Stanbic IBTC Holdings grows profit by 42% to N165.4bn in Q1 2026

Stanbic Ibtc Holdings Plc on Friday announced its unaudited first quarter (Q1) ended March 31, 2026 result and accounts with 42 per cent increase in profit before tax to N165.34 billion from N116.42 billion reported in the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.  

The lender on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) saw its profit after tax up by 40 per cent to N114.9 billion profit after tax in Q1 2026 as against N82.06billion reported in Q1 2025. 

The significant increase in profits was driven by total income that gained 31.1 per cent to N266.14billion in Q1 2026 from N203.01billion in  Q1 2025, while Non-interest revenue rose significantly by 145 per cent to N130.31billion in Q1 2026 from N53.12billion in Q1 2025.  

In terms of balance sheet, the group declared  nearly 13 per cent increase in total assets to N9.7trillion as of March 2026 from N8.6trillion reported in 2025. 

Commenting on the results,Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC HoldingsStanbic IBTC Holdings, Chuma Nwokocha, said: “Our performance in the first quarter of 2026 reflects the strength of our strategy and the discipline with which we continue to execute across our three strategic 

focus areas, Client, People and Sustainability. 

“These priorities shaped every major milestone achieved during the period and remain central to how we create value for our clients, stakeholders and the broader economy. 

“While the operating environment showed early signs of renewed momentum, activity across key sectors remained modest. Nonetheless, demand conditions proved resilient, as reflected in the Stanbic IBTC Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), despite elevated fuel costs that intensified inflationary pressures during the quarter. 

“The Group delivered a strong performance for the quarter, underpinned by solid revenue momentum, disciplined balance‑sheet growth, and improved operating efficiency. 

“Profit After Tax rose by 40per cent year‑on‑year, supported by growth in non-interest revenue. Non-interest revenue increased by above 100per cent year‑on‑year, partly attributable to a turnaround in trading activities. Fees 

and commission income increased by 30per cent year‑on‑year, supported by higher contributions from advisory and professional services, highlighting the diversification and resilience of the income base. 

“Despite a nine per cent year‑on‑year increase in operating expenses, revenue growth significantly outpaced cost expansion, resulting in a marked improvement in cost efficiency, with the cost‑to‑income ratio improving to 36.8per cent from 44.4per cent in the prior year. The 

robust earnings performance translated into an improvement in return on assets to 5.1per cent from 4.7per cent, while return on equity moderated to 39per cent from 46.7per cent, primarily reflecting year‑on‑year growth in the equity base and reinforcing the Group’s strong capital position. 

“The Group’s balance sheet also increased by 13per cent to year-to-date to N9.70 trillion as at Q1 2026.”