Sterling HoldCo Builds on Upward Trajectory with Robust Q4 

2025 Outlook…

…Strengthens Growth Path on Solid Fundamentals

Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc (“Sterling HoldCo” or “the 

Group”) has sustained its growth momentum, projecting gross earnings of N149.27 billion for the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2025. This projection builds on 

the Group’s performance in the first half of the year, when profit after tax rose by 

157 percent, gross earnings climbed 39.7 percent to N212.61 billion, and earnings 

per share rose to 89 kobo from 56 kobo. Together, these results highlight a strong 

year-to-date trajectory, reinforcing profitability and boosting investor confidence in the Group’s long-term outlook.

According to the filing on the Nigerian Exchange, Sterling HoldCo expects interest 

income of N116.73 billion and interest expenses of N42.88 billion, resulting in net 

revenue from funds of N73.85 billion. The Group also anticipates credit impairment 

charges of N16.84 billion, with other income projected at N28.37 billion, bringing net operating income to N85.37 billion.

Operating expenses are forecast at N67.24 billion, leaving a profit before tax of 

N18.13 billion. After accounting for a projected tax of N1.88 billion, profit after tax 

is estimated at N16.25 billion for the quarter.

Sterling’s cash flow outlook underscores the strength of its balance sheet. 

The Group projects N13.56 billion in net cash generated from operating activities, 

alongside N266.16 billion in financing inflows and N187.93 billion in investing 

activities. 

This is expected to deliver a net increase of N91.79 billion in cash and cash equivalents, with the cash and bank balance closing at N549.90 billion by 

year-end, compared to N458.11 billion at the start of the quarter.

These forecasts build on the Group’s performance earlier in the year, reflecting the continuation of this momentum, supported by a disciplined focus on cost 

management, diversified income streams, and prudent balance sheet growth.

Beyond financial performance, the outlook highlights the Group’s capacity to 

channel its financial strength into broader impact. 

Sterling HoldCo is positioned to 

support key growth sectors of the Nigerian economy, invest in innovation, and 

continue creating value for shareholders, customers, and communities.

The Group noted that its ability to generate strong operating cashflows while 

maintaining significant liquidity positions provides a foundation for resilience. This 

strength ensures that Sterling HoldCo is not only positioned to deliver value to its 

shareholders but also equipped to deepen its participation in Nigeria’s growth 

sectors, drive innovation, and support broader economic progress.

These projections are forward-looking and based on current assumptions about 

market conditions and regulatory developments. Actual results may differ 

materially.

About Sterling Financial Holdings Company

Sterling Financial Holdings Company PLC is a leading Nigerian financial services group 

committed to enriching lives through innovation and impact with a diversified portfolio that includes Sterling Bank Limited, The Alternative Bank Limited, SterlingFI Wealth Management among others. As a HoldCo, Sterling provides strategic direction, governance, and resources 

across its subsidiaries, enabling each to focus on its core mandate while benefiting from groupwide expertise, technology, and oversight.

With a heritage of trust built over six decades, Sterling HoldCo is committed to financial innovation, advancing inclusion, and shaping sustainable growth in Nigeria’s economy.

The Group champions customer-focused solutions and socially responsible initiatives while creating value for shareholders, employees, and the communities it serves. The Group continues to pioneer offerings across its core businesses in banking, payments, and technology-driven 

financial services.