Salt Lake‑based Zions Bancorp posted a first‑quarter profit of $232 million, or $1.56 per share, up from $169 million a year earlier. Net interest income climbed 6% to $662 million, driven by lower funding costs and a shift toward higher‑yielding loans. Analysts had forecast $675.6 million, leaving the bank slightly below expectations.

Charge‑offs fell sharply, with net losses dropping to $4 million from $16 million a year ago. The provision for credit losses turned negative, moving from a $18 million charge to a ‑$7 million benefit. Consequently, the annualized charge‑off ratio slipped to 0.03%, well under the 0.11% recorded in the prior period.

The stronger earnings and tighter credit metrics reinforce Zions’ positioning as a resilient regional lender amid a volatile funding environment. Investors may view the improved asset mix and low charge‑off rate as evidence that the bank can sustain profitability without aggressive rate hikes. The results underscore the importance of cost discipline for community banks.

With a market cap near $5 billion, Zions’ quarterly beat could buoy its share price, which has lagged peers that faced higher charge‑offs. The bank’s ability to generate net interest income above forecasts while trimming losses may attract dividend‑seeking investors looking for stable returns in the banking sector.