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KEY vs ZION
Which Stock Would AI Choose? KeyCorp (KEY) vs. Zions Bancorporation (ZION) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Scale and footprint: KeyCorp operates a roughly $189 billion national bank with a large investment-banking and wealth franchise, while Zions Bancorporation is a smaller, Western-focused regional bank with about $89 billion in assets.
- Momentum divergence: ZION has posted stronger recent price gains (up roughly 18% year-to-date and more than 20% over the past year), whereas KEY has lagged with only a modest year-to-date advance.
- Margin edge: ZION's net interest margin (NIM) of about 3.27% comfortably exceeds KEY's roughly 2.87%, though KEY is narrowing the gap.
- Fee diversification: KEY leans more heavily on fee-generating businesses such as investment banking, payments, and wealth management, while ZION is more dependent on traditional lending and net interest income (NII).
- Valuation and risk: ZION trades at a lower price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio but carries higher beta, greater commercial real estate (CRE) concentration, and an overhang of shareholder-investigation headlines.
- Relative positioning: Both banks report solid credit quality and rising capital returns, but their growth drivers and risk profiles differ materially.
Introduction
Investors evaluating regional banks often weigh scale, fee diversification, interest-rate sensitivity, and valuation when deciding where to allocate capital. This stock comparison examines KEY (KeyCorp) and ZION (Zions Bancorporation), two mid-cap U.S. lenders with very different operating models. Both have drawn attention in recent market activity as investors reassess the banking sector's earnings trajectory in a shifting rate environment. Traders seeking relative performance signals, momentum, and positioning across financials may find this side-by-side review useful, whether they prefer a nationally diversified, fee-heavy franchise or a leaner, higher-margin regional operator.
KEY Overview and Recent Performance
KEY, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, operates a full-service banking platform spanning consumer, commercial, and institutional banking, payments, wealth management, and commercial real estate. As of its most recent reporting, KeyCorp held roughly $189 billion in assets, $148 billion in deposits, $109 billion in loans, and about $70 billion in assets under management (AUM). In recent quarters the bank has leaned into its relationship-based, fee-heavy model, with priority fee businesses—investment banking, commercial payments, and wealth management—growing around 12% year over year.
Recent performance has been steady rather than spectacular. KeyCorp reported first-quarter earnings per share (EPS) of $0.44, up 33% year over year, with revenue rising about 10%. Its net interest margin expanded modestly to 2.87%, and management guided toward exceeding 3% by year-end. Return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) climbed to roughly 13%. The company also accelerated capital returns, repurchasing nearly $400 million of stock in one quarter and planning at least $1.3 billion in 2026 buybacks. Despite these fundamentals, KEY's share price has been a relative laggard, gaining only a few percent year-to-date and underperforming its industry over recent months—reflecting investor caution around investment-banking fee volatility and a still-dynamic macroeconomic backdrop.
ZION Overview and Recent Performance
ZION, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, operates through seven separately managed bank divisions serving primarily 11 Western states, including California, Texas, Arizona, and Colorado. The company has roughly $89 billion in assets and is a recognized leader in small- and middle-market banking, public finance advisory, and Small Business Administration (SBA) lending. Zions has posted notably strong recent results, with first-quarter EPS rising 38% year over year and second-quarter net income of about $452 million on revenue of roughly $1.1 billion.
Momentum has favored ZION over the recent period. The stock has advanced roughly 18% year-to-date and more than 20% over the trailing year, outpacing much of the regional-bank peer group. Zions' net interest margin stands near 3.27%, well above many peers, and credit quality has remained strong, with net charge-offs (loan losses) near negligible levels. The bank has also raised its dividend by about 6.7%, authorized additional buybacks, and agreed to acquire the agency lending business of Basis Multifamily Finance to expand its commercial real estate financing capabilities. Still, the stock carries elevated beta, and shareholder-law-firm investigations tied to prior disclosures around certain loan exposures have introduced headline risk.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two lenders is diversification versus focus. KEY operates a nationally scaled franchise with meaningful investment banking, payments, and wealth revenues, which reduces its reliance on traditional lending but exposes it to fee-market cycles. ZION, by contrast, is a streamlined Western regional with a higher net interest margin and a simpler, deposit-driven model.
On growth drivers, KEY is investing heavily in technology and banker hiring while expanding its advisory footprint (including a recent UK investment-banking acquisition), aiming for a 15%-plus ROTCE by late 2027. ZION is pursuing capital-markets and advisory expansion plus agency multifamily lending, while prioritizing steady dividend growth and buybacks.
Risk factors also differ. KEY's Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio—a key measure of a bank's loss-absorbing capital—stood near 11.4%, with diversified credit exposure. ZION's CET1 improved to roughly 11.8%, but its loan book is more concentrated in commercial real estate (about 22% of loans) and it faces lingering securities-related investigation headlines. From a valuation standpoint, ZION trades near a single-digit P/E with a higher dividend yield, while KEY commands a more premium multiple reflecting its fee diversification. Market sentiment has favored ZION's momentum recently, but KEY offers a broader, arguably more defensive revenue base.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI framework would likely lean toward ZION in the current environment, reflecting its stronger relative momentum, higher net interest margin, robust credit quality, and improving capital returns. The stock's recent outperformance and rising earnings trajectory align with trend-following and momentum-oriented signals. However, this edge is tempered by ZION's higher beta, commercial real estate concentration, and the overhang of disclosure-related investigations. KEY may be viewed more favorably by strategies emphasizing stability, diversification, and fee-based growth, though its softer recent momentum weighs against it. The verdict is probabilistic rather than definitive: ZION currently offers the more compelling trend profile, while KEY presents a steadier, more diversified long-term positioning for investors who prioritize resilience over near-term price momentum.
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.
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 Hold and ZION is a Hold.
KEY's RSI Indicator climbs out of oversold territory
The RSI Oscillator for KEY moved out of oversold territory on October 08, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 28 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 21 of the 28 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 75%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 20, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on KEY as a result. In 57 of 88 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for KEY just turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where KEY's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 26 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
KEY moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +1.92% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where KEY advanced for three days, in 177 of 292 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The 50-day moving average for KEY moved below the 200-day moving average on October 16, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where KEY declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 70%.
KEY broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 20, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for KEY entered a downward trend on October 21, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 7 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 49 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. KEY’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 57 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.297) is normal, around the industry mean (1.268). P/E Ratio (12.156) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.372). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.332) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.039) settles around the average of (0.035) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.996) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 77 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. KEY’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 55, placing this stock worse than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 85 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
ZION's MACD Histogram crosses above signal line
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ZION turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where ZION's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 37 of 49 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 20, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ZION as a result. In 59 of 83 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
ZION moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +2.79% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ZION advanced for three days, in 215 of 332 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ZION declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 69%.
ZION broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 20, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for ZION entered a downward trend on October 12, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 9 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 46 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ZION’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 52 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 76 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ZION’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 55, placing this stock worse than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 78 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.272) is normal, around the industry mean (1.268). P/E Ratio (8.457) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.372). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (3.417) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.029) settles around the average of (0.035) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.573) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
KEY | ZION | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 25 | 40 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 57 Fair valued | 78 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 77 | 76 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 7 | 9 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 49 | 46 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 85 | 52 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | n/a |
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 (57) in the Major Banks industry is in the same range as ZION (78) 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 (77) 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 (7) in the Major Banks industry is in the same range as ZION (9) 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 (46) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as KEY (49) 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 (52) in the Regional Banks industry is somewhat better than the same rating for KEY (85) 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 (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 61% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 68% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 71% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 55% | 1 day ago 76% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 65% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 59% | 1 day ago 62% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 65% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 70% | 9 days ago 69% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 60% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 61% |
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 overvalued. 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 1 FA rating(s) are green while ZION’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- KEY’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- ZION’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 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, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
KEY (@Regional Banks) experienced а +6.27% price change this week, while ZION (@Regional Banks) price change was +5.36% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Regional Banks industry was +2.63%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -0.03%, and the average quarterly price growth was +8.99%.
Reported Earning Dates
KEY is expected to report earnings on Jan 20, 2027.
ZION is expected to report earnings on Jan 26, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Regional Banks (+2.63% 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.
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KEY and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, KEY has been closely correlated with ASB. These tickers have moved in lockstep 87% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if KEY jumps, then ASB could also see price increases.
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