AfriPulse
September 23, (THEWILL) — Zenith Bank Plc has declared an interim dividend of ₦1.25 per share for the half year ended June 30, 2025, following a surge in earnings powered by stronger interest income.
The Tier-1 lender’s net interest income grew 90% year-on-year to ₦396.8 billion in H1 2025, from ₦208.6 billion in the same period of 2024, buoyed by higher yields on assets amid elevated interest rates.
Profit before tax rose 64% to ₦413.2 billion, while profit after tax advanced 60% to ₦340.8 billion. Gross earnings also jumped 68% to ₦1.32 trillion, compared to ₦780.5 billion in H1 2024.
In a filing to the Nigerian Exchange, the bank attributed the strong performance to growth in both interest and non-interest income, coupled with improved efficiency ratios.
The interim dividend, totaling about ₦39.1 billion, is subject to withholding tax, leaving a net payout of roughly ₦35.2 billion to be credited electronically on September 30 to shareholders on record as of September 23.
The results and dividend announcement are expected to lift sentiment in banking stocks despite subdued trading last week.
The numbers underscore the resilience of Nigeria’s Tier-1 banks, even as smaller lenders grapple with rising funding costs and stricter regulation.
Zenith Bank’s shares closed Friday at ₦36.50 on the NGX, down 0.5% on the day, but remain up over 35% year-to-date, outperforming the banking index.
The bank said it remains committed to delivering shareholder value through consistent payouts and strong profitability, despite tighter monetary conditions across the sector.
***Written by Ogochukwu Onwaeze.
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Source: TheWillNigeria | Read the Full Story…
