LAGOS, NIGERIA — First HoldCo Plc has released its unaudited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025, revealing a dual narrative of robust top-line growth and a deliberate kitchen-sinking strategy to fortify its financial foundation.
The Group reported a 4.8% year-on-year increase in Gross Earnings, reaching a milestone of N3.4 trillion. This growth was primarily driven by a robust performance in core banking operations, with net interest income increasing 36.3% to N1.9 trillion.
While the revenue figures reached record heights, the Group’s bottom line reflected a conscious management decision to take a record impairment charge.
By accelerating the clean-up of its balance sheet and adopting more aggressive provisioning standards, particularly in its commercial banking segment, First HoldCo is prioritising long-term stability over short-term optics.
Management described the move as a prudent step designed to align with evolving regulatory expectations and enhance investor transparency following recent capital raise activities.
Despite the heavy impairment charges and rising regulatory costs, the underlying business engines showed significant momentum
Net fees & commissions rose 18.7% to N290.7 billion, driven by a surge in electronic banking and digital innovation.
Operating profit, excluding impairments and fair value gains, pre-provision operating profit grew by 23.9%, totalling N973.3 billion.
Deposit growth increased 10% year-over-year, although the Group successfully shifted its mix away from expensive foreign currency funding toward more efficient local deposits.
The 2025 fiscal year was marked by the appreciation of the Naira, which impacted non-interest income through lower fair value gains on financial instruments.
However, First HoldCo offset these pressures with strong FX trading income and a disciplined reduction in FX revaluation losses.
The Group’s loan book saw a marginal decline, a result of a tightened risk management framework and the impact of the stronger Naira on foreign-denominated facilities.
“The Group will continue to prioritise disciplined execution,” the statement noted, pointing out a future focused on digital and data capabilities.
As First HoldCo enters 2026, its eyes are set on selective expansion into new revenue streams and deeper participation across targeted African markets.
With a cleaner balance sheet now in place, the Group is positioned to pivot from defensive fortification to offensive growth.
All rights reserved. The content on this website, including text and other digital materials, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of The News Accelerator Network.
For advertising inquiries, news coverage, or press releases, please get in touch with us at
📧 thenewsacceleratornetwork@gmail.com
📞 08051017159, 08173970030
Kindly follow us on: https://www.facebook.com/thenewsaccelerator
You can also subscribe to our YouTube channels here: UCVELRC3WinKZ7tdmhmZaRmQhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/sub_confirmation=1
Post a Comment