Sterling HoldCo Sets Sights on Continued Growth with Q4 Earnings Projection of N149 Billion
Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc (Sterling HoldCo) has maintained its positive growth trajectory, projecting a gross earnings figure of N149.27 billion for the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2025. This outlook builds on the Group’s impressive first-half performance, where profit after tax surged by 157%, gross earnings increased by 39.7% to N212.61 billion, and earnings per share rose from 56 kobo to 89 kobo. These results underscore a solid year-to-date performance, reinforcing profitability and bolstering investor confidence in the Group’s long-term prospects.
In its filing on the Nigerian Exchange, Sterling HoldCo forecasts interest income of N116.73 billion against interest expenses of N42.88 billion, resulting in net interest income of N73.85 billion. The Group also expects credit impairment charges of N16.84 billion, with other income projected at N28.37 billion, leading to an estimated net operating income of N85.37 billion.
Operating expenses are anticipated at N67.24 billion, leaving a profit before tax of N18.13 billion. After accounting for an estimated tax expense of N1.88 billion, projected profit after tax for the quarter stands at N16.25 billion.
Sterling’s positive cash flow outlook further demonstrates its financial resilience, with an estimated N13.56 billion generated from operating activities. The Group expects inflows of N266.16 billion from financing activities and N187.93 billion from investing activities, resulting in a net cash increase of N91.79 billion. By year-end, the cash and bank balance is projected to reach N549.90 billion, up from N458.11 billion at the start of the quarter.
These projections reflect the continuation of the Group’s disciplined approach to cost management, diversified revenue streams, and prudent balance sheet growth—factors that have underpinned its sustained performance.
Beyond financials, Sterling HoldCo’s strength positions it to support Nigeria’s key growth sectors, invest in innovation, and generate value for shareholders, customers, and communities. Its robust cash flows and liquidity buffer ensure resilience and capacity for further participation in Nigeria’s economic development.
These forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions about market conditions and regulatory environments; actual results may differ.