Nigerian Telcos Zero to Hero, AAF price target to £3, MTN to ZAR 190; Q4 24 review

Local currency growth was in the mid-30s again in Q4 and likely to accelerate driven by the 50% price increase approval, and stabilising macro. We have updated our MTN and AAF models for the Naira, diesel and mobile tariffs; our target prices go to ZAR190 and £3 from ZAR130 and £2 respectively and we maintain our Buy recommendations.

Global EM Telcos & Towers – On Fire - NSR GEM Top-10 April 25 Update. IHS target to $7.7.

Our picks were on fire in March, with our top EM Telcos now up 27% YTD on average. This note also includes key news & other thoughts catalysts, help investors generate alpha within the EM Telco space.

MTN (Buy, TP: ZAR130, +10%) Q4 24: Very strong top line; good support for the group

MTN Ghana has reported a strong set of Q4 results. Both service revenue and EBITDA trends came in ahead of our expectations and service revenue growth accelerated again despite the macro pressures.

Intel 1Q25: Weakening outlook near term; hints on the road ahead.

CHTR 1Q25 Quick Take: Net adds a little soft; EBITDA beat

Net adds missed estimates, but the miss was less severe than some might have feared following Comcast’s results. Importantly, adds in existing markets improved year-over-year. EBITDA growth was 3.5% after adjusting for a one-time benefit. This was well ahead of expectations. Estimates for EBITDA and FCF will likely increase for the year. Repurchases are back, and the Company seemed to reaffirm a leverage target of 4.25x. Repurchase estimates should increase too with higher EBITDA and FCF.

NSR Policy Implications of Hegseth’s Woes on Key Spectrum Battle

Secretary of Defense Hegseth continues to struggle in controlling the narrative about his leadership, leading to reports that the White House is looking for a replacement (which the White House denies.) In this note we analyze the implications of those struggles for the key spectrum battle involving the Department of Defense (DoD) and the wireless industry.