Banco Santander Maintains Key 2018 Targets Within Its 2016-2018 Strategic Plan

(RTTNews) - Banco Santander (BNC.L, BSBR, SAN) confirmed that the company is maintaining the key 2018 targets within its 2016-2018 Strategic Plan, including the commitment to increase dividend per share and earnings per share every year in the next three years. Bank confirmed plans to increase EPS in 2016 and 2017, reaching double digits by 2018.

Santander also confirmed that it will deliver against its target to increase the number of loyal customers to 18.5 million by 2018. The Bank aims to increase the number of digitally active customers from 15 million in 2015 to 30 million in 2018. In the last twelve months, the number of loyal customers increased by 10% to 14.4 million, while digitally active customers increased by 23% to 19.1 million.  

José Antonio Álvarez, Group CEO, said: "While the environment in some of our markets has deteriorated, our strategy and business model continues to deliver for our customers and shareholders. Our geographic diversification with strong market presence and best-in-class efficiency offers a clear competitive advantage that will allow us to benefit further as the economic environment improves."