By Seun Ibiyemi
Zenith Bank Plc has released its audited financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2025, reporting solid earnings growth and a significant increase in shareholder returns despite a slight dip in profit before tax.
The bank posted gross earnings of N4.19 trillion, representing a six per cent year-on-year increase from N3.97 trillion recorded in 2024.
The performance was largely driven by a 35 per cent surge in interest income to N3.7 trillion, supported by higher asset yields, growth in interest-earning assets, and effective pricing strategies.
Net interest income rose by 53 per cent to N2.6 trillion, underscoring the bank’s strong capacity to maintain a healthy margin between lending rates and funding costs.
Profit Before Tax (PBT), however, declined by five per cent to N1.26 trillion, attributed to the cleanup of loan facilities previously under regulatory forbearance.
Despite this, Profit After Tax (PAT) grew marginally by one per cent to N1.04 trillion, with Earnings Per Share standing at N25.32.
Customer deposits increased by 11 per cent to N24 trillion from N22 trillion in the previous year, driven by sustained growth across both corporate and retail segments, reinforcing the bank’s strong funding base.
Gross loans rose moderately to N11 trillion, with underlying growth offset by the write-off of forbearance-related exposures, a move that significantly improved the quality of the bank’s loan portfolio.
Consequently, the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio improved to 3.8 per cent in December 2025 from 4.7 per cent in December 2024.
Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Adaora Umeoji, said the performance reflects disciplined execution and a strategic focus on sustainable growth.
“Our 2025 results are a reflection of the discipline and focus with which we executed our strategy. We successfully strengthened our asset quality, optimised our balance sheet, and invested in the capabilities that will propel our next phase of growth,” she said.
The bank maintained a strong coverage ratio of 173 per cent, highlighting its prudent provisioning strategy and commitment to regulatory compliance.
Key profitability metrics remained robust, with Return on Average Equity (ROAE) at 23.2 per cent and Return on Average Assets (ROAA) at 3.4 per cent. Net Interest Margin (NIM) stood at 13.7 per cent, reinforcing the sustainability of its core earnings.
However, the cost-to-income ratio rose to 45.2 per cent, reflecting higher impairment charges and the impact of persistent inflationary pressures.
Zenith Bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Liquidity Ratio remained strong at 25 per cent and 71 per cent respectively, well above regulatory thresholds, demonstrating the bank’s solid capital base and liquidity position.
In a move to reward shareholders, the Board proposed a final dividend of N8.75 per ordinary share. Combined with the interim dividend of N1.25, total dividend for the 2025 financial year stands at N10.00 per share, representing a 100 per cent increase from N5.00 paid in 2024.
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Dr. Umeoji described 2025 as a year of “purposeful execution,” noting that the bank has entered 2026 as a stronger and more resilient institution.
“We are investing for the future and delivering value to our customers and shareholders with the consistency that defines the Zenith Bank brand,” she added, expressing confidence in the bank’s ability to sustain long-term value creation.
