Core Points - Zions Bancorporation has authorized a share repurchase of up to $75 million for Q1 2026, with the timing and amount dependent on market conditions and regulatory requirements [1] - The board declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.45 per common share, payable on February 19, 2026, to shareholders of record on February 12, 2026 [2] - The board also declared a cash dividend on Series A perpetual preferred shares, payable on March 16, 2026, to shareholders of record on March 1, 2026 [3] Company Overview - Zions Bancorporation is a leading financial services company with approximately $89 billion in total assets as of December 31, 2025, and annual net revenue of $3.4 billion in 2025 [4] - The company operates in 11 western states under local management teams and distinct brands, and is recognized for its customer service in small- and middle-market banking [4] - Zions Bancorporation is included in the S&P MidCap 400 and NASDAQ Financial 100 indices [4]

Core Viewpoint - Zions Bancorporation, National Association (NASDAQ:ZION) is considered one of the best financial stocks to buy, with analysts predicting solid upside potential for regional banks in 2026 due to favorable economic drivers [1]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - JPMorgan analyst Anthony Elian maintained a Neutral rating on Zions Bancorporation and raised the price target to $67 from $62, citing solid upside potential for regional banks [1]. - Evercore ISI increased its price target for Zions Bancorporation to $65 from $61 while maintaining an Outperform rating, following an investor meeting with the bank's management [2]. Group 2: Management and Growth Strategies - Zions' management is focused on creating significant operating leverage in 2026, with potential share buybacks and accelerated balance-sheet growth driven by increasing commercial loan and SBA trends [3]. - Zions Bancorporation is a Utah-based regional bank that provides a range of services including commercial and small business banking, retail banking, investment banking, real estate financing, and wealth management [3].

Group 1 - The article does not provide specific insights or analysis on any companies or industries, focusing instead on the author's personal disclosures and lack of investment positions [1][2]

Core Insights - Zions Bancorporation (ZION) reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter 2025 results, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.75, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.57 and reflecting a 30.5% increase from the previous year [1][9]. Financial Performance - The growth in earnings was primarily driven by higher net interest income (NII) and non-interest income, supported by increases in loan and deposit balances, although rising non-interest expenses posed a challenge [2][12]. - For the full year 2025, Zions reported earnings of $6.01 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.93 and marking a 21.4% increase from the prior year [4]. - Net revenues for the fourth quarter were $902 million, an 8.4% year-over-year increase, and also beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $864.4 million [5]. - For the full year, net revenues reached $3.43 billion, up 8.1% year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.38 billion [5]. Income and Expenses - NII for the fourth quarter was $683 million, reflecting an 8.9% increase from the prior year, attributed to lower funding costs and a favorable mix of interest-earning assets [6]. - Non-interest income rose to $208 million, a 7.8% increase year over year, driven by higher retail and business banking fees [7]. - Adjusted non-interest expenses increased by 7.6% year over year to $548 million [7]. Asset Quality and Capital Ratios - The ratio of non-performing assets to loans and leases was 0.52%, a slight increase of 2 basis points from the previous year [9]. - Net loan and lease charge-offs decreased significantly to $7 million from $36 million in the year-ago quarter [9]. - As of December 31, 2025, the common equity tier 1 capital ratio improved to 11.5% from 10.9% a year ago, and the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio rose to 11.6% [11]. Future Outlook - The modest loan growth and improving fee income, along with relatively higher interest rates, are positive indicators for Zions' future performance [12].

Core Viewpoint - Zions Bancorporation reported strong fourth-quarter earnings, exceeding analyst expectations in both earnings per share and sales figures [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company achieved quarterly earnings of $1.76 per share, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $1.57 per share, marking a 31% increase from the previous year's earnings of $1.34 per share [2]. - Quarterly sales reached $879 million, exceeding the analyst consensus estimate of $862.818 million, reflecting a 7.1% increase [2]. Expenses and Donations - Adjusted noninterest expense rose by 7.7% to $548 million, which included a $15 million donation to the Zions Bancorporation Foundation [2]. - Excluding the donation, adjusted operating expenses would have increased by 4.7%, resulting in a positive operating leverage of 2.4% and an efficiency ratio of 60.6% [2]. Stock Performance and Analyst Ratings - Following the earnings announcement, Zions Bancorp shares increased by 2.9%, trading at $60.80 [2]. - Analysts have adjusted their price targets for Zions Bancorp, with Stephens & Co. raising it from $63 to $65 and RBC Capital increasing it from $63 to $64, while maintaining their respective ratings of Equal-Weight and Sector Perform [3][4].

Core Insights - Zions Bancorporation has reported its fiscal Q4 earnings, providing insights into the regional banking sector [1] Group 1: Company Performance - The earnings report from Zions Bancorporation reflects the bank's financial health and operational performance in Q4 [1] Group 2: Investment Strategy - The article highlights the investment approach of Quad 7 Capital, which focuses on both long and short trades, emphasizing the importance of teaching investors to become proficient traders [1]

Core Insights - Zions Bancorporation has reported its fiscal Q4 earnings, providing insights into the regional banking sector [1] Group 1: Company Performance - The earnings report from Zions Bancorporation reflects the bank's financial health and operational performance in Q4 [1] Group 2: Investment Strategy - The article highlights the investment approach of Quad 7 Capital, which focuses on both long and short trades, emphasizing short- and medium-term investments, income generation, and momentum trades [1] - The investment group aims to educate investors on market dynamics and trading strategies, offering in-depth research and clear entry and exit targets [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings for the fourth quarter were $262 million, up 19% from the prior quarter and 31% year-over-year, driven by stronger revenues and lower provision for credit losses [4] - Net interest margin expanded for the eighth consecutive quarter to 3.31%, benefiting from an improved funding mix [4][9] - Annualized average loans were flat compared to the last quarter, but period-end balances increased by $615 million [4][16] - Tangible book value per share increased by 21% year-over-year, marking the third consecutive year of growth over 20% [7][22] - Diluted earnings per share rose to $1.76 from $1.48 last quarter and $1.34 a year ago [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income increased by $56 million or 9% compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 [9] - Customer-related noninterest income was $177 million for the quarter, up from $163 million in the prior period [11] - Adjusted customer-related noninterest income, excluding net CVA, was a record $175 million for the quarter [12] - Capital markets fees, excluding net CVA, increased by 25% compared to the full year 2024 [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average non-interest-bearing deposits grew by $1.7 billion or 6% compared to the prior quarter [17] - Period-end deposit balances grew by $766 million versus the prior quarter [19] - The cost of total deposits declined by 11 basis points sequentially to 1.56% [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase capital distributions while continuing to strengthen capital [7][22] - Focus on small business lending is central to growth strategy, with a near doubling of SBA 7 loans and a 53% increase in dollars produced [42] - Increased marketing and business development expenses are part of a strategy to revamp products and drive growth [30][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of performance despite industry disruptions from the pandemic and regional bank crisis [6] - The outlook for net interest income for 2026 is moderately increasing, supported by favorable earning asset and interest-bearing liability remix [10] - Management is cautious about potential economic impacts on credit quality but remains optimistic about growth in commercial loans [49][81] Other Important Information - The company reported a $6 million provision for credit losses, which, combined with net charge-offs, reduced the allowance for credit losses by $1 million [20] - The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of loans declined to 1% [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on expense guidance - The base for the moderately increasing guide should exclude the charitable contribution for this quarter [25][26] Question: Increased competition in markets - Management acknowledged ongoing competition but emphasized that increased marketing spend is driven by internal product revamps rather than new entrants [28][30] Question: NII outlook for 2026 - Management indicated potential for a remix on both sides of the balance sheet contributing to NII outcomes, with a focus on granular deposit growth [34][35] Question: Loan growth dynamics - Management highlighted strong growth in small business lending and a focus on C&I and owner-occupied loans [42][45] Question: Timing of share buybacks - Management indicated that they are nearing a position to start accelerating capital returns, but no specific timing was provided [51][52] Question: Source of deposit growth - Management expects growth across both non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing deposits, driven by strategic initiatives [57] Question: Non-interest-bearing deposits growth - Management reported growth from new customer acquisitions and expects this trend to continue [60][62] Question: Fixed rate asset repricing - Management noted that current fixed loan repricing impacts are around one basis point, with expectations of potential erosion from future rate cuts [64]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings for the fourth quarter were $262 million, up 19% from the prior quarter and 31% year-over-year, driven by stronger revenues and lower provision for credit losses [5] - Net interest margin expanded for the eighth consecutive quarter to 3.31%, benefiting from an improved funding mix [5][9] - Annualized average loans were flat compared to the last quarter, but period-end balances increased by $615 million [5][16] - Tangible book value per share increased by 21% year-over-year, marking the third consecutive year of growth over 20% [7][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted PPNR for the quarter was $331 million, down 6% sequentially but up 6% year-over-year [7] - Customer-related noninterest income reached $177 million, a record for the company, up from $163 million in the prior period [12] - Capital markets fees, excluding net CVA, increased by 25% compared to the full year 2024, driven by higher customer swaps and investment banking revenues [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average deposits increased by 2.3% compared to the prior quarter, with average non-interest-bearing deposits growing by $1.7 billion or 6% [16][17] - Period-end deposit balances grew by $766 million versus the prior quarter, allowing for a reduction in higher-cost short-term borrowings [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase capital distributions while continuing to strengthen capital [6][22] - Focus on small business lending is central to growth strategy, with a near doubling of SBA 7(a) loans and a 53% increase in dollars produced [44] - Increased marketing and business development expenses are part of a strategy to revamp products and drive growth [31][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of performance despite industry disruptions, particularly in credit quality [6][22] - The outlook for net interest income for 2026 is moderately increasing, supported by favorable earning asset and interest-bearing liability remix [10] - Management is cautious about potential rate cuts and their impact on asset sensitivity, indicating a balanced approach to growth and risk management [39][102] Other Important Information - The company made a $15 million donation to its charitable foundation, which will be spent over the next three years [6] - The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of loans declined to 1%, with net charge-offs at 5 basis points [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on expense guidance - The base for the moderately increasing guide should exclude the charitable contribution for the quarter [25][26] Question: Increased competition in markets - Management acknowledged ongoing competition but emphasized that increased marketing spend is driven by internal product revamps rather than new entrants [29][31] Question: NII outlook for 2026 - Management indicated potential for remixing on both sides of the balance sheet contributing to NII outcomes, with a focus on granular deposit growth [34][36] Question: Loan growth dynamics - Management highlighted strong growth in small business lending and a focus on C&I and owner-occupied loans, with expectations for continued growth in these areas [43][46] Question: Capital return timing - Management indicated that they are nearing a position to consider capital returns, with expectations for acceleration in the second half of the year [51][52] Question: Non-interest-bearing deposits growth - Management reported growth in new customer acquisitions and emphasized the importance of building a solid base of granular accounts [61][63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings for Q4 2025 were $262 million, up 19% from the prior quarter and 31% year-over-year, driven by stronger revenues and lower provision for credit losses [4] - Net interest margin expanded for the eighth consecutive quarter to 3.31%, benefiting from an improved funding mix [4] - Tangible book value per share increased by 21% year-over-year, marking the third consecutive year of growth greater than 20% [6][22] - Diluted earnings per share rose to $1.76, up from $1.48 in the previous quarter and $1.34 a year ago [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income increased by $56 million or 9% compared to Q4 2024 and by $11 million from the prior quarter [10] - Customer-related noninterest income was $177 million for the quarter, up from $163 million in the prior period and $176 million year-over-year [12] - Adjusted noninterest expense was $548 million, up 5% from the prior quarter and 8% year-over-year, including a $15 million charitable donation [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loans were flat compared to the previous quarter but increased by 2.5% year-over-year, with period-end loans rising by $615 million sequentially [11][16] - Average non-interest-bearing deposits grew by $1.7 billion or 6% compared to the prior quarter [17] - The cost of total deposits declined by 11 basis points sequentially to 1.56% [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase capital distributions while continuing to strengthen capital [6][22] - Focus on small business lending is central to growth strategy, with a near doubling of SBA 7 loans and a 53% increase in dollars produced [54] - Increased marketing and business development expenses are part of a strategy to revamp products and drive growth [33][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of performance despite past industry disruptions, highlighting stability in credit outcomes [5] - The outlook for net interest income for 2026 is moderately increasing relative to 2025, supported by favorable asset and liability remix [10] - Management anticipates continued growth in commercial loans, particularly in C&I and owner-occupied subcategories [17] Other Important Information - The company reported a $6 million provision for credit losses, which, combined with net charge-offs, reduced the allowance for credit losses by $1 million [20] - The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of loans declined to 1% [21] - The Common Equity Tier 1 ratio for the quarter was 11.5%, indicating a strong capital position [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on expense guidance - Management clarified that the base for expense guidance should exclude the charitable contribution for the quarter [25][26] Question: Increased competition in markets - Management acknowledged ongoing competition but emphasized that increased marketing spend is driven by internal product revamps rather than new entrants [29][33] Question: NII outlook for 2026 - Management indicated that funding for loan growth will come from deposit growth and potential remixing from securities [39][44] Question: Loan growth dynamics - Management highlighted a focus on small business lending and noted strong growth in SBA loans, with expectations for continued growth in this area [54][56] Question: Timing of share buybacks - Management suggested that they are nearing a position to consider capital returns, potentially in the second half of the year [65][66] Question: Non-interest-bearing deposits growth - Management reported growth in new customer acquisitions and emphasized the importance of building a solid base of granular accounts [84][89]