Zenith Bank Reports ₦637.6bn Profit, Increases Dividend

Zenith Bank Plc announced a profit before tax of ₦637.6 billion for the half-year ended June 30, 2026, reflecting a 1.91 percent increase from ₦625.63 billion in the same period of 2025. The bank proposed a 20 percent increase in its interim dividend to ₦1.50 per share, up from ₦1.25 in 2025.

The financial results, filed with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), were bolstered by improved interest margins, lower funding costs, stronger fee income, and reduced impairment charges. The dividend is set to be paid electronically on October 30, 2026, to shareholders registered by October 23, 2026.

A significant factor in the bank's performance was a 13 percent decline in interest expense to ₦421.8 billion, which improved the net interest margin to 12.4 percent. Net interest income reached ₦1.25 trillion, while customer deposits rose by eight percent to ₦26.35 trillion.

The non-performing loan ratio improved slightly to 3.78 percent, indicating better asset quality.