Zions Bancorporation reports 20% earnings rise in third quarter

Zions Bancorporation reported third-quarter earnings of $262 million for common shareholders, representing an 18.6% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Diluted earnings per share rose 20.3% to $1.78, up from $1.48 a year earlier.

A significant driver of the reported profit was a $57 million pre-tax swing related to credit-loss provisions. The bank recorded an $8 million credit-loss provision benefit, a notable shift from the $49 million expense reported in the prior year. Net charge-offs also decreased significantly, falling to $3 million from $56 million.

Strategically, Zions has acquired a multifamily agency platform from Basis Investment Group. This acquisition makes Zions one of only four banks in the United States with direct access to both Fannie Mae designated underwriter servicer and Freddie Mac’s Optigo programs.

Management expects net interest income to increase by approximately 8% to 12% in the coming year, driven by an asset-sensitive balance sheet and projected Federal Reserve rate hikes. Additionally, customer deposits grew at an 8.8% annualized rate, helping to reduce reliance on high-cost wholesale funding.