Zenith Bank PLC has disclosed its audited group financial results for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, showing a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N1.26 trillion. The financial institution has also recommended a total dividend of N10 per share, underscoring its robust earning capabilities and dedication to rewarding its shareholders.
The bank's financial performance for 2025 indicates a period of successful strategic implementation, improved balance sheet management, and enhanced asset quality, navigated through prevailing macroeconomic challenges.
Group Managing Director and CEO, Adaora Umeoji, commented on the results, stating that they showcase the bank's disciplined approach to its growth strategy. She noted that the 2025 performance is a testament to the focus and diligence applied in executing the bank's strategy. According to her, Zenith Bank successfully reinforced its asset quality, optimized its balance sheet, and invested in future growth capabilities.
Zenith Bank posted gross earnings amounting to N4.19 trillion, marking a 6% increase from the N3.97 trillion recorded in 2024. This growth was significantly propelled by a 35% rise in interest income, which reached N3.7 trillion. This increase was attributed to improved asset yields, an expansion of interest-earning assets, and effective pricing strategies.
Furthermore, net interest income saw a substantial rise of 53%, totaling N2.6 trillion. This performance highlights the bank's capability to maintain a healthy margin between its funding expenses and asset returns.
While PBT experienced a minor decrease of 5%, the bank explained this was due to a deliberate and careful cleanup of loans that were under regulatory forbearance. Despite this, Profit After Tax (PAT) experienced a marginal increase of 1% to N1.04 trillion, with Earnings Per Share (EPS) standing at N25.32.
Customer deposits saw an 11% increase, growing from N22 trillion to N24 trillion, driven by growth across both corporate and retail customer segments. Gross loans were reported at N11 trillion, with underlying growth being moderated by the write-off of previous exposures.
The bank reported significant improvements in asset quality, with its Non- Performing Loan (NPL) ratio decreasing to 3.8% from 4.7% in 2024. The coverage ratio remained strong at 173%, demonstrating the bank's prudent risk management and provisioning strategies.
The Return on Average Equity (ROAE) and Return on Average Assets (ROAA) were reported at 23.2% and 3.4% respectively. The Net Interest Margin (NIM) for the full year was 13.7%, reinforcing the sustainability of the Group's core earnings, according to the bank.
The Group's cost-to-income ratio increased to 45.2%, attributed to a rise in the impairment charge and persistent inflationary pressures.
The bank also confirmed that its Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Liquidity Ratio stood at 25% and 71% respectively. These figures are well above the regulatory minimums and reflect the Group's strong capital and liquidity standing.
In line with its commitment to shareholder value, the board proposed a final dividend of N8.75 per share. Combined with an interim dividend of N1.25, this brings the total dividend for 2025 to N10 per share, representing a 100% increase from the N5.00 dividend paid in 2024.
Umeoji described 2025 as a year of "purposeful execution," noting that Zenith Bank not only expanded its core business activities but also enhanced the quality of its risk assets.
She added that the bank entered 2026 as a more robust and resilient entity, committed to assisting its clients in scaling their operations and capitalizing on emerging business opportunities.
Umeoji concluded that with its strong corporate governance framework, expanding international presence, and skilled workforce, Zenith Bank is well- positioned to ensure sustained long-term value creation for all its stakeholders.
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