IHS Holding's Q1 2025: Key Contradictions in Asset Sales, Capital Returns, and Debt Strategy

Asset Sale Program and Capital Allocation, Returns of Capital to Shareholders, Asset Sale Strategy and Debt Reduction, Carrier CAPEX and Investment Plans, Debt Reduction and Shareholder Returns are the key contradictions discussed in IHS Holding Limited's latest 2025Q1 earnings call.



Revenue and Profitability Growth:
- IHS Holding Limited reported a 26% organic revenue growth for Q1 2025, driven by an 8% constant currency growth.
- This growth was supported by increased revenue from colocation, amendments, new sites, and CPI escalators, despite the impact of the Kuwait disposal.
- Adjusted EBITDA reached $253 million, with a margin of 57.5%, up 1,320 basis points year-on-year, reflecting strong operational focus and financial discipline.

Cash Flow and Capital Allocation:
- Adjusted Levered Free Cash Flow (ALFCF) was $150 million in Q1 2025, an increase of almost 250% year-over-year.
- This improvement was due to better profitability and rephasing of interest payments, indicating strong cash flow generation.
- Total CapEx decreased by 17.8% year-over-year to $44 million, reflecting a narrowed focus on capital allocation and cost management.

Asset Disposals and Financial Health:
- The company announced the sale of its IHS Rwanda operations for an enterprise value of $274.5 million, implying a transaction multiple of 8.3 times adjusted EBITDA after leases.
- This sale is part of strategic initiatives to enhance shareholder value and streamline markets of focus, contributing to a further reduction in consolidated net leverage ratio to 3.4 times.
- The proceeds from asset disposals are intended to reduce debt, with an expectation to remain within a net leverage ratio target range.

Risk Management and Market Stability:
- The company benefited from macroeconomic stability in key markets like Nigeria and Brazil, which supported strong growth opportunities.
- The stability allowed for continued 5G deployment and positive customer performance, despite external macroeconomic uncertainties.
- The company is monitoring broader global macroeconomic trends while focusing on operational improvements and financial discipline to mitigate risks.