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WAL vs ZION
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Western Alliance Bancorporation (WAL) vs. Zions Bancorporation (ZION) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both WAL and ZION delivered solid regional banking results in recent quarters, with ZION posting Q1 2026 EPS of $1.56 amid low net charge-offs (NCO, losses on loans after recoveries).
- WAL exhibits higher volatility (beta 1.37) but trades at a lower P/E ratio of 9.1 versus ZION's 10.5, highlighting potential value in growth-oriented banking.
- ZION shows year-to-date gains of 8.5% and a stable beta of 0.80, bolstered by a CET1 (Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio) of 11.5%.
- Analysts rate WAL a consensus Buy with a $91 target, implying upside, while ZION holds a Hold rating near current levels.
- Recent market activity reflects rebound momentum for both, with WAL up from recent lows around $70 and ZION advancing similarly.
Introduction
This stock comparison examines WAL and ZION, two prominent regional banks navigating interest rate dynamics, loan growth, and credit quality in the current environment. Investors seeking exposure to diversified banking with varying risk profiles—such as growth-focused traders or stability-oriented portfolios—may find value in evaluating their relative performance, capital strength, and market positioning. Recent earnings and sector tailwinds provide timely insights into their trajectories amid broader economic shifts.
WAL Overview and Recent Performance
Western Alliance Bancorporation (WAL), a top-performing bank with over $90 billion in assets, specializes in commercial and real estate lending across the western U.S. In recent market activity, shares have rebounded from lows near $70 to around $79, reflecting improved sentiment post-credit event concerns and ahead of Q1 2026 earnings released on April 21. Year-to-date gains stand at 5%, within a 52-week range of $62–$97, driven by quarterly revenue growth of 16.6% and EPS trends supporting a TTM figure of $8.73. Influences include analyst upgrades and partnerships like Fiserv, offsetting prior target cuts, with ROE at 13.5% underscoring profitability resilience.
ZION Overview and Recent Performance
Zions Bancorporation (ZION), National Association operates across 11 western states, emphasizing commercial banking and treasury management. Shares have climbed to $63 in recent weeks, up 8.5% year-to-date within a 52-week range of $39–$66, buoyed by Q1 2026 results showing net earnings of $232 million and EPS of $1.56, up 37% year-over-year despite a revenue miss. Net interest margin (NIM) reached 3.27%, with minimal NCO at 0.03% annualized and CET1 at 11.5%, signaling robust capital amid low provisions. Sentiment benefits from deposit growth to $76.9 billion and strategic mortgage initiatives, though sequential earnings dipped slightly due to fewer days and lower gains.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
Both WAL and ZION focus on regional commercial lending, but WAL leans toward higher-growth real estate exposure while ZION diversifies across more states with treasury emphasis. Growth drivers differ: WAL projects EPS of $10.10 for 2026 versus current TTM $8.73, outpacing ZION's steadier trajectory. Recent momentum favors ZION's YTD edge and lower beta (0.80 vs. 1.37), trading risks include WAL's sensitivity to credit cycles versus ZION's superior CET1 buffer. Sector pressures like NIM compression affect both, but WAL garners stronger buy sentiment amid rebound positioning.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Tickeron's AI models would likely favor WAL in the current environment, given its lower valuation multiples, consensus Buy rating with 15%+ upside to $91 targets, and higher forecasted EPS growth amid recent price stabilization. ZION offers relative stability via capital strength, but WAL's trend consistency and catalysts position it probabilistically stronger for momentum traders.
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 WAL is a Hold 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).
WAL’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green whileZION’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- WAL’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 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.
WAL’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while ZION’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- WAL’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 3 bearish.
- ZION’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
WAL (@Regional Banks) experienced а +4.39% price change this week, while ZION (@Regional Banks) price change was +4.81% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Regional Banks industry was +2.26%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +6.97%, and the average quarterly price growth was +10.31%.
Reported Earning Dates
WAL is expected to report earnings on Jul 16, 2026.
ZION is expected to report earnings on Jul 20, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Regional Banks (+2.26% 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.
| WAL | ZION | WAL / ZION | |
| Capitalization | 9.14B | 9.75B | 94% |
| EBITDA | N/A | N/A | - |
| Gain YTD | 0.548 | 14.922 | 4% |
| P/E Ratio | 9.74 | 10.29 | 95% |
| Revenue | 3.71B | 3.44B | 108% |
| Total Cash | 497M | 683M | 73% |
| Total Debt | 6.84B | 1.96B | 348% |
WAL | ZION | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 87 | 45 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 37 Fair valued | 58 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 76 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 13 | 13 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 45 | 13 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 57 | 44 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 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.
WAL's Valuation (37) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as ZION (58). This means that WAL’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 WAL (100). This means that ZION’s stock grew similarly to WAL’s over the last 12 months.
ZION's SMR Rating (13) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as WAL (13). This means that ZION’s stock grew similarly to WAL’s over the last 12 months.
ZION's Price Growth Rating (13) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as WAL (45). This means that ZION’s stock grew similarly to WAL’s over the last 12 months.
ZION's P/E Growth Rating (44) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as WAL (57). This means that ZION’s stock grew similarly to WAL’s over the last 12 months.
| WAL | ZION | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | 4 days ago 67% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 74% | 4 days ago 63% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 75% | 4 days ago 65% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 74% | 4 days ago 70% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 73% | 4 days ago 68% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 69% | 4 days ago 64% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 72% | 4 days ago 67% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 8 days ago 73% | 19 days ago 68% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 71% | 4 days ago 63% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 74% | 4 days ago 61% |
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WAL and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, WAL has been closely correlated with FNB. These tickers have moved in lockstep 84% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if WAL jumps, then FNB could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To WAL | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WAL | 100% | +1.64% | ||
| FNB - WAL | 84% Closely correlated | +1.91% | ||
| ASB - WAL | 83% Closely correlated | +2.07% | ||
| ZION - WAL | 82% Closely correlated | +1.22% | ||
| ONB - WAL | 82% Closely correlated | +1.82% | ||
| EWBC - WAL | 82% Closely correlated | +1.88% | ||
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