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Zenith Bank Plc has posted a robust profit before tax (PBT) of N917.4 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2025.
The unaudited financial results also show a 16% year-on-year increase in gross earnings to N3.37 trillion, up from N2.9 trillion recorded in the same period of 2024.
Despite a challenging macroeconomic climate marked by tightening monetary policies and rising operational costs, the Group sustained strong momentum and delivered impressive shareholder value.
According to the results submitted to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the performance was driven largely by a 41% rise in interest income to N2.7 trillion, buoyed by a high-yield environment and expansion in the Bank’s investment portfolio. Although interest expenses climbed by 22% to N814 billion, Zenith maintained a healthy Net Interest Margin (NIM) of 12%, up from 10% in 2024.
Non-interest income, however, fell by 38% to N535 billion due to a 60% drop in trading gains. Profit after tax (PAT) also slipped 8% to N764 billion, with earnings per share (EPS) closing at N18.60 compared to N26.34 in 2024 — a result of the Bank’s strategic decision to clean up its loan book and strengthen asset quality.
Total assets rose modestly by 4% from N30 trillion in December 2024 to N31 trillion as at September 2025, supported by customer deposits, which increased by 8% to N23.7 trillion. Gross loans declined by 9% to N10 trillion as the Bank intensified its loan recovery and write-off initiatives, improving the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio to 3%.
The Bank also maintained strong profitability metrics, with Return on Average Equity (ROAE) and Return on Average Assets (ROAA) at 23.3% and 3.3%, respectively. Its cost of funds increased to 4.5%, reflecting the prevailing high interest rate environment, while cost-to-income ratio stood at 45%.
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Zenith’s liquidity and coverage ratios remain well above regulatory thresholds at 53% and 211.1%, reaffirming the institution’s solid capital base and prudent risk management culture. Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, attributed the performance to the Bank’s disciplined execution and resilient operating model. “This robust performance is an attestation to the strength of the Zenith brand, our result-driven strategy, and the adaptability of our people in an evolving operating environment,” she said.
She added that the Bank has “fortified its capital base, reset its asset quality, and is now better positioned for sustainable and profitable growth.”
Looking ahead to Q4 2025, Dame Umeoji expressed confidence that the Bank will sustain its momentum. “This result confirms the resilience of both our business model and our people. We’re on a solid growth path that we expect to maintain through the remainder of the year. Our focus on innovation, digital transformation, and developing client-focused solutions positions us to capitalise on emerging opportunities,” she stated.
She assured shareholders that Zenith’s strong capitalisation, improved asset quality, and prudent growth strategies will continue to yield long-term value. “We’re well placed to sustain this momentum whilst maintaining responsible leadership in the Nigerian banking industry and delivering exceptional value to all stakeholders,” she affirmed.
Zenith Bank’s consistent performance and leadership continue to earn it both local and global recognition. It retained its position as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 16th consecutive year in the 2025 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking by The Banker. The Bank also won Nigeria’s Best Bank at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025 and Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Awards for 2020, 2022, and 2024.
Other honours include Best Bank in Nigeria (2020–2025) by Global Finance, Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria (2021–2025) by World Finance, and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria (2023–2024) by International Banker. Zenith was also named Best in Corporate Governance, Financial Services – Africa by Ethical Boardroom for four consecutive years.
With these results and recognitions, Zenith Bank remains a benchmark for stability, innovation, and excellence in Africa’s financial landscape.
