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KEY vs ZION
Which Stock Would AI Choose? KeyCorp (KEY) vs. Zions Bancorporation (ZION) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both KEY and ZION are regional banks showing year-to-date gains around 7%, reflecting resilience in recent market activity.
- KEY reported Q1 2026 earnings that beat estimates, with positive surprises in EPS and revenue, boosting recent momentum.
- ZION delivered solid Q1 results with EPS growth of 38%, though shares dipped initially post-earnings.
- KEY expanded investment banking via acquisition of Clearwater UK, while ZION added multifamily lending through Basis Investment deal.
- Analyst price targets have risen for both, signaling optimism, with KEY at averages near $25 and ZION around $68.
- KEY exhibits stronger one-year returns near 50%, outperforming ZION's approximately 40%.
Introduction
KeyCorp (KEY) and Zions Bancorporation (ZION) represent prominent regional banks navigating a dynamic economic landscape marked by interest rate shifts and credit market fluctuations. This stock comparison analyzes their business models, recent performance, and market positioning, offering insights for investors seeking exposure to the banking sector. Traders focused on relative performance and growth catalysts in mid-cap financials may find value in evaluating how these peers stack up amid broader regional banking trends.
KEY Overview and Recent Performance
KeyCorp serves as the holding company for KeyBank National Association, delivering retail and commercial banking services across approximately 1,000 branches in 15 states. The firm emphasizes consumer banking and commercial lending, with a focus on diversified revenue streams including net interest income (NII, revenue from interest-bearing assets minus interest expenses). In recent weeks, KEY shares have shown upward momentum, trading around $22 with a market cap near $24 billion. Q1 2026 earnings exceeded expectations, with EPS and revenue beats of 7% and 1.56%, respectively, alongside a new $1 billion share buyback. The acquisition of Clearwater UK bolsters investment banking capabilities, enhancing fee income potential. Analyst upgrades, including price targets up to $26, have supported positive sentiment amid stable deposit growth and improving return on equity (ROE, a profitability measure relative to shareholders' equity).
ZION Overview and Recent Performance
Zions Bancorporation, National Association operates a network of community-focused banks providing full-service banking to businesses, households, and governments, with assets exceeding $70 billion. Its model prioritizes regional markets in the Western U.S., balancing commercial real estate lending and treasury management services. Recently, ZION stock has hovered near $63, with a market cap around $9 billion. Q1 2026 results featured 38% EPS growth driven by NII and fee income, though shares fell 1.6% post-release. The March acquisition of Basis Investment's multifamily lending platform strengthens its portfolio, complemented by a $75 million buyback authorization. Analyst targets have climbed to $78, reflecting confidence in credit quality despite prior loan loss provisions, with steady YTD gains underscoring sector resilience.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
Both KEY and ZION operate regional banking models centered on commercial and consumer lending, but KEY’s larger scale and Eastern/Midwestern footprint contrast ZION’s Western emphasis. Growth drivers include strategic M&A (mergers and acquisitions): KEY targets advisory fees, while ZION bolsters multifamily exposure. Recent momentum favors KEY with superior one-year returns and earnings beats, versus ZION’s post-earnings volatility. Risk factors like non-performing loans (NCO, net charge-offs) and interest rate sensitivity loom similarly, though KEY shows higher P/E (price-to-earnings ratio, stock price divided by EPS). Market sentiment tilts positive for both via rising targets, but KEY’s buyback signals stronger capital return focus.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Tickeron’s AI currently leans toward KEY due to consistent earnings outperformance, acquisition-driven catalysts, and superior relative momentum in recent market activity. While ZION offers value via lower valuation and regional stability, KEY’s trend positioning suggests higher probability of near-term upside, barring sector-wide shocks.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer. Disclaimers and Limitations
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is KEY is a StrongBuy and ZION is a Buy.
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is undervalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
KEY’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green whileZION’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- KEY’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- ZION’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
KEY’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while ZION’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- KEY’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
- ZION’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
KEY (@Regional Banks) experienced а +4.32% price change this week, while ZION (@Regional Banks) price change was +6.36% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Regional Banks industry was +3.72%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +7.76%, and the average quarterly price growth was +12.20%.
Reported Earning Dates
KEY is expected to report earnings on Jul 21, 2026.
ZION is expected to report earnings on Jul 20, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Regional Banks (+3.72% weekly)Regional banks have a smaller reach than major banks, and cater mostly to one region of a country, such as a state or within a group of states. They offer services often similar – albeit with some limitations/smaller scale – compared to major banks. Taking deposits, making loans, mortgages, leases, credit cards , fund management, insurance and investment banking. SunTrust Banks, State Street Corp., M&T Bank Corp. are some examples of U.S. regional banks.
| KEY | ZION | KEY / ZION | |
| Capitalization | 24.5B | 9.89B | 248% |
| EBITDA | N/A | N/A | - |
| Gain YTD | 12.170 | 16.586 | 73% |
| P/E Ratio | 13.93 | 10.44 | 133% |
| Revenue | 7.47B | 3.44B | 217% |
| Total Cash | N/A | 683M | - |
| Total Debt | 17B | 1.96B | 866% |
KEY | ZION | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 20 | 45 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 38 Fair valued | 58 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 79 | 76 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 10 | 13 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 16 | 13 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 86 | 44 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 75 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
KEY's Valuation (38) in the Major Banks industry is in the same range as ZION (58) in the Regional Banks industry. This means that KEY’s stock grew similarly to ZION’s over the last 12 months.
ZION's Profit vs Risk Rating (76) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as KEY (79) in the Major Banks industry. This means that ZION’s stock grew similarly to KEY’s over the last 12 months.
KEY's SMR Rating (10) in the Major Banks industry is in the same range as ZION (13) in the Regional Banks industry. This means that KEY’s stock grew similarly to ZION’s over the last 12 months.
ZION's Price Growth Rating (13) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as KEY (16) in the Major Banks industry. This means that ZION’s stock grew similarly to KEY’s over the last 12 months.
ZION's P/E Growth Rating (44) in the Regional Banks industry is somewhat better than the same rating for KEY (86) in the Major Banks industry. This means that ZION’s stock grew somewhat faster than KEY’s over the last 12 months.
| KEY | ZION | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 59% | 2 days ago 67% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 65% | 2 days ago 63% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 65% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 70% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 68% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 2 days ago 64% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 2 days ago 67% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 13 days ago 70% | 17 days ago 68% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 63% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 72% | 2 days ago 61% |
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KEY and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, KEY has been closely correlated with CFG. These tickers have moved in lockstep 90% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if KEY jumps, then CFG could also see price increases.
ZION and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ZION has been closely correlated with FNB. These tickers have moved in lockstep 91% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ZION jumps, then FNB could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To ZION | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZION | 100% | +1.22% | ||
| FNB - ZION | 91% Closely correlated | +1.91% | ||
| ONB - ZION | 88% Closely correlated | +1.82% | ||
| CFG - ZION | 88% Closely correlated | +1.71% | ||
| KEY - ZION | 87% Closely correlated | +1.66% | ||
| ASB - ZION | 87% Closely correlated | +2.07% | ||
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