2025FY: Zenith Bank declares 5% drop in profit to N1.26trn

Zenith Bank plc has released its audited group financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2025 with about five per cent drop in profit before tax to N1.26 trillion from N1.33 trillion reported in 2024. 

The audited result and accounts on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) also revealed one per cent increase in profit after tax to N1.04 trillion in 2025 from N1.03 trillion reported in 2024. 

In recognition of the Group’s strong full‑year performance and our promise to consistently 

deliver superior shareholder returns, the Board has proposed a final dividend of N8.75 per 

ordinary share. 

In addition to the interim dividend of N1.25, this brings the total dividend for the 2025 financial year to N10.00 per ordinary share. This represents a 100per cent increase over the total dividend of N5.00 paid for the 2024 financial year.

The lender in a statement said its 2025 performance demonstrates the Bank’s resolute commitment to delivering efficient balance sheet growth, operational excellence, ability to generate superior, sustainable returns across market cycles.

Commenting on the results, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, 

stated꞉ “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”.

“The Group recorded gross earnings of N4.19 trillion in 2025, representing a six per cent year‑on‑year  growth from N3.97 trillion in 2024. This was driven by a 35per cent increase in interest income to N3.7 trillion, anchored by high asset yields, an increase in interest earning assets and  effective pricing. Net interest income grew by 53per cent to N2.6 trillion, highlighting the Bank’s ability to maintain a healthy spread between asset yields and funding costs. 

“Despite a five per cent drop in Profit Before Tax to N1.26 trillion, due to a bold and prudent cleanup of facilities which were under regulatory forbearance, Profit After Tax grew slightly by one per cent to close at N1.04 trillion, with an Earnings Per Share (EPS) of N25.32.

“Customer deposits grew by 11per cent from N22 trillion to N24 trillion, as a result of a sustained 

increase in both corporate and retail deposits, affirming the enduring depth of the Bank’s 

funding base. Gross loans moderately rose to N11 trillion, with the underlying growth offset 

by the write‑off of forbearance‑related exposures, a move that has markedly improved the 

quality of the Bank’s risk‑asset portfolio.

“Non‑Performing Loan (NPL) ratio improved to 3.8per cent in December 2025 from 4.7per cent in December 2024. The coverage ratio remained robust at 173per cent, underscoring the Bank’s commitment to prudent provisioning and a culture of strict regulatory compliance.  Return on Average Equity (ROAE) and Return on Average Assets (ROAA) stood at 23.2per cent, and 3.4per cent respectively. 

“Our Net Interest Margin (NIM) of 13.7per cent for the full year reinforces the sustainability of the Group’s core earnings. The Group’s cost‑to‑income ratio increased to 5.2per cent, stemming from an increase in impairment charge and sustained inflationary pressure. 

Our Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Liquidity Ratio stood at 25per cent and 71per cent respectively, well above regulatory minimum and reflective of the Group’s robust capital and liquidity position.

“In closing, the Group Managing Director/CEO added꞉ “2025 was a year of purposeful execution. 

“We grew our core business and improved the quality of our risk assets. We are investing for the 

future and delivering value to our customers and shareholders with the consistency that 

defines the Zenith Bank brand. 

“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. With our strong corporate governance, an expanding global footprint, and above all, our unicorn workforce, we remain confident in our ability to continue to deliver long‑term value for all our stakeholders”.