Zions Bancorp (ZION: $42/share) – Closing Short Position – up 159% vs. S&P up 130%
Zions Bancorp (NASDAQ:ZION) was originally selected as a Danger Zone Idea on 12/6/11. At the time of the initial report, the stock received a Very Unattractive rating. Our short thesis noted the firm’s low return on invested capital (ROIC) and high growth expectations implied by its valuation.
During the nearly 8-year holding period, ZION underperformed as a short position, gaining 159% compared to a 130% gain for the S&P 500.
ZION has steadily improved its ROIC from -3% when we wrote our article, to 8% TTM. We also updated our weighted average cost of capital (WACC) calculation, which reduced ZION’s WACC and lowered the growth expectations implied by its valuation. These factors, combined with a 17% decline in the stock price over the past year, means ZION now trades a more reasonable level. Given the improved fundamentals and valuation, we are closing this short position.
Sources: New Constructs, LLC and company filings
Note: Gain/Decline performance analysis excludes transaction costs and dividends.