Zions Hits New 52-Week High
Zions Hits New 52-Week High
Shares of Zions Bancorp. (ZION) crafted a new 52-week high, touching $26.15 in the second half of the trading session on May 7, 2013. The closing price of this financial holding company represents a solid year-to-date return of 18.1%. The trading volume over the last 3 months was 2.0 million shares.
Despite hitting its 52-week high, this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock has plenty of upside left given its strong estimate revisions over the last 30 days and expected year-over-year earnings growth of 44.52% for 2013.
Growth Drivers
Impressive first-quarter 2013 results – including an earnings surprise of 23.08% – and a 300% hike in its quarterly cash dividend have been the primary growth drivers.
On Apr 22, 2013, Zions reported adjusted first-quarter 2013 earnings of 49 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 39 cents. This was also significantly ahead of the prior-quarter earnings of 21 cents. Better-than-expected results were aided by growth in fee income and a decline in operating expenses, partially offset by a fall in net interest income.
Moreover, the company has delivered positive earnings surprises in the 3 of the last 4 quarters with an average beat of 6.89%.
Estimate Revisions Show Potency
Over the last 30 days, 13 out of 19 estimates for 2013 have been revised upward, lifting the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.5% to $1.76 per share. For 2014, 7 out of 18 estimates moved higher over the same time frame, helping the Zacks Consensus Estimate advance 1.1% to $1.92 per share.
Other banks that are also worth considering include CU Bancorp (CUNB), Preferred Bank (PFBC) and TriCo Bancshares (TCBK). All these carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
Read the Full Research Report on ZION
Read the Full Research Report on PFBC
Read the Full Research Report on TCBK
Read the Full Research Report on CUNB
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