PART ONE
1.0 Introduction
Part one provides a background to the study by giving a brief review to the topic. The section also gives the reason for my decision to analyze the financial performance of Zenith. The section concludes with the aim and objectives of the research paper.

1.1 Reasons for choosing Zenith Bank
There are three main reasons for choosing to analyze the financial performance of Zenith. The banking industry is a competitive one and the topic will therefore afford me the opportunity to see at play strategic planning, efficient and effective management strategies and tactics in the industry.
The choice is also influenced by the need to have adequate and comprehensive information for my research. Banks are required to publish their financials annually to allow market participants to access the banks performance.
Further, I believe this topic provides me the opportunity to conduct detailed financial and strategic analysis in a vibrant, yet tough industry. The topic embraces aspects of both the financial accounting management where my interest lies.
1.3 Aims and objectives of the report
The ultimate aim of the research work is to evaluate the financials of Zenith. In striving towards this overriding aim, the following issues will be addressed.

1.3.1 Financial analysis
The following analysis will cover the following:
• Profitability :
Key measures of profitability – ROCE, ROA, interest margin.
Trend analysis of profitability over the past three years
• Short term solvency and liquidity:
Ability to meet short term debts from current assets
• Long term solvency
Ability to meet long term debts from current assets
PART TWO
2.0 A description of the industry
2.1 Introduction
This report provides an overview of the banking industry. It identifies and describes the level of competition in the industry, trend and number of