First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Group Plc has projected a robust financial performance for the final quarter of 2025, with gross earnings expected to reach N265.2 billion. The outlook, filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Monday, reflects the lender’s confidence in sustaining profitability despite macroeconomic headwinds.
According to the filing, interest income is forecast at N231.8 billion, while interest expense is projected at N116.08 billion, leaving the bank with a net interest income of N115.76 billion for the period under review.
Beyond core lending, FCMB anticipates steady contributions from other revenue streams. The group projects foreign exchange earnings of N3.71 billion, securities trading income of N4.37 billion, contingent income of N1.17 billion, transaction commissions of N20.42 billion, and other income of N3.67 billion. Combined, these will boost net operating income to N149.12 billion.
On the expense side, the lender expects loan losses and writebacks of N14.12 billion and operating costs of N69.12 billion, culminating in a profit before tax of N65.87 billion. After accounting for tax provisions of N7.05 billion, the group projects a profit after tax of N58.82 billion for the quarter.
The group’s cash flow outlook also points to improved liquidity. FCMB forecasts net cash generated from operating activities at N109.08 billion, largely driven by N113.79 billion in operating cash flow before working capital changes. However, working capital changes are estimated at a negative N4.50 billion, while taxes are expected at N214.27 million.
For financing activities, the group projects a net outflow of N1.82 billion, while investing activities are expected to generate N71.32 billion. Overall, this will result in a net increase of N178.57 billion in cash and cash equivalents for the quarter. By year-end, FCMB expects its cash position to close at N852.91 billion, up from N674.34 billion recorded at the beginning of the period.
While stressing that the figures remain estimates until the conclusion of the preceding quarter, the lender said the projections underscore its resilience and ability to sustain earnings momentum in Nigeria’s challenging operating environment.