Comba Telecom Posts Higher Gross Profit Margin as International Revenue Becomes Core Growth Engine

HONG KONG, August 20, 2026: Comba Telecom Systems Holdings Limited reported stable first-half revenue and improved profitability for the six months ended June 30, 2026, as its internationalisation strategy continued to gain traction and new product competitiveness supported margin expansion.

The Hong Kong-headquartered wireless and information communications systems provider, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under 2342 and on the Singapore Exchange under STC, recorded revenue of HK$2.2 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a slight increase compared with the same period last year. Gross profit rose 8.8% year-on-year to HK$706 million, while gross profit margin increased by 2.6 percentage points to 32.1%. Profit attributable to owners of the parent reached HK$55.24 million, continuing the group’s profitable trend.

The company said the performance came against the backdrop of structural adjustments in capital expenditure across the global telecommunications industry and accelerating technology iteration. During the period, Comba Telecom maintained a prudent operating strategy, while leveraging new products, international expansion and refined operational management to improve the quality of its operations.

The board recommended an interim dividend of HK$0.26 cents per ordinary share, representing a total dividend payout ratio of 14.7% based on basic earnings per share. Comba Telecom said this reflected confidence in its business prospects and its commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Internationalisation Strategy Delivers

One of the strongest signals in the interim results was the continued rise in overseas contribution. Revenue from international customers and core equipment manufacturers increased 8.3% year-on-year to HK$1.2 billion, raising its share of total group revenue to 54.5%. Comba Telecom said this segment has become the core engine of business growth.

The growing share of international revenue helped offset weakness in business from the three major telecom operators in mainland China and China Tower Corporation Limited, where revenue declined 14.3% year-on-year to HK$701 million, accounting for 31.9% of total group revenue. The company attributed the decline to the pace of capital expenditure in the industry.

Revenue from other customers in mainland China increased 11.2% year-on-year to HK$214 million, representing 9.7% of group revenue. Revenue from ETL Company Limited, Comba Telecom’s non-wholly-owned telecom operator subsidiary in Laos, reached HK$86.37 million, up 4.3% year-on-year denominated in Lao Kip.

The results suggest that Comba Telecom’s overseas push is becoming increasingly important at a time when domestic telecom capex cycles remain uneven. International customers and core equipment manufacturers now account for more than half of group revenue, reinforcing the strategic role of global markets in the company’s next stage of growth.

Network Systems and Services Support Growth

By business segment, the network system business, including wireless enhancement and wireless access, delivered the strongest growth. Revenue increased 8.9% year-on-year to HK$497 million, raising its contribution to 22.6% of total group revenue. Comba Telecom said the performance reflected strengthening market competitiveness in wireless access and enhancement solutions.

The services segment also recorded growth, with revenue increasing 4.8% year-on-year to HK$418 million, accounting for 19.0% of group revenue.

The group’s largest segment, base station antennas and subsystems, generated revenue of approximately HK$929 million, down 3.7% year-on-year, and accounted for 42.2% of total revenue. Revenue from other businesses, including wireless transmission and ETL, declined 6.4% year-on-year to approximately HK$356 million, representing 16.2% of group revenue.

The segment mix highlights a business in transition. While traditional base station antennas and subsystems remain the largest contributor, growth in network systems and services points to rising demand for wireless access, enhancement and service-led solutions.

Stronger Financial Position

Comba Telecom said its financial position remained sound during the period, with healthy operating cash flow and sufficient working capital. The group’s gearing ratio improved from 12.7% at the end of the previous period to 11.9%. As at June 30, 2026, net current assets amounted to HK$2.18 billion, and no assets were pledged to secure the group’s banking facilities.

This balance sheet position gives the group flexibility as it continues to navigate a global telecom market shaped by shifting operator investment cycles, technology upgrades and growing demand for cost-effective wireless infrastructure solutions.

Focus on R&D and Product Innovation

Looking ahead, Comba Telecom said it will continue to enhance organisational performance, strengthen independent research and development capabilities, maintain product innovation and competitiveness, and seize new market opportunities.

Ms. Huo Xinru, President of Comba Telecom, said opportunities and challenges will continue to coexist for the group. “The Group will continue to enhance its organizational performance, strengthen its capabilities for independent R&D and innovative breakthroughs, maintain product innovation and competitiveness, seize new market opportunities, and deepen customer needs,” she said. “The Group will provide stable, high-quality and cost-effective products and services to global operators and industry customers.”

Comba Telecom offers products and services including base station antennas and subsystems, wireless access, wireless enhancement and wireless transmission. The group has its own R&D facilities, manufacturing base, and sales and service teams, and provides wireless communication solutions and information application services to customers in more than 100 countries and regions.

For Comba Telecom, the first-half results show a company stabilising revenue while improving margins and leaning more heavily on international markets. The challenge in the second half will be to sustain this profitability improvement while converting its global customer base and wireless solutions portfolio into stronger growth across network systems, services and international deployments.

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