As a testament to its resilience and market leadership, Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited results for the nine months period ended 30 September 2021 with a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of NGN180 billion, reflecting a 1% growth over the NGN177 billion recorded in the same period in the previous year amidst a challenging macroeconomic environment exacerbated by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
According to the Group’s unaudited nine months financial results presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), gross earnings increased by 2% from NGN509 billion to NGN519 billion largely due to growth in current account maintenance fees as well as fees from electronic products during the period.
Despite continuing economic uncertainties,
the Group grew its net earnings through a reduction in the cost of funds while
keeping the cost of risk flat—this strengthened Earnings Per Share (EPS) by 1%
to NGN5.11. The Group achieved a 9% growth in interest income from loans and
advances on the back of an increase in gross loans of 9% year to date and
enhanced efficiency, resulting in a 21% drop in interest expense to NGN74
billion from NGN94 billion. This culminated in growth in net interest income of
4%, from NGN225 billion recorded at the end of Q3 2020 to NGN235 billion in the
current period.
Total assets also increased by 3% to NGN8.8
trillion in the current period, while total deposits grew by 13% to close at
NGN6.0 trillion from NGN5.3 trillion as at 31 December 2020, with a substantial
contribution from retail deposits.
As a result of the focused drive to increase
retail deposits in the past three years, there was a decrease in The Group’s
cost of funds by 35% to 1.4% from 2.2% year-on-year. The Group continues to
make significant progress in its retail banking drive, as evidenced by
remarkable growth in transaction volumes and value across its digital platforms
and strong growth in customer acquisition.
For the year's final quarter, management's
outlook remains positive, buoyed by a declining inflationary trend, expected
increase in foreign exchange inflows, and improving oil production. The Group
remains focused on increasing its retail market share, consolidating its
leadership position in the corporate segment and maintaining a robust balance
sheet.
In recognition of its track record of excellent performance, Zenith Bank
was voted as Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria in the World Finance Banking
Awards 2021, Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker's Bank of the Year Awards
2020, Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance World's Best Banks Awards 2020
and 2021, and Best in Corporate Governance 'Financial Services' Africa 2020 and
2021 by the Ethical Boardroom. Also, the Bank emerged as the Most Valuable
Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and
2021, and Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in the "2021 Top
1000 World Banks" Ranking by The Banker Magazine. In 2020, Zenith Bank was
honoured as Bank of the Decade (People's Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020,
Retail Bank of the year at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial
Institutions (BOFI) Awards, and Best Company in Promotion of Good Health and
Well-Being as well as Best Company in Promotion of Gender Equality and Women
Empowerment at the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility (SERAS)
Awards.
For over three decades, Zenith Bank has distinguished itself in the
Nigerian financial services industry through superior service offerings, unique
customer experience, and sound economic indices. The Bank remains a clear
leader in the digital space with several firsts in deploying innovative
products, solutions, and an assortment of alternative channels that ensure
convenience, speed, and safety of transactions.
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