Sterling Financial posts 31.5% revenue growth in H1 2026

Sterling Financial Holding Company Limited has announced a robust financial performance for the first half of 2026, with gross earnings surging by 31.5% to N279.6 billion compared to the same period in 2025. This broad-based growth across key performance indicators highlights the company's strong operational momentum.

The significant revenue increase was primarily fueled by a 33.7% jump in interest income, which reached N223.6 billion. This growth is attributed to an expanding loan book and improved asset yields. Net interest income climbed an impressive 41.0% to N137.4 billion. Additionally, non-interest income saw a healthy rise of 23.3% to N56.0 billion, bolstered by notable gains in fee income and other operating revenue streams.

Sterling Financial also demonstrated continued strength in its balance sheet. Total assets expanded by 19.3% to N4.67 trillion, supported by a substantial 21.1% growth in customer deposits, which now stand at N3.62 trillion. The company maintained disciplined expansion in its loan portfolio during this period.

Profitability metrics also showed positive trends. The Group's profit before tax (PBT) increased by 21.9% to N55.5 billion, while profit after tax (PAT) rose by 20.4% to N50.3 billion. Sterling Financial's return on average equity was recorded at 20.6%, with a notable improvement in return on average assets, moving from 2.05% to 2.35%. Shareholders' funds saw a significant increase of 27.8%, reaching N547.7 billion, largely due to N96.6 billion raised through a public offer of ordinary shares. The company's share price has also appreciated by over 15% this year, reflecting increased investor confidence.