Morgan Stanley Upgrades Zions Bancorporation to Overweight
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 20 hours ago
0mins
Should l Buy ZION?
Source: seekingalpha
- Operating Leverage Expectations: Morgan Stanley anticipates Zions will achieve approximately 180 basis points of positive operating leverage in 2026, exceeding the company's guidance of 100 to 150 basis points and the consensus estimate of 90 basis points, indicating a significant enhancement in future profitability.
- Revenue Growth Sources: Analysts noted that roughly half of the revenue growth is derived from the roll-off of terminated swaps, expected to contribute around 90 basis points of revenue growth with no associated expenses, highlighting the company's cost control advantages.
- Accelerated Buyback Plans: Zions is projected to significantly accelerate its stock buybacks in 2027, increasing from $100 million in 2026 to $450 million, far surpassing the consensus of $150 million, demonstrating a proactive approach to capital management.
- Market Confidence Restoration: Despite Zions underperforming peers by 400 basis points year-to-date, analysts view this as an attractive entry point, expecting strong earnings performance over the next two quarters to restore market confidence in the mid-cap banking sector.
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Analyst Views on ZION
Wall Street analysts forecast ZION stock price to rise
21 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
16 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 57.280
Low
58.00
Averages
64.00
High
70.00
Current: 57.280
Low
58.00
Averages
64.00
High
70.00
About ZION
Zions Bancorporation, National Association (the Bank) is a provider of financial services. It provides a range of banking products and related services, primarily in the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. It conducts its operations primarily through seven managed and geographically defined bank divisions, each with its own local branding and management. Its products and services include commercial and small business banking, capital markets and investment banking, commercial real estate lending, retail banking, and wealth management. Its commercial small business banking products and services include commercial and industrial and owner-occupied lending and leasing, municipal and public finance services, corporate trust services, and others. Its capital markets and investment banking include loan syndications, fixed income securities underwriting, advisory and capital raising, and Power and project financing.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Morgan Stanley Upgrades Zions Bancorporation to Overweight
- Operating Leverage Expectations: Morgan Stanley anticipates Zions will achieve approximately 180 basis points of positive operating leverage in 2026, exceeding the company's guidance of 100 to 150 basis points and the consensus estimate of 90 basis points, indicating a significant enhancement in future profitability.
- Revenue Growth Sources: Analysts noted that roughly half of the revenue growth is derived from the roll-off of terminated swaps, expected to contribute around 90 basis points of revenue growth with no associated expenses, highlighting the company's cost control advantages.
- Accelerated Buyback Plans: Zions is projected to significantly accelerate its stock buybacks in 2027, increasing from $100 million in 2026 to $450 million, far surpassing the consensus of $150 million, demonstrating a proactive approach to capital management.
- Market Confidence Restoration: Despite Zions underperforming peers by 400 basis points year-to-date, analysts view this as an attractive entry point, expecting strong earnings performance over the next two quarters to restore market confidence in the mid-cap banking sector.
See More
Key Wall Street Rating Changes on Monday
- Morgan Stanley Bullish on Nvidia: Morgan Stanley names Nvidia a top pick, viewing the current stock price at 18x CY27 EPS as an attractive entry point, expecting market concerns about growth durability to shift to enthusiasm in the coming months.
- Barclays Downgrades Blue Owl: Barclays downgrades Blue Owl from overweight to equal weight, citing overly high market estimates and suggesting that the stock is now closer to fairly priced based on earnings growth potential.
- Piper Sandler Upgrades CrowdStrike: Piper Sandler upgrades CrowdStrike from neutral to overweight, maintaining a $520 price target, arguing that the market's bearish sentiment driven by AI narratives is overdone for a leading security platform with a strong track record.
- Goldman Sachs Upgrades Dutch Bros: Goldman Sachs upgrades Dutch Bros from neutral to buy, asserting that the market is underestimating the coffee chain's fundamental strength and competitive positioning amid a challenging coffee landscape.
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Wall Street Analysts Adjust Ratings
- Analyst Rating Changes: Top Wall Street analysts have adjusted their ratings on several companies, reflecting varying market perspectives that could influence investor decisions and market trends.
- Investor Focus: Analysts' opinions are particularly crucial when considering the purchase of CRWD stock, as their ratings and price targets can directly impact short-term stock performance and investor confidence.
- Source of Updates: Comprehensive information on analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, has been published on Benzinga's analyst ratings page, providing investors with a holistic view of the market.
- Market Reaction Potential: Changes in analyst ratings may trigger market volatility, prompting investors to closely monitor these shifts to timely adjust their investment strategies and risk management practices.
See More
Wall Street Analysts Adjust Ratings
- Analyst Rating Changes: Top Wall Street analysts have adjusted their ratings on several companies, reflecting varying market perspectives that could influence investor decisions and market trends.
- Overview of Updates: While specific upgrades and downgrades are not detailed, the overall rating changes indicate a cautious outlook from analysts, potentially prompting investors to reassess their holding strategies.
- Market Reaction Potential: Analyst rating adjustments often lead to market volatility, and investors should monitor these changes to timely adjust their portfolios and seize potential market opportunities.
- Information Access Channels: Investors can access a comprehensive view of rating changes through Benzinga's analyst ratings page, aiding them in making more informed investment decisions.
See More
Zions Bancorporation CEO Makes Significant Insider Purchase
- Insider Buying Signal: Harris H. Simmons, CEO of Zions Bancorporation, made a significant insider purchase totaling $265.6K over the past six months, indicating his confidence in the company's future, especially with the current stock price at $60.98, suggesting he views it as undervalued.
- Purchase Cost Analysis: Simmons's average purchase cost was $59.03 per share, with the current stock price reflecting a 3.3% increase from his buying price, which not only highlights market recognition of ZION shares but may also attract other investors to consider the stock's potential upside.
- Price Performance Review: ZION shares have a 52-week low of $39.32 and a high of $66.175, with the current price of $60.98 nearing its yearly peak, indicating strong market performance that could draw more investor interest.
- Dividend Yield Analysis: Zions Bancorporation currently pays an annual dividend of $1.8 per share, yielding approximately 3.0%, with the most recent ex-dividend date on February 12, 2026, demonstrating the company's commitment to shareholder returns, which may enhance investor confidence.
See More
Zions Bancorporation to Present at RBC Conference
- Conference Presentation: Scott McLean, President and COO of Zions Bancorporation, will present at the RBC Capital Markets Global Financial Institutions Conference on March 10, 2026, at 11:20 AM ET, highlighting the company's leadership in financial services.
- Webcast Availability: An audio webcast of the session will be accessible on the Zions Bancorporation website, ensuring that investors and the public can stay informed about the company's latest developments and strategic direction in real-time.
- Financial Overview: As of December 31, 2025, Zions Bancorporation reported approximately $89 billion in total assets and an annual net revenue of $3.4 billion for 2025, demonstrating robust growth and profitability in the financial services sector.
- Market Position and Recognition: Operating in 11 western states, Zions has consistently received national and state customer survey awards in small- and middle-market banking, reinforcing its leadership in public finance advisory services and Small Business Administration lending.
See More
Morgan Stanley Upgrades Zions Bancorporation to Overweight
- Operating Leverage Expectations: Morgan Stanley anticipates Zions will achieve approximately 180 basis points of positive operating leverage in 2026, exceeding the company's guidance of 100 to 150 basis points and the consensus estimate of 90 basis points, indicating a significant enhancement in future profitability.
- Revenue Growth Sources: Analysts noted that roughly half of the revenue growth is derived from the roll-off of terminated swaps, expected to contribute around 90 basis points of revenue growth with no associated expenses, highlighting the company's cost control advantages.
- Accelerated Buyback Plans: Zions is projected to significantly accelerate its stock buybacks in 2027, increasing from $100 million in 2026 to $450 million, far surpassing the consensus of $150 million, demonstrating a proactive approach to capital management.
- Market Confidence Restoration: Despite Zions underperforming peers by 400 basis points year-to-date, analysts view this as an attractive entry point, expecting strong earnings performance over the next two quarters to restore market confidence in the mid-cap banking sector.
See More
Key Wall Street Rating Changes on Monday
- Morgan Stanley Bullish on Nvidia: Morgan Stanley names Nvidia a top pick, viewing the current stock price at 18x CY27 EPS as an attractive entry point, expecting market concerns about growth durability to shift to enthusiasm in the coming months.
- Barclays Downgrades Blue Owl: Barclays downgrades Blue Owl from overweight to equal weight, citing overly high market estimates and suggesting that the stock is now closer to fairly priced based on earnings growth potential.
- Piper Sandler Upgrades CrowdStrike: Piper Sandler upgrades CrowdStrike from neutral to overweight, maintaining a $520 price target, arguing that the market's bearish sentiment driven by AI narratives is overdone for a leading security platform with a strong track record.
- Goldman Sachs Upgrades Dutch Bros: Goldman Sachs upgrades Dutch Bros from neutral to buy, asserting that the market is underestimating the coffee chain's fundamental strength and competitive positioning amid a challenging coffee landscape.
See More
Wall Street Analysts Adjust Ratings
- Analyst Rating Changes: Top Wall Street analysts have adjusted their ratings on several companies, reflecting varying market perspectives that could influence investor decisions and market trends.
- Investor Focus: Analysts' opinions are particularly crucial when considering the purchase of CRWD stock, as their ratings and price targets can directly impact short-term stock performance and investor confidence.
- Source of Updates: Comprehensive information on analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, has been published on Benzinga's analyst ratings page, providing investors with a holistic view of the market.
- Market Reaction Potential: Changes in analyst ratings may trigger market volatility, prompting investors to closely monitor these shifts to timely adjust their investment strategies and risk management practices.
See More
Wall Street Analysts Adjust Ratings
- Analyst Rating Changes: Top Wall Street analysts have adjusted their ratings on several companies, reflecting varying market perspectives that could influence investor decisions and market trends.
- Overview of Updates: While specific upgrades and downgrades are not detailed, the overall rating changes indicate a cautious outlook from analysts, potentially prompting investors to reassess their holding strategies.
- Market Reaction Potential: Analyst rating adjustments often lead to market volatility, and investors should monitor these changes to timely adjust their portfolios and seize potential market opportunities.
- Information Access Channels: Investors can access a comprehensive view of rating changes through Benzinga's analyst ratings page, aiding them in making more informed investment decisions.
See More
Zions Bancorporation CEO Makes Significant Insider Purchase
- Insider Buying Signal: Harris H. Simmons, CEO of Zions Bancorporation, made a significant insider purchase totaling $265.6K over the past six months, indicating his confidence in the company's future, especially with the current stock price at $60.98, suggesting he views it as undervalued.
- Purchase Cost Analysis: Simmons's average purchase cost was $59.03 per share, with the current stock price reflecting a 3.3% increase from his buying price, which not only highlights market recognition of ZION shares but may also attract other investors to consider the stock's potential upside.
- Price Performance Review: ZION shares have a 52-week low of $39.32 and a high of $66.175, with the current price of $60.98 nearing its yearly peak, indicating strong market performance that could draw more investor interest.
- Dividend Yield Analysis: Zions Bancorporation currently pays an annual dividend of $1.8 per share, yielding approximately 3.0%, with the most recent ex-dividend date on February 12, 2026, demonstrating the company's commitment to shareholder returns, which may enhance investor confidence.
See More
Zions Bancorporation to Present at RBC Conference
- Conference Presentation: Scott McLean, President and COO of Zions Bancorporation, will present at the RBC Capital Markets Global Financial Institutions Conference on March 10, 2026, at 11:20 AM ET, highlighting the company's leadership in financial services.
- Webcast Availability: An audio webcast of the session will be accessible on the Zions Bancorporation website, ensuring that investors and the public can stay informed about the company's latest developments and strategic direction in real-time.
- Financial Overview: As of December 31, 2025, Zions Bancorporation reported approximately $89 billion in total assets and an annual net revenue of $3.4 billion for 2025, demonstrating robust growth and profitability in the financial services sector.
- Market Position and Recognition: Operating in 11 western states, Zions has consistently received national and state customer survey awards in small- and middle-market banking, reinforcing its leadership in public finance advisory services and Small Business Administration lending.
See More
