Commerce Bancshares (CBSH) vs Western Alliance Bancorporation (WAL)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Commerce Bancshares (CBSH) has outperformed Western Alliance Bancorporation (WAL) over the past year, losing 4.0% versus a loss of 13.5%. Over five years, CBSH leads with a -8.0% price change compared with -35.0% for WAL. Western Alliance Bancorporation is the larger company by market cap ($8.11 billion vs $7.73 billion), about 1.0 times the size.
On valuation, Western Alliance Bancorporation trades at a lower forward P/E (6.7x vs 11.7x for Commerce Bancshares). Western Alliance Bancorporation offers the higher dividend yield (2.21% vs 1.99%). Commerce Bancshares converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 3066.8% versus 713.5%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | CBSH | WAL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $53.91 | $74.35 |
| Market cap | $7.73B | $8.11B |
| 1-day change | -1.59% | -2.29% |
| YTD return | +3.00% | -11.56% |
| 1-year return | -3.98% | -13.55% |
| 5-year return | -8.02% | -35.00% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 13.21 | 8.39 |
| Forward P/E | 11.73 | 6.67 |
| EPS (TTM) | $4.08 | $8.86 |
| Dividend yield | 1.99% | 2.21% |
| Annual dividend | $1.07 | $1.64 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $18.46M | $135.80M |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +9.80% | +99.71% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $566.25M | $969.00M |
| Net margin | 3066.78% | 713.55% |
| 52-week high | $60.92 | $97.23 |
| 52-week low | $46.99 | $65.82 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -11.51% | -23.53% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +22.02% | +23.40% |
| Average volume | 1.04M | 1.06M |
| Shares outstanding | 143.43M | 109.10M |
| Employees | 4,976 | 3,769 |
| Sector | Finance | Finance |
| Industry | Major Banks | Major Banks |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Commerce Bancshares trades at a higher earnings multiple (13.2x vs 8.4x trailing P/E).
- Commerce Bancshares is more profitable, keeping 3066.8 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 713.5 cents for Western Alliance Bancorporation.
- Western Alliance Bancorporation grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+99.71% vs +9.80%).
About Commerce Bancshares
CBSH stock →Commerce Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Commerce Bank that provides retail, mortgage banking, corporate, investment, trust, and asset management products and services to individuals and businesses in the United States.
Finance · Major Banks · 4,976 employees
About Western Alliance Bancorporation
WAL stock →Western Alliance Bancorporation operates as the bank holding company for Western Alliance Bank that provides various banking products and related services primarily in Arizona, California, and Nevada. It operates through Commercial and Consumer Related segments.
Finance · Major Banks · 3,769 employees
CBSH vs WAL FAQ
Which is bigger, Commerce Bancshares or Western Alliance Bancorporation?
Western Alliance Bancorporation (WAL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $8.11B compared with $7.73B for Commerce Bancshares (CBSH).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CBSH or WAL?
CBSH returned -3.98% over the past 12 months, compared with -13.55% for WAL (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CBSH or WAL?
WAL has the lower trailing P/E at 8.4, versus 13.2 for CBSH. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Commerce Bancshares or Western Alliance Bancorporation?
Western Alliance Bancorporation has the higher yield at 2.21%, compared with 1.99% for Commerce Bancshares.
Are Commerce Bancshares and Western Alliance Bancorporation in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Banks industry within the Finance sector.