Zenith {Bank} Maintains Its Management Streak With PBT of 1.26trn, Declares 100% Enhance In Dividend
Zenith {Bank} PLC has launched its audited group {financial} outcomes for the total yr ended December 31, 2025. The Group’s efficiency demonstrates the {Bank}’s resolute dedication to delivering environment friendly steadiness sheet progress, operational excellence, and talent to generate superior, sustainable returns throughout market cycles.
Commenting on the outcomes, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, acknowledged: “Our 2025 outcomes are a mirrored image of the self-discipline and focus with which we executed our technique. We efficiently strengthened our asset high quality, optimized our steadiness sheet, and invested within the capabilities that can propel our subsequent section of progress”.
The Group recorded gross earnings of NGN4.19 trillion in 2025, representing a 6% year-on-year progress from NGN3.97 trillion in 2024. This was pushed by a 35% improve in curiosity revenue to NGN3.7 trillion, anchored by excessive asset yields, a rise in curiosity incomes property and efficient pricing. Web curiosity revenue grew by 53% to NGN2.6 trillion, highlighting the {Bank}’s capability to take care of a wholesome unfold between asset yields and funding prices. Regardless of a 5% drop in Revenue Earlier than Tax to NGN1.26 trillion, as a consequence of a daring and prudent cleanup of amenities which have been below regulatory forbearance, Revenue After Tax grew barely by 1% to shut at NGN1.04 trillion, with an Earnings Per Share (EPS) of NGN25.32.
Buyer deposits grew by 11% from NGN22 trillion to NGN24 trillion, on account of a sustained improve in each company and retail deposits, affirming the enduring depth of the {Bank}’s funding base. Gross loans reasonably rose to NGN11 trillion, with the underlying progress offset by the write off of forbearance associated exposures, a transfer that has markedly improved the standard of the {Bank}’s threat asset portfolio.
Non-Performing Mortgage (NPL) ratio improved to three.8% in December 2025 from 4.7% in December 2024. The protection ratio remained sturdy at 173%, underscoring the {Bank}’s dedication to prudent provisioning and a tradition of strict regulatory compliance.
Return on Common Fairness (ROAE) and Return on Common Belongings (ROAA) stood at 23.2%, and three.4% respectively. Our Web Curiosity Margin (NIM) of 13.7% for the total yr reinforces the sustainability of the Group’s core earnings. The Group’s cost-to-income ratio elevated to 45.2%, stemming from a rise in impairment cost and sustained inflationary strain. Our Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Liquidity Ratio stood at 25% and 71% respectively, nicely above regulatory minimal and reflective of the Group’s sturdy capital and liquidity place.
In recognition of the Group’s robust full-year efficiency and our promise to constantly ship superior shareholder returns, the Board has proposed a closing dividend of NGN8.75 per peculiar share. Along with the interim dividend of NGN1.25, this brings the entire dividend for the 2025 {financial} yr to NGN10.00 per peculiar share. This represents a 100% improve over the entire dividend of NGN5.00 paid for the 2024 {financial} yr.
In closing, the Group Managing Director/CEO added: “2025 was a yr of purposeful execution. We grew our core enterprise and improved the standard of our threat property. We’re investing for the long run and delivering worth to our prospects and shareholders with the consistency that defines the Zenith {Bank} model.
We entered 2026 as a stronger, extra resilient establishment that continues to be devoted to supporting our prospects as they construct scale and seize rising enterprise alternatives. With our robust company governance, an increasing international footprint, and above all, our unicorn workforce, we stay assured in our capability to proceed to ship long run worth for all our stakeholders”.
Times Nigeria