q1_10q.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q
 

 
(Mark One)
   

 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
       
   
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014
 
       
   
or
 
       
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
       
For the transition period from       to     
 
Commission File Number 1-8610

AT&T INC.

Incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware
I.R.S. Employer Identification Number 43-1301883
 
208 S. Akard St., Dallas, Texas 75202
Telephone Number:  (210) 821-4105


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes [X]   No [   ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes [X]   No [   ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer
[X]
 
Accelerated filer
[   ]
Non-accelerated filer
[   ]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
[   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes [   ]   No [X]
 
At April 30, 2014 there were 5,190 million common shares outstanding.
 

 
 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  Financial Statements

AT&T INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Operating Revenues
  $ 32,476     $ 31,356  
 
               
Operating Expenses
               
Cost of services and sales (exclusive of depreciation
               
   and amortization shown separately below)
    13,321       12,554  
Selling, general and administrative
    8,260       8,333  
Depreciation and amortization
    4,617       4,529  
Total operating expenses
    26,198       25,416  
Operating Income
    6,278       5,940  
Other Income (Expense)
               
Interest expense
    (860 )     (827 )
Equity in net income of affiliates
    88       185  
Other income (expense) – net
    145       32  
Total other income (expense)
    (627 )     (610 )
Income Before Income Taxes
    5,651       5,330  
Income tax expense
    1,917       1,557  
Net Income
    3,734       3,773  
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
    (82 )     (73 )
Net Income Attributable to AT&T
  $ 3,652     $ 3,700  
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T
  $ 0.70     $ 0.67  
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T
  $ 0.70     $ 0.67  
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding – Basic (in millions)
    5,222       5,513  
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding – with Dilution (in millions)
    5,238       5,530  
Dividends Declared Per Common Share
  $ 0.46     $ 0.45  
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
               

 

 

AT&T INC.
 
 
   
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
   
 
 
Dollars in millions
 
 
   
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Net income
  $ 3,734     $ 3,773  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
               
   Foreign Currency:
               
        Foreign currency translation adjustment (includes $0 and $0 attributable to
             noncontrolling interest), net of taxes of $(9) and $62
    (20 )     121  
        Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $14 and $0
    25       -  
   Available-for-sale securities:
               
        Net unrealized gains, net of taxes of $10 and $40
    16       75  
        Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $(7) and $(4)
    (11 )     (7 )
   Cash flow hedges:
               
        Net unrealized gains, net of taxes of $3 and $49
    6       90  
        Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $4 and $4
    7       7  
   Defined benefit postretirement plans:
               
        Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of taxes of $2 and $0
    3       -  
       Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income, net of taxes of
           $(147) and $(109)
    (240 )     (178 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (214 )     108  
Total comprehensive income
    3,520       3,881  
Less: Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (82 )     (73 )
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to AT&T
  $ 3,438     $ 3,808  
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
               

 

 

AT&T INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
 
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Assets
 
(Unaudited)
   
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 3,611     $ 3,339  
Accounts receivable - net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $483 and $483
    13,120       12,918  
Prepaid expenses
    1,000       960  
Deferred income taxes
    1,171       1,199  
Other current assets
    5,187       4,780  
Total current assets
    24,089       23,196  
Property, plant and equipment
    278,862       274,798  
   Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (166,053 )     (163,830 )
Property, Plant and Equipment – Net
    112,809       110,968  
Goodwill
    69,720       69,273  
Licenses
    59,584       56,433  
Other Intangible Assets – Net
    6,515       5,779  
Investments in Equity Affiliates
    3,613       3,860  
Other Assets
    9,010       8,278  
Total Assets
  $ 285,340     $ 277,787  
 
               
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Current Liabilities
               
Debt maturing within one year
  $ 8,301     $ 5,498  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    22,234       21,107  
Advanced billing and customer deposits
    4,121       4,212  
Accrued taxes
    2,784       1,774  
Dividends payable
    2,390       2,404  
Total current liabilities
    39,830       34,995  
Long-Term Debt
    71,575       69,290  
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
               
Deferred income taxes
    36,448       36,308  
Postemployment benefit obligation
    30,029       29,946  
Other noncurrent liabilities
    16,089       15,766  
Total deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities
    82,566       82,020  
 
               
Stockholders’ Equity
               
Common stock ($1 par value, 14,000,000,000 authorized at March 31, 2014 and
               
   December 31, 2013: issued 6,495,231,088 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013)
    6,495       6,495  
Additional paid-in capital
    91,027       91,091  
Retained earnings
    32,402       31,141  
Treasury stock (1,300,637,055 at March 31, 2014 and 1,268,914,913
               
   at December 31, 2013, at cost)
    (46,684 )     (45,619 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    7,666       7,880  
Noncontrolling interest
    463       494  
Total stockholders’ equity
    91,369       91,482  
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 285,340     $ 277,787  
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
               

 

 

AT&T INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Dollars in millions
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Operating Activities
 
 
   
 
 
Net income
  $ 3,734     $ 3,773  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
   Depreciation and amortization
    4,617       4,529  
   Undistributed earnings from investments in equity affiliates
    17       (185 )
   Provision for uncollectible accounts
    241       262  
   Deferred income tax expense
    578       433  
   Net (gain) loss from sale of investments, net of impairments
    (122 )     (11 )
   Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
      Accounts receivable
    (498 )     295  
      Other current assets
    (340 )     864  
      Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    1,025       (1,675 )
   Retirement benefit funding
    (140 )     -  
   Other - net
    (313 )     (86 )
Total adjustments
    5,065       4,426  
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    8,799       8,199  
 
               
Investing Activities
               
Construction and capital expenditures:
               
   Capital expenditures
    (5,716 )     (4,252 )
   Interest during construction
    (55 )     (66 )
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    (662 )     (1,045 )
Dispositions
    351       5  
Other
    -       1  
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
    (6,082 )     (5,357 )
 
               
Financing Activities
               
Net change in short-term borrowings with original maturities of three months or less
    (17 )     274  
Issuance of other short-term borrowings
    -       1,474  
Issuance of long-term debt
    2,987       4,875  
Repayment of long-term debt
    (1,867 )     (1,791 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    (1,237 )     (5,911 )
Issuance of treasury stock
    13       56  
Dividends paid
    (2,398 )     (2,502 )
Other
    74       (310 )
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
    (2,445 )     (3,835 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    272       (993 )
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of year
    3,339       4,868  
Cash and Cash Equivalents End of Period
  $ 3,611     $ 3,875  
 
               
Cash paid (received) during the three months ended March 31 for:
               
   Interest
  $ 976     $ 1,080  
   Income taxes, net of refunds
  $ (40 )   $ (1,114 )
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
               

 

 

AT&T INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Dollars and shares in millions except per share amounts
(Unaudited)
 
March 31, 2014
 
Shares
 
Amount
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
 6,495 
 
$
 6,495 
Issuance of stock
 - 
 
 
 - 
Balance at end of period
 6,495 
 
$
 6,495 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional Paid-In Capital
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
 
 
$
 91,091 
Issuance of treasury stock
 
 
 
 4 
Share-based payments
 
 
 
 (68)
Balance at end of period
 
 
$
 91,027 
 
 
 
 
 
Retained Earnings
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
 
 
$
 31,141 
Net income attributable to AT&T ($0.70 per diluted share)
 
 
 
 3,652 
Dividends to stockholders ($0.46 per share)
 
 
 
 (2,391)
Balance at end of period
 
 
$
 32,402 
 
 
 
 
 
Treasury Stock
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
 (1,269)
 
$
 (45,619)
Repurchase of common stock
 (37)
 
 
 (1,237)
Issuance of treasury stock
 5 
 
 
 172 
Balance at end of period
 (1,301)
 
$
 (46,684)
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to AT&T, net of tax
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
 
 
$
 7,880 
Other comprehensive loss attributable to AT&T
 
 
 
 (214)
Balance at end of period
 
 
$
 7,666 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling Interest
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
 
 
$
 494 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
 
 
 82 
Distributions
 
 
 
 (113)
Balance at end of period
 
 
$
 463 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Stockholders’ Equity at beginning of year
 
 
$
 91,482 
Total Stockholders’ Equity at end of period
 
 
$
 91,369 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Dollars in millions except per share amounts


NOTE 1. PREPARATION OF INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Basis of Presentation  Throughout this document, AT&T Inc. is referred to as “AT&T,” “we” or the “Company.” We believe that these consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, that are necessary to present fairly the results for the presented interim periods. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those for the full year. You should read this document in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. On March 13, 2014, we closed our acquisition of Leap Wireless International, Inc. (Leap) (see Note 7), and we incorporated them into our wireless operations following the date of acquisition.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our majority-owned subsidiaries and affiliates. Our subsidiaries and affiliates operate in the communications services industry both domestically and internationally, providing wireless communications services, traditional wireline voice services, data/broadband and Internet services, video services, telecommunications equipment, managed networking and wholesale services.

All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in the consolidation process. Investments in partnerships and less than majority-owned subsidiaries where we have significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Earnings from certain foreign equity investments accounted for using the equity method are included for periods ended within up to one month of our period end. We also record our proportionate share of our equity method investees’ other comprehensive income (OCI) items, including actuarial gains and losses on pension and other postretirement benefit obligations.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes, including estimates of probable losses and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.

Equipment Installment Plan  Under our AT&T NextSM (AT&T Next) program, we offer our customers the option to purchase certain devices in installments over a period of up to 26 months. Additionally, after a specified period of time they also have the right to trade in the original device for a new device and have the remaining unpaid balance satisfied. For customers that elect these trade-in programs, we recognize revenue at the point of sale for the entire amount of the customer receivable, net of the fair value of the trade-in right guarantee and imputed interest. As of March 31, 2014, total equipment installment plan receivables of $2,447 were included on our consolidated balance sheets.

Stock Repurchase Program  During the first quarter of 2014, we had repurchased approximately 37 million shares totaling $1,237 under a repurchase authorization that was approved by our Board of Directors in March 2013. In March 2014, our Board of Directors approved another authorization to repurchase 300 million shares of our common stock. At March 31, 2014, we had 425 million shares remaining under these authorizations. The repurchase authorizations have no expiration date, and we expect to make future repurchases opportunistically.
 
 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts


NOTE 2. EARNINGS PER SHARE

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, is shown in the table below:

 
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Numerators
 
 
   
 
 
Numerator for basic earnings per share:
 
 
   
 
 
   Net income
  $ 3,734     $ 3,773  
   Less:  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (82 )     (73 )
   Net income attributable to AT&T
    3,652       3,700  
   Dilutive potential common shares:
               
      Share-based payment
    4       4  
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
  $ 3,656     $ 3,704  
Denominators (000,000)
               
Denominator for basic earnings per share:
               
   Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
    5,222       5,513  
   Dilutive potential common shares:
               
      Share-based payment (in shares)
    16       17  
Denominator for diluted earnings per share
    5,238       5,530  
Basic earnings per share attributable to AT&T
  $ 0.70     $ 0.67  
Diluted earnings per share attributable to AT&T
  $ 0.70     $ 0.67  

At March 31, 2014 and 2013, we had issued and outstanding options to purchase approximately 12 million and 15 million shares of AT&T common stock. For the quarter ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the exercise prices of 3 million and 4 million shares were above the market price of AT&T stock for the respective periods. Accordingly, we did not include these amounts in determining the dilutive potential common shares.
 
 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts

 
NOTE 3. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Changes in the balances of each component included in accumulated other comprehensive income (accumulated OCI) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, are presented below. All amounts are net of tax and exclude noncontrolling interest.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At March 31, 2014 and for the period ended:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign
 Currency
 Translation
 Adjustment
 
Net Unrealized
 Gains (Losses)
 on Available-
for-Sale
Securities
 
Net Unrealized
 Gains (Losses)
 on Cash Flow
 Hedges
 
Defined Benefit
 Postretirement
 Plans
 
Accumulated
 Other
 Comprehensive
 Income
Balance as of December 31, 2013
$
 (367)
 
$
 450 
 
$
 445 
 
$
 7,352 
 
$
 7,880 
Other comprehensive income
   (loss) before reclassifications
 
 (20)
 
 
 16 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2 
Amounts reclassified
   from accumulated OCI
 
 25
 
 
 (11)
 
 
 7
 
 
 (237)
 
 
 (216)
Net other comprehensive
   income (loss)
 
 5 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 13 
 
 
 (237)
 
 
 (214)
Balance as of March 31, 2014
$
 (362)
 
$
 455 
 
$
 458 
 
$
 7,115 
 
$
 7,666 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At March 31, 2013 and for the period ended:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign
 Currency
 Translation
 Adjustment
 
Net Unrealized
 Gains (Losses)
 on Available-
for-Sale
Securities
 
Net Unrealized
 Gains (Losses)
 on Cash Flow
 Hedges
 
Defined Benefit
 Postretirement
 Plans
 
Accumulated
 Other
 Comprehensive
 Income
Balance as of December 31, 2012
$
 (284)
 
$
 272 
 
$
 (110)
 
$
 5,358 
 
$
 5,236 
Other comprehensive income
   before reclassifications
 
 121 
 
 
 75 
 
 
 90 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 286 
Amounts reclassified
   from accumulated OCI
 
 -
 
 
 (7)
 
 
 7
 
 
 (178)
 
 
 (178)
Net other comprehensive
   income (loss)
 
 121 
 
 
 68 
 
 
 97 
 
 
 (178)
 
 
 108 
Balance as of March 31, 2013
$
 (163)
 
$
 340 
 
$
 (13)
 
$
 5,180 
 
$
 5,344 
 
 Pre-tax translation loss reclassifications are included in Other income (expense) - net in the consolidated statements of income.
 
 Realized gains (losses) are included in Other income (expense) - net in the consolidated statements of income.
 
 Realized (gains) losses are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. See Note 6 for additional information.
 
 The amortization of prior service credits associated with postretirement benefits, net of amounts capitalized as part of construction labor, are included in Cost of services and sales and Selling, general and administrative in the consolidated statements of income (see Note 5). Actuarial loss
 
 reclassifications related to our equity method investees are included in Other income (expense) - net in the consolidated statements of income.
 
 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts


NOTE 4. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Our segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services over various technology platforms and are managed accordingly. We analyze our operating segments based on segment income before income taxes. We make our capital allocation decisions based on our strategic direction of the business, needs of the network (wireless or wireline) providing services and demands to provide emerging services to our customers. Actuarial gains and losses from pension and other postretirement benefits, interest expense and other income (expense) – net, are managed only on a total company basis and are, accordingly, reflected only in consolidated results. Therefore, these items are not included in each segment’s reportable results. The customers and long-lived assets of our reportable segments are predominantly in the United States. We have two reportable segments: (1) Wireless and (2) Wireline.

The Wireless segment uses our nationwide network to provide consumer and business customers with wireless data and voice communications services. This segment includes our portion of the results from our mobile payment joint venture marketed as the Isis Mobile WalletTM, which is accounted for as an equity investment.

The Wireline segment uses our regional, national and global network to provide consumer and business customers with data and voice communications services, AT&T U-verse® high speed Internet, video and VoIP services and managed networking to business customers.

The Corporate and Other column includes unallocated corporate expenses, which includes costs to support corporate-driven activities and operations, impacts of corporate-wide decisions for which the individual operating segments are not being evaluated, including interest costs and expected return on plan assets for our pension and postretirement benefit plans as well as our actuarial gains and losses on our pension and postretirement plan valuations. Results from equity method investments in América Móvil, S.A. de C.V. and YP Holdings LLC are also excluded from our segment results as those results are nonoperational and not considered in our assessment of segment performance. We have revised our prior-period presentation to conform to our current reporting.
 
 
10 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts


In the following tables, we show how our segment results are reconciled to our consolidated results reported.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014:
                   
   
Wireless
   
Wireline
   
Corporate
and Other
   
Consolidated
Results
 
Service
  $ 15,387     $ 14,389     $ -     $ 29,776  
Equipment
    2,479       212       9       2,700  
Total segment operating revenues
    17,866       14,601       9       32,476  
Operations and support expenses
    10,882       10,457       242       21,581  
Depreciation and amortization expenses
    1,931       2,684       2       4,617  
Total segment operating expenses
    12,813       13,141       244       26,198  
Segment operating income (loss)
    5,053       1,460       (235 )     6,278  
Interest expense
    -       -       860       860  
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates
    (20 )     1       107       88  
Other income (expense) – net
    -       -       145       145  
Segment income (loss) before income taxes
  $ 5,033     $ 1,461     $ (843 )   $ 5,651  
                                 
For the three months ended March 31, 2013:
                         
   
Wireless
   
Wireline
   
Corporate
and Other
   
Consolidated
Results
 
Service
  $ 15,062     $ 14,381     $ -     $ 29,443  
Equipment
    1,629       274       10       1,913  
Total segment operating revenues
    16,691       14,655       10       31,356  
Operations and support expenses
    10,180       10,335       372       20,887  
Depreciation and amortization expenses
    1,835       2,688       6       4,529  
Total segment operating expenses
    12,015       13,023       378       25,416  
Segment operating income (loss)
    4,676       1,632       (368 )     5,940  
Interest expense
    -       -       827       827  
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates
    (18 )     1       202       185  
Other income (expense) – net
    -       -       32       32  
Segment income (loss) before income taxes
  $ 4,658     $ 1,633     $ (961 )   $ 5,330  

NOTE 5. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

Substantially all of our employees are covered by one of our noncontributory pension plans. We also provide certain medical, dental, life insurance, and death benefits to certain retired employees under various plans and accrue actuarially determined postretirement benefit costs as active employees earn these benefits. Our objective in funding these plans, in combination with the standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), is to accumulate assets sufficient to meet the plans’ obligations to provide benefits to employees upon their retirement.

On September 9, 2013, we made a voluntary contribution of a preferred equity interest in AT&T Mobility II LLC, the primary holding company for our wireless business, to the trust used to pay pension benefits under our qualified pension plans. The preferred equity interest had a value of $9,222 at March 31, 2014. The trust is entitled to receive cumulative cash distributions of $560 per annum, which will be distributed quarterly in equal amounts and will be accounted for as contributions. We distributed $140 to the trust during the three months ended March 31, 2014. So long as we make the distributions, we will have no limitations on our ability to declare a dividend, or repurchase shares. This preferred equity interest is a plan asset under ERISA and is recognized as such in the plan’s separate financial statements. However, because the preferred equity interest is not unconditionally transferable to an unrelated party, it is not reflected in plan assets in our consolidated financial statements and instead has been eliminated in consolidation.
 
 
11 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts

 
On September 9, 2013, the Department of Labor (DOL) published a proposed exemption that authorized retroactive approval of this voluntary contribution. The proposal was open for public comment and we are currently awaiting a final decision by the DOL. Our retirement benefit plans, including required contributions, are subject to the provisions of ERISA.

We recognize actuarial gains and losses on pension and postretirement plan assets in our operating results at our annual measurement date of December 31, unless earlier remeasurements are required. The following table details pension and postretirement benefit costs included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income, expense credits are denoted with parentheses. A portion of these expenses is capitalized as part of internal construction projects, providing a small reduction in the net expense recorded.

 
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Pension cost:
 
 
   
 
 
   Service cost – benefits earned during the period
  $ 282     $ 330  
   Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
    661       607  
   Expected return on assets
    (849 )     (828 )
   Amortization of prior service credit
    (24 )     (23 )
   Net pension cost
  $ 70     $ 86  
 
               
Postretirement cost:
               
   Service cost – benefits earned during the period
  $ 58     $ 95  
   Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
    365       390  
   Expected return on assets
    (164 )     (178 )
   Amortization of prior service credit
    (362 )     (263 )
   Net postretirement (credit) cost
  $ (103 )   $ 44  
 
               
   Combined net pension and postretirement (credit) cost
  $ (33 )   $ 130  

Our combined net pension and postretirement cost decreased $163 in the first quarter of 2014. The decrease reflects higher amortization of prior service credits due to plan changes, including changes to future costs for continued retiree healthcare coverage. The decrease also reflects increasing corporate bond rates, which contributed to lower service cost and higher interest costs.

Due in part to our 2013 enhanced retirement offer and projected distribution levels, we expect that lump sum distributions from the plan during 2014 could exceed service and interest costs, resulting in settlement accounting for a portion of our pension plan. This would result in remeasurement of the plans assets and obligations, with remeasurement for each interim period thereafter.

We also provide senior- and middle-management employees with nonqualified, unfunded supplemental retirement and savings plans. Net supplemental retirement pension benefits cost, which is not included in the table above, was $29 in the first quarter of 2014, of which $27 was interest cost, and $27 for the first quarter of 2013, of which $25 was interest cost.

 
12 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts


NOTE 6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DISCLOSURE

The Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure framework provides a three-tiered fair value hierarchy that gives highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1
Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that we have the ability to access.

Level 2
Inputs to the valuation methodology include:
·  
Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets.
·  
Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets.
·  
Inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable for the asset or liability.
·  
Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3
Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
·  
Fair value is often based on developed models in which there are few, if any, external observations.

The fair value measurements level of an asset or liability within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques used should maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

The valuation methodologies described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of future net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. We believe our valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants. The use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. There have been no changes in the methodologies used since December 31, 2013.

Long-Term Debt and Other Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our long-term debt, including current maturities and other financial instruments, are summarized as follows:

     March 31, 2014         December 31, 2013
     
Carrying
     
Fair
     
Carrying
     
Fair
 
     
Amount
     
Value
     
Amount
     
Value
 
Notes and debentures
  $ 79,552     $ 85,698     $ 74,484     $ 79,309  
Commercial paper
    -       -       20       20  
Bank borrowings
    4       4       1       1  
Investment securities
    2,609       2,609       2,450       2,450  

The carrying value of debt with an original maturity of less than one year approximates market value. The fair value measurements used for notes and debentures are considered Level 2 and are determined using various methods, including quoted prices for identical or similar securities in both active and inactive markets.
 
 
13 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts


Investment Securities
Our investment securities include equities, fixed income bonds and other securities. A substantial portion of the fair values of our available-for-sale securities was estimated based on quoted market prices. Investments in securities not traded on a national securities exchange are valued using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. Realized gains and losses on securities are included in “Other income (expense) – net” in the consolidated statements of income using the specific identification method. Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, on available-for-sale securities are recorded in accumulated OCI. Unrealized losses that are considered other than temporary are recorded in “Other income (expense) – net” with the corresponding reduction to the carrying basis of the investment. Fixed income investments of $116 have maturities of less than one year, $515 within one to three years, $65 within three to five years, and $251 for five or more years.

Our short-term investments (including money market securities) and customer deposits are recorded at amortized cost, and the respective carrying amounts approximate fair values. Our investment securities are recorded in “Other Assets” on the consolidated balance sheets.

Following is the fair value leveling for available-for-sale securities and derivatives as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

      March 31, 2014
    Level 1     Level 2        Level 3     Total  
Available-for-Sale Securities
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   Domestic equities
  $ 1,055     $ -     $ -     $ 1,055  
   International equities
    543       -       -       543  
   Fixed income bonds
    -       947       -       947  
Asset Derivatives
                               
   Interest rate swaps
    -       176       -       176  
   Cross-currency swaps
    -       2,020       -       2,020  
Liability Derivatives
                               
   Interest rate swaps
    -       (8 )     -       (8 )
   Cross-currency swaps
    -       (534 )     -       (534 )
 
                               
     December 31, 2013
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total 
Available-for-Sale Securities
                               
   Domestic equities
  $ 1,049     $ -     $ -     $ 1,049  
   International equities
    563       -       -       563  
   Fixed income bonds
    -       759       -       759  
Asset Derivatives
                               
   Interest rate swaps
    -       191       -       191  
   Cross-currency swaps
    -       1,951       -       1,951  
Liability Derivatives
                               
   Interest rate swaps
    -       (7 )     -       (7 )
   Cross-currency swaps
    -       (519 )     -       (519 )
  Derivatives designated as hedging instruments are reflected as Other assets, Other noncurrent liabilities and, for a portion of interest rate swaps, Other current assets.  

 
14 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts


Derivative Financial Instruments
We employ derivatives to manage certain market risks, primarily interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange risk. This includes the use of interest rate swaps, interest rate locks, foreign exchange forward contracts and combined interest rate foreign exchange contracts (cross-currency swaps). We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. We record derivatives on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value that is derived from observable market data, including yield curves and foreign exchange rates (all of our derivatives are Level 2). Cash flows associated with derivative instruments are presented in the same category on the consolidated statements of cash flows as the item being hedged.

The majority of our derivatives are designated either as a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (fair value hedge), or as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge).
 
Fair Value Hedging We designate our fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps as fair value hedges. The purpose of these swaps is to manage interest rate risk by managing our mix of fixed-rate and floating-rate debt. These swaps involve the receipt of fixed-rate amounts for floating interest rate payments over the life of the swaps without exchange of the underlying principal amount. Accrued and realized gains or losses from interest rate swaps impact interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. Unrealized gains on interest rate swaps are recorded at fair market value as assets, and unrealized losses on interest rate swaps are recorded at fair market value as liabilities. Changes in the fair values of the interest rate swaps are exactly offset by changes in the fair value of the underlying debt. Gains or losses realized upon early termination of our fair value hedges are recognized in interest expense. In the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, no ineffectiveness was measured on interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges.

Cash Flow Hedging  We designate our cross-currency swaps as cash flow hedges. We have entered into multiple cross-currency swaps to hedge our exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that are attributable to foreign currency risk generated from the issuance of our Euro, British pound sterling and Canadian dollar denominated debt. These agreements include initial and final exchanges of principal from fixed foreign denominations to fixed U.S. denominated amounts, to be exchanged at a specified rate, which was determined by the market spot rate upon issuance. They also include an interest rate swap of a fixed foreign-denominated rate to a fixed U.S. denominated interest rate.

Unrealized gains on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded at fair value as assets, and unrealized losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded at fair value as liabilities, both for the period they are outstanding. For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion is reported as a component of accumulated OCI until reclassified into interest expense in the same period the hedged transaction affects earnings. The gain or loss on the ineffective portion is recognized as other income or expense in each period. We evaluate the effectiveness of our cross-currency swaps each quarter. In the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, no ineffectiveness was measured on cross-currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges.

Periodically, we enter into and designate interest rate locks to partially hedge the risk of changes in interest payments attributable to increases in the benchmark interest rate during the period leading up to the probable issuance of fixed-rate debt. We designate our interest rate locks as cash flow hedges. Gains and losses when we settle our interest rate locks are amortized into income over the life of the related debt, except where a material amount is deemed to be ineffective, which would be immediately reclassified to “Other income (expense) – net” in the consolidated statements of income. Over the next 12 months, we expect to reclassify $43 from accumulated OCI to interest expense due to the amortization of net losses on historical interest rate locks.

We hedge a portion of the exchange risk involved in anticipation of highly probable foreign currency-denominated transactions. In anticipation of these transactions, we often enter into foreign exchange contracts to provide currency at a fixed rate. Some of these instruments are designated as cash flow hedges while others remain nondesignated, largely based on size and duration. Gains and losses at the time we settle or take delivery on our designated foreign exchange contracts are amortized into income in the same period the hedged transaction affects earnings, except where an amount is deemed to be ineffective, which would be immediately reclassified to other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of income. In the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, no ineffectiveness was measured on foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges.
 
 
15

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts


Collateral and Credit-Risk Contingency  We have entered into agreements with our derivative counterparties establishing collateral thresholds based on respective credit ratings and netting agreements. At March 31, 2014, we had posted collateral of $28 (a deposit asset) and held collateral of $1,752 (a receipt liability). Under the agreements, if our credit rating had been downgraded one rating level by Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s and two rating levels by Fitch, Inc., before the final collateral exchange in March, we would have been required to post additional collateral of $51. At December 31, 2013, we had posted collateral of $8 (a deposit asset) and held collateral of $1,600 (a receipt liability). We do not offset the fair value of collateral, whether the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable), against the fair value of the derivative instruments.

Following is the notional amount of our outstanding derivative positions:

 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Interest rate swaps
  $ 6,100     $ 4,750  
Cross-currency swaps
    17,787       17,787  
Total
  $ 23,887     $ 22,537  

Following is the related hedged items affecting our financial position and performance:
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Effect of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 
   
 
 
   
Three months ended
    March 31,     March 31,  
Fair Value Hedging Relationships
 
2014
   
2013
 
Interest rate swaps (Interest expense):
               
   Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps
  $ (11 )   $ (24 )
   Gain (Loss) on long-term debt
    11       24  

In addition, the net swap settlements that accrued and settled in the quarter ended March 31 were offset against interest expense.

   
Three months ended
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
Cash Flow Hedging Relationships  
2014
   
2013
 
Cross-currency swaps:
 
 
   
 
 
   Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI
  $ 11     $ 141  
Interest rate locks:
               
   Interest income (expense) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income
    (11 )     (11 )
Foreign exchange contracts:
               
   Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI
    (2 )     (2 )

 
16 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts


NOTE 7. ACQUSISTIONS, DISPOSITIONS AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS

Acquisitions
Leap  On March 13, 2014, we acquired Leap, a provider of prepaid wireless service, for fifteen dollars per outstanding share of Leap’s common stock, or $1,248 (excluding Leap’s cash on hand), plus one nontransferable contingent value right (CVR) per share. The CVR will entitle each Leap stockholder to a pro rata share of the net proceeds of the future sale of the Chicago 700 MHz A-band Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license held by Leap.

The preliminary values of assets acquired under the terms of the agreement were: $3,070 in licenses, $520 in property, plant and equipment, $490 of customer lists, $340 for trade names and $346 of goodwill. The estimated fair value of debt associated with the acquisition of Leap was $3,889.

In connection with the acquisition, we retired Leap’s term and other loans and paid $1,869, including accrued interest in March 2014. In April 2014, we paid $1,889, including accrued interest and redemption premiums, to redeem additional Leap notes outstanding.
 
Pending Disposition
Connecticut Wireline  In December 2013, we entered into an agreement to sell our incumbent local exchange operations in Connecticut for $2,000 in cash. The transaction is subject to review by the FCC and the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and other state regulatory authorities. We expect the deal to close in the fourth quarter of 2014, subject to customary closing conditions.

We applied held-for-sale treatment to the assets and liabilities of the Connecticut operations, and, accordingly, included the assets in “Other current assets,” and the related liabilities in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities,” on our consolidated balance sheets. However, the business does not qualify as discontinued operations as we expect significant continuing direct cash flows related to the disposed operations. Assets and liabilities of the Connecticut operations included the following:

 
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Assets held for sale:
 
 
   
 
 
Current assets
  $ 146     $ 155  
Property, plant and equipment - net
    1,323       1,289  
Goodwill
    799       799  
Other assets
    18       17  
Total assets
  $ 2,286     $ 2,260  
 
               
Liabilities related to assets held for sale:
               
Current liabilities
  $ 122     $ 128  
Noncurrent liabilities
    567       480  
Total liabilities
  $ 689     $ 608  

 
17 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Dollars in millions except per share amounts


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For ease of reading, AT&T Inc. is referred to as “we,” “AT&T” or the “Company” throughout this document, and the names of the particular subsidiaries and affiliates providing the services generally have been omitted. AT&T is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates operate in the communications services industry in both the United States and internationally, providing wireless and wireline telecommunications services and equipment. You should read this discussion in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, accompanying notes and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. A reference to a “Note” in this section refers to the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. In the tables throughout this section, percentage increases and decreases that are not considered meaningful are denoted with a dash.

Consolidated Results  Our financial results in the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows:

 
 
First Quarter
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
Percent
Change
 
 
Operating Revenues
  $ 32,476     $ 31,356       3.6 %
Operating expenses
                       
   Cost of services and sales
    13,321       12,554       6.1  
   Selling, general and administrative
    8,260       8,333       (0.9 )
   Depreciation and amortization
    4,617       4,529       1.9  
Total Operating Expenses
    26,198       25,416       3.1  
Operating Income
    6,278       5,940       5.7  
Income Before Income Taxes
    5,651       5,330       6.0  
Net Income
    3,734       3,773       (1.0 )
Net Income Attributable to AT&T
  $ 3,652     $ 3,700       (1.3 ) %

Overview
Operating income increased $338, or 5.7%, in the first quarter of 2014 and our operating income margin increased from 18.9% in 2013 to 19.3% in 2014. Operating income in the first quarter reflects higher equipment revenue recorded for device sales under our wireless device installment program as well as continued growth in our AT&T U-verse® (U-verse) and strategic business services. This growth was partially offset by the continued decline in legacy voice and data products as well as higher wireless handset expenses and U-verse content costs. The operating results of Leap Wireless International, Inc. (Leap) (see Other Business Matters) acquired on March 13, 2014 did not have a meaningful impact on our first quarter operating results and accordingly are not discussed.

Operating revenues increased $1,120, or 3.6%, in the first quarter of 2014. Growth in wireless revenues was driven by device sales under our new wireless device installment program as well as the overall growth in our net subscriber base and the increasing percentage of smartphone customers. Wireline service revenues were essentially flat and continue to be driven by our U-verse services and strategic business services, which offset decreases from our legacy voice and data products.

The telecommunications industry is rapidly evolving from fixed location, voice-oriented services into an industry driven by customer demand for instantly available, data-based services (including video). Our products, services and plans are changing as we transition to sophisticated, high-speed, IP-based alternatives. We are also re-designing our networks to accommodate these new demands and to take advantage of related technological efficiencies. We expect continued growth in our wireless and wireline IP-based services as we bundle and price plans with greater focus on data and video offerings. We expect continued declines in voice services and our basic wireline data services as customers choose these next-generation services.
 
 
18 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts

 
Cost of services and sales expenses increased $767, or 6.1%, in the first quarter of 2014. The increase was primarily due to higher wireless equipment costs resulting from customers choosing higher-priced devices, increased wireless network costs, higher expenses attributable to U-verse subscriber growth, and growth in Universal Service Fund (USF) fees. These increases were slightly offset by lower interconnect/long-distance costs.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $73, or 0.9%, in the first quarter of 2014. The decrease was due to lower employee related costs and lower wireless commissions, which were partially offset by increases in our sales, advertising and marketing expenses resulting from increased competition and other administrative costs associated with our wireless segment.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $88, or 1.9%, in the first quarter of 2014. Expenses increased due to ongoing capital spending for network upgrades and expansion, partially offset by assets becoming fully depreciated and lower amortization of intangibles for customer lists related to acquisitions.

Interest expense increased $33, or 4.0%, in the first quarter of 2014. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to higher interest related to our December 2013 tower transaction. The increase was partially offset by lower interest incurred as a result of 2013 refinancing activity.

Equity in net income of affiliates decreased $97, or 52.4%, in the first quarter of 2014 primarily due to lower equity income from América Móvil, S.A. de C.V. (América Móvil).

 
 
First Quarter
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
América Móvil
  $ 54     $ 151  
YP Holdings LLC (YP Holdings)
    54       52  
Isis Mobile WalletTM (ISIS)
    (20 )     (18 )
Equity in Net Income of Affiliates
  $ 88     $ 185  

Other income (expense) – net We had other income of $145 in the first quarter of 2014, compared to other income of $32 in the first quarter of 2013. Results for first quarter 2014 included a gain on the sale of América Móvil shares and other investments of $122, interest and dividend income of $13 and leveraged lease income of $6. Results for first quarter 2013 included a net gain on the sale of investments of $11, interest and dividend income of $17 and leveraged lease income of $5.

Income taxes increased $360, or 23.1%, in the first quarter of 2014. Our effective tax rate was 33.9% for the first quarter 2014, compared to 29.2% for first quarter 2013. The increase in effective tax rate for the first quarter was primarily due to recognition of benefits related to tax audit settlements in the first quarter of 2013.

 
19 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts

 
Selected Financial and Operating Data
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Wireless subscribers (000)
    116,014       107,251  
Network access lines in service (000)
    23,582       28,043  
Total wireline broadband connections (000)
    16,503       16,514  
Debt ratio
    46.6 %     45.6 %
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
    5.50       5.25  
Number of AT&T employees
    246,730       243,340  
1
 Debt ratios are calculated by dividing total debt (debt maturing within one year plus long-term debt) by total capital (total debt plus total stockholders’ equity) and do not consider cash available to pay down debt. See our “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section for discussion.
2
 See Exhibit 12.

Segment Results

Our segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services over various technology platforms and are managed accordingly. Our operating segment results are presented in Note 4 and discussed below for each segment follow our internal management reporting. We analyze our operating segments based on segment income before income taxes. We make our capital allocation decisions based on our strategic direction of the business, needs of the network (wireless or wireline) providing services and demands to provide emerging services to our customers. Actuarial gains and losses from pension and other postretirement benefits, interest expense and other income (expense) – net, are managed only on a total company basis and are, accordingly, reflected only in consolidated results. Therefore, these items are not included in each segment’s reportable results. The customers and long-lived assets of our reportable segments are predominantly in the United States. We have two reportable segments: (1) Wireless and (2) Wireline.

The Wireless segment uses our nationwide network to provide consumer and business customers with wireless data and voice communications services. This segment includes our portion of the results from our mobile payment joint venture marketed as the Isis Mobile WalletTM, which is accounted for as an equity investment.

The Wireline segment uses our regional, national and global network to provide consumer and business customers with data and voice communications services, U-verse high speed Internet, video and VoIP services and managed networking to business customers.

We discuss capital expenditures for each segment in “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

 
20 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts

 
Wireless
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Segment Results
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
First Quarter
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
Percent
Change
 
 
Segment operating revenues
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
      Service
  $ 15,387     $ 15,062        2.2 %
      Equipment
    2,479       1,629        52.2  
Total Segment Operating Revenues
    17,866       16,691        7.0  
Segment operating expenses
                       
      Operations and support
    10,882       10,180        6.9  
      Depreciation and amortization
    1,931       1,835        5.2  
Total Segment Operating Expenses
    12,813       12,015        6.6  
Segment Operating Income
    5,053       4,676        8.1  
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates
    (20 )     (18)       (11.1 )
Segment Income
  $ 5,033     $ 4,658        8.1 %


 
21 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts

 
The following table highlights other key measures of performance for the Wireless segment:
 
 
 
 
 
First Quarter
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
Percent
Change
 
(in 000s)
Wireless Subscribers
    116,014       107,251        8.2 %
   Postpaid smartphones
    53,020       48,302        9.8  
   Postpaid feature phones and data-centric devices
    20,271       22,447        (9.7 )
Postpaid
    73,291       70,749        3.6  
Prepaid
    11,812       7,104        66.3  
Reseller
    13,886       14,702        (5.6 )
Connected devices
    17,025       14,696        15.8  
Total Wireless Subscribers
    116,014       107,251        8.2  
 
                       
Net Additions
                       
   Postpaid
    625       296        -  
   Prepaid
    (50 )     (184)       72.8  
   Reseller
    (206 )     (252)       18.3  
   Connected devices
    693       431        60.8  
Net Subscriber Additions
    1,062       291        -  
 
                       
Mobile Share connections
    32,585       9,989        -  
Smartphones sold under our installment program during period
    2,868             -  
 
                       
Total Churn
    1.39%       1.38%    
1 BP
 
Postpaid Churn
    1.07%       1.04%    
3 BP
 
1
 Represents 100% of AT&T Mobility wireless subscribers.
2
 Includes data-centric devices (eReaders and automobile monitoring systems). Excludes tablets, which are primarily included in postpaid.
3
 Excludes merger and acquisition-related additions during the period.
4
 Calculated by dividing the aggregate number of wireless subscribers who canceled service during a period divided by the total number of wireless subscribers at the beginning of that period. The churn rate for the period is equal to the average of the churn rate for each month of that period.

Subscriber Relationships
As the wireless industry continues to mature, we believe that future wireless growth will increasingly depend on our ability to offer innovative services, plans and devices and a wireless network that has sufficient spectrum and capacity to support these innovations on as broad a geographic basis as possible. To attract and retain subscribers in a maturing market, we have launched a wide variety of service plans, including Mobile Share and AT&T NextSM (AT&T Next). While we have historically focused on attracting and retaining postpaid subscribers, we have recently increased our focus on prepaid subscribers with our acquisition of Leap.

At March 31, 2014, we served 116.0 million subscribers (including approximately 4.5 million from Leap), an increase of 8.2% from the prior year. Our subscriber base consists primarily of postpaid accounts. Our prepaid services, which include results from services sold under the Cricket brand following our March 13, 2014 acquisition of Leap, are monthly, pay-as-you-go services.
 
 
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AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts

 
ARPU
Total ARPU (average service revenue per average wireless subscribers) was down 1.9% and postpaid ARPU was down 1.3% when compared to the first quarter of 2013, reflecting the increasing number of lower-ARPU but higher margin tablets and the attractive Mobile Share pricing for customers who move off the traditional device subsidization model. As we adjust our service offerings and pricing structures, management believes that postpaid phone-only ARPU plus Next subscriber installment billings (postpaid phone-only ARPU plus AT&T Next) is a better representation of the monthly economic value per postpaid subscriber. Postpaid phone-only ARPU increased 0.4% versus the year-earlier quarter and postpaid phone-only ARPU plus AT&T Next increased 2.0%.

Churn
The effective management of subscriber churn is critical to our ability to maximize revenue growth and to maintain and improve margins. Total and postpaid churn rates were slightly higher for the first quarter of 2014 when compared to the first quarter of 2013, reflecting increased competition, especially for price-conscious customers.

Postpaid
Postpaid subscribers increased 3.6% in the first quarter of 2014. At March 31, 2014, 78% of our postpaid phone subscriber base used smartphones, compared to 72% at March 31, 2013. About 94% of our postpaid smartphone subscribers are on plans that provide for service on multiple devices at reduced rates, and such subscribers tend to have higher retention and lower churn rates. A growing percentage of our postpaid smartphone subscribers are on usage-based data plans, with approximately 81% on these plans as compared to 69% in the prior year, and about 46% of our Mobile Share subscribers have chosen the 10 gigabyte or higher plans. Such offerings are intended to encourage existing subscribers to upgrade their current services and/or add connected devices, attract subscribers from other providers and minimize subscriber churn.

As of March 31, 2014, approximately 81% of our postpaid smartphone subscribers use a 4G-capable device (i.e., a device that would operate on our HSPA+ or LTE network), and more than 55% of our postpaid smartphone subscribers use an LTE device.

Historically, our postpaid customers have signed two-year service contracts for subsidized handsets. However, through our Mobile Share plans, we have recently begun offering postpaid services at lower prices for those customers who either bring their own devices or participate in our AT&T Next program. Our AT&T Next program allows for postpaid subscribers to purchase certain devices in installments over a period of up to 26 months. Additionally, after a specified period of time they also have the right to trade in the original device for a new device and have the remaining unpaid balance satisfied. For customers that elect these trade-in programs, at the time of the sale, we recognize equipment revenue for the amount of the customer receivable, net of the fair value of the trade-in right guarantee and imputed interest. A significant percentage of our customers on the AT&T Next program pay a lower monthly service charge, which results in lower service revenue recorded for these subscribers. In the second quarter of 2014, we began offering the AT&T Next program through other distributors and we plan to expand the offering to additional distributors, which is expected to further accelerate the impacts on service revenues.

Prepaid
In March 2014, we completed our acquisition of Leap, which included 4.5 million prepaid subscribers. Excluding merger and acquisition related additions, prepaid subscribers increased 2.4% as of March 31, 2014 compared to the prior year period.

Operating Results
Our Wireless segment operating income margin in the first quarter increased from 28.0% in 2013 to 28.3% in 2014. Our Wireless segment operating income increased $377, or 8.1%, in the first quarter of 2014. The increase in operating margin and income reflected the impact of AT&T Next sales and further revenue growth from the company’s base of high-value smartphone subscribers, slightly offset by promotional activities and new business initiatives.

 
23 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts

 
Service revenues increased $325, or 2.2%, in the first quarter of 2014. Wireless service revenues increased due to the increased number of subscribers moving to smartphones with larger data plans. Service revenue growth was lessened by, and will continue to reflect, the discounted monthly service charges subscribers pay under our Mobile Share plans.

Equipment revenues increased $850, or 52.2%, in the first quarter of 2014. The increase was primarily due from devices sold under our AT&T Next program. While we expect equipment revenues to increase under this program, we expect monthly services revenues will be pressured for these subscribers.

Operations and support expenses increased $702, or 6.9%, in the first quarter of 2014. The first-quarter increase was primarily due to the following:
·  
Equipment costs increased $369 reflecting the sales of more expensive smartphones.
·  
Selling (other than commissions) and administrative expenses increased $283 due primarily to a $93 increase in advertising expense, $60 increase in customer service expense, $45 increase in sales expense, $36 increase in information technology costs in conjunction with ongoing support systems development and a $26 increase in marketing expense.
·  
Network system costs increased $111 due to higher network traffic and personnel-related network support costs and cell site related costs in conjunction with our network enhancement efforts.
·  
Handset insurance cost increased $79 due to an increase in the cost of replacement phones.

Partially offsetting these increases were the following:
·  
Commission expenses decreased $100 primarily due to the decline in upgrade transactions and lower average commission rates.
·  
Interconnect and long-distance costs decreased $21 due to lower access costs in the current period.

Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates for the Wireless segment includes expenses for ISIS, our mobile payment joint venture with other wireless providers.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $96, or 5.2%, in the first quarter of 2014. Depreciation expense increased $146, or 8.3%, in the first quarter primarily due to ongoing capital spending for network upgrades and expansion, partially offset by fully depreciated assets. Amortization expense decreased $50, or 64.1%, in the first quarter primarily due to lower amortization of intangibles for customer lists related to acquisitions.

 
24 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts

 
Wireline
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Segment Results
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
First Quarter
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
Percent
Change
 
 
Segment operating revenues
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   Service
  $ 14,389     $ 14,381       0.1  %
   Equipment
    212       274       (22.6 )
Total Segment Operating Revenues
    14,601       14,655       (0.4 )
Segment operating expenses
                       
   Operations and support
    10,457       10,335       1.2  
   Depreciation and amortization
    2,684       2,688       (0.1 )
Total Segment Operating Expenses
    13,141       13,023       0.9  
Segment Operating Income
    1,460       1,632       (10.5 )
Equity in Net Income of Affiliates
    1       1       -  
Segment Income
  $ 1,461     $ 1,633       (10.5 )%

Our broadband, switched access lines and other services provided by our local exchange telephone subsidiaries at March 31, 2014 and 2013 are shown below and trends are addressed throughout this segment discussion.

 
 
March 31,
   
March 31,
   
Percent
 
(in 000s)
 
2014
   
2013
   
Change
 
U-verse high speed Internet
    11,009       8,449       30.3  %
DSL and other broadband connections
    5,494       8,065       (31.9 )
Total Wireline Broadband Connections
    16,503       16,514       (0.1 )
 
                       
Total U-verse Video Connections
    5,661       4,768       18.7  
 
                       
Retail consumer switched access lines
    11,655       14,840       (21.5 )
U-verse consumer VoIP connections
    4,120       3,120       32.1  
Total Retail Consumer Voice Connections
    15,775       17,960       (12.2 )
 
                       
Switched Access Lines
                       
Retail consumer
    11,655       14,840       (21.5 )
Retail business
    10,088       11,185       (9.8 )
Retail Subtotal
    21,743       26,025       (16.5 )
 
                       
Wholesale Subtotal1,3
    1,605       1,726       (7.0 )
 
                       
Total Switched Access Lines
    23,582       28,043       (15.9 )%
1
 Prior-period amounts restated to conform to current-period reporting methodology.
2
 Total wireline broadband connections include DSL, U-verse high speed Internet and satellite broadband.
3
 Total switched access lines include access lines provided to national mass markets and private payphone service providers of 234 at March 31, 2014 and 292 at March 31, 2013.
 
 
25 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts


Operating Results
Our Wireline segment operating income margin in the first quarter decreased from 11.1% in 2013 to 10.0% in 2014. Our Wireline segment operating income decreased $172, or 10.5%, in the first quarter of 2014. The decrease in operating margin and income was driven primarily by the continued decrease in our legacy voice and data products and increased U-verse content costs, largely offset by increased revenues from our U-verse and strategic business services.

Service revenues increased $8, or 0.1%, in the first quarter of 2014. Increased service revenues from our residential customers were mostly offset by lower service revenues from business customers, which include integration, government-related and outsourcing services.

Business
Service revenues from business customers decreased $182, or 2.1%, in the first quarter of 2014. The revenue decrease was due to a $149 decrease in long-distance and local voice revenues and a $315 decrease in traditional data revenues, which include circuit-based and packet-switched data services. This decrease was primarily due to lower demand as customers continue to shift to our most advanced IP-based offerings such as Ethernet, VPN, U-verse high speed Internet access and managed Internet services. The lower traditional service revenues were largely offset by higher demand for our next generation services. Strategic business service revenues, which include VPNs, Ethernet, hosting, IP conferencing, VoIP, Ethernet-access to Managed Internet Service (EaMIS), security services, and U-verse services provided to business customers increased $318, or 16.1%, in the first quarter. Revenue from VPN increased $100, Ethernet increased $80, U-verse services increased $44 and EaMIS increased $36.

Consumer
Service revenues from residential customers increased $241, or 4.4%, in the first quarter of 2014. The increase was driven by higher IP data revenue reflecting increased U-verse penetration, customer additions, and migration from our legacy voice and DSL services. In the first quarter, U-verse revenue from consumers increased $361 for high-speed Internet access, $276 for video and $111 for voice. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $165 in DSL revenue as customers continue to shift to our strategic high-speed Internet access offerings, and a $353 decrease in traditional voice revenues.

Equipment revenues decreased $62, or 22.6%, in the first quarter of 2014. Our equipment revenues are mainly attributable to our business customers.

Operations and support expenses increased $122, or 1.2%, in the first quarter of 2014. Operations and support expenses consist of costs incurred to provide our products and services, including costs of operating and maintaining our networks and personnel costs, such as compensation and benefits.

The increase in the first quarter was primarily due to increased cost of sales of $142, related to U-verse related content fees; higher USF fees of $59, which are offset by higher USF revenues; higher traffic compensation costs of $40; and higher materials and energy costs of $40. These increases were partially offset by lower employee related expense of $209, reflecting ongoing workforce reduction initiatives.

Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased $4, or 0.1%, for the first quarter of 2014. Amortization decreased $36, or 29.8%, primarily related to lower amortization of intangibles for the customer lists associated with acquisitions. Depreciation increased $32, or 1.2%, primarily due to ongoing capital spending for network upgrades and expansion.
 
 
26 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts

 
OTHER BUSINESS MATTERS

U-verse Services  As part of Project Velocity IP (VIP), we plan to expand our IP-broadband service to approximately 57 million customer locations. As of March 31, 2014, we had 11.3 million total U-verse subscribers (high-speed Internet and video), including 11.0 million Internet and 5.7 million video subscribers (subscribers to both services are only counted once in the total).

We believe that our U-verse TV service is a “video service” under the Federal Communications Act. However, some cable providers and municipalities have claimed that certain IP services should be treated as a traditional cable service and therefore subject to the applicable state and local cable regulation. Petitions have been filed at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) alleging that the manner in which we provision “public, educational and governmental” (PEG) programming over our U-verse TV service conflicts with federal law, and a lawsuit has been filed in a California state superior court raising similar allegations under California law. If courts having jurisdiction where we have significant deployments of our U-verse services were to decide that federal, state and/or local cable regulation were applicable to our U-verse services, or if the FCC, state agencies or the courts were to rule that we must deliver PEG programming in a manner substantially different from the way we do today or in ways that are inconsistent with our current network architecture, it could have a material adverse effect on the cost and extent of our U-verse offerings.
 
Leap Acquisition  On March 13, 2014, we completed our acquisition of Leap Wireless International, Inc. a provider of prepaid wireless service under the Cricket brand name, for fifteen dollars per outstanding share of Leap’s common stock, or $1,248 in cash (excluding approximately $840 of Leap’s cash and investments on hand). In connection with the acquisition, we retired Leap’s term and other loans of $1,852 and on April 14, 2014 we redeemed other notes with a principal of $1,600. In addition, we expect to realize significant value through utilization of Leap’s net operating losses carryforwards, which were approximately $3,100 at December 31, 2013.

Connecticut Wireline Disposition  In December 2013, we agreed to sell our incumbent local exchange operations in Connecticut to Frontier Communications Corporation for $2,000 in cash. These Connecticut operations represent approximately $1,200 in annual revenues as of 2013. The transaction is subject to review by the FCC and the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and other state regulatory authorities. We expect the transaction to close in the fourth quarter of 2014, subject to customary closing conditions. We anticipate the cash tax impact of the transaction to be minimal due to the availability of capital loss carryforwards that are expected to exceed capital gains generated from the transaction.
 
Labor Contracts  On March 20, 2014, approximately 11,500 Mobility employees in the Southeast represented by the Communication Workers of America ratified a new four-year contract.

Environmental  In December 2011, Harris County, Texas brought suit on behalf of itself and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) alleging AT&T to be liable for statutory civil penalties for past leakage at eleven petroleum storage tank locations. All eleven sites have been remediated (with de minimis actual impact) in accordance with state programs and the TCEQ has issued No Further Action letters closing the sites. Notwithstanding these facts, Harris County declined to dismiss its claims and is proceeding with litigation. Trial is expected to be delayed from July 2014 to February 2015. While it is possible that Harris County may recover civil penalties exceeding one hundred thousand dollars, we do not expect the amount, if any, to be material.
 
 
27 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts


COMPETITIVE AND REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT

Overview  AT&T subsidiaries operating within the United States are subject to federal and state regulatory authorities. AT&T subsidiaries operating outside the United States are subject to the jurisdiction of national and supranational regulatory authorities in the markets where service is provided, and regulation is generally limited to operational licensing authority for the provision of services to enterprise customers.

In the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Telecom Act), Congress established a national policy framework intended to bring the benefits of competition and investment in advanced telecommunications facilities and services to all Americans by opening all telecommunications markets to competition and reducing or eliminating regulatory burdens that harm consumer welfare. However, since the Telecom Act was passed, the FCC and some state regulatory commissions have maintained or expanded certain regulatory requirements that were imposed decades ago on our traditional wireline subsidiaries when they operated as legal monopolies. We are pursuing, at both the state and federal levels, additional legislative and regulatory measures to reduce regulatory burdens that are no longer appropriate in a competitive telecommunications market and that inhibit our ability to compete more effectively and offer services wanted and needed by our customers, including initiatives to transition services from traditional networks to all IP-based networks. At the same time, we also seek to ensure that legacy regulations are not extended to broadband or wireless services, which are subject to vigorous competition.

In addition, states representing a majority of our local service access lines have adopted legislation that enables new video entrants to acquire a single statewide or state-approved franchise (as opposed to the need to acquire hundreds or even thousands of municipal-approved franchises) to offer competitive video services. We also are supporting efforts to update and improve regulatory treatment for retail services. Regulatory reform and passage of legislation is uncertain and depends on many factors.

We provide wireless services in robustly competitive markets, but those services are subject to substantial and increasing governmental regulation. Wireless communications providers must obtain licenses from the FCC to provide communications services at specified spectrum frequencies within specified geographic areas and must comply with the FCC rules and policies governing the use of the spectrum. While wireless communications providers’ prices and service offerings are generally not subject to state regulation, states sometimes attempt to regulate or legislate various aspects of wireless services, such as in the area of consumer protection.

The FCC has recognized that the explosive growth of bandwidth-intensive wireless data services requires the U.S. Government to make more spectrum available. In February 2012, Congress set forth specific spectrum blocks to be auctioned and licensed by February 2015, and also authorized the FCC to conduct an “incentive auction,” to make available for wireless broadband use certain spectrum that is currently used by broadcast television licensees. The FCC has initiated proceedings to establish rules that would govern these auctions. In April, the FCC Chairman indicated that limits could be imposed on certain bidders, including AT&T, in markets served by AT&T that cover as much as 70-80 percent of the U.S. population. The exact parameters of those limits have yet to be finalized and could change significantly.

It also initiated a separate proceeding to review its policies governing mobile spectrum holdings and consider whether there should be limits on the amount of spectrum a wireless service provider may possess. We seek to ensure that we have the opportunity, through the auction process and otherwise, to obtain the spectrum we need to provide our customers with high-quality service in the future.

Due to substantial increases in the demand for wireless service in the United States, AT&T is facing significant spectrum and capacity constraints on its wireless network in certain markets. We expect such constraints to increase and expand to additional markets in the coming years. While we are continuing to invest significant capital in expanding our network capacity, our capacity constraints could affect the quality of existing data and voice services and our ability to launch new, advanced wireless broadband services, unless we are able to obtain more spectrum. Any long-term spectrum solution will require that the FCC make new or existing spectrum available to the wireless industry to meet the expanding needs of our subscribers. We will continue to attempt to address spectrum and capacity constraints on a market-by-market basis.
 
 
28 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts


Net Neutrality  In January 2014, the D.C. Circuit released its decision on Verizon’s appeal of the FCC’s Net Neutrality rules. Those rules prohibited providers of fixed, mass market Internet access service from blocking access to lawful content, applications, services or non-harmful devices. The rules prohibited providers of mobile broadband Internet access service from blocking consumers from accessing lawful websites or applications that compete with the provider’s own voice or video telephony services. The rules also imposed transparency requirements on providers of both fixed and mobile broadband Internet access services, requiring public disclosure of information regarding network management practices, performance and commercial terms of their service offerings. In addition, the rules prohibited providers of fixed (but not mobile) broadband Internet access service from unreasonably discriminating in their transmission of lawful network traffic. In its decision, the court found the FCC had authority under section 706 of the Act (which directs the FCC and state commissions to promote broadband deployment) to adopt rules designed to preserve the open Internet, but vacated and remanded the antidiscrimination and no-blocking rules on the ground that they impermissibly imposed common carrier regulation on broadband Internet access service. The court held that, having declared broadband Internet access services to be information services, the FCC could not regulate them as telecommunications services. The court did not vacate the transparency rules. 

The invalidation of the no-blocking and antidiscrimination rules means that broadband Internet access providers have greater flexibility in their provision of mass market services. However, the court’s finding that section 706 provides the FCC independent authority to adopt rules to promote broadband deployment appears to give the FCC broad authority to regulate the Internet and, more generally, IP-based services, provided the FCC finds such regulation promotes deployment of broadband infrastructure. In addition, because section 706(a) grants authority to both the FCC and the states to adopt rules to promote broadband deployment, states could attempt to rely on that provision to regulate broadband services, although the states’ authority to do so appears to be narrower than the FCC’s. If the FCC were to reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service, or the FCC and/or the states were to impose additional regulation of the Internet or broadband services, it could have a material adverse impact on our broadband services and operating results.

Intercarrier Compensation/Universal Service  In October 2011, the FCC adopted an order fundamentally overhauling its high-cost universal service program, through which it disburses approximately $4,500 per year to carriers providing telephone service in high-cost areas, and its existing intercarrier compensation (ICC) rules, which govern payments between carriers for the exchange of traffic. The order adopts rules to address immediately certain practices that artificially increase ICC payments, as well as other practices to avoid such payments. The order also establishes a new ICC regime that will result in the elimination of virtually all terminating switched access charges and reciprocal compensation payments over a six-year transition. In the order, the FCC also repurposed its high-cost universal service program to encourage providers to deploy broadband facilities in unserved areas. To accomplish this goal, the FCC is transitioning support amounts disbursed through its existing high-cost program to its new Connect America Fund (CAF). In 2013, the FCC awarded us approximately $100 in new CAF funding to deploy broadband in unserved areas. We support many aspects of the order and new rules. AT&T and other parties have filed appeals of the FCC’s rules, which are pending in the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Our appeal challenges only certain, narrow aspects of the order; AT&T intervened in support of the broad framework adopted by the order. Oral argument on the appeal took place in November 2013. A decision is possible in 2014. We do not expect the FCC’s rules to have a material impact on our operating results.

Transition to IP-Based Network  In conjunction with Project VIP, we filed a petition with the FCC asking it to open a proceeding to facilitate our transition to all IP-based networks and services to promote consumer interests and incent private investment in broadband infrastructure. In January 2014, the FCC adopted an order authorizing a broad set of voluntary experiments to measure the impact on consumers of the IP transition. Among other things, the order invites providers to submit proposals for all-IP trials in discrete geographic areas. In February 2014, AT&T filed a detailed plan for two such trials. We expect the FCC will rule on whether we can go forward with the plan by end of second quarter of 2014. We expect this transition to take several years.

 
29 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts

 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We had $3,611 in cash and cash equivalents available at March 31, 2014. Cash and cash equivalents included cash of $355 and money market funds and other cash equivalents of $3,256. In the first three months of 2014, cash inflows were primarily provided by cash receipts from operations and long-term debt issuances, with additional cash from the monetization of nonstrategic assets. These inflows were largely offset by cash used to meet the needs of the business, including, but not limited to, payment of operating expenses, funding capital expenditures, dividends to stockholders, stock repurchases and the acquisition of operations and wireless spectrum. We discuss many of these factors in detail below.

Cash Provided by or Used in Operating Activities
During the first three months of 2014, cash provided by operating activities was $8,799, compared to $8,199 for the first three months of 2013. Higher operating cash flows in 2014 were primarily due to the timing of working capital payments, with partial offsets by net tax refunds that were $1,074 lower when compared to 2013 and wireless device financing related to our AT&T Next program, which results in cash collection over the installment period instead of at the time of sale. We expect lower cash from operations in 2014 as our AT&T Next program continues to gain popularity with customers, we incur Leap integration costs, and for increased tax payments resulting from prior-year deductions for our contribution to the pension plan and for changes in tax rules that allowed for us to more rapidly deduct the cost of equipment.

Cash Used in or Provided by Investing Activities
For the first three months of 2014, cash used in investing activities totaled $6,082 and consisted primarily of $5,716 for capital expenditures, excluding interest during construction, and $662 for the acquisitions of Leap, other operations and spectrum. These expenditures were partially offset by cash receipts of approximately $320 from the sale of a portion of our shares in América Móvil.

Virtually all of our capital expenditures are spent on our wireless and wireline networks, our U-verse services and support systems for our communications services. Capital expenditures, excluding interest during construction, increased $1,464 in the first three months. Our Wireless segment represented 53% of our total spending and increased 35% in the first three months. The Wireline segment, which includes U-verse services, represented 47% of the total capital expenditures and increased 34% in the first three months, primarily reflecting our ongoing implementation of Project VIP.

We continue to expect our capital expenditures during 2014 to be in the $21,000 range. We expect 2014 to be our peak investment year for Project VIP and anticipate our Wireless and Wireline segments’ spend to be proportionally consistent to 2013. Upon our completion of Project VIP, we expect capital investments to trend back to historic levels. The amount of capital investment is influenced by demand for services and products, continued growth and regulatory considerations.

Cash Used in or Provided by Financing Activities
For the first three months of 2014, cash used in financing activities totaled $2,445 and included net proceeds of $2,987 from the following long-term debt issuances:
·  
March 2014 issuance of $1,100 of 2.300% global notes due 2019, $1,000 of 3.900% global notes due 2024 and $400 of floating rate global notes due 2019. The floating rate for the notes is based upon the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), reset quarterly, plus 67 basis points.
·  
March 2014 issuance of $500 of floating rate global notes due 2017. The floating rate for the notes is based upon the three-month LIBOR, reset quarterly, plus 42 basis points.

In March 2014, we redeemed $1,867 of debt, primarily consisting of $1,814 of Cricket Communications, Inc. term loans and $38 of 4.500% Leap convertible senior notes in connection with the Leap acquisition. In April 2014, we redeemed 7.750% Cricket Communications, Inc. senior notes with a face value of $1,600 in connection with the Leap acquisition.

Our weighted average interest rate of our long-term debt portfolio was approximately 4.5% as of March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013. We had $79,552 of total notes and debentures outstanding at March 31, 2014, which included Euro, British pound sterling and Canadian dollar denominated debt of approximately $18,178.
 
 
30 

 
AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts


Since the first quarter of 2012, we have been buying back shares of AT&T common stock under three previous 300 million share repurchase authorizations approved by our Board of Directors. During the first quarter of 2014, we repurchased approximately 37 million shares for $1,237. In March 2014, our Board of Directors approved a fourth authorization to repurchase 300 million shares of our common stock, which has no expiration date. As of March 31, 2014, we had approximately 425 million shares remaining from the authorizations. We expect to make future repurchases opportunistically.

We paid dividends of $2,398 during the first three months of 2014, compared with $2,502 for the first three months of 2013, primarily reflecting the decline in shares outstanding due to our repurchases activity, partially offset by the increase in the quarterly dividend approved by our Board of Directors in December 2013. Dividends declared by our Board of Directors totaled $0.46 per share in the first quarter of 2014 and $0.45 per share for the first three months of 2013. Our dividend policy considers the expectations and requirements of stockholders, internal requirements of AT&T and long-term growth opportunities. It is our intent to provide the financial flexibility to allow our Board of Directors to consider dividend growth and to recommend an increase in dividends to be paid in future periods. All dividends remain subject to declaration by our Board of Directors.

At March 31, 2014, we had $8,301 of debt maturing within one year, $8,277 of which were long-term debt issuances. Debt maturing within one year includes the following notes that may be put back to us by the holders:
·  
$1,000 of annual put reset securities issued by BellSouth that may be put back to us each April until maturity in 2021. No such put was exercised during April 2014.
·  
An accreting zero-coupon note that may be redeemed each May until maturity in 2022. If the zero-coupon note (issued for principal of $500 in 2007) is held to maturity, the redemption amount will be $1,030.

We have two revolving credit agreements with a syndicate of banks: a $5,000 agreement expiring in December 2018 and a $3,000 agreement expiring in December 2017. Advances under either agreement may be used for general corporate purposes. Advances are not conditioned on the absence of a material adverse change. All advances must be repaid no later than the date on which lenders are no longer obligated to make any advances under each agreement. Under each agreement, we can terminate, in whole or in part, amounts committed by the lenders in excess of any outstanding advances; however, we cannot reinstate any such terminated commitments. Under each agreement, we must maintain a debt-to-EBITDA, including modifications described in the agreement, ratio of not more than three-to-one as of the last day of each fiscal quarter for the four quarters then ended. Both agreements also contain a negative pledge covenant, which generally provides that if we pledge assets or permit liens on our property, then any advances must also be secured. At March 31, 2014, we had no advances outstanding under either agreement and were in compliance with all covenants under each agreement.

Other
Our total capital consists of debt (long-term debt and debt maturing within one year) and stockholders’ equity. Our capital structure does not include debt issued by América Móvil or YP Holdings. At March 31, 2014, our debt ratio was 46.6%, compared to 45.6% at March 31, 2013, and 45.0% at December 31, 2013. The debt ratio is affected by the same factors that affect total capital, and reflects our recent debt issuances, debt in connection with acquisitions and stock repurchases.

During 2014, we also received approximately $420 from the monetization of various nonstrategic assets. A majority of that cash was attributable to sales of investments and real estate holdings. We plan to continue to explore similar opportunities in 2014.

In September 2013, we made a voluntary contribution of a preferred equity interest in AT&T Mobility II LLC (Mobility), the holding company for our wireless business, to the trust used to pay pension benefits under our qualified pension plans. The preferred equity interest had a value of $9,104 on the contribution date, does not have any voting rights and has a liquidation value of $8,000. The trust is entitled to receive cumulative cash distributions of $560 per annum, which will be distributed quarterly in equal amounts. We distributed $140 to the trust during the three months ended March 31, 2014. So long as we make the distributions, we will have no limitations on our ability to declare a dividend, or repurchase shares. At the time of the contribution of the preferred equity interest, we made an additional cash contribution of $175 and have agreed to annual cash contributions of $175 no later than the due date for our federal income tax return for each of 2014, 2015 and 2016. These contributions, combined with our existing pension assets, were essentially equivalent to the pension obligation at December 31, 2013.
 
 
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AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts

 
The preferred equity interest is not transferable by the trust except through its put and call features. After a period of five years from the contribution or, if earlier, the date upon which the pension plan trust is fully funded as determined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), AT&T has a right to purchase from the pension plan trust some or all the preferred equity interest at the greater of their fair market value or minimum liquidation value plus any unpaid cumulative dividends. In addition, AT&T will have the right to purchase the preferred equity interest in the event AT&T’s ownership of Mobility is less than 50% or there is a transaction that results in the transfer of 50% or more of the pension plan trust’s assets to an entity not under common control with AT&T (collectively, a change of control). The pension plan trust has the right to require AT&T to purchase the preferred equity interest at the greater of their fair market value or minimum liquidation value plus any unpaid cumulative dividends, and in installments, as specified in the contribution agreement upon the occurrence of any of the following: (1) at any time if the ratio of debt to total capitalization of Mobility exceeds that of AT&T, (2) the date on which AT&T is rated below investment grade for two consecutive calendar quarters, (3) upon a change of control if AT&T does not exercise its purchase option, or (4) at any time after a seven-year period from the contribution date. In the event AT&T elects or is required to purchase the preferred equity interest, AT&T may elect to settle the purchase price in cash or shares of AT&T common stock or a combination thereof.

On September 9, 2013, the Department of Labor (DOL) published a proposed exemption that authorizes retroactive approval of this voluntary contribution. The proposal was open for public comment and we are currently awaiting a final decision by the DOL. Our retirement benefit plans, including required contributions, are subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA).
 
 
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AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Dollars in millions except per share amounts


At March 31, 2014, we had interest rate swaps with a notional value of $6,100 and a fair value of $168.

We have fixed-to-fixed cross-currency swaps on foreign-currency-denominated debt instruments with a U.S. dollar notional value of $17,787 to hedge our exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These derivatives have been designated at inception and qualify as cash flow hedges with a net fair value of $1,486 at March 31, 2014.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The registrant maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the registrant is recorded, processed, summarized, accumulated and communicated to its management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. The chief executive officer and chief financial officer have performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2014. Based on that evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2014.
 
 
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AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

CAUTIONARY LANGUAGE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


Information set forth in this report contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially. Many of these factors are discussed in more detail in the “Risk Factors” section. We claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

The following factors could cause our future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements:
·  
Adverse economic and/or capital access changes in the markets served by us or in countries in which we have significant investments, including the impact on customer demand and our ability and our suppliers’ ability to access financial markets at favorable rates and terms.
·  
Changes in available technology and the effects of such changes, including product substitutions and deployment costs.
·  
Increases in our benefit plans’ costs, including increases due to adverse changes in the United States and foreign securities markets, resulting in worse-than-assumed investment returns and discount rates; adverse medical cost trends, unfavorable or delayed implementation of healthcare legislation, regulations or related court decisions; and our inability to receive retroactive approval from the DOL of our voluntary contribution of a preferred interest in our wireless business.
·  
The final outcome of FCC and other federal or state agency proceedings (including judicial review, if any, of such proceedings) involving issues that are important to our business, including, without limit, intercarrier compensation, interconnection obligations, the transition from legacy technologies to IP-based infrastructure, universal service, broadband deployment, E911 services, competition policy, net neutrality, unbundled network elements and other wholesale obligations, availability of new spectrum from the FCC on fair and balanced terms, and wireless license awards and renewals.
·  
The final outcome of state and federal legislative efforts involving issues that are important to our business, including deregulation of IP-based services, relief from Carrier of Last Resort obligations, and elimination of state commission review of the withdrawal of services.
·  
Enactment of additional state, federal and/or foreign regulatory and tax laws and regulations pertaining to our subsidiaries and foreign investments, including laws and regulations that reduce our incentive to invest in our networks, resulting in lower revenue growth and/or higher operating costs.
·  
Our ability to absorb revenue losses caused by increasing competition, including offerings that use alternative technologies (e.g., cable, wireless and VoIP) and our ability to maintain capital expenditures.
·  
The extent of competition and the resulting pressure on customer and access line totals and wireline and wireless operating margins.
·  
Our ability to develop attractive and profitable product/service offerings to offset increasing competition in our wireless and wireline markets.
·  
The ability of our competitors to offer product/service offerings at lower prices due to lower cost structures and regulatory and legislative actions adverse to us, including state regulatory proceedings relating to unbundled network elements and nonregulation of comparable alternative technologies (e.g., VoIP).
·  
The continued development of attractive and profitable U-verse service offerings; the extent to which regulatory, franchise fees and build-out requirements apply to this initiative; and the availability, cost and/or reliability of the various technologies and/or content required to provide such offerings.
·  
Our continued ability to attract and offer a diverse portfolio of wireless devices, some on an exclusive basis.
·  
The availability and cost of additional wireless spectrum and regulations and conditions relating to spectrum use, licensing, obtaining additional spectrum, technical standards and deployment and usage, including network management rules.
·  
Our ability to manage growth in wireless data services, including network quality and acquisition of adequate spectrum at reasonable costs and terms.
·  
The outcome of pending, threatened or potential litigation, including patent and product safety claims by or against third parties.
·  
The impact on our networks and business from major equipment failures; security breaches related to the network or customer information; our inability to obtain handsets, equipment/software or have handsets, equipment/software serviced in a timely and cost-effective manner from suppliers; or severe weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, energy shortages, wars or terrorist attacks.
·  
The issuance by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other accounting oversight bodies of new accounting standards or changes to existing standards.
·  
The issuance by the Internal Revenue Service and/or state tax authorities of new tax regulations or changes to existing standards and actions by federal, state or local tax agencies and judicial authorities with respect to applying applicable tax laws and regulations and the resolution of disputes with any taxing jurisdictions.
·  
Our ability to adequately fund our wireless operations, including payment for additional spectrum, network upgrades and technological advancements.
·  
Changes in our corporate strategies, such as changing network requirements or acquisitions and dispositions, which may require significant amounts of cash or stock, to respond to competition and regulatory, legislative and technological developments.
·  
The uncertainty surrounding further congressional action to address spending reductions, which may result in a significant reduction in government spending and reluctance of businesses and consumers to spend in general and on our products and services specifically, due to this fiscal uncertainty.

Readers are cautioned that other factors discussed in this report, although not enumerated here, also could materially affect our future earnings.

 
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AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Dollars in millions except per share amounts

 
Item 1A. Risk Factors

We discuss in our Annual Report on Form 10-K various risks that may materially affect our business. We use this section to update this discussion to reflect material developments since our Form 10-K was filed. For the first quarter 2014, there were no such material developments.

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(c) A summary of our repurchases of common stock during the first quarter of 2014 is as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Period
 
(a)
 
 
 
 
Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
 Purchased 1,2
 
(b)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Price Paid
 Per Share (or Unit) 
 
(c)
 
 
Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs 
 
(d)
 
Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares (or
Units) That May Yet Be
Purchased Under The
Plans or Programs 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
January 1, 2014 -
January 31, 2014
 
 14,730,026 
 
 34.31 
 
 14,398,951 
 
 148,000,000 
February 1, 2014 -
February 28, 2014
 
 11,504,974 
 
 
 32.54 
 
 11,500,000 
 
 136,500,000 
March 1, 2014 -
March 31, 2014
 
 11,250,143 
 
 
 32.73 
 
 11,250,000 
 
 425,250,000 
Total
 
 37,485,143 
 
 33.29 
 
 37,148,951 
 
 
 In March 2014, our Board of Directors approved a fourth authorization to repurchase up to 300 million shares of our common stock. In March 2013, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 300 million shares of our common stock. The authorizations have no expiration date.
 Of the shares repurchased, 336,192 shares were acquired through the withholding of taxes on the vesting of restricted stock or through the payment in stock of taxes on the exercise price of options.
 
 
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AT&T INC.
MARCH 31, 2014

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are incorporated by reference as exhibits hereto. Unless otherwise indicated, all exhibits so incorporated are from File No. 1-8610.

12
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
31
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
31.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer
31.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
32
Section 1350 Certifications
101
XBRL Instance Document

 
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SIGNATURE



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
                    AT&T Inc.




May 2, 2014                                                                                                               /s/ John J. Stephens
                    John J. Stephens
                    Senior Executive Vice President
                        and Chief Financial Officer


 
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