October 31, (THEWILL) — Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, reporting a 16 per cent year-on-year increase in gross earnings to N3.4 trillion, up from N2.9 trillion recorded in the corresponding period of 2024.
According to the financial statements filed with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the growth was driven primarily by a 41 per cent surge in interest income to N2.7 trillion, buoyed by a high-yield environment and an expanded investment portfolio.
Despite a 22 per cent rise in interest expenses to N814 billion due to monetary tightening and growth in the bank’s funding base, Zenith Bank maintained a healthy net interest margin of 12 per cent, compared to 10 per cent in September 2024.
However, non-interest income dropped by 38 per cent to N535 billion, largely due to a 60 per cent fall in trading gains.
Profit before tax stood at N917.4 billion, slightly lower than the N1 trillion recorded in the same period of 2024, while profit after tax declined by 8 per cent to N764 billion.
Earnings per share also dipped to N18.60 from N26.34 as the bank intensified efforts to strengthen its loan portfolio quality.
Total assets grew by 4 per cent from N30 trillion in December 2024 to N31 trillion as of September 2025, supported by an 8 per cent rise in customer deposits to N23.7 trillion.
Gross loans declined by 9 per cent to N10 trillion, while the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio improved to 3 per cent following the write-off of bad loans.
Return on Average Equity (ROAE) and Return on Average Assets (ROAA) stood at 23.3 per cent and 3.3 per cent respectively.
The cost of funds rose to 4.5 per cent amid higher market rates, while cost-to-income ratio increased to 45 per cent.
The group’s coverage ratio and liquidity ratio remained strong at 211.1 per cent and 53 per cent, indicating solid capital strength and ample liquidity to drive future expansion.
Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, said the performance reflected the resilience of the Zenith brand and the adaptability of its people in a challenging operating environment.
“Our robust performance attests to our result-driven strategy and disciplined execution.
“We have fortified our capital base, enhanced asset quality, and are well positioned for sustainable and profitable growth,” she said.
Looking ahead, Dr. Umeoji expressed confidence in the bank’s growth trajectory, saying: “This result confirms the resilience of our business model and people.
Our focus on innovation, digital transformation, and client-centric solutions positions us to capitalise on emerging opportunities while maintaining disciplined growth.”
She assured shareholders that Zenith Bank remains on course to deliver exceptional returns and sustained value creation, reaffirming its leadership position in Nigeria’s banking sector.
“We are well placed to sustain this momentum, uphold responsible leadership, and deliver exceptional value to all stakeholders,” she added.
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