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WTFC vs ZION
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Wintrust Financial (WTFC) vs. Zions Bancorporation (ZION) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Wintrust Financial (WTFC) and Zions Bancorporation (ZION) are both large regional banks, but they operate in very different geographies — the Midwest versus the Western U.S.
- Both banks reported solid third-quarter 2026 results, with ZION posting a 20% year-over-year earnings gain and WTFC notching a seventh consecutive record-profit quarter.
- ZION has shown stronger recent momentum, up roughly 31% over the past year, while WTFC has pulled back about 10% over the last three months.
- WTFC trades at a higher price-to-earnings ratio but offers a lower dividend yield, whereas ZION carries a higher yield and a lower valuation multiple.
- Key contrasts include net interest margin (NIM) stability, credit quality, and fee-income growth trajectories.
Introduction
Regional banks remain a focal point for investors assessing how interest-rate conditions, credit quality, and deposit competition shape earnings. This stock comparison examines two well-established institutions with comparable market capitalizations — Wintrust Financial and Zions Bancorporation — to help traders and long-term investors evaluate relative performance and market positioning. WTFC is a Chicago-area community-banking and specialty-finance franchise, while ZION operates across 11 Western states. Despite similar sizes, the two names present meaningfully different growth drivers, valuation profiles, and momentum signals, making them a useful pair for investors weighing regional-bank exposure.
WTFC Overview and Recent Performance
Wintrust Financial Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, providing community banking, specialty finance (including insurance premium financing), and wealth management services. In its most recent quarter, WTFC reported revenue of roughly $758 million, up 8.7% year over year, and delivered its seventh consecutive quarter of record net income. Its net interest margin (NIM, a measure of the spread between lending income and funding costs) held near 3.51%, remarkably stable for eleven straight quarters.
Recent stock behavior has been more subdued. The shares have declined about 10% over the last three months even as the one-year return remains positive in the high teens. Sentiment has been tempered by a tangible book value per share figure that missed consensus and by a modest pullback after a strong multi-year run. Analysts, however, maintain a largely favorable stance, with an average price target well above the recent share price.
ZION Overview and Recent Performance
Zions Bancorporation, National Association, is a Salt Lake City-based regional bank serving customers primarily in 11 Western states through seven locally managed bank divisions. In its most recent quarter, ZION reported earnings of $1.78 per share, a 20% year-over-year increase, driven by improved credit quality — net loan charge-offs fell to just $3 million from $56 million a year earlier. Customer deposits grew nearly 10% annualized from the prior quarter.
The stock has displayed stronger recent momentum, with a one-year total return of roughly 31% and a year-to-date gain in the double digits. A key strategic development was the completion of the Basis Multifamily Finance acquisition, which positions ZION as one of only four U.S. banks with direct access to both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac multifamily programs. Offsetting factors include a modestly declining NIM and a reduction in full-year operating-leverage guidance.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two banks diverge sharply in geographic focus and growth strategy. WTFC concentrates on the Chicago area, Wisconsin, and western Michigan, growing through branch expansion and deposit share gains, and leans on net interest income for the majority of revenue. ZION, by contrast, is building out capital-markets and wealth-management fee income alongside its acquisition of a multifamily agency platform.
On profitability, WTFC holds the higher NIM (near 3.5% versus roughly 3.2% for ZION), while ZION shows a stronger return on equity and a lower price-to-earnings multiple. ZION also offers a materially higher dividend yield of about 3%, versus roughly 1.5% for WTFC. In terms of momentum, ZION has outperformed recently, while WTFC has seen a near-term pullback. Both banks maintain solid capital positions, with Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1, a core measure of a bank's capital strength) ratios in the 10% to 12% range.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, recent relative performance, and the stability of its earnings trajectory, Tickeron's AI would currently lean toward ZION, reflecting its stronger one-year and year-to-date momentum, improving credit metrics, and lower valuation multiple. That said, WTFC presents a more durable margin profile and a steadier earnings record, which could favor it under different market conditions. As with any probabilistic assessment, the relative positioning of these two names may shift as interest-rate expectations and regional economic data evolve.
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 WTFC is a Hold and ZION is a Hold.
WTFC's RSI Indicator ascending out of oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for WTFC moved out of oversold territory on October 01, 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 16 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 12 of the 16 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 WTFC as a result. In 56 of 85 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for WTFC just turned positive on October 05, 2026. Looking at past instances where WTFC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 36 of 50 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
WTFC 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 +2.37% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where WTFC advanced for three days, in 187 of 291 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
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 WTFC moved below the 200-day moving average on October 21, 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 WTFC 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 62%.
WTFC broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 21, 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 WTFC entered a downward trend on October 16, 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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 22 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 55, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 36 (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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 52 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. WTFC’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 56 (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 (1.423) is normal, around the industry mean (1.268). P/E Ratio (11.866) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.372). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.150) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.015) settles around the average of (0.035) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.527) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
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).
WTFC | ZION | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 30 | 40 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 56 Fair valued | 78 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 22 | 76 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 9 | 9 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 52 | 46 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 36 | 52 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 90 | 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.
WTFC's Valuation (56) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as ZION (78). This means that WTFC’s stock grew similarly to ZION’s over the last 12 months.
WTFC's Profit vs Risk Rating (22) in the Regional Banks industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ZION (76). This means that WTFC’s stock grew somewhat faster than ZION’s over the last 12 months.
WTFC's SMR Rating (9) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as ZION (9). This means that WTFC’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 WTFC (52). This means that ZION’s stock grew similarly to WTFC’s over the last 12 months.
WTFC's P/E Growth Rating (36) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as ZION (52). This means that WTFC’s stock grew similarly to ZION’s over the last 12 months.
| WTFC | ZION | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 61% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 58% | 1 day ago 68% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 66% | 1 day ago 71% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 76% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 65% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 62% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 65% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 62% | 9 days ago 69% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 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).
WTFC’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while ZION’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- WTFC’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 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.
WTFC’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while ZION’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- WTFC’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- ZION’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
WTFC (@Regional Banks) experienced а +4.33% 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 +2.71%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +0.05%, and the average quarterly price growth was +9.08%.
Reported Earning Dates
WTFC is expected to report earnings on Jan 20, 2027.
ZION is expected to report earnings on Jan 26, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Regional Banks (+2.71% 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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