With a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N1.26 trillion and a proposed total dividend payout of N10 per share, Zenith Bank PLC demonstrated its strong earnings capacity and dedication to shareholder returns yesterday when it released its audited group financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2025.
Despite macroeconomic constraints, the bank’s audited results show a year of improved asset quality, balance sheet optimization, and strategic execution.
Group Managing Director/CEO Adaora Umeoji commented on the performance, stating that the outcomes demonstrate the bank’s commitment to its expansion strategy.The dedication and attention to detail with which we carried out our plan is reflected in our 2025 results. We effectively improved our balance sheet, reinforced the quality of our assets, and made investments in the skills that will drive our next stage of expansion,” she said.
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Zenith Bank reported N4.19 trillion in gross earnings, up 6% from N3.97 trillion in 2024.
Higher asset returns, an increase in interest-earning assets, and effective pricing strategies all contributed to the growth, which was primarily driven by a 35% increase in interest revenue to N3.7 trillion.The bank’s ability to maintain a healthy gap between funding costs and asset returns is demonstrated by the notable 53% increase in net interest income to N2.6 trillion.
The bank explained the minor 5% drop in PBT as the result of a careful and intentional cleanup of loans under regulatory forbearance. In spite of this, Earnings Per Share (EPS) was N25.32 and Profit After Tax (PAT) increased slightly by 1% to N1.04 trillion.
Due to growth in both the business and retail sectors, customer deposits rose by 11%, from N22 trillion to N24 trillion. The write-off of legacy exposures reduced underlying growth, resulting in gross loans of N11 trillion.The bank’s Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio decreased to 3.8% from 4.7% in 2024, indicating significant improvements in asset quality. Because of careful risk management and provisioning procedures, its coverage ratio stayed high at 173%.
The bank claims that Return on Average Equity (ROAE) and Return on Average Assets (ROAA) were 23.2% and 3.4%, respectively, and that the Group’s core earnings are sustainable with a Net Interest Margin (NIM) of 13.7% for the entire year.
A rise in impairment charges and ongoing inflationary pressure caused the Group’s cost-to-income ratio to rise to 45.2%.The bank added that the Group’s strong capital and liquidity position was demonstrated by its Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Liquidity Ratio, which were both well above the statutory requirement at 25% and 71%, respectively. Including an interim dividend of N1.25, the total payout for 2025 will be N10 per share. Compared to the N5.00 dividend given in 2024, this is a 100% increase. Umeoji called 2025 a year of “purposeful execution,” pointing out that the bank improved the caliber of its risk assets in addition to growing its core business. “We started 2026 as a stronger, more resilient organization that is committed to helping our clients grow and seize new business opportunities,” she stated.She continued by saying that Zenith Bank is still in a strong position to maintain long-term wealth creation for all stakeholders because of its solid corporate governance, expanding worldwide presence, and highly qualified personnel.
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