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: SAN) 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 $66.5 billion
Industry Diversified banks
Trailing-12-Month Revenue $35.6 billion
Management Second Vice Chairman/CEO Alfredo Abad
Third Vice Chairman Matias Inciarte
Return on Equity (average, past 3 years) 9.7%
Cash/Debt $387.4 billion / $432.3 billion
Dividend Yield 8.9%
Competitors Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA)
Citigroup
Barclays

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

On CAPS, 94% of the 1,236 members who have rated Santander believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.

Just last month, one of those Fools, ennui, tapped Santander as a solid bargain opportunity:

Yes, this is a [S]panish bank. But they are the most stable of all [S]panish banks, have very profitable business in Latin America as well as the UK and other European countries, and are the best funded bank in Spain. They have been priced for the end of the world as we know it, and I just don't buy it. This, along with BBVA, are worth a shot. They both pay good dividends, and could easily triple in the long run (over the next 5 years or so).

If you want market-beating returns, 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 TrackPoisedTo CAPS account.