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ZTE Corporation announced overall operating revenues of RMB100.19 billion for the year ended 31 December 2015, while operating cash flow and cash dividend hit historic highs as sales in 4G products, smart city and emerging ICT technologies pushed operating revenues up 23% compared to 2014.
The Group reported net profit attributable to holders of ordinary shares of the listed company of RMB3.21 billion for 2015, with basic earnings per share amounting to RMB0.78. The Group’s operating cash flow was RMB7.405 billion according to PRC ASBEs, was an all-time record for the Group. While the cash dividend totaled RMB1.038 billion was the highest ever in the history of the Group.
The growth in revenue reflected increased sales from 4G system products and optical access products in the domestic and international markets and optical transmission products in the domestic market. High-end routers and handset products in the international market and family terminals in the domestic and international markets also saw significant growth. A major highlight for 2015 was the rapid growth of the group’s Smart City projects as well as its data center and ICT businesses, which are key pillars of ZTE’s M-ICT vision and strategy to offer converged technology solutions and innovation in the era of mobile broadband and the Internet of Things.
The hike in profits will deliver a proposed payment of RMB2.5 in cash (before tax) for every 10 shares held on the basis of the number of shares held by shareholders (including A shareholders and H shareholders).
Overall financial expenses for 2015 decreased substantially year-on-year as the Group enhanced financial expenses control and optimized its debt structure. Meanwhile, substantial growth in net cash flow from operating activities over the previous year was also reported following enhanced efforts in sales revenue collection.
2015 highlights:
In 2015, domestic carriers expanded the scale of construction of planned 4G networks and their ancillary facilities following the issuance of FDD-LTE permits. Carriers were increasingly concerned with and increased their investments in Cloud Computing, Internet of Things, Big Data, Smart City and high-end routers, although investments in equipment remained focused on wireless, transmission, access and broadband sectors.
The trend of growing equipment investment in the global telecommunications industry continued in 2015, with enormous opportunities for innovation provided by Industry 4.0, Smart City, informatization of the medical sector, informatization of the education sector, mobile e-commerce, agricultural modernization and other developments.
Domestically, the Group reported operating revenue of RMB53.11 billion, accounting for 53% of the Group’s overall operating revenue. The issuance of FDD-LTE permits, “Internet+” and the rush for optical fiber upgrades drove further growth in investments in 4G equipment and broadband networks. Meanwhile, the Group also vigorously expanded its cloud computing and Big Data services, Smart City and high-end routers.
For the international market, the Group reported operating revenue of RMB47.08 billion, accounting for 47.0% of the Group’s operating revenue. The Group continued to implement its strategy of focusing on populous nations and mainstream carriers and deepen partnerships with mainstream carriers in the global market to help these carriers add value through Internet applications. The Group’s global operator strategy targeting the top 125 carriers generated over 25.2% growth in revenue from the largest providers in Europe and the US. In Europe, significant partnerships and initiatives were forged with Spain’s Telefonica, Hutchison Drei Austria, Telenor in Norway and Dutch carrier VimpelCom.
During the year, the Group reported operating revenue of RMB57.22 billion for carriers’ networks. Operating revenue for government and corporate business amounted to RMB10.50 billion. Operating revenue for the consumer business amounted to RMB32.47 billion.
Carrier networks
For carrier networks and wireless products, the Group persisted in prioritizing and breaking into the high-end markets of Europe and North America with cutting-edge innovations in Massive MIMO, Cloud Radio, QCell, UBR and Magic Radio technologies. The Group also made significant breakthroughs in the research of key 5G technologies and successfully deployed its commercially ready Pre-5G technology. ZTE has successfully partnered with China Mobile, Softbank, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, KT Corporation and U Mobile in 5G and Pre-5G initiatives.
In connection with wireline and optical communications products, the Group sustained stable growth thanks to dedicated efforts in product innovation and solution operations. The growth also stemmed from ongoing improvements in product competitiveness, leadership in terms of new technology categories, optimized global market development and the reinforced strategy of focusing on populous nations and mainstream carriers.
Government and corporate business
In connection with cloud computing and emerging ICT technologies, the Group strengthened its R&D and investment in RCS, Big Video, Cloud Computing, Big Data and Internet of Things as core elements of its M-ICT master strategy. The establishment of data centers in domestic and international markets was expedited and breakthrough achievements were made in the research of cutting-edge developments such as Big Video solutions and smart Q&A systems.
Seizing opportunities afforded by global digitalization, Smart City construction, “Internet+” and autonomous and controllable information security, ZTE achieved rapid growth in sectors such as finance, Internet, new energy, transport and Smart City.
Consumer business
The Group persisted in the shift of focus to consumer products and an Internet-driven mentality. ZTE smartphone shipments totaled over 56 million, growing 16% year on year, with overseas shipments exceeding 70% growth and establishing market leadership in several major countries. In 2015, ZTE sold 15 million smart phones in the US, growing over 30% year and breaking into the top four providers. ZTE ranked number one in the paid market in Australia; third in Russia (10% market share), and top 4-5 in Turkey, Mexico, South Africa.
In connection with handset terminals, the Group continued to take its global strategic setup to further depths with a strong focus on major nations, refined products, channel enhancement, branding, product quality control and team building, while paying close attention to customer experience and vigorously driving transformation.
Looking to 2016
“Multiple connections and ultra-broadband” will become the new trademarks of the M-ICT era which is driven by the mobile inter-connection of all things. The development of the traditional telecommunications industry will be confronted with increasing opportunities as well as challenges. In connection with carriers’ networks, the increased sophistication of 4G technologies has provided a tremendous boost to users’ demand for smart mobile terminals and all types of mobile applications which has in turn driven investment requirements in the telecommunications industry. While concepts in the evolution of telecommunication operations and networks, such as “ubiquitous access, elastic network and digitalized service”, are underpinning the transformation of telecommunications carriers into information carriers.
Such developments will present new opportunities to ZTE and the industry as a whole. In connection with government and corporate business, the information revolution has been triggered by new technology trends such as cloud computing, the Internet of Things, Big Data and the development of “Internet+” in China. In addition, the government’s emphasis on information security, as well as the accelerated pace in the construction of smart cities, digitalization of railway transport, and informatization of the energy sector will also present new opportunities for development.
Given the challenges and opportunities described above, the Group will seek to “add value through information by leveraging opportunities present in the age of restructuring” in 2016, focusing on three major strategic directions, namely “in-depth development of the carriers’ market; value creation in government and corporate business; integration and innovation in the consumers’ market”, and driving business development in the “new sectors”. ZTE will enhance its efforts in innovation and transformation and continue to strengthen project management to foster core competitive strengths in M-ICT and assure positive, sustainable development for the long term.
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