China Mobile Limited: history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

China Mobile Limited: history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

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A Brief History of China Mobile Limited

China Mobile Limited, established in 1997, is a leading telecommunications services provider in China and one of the largest mobile telecommunications companies globally. As of December 2022, China Mobile had over 1.18 billion subscribers, making it the largest mobile network operator by subscriber count.

In its initial years, China Mobile focused on expanding its network and improving service quality. By the end of 2000, the company had successfully launched its GSM services and initiated its first mobile data services, which eventually led to the rollout of 3G services in 2009.

In 2013, China Mobile launched its 4G LTE services, claiming over 670 million 4G subscribers just three years later. This rapid growth reflected the company’s innovative approach to expanding its telecommunications infrastructure and adapting to consumer demands.

In terms of financial performance, China Mobile reported a total revenue of approximately CNY 1.24 trillion (about USD 184 billion) in 2022, with an operating profit of CNY 388 billion. The net profit for the same fiscal year reached around CNY 116 billion.

Year Subscribers (Million) Total Revenue (CNY Billion) Net Profit (CNY Billion)
2018 925 1066.73 108.26
2019 946 1055.81 109.20
2020 940 1038.38 107.83
2021 940 1109.02 111.48
2022 1158 1240.00 116.00

China Mobile has invested significantly in the development of 5G technology, with plans to offer comprehensive 5G services nationwide. By mid-2023, the company had set up over 1.4 million 5G base stations, solidifying its position as a pioneer in 5G development in China.

The company is also diversified in its offerings, providing not only mobile voice and data services but also broadband, data center services, and other telecommunications-related services. As of early 2023, China Mobile's broadband subscriber base exceeded 260 million, marking an important revenue stream beyond traditional mobile services.

Globally, China Mobile has expanded its influence through partnerships and collaborations with international telecom companies. It has also been instrumental in developing the global telecommunications standards and practices for emerging technologies.

In stock market performance, China Mobile is listed on both the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (SEHK: 0941) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CHL). As of October 2023, the share price was approximately HKD 65.10 in Hong Kong, reflecting a market capitalization of about CNY 1.35 trillion (~ USD 200 billion).

Overall, China Mobile’s strategic focus on technological advancements, subscriber growth, and diversification has positioned it as a dominant player in the telecommunications industry, with a robust financial foundation and an expansive market presence.



A Who Owns China Mobile Limited

China Mobile Limited, a leading telecommunications operator in China, is predominantly owned by state entities. The company's largest shareholder is the China Mobile Communications Corporation (CMCC), which holds approximately 70% of the shares. CMCC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.

The remainder of the shares are distributed among various institutional and retail investors, with a significant portion held by foreign institutional investors. The ownership structure can be outlined in the following table:

Shareholder Ownership Percentage Type
China Mobile Communications Corporation 70% State-Owned Enterprise
Various Institutional Investors 19% Public Shareholders
Retail Investors 11% Public Shareholders

As of the latest financial reports, China Mobile Limited has a market capitalization of approximately $230 billion. The company reported a revenue of $113 billion for the fiscal year 2022, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 6%. The earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for the same year stood at around $42 billion.

China Mobile's stock has been traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol 0941.HK. The stock price has shown resilience, maintaining an average price of $50 per share in 2023, with a dividend yield of approximately 4%.

The company's strategic initiatives focus on expanding 5G networks, digital services, and enhancing customer experience, contributing to its sustained financial performance. As of mid-2023, China Mobile boasts a subscriber base of over 1.5 billion mobile customers, making it the largest mobile service provider in the world.

In summary, the ownership of China Mobile Limited is mainly concentrated within state-owned entities, with substantial participation from institutional and retail investors, underscoring its significance in the telecommunications industry.



China Mobile Limited Mission Statement

China Mobile Limited, a leading telecommunications company, aims to provide comprehensive, high-quality, and innovative telecommunications services to its customers. Its mission statement emphasizes a commitment to delivering a superior experience through the continuous enhancement of technology and services. The company focuses on achieving sustainable development while prioritizing customer centricity.

As of September 2023, China Mobile serves over 1.2 billion subscribers worldwide, making it one of the largest mobile service providers globally. In the first half of 2023, the company reported a revenue of RMB 415.4 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 10.1%. The operating profit for the same period was RMB 138.3 billion, with a profit margin of approximately 33%.

China Mobile's mission is also aligned with national development goals, including the Digital China initiative which aims to foster digital transformation. The company actively invests in 5G technology, with over 2.2 million 5G base stations deployed by mid-2023. This strategic focus positions China Mobile as a leader in the telecom sector.

Key Metrics Value as of September 2023
Total Subscribers 1.2 billion
Revenue (Q2 2023) RMB 415.4 billion
Year-on-Year Revenue Growth 10.1%
Operating Profit (Q2 2023) RMB 138.3 billion
Profit Margin 33%
5G Base Stations Deployed 2.2 million

In addition to telecommunications, China Mobile is expanding its services into various sectors, such as cloud computing, IoT, and digital content, which contribute to its mission of offering a diversified portfolio of services. The company's continued investment in technology and infrastructure is a significant component of its strategy to enhance customer satisfaction and engagement.

According to the latest data, China Mobile achieved an average monthly data traffic of approximately 40 GB per user, significantly higher than the average in the industry. The company has also been recognized for its efforts in corporate social responsibility, focusing on environmental sustainability and community engagement.

The company's mission statement and operational strategy put them on a trajectory to not only maintain their leadership position in the telecommunications industry but also to innovate continuously to meet the evolving needs of their customer base.



How China Mobile Limited Works

China Mobile Limited, a leading telecommunications operator in China, provides mobile voice and multimedia services through its extensive network infrastructure. As of 2023, the company boasts over 1.6 billion mobile subscribers, making it the largest mobile operator globally in terms of subscriber base.

The company operates in three primary segments: mobile communication services, data services, and other services. In 2022, revenue from mobile communication services accounted for approximately 62% of its total revenue, which reached around RMB 1,000 billion (approximately USD 154 billion).

China Mobile's data service segment has seen significant growth, contributing to revenues of about RMB 470 billion in 2022, which represents a growth of 17% year-over-year. This growth is driven by the rising consumption of mobile data and increasing demand for high-speed internet services.

Financial Metrics 2022 2021 Year-over-Year Change
Total Revenue (RMB) 1,000 billion 1,040 billion -3.85%
Mobile Communication Services Revenue (RMB) 620 billion 600 billion 3.33%
Data Services Revenue (RMB) 470 billion 402 billion 17%
Net Profit (RMB) 110 billion 107 billion 2.8%
Average Revenue Per User (ARPU, RMB) 56.5 56.2 0.53%

China Mobile also focuses on expanding its 5G network. As of mid-2023, it has deployed over 2.3 million 5G base stations across China, providing coverage to over 500 million people. The investment in 5G infrastructure was estimated at around RMB 300 billion for the fiscal year 2022.

In terms of partnerships, China Mobile has engaged in numerous collaborations to enhance service offerings. For instance, the company has partnered with leading tech firms to integrate AI and IoT technologies, further supporting its digital transformation strategy.

China Mobile remains committed to improving customer experience through innovations like mobile payment solutions and cloud computing services. The company's research and development expenditure was around RMB 30 billion in 2022, underscoring its dedication to innovation in the telecommunications sector.

The competition in the telecommunications industry is fierce, with major players like China Unicom and China Telecom posing significant challenges. However, China Mobile’s focus on expanding its service portfolio and improving service quality has positioned it well to maintain its leadership status.

On the financial markets, China Mobile's shares are traded on both the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. As of December 2023, the stock price was approximately HKD 50 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of around USD 200 billion.

Dividend payments are a crucial aspect of its appeal to investors. China Mobile maintains a strong dividend policy, with a dividend payout ratio of around 60%, delivering dividends of approximately HKD 3.0 per share in 2022.



How China Mobile Limited Makes Money

China Mobile Limited, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol 0941.HK, operates as one of the largest telecom operators in the world. The company generates revenue through several key segments, primarily focusing on voice, data services, and value-added services.

Revenue Breakdown

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, China Mobile reported total operating revenue of approximately RMB 1,023 billion (approximately USD 155 billion), showcasing continued growth in various segments.

Revenue Segment Revenue (RMB billion) Percentage of Total Revenue
Voice Services 266 26%
Data Services 636 62%
Value-Added Services (VAS) 121 12%

Voice Services

Voice services remain a significant portion of revenue, although their share has diminished over the years due to the increasing adoption of data services. The number of voice subscribers stood at approximately 941 million by the end of 2022.

Data Services

Data services are the primary driver of revenue, accounting for 62% of total income. With an increase in 4G and 5G subscribers, data traffic grew significantly, reaching an average monthly data usage of around 32 GB per user in 2022.

Value-Added Services (VAS)

Value-added services include mobile gaming, streaming, and other digital services. This segment has shown robust growth, contributing RMB 121 billion in revenue in 2022. The number of VAS subscribers increased to approximately 500 million.

Operating Costs and Profitability

China Mobile's operating expenses for 2022 totaled about RMB 885 billion, leading to an operating profit of around RMB 138 billion. The net profit margin stood at about 13.5%.

Expense Type Amount (RMB billion)
Network Operating Costs 640
Sales and Marketing Expenses 110
Administrative Expenses 135

Market Position and Competition

As of the end of 2022, China Mobile held a market share of approximately 50% in the Chinese telecommunications sector, competing with China Unicom and China Telecom. The company continues to invest heavily in 5G infrastructure, with capital expenditures reaching about RMB 200 billion.

Recent Financial Performance

In Q3 2023, China Mobile reported a revenue increase of 6.9% year-over-year, amounting to approximately RMB 260 billion. The company added 30 million new mobile subscribers, taking the total to 1.01 billion subscribers.

Future Growth Strategies

China Mobile plans to continue expanding its 5G network, targeting coverage for over 300 million people by the end of 2023. The company is also focusing on enhancing its digital services and exploring partnerships in IoT and cloud computing sectors, positioning itself for sustainable revenue growth in the long term.

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