Live Report · Updated January 26, 2026

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

$182.92B

Market Cap

$185.08B

8.36%

Potential Profit

-16.43%

Buy

Analyst Rating

Hold

Why It's Moving

Charles Schwab Delivers Record Q4 Results and Strategic AI, Forge Advances Fueling Post-Earnings Rally

Q4 core net new assets hit $163.9 billion while active brokerage accounts reached 38.5 million, signaling robust client growth and engagement.
Forge Global deal approval paves the way for expanded private market access, set to close in H1 2026 pending regulators, bolstering Schwab's alternatives offerings.
Zacks upgraded SCHW to Buy on rising earnings estimates, up 5.5% in three months, reflecting optimism for steady 2026 EPS at $5.73.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Banco Santander surges to 52-week high amid revenue strength and analyst scrutiny.

Revenue crushed expectations at $26.22 billion versus $15.32 billion forecast, highlighting strong net interest income and a healthy 17.9% net margin.
Hit intraday 52-week high of $12.34 with elevated trading volume, reflecting market enthusiasm for 11.68% return on equity.
Analysts split with Hold consensus after downgrades from DZ Bank, Barclays, and UBS, tempering optimism on near-term upside.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Charles Schwab Delivers Record Q4 Results and Strategic AI, Forge Advances Fueling Post-Earnings Rally

Q4 core net new assets hit $163.9 billion while active brokerage accounts reached 38.5 million, signaling robust client growth and engagement.
Forge Global deal approval paves the way for expanded private market access, set to close in H1 2026 pending regulators, bolstering Schwab's alternatives offerings.
Zacks upgraded SCHW to Buy on rising earnings estimates, up 5.5% in three months, reflecting optimism for steady 2026 EPS at $5.73.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Banco Santander surges to 52-week high amid revenue strength and analyst scrutiny.

Revenue crushed expectations at $26.22 billion versus $15.32 billion forecast, highlighting strong net interest income and a healthy 17.9% net margin.
Hit intraday 52-week high of $12.34 with elevated trading volume, reflecting market enthusiasm for 11.68% return on equity.
Analysts split with Hold consensus after downgrades from DZ Bank, Barclays, and UBS, tempering optimism on near-term upside.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

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.

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