By Ayomide Otitoju
Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc (Sterling HoldCo) has released its financial forecasts for the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2025, projecting gross earnings of ₦149.27 billion. The outlook builds on its strong half-year performance, during which profit after tax rose by 157 percent, gross earnings climbed 39.7 percent to ₦212.61 billion, and earnings per share increased to 89 kobo from 56 kobo.
In a filing with the Nigerian Exchange, the Group said it expects interest income of ₦116.73 billion and interest expenses of ₦42.88 billion, leaving net revenue from funds at ₦73.85 billion. Credit impairment charges are projected at ₦16.84 billion, while other income is estimated at ₦28.37 billion, bringing net operating income to ₦85.37 billion.
Operating expenses are forecast at ₦67.24 billion, resulting in a profit before tax of ₦18.13 billion. After a projected tax of ₦1.88 billion, profit after tax is expected to close the quarter at ₦16.25 billion.
Sterling HoldCo also projects ₦13.56 billion in net cash generated from operating activities, supported by ₦266.16 billion in financing inflows and ₦187.93 billion in investing activities. This is expected to deliver a net increase of ₦91.79 billion in cash and cash equivalents, raising its closing balance to ₦549.90 billion, compared to ₦458.11 billion at the beginning of the quarter.
The Group said the projections underscore its disciplined cost management, diversified income streams, and prudent balance sheet growth, while positioning it to support key sectors of the Nigerian economy, invest in innovation, and create value for stakeholders.
It added that its ability to generate strong cashflows while maintaining significant liquidity provides resilience in a challenging operating environment.
Sterling HoldCo, however, cautioned that the forecasts are forward-looking and subject to changes in market conditions and regulatory developments
