Summary
SBC Communications Inc. (now AT&T Inc.) reported its financial results for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2001. The company saw a decrease in total operating revenues for both periods compared to the prior year, largely influenced by a decline in wireless subscriber revenue and network access revenue. However, operating income showed a modest increase for the quarter, despite a decrease for the six-month period, reflecting effective cost management. Net income saw a healthy increase of 11.9% for the quarter and 6.9% for the six-month period year-over-year, partially aided by an extraordinary loss related to debt redemption. The company's strategic focus appears to be on growth areas like wireline services, particularly DSL, and managing operational efficiencies. Investors should note the ongoing impact of competition, economic conditions, and regulatory changes, especially in Illinois, which could significantly affect future results.
Key Highlights
- 1Total operating revenues decreased by 13.0% for the quarter and 12.0% for the six-month period compared to the prior year, driven by lower wireless subscriber and network access revenues.
- 2Operating income increased slightly by 2.6% for the quarter to $3,077 million, but decreased by 5.6% for the six-month period to $5,736 million.
- 3Net income grew by 11.9% to $2,071 million for the quarter and by 6.9% to $3,925 million for the six-month period, demonstrating improved profitability on a net basis.
- 4Earnings per diluted share increased to $0.61 for the quarter and $1.15 for the six-month period, up from $0.54 and $1.07 respectively in the prior year.
- 5The company is actively managing its debt, with a decrease in debt maturing within one year and various debt issuances and redemptions during the period.
- 6Despite a decrease in network access lines, the company continues to see growth in its wireline segment, particularly with the rollout of DSL, which now serves over 1 million customers.
- 7Significant restructuring and cost-saving measures are evident, with total operating expenses decreasing by 17.6% for the quarter and 13.9% for the six-month period.