Zenith Bank’s Gross Earnings Hit ₦2.5 Trillion in H1 2025, Declares ₦1.25 Interim Dividend

Financial Highlights — H1 2025

• Gross earnings: ₦2.5 trillion (up from ₦2.1 trillion in H1 2024).
• Profit before tax (PBT): ₦625.6 billion.
• Interim dividend: ₦1.25 per share (25% increase year-on-year).
• Interest income: ₦1.8 trillion, up 60% from ₦1.1 trillion.
• Net interest income: ₦1.4 trillion, up 90% from ₦715 billion.
• Non-interest income: ₦613 billion.
• Profit after tax: ₦532 billion.
• Earnings per share (EPS): ₦12.95.

The growth in interest income was driven by strategic repricing of risk assets and effective treasury management, while non-interest income continued to contribute significantly to the Bank’s overall performance.

Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, highlighted that Zenith Bank’s performance reflects the creativity and innovation of its workforce in a dynamic operating environment:

“Despite the significant provisioning requirements as the industry exits the CBN forbearance regime, we’ve seen substantial improvement in our asset quality. Our balance sheet remains robust with adequate capital buffers, positioning us well to seize opportunities across our key markets.”

She added that the Bank expects to accelerate its growth trajectory in the second half of the year following the successful exit from CBN forbearance. Shareholders can expect continued value creation and potentially higher year-end dividend payouts as Zenith Bank leverages emerging opportunities while maintaining its strong corporate governance culture.

Looking beyond H1 2025, the GMD/CEO reinforced her optimistic outlook:

“We’re on a solid growth path that we expect to maintain through the rest of 2025 and into 2026. Our focus remains on innovation, digital transformation, and developing solutions that address our clients’ changing needs. With improving market conditions, we’re well placed to sustain this momentum whilst maintaining responsible leadership and delivering exceptional value to all stakeholders.”

Balance Sheet Strength

• Total assets: ₦31 trillion (up from ₦30 trillion in December 2024).
• Customer deposits: ₦23 trillion (up 7% from ₦22 trillion).
• Loan book: ₦10.2 trillion (down from ₦11 trillion in December 2024 reflecting prudent risk management).

Return on average equity (ROAE) stood at 24.8% and return on average assets (ROAA) at 3.5% as of June 2025. The cost-to-income ratio was 48.2%, reflecting necessary provisioning for regulatory compliance and inflationary pressures. Asset quality improved significantly, with the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio dropping to 3.1% in June 2025 from 4.7% in December 2024.

In its statement to the investing community, Zenith Bank emphasized that its H1 2025 performance aligns with global sustainability objectives. The Bank has integrated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into both products and operations. Highlights include:

• Supporting SMEs and women entrepreneurs with capital access, training, mentoring, and market opportunities.
• Embedding ESG compliance checks within its loan portfolio processes.
• Adopting cleaner energy sources across business operations to cut carbon footprint.

This responsible banking philosophy underscores the Bank’s commitment to creating long-term value for stakeholders and contributing positively to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Key Takeaways for Shareholders & Investors

• Zenith Bank continues to lead Nigeria’s banking industry in dividend payments and strong earnings growth.
• Robust balance sheet, improved asset quality, and capital buffers position the Bank for sustained growth.
• Focus on digital transformation, innovation, and ESG integration strengthens its competitive advantage.

With the ₦1.25 interim dividend declared and a strong outlook for the rest of 2025, shareholders can expect continued returns as the Bank executes its strategic plan.