Banco Santander Central Hispano SA (ADR) (NYSE:SAN)

The following is derived primarily from Fool Bloggers. SAN is diversified both in it's variety of financial services and global locations. While many discounted SAN based on a misperception that SAN was a pure EURO/Spain issue entangled in the unwinding of the EURO Zone. SAN actual capitol exposure to EURO/Spain is reported to be 20% of total capital. Unlike many Multinational Banks SAN has squared away it's Real Estate ledger. SAN pays a dividend approaching 10% with a PE hovering around 9. SAN's actual business is in profitable emerging markets such as Brazil. Disclosure: I do not own SAN but have been following it closely for some time.

Closed and re-opened to more accurately reflect my actual start price.

Bought more on this "Cyprus Overshoot", and have all I want for now.

There has been a lot of "negative speculation" about Spanish banks lately, but SAN and BBVA are "solid" and in no danger of getting nationalized.

SAN took care of the majority of their loan loss reserves on their Spanish real estate in 2012, so should not have any big surprises relating to capital adequacy coming up.

Spain itself will continue to have "challenges" in the intermediate term, but are not about to do what Cyprus had to do, which was due more to the fact that their "banking system" was very "oversized" in comparison to their economy (which of course had major problems of its' own).

In the intermediate term SAN could have some more ups and downs, but in the longer term will likely be a multi-bagger from here.

JMO and worth exactly what I am charging for it.

A strong capital ratio and international diversification (i.e., less exposure to Spain and the Euro-zone) paired with a high dividend gives Santander great upside potential, despite short term market jitters.

Despite my opinion that this bank will do well long term, now (2-2013) is not the time to buy. Bankruptcy of Reyal Urbis will hurt SAN earnings and may be the first of many to come.

As both a bank and a Spanish company, Banco Santander is in doubly risky territory. Unlike most banks and most Spanish companies, however, Santander is internationally diversified with a small percentage of its business in Spain, conservative in taking on new customers, and quick to both comply with regulations and make adjustments for future losses. Santander is a bet on Europe, Latin America, and an eventual banking recovery with less of the scandal risk that has plagued the sector. Plus, collect 9% while you wait for that recovery.

TDA - 7%+yield, 25B Market Cap

One of the survivors of the Spainish Banks.

Are you kidding with this dividend right now? Buy under gunfire sell under fireworks it's a battlefield right now...

Double/triple your money at the time Europe recovers somewhat. Decent dividend even now. Risk is total Europe meltdown.

Santander in my opinion is very well run. It is diversified and global. currently there are financial concerns which are global with almost certainly massive inflation almost certain to be universal as almost all countries wish to remain competitive with their exports. There has also been a powerful move towards central regulation in most services and industries mainly driven by motivation to provide social services and security to the disadvantaged. This has lead to fear that it will be unsustainable which it is. Governments are doing their best to inflate their way out of debt. Investors place their financial resources in well run companies as they stay ahead of inflation and continue to drive the economy. Santander is one of these and over time , particularly when optimism returns to the markets I expect doing the right things consistently will pay dividends in more than one way.

Great dividend and has made it through the worst of the Spanish real estate mess. No where to go but up.

This stock has been beaten down in recent years. Stocks like this are what you want to look for. Europe, Spain and the rest of the world is recovering giving this stock a great up side potential along with many other factors.

Same pitch as for BBVA:

Both BBVA and Banco de Santander have kept their ground through the terrible Spanish crash. Unless they have toxic stuff under the carpet, they are ready to take off as Spain's, and the world's, economies recover.

Most profit is from Latin America. Too big to fail. Good dividend.

Good exposure outside of Europe. Once the Crisis passes this company will take off.

Huge bank, traded under his books value. Invested in Europe and Latin America suffered too much from the Spanish sentiment even though it is highly involved in other markets. In addition, ~10% dividend yield.

SAN took a beating during the economic crisis, but as one of the largest banks globally, they are very diversified and well positioned for a strong return.

Dividend and europe improving.

Saw this one recently at $5 per share still over sold!!