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 September 30, 2016
 
or
 
 
 
o
 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
       
For the transition period from          to

Commission File Number 1-8610

AT&T INC.

Incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware
I.R.S. Employer Identification Number 43-1301883

208 S. Akard St., Dallas, Texas 75202
Telephone Number: (210) 821-4105


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
                                                                                                                                                                        Yes [X]    No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
                                                                                                                                                               Yes [X]   No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of "accelerated filer," "large accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
                                                                                                                                                                            Yes [   ]   No [X]
 
At October 31, 2016 there were 6,141 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
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
                         
Operating Revenues
                       
Service
 
$
37,272
   
$
35,539
   
$
111,515
   
$
94,042
 
Equipment
   
3,618
     
3,552
     
10,430
     
10,640
 
Total operating revenues
   
40,890
     
39,091
     
121,945
     
104,682
 
                                 
Operating Expenses
                               
Cost of services and sales
                               
   Equipment
   
4,455
     
4,501
     
13,090
     
13,400
 
   Broadcast, programming and operations
   
4,909
     
4,081
     
14,239
     
6,351
 
   Other cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and
         amortization shown separately below)
   
9,526
     
9,214
     
28,436
     
27,604
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
9,013
     
9,107
     
26,363
     
24,535
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
6,579
     
6,265
     
19,718
     
15,539
 
Total operating expenses
   
34,482
     
33,168
     
101,846
     
87,429
 
Operating Income
   
6,408
     
5,923
     
20,099
     
17,253
 
Other Income (Expense)
                               
Interest expense
   
(1,224
)
   
(1,146
)
   
(3,689
)
   
(2,977
)
Equity in net income of affiliates
   
16
     
15
     
57
     
48
 
Other income (expense) – net
   
(7
)
   
(57
)
   
154
     
61
 
Total other income (expense)
   
(1,215
)
   
(1,188
)
   
(3,478
)
   
(2,868
)
Income Before Income Taxes
   
5,193
     
4,735
     
16,621
     
14,385
 
Income tax expense
   
1,775
     
1,657
     
5,803
     
4,784
 
Net Income
   
3,418
     
3,078
     
10,818
     
9,601
 
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
   
(90
)
   
(84
)
   
(279
)
   
(262
)
Net Income Attributable to AT&T
 
$
3,328
   
$
2,994
   
$
10,539
   
$
9,339
 
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T
 
$
0.54
   
$
0.50
   
$
1.70
   
$
1.71
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T
 
$
0.54
   
$
0.50
   
$
1.70
   
$
1.71
 
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares
                               
   Outstanding – Basic (in millions)
   
6,168
     
5,924
     
6,171
     
5,447
 
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares
                               
   Outstanding with Dilution (in millions)
   
6,189
     
5,943
     
6,191
     
5,463
 
Dividends Declared Per Common Share
 
$
0.48
   
$
0.47
   
$
1.44
   
$
1.41
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
                               
 
2

 
AT&T INC.
                       
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                   
Dollars in millions
                       
(Unaudited)
                       
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
                                 
Net income
 
$
3,418
   
$
3,078
   
$
10,818
   
$
9,601
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                               
    Foreign Currency:
                               
        Foreign currency translation adjustment (includes $21,
            $(20), $21 and $(20) attributable to noncontrolling
            interest), net of taxes of $(91), $(535), $35 and $(638)
   
(225
)
   
(1,039
)
   
(51
)
   
(1,224
)
    Available-for-sale securities:
                               
        Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $28, $(49), $15
            and $(30)
   
46
     
(85
)
   
25
     
(51
)
        Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of
            taxes of $(3), $2, $(3), and $(3)
   
(5
)
   
3
     
(5
)
   
(6
)
     Cash flow hedges:
                               
        Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $240, $(237),
            $99 and $(479)
   
446
     
(441
)
   
183
     
(890
)
        Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of
            taxes of $5, $6, $15 and $15
   
10
     
11
     
29
     
28
 
     Defined benefit postretirement plans:
                               
        Amortization of net prior service credit included in net
            income, net of taxes of $(131), $(131), $(393) and $(393)
   
(215
)
   
(215
)
   
(644
)
   
(644
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
57
     
(1,766
)
   
(463
)
   
(2,787
)
Total comprehensive income
   
3,475
     
1,312
     
10,355
     
6,814
 
Less: Total comprehensive income attributable to
            noncontrolling interest
   
(111
)
   
(64
)
   
(300
)
   
(242
)
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to AT&T
 
$
3,364
   
$
1,248
   
$
10,055
   
$
6,572
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
                               
 
3

 
AT&T INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
Assets
 
(Unaudited)
       
Current Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
5,895
   
$
5,121
 
Accounts receivable - net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $650 and $704
   
16,855
     
16,532
 
Prepaid expenses
   
1,333
     
1,072
 
Other current assets
   
13,291
     
13,267
 
Total current assets
   
37,374
     
35,992
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
316,261
     
306,227
 
   Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
(192,339
)
   
(181,777
)
Property, Plant and Equipment – Net
   
123,922
     
124,450
 
Goodwill
   
105,271
     
104,568
 
Licenses
   
94,241
     
93,093
 
Customer Lists and Relationships – Net
   
15,227
     
18,208
 
Other Intangible Assets – Net
   
8,734
     
9,409
 
Investments in Equity Affiliates
   
1,679
     
1,606
 
Other Assets
   
16,527
     
15,346
 
Total Assets
 
$
402,975
   
$
402,672
 
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
               
Current Liabilities
               
Debt maturing within one year
 
$
7,982
   
$
7,636
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
   
28,849
     
30,372
 
Advanced billing and customer deposits
   
4,637
     
4,682
 
Accrued taxes
   
2,686
     
2,176
 
Dividends payable
   
2,948
     
2,950
 
Total current liabilities
   
47,102
     
47,816
 
Long-Term Debt
   
117,239
     
118,515
 
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
               
Deferred income taxes
   
59,649
     
56,181
 
Postemployment benefit obligation
   
33,483
     
34,262
 
Other noncurrent liabilities
   
20,899
     
22,258
 
Total deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities
   
114,031
     
112,701
 
                 
Stockholders' Equity
               
Common stock ($1 par value, 14,000,000,000 authorized at September 30, 2016 and
               
   December 31, 2015: issued 6,495,231,088 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015)
   
6,495
     
6,495
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
89,536
     
89,763
 
Retained earnings
   
35,319
     
33,671
 
Treasury stock (354,467,711 at September 30, 2016 and 350,291,239
               
   at December 31, 2015, at cost)
   
(12,589
)
   
(12,592
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
4,850
     
5,334
 
Noncontrolling interest
   
992
     
969
 
Total stockholders' equity
   
124,603
     
123,640
 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
$
402,975
   
$
402,672
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
               
 
4

 
AT&T INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Dollars in millions
 
(Unaudited)
           
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
Operating Activities
           
Net income
 
$
10,818
   
$
9,601
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
   Depreciation and amortization
   
19,718
     
15,539
 
   Undistributed earnings from investments in equity affiliates
   
(22
)
   
(36
)
   Provision for uncollectible accounts
   
1,036
     
895
 
   Deferred income tax expense
   
3,011
     
1,539
 
   Net gain from sale of investments, net of impairments
   
(88
)
   
(46
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
   Accounts receivable
   
(1,108
)
   
737
 
   Other current assets
   
1,805
     
546
 
   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
   
(1,173
)
   
1,332
 
   Equipment installment receivables and related sales
   
207
     
(1,682
)
   Deferred fulfillment costs
   
(1,883
)
   
(884
)
Retirement benefit funding
   
(770
)
   
(595
)
Other - net
   
(2,349
)
   
(251
)
Total adjustments
   
18,384
     
17,094
 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
   
29,202
     
26,695
 
                 
Investing Activities
               
Capital expenditures:
               
   Purchase of property and equipment
   
(15,283
)
   
(13,356
)
   Interest during construction
   
(669
)
   
(566
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
   
(2,922
)
   
(30,694
)
Dispositions
   
184
     
79
 
Sale of securities, net
   
501
     
1,490
 
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
   
(18,189
)
   
(43,047
)
                 
Financing Activities
               
Net change in short-term borrowings with original maturities of three months or less
   
-
     
(1
)
Issuance of long-term debt
   
10,140
     
33,967
 
Repayment of long-term debt
   
(10,688
)
   
(9,962
)
Purchase of treasury stock
   
(444
)
   
-
 
Issuance of treasury stock
   
137
     
133
 
Dividends paid
   
(8,850
)
   
(7,311
)
Other
   
(534
)
   
(2,875
)
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities
   
(10,239
)
   
13,951
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
774
     
(2,401
)
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of year
   
5,121
     
8,603
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents End of Period
 
$
5,895
   
$
6,202
 
Cash paid during the nine months ended September 30 for:
               
   Interest
 
$
4,430
   
$
3,462
 
   Income taxes, net of refunds
 
$
3,166
   
$
873
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
5

AT&T INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Dollars and shares in millions except per share amounts
 
(Unaudited)
 
   
September 30, 2016
 
   
Shares
   
Amount
 
Common Stock
           
Balance at beginning of year
   
6,495
   
$
6,495
 
Issuance of stock
   
-
     
-
 
Balance at end of period
   
6,495
   
$
6,495
 
                 
Additional Paid-In Capital
               
Balance at beginning of year
         
$
89,763
 
Issuance of treasury stock
           
(43
)
Share-based payments
           
(207
)
Change related to acquisition of interests held by noncontrolling owners
           
23
 
Balance at end of period
         
$
89,536
 
                 
Retained Earnings
               
Balance at beginning of year
         
$
33,671
 
Net income attributable to AT&T ($1.70 per diluted share)
           
10,539
 
Dividends to stockholders ($1.44 per share)
           
(8,891
)
Balance at end of period
         
$
35,319
 
                 
Treasury Stock
               
Balance at beginning of year
   
(350
)
 
$
(12,592
)
Repurchase and acquisition of common stock
   
(14
)
   
(566
)
Issuance of treasury stock
   
10
     
569
 
Balance at end of period
   
(354
)
 
$
(12,589
)
                 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to AT&T, net of tax
               
Balance at beginning of year
         
$
5,334
 
Other comprehensive loss attributable to AT&T
           
(484
)
Balance at end of period
         
$
4,850
 
                 
Noncontrolling Interest
               
Balance at beginning of year
         
$
969
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
           
279
 
Distributions
           
(252
)
Acquisition of interest held by noncontrolling owners
           
(25
)
Translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes
           
21
 
Balance at end of period
         
$
992
 
                 
Total Stockholders' Equity at beginning of year
         
$
123,640
 
Total Stockholders' Equity at end of period
         
$
124,603
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
               
 
6

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
NOTE 1. PREPARATION OF INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Basis of Presentation  Throughout this document, AT&T Inc. is referred to as "AT&T," "we" or the "Company." 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 results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those for the full year. You should read this document in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our majority-owned subsidiaries and affiliates, including the results of DIRECTV and wireless properties in Mexico for the period from acquisition to the reporting date. Our subsidiaries and affiliates operate in the communications and digital entertainment services industry, providing services and equipment that deliver voice, video and broadband services domestically and internationally.

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 cumulative 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. The consolidated statements of cash flows include revisions to present "Equipment installment receivables and related sales" and "Deferred fulfillment costs" separately from "Other – net" and previously reported changes in operating assets and liabilities.

Cash Flows  In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230):  Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments" (ASU 2016-15), which provides guidance related to cash flows presentation and is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, subject to early adoption. The majority of the guidance in ASU 2016-15 is consistent with our current cash flow classifications. However, cash receipts on the deferred purchase price described in Note 8 will be classified as cash flows from investing activities instead of our current presentation as cash flow from operations. Under ASU 2016-15, we will continue to recognize cash receipts on owned equipment installment receivables as cash from operations. AT&T's cash flows from operating activities included cash receipts on the deferred purchase price of $534 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, and $536 for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Leases  In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" (ASU 2016-02), which replaces existing leasing rules with a comprehensive lease measurement and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements. ASU 2016-02 will require lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets as liabilities, with corresponding "right-of-use" assets and is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, subject to early adoption. 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.

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 other potential impacts to our financial statements.

Revenue Recognition  In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" (ASU 2014-09) and has modified the standard thereafter. These standards replace existing revenue recognition rules with a comprehensive revenue measurement and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements. ASU 2014-09, as amended, becomes effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, at which point we plan to adopt the standard.
 

7

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)  - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
The FASB allows two adoption methods under ASU 2014-09. Under one method, a company will apply the rules to contracts in all reporting periods presented, subject to certain allowable exceptions. Under the other method, a company will apply the rules to all contracts existing as of January 1, 2018, recognizing in beginning retained earnings an adjustment for the cumulative effect of the change and providing additional disclosures comparing results to previous rules ("modified retrospective method"). We continue to evaluate the available adoption methods.

Upon initial evaluation, we believe the key changes in the standard that impact our revenue recognition relate to the allocation of contract revenues between various services and equipment, and the timing of when those revenues are recognized. We are still in the process of evaluating these impacts. As a result of our accounting policy change for customer set-up and installation costs made in 2015, we believe that the requirement to defer such costs under the new standard will not result in a significant change to our results. However, the requirement to defer incremental contract acquisition costs and recognize them over the contract period or expected customer life will result in the recognition of a deferred charge on our balance sheets. We cannot currently estimate the impact of this change upon adoption, as the industry continues to undergo changes in how devices and services are sold to customers.

Customer Fulfillment Costs  During the second quarter of 2016, we updated our analysis of the economic lives of customer relationships, which included a review of satellite customer data following the DIRECTV acquisition. As of April 1, 2016, to better reflect the estimated economic lives of satellite and certain business customer relationships, we extended the amortization period to approximately 4.5 years. This change in accounting estimate decreased other cost of services and impacted net income $79, or $0.01 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2016 and $161, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

NOTE 2. EARNINGS PER SHARE

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, is shown in the table below:

   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Numerators
                       
Numerator for basic earnings per share:
                       
   Net Income
 
$
3,418
   
$
3,078
   
$
10,818
   
$
9,601
 
   Less:  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
(90
)
   
(84
)
   
(279
)
   
(262
)
   Net Income attributable to AT&T
   
3,328
     
2,994
     
10,539
     
9,339
 
   Dilutive potential common shares:
                               
      Share-based payment
   
3
     
3
     
9
     
9
 
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
 
$
3,331
   
$
2,997
   
$
10,548
   
$
9,348
 
Denominators (000,000)
                               
Denominator for basic earnings per share:
                               
   Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
   
6,168
     
5,924
     
6,171
     
5,447
 
   Dilutive potential common shares:
                               
      Share-based payment (in shares)
   
21
     
19
     
20
     
16
 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share
   
6,189
     
5,943
     
6,191
     
5,463
 
Basic earnings per share attributable to AT&T
 
$
0.54
   
$
0.50
   
$
1.70
   
$
1.71
 
Diluted earnings per share attributable to AT&T
 
$
0.54
   
$
0.50
   
$
1.70
   
$
1.71
 

NOTE 3. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Changes in the balances of each component included in accumulated other comprehensive income (accumulated OCI) are presented below. All amounts are net of tax and exclude noncontrolling interest.
 
8

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)  - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
Following our 2015 acquisitions of DIRECTV and wireless properties in Mexico, we have additional foreign operations that are exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rates used to convert operations, assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars. Since December 31, 2015, when compared to the U.S. dollar, the Brazilian real exchange rate has appreciated 17.6%, the Argentine peso exchange rate has depreciated 18.4% and the Mexican peso exchange rate has depreciated 12.7%.

 
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, 2015
$
(1,198)
 
$
484
 
$
16
 
$
6,032
 
$
5,334
Other comprehensive income
   (loss) before reclassifications
 
(72)
   
25
   
183
   
-
   
136
Amounts reclassified
   from accumulated OCI
 
-
1
 
(5)
1
 
29
2
 
(644)
3
 
(620)
Net other comprehensive
   income (loss)
 
(72)
   
20
   
212
   
(644)
   
(484)
Balance as of September 30,
   2016
$
(1,270)
 
$
504
 
$
228
 
$
5,388
 
$
4,850
                               
 
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, 2014
$
(26)
 
$
499
 
$
741
 
$
6,847
 
$
8,061
Other comprehensive income
   (loss) before reclassifications
 
(1,204)
   
(51)
   
(890)
   
-
   
(2,145)
Amounts reclassified
   from accumulated OCI
 
-
1
 
(6)
1
 
28
2
 
(644)
3
 
(622)
Net other comprehensive
   income (loss)
 
(1,204)
   
(57)
   
(862)
   
(644)
   
(2,767)
Balance as of September 30,
   2015
$
(1,230)
 
$
442
 
$
(121)
 
$
6,203
 
$
5,294
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 6 for additional information.
3 The amortization of prior service credits associated with postretirement benefits, net of amounts capitalized as part of construction labor, are included in Cost of services and sales and Selling, general and administrative in the consolidated statements of income (see Note 5).

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 operating 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 operating segment. We have four reportable segments: (1) Business Solutions, (2) Entertainment Group, (3) Consumer Mobility and (4) International.
 
9

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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

We also evaluate segment performance based on Segment Contribution, excluding equity in net income (loss) of affiliates and depreciation and amortization, which we refer to as EBITDA and/or EBITDA margin. 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.

The Business Solutions segment provides services to business customers, including multinational companies; governmental and wholesale customers; and individual subscribers who purchase wireless services through employer-sponsored plans. We provide advanced IP-based services including Virtual Private Networks (VPN); Ethernet-related products and broadband, collectively referred to as strategic business services; as well as traditional data and voice products. We utilize our wireless and wired networks (referred to as "wired" or "wireline") to 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 U.S. or in U.S. territories. We utilize our copper and IP-based wired network and/or our satellite technology.

The Consumer Mobility segment provides nationwide wireless service to consumers and wholesale and resale wireless subscribers located in the U.S. or in U.S. territories. We utilize our U.S. wireless network to provide voice and data services, including high-speed internet, video, and home monitoring services.

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 wireless 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.

In reconciling items to consolidated operating income and income before income taxes, Corporate and Other includes: (1) operations that are not considered reportable segments and that are no longer integral to our operations or which we no longer actively market, and (2) impacts of corporate-wide decisions for which the individual operating segments are not being evaluated, including interest costs and expected return on plan assets for our pension and postretirement benefit plans.

Certain operating items are not allocated to our business segments, and those include:
·
Acquisition-related items which consist of (1) operations and support items associated with the merger and integration of acquired businesses and (2) the noncash amortization of intangible assets acquired in acquisitions.
·
Certain significant items which consist of (1) noncash actuarial gains and losses from pension and other postretirement benefits, (2) employee separation charges associated with voluntary and/or strategic offers, (3) losses resulting from abandonment or impairment of assets and (4) other items for which the segments are not being evaluated.

Interest expense and other income (expense) – net, are managed only on a total company basis and are, accordingly, reflected only in consolidated results.

Our operating assets are utilized by multiple segments and consist of our wireless and wired networks as well as an international satellite fleet. We manage our assets to provide for the most efficient, effective and integrated service to our customers, not by operating segment, and, therefore, asset information and capital expenditures by segment are not presented. Depreciation is allocated based on network usage or asset utilization by segment.
 

10

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)  - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2016
 
   
Revenue
   
Operations
and Support
Expenses
   
EBITDA
   
Depreciation
and
Amortization
   
Operating
Income (Loss)
   
Equity in Net
Income (Loss)
 of
Affiliates
   
Segment
Contribution
 
Business Solutions
 
$
17,767
   
$
10,925
   
$
6,842
   
$
2,539
   
$
4,303
   
$
-
   
$
4,303
 
Entertainment Group
   
12,720
     
9,728
     
2,992
     
1,504
     
1,488
     
-
     
1,488
 
Consumer Mobility
   
8,267
     
4,751
     
3,516
     
944
     
2,572
     
-
     
2,572
 
International
   
1,879
     
1,640
     
239
     
293
     
(54
)
   
1
     
(53
)
Segment Total
   
40,633
     
27,044
     
13,589
     
5,280
     
8,309
   
$
1
   
$
8,310
 
Corporate and Other
   
270
     
270
     
-
     
17
     
(17
)
               
Acquisition-related items
   
-
     
290
     
(290
)
   
1,282
     
(1,572
)
               
Certain significant items
   
(13
)
   
299
     
(312
)
   
-
     
(312
)
               
AT&T Inc.
 
$
40,890
   
$
27,903
   
$
12,987
   
$
6,579
   
$
6,408
                 
                                                         
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016
 
   
Revenue
   
Operations
and Support
Expenses
   
EBITDA
   
Depreciation
and
Amortization
   
Operating
Income (Loss)
   
Equity in Net
Income (Loss)
of
Affiliates
   
Segment
Contribution
 
Business Solutions
 
$
52,955
   
$
32,584
   
$
20,371
   
$
7,568
   
$
12,803
   
$
-
   
$
12,803
 
Entertainment Group
   
38,089
     
28,875
     
9,214
     
4,481
     
4,733
     
1
     
4,734
 
Consumer Mobility
   
24,781
     
14,343
     
10,438
     
2,798
     
7,640
     
-
     
7,640
 
International
   
5,374
     
4,951
     
423
     
868
     
(445
)
   
24
     
(421
)
Segment Total
   
121,199
     
80,753
     
40,446
     
15,715
     
24,731
   
$
25
   
$
24,756
 
Corporate and Other
   
759
     
940
     
(181
)
   
54
     
(235
)
               
Acquisition-related items
   
-
     
818
     
(818
)
   
3,949
     
(4,767
)
               
Certain significant items
   
(13
)
   
(383
)
   
370
     
-
     
370
                 
AT&T Inc.
 
$
121,945
   
$
82,128
   
$
39,817
   
$
19,718
   
$
20,099
                 
 
 
11

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)  - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2015
 
   
Revenue
   
Operations
and Support
Expenses
   
EBITDA
   
Depreciation
and
Amortization
   
Operating
Income (Loss)
   
Equity in Net
Income (Loss)
 of
Affiliates
   
Segment
Contribution
 
Business Solutions
 
$
17,692
   
$
10,921
   
$
6,771
   
$
2,474
   
$
4,297
   
$
-
   
$
4,297
 
Entertainment Group
   
10,858
     
8,450
     
2,408
     
1,389
     
1,019
     
2
     
1,021
 
Consumer Mobility
   
8,784
     
5,065
     
3,719
     
976
     
2,743
     
-
     
2,743
 
International
   
1,526
     
1,384
     
142
     
225
     
(83
)
   
(4
)
   
(87
)
Segment Total
   
38,860
     
25,820
     
13,040
     
5,064
     
7,976
   
$
(2
)
 
$
7,974
 
Corporate and Other
   
316
     
315
     
1
     
3
     
(2
)
               
Acquisition-related items
   
(85
)
   
611
     
(696
)
   
1,198
     
(1,894
)
               
Certain significant items
   
-
     
157
     
(157
)
   
-
     
(157
)
               
AT&T Inc.
 
$
39,091
   
$
26,903
   
$
12,188
   
$
6,265
   
$
5,923
                 
                                                         
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
   
Revenue
   
Operations
and Support
Expenses
   
EBITDA
   
Depreciation
and
Amortization
   
Operating
Income (Loss)
   
Equity in Net
Income (Loss)
of
Affiliates
   
Segment
Contribution
 
Business Solutions
 
$
52,913
   
$
32,966
   
$
19,947
   
$
7,276
   
$
12,671
   
$
-
   
$
12,671
 
Entertainment Group
   
22,300
     
18,222
     
4,078
     
3,519
     
559
     
(16
)
   
543
 
Consumer Mobility
   
26,317
     
15,808
     
10,509
     
2,912
     
7,597
     
-
     
7,597
 
International
   
2,253
     
2,131
     
122
     
346
     
(224
)
   
(4
)
   
(228
)
Segment Total
   
103,783
     
69,127
     
34,656
     
14,053
     
20,603
   
$
(20
)
 
$
20,583
 
Corporate and Other
   
984
     
785
     
199
     
47
     
152
                 
Acquisition-related items
   
(85
)
   
1,604
     
(1,689
)
   
1,439
     
(3,128
)
               
Certain significant items
   
-
     
374
     
(374
)
   
-
     
(374
)
               
AT&T Inc.
 
$
104,682
   
$
71,890
   
$
32,792
   
$
15,539
   
$
17,253
                 
 
 
12

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)  - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
The following table is a reconciliation of Segment Contribution to "Income Before Income Taxes" reported on our consolidated statements of income.
 
                         
   
Third Quarter
   
Nine-Month Period
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Business Solutions
 
$
4,303
   
$
4,297
   
$
12,803
   
$
12,671
 
Entertainment Group
   
1,488
     
1,021
     
4,734
     
543
 
Consumer Mobility
   
2,572
     
2,743
     
7,640
     
7,597
 
International
   
(53
)
   
(87
)
   
(421
)
   
(228
)
Segment Contribution
   
8,310
     
7,974
     
24,756
     
20,583
 
Reconciling Items:
                               
  Corporate and Other
   
(17
)
   
(2
)
   
(235
)
   
152
 
  Merger and integration items
   
(290
)
   
(696
)
   
(818
)
   
(1,689
)
  Amortization of intangibles acquired
   
(1,282
)
   
(1,198
)
   
(3,949
)
   
(1,439
)
  Employee separation charges
   
(260
)
   
(122
)
   
(314
)
   
(339
)
  Gain (loss) on wireless spectrum transactions
   
(22
)
   
-
     
714
     
-
 
  Other
   
(30
)
   
(35
)
   
(30
)
   
(35
)
  Segment equity in net (income) loss
    of affiliates
   
(1
)
   
2
     
(25
)
   
20
 
AT&T Operating Income
   
6,408
     
5,923
     
20,099
     
17,253
 
Interest expense
   
1,224
     
1,146
     
3,689
     
2,977
 
Equity in net income of affiliates
   
16
     
15
     
57
     
48
 
Other income (expense) - net
   
(7
)
   
(57
)
   
154
     
61
 
Income Before Income Taxes
 
$
5,193
   
$
4,735
   
$
16,621
   
$
14,385
 
 
NOTE 5. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

Substantially all of our employees are covered by one of our noncontributory pension plans. We also provide certain medical, dental, life insurance and death benefits to certain retired employees under various plans and accrue actuarially determined postretirement benefit costs. 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 $8,630 at September 30, 2016. The trust is entitled to receive cumulative cash distributions of $560 per annum, which are distributed quarterly in equal amounts and accounted for as contributions. We distributed $420 to the trust during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. 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 also agreed to make a cash contribution to the trust of $175 no later than the due dates of our federal income tax return for 2015 and 2016. Both such contributions, totaling $350, were made in September 2016.

We recognize actuarial gains and losses on pension and postretirement plan assets in our operating results at our annual measurement date of December 31, unless earlier remeasurements are required. The following table details pension and postretirement benefit costs included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. A portion of these expenses is capitalized as part of internal construction projects, providing a small reduction in the net expense recorded. Service costs and prior service credits are reported in our segment results while interest costs and expected return on plan assets are included within Corporate and Other (see Note 4).
 
13

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)  - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Pension cost:
                       
   Service cost – benefits earned during the period
 
$
278
   
$
305
   
$
834
   
$
904
 
   Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
   
495
     
477
     
1,485
     
1,424
 
   Expected return on assets
   
(778
)
   
(832
)
   
(2,336
)
   
(2,484
)
   Amortization of prior service credit
   
(26
)
   
(25
)
   
(77
)
   
(77
)
   Net pension (credit) cost
 
$
(31
)
 
$
(75
)
 
$
(94
)
 
$
(233
)
                                 
Postretirement cost:
                               
   Service cost – benefits earned during the period
 
$
48
   
$
55
   
$
144
   
$
166
 
   Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
   
243
     
242
     
729
     
725
 
   Expected return on assets
   
(88
)
   
(105
)
   
(266
)
   
(315
)
   Amortization of prior service credit
   
(320
)
   
(320
)
   
(958
)
   
(959
)
   Net postretirement (credit) cost
 
$
(117
)
 
$
(128
)
 
$
(351
)
 
$
(383
)
                                 
   Combined net pension and postretirement (credit) cost
 
$
(148
)
 
$
(203
)
 
$
(445
)
 
$
(616
)

The decrease in the combined net pension and postretirement credit of $55 in the third quarter and $171 for the first nine months of 2016 is primarily due to a lower expected return on assets resulting from a decrease in the value in the plan assets.

We also provide senior- and middle-management employees with nonqualified, unfunded supplemental retirement and savings plans. For the third quarter ended 2016 and 2015, net supplemental pension benefits costs not included in the table above were $23 and $22. For the first nine months of 2016 and 2015, net supplemental pension benefit costs were $70 and $63.

NOTE 6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DISCLOSURE

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

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

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

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

The fair value measurements level of an asset or liability within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our valuation techniques maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
 
14

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)  - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
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, 2015.

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:

 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
 
Amount
 
Value
 
Amount
 
Value
 
Notes and debentures1
$
123,962
   
$
137,894
   
$
124,847
   
$
128,993
 
Bank borrowings
 
4
     
4
     
4
     
4
 
Investment securities
 
2,622
     
2,622
     
2,704
     
2,704
 
1 Includes credit agreement borrowings.
                             

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 available-for-sale securities and derivatives as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

   
September 30, 2016
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Available-for-Sale Securities
                       
   Domestic equities
 
$
1,171
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
1,171
 
   International equities
   
571
     
-
     
-
     
571
 
   Fixed income bonds
   
-
     
611
     
-
     
611
 
Asset Derivatives1
                               
   Interest rate swaps
   
-
     
145
     
-
     
145
 
   Cross-currency swaps
   
-
     
151
     
-
     
151
 
Liability Derivatives1
                               
   Cross-currency swaps
   
-
     
(3,260
)
   
-
     
(3,260
)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments are reflected as "Other assets," "Other noncurrent liabilities" and, for a portion of interest rate swaps, "Other current assets" in our consolidated balance sheets.
 
 
15

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)  - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
   
December 31, 2015
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Available-for-Sale Securities
                       
   Domestic equities
 
$
1,132
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
1,132
 
   International equities
   
569
     
-
     
-
     
569
 
   Fixed income bonds
   
-
     
680
     
-
     
680
 
Asset Derivatives1
                               
   Interest rate swaps
   
-
     
136
     
-
     
136
 
   Cross-currency swaps
   
-
     
556
     
-
     
556
 
   Foreign exchange contracts
   
-
     
3
     
-
     
3
 
Liability Derivatives1
                               
   Cross-currency swaps
   
-
     
(3,466
)
   
-
     
(3,466
)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments are reflected as "Other assets," "Other noncurrent liabilities" and, for a portion of interest rate swaps, "Other current assets" in our consolidated balance sheets.
 

Investment Securities
Our investment securities include equities, fixed income bonds and other securities. A substantial portion of the fair values of our available-for-sale securities was estimated based on quoted market prices. Investments in securities not traded on a national securities exchange are valued using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. Realized gains and losses on securities are included in "Other income (expense) – net" in the consolidated statements of income using the specific identification method. Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, on available-for-sale securities are recorded in accumulated OCI. Unrealized losses that are considered other than temporary are recorded in "Other income (expense) – net" with the corresponding reduction to the carrying basis of the investment. Fixed income investments of $87 have maturities of less than one year, $277 within one to three years, $65 within three to five years and $182 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, no ineffectiveness was measured on interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges.
 
16

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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

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 denominations 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, 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 $59 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, 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 September 30, 2016, we had posted collateral of $2,369 (a deposit asset) and held collateral of $8 (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 September, we would have been required to post additional collateral of $162. If DIRECTV Holdings LLC's credit rating had been downgraded below BBB- (S&P), we would owe an additional $278. At December 31, 2015, we had posted collateral of $2,343 (a deposit asset) and held collateral of $124 (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:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
Interest rate swaps
 
$
7,050
   
$
7,050
 
Cross-currency swaps
   
29,642
     
29,642
 
Foreign exchange contracts
   
-
     
100
 
Total
 
$
36,692
   
$
36,792
 
 
17

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)  - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
Following are the related hedged items affecting our financial position and performance:
 
                         
Effect of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income
                   
Fair Value Hedging Relationships
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
Interest rate swaps (Interest expense):
                       
     Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps
 
$
(54
)
 
$
54
   
$
17
   
$
65
 
     Gain (Loss) on long-term debt
   
54
     
(54
)
   
(17
)
   
(65
)

In addition, the net swap settlements that accrued and settled in the quarter ended September 30 were offset against interest expense.

   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
 
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Cross-currency swaps:
                       
     Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI
 
$
686
   
$
(678
)
 
$
282
   
$
(1,008
)
                                 
Interest rate locks:
                               
     Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(361
)
     Interest income (expense) reclassified from
        accumulated OCI into income
   
(15
)
   
(17
)
   
(44
)
   
(43
)

NOTE 7. ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSITIONS AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS

Acquisitions

DIRECTV  In July 2015, we completed our acquisition of DIRECTV, a leading provider of digital television entertainment services in both the United States and Latin America. For accounting purposes, the transaction was valued at $47,409. Our operating results include the results of DIRECTV following the acquisition date.

The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were 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 are considered Level 3 under the Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure framework, other than long-term debt assumed in the acquisition (see Note 6). The income approach was primarily used to value the intangible assets, consisting of acquired customer relationships, orbital slots and trade names. The income approach estimates fair value for an asset based on the present value of cash flows projected to be generated by the asset. Projected cash flows are discounted at a required rate of return that reflects the relative risk of achieving the cash flows 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 primarily for property, plant 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.

Goodwill was 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.
 
18

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)  - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
The following table summarizes the fair values of the DIRECTV assets acquired and liabilities assumed and related deferred income taxes that existed as of the acquisition date.
 
       
Assets acquired
     
    Cash
 
$
4,797
 
    Accounts receivable
   
2,038
 
    All other current assets
   
1,534
 
    Property, plant and equipment
   
9,320
 
    Intangible assets not subject to amortization
       
       Orbital slots
   
11,946
 
       Trade name
   
1,371
 
    Intangible assets subject to amortization
       
       Customer lists and relationships
   
19,508
 
       Trade name
   
2,915
 
       Other
   
445
 
    Investments and other assets
   
2,375
 
    Goodwill
   
34,619
 
Total assets acquired
   
90,868
 
         
Liabilities assumed
       
    Current liabilities, excluding current portion of long-term debt
   
5,645
 
    Long-term debt
   
20,585
 
    Other noncurrent liabilities
   
16,875
 
Total liabilities assumed
   
43,105
 
Net assets acquired
   
47,763
 
Noncontrolling interest
   
(354
)
Aggregate value of consideration paid
 
$
47,409
 

Purchased goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill was allocated to our Entertainment Group and International segments.

Nextel Mexico  In April 2015, we completed our acquisition of the subsidiaries of NII Holdings Inc., operating its wireless business in Mexico, for $1,875, including approximately $427 of net debt and other adjustments. The subsidiaries offered service under the name Nextel Mexico.

The purchase price allocation of assets acquired was: $376 in licenses, $1,167 in property, plant and equipment, $128 in customer lists and $193 of goodwill. The goodwill was allocated to our International segment.

GSF Telecom  In January 2015, we acquired Mexican wireless company GSF Telecom Holdings, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (GSF Telecom) for $2,500, including net debt of approximately $700. GSF Telecom offered service under both the Iusacell and Unefon brand names in Mexico.

The purchase price allocation of assets acquired was: $735 in licenses, $658 in property, plant and equipment, $378 in customer lists, $26 in trade names and $956 of goodwill. The goodwill was allocated to our International segment.

AWS-3 Auction  In January 2015, we submitted winning bids of $18,189 in the Advanced Wireless Service (AWS)-3 Auction (FCC Auction 97), a portion of which represented spectrum clearing and First Responder Network Authority funding. We provided the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) an initial down payment of $921 in October 2014 and paid the remaining $17,268 in the first quarter of 2015.
 
19

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)  - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
NOTE 8. SALES OF EQUIPMENT INSTALLMENT RECEIVABLES

We offer our customers the option to purchase certain wireless devices in installments over a period of up to 30 months and, in many cases, they have the right to trade in the original equipment for a new device within a set period and have the remaining unpaid balance satisfied. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, gross equipment installment receivables of $5,015 and $5,719 were included on our consolidated balance sheets, of which $3,053 and $3,239 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 transferred the receivables to the Purchasers for cash and additional consideration upon settlement of the receivables, referred to as the deferred purchase price. Under the terms of the agreement, we continue to bill and collect the payments from our customers on behalf of the Purchasers. To date, cash proceeds received, net of remittances (excluding amounts returned as deferred purchase price), were $3,496.

The following table sets forth a summary of equipment installment receivables sold during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
Gross receivables sold
 
$
1,485
   
$
1,601
   
$
5,812
   
$
5,964
 
Net receivables sold1
   
1,336
     
1,431
     
5,263
     
5,367
 
Cash proceeds received
   
891
     
980
     
3,538
     
3,553
 
Deferred purchase price recorded
   
463
     
456
     
1,745
     
1,819
 
1 Receivables net of allowance, imputed interest and trade-in right guarantees.
 

The deferred purchase price is initially recorded at estimated fair value, which is based on remaining installment payments expected to be collected, adjusted by the expected timing and value of device trade-ins, and subsequently carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. 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 are considered Level 3 under the Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure framework (see Note 6).

The following table shows the equipment installment receivables, previously sold to the Purchasers, that we repurchased in exchange for the associated deferred purchase price during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
Fair value of repurchased receivables
 
$
749
   
$
412
   
$
1,281
   
$
412
 
Carrying value of deferred purchase price
   
722
     
314
     
1,261
     
314
 
Gain on repurchases1
 
$
27
   
$
98
   
$
20
   
$
98
 
1 These gains are included in "Selling, general and administrative" in the consolidated statements of income.
 

At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, our deferred purchase price receivable was $3,022 and $2,961, respectively, of which $1,561 and $1,772 is included in "Other current assets" on our consolidated balance sheets, with the remainder in "Other Assets." Our maximum exposure to loss as a result of selling these equipment installment receivables is limited to the amount of our deferred purchase price at any point in time.
 
 
20

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)  - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
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 the cash flows related to the arrangement as operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows because the cash received from the Purchasers upon both the sale of the receivables and the collection of the deferred purchase price is not subject to significant interest rate risk.

NOTE 9. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Pending Acquisition
On October 22, 2016, we announced a merger agreement (Merger Agreement) to acquire Time Warner Inc. (Time Warner) in a 50% cash and 50% stock transaction for $107.50 per share of Time Warner common stock, or approximately $85,400 at the date of the announcement (Merger). Combined with Time Warner's net debt at September 30, 2016, the total transaction value is approximately $108,700. Each share of Time Warner common stock will be exchanged for $53.75 per share in cash and a number of shares (exchange ratio) of AT&T common stock based on the average stock price at the time of closing the Merger. If the average stock price is between (or equal to) $37.411 and $41.349 per share, the exchange ratio will be the quotient of $53.75 divided by the average stock price. If the average stock price is greater than $41.349, the exchange ratio will be 1.300. If the average stock price is less than $37.411, the exchange ratio will be 1.437. Post-transaction, Time Warner shareholders will own between 14.4% and 15.7% of AT&T shares on a fully-diluted basis based on the number of AT&T shares outstanding. The cash portion of the purchase price will be financed with new debt and cash. As further discussed below, we have an 18-month commitment for an unsecured bridge term facility (Bridge Loan) for $40,000.
Time Warner is a leading media and entertainment company whose major businesses encompass an array of the most respected and successful media brands. The deal combines Time Warner's vast library of content and ability to create new premium content that connects with audiences around the world, with our extensive customer relationships, world's largest pay TV subscriber base and leading scale in TV, mobile and broadband distribution.
The Merger Agreement must be adopted by Time Warner shareholders and is subject to review by the U.S. Department of Justice and if certain FCC licenses remain with Time Warner at closing, those are subject to FCC review and approval. It is also a condition to closing that necessary consents from certain public utility commissions and foreign governmental entities must be obtained. The transaction is expected to close before year end 2017. If the Merger is terminated as a result of reaching the termination date (and at that time one or more of the conditions relating to certain regulatory approvals have not been satisfied) or there is a final, non-appealable order preventing the transaction relating to antitrust laws, communications laws, utilities laws or foreign regulatory laws, then under certain circumstances we would be obligated to pay Time Warner $500.

Bridge Loan
On October 22, 2016, in connection with entering into the Merger Agreement, AT&T entered into the Bridge Loan with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A., as lenders.

In the event advances are made under the Bridge Loan, those advances would be used solely to finance a portion of the cash consideration to be paid in the Merger, the refinancing of debt of Time Warner and its subsidiaries and the payment of related fees and expenses. We have not drawn on this facility.

The obligations of the lenders under the Bridge Loan to provide advances will terminate on the earliest of (i) the Termination Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement), (ii) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement without the borrowing of advances under the Bridge Loan and (iii) the termination of the Merger Agreement.
 

21

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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

Advances would bear interest, at the Company's option, either:

at a variable annual rate equal to: (1) the highest of (a) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., (b) 0.5% per annum above the federal funds rate, and (c) the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) rate applicable to dollars for a period of one month plus 1.00%, plus (2) an applicable margin, as set forth in the Bridge Loan (the "Applicable Margin for Base Advances"); or
at a rate equal to: (i) LIBOR (adjusted upwards to reflect any bank reserve costs) for a period of one, two, three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) an applicable margin, as set forth in the Bridge Loan (the "Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances").

The Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances will be equal to 0.750%, 1.000%, 1.125%, 1.250% or 1.500% per annum depending on the Company's unsecured long-term debt ratings. The Applicable Margin for Base Advances will be equal to the greater of (x) 0.00% and (y) the relevant Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances minus 1.00% per annum, depending on the Company's unsecured long-term debt ratings.

The Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances and the Applicable Margin for Base Advances are scheduled to increase by an additional 0.25% on the 90th day after the closing of the Merger and another 0.25% every 90 days thereafter.

The Company will also pay a commitment fee (Commitment Fee) of 0.070%, 0.090%, 0.100%, 0.125% or 0.175% of the commitment amount per annum, depending on the Company's unsecured long-term debt ratings.

The Company is scheduled to pay a duration fee of 0.50%, 0.75% and 1.00% on the amount of advances outstanding as of the 90th, 180th and 270th day after advances are made.

The Bridge Loan contains provisions requiring the reduction of the commitments of the lenders and the prepayment of outstanding advances by the amount of net cash proceeds resulting from the incurrence of certain indebtedness by the Company or its subsidiaries, the issuance of certain capital stock by the Company or its subsidiaries and non-ordinary course sales or dispositions of assets by the Company or its subsidiaries, in each case subject to exceptions set forth in the Bridge Loan.

Advances under the Bridge Loan are conditioned on the absence of a material adverse effect on Time Warner and certain customary events, and repayment of all advances must be made no later than 364 days after the date on which the advances are made.

The Bridge Loan contains covenants that are customary for an issuer with an investment grade senior debt credit rating, as well as a net debt-to-EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other modifications described in the Bridge Loan) financial ratio covenant that the Company will maintain, as of the last day of each fiscal quarter of not more than 3.5-to-1.

The events of default contained in the Bridge Loan are customary for an agreement of this type and such events would result in the acceleration of, or would permit the lenders to accelerate, as applicable, required payments and would increase the Applicable Margin by 2.00% per annum.

Prior to the closing date of the Merger, only a payment or bankruptcy event of default would permit the lenders to terminate their commitments under the Bridge Loan.
 
22

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Dollars in millions except per share and per subscriber amounts
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For ease of reading, AT&T Inc. is referred to as "we," "AT&T" or the "Company" throughout this document, and the names of the particular subsidiaries and affiliates providing the services generally have been omitted. AT&T is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates operate in the communications and digital entertainment services industry. Our subsidiaries and affiliates provide services and equipment that deliver voice, video and broadband services both domestically and internationally. During 2015, we completed our acquisitions of DIRECTV and wireless properties in Mexico, and the following discussion of changes in our operating revenues and expenses is affected by the timing of these acquisitions. In accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), our third-quarter 2015 results include 68 days of DIRECTV-related operations compared with a full quarter in 2016.You should read this discussion in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. A reference to a "Note" in this section refers to the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. In the tables throughout this section, percentage increases and decreases that are not considered meaningful are denoted with a dash. Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation.

Consolidated Results  Our financial results in the third quarter and for the first nine months of 2016 and 2015 are summarized as follows:
   
Third Quarter
   
Nine-Month Period
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
Percent
Change
   
2016
   
2015
   
Percent
Change
 
 
Operating Revenues
                                   
   Service
 
$
37,272
   
$
35,539
     
4.9
%
 
$
111,515
   
$
94,042
     
18.6
%
   Equipment
   
3,618
     
3,552
     
1.9
     
10,430
     
10,640
     
(2.0
)
Total Operating Revenues
   
40,890
     
39,091
     
4.6
     
121,945
     
104,682
     
16.5
 
                                                 
Operating expenses
                                               
   Cost of services and sales
                                               
      Equipment
   
4,455
     
4,501
     
(1.0
)
   
13,090
     
13,400
     
(2.3
)
      Broadcast, programming and
        operations
   
4,909
     
4,081
     
20.3
     
14,239
     
6,351
     
-
 
      Other cost of services
   
9,526
     
9,214
     
3.4
     
28,436
     
27,604
     
3.0
 
   Selling, general and administrative
   
9,013
     
9,107
     
(1.0
)
   
26,363
     
24,535
     
7.5
 
   Depreciation and amortization
   
6,579
     
6,265
     
5.0
     
19,718
     
15,539
     
26.9
 
Total Operating Expenses
   
34,482
     
33,168
     
4.0
     
101,846
     
87,429
     
16.5
 
Operating Income
   
6,408
     
5,923
     
8.2
     
20,099
     
17,253
     
16.5
 
Income Before Income Taxes
   
5,193
     
4,735
     
9.7
     
16,621
     
14,385
     
15.5
 
Net Income
   
3,418
     
3,078
     
11.0
     
10,818
     
9,601
     
12.7
 
Net Income Attributable to AT&T
 
$
3,328
   
$
2,994
     
11.2
%
 
$
10,539
   
$
9,339
     
12.8
%

Overview

Operating revenues increased $1,799, or 4.6%, in the third quarter and $17,263, or 16.5%, for the first nine months of 2016.

Service revenues increased $1,733, or 4.9%, in the third quarter and $17,473, or 18.6%, for the first nine months of 2016. The increases were primarily due to our 2015 acquisition of DIRECTV and increases in IP broadband and fixed strategic business service revenues. These were partially offset by continued declines in our legacy wireline voice and data products and lower wireless revenues resulting from more customers choosing to purchase devices through installment payment agreements, which entitle them to lower monthly service rates under our wireless Mobile Share plans.
 
23

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share and per subscriber amounts
 
Equipment revenues increased $66, or 1.9%, in the third quarter and decreased $210, or 2.0%, for the first nine months of 2016. The increase in the third quarter was primarily due to nonrecurring customer premises equipment contracts within our Business Solutions segment. The decline for the first nine months reflects additional promotional offers and fewer wireless handset sales during 2016, partially offset by the sale of higher priced devices and an increase in customers purchasing devices on installment.

Operating expenses increased $1,314, or 4.0%, in the third quarter and $14,417, or 16.5%, for the first nine months of 2016.

Equipment expenses decreased $46, or 1.0%, in the third quarter and $310, or 2.3%, for the first nine months of 2016. The decreases were primarily driven by lower domestic wireless sales volumes. The decrease for the first nine months was also impacted by promotional offers and vendor incentives, partially offset by increased sales volumes to our international wireless customers.

Broadcast, programming and operations expenses increased $828, or 20.3%, in the third quarter and $7,888 for the first nine months of 2016 due to our acquisition of DIRECTV and higher content costs. These increases were slightly offset by fewer AT&T U-verse® (U-verse) subscribers.

Other cost of services expenses increased $312, or 3.4%, in the third quarter and increased $832, or 3.0%, for the first nine months of 2016. The increase in the third quarter was primarily due to our acquisition of DIRECTV, lower federal Connect America and High Cost Funds' receipts in 2016 and an increase in noncash financing-related costs associated with our pension and postretirement benefits. These increases were partially offset by prior year network rationalization charges, lower net expenses associated with our deferral and amortization of customer fulfillment costs and a decline in network and access charges.

The increase for the first nine months was primarily due to our acquisitions of DIRECTV and Mexican wireless properties. Also contributing to higher expenses were costs associated with Universal Service Fund (USF) fees and financing-related benefit costs. These increases were partially offset by prior year network rationalization charges, lower net expenses associated with fulfillment cost deferrals and a decline in network and access charges.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $94, or 1.0%, in the third quarter and increased $1,828, or 7.5%, for the first nine months of 2016. The decrease in the third quarter was primarily due to lower customer support costs and bad debt reserves related to our wireless operations, partially offset by higher employee separation charges.

The increase for the first nine months was primarily due to our acquisitions in 2015 and increased advertising activity throughout 2016, partially offset by lower wireless commission expenses. The increase for the first nine months was also offset by noncash net gains of $714 on wireless spectrum transactions.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $314, or 5.0%, in the third quarter and $4,179, or 26.9%, for the first nine months of 2016. Amortization expense increased $85, or 7.1%, in the third quarter and $2,510 for the first nine months of 2016 due to the amortization of intangibles from recent acquisitions.

Depreciation expense increased $229, or 4.5%, in the third quarter and $1,669, or 11.8%, for the first nine months of 2016. The increase was primarily due to previously mentioned acquisitions and ongoing capital spending for network upgrades and accelerating depreciation related to the expected year-end 2016 shutdown of our U.S. 2G network.

Operating income increased $485, or 8.2%, in the third quarter and $2,846, or 16.5%, for the first nine months of 2016. Our operating income margin in the third quarter increased from 15.2% in 2015 to 15.7% in 2016, and the first nine months was flat at 16.5% in 2015 and 2016.

Interest expense increased $78, or 6.8%, in the third quarter and $712, or 23.9%, for the first nine months of 2016. The increases were primarily due to higher average debt balances, including debt issued and debt acquired in connection with our acquisition of DIRECTV. The increase for the first nine months was slightly offset by higher capitalized interest resulting from the spectrum acquired in the Advanced Wireless Service (AWS)-3 Auction (see Note 7).
 
24

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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

Equity in net income of affiliates increased $1, or 6.7%, in the third quarter and $9, or 18.8%, for the first nine months of 2016. Equity in net income of affiliates is primarily attributable to the results from our investments in the Game Show Network, SKY Mexico, YP Holdings LLC and Otter Media Holdings.

Other income (expense) – net We had other expense of $7 in the third quarter and other income of $154 for the first nine months of 2016, compared to other expense of $57 in the third quarter and other income of $61 for the first nine months of 2015. Results in the third quarter and for the first nine months of 2016 included net gains on the sale of non-strategic assets and investments of $3 and $88 and interest and dividend income of $24 and $91.

Other income (expense) in the third quarter and for the first nine months of 2015 included net (losses) gains on the sale of non-strategic assets and investments of $(4) and $46, interest and dividend income of $29 and $74 and foreign exchange losses of $73 and $68.

Income taxes increased $118, or 7.1%, in the third quarter and $1,019, or 21.3%, for the first nine months of 2016. Our effective tax rate was 34.2% for the third quarter and 34.9% for the first nine months of 2016, as compared to 35.0% for the third quarter and 33.3% for the first nine months of 2015. The increases in income tax expense for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2016 were primarily due to higher income before income taxes in 2016. In 2015, we recognized tax benefits related to the restructuring of a portion of our Business Solutions segment, which contributed to lower tax expense and a lower effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2015.
 
25

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share and per subscriber amounts
 
Selected Financial and Operating Data
           
   
September 30,
 
Subscribers and connections in (000s)
 
2016
   
2015
 
Domestic wireless subscribers
   
133,338
     
126,406
 
Mexican wireless subscribers
   
10,698
     
8,091
 
North American wireless subscribers
   
144,036
     
134,497
 
                 
North American branded subscribers
   
100,821
     
95,305
 
North American branded net additions
   
3,881
     
1,405
 
                 
Domestic satellite video subscribers
   
20,777
     
19,570
 
U-verse video subscribers
   
4,544
     
5,880
 
Latin America satellite video subscribers1
   
12,476
     
12,544
 
Total video subscribers
   
37,797
     
37,994
 
                 
Total domestic broadband connections
   
15,618
     
15,832
 
                 
Network access lines in service
   
14,603
     
17,352
 
U-verse VoIP connections
   
5,707
     
5,443
 
                 
Debt ratio2
   
50.1
%
   
50.8
%
Net Debt ratio3
   
47.8
%
   
48.3
%
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges4
   
3.91
     
3.85
 
Number of AT&T employees
   
273,140
     
281,240
 
1 Excludes subscribers of our International segment equity investments in SKY Mexico, in which we own a 41% stake. At June 30, 2016, SKY Mexico had 7.8 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 deriving 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 operating segment results presented in Note 4 and discussed below for each segment follow our internal management reporting. We analyze our operating 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 affiliate for investments managed within each operating segment. We have four reportable segments: (1) Business Solutions, (2) Entertainment Group, (3) Consumer Mobility and (4) International.

We also evaluate segment performance based on Segment Contribution, excluding equity in net income (loss) of affiliates and depreciation and amortization, which we refer to as EBITDA and/or EBITDA margin. 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.
 

26

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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

The Business Solutions segment provides services to business customers, including multinational companies; governmental and wholesale customers; and individual subscribers who purchase wireless services through employer-sponsored plans. We provide advanced IP-based services including Virtual Private Networks (VPN); Ethernet-related products and broadband, collectively referred to as strategic business services; as well as traditional data and voice products. We utilize our wireless and wired networks (referred to as "wired" or "wireline") to 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 U.S. or in U.S. territories. We utilize our copper and IP-based wired network and/or our satellite technology.

The Consumer Mobility segment provides nationwide wireless service to consumers and wholesale and resale wireless subscribers located in the U.S. or in U.S. territories. We utilize our U.S. wireless network to provide voice and data services, including high-speed internet, video, and home monitoring services.

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 wireless 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.

Our operating assets are utilized by multiple segments and consist of our wireless and wired networks as well as an international satellite fleet. We manage our assets to provide for the most efficient, effective and integrated service to our customers, not by operating segment, and therefore asset information and capital expenditures by operating segment are not presented. Depreciation is allocated based on network usage or asset utilization by segment.

We discuss capital expenditures in "Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
27

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share and per subscriber amounts
 
Business Solutions
                                   
Segment Results
                                   
   
Third Quarter
   
Nine-Month Period
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
Percent
Change
   
2016
   
2015
   
Percent
Change
 
 
Segment operating revenues
                                   
     Wireless service
 
$
8,049
   
$
7,732
     
4.1
%
 
$
23,867
   
$
23,003
     
3.8
%
     Fixed strategic services
   
2,888
     
2,646
     
9.1
     
8,447
     
7,745
     
9.1
 
     Legacy voice and data services
   
4,046
     
4,616
     
(12.3
)
   
12,567
     
14,081
     
(10.8
)
     Other service and equipment
   
908
     
885
     
2.6
     
2,652
     
2,585
     
2.6
 
     Wireless equipment
   
1,876
     
1,813
     
3.5
     
5,422
     
5,499
     
(1.4
)
Total Segment Operating Revenues
   
17,767
     
17,692
     
0.4
     
52,955
     
52,913
     
0.1
 
                                                 
Segment operating expenses
                                               
     Operations and support
   
10,925
     
10,921
     
-
     
32,584
     
32,966
     
(1.2
)
     Depreciation and amortization
   
2,539
     
2,474
     
2.6
     
7,568
     
7,276
     
4.0
 
Total Segment Operating Expenses
   
13,464
     
13,395
     
0.5
     
40,152
     
40,242
     
(0.2
)
Segment Operating Income
   
4,303
     
4,297
     
0.1
     
12,803
     
12,671
     
1.0
 
Equity in Net Income of Affiliates
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Segment Contribution
 
$
4,303
   
$
4,297
     
0.1
%
 
$
12,803
   
$
12,671
     
1.0
%

The following table highlights other key measures of performance for the Business Solutions segment:

   
September 30,
   
Percent
 
(in 000s)
 
2016
   
2015
   
Change
 
Business Wireless Subscribers
                 
   Postpaid/Branded
   
50,014
     
47,414
     
5.5
%
   Reseller
   
58
     
83
     
(30.1
)
   Connected devices1
   
29,355
     
24,064
     
22.0
 
Total Business Wireless Subscribers
   
79,427
     
71,561
     
11.0
 
                         
Business IP Broadband Connections
   
963
     
891
     
8.1
%
Includes data-centric devices such as session-based tablets, monitoring devices and automobile systems. Excludes postpaid tablets.
 
 
 
28

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share and per subscriber amounts
 
   
Third Quarter
   
Nine-Month Period
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
Percent
   
2016
   
2015
 
Percent
 
(in 000s)
Change
 
Change
 
                                 
Business Wireless Net Additions1,4
                               
   Postpaid/Branded
   
191
     
265
     
(27.9
)%
   
509
     
850
     
(40.1
)%
   Reseller
   
1
     
8
     
(87.5
)
   
(34
)
   
14
     
-
 
   Connected devices2
   
1,290
     
1,602
     
(19.5
)
   
4,067
     
4,104
     
(0.9
)
Business Wireless Net Subscriber Additions
   
1,482
     
1,875
     
(21.0
)
   
4,542
     
4,968
     
(8.6
)
                                                 
Business Wireless Postpaid Churn1, 3, 4
   
0.97%
 
   
1.05%
 
(8) BP
     
0.97%
 
   
0.95%
 
2 BP
 
                                                 
Business IP Broadband Net Additions
   
15
     
20
     
(25.0
)%
   
52
     
70
     
(25.7
)%
1 Excludes migrations between AT&T segments and/or subscriber categories and acquisition-related additions during the period.  
2 Includes data-centric devices such as session-based tablets, monitoring devices and automobile systems. Excludes postpaid tablets.  
3 Calculated by dividing the aggregate number of wireless subscribers who canceled service during a period divided by the total number of wireless subscribers at the beginning of that period. The churn rate for the period is equal to the average of the churn rate for each month of that period.  
4 Includes the impacts of the expected shutdown of our U.S. 2G network.  

Operating Revenues increased $75, or 0.4%, in the third quarter and $42, or 0.1%, for the first nine months of 2016. Revenue growth was driven by wireless service revenues and increased fixed strategic services. These increases were partially offset by continued declines in our legacy voice and data services revenues.

Wireless service revenues increased $317, or 4.1%, in the third quarter and $864, or 3.8%, for the first nine months of 2016. The revenue increase is primarily due to customer migrations from our Consumer Mobility segment and reflects smartphone and tablet gains.

At September 30, 2016, we served 79.4 million subscribers, an increase of 11.0% from the prior year. Postpaid subscribers increased 5.5% from the prior year reflecting the addition of new customers as well as migrations from our Consumer Mobility segment, partially offset by continuing competitive pressures in the industry. Connected devices, which have lower average revenue per average subscriber (ARPU) and churn, increased 22.0% from the prior year reflecting growth in connected cars and business customers using tracking, monitoring and other sensor-embedded devices on their equipment.

The effective management of subscriber churn is critical to our ability to maximize revenue growth and to maintain and improve margins. Total churn could be negatively impacted in the future by the loss of 2G postpaid subscribers and connected devices on our 2G network. In the third quarter, business wireless postpaid churn decreased to 0.97% in 2016 from 1.05% in 2015, including 2 basis points of pressure related to the 2G network shutdown, and for the first nine months increased to 0.97% in 2016 from 0.95% in 2015, including 3 basis points of pressure related to the 2G network shutdown.

Fixed strategic services revenues increased $242, or 9.1%, in the third quarter and $702, or 9.1%, for the first nine months of 2016. Our revenues, which were negatively impacted by foreign exchange rates, increased in the third quarter and for the first nine months of 2016 due to: AT&T Dedicated Internet (formally known as Ethernet access to Managed Internet Services) of $58 and $173, Ethernet of $45 and $144, U-verse services of $42 and $132, and VPN of $32 and $88.

Legacy wired voice and data service revenues decreased $570, or 12.3%, in the third quarter and $1,514, or 10.8%, for the first nine months of 2016. Traditional data revenues in the third quarter and for the first nine months of 2016 decreased $336 and $895 and long-distance and local voice revenues decreased $224 and $600. The decreases were primarily due to lower demand, as customers continue to shift to our more advanced IP-based offerings or to competitors, and the sale of certain hosting operations.
 
29

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share and per subscriber amounts
 
Other service and equipment revenues increased $23, or 2.6%, in the third quarter and $67, or 2.6%, for the first nine months of 2016. Other service revenues include project-based revenue, which is nonrecurring in nature, as well as revenues from other managed services, outsourcing, government professional service and customer premises equipment.

Wireless equipment revenues increased $63, or 3.5%, in the third quarter and decreased $77, or 1.4%, for the first nine months of 2016. The increase in the third quarter was primarily due to an increase in purchases of devices on installment payment agreements rather than the device subsidy model partially offset by a decrease in handsets sold to postpaid customers. Additionally, fewer customers upgraded their handsets during the period. The decrease for the first nine months resulted from a decrease in handsets sold to postpaid customers and increased promotional offers. The nine-month decrease was partially offset by an increase in purchases of devices on installment payment agreements rather than the device subsidy model.

Operations and support expenses increased $4 in the third quarter and decreased $382, or 1.2%, for the first nine months of 2016. Operations and support expenses consist of costs incurred to provide our products and services, including costs of operating and maintaining our networks and personnel costs, such as compensation and benefits.

The third quarter increase was primarily due to lower Connect America and High Cost Funds' receipts in 2016, wireless handset insurance claims due to an increase in the volume and cost of replacement phones, and wireless equipment expense. Offsetting these increases were lower employee-related costs, amortization of customer fulfillment costs (see Note 1), declines in access and advertising costs, as well as the sale of certain hosting operations.

The decrease for the first nine months was primarily due to declines of $115 in wireless equipment and $223 in wireless commissions costs, primarily reflecting a decrease in sales volumes. Also contributing to the decrease were lower employee-related costs and amortization of customer fulfillment costs, as well as the sale of certain hosting operations. Partially offsetting these decreases were higher wireless handset insurance claims due to an increase in the volume and cost of replacement phones, USF fees, advertising expenses, and bad debt expense driven by a higher AT&T NextSM (AT&T Next) subscriber base.

Depreciation expense increased $65, or 2.6%, in the third quarter and $292, or 4.0%, for the first nine months of 2016. The increases were primarily due to ongoing capital spending for network upgrades and expansion and accelerating depreciation related to the expected year-end 2016 shutdown of our U.S. 2G network, partially offset by fully depreciated assets.

Operating income increased $6, or 0.1%, in the third quarter and $132, or 1.0%, for the first nine months of 2016. Our Business Solutions segment operating income margin in the third quarter decreased from 24.3% in 2015 to 24.2% in 2016, and for the first nine months increased from 23.9% in 2015 to 24.2%. Our Business Solutions EBITDA margin in the third quarter increased from 38.3% in 2015 to 38.5% in 2016, and for the first nine months increased from 37.7% in 2015 to 38.5% in 2016.
 
30

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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

Entertainment Group
 
Segment Results
                                   
   
Third Quarter
   
Nine-Month Period
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
Percent
Change
   
2016
   
2015
   
Percent
Change
 
 
Segment operating revenues
                                   
     Video entertainment
 
$
9,026
   
$
7,162 
     
26.0
%
 
$
26,893
   
$
11,024 
     
-
%
     High-speed internet
   
1,892
     
1,685 
     
12.3
     
5,562
     
4,861 
     
14.4
 
     Legacy voice and data services
   
1,168
     
1,419 
     
(17.7
)
   
3,725
     
4,547 
     
(18.1
)
     Other service and equipment
   
634
     
592 
     
7.1
     
1,909
     
1,868 
     
2.2
 
Total Segment Operating Revenues
   
12,720
     
10,858 
     
17.1
     
38,089
     
22,300 
     
70.8
 
                                                 
Segment operating expenses
                                               
     Operations and support
   
9,728
     
8,450 
     
15.1
     
28,875
     
18,222 
     
58.5
 
     Depreciation and amortization
   
1,504
     
1,389 
     
8.3
     
4,481
     
3,519 
     
27.3
 
Total Segment Operating Expenses
   
11,232
     
9,839 
     
14.2
     
33,356
     
21,741 
     
53.4
 
Segment Operating Income
   
1,488
     
1,019 
     
46.0
     
4,733
     
559 
     
-
 
Equity in Net Income (Loss)
   of Affiliates
   
-
     
     
-
     
1
     
(16)
 
   
-
 
Segment Contribution
 
$
1,488
   
$
1,021 
     
45.7
%
 
$
4,734
   
$
543 
     
-
%

The following tables highlight other key measures of performance for the Entertainment Group segment:

   
September 30,
    Percent  
(in 000s)
 
2016
   
2015
   
Change
 
Video Connections
                 
   Satellite
   
20,777
     
19,570
     
6.2
 %
   U-verse
   
4,515
     
5,854
     
(22.9
)
Total Video Connections
   
25,292
     
25,424
     
(0.5
)
                         
Broadband Connections
                       
   IP
   
12,752
     
12,185
     
4.7
 
   DSL
   
1,424
     
2,137
     
(33.4
)
Total Broadband Connections
   
14,176
     
14,322
     
(1.0
)
                         
Retail Consumer Switched Access Lines
   
6,155
     
7,675
     
(19.8
)
U-verse Consumer VoIP Connections
   
5,378
     
5,216
     
3.1
 
Total Retail Consumer Voice Connections
   
11,533
     
12,891
     
(10.5
)%
 
 
31

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share and per subscriber amounts
 
   
Third Quarter
   
Nine-Month Period
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
Percent
Change
   
2016
   
2015
   
Percent
Change
 
(in 000s)
Video Net Additions
                                   
   Satellite1
   
323
     
26 
     
-
%
   
993
     
26 
     
-
%
   U-verse
   
(326
)
   
(92)
 
   
-
     
(1,099
)
   
(66)
 
   
-
 
Net Video Additions
   
(3
)
   
(66)
 
   
95.5
     
(106
)
   
(40)
 
   
-
 
                                                 
Broadband Net Additions
                                               
   IP
   
156
     
172 
     
(9.3
)
   
396
     
802 
     
(50.6
)
   DSL
   
(161
)
   
(278)
 
   
42.1
     
(506
)
   
(922)
 
   
45.1
 
Net Broadband Additions
   
(5
)
   
(106)
 
   
95.3
%
   
(110
)
   
(120)
 
   
8.3
%
Excludes acquisition-related additions during the period. 

Operating revenues increased $1,862, or 17.1%, in the third quarter and $15,789, or 70.8%, for the first nine months of 2016, largely due to our acquisition of DIRECTV in the third quarter of 2015. Also contributing to the increases was continued growth in consumer IP broadband, which offset lower revenues from legacy voice and data products.

As consumers continue to demand more mobile access to video, we have launched streaming access to our subscribers, including mobile access for existing satellite and U-verse subscribers. We also have created an option for customers to access most video programming on a mobile device while awaiting home installation of their video service ("walk out and watch"). At September 30, 2016, we had approximately 100,000 "walk out and watch" individuals and approximately 70% of such individuals complete the installation process and become subscribers. In the fourth quarter, we will launch our newest video streaming option that does not require either satellite or U-verse service (commonly called "Over the Top" service).

Video entertainment revenues increased $1,864, or 26.0%, in the third quarter and $15,869 for the first nine months of 2016, primarily related to our acquisition of DIRECTV. We are now focusing our sales efforts on satellite service as there are lower content costs for satellite subscribers. U-verse video revenue was lower in the third quarter and the first nine months of 2016, primarily due to a 22.9% decrease in U-verse video connections, when compared to 2015. At September 30, 2016, more than 80% of our video subscribers were on the DIRECTV platform.

High-speed internet revenues increased $207, or 12.3%, in the third quarter and $701, or 14.4%, for the first nine months of 2016. When compared to 2015, IP broadband subscribers increased 4.7%, to 12.8 million subscribers at September 30, 2016; however, third quarter and year-to-date net additions were lower due to fewer U-verse sales promotions in the year. The churn of video customers also contributed to lower net additions, as a portion of these video subscribers also chose to disconnect their IP broadband service.

Legacy voice and data service revenues decreased $251, or 17.7%, in the third quarter and $822, or 18.1%, for the first nine months of 2016. For the period ended September 30, 2016, legacy voice and data services represented approximately 10% of our total Entertainment Group revenue compared to 13% at September 30, 2015, and reflect decreases of $149 and $489 in local voice and long-distance, and $102 and $333 in traditional data revenues. The decreases reflect the continued migration of customers to our more advanced IP-based offerings or to competitors. At September 30, 2016, approximately 10% of our broadband connections were DSL compared to nearly 15% at September 30, 2015.

Operations and support expenses increased $1,278, or 15.1%, in the third quarter and $10,653, or 58.5%, for the first nine months of 2016. 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, as well as personnel charges for compensation and benefits.

Increased expenses were primarily due to our acquisition of DIRECTV, which increased our third quarter and year-to-date Entertainment Group expenses by $1,457 and $11,380. The DIRECTV related third quarter and year-to-date increases were primarily due to the recognition of additional content costs for satellite subscribers, customer support and service related charges and advertising expenses. Partially offsetting these increases were lower employee charges resulting from ongoing workforce reductions and our focus on cost initiatives.
 
 
32

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share and per subscriber amounts
 
In the fourth quarter, margins will be pressured by a full quarter of NFL Sunday Ticket costs, annual content cost increases and start-up costs for DIRECTV NOW.

Depreciation expenses increased $115, or 8.3%, in the third quarter and $962, or 27.3%, for the first nine months of 2016. The increases were primarily due to our acquisition of DIRECTV and ongoing capital spending for network upgrades and expansion, partially offset by fully depreciated assets.

Operating income increased $469, or 46.0%, in the third quarter and $4,174 for the first nine months of 2016. Our Entertainment Group segment operating income margin in the third quarter increased from 9.4% in 2015 to 11.7% in 2016, and for the first nine months increased from 2.5% in 2015 to 12.4% in 2016. Our Entertainment Group segment EBITDA margin in the third quarter increased from 22.2% in 2015 to 23.5% in 2016, and the first nine months increased from 18.3% in 2015 to 24.2% in 2016.

Consumer Mobility
                                   
Segment Results
                                   
   
Third Quarter
   
Nine-Month Period
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
Percent
Change
   
2016
   
2015
   
Percent
Change
 
 
Segment operating revenues
                                   
     Service
 
$
6,914
   
$
7,363
     
(6.1
)%
 
$
20,805
   
$
22,019
     
(5.5
)%
     Equipment
   
1,353
     
1,421
     
(4.8
)
   
3,976
     
4,298
     
(7.5
)
Total Segment Operating Revenues
   
8,267
     
8,784
     
(5.9
)
   
24,781
     
26,317
     
(5.8
)
                                                 
Segment operating expenses
                                               
     Operations and support
   
4,751
     
5,065
     
(6.2
)
   
14,343
     
15,808
     
(9.3
)
     Depreciation and amortization
   
944
     
976
     
(3.3
)
   
2,798
     
2,912
     
(3.9
)
Total Segment Operating Expenses
   
5,695
     
6,041
     
(5.7
)
   
17,141
     
18,720
     
(8.4
)
Segment Operating Income
   
2,572
     
2,743
     
(6.2
)
   
7,640
     
7,597
     
0.6
 
Equity in Net Income of Affiliates
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Segment Contribution
 
$
2,572
   
$
2,743
     
(6.2
)%
 
$
7,640
   
$
7,597
     
0.6
 %

The following table highlights other key measures of performance for the Consumer Mobility segment:
 
                   
   
September 30,
   
Percent
 
(in 000s)
 
2016
   
2015
   
Change
 
Consumer Mobility Subscribers
                 
   Postpaid
   
27,374
     
29,257
     
(6.4
)%
   Prepaid
   
13,035
     
10,988
     
18.6
 
Branded
   
40,409
     
40,245
     
0.4
 
Reseller
   
12,566
     
13,647
     
(7.9
)
Connected devices1
   
936
     
953
     
(1.8
)
Total Consumer Mobility Subscribers
   
53,911
     
54,845
     
(1.7
)%
Includes data-centric devices such as session-based tablets, monitoring devices and automobile systems. Excludes postpaid tablets.
 
 
 
33

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share and per subscriber amounts
 
   
Third Quarter
   
Nine-Month Period
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
Percent
Change
   
2016
   
2015
 
Percent
Change
 
(in 000s)
Consumer Mobility Net Additions1, 4
                               
Postpaid
   
21
     
23 
     
(8.7
)%
   
89
     
289 
     
(69.2
)%
Prepaid
   
304
     
466 
     
(34.8
)
   
1,169
     
895 
     
30.6
 
Branded Net Additions
   
325
     
489 
     
(33.5
)
   
1,258
     
1,184 
     
6.3
 
Reseller
   
(316
)
   
149 
     
-
     
(1,140
)
   
(218)
 
   
-
 
Connected devices2
   
41
     
     
-
     
14
     
(109)
 
   
-
 
Consumer Mobility Net Subscriber
  Additions
   
50
     
638 
     
(92.2
)%
   
132
     
857 
     
(84.6
)%
                                                 
Total Churn1, 3, 4
   
2.11%
 
   
1.90%
 
21 BP
     
2.06%
 
   
1.93%
 
13 BP
 
Postpaid Churn1, 3, 4
   
1.19%
 
   
1.33%
 
(14) BP
     
1.17%
 
   
1.23%
 
(6) BP
 
1 Excludes migrations between AT&T segments and/or subscriber categories and acquisition-related additions during the period.  
2 Includes data-centric devices such as session-based tablets, monitoring devices and automobile systems. Excludes postpaid tablets.
 
3 Calculated by dividing the aggregate number of wireless subscribers who canceled service during a period divided by the total number of wireless subscribers at the beginning of that period. The churn rate for the period is equal to the average of the churn rate for each month of that period. 
4 Includes the impacts of the expected shutdown of our U.S. 2G network.  

Operating Revenues decreased $517, or 5.9%, in the third quarter and $1,536, or 5.8%, for the first nine months of 2016. Decreased revenues reflect declines in postpaid service revenues due to customers choosing Mobile Share plans and migrating to our Business Solutions segment, partially offset by higher prepaid service revenues. Our business wireless offerings allow for individual subscribers to purchase wireless services through employer-sponsored plans for a reduced price. The migration of these subscribers to the Business Solutions segment negatively impacted our consumer postpaid subscriber total and service revenue growth.

Service revenue decreased $449, or 6.1%, in the third quarter and $1,214, or 5.5%, for the first nine months of 2016. The decreases were largely due to postpaid customers continuing to shift to no-device-subsidy plans that allow for discounted monthly service charges under our Mobile Share plans, and the migration of subscribers to Business Solutions. Revenues from postpaid customers declined $632, or 11.4%, in the third quarter and $1,775, or 10.6%, for the first nine months. Without the migration of customers to Business Solutions, postpaid wireless revenues would have decreased approximately 6.8% and 5.7%, respectively. The decreases were partially offset by higher prepaid service revenues of $250 in the third quarter and $703 for the first nine months and include services sold under the Cricket brand.

Equipment revenue decreased $68, or 4.8%, in the third quarter and $322, or 7.5%, for the first nine months of 2016. The decreases in equipment revenues resulted from lower handset volumes and increased promotional activities, partially offset by the sale of higher priced devices and increases in devices purchased on installment payment agreements rather than the device subsidy model. We had fewer customers upgrading their handsets and more new customers bringing their own devices.

Operations and support expenses decreased $314, or 6.2%, in the third quarter and $1,465, or 9.3%, for the first nine months of 2016. 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.
 

34

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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

Decreased operations and support expenses in the third quarter were primarily due to the following:
·
Equipment costs decreased $110 primarily due to lower handset volumes partially offset by the sale of higher priced devices.
·
Bad debt expense decreased $70 primarily due to fewer expected write-offs.
·
Marketing and advertising costs decreased $51 due to lower media and production costs.
·
Network costs decreased $29 primarily due to lower interconnect costs resulting from our ongoing network transition to more efficient Ethernet/IP-based technologies.

Decreased operations and support expenses for the first nine months were primarily due to the following:
·
Equipment costs decreased $453 primarily due to lower handset volumes partially offset by the sale of higher priced devices.
·
Selling and commission expenses decreased $299 primarily due to lower sales volumes and lower average commission rates, including those paid under the AT&T Next program, combined with fewer upgrade transactions.
·
Network costs decreased $225 primarily due to lower interconnect costs resulting from our ongoing network transition to more efficient Ethernet/IP-based technologies.
·
Customer service costs decreased $107 primarily due to reduced salaries and benefits and lower vendor and professional services from reduced call volumes.
·
Bad debt expense decreased $101 primarily due to fewer expected write-offs.

Depreciation expense decreased $32, or 3.3%, in the third quarter and $114, or 3.9% for the first nine months of 2016. The decrease was primarily due to fully depreciated assets, partially offset by ongoing capital spending for network upgrades and expansion and accelerating depreciation related to the expected year-end 2016 shutdown of our U.S. 2G network.

Operating income decreased $171, or 6.2%, in the third quarter and increased $43, or 0.6%, for the first nine months of 2016. Our Consumer Mobility segment operating income margin in the third quarter decreased from 31.2% in 2015 to 31.1% in 2016, and for the first nine months increased from 28.9% in 2015 to 30.8% in 2016. Our Consumer Mobility EBITDA margin in the third quarter increased from 42.3% in 2015 to 42.5% in 2016, and for the first nine months increased from 39.9% in 2015 to 42.1% in 2016.

International
                                   
Segment Results
                                   
   
Third Quarter
   
Nine-Month Period
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
Percent
Change
   
2016
   
2015
   
Percent
Change
 
Segment operating revenues
                                   
     Video entertainment
 
$
1,297
   
$
945 
     
37.2
%
 
$
3,649
   
$
945 
     
-
 %
     Wireless
   
484
     
494 
     
(2.0
)
   
1,428
     
1,153 
     
23.9
 
     Equipment
   
98
     
87 
     
12.6
     
297
     
155 
     
91.6
 
Total Segment Operating Revenues
 
$
1,879
   
$
1,526 
     
23.1
   
$
5,374
   
$
2,253 
     
-
 
                                                 
Segment operating expenses
                                               
     Operations and support
 
$
1,640
   
$
1,384 
     
18.5
   
$
4,951
   
$
2,131 
     
-
 
     Depreciation and amortization
   
293
     
225 
     
30.2
     
868
     
346 
     
-
 
Total Segment Operating Expenses
   
1,933
     
1,609 
     
20.1
     
5,819
     
2,477 
     
-
 
Segment Operating Income (Loss)
   
(54
)
   
(83)
 
   
34.9
     
(445
)
   
(224)
 
   
(98.7
)
Equity in Net Income (Loss)
   of Affiliates
   
1
     
(4)
 
   
-
     
24
     
(4)
 
   
-
 
Segment Contribution
 
$
(53
)
 
$
(87)
 
   
39.1
%
 
$
(421
)
 
$
(228)
 
   
(84.6
)%
 
 
35

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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

The following tables highlight other key measures of performance for the International segment:

   
September 30,
   
Percent
 
(in 000s)
 
2016
   
2015
   
Change
 
Mexican Wireless Subscribers
                 
   Postpaid
   
4,733
     
4,159
     
13.8
 %
   Prepaid
   
5,665
     
3,487
     
62.5
 
Branded
   
10,398
     
7,646
     
36.0
 
Reseller
   
300
     
445
     
(32.6
)
Total Mexican Wireless Subscribers
   
10,698
     
8,091
     
32.2
 
                         
Latin America Satellite Subscribers
                       
   PanAmericana
   
7,139
     
7,006
     
1.9
 
   SKY Brazil
   
5,337
     
5,538
     
(3.6
)
Total Latin America Satellite Subscribers1
   
12,476
     
12,544
     
(0.5
)%
Excludes subscribers of our International segment equity investments in SKY Mexico, in which we own a 41% stake. At June 30, 2016, SKY Mexico had 7.8 million subscribers. 

   
Third Quarter
   
Nine-Month Period
 
(in 000s)
 
2016
   
2015
   
Percent
Change
   
2016
   
2015
   
Percent
Change
 
Mexican Wireless Net Additions
                                   
   Postpaid
   
163
     
15 
     
-
%
   
444
     
47 
     
-
%
   Prepaid
   
606
     
(210)
 
   
-
     
1,670
     
(677)
 
   
-
 
Branded Net Additions
   
769
     
(195)
 
   
-
     
2,114
     
(630)
 
   
-
 
Reseller
   
(26
)
   
(36)
 
   
27.8
     
(100
)
   
(59)
 
   
(69.5
)
Mexican Wireless
   Net Subscriber Additions
   
743
     
(231)
 
   
-
     
2,014
     
(689)
 
   
-
 
                                                 
Latin America Satellite Net Additions
                                               
   PanAmericana
   
(36
)
   
16 
     
-
     
73
     
16 
     
-
 
   SKY Brazil
   
(12
)
   
(129)
 
   
90.7
     
(107
)
   
(129)
 
   
17.1
 
Latin America Satellite
   Net Subscriber Additions1
   
(48
)
   
(113)
 
   
57.5
%
   
(34
)
   
(113)
 
   
69.9
%
Excludes subscribers of our International segment equity investments in SKY Mexico, in which we own a 41% stake. At June 30, 2016, SKY Mexico had 7.8 million subscribers and net subscriber additions of 121,000 in the second quarter of 2016. 

Operating Results
Our International segment consists of the Latin American operations acquired in our July 2015 acquisition of DIRECTV as well as the Mexican wireless operations acquired earlier in 2015 (see Note 7). Video entertainment services are provided to primarily residential customers using satellite technology. 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 increased $353, or 23.1%, in the third quarter and $3,121 for the first nine months of 2016. The increase in the third quarter and for the first nine months includes $352, or 37.2%, and $2,704 from video services in Latin America. Mexico wireless revenues increased $1, or 0.2%, in the third quarter and $417, or 31.9%, for the first nine months of 2016, primarily due to an increase in our subscriber base offset by lower ARPU (average revenue per average wireless subscriber).
 
36

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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

Operations and support expenses increased $256, or 18.5%, in the third quarter and $2,820 for the first nine months of 2016. 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 our third-quarter 2016 expenses is partially offset by approximately $70 in settlements and reserve adjustments for interconnect, and operating and payroll taxes from our Mexico wireless operations.

Depreciation expense increased $68, or 30.2%, in the third quarter and $522 for the first nine months of 2016. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of DIRECTV.

Operating income increased $29, or 34.9%, in the third quarter and decreased $221, or 98.7%, for the first nine months of 2016. Our International segment operating income margin in the third quarter increased from (5.4)% in 2015 to (2.9)% in 2016, and for the first nine months increased from (9.9)% in 2015 to (8.3)% in 2016. Our International EBITDA margin in the third quarter increased from 9.3% in 2015 to 12.7% in 2016 and the first nine months increased from 5.4% in 2015 to 7.9% in 2016.

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).

AT&T Mobility Results
                                   
   
Third Quarter
   
Nine-Month Period
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
Percent
 Change
   
2016
   
2015
   
Percent
 Change
 
 
 Operating revenues
                                   
   Service
 
$
14,963
   
$
15,095
     
(0.9
)%
 
$
44,673
   
$
45,022
     
(0.8
)%
   Equipment
   
3,229
     
3,234
     
(0.2
)
   
9,398
     
9,797
     
(4.1
)
Total Operating Revenues
   
18,192
     
18,329
     
(0.7
)
   
54,071
     
54,819
     
(1.4
)
                                                 
 Operating expenses
                                               
   Operations and support
   
10,696
     
10,865
     
(1.6
)
   
31,822
     
33,310
     
(4.5
)
EBITDA
   
7,496
     
7,464
     
0.4
     
22,249
     
21,509
     
3.4
 
   Depreciation and amortization
   
2,107
     
2,046
     
3.0
     
6,244
     
6,082
     
2.7
 
Total Operating Expenses
   
12,803
     
12,911
     
(0.8
)
   
38,066
     
39,392
     
(3.4
)
Operating Income
   
5,389
     
5,418
     
(0.5
)
   
16,005
     
15,427
     
3.7
 
Equity in Net Income of Affiliates
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Operating Contribution
 
$
5,389
   
$
5,418
     
(0.5
)%
 
$
16,005
   
$
15,427
     
3.7
 %
 
37

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share and per subscriber amounts
 
The following tables highlight other key measures of performance for AT&T Mobility:
 
         
             
September 30,
 
Percent
Change
 
(in 000s)
2016
   
2015
 
Wireless Subscribers1
                         
   Postpaid smartphones
               
58,688
     
57,733
     
1.7
%
   Postpaid feature phones and data-centric devices
             
18,700
     
18,938
     
(1.3
)
Postpaid
               
77,388
     
76,671
     
0.9
 
Prepaid
               
13,035
     
10,988
     
18.6
 
Branded
               
90,423
     
87,659
     
3.2
 
Reseller
               
12,624
     
13,729
     
(8.0
)
Connected devices2
               
30,291
     
25,018
     
21.1
 
Total Wireless Subscribers
               
133,338
     
126,406
     
5.5
 
                                     
Branded Smartphones
               
69,752
     
66,233
     
5.3
 
Mobile Share connections
               
57,142
     
59,592
     
(4.1
)
Smartphones under our installment programs at end of period
     
29,382
     
23,487
     
25.1
%
1 Represents 100% of AT&T Mobility wireless subscribers.
 
2 Includes data-centric devices such as session-based tablets, monitoring devices and automobile systems. Excludes postpaid tablets.
 
                               
 
Third Quarter
 
Nine-Month Period
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
Percent
Change
     
2016
     
2015
 
Percent
Change
 
(in 000s)
Wireless Net Additions1, 4
                                       
   Postpaid
   
212
     
289 
     
(26.6
)%
   
598
     
1,140 
     
(47.5
)%
   Prepaid
   
304
     
466 
     
(34.8
)
   
1,169
     
895 
     
30.6
 
Branded Net Additions
   
516
     
755 
     
(31.7
)
   
1,767
     
2,035 
     
(13.2
)
Reseller
   
(315
)
   
156 
     
-
     
(1,174
)
   
(205)
 
   
-
 
Connected devices2
   
1,331
     
1,602 
     
(16.9
)
   
4,081
     
3,995 
     
2.2
 
Wireless Net Subscriber Additions
   
1,532
     
2,513 
     
(39.0
)
   
4,674
     
5,825 
     
(19.8
)
                                                 
Smartphones sold under our installment
   programs during period
   
4,283
     
4,074 
     
5.1
 %
   
12,378
     
11,998 
     
3.2
 %
                                                 
Total Churn3, 4
   
1.45%
 
   
1.33%
 
12 BP
     
1.41%
 
   
1.35%
 
6 BP
 
Branded Churn3, 4
   
1.63%
 
   
1.68%
 
(5) BP
     
1.57%
 
   
1.60%
 
(3) BP
 
Postpaid Churn3, 4
   
1.05%
 
   
1.16%
 
(11) BP
     
1.04%
 
   
1.06%
 
(2) BP
 
1 Excludes acquisition-related additions during the period.  
2 Includes data-centric devices such as session-based tablets, monitoring devices and automobile systems. Excludes postpaid tablets.  
3 Calculated by dividing the aggregate number of wireless subscribers who canceled service during a period divided by the total number of wireless subscribers at the beginning of that period. The churn rate for the period is equal to the average of the churn rate for each month of that period.
 
4 Includes the impacts of the expected shutdown of our U.S. 2G network.  

Operating income decreased $29, or 0.5%, in the third quarter and increased $578, or 3.7%, for the first nine months of 2016. The operating income margin of AT&T Mobility in the third quarter was 29.6% in both 2015 and 2016, and increased for the first nine months from 28.1% in 2015 to 29.6% in 2016. AT&T Mobility's EBITDA margin in the third quarter increased from 40.7% in 2015 to 41.2% in 2016, and increased for the first nine months from 39.2% in 2015 to 41.1% in 2016. AT&T Mobility's EBITDA service margin in the third quarter increased from 49.4% in 2015 to 50.1% in 2016, and increased for the first nine months from 47.8% in 2015 to 49.8% in 2016 (EBITDA service margin is operating income before depreciation and amortization, divided by total service revenues).
 
 
38

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share and per subscriber amounts
 
Subscriber Relationships
As the wireless industry continues to mature, we believe that future wireless growth will increasingly depend on our ability to offer innovative services, plans and devices and a wireless network that has sufficient spectrum and capacity to support these innovations on as broad a geographic basis as possible. To attract and retain subscribers in a maturing market, we have launched a wide variety of plans, including Mobile Share and AT&T Next. Additionally, beginning in the first quarter of 2016, we introduced an integrated offer that allows for unlimited wireless data when combined with our video services, ending the third quarter with more than 6.7 million subscribers on these packages.

The expected year-end 2016 shutdown of our U.S. 2G network is beginning to contribute to higher disconnections and churn of subscribers. We expect that fourth-quarter 2016 churn and net additions could be negatively impacted by the shutdown of this network if these subscribers do not choose to migrate to another device. Our 2G subscribers and connections at September 30 are as follows:
 
   
September 30,
    Percent  
(in 000s)
 
2016
   
2015
   
Change
 
Postpaid (primarily phones)
   
335
     
1,077
     
(68.9
)%
Prepaid
   
210
     
442
     
(52.5
)
Reseller1
   
673
     
3,317
     
(79.7
)
Connected devices 2
   
2,794
     
6,575
     
(57.5
)
Total 2G Subscribers and Connections
   
4,012
     
11,411
     
(64.8
)%
1 Primarily included in our Consumer Mobility segment.  
2 Primarily included in our Business Solutions segment.  

ARPU
Postpaid phone-only ARPU was $59.64 for the third quarter and $59.66 for the first nine months of 2016, compared to $60.81 and $60.68 in 2015. Postpaid phone-only ARPU plus AT&T Next subscriber installment billings increased 1.7% compared to the third quarter of 2015 and 3.1% compared to the first nine months of 2015 due to the continuing growth of the AT&T Next program.

Churn
The effective management of subscriber churn is critical to our ability to maximize revenue growth and to maintain and improve margins. Total churn was higher for the third quarter and first nine months of 2016 and could be negatively impacted in the fourth quarter by the loss of 2G reseller subscribers and connected devices on our 2G network. Loss of 2G subscribers contributed more than 20 basis points of pressure to total churn and 2 basis points to postpaid churn during the quarter. Postpaid churn was lower for the third quarter and first nine months of 2016.

Branded Subscribers
Branded subscribers increased 0.6% when compared to June 30, 2016 and 3.2% when compared to September 30, 2015. These increases included a 3.2% and 18.6% increase in prepaid subscribers and a 0.1% and 0.9% increase in postpaid subscribers, respectively. At September 30, 2016, 90% of our postpaid phone subscriber base used smartphones, compared to 87% at September 30, 2015. 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. Device connections on our Mobile Share plans now represent 74% of our postpaid customer base. Such offerings are intended to encourage existing subscribers to upgrade their current services and/or add connected devices, attract subscribers from other providers and minimize subscriber churn.

During the first quarter of 2016, we discontinued offering subsidized smartphones to most of our customers. Under this no-subsidy model, subscribers must purchase a device on installments under an equipment installment program or choose to bring their own device, with no annual service contract. At September 30, 2016, about 50% of the postpaid smartphone base is on an installment program compared to nearly 41% at September 30, 2015. Of the postpaid smartphone gross adds and upgrades during the third quarter and first nine months of 2016, 94% and 93% were either equipment installment plans or BYOD, compared to 80% and 75% in 2015. While BYOD customers do not generate equipment revenue or expense, the service revenue helps improve our margins. During the third quarter and first nine months of 2016, we added approximately 595,000 and 1,628,000 BYOD customers, compared to 510,000 and 1,157,000 in 2015.
 
39

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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

Our equipment installment purchase programs, including AT&T Next, allow for postpaid subscribers to purchase certain devices in installments over a period of up to 30 months. Additionally, after a specified period of time, AT&T Next subscribers also have the right to trade in the original device for a new device with a new installment plan and have the remaining unpaid balance satisfied. For installment programs, we recognize equipment revenue at the time of the sale for the amount of the customer receivable, net of the fair value of the trade-in right guarantee and imputed interest. A significant percentage of our customers choosing equipment installment programs pay a lower monthly service charge, which results in lower service revenue recorded for these subscribers.

Connected Devices
Connected Devices includes data-centric devices such as session-based tablets, monitoring devices and automobile systems. Connected device subscribers increased 4.6% during the third quarter when compared to June 30, 2016 and 21.1% when compared to September 30, 2015. During the third quarter and first nine months of 2016, we added approximately 1.1 million and 3.5 million "connected" cars through agreements with various carmakers. We believe that these connected car agreements give us the opportunity to create future retail relationships with the car owners.

OTHER BUSINESS MATTERS

Time Warner Inc. Acquisition  On October 22, 2016, we announced a merger agreement (Merger Agreement) to acquire Time Warner Inc. (Time Warner) in a 50% cash and 50% stock transaction for $107.50 per share of Time Warner common stock, or approximately $85,400 at the date of the announcement (Merger). Combined with Time Warner's net debt at September 30, 2016, the total transaction value is approximately $108,700. Each share of Time Warner common stock will be exchanged for $53.75 per share in cash and a number of shares (exchange ratio) of AT&T common stock based on the average stock price at the time of closing the Merger. If the average stock price is between (or equal to) $37.411 and $41.349 per share, the exchange ratio will be the quotient of $53.75 divided by the average stock price. If the average stock price is greater than $41.349, the exchange ratio will be 1.300. If the average stock price is less than $37.411, the exchange ratio will be 1.437. Post-transaction, Time Warner shareholders will own between 14.4% and 15.7% of AT&T shares on a fully-diluted basis based on the number of AT&T shares outstanding. The cash portion of the purchase price will be financed with new debt and cash. We have an 18-month commitment for an unsecured bridge term facility (Bridge Loan) for $40,000.

Time Warner is a leading media and entertainment company whose major businesses encompass an array of the most respected and successful media brands. The deal combines Time Warner's vast library of content and ability to create new premium content that connects with audiences around the world, with our extensive customer relationships, world's largest pay TV subscriber base and leading scale in TV, mobile and broadband distribution.

The Merger Agreement must be adopted by Time Warner shareholders and is subject to review by the U.S. Department of Justice and if certain FCC licenses remain with Time Warner at closing, those are subject to FCC review and approval. It is also a condition to closing that necessary consents from certain public utility commissions and foreign governmental entities must be obtained. The transaction is expected to close before year end 2017. If the Merger is terminated as a result of reaching the termination date (and at that time one or more of the conditions relating to certain regulatory approvals have not been satisfied) or there is a final, non-appealable order preventing the transaction relating to antitrust laws, communications laws, utilities laws or foreign regulatory laws, then under certain circumstances we would be obligated to pay Time Warner $500.

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. On June 24, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint. We vigorously dispute the allegations the complaints have asserted. On August 8, 2016, DIRECTV filed a motion to compel arbitration and the NFL defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. A hearing on both motions is currently scheduled for December 12, 2016.
 
 
40

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share and per subscriber amounts
 
SportsNet LA Litigation  On November 2, 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil antitrust complaint in federal court (Central District of California) against DIRECTV Group Holdings, LLC and AT&T Inc., as successor in interest to DIRECTV, alleging that DIRECTV, in 2014, unlawfully exchanged strategic information with certain competitors in connection with negotiations with SportsNet LA about carrying Los Angeles Dodgers games. The complaint alleges that DIRECTV's conduct violated Section 1 of the Sherman Act. The complaint seeks a declaration that DIRECTV's conduct unlawfully restrained trade and seeks an injunction (1) barring DIRECTV and AT&T from engaging in unlawful information sharing in connection with future negotiations for video programming distribution, (2) requiring DIRECTV and AT&T to monitor relevant communications between their executives and competitors and to periodically report to the Department of Justice, and (3) requiring DIRECTV and AT&T to implement training and compliance programs. The complaint asks that the government be awarded its litigation costs. We vigorously dispute these allegations.
 
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 unspecified 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 are disputing these allegations vigorously.

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 on August 29, 2016, issued its decision reversing the district court and finding that the FTC lacked jurisdiction to proceed with the action. The FTC has asked the Court of Appeals to reconsider the decision. In addition to the FTC case, several class actions have been filed also challenging our MBR program. We vigorously dispute the allegations the complaints have asserted.

In June 2015, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Notice of Apparent Liability and Order (NAL) to AT&T Mobility, LLC concerning our MBR policy that applies to Unlimited Data Plan customers described above. The NAL alleges that we violated the FCC's Open Internet Transparency Rule by using the term "unlimited" in connection with the offerings subject to the MBR policy and by failing adequately to disclose the speed reductions that apply once a customer reaches a specified data threshold. The NAL proposes a forfeiture penalty of $100, and further proposes to order us to correct any misleading and inaccurate statements about our unlimited plans, inform customers of the alleged violation, revise our disclosures to address the alleged violation and inform these customers that they may cancel their plans without penalty after reviewing the revised disclosures. In July 2015, we filed our response to the NAL. We believe that the NAL is unlawful and should be withdrawn, because we have fully complied with the Open Internet Transparency Rule and the FCC has no authority to impose the proposed remedies. The matter is currently pending before the FCC.
 
 
41

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share and per subscriber amounts
 
San Diego County Inquiry Involving Cricket Communications, Inc.  In February 2014, the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District began inquiring into alleged violations of California regulations governing removal, handling and disposal of asbestos containing materials arising from an independent dealer's demolition and construction activity in preparation to install upgraded point of purchase and fixtures in accordance with Cricket dealer guidelines. While the independent dealer was in sole control of contractors performing the work at issue, the County has focused on Cricket Communications dealer agreement terms and interactions with the independent dealer as a basis for asserting direct liability against Cricket Communications, Inc. After discussions, in November 2015, the County issued a penalty demand in excess of one hundred thousand dollars. In October 2016, we reached a monetary settlement with the County of this matter for an immaterial amount.
 
Labor Contracts  A contract covering nearly 16,000 traditional wireline employees in our West region expired in April 2016 and employees are working under the terms of the prior contract, including benefits, while negotiations continue. After expiration of the current agreements, work stoppages or labor disruptions may occur in the absence of new contracts or other agreements being reached.

On August 30, 2016, our U.S. mobility employees ratified a separate national contract that primarily covers medical benefits for approximately 40,000 employees.

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. However, since the Telecom Act was passed, the FCC and some state regulatory commissions have maintained or expanded certain regulatory requirements that were imposed decades ago on our traditional wireline subsidiaries when they operated as legal monopolies. We are pursuing, at both the state and federal levels, additional legislative and regulatory measures to reduce regulatory burdens that are no longer appropriate in a competitive telecommunications market and that inhibit our ability to compete more effectively and offer services wanted and needed by our customers, including initiatives to transition services from traditional networks to all IP-based networks. At the same time, we also seek to ensure that legacy regulations are not further extended to broadband or wireless services, which are subject to vigorous competition.

In February 2015, the FCC released an order reclassifying both fixed and mobile consumer broadband internet access services as telecommunications services, subject to comprehensive regulation under the Telecom Act. The FCC's decision significantly expands the FCC's existing authority to regulate the provision of fixed and mobile broadband internet access services. AT&T and other providers of broadband internet access services challenged the FCC's decision before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. On June 14, 2016, a panel of the Court of Appeals upheld the FCC's rules by a 2-1 vote. On July 29, 2016, AT&T and several of the other parties that challenged the rules filed petitions with the Court of Appeals asking that the case be reheard either by the panel or by the full Court. Those petitions remain pending.

The FCC is expected to release an order adopting new rules that restrict our use of customer information in marketing and advertising. The FCC also is considering proposals that could adversely affect our provision of video services and that would increase regulation and lower prices of certain data services used by businesses, beginning July 2017. We expect to appeal any new requirements that we believe unlawfully restrain our business.

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 U-verse 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 retail services. Regulatory reform and passage of legislation is uncertain and depends on many factors.

 
42

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share and per subscriber amounts
 
We provide wireless services in robustly competitive markets, but are subject to substantial and increasing governmental regulation. Wireless communications providers must obtain licenses from the FCC to provide communications services at specified spectrum frequencies within specified geographic areas and must comply with the FCC rules and policies governing the use of the spectrum. While wireless communications providers' prices and offerings are generally not subject to state regulation, states sometimes attempt to regulate or legislate various aspects of wireless services, such as in the area of consumer protection.
 
The FCC has recognized that the explosive growth of bandwidth-intensive wireless data services requires the U.S. Government to make more spectrum available. In February 2012, Congress set forth specific spectrum blocks to be auctioned and licensed by February 2015 (the "AWS-3 Auction") and also authorized the FCC to conduct an "incentive auction," to make available for wireless broadband use certain spectrum that is currently used by broadcast television licensees (the "600 MHz Auction"). We participated in the AWS-3 Auction. The 600 MHz Auction (Auction 1000) began on March 29, 2016, and the multiple phases of Auction 1000 are expected to progress over the next several months.

We have also submitted a bid to provide a nationwide mobile broadband network for first responders (FirstNet). Should our bid be accepted, the actual reach of the network will depend on participation by the individual States.

In May 2014, in a separate proceeding, 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. In addition, the FCC imposed limits on certain bidders in the 600 MHz Auction, including AT&T, restricting them from bidding on up to 40 percent of the available spectrum in markets that cover as much as 70-80 percent of the U.S. population. On balance, the order and the new spectrum screen should allow AT&T to obtain additional spectrum to meet our customers' needs, but because AT&T uses more "low band" spectrum in its network than some other national carriers, the separate consideration of low band spectrum acquisitions might affect AT&T's ability to expand capacity in these bands (low band spectrum has better propagation characteristics than "high band" spectrum). We seek to ensure that we have the opportunity, through the auction process and otherwise, to obtain the spectrum we need to provide our customers with high-quality service in the future.

As the wireless industry continues to mature, we believe that future wireless growth will increasingly depend on our ability to offer innovative video and data services and a wireless network that has sufficient spectrum and capacity to support these innovations. We continue to face spectrum and capacity constraints on our wireless network in certain markets. We expect such constraints to increase and expand to additional markets in the coming years. While we are continuing to invest significant capital in expanding our network capacity, our capacity constraints could affect the quality of existing voice and data services and our ability to launch new, advanced wireless broadband services, unless we are able to obtain more spectrum. Any long-term spectrum solution will require that the FCC make additional spectrum available to the wireless industry to meet the expanding needs of our subscribers. We will continue to attempt to address spectrum and capacity constraints on a market-by-market basis.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We had $5,895 in cash and cash equivalents available at September 30, 2016. Cash and cash equivalents included cash of $2,460 and money market funds and other cash equivalents of $3,435. Approximately $813 of our cash and cash equivalents resided in foreign jurisdictions, some of which are subject to restrictions on repatriation. Cash and cash equivalents increased $774 since December 31, 2015. In the first nine months of 2016, cash inflows were primarily provided by cash receipts from operations, including cash from our sale and transfer of certain wireless equipment installment receivables to third parties, and long-term debt issuances. These inflows were offset by cash used to meet the needs of the business, including, but not limited to, payment of operating expenses; funding capital expenditures; debt repayments; dividends to stockholders; and the acquisition of wireless spectrum and other operations. We discuss many of these factors in detail below.

 
43

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share and per subscriber amounts
 
Cash Provided by or Used in Operating Activities
During the first nine months of 2016, cash provided by operating activities was $29,202, compared to $26,695 for the first nine months of 2015. Higher operating cash flows in 2016 were primarily due to our acquisition of DIRECTV offset by the timing of working capital payments.
 
Cash Used in or Provided by Investing Activities
For the first nine months of 2016, cash used in investing activities totaled $18,189 and consisted primarily of $15,283 for capital expenditures, excluding interest during construction, and $2,922 for the acquisition of wireless spectrum, Quickplay Media, Inc. and other operations. These expenditures were partially offset by net cash receipts of $501 from the sale of securities.

The majority of our capital expenditures are spent on our wireless and wireline networks, our video services and related support systems. Capital expenditures, excluding interest during construction, increased $1,927 in the first nine months. The increase was primarily due to DIRECTV operations, our wireless network expansion in Mexico, and continued fiber buildout. In connection with capital improvements to our wireless network in Mexico, we also negotiated favorable payment terms (referred to as vendor financing). For the first nine months of 2016, we excluded $225 of vendor financing related to capital investments. We do not report capital expenditures at the segment level.

We continue to expect our 2016 capital investment, which includes our capital expenditures plus vendor financing payments related to our Mexico network, for our existing businesses to be in the $22,000 range, and we expect our capital investment to be in the 15 percent range of service revenues or lower for each of the years 2016 through 2018. The amount of capital investment is influenced by demand for services and products, capacity needs and network enhancements. We are also focused on ensuring merger commitments are met.

Cash Provided by or Used in Financing Activities
For the first nine months of 2016, cash used in financing activities totaled $10,239 and included net proceeds of $10,140 primarily from the following long-term debt issuances:
·
February issuance of $1,250 of 2.800% global notes due 2021.
·
February issuance of $1,500 of 3.600% global notes due 2023.
·
February issuance of $1,750 of 4.125% global notes due 2026.
·
February issuance of $1,500 of 5.650% global notes due 2047.
·
May issuance of $750 of 2.300% global notes due 2019.
·
May issuance of $750 of 2.800% global notes due 2021.
·
May issuance of $1,100 of 3.600% global notes due 2023.
·
May issuance of $900 of 4.125% global notes due 2026.
·
May issuance of $500 of 4.800% global notes due 2044.

During the first nine months of 2016, we redeemed $10,688 of debt, primarily consisting of the following:
·
February redemption of $1,250 of AT&T Floating Rate Notes due 2016.
·
March prepayment of the remaining $1,000 outstanding under a $2,000 18-month credit agreement by and between AT&T and Mizuho.
·
May redemption of $1,750 of 2.950% global notes due 2016.
·
June prepayment of $5,000 of outstanding advances under our $9,155 Syndicated Credit Agreement (See "Credit Facilities" below).
·
August redemption of $1,500 of 2.400% global notes due 2016.

 
44

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share and per subscriber amounts
 
In March 2016, we completed a debt exchange in which $16,049 of DIRECTV notes with stated rates of 1.750% to 6.375% were tendered and accepted in exchange for $16,049 of new AT&T Inc. global notes with stated rates of 1.750% to 6.375% plus a $16 cash payment.

On September 7, 2016, we completed a debt exchange in which $5,615 of notes of AT&T or one or more of its subsidiaries with stated rates of 5.350% to 8.250% were tendered and accepted in exchange for $4,500 of new AT&T Inc. global notes with a stated rate of 4.500% and $2,500 of new AT&T Inc. global notes with a stated rate of 4.550%.

In July 2016, we made a refundable deposit with the FCC for Auction 1000.
 
Our weighted average interest rate of our entire long-term debt portfolio, including the impact of derivatives, was approximately 4.2% as of September 30, 2016, compared to 4.2% as of June 30, 2016, and 4.0% as of December 31, 2015. We had $123,963 of total notes and debentures outstanding at September 30, 2016, which included Euro, British pound sterling, Swiss franc, Brazilian real and Canadian dollar denominated debt of approximately $25,789.

As of September 30, 2016, we had approximately 396 million shares remaining from 2013 and 2014 authorizations from our Board of Directors to repurchase shares of our common stock. During the first nine months of 2016, we repurchased approximately 11 million shares for $444. In 2016, we intend to use free cash flow (operating cash flows less construction and capital expenditures) after dividends primarily to pay down debt.

We paid dividends of $8,850 during the first nine months of 2016, compared with $7,311 for the first nine months of 2015, primarily reflecting the increase in shares outstanding resulting from our acquisition of DIRECTV. Dividends declared by our Board of Directors totaled $0.48 per share in the third quarter and $1.44 per share for the first nine months of 2016 and $0.47 per share in the third quarter and $1.41 per share for the first nine months of 2015. 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. On October 22, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a 2.1% increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.48 to $0.49 per share.

At September 30, 2016, we had $7,982 of debt maturing within one year, $7,468 of which was related to 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. If the zero-coupon note (issued for principal of $500 in 2007) is held to maturity, the redemption amount will be $1,030.

Credit Facilities
On December 11, 2015, we entered into a five-year, $12,000 credit agreement (the "Revolving Credit Agreement") with Citibank, N.A. (Citibank), as administrative agent.

In January 2015, we entered into a $9,155 credit agreement (the "Syndicated Credit Agreement") containing (i) a $6,286 term loan facility (the "Tranche A Facility") and (ii) a $2,869 term loan facility (the "Tranche B Facility"), with certain investment and commercial banks and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. ("Mizuho"), as administrative agent. In March 2015, AT&T borrowed all amounts available under the Tranche A Facility and the Tranche B Facility. Amounts borrowed under the Tranche A Facility will be due on March 2, 2018. Amounts borrowed under the Tranche B Facility will be subject to amortization from March 2, 2018, with 25 percent of the aggregate principal amount thereof being payable prior to March 2, 2020, and all remaining principal amount due on March 2, 2020. In June 2016, we repaid $4,000 of the outstanding debt under the Tranche A Facility and $1,000 of the outstanding debt under the Tranche B Facility. After repayment, the amortization in the Tranche B Facility has been satisfied. As of September 30, 2016, we have $2,286 outstanding under the Tranche A Facility and $1,869 outstanding under the Tranche B Facility and we have complied with all covenants.
 
45

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share and per subscriber amounts
 
On October 22, 2016, in connection with entering into Merger Agreement, AT&T entered into the $40,000 Bridge Loan with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A., as lenders. No amounts will be drawn under the Bridge Loan prior to the consummation of the Merger. In the event advances are made under the Bridge Loan, those advances would be used solely to finance a portion of the cash consideration to be paid in the Merger, the refinancing of debt of Time Warner and its subsidiaries and the payment of related fees and expenses.

Revolving Credit Agreement
In the event advances are made under the Revolving Credit Agreement, those advances would be used for general corporate purposes. Advances are not conditioned on the absence of a material adverse change. All advances must be repaid no later than the date on which lenders are no longer obligated to make any advances under the agreement. We can terminate, in whole or in part, amounts committed by the lenders in excess of any outstanding advances; however, we cannot reinstate any such terminated commitments. We also may request that the total amount of the lender's commitments be increased by an integral multiple of $25 effective on a date that is at least 90 days prior to the scheduled termination date then in effect, provided that no event of default has occurred and in no event shall the total amount of the lender's commitments at any time exceed $14,000. At September 30, 2016, we had no advances outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement and we have complied with all covenants.
 
The obligations of the lenders to provide advances will terminate on December 11, 2020, unless prior to that date either: (i) AT&T reduces to $0 the commitments of the lenders, or (ii) certain events of default occur. We and lenders representing more than 50% of the facility amount may agree to extend their commitments for two one-year periods beyond the December 11, 2020 termination date, under certain circumstances.

Advances under the Revolving Credit Agreement would bear interest, at AT&T's option, either:
·
at a variable annual rate equal to (i) the highest of: (a) the base rate of the bank affiliate of Citibank, N.A. which is serving as administrative agent under the Agreement, (b) 0.50% per annum above the Federal Funds Rate, and (c) the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) applicable to U.S. dollars for a period of one month plus 1.00% per annum, plus (ii) an applicable margin, as set forth in the Revolving Credit Agreement ("Applicable Margin for Base Advances"); or
·
at a rate equal to: (i) LIBOR for a period of one, two, three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) the Applicable Margin ("Applicable Margin for Eurocurrency Rate Advances").

The Applicable Margin for Eurocurrency Rate Advances will equal 0.680%, 0.910%, 1.025% or 1.125% per annum, depending on AT&T's credit rating. The Applicable Margin for Base Rate Advances will be equal to the greater of 0.00% and the relevant Applicable Margin for Eurocurrency Rate Advances minus 1.00% per annum depending on AT&T's credit rating.

We will pay a facility fee of 0.070%, 0.090%, 0.100% or 0.125% per annum, depending on AT&T's credit rating, of the amount of lender commitments.

The Revolving Credit Agreement contains covenants that are customary for an issuer with an investment grade senior debt credit rating, as well as a net debt-to-EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other modifications described in the Revolving Credit Agreement) financial ratio covenant that AT&T will maintain, as of the last day of each fiscal quarter of not more than 3.5-to-1.

The events of default contained in the Revolving Credit Agreement are customary for an agreement of this type and such events would result in the acceleration of, or would permit the lenders to accelerate, as applicable, required payments and would increase the Applicable Margin by 2.00% per annum.

The Syndicated Credit Agreement
Advances bear interest at a rate equal to: (i) the LIBOR for deposits in dollars (adjusted upwards to reflect any bank reserve costs) for a period of three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) the Applicable Margin (each such Advance, a Eurodollar Rate Advance). The Applicable Margin under the Tranche A Facility will equal 1.000%, 1.125% or 1.250% per annum depending on AT&T's credit rating. The Applicable Margin under the Tranche B Facility will equal 1.125%, 1.250% or 1.375% per annum, depending on AT&T's credit rating.

 
46

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share and per subscriber amounts
 
The Syndicated Credit Agreement contains covenants that are customary for an issuer with an investment grade senior debt credit rating, as well as a net debt-to-EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other modifications described in the Syndicated Credit Agreement) financial ratio covenant that AT&T will maintain, as of the last day of each fiscal quarter of not more than 3.5-to-1.

The events of default contained in the Syndicated Credit Agreement are customary for an agreement of this type and such events would result in the acceleration of, or would permit the lenders to accelerate, as applicable, required payments and would increase the Applicable Margin by 2.00% per annum.
 
Bridge Loan
The obligations of the lenders under the Bridge Loan to provide advances will terminate on the earliest of (i) the Termination Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement), (ii) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement without the borrowing of advances under the Bridge Loan and (iii) the termination of the Merger Agreement.

Advances would bear interest, at the Company's option, either:
·
at a variable annual rate equal to: (1) the highest of (a) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., (b) 0.5% per annum above the federal funds rate, and (c) the LIBOR rate applicable to dollars for a period of one month plus 1.00%, plus (2) an applicable margin, as set forth in the Bridge Loan (the "Applicable Margin for Base Advances"); or
·
at a rate equal to: (i) LIBOR (adjusted upwards to reflect any bank reserve costs) for a period of one, two, three or six months, as applicable, plus (ii) an applicable margin, as set forth in the Bridge Loan (the "Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances").

The Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances will be equal to 0.750%, 1.000%, 1.125%, 1.250% or 1.500% per annum depending on the Company's unsecured long-term debt ratings. The Applicable Margin for Base Advances will be equal to the greater of (x) 0.00% and (y) the relevant Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances minus 1.00% per annum, depending on the Company's unsecured long-term debt ratings.

The Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances and the Applicable Margin for Base Advances are scheduled to increase by an additional 0.25% on the 90th day after the closing of the Merger and another 0.25% every 90 days thereafter.

The Company will also pay a commitment fee (Commitment Fee) of 0.070%, 0.090%, 0.100%, 0.125% or 0.175% of the commitment amount per annum, depending on the Company's unsecured long-term debt ratings.

The Company is scheduled to pay a duration fee of 0.50%, 0.75% and 1.00% on the amount of advances outstanding as of the 90th, 180th and 270th day after advances are made.

The Bridge Loan contains provisions requiring the reduction of the commitments of the lenders and the prepayment of outstanding advances by the amount of net cash proceeds resulting from the incurrence of certain indebtedness by the Company or its subsidiaries, the issuance of certain capital stock by the Company or its subsidiaries and non-ordinary course sales or dispositions of assets by the Company or its subsidiaries, in each case subject to exceptions set forth in the Bridge Loan.

Advances under the Bridge Loan are conditioned on the absence of a material adverse effect on Time Warner and certain customary events, and repayment of all advances must be made no later than 364 days after the date on which the advances are made.

The Bridge Loan contains covenants that are customary for an issuer with an investment grade senior debt credit rating, as well as a net debt-to-EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other modifications described in the Bridge Loan) financial ratio covenant that the Company will maintain, as of the last day of each fiscal quarter of not more than 3.5-to-1.


47

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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

The events of default contained in the Bridge Loan are customary for an agreement of this type and such events would result in the acceleration of, or would permit the lenders to accelerate, as applicable, required payments and would increase the Applicable Margin by 2.00% per annum.

Prior to the closing date of the Merger, only a payment or bankruptcy event of default would permit the lenders to terminate their commitments under the Bridge Loan.
 
Collateral Arrangements
During the first nine months of 2016, we posted $141 of additional cash collateral, on a net basis, to banks and other participants in our derivative arrangements. Cash postings under these arrangements vary with changes in credit ratings and netting agreements. (See Note 6)

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 September 30, 2016, our debt ratio was 50.1%, compared to 50.8% at September 30, 2015, and 50.5% at December 31, 2015. Our net debt ratio was 47.8% at September 30, 2016, compared to 48.3% at September 30, 2015, and 48.5% at December 31, 2015. The debt ratio is affected by the same factors that affect total capital, and reflects our recent debt issuances and repayments.

During the first nine months of 2016, we received $3,757 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 pension benefits under our qualified pension plans. The preferred equity interest had a value of $8,630 as of September 30, 2016, and $8,714 as of December 31, 2015, 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 $420 to the trust during the first nine months of 2016. 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. At the time of the contribution of the preferred equity interest, we agreed to annual cash contributions to the trust of $175 no later than the due date for our federal income tax return for each of 2015 and 2016. Both such contributions, totaling $350, were made in the third quarter of 2016.
 
48

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
At September 30, 2016, we had interest rate swaps with a notional value of $7,050 and a fair value of $145.

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 $29,642 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 $(3,109) at September 30, 2016.

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 September 30, 2016. 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 September 30, 2016.
 
49

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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

The following factors could cause our future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements:
·
Adverse economic and/or capital access changes in the markets served by us or in countries in which we have significant investments, including the impact on customer demand and our ability and our suppliers' ability to access financial markets at favorable rates and terms.
·
Changes in available technology and the effects of such changes, including product substitutions and deployment costs.
·
Increases in our benefit plans' costs, including increases due to adverse changes in the United States and foreign securities markets, resulting in worse-than-assumed investment returns and discount rates; adverse changes in mortality assumptions; adverse medical cost trends, and unfavorable or delayed implementation 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; E911 services; competition policy; net neutrality; including the FCC's order reclassifying broadband as Title II services subject to much more fulsome regulation; 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.
·
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) and our ability to maintain capital expenditures.
·
The extent of competition including from governmental networks and other providers and the resulting pressure on customer and access line totals and segment operating margins.
·
Our ability to develop attractive and profitable product/service offerings to offset increasing competition.
·
The ability of our competitors to offer product/service offerings at lower prices due to lower cost structures and regulatory and legislative actions adverse to us, including state regulatory proceedings relating to unbundled network elements and nonregulation of comparable alternative technologies (e.g., VoIP).
·
The continued development and delivery of attractive and profitable video offerings through satellite and U-verse; the extent to which regulatory and build-out requirements apply to our offerings; 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 wireless service and devices and device financing plans.
·
The availability and cost of additional wireless spectrum and regulations and conditions relating to spectrum use, licensing, obtaining additional spectrum, technical standards and deployment and usage, including network management rules.
·
Our ability to manage growth in wireless data services, including network quality and acquisition of adequate spectrum at reasonable costs and terms.
·
The outcome of pending, threatened or potential litigation (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.
·
Our ability to integrate our acquisition of DIRECTV.
·
Our pending acquisition of Time Warner Inc.
·
Our ability to adequately fund our wireless operations, including payment for additional spectrum, network upgrades and technological advancements.
·
Our increased exposure to video competition and foreign economies due to our recent acquisitions of DIRECTV and Mexican wireless properties, including foreign exchange fluctuations as well as regulatory and political uncertainty in Latin America.
·
Changes in our corporate strategies, such as changing network requirements or acquisitions and dispositions, which may require significant amounts of cash or stock, to respond to competition and regulatory, legislative and technological developments.
·
The uncertainty surrounding further congressional action to address spending reductions, which may result in a significant 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.
 
50


AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors

We discuss in our Annual Report on Form 10-K various risks that may materially affect our business. We use this section to update this discussion to reflect material developments since our Form 10-K was filed. The additional Risk Factor below reflects our pending acquisition of Time Warner (See "Other Business Matters").

The impact of our pending acquisition of Time Warner, including our ability to obtain governmental approvals on favorable terms including any required divestitures; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; the risk that the cost savings and any other 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.  

As discussed in Other Business Matters, on October 22, 2016, we agreed to acquire Time Warner for a total transaction value of approximately $108,700 (including Time Warner's net debt). 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. Providing more flexible and integrated services to customers will enable us to compete more effectively against other video providers as well as other technology, media and communications companies. In addition, we believe that the acquisition will result in cost savings, especially in the area of video content costs, and other potential synergies enabling us to expand and enhance our broadband and video options across multiple mobile and fixed devices.

Achieving these results will depend upon obtaining governmental approvals on favorable terms within the time limits contemplated by the parties. Delays in closing, including as a result of delays in obtaining regulatory approval, could divert attention from ongoing operations on the part of management and employees, adversely affecting customers and suppliers and therefore revenues. If such approvals are obtained and the transaction is consummated, then 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. While we have successfully merged large companies into our operations in the past, delays in the process could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, expenses, operating results and financial condition. This acquisition also will increase the amount of debt on our balance sheet (both Time Warner's debt and the indebtedness which may be needed to pay a portion of the purchase price) leading to additional interest expense and, due to additional shares being 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 of 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.
 
51

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
     
                 
(c) A summary of our repurchases of common stock during the third quarter of 2016 is as follows:
 
                 
Period
(a)
 
 
 
 
Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased 1, 2, 3
 
(b)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Price Paid
Per Share (or Unit)
 
(c)
 
 
Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
 Plans or Programs1
 
(d)
 
Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares (or
Units) That May Yet Be
Purchased Under The
Plans or Programs
 
                 
July 1, 2016 -
July 31, 2016
   
       3,143
   
$
-
     
-
     
401,550,000
 
August 1, 2016 -
August 31, 2016
   
6,000,384
     
41.15
     
6,000,000
     
395,550,000
 
September 1, 2016 -
September 30, 2016
   
   624,640
     
-
     
-
     
395,550,000
 
Total
   
6,628,167
   
$
41.15
     
6,000,000
         
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, 3,721 shares were acquired through the withholding of taxes on the vesting of restricted stock or on the exercise price of options.
 
3 Of the shares repurchased, 624,446 shares were acquired through reimbursements from AT&T maintained Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (VEBA) trusts.
 
 
52

 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
 
Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are incorporated by reference as exhibits hereto. Unless otherwise indicated, all exhibits so incorporated are from File No. 1-8610.
   
10-a
AT&T Health Plan
10-b
Agreement between James Cicconi 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
 

53

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.
 

 
 
 
 
November 3, 2016
 
 
AT&T Inc.
 
 
 
/s/ John J. Stephens
John J. Stephens
Senior Executive Vice President
    and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
54