Helios Towers Ups Annual Profit Outlook on Robust Africa, Mideast Demand
Helios Towers' Financial Performance and Market Outlook
Strong Q1 Results and Upgraded Profit Forecast
May 7 (Reuters) - UK-listed telecoms infrastructure group Helios Towers raised its annual profit forecast on Thursday after beating first-quarter market expectations, backed by strong demand across its key Africa and Middle East markets.
Growth Drivers in Africa and the Middle East
Helios, which builds and leases telecom towers to local mobile operators, is betting on demand in African markets, as population growth and rising mobile penetration drive demand for digital connectivity, including 5G and artificial intelligence.
Shares in the London-listed firm touched a record high of 229.2 pence in early trading.
Key Results and Future Projections
First-Quarter Financial Highlights
Here are some details on its results and outlook:
Adjusted Core Profit and Tenancy Growth
• First-quarter adjusted core profit came in at $127.2 million, beating company-compiled estimates of $124.8 million, driven by tenancy growth.
CEO Statement on Market Demand
• "Demand for data and connectivity across Africa and the Middle East remains exceptionally strong, with our mobile operator customers accelerating investment, driving significantly increased demand for our infrastructure," CEO Tom Greenwood said.
Upgraded Annual Profit Forecast
• Helios now expects an adjusted core profit of $515 million-$530 million for the year ending December 31, up from a previous forecast range of $510 million to $525 million.
Expansion Plans and Tenancy Additions
• The group, which operates more than 14,000 sites in Africa and the Middle East, expects to add 3,000-3,500 tenancies - the number of tower spaces leased to telecoms customers - in fiscal 2026, compared with its earlier estimate of 2,000-2,500 additions.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Prerna Bedi in Bengaluru; Editing by Sumana Nandy)
