Charles Schwab vs Santander

This page compares Charles Schwab Corp., The and Banco Santander, S.A., examining business models, financial performance, and market context in neutral, accessible language. Educational content, not financial advice.

This page compares Charles Schwab Corp., The and Banco Santander, S.A., examining business models, financial performance, and market context in neutral, accessible language. Educational content, not f...

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

SCHW

Metric

SAN

$166.53B

Market Cap

$187.45B

20.00%

Potential Profit

-7.48%

Buy

Analyst Rating

Hold

Why It's Moving

Charles Schwab Shines with Analyst Upgrades and Dividend Boost Amid Insider Sales

Q4 earnings topped estimates with FY-2026 EPS guidance of $5.70–$5.80, highlighting execution strength and revenue growth potential into 2027.
Quarterly dividend jumps 19% to $0.32 per share, payable February 27, reinforcing shareholder returns amid balance sheet normalization.
Analysts upbeat: UBS, Truist, and TD Cowen lift targets, citing net interest income gains and competitive edge, while Schwab earns #1 broker ranking.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

SAN Stock Warning: Why Analysts See -9% Downside Risk

Multiple downgrades from DZ Bank, Barclays, UBS, and Goldman Sachs to hold or sell ratings highlight concerns over sustained profitability after an EPS miss in the latest quarter.
Recent sale of 49% stake in Santander Bank Polska prompts Q1 2026 reporting changes, reclassifying cards to retail and tweaking cost of risk definitions to boost transparency ahead of Investor Day.
Despite revenue beats and a solid 17.9% net margin, the consensus hold rating reflects broader worries about interest rate shifts and global growth slowing European bank momentum.

Sentiment:

🐻Bearish

Charles Schwab Shines with Analyst Upgrades and Dividend Boost Amid Insider Sales

Q4 earnings topped estimates with FY-2026 EPS guidance of $5.70–$5.80, highlighting execution strength and revenue growth potential into 2027.
Quarterly dividend jumps 19% to $0.32 per share, payable February 27, reinforcing shareholder returns amid balance sheet normalization.
Analysts upbeat: UBS, Truist, and TD Cowen lift targets, citing net interest income gains and competitive edge, while Schwab earns #1 broker ranking.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

SAN Stock Warning: Why Analysts See -9% Downside Risk

Multiple downgrades from DZ Bank, Barclays, UBS, and Goldman Sachs to hold or sell ratings highlight concerns over sustained profitability after an EPS miss in the latest quarter.
Recent sale of 49% stake in Santander Bank Polska prompts Q1 2026 reporting changes, reclassifying cards to retail and tweaking cost of risk definitions to boost transparency ahead of Investor Day.
Despite revenue beats and a solid 17.9% net margin, the consensus hold rating reflects broader worries about interest rate shifts and global growth slowing European bank momentum.

Sentiment:

🐻Bearish

Investment Analysis

Charles Schwab

SCHW

Pros

Delivered strong year-over-year revenue growth and record earnings in 2025, reflecting robust client activity and effective cost management.
Maintained high pre-tax profit margins and increased share buybacks, supporting shareholder returns and confidence in valuation.
Continued to diversify revenue streams and invest in client solutions, enhancing long-term financial durability and market position.

Considerations

Reduced reliance on Bank Supplemental Funding may limit short-term liquidity flexibility in volatile rate environments.
Heavy share repurchases could constrain capital available for strategic acquisitions or further expansion.
Operating in a highly regulated sector exposes the company to ongoing compliance and macroeconomic risks.

Santander

SAN

Pros

Global presence across multiple markets provides diversified revenue streams and resilience to regional economic fluctuations.
Recent stake increases by major investors signal confidence in the bank's strategic direction and valuation outlook.
Broad range of financial services supports cross-selling opportunities and customer retention in competitive markets.

Considerations

Exposed to economic and political risks in key operating regions, including Latin America and Europe.
Profitability can be pressured by low interest rate environments and high levels of non-performing loans in certain markets.
Regulatory scrutiny and compliance costs remain elevated due to international operations and complex banking structure.

Related Market Insights

Corporate Buybacks Might Influence Gains 2025

Explore how corporate buybacks, like Nvidia's £60bn programme, are driving shareholder value. Discover opportunities in cash-rich companies via Nemo's ADGM-regulated platform.