Zions' Q2 Earnings Top Estimates on Higher NII & Fee Income, Stock Up

Core Insights - Zions Bancorporation's shares increased by 4.4% following better-than-expected quarterly results, with Q2 2025 adjusted EPS of $1.58 surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.31 and reflecting a 30.6% year-over-year growth [1][9] Financial Performance - The quarterly results were driven by higher net interest income (NII) and non-interest income, along with a provision benefit, while increased loan amounts also contributed positively [2][9] - Net revenues (tax equivalent) reached $851 million, an 8.1% increase year-over-year, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $815.5 million [4] - NII was reported at $648 million, up 8.5%, attributed to lower funding costs and an increase in average interest-earning assets, with net interest margin (NIM) expanding by 19 basis points to 3.17% [4][9] - Non-interest income rose 6.1% to $190 million, driven by increases in most components, while adjusted non-interest expenses increased by 3% to $521 million [5] - As of June 30, 2025, net loans and leases held for investment were $60.1 billion, a 1.5% increase from the prior quarter, while total deposits decreased by 2.5% to $73.8 billion [6] Credit Quality - The ratio of non-performing assets to loans and leases increased by 6 basis points year-over-year to 0.51%, with net loan and lease charge-offs of $10 million, down 33.3% from the previous year [7] - Provision for credit losses was negative $1 million in the reported quarter, compared to a provision of $5 million in the year-ago quarter [7] Profitability and Capital Ratios - The Tier 1 leverage ratio remained stable at 8.5%, while the common equity tier 1 capital ratio increased to 11% from 10.6% in the prior year [8] - The return on average assets improved to 1.09%, up from 0.91% in the prior year, and return on average tangible common equity rose to 18.7% from 17.5% [10] Market Outlook - The rising loan demand and improving fee income, along with relatively higher interest rates, are positive indicators for the future of Zions [11]