Up 300% in 5 years! Is this overlooked FTSE star the best share to buy in an ISA today?

So what’s the best share to buy for a Shares and Shares ISA at the second? Ought to buyers contemplate one which has taken a beating throughout current market volatility? Or one which’s defied it?

Traders preferring to buy winners, somewhat than go cut price looking amongst the losers, may need to contemplate FTSE 100-listed African telecoms operator Airtel Africa (LSE: AAF). Its shares have climbed 15% in the final month, making it the second-best performer on the FTSE 100, trailing solely gold miner Fresnillo. 

Over the previous yr, the Airtel Africa share value has jumped 55%, and over 5 years it’s soared an astonishing 300%. Solely Rolls-Royce (540%) and personal fairness agency 3i Group (356%) have finished higher in that timeframe.

Can Airtel Africa shares proceed to fly?

Regardless of these beneficial properties, Airtel Africa stays a inventory many buyers overlook, probably due to its volatility. It was hit onerous by the slide of the Nigerian naira, which shrank revenues from considered one of its key markets, as soon as transformed again into sterling. The naira’s been sliding in opposition to the pound for 15 years, though it does appear to have stabilised in the final six months.

I took a better have a look at Airtel Africa again in February when it was already surging on the again of a robust set of Q3 outcomes, with income progress of 20.4% in fixed forex. That translated to a 5.8% drop on a reported foundation, due to FX shifts.

Airtel Africa was increasing at tempo. Its complete buyer base grew 7.9% to 163.1m final yr, with information subscribers surging 13.8% to 71.4m. Cell cash companies had been a serious progress driver, with revenues leaping 29.6% in fixed forex.

The corporate has additionally been rewarding shareholders, having launched a second $100m share buyback. I noticed huge potential right here, however as with all high-growth inventory, there have been loads of dangers too. 

(*5*)Share buybacks and a modest dividend

One concern I flagged in February was its rising debt, which had climbed from $3.28bn to $5.27bn in a yr. The board additionally has to make investments closely in its community and digital companies, because it seems to construct smartphone penetration and information utilization, each rising quick.

Telecoms is an inherently high-risk sector, judging by the ups and downs of FTSE 100 operators BT Group and Vodafone.

Regardless of Airtel Africa’s fast rise, analysts aren’t satisfied the rally will proceed. The 11 analysts protecting the inventory have produced a median goal of simply over 157p. That’s about 5% under as we speak’s 165p. Forecasts are sometimes little greater than educated guesses, however this suggests the pleasure could also be cooling.

With a modest trailing dividend yield of two.88%, this inventory’s primarily a progress play. And whereas I stay impressed by its efficiency, my view hasn’t modified a lot since February. It’s all too unsure for me.

The inventory has momentum, and for buyers who imagine in driving sturdy traits, Airtel Africa’s nicely price contemplating. I wouldn’t say it’s the very best share to buy as we speak although. It might have finished somewhat too nicely for its personal good, and the progress may sluggish for some time. There’s an thrilling alternative right here, but it surely’s probably unstable and as a contrarian investor, I really feel I could have missed the boat.