Banco Santander SA (SAN)

Santander US Survey Finds Resilient Consumers in Need of Vehicles, Used-Car Demand PersistsMay 13, 2026 12:07 PM
Business Wire Middle-income households feel confident about their own financial situations despite ongoing price pressures. Americans rely on vehicles for work and economic opportunity, sustaining demand even as affordability reshapes purchase decisions. Consumers show strong interest in used and fuel-efficient vehicles as they prioritize affordability and value. Most consumers see practical benefits to artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting their finances. Prosperity is increasingly defined by flexibility and choice, not just financial accumulation. Santander Holdings USA, Inc. (“Santander US”) today announced findings from the latest Santander US Paths to Financial Prosperity quarterly study showing middle-income Americans are financially resilient even as affordability considerations reshape household decision-making. In Q1 2026, nearly 8 in 10 (78%) say they are on the right track toward financial prosperity, while the share feeling financially insecure fell to a survey low. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260513250833/en/ Vehicle access remains a top priority for middle-income households, with 79% relying on a vehicle to get to and from work and nearly half driving to work more days per week than a year ago. As a result, 71% say they would be willing to sacrifice other budgetary items to maintain access to a vehicle. As this demand persists, affordability is increasingly shaping when and what they buy, with used and fuel-efficient vehicles seeing strong interest. As consumers prioritize value and affordability, 83% of prospective buyers are considering a used vehicle. This measure has stayed above 80% for the third straight quarter, demonstrating how used-car demand is becoming entrenched in today’s auto market. Additionally, 76% say they would prefer a used vehicle with more features over a new entry-level model. Fuel efficiency is also becoming a larger part of the purchase decision, with 88% of prospective buyers saying it is a key purchase factor, 89% saying they would pay more for a vehicle with better gas mileage, and 70% more likely to consider a hybrid or electric car than they were a year ago. “Middle-income consumers are making pragmatic, budget-conscious choices because access to a car is essential,” said Betty Jotanovic, President of Auto Relationships at Santander Consumer USA, the Auto business of Santander US. “Our latest survey shows that some buyers accelerated a vehicle purchase to get ahead of potential future price increases, which may explain the jump in demand we’ve seen over the past year. More than half of prospective buyers also say they would be inclined to expedite a purchase if they receive a tax refund, which could help buoy demand as we move into Q2.” Prosperity is Increasingly Defined by Flexibility and Adaptability Key indicators of household resilience remained strong. Eight in 10 (81%) feel secure in their jobs, 83% say they have enough saved to cover a small emergency, and 76% are current on all their bills—a six percentage point increase over last quarter. While stability and being able to meet expenses is a core component of how middle-income households view financial prosperity, flexibility ranked among the top factors in Q1. Nine in 10 say prosperity means being able to make choices, and 86% say success is measured more by financial freedom, not merely by what they own. Consumers See Practical AI Benefits Outweighing Broader Uncertainty The Q1 findings show that consumers see practical value in AI when it comes to personal finances. Most (85%) can identify at least one way AI could support their financial prosperity, and more than half say AI will help their financial prosperity in the next 12 months. Consumers most often associate AI’s value with learning new skills, making better saving or investment decisions, and budgeting or managing money more efficiently. AI is also becoming a more practical part of the car-buying and financing journey, helping consumers move through the process with greater confidence. More than half of middle-income Americans who shopped online in their car-buying journey used AI to make more informed decisions on vehicle and financing options. Affordability is Central to Housing Success While homeownership is an aspiration for some middle-income Americans, Q1 findings show that practical considerations are shaping housing choices. More than 6 in 10 report that an affordable monthly housing payment matters more than owning a home, and 65% prioritize flexibility in their living situation over staying in one place long term. Among renters, more than half feel that current home prices make owning feel less necessary, reinforcing how affordability pressures are influencing housing choices. Together, these findings reinforce how flexibility and practicality are increasingly defining financial prosperity for middle-income households. The full report and more information about the Santander US survey is available here. Methodology The Q1 Santander US study, which builds upon 12 quarters of research, looks at middle-income Americans’ current financial state and outlook for the next 12 months. It examines how economic conditions and other trends are impacting these households and the adjustments they are making in response, including their vehicle, banking, and housing needs. This research, conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of Santander US, surveyed 2,150 Americans ages 18-76 who are bank and/or financial services customers. Survey participants are employed or looking for work, own/use at least one financial product, and are the primary or shared decision-maker on household finances with household income in the “middle-income” range of ~$55,000 to $167,000. This Q1 study was conducted March 25-28, 2026. The interviews were conducted online, and the margin of error is +/- 2 percentage points for the total audience at a 95% confidence level. Percentages may not total 100 due to rounding. The data was weighted to target population proportions for a representative sample based on age, gender, ethnicity, region, and education. SHUSA Santander Holdings USA, Inc. (SHUSA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Madrid-based Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE: SAN) (Santander), recognized as one of the world’s most admired companies by Fortune Magazine in 2026, with approximately 176 million customers in the United States, Europe and Latin America. SHUSA is the intermediate holding company for Santander’s five growing businesses in the United States. Santander’s U.S. presence consists of auto lending, retail and digital banking, commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, and wealth management businesses, with a combined total of approximately 11,000 employees, 4.4 million customers, and assets of $165 billion in the fiscal year ended 2025. In the U.S. market, Santander is recognized as a top-10 auto lender and a top-10 multifamily bank lender and servicer, and operates one of the fastest growing digital banks, Openbank by Santander, as a division of Santander Bank, N.A. For more information about Santander US, please visit www.santanderus.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260513250833/en/ Andrew Simonelli
mediarelations@santander.us Original: Santander US Survey Finds Resilient Consumers in Need of Vehicles, Used-Car Demand Persists

Americans Determined to Grow Savings with Tax Refunds, Santander Bank Survey FindsApril 15, 2026 10:23 AM
Business Wire

76% of Americans say saving more is their top financial goal for 2026.




Nine in 10 (88%) of those expecting a tax refund plan to save at least a portion of it.




More than half (58%) of consumers plan to save their tax refunds in accounts that offer little to no yield, missing an opportunity to accelerate savings growth.




Contributing a tax refund annually to a savings strategy using a High Yield Savings account or Certificate of Deposit can generate nearly 10 times more interest than a strategy using a traditional savings account.



Santander Bank, N.A. (“Santander Bank”) today announced findings from a new survey revealing consumers added to their savings more frequently in Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024 and are now determined to grow their savings in 2026—with tax refunds expected to have a key role in building momentum.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260415349601/en/
With tax season underway, the latest Openbank Growing Personal Savings (“GPS”) Tracker from Santander Bank found 76% of consumers say saving more is their top financial goal for 2026. With about six in 10 (57%) expecting additional money inflows this year, such as a tax refund or job-related bonus, there’s an opportunity for consumers to build on this savings momentum.


Of those expecting a tax refund, nearly nine in 10 (88%) say they plan to save at least a portion of it. For many, these additional dollars are expected to be meaningful. Most (85%) expect to receive $500 or more, including 41% who expect $2,000 or more. IRS data from recent years suggests the average refund may exceed $3,000.


An Opportunity to Accelerate Savings Growth


Despite strong motivation to save, many consumers may be unintentionally missing out on savings growth, based on where they deposit these funds. The survey found more than half (58%) plan to put their tax refund into a checking account, a traditional savings account or hold it in cash, providing little to no yield. Only one in four (27%) plan to deposit their refund into a higher-yielding account, such as a High Yield Savings account or CD.


The potential difference can really add up. For the typical saver with a median account balance of $8,000, contributing an average-sized tax refund annually to a higher-yielding account offering a 3.50% APY can generate more than $1,500 in interest over three years. Over the same timeframe, the same strategy using a traditional savings account may generate only about $165, nearly a tenfold difference. A majority of consumers (61%) report they would need to earn less than $300 in interest for it to feel worthwhile to open a new savings account.


Many consumers may not be using higher-yielding accounts because they are less familiar with these options, particularly after a prolonged low-interest rate environment from 2008 to 2022. High-yield savings accounts may be worth closer consideration for consumers looking to make more of their savings. Openbank by Santander currently offers a High Yield Savings account with a 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY).*


The survey also found that more than nine out of 10 owners of High Yield Savings accounts and CDs say these accounts are easy to open and would recommend them to other savers. Many also say the accounts provide meaningful interest income, helping them grow their savings faster.


Methodology


Q4 2025 Growing Personal Savings (GPS) Study: This research on growing personal savings, conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of Santander Bank, surveyed 2,278 American adults. This Q4 study was conducted between December 22 – 29, 2025. The interviews were conducted online, and the margin of error is +/- 2 percentage points for the total audience at a 95% confidence level. Data was weighted to target population proportions for a representative sample based on age, gender, ethnicity, region and education.


Monthly measures were based on additional monthly survey pulses, conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of Santander Bank, of approximately 2,200 American adults per month. The monthly iterations were conducted October 15 – 21, November 14 – 17, and December 15 – 18, 2025 to measure month-over-month changes. Each monthly survey was conducted online, and the margin of error is +/- 2 percentage points for the total audience at a 95% confidence level. This data was weighted to target population proportions for a representative sample based on age, gender, ethnicity, region and education.


The full report and more information about the Santander Bank, N.A. survey can be found here.


About Santander Bank, N.A.


Santander Bank, N.A. is one of the country’s leading retail and commercial banks, with $102 billion in assets as of December 31, 2024. With its corporate offices in Boston, the Bank’s more than 4,400 employees and more than 1.8 million customers are principally located in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Florida. The Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Madrid-based Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE: SAN), recognized as one of the world’s most admired companies by Fortune Magazine in 2025, with approximately 180 million customers in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. Santander Bank is overseen by Santander Holdings USA, Inc., Banco Santander’s intermediate holding company in the U.S. For more information on Santander Bank, please visit www.santanderbank.com.


Openbank in the United States is a division of Santander Bank, N.A., which is a Member of FDIC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Banco Santander, S.A. © 2026 Santander Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Santander, Santander Bank, Openbank, the Flame Logo are trademarks of Banco Santander, S.A. or its subsidiaries in the United States or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information on Openbank, please visit openbank.us.


*APY shown is as of April 15, 2026. Please visit openbank.us for rates and terms of Openbank High Yield Savings Accounts.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260415349601/en/
Media

Andrew Simonelli

andrew.simonelli@santander.us


Original: Americans Determined to Grow Savings with Tax Refunds, Santander Bank Survey Finds

Webster Financial Corporation Enters Into Merger Agreement With Banco Santander, S.A. for $12.3 BillionFebruary 3, 2026 1:38 PM
Business Wire

Creates Top Ten Retail and Commercial Bank by Assets Nationwide



Establishes Top Five Bank by Deposits in the Northeast



Transaction Provides Compelling Value for Webster Stockholders


Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE: WBS), the holding company for Webster Bank, N.A., today announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which Banco Santander, S.A. (“Santander”) (NYSE: SAN, Madrid: SAN) will acquire Webster in a cash-and-stock transaction. Under the terms of the agreement, Webster stockholders will receive $48.75 in cash and 2.0548 Santander American Depository Shares for each Webster common share. Based on Santander’s closing stock price on Monday, February 2, 2026, the transaction has an aggregate value of approximately $12.3 billion.


The per share consideration of $75.59 is based on closing prices as of February 2, 2026 and represents a 16% premium to Webster’s 10-day volume-weighted average stock price, a 9% premium to Webster’s all-time high closing stock price, and is greater than 2.0x Webster’s fourth quarter 2025 period-end tangible book value per share.


“This is an exciting combination that brings together complementary strengths and a shared commitment to excellence,” said John R. Ciulla, Chairman & CEO of Webster. “As a larger organization, we will unlock greater scale, broader capabilities and new opportunities for growth—while remaining deeply focused on the people who define our success. I look forward to joining the Santander team and enhancing our ability to support our clients. As a Connecticut-based bank with deep roots in the region, we also look forward to continuing our commitment to the communities we serve.”


Mr. Ciulla continued, “Paramount to Webster’s board and me was partnering with an organization that understands the importance and power of legacy as we do and the value we place on our clients. We found that shared commitment in Santander and are confident this transaction will create an even stronger partner to help our clients achieve their financial goals.”


Ana Botín, Executive Chair of Banco Santander said, “This is an exciting step forward for Santander Group, as it creates a stronger bank for our customers and the communities we serve. Webster is one of the most efficient and profitable banks among its peers and bringing together two highly complementary franchises will expand the products, technology and capabilities we can deliver, with clear revenue opportunities from a stronger, more capable combined franchise.


This transaction is strategically significant for our U.S. business, while remaining a bolt-on for the overall Group. It allows us to strengthen our franchise in both scale and profitability in the U.S.


Importantly, we can achieve this while maintaining all our shareholder remuneration commitments, including the €5 billion share buyback we launched today and our broader distribution commitments.


The transaction delivers meaningful, tangible value for the Group and our shareholders. The consideration is based on a balanced mix of cash and stock which enhances EPS accretion for Santander shareholders while also allowing Webster shareholders to benefit in the combined upside.


This value creation is supported by combined cost savings—including delivery of our Santander U.S. organic plan—together with clear revenue opportunities from a stronger, more capable combined franchise.


Webster also brings a top-notch and proven management team, led by John Ciulla, which de-risks integration and accelerates execution from day one, with Christiana Riley continuing as Country Head for the US and Tim Ryan as Chair.”


Under the terms of the definitive agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of Webster and the relevant bodies of Santander, Webster will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Santander. Once the transaction is completed, Christiana Riley will remain Santander’s country head in the U.S. and the Chief Executive Officer of Santander Holdings USA (“SHUSA”). Ciulla will be the CEO of Santander Bank NA (“SBNA”) into which all of Webster’s businesses will be integrated. Luis Massiani, Webster’s President and Chief Operating Officer, will be COO of both SHUSA and SBNA with responsibility for leading the integration, reporting to both Ms. Riley and Mr. Ciulla. This will ensure continuity of leadership and strong alignment with clients, colleagues, communities and regulators.


Mr. Ciulla and Mr. Massiani will both continue to be based in Webster’s existing headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, which will be a core corporate office for Santander, alongside its existing corporate offices in Boston, New York, Miami and Dallas.


Mr. Ciulla and Mr. Massiani, along with two additional current directors of Webster, will join the boards of directors of both SHUSA and SBNA. Tim Ryan will continue to chair the boards of directors of both SHUSA and SBNA.


The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including necessary bank regulatory approvals in the U.S. and EU and the approval of the stockholders of both Webster and Santander. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026.


J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as lead financial advisor and rendered a fairness opinion to Webster and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as legal advisor. Piper Sandler & Co. also served as financial advisor to Webster.


About Webster


Webster Financial Corporation (“Webster”) (NYSE:WBS) is the holding company for Webster Bank, N.A. (“Webster Bank”). Founded in 1935 and headquartered in Stamford, CT, Webster is a values-driven organization with more than $80 billion in total assets. Webster Bank is a commercial bank that provides a wide range of financial products and services to businesses, individuals, and families across three differentiated lines of business: Commercial Banking, Healthcare Financial Services, and Consumer Banking. While its core footprint spans the Northeast from the New York metropolitan area to Rhode Island and Massachusetts, certain businesses operate in extended geographies. Webster Bank is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. For more information about Webster, including past press releases and the latest annual report, visit the Webster website at www.websterbank.com.


About Santander


Banco Santander (SAN SM) is a leading commercial bank, founded in 1857 and headquartered in Spain and one of the largest banks in the world by market capitalization. The group’s activities are consolidated into five global businesses: Retail & Commercial Banking, Digital Consumer Bank, Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB), Wealth Management & Insurance and Payments (PagoNxt and Cards). This operating model allows the bank to better leverage its unique combination of global scale and local leadership. Santander aims to be the best open financial services platform providing services to individuals, SMEs, corporates, financial institutions and governments. The bank’s purpose is to help people and businesses prosper in a simple, personal and fair way. At the end of 2025, Banco Santander had €1.4 trillion in total funds, 180 million customers, 7,100 branches and 198


NO OFFER OR SOLICITATION


This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). No investment activity should be undertaken on the basis of the information contained in this communication. By making this communication available, no advice or recommendation is being given to buy, sell or otherwise deal in any securities or investments whatsoever.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


This communication contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of, and subject to the protections of, Section 27A of the Securities Act, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “achieve,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “could,” “deliver,” “drive,” “enhance,” “estimate,” “expect,” “focus,” “future,” “goal,” “grow,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “position,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “opportunity,” “outlook,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “trajectory,” “trend,” “will,” “would,” and other similar words and expressions or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about business strategy, goals and objectives, projected financial and operating results, including outlook for future growth, and future share dividends, share repurchases and other uses of capital. These statements are not historical facts, but instead represent our beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. As forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements.


Webster Financial Corporation’s (“Webster”) and Banco Santander S.A.’s (“Banco Santander”) actual results, financial condition and achievements may differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause Webster’s and Banco Santander’s actual results, financial condition and achievements to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements include, in addition to those set forth in Webster’s and Banco Santander’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”): (1) the risk that the cost savings, synergies and other benefits from the acquisition of Webster by Banco Santander (the “Transaction”) may not be fully realized or may take longer than anticipated to be realized, including as a result of changes in, or problems arising from, general economic and market conditions, interest and exchange rates, monetary policy, laws and regulations and their enforcement, and the degree of competition in the geographic and business areas in which Webster and Banco Santander operate; (2) the failure of the closing conditions in the Transaction agreement by and among Webster, Banco Santander and a wholly owned subsidiary of Webster providing for the Transaction to be satisfied, or any unexpected delay in closing the Transaction or the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could delay the Transaction or could give rise to the termination of the Transaction agreement; (3) the outcome of any legal or regulatory proceedings or governmental inquiries or investigations that may be currently pending or later instituted against Webster, Banco Santander or the combined company; (4) the possibility that the Transaction does not close when expected or at all because required regulatory, stockholder or other approvals and other conditions to closing are not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed Transaction); (5) disruption to the parties’ businesses as a result of the announcement and pendency of the Transaction; (6) the costs associated with the anticipated length of time of the pendency of the Transaction, including the restrictions contained in the definitive Transaction agreement on the ability of Webster to operate its business outside the ordinary course during the pendency of the Transaction; (7) risks related to management and oversight of the expanded business and operations of the combined company following the closing of the proposed Transaction; (8) the risk that the integration of Webster’s operations with Banco Santander’s will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected or that the parties are otherwise unable to successfully integrate each party’s businesses into the other’s businesses; (9) the possibility that the Transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; (10) reputational risk and potential adverse reactions of Webster’s or Banco Santander’s customers, employees, vendors, contractors or other business partners, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the Transaction; (11) the dilution caused by Banco Santander’s issuance of additional ordinary shares and corresponding American depositary shares, each representing the right to receive one of its ordinary shares (“ADSs”), in connection with the Transaction; (12) the possibility that any announcements relating to the Transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of Webster’s common stock and Banco Santander’s ordinary shares and ADSs; (13) a material adverse change in the condition of Webster or Banco Santander; (14) the extent to which Webster’s or Santander’s businesses perform consistent with management’s expectations; (15) Webster’s and Banco Santander’s ability to take advantage of growth opportunities and implement targeted initiatives in the timeframe and on the terms currently expected; (16) the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth; (17) the execution and efficacy of recent strategic investments; (18) the impact of macroeconomic factors, such as changes in general economic conditions and monetary and fiscal policy, particularly on interest rates; (19) changes in customer behavior; (20) unfavorable developments concerning credit quality; (21) declines in the businesses or industries of Webster’s or Banco Santander’s customers; (22) the possibility that the combined company is subject to additional regulatory requirements as a result of the proposed Transaction or expansion of the combined company’s business operations following the proposed Transaction; (23) general competitive, political and market conditions and other factors that may affect future returns of Webster and Banco Santander, including changes in asset quality and credit risk; (24) security risks, including cybersecurity and data privacy risks, and capital markets; (25) inflation; (26) the impact, extent and timing of technological changes; (27) capital management activities; (28) competitive product and pricing pressures; (29) the outcomes of legal and regulatory proceedings and related financial services industry matters; and (30) compliance with regulatory requirements. Any forward-looking statement made in this communication is based solely on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made.


Webster and Banco Santander undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. These and other important factors, including those discussed under “Risk Factors” in Webster’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (available at: https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000801337/000080133725000004/wbs-20241231.htm), and Banco Santander’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 (available at: https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000891478/000089147825000054/san-20241231.htm), as well as Webster’s and Banco Santander’s subsequent filings with the SEC, may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements herein are made only as of the date they were first issued, and unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Webster and Banco Santander disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION AND WHERE TO FIND IT


INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM F-4 AND THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCLUDED WITHIN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM F-4 WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, AS WELL AS ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTION OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM F-4 AND THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING WEBSTER, BANCO SANTANDER, THE TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS.


Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of these documents and other documents filed with the SEC by Webster or Banco Santander through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov or by contacting the investor relations department of Webster and Banco Santander at:




Webster Financial Corporation






Banco Santander, S.A








200 Elm Street






Ciudad Grupo Santander








Stamford, Connecticut 06902




Attention: Investor Relations




eharmon@websterbank.com






28660 Boadilla del Monte Spain

Attention: Investor Relations




investor@gruposantander.com








(212) 309-7646






+34 912899239







PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION


Webster, Banco Santander and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Webster in connection with the Transaction under the rules of the SEC. Information regarding the directors and executive officers of Webster and Banco Santander is set forth in (i) Webster’s definitive proxy statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, including under the headings entitled “Director Nominees”, “Director Independence”, “Non-Employee Director Compensation and Stock Ownership Guidelines”, “Compensation and Human Resources Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation”, “Executive Compensation”, “2024 Pay Versus Performance” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management”, which was filed with the SEC on April 11, 2025 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000801337/000080133725000015/wbs-20250411.htm, and (ii) Banco Santander’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ending December 31, 2024, including under the headings entitled “Directors and Senior Management”, “Compensation”, “Share Ownership” and “Majority Shareholders and Related Party Transactions”, which was filed with the SEC on February 28, 2025 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000891478/000089147825000054/san-20241231.htm. To the extent holdings of each of Webster’s or Banco Santander’s securities by its directors or executive officers have changed since the amounts set forth in Webster’s definitive proxy statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and in Banco Santander’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ending December 31, 2024, such changes have been or will be reflected on Webster’s Statements of Change of Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC and on Banco Santander’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ending December 31, 2025. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus of Webster and Banco Santander and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available. You may obtain free copies of these documents through the website maintained by the SEC at https://www.sec.gov.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260203901062/en/
Media Contact:

Alice Ferreira, 203-578-2610

acferreira@websterbank.com


Investor Contact:

Emlen Harmon, 212-309-7646

eharmon@websterbank.com


Original: Webster Financial Corporation Enters Into Merger Agreement With Banco Santander, S.A. for $12.3 Billion

David McClelland Appointed Head of the Santander US Auto BusinessJanuary 26, 2026 5:30 PM
Business Wire
Santander Holdings USA, Inc. (“Santander US”) announced that David McClelland has been named Head of the Santander US Auto business, effective today. McClelland will be responsible for executing on the company’s Auto growth strategy, enhancing dealer and customer experiences, and managing manufacturer (OEM) relationships. In this capacity, he succeeds Bruce Jackson, who announced his retirement from the company.


McClelland was appointed last year to lead Santander’s global auto partnerships with OEMs, bringing over 20 years of auto finance industry experience to Santander. In addition to his primary role leading Santander’s US Auto business, he will also have responsibility for leading Santander’s Auto businesses in Canada and Mexico, and for continuing to advance strategic global OEM partnerships. McClelland will report to Santander US CEO and President Christiana Riley and Nitin Prabhu, Senior Executive Vice-President of Banco Santander (“Santander”) and Global Head of the Digital Consumer Bank.


Before joining Santander, McClelland was Vice President Strategy and Partnerships for Ford Motor Company. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Ford Motor Credit Company, where he led a global organization of more than 6,000 employees and managed a $146 billion balance sheet.


“With David’s appointment, we are well positioned for the continued growth and success of our Auto franchise in the U.S.,” Christiana Riley said. “Throughout his career, he has built and executed strategies that have delivered sustainable growth, operational discipline, and meaningful value creation, with a strong focus on customers and culture.”


The United States remains a strategically and financially important market for Santander. Its operations in the United States are comprised of five growing, globally connected and profitable businesses, including retail banking and a top-10 auto lender by market share*. In late 2024, Santander launched a national, digital retail banking platform in the United States under the Openbank brand. Deposits from the platform are providing lower-cost funds to support auto lending and fuel profitable growth for the franchise.


*As of December 31, 2025, according to J.D. Power Market Share Report.


Santander Holdings USA, Inc. (SHUSA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Madrid-based Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE: SAN) (Santander), recognized as one of the world’s most admired companies by Fortune Magazine in 2025, with approximately 178 million customers in the U.S., Europe and Latin America. As the intermediate holding company for Santander’s U.S. businesses, SHUSA is the parent company of financial companies with more than 11,300 employees, 4.5 million customers, and assets of $165 billion in the fiscal year ended 2024. These include Santander Bank, N.A., Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc., Banco Santander International, Santander Securities LLC, Santander US Capital Markets LLC and several other subsidiaries. Santander US is recognized as a top 10 auto lender as well as a top 10 multifamily bank lender and servicer and has a growing wealth management business. For more information about Santander US, please visit www.santanderus.com.


Openbank in the United States is a division of Santander Bank, N.A., which is a Member of the FDIC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Banco Santander, S.A.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260126755876/en/
Andrew Simonelli

mediarelations@santander.us


Original: David McClelland Appointed Head of the Santander US Auto Business

Banco Santander, S.A. NYSE $SAN Total Debt (mrq) $374.52B

This was a Cramer pick now? With Fintech taking over, and namely Nubank in Brazil... Only one question...

How much did they pay Cramer to pump and lie? What a sickening call..

Cramer is a puke fest donkey, selling dog shit to retail monkeys.

$NU is by numbers, taking over.

Cramer, I'd shit in your garden for being such a sheep.

I just bought into this stock because it just formed a golden cross. no other reason at all

And when is your target date for that price?

$4.50 is my target

3 bucks could get you 65

sold 2 dollar calls, bought 3 dollar calls at .03 cent

100 calls for nov 20 exp...

the heat is coming, stand back

Lol

We're all too depressed to type.

Jay-Zus Nobody on this stock? Nothing on here in over 9 months?!

.

Can you give me your opinion of this tiket?
Thanks

Full year 2018 reported. EPS .48 euro. P/E 8.87

Santander Q3 2018 - .115 EU EPS.

Buy SAN. Just wait it out and watch it grow :)

American Express and Ripple are using SAN (aka BS) they are a +70 Billion $ Bank that looks really good but may go lower still before being a very good long term buy for some "Pinto Bean" graduates. Another one I am interested in (actually have 15 shares) is KODK since they had a huge ICO and, via BLKCF, are becoming a blockchain company in addition to selling billions of dollars worth of film every year.

SAN invest 6.455









normal chart




log chart

ABOUT TIME WE GOT A NICE BUMP ON EARNING REPORT AND FEDS RAISING INTEREST RATES HOPE WE KEEP THIS TRAIN ROLLING GLTL

It is a very interesting situation with Scotland and N. Ireland threatening to leave the UK if they don't recant on leaving the EU.

Will be interesting how this all pans out.

I did. I wasn't taking that bet. Even took a small loss after I bought. I'm staying away until things chill out.

Uh huh.

Lol. Update: sold before BREXIT. Bought more after overreaction. Thanks for the discount.

Got a starter today. I'm betting on BREXIT.

Need more volume and another green day tomorrow for me to believe trend has reversed.

Major Bank at these levels, seems like a great buying opportunity looking at the financials. REALLY undervalued.

killing the stock price u mean

YA NICE MOVES FROM THE NEW CEO SHES REALLY KILLING IT REALLLLYYYYY

Nice moves with the new CEO!!

2ND HALF TURN AROUND COMING !!!!!!

I did a brief review of that bank's latest 6-K - Indeed it does look rather strong and LA as a sector has seen steady 4-7% growth over the last decade and is poised to continue.

I agree. I wish I had purchased more earlier. The share keep adding up. I think the initial dividend cut was very reasonable. Mac may I suggest looking at BLX. It also has a good dividend.

Received my divi shares in the account today. The ratio must have gone up, used to be one for every 36 owned. I expected to receive 30 shares, but only got 20.

Just saying.

I have been pleased with the accumulation provided by taking the shares in lieu of cash divis for years now. Avoids the double taxation and allowed me to build a sizeable position without use of liquid funds.

I think a resolution between Greece and the EU forces, primarily Germany, would bode well for all EU financial stocks, even if fundamentally Santander and others will not be affected much, the perception will drive these stocks to an upward valuation.

First Greece has to take the austerity medicine though. So far they have been the most stubborn to admit their social programs do not equate to fiscal growth and sustainability.

i think a bigger worry is the new big dog may cut dividends again. however, the price of the stock seems to have stabilized, and the spanish govt seems to also have stabiized financially.

They may have eliminated that exposure entirely. But I think the perception still exists.

i show san currently owning no greek debt. there may be some in that batch of other banks they own.

Yup. I have been collecting shares in lieu of double taxed divis for a few years now.

Been adding as I can at current levels as well.

There is a perception that SAN is tied to Greek debt, but in reality they have been reducing their exposure for a few years as well.

take a brave man to short this baby. pays 10+% dividend interest, and even as an adR, dividends are quoted in spain, and carries spanish taxes. also offers a stock dividend in place of cash. i hold quite a bit of it. have for about 4 years. collect dividends in stock.

stock went from 10 to 7.5 with the dividend cut.

How is that short position working out?

Go for it. I am collecting dividends every quarter.

I'm getting ready to Short this pump and dump... Join me...

I can only speculate but what seems plausible is the newly fired up FUD over the future of Greece.

SAN does hold some Greek debt, but it was not a high percentage last I checked.

Looks like the shares in lieu of cash dividend policy remains in effect, and that the current ratio is one new ADR for each 44 already owned.

They do not round up though.

This thing really cam tumbling down, I did not predict that at all.

It is. And paying quarterly dividends as well.

Is this POS still trading? What a scam?