Jim Cramer expressed strong optimism toward Banco Santander, highlighting its resilient financial performance and attractive valuation as key drivers for his bullish stance. The bank’s recent quarterly results and strategic positioning in key markets underpin his recommendation.
- Banco Santander reported €2.8 billion in net income for Q4 2025, up 12% YoY.
- Return on equity reached 14.3% in Q4 2025, exceeding sector averages.
- Cost-to-income ratio improved to 58.7% in the latest quarter.
- Dividend yield stands at 5.4%, making it attractive for income investors.
- Santander stock rose 3.2% in after-hours trading following Cramer’s endorsement.
- Loan growth of 9% in the U.S. and Brazil segments in 2025.
Jim Cramer recently voiced his bullish sentiment on Banco Santander, labeling the Spanish multinational bank a 'must-own' stock amid a favorable earnings backdrop and compelling valuation metrics. Cramer pointed to the bank’s fourth-quarter 2025 results, which showed net income of €2.8 billion, a 12% year-over-year increase, driven by robust loan growth and improved credit quality across its core markets. The bank reported a return on equity of 14.3% for the quarter, surpassing analysts’ expectations and reinforcing its capital efficiency. Cramer emphasized that Santander’s cost-to-income ratio stood at 58.7%, one of the best in the Eurozone banking sector, reflecting disciplined expense management and operational leverage. He also highlighted Santander’s strong presence in high-growth regions, including Brazil and the U.S., where its subsidiary, Santander Bank, delivered 9% loan growth in 2025. Additionally, the bank’s dividend yield of 5.4% was cited as a significant draw for income-focused investors, especially in a rate environment expected to remain stable through 2026. Market reaction followed Cramer’s commentary, with Santander’s stock rising 3.2% in after-hours trading. Analysts tracking the stock noted that the recommendation could attract increased institutional interest, particularly from European equity funds seeking defensive financials with dividend upside.