Sterling Bank Plc on Monday reported a growth of 65 per cent in profit after tax (PAT) for the year ended December 31, 2018. The audited results of the bank showed PAT of N8.521 billion, up from N5.163 billion posted in the 2016. The profit was recorded from gross earnings of N133.490 billion in 2017, compared with N111.440 billion in 2016.
The financial institution ended the year with net interest income of N50.180 billion, down from N55.990 billion, while impairment charges rose from N11.714 billion to N12.267 billion in 2017. Profit before tax grew from N6 billion to N8.606 billion, while PAT improved from N5.163 billion to N8.521 billion.
Based on the results, the board of directors of the bank has recommended a dividend of two kobo per share for the shareholders’ approval.
The former Managing Director/Chief Executive of Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Yemi Adeola, had last year told shareholders that bank would aggressively grow its retail business through electronic channels over the next five years.
According to him, the bank would continue to boost innovative banking, driven by market insights that would enable it serve its customers satisfactorily, implement significant investment in technology-led growth initiatives and accelerate the growth of its non-interest banking segment.
