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Investing.com - Citi has raised its price target on Zions Bancorp (NASDAQ:ZION) to $52.00 from $48.00 while maintaining a Neutral rating on the stock. The new target aligns closely with the current trading price of $51.94, while analyst targets range from $40 to $61.
The price target increase reflects Citi’s adjusted outlook on interest rates, with the firm pushing back its expectations for rate cuts compared to previous forecasts. This delay in anticipated rate cuts positively impacts Zions’ net interest income projections. The bank has demonstrated strong financial stability, maintaining dividend payments for 55 consecutive years, with a current yield of 3.31%.
Citi has made modest upward revisions to loan growth assumptions for Zions, while also fine-tuning expense base and loan loss provision estimates for the second and third quarters of 2025. These adjustments resulted in a slightly stronger near-term earnings outlook for the bank. According to InvestingPro, the company maintains a GOOD Financial Health Score and has shown solid revenue growth of 6.44% in the last twelve months.
The firm noted increasing comfort with commercial real estate credit trends at Zions, suggesting that the migration of problem loans may be nearing its end. Despite this improvement, Citi maintained its Neutral stance on the stock.
The higher price target also reflects a lower beta in Citi’s cost of equity modeling and expectations for a slightly stronger long-term capital base at Zions Bancorp.
In other recent news, Zions Bancorp reported first quarter 2025 earnings that missed analyst expectations, with net earnings applicable to common shareholders at $169 million, or $1.13 per diluted share, falling short of the estimated $1.19 per share. Despite this, the earnings represented an 18% increase from the same period last year. The bank’s results were affected by an $0.11 per share charge to income tax expense due to a Utah tax law change. Zions Bancorp also completed the acquisition of four branches in California, adding $630 million in deposits and $420 million in loans. Analyst firm Jefferies initiated coverage on Zions Bancorp with an Underperform rating and a $40 price target, citing concerns over slower earnings growth and lower capital levels compared to peers. Meanwhile, DA Davidson maintained its Buy rating, though it adjusted its price target from $62 to $57, reflecting a more cautious financial outlook. Stephens also lowered its price target for Zions Bancorp to $52, maintaining an Equal Weight rating, following the bank’s quarterly performance. These developments highlight varied analyst perspectives on the bank’s future prospects.
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