curves[111] Market and Economic Conditions - The exchange rate for USD to Chilean Peso was $994.10 per US$1 as of December 2024, compared to $874.45 per US$1 in December 2023[55] - Banks are allowed to establish provisions above regulatory limits to protect against unpredictable economic fluctuations[193] Business Model and Strategy - The Bank's business model focuses on holding assets to collect cash flows, allowing for infrequent sales under certain conditions[71] - The Bank has established a new business model called "Held to collect investments" to manage high liquidity levels, indicating a strategic shift in investment duration[74] Other Key Information - The Bank holds a 99.76% total participation in Santander Corredora de Seguros Limitada, with 99.75% direct participation[39] - As of December 31, 2024, the Bank no longer has a stake in Klare Corredora de Seguros S.A.[40] - The Bank has significant influence over associated entities such as Redbanc S.A. (33.43% participation) and Transbank S.A. (25.00% participation)[44]