Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA vs Western Alliance Bancorporation — how do they compare? Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA trades at $28.52 (market cap $157.51B), while Western Alliance Bancorporation trades at $81.97 (market cap $8.78B). The key difference: Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA is far larger — about 17.9× Western Alliance Bancorporation's market cap, and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA pays the higher dividend (3.8%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| BBVA | WAL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $157.51B | $8.78B |
Sector | Financials | Financials |
52-Week High | $28.36 | $96.08 |
52-Week Low | $17.96 | $66.70 |
Dividend Yield | 3.8% | 2.09% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
BBVA trades at $28.35, up 0.75% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and strong fundamental performance. The bank reported Q2 2026 net profit growth of 11.4% year-over-year, driven by Mexico operations, and announced a $2.3 billion buyback. Revenue reached $39.42 billion in 2025, with net income margin at 26.13% and ROE of 18.5%, though cash flow was negative in 2024.
Outlook is positive with raised profitability guidance (ROTE ~21%) and analyst consensus leaning buy (54%), but risks include a Spanish court trial for spying allegations and antitrust probes. The stock offers value with a P/E of 12.98, yet investors should monitor legal overhangs and macroeconomic volatility in core markets like Spain and Mexico.
Western Alliance Bancorporation (WAL) trades at $81.39, up 0.06% on the day, with a neutral technical signal and bullish moving averages. The stock shows strong fundamentals with a P/E of 9.08, net income margin of 25.43%, and consistent earnings beats in recent quarters. Recent developments include the launch of WA VenueX, a digital asset liquidity platform, and recognition as Arizona's top bank by Forbes in 2026.
Outlook remains positive with a consensus price target of $93.86, implying 15% upside, supported by 79% analyst buy ratings. Risks include negative operating cash flow and institutional selling, but revenue growth and profitability trends provide a solid foundation for investor confidence.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Despite its Spanish origins, BBVA generates three quarters of its profits in emerging markets, especially Mexico that contributes nearly half of BBVA's net profit. BBVA is overwhelmingly a retail and commercial bank with corporate and investment banking forming a smaller part of the overall business.
Read more on BBVA →Western Alliance Bancorporation is a top-performing bank holding company that operates a dual business model: high-touch regional banking and specialized national business lines. It serves niche industries—including technology, life sciences, and homeowners associations—providing sophisticated commercial lending and treasury solutions that bridge the gap between regional service and national scale.
Read more on WAL →