Spain's BBVA Profit Rises on Loan Growth

By Elena Vardon

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria reported a rise in profit for the fourth quarter, driven by loan growth across its key markets and stable costs.

The Spanish bank, which also operates in Mexico, South America and Turkey, reported a 4.1% increase in net profit to 2.53 billion euros ($2.99 billion) for the three-month period. This was a touch below expectations of 2.56 billion euros, taken from a company-compiled consensus.

Gross income--its top-line figure--rose 5.1% to 9.795 billion euros, beating consensus of 9.51 billion euros. The increase was driven by growth in net interest income--the margin the bank makes from lending money to customers--and made up for softer income from net fees and commissions from its asset management, payments and insurance operations.

The lender's common equity Tier 1 ratio--a key measure of balance-sheet strength--stood at 12.70% at the end of the quarter, slightly short of expectations of 12.91%.

BBVA proposed a total dividend of 60 European cents, taking its payout for the year to 92 cents, which is 31% higher than a year prior. The bank is currently executing the first tranche of an around 4 billion-euro buyback program.

"We look to 2026 with positive prospects in all of our markets," Chair Carlos Torres Vila said. The bank guided for a return on tangible equity--a key profitability measure--of around 20% for the year, up from 2025's 19.3%.

Write to Elena Vardon at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

02-05-26 0155ET