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ZTE to Sustain Triple-Digit Profit Growth in Nine-Month Forecast; 9-month net profit to grow between 208.2 percent and 244.5 percent to between RMB 1.7 billion and RMB 1.9 billion
[August 20, 2014]

ZTE to Sustain Triple-Digit Profit Growth in Nine-Month Forecast; 9-month net profit to grow between 208.2 percent and 244.5 percent to between RMB 1.7 billion and RMB 1.9 billion


(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Shenzhen, China - 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, forecast that net profit will more than triple in the first nine months due to strong momentum in the company's 4G LTE business. Net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company will be between RMB 1.7 billion and RMB 1.9 billion in the first nine months, an increase of between 208.2 percent to 244.5 percent from a year earlier, according to guidance released by the company today. ZTE also reported today that first-half net profit increased 263.9 percent to RMB 1.13 billion. Six-month basic earnings per share were RMB 0.33, while revenue increased to RMB 37.7 billion.



Please download infographic for a pictorial view of ZTE's business performance in the first half of the year: http://www.zte.com.cn/cn/temp/file/201408/W020140820659130894725.jpg The latest forecast by ZTE reflected strength in revenue from network contracts and ongoing improvements to contract profitability in the first nine months, supported by continued investments by customers in 4G networks in China. The company expects to post a year-on-year increase in revenue in the first nine months, as ZTE reaps returns on its investment in the development of key strategic products such as network routers and chipsets. The company also expects gains from more effective foreign exchange management.

During the first half of 2014, ZTE reported rapid growth in operating revenue from carriers' networks in China as the company played a leading role in supporting massive constructions of 4G networks. Gross profit margin improved substantially as the company adhered to its strategy to focus on servicing network contracts with higher profitability. ZTE posted positive operating cash flow in the first six months, for the first time in the past ten years. Operating revenue from handset terminals in the domestic market fell in the first six months.


Geographical Distribution In the first six months, ZTE reported operating revenue of RMB 19.26 billion from the domestic market, accounting for 51.1 percent of the Group's overall operating revenue. Leveraging opportunities presented by the large-scale deployment of 4G networks, the Group committed to efforts to develop business in emerging new sectors such as Mobile Internet and Cloud Computing under its Mobile-ICT Strategy. Innovative solutions were launched with enhanced in-house capabilities, while strategic cooperation with carriers was conducted in a practical manner to maintain the Group's dominant position and increase its market share, laying the foundations for sustainable long-term development.

ZTE reported operating revenue of RMB 18.44 billion from the international market; accounting for 48.9 percent of the Group's overall operating revenue. In adherence to the strategy of focusing on major populous nations and mainstream global carriers, the Group further optimised its market profile to achieve stable operations and quality growth.

Distribution by Products In the first six months, the Group reported operating revenue of RMB 21.84 billion for carriers' networks. Operating revenue for handset terminals amounted to RMB 10.41 billion. Operating revenue for telecommunications software systems, services and other products amounted to RMB 5.46 billion.

In connection with wireless products, ongoing innovation and enhancement in product competitiveness provided the driving force behind growth. For example, the Group's innovative Cloud Radio solution has boosted sales of 4G products in the domestic and international markets, especially in China, where the Group continued to assume a leading position in 4G product tenders, with effective growth in market shares. In the traditional 2G and 3G markets, stable growth was achieved as the Group continued to optimise its market profile. In anticipation of future developments in wireless communications, the Group issued a white paper on 5G technologies and designated the development of 5G technologies as a strategic project.

In connection with wireline and optical communications products, the Group maintained its technological edge and ability to innovate products in close tandem with the development of the broadband market. In connection with Cloud Computing and ICT products, the Group also made significant breakthroughs in Cloud Computing, Big Data and data center products.

ZTE Mobile Devices was established as a standalone operation in the group, focused on the shift to a more consumer-oriented and internet-driven approach. Resources are mainly committed to the creation of premium handsets, applications and software in a bid to enhance the Group's product competitiveness and user experience. During the first half of 2014, the Group launched a variety of premium handset models targeted at different consumer groups. The Group's brand recognition among consumers has been improved following vigorous efforts to develop new sales channels such as e-commerce platforms.

Technology innovations Creating value for customers has always represented a core principle of the Group. ZTE is committed to value creation and mutual development with its customers through innovations in technologies and products, on the basis of a profound understanding of customers' requirements and expectations. At the beginning of 2014, ZTE announced the Mobile-ICT strategy, with the aim of becoming an enabler in the Mobile-ICT era that facilitates the creation of value through information and shifts from a customer-focus to user-focus. In terms of product strategy, ZTE was mainly focused on broadband-based 4G products that encompassed wireless, wireline, terminal and broadband areas. Government and corporate networks and services, a sector holding out enormous market potential, also became a focus for development. In addition, ZTE has established the "CGO Laboratory" as an engine and incubator for future innovations to develop new businesses and sectors.

The Group maintains an annual R&D budget equivalent of approximately 10 percent of its sales revenue. The Group has established 18 R&D centres in China, the United States, Sweden, France and other regions, as well as more than 10 joint innovation centers in association with leading carriers to ensure success in the market through better assessment of market demand and customers' experience.

As at 30 June 2014, the Group held patent assets of over 53,000 items, including granted patents of over 17,000 items and PCT international patent applications for over 15,000 items. With memberships at more than 70 international standardisation organisations and forums, convenorships and presenter roles at major international standardisation organisations taken up by more than 30 experts from the Group, the presentation of over 28,000 research papers in aggregate and editorships and authorships for more than 200 international standards, the Group continued to foster its leading edge in technologies and patents for key products and technologies, ensuring ongoing enhancement in its ability to counter patent risks.

In the first six months of 2014, the Group undertook leading roles in the R&D and industrialisation of more than 10 projects including the National 863 Project, Electronic Development Foundation, Cloud Computing Project, North Star Project and Guangdong Technology Programme.

Outlook Looking to the second half of 2014, opportunities as well as challenges will abound in the traditional telecommunications industry, as traditional telecommunications sectors and emerging internet sectors continue to evolve with innovative forces rapidly overhauling traditional enterprises and business models. In connection with carriers' networks, the telecommunication industry will welcome a new investment cycle with large-scale deployment of 4G networks around the world, especially the issue of 4G licenses in China and the approval of the trial operation of Time Division-LTE/LTE Full Duplex Division hybrid networking. However, carriers must address the issue of "dumb pipe" or "dumb information" as they become fully engaged in 4G operations, and business opportunities will abound for those who are able to create value out of this information. In the government and corporate service sectors, the in-depth amalgamation of the Mobile Internet and traditional industries, the information revolution triggered by emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, Cloud Computing and Big Data, as well as the increasingly heightened issue of information security will also present market opportunities. In connection with handset terminals, the next-generation smart terminals will be more intelligent and flexible with more integrated features. There is a trend to develop the smart terminal into a wearable device, as innovation and the fulfillment of consumers' needs becomes a crucial factor.

To address the opportunities and challenges described above, the Group will strategically integrate and focus its resources during the second half of 2014 in adherence to its core business principle of "Innovation and Intensification." We will continue to focus on carriers' network products and strengthen the vertical integration of our public sector and enterprise ICT business and handset business, striving to generate increased returns.

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.

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