IHS Holding Limited (IHS): A Bull Case Theory 

We came across a bullish thesis on IHS Holding Limited on DeepValue Capital’s Substack. In this article, we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on IHS. IHS Holding Limited’s share was trading at $8.00 as of January 29th. IHS’s trailing P/E was 5.76 according to Yahoo Finance.

Eaton's (ETN) Boyd Thermal Acquisition Was "Great," Says Jim Cramer

IHS Holdings ($IHS) is a multinational cell tower company operating across Africa and South America, trading at a compelling 5x EV/EBITDA despite similar margins and lower leverage compared to peers. The company builds and manages towers, leasing space to mobile carriers under long-term, inflation-linked contracts, with most revenues reset monthly based on exchange rates. IHS is the fifth-largest multinational tower operator globally, with a dominant presence in Nigeria, Brazil, and South Africa, and number-one market share in six countries.

While currency headwinds, particularly a 75% devaluation of the Nigerian Naira in 2023–24, previously masked the company’s performance, these pressures are now reversing, with the Naira appreciating over 13% in the past year, turning FX into a tailwind. Operational efficiency has also improved, with record adjusted free cash flow margins of 27.3% and leaner administrative costs. Macro trends further support growth, with data usage expected to expand at a 21.2% CAGR through 2029 and 4G/5G penetration rising to 86%, driving demand for additional tower space and new site construction. IHS continues expanding, including a partnership in Brazil to add up to 3,000 towers, complementing 405 new sites built year-to-date.

Debt is well-managed at 3.3x net leverage, below competitors, and cash and divestitures provide additional financial flexibility. Management plans disciplined capital allocation, including potential shareholder returns and further disposal of non-core assets. Despite execution and emerging-market risks, IHS is positioned for steady growth, with projected 2029 revenues of $2.8B, adjusted free cash flow of $798M, and an implied share price of $28.50, offering over 300% upside from today’s ~$7. The combination of structural improvements, FX normalization, and attractive valuation creates a compelling long-term investment opportunity.

Previously we covered a bullish thesis on IHS Holding Limited (IHS) by Deep Value Capital in May 2025, which highlighted the company’s high-margin telecom tower business, CPI-protected contracts, rising free cash flow, and potential for re-rating as FX pressures eased. The stock has appreciated approximately 53.25% since coverage. The thesis still stands as IHS expands towers and improves efficiency, with Deep Value Capital emphasizing FX tailwinds and new growth initiatives.

IHS Holding Limited is not on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 30 hedge fund portfolios held IHS at the end of the third quarter which was 27 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the risk and potential of IHS as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than IHS and that has 10,000% upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy NOW

Disclosure: None.