Zenith Bank Plc has unveiled its unaudited financial results for the nine months ending 30 September 2025, showcasing a remarkable 16% year-on-year elevation in gross revenues, up from N2.9 trillion in Q3 2024 to N3.4 trillion in Q3 2025. The Group’s performance continues to exemplify resilience, vigorous momentum, meticulous execution, and an unwavering ability to deliver enduring shareholder value despite the challenging macroeconomic landscape.
As outlined in the financial results submitted to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the surge in gross revenues was fueled by a persistent rise in interest income, which increased by an impressive 41% year-on-year to N2.7 trillion. This growth in interest income was bolstered by a robust yield rate environment and an expansion in the Bank’s investment portfolio. Although interest expenses rose by 22% to N814 billion due to a tightening monetary cycle and expansion of the Bank’s funding base, the Bank maintained a commendable Net Interest Margin (NIM) of 12%, up from 10% in September 2024. Non-interest income, however, experienced a significant decrease of 38% to N535 billion, driven by a substantial 60% reduction in trading gains.
Profitability remained steadfast, with profit before tax recorded at N917 billion, a slight dip from the N1.00 trillion reported in September 2024. Meanwhile, profit after tax saw an 8% decline to N764 billion, and Earnings Per Share (EPS) was at N18.60, down from N26.34 in September 2024, as the Bank implemented audacious strategies to enhance the quality of its loan portfolio.
The Bank’s total assets expanded by 4% from N30 trillion in December 2024 to N31 trillion by September 2025, largely supported by customer deposits which surged by 8% to N23.7 trillion during this timeframe. Gross loans fell by 9% to N10 trillion as of September 2025, while the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio improved to 3% due to the write-off of deteriorating loans.
Return on Average Equity (ROAE) and Return on Average Assets (ROAA) settled at 23.3% and 3.3%, respectively. The cost of funds escalated to 4.5%, reflecting the broader elevated interest rate climate. The Group’s cost of risk stood at 10%, while the cost-to-income ratio increased to 45%.
Both coverage ratio and liquidity ratio remain robust and comfortably within regulatory thresholds at 211.1% and 53%, respectively. This underscores the Bank’s strong capital stature and liquidity profile, as well as its capability to finance strategic growth prospects. It also exemplifies its steadfast commitment to prudent risk management, compliance, and a culture of corporate governance.
