Nigeria’s Zenith Bank Plc reported a profit before tax of ₦625.63 billion for the first half of 2025, marking a substantial rise in its financial performance. Gross earnings increased 20 % year‑on‑year to ₦2.5 trillion, driven mainly by a 60 % surge in interest income to ₦1.8 trillion. This growth resulted from the strategic repricing of risk assets and effective treasury management.
The board approved an interim dividend of ₦1.25 per share, a 25 % increase from the ₦1.00 paid in the first half of 2024. Net interest income rose 90 % to ₦1.4 trillion, while non‑interest income contributed ₦613 billion. Profit after tax reached ₦532 billion, with earnings per share of ₦12.95.
Total assets grew to ₦31 trillion, up from ₦30 trillion in December 2024. Customer deposits increased 7 % to ₦23 trillion, whereas the loan book fell to ₦10.2 trillion, reflecting prudent risk management. Key performance indicators included a Return on Average Equity of 24.8 %, a Return on Average Assets of 3.5 %, and a Cost‑to‑Income Ratio of 48.2 %. The Non‑Performing Loan Ratio improved to 3.1 % from 4.7 %, the Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at 26 %, and the Liquidity Ratio was 69 %.
Group Managing Director/CEO Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji credited the bank’s performance to its innovative workforce and strategic execution. She expressed optimism for accelerated growth in the second half of 2025 and hinted at a significant year‑end dividend. Zenith Bank’s strong results underscore its commitment to effective risk management and strategic growth initiatives, and its focus on innovation and customer satisfaction is likely to sustain its success as the banking sector evolves.
Comments are closed for this story.