CaixaBank vs Banco Santander (CABK vs SAN)
CaixaBank (CABK) vs Banco Santander (SAN) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
CaixaBank (CABK) and Banco Santander (SAN) compete in banking. Here are CaixaBank and Banco Santander side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy CaixaBank or Banco Santander.
CaixaBank vs Banco Santander: the figures
| Figure | CaixaBank | Banco Santander |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | €11.90 (November 4, 2026) | €10.73 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | €82.6 billion | €154.7 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 12.9x | 11.8x |
| Forward P/E | 11.0x | 8.6x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +7.7% | +8.8% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 40.6% | 32.6% |
| ROE | 16.5% | 13.1% |
| Dividend yield | 4.40% | 2.48% |
| Beta | 0.11 | 0.89 |
CaixaBank and Banco Santander figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that CaixaBank or Banco Santander figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between CaixaBank and Banco Santander
- Volatility: Banco Santander stock moves more (beta 0.89) than CaixaBank (beta 0.11); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
- Dividend: CaixaBank yields 4.40% at today's price and Banco Santander yields 2.48%.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, CaixaBank keeps 40.6 as net profit and Banco Santander keeps 32.6.
CaixaBank or Banco Santander: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Banco Santander is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): CaixaBank pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: CaixaBank has a less volatile share price, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Banco Santander trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither CaixaBank nor Banco Santander wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How CaixaBank and Banco Santander make money
CaixaBank (CABK)
CaixaBank reports three segments: banking in Spain, its largest, with loans, mortgages, deposits and cards for individuals and businesses; insurance, through VidaCaixa's life, pension and savings products; and BPI, its Portuguese bank. Most income comes from net interest on lending and from fees on funds, insurance and payments. Full CaixaBank analysis.
Banco Santander (SAN)
Santander reports five global businesses: Retail & Commercial Banking, its largest, Digital Consumer Bank for auto and consumer loans, Corporate & Investment Banking, Wealth Management & Insurance, and Payments, which includes Getnet and PagoNxt. Most of its income is net interest from lending in Spain, the UK, Brazil, Mexico and the United States. Full Banco Santander analysis.
Frequently asked questions: CaixaBank vs Banco Santander
Is CaixaBank or Banco Santander the better stock?
Choosing between CaixaBank and Banco Santander depends on what you are looking for. Banco Santander is growing faster right now, and Banco Santander trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy CaixaBank or Banco Santander: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, CaixaBank or Banco Santander?
As of November 4, 2026, CaixaBank yields 4.40% and Banco Santander yields 2.48%. Also check how much of their profit CaixaBank and Banco Santander pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, CaixaBank or Banco Santander?
On P/E, CaixaBank (12.9x) is more expensive than Banco Santander (11.8x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both CaixaBank and Banco Santander?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as CaixaBank and Banco Santander, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying CaixaBank or Banco Santander.
More comparisons with CaixaBank or Banco Santander
More companies like CaixaBank and Banco Santander: banking stocks. Educational content about CaixaBank and Banco Santander, not investment advice.