China Mobile, the world's largest operator, continued its rapid expansion in the first half of 2011 growing its customer base to over 616 million against the backdrop of China's steady and fast economic growth. However, the operator is facing slower growth ahead due to higher penetration rates across the country as well as intensified market competition.
Operating revenue for the six months ended 30 June 2011 reached RMB 250.1 billion, up 8.8% over the same period last year. The Group's profit margin reached 24.5%, and profit attributable to shareholders increased 6.3% over the same period last year to RMB61.3 billion. EBITDA rose 6.5% over the same period last year to RMB124.2 billion, with EBITDA margin reaching 49.6%. Basic earnings per share grew 6.3% over the same period last year to RMB3.05.
Revenue from the value-added business contributed 32.2% of operating revenue, reaching RMB 80.4 billion and up 18.5% over the same period last year. The Wireless Data business achieved revenue of RMB 19.3 billion, an increase of 42.8% over the same period last year.
Some notes from the semi-annual investor's presentation:
- Total customer base reached 616,787,000 up 11.3% over 554,042,000 at 30-June-2010.
- Voice usage was up 13.3% over last year. Minutes of Use (MOU) per user has reached 528 minutes.
- Wireless Data business revenue up 42.8%.
- Over 35 million 3G customers.
- China Mobile now has 800,000 base stations in operation, including 199,000 3G base stations in operation
- Total Voice Revenue reached RMB 169 billion, up 4.8% from a year ago.
- Market share in 3G customers reached 43.5%.
