When was the last time we could write that the EU Telecoms sector has been the second best performing sector in the market YTD? As a result, this raises the question of whether the outperformance can continue. We believe regulation will ultimately determine the answer to this question.
Following similar efforts in Europe and LatAm we are launching coverage on the HY Telcos & Towers in EMEA & Africa. New names under coverage include Helios (also initiated on equity, pt GBp140), Axian Telecom and Liquid Intelligent. We also address IHS Towers (pt cut to US$ 6), VEON and Helios’ bonds.
Service revenue trends were faster off better Uganda, Nigeria and South Africa as network availability improved. While underlying service revenue improved from Q1, it was still below the mid-teen medium term guidance. However, the Group maintained its guidance, with full year’s capex (Rs28-33bn) expected to be down around 30% from last year off lower spend in Nigeria. HoldCo leverage had also improved to 1.6x this quarter with better upstreaming.
MTN Rwanda has reported a disappointing set of Q2 numbers. Service revenue and EBITDA trends continued to deteriorate as they continue to be impacted by the MTR cut and higher competition on price. Additionally, EBITDA continued to be impacted by the One Network Area initiative, handset subsidy and the local currency depreciating vs. the USD. As a result, management has cut FY24 guidance.
IHS Towers has reported a solid set of Q2 results. Organic top line growth has seen a strong acceleration, driven by Nigeria, while margins improved nicely too. There was no new news regarding the strategic review. However, the company made a key announcement last week about the contract renewals with MTN Nigeria (HERE).
In its recently released Q1:2025 financial result, Airtel Africa Plc (AIRTELAFRI) posted a decrease in its consolidated topline in reporting currency (USD). Overall, Revenue fell by 16.07% YoY to USD1.16bn in Q1:2025. This decline may be alluded to currency devaluations in two out of three regions of operation, Nigeria and East Africa. In reported currency, Voice Revenue (-23.41% YoY), Data Revenue (-15.79% YoY), and Other Revenue (-12.56% YoY) all contributed to the annual deceleration in grow...
VEON delivered a good set of numbers, despite some slowdown. Key markets such as Pakistan and Kazakhstan continue to be key drivers while Ukraine improved. ARPU metrics remain good in our view with digital’s share of revenue rising. We do not think bullish medium term guidance are fully reflected in today’s valuation and as such, VEON remains a compelling BUY for us with a US$ 40/ADR price target.
Both MTN Nigeria and IHS Nigeria have announced the renewal and extension of all their MLAs in Nigeria, including new financial terms. This development is materially positive for both companies in our view. This means all MLAs in Africa between MTN and IHS have now been renewed and extended. Separately, MTN has also announced the exit from Guinea-Bissau.
Orange has reported a very solid set of results, with Telco EBITDA c+0.7% ahead of consensus. AME and Europe EBITDAaL guidance has been lifted, but Group EBITDAaL guidance has been left unchanged, as the delta in AME and Europe is not yet big enough to move the Group numbers.
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