Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc has projected a profit after tax of N16.25 billion for the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2025, according to its latest earnings guidance filed on the Nigerian Exchange.
The group expects gross earnings of N149.27 billion for the quarter, supported by N116.73 billion in interest income. Interest expenses are projected at N42.88 billion, leaving net revenue from funds at N73.85 billion. Credit impairment charges are estimated at N16.84 billion, while other income is forecast at N28.37 billion, bringing net operating income to N85.37 billion.
Operating expenses are projected at N67.24 billion, resulting in a profit before tax of N18.13 billion. After a projected tax charge of N1.88 billion, profit after tax is expected to close at N16.25 billion.
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The group also provided cash flow projections, with net cash generated from operating activities estimated at N13.56 billion. Financing inflows are projected at N266.16 billion, while investing activities are expected to deliver N187.93 billion. This would result in a net increase of N91.79 billion in cash and cash equivalents, with the year-end balance projected at N549.90 billion compared to N458.11 billion at the beginning of the quarter.
Sterling HoldCo’s projections build on its performance in the first half of 2025, when profit after tax rose by 157 percent, gross earnings climbed 39.7 percent to N212.61 billion, and earnings per share increased to 89 kobo from 56 kobo.
The company noted that the projections are forward-looking and subject to changes in market conditions and regulatory developments.