Core Insights - The latest "China Statistical Yearbook 2025" indicates that Yunnan, Guangxi, and Guizhou lead in mobile phone ownership per hundred households, with figures of 293.1, 292.5, and 288.5 units respectively, surpassing some economically developed eastern provinces [5] - Major eastern provinces like Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang have lower mobile phone ownership rates at 247.4, 252.1, and 236.6 units respectively, while Beijing and Shanghai rank lower than provinces like Heilongjiang and Jilin [5] - The analysis suggests that the smaller household sizes in first-tier cities like Beijing and Shanghai contribute to their lower rankings in mobile phone ownership per hundred households [5] Industry Performance - According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the total number of mobile phone users reached 1.83 billion by the end of October, with a net increase of 40.15 million users since the end of the previous year [5] - The number of 5G mobile phone users reached 1.184 billion, representing a net increase of 17 million users, accounting for 64.7% of total mobile phone users [5] - Mobile internet traffic has shown rapid growth, with cumulative traffic reaching 3,232 billion GB, a year-on-year increase of 16.8% [6] User Engagement Metrics - As of the end of October, the number of mobile internet users reached 1.617 billion, with a net increase of 46.42 million users since the end of the previous year [6] - The average monthly mobile internet access traffic (DOU) per user reached 22.21 GB, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 15.7% and an increase of 2.51 GB compared to the end of the previous year [6] Communication Trends - The total duration of mobile phone outgoing calls decreased by 5.2% year-on-year, totaling 1.7 trillion minutes, while fixed-line outgoing call duration fell by 14.1% to 56.04 billion minutes [6] - Despite a year-on-year increase of 18.8% in mobile SMS volume, the revenue from mobile SMS services saw a slight decline of 1.2% [6]

Core Viewpoint - China's modernization is characterized by its unprecedented scale, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, and it has become the only country globally to possess all industrial categories as classified by the United Nations [1] Group 1: Industrial Production - China ranks first in the production of over 220 out of 500 major industrial products globally [3] - The country accounts for over 50% of the global production of crude steel, cement, and electrolytic aluminum [3] - China produces over 80% of the world's photovoltaic components and 70% of wind power equipment [3] - The production of new energy vehicles has been the highest in the world for ten consecutive years [3] Group 2: Manufacturing Sector - By 2024, China's manufacturing value added will account for nearly 30% of the global total, maintaining its position as the world's largest manufacturing country for 15 consecutive years [4] Group 3: Shipbuilding Industry - China leads the world in three key shipbuilding metrics: completed shipbuilding volume, new orders, and hand-held orders, with a global market share exceeding 50% [6] Group 4: Renewable Energy and Communication - China possesses the largest and most complete renewable energy industry chain, with a total installed capacity for renewable energy generation reaching 2.16 billion kilowatts, accounting for over 40% of the global total [8] - The country has the largest information and communication network in the world, leading in the number of 5G base stations, mobile phone users, and fixed broadband network scale [8] Group 5: Smart Manufacturing - China has the highest number of "lighthouse factories," representing the pinnacle of smart manufacturing and digitalization, accounting for over 40% of the global total [10] - The installation of industrial robots in China accounts for over 50% of the global total [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated service revenue increased by 4% to $4.7 billion, while adjusted EBITDA decreased by 1% to $2.5 billion, reflecting modest growth in wireless, cable, and media combined with the consolidation of MLSE results [24][25][28] - Free cash flow was reported at $829 million, down 9% year-over-year due to increasing taxable income and the timing of tax installment payments [24][26] - The debt leverage ratio stood at 3.9 times, reflecting a slight increase due to the acquisition of the additional stake in MLSE [25][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wireless service revenue was flat year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA up 1%, driven by cost efficiencies that improved wireless margins to 67%, up 60 basis points [18][19] - Cable service revenue grew by 1% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA up 2%, leading to cable margins of 58%, an increase of 70 basis points [21] - Media revenue surged by 26% to $753 million, driven by strong performance from the Toronto Blue Jays and the consolidation of MLSE [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wireless market saw a total of 111,000 mobile phone net additions in Q3, with a year-to-date total of 206,000, primarily on the Rogers Postpaid brand [7][19] - Retail internet additions were 29,000 in the quarter, contributing to approximately 80,000 new internet subscribers year-to-date [9][21] - Blended mobile phone ARPU decreased by 3% to $56.7, reflecting competitive pressures and lower international roaming revenue [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining strong execution across its three core businesses: wireless, cable, and media, while also exploring opportunities to unlock value from its sports and media assets [12][29] - The launch of satellite to mobile technology aims to enhance coverage in remote areas, reinforcing the company's commitment to innovation [8][9] - The company plans to acquire the remaining minority stake in MLSE, which is expected to enhance revenue and profitability growth [12][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining service revenue growth despite competitive pressures and a slower growth economy [18][51] - The company anticipates strong execution in Q4, with expectations for positive service revenue growth for wireless [51] - Management highlighted the importance of customer experience and operational efficiency, particularly through the deployment of AI technologies [42][44] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures for the year are expected to be approximately $3.7 billion, a reduction from previous targets, reflecting a focus on capital efficiency [14][28] - The company maintains a strong liquidity position with available liquidity of $6.4 billion [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on wireless competitive environment and pricing sustainability - Management indicated that streamlined pricing and promotional strategies have resonated well with customers, leading to positive subscriber performance [32][35] Question: Insights on churn management - A holistic approach to base management has been implemented, focusing on proactive customer engagement to reduce churn [36] Question: Clarification on service revenue trends and roaming impacts - Management confirmed that lower roaming volumes and wholesale revenues contributed to the decline in service revenue [40] Question: Opportunities from AI technologies - Management outlined three main areas for AI deployment: customer experience, operational efficiency, and security enhancements [44][45] Question: Expectations for wireless revenue trends and subscriber growth - Management expects positive service revenue growth for wireless, despite current immigration levels impacting subscriber additions [51][68] Question: Competitive advantages of converged offerings - The company is leveraging its converged footprint to enhance customer offerings, leading to increased demand for bundled services [78] Question: Financing plans for upcoming acquisitions - Management confirmed that credit agencies are aware of the company's plans and that no equity will be needed to bridge gaps for upcoming deals [91][92]