Zenith Bank Plc has announced impressive financial results for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, showcasing a remarkable 16% year-on-year increase in gross earnings, rising from N2.9 trillion in Q3 2024 to N3.4 trillion. This performance underscores the bank’s resilience and capacity to deliver long-term shareholder value amid challenging macroeconomic conditions.
The results, presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), indicate that the robust growth in gross earnings was primarily driven by a substantial 41% year-on-year surge in interest income, which reached N2.7 trillion. This growth was facilitated by a favorable high-yield environment and an expansion of the bank’s investment portfolio. Despite a 22% rise in interest expenses to N814 billion due to a tightening monetary policy and an expanded funding base, Zenith Bank maintained a healthy Net Interest Margin (NIM) of 12%, up from 10% in September 2024.
However, non-interest income saw a significant decline of 38%, totaling N535 billion, largely due to a 60% drop in trading gains. Profitability remained strong, with profit before tax recorded at N917 billion, compared to N1.00 trillion reported in September 2024. The profit after tax experienced an 8% drop, amounting to N764 billion, while Earnings Per Share (EPS) was reported at N18.60, down from N26.34 the previous year.
The bank’s total assets increased by 4%, from N30 trillion in December 2024 to N31 trillion as of September 2025, bolstered by an 8% rise in customer deposits to N23.7 trillion. Gross loans, however, decreased by 9% to N10 trillion, but the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio improved to 3% due to the write-off of non-performing loans.
Key financial metrics reflected the bank’s strong performance, with Return on Average Equity (ROAE) at 23.3% and Return on Average Assets (ROAA) at 3.3%. The cost of funds increased to 4.5%, influenced by elevated interest rates. Notably, the bank’s coverage and liquidity ratios remained robust at 211.1% and 53%, respectively, highlighting its solid capital position and risk management practices.
Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director/CEO, commented on the results, stating, “The Bank’s robust performance is an attestation to the resilience of the Zenith brand and the adaptability of our people in an evolving operating environment.” She expressed optimism for Q4 2025, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to innovation and digital transformation to meet clients’ changing needs.
Zenith Bank’s consistent performance has earned it numerous accolades, including being recognized as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the sixteenth consecutive year in the 2025 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking. The bank has also received multiple awards for its commitment to corporate governance and sustainability, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the Nigerian banking sector.
As Zenith Bank looks ahead, it aims to build on its success and continue delivering exceptional value to its stakeholders while maintaining responsible leadership in the industry.
