PNC vs Banco Santander (PNC vs SAN)
PNC (PNC) 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.
PNC (PNC) and Banco Santander (SAN) compete in banking. Here are PNC 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 PNC or Banco Santander.
PNC vs Banco Santander: the figures
| Figure | PNC | Banco Santander |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $233.45 (November 4, 2026) | €10.73 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $92.7 billion | €154.7 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 12.4x | 11.8x |
| Forward P/E | 10.9x | 8.6x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +10.9% | +8.8% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 31.7% | 32.6% |
| ROE | 13.1% | 13.1% |
| Dividend yield | 3.49% | 2.48% |
| Beta | 0.91 | 0.89 |
PNC and Banco Santander figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that PNC or Banco Santander figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between PNC and Banco Santander
- Dividend: PNC yields 3.49% at today's price and Banco Santander yields 2.48%.
- Growth: PNC grew sales +10.9% year on year in its latest quarter, against +8.8% for Banco Santander.
- Valuation: PNC trades at 12.4x its annual earnings and Banco Santander at 11.8x; the market pays more for each dollar of PNC profit, usually because it expects more growth.
PNC or Banco Santander: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: PNC 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): PNC pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Banco Santander 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 PNC 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 PNC and Banco Santander make money
PNC (PNC)
PNC Financial Services is a U.S. commercial bank. Retail Banking offers deposit accounts, mortgages and credit cards to consumers, Corporate and Institutional Banking provides loans and treasury management to businesses, and the Asset Management Group handles wealth management. It earns net interest income plus fees. Full PNC 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: PNC vs Banco Santander
Is PNC or Banco Santander the better stock?
Choosing between PNC and Banco Santander depends on what you are looking for. PNC is growing faster right now, and Banco Santander trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy PNC or Banco Santander: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, PNC or Banco Santander?
As of November 4, 2026, PNC yields 3.49% and Banco Santander yields 2.48%. Also check how much of their profit PNC and Banco Santander pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, PNC or Banco Santander?
On P/E, PNC (12.4x) 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 PNC and Banco Santander?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as PNC 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 PNC or Banco Santander.
More comparisons with PNC or Banco Santander
More companies like PNC and Banco Santander: banking stocks. Educational content about PNC and Banco Santander, not investment advice.