[ET Net News Agency, 3 December 2020] HSBC Global Research lowered its target price for
China Unicom (00762) to HK$5.4 from HK$5.7 and maintained its "hold" rating.
The research house raised its capex estimates by 4$-10% for the period 2020-24. It said
China Unicom has successfully launched a series of data plans that have been well received
by customers. Any increase in competition in the mobile market could compress its ARPU and
significantly affect its revenue and FCF growth.
In addition, China Unicom is proactively partnering with strategic partners to create
new growth engines. HSBC believes these new areas will be significant for China Unicom in
the coming years. Slower-than-expected progress in creating new business growth could
negatively impact revenue growth. (KL)