Western Alliance Bancorporation (WAL) vs Zions Bancorporation N.A. (ZION)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Zions Bancorporation N.A. (ZION) has outperformed Western Alliance Bancorporation (WAL) over the past year, gaining 9.2% versus a loss of 13.5%. Over five years, ZION leads with a -0.4% price change compared with -35.0% for WAL. Zions Bancorporation N.A. is the larger company by market cap ($9.16 billion vs $8.24 billion), about 1.1 times the size, while Western Alliance Bancorporation is growing revenue faster (+99.7% vs +3.6%).
On valuation, Western Alliance Bancorporation trades at a lower forward P/E (6.8x vs 9.2x for Zions Bancorporation N.A.). Zions Bancorporation N.A. offers the higher dividend yield (2.87% vs 2.17%). Western Alliance Bancorporation converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 713.5% versus 135.8%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | WAL | ZION |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $75.50 | $62.73 |
| Market cap | $8.24B | $9.16B |
| 1-day change | +1.55% | +1.31% |
| YTD return | -11.56% | +5.77% |
| 1-year return | -13.55% | +9.19% |
| 5-year return | -35.00% | -0.35% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 8.52 | 7.99 |
| Forward P/E | 6.77 | 9.20 |
| EPS (TTM) | $8.86 | $7.85 |
| Dividend yield | 2.17% | 2.87% |
| Annual dividend | $1.64 | $1.80 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $135.80M | $662.00M |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +99.71% | +3.60% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $969.00M | $899.00M |
| Net margin | 713.55% | 135.80% |
| 52-week high | $97.23 | $73.34 |
| 52-week low | $65.82 | $46.19 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -22.35% | -14.47% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +21.52% | +16.80% |
| Average volume | 1.06M | 1.52M |
| Shares outstanding | 109.10M | 145.95M |
| Employees | 3,769 | 9,039 |
| Sector | Finance | Finance |
| Industry | Major Banks | Major Banks |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- ZION has outperformed WAL by 22.7 percentage points over the past year.
- Western Alliance Bancorporation is more profitable, keeping 713.5 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 135.8 cents for Zions Bancorporation N.A..
- Western Alliance Bancorporation grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+99.71% vs +3.60%).
About Western Alliance Bancorporation
WAL stock →Western Alliance Bancorporation operates as the bank holding company for Western Alliance Bank that provides various banking products and related services primarily in Arizona, California, and Nevada. It operates through Commercial and Consumer Related segments.
Finance · Major Banks · 3,769 employees
About Zions Bancorporation N.A.
ZION stock →Zions Bancorporation, National Association provides various banking products and related services primarily in the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The company operates through Zions Bank, California Bank & Trust, Amegy Bank, National Bank of Arizona, Nevada State Bank, Vectra Bank Colorado, and The Commerce Bank of Washington segments.
Finance · Major Banks · 9,039 employees
WAL vs ZION FAQ
Which is bigger, Western Alliance Bancorporation or Zions Bancorporation N.A.?
Zions Bancorporation N.A. (ZION) is larger, with a market capitalization of $9.16B compared with $8.24B for Western Alliance Bancorporation (WAL).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, WAL or ZION?
ZION returned +9.19% over the past 12 months, compared with -13.55% for WAL (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, WAL or ZION?
ZION has the lower trailing P/E at 8.0, versus 8.5 for WAL. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Western Alliance Bancorporation or Zions Bancorporation N.A.?
Zions Bancorporation N.A. has the higher yield at 2.87%, compared with 2.17% for Western Alliance Bancorporation.
Are Western Alliance Bancorporation and Zions Bancorporation N.A. in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Banks industry within the Finance sector.