Sterling Bank grows earnings by 12% to N28.6b in Q1

Sterling Bank Plc at the weekend released its first quarter results with a double-digit growth in the top-line earnings and continuing improvement in the underlying core banking business.

The report showed that gross earnings grew by 12 percent as the bank’s net interest margin improved to 8.2 per cent within the first three months.

The interim report, which was released at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed that gross earnings braced the economic recessionary trend to close March 2017 at N28.55 billion compared with N25.50 billion recorded in the comparable period of 2016.

The top-line earnings performance was driven by 26.3 per cent increase in interest income and improved cost management, leaving net interest income higher by 18.3 per cent at N13.5 billion in first quarter 2017 as against N11.4 billion in first quarter 2016. Net interest margin, which measures the underlining profitability of the core banking business, thus improved marginally from 8.1 per cent in first quarter 2016 to 8.2 per cent in first quarter 2017.

The bank was able to reduce operating expenses through strategic cost control measures taken in response to inflationary pressures. Operating expenses declined from N12.6 billion in first quarter 2016 to N12.2 billion in first quarter 2017. Operating income stood at N14.2 billion while pre and post tax profits stood at N2.03 billion and N1.88 billion respectively in first quarter 2017.

The balance sheet of the bank remained strong as total assets rose by 6.8 per cent to N891.3 billion by March 2017 compared with N834.2 billion recorded at the beginning of this business year. Shareholders’ funds also rode on the back off organic accretion of profit to close March 2017 at N87.5 billion.

Managing Director, Sterling Bank, Mr. Yemi Adeola, said the first quarter 2017 performance was in line with expectations, as earnings remained resilient with a double-digit growth despite the macroeconomic headwinds that persisted during the period.

He noted that the bank made significant progress in its efficiency drive through the adoption of strategic cost management initiatives, which resulted in 3.3 per cent reduction in operating expenses and a 190 basis point improvement in cost-to-income ratio.

He pointed out that net interest margin also improved marginally to 8.2 per cent despite the crowding out effect of sovereign borrowing which kept interest rates high.

He added that the bank had retained its cautious stance on lending while continuing to strengthen its risk management framework across people, processes and information technology systems.

“Going into the year, we will continue to explore innovative ways to improve revenue, while simultaneously enhancing the overall efficiency of our business operations,” Adeola said.

Union Bank posts 24% growth in Q1 Gross Earnings

Union Bank’s Unaudited Financial Statements for the three months ended 31 March 2017 released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) shows a 24 percent increase in gross earnings of N33.8 billion.

In the three month period, the bank interest income of N27.2 billion improved by 27 percent.

A breakdown of the interest income showed Cash and its equivalents improved 103 percent to N983 million while Loans and advances to customers appreciated 38 percent toN19.7 billion

A 114 percent increase in Deposits from customers indicates growing confidence in the bank, however it contributed significantly to a 91 percent increase in interest expenses that stood at N12.6 billion

Earnings Per share thus dropped 7 percent to 26 kobo from 28 kobo in 2016.

Mobil reports 99 percent profit decline in Q1

Mobil Oil Nigeria has released Unaudited Financial Statements for the three months ended 31 March 2017 with a profit after tax (PAT) of N13.1 billion.

Mobil’s Q1 PAT is 99 percent lower than N1.8 billion declared as PAT in the same period of 2016.

The company recorded turnover of N25.2 billion, which is11percent higher than N22.7 billion declared as Revenue for the first three months of 2016.

Earnings per Share dropped to 4 kobo from 504 kobo reported in Q1 reflecting the 99 percent decline in profitability

While total assets dropped to N59.0 billion from N61.7 billion in 2016, Shareholders funds stood at N22.7billion as against N21.5 billion in2016