Five companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) have projected a combined profit after tax of ₦24.34 billion for the 2025 financial year, according to their earnings forecasts filed recently with the Exchange. The projections highlight renewed optimism among listed firms despite ongoing macroeconomic headwinds.
The companies, AIICO Insurance Plc, Red Star Express Plc, SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc, Prestige Assurance Plc, and Eterna Plc — also disclosed an expected combined revenue of ₦426.36 billion and an operating cash flow of ₦45.92 billion for the year ending December 31, 2025. Analysts say these forecasts underscore the resilience of Nigeria’s insurance and logistics sectors, alongside the oil and gas downstream segment represented by Eterna.
AIICO Insurance Plc is expected to deliver the largest share of profits, projecting ₦19.55 billion after tax. This is buoyed by a forecast investment income of ₦51.76 billion and net insurance and investment results of ₦27.10 billion. The insurer also anticipates a net cash inflow of ₦35.71 billion from operating activities, though cash and cash equivalents are forecast to decline to ₦12.27 billion by year-end from ₦19.44 billion at the start of the year.
Meanwhile, Red Star Express Plc forecasts a profit after tax of ₦239.70 million, driven by a turnover of ₦6.73 billion and a gross profit of ₦1.44 billion. SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc projects ₦1.56 billion in after-tax profit, with insurance revenue estimated at ₦16.41 billion. SUNU also expects a stronger cash position, with cash and cash equivalents rising to ₦17.47 billion from ₦11.71 billion, supported by a planned ₦7 billion capital injection.
On the other hand, Prestige Assurance Plc anticipates ₦2.01 billion in profit after tax from insurance revenue of ₦28.60 billion, while Eterna Plc, the lone oil and gas firm in the group, expects ₦1 billion in after-tax profit on a projected revenue of ₦243.06 billion. Both companies also forecast positive operating cash flows, signalling sustained liquidity and operational strength heading into 2025.
source: punch