Zions Bancorporation Reports First Quarter Financial Results

SALT LAKE CITY, April 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Zions Bancorporation (NASDAQ: ZION) ("Zions" or "the Company") today reported net earnings applicable to common shareholders for the first quarter of 2017 of $129 million, or $0.61 per diluted common share, compared with net earnings applicable to common shareholders of $125 million, or $0.60 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2016 and net earnings applicable to common shareholders of $79 million, or $0.38 per diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2016.

Harris H. Simmons, Chairman and CEO, commented, "While we are pleased with the strong 61% improvement in earnings per share over the same period a year ago, results relative to the fourth quarter of 2016 were muted due to lackluster loan growth, a condition which has recently been prevalent throughout the industry. Although we experienced a single loan loss that comprised nearly two-thirds of total net charge-offs during the quarter, credit quality was generally strong and improving, with classified loan totals improving by 7% relative to fourth quarter results." Mr. Simmons concluded, "While operating costs were seasonally higher, we remain committed to a continued focus on expense control and improvement in our profitability through the remainder of 2017 and beyond."

For the full version of the Company's 2017 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 24, 2017). 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 91430582, 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 exceeding $65 billion. Zions operates under local management teams and distinct brands in 11 western 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 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.

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SOURCE Zions Bancorporation