[ET Net News Agency, 20 October 2017] Citi Research said mixed ownership should
continue to help China Unicom (00762) improve execution and earnings growth, though the
research house expects weak revenue and earnings (Rmb319m) in 4Q due to competition and
roaming fee cut impact.
Unicom yesterday issued a profit alert guiding solid revenues and earnings (Rmb1.69bn)
in 3Q.
Citi reiterated its "buy" call on the stock, with a target price of HK$15.
The research house believes fixed line will continue to be a major swing factor for
Unicom's revenue and earnings, as China Mobile (00941) is aggressively promoting
fixed/mobile bundling services to defend market share.
Citi also expects the benefit from mixed ownership to take effect gradually, and Unicom
will likely develop some new growth drivers after 1H 2018 through cooperation with
strategic investors. (KL)