Shares in Spain’s biggest bank by assets were sharply higher after its results, and it said it was confident it would be able to boost profitability again in 2025, raising a target despite projecting broadly stable revenue for the year.

Santander has said that it intends to return €10bn to investors over the next two years through buybacks after reporting record annual profits.

Santander on Wednesday announced 10 billion euros ($10.40 billion) in share buybacks for 2025 and 2026 and forecast higher profitability on the back of stronger growth in its U.S. consumer unit and efficiency gains.