China Telecom Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 2/6
China Telecom has been growing earnings at an average annual rate of 7.4%, while the Telecom industry saw earnings growing at 0.3% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 4.9% per year. China Telecom's return on equity is 6.7%, and it has net margins of 6.1%.
Key information
7.44%
Earnings growth rate
5.97%
EPS growth rate
| Telecom Industry Growth | 7.49% |
| Revenue growth rate | 4.94% |
| Return on equity | 6.65% |
| Net Margin | 6.09% |
| Next Earnings Update | 21 Aug 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Jul 10
728: Supply Chain AI And Dividend Policy Will Shape A Balanced Outlook
Analysts have lowered their price target on China Telecom to reflect a revised fair value of HK$4.21, down from HK$5.50. They cited updated assumptions around revenue growth, profit margins and a more conservative future P/E of about 13x, compared with roughly 16x previously.
Narrative Update • Jun 26
728: Expanding Subscriber Base And AI Agriculture Initiatives Will Support Future Upside
Analysts have modestly adjusted their price target on China Telecom, with fair value now estimated at around HK$8.23 compared with the previous HK$8.44, reflecting updated views on revenue growth, profit margins, discount rates and future P/E assumptions. What’s in the News for China Telecom China Telecom participated in the Green Agriculture Chain section of the 4th China International Supply Chain Expo, joining a global coalition to release a Joint Initiative focused on building a secure, resilient and digitally enabled agriculture and food supply chain.
Narrative Update • Jun 11
728: Data Center Expansion And Upcoming Dividend Will Support Future Rerating Potential
Analysts have kept their HK$ fair value and key assumptions for China Telecom broadly unchanged, and the small move in the implied future P/E multiple reflects only fine-tuning of their models rather than a shift in the overall price target story. What's in the News China announced an approximately US$295b, five-year data center expansion plan, with state-backed telecom operators such as China Telecom expected to run most of the new facilities, according to recent news reports.Narrative Update • May 28
728: Upcoming Dividend And Board Decisions Will Support Future Rerating Potential
Analysts have now set their fair value estimate for China Telecom at HK$6.31, up slightly from the previous estimate of HK$6.30. This change reflects updated assumptions around the discount rate, profit margin, revenue growth and future P/E that remain broadly consistent with prior expectations.Narrative Update • May 07
728: Upcoming Dividend And Board Decisions Will Support Future Rerating Potential
Analysts have trimmed their HK$ fair value estimate for China Telecom from HK$6.33 to HK$6.30, linking the adjustment to updated views on long term revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E assumptions. What's in the News China Telecom reported operating statistics for the first quarter of 2026, with mobile subscribers at 440.55 million (Announcement of operating results).Analysis Article • Apr 26
China Telecom Corporation Limited Earnings Missed Analyst Estimates: Here's What Analysts Are Forecasting Now
Investors in China Telecom Corporation Limited ( HKG:728 ) had a good week, as its shares rose 2.2% to close at HK$5.01...Narrative Update • Apr 23
728: Upcoming Board Decisions And Dividend Payout Will Support Rerating Potential
Analysts have trimmed their HK$ fair value estimate for China Telecom from about HK$6.69 to around HK$6.33 as they factor in updated assumptions for slower revenue growth, slightly lower profit margins and a reduced future P/E multiple. What's in the News A board meeting is scheduled for April 23, 2026 to review and approve financial results for China Telecom and its subsidiaries for the three months ended March 31, 2026 (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Apr 08
728: Expanded Subscriber Base And Higher P/E Assumptions Will Support Future Upside
Analysts have trimmed their HK$ fair value estimate for China Telecom from about HK$8.82 to about HK$8.44, reflecting updated assumptions for revenue growth, profit margins and a higher future P/E multiple. What's in the News Reported fourth quarter 2025 operating statistics showing 438.65 million mobile subscribers and 201.12 million wireline broadband subscribers, highlighting the scale of the user base (Key Developments).Analysis Article • Mar 27
China Telecom Corporation Limited (HKG:728) Yearly Results Just Came Out: Here's What Analysts Are Forecasting For This Year
As you might know, China Telecom Corporation Limited ( HKG:728 ) last week released its latest full-year, and things...Narrative Update • Mar 25
728: Future Board Decisions And Higher P/E Assumptions Will Support Rerating Potential
Analysts have modestly trimmed their HK$ price target for China Telecom, reflecting slightly softer revenue growth assumptions, a small adjustment in fair value, and an updated view on future P/E levels. What's in the News A board meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2026, to consider and approve the annual results of China Telecom and its subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2025 (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Mar 10
728: Governance Reforms Will Support Future Oversight Confidence And Rerating Potential
Analysts have reduced their fair value estimate for China Telecom from about HK$7.10 to around HK$6.94, reflecting slight adjustments to assumptions on revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E expectations in their models. What's in the News Shareholders approved amendments to China Telecom Corporation Limited's Articles of Association, updating the company's core governance document (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Feb 24
728: Governance Changes And Margin Reset Will Shape A Balanced Upside Outlook
Analysts have trimmed their price target on China Telecom to HK$5.50 from HK$6.00, pointing to updated assumptions around slightly higher revenue growth, a lower profit margin profile, a marginally higher discount rate and a modestly higher future P/E multiple. What's in the News Shareholders approved amendments to China Telecom Corporation Limited's Articles of Association, signaling an update to the company's formal governance framework (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Feb 09
728: Governance Reforms Will Support Margin Resilience And Rerating Potential
Analysts have revised their fair value estimate for China Telecom to US$7.10 from US$7.32, citing updated assumptions for revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E multiples. What's in the News China Telecom approved amendments to its Articles of Association and the abolition of its Supervisory Committee, signaling a change in its corporate governance structure (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Jan 26
728: Governance Overhaul And Higher Profitability Expectations Will Support Future Upside
Analysts have nudged their fair value estimate for China Telecom higher from ¥8.54 to ¥8.82, citing updated assumptions for discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E that slightly shift the balance between expected growth and profitability. What's in the News The board proposes amendments to the Articles of Association, including abolishing the Supervisory Committee, to reflect updated laws, regulations and the company’s operating needs (Key Developments).Analysis Article • Jan 26
Is Now The Time To Put China Telecom (HKG:728) On Your Watchlist?
The excitement of investing in a company that can reverse its fortunes is a big draw for some speculators, so even...Narrative Update • Jan 12
728: Governance Overhaul And Expanding Subscriber Base Will Support Upside Outlook
Analysts have trimmed their price target for China Telecom to US$6.00 from about US$6.09, citing updated assumptions that combine slightly higher expected revenue growth with modestly lower profit margins and a somewhat reduced future P/E multiple. What's in the News China Telecom approved amendments to its Articles of Association and the abolition of its Supervisory Committee, signaling a planned change to its governance structure.Analysis Article • Jan 07
China Telecom Corporation Limited's (HKG:728) Business Is Yet to Catch Up With Its Share Price
With a median price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of close to 12x in Hong Kong, you could be forgiven for feeling...Narrative Update • Dec 27
728: Governance Reforms And Mobile Scale Will Support Balanced Forward Outlook
Analysts have nudged their price target on China Telecom modestly higher to reflect slightly faster expected revenue growth, marginally improved profit margins, and a small uplift in fair value to about $6.09 from roughly $6.07, even as future valuation multiples ease a bit. What's in the News Shareholders approved amendments to the Articles of Association, including abolishing the Supervisory Committee, as part of an update to China Telecom's corporate governance framework (company filing) The board proposed further amendments to the Articles of Association and related procedural rules to align with the new PRC Company Law, updated CSRC guidelines, Hong Kong listing rules, and the company's evolving business scope (company announcement) A special shareholders meeting scheduled for December 16, 2025 in Beijing will vote on governance rule changes, the election of independent non executive director Mr. Lee Sunny Wai Kwong, and his remuneration package (meeting notice) China Telecom reported 437.19 million mobile subscribers for the third quarter of 2025, highlighting steady growth in its core mobile base (operating statistics) A board meeting on October 21, 2025 will review and approve financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 (board agenda) Valuation Changes Fair value per share has risen slightly to about HK$6.09 from roughly HK$6.07, reflecting a modest upward adjustment in intrinsic valuation.Analysis Article • Dec 16
Slowing Rates Of Return At China Telecom (HKG:728) Leave Little Room For Excitement
If you're looking for a multi-bagger, there's a few things to keep an eye out for. In a perfect world, we'd like to see...Narrative Update • Dec 13
728: Governance Changes And Stable Wireless Scale Will Shape Balanced Outlook
Analysts have raised their price target on China Telecom from approximately 5.20 dollars to about 6.07 dollars. This reflects growing confidence in the company’s slightly faster revenue growth, modestly improving profit margins, and the potential for a higher future earnings multiple.Analysis Article • Oct 03
Earnings Not Telling The Story For China Telecom Corporation Limited (HKG:728)
There wouldn't be many who think China Telecom Corporation Limited's ( HKG:728 ) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of...Narrative Update • Sep 05
AI And Quantum Advancements Will Drive Cloud And IoT Expansion
China Telecom’s higher future P/E multiple paired with a slight reduction in revenue growth forecasts suggests increased valuation pressure despite a marginal dip in the consensus price target from HK$7.35 to HK$7.32. What's in the News Announced interim dividend of RMB 0.1812 per share for the first half of 2025.Analysis Article • Aug 05
Returns On Capital At China Telecom (HKG:728) Have Hit The Brakes
Finding a business that has the potential to grow substantially is not easy, but it is possible if we look at a few key...New Narrative • May 11
AI And Quantum Advancements Will Drive Cloud And IoT Expansion
Strategic investments in AI, Quantum tech, and cloud services are set to improve margins and significantly boost revenue and earnings.Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How China Telecom makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Mar 26 | 520,394 | 31,671 | 95,896 | 15,594 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 523,925 | 33,185 | 95,539 | 15,594 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 531,719 | 34,487 | 68,477 | 382 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 532,875 | 34,217 | 66,356 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 523,574 | 33,279 | 96,510 | 14,527 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 523,569 | 33,012 | 96,419 | 14,527 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 521,265 | 32,644 | 89,626 | 8,750 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 520,898 | 32,105 | 67,055 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 512,748 | 31,059 | 513 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 513,551 | 30,446 | 66,804 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 504,720 | 30,151 | 65,668 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 499,793 | 29,455 | 65,090 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 492,407 | 28,354 | 64,315 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 481,448 | 27,593 | 64,277 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 473,999 | 27,165 | 41,737 | -2,937 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 462,635 | 26,497 | 63,570 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 452,864 | 26,730 | 54,578 | -713 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 439,553 | 25,949 | 61,154 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 429,277 | 25,471 | 61,247 | 672 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 418,995 | 24,644 | 58,672 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 405,524 | 21,469 | 58,506 | 207 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 393,561 | 20,850 | 55,059 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 383,728 | 20,834 | 74,990 | 2,265 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 379,049 | 20,557 | 54,142 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 373,953 | 20,383 | 61,877 | 506 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 375,734 | 20,517 | 57,361 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 374,979 | 20,565 | 59,330 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 374,583 | 21,549 | 59,590 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 376,646 | 21,468 | 60,195 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 377,124 | 21,210 | 59,422 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 376,233 | 19,123 | 59,228 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 374,943 | 19,632 | 58,740 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 371,117 | 18,964 | 63,799 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 366,229 | 18,617 | 58,434 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 363,685 | 19,003 | 59,334 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 360,021 | 18,900 | 57,849 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 357,599 | 18,250 | 56,671 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 352,534 | 18,018 | 56,426 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 16 | 348,701 | 21,236 | 55,817 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 16 | 343,077 | 20,747 | 56,729 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 16 | 336,175 | 20,127 | 56,258 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 15 | 331,202 | 20,054 | 54,472 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 15 | 327,103 | 17,872 | 52,205 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: 728 has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: 728's current net profit margins (6.1%) are lower than last year (6.4%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: 728's earnings have grown by 7.4% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: 728's has had negative earnings growth over the past year, so it can't be compared to its 5-year average.
Earnings vs Industry: 728 had negative earnings growth (-4.8%) over the past year, making it difficult to compare to the Telecom industry average (1.1%).
Return on Equity
High ROE: 728's Return on Equity (6.7%) is considered low.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
Discover strong past performing companies
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/07/20 00:13 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/07/20 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
China Telecom Corporation Limited is covered by 43 analysts. 14 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Anand Ramachandran | Barclays |
| Chris Lane | Bernstein |
| Wai Kit Chu | BofA Global Research |