BBVA leads Spanish share buybacks amid rising institutional interest

BBVA has emerged as a leader in share buybacks within Spain, contributing to a national total of over $3.1 billion in the second quarter of 2026. According to the Janus Henderson Global Dividend and Buyback Index, the bank, led by Carlos Torres, was the second-largest buyer of its own shares in Europe, trailing only Shell.

In terms of institutional investment, NewEdge Advisors LLC significantly increased its position in BBVA by 48.5% during the second quarter, bringing its total holdings to 224,896 shares. Other firms, including Root Financial Partners LLC and Harbour Investments Inc., also reported increased stakes.

While JP Morgan analysts have raised their price target for BBVA to 27.10 euros per share due to a robust business model and favorable interest rate projections from the European Central Bank, they have also issued a warning. Analysts noted that political uncertainty and the interconnection of Mexico and South America with the U.S. economy pose potential risks to the bank's earnings.