Zions Bancorp’s CEO Harris Simmons Breaks Down Q2 2026 Results on CNBC

On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Zions Bancorp’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Harris Simmons, popped into CNBC’s Squawk on the Street studio to unpack the company’s second‑quarter earnings. The chat was relaxed – the kind of conversation you’d expect when a seasoned banker talks shop with a familiar host – but the numbers and insights were anything but casual.

First off, Simmons said the bank’s top‑line growth outpaced analysts’ expectations. Loan balances, he explained, rose faster than the broader market, driven largely by commercial real‑estate and small‑business demand that has been humming along lately. “People are still seeking credit to expand, remodel, or even just keep the lights on,” he chuckled, adding a human touch to what could have been a dry statistic.

Deposits, the other side of the balance sheet, also showed resilience. “We’ve seen a nice, steady inflow of retail deposits,” Simmons noted, pointing to the bank’s focus on community banking relationships that continue to win trust. While interest‑rate headwinds have nudged net‑interest margins a bit lower, the bank’s diversified loan portfolio helped cushion the impact.

When the host asked about profitability, Simmons was quick to highlight a modest rise in earnings per share, thanks to diligent cost‑control measures and a disciplined underwriting approach. He did admit, however, that the “interest‑rate environment is still a little unpredictable,” which means the team is staying vigilant about credit quality and loan‑loss provisions.

Looking ahead, the CEO sounded cautiously optimistic. He said Zions plans to keep its focus on the markets it knows best – the Western United States – while exploring selective opportunities in adjacent regions. “We’re not chasing growth for growth’s sake,” he said, smiling. “It’s about sustainable, profitable growth that benefits our customers and shareholders alike.”

In the closing minutes, Simmons wrapped up with a quick thank‑you to the employees who, in his words, “make the day‑to‑day grind possible.” The interview wrapped up just under three minutes, but it left viewers with a clear sense that Zions Bancorp is navigating a shifting financial landscape with a mix of caution and confidence.