With a 16% year-over-year increase in gross earnings from N2.9 trillion in Q3 2024 to N3.4 trillion in Q3 2025, Zenith Bank Plc has issued its unaudited financial results for the nine months ending September 30, 2025. A steady increase in interest revenue, which increased by 41% year over year to N2.7 trillion, was the primary driver of the expansion in gross earnings, according to the financial data reported to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). A high-yield rate environment and an increase in the Bank’s investment portfolio helped to sustain the growth in interest income.The Bank managed to attain a robust Net Interest Margin (NIM) of 12%, up from 10% in September 2024, despite a 22% increase in interest expenses to N814 billion due to a tightening monetary cycle and an expansion in the Bank’s financing base. Underpinned by a 60% drop in trading earnings, non-interest revenue fell 38% to N535 billion.With a profit before taxes of N917 billion compared to N1 trillion reported in September 2024, profitability remained solid. As the Bank took decisive action to enhance the quality of its loan portfolio, profit after tax also fell by 8% to N764 billion, and earnings per share (EPS) decreased to N18.60 from N26.34 in September 2024. From N30 trillion in December 2024 to N31 trillion in September 2025, the Bank’s total assets increased by 4%. Customer deposits, which increased by 8% to N23.7 trillion during the same time period, provided a significant amount of support for this.As of September 2025, gross loans fell 9% to N10 trillion, while the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio improved to 3% as a result of non-performing loan write-offs. Return on Average Assets (ROAA) was 3.3%, and Return on Average Equity (ROAE) was 23.3%. Due to the overall high interest rate environment, the cost of funds went up to 4.5%. The cost-to-income ratio increased to 45%, while the Group’s cost of risk remained at 10%. At 211.1% and 53%, respectively, the coverage ratio and liquidity ratio are still strong and well inside legal bounds.This demonstrates the Bank’s robust liquidity profile and capital position, as well as its capacity to finance strategic expansion prospects. It also shows its steadfast dedication to a corporate governance, compliance, and risk management culture. In a statement, the bank credited the performance to persistence, strong momentum, disciplined execution, and the capacity to generate long-term shareholder value despite the difficult macroeconomic climate. “The Bank’s strong performance is an attestation to the resilience of the Zenith brand, result-driven strategy, and the adaptability of our people in an evolving operating environment,” stated Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director/CEO, in response to the results. We are in a strong position for long-term, profitable growth since we have strengthened our capital foundation and improved the quality of our assets.Dame Dr. Umeoji was upbeat about Q4 2025, stating that the bank is on a strong growth trajectory for the remainder of the year. This outcome demonstrates how resilient our people and company model are. We anticipate continuing on our strong growth trajectory for the rest of the year. Our emphasis on innovation, digital transformation, and creating solutions that meet our clients’ evolving demands puts us in a position to take advantage of new opportunities while upholding our methodical growth strategy,” she stated. She reassured shareholders that Zenith Bank is well-positioned to provide outstanding returns with the expectation of long-term value creation due to its strong performance, enhanced asset quality, and solid capital basis. “We are in a strong position to maintain this momentum while providing outstanding value to all of our stakeholders and upholding responsible leadership in the Nigerian banking sector.”
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