IHS (US:IHS)2025-05-20 13:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong start to 2025 with a 26% organic revenue growth, driven by nearly 8% constant currency growth [5][6] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $253 million with a margin of 57.5%, up 1320 basis points year over year [6][17] - ALFCF was $150 million, an increase of approximately 248% year over year, attributed to improved profitability and rephasing of interest payments [6][17] - Total CapEx was $44 million, down 17.8% year over year, reflecting a narrowed focus on capital allocation [7][18] - The consolidated net leverage ratio decreased to 3.4x from 3.7x at the end of 2024 [7][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Nigeria, revenue increased by 19% year on year, driven by FX resets, power indexation, and tenancy growth [20][21] - The Sub-Saharan Africa segment saw an 8.1% decrease in revenue, while adjusted EBITDA increased by 2.9% year on year [22] - The Latin America segment experienced a 0.5% decrease in revenue but a 5% increase in adjusted EBITDA [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Nigerian FX market stabilized with the naira averaging $15.27 to the dollar in Q1 2025, down from $16.29 in Q4 2024 [19][20] - Inflation in Nigeria remained stable at 24.2% as of March 2025 [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving profitability and cash flow generation while strengthening its balance sheet [7][9] - The strategic priority includes asset disposals, with the recent agreement to sell IHS Rwanda for an enterprise value of $274.5 million [8][9] - The company aims to maximize returns for stakeholders and is exploring further value-creative disposal opportunities [9][43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the outlook for 2025, supported by improving macroeconomic conditions in Nigeria and Brazil [9][10] - The company is monitoring global macroeconomic uncertainties that could impact operations [39][40] - Management reiterated that the share price is undervalued and will continue to explore options to unlock shareholder value [43][75] Other Important Information - The company has over $900 million in available liquidity as of March 31, 2025 [7][25] - The Rwanda disposal is expected to close in the second half of 2025, with cash proceeds anticipated to be used for debt reduction [26][82] Q&A Session Summary Question: Was Q1 performance in line with expectations? - Management confirmed that Q1 performance was in line with expectations, with a strong start to the year [33][34] Question: What are the risks for the remainder of 2025? - Management noted that while the macro environment is performing better than expected, global uncertainties remain a concern [39][40] Question: Can you provide details on the Rwanda sale? - The Rwanda sale is expected to be all cash with an enterprise value of $274.5 million and no debt attached [68][70] Question: What is the outlook for EBITDA growth in Nigeria? - Management indicated that FX resets occur quarterly, and the current contracts are up to date, so no catch-up effect is expected [64][66] Question: What are the plans for capital allocation and shareholder returns? - Management is focused on debt reduction and will assess capital allocation options, including buybacks and dividends, later in the year [58][75]