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Zenith Bank PLC has announced its audited financial results for the 2025 year that ended in December 31, 2025, reporting a 6% growth in gross earnings to NGN4.19 trillion.

This performance was primarily anchored by a significant 35% surge in interest income, which reached NGN3.7 trillion due to high asset yields and effective pricing strategies. Despite a deliberate 5% dip in profit before tax to NGN1.26 trillion—attributed to a strategic and prudent cleanup of legacy facilities—Profit After Tax edged up by 1% to NGN1.04 trillion.

This resilience resulted in an Earnings Per Share – EPS of NGN25.32, reflecting the bank’s ability to maintain profitability even during periods of rigorous balance sheet optimization.

The Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, emphasized that the 2025 results reflect a year of “purposeful execution” and disciplined asset quality management. A major highlight of the year was the dramatic improvement in the bank’s risk profile, with the Non-Performing Loan – NPL ratio dropping from 4.7% to 3.8%.

This improvement was supported by a robust coverage ratio of 173%. Furthermore, customer deposits grew by 11% to reach NGN24 trillion, signaling deep-seated confidence from both retail and corporate segments in the bank’s stability and funding base.

Efficiency and liquidity remained core strengths for the Group throughout the fiscal year. Zenith Bank reported a healthy Net Interest Margin – NIM of 13.7% and a Return on Average Equity – ROAE of 23.2%.

While the cost-to-income ratio rose to 45.2% due to inflationary pressures and impairment charges, the bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio – CAR of 25% and Liquidity Ratio of 71% remain well above regulatory requirements. These figures underscore a fortress-like balance sheet capable of navigating market volatility while supporting future expansion.

In a move that signals strong confidence in its long-term value creation, the Board has proposed a final dividend of NGN8.75, bringing the total dividend for 2025 to NGN10.00 per share. This represents a staggering 100% increase over the NGN5.00 paid in 2024.

As the bank enters 2026, it aims to leverage its “unicorn workforce” and expanding global footprint to capture emerging opportunities, remaining steadfast in its commitment to delivering superior returns to all stakeholders.