Zenith Bank Plc has announced its group financial results for the half year ended June 2025, posting a profit before tax of N625.629 billion and approving an interim dividend of N1.25 per share. This represents a 25% increase compared to the N1.00 interim dividend declared in H1 2024, reinforcing the bank’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most consistent dividend-paying institutions.

Strong Earnings Growth

Despite industry-wide challenges following the exit from the CBN forbearance regime, Zenith Bank recorded a 20% year-on-year growth in gross earnings, climbing from N2.1 trillion in H1 2024 to N2.5 trillion in H1 2025.

• Interest income rose sharply by 60%, from N1.1 trillion to N1.8 trillion, driven by effective repricing of risk assets and treasury management.

• Profit after tax stood at N532 billion, with earnings per share at N12.95.

• Net interest income surged by 90% to N1.4 trillion, while non-interest income contributed N613 billion.

CEO’s Remarks

Group Managing Director/CEO Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, praised the resilience of the bank’s workforce in delivering strong results under a dynamic operating environment.

“Despite the huge provisioning requirements as the industry exits the CBN forbearance regime, we’ve seen substantial improvement in asset quality. Our balance sheet remains robust with adequate capital buffers, positioning us well to seize opportunities across our key markets,” she said.

She further assured shareholders of stronger year-end returns, hinting at a possible “quantum dividend” for 2025, as the bank leverages innovation, digital transformation, and improved market conditions.

Solid Balance Sheet & Asset Quality

• Total assets grew to N31 trillion in June 2025 (from N30 trillion in December 2024).

• Customer deposits rose 7% to N23 trillion.

• The loan book stood at N10.2 trillion, reflecting prudent risk management.

• The NPL ratio improved to 3.1% (from 4.7% in Dec. 2024).

• Capital adequacy ratio of 26% and a liquidity ratio of 69% remain well above regulatory benchmarks.

• ROAE stood at 24.8%, while ROAA closed at 3.5%.

ESG Commitment

Zenith Bank highlighted its alignment with sustainability and ESG principles, supporting SMEs and women entrepreneurs through access to capital, training, and market opportunities. The bank also reported progress in adopting cleaner energy sources across its operations as part of its responsible banking strategy.