Santander confirmed that it is on track to meet its 2026 profitability and revenue targets, citing a robust first‑quarter performance that showed continued customer growth across its core markets. The bank’s first‑quarter results, released on March 27, 2026, underscored a steady expansion of its customer base and a solid revenue trajectory that supports the company’s long‑term guidance.
The quarter’s financials reflected disciplined cost management, with the bank reporting an improvement in operating efficiency of approximately 250 basis points in constant euros. This gain was driven by a combination of lower cost of risk, tighter expense controls, and a favorable mix of higher‑margin business segments. While the fact‑check report does not provide exact revenue or profit figures for the quarter, it confirms that the results were strong enough for Santander to affirm its 2026 targets and to project a profit that will exceed the €14.1 billion recorded in 2025.
Executive Chair Ana Botín said, "For the first quarter of 2026, we have continued the positive trends of previous years, growing both our customer base and revenue, while costs are expected to decline in constant euros year‑on‑year, resulting in an improvement in efficiency of approximately 250 basis points. As a result, we are on track to increase profit in 2026 year‑on‑year." She added, "Our balanced presence across different countries and businesses significantly mitigates risk by reducing volatility, making our results more predictable throughout the cycle." Botín also noted the broader macro environment, stating, "The world now faces the scenario of higher inflation and lower growth, threats that become more likely with each passing day."
Strategically, Santander is advancing its U.S. expansion through the acquisition of Webster Financial Corporation, a move that broadens its consumer finance footprint and enhances its commercial franchise. The bank also continues to invest in artificial intelligence, which it expects to generate over €1 billion in business value by 2028. In terms of shareholder returns, Santander approved a final cash dividend of 12.5 euro cents per share for 2025 results, payable on May 5 2026, bringing the total dividend to 24 euro cents per share and marking a 14% increase from the previous year. Total shareholder remuneration for 2025 reached €7.05 billion.
Looking ahead, Santander’s 2026 guidance includes a profit target that exceeds the €14.1 billion achieved in 2025, mid‑single‑digit revenue growth, a cost‑reduction plan that will lift operating efficiency by 250 basis points, and a CET1 ratio target of 12.8‑13%. The bank also reiterated its 2028 objectives of surpassing €20 billion in profit, achieving a return on tangible equity above 20%, and growing its customer base beyond 210 million.
Despite the headwinds of higher inflation and slower global growth, Santander’s diversified geographic and business mix provides a buffer that helps maintain stability. The bank’s focus on cost discipline, strategic acquisitions, and AI‑driven value creation positions it to navigate the current macro environment while continuing to deliver shareholder value.
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