As Nigeria’s deposit money banks finalise the process of publishing their third quarter reports, investors are confident that Zenith Bank Plc will report an impressive result that would confirm its industry leadership status.
The assertions are based on the lenders continued sterling performance since the year.
Ken Agubo, an investor and financial analyst said the bank has carved out a niche for itself in the financial services sector given the non-broken record of growth.
“Zenith will deliver optimum returns for shareholders this year notwithstanding the difficult challenging environment. With excellent corporate governance culture and huge investment in technology, it is obvious that the bank will not disappoint”, Agubo said.
An Owerri-based businessman, Kanayo Chikere said he admires Zenith Bank for its consistency in delivering returns to investors. He told this newspaper that Zenith has come a long way and too strong to be displaced by any other bank.
“I am confident that Zenith will deliver this year amid operating challenges. There is nothing to fear about because challenges separate the men from the boys. The half-year result is a pointer to that fact”, Chikere stated in a telephone chat.
The performance of Zenith Bank Group for the half-year ended June 30, 2022 re-affirms its industry leadership and consistency in providing superior financial returns. This is demonstrated by the 11% year-on-year (YoY) growth in profit before tax (PBT) from NGN117 billion to NGN130 billion. Earnings per share (EPS) also grew from NGN3.38 to NGN3.55 over the same 6-month period.
Gross earnings rose by a strong 17% YoY from NGN346 billion to NGN405 billion. This growth was underpinned by a 19% YoY growth in interest income from NGN204 billion to NGN242 billion and an 18% YoY growth in non-interest income from NGN127 billion to NGN149 billion. The growth in interest income was driven by the modest increase in the loan book and improved interest margins. The increase in non-interest income attests to the Group’s success in its income diversification strategy.
The Group recorded an 11% year-to-date (YtD) increase in total customer deposits to close the period at NGN7.15 trillion. The retail strategy of the Group continues to deliver outstanding results as retail deposits grew by 17% YtD from NGN1.82 trillion to NGN2.13 trillion. Retail activities also supported the growth recorded in fees on electronic products which grew by 45% YoY from NGN17 billion to NGN25 billion.
Despite the elevated yield environment, the cost of funds increased only marginally from 1.3% in June 2021 to 1.4% in June 2022. The increase in the cost of funds was lower than the increase in yields on interest-generating assets, giving rise to an improved Net Interest Margin (NIM) of 7.1% from 6.4% in June 2021.
Total assets rose to NGN10.12 trillion at the end of June 2022 from NGN9.45 trillion at the end of December 2021. Despite the headwinds imposed by the operating environment, the Group grew its risk assets as gross loans grew by 5% YtD, from NGN3.5 trillion to NGN3.7 trillion. This was achieved at a moderate NPL ratio of 4.3% (FYE 2021: 4.2%) and cost of risk of 1.4% (June 2021: 1.3%). Prudential ratios such as liquidity and capital adequacy also remained stable and well-above regulatory thresholds at 60.5% and 21.0% respectively.
The Group is focused on advancing its digital banking strategy anchored on a strong technology base and intends to consolidate on the gains achieved in prior years across all business segments. Combined with the Group’s industry leadership, we expect this to drive improved performance and deliver enhanced returns to stakeholders.
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