Zenith Bank Plc has delivered a resilient financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2025, reporting gross earnings of ₦4.19 trillion and a profit after tax of ₦1.04 trillion, even as it undertook major balance sheet restructuring to strengthen its loan portfolio.
According to its audited financial results, the bank’s gross earnings grew by 6% year-on-year from ₦3.97 trillion in 2024, buoyed by a surge in interest income. Interest income rose sharply by 35% to ₦3.7 trillion, driven by higher asset yields, growth in interest-earning assets, and effective pricing strategies.
This robust top-line performance lifted net interest income by 53% to ₦2.64 trillion, reflecting the bank’s ability to sustain a healthy margin between lending rates and funding costs.
However, profitability was slightly impacted by deliberate risk management actions. Profit before tax declined by 5% to ₦1.26 trillion, a drop the bank attributed to a “bold and prudent clean-up” of loan facilities previously under regulatory forbearance. Despite this, profit after tax edged up by 1% to ₦1.04 trillion.
On the balance sheet, customer deposits rose by 11% to ₦24.33 trillion, underscoring strong customer confidence and a deep funding base. Gross loans increased modestly to ₦11.06 trillion, with underlying growth moderated by write-offs linked to previously restructured exposures aimed at improving asset quality.
The bank recorded notable improvements in asset quality metrics, with its non-performing loan ratio declining to 3.8% from 4.7% in the previous year. Its coverage ratio remained strong at 172.6%, highlighting prudent provisioning and adherence to regulatory standards.
Key profitability indicators showed mixed performance amid macroeconomic pressures. Return on average equity stood at 23.2%, while return on average assets was 3.4%. The net interest margin remained solid at 13.7%, although the cost-to-income ratio rose to 45.2% due to higher impairment charges and inflationary trends.
Zenith Bank maintained a strong capital and liquidity position, with a liquidity ratio of 71% and a capital adequacy ratio of 25%, both comfortably above regulatory thresholds.
Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director and CEO, Adaora Umeoji, said the performance reflects disciplined execution of the bank’s strategic priorities.
“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.
She added that the bank enters 2026 in a stronger position, with improved risk asset quality and sustained growth in its core business.
In line with its earnings performance, the board proposed a final dividend of ₦8.75 per share. Combined with an interim dividend of ₦1.25, total dividends for the 2025 financial year stand at ₦10.00 per share—double the ₦5.00 paid in 2024.
Looking ahead, Zenith Bank expressed confidence in sustaining growth, citing strong corporate governance, an expanding global footprint, and a skilled workforce as key drivers of future value creation.
The bank operates over 400 branches across Nigeria and maintains an international presence, including operations in the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Côte d’Ivoire, and a representative office in China.
