Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited Group financial results for the half year ended June 2025, recording a profit before tax of ₦625.6 billion. Backed by this solid performance, the Board has declared an interim dividend of ₦1.25 per share—25% higher than the ₦1.00 paid in the same period last year. This reinforces Zenith Bank’s reputation as a consistent value creator for its shareholders.
The Bank’s earnings growth was driven by a 20% year-on-year rise in gross earnings, which climbed from ₦2.1 trillion in H1 2024 to ₦2.5 trillion in H1 2025. Interest income accounted for the bulk of this increase, advancing 60% to ₦1.8 trillion, supported by strategic asset repricing and prudent treasury operations.
Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, highlighted the resilience and innovation of the Bank’s workforce in navigating a shifting operating environment. She noted that despite heavier provisioning following the end of the CBN forbearance regime, Zenith Bank has strengthened its asset quality and fortified its balance sheet, ensuring sufficient buffers for future growth.
Looking ahead, Dr. Umeoji expressed confidence that the Bank is well-positioned to sustain its upward trajectory in the second half of 2025. She reassured shareholders of continued value creation and hinted at the potential for an even stronger year-end dividend, backed by improving market conditions and the Bank’s long-standing culture of strong corporate governance.
During the review period, profit after tax stood at ₦532 billion, while earnings per share reached ₦12.95. Net interest income nearly doubled year-on-year to ₦1.4 trillion, complemented by non-interest income of ₦613 billion.
The balance sheet remained solid, with total assets rising to ₦31 trillion in June 2025, up from ₦30 trillion at the end of 2024. Deposits grew by 7% to ₦23 trillion, reflecting strong customer confidence, while loans closed at ₦10.2 trillion, underscoring a disciplined risk management approach.
Performance metrics also remained strong: return on average equity (ROAE) stood at 24.8%, return on average assets (ROAA) at 3.5%, and cost-to-income ratio at 48.2%. Asset quality improved markedly, with the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio reducing to 3.1% from 4.7% at year-end 2024. Capital adequacy (26%) and liquidity ratio (69%) remained well above regulatory thresholds.
Zenith Bank also emphasized its alignment with sustainability goals. The Bank has continued to integrate ESG principles into its operations and lending portfolio, while championing initiatives to empower SMEs and women-owned businesses. Investments in cleaner energy adoption across branches further demonstrate its commitment to responsible banking and long-term stakeholder value