Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted operating income was reported at $6.2 billion before tax, while net income was -$0.2 billion, affected by net impairments primarily due to a lower long-term oil price outlook [4][12] - Year-to-date cash flow from operations after tax reached $14.7 billion, with adjusted earnings per share at $0.37 [5][13] - Cash flow from operations for the quarter was $9.1 billion, with total cash and cash equivalents exceeding $22 billion [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Production increased by 7% year-over-year, totaling 2,130,000 barrels per day, with a 9% growth on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) [9][10] - Adjusted operating income from E&P Norway was $5.6 billion before tax, while E&P International results reflected lower production but also lower depreciation [10][11] - Renewables business saw operating costs decrease by around 50% compared to the same quarter last year, with expectations of a 30% annual decrease [6][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Liquids prices were lower compared to the same quarter last year, while average gas prices increased, particularly in the U.S. [10] - U.S. onshore gas production rose by 40%, while U.S. offshore production increased by 9% year-over-year [9][10] - International production outside the U.S. declined due to temporary shutdowns and divestments in Azerbaijan and Nigeria [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain production levels on the NCS through 2035, focusing on smaller discoveries and quicker developments [82] - A more active role in Ørsted is being pursued, with plans to nominate a board candidate to enhance collaboration and shareholder value [8][17] - The company is cautious about further capital commitments in offshore wind due to current industry challenges, while still developing existing projects [18][33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted ongoing geopolitical unrest and market volatility impacting pricing and trading conditions [5] - There is an expectation of a tighter gas market this winter, with storage levels around 83%, which is 12% below last year [34] - The company remains committed to capital distribution, with a cash dividend of $0.37 per share and a share buyback program totaling up to $1.266 billion [8][13] Other Important Information - The company reported net impairments of $754 million, primarily due to lower long-term oil price assumptions [12] - A tragic fatality occurred at Munkstad, emphasizing the need for continued focus on safety [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for unit depreciation charge in Norway? - The unit depreciation charge is up about 13% from Q2, driven by new assets coming online, particularly Johan Castberg, and is expected to gradually reduce going forward [15][16] Question: Can you elaborate on the decision to take a board seat in Ørsted? - The company aims to take a more active role as a shareholder to improve collaboration and create shareholder value, especially during the current downturn in the offshore wind industry [17][24] Question: What factors influenced the change in MMP guidance? - The guidance was changed to around $400 million per quarter due to market conditions and the divestment of gas infrastructure assets, which had a $40 million quarterly impact [21][22][56] Question: What is the status of the Peregrino disposal? - Peregrino resumed production on October 17th, and the divestment of the 60% ownership position is expected to close in two phases, with a total transaction value of $3.5 billion [43][44] Question: What is the latest on the Rosebank approval process? - The permit was taken away due to Scope 3 emissions concerns, and the company has submitted a response that is currently under public consultation [76][78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted operating income was $6.2 billion before tax, while net income was -$0.2 billion, impacted by net impairments mainly due to lower long-term oil price outlook [3] - Cash flow from operations after tax was strong at $14.7 billion year to date, with adjusted earnings per share at $0.37 [4][11] - The company distributed $5.6 billion to shareholders, including $4.3 billion from buybacks [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Production increased by 7% year-over-year, reaching 2,130,000 barrels per day, with NCS production growing by 9% [7] - E&P Norway adjusted operating income totaled $5.6 billion before tax, while E&P International results reflected lower production but also lower depreciation [8][9] - Renewables results showed high project activity but significantly lower business development costs, with operating costs for renewables down by around 50% compared to the previous year [4][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Liquids prices were lower than the same quarter last year, while average gas prices were higher, particularly in the U.S. [8] - U.S. onshore gas production was up 40%, capturing higher prices, while international production was down due to temporary stops and divestments [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain production levels on the NCS until 2035, focusing on smaller discoveries and quicker developments [75] - A more active role in Ørsted is being pursued, with plans for a board seat to enhance collaboration and shareholder value [16][22] - The company is cautious about further capital commitments in offshore wind due to current industry challenges [17][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted the volatility in energy markets due to geopolitical unrest and trade tensions, but expressed confidence in the company's solid balance sheet and strong production [4][11] - Future capital distribution will prioritize cash dividends and share buybacks, with a competitive approach to capital allocation [56][58] Other Important Information - The company reported net impairments of $754 million, primarily due to lower long-term oil price assumptions [10] - The Peregrino asset was shut in but resumed production, with plans to divest a 60% ownership position [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for unit depreciation charge in Norway? - The unit depreciation charge is up about 13% from Q2, driven by new assets coming on stream, particularly Johan Castberg [13][15] Question: Can you elaborate on the decision to take a board seat in Ørsted? - The company aims to take a more active role to improve shareholder value and believes that a closer collaboration will benefit both Equinor and Ørsted [16][22] Question: What factors influenced the change in MMP guidance? - The guidance was changed to around $400 million per quarter due to market conditions and divestment of gas infrastructure assets [19][20] Question: What is the status of the Peregrino disposal? - Peregrino resumed production and is expected to divest 60% ownership, with a transaction value of $3.5 billion [40] Question: What is the outlook for the global gas market? - The short-term market appears tighter than expected, with significant LNG projects coming online, but demand from Asia remains healthy [32][34] Question: What is the latest on the Rosebank approval process? - The permit was taken away due to Scope 3 emissions concerns, and the company is currently in public consultation with the regulator [68][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record profitability in the first nine months of 2025, with revenues of EUR 24.4 billion, aligning with the full-year goal of around EUR 32 billion before FX effects [4][10] - Adjusted costs were EUR 15.2 billion, consistent with guidance, and the post-tax return on tangible equity was 10.9%, meeting the full-year target of above 10% [4][10] - The cost-to-income ratio stood at 63%, in line with the target of below 65%, and the CET1 ratio rose to 14.5% due to organic capital generation [4][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Corporate Bank achieved a post-tax return on tangible equity of 16.2% and a cost-to-income ratio of 63%, with revenues remaining flat year-on-year [19] - The Investment Bank saw revenues increase by 18% year-on-year, driven by strong performance in FIC and significant improvements in O&A [22] - The Private Bank's profits before tax doubled, with a 13% operating leverage and a return on tangible equity of 12.6% [24] - Asset Management reported a 42% increase in profit before tax, with revenues up 11% year-on-year, driven by higher management fees and performance fees [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that 74% of revenues came from more predictable streams, including the corporate bank, private bank, asset management, and financing business in FIC [7] - The asset quality remained solid, with provisions in line with expectations and no exposure to recent high-profile cases [5][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is on track to meet or exceed all 2025 strategic goals, with a compound annual revenue growth of 6% since 2021 [7][8] - The company launched a second share buyback program of EUR 250 million, bringing total buybacks in 2025 to EUR 1 billion, with cumulative distributions since 2022 reaching EUR 5.6 billion [8][10] - The company is optimistic about benefiting from German fiscal stimulus and structural reforms, expecting Germany to grow by 1.5% in 2026 [10][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 2025 targets, citing strong performance in the first nine months and a robust start in October [33][34] - The company anticipates lower provisioning levels in the second half of the year compared to the first half, with a resilient credit portfolio [16][28] - Management highlighted the importance of operational efficiencies and the positive impact of technology investments on cost management [24][68] Other Important Information - The company completed its second buyback program, reiterating its commitment to exceeding EUR 8 billion in distributions between 2022 and 2026 [28] - The liquidity coverage ratio finished the quarter at 140%, and the net stable funding ratio was 119% [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on achieving 2025 targets and Q4 expectations - Management expressed high confidence in achieving 2025 targets, with a strong start in October and solid visibility for Q4 [33][34] Question: Benefits from German fiscal stimulus - Management reiterated optimism regarding the German fiscal stimulus and its potential impact on medium-term profitability [39] Question: Outlook on private credit and risks - Management discussed the disciplined approach to private credit, highlighting opportunities for innovation despite spread compression [47][48] Question: Confirmation on CET1 ratio and capital distribution - Management confirmed the intention to distribute capital sustainably down to the 14% threshold, indicating a strong position for future distributions [45][46] Question: Expectations for corporate bank revenues in Q4 - Management indicated a cautious optimism for a rebound in corporate bank revenues in Q4, expecting a slight increase in NII and continued growth in fee income [65][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record profitability in the first nine months of 2025, with revenues of €24.4 billion, aligning with the full-year goal of around €32 billion before FX effects [4][10] - Adjusted costs were €15.2 billion, consistent with guidance, and the post-tax return on tangible equity was 10.9%, meeting the full-year target of above 10% [4][10] - The cost-to-income ratio stood at 63%, in line with the target of below 65%, and the CET1 ratio rose to 14.5% due to organic capital generation [4][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Corporate Bank achieved a post-tax return on tangible equity of 16.2% and a cost-to-income ratio of 63%, with revenues remaining flat year-on-year [19] - The Investment Bank saw revenues increase by 18% year-on-year, driven by strong performance in FIC and O&A, with FIC revenues up 19% [21] - The Private Bank's profits before tax doubled, with a 13% operating leverage and a return on tangible equity of 12.6% [23] - Asset Management reported a 42% increase in profit before tax, with revenues up 11% and assets under management growing to €1.05 trillion [25][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a strong liquidity coverage ratio of 140% and a net stable funding ratio of 119% [12] - The tax rate for the third quarter was 26%, benefiting from a reduction in deferred tax liabilities due to changes in the German corporate tax rate [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is on track to meet or exceed all 2025 strategic goals, with a compound annual revenue growth of 6% since 2021 [7][10] - The company launched a second share buyback program of €250 million, bringing total buybacks in 2025 to €1 billion, with a commitment to exceed €8 billion in distributions from 2022 to 2026 [8][28] - The company is optimistic about benefiting from German fiscal stimulus and structural reforms, expecting Germany to grow by 1.5% in 2026 [10][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 2025 targets, citing strong performance in the first nine months and a positive outlook for Q4 [33][34] - The company anticipates lower provisioning levels in the second half of the year compared to the first half, with a resilient credit portfolio [16][28] - Management highlighted the importance of operational efficiencies and a well-diversified earnings mix in navigating the current geopolitical uncertainties [7][10] Other Important Information - The company completed its share buyback program and reported total capital distributions in 2025 reaching €2.3 billion, up around 50% over 2024 [8][10] - The company is actively monitoring risks from private credit, which accounts for about 5% of the loan book, and maintains conservative underwriting standards [16][47] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on achieving 2025 targets and Q4 expectations - Management expressed high confidence in achieving 2025 targets, with a strong start in October and solid visibility for Q4 [33][34] Question: Benefits from German fiscal stimulus - Management reiterated optimism about the German government's growth agenda and ongoing discussions about deploying fiscal stimulus effectively [39][40] Question: Outlook on private credit and risks - Management acknowledged spread compression in private credit but sees opportunities for innovation and growth, maintaining a disciplined approach [47][48] Question: Capital distribution plans for next year - Management confirmed expectations for two buybacks next year, with a focus on distributing excess capital sustainably [55][56] Question: Operational risk update and corporate bank revenue expectations - Management clarified that operational risk updates are now a permanent feature, and they expect a rebound in corporate bank revenues in Q4 [65][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record profitability in the first nine months of 2025, with revenues of €24.4 billion, aligning with the full-year goal of around €32 billion before foreign exchange effects [3] - Adjusted costs were €15.2 billion, consistent with guidance, and the post-tax return on tangible equity was 10.9%, meeting the full-year target of above 10% [3][4] - The cost-to-income ratio stood at 63%, also in line with the target of below 65% [3] - The CET1 ratio increased to 14.5% due to organic capital generation and share buyback programs [4][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The corporate bank achieved a post-tax return on tangible equity of 16.2% and maintained a cost-to-income ratio of 63%, showing year-on-year improvement [18] - The investment bank's revenues increased by 18% year on year, driven by strong performance in Fixed Income and Credit trading [20] - The private bank's profits before tax doubled, with a return on tangible equity rising to 12.6% [22] - Asset management saw a 42% increase in profit before tax, with revenues up 11% year on year [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 7% revenue growth year on year, or 10% when adjusted for foreign exchange translation impacts [10] - Net inflows in asset management totaled €12 billion, with significant contributions from passive products [25] - The corporate bank's loan volumes increased by €5 billion year on year, driven by trade finance growth [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is on track to meet or exceed all 2025 strategic goals, with a compound annual revenue growth of 6% since 2021 [5] - The strategy execution across all four business lines has shown double-digit profit growth and return on tangible equity [6][8] - The company is positioned to benefit from German fiscal stimulus and structural reforms, anticipating a growth rate of 1.5% in 2026 [8][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 2025 targets, citing strong performance in Q3 and a positive outlook for Q4 [31][34] - The company expects lower provisioning levels in the second half of the year compared to the first half, indicating resilience in the credit portfolio [14][34] - Management highlighted the importance of the German government's fiscal stimulus as a lever for medium-term profitability [35][36] Other Important Information - The company completed a share buyback program worth €250 million, bringing total buybacks in 2025 to €1 billion [6][26] - The liquidity coverage ratio finished the quarter at 140%, and the net stable funding ratio was 119% [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on achieving 2025 targets and Q4 expectations - Management expressed high confidence in achieving 2025 targets, with a robust start in October and solid visibility for Q4 [31][32][34] Question: Benefits from German fiscal stimulus - Management reiterated optimism regarding the German fiscal stimulus and its potential impact on growth and competitiveness [35][36] Question: Outlook on private credit and risks - Management discussed the disciplined approach to private credit, highlighting opportunities for innovation despite spread compression [43][44] Question: Confirmation on CET1 ratio and capital distribution - Management confirmed the intention to sustainably distribute capital down to the 14% threshold, indicating a strong capital position [41][42] Question: Operational risk and corporate bank revenue expectations - Management clarified that operational risk updates are now a permanent feature, and they expect a rebound in corporate bank revenues in Q4 [59][60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, consolidated revenue was NT$59.13 billion, with a gross margin of 29.8% and net income attributable to stockholders of NT$14.98 billion, resulting in earnings per share of NT$1.2 [4][5] - Revenue increased slightly by 0.02% compared to the previous quarter, primarily due to higher wafer shipments, despite a 3% unfavorable impact from the NT dollar exchange rate [5] - Year-over-year, revenue for the first three quarters grew by 2.2% to NT$175.7 billion, while net income per share decreased from NT$3.12 in 2024 to NT$2.54 in 2025 [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The communication and computer segments saw an increase in sales mix, while the consumer segment declined by nearly 4 percentage points to 29% in Q3 2025 [7] - The 22-nanometer and 28-nanometer technology nodes remained the main focus, with their combined revenue reaching about 35% [7] - Wafer shipments increased by 3.4% in Q3 2025, driven by demand growth in smartphones and notebooks [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America accounted for approximately 25% of total revenue in Q3 2025, up from 20% in the previous quarter, while Asia's share declined to 63% [7] - The company expects wafer shipment growth in the low teens for 2025, supported by differentiated technology offerings [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - UMC is focusing on enhancing its 22-nanometer technology platform, which is projected to contribute significantly to revenue growth in 2026 [9][15] - The company is expanding its addressable market into advanced packaging and 12-nanometer technology, aligning with customer needs for power efficiency and high bandwidth [17][45] - UMC aims to maintain a balanced capacity split between Taiwan and overseas locations to address geopolitical concerns and supply chain resilience [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding the business outlook for 2026, despite ongoing global economic uncertainties [15][29] - The company anticipates that the demand for 22-nanometer technology will continue to drive growth, with expectations of double-digit year-over-year growth in 2026 [15][56] - Management highlighted the importance of technology differentiation and customer trust in navigating geopolitical risks [29] Other Important Information - UMC's annual capital expenditure (CapEx) budget is set at NT$1.8 billion, with 90% allocated to 12-inch and 8-inch technologies [8] - The company is actively monitoring supply chain dynamics, particularly concerning rare earth materials and their potential impact on operations [28][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Near-term outlook and end market trends - Management indicated that Q4 wafer shipments are expected to remain flat, with growth driven by differentiated technology offerings [14][15] Question: Gross margin expectations - Management expects Q4 gross margin to remain in the high 20% range, influenced by depreciation and product mix [20][21] Question: Geopolitical uncertainties and tariffs - Management acknowledged potential risks from tariffs but emphasized a focus on technology differentiation and supply chain resilience [28][29] Question: Pricing trends for 22 and 28-nanometer technologies - Management stated that pricing strategies remain consistent, with a focus on protecting market share [61][62] Question: Update on U.S. collaboration and 12-nanometer technology - The collaboration with Intel is progressing well, with early product takeout expected in 2027 [77][87] Question: Advanced packaging and wafer-to-wafer technology - Management highlighted ongoing development in advanced packaging solutions, with a focus on deep trench capacitors and wafer-to-wafer stacking capabilities [45][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, consolidated revenue was NT$59.13 billion, with a gross margin of 29.8% and net income attributable to stockholders of NT$14.98 billion, resulting in earnings per share of NT$1.2 [4][5] - Revenue increased slightly by 0.02% compared to the previous quarter, primarily due to higher wafer shipments, despite a 3% unfavorable impact from the NT dollar exchange rate [5] - Year-over-year, revenue for the first three quarters grew by 2.2% to NT$175.7 billion, while net income per share decreased from NT$3.12 in 2024 to NT$2.54 in 2025 [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The communication and computer segments saw an increase in sales mix, while the consumer segment declined by nearly 4 percentage points to 29% in Q3 2025 [7] - The 22-nanometer and 28-nanometer technology nodes remained the main focus, with their combined revenue reaching about 35% [7] - The capacity utilization rate improved to 78%, with wafer shipments reaching 1 million 12-inch equivalent wafers [4][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America accounted for approximately 25% of total revenue in Q3 2025, up from 20% in the previous quarter, while Asia's share declined to 63% [7] - The company anticipates continued demand growth across most market segments, particularly in smartphones and notebooks [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - UMC is focusing on differentiated specialty technologies, with the 22-nanometer technology platform expected to contribute significantly to revenue growth in 2026 [9][10] - The company plans to maintain a balanced capacity split between Taiwan and overseas locations to enhance supply chain resilience [29] - UMC is preparing for advanced packaging solutions to meet the growing demand in AI and HPC markets, with a focus on deep trench capacitor technology [44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding the business outlook for 2026, expecting continued growth driven by 22-nanometer and specialty process technologies [15][16] - The geopolitical landscape and potential tariffs were acknowledged as risks, but management emphasized a focus on technology differentiation and customer trust [28][29] - The company expects wafer shipments to remain flat in Q4 2025, with gross margins projected to be in the high 20% range [10][21] Other Important Information - Annual capital expenditures are projected to reach NT$1.8 billion, with 90% allocated to 12-inch and 8-inch technologies [8] - Cash reserves remain above NT$100 billion, and total equity is NT$361 billion at the end of Q3 2025 [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Near-term outlook and end market trends - Management indicated that Q4 wafer shipments are expected to grow in the low teens, supported by differentiated technology and strong demand recovery [14][15] Question: Gross margin expectations - Management expects Q4 gross margins to remain in the high 20% range, influenced by depreciation and product mix [20][21] Question: Geopolitical uncertainties and tariffs - Management acknowledged potential tariff impacts but emphasized a focus on maintaining competitive positioning through geographic diversification [28][29] Question: Pricing trends for 22 and 28-nanometer technologies - Management stated that pricing strategies remain consistent, with expectations for firm pricing in the upcoming year [61][62] Question: Update on U.S. collaboration and 12-nanometer technology - The collaboration with Intel is progressing well, with early product takeout expected in 2027 [77][87] Question: Advanced packaging and market opportunities - UMC is developing advanced packaging solutions, including deep trench capacitors, to address future market demands [44][92]

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]