Zenith Bank posts N1.26trn PBT, declares N10 per share dividend
Zenith Bank PLC yesterday released its audited group financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2025, recording a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N1.26 trillion while proposing total dividend payout of N10 per share, underscoring its strong earnings capacity and commitment to shareholder returns. The bank’s audited results reflect a year of strategic […]
Zenith Bank PLC yesterday released its audited group financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2025, recording a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N1.26 trillion while proposing total dividend payout of N10 per share, underscoring its strong earnings capacity and commitment to shareholder returns.
The bank’s audited results reflect a year of strategic execution, balance sheet optimisation, and improved asset quality, despite macroeconomic pressures.
Commenting on the performance, Group Managing Director/CEO, Adaora Umeoji, said the results highlight the discipline with which the bank pursued its growth strategy.
“Our 2025 results are a reflection of the discipline and focus with which we executed our strategy. We successfully strengthened our asset quality, optimized our balance sheet, and invested in the capabilities that will propel our next phase of growth,” she stated.
Zenith Bank recorded gross earnings of N4.19 trillion, representing a 6% increase from N3.97 trillion in 2024.
The growth was largely driven by a 35% surge in interest income to N3.7 trillion, supported by higher asset yields, expansion in interest-earning assets, and efficient pricing strategies.
Net interest income rose significantly by 53% to N2.6 trillion, demonstrating the bank’s ability to maintain a strong margin between funding costs and asset returns.
While PBT declined slightly by 5%, the bank attributed this to a deliberate and prudent cleanup of loans under regulatory forbearance. Despite this, Profit After Tax (PAT) grew marginally by 1% to N1.04 trillion, with Earnings Per Share (EPS) at N25.32.
Customer deposits increased by 11%, rising from N22 trillion to N24 trillion, driven by growth across both corporate and retail segments. Gross loans stood at N11 trillion, with underlying growth moderated by the write-off of legacy exposures.
The bank recorded notable improvements in asset quality, with its Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio declining to 3.8% from 4.7% in 2024. Its coverage ratio remained strong at 173%, reflecting prudent risk management and provisioning practices.
Return on Average Equity (ROAE) and Return on Average Assets (ROAA) stood at 23.2%, and 3.4% respectively while Net Interest Margin (NIM) of 13.7% for the full year reinforces the sustainability of the Group’s core earnings, according to the bank.
The Group’s cost-to-income ratio increased to 45.2%, stemming from an increase in impairment charge and sustained inflationary pressure.
The bank further stated that its Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Liquidity Ratio stood at 25% and 71% respectively, well above regulatory minimum and reflective of the Group’s robust capital and liquidity position.
In line with its commitment to delivering value to shareholders, the board proposed a final dividend of N8.75 per share, bringing the total dividend for 2025 to N10 per share, including an interim dividend of N1.25. This represents a 100% increase compared to the N5.00 dividend paid in 2024.
Umeoji described 2025 as a year of “purposeful execution,” noting that the bank not only expanded its core operations but also strengthened the quality of its risk assets.
“We entered 2026 as a stronger, more resilient institution that remains dedicated to supporting our customers as they build scale and capture emerging business opportunities,” she said.
She added that with strong corporate governance, a growing global footprint, and a skilled workforce, Zenith Bank remains well-positioned to sustain long-term value creation for all stakeholders.