Zenith Bank Plc has announced gross earnings of N4.19 trillion for the 2025 financial year, reflecting a steady increase from the N3.97 trillion recorded in 2024, as the lender sustained growth across its core income lines.
The bank’s performance was largely supported by a significant rise in interest income, which climbed by 35 per cent to N3.7 trillion. This growth was driven by improved asset yields, expansion in interest-earning assets, and effective pricing strategies, reinforcing the bank’s earnings capacity in a high-yield environment.
Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that net interest income surged by 53 per cent to N2.6 trillion, underscoring strong margin management and the bank’s ability to optimise returns despite changing market conditions. Profit before tax, however, declined by five per cent to N1.26 trillion following a strategic cleanup of loans previously under regulatory forbearance.
Despite the dip in pre-tax profit, profit after tax rose marginally to N1.04 trillion, with earnings per share standing at N25.32, signalling resilience in overall profitability.
Customer deposits grew to N24 trillion from N22 trillion, reflecting increased confidence from both corporate and retail clients, while gross loans expanded to N11 trillion. The bank noted that loan growth was moderated by the write-off of forbearance-related exposures, a move aimed at strengthening asset quality.
The institution also recorded an improvement in its non-performing loan ratio, which declined to 3.8 per cent from 4.7 per cent in the previous year. Its coverage ratio remained strong at 173 per cent, highlighting robust provisioning and adherence to regulatory standards.
The board of directors has proposed a final dividend of N8.75 per share, bringing the total dividend for the 2025 financial year to N10 per share when combined with the interim payout. This represents a 100 per cent increase compared to the N5 dividend declared in 2024.
Commenting on the results, the Group Managing Director, Adaora Umeoji, stated that the bank’s performance reflects disciplined execution and strategic focus. She emphasised that the lender has strengthened its balance sheet, improved asset quality, and positioned itself for sustained growth.
She added that the bank remains committed to delivering value to customers and shareholders while investing in capabilities that will support future expansion and resilience in a dynamic financial environment.
