SUNDAY Communications Limited: Interim Results 2005
19 August 2005 - 12:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
(Hong Kong dollar is translated to United States dollar at a rate
of HK$7.7719 to US$1.0) -- 3G wireless data card launched in June
2005 -- Solid 2G business performance -- 7% rise in subscribers --
PCCW majority acquisition of SUNDAY in June 2005 HONG KONG, Aug. 18
/Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ SUNDAY Communications Limited
(SEHK:0866)(NASDAQ:SDAY) results for the period ended 30th June
2005 reflect the Group's commitment to invest significantly to
launch 3G services in an intensely competitive market, while
continuing to improve the quality and efficiency of its existing
operations. The Group's 2G business continued to perform well while
the 3G investment resulted in a net loss for the reporting period.
Following PCCW's purchase of a majority interest in SUNDAY on 22nd
June 2005, the Group is well positioned to become a leader in the
global trend of fixed-mobile convergence in which the fixed and
mobile markets will gradually become one. "On June 9, the Group
announced the introduction of our first 3G product -- SUNDAY 3G
Wireless Pass Data Card, Hong Kong's fastest wireless data card,
signaling the beginning of a new era for SUNDAY," said Chief
Executive Officer Bruce Hicks. "3G is an important element in the
worldwide trend towards fixed-mobile convergence in which consumers
will enjoy greater convenience and choice of communication,
information and entertainment services in their homes, at their
work and as they travel. The Group's majority acquisition by PCCW
in June 2005 positions us in a true leadership position in which
Hong Kong will become a global showcase for fixed-mobile
convergence." Results The Group continued to achieve subscriber
growth during the first half of 2005. As at 30th June 2005, the
total number of subscribers increased by 43,000, or 7%, to 702,000,
including growth of 11,000 postpaid subscribers, as compared with
30th June 2004. However, the market remained highly competitive,
offering substantial price promotions and heavy handset subsidies
during the period. As a result, both the mobile service revenues of
HK$491 million and the average revenue per user for the first six
months in 2005 fell by about 6% as compared with first half of
2004. The Group remained highly efficient and continued to be
successful in controlling its operating costs; 2G operating
expenses decreased by a further 8% to HK$232 million as compared
with the corresponding period in 2004. However, as a result of the
3G network roll-out, the 3G expenses increased from HK$13 million
in the first half of 2004 to HK$83 million in the first six months
in 2005. As a result, SUNDAY recorded a 19% increase in total
operating expenses and a net loss of HK$62 million. Progress in
Operations The market environment remained highly competitive
during the first half of 2005. The general industry-wide trend of
increasing voice traffic but declining ARPU continued, and ARPU had
fallen by an average of over 13% during the first half of 2005 for
post-paid services while, during the same period, average time
offered increased by 12%. While the face value of stored value
cards for pre-paid services remained relatively stable, operators
focused on offering significant additional airtime minutes with an
average increase of 55% during the first half of 2005. In addition,
during the period, many operators also offered heavy handset
subsidies for both acquisition and retention purposes. The Group
continued to focus on improving its network and service quality
while maintaining its competitiveness in the current price-driven
market. Despite the competitive environment, SUNDAY's sustained
efforts in quality improvement and customer retention initiatives
have been generating significant results. The Group's dedication to
quality enhancement across the company was recognised in the first
half with 15 service awards, including recognition from the
Customer Relationship Excellence Awards, the Customer Service
Quality Standard Certificate from the Asia Pacific Customer Service
Consortium, the Distinguished Sales Awards from the Hong Kong
Management Association, and the Guangzhou Call Centre Awards from
South China Daily. As a result of these efforts, the average churn
rate over the six-month period in 2005 was 3.6% which, despite
increased competition, was the same as that of first half last year
and was better than the 4.1% churn rate observed in the second half
2004. For the first half 2005, overall operating expenses increased
by HK$50 million, or 19%, compared to the first half of 2004, to
HK$315 million, mainly attributable to the increased 3G expenses
resulting from the roll-out of the network. SUNDAY continued to
achieve incremental cost savings in a number of areas. Excluding 3G
related expenses, 2G operating expenses decreased by 8% or HK$20
million. Earnings before interest, tax, amortisation and
depreciation (EBITDA) for the 2G operations amounted to HK$144
million, while total EBITDA decreased by 59% to HK$61 million when
3G expenses of HK$83 million for the half year are included. Strong
Growth in Data Services Revenue SUNDAY's efforts in the half
allowed the Group to post another strong increase in data services
revenues, which rose by 22% over the corresponding period last year
to account for about 10% of total mobile service revenues. This
growth is particularly encouraging as it points to the marked shift
towards more data services as 3G technology garners mainstream
adoption. PCCW Integration PCCW's majority acquisition of SUNDAY is
a major step towards what the Group believes is the future of the
telecommunications industry in which fixed-mobile convergence will
offer consumers an array of choice in communications, information
and entertainment services. To ensure the smoothest possible
integration of SUNDAY and PCCW, an Integration Committee was formed
with subcommittees focusing on key functions including Sales &
Marketing, Technology, Human Resources, Finance, Legal, and IT.
SUNDAY's senior management team and staff have remained intact
during the integration process, while synergies and benefits are
already being developed. The Integration Committee quickly focused
on immediate opportunities that the new combined entity could
generate. Cross-selling cooperation between SUNDAY and PCCW is the
first step to capture future business growth by offering greater
choice and convenience to customers. Cross-selling both companies'
services went into immediate effect in retail shops, direct sales
and telesales, with further channels under consideration. The
Integration Committee is also focusing on the substantial operating
synergies which can be achieved in various areas including
operating retail shops, back office administration, call centres
and corporate overhead. About SUNDAY SUNDAY is an innovative
developer and provider of wireless communications and data services
in Hong Kong. It began commercial operations in 1997 and its
far-sighted management has built an efficient infrastructure
delivering high quality service, supported by a strong brand. The
Group has developed a strong foundation to provide innovative,
relevant and value-added services targeted to specific consumer
groups. SUNDAY launched 3G in June 2005 with Hong Kong's fastest
wireless data card and plans to launch an increasing array of the
world's most advanced 3G services. PCCW acquired a majority
ownership of SUNDAY in June 2005 as part of its long-term vision to
become a leader in fixed-mobile convergence in which consumers will
enjoy greater convenience and choice of communication, information
and entertainment services in their homes, at their work and as
they travel. For more information, please visit
http://www.sunday.com/ . This and other information about SUNDAY
can be accessed via http://www.sunday.com/ ,
http://www.irasia.com/listco/hk/sunday , and
http://www.quamnet.com/ . For enquiries, please contact: Media
Stella Wong Corporate Communications Manager Tel: +852-2113-8251 /
+852-9230-5501 Email: Investor Relations Email: Web sites:
http://www.sunday.com http://www.irasia.com/listco/hk/sunday
http://www.quamnet.com DATASOURCE: SUNDAY Communications Limited
CONTACT: Stella Wong of SUNDAY Communications Ltd., +852-2113-8251,
or +852-9230-5501, or , or
Copyright
Sunday Communications Ads (MM) (NASDAQ:SDAY)
Historical Stock Chart
From May 2024 to Jun 2024
Sunday Communications Ads (MM) (NASDAQ:SDAY)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jun 2023 to Jun 2024