By Ayomide Otitoju
Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, posting a profit before tax (PBT) of ₦917.4 billion and recording a 16% year-on-year growth in gross earnings to ₦3.37 trillion, up from ₦2.9 trillion in the same period of 2024.
According to the financial statement released to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the growth was driven by a 41% surge in interest income to ₦2.7 trillion, buoyed by a high-yield rate environment and an expanded investment portfolio. Despite a 22% rise in interest expense to ₦814 billion due to tighter monetary conditions, the bank maintained a healthy net interest margin of 12%, compared to 10% a year earlier.
Non-interest income declined by 38% to ₦535 billion, reflecting a 60% drop in trading gains. Profit after tax (PAT) also moderated by 8% to ₦764 billion, while earnings per share stood at ₦18.60, down from ₦26.34 in September 2024, following strategic efforts to strengthen loan quality.
Total assets rose by 4% to ₦31 trillion from ₦30 trillion as of December 2024, driven by an 8% increase in customer deposits to ₦23.7 trillion. Gross loans, however, fell by 9% to ₦10 trillion, while the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio improved to 3% following targeted write-offs.
The bank maintained strong fundamentals with a return on average equity (ROAE) of 23.3% and return on average assets (ROAA) of 3.3%. Its cost of funds increased to 4.5% amid elevated interest rates, while the cost-to-income ratio rose to 45%. Liquidity and coverage ratios remained robust at 53% and 211.1%, respectively, underscoring its solid capital base and prudent risk management.
Commenting on the results, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, described the performance as a testament to Zenith Bank’s resilience and strategic discipline.
“Our strong showing reflects the adaptability of our people and the strength of our brand in an evolving economic landscape. We have fortified our capital base, improved asset quality, and are well positioned for sustainable, profitable growth,” she said.
Looking ahead, Dr. Umeoji expressed confidence in sustaining the bank’s growth trajectory through innovation, digital transformation, and customer-centric solutions.
“We remain focused on delivering exceptional value to all stakeholders while maintaining responsible leadership in Nigeria’s banking sector,” she added.
Zenith Bank continues to earn industry acclaim, having been named Nigeria’s Number One Bank by Tier-1 Capital for the 16th consecutive year in The Banker’s 2025 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, and Nigeria’s Best Bank at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025.
The bank has also received multiple accolades in recent years, including Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria (2021–2025) by World Finance, Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria (2023–2024) by International Banker, and Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria (2022–2025) by World Finance Corporate Governance Awards.
Zenith Bank further earned recognition as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in The Banker’s Top 500 Banking Brands (2020–2021) and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024.
These achievements, the bank noted, reaffirm its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in corporate governance.
