The Board of directors of Zenith Bank Plc has proposed an interim dividend of N1.25 per share, as  published its half year  2025 interim financial results.

The result also showed a 7.9% year-over-year decline in profit after tax to N532.18 billion, compared to N578.00 billion in 2024.

This decline translates to an earnings per share (EPS) of N12.95, down from N18.41 in the same period last year.

The bank’s interest income grew 60.0% year-over-year to N1.84 trillion, driven by elevated yields and growth in investment securities.

Income from customer loans increased by 53.3% year-over-year to N935.75 billion. Loans to banks rose by 71.1% year-over-year to N121.08 billion.

Gains from fixed income securities surged by 67.1% year-over-year to N782.41 billion.
Net interest income nearly doubled (+89.5% year-over-year) to N1.35 trillion.

Non-interest income fell by 31.8% year-over-year to N613.15 billion, due to lower gains on investment securities.

Operating expenses increased by 23.2% year-over-year to N581.43 billion, driven by higher personnel costs, AMCON levy, and NDIC premium.

Despite the decline in PAT, Zenith Bank’s earnings momentum is expected to remain strong, driven by sustained interest income growth and potential credit growth stimulation in anticipation of a lower interest rate environment.