Zions Bancorp vs StepStone Group

Zions Bancorp and StepStone Group are examined together to provide a clear comparison of their business models, financial performance, and market context. This page presents neutral, accessible information to help readers understand each company’s approach and position in the sector, without offering recommendations or speculation. Educational content, not financial advice.

Zions Bancorp and StepStone Group are examined together to provide a clear comparison of their business models, financial performance, and market context. This page presents neutral, accessible inform...

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

ZION

Metric

STEP

$8.72B

Market Cap

$8.75B

4.01%

Potential Profit

-0.75%

Hold

Analyst Rating

Buy

Investment Analysis

Zions Bancorp

ZION

Pros

Zions Bancorporation demonstrated strong revenue growth with a 8.7% year-on-year increase in Q3 2025 to $861 million.
The company has delivered impressive annualized EPS growth of 15.1% over the last five years, outperforming peers.
Improved net interest margin aided by a favorable asset mix and stable deposits supports core earnings momentum.

Considerations

A $60 million credit charge-off in Q3 2025 highlights risks related to credit quality deterioration.
The stock is currently rated as 'Hold' by analysts, suggesting limited short-term upside confidence.
Regional bank sector volatility may pose ongoing execution risks despite recent positive fundamentals.

StepStone Group

STEP

Pros

StepStone Group specializes in private market investments, offering tailored investment solutions and advisory services.
The firm operates in a growing alternative asset management sector with increasing institutional demand.
StepStone provides data and analytics services that enhance client investment decision-making capabilities.

Considerations

As a private market investment firm, StepStone’s earnings may be less predictable due to market cyclicality.
The company's exposure to regulatory changes and market liquidity risks in alternative assets could impact performance.
StepStone’s Class A shares may experience valuation volatility tied to investor sentiment in private markets.

About The Companies

Zions Bancorp (ZION)

Zions Bancorporation (NASDAQ: ZION) is a US regional bank headquartered in Salt Lake City that provides commercial and consumer banking, mortgage lending and wealth-management services across several western states. With a market capitalisation of about $7.8 billion, Zions operates in the mid‑cap regional-bank space where earnings are propelled by net interest income, loan growth and fee income; at the same time credit quality, deposit costs and regulatory capital requirements are key variables for investors. Interest-rate movements and regional economic cycles can meaningfully affect profitability, and exposure to commercial real‑estate and small‑business lending can amplify cyclical risk. Recent strategy has emphasised diversification of loan mix and tight expense control, but outcomes depend on economic and credit trends. This is general educational information and not personal financial advice — suitability depends on your circumstances and risk tolerance, and past performance is not a reliable guide to the future.

StepStone Group (STEP)

StepStone Group is a global investment firm that specialises in private markets. It offers customised investment solutions, advisory services, and data analytics to its clients, which include institutional investors like pension funds. The firm helps clients build portfolios across asset classes that aren't typically available on public stock exchanges, such as private equity, infrastructure, private debt, and real estate. StepStone uses a variety of strategies, including investing in new funds (primaries), buying stakes in existing funds (secondaries), and investing directly into companies alongside other fund managers (co-investments). With significant revenue streams suggesting strong demand for its services, StepStone plays a key role for investors looking for exposure to alternative asset classes. However, like all investments, its value can go down as well as up, and returns are not guaranteed.

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

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Published: September 28, 2025

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Inflation Resilience Portfolio Explained

The Fed's key inflation gauge remains stubbornly high, signaling that elevated price levels may persist for longer than expected. This creates an investment opportunity in companies that can thrive in an inflationary environment, such as those with the ability to raise prices or benefit from higher interest rates.

Published: September 27, 2025

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Fed Pivot Play: Financial Sector's Risk-Reward Trade

An unexpected drop in wholesale prices has increased the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates to support the economy. This potential shift in monetary policy creates opportunities for companies in sectors that are sensitive to lower borrowing costs, such as banking and financial services.

Published: September 11, 2025

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Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Inflation-Resistant Investments | Core PCE at 2.9%

The Federal Reserve's key inflation metric remained elevated at 2.9%, signaling that the fight against rising prices is ongoing. This creates a potential investment opportunity in companies that can thrive in a high-inflation, high-interest-rate environment.

Published: September 28, 2025

Explore Basket

Inflation Resilience Portfolio Explained

The Fed's key inflation gauge remains stubbornly high, signaling that elevated price levels may persist for longer than expected. This creates an investment opportunity in companies that can thrive in an inflationary environment, such as those with the ability to raise prices or benefit from higher interest rates.

Published: September 27, 2025

Explore Basket

Fed Pivot Play: Financial Sector's Risk-Reward Trade

An unexpected drop in wholesale prices has increased the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates to support the economy. This potential shift in monetary policy creates opportunities for companies in sectors that are sensitive to lower borrowing costs, such as banking and financial services.

Published: September 11, 2025

Explore Basket

Fed Pivot Stocks: Rate Cut Risks & Opportunities

A weaker-than-expected jobs report has increased the likelihood of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut. This theme focuses on companies poised to benefit from lower borrowing costs, which can stimulate lending and consumer spending.

Published: September 8, 2025

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Community Banking Catalyst

This carefully selected group of stocks features regional and community banks positioned to benefit from the FDIC's proposed simplification of the Community Reinvestment Act. Our professional analysts identified these financial institutions as potentially gaining from reduced regulatory burdens, which could boost lending capacity and shareholder value.

Published: July 14, 2025

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These carefully selected banking stocks represent the financial institutions that keep the global economy running. Our professional analysts have handpicked these companies for their role in the digital transformation of financial services and their potential for steady returns.

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Comparison Snapshot