Zions Bancorp reports Q3 EPS $1.37, consensus $1.17

Harris H. Simmons, Chairman and CEO, commented, “We’re pleased with the continued improvement in our financial performance, reflected in the 21% increase in earnings per share over the same period last year. The net interest margin strengthened to 3.03% from 2.93% a year ago, and operating costs increased a modest 1%. Average noninterest-bearing demand deposits decreased 1.7% relative to the prior quarter of this year, but were flat to last quarter’s ending balance, suggesting continued stabilization of this important source of low-cost funding. Tangible common equity has grown 28% over the past year, and 8% over the past quarter.”