Zenith Bank Plc has reported a 16 percent year-on-year growth in gross earnings, rising from ₦2.9 trillion in Q3 2024 to ₦3.4 trillion in Q3 2025, according to its unaudited financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2025.
The Group’s performance underscores its resilience, disciplined execution, and ability to deliver long-term shareholder value amid a challenging macroeconomic environment.
According to the financial statement filed with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the growth in gross earnings was driven by a 41 percent increase in interest income to ₦2.7 trillion, supported by a high-yield rate environment and an expanded investment portfolio.
Despite a 22 percent rise in interest expense to ₦814 billion, driven by monetary tightening and growth in its funding base, the Bank maintained a healthy Net Interest Margin (NIM) of 12 percent, up from 10 percent in the same period last year.
Non-interest income, however, declined by 38 percent to ₦535 billion, largely due to a 60 percent drop in trading gains.
Profitability remained strong with Profit Before Tax (PBT) of ₦917 billion, compared to ₦1.00 trillion in September 2024, while Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at ₦764 billion, reflecting an 8 percent decline. Earnings Per Share (EPS) dropped to ₦18.60 from ₦26.34 as the bank took bold steps to strengthen asset quality.
Total assets rose 4 percent to ₦31 trillion, supported by customer deposits, which climbed 8 percent to ₦23.7 trillion. Gross loans, however, declined 9 percent to ₦10 trillion, with the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio improving to 3 percent following write-offs of delinquent facilities.
Key ratios remained robust:
Return on Average Equity (ROAE): 23.3%
Return on Average Assets (ROAA): 3.3%
Cost of funds: 4.5%
Cost-to-income ratio: 45%
Coverage ratio: 211.1%
Liquidity ratio: 53%
These figures reflect a strong capital and liquidity position, highlighting the Bank’s capacity to sustain growth and manage risk effectively.
Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Adaora Umeoji, said: “The Bank’s robust performance is an attestation to the resilience of the Zenith brand, our result-driven strategy, and the adaptability of our people in an evolving operating environment. We have fortified our capital base, reset our asset quality, and are well positioned for sustainable growth.”
Looking ahead to Q4 2025, Umeoji reaffirmed her confidence in maintaining momentum through innovation, digital transformation, and client-focused solutions.
“Our focus on innovation and developing products that address clients’ changing needs positions us to capitalise on emerging opportunities while maintaining discipline and responsible leadership,” she added.
Zenith Bank continues to consolidate its reputation as Nigeria’s leading financial institution, earning multiple international recognitions, including “Nigeria’s Best Bank” at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025 and “No. 1 Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital” for the 16th consecutive year in The Banker’s Top 1000 World Banks Ranking.