BBVA vs Banco Santander (BBVA vs SAN)
BBVA (BBVA) vs Banco Santander (SAN) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
BBVA (BBVA) and Banco Santander (SAN) compete in banking. Here are BBVA and Banco Santander side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy BBVA or Banco Santander.
BBVA vs Banco Santander: the figures
| Figure | BBVA | Banco Santander |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | €22.44 (November 4, 2026) | €10.73 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | €123.4 billion | €154.7 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 11.4x | 11.8x |
| Forward P/E | 9.6x | 8.6x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +18.4% | +8.8% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 32.6% | 32.6% |
| ROE | 19.8% | 13.1% |
| Dividend yield | 4.51% | 2.48% |
| Beta | 0.82 | 0.89 |
BBVA and Banco Santander figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that BBVA or Banco Santander figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between BBVA and Banco Santander
- Dividend: BBVA yields 4.51% at today's price and Banco Santander yields 2.48%.
- Growth: BBVA grew sales +18.4% year on year in its latest quarter, against +8.8% for Banco Santander.
- Volatility: Banco Santander stock moves more (beta 0.89) than BBVA (beta 0.82); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
BBVA or Banco Santander: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: BBVA is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): BBVA pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: BBVA has a less volatile share price, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: BBVA trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither BBVA nor Banco Santander wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How BBVA and Banco Santander make money
BBVA (BBVA)
BBVA breaks its results down by geography: Spain, Mexico, Turkey through Garanti BBVA, South America, and Rest of Business, which covers wholesale banking in Europe, the US and Asia. Mexico contributes the most profit. The bank earns mainly net interest on mortgages, business loans and credit cards, plus fees. Full BBVA analysis.
Banco Santander (SAN)
Santander reports five global businesses: Retail & Commercial Banking, its largest, Digital Consumer Bank for auto and consumer loans, Corporate & Investment Banking, Wealth Management & Insurance, and Payments, which includes Getnet and PagoNxt. Most of its income is net interest from lending in Spain, the UK, Brazil, Mexico and the United States. Full Banco Santander analysis.
Frequently asked questions: BBVA vs Banco Santander
Is BBVA or Banco Santander the better stock?
Choosing between BBVA and Banco Santander depends on what you are looking for. BBVA is growing faster right now, and BBVA trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy BBVA or Banco Santander: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, BBVA or Banco Santander?
As of November 4, 2026, BBVA yields 4.51% and Banco Santander yields 2.48%. Also check how much of their profit BBVA and Banco Santander pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, BBVA or Banco Santander?
On P/E, Banco Santander (11.8x) is more expensive than BBVA (11.4x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both BBVA and Banco Santander?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as BBVA and Banco Santander, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying BBVA or Banco Santander.
More comparisons with BBVA or Banco Santander
More companies like BBVA and Banco Santander: banking stocks. Educational content about BBVA and Banco Santander, not investment advice.