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 - 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]