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A evaluate of the FTSE 100’s 10 greatest risers over the previous 12 months accommodates some acquainted names. For instance, Rolls-Royce Holdings got here prime in 2023, and completed second in 2024. Though many consider the group’s inventory is pricey, its 2025 share value acquire was greater than that achieved a 12 months earlier.
I doubt whether or not it’ll make the highest 10 in 2026, however the group has a current historical past of proving sceptics mistaken.
InventoryShare value change 2025 (%)Fresnillo+445Airtel Africa (LSE:AAF)+209Endeavour Mining+176Babcock Worldwide Group+148Antofagasta+106Rolls-Royce Holdings+103Commonplace Chartered+86Prudential+81Barclays+80Lloyds Banking Group+80Source: TradingView
Equally, Barclays and Commonplace Chartered seem once more having been positioned fifth and ninth respectively in 2024. They’re joined by a 3rd financial institution, Lloyds Banking Group, whose shares closed 2025 a fraction under the psychologically essential — though largely meaningless — 100p barrier.
One other monetary establishment, Prudential, was the eighth-best performer helped by an improved financial state of affairs in China, and Asia on the whole. The lesson from April 2025 is that a lot will depend upon President Trump’s US commerce coverage. These 4 shares are notably delicate to the fortunes of the economies of the largest markets through which they function.
Given hovering gold (up 63%), silver (42% greater), and copper (a 41% acquire) costs in 2025, it’s no shock that miners Fresnillo, Endeavour Mining and Antofagasta did effectively. With a lot uncertainty surrounding commodity costs, it’s inconceivable to understand how these shares will carry out in 2026. Nevertheless, the consensus of economists seems to be that metals costs will stay above historic ranges.
The shares of Babcock Worldwide Group had been helped by the UK (and different NATO members) pledging to spend considerably extra on defence between now and 2035. The group’s more likely to proceed to be one of many beneficiaries of the damaging world through which we stay.
And at last…
The final member of the highest 10 is Airtel Africa. And it’s one which I feel’s price contemplating for 2026.
That’s as a result of the largest drawback for many companies is discovering new clients. However the telecoms group operates in 14 international locations on a continent that the United Nations says will double its inhabitants by 2070.
Particularly, the group has a major presence in Nigeria, which is forecast to develop into the world’s third most populous nation by 2050, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has Africa’s highest progress charge.
And what do younger individuals appear to need greater than anything? Sure, a cell phone.
However Airtel Africa additionally gives a cell cash service. Utilizing a smartphone is the one method the overwhelming majority of individuals in sub-Sharan Africa have entry to banking companies. The group’s anticipated to spin off this division within the first half of 2026.
Nevertheless, working within the area has its challenges. Political instability might have an effect on the regulatory regime in key markets. And financial volatility can result in wild forex fluctuations. Additionally, telecoms infrastructure isn’t low cost.
Regardless of these dangers, the group’s anticipated to proceed to develop quickly. By the 12 months ending 31 March 2028 (FY28), the consensus of analysts is for income to develop by 60% in comparison with FY24. Over the identical interval, EBITDA (earnings earlier than curiosity, tax, depreciation, and amortisation), and free money circulate are forecast to be 72% and 85% greater respectively.
Though I doubt Airtel Africa’s share value will do as effectively in 2026 because it did in 2025, I feel it’ll outperform the broader FTSE 100. On this foundation, I reckon it’s price contemplating.
