Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong performance in 2024, with revenue showing 48% organic growth and adjusted EBITDA reaching $928 million, reflecting a margin of 54.3%, up 100 basis points from 2023 [10][11][12] - The consolidated net leverage ratio decreased to 3.7 times at the end of 2024, down from 3.9 times at the end of Q3 2024 [13][54] - ALFCF generation was $304 million, exceeding guidance, driven by operational performance and ongoing CapEx optimization [12][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from Nigeria grew approximately 62% on an organic basis, significantly benefiting from FX resets and power indexation, despite a reported revenue decline of 19% year-on-year due to FX headwinds [42][33] - The Sub-Saharan African segment saw revenue remain broadly flat, while adjusted EBITDA increased by 29.6% year-on-year, driven by lower costs and new colocations [44] - In the LatAm segment, towers and tenants grew by 7.9% and 7.2% respectively, but revenue decreased by 18% due to negative FX movements [45] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Nigerian market showed signs of stabilization, with the naira strengthening and an increase in US dollar availability, allowing the company to upstream $271 million from Nigeria in 2024 [14][40] - The Central Bank of Nigeria's recent tariff increase for mobile network carriers is expected to support infrastructure investment and improve service quality [18][73] - The company noted positive momentum in Francophone African markets, with ongoing leasing activity and new build sites [87] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing profitability and reducing CapEx to enhance cash flow generation, with a target of raising $500 million to $1 billion through asset disposals [15][25] - Strategic initiatives include extending commercial contracts with key customers and reducing exposure to power prices, aligning operations with more developed markets [16][18] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet and is considering share buybacks and/or introducing a dividend policy following asset disposals [25][70] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the Nigerian market, citing improved macroeconomic conditions and bullish carrier CapEx plans [73][92] - The company anticipates continued organic revenue growth and further improvements in adjusted EBITDA margin and ALFCF generation in 2025 [20][55] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet and expects leverage to remain within the target range of 3 to 4 times in 2025 [59][60] Other Important Information - The company completed the disposal of its 70% stake in IHS Kuwait, which is expected to enhance its financial profile and visibility [23][24] - The effective withholding tax rate in Nigeria will decrease from 10% to 2% starting January 1, 2025, which is expected to support cash flow generation [19][61] - The company is exploring the introduction of artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiencies [114] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Airtel new tenancies in Nigeria - The Airtel contract is progressing well, with significant work completed in the second half of 2024, primarily focused on colocation and 5G lease amendments [66][67] Question: Preference between stock buybacks and dividends - The company is evaluating both options but is currently focused on asset disposals and debt reduction before making a decision on capital allocation [68][70] Question: Progress on portfolio optimization - The company is targeting $500 million to $1 billion in asset disposals, with the Kuwait disposal being a significant step [81][82] Question: Other markets with positive macro indicators - Positive momentum is observed in Francophone markets like Cameroon and Cote D'Ivoire, as well as incremental growth in South Africa and Brazil [87][89] Question: Constant currency performance metrics by region - The company has not provided forward-looking guidance for constant currency metrics but aims to simplify disclosures for future periods [94][96] Question: CapEx breakdown - Approximately one-third of the anticipated CapEx range will be maintenance CapEx, with the remainder focused on growth initiatives [101][102] Question: Potential churn in the business - No significant churn is anticipated, with positive leasing trends across major markets and all contracts renewed into the 2030s [105][106] Question: Confirmation of asset sales target - The target for asset sales remains at $500 million to $1 billion, with a focus on realizing value from various opportunities [108][110]