By Odita Sunday
Zenith Bank Plc has reported a stellar performance in its half-year results for the period ending June 2025, posting a profit before tax of N625.6 billion. On the back of this strong showing, the Board approved an interim dividend of N1.25 per share, representing a 25% increase from the N1.00 paid in the corresponding period of 2024.
The Group also recorded a 20% year-on-year rise in gross earnings, climbing from N2.1 trillion in H1 2024 to N2.5 trillion in H1 2025. This growth was largely driven by a robust 60% surge in interest income, which jumped to N1.8 trillion through strategic asset repricing and effective treasury management.
Speaking on the results, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, credited the performance to “the creativity and innovation of our unicorn workforce” despite higher provisioning requirements as the industry transitions out of the CBN forbearance regime.
She assured shareholders of “a quantum year-end dividend” as the Bank accelerates its growth in the second half of 2025.
Key highlights show profit after tax rose to N532 billion, with earnings per share at N12.95. Net interest income nearly doubled, rising 90% year-on-year to N1.4 trillion, while non-interest income stood at N613 billion. Total assets expanded to N31 trillion, with customer deposits growing 7% to N23 trillion, underscoring strong market confidence.
Zenith Bank also improved its asset quality, reducing non-performing loans (NPL) to 3.1% from 4.7% in December 2024, while maintaining a strong capital adequacy ratio of 26% and liquidity ratio of 69%, both above regulatory thresholds.
The Bank’s stellar track record has continued to attract global recognition. Recently, Zenith was named Nigeria’s Number One Bank by Tier-1 Capital for the 16th consecutive year in The Banker’s Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, as well as “Nigeria’s Best Bank” at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025.
Looking ahead, Dr. Umeoji reaffirmed the Bank’s focus on innovation, digital transformation, and market expansion, noting that Zenith is well-positioned “to sustain momentum and deliver exceptional value to all stakeholders through 2025 and beyond.”