10 Best European Bank Stocks to Buy According to Analysts

2. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 12

Stock Upside Potential as of January 24: 21.32%

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA) is a financial services company that provides retail banking, wholesale banking, and asset management services. It offers savings accounts, demand deposits, time deposits, and loan products. It is one of the best European bank stocks owing to its dominant position in Spain, which is characterized by sustainable revenue streams and strong pricing power.

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA) has moved to strengthen its long-term prospects with a proposed deal to acquire Sabadell for $12.19 billion. The acquisitions, once complete, should strengthen the bank’s market presence and financial performance. CEO Onur Genc said BBVA is well-positioned for stable long-term growth and effective risk management in 2025. The bank is also positioned for robust lending growth in Mexico amid improvements in Turkey’s cost of risk.

In the third quarter, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA) announced a 26% year-over-year increase in attributable profit that reached €2.627 billion. Earnings per share also rose 32% to €0.44. The better-than-expected financial results were the catalyst behind the bank announcing a €0.29 dividend, representing an 81% increase. The stock rewards income-focused investors with a 6.69% dividend yield.