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Companies 13th January 2015

Santander’s bold move

MADRID | By J.P. Marín Arrese | Santander´s management has provided little explanation for the huge 10% capital increase launched last week. The official announcement vaguely notes the need to seize new opportunities when economic prospects are improving. Can we bet on such a promising outlook when so many uncertainties prevail in Europe? It doesn’t seem very convincing. Rumours on potential take-overs also seem rather odd, as raising cash before entering a bid will only serve to increase the final bill. It makes more sense to gauge this move as a means aimed at buttressing the bank´s own funds.

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Companies 8th January 2015

Botín steers Santander ship into fresh water

MADRID | By Fernando G. Urbaneja | Spanish bank Santander is a powerful battleship, the euro zone´s largest by market cap, one of the world’s leaders, with an outstanding presence on both sides of the Atlantic. It is therefore a complicated engine to move, even slowly. The unexpected death of the company´s chairman, Emilio Botín, in September 2014, brought about the accession of his daughter Ana to the bank´s top post. The younger Botín possesses unquestionable professional credentials, but nonetheless has had to allay fears that any change in leadership can bring about.

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Companies 8th January 2015

Santander to reinforce solvency with capital increase of €7bn

MADRID | The Corner | The stock listing of Santander, Spain and the euro zone´s largest bank was provisionally suspended on Thursday ahead of the imminent approval of a capital increase of €7Bn. When trading was suspended, shares were priced at €6.85, a rebound of 3.31%.

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Companies 25th November 2014

Ana Botín replaces Santander’s CEO after only 2 years in the job

MADRID | The Corner | Banco Santander CEO Javier Marín will leave eurozone’s largest lender after only two years in the role. Ana Botín, in charge of the bank after her father Emilio Botín died in September, announced Marín’s replacement by  Jose Antonio Álvarez, who has spent the past decade as CFO. Ana Botín also made several changes to its board of directors. Shares in Santander rose 1.8% to 7.22 euros in Madrid following the announcement.

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Companies 20th October 2014

US corporate results boosted by “ultra-low” interest rates

MADRID | The Corner | US corporate results from the third quarter might be around +4%/5% (earnings per share), but it is highly probable that European results will be weak. Also, there should not be great expectations on central banks to save the situation this time, except, possibly, a more “dovish” refocusing by the American Fed (the US central bank delayed an interest rate increase or even tapering, which would give support to markets).

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Companies 16th October 2014

Ferrovial consortium takes over three UK airports

MADRID | The Corner | Barely a month ago the British press reported that Spanish Ferrovial was interested in taking over one or more of Aberdeen, Glasgow o Southampton airports. Heathrow Airport Holding (former BAA) announced oit will sell 100% of them to a Ferrovial-Macquarie consortium for 1.048bn pounds (around €1.31bn). The operation is expected to take place by Jan15. 

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Companies 17th September 2014

Spanish Zara owner Inditex’s sells more, yet earns less

MADRID | The Corner | The world’s largest clothing retailer Inditex posted a net benefit of €928 million in the first fiscal semester (February 1 to July 31), 2.4% less than a year before due a strong euro, new store openings and renovation costs. And yet, it managed to incresase sales at its more than 6,400 stores rose 5.6 percent to €8.1 billion. The firm, which has outperformed many of its rivals during the economic crisis, will share a dividend of €0.242 euros on Nov 3. 

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Companies 16th September 2014

El Corte Inglés & the business model that looks set to be consigned to history

MADRID | J.P. Marín Arrese | Chairman Isidoro Alvarez’s death this week has commanded widespread emotion. He embodied El Corte Inglés’ soul, leading it to become Europe’s largest department store.  Thanks to formidable growth, coupled with a unique business model, Alvarez sought and implemented widespread changes to company practice from the 90,000 strong work force, thorough his personal commitment to the firm. In exchange, he preserved full employment even when faced with dwindling sales during the crisis. He also drove a fully self-financed expansion, ruling out indebtedness and support from capital markets. 

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Companies 16th September 2014

Orange-Jazztel deal stirs M&A enthusiasm

MADRID | The Corner | Orange is set to buy Spanish competitor Jazztel in a €3.33bn ($4.3bn) deal. The merger will see Jazztel receive €13 a share, a boost of 22% on the company´s closing share price on Friday. The French giant says it is not seeking further acquisitions in other countries. The truth is we haven´t seen this M&A frenzy since 2006-2008: deals worth $630bn + 63% vs. 2013 and – 29% below $897bn in 2006.