Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, Spanish banking giant Banco Santander (NYSE: STD) has earned a respected four-star ranking.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at Santander's business and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.

Santander facts

Headquarters (founded) Madrid (1857)
Market Cap $60.1 billion
Industry Diversified banks
Trailing-12-Month Revenue $41.6 billion
Management Second Vice Chairman/CEO Alfredo Abad
Third Vice Chairman Matias Inciarte
Return on Equity (average, past 3 years) 10.9%
Cash/Debt $443.7 billion / $427.4 billion
Dividend Yield 14.9%
Competitors Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria
Citigroup
HSBC Holdings

Source: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.

On CAPS, 94% of the 1,191 members who have rated Santander believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.  

Just last month, one of those Fools, All-Star buffalonate, tapped the stock as a bankable bargain opportunity:

This company is taking an unjustified beating due to it being based out of Spain. Yes, Spain is a disaster but Santander only gets 10% of its earnings from Spain so it isn't a big deal. The fact that Santander has made recent acquisitions in Poland and the CEO says he plans to make more acquisitions in the northeast of the U.S. tells you he thinks his bank is very stable. ... It has banking operations in the U.S., and South America that will help it survive any coming storm.

If you want to retire rich, you need to put together the best portfolio you can. Owning exceptional stocks is a surefire way to secure your financial future. Of course, despite a strong four-star rating, Santander may not be your top choice.

If that's the case, we've compiled a special free report for investors called "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks," which uncovers several other juicy income opportunities. The report is 100% free, but it won't be around forever, so click here to access it now.

Want to see how well (or not so well) the stocks in this series are performing? Follow the new TrackPoisedTo CAPS account.