Zions Bancorporation Reports First Quarter Financial Results

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Apr 25, 2016, 04:10 ET

SALT LAKE CITY, April 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Zions Bancorporation (NASDAQ: ZION) ("Zions" or "the Company") today reported net earnings applicable to common shareholders for the first quarter of 2016 of $78.8 million, or $0.38 per diluted common share, compared to net earnings applicable to common shareholders of $88.2 million, or $0.43 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2015 and $75.3 million, or $0.37 per diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2015.

Harris H. Simmons, Chairman and CEO, commented, "We continue to generate strong growth in pre-provision net revenue, reflecting operating leverage improvement resulting from solid loan growth, a more profitable earning assets mix and controlled core operating expenses. We are on track to achieve the goals we established in mid-2015, leading to an efficiency ratio of 66% or better in 2016 and in the low 60% range in 2017 while accelerating revenue growth. Although energy-related credit losses and related provisions largely offset these gains, recent improvements in energy prices are encouraging, and credit performance in the rest of the portfolio has been stellar. We're pleased with the progress made during the quarter in building a stronger foundation for future growth and capital distributions."

For the full version of the Company's 2016 first quarter earnings release, including financial tables, please visit zionsbancorporation.com.

Supplemental Presentation and Conference Call

Zions has posted a supplemental presentation to its website, which will be used to discuss these first quarter results at 5:30 p.m. ET this afternoon (April 25, 2016). Media representatives, analysts, investors, and the public are invited to join this discussion by calling 253-237-1247 (domestic and international) and entering the passcode 72743364, or via on-demand webcast. A link to the webcast will be available on the Zions Bancorporation website at zionsbancorporation.com. The webcast of the conference call will also be archived and available for 30 days.

About Zions Bancorporation

Zions Bancorporation is one of the nation's premier financial services companies with total assets of approximately $60 billion. Zions operates under local management teams and unique brands in 11 western and southwestern states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The company is a national leader in Small Business Administration lending and public finance advisory services, and is a consistent top recipient of numerous Greenwich Excellence awards in banking. In addition, Zions is included in the S&P 500 and NASDAQ Financial 100 indices. Investor information and links to local banking brands can be accessed at zionsbancorporation.com.

Forward-Looking Information

Statements in this press release that are based on other than historical data or that express the Company's expectations regarding future events or determinations are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements based on historical data are not intended and should not be understood to indicate the Company's expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts or intentions regarding future events or determinations. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or determinations, nor should they be relied upon as representing management's views as of any subsequent date. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those presented, either expressed or implied, in this press release. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include the actual amount and duration of declines in the price of oil and gas, our ability to meet our efficiency and noninterest expense goals, as well as other factors discussed in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and available at the SEC's Internet site (http://www.sec.gov).

Except as required by law, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any factors or to publicly announce the result of revisions to any of the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect future events or developments.

SOURCE Zions Bancorporation