Banco Santander (NYSE:SAN) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 03, 2026 02:00 PM ET Company ParticipantsAlvaro Serrano - Managing Director and Head of European Banks ResearchAna Botín - Executive ChairAndrea Filtri - Co-Head of European Equity ResearchFrancisco Riquel - Head of Banking ResearchHugo Cruz - Director of European Bank Strategy and Capital MarketsHéctor Grisi Checa - CEOIgnacio Cerezo - Executive DirectorIgnacio Ulargui - Senior analyst of Spanish Banking Sector and Diversified FinancialsJosé Antonio ...

Banco Santander (NYSE:SAN) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 03, 2026 02:00 PM ET Company ParticipantsAlvaro Serrano Saenz de Tejada - Managing DirectorAna Botín - Executive ChairFrancisco Riquel Correa - Head of Equity ResearchHéctor Grisi - CEOJosé García Cantera - CFORahul Sinha - Head of Investor RelationsConference Call ParticipantsAndrea Filtri - Equity Research AnalystCarlos Peixoto - Equity Research AnalystIgnacio Cerezo Olmos - Equity Research AnalystIgnacio Ulargui - Equity Research AnalystRahul Sinh ...

Banco Santander (NYSE:SAN) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 03, 2026 02:00 PM ET Company ParticipantsAlvaro Serrano - Managing DirectorAna Botín - Executive ChairBorja Ramirez - DirectorFrancisco Riquel Correa - Head of Equity ResearchHugo Cruz - DirectorHéctor Grisi - CEOJosé García Cantera - CFORahul Sinha - Head of Investor RelationsConference Call ParticipantsAndrea Filtri - Equity Research AnalystBritta Schmidt - Senior AnalystCarlos Peixoto - Equity Research AnalystIgnacio Cerezo - Equity Research Analy ...

Banco Santander (NYSE:SAN) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 03, 2026 02:00 PM ET Company ParticipantsAlvaro Serrano - Managing Director and Head of European Banks ResearchAna Botín - Executive ChairHéctor Grisi Checa - CEOJosé Antonio García Cantera - CFORaul Sinha - Head of Investor RelationsConference Call ParticipantsAndrea Filtri - AnalystBorja Ramirez - AnalystBritta Schmidt - AnalystCarlos Peixoto - AnalystFrancisco Riquel - AnalystHugo Cruz - AnalystIgnacio Cerezo - AnalystIgnacio Ulargui - AnalystNone ...

Banco Santander (NYSE:SAN) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 03, 2026 02:00 PM ET Speaker10Good evening, everyone, and thank you for joining Santander's 2025 results presentation. We're delighted to be joined by Executive Chair, Ana Botín; our CEO, Héctor Grisi; and our CFO, José García Cantera. We are going to have a short presentation, with Ana leading the way. Ana, it's my pleasure to hand to you.Speaker1Thank you, Rahul, and good evening, everyone. Welcome to our 25 results presentation. Alongside our stro ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record quarterly profit of EUR 14.1 billion for 2025, marking a 12% year-over-year increase in profits, and 15% excluding Argentina [1][2] - The return on tangible equity (ROTE) increased from 8.1% to 16.3%, with a cost-to-income ratio of 39% [1][5] - The fully loaded CET1 ratio rose by 70 basis points to 13.5%, exceeding the target range of 12-13% [10][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB), Wealth, and Payments segments experienced strong revenue growth, with Wealth profit up 27% and Payments volume increasing by 9% [3][8] - The retail business saw a profit increase of 9% year-on-year, with a reduction in cost-to-serve by around 4% [5][6] - The consumer business reported a net interest income (NII) growth of 5% year-on-year, while overall group NII, excluding Argentina, grew by 3% [3][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The customer base grew by 8 million to 180 million, reflecting strong customer activity across all business lines [1] - The company maintained a prudent approach to risk, with a cost of risk ending the year at 1.15% [2] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on "One Transformation," aiming to simplify products and improve operational efficiency [1][4] - The acquisition of Webster is expected to enhance the U.S. operations, aiming for an ROTE of 18% by 2028, and is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the retail and commercial banking presence in the U.S. [11][18] - The company plans to maintain a commitment to at least EUR 10 billion in share buybacks for 2025 and 2026 [9][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the U.S. market, highlighting its attractiveness and potential for growth, with expectations of achieving a ROTE in excess of 20% by 2028 [31][32] - The integration of TSB and Webster is expected to provide significant operational leverage and enhance profitability [32][64] Other Important Information - The company completed the disposal of Santander Polska, generating around 95 basis points of capital, which will be used for share buybacks and acquisitions [10][28] - The integration of Santander Consumer Finance and Open Bank into a single entity is aimed at simplifying the structure and enhancing customer experience [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the $800 million cost synergies? - Management explained that the $800 million in synergies includes $480 million from headquarters and overheads, and $280 million from technology integrations, emphasizing the significant duplication in operations [36][39] Question: Why is the expected ROIC set at 15%? - Management stated that the 15% ROIC aligns with the company's capital hierarchy and reflects the current market conditions, emphasizing the U.S. market's strong performance over the past five years [37][43] Question: What has changed regarding the West Coast market? - Management clarified that the acquisition of Webster allows Santander to operate as a full-service retail commercial bank in the Northeast, which was not feasible previously [46][50] Question: What are the expected impacts from the Polish sale and TSB integration? - Management indicated that 2027 would be a clean year for assessing the full benefits of both TSB and Poland, with expectations of double-digit revenue growth and mid-teens profit increases [61][63] Question: Will new shares be issued for the Webster acquisition? - Management confirmed that 35% of the acquisition consideration will be paid in new shares, with a share buyback program also in place [64][65]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The quarterly profit reached a record €3.5 billion, marking the best nine-month period ever, with a customer base increase of 7 million year on year to 178 million [4][5] - Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) increased by 70 basis points to 16.1%, with a capital ratio at an all-time high of 13.1% [4][20] - Earnings per share rose by 16%, supported by solid profit generation and fewer shares due to buybacks, leading to a 15% increase in TNF plus cash dividend per share [20][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net Interest Income (NII) increased by 2%, with fees reaching a new record, up 8%, driven by significant customer growth [6][7] - Consumer business saw NII growth of 6% year on year, while retail NII, excluding Argentina, grew by 1% [9][11] - Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) reported a profit increase of 10% year on year, with revenue in global markets rising by 27% [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Payments revenue surged by 19%, with both PagoNext and cards delivering double-digit growth in NII and fees [24][19] - Wealth management revenue rose by 13%, supported by record assets under management [24] - The consumer segment showed strong performance, benefiting from lower rates and a focus on profitability [14][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is on track to meet its 2023-2025 strategic plan, with a focus on profitability and disciplined capital allocation [5][34] - The transformation strategy aims to simplify operations and enhance customer experience, with a significant rollout of global platforms [10][12] - The integration of Santander Consumer Finance and Openbank in Europe is expected to reduce costs and improve product offerings [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 2025 targets despite a challenging environment, citing strong business dynamics and disciplined capital allocation [34][35] - The outlook for 2026 is promising, with expectations of improved credit quality and stable cost of risk [41][66] - The company anticipates a stable NII outlook in Brazil as interest rates are expected to decrease, positively impacting margins [66][67] Other Important Information - The company plans to distribute at least €10 billion to shareholders through share buybacks for 2025-2026, subject to regulatory approvals [5][20] - The CET1 capital ratio is expected to increase further in Q4, with regulatory headwinds being less than initially anticipated [49][50] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the main drivers for achieving the ROIC target of 16.5%? - Management expects strong performance in Q4 driven by seasonality, higher fees, and execution of the transformation strategy [38][39] Question: How should we think about credit quality in Brazil? - Management noted a small improvement in credit quality, with stable provisions and expectations for a better macro environment [43][45] Question: What is the outlook for capital and regulatory headwinds? - Regulatory charges are expected to be lower than anticipated, with capital generation projected to increase in Q4 [49][50] Question: Can you provide an update on NII in Spain? - NII in Spain improved, with expectations for continued growth in Q4 and a positive outlook for 2026 [53][54] Question: What is the status of litigation provisions? - Management does not expect the net impact of litigation provisions to be material for the group [63][64] Question: What is the NII outlook in Brazil? - Management expects stable NII in Brazil with improved margins as interest rates decrease [66][67]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Quarterly profit reached a record EUR 3.5 billion, marking the best nine-month period ever, with a customer base increase of EUR 7 million year-on-year to EUR 178 million [4][5] - Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) increased by 70 basis points to 16.1%, with a strong capital ratio of 13.1% [4][5][20] - Earnings per share rose by 16%, supported by solid profit generation and share buybacks, leading to a 15% increase in TNF plus cash dividend per share [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net Interest Income (NII) grew by 2%, while fees reached a new record, increasing by 8% [6][7] - Consumer business NII increased by 6% year-on-year, with retail NII growing by 1% excluding Argentina [9][11] - Payments revenue surged by 19%, with double-digit growth in both PagoNxt and cards [24][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - CIB (Corporate and Investment Banking) revenue rose by 6% year-on-year, driven by global markets and growth initiatives in the U.S. [24][16] - Wealth management revenue increased by 13%, supported by record assets under management [24][18] - Retail revenue grew even in a less favorable interest rate environment, aided by active margin management [24][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is on track to meet its 2023/2025 strategic plan targets, with a focus on profitability and disciplined capital allocation [5][34] - The transformation strategy aims to simplify operations and enhance customer experience, with a significant emphasis on digitalization [10][12] - The integration of Santander Consumer Finance and Openbank in Europe is expected to reduce costs and improve product offerings [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 2025 targets despite a challenging environment, citing strong business dynamics and revenue growth [34][35] - The outlook for 2026 is promising, with expectations of continued improvement in ROIC and profitability [39][41] - Credit quality is improving, with a stable cost of risk and a low NPL ratio of 2.92% [30][31] Other Important Information - The company plans to distribute at least EUR 10 billion to shareholders through share buybacks for 2025/2026, subject to regulatory approvals [5][20] - The CET1 capital ratio is expected to increase further in Q4, with regulatory headwinds being lower than initially anticipated [50] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the main drivers for achieving the ROIC target of 16.5%? - Management expects strong performance in Q4 driven by seasonality, higher fees, and execution of the transformation strategy [38] Question: How should we think about credit quality in Brazil? - Credit quality is improving, with a stable cost of risk and a reduction in loan loss provisions [43][45] Question: Can you provide an update on capital and regulatory headwinds? - Regulatory charges are expected to be lower than anticipated, with capital generation projected to increase in Q4 [49][50] Question: What is the outlook for NII in Spain? - NII in Spain has improved, with expectations for continued growth in Q4 and a positive outlook for 2026 [53][54] Question: What is the status of litigation provisions? - The impact of litigation provisions is not expected to be material for the group, with ongoing reviews of the U.K. Motor Finance situation [63][64] Question: How does the company view NII outlook in Brazil? - The company anticipates stable NII in Brazil as interest rates are expected to come down, improving margins [65][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The quarterly profit reached a record €3.5 billion, marking the best nine-month period ever for the company [3] - Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) increased by 70 basis points to 16.1% [3] - The capital ratio ended the quarter at an all-time high of 13.1% [3][30] - Earnings per share rose by 16%, supported by solid profit generation and fewer shares due to buybacks [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue grew by 4% in euros, with Net Interest Income (NII) increasing by 2% and fees rising by 8% [5] - Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) revenue rose by 6%, driven by global markets and growth initiatives in the U.S. [23] - Wealth management revenue increased by 13%, supported by record assets under management [23] - Payments revenue surged by 19%, with both PagoNext and cards delivering double-digit growth [23][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added 7 million new customers year on year, bringing the total to 178 million [3] - Customer activity and diversification continued to drive revenue growth, particularly in fee-driven businesses [7] - The cost of risk improved year on year, reflecting robust credit quality trends [5][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is on track to meet its 2023-2025 strategic plan targets, focusing on profitability and disciplined capital allocation [4] - The transformation strategy aims to simplify operations and enhance customer experience, with a focus on digitalization [9][11] - The integration of Santander Consumer Finance and Openbank in Europe is expected to reduce costs and improve product offerings [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 2025 targets despite a more challenging environment than initially anticipated [32] - The outlook for 2026 is promising, with expectations of improved credit quality and stable cost of risk [40][42] - The company anticipates a stable cost of risk in Brazil, supported by resilient labor markets [42][64] Other Important Information - The company plans to distribute at least €10 billion to shareholders through share buybacks for 2025-2026, subject to regulatory approvals [4][19] - The efficiency ratio improved to 41.3%, the best reported in over 15 years [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: ROIC target for the year of 16.5% - Management expects strong performance in Q4 driven by seasonality, higher fees, and execution of One Transformation [37] Question: Credit quality in Brazil - Provisions have decreased, and management expects stable cost of risk due to improved credit quality [41][43] Question: Capital guidance and regulatory headwinds - Regulatory charges are expected to be lower than initially anticipated, with a CET1 ratio projected to increase further in Q4 [48][49] Question: NII outlook in Spain - NII in Spain improved, with expectations for continued growth in Q4 and 2026 [51][52] Question: Litigation provisions - The impact of litigation provisions is not expected to be material for the group [60][62] Question: NII outlook in Brazil - Management expects stable NII with improved margins as interest rates decline [64][65]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The quarterly profit reached a record of $3.4 billion, making H1 2025 the best first half ever for the company, driven by strong revenue growth across global businesses [5][6] - Revenue grew by 5% in constant euros, supported by a 1% increase in net interest income (NII), or 4% excluding Argentina, and record fees up nearly double digits [6][8] - The CET1 ratio ended the quarter at 13%, at the top end of the 12% to 13% operating range, with a post-AT1 return on tangible equity (RoTE) of 16% [5][50] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail and consumer, representing 70% of revenue, showed significant upside potential with a 3% increase in deposits and a 16% rise in digital sales [10][13] - Wealth management reported a 14% revenue growth, driven by record assets under management and strong commercial trends [33][24] - Payments experienced a 17% revenue increase, with double-digit growth in NII and fees, fueled by higher activity levels [33][27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer activity drove revenue growth across all businesses, with double-digit growth in Wealth and Payments, and solid performance in Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) [11][22] - The cost of risk improved year on year, with the NPL ratio falling to 2.91%, reflecting robust credit quality trends [41][42] - Retail customer deposits grew by 10% year on year, now representing 62% of total funding [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transforming into a digital bank with branches, combining technology with personalized support [12] - The ongoing transformation aims to simplify and automate processes, improving operational leverage and efficiency [9][39] - The acquisition of TSB is expected to enhance profitability and connectivity across the group, with a target RoTE increase from 11% in 2024 to 16% by 2028 [57][48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year profitability targets despite a challenging environment, with expectations for revenue growth to continue [12][50] - The company anticipates stable cost of risk supported by resilient labor markets, with a focus on maintaining profitability over volume [19][52] - Management highlighted the importance of diversification in navigating challenges, with higher interest rates benefiting some retail franchises [11][12] Other Important Information - The company announced a new share buyback program of up to €1.7 billion, with plans to distribute at least €10 billion to shareholders through buybacks for 2025 and 2026 [28][47] - The transformation efforts have led to a significant reduction in operational complexity, improving customer interactions and reducing costs [13][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: NII in the UK and top-up provisions in Brazil - Management acknowledged the UK as a work in progress, focusing on profitability and margin management, with expectations for NII to be slightly up [55][56] - In Brazil, management indicated that the cost of risk is expected to normalize, with a focus on secure lending and a conservative approach to strengthening the balance sheet [62][64] Question: Direction of costs and capital generation - Management reiterated guidance for lower costs in current euros for 2025, with ongoing investments in transformation [70][73] - Capital generation is expected to improve in the second half, with excess capital above 13% to be distributed as share buybacks, subject to regulatory approvals [76][77] Question: Benefits of transformation and consumer segment performance - Management indicated that the benefits of transformation are still unfolding, with expectations for further improvements in cost-to-income ratios [82][83] - The consumer segment is experiencing challenges due to lower car volumes in Europe, but management is optimistic about future performance as conditions normalize [88][89]