Strong improvement in gross margin in carrier network operations as ZTE focuses on innovation to capitalize on acceleration in global 4G deployments
SHENZHEN, China. - Thursday, March 27th 2014
ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment, network solutions and mobile devices, reported a full-year profit in 2013 as the company sharpened its focus on key operations such as 4G, while strengthening operational management to generate cost savings and efficiencies.
Net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company was RMB 1.36 billion in 2013, or RMB 0.39 per share, compared with a loss a year earlier. The company declared a cash dividend of RMB 0.3 (including taxation) for every 10 shares held, representing 75.8% of total net profit of the year available for distribution. Revenue fell 10.6% to RMB75.2 billion.
Please download infographic for pictorial representation of ZTE’s business performance in 2013: http://wwwen.zte.com.cn/en/products/bearer/201403/P020140326691257063470.png
Fastest-growing 4G solutions provider in 2013
In 2013, ZTE prioritized on strategically important operations in populous countries, and the development of business with major international operators. The company exercised stringent control over contracts with lower margins, resulting in improved gross margin for international projects. In China, ZTE secured market-leading positions in 4G network tenders, as the company benefited from the development of proprietary technology solutions such as Cloud Radio. Internationally, the company’s 4G business accelerated.
ZTE was the world’s fastest-growing provider of 4G solutions in 2013, according to research company IHS.
ZTE reported operating revenue of RMB35.63 billion from the mainland China market, accounting for 47.4% of the company’s overall operating revenue. Apart from the rapid development of the 4G business, ZTE also targeted strategically important opportunities such as “Smart City” metropolitan information systems, cloud computing and the Internet of Things.
The company reported operating revenue of RMB39.60 billion from international operations, accounting for 52.6% of overall operating revenue. As a result of efforts to focus on major countries and mainstream operator partners, ZTE strengthened its relationships with key multinational customers.
Aside from the acceleration in the company’s 4G business, ZTE’s wireless products division continues to target opportunities in network expansion and upgrade in 2G and 3G networks. The company is also actively engaged in the research, development and planning of 5G and other next-generation technologies.
In connection with wireline and optical communications products, the company reported relatively fast growth in operating revenue from wireline switch and access products on the back of ongoing investment in research and development and outstanding product competitiveness, while such growth was also being driven by the rapid development of the broadband market and the construction of supporting facilities for the Mobile Internet.
In terms of the service products, the company achieved new breakthroughs in IPTV and video conference products with Tier-1 international operators, resulting in enhanced global market share for the company.
In 2013, operating revenue from terminal products decreased as a result of lower demand for feature phones and data cards. Smartphones and other smart terminal products now contribute a bigger percentage of total revenue, driven by the rapid development of the Mobile Internet. The company will be committed to enhancing the competitiveness of its terminal products, adopting a more consumer-centric approach together with online-based business model. While maintaining and enhancing ZTE’s competitive edge in hardware, the company will also be focused on developing software and services to provide improved user experience to consumers through innovation.
Leading the next phase of ICT development
Looking ahead to 2014, opportunities as well as challenges will abound in the telecommunications industry amid the full-fledged application of 4G technologies, the amalgamation of ICT industries and continued informatisation. In connection with carriers’ networks, the full-scale roll-out of 4G network deployment over the world, especially the large-scale construction of 4G networks in China, is set to usher in surging new developments for the telecommunications industry, although 3G/4G/WLAN technologies will continue to coexist. Broadband infrastructure plans by national governments, users’ demand and technology upgrades will drive the construction of global broadband networks, while the building of transmission networks that support wireless or wireline broadband will also continue.
This month, ZTE retained its top-2 ranking in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s latest annual table of patent applicants, strengthening the company’s position as one of the world’s leading technology innovators. ZTE ranked No. 1 in both 2011 and 2012, according to WIPO. ZTE has filed applications for more than 50,000 patents globally, with more than 16,000 granted, and is a global leader with more than 800 ETSI essential patents on the standardization 4G LTE. ZTE is committing large resources to the development of 5G technologies, leveraging the company’s position of strength in 4G.
Regarding smart terminals, next generation products will feature higher levels of intelligence affording greater flexibility to users. Wearable device will present a new direction of development, as the fulfillment of consumers’ needs becomes a crucial determining factor. In the government and enterprise service sectors, areas of keen market interest, such as industry informatisation, the Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, the Smart City and information security, etc, are set to present business opportunities to the Group.
In 2014, ZTE will continue to channel resources to accelerate business development in areas representing the highest strategic importance and greatest opportunity for the company. ZTE will combine technology innovation with strong strategic and business execution as the company continues to satisfy customers’ needs and pursue strong returns for shareholders.
About ZTE
ZTE is a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions with the most comprehensive product range covering virtually every telecommunications sector, including wireless, access & bearer, VAS, terminals and professional services. The company delivers innovative, custom-made products and services to over 500 operators in more than 160 countries, helping them to meet the changing needs of their customers while growing revenue. ZTE commits 10 per cent of its annual revenue to research and development and has leadership roles in several international bodies devoted to developing telecommunications industry standards. ZTE is committed to corporate social responsibility and is a member of the UN Global Compact. The company is China’s only listed telecom manufacturer that is publicly traded on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ). For more information, please visit www.zte.com.cn.
Contacts
ZTE Corporation
Margrete Ma, +86 755 26775207
ma.gaili@zte.com.cn
Edelman PR
Mark Lee / Andres Vejarano
Tel: +852 2837 4756 / 2837 4735
mark.lee@edelman.com
andres.vejarano@edelman.com
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