[ET Net News Agency, 6 January 2020] DBS Group Research lowered its target price for
China Unicom (CU)(00762) to HK$8.3 from HK$9.6 and maintained its "buy" rating.
The research house said CU is undergoing the pilot scheme under the mixed-ownership
reform (MOR) which includes the introduction of new strategic shareholders and employees'
share incentive scheme. The company has implemented restructuring to improve efficiency
and started co-operations with Internet companies to develop new revenue streams.
The market expects China Mobile (00941) to maintain its dominant market share of 60% in
the 5G era. However, the nation-wide implementation of mobile number portability (MNP)
policy will facilitate sub porting and reduce customer stickiness. Co-building and
co-sharing 5G network with China Telecom (00728) will help CU to improve 5G network
coverage and quality to match with CM. (KL)