8-KOther Events

AT&T INC. 8-K Report, Corporate Update (Jan 17, 2013)

Filed January 17, 2013For Securities:TT-PCTBBT-PA

Summary

AT&T Inc. (T) issued an 8-K filing on January 17, 2013, providing investors with updated information for the fourth quarter of 2012. The most significant item is a substantial non-cash, pre-tax charge of approximately $10 billion related to actuarial gains and losses on pension and postemployment benefit plans. This charge stems primarily from a reduction in the assumed discount rate to 4.3%, which resulted in a large actuarial loss, partially offset by asset gains and other actuarial adjustments. Additionally, the company highlighted strong smartphone sales of approximately 10.2 million units in the fourth quarter, while also cautioning about near-term pressure on operating income, margins, and EPS due to high device subsidies. The company also provided an estimate of a $175 million negative impact on operating income due to storm damage, including Superstorm Sandy, which primarily affects the Wireless segment. Finally, AT&T announced a retrospective refinement in intersegment cost allocations, which does not impact consolidated results but will affect reported segment-level figures, with updated segment data available on their investor relations website.

Key Highlights

  • 1Expected non-cash, pre-tax charge of approximately $10 billion for Q4 2012 related to pension and postemployment benefit plan actuarial adjustments.
  • 2The significant charge is driven by a lowered discount rate assumption to 4.3%, leading to a $12.0 billion actuarial loss, partially offset by asset gains and other actuarial items.
  • 3AT&T sold approximately 10.2 million smartphones in the fourth quarter of 2012.
  • 4High smartphone subsidies are anticipated to put near-term pressure on operating income, margins, and EPS.
  • 5Estimated operating income reduction of approximately $175 million due to storms, including Superstorm Sandy, primarily impacting the Wireless segment.
  • 6Refined intersegment cost allocations were implemented retrospectively, impacting Wireline and Wireless segment costs but not consolidated results.
  • 7Updated prior-period segment results reflecting the cost allocation changes are available on AT&T's investor relations website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for the approximately $10 billion non-cash, pre-tax charge is a reduction in AT&T's assumed discount rate for its pension and postemployment benefit plans from its previous assumption to 4.3% as of December 31, 2012. This change in assumption resulted in a significant actuarial loss, partially mitigated by other gains.

While the charge is significant, it is a non-cash accounting item. It will reduce pre-tax income and net income for the fourth quarter of 2012. However, it is important for investors to note that this loss will not affect AT&T's segment operating results or margins as it is accounted for on a consolidated basis.

AT&T sold approximately 10.2 million smartphones in the fourth quarter. While this indicates strong demand, the company expects near-term pressure on operating income, margins, and earnings per share due to the high subsidies associated with these devices.

Yes, AT&T has refined the allocation of costs among its segments retrospectively. While this change does not impact the company's total consolidated results, it will affect the reported costs and potentially margins for the Wireline and Wireless segments. Investors can find updated prior-period segment information on AT&T's investor relations website.