Thursday 6 September 2007

China Mobile- OSK target HK$157 by 2008E

Impressive 1H07 result. China Mobile earlier announced a better-than-expected 25.7% yoy
increase in 1H07 net profit to RMB37,965 million, driven by strong top-line growth and qoq
EBITDA margin improvement. Subscribers gained 21.4% yoy to 332 million, raising China
Mobile’s market share to 68%, up 1% bps yoy. China Mobile managed to broaden its revenue
source by boosting the value added service revenue by 35.5%, thereby raising the share to
total revenue from 22.6% to 25.2%. Q207 EBITDA margin recovered to 55.1%, compared
with 52.4% and 46.4% in 1Q07 and 4Q06 respectively, attributable to economies.

Strong top-line growth to accelerate. China Mobile gained 5.596 million new subscribers in
July, up slightly from June’s figures and was 7.8% above the average of 1H07. We think this
momentum can sustain. Management also guided 2Q07EBITDA margin improvement can
sustain towards 2H07.of scale.

3G restructuring still not imminent. The timing of 3G related telecom restructuring has
been a concern to investor. However, we argue a swift industry reshuffle is not likely. Firstly,
3G licenses will not be issued until the national TD-SCDMA standard has been proven viable.
China Mobile’s parent Company is expected to complete the TD-SCDMA trial in eight cities
by Oct 07. Secondly, China Mobile has been reducing tariff through mechanisms like CPP.
There is less motivation for government to foster competition through industry restructuring.

No timetable for A-share listing. Management did not provide timetable for A-share listing,
but revealed at least part of the A-share IPO will come through sales of old shares. We argue
this is a reassuring message as secondary share sales should minimize share dilution effect.

2008 target price at HK$157. China Mobile has experienced re-rating since its trough in
2003 amid improving market share and profitability. Nevertheless, on technical ground, we
believe extension of QDII, direct liquidity train and A-share listing can push its forward FY08E
PER to 30X, driving our 2008E target price to HK157.

1 comment:

Ali BAba said...

However, JP Morgan and others have just downgraded China Mobile from "Buy" to "Neutral" . So better to stay a side 1st since market uncertain isnt ?