Zenith Bank Plc has reported a ₦917.4 billion profit before tax for the nine months ending 30 September 2025, with gross earnings rising by 16% year-on-year to ₦3.37 trillion from ₦2.9 trillion in the same period of 2024.

The bank said the results demonstrate resilience, strong momentum, disciplined execution, and a commitment to delivering long-term shareholder value despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.

According to the unaudited results filed with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), growth in gross earnings was largely driven by a 41% rise in interest income to ₦2.7 trillion, supported by a high-yield environment and an expanded investment portfolio.

While interest expenses rose by 22% to ₦814 billion due to a tightening monetary cycle and a larger funding base, the bank maintained a healthy Net Interest Margin (NIM) of 12%, up from 10% in 2024.

Non-interest income fell by 38% to ₦535 billion, largely due to a 60% decline in trading gains.

Profit after tax declined by 8% to ₦764 billion, while earnings per share (EPS) dropped to ₦18.60 from ₦26.34 in 2024, reflecting measures to strengthen asset quality.

Total assets rose by 4% from ₦30 trillion in December 2024 to ₦31 trillion in September 2025, driven mainly by customer deposits, which increased 8% to ₦23.7 trillion. Gross loans declined by 9% to ₦10 trillion, while the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio improved to 3% following the write-off of bad loans.

Return on Average Equity (ROAE) stood at 23.3%, and Return on Average Assets (ROAA) at 3.3%. The cost-to-income ratio rose slightly to 45%, while liquidity and coverage ratios remained strong at 53% and 211.1%, respectively.

Umeoji: ‘Resilient Brand, Responsible Leadership’

Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, said the performance underscores the strength of the Zenith brand and its disciplined execution.

“Our robust performance attests to the resilience of the Zenith brand, our result-driven strategy, and the adaptability of our people. We have fortified our capital base, improved asset quality, and are well positioned for sustainable growth,” she said.

Looking ahead, Dr. Umeoji reaffirmed optimism for the final quarter of the year.

“We are on a solid growth path that we expect to maintain through the remainder of 2025. Our focus on innovation, digital transformation, and customer-centric solutions positions us to capitalise on emerging opportunities,” she said.

The bank’s strong performance and governance culture have earned it numerous local and international awards, including Nigeria’s Best Bank (Euromoney, 2025) and Bank of the Year (The Banker, 2024).