REG - AT & T Inc. - 2Q18 10-Q
RNS Number : 0620ZAT & T Inc.28 August 2018
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 June 30, 2018
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, a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company. See definition of "accelerated filer," "large accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth 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
[ ]
Emerging growth company
[ ]
If an emerging growth company, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Yes [ ] No [ ]
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 July 31, 2018, there were 7,262 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
Six months ended
June 30,
June 30,
2018
2017
2018
2017
As Adjusted
As Adjusted
Operating Revenues
Service
$
33,773
$
36,538
$
67,419
$
72,994
Equipment
4,080
3,299
8,472
6,208
Media
1,133
-
1,133
-
Total operating revenues
38,986
39,837
77,024
79,202
Operating Expenses
Cost of revenues
Equipment
4,377
4,138
9,225
7,986
Broadcast, programming and operations
5,449
4,898
10,615
9,872
Other cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization shown separately below)
7,632
9,569
15,564
18,857
Selling, general and administrative
8,684
8,559
16,581
17,331
Depreciation and amortization
6,378
6,147
12,372
12,274
Total operating expenses
32,520
33,311
64,357
66,320
Operating Income
6,466
6,526
12,667
12,882
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense
(2,023)
(1,395)
(3,794)
(2,688)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates
(16)
14
(7)
(159)
Other income (expense) - net
2,353
925
4,055
1,413
Total other income (expense)
314
(456)
254
(1,434)
Income Before Income Taxes
6,780
6,070
12,921
11,448
Income tax expense
1,532
2,056
2,914
3,860
Net Income
5,248
4,014
10,007
7,588
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
(116)
(99)
(213)
(204)
Net Income Attributable to AT&T
$
5,132
$
3,915
$
9,794
$
7,384
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T
$
0.81
$
0.63
$
1.56
$
1.19
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T
$
0.81
$
0.63
$
1.56
$
1.19
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares
Outstanding - Basic (in millions)
6,351
6,165
6,257
6,166
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares
Outstanding - with Dilution (in millions)
6,374
6,184
6,277
6,185
Dividends Declared Per Common Share
$
0.50
$
0.49
$
1.00
$
0.98
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
AT&T INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Dollars in millions
(Unaudited)
Three months ended
Six months ended
June 30,
June 30,
2018
2017
2018
2017
Net income
$
5,248
$
4,014
$
10,007
$
7,588
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency:
Translation adjustment (includes $(32), $(10), $(30) and $(4)
attributable to noncontrolling interest), net of taxes of
$(318), $115, $(143) and $506
(918)
(33)
(810)
339
Available-for-sale securities:
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $0, $29, $(4)
and $44
-
50
(12)
83
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of
taxes of $0, $(7), $0 and $(4)
-
(12)
-
(7)
Cash flow hedges:
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $(112), $(279),
$68 and $(272)
(421)
(517)
253
(504)
Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of
taxes of $3, $5, $6 and $10
11
9
23
19
Defined benefit postretirement plans:
Net prior service (cost) credit arising during period, net of
taxes of $(12), $594, $173 and $594
(37)
969
530
969
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net
income, net of taxes of $(109), $(151), $(214) and $(290)
(334)
(247)
(657)
(475)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(1,699)
219
(673)
424
Total comprehensive income
3,549
4,233
9,334
8,012
Less: Total comprehensive income attributable to
noncontrolling interest
(84)
(89)
(183)
(200)
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to AT&T
$
3,465
$
4,144
$
9,151
$
7,812
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
AT&T INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
June 30,
December 31,
2018
2017
Assets
(Unaudited)
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
13,523
$
50,498
Accounts receivable - net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $804 and $663
25,492
16,522
Prepaid expenses
1,966
1,369
Other current assets
14,305
10,757
Total current assets
55,286
79,146
Noncurrent Inventories and Theatrical Film and Television Production Costs
5,849
-
Property, plant and equipment
324,889
313,499
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
(195,333)
(188,277)
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net
129,556
125,222
Goodwill
142,607
105,449
Licenses
96,802
96,136
Trademarks and Trade Names - Net
24,440
7,021
Distribution Networks - Net
17,403
-
Other Intangible Assets - Net
30,800
11,119
Investments in and Advances to Equity Affiliates
8,007
1,560
Other Assets
23,941
18,444
Total Assets
$
534,691
$
444,097
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current Liabilities
Debt maturing within one year
$
21,672
$
38,374
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
35,488
34,470
Advanced billing and customer deposits
5,914
4,213
Accrued taxes
1,889
1,262
Dividends payable
3,630
3,070
Total current liabilities
68,593
81,389
Long-Term Debt
168,495
125,972
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Deferred income taxes
59,665
43,207
Postemployment benefit obligation
28,791
31,775
Other noncurrent liabilities
25,017
19,747
Total deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities
113,473
94,729
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock ($1 par value, 14,000,000,000 authorized at June 30, 2018 and
December 31, 2017: issued 7,620,748,598 at June 30, 2018 and 6,495,231,088 at
December 31, 2017)
7,621
6,495
Additional paid-in capital
125,960
89,563
Retained earnings
56,555
50,500
Treasury stock (360,993,619 at June 30, 2018 and 355,806,544
at December 31, 2017, at cost)
(12,872)
(12,714)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
5,716
7,017
Noncontrolling interest
1,150
1,146
Total stockholders' equity
184,130
142,007
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
$
534,691
$
444,097
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
AT&T INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Dollars in millions
(Unaudited)
Six months ended
June 30,
2018
2017
As Adjusted
Operating Activities
Net income
$
10,007
$
7,588
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
12,372
12,274
Amortization of television and film costs
168
-
Undistributed earnings from investments in equity affiliates
235
167
Provision for uncollectible accounts
808
795
Deferred income tax expense
2,032
964
Net (gain) loss from investments, net of impairments
(29)
12
Actuarial (gain) loss on pension and postretirement benefits
(2,726)
(259)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
233
119
Other current assets, inventories and theatrical film and television production costs
1,039
470
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
(3,890)
(2,761)
Equipment installment receivables and related sales
490
525
Deferred customer contract acquisition and fulfillment costs
(1,725)
(796)
Retirement benefit funding
(280)
(280)
Other - net
442
(1,148)
Total adjustments
9,169
10,082
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
19,176
17,670
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures:
Purchase of property and equipment
(10,959)
(10,750)
Interest during construction
(267)
(473)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(40,715)
1,224
Dispositions
59
51
(Purchases) sales of securities, net
(218)
169
Advances to and investments in equity affiliates, net
(1,035)
-
Cash collections of deferred purchase price
500
382
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
(52,635)
(9,397)
Financing Activities
Net change in short-term borrowings with original maturities of three months or less
2,227
(2)
Issuance of other short-term borrowings
4,839
-
Issuance of long-term debt
26,478
24,115
Repayment of long-term debt
(29,447)
(6,118)
Purchase of treasury stock
(564)
(458)
Issuance of treasury stock
12
24
Dividends paid
(6,144)
(6,021)
Other
(1,121)
77
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities
(3,720)
11,617
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
(37,179)
19,890
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash beginning of year
50,932
5,935
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash End of Period
$
13,753
$
25,825
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)
June 30, 2018
Shares
Amount
Common Stock
Balance at beginning of year
6,495
$
6,495
Issuance of stock
1,126
1,126
Balance at end of period
7,621
$
7,621
Additional Paid-In Capital
Balance at beginning of year
$
89,563
Issuance of common stock
35,473
Issuance of treasury stock
(4)
Share-based payments
928
Balance at end of period
$
125,960
Retained Earnings
Balance at beginning of year
$
50,500
Net income attributable to AT&T ($1.56 per diluted share)
9,794
Dividends to stockholders ($1.00 per share)
(6,739)
Cumulative effect of accounting changes
3,000
Balance at end of period
$
56,555
Treasury Stock
Balance at beginning of year
(356)
$
(12,714)
Repurchase and acquisition of common stock
(18)
(607)
Issuance of treasury stock
13
449
Balance at end of period
(361)
$
(12,872)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to AT&T, net of tax
Balance at beginning of year
$
7,017
Other comprehensive income attributable to AT&T
(643)
Amounts reclassified to retained earnings
(658)
Balance at end of period
$
5,716
Noncontrolling Interest
Balance at beginning of year
$
1,146
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
213
Contributions
8
Distributions
(223)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest
1
Translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes
(30)
Cumulative effect of accounting changes
35
Balance at end of period
$
1,150
Total Stockholders' Equity at beginning of year
$
142,007
Total Stockholders' Equity at end of period
$
184,130
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
NOTE 1. PREPARATION OF INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Basis of Presentation These consolidated financial statements include all adjustments that are necessary to present fairly the results for the presented interim periods, consisting of normal recurring accruals and other items. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our majority-owned subsidiaries and affiliates, including the operating results of recently acquired Time Warner Inc. (referred to as "Time Warner" or "WarnerMedia") as of June 15, 2018 (see Note 8).
All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in the consolidation process. Investments in less than majority-owned subsidiaries and partnerships where we have significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Earnings from certain investments accounted for using the equity method are included for periods ended within up to one quarter of our period end. We also record our proportionate share of our equity method investees' other comprehensive income (OCI) items, including translation adjustments.
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 conformed to the current period's presentation, including impacts for the adoption of recent accounting standards and the realignment of certain business units within our reportable segments (see Note 4).
Tax Reform The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Act reduced the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% and required companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred. Recognizing the late enactment of the Act and complexity of accurately accounting for its impact, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 118 provided guidance that allows registrants to provide a reasonable estimate of the impact to their financial statements and adjust the reported impact in a measurement period not to exceed one year. We included the estimated impact of the Act in our financial results at or for the period ended December 31, 2017 and did not record any adjustments thereto during the first six months of 2018. Our future results could include additional adjustments, and those adjustments could be material.
Customer Fulfillment Costs During the second quarter of 2018, we updated our analysis of economic lives of customer relationships. As of April 1, 2018, we extended the amortization period to 58 months to better reflect the estimated economic lives of our entertainment group customers. This change in accounting estimate decreased other cost of revenues and impacted net income $126, or $0.02 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2018.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
Revenue Recognition As of January 1, 2018, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)," as modified (ASC 606), using the modified retrospective method, which does not allow us to adjust prior periods. We applied the rules to all open contracts existing as of January 1, 2018, recording an increase of $2,342 to retained earnings for the cumulative effect of the change, with an offsetting contract asset of $1,737, deferred contract acquisition costs of $1,454, other asset reductions of $239, other liability reductions of $212, deferred income taxes of $787 and noncontrolling interest of $35. (See Note 5)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits As of January 1, 2018, we adopted, with retrospective application, ASU No. 2017-07, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost" (ASU 2017-07). We are no longer allowed to present interest, estimated return on assets and amortization of prior service credits components of our net periodic benefit cost in our consolidated operating expenses, but rather are required to include those amounts in "other income (expense) - net" in our consolidated statements of income. We continue to present service costs with the associated compensation costs within our operating expenses. As a practical expedient, we used the amounts disclosed as the estimated basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirement.
The following table presents our results under our historical method and as adjusted to reflect ASU 2017-07 (presentation of benefit cost):
Pension and Postretirement Benefits
Historical
Effect of
Accounting
Adoption of
As
Method
ASU 2017-07
Adjusted
For the three months ended June 30, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Income
Other cost of revenues
$
7,068
$
564
$
7,632
Selling, general and administrative expenses
6,896
1,788
8,684
Operating Income
8,818
(2,352)
6,466
Other Income (Expense) - net
1
2,352
2,353
Net Income
5,248
-
5,248
For the three months ended June 30, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Income
Other cost of revenues
$
9,218
$
351
$
9,569
Selling, general and administrative expenses
8,113
446
8,559
Operating Income
7,323
(797)
6,526
Other Income (Expense) - net
128
797
925
Net Income
4,014
-
4,014
For the six months ended June 30, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Income
Other cost of revenues
$
14,639
$
925
$
15,564
Selling, general and administrative expenses
13,652
2,929
16,581
Operating Income
16,521
(3,854)
12,667
Other Income (Expense) - net
201
3,854
4,055
Net Income
10,007
-
10,007
For the six months ended June 30, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Income
Other cost of revenues
$
18,283
$
574
$
18,857
Selling, general and administrative expenses
16,600
731
17,331
Operating Income
14,187
(1,305)
12,882
Other Income (Expense) - net
108
1,305
1,413
Net Income
7,588
-
7,588
Cash Flows As of January 1, 2018, we adopted, with retrospective application, ASU No. 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments" (ASU 2016-15). Under ASU 2016-15, we continue to recognize cash receipts on owned equipment installment receivables as cash flows from operations. However, cash receipts on the deferred purchase price described in Note 9 are now required to be classified as cash flows from investing activities instead of cash flows from operating activities.
As of January 1, 2018, we adopted, with retrospective application, ASU No. 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Restricted Cash," (ASU 2016-18). The primary impact of ASU 2016-18 was to require us to include restricted cash in our reconciliation of beginning and ending cash and cash equivalents (restricted and unrestricted) on the face of the statements of cash flows. (See Note 11)
The following table presents our results under our historical method and as adjusted to reflect ASU 2016-15 (cash receipts on deferred purchase price) and ASU 2016-18 (restricted cash):
Cash Flows
Historical
Effect of
Effect of
Accounting
Adoption of
Adoption of
As
Method
ASU 2016-15
ASU 2016-18
Adjusted
For the six months ended June 30, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Equipment installment receivables and related sales
$
990
$
(500)
$
-
$
490
Other - net
431
-
11
442
Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
19,665
(500)
11
19,176
(Purchases) sales of securities - net
4
-
(222)
(218)
Cash collections of deferred purchase price
-
500
-
500
Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities
(52,913)
500
(222)
(52,635)
Change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
(36,968)
$
-
$
(211)
$
(37,179)
For the six months ended June 30, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Changes in other current assets
$
471
$
-
$
(1)
$
470
Equipment installment receivables and related sales
907
(382)
-
525
Other - net
(1,041)
-
(107)
(1,148)
Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
18,160
(382)
(108)
17,670
(Purchases) sales of securities - net
-
-
169
169
Cash collections of deferred purchase price
-
382
-
382
Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities
(9,948)
382
169
(9,397)
Change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
19,829
$
-
$
61
$
19,890
Financial Instruments As of January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2016-01, "Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" (ASU 2016-01), which requires us to prospectively record changes in the fair value of our equity investments, except for those accounted for under the equity method, in net income instead of in accumulated other comprehensive income. As of January 1, 2018, we recorded an increase of $658 in retained earnings for the cumulative effect of the adoption of ASU 2016-01, with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive income (accumulated OCI).
New Accounting Standards and Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)," as modified (ASC 842), which replaces existing leasing rules with a comprehensive lease measurement and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements. ASC 842 will require lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets as liabilities, with corresponding "right-of-use" assets. For income statement recognition purposes, leases will be classified as either a finance or an operating lease without relying upon the bright-line tests under current GAAP. In July 2018, the FASB amended ASC 842 to provide another transition method, allowing a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings during the period of adoption. Through the same amendment, the FASB will allow lessors the option to make a policy election to treat lease and nonlease components as a single lease component under certain conditions. ASC 842 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, subject to early adoption.
Upon initial evaluation, we believe the key change upon adoption will be the balance sheet recognition. The income statement recognition of lease expense appears similar to our current methodology. We are continuing to evaluate the magnitude and other potential impacts to our financial statements.
NOTE 2. EARNINGS PER SHARE
A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, is shown in the table below:
Three months ended
Six months ended
June 30,
June 30,
2018
2017
2018
2017
Numerators
Numerator for basic earnings per share:
Net Income
$
5,248
$
4,014
$
10,007
$
7,588
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(116)
(99)
(213)
(204)
Net Income attributable to AT&T
5,132
3,915
9,794
7,384
Dilutive potential common shares:
Share-based payment
4
2
9
6
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
$
5,136
$
3,917
$
9,803
$
7,390
Denominators (000,000)
Denominator for basic earnings per share:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
6,351
6,165
6,257
6,166
Dilutive potential common shares:
Share-based payment (in shares)
23
19
20
19
Denominator for diluted earnings per share
6,374
6,184
6,277
6,185
Basic earnings per share attributable to AT&T
$
0.81
$
0.63
$
1.56
$
1.19
Diluted earnings per share attributable to AT&T
$
0.81
$
0.63
$
1.56
$
1.19
NOTE 3. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Changes in the balances of each component included in accumulated OCI are presented below. All amounts are net of tax and exclude noncontrolling interest.
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, 2017
$
(2,054)
$
660
$
1,402
$
7,009
$
7,017
Other comprehensive income
(loss) before reclassifications
(780)
(12)
253
530
(9)
Amounts reclassified
from accumulated OCI
-
1
-
1
23
2
(657)
3
(634)
Net other comprehensive
income (loss)
(780)
(12)
276
(127)
(643)
Amounts reclassified to
retained earnings
-
(658)
4
-
-
(658)
Balance as of June 30, 2018
$
(2,834)
$
(10)
$
1,678
$
6,882
$
5,716
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, 2016
$
(1,995)
$
541
$
744
$
5,671
$
4,961
Other comprehensive income
(loss) before reclassifications
343
83
(504)
969
891
Amounts reclassified
from accumulated OCI
-
1
(7)
1
19
2
(475)
3
(463)
Net other comprehensive
income (loss)
343
76
(485)
494
428
Balance as of June 30, 2017
$
(1,652)
$
617
$
259
$
6,165
$
5,389
1
(Gains) losses are included in Other income (expense) - net in the consolidated statements of income.
2
(Gains) losses are included in Interest expense in the consolidated statements of income (see Note 7).
3
The amortization of prior service credits associated with postretirement benefits are included in Other income (expense) in the
consolidated statements of income (see Note 6).
4
With the adoption of ASU 2016-01, the unrealized (gains) losses on our equity investments are reclassified to retained earnings
(see Note 1).
NOTE 4. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Our segments are strategic business units that offer products and services to different customer segments over various technology platforms and/or in different geographies that are managed accordingly. We analyze our segments based on Segment Contribution, which consists of operating income, excluding acquisition-related costs and other significant items (as discussed below), and equity in net income (loss) of affiliates for investments managed within each segment. We have five reportable segments: (1) Consumer Mobility, (2) Business Solutions, (3) Entertainment Group, (4) International, and (5) WarnerMedia.
We also evaluate segment performance based on EBITDA and/or EBITDA margin, which is defined as Segment Contribution excluding equity in net income (loss) of affiliates and depreciation and amortization. We believe EBITDA to be a relevant and useful measurement to our investors as it is part of our internal management reporting and planning processes and it is an important metric that management uses to evaluate segment operating performance. EBITDA does not give effect to cash used for debt service requirements and thus does not reflect available funds for distributions, reinvestment or other discretionary uses. EBITDA margin is EBITDA divided by total revenues.
To most effectively implement our strategies for 2018, effective January 1, 2018, we retrospectively realigned certain responsibilities and operations within our reportable segments. The most significant of these changes is to report individual wireless accounts with employer discounts in our Consumer Mobility segment, instead of our Business Solutions segment. As a result of these realignments, $19,686 of goodwill from the Business Solutions segment was reallocated to the Consumer Mobility segment. Our reported segment results include the impact for the adoption of recent accounting standards, which affects the comparability between 2018 and 2017 (see Note 5).
With our acquisition of WarnerMedia, programming released on or before the June 14, 2018 acquisition date was recorded at fair value as an intangible asset (see Note 8). For consolidated reporting, all amortization of pre-acquisition released programming is reported as amortization expense on our consolidated income statement. To best present comparable results, we will continue to report the historic content production cost amortization as operations and support expense within the WarnerMedia segment. The amount of historic content production cost amortization reported in the segment results was $189 for the 16-day period ended June 30, 2018, $98 of which was for pre-acquisition released programming.
The Consumer Mobility segment provides nationwide wireless service to consumers, wholesale and resale wireless subscribers located in the United States or in U.S. territories. We provide voice and data services, including high-speed internet over wireless devices.
The Business Solutions segment provides services to business customers, including multinational companies and governmental and wholesale customers. We provide advanced IP-based services including Virtual Private Networks (VPN); Ethernet-related products; FlexWare, a service that relies on Software Defined Networking and Network Function Virtualization to provide application-based routing, and broadband, collectively referred to as strategic services; as well as traditional data and voice products. We provide a complete communications solution to our business customers.
The Entertainment Group segment provides video, internet, voice communication, and interactive and targeted advertising services to customers located in the United States or in U.S. territories.
The International segment provides entertainment services in Latin America and wireless services in Mexico. Video entertainment services are provided to primarily residential customers using satellite technology. We utilize our regional and national networks in Mexico to provide consumer and business customers with wireless data and voice communication services. Our international subsidiaries conduct business in their local currency, and operating results are converted to U.S. dollars using official exchange rates (operations in countries with highly inflationary economies consider the U.S. dollar as the functional currency).
The WarnerMedia segment provides global media and entertainment services through television networks and film, using its brands to create, package and deliver high-quality content worldwide. The segment consists of Turner, HBO and Warner Bros. businesses.
Corporate and Other items reconcile our segment results to consolidated operating income and income before income taxes, and include:
· Corporate, which consists of: (1) operations that are no longer integral to our operations or which we no longer actively market, (2) corporate support functions and operations, (3) impacts of corporate-wide decisions for which the individual operating segments are not being evaluated, (4) the reclassification of the amortization of prior service credits, which we continue to report with segment operating expenses, to consolidated other income (expense) - net and (5) the recharacterization of programming cost amortization, which we continue to report with WarnerMedia segment operating expense, to consolidated amortization expense.
· Acquisition-related items which consists of items associated with the merger and integration of acquired businesses, including amortization of intangible assets.
· Certain significant items which consists of (1) employee separation charges associated with voluntary and/or strategic offers, (2) losses resulting from abandonment or impairment of assets and (3) other items for which the segments are not being evaluated.
· Eliminations, which remove transactions involving dealings between AT&T companies, including content licensing with WarnerMedia.
Interest expense and other income (expense) - net, are managed only on a total company basis and are, accordingly, reflected only in consolidated results.
Our domestic business strategies reflect bundled product offerings that increasingly cut across product lines and utilize our shared asset base. Therefore, asset information and capital expenditures by segment are not presented. Depreciation is allocated based on asset utilization by segment.
For the three months ended June 30, 2018
Revenues
Operations
and Support
Expenses
EBITDA
Depreciation
and
Amortization
Operating
Income (Loss)
Equity in Net
Income (Loss) of
Affiliates
Segment
Contribution
Consumer Mobility
$
14,869
$
8,085
$
6,784
$
1,806
$
4,978
$
-
$
4,978
Business Solutions
9,063
5,616
3,447
1,487
1,960
1
1,961
Entertainment Group
11,650
8,852
2,798
1,346
1,452
(20)
1,432
International
1,951
1,803
148
313
(165)
15
(150)
WarnerMedia
1,275
794
481
30
451
(6)
445
Segment Total
38,808
25,150
13,658
4,982
8,676
$
(10)
$
8,666
Corporate and Other
Corporate
319
660
(341)
118
(459)
Acquisition-related items
-
321
(321)
1,278
(1,599)
Certain significant items
-
152
(152)
-
(152)
Eliminations
(141)
(141)
-
-
-
AT&T Inc.
$
38,986
$
26,142
$
12,844
$
6,378
$
6,466
For the six months ended June 30, 2018
Revenues
Operations
and Support
Expenses
EBITDA
Depreciation
and
Amortization
Operating
Income (Loss)
Equity in Net
Income (Loss) of
Affiliates
Segment
Contribution
Consumer Mobility
$
29,855
$
16,609
$
13,246
$
3,613
$
9,633
$
-
$
9,633
Business Solutions
18,179
11,210
6,969
2,945
4,024
-
4,024
Entertainment Group
23,227
17,791
5,436
2,658
2,778
(11)
2,767
International
3,976
3,607
369
645
(276)
15
(261)
WarnerMedia
1,275
794
481
30
451
(6)
445
Segment Total
76,512
50,011
26,501
9,891
16,610
$
(2)
$
16,608
Corporate and Other
Corporate
653
1,395
(742)
141
(883)
Acquisition-related items
-
388
(388)
2,340
(2,728)
Certain significant items
-
332
(332)
-
(332)
Eliminations
(141)
(141)
-
-
-
AT&T Inc.
$
77,024
$
51,985
$
25,039
$
12,372
$
12,667
For the three months ended June 30, 2017
Revenues
Operations
and Support
Expenses
EBITDA
Depreciation
and
Amortization
Operating
Income (Loss)
Equity in Net
Income (Loss) of
Affiliates
Segment
Contribution
Consumer Mobility
$
15,091
$
8,636
$
6,455
$
1,716
$
4,739
$
-
$
4,739
Business Solutions
9,667
6,053
3,614
1,483
2,131
-
2,131
Entertainment Group
12,661
9,561
3,100
1,458
1,642
(12)
1,630
International
2,026
1,772
254
311
(57)
25
(32)
Segment Total
39,445
26,022
13,423
4,968
8,455
$
13
$
8,468
Corporate and Other
Corporate
392
766
(374)
9
(383)
Acquisition-related items
-
281
(281)
1,170
(1,451)
Certain significant items
-
95
(95)
-
(95)
AT&T Inc.
$
39,837
$
27,164
$
12,673
$
6,147
$
6,526
For the six months ended June 30, 2017
Revenues
Operations
and Support
Expenses
EBITDA
Depreciation
and
Amortization
Operating
Income (Loss)
Equity in Net
Income (Loss) of
Affiliates
Segment
Contribution
Consumer Mobility
$
29,897
$
17,196
$
12,701
$
3,432
$
9,269
$
-
$
9,269
Business Solutions
19,288
12,051
7,237
2,943
4,294
-
4,294
Entertainment Group
25,262
19,166
6,096
2,878
3,218
(18)
3,200
International
3,955
3,531
424
601
(177)
45
(132)
Segment Total
78,402
51,944
26,458
9,854
16,604
$
27
$
16,631
Corporate and Other
Corporate
800
1,637
(837)
48
(885)
Acquisition-related items
-
488
(488)
2,372
(2,860)
Certain significant items
-
(23)
23
-
23
AT&T Inc.
$
79,202
$
54,046
$
25,156
$
12,274
$
12,882
The following table is a reconciliation of Segment Contribution to "Income Before Income Taxes" reported on our
consolidated statements of income.
Three months ended
Six months ended
June 30,
June 30,
2018
2017
2018
2017
Consumer Mobility
$
4,978
$
4,739
$
9,633
$
9,269
Business Solutions
1,961
2,131
4,024
4,294
Entertainment Group
1,432
1,630
2,767
3,200
International
(150)
(32)
(261)
(132)
WarnerMedia
445
-
445
-
Segment Contribution
8,666
8,468
16,608
16,631
Reconciling Items:
Corporate and Other
(459)
(383)
(883)
(885)
Merger and integration items
(321)
(281)
(388)
(488)
Amortization of intangibles acquired
(1,278)
(1,170)
(2,340)
(2,372)
Employee separation charges
(133)
(60)
(184)
(60)
Gain on wireless spectrum transactions
-
63
-
181
Natural disaster items
-
-
(104)
-
Foreign currency devaluation
(19)
(98)
(44)
(98)
Segment equity in net income of affiliates
10
(13)
2
(27)
AT&T Operating Income
6,466
6,526
12,667
12,882
Interest Expense
2,023
1,395
3,794
2,688
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates
(16)
14
(7)
(159)
Other income (expense) - Net
2,353
925
4,055
1,413
Income Before Income Taxes
$
6,780
$
6,070
$
12,921
$
11,448
NOTE 5. REVENUE RECOGNITION
As of January 1, 2018, we adopted FASB ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)," as modified (ASC 606). With our adoption of ASC 606, we made a policy election to record certain regulatory fees, primarily Universal Service Fund (USF) fees, on a net basis. See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our policies prior to adoption of ASC 606.
When implementing ASC 606, we utilized the practical expedient allowing us to reflect the aggregate effect of all contract modifications occurring before the beginning of the earliest period presented when allocating the transaction price to performance obligations.
Service and Equipment Revenues
Our products and services are offered to customers in service-only contracts and in contracts that bundle equipment used to access the services and/or with other service offerings. Service revenue is recognized when services are provided, based upon either usage (e.g., minutes of traffic/bytes of data processed) or period of time (e.g., monthly service fees). We record the sale of equipment when title has passed and the products are accepted by the customer. Some contracts have fixed terms and others are cancellable on a short-term basis (i.e., month-to-month arrangements).
Revenues from transactions between us and our customers are recorded net of regulatory fees and taxes. Cash incentives given to customers are recorded as a reduction of revenue. Nonrefundable, upfront service activation and setup fees associated with service arrangements are deferred and recognized over the associated service contract period or customer life. We record the sale of equipment and services to customers as gross revenue when we are the principal in the arrangement and net of the associated costs incurred when we act as an agent in the arrangement.
Our contracts allow for customers to frequently modify their arrangement, without incurring penalties in many cases. When a contract is modified, we evaluate the change in scope or price of the contract to determine if the modification should be treated as a new contract or if it should be considered a change of the existing contract. We generally do not have significant impacts from contract modifications.
Service-Only Contracts and Standalone Equipment Sales
Revenue is recognized as service is provided or when control has transferred. For devices sold through indirect channels (e.g., national dealers), revenue is recognized when the dealer accepts the device, not upon activation.
Arrangements with Multiple Performance Obligations
Revenue recognized from fixed term contracts that bundle services and/or equipment are allocated based on the standalone selling price of all required performance obligations of the contract (i.e., each item included in the bundle). Promotional discounts are attributed to each required component of the arrangement, resulting in recognition over the contract term. Standalone selling prices are determined by assessing prices paid for service-only contracts (e.g., arrangements where customers bring their own devices) and standalone device pricing.
We offer the majority of our customers the option to purchase certain wireless devices in installments over a specified period of time, and, in many cases, they may be eligible to trade in the original equipment for a new device and have the remaining unpaid balance paid or settled. For customers that elect these equipment installment payment programs, at the point of sale, we recognize revenue for the entire amount of revenue allocated to the customer receivable net of fair value of the trade-in right guarantee. The difference between the revenue recognized and the consideration received is recorded as a note receivable when the devices are not discounted and our right to consideration is unconditional. When installment sales include promotional discounts (e.g., "buy one get one free"), the difference between revenue recognized and consideration received is recorded as a contract asset to be amortized over the contract term.
Less commonly, we offer certain customers highly discounted devices when they enter into a minimum service agreement term. For these contracts, we recognize equipment revenue at the point of sale based on a standalone selling price allocation. The difference between the revenue recognized and the cash received is recorded as a contract asset that will amortize over the contract term.
For contracts that require the use of certain equipment in order to receive service (e.g., AT&T U-verse® and DIRECTV linear video services), we allocate the total transaction price to service if the equipment does not meet the criteria to be a distinct performance obligation.
Media Revenues
Media revenues are primarily derived from content production and distribution (i.e., content revenue), providing programming to distributors that have contracted to receive and distribute this programming to their subscribers (i.e., subscription revenue) and the sale of advertising on our networks and digital properties and the digital properties we manage and/or operate for others (i.e., advertising revenue).
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following tables set forth disaggregated reported revenue by category:
For the three months ended June 30, 2018
Consumer
Mobility
Business
Solutions
Entertainment
Group
International
WarnerMedia
Corporate and Other
Total
Wireless service
$
11,853
$
1,829
$
-
$
417
$
-
$
-
$
14,099
Video entertainment
-
-
8,331
1,254
-
-
9,585
Strategic services
-
3,039
-
-
-
-
3,039
High-speed internet
-
-
1,981
-
-
-
1,981
Legacy voice and data
-
2,723
785
-
-
-
3,508
Content
-
-
-
-
487
-
487
Subscription
-
-
-
-
591
-
591
Advertising
-
-
-
-
208
-
208
Other media revenues
-
-
-
-
51
(1)
50
Other service
-
691
550
-
-
320
1,561
Wireless equipment
3,016
584
-
280
-
-
3,880
Other equipment
-
197
3
-
-
-
200
Eliminations
-
-
-
-
(62)
(141)
(203)
Total Operating Revenues
$
14,869
$
9,063
$
11,650
$
1,951
$
1,275
$
178
$
38,986
For the six months ended June 30, 2018
Consumer
Mobility
Business
Solutions
Entertainment
Group
International
WarnerMedia
Corporate and Other
Total
Wireless service
$
23,465
$
3,620
$
-
$
821
$
-
$
-
$
27,906
Video entertainment
-
-
16,690
2,608
-
-
19,298
Strategic services
-
6,109
-
-
-
-
6,109
High-speed internet
-
-
3,859
-
-
-
3,859
Legacy voice and data
-
5,561
1,604
-
-
-
7,165
Content
-
-
-
-
487
-
487
Subscription
-
-
-
-
591
-
591
Advertising
-
-
-
-
208
-
208
Other media revenues
-
-
-
-
51
(1)
50
Other service
-
1,360
1,069
-
-
653
3,082
Wireless equipment
6,390
1,162
-
547
-
-
8,099
Other equipment
-
367
5
-
-
1
373
Eliminations
-
-
-
-
(62)
(141)
(203)
Total Operating Revenues
$
29,855
$
18,179
$
23,227
$
3,976
$
1,275
$
512
$
77,024
Deferred Customer Contract Acquisition and Fulfillment Costs
Costs to acquire customer contracts, including commissions on service activations, for our wireless, business wireline and video entertainment services, are deferred and amortized over the contract period or expected customer relationship life, which typically ranges from two to five years. Costs to fulfill customer contracts are deferred and amortized over periods ranging generally from four to five years, reflecting the estimated economic lives of the respective customer relationships, subject to an assessment of the recoverability of such costs. For contracts with an estimated amortization period of less than one year, we expense incremental costs immediately.
Our deferred customer contract acquisition costs and deferred customer contract fulfillment costs balances were $2,764 and $11,017 as of June 30, 2018, respectively, of which $1,250 and $3,715 were included in Other current assets on our consolidated balance sheets. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, we amortized $595 and $1,889 of these costs, respectively.
Contract Assets and Liabilities
A contract asset is recorded when revenue is recognized in advance of our right to bill and receive consideration (i.e., we must perform additional services or satisfy another performance obligation in order to bill and receive consideration). The contract asset will decrease as services are provided and billed. When consideration is received in advance of the delivery of goods or services, a contract liability is recorded. Reductions in the contract liability will be recorded as we satisfy the performance obligations.
The following table presents contract assets and liabilities and revenue recorded at or for the period ended June 30, 2018:
June 30,
2018
Contract asset
$
1,906
Contract liability
6,853
Beginning of period contract liability recorded as customer contract revenue during the period
3,839
Our consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2018 included approximately $1,257 for the current portion of our contract asset in "Other current assets" and $5,723 for the current portion of our contract liability in "Advanced billings and customer deposits."
Remaining Performance Obligations
Remaining performance obligations represent services we are required to provide to customers under bundled or discounted arrangements, which are satisfied as services are provided over the contract term. In determining the transaction price allocated, we do not include non-recurring charges and estimates for usage, nor do we consider arrangements with an original expected duration of less than one year, which are primarily prepaid wireless, video and residential internet agreements.
Remaining performance obligations associated with business contracts reflect recurring charges billed, adjusted to reflect estimates for sales incentives and revenue adjustments. Performance obligations associated with wireless contracts are estimated using a portfolio approach in which we review all relevant promotional activities, calculating the remaining performance obligation using the average service component for the portfolio and the average device price. As of June 30, 2018, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was $41,838, of which we expect to recognize approximately 80% over the next two years, with the balance recognized thereafter.
The aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations included $13,623 related to WarnerMedia operations, which relates to the licensing of theatrical and television content that will be made available to customers at some point in the future. It excludes advertising and subscription arrangements that have an expected contract duration of one year or less.
Comparative Results
Prior to 2018, revenue recognized from contracts that bundle services and equipment was limited to the lesser of the amount allocated based on the relative selling price of the equipment and service already delivered or the consideration received from the customer for the equipment and service already delivered. Our prior accounting also separately recognized regulatory fees as operating revenue when received and as an expense when incurred. Sales commissions were previously expensed as incurred.
The following table presents our reported results under ASC 606 and our pro forma results using the historical
accounting method:
For the three months ended June 30, 2018
As
Reported
Historical Accounting Method
Consolidated Statements of Income:
Service Revenues
$
33,773
$
35,163
Equipment Revenues
4,080
3,611
Media Revenues
1,133
1,135
Total Operating Revenues
38,986
39,909
Other cost of revenue
7,632
8,535
Selling, general and administrative expenses
8,684
9,267
Total Operating Expenses
32,520
34,006
Operating income
6,466
5,903
Income before income taxes
6,780
6,217
Income tax expense
1,532
1,394
Net income
5,248
4,823
Net income attributable to AT&T
5,132
4,713
Basic Earnings per Share Attributable to AT&T
$
0.81
$
0.74
Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to AT&T
$
0.81
$
0.74
For the six months ended June 30, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Income:
Service Revenues
$
67,419
$
70,232
Equipment Revenues
8,472
7,472
Media Revenues
1,133
1,135
Total Operating Revenues
77,024
78,839
Other cost of revenue
15,564
17,396
Selling, general and administrative expenses
16,581
17,764
Total Operating Expenses
64,357
67,372
Operating income
12,667
11,467
Income before income taxes
12,921
11,721
Income tax expense
2,914
2,620
Net income
10,007
9,101
Net income attributable to AT&T
9,794
8,900
Basic Earnings per Share Attributable to AT&T
$
1.56
$
1.42
Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to AT&T
$
1.56
$
1.42
At June 30, 2018
Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Other current assets
14,305
11,961
Other Assets
23,941
21,983
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
35,488
35,667
Advanced billings and customer deposits
5,914
5,978
Deferred income taxes
59,665
58,585
Other noncurrent liabilities
25,017
24,832
Retained earnings
56,555
53,313
Accumulated other comprehensive income
5,716
5,723
Noncontrolling interest
1,150
1,103
NOTE 6. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
Many 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. 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 provide benefits described in the plans to employees upon their retirement.
In 2013, we made a voluntary contribution of a preferred equity interest in AT&T Mobility II LLC, the primary holding company for our domestic wireless business, to the trust used to pay pension benefits under our qualified pension plans. The preferred equity interest had a value of $8,829 at June 30, 2018. The trust is entitled to receive cumulative cash distributions of $560 per annum, which are distributed quarterly by AT&T Mobility II LLC to the trust, in equal amounts and accounted for as contributions. We distributed $280 to the trust during the six months ended June 30, 2018. 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.
We recognize actuarial gains and losses on pension and postretirement plan assets in our consolidated results as a component of other income (expense) - net at our annual measurement date of December 31, unless earlier remeasurements are required. During the first quarter of 2018, a substantive plan change involving the frequency of future health reimbursement account credit increases was communicated to our retirees. During the second quarter of 2018, a written plan change involving the ability of certain participants of the pension plan to receive their benefit in a lump-sum amount upon retirement was communicated to our employees. These plan changes resulted in additional prior service credits recognized in other comprehensive income, reducing our liability by $752, and increasing our liability by $50 in the first and second quarters of 2018, respectively. Such credits amortize through earnings over a period approximating the average service period to full eligibility. These plan changes also triggered a remeasurement of our postretirement and pension benefit obligations, resulting in an actuarial gain of $930 in the first quarter and $1,796 in the second quarter of 2018. As a result of the plan changes and remeasurements, our pension and postretirement benefit obligation decreased $1,746 and $1,682, respectively.
The following table details pension and postretirement benefit costs included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The service cost component of net periodic pension cost (benefit) is recorded in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income while the remaining components are recorded in other income (expense) - net. Service costs are eligible for capitalization as part of internal construction projects, providing a small reduction in the net expense recorded.
Three months ended
Six months ended
June 30,
June 30,
2018
2017
2018
2017
Pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period
$
284
$
282
$
575
$
564
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
504
484
991
968
Expected return on assets
(755)
(784)
(1,515)
(1,567)
Amortization of prior service credit
(29)
(31)
(59)
(62)
Actuarial (gain) loss
(1,796)
-
(1,796)
-
Net pension (credit) cost
$
(1,792)
$
(49)
$
(1,804)
$
(97)
Postretirement cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period
$
26
$
34
$
55
$
75
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
195
202
386
424
Expected return on assets
(75)
(79)
(152)
(159)
Amortization of prior service credit
(413)
(366)
(810)
(702)
Actuarial (gain) loss
-
(259)
(930)
(259)
Net postretirement (credit) cost
$
(267)
$
(468)
$
(1,451)
$
(621)
Combined net pension and postretirement (credit) cost
$
(2,059)
$
(517)
$
(3,255)
$
(718)
As part of our first- and second-quarter 2018 remeasurements, we modified the weighted-average discount rate used to measure our benefit obligations increasing the rate to 4.10% for the postretirement obligation and to 4.30% for the pension obligation. The discount rate in effect for determining service and interest costs after remeasurement is 4.30% and 3.70%, respectively, for postretirement and 4.40% and 4.00% for pension. As a result of our plan changes and remeasurements, the total estimated prior service credits that will be amortized from accumulated OCI into net periodic benefit cost over the second half of 2018 is $882 ($665 net of tax) for postretirement benefits.
We also provide senior- and middle-management employees with nonqualified, unfunded supplemental retirement and savings plans. For the second quarter ended 2018 and 2017, net supplemental pension benefits costs not included in the table above were $21 and $23. For the first six months of 2018 and 2017, net supplemental pension benefit costs were $42 and $45.
NOTE 7. 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. Our valuation techniques 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, 2017.
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:
June 30, 2018
December 31, 2017
Carrying
Fair
Carrying
Fair
Amount
Value
Amount
Value
Notes and debentures1
$
180,209
$
182,732
$
162,526
$
171,938
Commercial paper
8,139
8,139
-
-
Bank borrowings
15
15
2
2
Investment securities2
3,511
3,511
2,447
2,447
1 Includes credit agreement borrowings.
2 Excludes investments accounted for under the equity method.
The carrying amount 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.
Following is the fair value leveling for investment securities that are measured at fair value and derivatives as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Derivatives designated as hedging instruments are reflected as "Other assets," "Other noncurrent liabilities" and, for a portion of interest rate swaps, "Other current assets" on our consolidated balance sheets.
June 30, 2018
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Equity Securities
Domestic equities
$
1,252
$
-
$
-
$
1,252
International equities
304
-
-
304
Fixed income equities
149
-
-
149
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities
-
890
-
890
Asset Derivatives
Cross-currency swaps
-
1,216
-
1,216
Foreign exchange contracts
-
55
-
55
Liability Derivatives
Interest rate swaps
-
(89)
-
(89)
Cross-currency swaps
-
(1,506)
-
(1,506)
December 31, 2017
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Equity Securities
Domestic equities
$
1,142
$
-
$
-
$
1,142
International equities
321
-
-
321
Fixed income equities
-
152
-
152
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities
-
581
-
581
Asset Derivatives
Interest rate swaps
-
17
-
17
Cross-currency swaps
-
1,753
-
1,753
Liability Derivatives
Interest rate swaps
-
(31)
-
(31)
Cross-currency swaps
-
(1,290)
-
(1,290)
Investment Securities
Our investment securities include both equity and debt securities that are measured at fair value, as well as equity securities without readily determinable fair values. A substantial portion of the fair values of our investment securities are estimated based on quoted market prices. Investments in equity securities not traded on a national securities exchange are valued at cost, less any impairment, and adjusted for changes resulting from observable, orderly transactions for identical or similar securities. Investments in debt securities not traded on a national securities exchange are valued using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows.
Upon the adoption of ASU 2016-01, we reclassified $658 of such unrealized gains and losses on equity securities to retained earnings and beginning in 2018, gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, on equity securities measured at fair value are included in "Other income (expense) - net" in the consolidated statements of income using the specific identification method.
The components comprising total gains and losses on equity securities are as follows:
Three months ended
Six months ended
June 30,
June 30,
2018
2017
2018
2017
Total gains (losses) recognized on equity securities
$
21
$
14
$
8
$
103
Gains (Losses) recognized on equity securities sold
(3)
-
49
11
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities held at end of period
24
14
(41)
92
Debt securities of $34 have maturities of less than one year, $136 within one to three years, $117 within three to five years and $603 for five or more years.
Our cash equivalents (money market securities), short-term investments (certificate and time deposits) and nonrefundable customer deposits are recorded at amortized cost, and the respective carrying amounts approximate fair values. Short-term investments and nonrefundable customer deposits are recorded in "Other current assets" and our investment securities are recorded in "Other Assets" on the consolidated balance sheets.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We enter into derivative transactions 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.
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 six months ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017, 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, Canadian dollar and Swiss franc denominated debt. These agreements include initial and final exchanges of principal from fixed foreign currency denominated amounts to fixed U.S. dollar denominated amounts, to be exchanged at a specified rate that is usually determined by the market spot rate upon issuance. They also include an interest rate swap of a fixed or floating foreign currency-denominated rate to a fixed U.S. dollar 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. 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 (expense) - net" in the consolidated statements of income in each period. We evaluate the effectiveness of our cross-currency swaps each quarter. In the six months ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017, 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 $60 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. 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) - net" in the consolidated statements of income. In the six months ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017, no ineffectiveness was measured on foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges.
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 June 30, 2018, we had posted collateral of $580 (a deposit asset) and held collateral of $687 (a receipt liability). Under the agreements, if AT&T's credit rating had been downgraded one rating level by Fitch Ratings, before the final collateral exchange in June, we would have been required to post additional collateral of $138. If DIRECTV Holdings LLC's credit rating had been downgraded below BBB- (S&P), we would have been required to post additional collateral of $199. At December 31, 2017, we had posted collateral of $495 (a deposit asset) and held collateral of $968 (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) exists, against the fair value of the derivative instruments.
Following are the notional amounts of our outstanding derivative positions:
June 30,
December 31,
2018
2017
Interest rate swaps
$
7,333
$
9,833
Cross-currency swaps
36,092
38,694
Foreign exchange contracts
2,399
-
Total
$
45,824
$
48,527
Following are the related hedged items affecting our financial position and performance:
Effect of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income
Three months ended
Six months ended
June 30,
June 30,
Fair Value Hedging Relationships
2018
2017
2018
2017
Interest rate swaps (Interest expense):
Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps
$
(9)
$
(23)
$
(62)
$
(48)
Gain (Loss) on long-term debt
9
23
62
48
In addition, the net swap settlements that accrued and settled in the quarter ended June 30 were offset against interest expense.
Three months ended
Six months ended
June 30,
June 30,
Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
2018
2017
2018
2017
Cross-currency swaps:
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI
$
(533)
$
(717)
$
321
$
(697)
Interest rate locks:
Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI
-
(79)
-
(79)
Interest income (expense) reclassified from
accumulated OCI into income
(14)
(14)
(29)
(29)
NOTE 8. ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSITIONS AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS
Acquisitions
Time Warner On June 14, 2018, we completed our acquisition of Time Warner, a leader in media and entertainment whose major businesses encompass an array of some of the most respected media brands. The deal combines Time Warner's vast library of content and ability to create new premium content for audiences around the world with our extensive customer relationships and distribution, one of the world's largest pay-TV subscriber bases and scale in TV, mobile and broadband distribution. We expect that the transaction will advance our direct-to-consumer efforts and provide us with the ability to develop innovative new offerings.
Under the merger agreement, each share of Time Warner stock was exchanged for $53.75 cash plus 1.437 shares of our common stock. After adjustment for shares issued to trusts consolidated by AT&T, share-based payment arrangements and fractional shares, which were settled in cash, AT&T issued 1,125,517,510 shares to Time Warner shareholders, giving them an approximate 16% stake in the combined company. Based on our $32.52 per share closing stock price on June 14, 2018, we paid Time Warner shareholders $36,599 in AT&T stock and $42,100 in cash. Total consideration, including share-based payment arrangements and other adjustments totaled $79,114. On July 12, 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) appealed the U.S. District Court's decision permitting the merger. We believe the DOJ's appeal is without merit and we will continue to vigorously defend our legal position in the appellate court.
Our second-quarter 2018 operating results include the results of Time Warner following the acquisition date. The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were preliminarily determined using the income, cost and market approaches. The fair value measurements were primarily based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represent a Level 3 measurement as defined in ASC 820, other than cash and long-term debt acquired in the acquisition. The income approach was primarily used to value the intangible assets, consisting primarily of distribution network, released TV and film content, in-place advertising network, trade names, and franchises. The income approach estimates fair value for an asset based on the present value of cash flow projected to be generated by the asset. Projected cash flow is discounted at a required rate of return that reflects the relative risk of achieving the cash flow and the time value of money. The cost approach, which estimates value by determining the current cost of replacing an asset with another of equivalent economic utility, was used, as appropriate, for plant, property and equipment. The cost to replace a given asset reflects the estimated reproduction or replacement cost for the property, less an allowance for loss in value due to depreciation. Our June 30, 2018, consolidated balance sheet includes the assets and liabilities of Time Warner, which have been measured at fair value.
Assets acquired
Cash
$
1,655
Accounts receivable
9,166
All other current assets
3,405
Noncurrent inventory and theatrical film and television production costs
5,778
Property, plant and equipment
4,699
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Distribution network
17,480
Released television and film content
11,322
Trademarks and trade names
18,100
Other
10,290
Investments and other assets
9,669
Goodwill
38,102
Total assets acquired
129,666
Liabilities assumed
Current liabilities, excluding current portion of long-term debt
8,513
Long-term debt
22,846
Other noncurrent liabilities
19,192
Total liabilities assumed
50,551
Net assets acquired
79,115
Noncontrolling interest
(1)
Aggregate value of consideration paid
$
79,114
These estimates are preliminary in nature and subject to adjustments, which could be material. Any necessary adjustments will be finalized within one year from the date of acquisition. Substantially all the receivables acquired are expected to be collectible. We have not identified any material unrecorded pre-acquisition contingencies where the related asset, liability or impairment is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Goodwill is calculated as the difference between the acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred and the fair value of the net assets acquired, and represents the future economic benefits that we expect to achieve as a result of the acquisition. Prior to the finalization of the purchase price allocation, if information becomes available that would indicate it is probable that such events had occurred and the amounts can be reasonably estimated, such items will be included in the final purchase price allocation and may change goodwill. Purchased goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. As we finalize the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, we will determine to which reporting units any changes in goodwill should be recorded.
Excluded from the table above are commitments of approximately $35,000 for future purchases primarily related to network programming obligations, including contracts to license sports programming.
Due to the proximity of the closing of this acquisition to the end of the quarter, we were not able to provide the requisite combined pro forma financial information.
Held-for-Sale
In June 2018, we entered into an agreement to sell 31 of our data centers to Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (Brookfield) for $1,100. We expect the transaction to close within the next six to eight months, subject to customary closing conditions.
We applied held-for-sale treatment to the assets associated with the data centers to be sold, which primarily consist of net property, plant and equipment of approximately $279 and goodwill of $236. These assets are included in "Other current assets," on our June 30, 2018 consolidated balance sheet.
NOTE 9. SALES OF EQUIPMENT INSTALLMENT RECEIVABLES
We offer our customers the option to purchase certain wireless devices in installments over a specified period of time and, in many cases, once certain conditions are met, they may be eligible to trade in the original equipment for a new device and have the remaining unpaid balance paid or settled. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, gross equipment installment receivables of $5,853 and $6,079 were included on our consolidated balance sheets, of which $3,781 and $3,340 are notes receivable that are included in "Accounts receivable - net."
In 2014, we entered into an uncommitted agreement pertaining to the sale of equipment installment receivables and related security with Citibank and various other relationship banks as purchasers (collectively, the Purchasers). Under this agreement, we transfer certain receivables to the Purchasers for cash and additional consideration upon settlement of the receivables, referred to as the deferred purchase price. Since 2014, we have made beneficial modifications to the agreement. During 2017, we modified the agreement and entered into a second uncommitted agreement with the Purchasers such that we receive more upfront cash consideration at the time the receivables are transferred to the Purchasers. Additionally, in the event a customer trades in a device prior to the end of the installment contract period, we agree to make a payment to the Purchasers equal to any outstanding remaining installment receivable balance. Accordingly, we record a guarantee obligation to the Purchasers for this estimated amount at the time the receivables are transferred. Under the terms of the agreement, we continue to bill and collect the payments from our customers on behalf of the Purchasers. As of June 30, 2018, total cash proceeds received, net of remittances (excluding amounts returned as deferred purchase price), were $5,723.
The following table sets forth a summary of equipment installment receivables sold during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
Three months ended
Six months ended
June 30,
June 30,
2018
2017
2018
2017
Gross receivables sold
$
1,906
$
1,752
$
4,916
$
4,598
Net receivables sold1
1,811
1,599
4,606
4,220
Cash proceeds received
1,532
1,415
3,927
2,847
Deferred purchase price recorded
307
293
826
1,482
Guarantee obligation recorded
72
74
195
74
1
Receivables net of allowance, imputed interest and trade-in right guarantees.
The deferred purchase price and guarantee obligation are initially recorded at estimated fair value and subsequently carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The estimation of their fair values is based on remaining installment payments expected to be collected and the expected timing and value of device trade-ins. The estimated value of the device trade-ins considers prices offered to us by independent third parties that contemplate changes in value after the launch of a device model. The fair value measurements used for the deferred purchase price and the guarantee obligation are considered Level 3 under the Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure framework (see Note 7).
The following table shows the equipment installment receivables, previously sold to the Purchasers, which we repurchased in exchange for the associated deferred purchase price and cash during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
Three months ended
Six months ended
June 30,
June 30,
2018
2017
2018
2017
Fair value of repurchased receivables
$
1,481
$
337
$
1,481
$
714
Carrying value of deferred purchase price
1,393
301
1,393
640
Gain (loss) on repurchases1
$
88
$
36
$
88
$
74
1
These gains (losses) are included in "Selling, general and administrative" in the consolidated statements of income.
At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, our deferred purchase price receivable was $1,686 and $2,749, respectively, of which $813 and $1,781 are included in "Other current assets" on our consolidated balance sheets, with the remainder in "Other Assets." The guarantee obligation at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was $362 and $204, respectively, of which $111 and $55 are included in "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" on our consolidated balance sheets, with the remainder in "Other noncurrent liabilities." Our maximum exposure to loss as a result of selling these equipment installment receivables is limited to the total amount of our deferred purchase price and guarantee obligation.
The sales of equipment installment receivables did not have a material impact on our consolidated statements of income or to "Total Assets" reported on our consolidated balance sheets. We reflect cash receipts on owned equipment installment receivables as cash flows from operations in our consolidated statements of cash flows. With the retrospective adoption of ASU 2016-15 in 2018 (see Note 1), cash receipts on the deferred purchase price are now classified as cash flows from investing activities instead of cash flows from operating activities for all periods presented.
The outstanding portfolio of installment receivables derecognized from our consolidated balance sheets, but which we continue to service, was $7,564 and $7,446 at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
NOTE 10. INVENTORIES AND THEATRICAL FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION COSTS
Film and television production costs are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value and include the unamortized cost of completed theatrical films and television episodes, theatrical films and television series in production and undeveloped film and television rights. The amount of capitalized film and television production costs recognized as broadcast, programming and operations expenses for a given period is determined using the film forecast computation method.
The following table summarizes inventories and theatrical film and television production costs as of June 30, 2018:
June 30,
2018
Inventories:
Programming costs, less amortization1
$
4,252
Other inventory, primarily DVD and Blu-ray Discs
154
Total inventories
4,406
Less: current portion of inventory
(2,313)
Total noncurrent inventories
2,093
Theatrical film production costs:2
Released, less amortization
6
Completed and not released
49
In production
1,249
Development and pre-production
171
Television production costs:2
Released, less amortization
168
Completed and not released
534
In production
1,556
Development and pre-production
23
Total theatrical film and television production costs
3,756
Total noncurrent inventories and theatrical film and television production costs
$
5,849
1
Includes the costs of certain programming rights, primarily sports, for which payments have been made prior to
the related rights being received.
2
Does not include $11,150 of acquired film and television library intangible assets as of June 30, 2018, which are included
in "Other Intangible Assets - Net" on our consolidated balance sheet.
NOTE 11. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Cash and Cash Flow
We typically maintain our restricted cash balances for purchases and sales of certain investment securities and funding of certain deferred compensation benefit payments. The following summarizes cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash balances contained on our consolidated balance sheets:
June 30,
December 31,
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
2018
2017
2017
2016
Cash and cash equivalents
$
13,523
$
25,617
$
50,498
$
5,788
Restricted cash in Other current assets
12
6
6
7
Restricted cash in Other Assets
218
202
428
140
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
13,753
$
25,825
$
50,932
$
5,935
Six months ended
June 30,
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
2018
2017
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest
$
4,045
$
3,095
Income taxes, net of refunds
(757)
1,470
Debt Transactions
As of June 30, 2018, our total long-term debt obligations totaled $190,167. During the first six months we completed the following debt activity:
· For the purpose of providing financing in connection with our Time Warner acquisition, we drew the following on our lines of credit: $16,175 with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., $2,500 with BNP Paribas and $2,250 with Bank of Nova Scotia.
· Issuance of approximately $1,500 three-year floating rate note and other borrowings totaling $2,100.
· Borrowings of approximately $7,900 of debt under our commercial paper program.
· Net borrowings of approximately $1,000 by subsidiaries in Latin America.
· Redemptions totaling approximately $4,550 for AT&T notes that matured prior to June 30, 2018.
· Redemption of $21,235 of AT&T notes issued in anticipation of the Time Warner acquisition that were subject to mandatory redemption.
· With the acquisition of Time Warner, we acquired $22,846 of debt, of which we repaid $2,000 for amounts outstanding under term credit agreements, $600 of notes and $765 of commercial paper borrowings.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
AT&T is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates operate worldwide in the telecommunications, media and technology industries. You should read this discussion in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes ("Notes"). We completed the acquisition of Time Warner Inc. (referred to as "Time Warner" or "WarnerMedia") on June 14, 2018, and have included WarnerMedia results for the 16-day period ended June 30, 2018. In accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), operating results from WarnerMedia prior to the acquisition are excluded.
Consolidated Results In the first quarter of 2018, we adopted new revenue accounting rules that significantly affect the comparability of our consolidated and segment operating results (see Note 5). As a supplement to our discussion of operating results, comparable financial results presented under the historical method of accounting are available in "Supplemental Results Under Historical Accounting Method." Our financial results in the second quarter and for the first six months of 2018, including impacts from new revenue accounting rules, and 2017 are summarized as follows:
Second Quarter
Six-Month Period
Percent
Percent
2018
2017
Change
2018
2017
Change
Operating Revenues
Service
$
33,773
$
36,538
(7.6)
%
$
67,419
$
72,994
(7.6)
%
Equipment
4,080
3,299
23.7
8,472
6,208
36.5
Media
1,133
-
-
1,133
-
-
Total Operating Revenues
38,986
39,837
(2.1)
77,024
79,202
(2.7)
Operating expenses
Cost of revenues
Equipment
4,377
4,138
5.8
9,225
7,986
15.5
Broadcast, programming and
operations
5,449
4,898
11.2
10,615
9,872
7.5
Other cost of revenues
7,632
9,569
(20.2)
15,564
18,857
(17.5)
Selling, general and administrative
8,684
8,559
1.5
16,581
17,331
(4.3)
Depreciation and amortization
6,378
6,147
3.8
12,372
12,274
0.8
Total Operating Expenses
32,520
33,311
(2.4)
64,357
66,320
(3.0)
Operating Income
6,466
6,526
(0.9)
12,667
12,882
(1.7)
Income Before Income Taxes
6,780
6,070
11.7
12,921
11,448
12.9
Net Income
5,248
4,014
30.7
10,007
7,588
31.9
Net Income Attributable to AT&T
$
5,132
$
3,915
31.1
%
$
9,794
$
7,384
32.6
%
Overview
Operating revenues decreased $851, or 2.1%, in the second quarter and $2,178, or 2.7%, for the first six months of 2018.
Service revenues decreased $2,765, or 7.6%, in the second quarter and $5,575, or 7.6%, for the first six months of 2018. The decreases in the second quarter and first six months were primarily due to our adoption of a new revenue accounting standard, which included our policy election to record Universal Service Fund (USF) fees on a net basis and also resulted in less revenue allocation to the service component of bundled contracts. Also contributing to the decrease was the continued decline in video services and legacy wireline voice and data products.
Equipment revenues increased $781, or 23.7%, in the second quarter and $2,264, or 36.5%, for the first six months of 2018. The increases were due to the adoption of new revenue accounting standards that contributed to higher revenue allocations from bundled contracts and the sale of higher-priced devices.
Media revenues for the second quarter and first six months were $1,133 and in each case are attributable to the 16-day period since acquiring WarnerMedia.
Operating expenses decreased $791, or 2.4%, in the second quarter and $1,963, or 3.0%, for the first six months of 2018.
Equipment expenses increased $239, or 5.8%, in the second quarter and $1,239, or 15.5%, for the first six months of 2018. The increases during the second quarter and the first six months were driven by an increase in the sale of higher-priced devices.
Broadcast, programming and operations expenses increased $551, or 11.2%, in the second quarter and $743, or 7.5%, for the first six months of 2018. Expense increases during the second quarter and first six months were due to annual content cost increases and additional programming costs, including programming and production costs associated with WarnerMedia for the 16-day period since acquisition.
Other cost of revenues expenses decreased $1,937, or 20.2%, in the second quarter and $3,293, or 17.5%, for the first six months of 2018. The decreases during the second quarter and first six months reflect our adoption of new accounting rules, which included our policy election to record USF fees net. Also contributing to the decreases were lower expenses due to cost management and utilization of automation and digitalization where appropriate.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $125, or 1.5%, in the second quarter and decreased $750, or 4.3%, for the first six months of 2018. The increase in the second quarter was primarily attributable to expenses from WarnerMedia, including acquisition-related expenses due to the closing of the Time Warner transaction. Also contributing to the second quarter increase were higher employee separation costs. Offsetting some of the increases during the second quarter, and contributing to the overall decrease during the first six months, was the effect of new accounting standards, which resulted in commissions being deferred and amortized over the contract period or expected customer life, in addition to expense reductions due to our disciplined cost management. Partially offsetting the decrease during the first six months were higher costs due to natural disasters and, in the comparable period of 2017, gains on wireless spectrum transactions.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $231, or 3.8%, in the second quarter and $98, or 0.8%, for the first six months of 2018. Depreciation expense increased $123, or 2.5%, in the second quarter and $130, or 1.3%, for the first six months of 2018. The increases were primarily due to 16-days of WarnerMedia results as well as ongoing capital spending for network upgrades and expansion offset by lower expense resulting from our fourth-quarter 2017 abandonment of certain copper network assets.
Amortization expense increased $108, or 9.2%, in the second quarter and decreased $32, or 1.3%, for the first six months of 2018. The increase in the second quarter was due to the amortization of intangibles associated with the previously mentioned acquisition. For the six-month period, the decrease was due to amortization of intangibles for customer lists associated with prior acquisitions mostly offset by the WarnerMedia acquisition.
Operating income decreased $60, or 0.9%, in the second quarter and decreased $215, or 1.7%, for the first six months of 2018. Our operating income margin in the second quarter increased from 16.4% in 2017 to 16.6% in 2018, and for the first six months increased from 16.3% in 2017 to 16.4% in 2018.
Interest expense increased $628, or 45.0%, in the second quarter and $1,106, or 41.1%, for the first six months of 2018. The increase was primarily due to higher debt balances related to our acquisition of Time Warner, including interest expense on Time Warner notes for 16-days, and an increase in average interest rates when compared to the prior year.
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates decreased $30 in the second quarter of 2018 and increased $152, or 95.6%, for the first six months of 2018. Results for the second quarter and the first six months of 2018 include net losses from investments acquired through our purchase of Time Warner. The increase in the first six months of 2018 was predominantly due to losses in the first quarter of 2017 from our legacy publishing business, which was sold in June 2017.
Other income (expense) - net increased $1,428 in the second quarter and $2,642 for the first six months. The increases were primarily due to actuarial gains of $1,796 and $2,726, resulting from remeasurement of our pension and postretirement benefit obligations and increased interest income of $94 and $258, partially offset by premiums on the redemption of debt of $226 in the second quarter of 2018.
Income taxes decreased $524, or 25.5%, in the second quarter of 2018 and decreased $946, or 24.5%, for the first six months of 2018. Our effective tax rate was 22.6% in the second quarter and for the first six months of 2018, as compared to 33.9% for the second quarter and 33.7% for the first six months of 2017. The stand-alone effective tax rate of WarnerMedia was 20.3% for the 16-day period ended June 30, 2018. The decreases in income tax expense and our effective tax rates for the second quarter and the first six months of 2018 were primarily due to the December 2017 enactment of U.S. corporate tax reform, which reduced the federal tax rate from 35% to 21%. Partially offsetting the decreased tax rates was higher earnings in the second quarter and first six months of 2018. We continue to expect our effective tax rate for 2018, including WarnerMedia, to be approximately 23%.
Selected Financial and Operating Data
June 30,
Subscribers and connections in (000s)
2018
2017
Domestic wireless subscribers
146,889
136,102
Mexican wireless subscribers
16,398
13,082
North American wireless subscribers
163,287
149,184
North American branded subscribers
109,806
104,022
North American branded net additions
2,138
1,639
Domestic satellite video subscribers
19,984
20,856
AT&T U-verse® (U-verse) video subscribers
3,680
3,853
DIRECTV NOW video subscribers
1,809
491
Latin America satellite video subscribers1
13,713
13,622
Total video subscribers
39,186
38,822
Total domestic broadband connections
15,772
15,686
Network access lines in service
10,832
12,791
U-verse VoIP connections
5,449
5,853
Debt ratio2
50.8%
53.3%
Net debt ratio3
47.2%
43.8%
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges4
3.64
3.84
Number of AT&T employees
273,210
260,480
1 Excludes subscribers of our International segment equity investments in SKY Mexico, in which we own a 41.3% stake. At March 31, 2018, SKY Mexico had 8.0 million subscribers.
2 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.
3 Net debt ratios are calculated by dividing total debt (debt maturing within one year plus long-term debt) less cash available by total capital (total debt plus total stockholders' equity).
4 See Exhibit 12.
Segment Results
Our segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services over various technology platforms and/or in different geographies that are managed accordingly. Our segment results presented in Note 4 and discussed below for each segment follow our internal management reporting. We analyze our segments based on Segment Contribution, which consists of operating income, excluding acquisition-related costs and other significant items, and equity in net income (loss) of affiliates for investments managed within each segment. We have five reportable segments: (1) Consumer Mobility, (2) Business Solutions, (3) Entertainment Group (4) International, and (5) WarnerMedia.
We also evaluate segment performance based on EBITDA and/or EBITDA margin, which is defined as Segment Contribution, excluding equity in net income (loss) of affiliates and depreciation and amortization. We believe EBITDA to be a relevant and useful measurement to our investors as it is part of our internal management reporting and planning processes and it is an important metric that management uses to evaluate operating performance. EBITDA does not give effect to cash used for debt service requirements and thus does not reflect available funds for distributions, reinvestment or other discretionary uses. EBITDA margin is EBITDA divided by total revenues.
To most effectively implement our strategies for 2018, effective January 1, 2018, we retrospectively realigned certain responsibilities and operations within our reportable segments. The most significant of these changes was to report individual wireless accounts with employer discounts in our Consumer Mobility segment, instead of our Business Solutions segment.
With our acquisition of WarnerMedia, programming released on or before the June 14, 2018 acquisition date was recorded at fair value as an intangible asset. For consolidated reporting, all amortization of pre-acquisition released programming is reported as amortization expense on our consolidated income statement. To best present comparable results, we will continue to report the historic content production cost amortization as operations and support expense within the WarnerMedia segment. The amount of historic content production cost amortization reported in the segment results was $189 for the 16-day period ended June 30, 2018, $98 of which was for pre-acquisition released programming.
The Consumer Mobility segment provides nationwide wireless service to consumers, wholesale and resale wireless subscribers located in the United States or in U.S. territories. We provide voice and data services, including high-speed internet over wireless devices.
The Business Solutions segment provides services to business customers, including multinational companies and governmental and wholesale customers. We provide advanced IP-based services including Virtual Private Networks (VPN); Ethernet-related products; FlexWare, a service that relies on Software Defined Networking and Network Function Virtualization to provide application-based routing, and broadband, collectively referred to as strategic services; as well as traditional data and voice products. We provide a complete communications solution to our business customers.
The Entertainment Group segment provides video, internet, voice communication, and interactive and targeted advertising services to customers located in the United States or in U.S. territories.
The International segment provides entertainment services in Latin America and wireless services in Mexico. Video entertainment services are provided to primarily residential customers using satellite technology. We utilize our regional and national networks in Mexico to provide consumer and business customers with wireless data and voice communication services. Our international subsidiaries conduct business in their local currency, and operating results are converted to U.S. dollars using official exchange rates. Our International segment is subject to foreign currency fluctuations (operations in countries with highly inflationary economies consider the U.S. dollar as the functional currency).
The WarnerMedia segment provides global media and entertainment services through television networks and film, using its brands to create, package and deliver high-quality content worldwide. The segment consists of Turner, Home Box Office (HBO) and Warner Bros. businesses.
Our domestic business strategies reflect bundled product offerings that increasingly cut across product lines and utilize our shared asset base. Therefore, asset information and capital expenditures by segment are not presented. Depreciation is allocated based on asset utilization by segment. We push down administrative activities into the business units to better manage costs and serve our customers.
Consumer Mobility
Segment Results
Second Quarter
Six-Month Period
2018
2017
Percent Change
2018
2017
Percent Change
Segment operating revenues
Service
$
11,853
$
12,467
(4.9)
%
$
23,465
$
24,932
(5.9)
%
Equipment
3,016
2,624
14.9
6,390
4,965
28.7
Total Segment Operating Revenues
14,869
15,091
(1.5)
29,855
29,897
(0.1)
Segment operating expenses
Operations and support
8,085
8,636
(6.4)
16,609
17,196
(3.4)
Depreciation and amortization
1,806
1,716
5.2
3,613
3,432
5.3
Total Segment Operating Expenses
9,891
10,352
(4.5)
20,222
20,628
(2.0)
Segment Operating Income
4,978
4,739
5.0
9,633
9,269
3.9
Equity in Net Income of Affiliates
-
-
-
-
-
-
Segment Contribution
$
4,978
$
4,739
5.0
%
$
9,633
$
9,269
3.9
%
The following tables highlight other key measures of performance for the Consumer Mobility segment:
June 30,
Percent
(in 000s)
2018
2017
Change
Consumer Mobility Subscribers
Postpaid
65,326
65,570
(0.4)
%
Prepaid
15,376
14,187
8.4
Branded
80,702
79,757
1.2
Reseller
8,484
10,182
(16.7)
Total Consumer Mobility Subscribers
89,186
89,939
(0.8)
%
Second Quarter
Six-Month Period
Percent
Percent
(in 000s)
2018
2017
Change
2018
2017
Change
Consumer Mobility Net Additions 1
Postpaid
(49)
(28)
(75.0)
%
(113)
(310)
63.5
%
Prepaid
356
267
33.3
548
549
(0.2)
Branded Net Additions
307
239
28.5
435
239
82.0
Reseller
(451)
(364)
(23.9)
(841)
(951)
11.6
Consumer Mobility Net Subscriber Additions
(144)
(125)
(15.2)
%
(406)
(712)
43.0
%
1
Excludes migrations between AT&T segments and/or subscriber categories and acquisition-related additions during the period.
Operating Revenues decreased $222, or 1.5%, in the second quarter and $42, or 0.1%, for the first six months of 2018. The decreases were due to lower service revenues resulting from customers choosing unlimited plans and the impact of newly adopted accounting rules, which include our policy election to record USF fees on a net basis. Lower service revenues were partially offset by higher equipment revenues.
Service revenue decreased $614, or 4.9%, in the second quarter and $1,467, or 5.9%, for the first six months of 2018. The decreases were largely due to our adoption of a new accounting standard that included our policy election to no longer include USF fees in revenues which resulted in less revenue being allocated to the service component of bundled contracts. Also contributing to the decrease was the impact of customers continuing to shift to discounted monthly service charges under our unlimited plans, partially offset by higher prepaid service revenues resulting from growth in Cricket and AT&T PREPAIDSM subscribers. Since our unlimited plans have now been in effect for a year, service revenues on a comparable basis should increase for the remainder of 2018.
Equipment revenue increased $392, or 14.9%, in the second quarter and $1,425, or 28.7%, for the first six months of 2018. The increases in equipment revenues resulted from the sale of higher-priced devices as well as the adoption of new accounting standards that contributed to higher revenue allocations from bundled contracts. Equipment revenue is unpredictable as customers are choosing to upgrade devices less frequently or bring their own devices.
Operations and support expenses decreased $551, or 6.4%, in the second quarter and $587, or 3.4%, for the first six months of 2018. Operations and support expenses consist of costs incurred to provide our products and services, including costs of operating and maintaining our networks and personnel expenses, such as compensation and benefits.
Decreased operations and support expenses were primarily due to our adoption of new accounting rules, resulting in commission deferrals and netting of USF fees in 2018. Also contributing to the decrease were increased operational efficiencies, partially offset by increased equipment costs related to wireless equipment sales and upgrades.
Depreciation expense increased $90, or 5.2%, in the second quarter and $181, or 5.3%, for the first six months of 2018. The increases were primarily due to ongoing capital spending for network upgrades and expansion, partially offset by fully depreciated assets.
Operating income increased $239, or 5.0%, in the second quarter and $364, or 3.9%, for the first six months of 2018. Our Consumer Mobility segment operating income margin in the second quarter increased from 31.4% in 2017 to 33.5% in 2018, and for the first six months increased from 31.0% in 2017 to 32.3% in 2018. Our Consumer Mobility EBITDA margin in the second quarter increased from 42.8% in 2017 to 45.6% in 2018, and for the first six months increased from 42.5% in 2017 to 44.4% in 2018.
Business Solutions
Segment Results
Second Quarter
Six-Month Period
2018
2017
Percent Change
2018
2017
Percent Change
Segment operating revenues
Wireless service
$
1,829
$
2,004
(8.7)
%
$
3,620
$
4,007
(9.7)
%
Strategic services
3,039
2,958
2.7
6,109
5,862
4.2
Legacy voice and data services
2,723
3,423
(20.4)
5,561
6,971
(20.2)
Other service and equipment
888
922
(3.7)
1,727
1,800
(4.1)
Wireless equipment
584
360
62.2
1,162
648
79.3
Total Segment Operating Revenues
9,063
9,667
(6.2)
18,179
19,288
(5.7)
Segment operating expenses
Operations and support
5,616
6,053
(7.2)
11,210
12,051
(7.0)
Depreciation and amortization
1,487
1,483
0.3
2,945
2,943
0.1
Total Segment Operating Expenses
7,103
7,536
(5.7)
14,155
14,994
(5.6)
Segment Operating Income
1,960
2,131
(8.0)
4,024
4,294
(6.3)
Equity in Net Income of Affiliates
1
-
-
-
-
-
Segment Contribution
$
1,961
$
2,131
(8.0)
%
$
4,024
$
4,294
(6.3)
%
The following tables highlight other key measures of performance for the Business Solutions segment:
June 30,
Percent
(in 000s)
2018
2017
Change
Business Wireless Subscribers
Postpaid
12,046
11,432
5.4
%
Prepaid 1
841
-
-
Branded
12,887
11,432
12.7
Reseller
98
73
34.2
Connected devices1,2
44,718
34,658
29.0
Total Business Wireless Subscribers
57,703
46,163
25.0
Business IP Broadband Connections
1,017
992
2.5
%
1
Beginning in the third quarter of 2017, we began reporting prepaid Internet of Things (IoT) connections, which primarily consist of
connected cars, as a component of prepaid subscribers instead of connected devices.
2
Includes data-centric devices such as session-based tablets and automobile systems. Excludes postpaid tablets.
Second Quarter
Six-Month Period
Percent
Percent
(in 000s)
2018
2017
Change
2018
2017
Change
Business Wireless Net Additions 1
Postpaid
122
171
(28.7)
%
235
259
(9.3)
%
Prepaid 2
97
-
-
146
-
-
Branded
219
171
28.1
381
259
47.1
Reseller
7
(4)
-
9
1
-
Connected devices3
2,982
2,256
32.2
5,710
4,828
18.3
Business Wireless Net Subscriber Additions
3,208
2,423
32.4
6,100
5,088
19.9
Business IP Broadband Net Additions
(4)
12
-
%
(8)
16
-
%
1
Excludes migrations between AT&T segments and/or subscriber categories and acquisition-related additions during the period.
2
Beginning in the third quarter of 2017, we began reporting prepaid IoT connections, which primarily consist of connected cars, as a
component of prepaid subscribers instead of connected devices.
3
Includes data-centric devices such as session-based tablets, monitoring devices and automobile systems. Excludes postpaid tablets.
Operating Revenues decreased $604, or 6.2%, in the second quarter and $1,109 or 5.7%, for the first six months of 2018, primarily due to our adoption of a new revenue accounting standard, which included our policy election to no longer include USF fees in revenue. Technological shifts away from legacy products, as well as decreasing wireless service revenues resulting from customers shifting to unlimited plans, also contributed to revenue declines. These decreases were partially offset by continued but slowing growth in strategic services, which represent 46% of non-wireless (or fixed) revenues and wireless equipment revenue.
Wireless service revenues decreased $175, or 8.7%, in the second quarter and $387, or 9.7%, for the first six months of 2018. The decrease was due to our adoption of a new accounting standard that resulted in less revenue allocation to the service component of bundled contracts and included our policy election to no longer include USF fees in revenues.
At June 30, 2018, we served 57.7 million subscribers, an increase of 25.0% from the prior year. Connected devices, which have lower average revenue per average subscriber (ARPU) and churn, increased 29.0% from the prior year. Connected devices include our connected car business and other data centric devices that connect to the network and rely on embedded computing systems and/or software, commonly known as IoT.
Strategic services revenues increased $81, or 2.7%, in the second quarter and $247, or 4.2%, for the first six months of 2018. Our revenues increased in the second quarter and first six months of 2018 primarily due to: Dedicated Internet services of $26 and $63; Ethernet services of $20 and $56; VoIP of $14 and $49; and Security services of $20 and $43, respectively.
Legacy wired voice and data service revenues decreased $700, or 20.4%, in the second quarter and $1,410, or 20.2%, for the first six months of 2018. The decrease was primarily due to lower demand, as customers continue to shift to our more advanced IP-based offerings or to competitors, and our netting of USF fees in 2018.
Wireless equipment revenues increased $224, or 62.2%, in the second quarter and $514, or 79.3%, for the first six months of 2018, primarily due to the adoption of new accounting standards which increased the amount of revenue attributable to equipment from our bundled contracts.
Operations and support expenses decreased $437, or 7.2%, in the second quarter and $841, or 7.0%, for the first six months of 2018. 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.
Decreased operations and support expenses for the second quarter and first six months were primarily due to our adoption of new accounting rules, resulting in commission deferrals and netting of USF fees in 2018. Also contributing to declines were our ongoing efforts to automate and digitize our support activities, partially offset by higher costs from our implementation of FirstNet and higher equipment costs from increased sales of higher-priced wireless devices.
Depreciation expense increased $4, or 0.3%, in the second quarter and $2, or 0.1%, for the first six months of 2018. The increases were primarily due to ongoing capital spending for network upgrades and expansion, partially offset by updates to the asset lives of certain network assets and our fourth-quarter 2017 abandonment of certain copper network assets.
Operating income decreased $171, or 8.0%, in the second quarter and $270, or 6.3%, for the first six months of 2018. Our Business Solutions segment operating income margin in the second quarter decreased from 22.0% in 2017 to 21.6% in 2018, and for the first six months decreased from 22.3% in 2017 to 22.1% in 2018. Our Business Solutions EBITDA margin in the second quarter increased from 37.4% in 2017 to 38.0% in 2018, and for the first six months increased from 37.5% in 2017 to 38.3% in 2018.
Entertainment Group
Segment Results
Second Quarter
Six-Month Period
2018
2017
Percent Change
2018
2017
Percent Change
Segment operating revenues
Video entertainment
$
8,331
$
9,153
(9.0)
%
$
16,690
$
18,173
(8.2)
%
High-speed internet
1,981
1,927
2.8
3,859
3,868
(0.2)
Legacy voice and data services
785
981
(20.0)
1,604
2,012
(20.3)
Other service and equipment
553
600
(7.8)
1,074
1,209
(11.2)
Total Segment Operating Revenues
11,650
12,661
(8.0)
23,227
25,262
(8.1)
Segment operating expenses
Operations and support
8,852
9,561
(7.4)
17,791
19,166
(7.2)
Depreciation and amortization
1,346
1,458
(7.7)
2,658
2,878
(7.6)
Total Segment Operating Expenses
10,198
11,019
(7.5)
20,449
22,044
(7.2)
Segment Operating Income
1,452
1,642
(11.6)
2,778
3,218
(13.7)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates
(20)
(12)
(66.7)
(11)
(18)
38.9
Segment Contribution
$
1,432
$
1,630
(12.1)
%
$
2,767
$
3,200
(13.5)
%
The following tables highlight other key measures of performance for the Entertainment Group segment:
June 30,
Percent Change
(in 000s)
2018
2017
Video Connections
Satellite
19,984
20,856
(4.2)
%
U-verse
3,656
3,825
(4.4)
DIRECTV NOW1
1,809
491
-
Total Video Connections
25,449
25,172
1.1
Broadband Connections
IP
13,692
13,242
3.4
DSL
763
1,060
(28.0)
Total Broadband Connections
14,455
14,302
1.1
Retail Consumer Switched Access Lines
4,333
5,257
(17.6)
U-verse Consumer VoIP Connections
4,950
5,439
(9.0)
Total Retail Consumer Voice Connections
9,283
10,696
(13.2)
%
1
Consistent with industry practice, DIRECTV NOW includes over-the-top connections that are on a free-trial.
Second Quarter
Six-Month Period
Percent
Percent
(in 000s)
2018
2017
Change
2018
2017
Change
Video Net Additions
Satellite 1
(286)
(156)
(83.3)
%
(474)
(156)
-
%
U-verse 1
24
(195)
-
25
(428)
-
DIRECTV NOW 2
342
152
-
654
224
-
Net Video Additions
80
(199)
-
205
(360)
-
Broadband Net Additions
IP
76
112
(32.1)
230
354
(35.0)
DSL
(53)
(104)
49.0
(125)
(231)
45.9
Net Broadband Additions
23
8
-
%
105
123
(14.6)
%
1
Includes disconnections for customers that migrated to DIRECTV NOW.
2
Consistent with industry practice, DIRECTV NOW includes over-the-top connections that are on a free-trial.
Operating revenues decreased $1,011, or 8.0%, in the second quarter and $2,035, or 8.1%, for the first six months of 2018, primarily due to lower video and legacy service revenues, and to a lesser extent, new accounting rules.
As consumers continue to demand more mobile access to video, we provide streaming access to our subscribers, including mobile access for existing satellite and U-verse subscribers. In November 2016, we launched DIRECTV NOW, our video streaming option that does not require either satellite or U-verse service (commonly called over-the-top video service).
Video entertainment revenues decreased $822, or 9.0%, in the second quarter and $1,483, or 8.2%, for the first six months of 2018, largely driven by a 4.2% decline in linear video subscribers. Our over-the-top video subscriber net adds more than offset our decline in linear video connections. However, this shift by our customers, consistent with the rest of the industry, from a premium linear service to our more economically priced over-the-top video service has pressured our video revenues. Also contributing to the decrease was the impact of newly adopted accounting rules, which resulted in less revenue allocated to video services when these services are bundled with other offerings. Churn rose for subscribers with linear video only service, partially reflecting price increases.
High-speed internet revenues increased $54, or 2.8%, in the second quarter and decreased slightly for the first six months of 2018. During the quarter, we reviewed and refined the estimates used to allocate customer discounts amongst bundled services, contributing to higher high-speed internet revenues in the second quarter of 2018. When compared to 2017, IP broadband subscribers increased 3.4%, to 13.7 million subscribers at June 30, 2018. Our bundling strategy is helping to lower churn with subscribers who bundle broadband with another AT&T service having about half the churn of broadband-only subscribers.
To compete more effectively against other broadband providers, we continued to deploy our all-fiber, high-speed wireline network, which has improved customer retention rates. We also expect our planned 5G national deployment to aid in our ability to provide more locations with competitive broadband speeds.
Legacy voice and data service revenues decreased $196, or 20.0%, in the second quarter and $408, or 20.3%, for the first six months of 2018, reflecting continued decreases in local voice, long-distance and traditional data services. The decreases reflect the continued migration of customers to our more advanced IP-based offerings or to competitors, and the impact of netting USF fees.
Operations and support expenses decreased $709, or 7.4%, in the second quarter and $1,375, or 7.2%, for the first six months of 2018. Operations and support expenses consist of costs associated with providing video content, and expenses incurred to provide our products and services, including costs of operating and maintaining our networks, as well as personnel charges for compensation and benefits.
Decreased operations and support expenses were primarily impacted by our adoption of new accounting rules, resulting in commission deferrals and netting of USF fees in 2018. Also contributing to the decreases was our ongoing focus on cost efficiencies and merger synergies, lower employee-related expenses resulting from workforce reductions, lower amortization of fulfillment cost deferrals due to a longer estimated economic life for our entertainment group customers (see Note 1) and lower advertising costs, which were partially offset by annual content cost increases.
Depreciation expense decreased $112, or 7.7%, in the second quarter and $220, or 7.6%, for the first six months of 2018. The decreases were primarily due to our fourth-quarter 2017 abandonment of certain copper network assets, partially offset by ongoing capital spending for network upgrades and expansion.
Operating income decreased $190, or 11.6%, in the second quarter and $440, or 13.7%, for the first six months of 2018. Our Entertainment Group segment operating income margin in the second quarter decreased from 13.0% in 2017 to 12.5% in 2018, and for the first six months decreased from 12.7% in 2017 to 12.0% in 2018. Our Entertainment Group segment EBITDA margin in the second quarter decreased from 24.5% in 2017 to 24.0% in 2018, and for the first six months decreased from 24.1% in 2017 to 23.4% in 2018.
International
Segment Results
Second Quarter
Six-Month Period
2018
2017
Percent Change
2018
2017
Percent Change
Segment operating revenues
Video entertainment
$
1,254
$
1,361
(7.9)
%
$
2,608
$
2,702
(3.5)
%
Wireless service
417
535
(22.1)
821
1,010
(18.7)
Wireless equipment
280
130
115.4
547
243
125.1
Total Segment Operating Revenues
1,951
2,026
(3.7)
3,976
3,955
0.5
Segment operating expenses
Operations and support
1,803
1,772
1.7
3,607
3,531
2.2
Depreciation and amortization
313
311
0.6
645
601
7.3
Total Segment Operating Expenses
2,116
2,083
1.6
4,252
4,132
2.9
Segment Operating Income (Loss)
(165)
(57)
-
(276)
(177)
(55.9)
Equity in Net Income (Loss)
of Affiliates
15
25
(40.0)
15
45
(66.7)
Segment Contribution
$
(150)
$
(32)
-
%
$
(261)
$
(132)
(97.7)
%
The following tables highlight other key measures of performance for the International segment:
June 30,
Percent
(in 000s)
2018
2017
Change
Mexican Wireless Subscribers
Postpaid
5,749
5,187
10.8
%
Prepaid
10,468
7,646
36.9
Branded
16,217
12,833
26.4
Reseller
181
249
(27.3)
Total Mexican Wireless Subscribers
16,398
13,082
25.3
Latin America Satellite Subscribers
Total Latin America Satellite Subscribers1
13,713
13,622
0.7
%
1
Excludes subscribers of our International segment equity investment in SKY Mexico, in which we own a 41.3% stake. SKY Mexico
had 8.0 million subscribers at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Second Quarter
Six-Month Period
(in 000s)
2018
2017
Percent
Change
2018
2017
Percent
Change
Mexican Wireless Net Additions
Postpaid
142
92
54.3
%
251
222
13.1
%
Prepaid
611
402
52.0
1,070
919
16.4
Branded Net Additions
753
494
52.4
1,321
1,141
15.8
Reseller
3
(18)
-
(22)
(32)
31.3
Mexican Wireless
Net Subscriber Additions
756
476
58.8
1,299
1,109
17.1
Latin America Satellite Net Additions
Latin America Satellite
Net Subscriber Additions 1
140
(56)
-
%
125
35
-
%
1
Excludes SKY Mexico net subscriber losses of 92 and 18 for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Operating Results
Our International segment consists of the Latin American satellite video operations as well as our Mexican wireless operations. Our international subsidiaries conduct business in their local currency and operating results are converted to U.S. dollars using official exchange rates. Our International segment is subject to foreign currency fluctuations.
Operating revenues decreased $75, or 3.7%, in the second quarter and increased $21, or 0.5%, for the first six months of 2018. Revenue from video services in Latin America decreased $107 and $94 due to foreign exchange pressures. Mexico wireless revenues increased $32, or 4.8%, in the second quarter and $115, or 9.2%, for the first six months of 2018, primarily due to growth in equipment revenues as we have increased our subscriber base, partially offset by competitive pricing for services, our shutdown of a legacy wholesale business and our adoption of the new U.S. revenue accounting standard.
Operations and support expenses increased $31, or 1.7%, in the second quarter and $76, or 2.2%, for the first six months of 2018. Operations and support expenses consist of costs incurred to provide our products and services, including costs of operating and maintaining our networks and providing video content and personnel expenses, such as compensation and benefits. The increase in expenses is primarily due to higher programming, including World Cup programming costs in the second quarter, and other operating costs partially offset by changes in foreign currency exchange rates and lower wholesale costs in Mexico. Approximately 15 % of our expenses in Mexico and Latin America are U.S. dollar based, with the remainder in the local currency.
Depreciation expense increased $2, or 0.6%, in the second quarter and $44, or 7.3%, for the first six months of 2018. The increases were primarily due to higher capital spending in Mexico as we essentially complete our network upgrades.
Operating income decreased $108 in the second quarter and $99, or 55.9%, for the first six months of 2018, and were negatively impacted by foreign exchange pressure. Our International segment operating income margin in the second quarter decreased from (2.8)% in 2017 to (8.5)% in 2018, and for the first six months decreased from (4.5)% in 2017 to (6.9)% in 2018. Our International EBITDA margin in the second quarter decreased from 12.5% in 2017 to 7.6% in 2018, and for the first six months decreased from 10.7% in 2017 to 9.3% in 2018.
WarnerMedia
Segment Results for the period from June 15, 2018 to June 30, 2018
Second Quarter
Six-Month Period
2018
2017
Percent Change
2018
2017
Percent Change
Segment operating revenues
Content
$
487
$
-
-
%
$
487
$
-
-
%
Subscription
591
-
-
591
-
-
Advertising
208
-
-
208
-
-
Other
51
-
-
51
-
-
Intrasegment eliminations
(62)
-
-
(62)
-
-
Total Segment Operating Revenues
1,275
-
-
1,275
-
-
Segment operating expenses
Operations and support
794
-
-
794
-
-
Depreciation and amortization
30
-
-
30
-
-
Total Segment Operating Expenses
824
-
-
824
-
-
Segment Operating Income (Loss)
451
-
-
451
-
-
Equity in Net Income (Loss)
of Affiliates
(6)
-
-
(6)
-
-
Segment Contribution
$
445
$
-
-
%
$
445
$
-
-
%
The WarnerMedia segment consists of the results of Time Warner after we completed our acquisition June 14, 2018. Our WarnerMedia segment operating income margin was 35.4% for the 16-day period ended June 30, 2018. Consistent with our past practice, many of the fair value adjustments from the application of purchase accounting required under GAAP have not been allocated to the segment, instead they are reported as acquisition-related items in the reconciliation to consolidated results. The WarnerMedia segment consists of the following businesses:
· Turner, consisting principally of cable networks and digital media properties.
· HBO consisting principally of premium pay television and OTT services.
· Warner Bros., consisting principally of television, feature film, home video and game production and distribution.
WarnerMedia
Segment Results for the period from June 15, 2018 to June 30, 2018
Second Quarter
Six-Month Period
2018
2017
Percent Change
2018
2017
Percent Change
Segment operating revenues
Turner
$
549
$
-
-
%
$
549
$
-
-
%
Warner Bros.
507
-
-
507
-
-
HBO
281
-
-
281
-
-
Intrasegment eliminations
(62)
-
-
(62)
-
-
Total Segment Operating Revenues
1,275
-
-
1,275
-
-
Segment Operating Contribution
Turner
280
-
-
280
-
-
Warner Bros.
90
-
-
90
-
-
HBO
105
-
-
105
-
-
Corporate
(13)
-
-
(13)
-
-
Intrasegment eliminations
(11)
-
-
(11)
-
-
Segment Operating Income (Loss)
$
451
$
-
-
%
$
451
$
-
-
%
Operating Revenues were $1,275 for the 16-day period ended June 30, 2018.
Content revenues were $487 for the period, including $455 from Warner Bros., $21 from Turner and $11 from HBO. Content revenues are derived from content production and distribution. Revenue from the distribution of television programs and series totaled $186 for Warner Bros. for the 16-day period. Revenues from the distribution of feature films by Warner Bros., or theatrical revenues, were $222 and revenues from games and other totaled $47 for the period.
Subscription revenues were $591 for the period, including $314 from Turner, $270 from HBO and $7 from Warner Bros. Subscription revenues are derived from the provision of programming to operators and digital distributors who have contracted to receive and distribute programming to their customers. Revenues reflect higher domestic rates and growth at Turner's international networks, partially offset by the impact of lower domestic subscribers and unfavorable foreign exchange rates. Subscriber trends remain stable with growth from virtual MVPDs and international offset by lower traditional subscribers.
Advertising revenues were $208 for the period, including $200 from Turner and $8 from Warner Bros. These revenues result from sale of advertising on our networks and digital properties and the digital properties we manage and/or operate for others.
Operations and support expenses were $794 for the period and are primarily attributable to programming expenses along with marketing costs. Programming expenses reflect higher original and acquired programming costs.
Depreciation expense was $30 for the 16-day period ended June 30, 2018.
Supplemental Operating Information
As a supplemental discussion of our operating results, for comparison purposes, we are providing a view of our combined domestic wireless operations (AT&T Mobility). See "Discussion and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures" for a reconciliation of these supplemental measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
AT&T Mobility Results
Second Quarter
Six-Month Period
2018
2017
Percent Change
2018
2017
Percent Change
Operating revenues
Service
$
13,682
$
14,471
(5.5)
%
$
27,085
$
28,939
(6.4)
%
Equipment
3,600
2,984
20.6
7,552
5,613
34.5
Total Operating Revenues
17,282
17,455
(1.0)
34,637
34,552
0.2
Operating expenses
Operations and support
9,663
10,091
(4.2)
19,765
19,976
(1.1)
EBITDA
7,619
7,364
3.5
14,872
14,576
2.0
Depreciation and amortization
2,113
1,988
6.3
4,208
3,980
5.7
Total Operating Expenses
11,776
12,079
(2.5)
23,973
23,956
0.1
Operating Income
$
5,506
$
5,376
2.4
%
$
10,664
$
10,596
0.6
%
The following tables highlight other key measures of performance for AT&T Mobility:
June 30,
Percent
(in 000s)
2018
2017
Change
Wireless Subscribers 1
Postpaid smartphones
60,183
59,178
1.7
%
Postpaid feature phones and data-centric devices
17,189
17,824
(3.6)
Postpaid
77,372
77,002
0.5
Prepaid3
16,217
14,187
14.3
Branded
93,589
91,189
2.6
Reseller
8,582
10,255
(16.3)
Connected devices 2, 3
44,718
34,658
29.0
Total Wireless Subscribers
146,889
136,102
7.9
Branded Smartphones
73,797
71,818
2.8
Smartphones under our installment programs at end of period
31,918
31,649
0.8
%
1
Represents 100% of AT&T Mobility wireless subscribers.
2
Includes data-centric devices such as session-based tablets, monitoring devices and primarily wholesale automobile systems. Excludes
postpaid tablets.
3
Beginning in the third quarter of 2017, we began reporting prepaid IoT connections, which primarily consist of connected cars, as a
component of prepaid subscribers.
Second Quarter
Six-Month Period
Percent
Percent
(in 000s)
2018
2017
Change
2018
2017
Change
Wireless Net Additions 1
Postpaid5
73
143
(49.0)
%
122
(51)
-
%
Prepaid4
453
267
69.7
694
549
26.4
Branded Net Additions
526
410
28.3
816
498
63.9
Reseller
(444)
(368)
(20.7)
(832)
(950)
12.4
Connected devices2, 4
2,982
2,256
32.2
5,710
4,828
18.3
Wireless Net Subscriber Additions
3,064
2,298
33.3
5,694
4,376
30.1
Smartphones sold under our installment
programs during period
3,644
3,583
1.7
%
7,637
7,084
7.8
%
Branded Churn3
1.50%
1.57%
(7) BP
1.57%
1.64%
(7) BP
Postpaid Churn3
1.02%
1.01%
1 BP
1.04%
1.07%
(3) BP
Postpaid Phone Only Churn3,5
0.82%
0.79%
3 BP
0.83%
0.84%
(1) BP
1
Excludes acquisition-related additions during the period.
2
Includes data-centric devices such as session-based tablets, monitoring devices and primarily wholesale automobile systems. Excludes
postpaid tablets. See (5) below.
3
Calculated by dividing the aggregate number of wireless subscribers who canceled service during a month divided by the total number
of wireless subscribers at the beginning of that month. The churn rate for the period is equal to the average of the churn rate for
each month of that period.
4
Beginning in the third quarter of 2017, we began reporting prepaid IoT connections, which primarily consist of connected cars, as a
component of prepaid subscribers, resulting in 97 and 146 additional prepaid net adds in the second quarter and first six months of 2018.
5
Postpaid phone net adds were 46 and (89) in the second quarter and 24 and (437) for the first six months of 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Operating income increased $130, or 2.4%, in the second quarter and $68, or 0.6%, for the first six months of 2018. The second-quarter operating income margin of AT&T Mobility increased from 30.8% in 2017 to 31.9% in 2018 and for the first six months increased from 30.7% in 2017 to 30.8% in 2018. AT&T Mobility's second-quarter EBITDA margin increased from 42.2% in 2017 to 44.1% in 2018 and for the first six months increased from 42.2% in 2017 to 42.9% in 2018. AT&T Mobility's second-quarter EBITDA service margin increased from 50.9% in 2017 to 55.7% in 2018 and for the first six months increased from 50.4% in 2017 to 54.9% in 2018 (EBITDA service margin is operating income before depreciation and amortization, divided by total service revenues). Our 2018 margins were positively impacted by our policy election to net USF fees.
Subscriber Relationships
As the wireless industry has matured, future wireless growth will increasingly depend on our ability to offer innovative services, plans and devices and to provide these services in bundled product offerings with our video and broadband services. Subscribers that purchase two or more services from us have significantly lower churn than subscribers that purchase only one service. To support higher mobile video and data usage, our priority is to best utilize 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 mature and highly competitive market, we have launched a wide variety of plans, including unlimited and bundled services, as well as equipment installment programs.
ARPU
Postpaid phone-only ARPU was $54.18 for the second quarter and $53.63 for the first six months of 2018, compared to $58.30 and $58.20 in 2017, primarily reflecting lower revenues recognized under new revenue accounting standards. ARPU has also been affected by customers shifting to unlimited plans, which decreases overage revenues; however, customers are adding additional devices helping to offset that decline.
Churn
The effective management of subscriber churn is critical to our ability to maximize revenue growth and to maintain and improve margins. Postpaid churn was slightly higher in the second quarter, but lower for the first six months of 2018, even with higher tablet churn. Postpaid phone only churn was higher in the second quarter, but lower for the six months.
Branded Subscribers
Branded subscribers increased 0.5% in the second quarter of 2018 when compared to March 31, 2018 and increased 2.6% when compared to June 30, 2017. The year-over-year increase includes increases of 0.5% and 14.3% in postpaid and prepaid subscribers, respectively.
At June 30, 2018, approximately 94% of our postpaid phone subscriber base used smartphones, compared to 92% at June 30, 2017, with the majority of phone sales during both years attributable to smartphones. Virtually all 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. Such offerings are intended to encourage existing subscribers to upgrade their current services and/or add connected devices, attract subscribers from other providers and/or minimize subscriber churn.
Our equipment installment purchase programs allow for postpaid subscribers to purchase certain devices in installments over a specified period of time, with the option to trade in the original device for a new device and have the remaining unpaid balance paid or settled once conditions are met. A significant percentage of our customers choosing equipment installment programs pay a lower monthly service charge, which results in lower service revenue recorded for these subscribers. Over half of the postpaid smartphone base is on an equipment installment program and the majority of postpaid smartphone gross adds and upgrades for all periods presented were either equipment installment plans or Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). While BYOD customers do not generate equipment revenue or expense, the service revenue helps improve our margins.
Connected Devices
Connected devices includes data-centric devices such as session-based tablets, monitoring devices and primarily wholesale automobile systems. Connected device subscribers increased 7.2% during the second quarter when compared to March 31, 2018 and 29.0% when compared to June 30, 2017. During the second quarter and first six months of 2018, we added approximately 1.9 million and 3.6 million wholesale connected cars through agreements with various carmakers, and experienced strong growth in other IoT connections as well. We believe that these connected car agreements give us the opportunity to create future retail relationships with the car owners.
Supplemental Results Under Historical Accounting Method
As a supplemental discussion of our operating results, we are providing results under the comparative historical accounting method prior to our adoption of ASC 606 for the three-months ended June 30, 2018.
Second Quarter
Reported
Promotions & Other
USF
Commission Deferrals
Historical Accounting
Service Revenues
Consumer Mobility
$
11,853
$
(245)
$
(358)
$
-
$
12,456
Business Solutions
8,282
(146)
(384)
-
8,812
Entertainment Group
11,647
(44)
(162)
-
11,853
International
1,671
(40)
-
-
1,711
Corporate and Other
320
(7)
(4)
-
331
AT&T Service Revenues
33,773
(482)
(908)
-
35,163
AT&T Mobility
13,682
(390)
(423)
-
14,495
Equipment Revenues
Consumer Mobility
3,016
291
-
-
2,725
Business Solutions
781
158
-
-
623
Entertainment Group
3
-
-
-
3
International
280
18
-
-
262
Corporate and Other
-
2
-
-
(2)
AT&T Equipment Revenues
4,080
469
-
-
3,611
AT&T Mobility
3,600
451
-
-
3,149
Total Operating Revenues
Consumer Mobility
14,869
46
(358)
-
15,181
Business Solutions
9,063
12
(384)
-
9,435
Entertainment Group
11,650
(44)
(162)
-
11,856
International
1,951
(22)
-
-
1,973
WarnerMedia
1,275
(2)
-
-
1,277
Corporate and Other
319
(5)
(4)
-
328
Eliminations
(141)
-
-
-
(141)
AT&T Operating Revenues
38,986
(15)
(908)
-
39,909
AT&T Mobility
17,282
61
(423)
-
17,644
Total Operating Expenses
Consumer Mobility
9,891
85
(358)
(298)
10,462
Business Solutions
7,103
4
(384)
(63)
7,546
Entertainment Group
10,198
2
(162)
(265)
10,623
International
2,116
6
-
(47)
2,157
WarnerMedia
824
(6)
-
-
830
Corporate and Other
2,529
4
(4)
-
2,529
Eliminations
(141)
-
-
-
(141)
AT&T Operating Expenses
32,520
95
(908)
(673)
34,006
AT&T Mobility
11,776
86
(423)
(333)
12,446
Total Operating Income
Consumer Mobility
4,978
(39)
-
298
4,719
Business Solutions
1,960
8
-
63
1,889
Entertainment Group
1,452
(46)
-
265
1,233
International
(165)
(28)
-
47
(184)
WarnerMedia
451
4
-
-
447
Corporate and Other
(2,210)
(9)
-
-
(2,201)
AT&T Operating Income
6,466
(110)
-
673
5,903
AT&T Mobility
5,506
(25)
-
333
5,198
Consumer Mobility
Supplemental Segment Results
Second Quarter
Historical
Reported
Accounting
Method
Percent
2018
Impact
2018
2017
Change
Segment operating revenues
Service
$
11,853
$
(603)
$
12,456
$
12,467
(0.1)
%
Equipment
3,016
291
2,725
2,624
3.8
Total Segment Operating Revenues
14,869
(312)
15,181
15,091
0.6
Segment operating expenses
Operations and support
8,085
(571)
8,656
8,636
0.2
EBITDA
6,784
259
6,525
6,455
1.1
Depreciation and amortization
1,806
-
1,806
1,716
5.2
Total Segment Operating Expenses
9,891
(571)
10,462
10,352
1.1
Segment Operating Income
4,978
259
4,719
4,739
(0.4)
Equity in Net Income of Affiliates
-
-
-
-
-
Segment Contribution
$
4,978
$
259
$
4,719
$
4,739
(0.4)
%
Operating Income Margin
33.5%
31.1%
31.4%
(30)
BP
EBITDA Margin
45.6%
43.0%
42.8%
20
BP
EBITDA Service Margin
57.2%
52.4%
51.8%
60
BP
Business Solutions
Supplemental Segment Results
Second Quarter
Historical
Reported
Accounting
Method
Percent
2018
Impact
2018
2017
Change
Segment operating revenues
Wireless service
$
1,829
$
(209)
$
2,038
$
2,004
1.7
%
Strategic services
3,039
(2)
3,041
2,958
2.8
Legacy voice and data services
2,723
(251)
2,974
3,423
(13.1)
Other service and equipment
888
(70)
958
922
3.9
Wireless equipment
584
160
424
360
17.8
Total Segment Operating Revenues
9,063
(372)
9,435
9,667
(2.4)
Segment operating expenses
Operations and support
5,616
(443)
6,059
6,053
0.1
EBITDA
3,447
71
3,376
3,614
(6.6)
Depreciation and amortization
1,487
-
1,487
1,483
0.3
Total Segment Operating Expenses
7,103
(443)
7,546
7,536
0.1
Segment Operating Income
1,960
71
1,889
2,131
(11.4)
Equity in Net Income of Affiliates
1
-
1
-
-
Segment Contribution
$
1,961
$
71
$
1,890
$
2,131
(11.3)
%
Operating Income Margin
21.6%
20.0%
22.0%
(200)
BP
EBITDA Margin
38.0%
35.8%
37.4%
(160)
BP
Entertainment Group
Supplemental Segment Results
Second Quarter
Historical
Reported
Accounting
Method
Percent
2018
Impact
2018
2017
Change
Segment operating revenues
Video entertainment
$
8,331
$
(107)
$
8,438
$
9,153
(7.8)
%
High-speed internet
1,981
-
1,981
1,927
2.8
Legacy voice and data services
785
(33)
818
981
(16.6)
Other service and equipment
553
(66)
619
600
3.2
Total Segment Operating Revenues
11,650
(206)
11,856
12,661
(6.4)
Segment operating expenses
Operations and support
8,852
(425)
9,277
9,561
(3.0)
EBITDA
2,798
219
2,579
3,100
(16.8)
Depreciation and amortization
1,346
-
1,346
1,458
(7.7)
Total Segment Operating Expenses
10,198
(425)
10,623
11,019
(3.6)
Segment Operating Income
1,452
219
1,233
1,642
(24.9)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates
(20)
-
(20)
(12)
(66.7)
Segment Contribution
$
1,432
$
219
$
1,213
$
1,630
(25.6)
%
Operating Income Margin
12.5
%
10.4
%
13.0
%
(260)
BP
EBITDA
24.0
%
21.8
%
24.5
%
(270)
BP
International
Supplemental Segment Results
Second Quarter
Historical
Reported
Accounting
Method
Percent
2018
Impact
2018
2017
Change
Segment operating revenues
Video entertainment
$
1,254
$
-
$
1,254
$
1,361
(7.9)
%
Wireless service
417
(40)
457
535
(14.6)
Wireless equipment
280
18
262
130
-
Total Segment Operating Revenues
1,951
(22)
1,973
2,026
(2.6)
Segment operating expenses
Operations and support
1,803
(41)
1,844
1,772
4.1
EBITDA
148
19
129
254
(49.2)
Depreciation and amortization
313
-
313
311
0.6
Total Segment Operating Expenses
2,116
(41)
2,157
2,083
3.6
Segment Operating Income (Loss)
(165)
19
(184)
(57)
-
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates
15
-
15
25
(40.0)
Segment Contribution
$
(150)
$
19
$
(169)
$
(32)
-
%
Operating Income Margin
-8.5%
-9.3%
-2.8%
(650)
BP
EBITDA Margin
7.6%
6.5%
12.5%
(600)
BP
AT&T Mobility Supplemental Results
Second Quarter
Historical
Reported
Accounting
Method
Percent
2018
Impact
2018
2017
Change
Operating revenues
Service
$
13,682
$
(813)
$
14,495
$
14,471
0.2
%
Equipment
3,600
451
3,149
2,984
5.5
Total Operating Revenues
17,282
(362)
17,644
17,455
1.1
Operating expenses
Operations and support
9,663
(670)
10,333
10,091
2.4
EBITDA
7,619
308
7,311
7,364
(0.7)
Depreciation and amortization
2,113
-
2,113
1,988
6.3
Total Operating Expenses
11,776
(670)
12,446
12,079
3.0
Operating Income
$
5,506
$
308
$
5,198
$
5,376
(3.3)
%
Operating Income Margin
31.9%
29.5%
30.8%
(130)
BP
EBITDA Margin
44.1%
41.4%
42.2%
(80)
BP
EBITDA Service Margin
55.7%
50.4%
50.9%
(50)
BP
OTHER BUSINESS MATTERS
Time Warner On June 14, 2018, we completed our acquisition of Time Warner, a leader in media and entertainment whose major businesses encompass an array of some of the most respected media brands. The deal combines Time Warner's vast library of content and ability to create new premium content for audiences around the world with our extensive customer relationships and distribution, one of the world's largest pay-TV subscriber bases and scale in TV, mobile and broadband distribution. We expect that the transaction will advance our direct-to-consumer efforts and provide us with the ability to develop innovative new content offerings.
Under the merger agreement, each share of Time Warner stock was exchanged for $53.75 cash plus 1.437 shares of our common stock. After adjustment for shares issued to trusts consolidated by AT&T, share-based payment arrangements and fractional shares, which were settled in cash, AT&T issued 1,125,517,510 shares to Time Warner shareholders, giving them an approximate 16% stake in the combined company. Based on our $32.52 per share closing stock price on June 14, 2018, we paid Time Warner shareholders $36,599 in AT&T stock and $42,100 in cash. Total consideration, including share-based payment arrangements and other adjustments totaled $79,114. On July 12, 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) appealed the U.S. District Court's decision permitting the merger. We believe the DOJ's appeal is without merit and we will continue to vigorously defend our legal position in the appellate court.
Litigation Challenging DIRECTV's NFL SUNDAY TICKET More than two dozen putative class actions were filed in the U.S. District Courts for the Central District of California and the Southern District of New York against DIRECTV and the National Football League (NFL). These cases were brought by residential and commercial DIRECTV subscribers that have purchased NFL SUNDAY TICKET. The plaintiffs allege that (i) the 32 NFL teams have unlawfully agreed not to compete with each other in the market for nationally televised NFL football games and instead have "pooled" their broadcasts and assigned to the NFL the exclusive right to market them; and (ii) the NFL and DIRECTV have entered into an unlawful exclusive distribution agreement that allows DIRECTV to charge "supra-competitive" prices for the NFL SUNDAY TICKET package. The complaints seek unspecified treble damages and attorneys' fees along with injunctive relief. The first complaint, Abrahamian v. National Football League, Inc., et al., was served in June 2015. In December 2015, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred the cases outside the Central District of California to that court for consolidation and management of pre-trial proceedings. We vigorously dispute the allegations the complaints have asserted. In August 2016, DIRECTV filed a motion to compel arbitration and the NFL defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. In June 2017, the court granted the NFL defendants' motion to dismiss the complaint without leave to amend, finding that: (1) the plaintiffs did not plead a viable market; (2) the plaintiffs did not plead facts supporting the contention that the exclusive agreement between the NFL and DIRECTV harms competition; (3) the claims failed to overcome the fact that the NFL and its teams must cooperate to sell broadcasts; and (4) the plaintiffs do not have standing to challenge the horizontal agreement among the NFL and the teams. In light of the order granting the motion to dismiss, the court denied DIRECTV's motion to compel arbitration as moot. In July 2017, plaintiffs filed an appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which is pending. The appeal has been fully briefed and we anticipate the oral argument will occur in 2019.
Federal Trade Commission Litigation Involving DIRECTV In March 2015, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a civil suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against DIRECTV seeking injunctive relief and money damages under Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act and Section 4 of the Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act. The FTC's allegations concern DIRECTV's advertising, marketing and sale of programming packages. The FTC alleges that DIRECTV did not adequately disclose all relevant terms. We vigorously dispute these allegations. A bench trial began in August 2017, and was suspended after the FTC rested its case, so that the court could consider DIRECTV's motion for judgment. The hearing on the motion occurred in October 2017, and the judge took it under advisement.
Unlimited Data Plan Claims In October 2014, the FTC filed a civil suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against AT&T Mobility, LLC seeking injunctive relief and unspecified money damages under Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. The FTC's allegations concern the application of AT&T's Maximum Bit Rate (MBR) program to customers who enrolled in our Unlimited Data Plan from 2007-2010. MBR temporarily reduces in certain instances the download speeds of a small portion of our legacy Unlimited Data Plan customers each month after the customer exceeds a designated amount of data during the customer's billing cycle. MBR is an industry-standard practice that is designed to affect only the most data-intensive applications (such as video streaming). Texts, emails, tweets, social media posts, internet browsing and many other applications are typically unaffected. Contrary to the FTC's allegations, our MBR program is permitted by our customer contracts, was fully disclosed in advance to our Unlimited Data Plan customers, and was implemented to protect the network for the benefit of all customers. In March 2015, our motion to dismiss the litigation on the grounds that the FTC lacked jurisdiction to file suit was denied. In May 2015, the Court granted our motion to certify its decision for immediate appeal. The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit subsequently granted our petition to accept the appeal, and, in August 2016, issued its decision reversing the district court and finding that the FTC lacked jurisdiction to proceed with the action. The FTC asked the Court of Appeals to reconsider the decision "en banc," which the Court agreed to do. In February 2018, the Court issued its en banc decision, finding that the FTC had jurisdiction to proceed with the lawsuit. In addition to the FTC case, several class actions were filed challenging our MBR program. We secured dismissals in each of these cases except Roberts v. AT&T Mobility LLC, which is ongoing.
Labor Contracts A contract covering approximately 9,500 traditional wireline employees in our Midwest region expired in April 2018 and employees are working under the terms of the prior contract, including benefits, while negotiations continue. In addition, a contract covering approximately 3,600 traditional wireline employees in our legacy AT&T Corp. business also expired in April 2018. Those employees are also working under the terms of their prior contract, including benefits, while negotiations continue. Work stoppages or labor disruptions may occur in the absence of new contracts or other agreements being reached.
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.
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. Since the Telecom Act was passed, the Federal Communications Commission (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. The new leadership at the FCC is charting a more predictable and balanced regulatory course that will encourage long-term investment and benefit consumers. Based on its public statements, we expect the FCC to continue to eliminate antiquated, unnecessary regulations and streamline processes. In addition, 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 further extended to broadband or wireless services, which are subject to vigorous competition.
In April 2017, the FCC adopted an order that maintains light touch pricing regulation of packet-based services, extends such light touch pricing regulation to high-speed Time Division Multiplex (TDM) transport services and to most of our TDM channel termination services, based on a competitive market test for such services. For those services that do not qualify for light touch regulation, the order allows companies to offer volume and term discounts, as well as contract tariffs. Several parties appealed the FCC's decision. These appeals were consolidated in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, where they remain pending.
In October 2016, a sharply divided FCC adopted new rules governing the use of customer information by providers of broadband internet access service. Those rules were more restrictive in certain respects than those governing other participants in the internet economy, including so-called "edge" providers such as Google and Facebook. In April 2017, the President signed a resolution passed by Congress repealing the new rules under the Congressional Review Act, which prohibits the issuance of a new rule that is substantially the same as a rule repealed under its provisions, or the reissuance of the repealed rule, unless the new or reissued rule is specifically authorized by a subsequent act of Congress.
Privacy-related legislation has been considered in a number of states since the Congressional Review act was passed. The policy environment is complex and rapidly evolving. Legislative and regulatory action could result in increased costs of compliance, claims against broadband internet access service providers and others, and increased uncertainty in the value and availability of data. On June 28, 2018, the State of California enacted comprehensive privacy legislation that gives California consumers the right to know what personal information is being collected about them, to know whether and to whom it is sold or disclosed, and to access and request deletion of this information. Subject to certain exceptions, it also gives consumers the right to opt-out of the sale of personal information. The law applies the same rules to all companies that collect consumer information. The new law could significantly affect how data markets operate and will impose implementation costs and challenges. We will continue to support congressional action to codify a set of standard consumer rules of the internet including a federal privacy framework, which would have the effect of preempting state law under the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution.
In February 2015, the FCC released an order classifying both fixed and mobile consumer broadband internet access services as telecommunications services, subject to Title II of the Communications Act. The Order, which represented a departure from longstanding bipartisan precedent, significantly expanded the FCC's authority to regulate broadband internet access services, as well as internet interconnection arrangements. AT&T and several other parties appealed the FCC's order. In June 2016, a divided panel of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals upheld the FCC's rules by a 2-1 vote, and petitions for rehearing en banc were denied in May 2017. Petitions for a writ of Certiorari at the U.S. Supreme Court remain pending. Meanwhile, in December 2017, the FCC reversed its 2015 decision by reclassifying fixed and mobile consumer broadband services as information services and repealing most of the rules that were adopted in 2015. In lieu of broad conduct prohibitions, the order requires internet service providers to disclose information about their network practices and terms of service, including whether they block or throttle internet traffic or offer paid prioritization. Several parties, including several state Attorneys General, net neutrality advocacy groups and others, have appealed the FCC's December 2017 decision. Those appeals, which initially were consolidated in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, were transferred at the request of the parties to the D.C. Circuit. In addition, although the FCC order expressly preempted inconsistent state or local measures, a number of states are considering or have adopted legislation that would reimpose the very rules the FCC repealed, and in some cases, establish additional requirements that go beyond the FCC's February 2015 order. Additionally, some state governors have issued executive orders that effectively reimpose the repealed requirements. AT&T expects that these measures could result in further litigation. We will continue to support congressional action to codify a set of standard consumer rules for the internet.
We provide satellite video service through our subsidiary DIRECTV, whose satellites are licensed by the FCC. The Communications Act of 1934 and other related acts give the FCC broad authority to regulate the U.S. operations of DIRECTV. In addition, states representing a majority of our local service access lines have adopted legislation that enables us to provide IP-based service through a single statewide or state-approved franchise (as opposed to the need to acquire hundreds or even thousands of municipal-approved franchises) to offer a competitive video product. We also are supporting efforts to update and improve regulatory treatment for our services. Regulatory reform and passage of legislation is uncertain and depends on many factors.
We provide wireless services in robustly competitive markets, but are subject to substantial 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 offerings are generally not subject to state or local regulation, states sometimes attempt to regulate or legislate various aspects of wireless services, such as in the areas of consumer protection and the deployment of cell sites and equipment. The anticipated industry-wide deployment of 5G technology, which is needed to satisfy extensive demand for video and internet access, will involve significant deployment of "small cell" equipment and therefore increase the need for local permitting processes that allow for the placement of small cell equipment on reasonable timelines and terms. Federal regulations also can delay and impede broadband services, including small cell equipment. In March 2018, the FCC adopted an order to streamline the wireless infrastructure review process in order to facilitate deployment of next-generation wireless facilities. Among other actions, the order excludes most small cell facilities from federal review under the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act, while clarifying and streamlining the process for tribal participation in historic preservation reviews where such review is still required. In addition, to date, 21 states have adopted legislation to facilitate small cell deployment.
Also facilitating the deployment of next-generation wireless facilities, in May 2014, the FCC issued an order revising its policies governing mobile spectrum holdings. The FCC rejected the imposition of caps on the amount of spectrum any carrier could acquire, retaining its case-by-case review policy. Moreover, it increased the amount of spectrum that could be acquired before exceeding an aggregation "screen" that would automatically trigger closer scrutiny of a proposed transaction. On the other hand, it indicated that it will separately consider an acquisition of "low band" spectrum that exceeds one-third of the available low band spectrum as presumptively harmful to competition. The spectrum screen (including the low band screen) recently increased by 23 MHz. On balance, the order and the spectrum screen should allow AT&T to obtain additional spectrum to meet our customers' needs.
As the wireless industry has matured, future wireless growth will increasingly depend on our ability to offer innovative services, plans and devices and to provide these services in bundled product offerings to best utilize a wireless network that has sufficient spectrum and capacity to support these innovations on as broad a geographic basis as possible. We continue to invest significant capital in expanding our network capacity, as well as to secure and utilize spectrum that meets our long-term needs. To that end, we have:
· Submitted winning bids for 251 Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum licenses for a near-nationwide contiguous block of high-quality spectrum in the AWS-3 Auction.
· Redeployed spectrum previously used for basic 2G services to support more advanced mobile internet services on our 3G and 4G networks.
· Secured the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) contract, which provides us with access to 20 MHz of nationwide low band spectrum.
· Invested in 5G and millimeter-wave technologies with our acquisition of Fiber-Tower Corporation, which holds significant amounts of spectrum in the millimeter wave bands (28 GHz and 39 GHz) that the FCC recently reallocated for mobile broadband services. These bands will help to accelerate our entry into 5G services.
Connect America Fund Phase II Auction (Auction 903) The FCC plans to conduct a reverse auction to award government funding to the lowest bidders in exchange for providing broadband service to rural, high-cost areas in the U.S. where it is uneconomic for carriers to offer broadband. This is the first time the FCC will award universal service funding through an auction.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
With the completion of the Time Warner transaction, we had $13,523 in cash and cash equivalents available at June 30, 2018. Cash and cash equivalents included cash of $3,457 and money market funds and other cash equivalents of $10,066. Approximately $1,226 of our cash and cash equivalents resided in foreign jurisdictions and were in foreign currencies, some of which may be subject to restrictions on repatriation.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased $36,975 since December 31, 2017. In the first six months of 2018, cash inflows were primarily provided by the cash receipts from operations, including cash from our sale and transfer of certain wireless equipment installment receivables and other customer receivables to third parties, issuance of commercial paper and long-term debt and collateral received from banks and other participants in our derivative arrangements. These inflows were offset by cash used to meet the needs of the business, including, but not limited to, the acquisition of Time Warner and wireless spectrum, payment of operating expenses, funding capital expenditures, debt repayments, and dividends to stockholders.
We actively manage the timing of our vendor payments to optimize the use of our cash. Among other things, we seek to have vendor payments made on 90-day or greater terms, while providing vendors with access to bank facilities that permit earlier payments at the vendors' cost. For example, for payments to a key supplier, we have arrangements that allow us to extend payment terms between approximately 40 to 60 days at an additional cost to us. We believe these arrangements provide benefits to us relative to alternative financing arrangements. During the second quarter of 2018 and for the six months then ended, the net impact of these cash management activities on our cash flows provided by operating activities was not material.
On December 22, 2017, federal tax reform was enacted into law. Beginning with 2018, the Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and permits immediate deductions for certain new assets. As a result, cash taxes will be significantly lower than they would have been in 2018 and beyond without federal tax reform.
Cash Provided by or Used in Operating Activities
During the first six months of 2018, cash provided by operating activities was $19,176, compared to $17,670 for the first six months of 2017. Higher operating cash flows in 2018 were primarily due to net tax refunds and contributions from WarnerMedia, offset by higher interest payments and acquisition-related costs.
Cash Used in or Provided by Investing Activities
For the first six months of 2018, cash used in investing activities totaled $52,635, and consisted primarily of $40,715 for acquisition costs related to Time Warner and other acquisitions and $10,959 for capital expenditures, excluding interest during construction.
The majority of our capital expenditures are spent on our networks, including product development and related support systems. Capital expenditures, excluding interest during construction, increased $209 in the first six months. We do not report capital expenditures at the segment level. During 2018, approximately $800 of assets for FirstNet build have been placed into service with a net cash impact of $100. Total reimbursements from the government for FirstNet during the first six months of 2018 were $336.
In connection with capital improvements, we negotiate favorable payment terms (referred to as vendor financing), which are excluded from our investing activities and reported as financing activities. We enter into these supplier arrangements when the terms provide benefits to us relative to alternative financing arrangements. For the first six months of 2018, vendor financing payments related to capital investments were approximately $257. During the first six months, we entered into $188 of new vendor financing commitments, with $825 of vendor financing payables included in on our June 30, 2018 consolidated balance sheet, of which $340 are due within one year and the remainder are due between two and five years.
The amount of capital expenditures is influenced by demand for services and products, capacity needs and network enhancements. We are also focused on ensuring DIRECTV merger commitments are met. As of June 30, 2018, we market our fiber-to-the-premises network to 9.2 million customer locations and are on track to meet our FCC commitment of 12.5 million locations by mid-2019.
In 2018, we expect Capital investment, which consists of capital expenditures plus vendor financing payments, of approximately $25,000, $22,000 net of expected FirstNet reimbursements and vendor financing.
Cash Provided by or Used in Financing Activities
For the first six months of 2018, cash used in financing activities totaled $3,720 and included net proceeds of $26,478, primarily resulting from drawing $20,925 on our Term Loan Credit Agreements in connection with our acquisition of Time Warner. Net proceeds for the first six months of 2018 also include a $1,500 three-year floating rate note and $2,000 of notes issued by our subsidiary, Vrio Corp. (Vrio), see discussion below.
During the first six months of 2018, we redeemed $29,447 of debt. Approximately $21,236 were notes subject to mandatory redemption if we did not complete our acquisition of Time Warner by April 22, 2018. The remaining amount primarily consisted of the following redemptions:
· $2,500 of 5.500% notes due 2018.
· $750 of 1.750% notes due 2018.
· $300 of 6.450% notes due 2018.
· $1,000 of 5.600% notes due 2018.
· $1,000 of notes issued by our subsidiary, Vrio.
· $2,000 repayment of amounts outstanding under WarnerMedia's Term Credit Agreement.
· $600 of 6.875% WarnerMedia notes due 2018.
Our weighted average interest rate of our entire long-term debt portfolio, including the impact of derivatives, was approximately 4.3% as of June 30, 2018 and 4.4% as of December 31, 2017. We had $180,209 of total notes and debentures outstanding at June 30, 2018, which included Euro, British pound sterling, Swiss franc, Brazilian real, Mexican peso and Canadian dollar denominated debt that totaled approximately $36,146.
As a result of the Time Warner acquisition, we acquired debt with a fair value of $22,846 at the time of acquisition, of which $18,876 at face value remained on our balance sheet as of June 30, 2018. The face value of the remaining debt acquired is summarized primarily as follows:
· $1,108 maturing between 2018 and 2019 with an interest rate ranging from 1.250% to 2.100%.
· $6,906 maturing between 2020 and 2024 with an interest rate ranging from 1.950% to 9.150%.
· $5,898 maturing between 2025 and 2034 with an interest rate ranging from 2.950% to 7.700%.
· $4,964 maturing between 2035 and 2045 with an interest rate ranging from 4.650% to 8.300%.
At June 30, 2018, we had $21,672 of debt maturing within one year, including $8,139 of commercial paper borrowing and $13,323 of 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.
· An accreting zero-coupon note that may be redeemed each May until maturity in 2022. In May 2017, $1 was redeemed by the holder for $1. If the remainder of the zero-coupon note (issued for principal of $500 in 2007 and partially exchanged in the 2017 debt exchange offers) is held to maturity, the redemption amount will be $592.
Vrio, a consolidated holding company for our Latin American digital entertainment services units, DIRECTV Latin American and SKY Brasil, subsidiaries of Vrio, entered into the following long-term debt issuances:
· April 5, 2018 issuance of $650 of 6.25% notes due 2023 and $350 of 6.875% notes due 2028. These notes were redeemed following our April 2018 withdrawal of the planned IPO of Vrio.
· April 11, 2018 borrowing of approximately $1,000 of debt denominated in Brazilian reais that matures in 2023. The floating rate for the facility is based upon the Brazil interbank deposit rate annualized (DI Rate), plus 175 basis points.
On July 25, 2018 we issued $750 of 5.625% global notes due 2067. The underwriters have an option to purchase up to an additional $113 aggregate principal amount within 30 days of the offering.
On July 30, 2018 we issued €2,250 ($2,637 U.S. dollar equivalent) floating rate global notes due 2020.
At June 30, 2018, we had approximately 376 million shares remaining from share repurchase authorizations approved by the Board of Directors in 2013 and 2014. During the first six months of 2018, we repurchased approximately 13 million shares under these authorizations.
We paid dividends of $6,144 during the first six months of 2018, compared with $6,021 for the first six months of 2017, primarily reflecting the increase in the quarterly dividend approved by our Board of Directors in December 2017. Dividends declared by our Board of Directors totaled $1.00 per share in the first six months of 2018 and $0.98 per share for the first six months of 2017. Our dividend policy considers the expectations and requirements of stockholders, capital funding 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.
Credit Facilities
The following summary of our various credit and loan agreements does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to each agreement filed as exhibits to our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We use credit facilities as a tool in managing our liquidity status. At June 30, 2018, we had no amounts outstanding on our five-year $12,000 revolving credit agreement.
In September 2017, we entered into a $2,250 syndicated term loan credit agreement containing (i) a three-year $750 term loan facility (the "Tranche A Facility"), (ii) a four-year $750 term loan facility (the "Tranche B Facility") and (iii) a five-year $750 term loan facility (the "Tranche C Facility"), with certain investment and commercial banks and The Bank of Nova Scotia, as administrative agent. We drew on the Tranche A Facility, the Tranche B Facility and the Tranche C Facility during the first quarter of 2018, with $2,250 in advances outstanding as of June 30, 2018.
We also utilize other external financing sources, which include various credit arrangements supported by government agencies to support network equipment purchases, as well as a commercial paper program.
In anticipation of the Time Warner acquisition, we entered into a $10,000 term loan agreement ("Term Loan"). In February 2018, we amended the Term Loan to extend the commitment termination date to December 31, 2018 and increased the commitments to $16,175 from $10,000. We drew on the Term Loan for the acquisition during the second quarter of 2018, with $16,175 outstanding as of June 30, 2018.
On June 13, 2018, we entered into an additional $2,500 Term Loan Credit Agreement ("June 2018 Term Loan") to finance a portion of the cash consideration of the Time Warner acquisition. We accordingly drew on the agreement, with $2,500 outstanding as of June 30, 2018.
On June 26, 2018, we repaid and terminated the $2,000 unsecured term loan agreement that Time Warner had in place at the time the merger closed. At June 14, 2018, Time Warner had approximately $1,100 of commercial paper outstanding, all of which was repaid by July 23, 2018.
Each of our credit and loan agreements contains covenants that are customary for an issuer with an investment grade senior debt credit rating as well as a net debt-to-EBITDA financial ratio covenant requiring AT&T to maintain, as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, a ratio of not more than 3.5-to-1. As of June 30, 2018, we were in compliance with the covenants for our credit facilities.
Collateral Arrangements
During the first six months of 2018, we posted $365 of additional cash collateral, on a net basis, from banks and other participants in our derivative arrangements. Cash postings under these arrangements vary with changes in credit ratings and netting agreements. (See Note 7)
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 our equity method investments. At June 30, 2018, our debt ratio was 50.8%, compared to 53.3% at June 30, 2017 and 53.6% at December 31, 2017. Our net debt ratio was 47.2% at June 30, 2018, compared to 43.8% at June 30, 2017 and 37.2% at December 31, 2017. The debt ratio is affected by the same factors that affect total capital, and reflects our recent debt issuances and repayments.
During the first six months of 2018, we received $4,212 from the monetization of various assets, primarily the sale of certain equipment installment receivables. We plan to continue to explore similar opportunities.
In 2013, we made a voluntary contribution of a preferred equity interest in AT&T Mobility II LLC (Mobility), the holding company for our U.S. wireless operations, to the trust used to pay benefits under our qualified pension plans. The preferred equity interest had a value of $8,829 as of June 30, 2018, and $9,155 as of December 31, 2017, 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 are distributed quarterly in equal amounts. We distributed $280 to the trust during the first six months of 2018. So long as we make the distributions, the terms of the preferred equity interest will not impose any limitations on our ability to declare a dividend or repurchase shares.
DISCUSSION AND RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
We believe the following measures are relevant and useful information to investors as it is used by management as a method of comparing performance with that of many of our competitors. These supplemental measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute of, our consolidated and segment financial information.
Supplemental Operational Measures
We provide a supplemental discussion of our domestic wireless operations that is calculated by combining our Consumer Mobility and Business Solutions segments, and then adjusting to remove non-wireless operations. The following table presents a reconciliation of our supplemental AT&T Mobility results.
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2018
June 30, 2017
Consumer Mobility
Business Solutions
Adjustments1
AT&T Mobility
Consumer Mobility
Business Solutions
Adjustments1
AT&T Mobility
Operating Revenues
Wireless service
$
11,853
$
1,829
$
-
$
13,682
$
12,467
$
2,004
$
-
$
14,471
Strategic services
-
3,039
(3,039)
-
-
2,958
(2,958)
-
Legacy voice and data services
-
2,723
(2,723)
-
-
3,423
(3,423)
-
Other service and equipment
-
888
(888)
-
-
922
(922)
-
Wireless equipment
3,016
584
-
3,600
2,624
360
-
2,984
Total Operating Revenues
14,869
9,063
(6,650)
17,282
15,091
9,667
(7,303)
17,455
Operating Expenses
Operations and support
8,085
5,616
(4,038)
9,663
8,636
6,053
(4,598)
10,091
EBITDA
6,784
3,447
(2,612)
7,619
6,455
3,614
(2,705)
7,364
Depreciation and amortization
1,806
1,487
(1,180)
2,113
1,716
1,483
(1,211)
1,988
Total Operating Expense
9,891
7,103
(5,218)
11,776
10,352
7,536
(5,809)
12,079
Operating Income
$
4,978
$
1,960
$
(1,432)
$
5,506
$
4,739
$
2,131
$
(1,494)
$
5,376
1Business wireline operations reported in Business Solutions segment.
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
June 30, 2017
Consumer Mobility
Business Solutions
Adjustments1
AT&T Mobility
Consumer Mobility
Business Solutions
Adjustments1
AT&T Mobility
Operating Revenues
Wireless service
$
23,465
$
3,620
$
-
$
27,085
$
24,932
$
4,007
$
-
$
28,939
Strategic services
-
6,109
(6,109)
-
-
5,862
(5,862)
-
Legacy voice and data services
-
5,561
(5,561)
-
-
6,971
(6,971)
-
Other service and equipment
-
1,727
(1,727)
-
-
1,800
(1,800)
-
Wireless equipment
6,390
1,162
-
7,552
4,965
648
-
5,613
Total Operating Revenues
29,855
18,179
(13,397)
34,637
29,897
19,288
(14,633)
34,552
Operating Expenses
Operations and support
16,609
11,210
(8,054)
19,765
17,196
12,051
(9,271)
19,976
EBITDA
13,246
6,969
(5,343)
14,872
12,701
7,237
(5,362)
14,576
Depreciation and amortization
3,613
2,945
(2,350)
4,208
3,432
2,943
(2,395)
3,980
Total Operating Expense
20,222
14,155
(10,404)
23,973
20,628
14,994
(11,666)
23,956
Operating Income
$
9,633
$
4,024
$
(2,993)
$
10,664
$
9,269
$
4,294
$
(2,967)
$
10,596
1Business wireline operations reported in Business Solutions segment.
At June 30, 2018, we had interest rate swaps with a notional value of $7,333 and a fair value of $(89).
We have fixed-to-fixed and floating-to-fixed cross-currency swaps on foreign currency-denominated debt instruments with a U.S. dollar notional value of $36,092 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 $(290) at June 30, 2018.
We have foreign exchange contracts with a U.S. dollar notional value of $2,399 to provide currency at a fixed rate to hedge a portion of the exchange risk involved in foreign currency-denominated transactions. These foreign exchange contracts are amortized into income in the same period the hedged transaction affects earnings and qualify as cash flow hedges with a net fair value of $55 at June 30, 2018.
We have designated €700 million aggregate principal amount of debt as a hedge of the variability of some of the Euro-denominated net investments of WarnerMedia. The gain or loss on the debt that is designated as, and is effective as, an economic hedge of the net investment in a foreign operation is recorded as a currency translation adjustment within accumulated other comprehensive income, net on the consolidated balance sheet.
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 June 30, 2018. 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 June 30, 2018.
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 changes in mortality assumptions; adverse medical cost trends; and unfavorable or delayed implementation or repeal of healthcare legislation, regulations or related court decisions.
· The final outcome of FCC and other federal, state or foreign government agency proceedings (including judicial review, if any, of such proceedings) involving issues that are important to our business, including, without limitation, special access and business data services; intercarrier compensation; interconnection obligations; pending Notices of Apparent Liability; the transition from legacy technologies to IP-based infrastructure, including the withdrawal of legacy TDM-based services; universal service; broadband deployment; wireless equipment siting regulations; E911 services; competition policy; privacy; net neutrality; unbundled network elements and other wholesale obligations; multi-channel video programming distributor services and equipment; availability of new spectrum, on fair and balanced terms; and wireless and satellite 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, local, federal and/or foreign regulatory and tax laws and regulations, or changes to existing standards and actions by tax agencies and judicial authorities including the resolution of disputes with any taxing jurisdictions, 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.
· U.S. and foreign laws and regulations regarding privacy, personal data protection and user consent are complex and rapidly evolving and could result in impact to our business plans, increased costs, or claims against us that may harm our reputation.
· Our ability to absorb revenue losses caused by increasing competition, including offerings that use alternative technologies or delivery methods (e.g., cable, wireless, VoIP and over-the-top video service), subscriber reluctance to purchase new wireless handsets, and our ability to maintain capital expenditures.
· The extent of competition including from governmental networks and other providers and the resulting pressure on customer totals and segment operating margins.
· Our ability to develop attractive and profitable product/service offerings to offset increasing competition and increasing fragmentation of customer viewing habits.
· 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 non-regulation of comparable alternative technologies (e.g., VoIP and data usage).
· The continued development and delivery of attractive and profitable video and broadband offerings; the extent to which regulatory and build-out requirements apply to our offerings; our ability to match speeds offered by our competitors and the availability, cost and/or reliability of the various technologies and/or content required to provide such offerings.
· Our continued ability to maintain margins, attract and offer a diverse portfolio of video, wireless service and devices and device financing plans.
· Our ability to generate advertising revenue from attractive video content, especially from WarnerMedia, in the face of unpredictable and rapidly evolving public viewing habits.
· 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 video and data services, including network quality and acquisition of adequate spectrum at reasonable costs and terms.
· The outcome of pending, threatened or potential litigation (which includes arbitrations), including, without limitation, patent and product safety claims by or against third parties.
· The impact from major equipment failures on our networks, including satellites operated by DIRECTV; the effect of 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; and in the case of satellites launched, timely provisioning of services from vendors; 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 U.S. Department of Justice prevailing on its appeal of the court decision permitting our acquisition of Time Warner Inc.
· Our ability to successfully integrate the former Time Warner Inc. operations, including the ability to manage various businesses in widely dispersed business locations and with decentralized management.
· Our ability to take advantage of the desire of advertisers to change traditional video advertising models.
· Our ability to adequately fund our wireless operations, including payment for additional spectrum, network upgrades and technological advancements.
· Our increased exposure to foreign economies, including foreign exchange fluctuations as well as regulatory and political uncertainty.
· Changes in our corporate strategies, such as changing network-related 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 decrease in government spending and reluctance of businesses and consumers to spend in general.
Readers are cautioned that other factors discussed in this report, although not enumerated here, also could materially affect our future earnings.
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.
Our ability to successfully integrate our June 2018 acquisition of Time Warner, including the risk that the costs savings and revenue synergies from the acquisition may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; our costs in financing the acquisition and potential adverse effects on our share price and dividend amount due to the issuance of additional shares; the addition of Time Warner's existing debt to our balance sheet; disruption from the acquisition making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees or suppliers; and competition and its effect on pricing, spending, third-party relationships and revenues.
We completed our acquisition of Time Warner in June 2018. We believe that the acquisition will give us the scale, resources and ability to deploy video content more efficiently to more customers than otherwise possible and to provide very attractive integrated offerings of video, broadband and wireless services; compete more effectively against other video providers as well as other technology, media and communications companies; create premium advertising opportunities, and produce cost and revenue synergies. We must integrate a large number of operational and administrative systems, which may involve significant management time and create uncertainty for employees, customers and suppliers. The integration process may also result in significant expenses and charges against earnings, both cash and noncash. This acquisition also has increased the amount of debt on our balance sheet leading to additional interest expense and, due to the additional shares issued, will result in additional cash being required for any dividends declared. Both of these factors could put pressure on our financial flexibility to continue capital investments, develop new services and declare future dividends. In addition, events outside our control, including changes in regulation and laws as well as economic trends, could adversely affect our ability to realize the expected benefits from this acquisition. Following the closing, the U.S. Department of Justice filed an appeal of the court decision allowing us to complete the acquisition; we believe the lower court decision will be upheld.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
(c) A summary of our repurchases of common stock during the second quarter of 2018 is as follows:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Period
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased 1, 2, 3
Average Price Paid Per Share (or Unit)
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs1
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) That May Yet Be Purchased Under The Plans or Programs
April 1, 2018 -
April 30, 2018
6,318,863
$
32.99
6,317,000
381,979,000
May 1, 2018 -
May 31, 2018
6,319,909
33.37
6,317,000
375,662,000
June 1, 2018 -
June 30, 2018
738,393
33.23
-
375,662,000
Total
13,377,165
$
33.18
12,634,000
1
In March 2014, our Board of Directors approved an additional 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.
2
Of the shares repurchased, 10,957 shares were acquired through the withholding of taxes on the vesting of restricted stock
and performance shares or on the exercise price of options.
3
Of the shares repurchased, 732,208 shares were acquired through reimbursements from AT&T maintained Voluntary Employee Benefit
Association (VEBA) trusts.
Item 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference as a part of this report:
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description
10-a
AT&T Health Plan
10-b
Agreement between Robert Quinn and AT&T Inc.
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
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.
August 2, 2018
AT&T Inc.
/s/ John J. Stephens
John J. Stephens
Senior Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.ENDIR PPMTTMBMTTPP
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