Zenith Bank records 2.5trn gross earnings in H1 2025, declares N1.25 interim dividend

Zenith Bank Plc has posted an impressive performance in its half-year 2025 financial results, underscoring its strength as one of Nigeria’s most resilient financial institutions.

For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the bank recorded a profit before tax of ₦625.6 billion and announced an interim dividend of ₦1.25 per share a 25% increase from the ₦1.00 dividend declared in the same period last year.

The bank’s gross earnings rose by 20% year-on-year, climbing from ₦2.1 trillion in H1 2024 to ₦2.5 trillion in H1 2025. This was largely driven by a 60% surge in interest income, which jumped from ₦1.1 trillion to ₦1.8 trillion, thanks to strategic asset repricing and effective treasury management.

Zenith Bank also posted a profit after tax of ₦532 billion, with earnings per share at ₦12.95. Net interest income almost doubled, rising 90% to ₦1.4 trillion, while non-interest income contributed ₦613 billion.

Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, described the performance as proof of the bank’s innovation and resilience in a challenging environment.

“Our balance sheet remains strong with adequate capital buffers, positioning us to seize opportunities across our markets,” she said. “With improved asset quality and a robust first-half performance, shareholders can expect strong returns and a quantum dividend at year-end.”

She added that the bank’s focus going forward will remain on innovation, digital transformation, and delivering tailored financial solutions.

Total assets: ₦31 trillion (up from ₦30 trillion in December 2024)

Customer deposits: ₦23 trillion (up 7% from ₦22 trillion)

Loan book: ₦10.2 trillion (down from ₦11 trillion, reflecting prudent risk management)

ROAE: 24.8% | ROAA: 3.5%

Cost-to-income ratio: 48.2%

NPL ratio: improved to 3.1% from 4.7% in December 2024

Capital adequacy ratio: 26% | Liquidity ratio: 69% (well above regulatory requirements)

Zenith Bank’s consistent performance continues to earn it global recognition. In 2025, the bank was named:

Nigeria’s Number One Bank by Tier-1 Capital for the 16th consecutive year (The Banker’s Top 1000 World Banks Ranking).

Nigeria’s Best Bank at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence.

Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for the fifth consecutive year (World Finance Banking Awards).

Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria (World Finance Corporate Governance Awards, 2022–2025).

Other accolades include Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria (2023 & 2024), Bank of the Year at BusinessDay’s BAFI Awards (2023 & 2024), and several recognitions for digital innovation, corporate governance, and gender equality.

Zenith Bank says it is well-positioned to sustain its momentum through the rest of 2025 and into 2026. With a strong focus on innovation, customer-centric solutions, and responsible leadership, the bank is confident of delivering even greater value to its shareholders and stakeholders.