Zenith Bank Plc reported a 13.95% year-on-year drop in pre-tax profit for the first half of 2025, at N625.63 billion compared with N726.97 billion in the same period of 2024.
Post-tax profit also slipped 7.93% to N532.18 billion from N577.91 billion a year earlier, reflecting mounting cost pressures.
Despite weaker profits, gross earnings climbed 19.96% to N2.52 trillion from N2.10 trillion in H1 2024, underscoring the bank’s strong revenue momentum.
Net interest income jumped 89.35% to N1.35 trillion from N715.07 billion, boosted by improved yields and stronger loan book performance.
Operating expenses surged 23.42% to N411.28 billion, compared with N333.23 billion in the prior year.
Higher costs were the primary drag on profits, offsetting Zenith’s revenue growth and margin gains.
To sustain investor confidence, the board approved an interim dividend of N1.25 per share, a 25% increase from the N1.00 paid in the same period last year.
The payout, aligned with Section 426 of CAMA 2020, will be presented for ratification at the next Annual General Meeting.
Zenith Bank said it has already exceeded the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalization target of N500 billion well before the 2026 deadline. As of June 30, 2025, share capital and premium stood at N614.65 billion, supported by retained earnings of N2.45 trillion.
Management emphasized that robust earnings, strengthened capital buffers, and consistent dividend payouts highlight Zenith’s resilience in Nigeria’s challenging operating climate.
Despite the profit decline, the bank remains positioned to navigate macroeconomic headwinds and sustain shareholder returns.
