I’d buy this bargain FTSE 250 stock today

This FTSE 250 stock has performed strongly over the past year. Stuart Blair thinks that its good run is set to continue.

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

sdf

Airtel Africa (LSE: AAF) is a telecommunications firm operating in 14 different African countries, which listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2019. Since its listing, I have been impressed with the way that the FTSE 250 stock has grown profits, reduced debt and capitalised on new opportunities. It has also performed resiliently throughout the pandemic, and the shares have risen over 100% since its lows in May last year.

Nonetheless, the stock has dipped recently due to large sales from some institutional investors. After the strong performance of the Airtel Africa share price since last year, these sales could have been motivated by a desire to bank profits. Despite this, I think its recent dip offers a good time to buy.

Trading update  

In 2020, Airtel Africa was able to grow profits by over 25% to $901m, while revenues also exceeded $3.4bn. This was enabled by strong customer growth of 11.9%. With Africa still a largely unpenetrated market, further customer growth seems very possible.

In the trading update, net-debt-to-underlying EBITDA also improved to 2.1x from 3x. Before listing on the stock market, the company had an excessive amount of debt. As such, it’s pleasing to see the company reducing the level to allow for further investment in the future.

Airtel Africa also pays a strong dividend. Indeed, this year the company has announced a dividend per share of 3 cents. This equates to a yield of around 3%, which beats that of most other FTSE 250 stocks. Due to “prudent cash management“, this dividend is also lower than management had previously envisioned, and this means that there is scope for it to rise in the future.

Opportunities ahead  

I am excited by the company’s future prospects. Within Africa there is huge unmet demand for data and through investments, Airtel Africa has been able to start catering for this demand. It is also likely that demand for the company’s services will continue to grow. This is due to population growth and the fact that 32% of the population in these markets is aged between 10 and 24 years old. Accordingly, profit and customer growth seems likely and, hopefully, this will be met with a rising share price and dividend.

I also like the fact that the company is forging partnerships with other businesses to enhance growth. For instance, Mastercard has recently invested $100m in Airtel Africa’s mobile money operation, in return for a 3.75% stake in this subsidiary company. The proceeds from this transaction will be used for reducing debt and further investment. It also demonstrates that other companies are optimistic about Airtel Africa’s products. 

Risks with the FTSE 250 stock

Despite my overall positive view, there are still risks associated with the business. For example, the company has negative working capital, meaning that its current liabilities outweigh current assets. This may mean problems with the company’s liquidity, and it may struggle if cash flows are ever hit hard.

Nonetheless, with a price-to-earnings ratio of around only 10, the stock does seem cheap. Along with its ability to grow profits, I am not deterred by this risk. As such, I will happily be buying more Airtel Africa shares at its current price.  


Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Stuart Blair owns shares in Airtel Africa. The Motley Fool UK owns shares of and has recommended Mastercard. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Hand of person putting wood cube block with word VALUE on wooden table
Investing Articles

With a 30% increase since the start of the year, does the Barclays share price still offer good value?

In light of an impressive Barclays share price rally, our writer considers the attractiveness of the bank’s stock relative to…

Read more »

British coins and bank notes scattered on a surface
Investing Articles

How much passive income could we earn from UK shares with just £10 per day?

Even with modest amounts of money to invest, we can still consider investing in the UK stock market to generate…

Read more »

Night Takeoff Of The American Space Shuttle
Investing Articles

3 booming growth shares in the Scottish Mortgage portfolio

Our writer highlights a diverse trio of red-hot shares from the portfolio of Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust. Are any worth…

Read more »

Businessman using pen drawing line for increasing arrow from 2024 to 2025
Investing Articles

2 growth stocks absolutely smashing the FTSE 100

If you think the wider FTSE 100 is having a good year (and it is), check out the gains holders…

Read more »

UK financial background: share prices and stock graph overlaid on an image of the Union Jack
Investing Articles

FTSE 100: next stop 10,000?

As the FTSE 100 briefly hits 9,000 points, investors are already looking forward to when the next 1,000-point level might…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Is Burberry ‘back’ as a solid update drives its shares to 17-month highs?

Burberry shares have risen by more than 60% since May's forecast-beating financials. Can the FTSE 250 luxury giant keep rising?

Read more »

Two gay men are walking through a Victorian shopping arcade
Investing Articles

The Burberry share price continues to rise despite falling sales!

Our writer looks at how the Burberry share price responded to the company’s first-quarter trading update, which was released earlier…

Read more »

Investor looking at stock graph on a tablet with their finger hovering over the Buy button
Investing Articles

What a crazy day for the share price of this FTSE 250 retailer!

Our writer’s taken time to digest the latest results of the FTSE 250’s Frasers Group. And he likes what he…

Read more »