[ET Net News Agency, 26 January 2018] HSBC Global Research lifted its target price for
China Unicom (00762) to HK$15.2 from HK$14.8, and maintained its "buy" rating.
The research house believes China Unicom is on the right side of the policy trend. Its
mixed ownership reform (MOR) should continue to receive government support considering it
is the flagship case of this round of China SOE reform.
HSBC expects the reform efforts to be reflected first through improving margins. It
forecast EBITDA margin to increase to 31.9% or by 2.7ppts in FY2017. Going forward, HSBC
expects it to continue to roll out its 4G network and enhance its revenue generation
capabilities with the help of MOR funding and strategic partners. It also looks for
continued strong operating momentum in 2018.
HSBC forecast EBITDA margin to improve to 31.9.7%/32.3%/32.4% for FY2017/18/19 from
29.0% of FY2016. (KL)