Connectivity investments continue to attract and retain high-value subscribers who choose both wireless and fiber service
DALLAS, July 24, 2024 /CNW/ -- AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) reported second-quarter results that delivered durable and profitable 5G and fiber customer growth with increasing Mobility service and broadband revenues. Following consistent first-half performance, the Company reiterates all full-year 2024 financial guidance.
Second-Quarter Consolidated Results
Second-Quarter Highlights
"For the past four years, we've delivered consistent, positive results that have repositioned AT&T. Our solid performance this quarter demonstrates the durable benefits of our investment-led strategy," said John Stankey, AT&T CEO. "AT&T is leading the way in converged connectivity as customers increasingly seek one provider who can seamlessly connect them in their home, at work and on the go. This is proving to be a winning strategy. Today, nearly four of every 10 AT&T Fiber households also choose AT&T wireless service. As the nation's largest consumer fiber builder, we see this as an opportunity to continue to grow subscribers and revenues, while deepening customer relationships."
2024 Outlook
For the full year, AT&T reiterates guidance of:
Note: AT&T's second-quarter earnings conference call will be webcast at 8:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. The webcast and related materials, including financial highlights, will be available at https://investors.att.com.
Consolidated Financial Results
Segment and Business Unit Results
Communications Segment | |||
Dollars in millions | Second Quarter | Percent | |
Unaudited | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
Operating Revenues | $ 28,582 | $ 28,845 | (0.9 %) |
Operating Income | 7,005 | 7,177 | (2.4 %) |
Operating Income Margin | 24.5 % | 24.9 % | (40 BP) |
Communications segment revenues were $28.6 billion, down 0.9% year over year, with operating income down 2.4%.
Mobility | |||
Dollars in millions; Subscribers in thousands | Second Quarter | Percent | |
Unaudited | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
Operating Revenues | $ 20,480 | $ 20,315 | 0.8 % |
Service | 16,277 | 15,745 | 3.4 % |
Equipment | 4,203 | 4,570 | (8.0 %) |
Operating Expenses | 13,761 | 13,702 | 0.4 % |
Operating Income | 6,719 | 6,613 | 1.6 % |
Operating Income Margin | 32.8 % | 32.6 % | 20 BP |
EBITDA* | $ 9,195 | $ 8,736 | 5.3 % |
EBITDA Margin* | 44.9 % | 43.0 % | 190 BP |
EBITDA Service Margin* | 56.5 % | 55.5 % | 100 BP |
Total Wireless Net Adds (excl. Connected Devices)1 | 997 | 1,063 | |
Postpaid | 593 | 464 | |
Postpaid Phone | 419 | 326 | |
Postpaid Other | 174 | 138 | |
Prepaid Phone | 35 | 123 | |
Postpaid Churn | 0.85 % | 0.95 % | (10 BP) |
Postpaid Phone-Only Churn | 0.70 % | 0.79 % | (9 BP) |
Prepaid Churn | 2.57 % | 2.50 % | 7 BP |
Postpaid Phone ARPU | $56.42 | $55.63 | 1.4 % |
Mobility service revenue grew 3.4% year over year driving EBITDA service margin* expansion of 100 basis points. Postpaid phone net adds were 419,000 with postpaid phone churn of 0.70%, down 9 basis points year over year.
Mobility revenues were up 0.8% year over year, driven by service revenue growth of 3.4% from subscriber gains and postpaid phone average revenue per subscriber (ARPU) growth, offset by lower equipment revenues due to lower sales volumes. Operating expenses were up 0.4% year over year due to higher depreciation expense from Open RAN deployment and network transformation, partially offset by lower equipment expenses resulting from lower sales volumes. Operating income was $6.7 billion, up 1.6% year over year. EBITDA* was $9.2 billion, up $459 million year over year, driven by service revenue growth. This was the company's highest-ever second-quarter Mobility EBITDA*.
Business Wireline | |||
Dollars in millions | Second Quarter | Percent | |
Unaudited | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
Operating Revenues | $ 4,755 | $ 5,279 | (9.9 %) |
Operating Expenses | 4,653 | 4,883 | (4.7 %) |
Operating Income | 102 | 396 | (74.2 %) |
Operating Income Margin | 2.1 % | 7.5 % | (540 BP) |
EBITDA* | $ 1,488 | $ 1,729 | (13.9 %) |
EBITDA Margin* | 31.3 % | 32.8 % | (150 BP) |
Business Wireline revenues and profitability declined year over year driven by continued secular pressures on legacy voice and data services that were partially offset by growth in fiber and other advanced connectivity services.
Business Wireline revenues were down 9.9% year over year, primarily due to lower demand for legacy voice and data services as well as product simplification, partially offset by growth in connectivity services. Results also reflect the second-quarter 2024 contribution of our cybersecurity business into a new joint venture. Operating expenses were down 4.7% year over year due to lower personnel, network access and customer support expenses, partially offset by higher vendor credits in the prior year quarter. Operating income was $102 million versus $396 million in the prior-year quarter, and EBITDA* was $1.5 billion, down $241 million year over year.
Consumer Wireline | |||
Dollars in millions; Subscribers in thousands | Second Quarter | Percent | |
Unaudited | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
Operating Revenues | $ 3,347 | $ 3,251 | 3.0 % |
Broadband | 2,741 | 2,561 | 7.0 % |
Operating Expenses | 3,163 | 3,083 | 2.6 % |
Operating Income | 184 | 168 | 9.5 % |
Operating Income Margin | 5.5 % | 5.2 % | 30 BP |
EBITDA* | $ 1,098 | $ 1,025 | 7.1 % |
EBITDA Margin* | 32.8 % | 31.5 % | 130 BP |
Broadband Net Adds (excluding DSL) | 52 | (35) | |
Fiber | 239 | 251 | |
Non Fiber | (187) | (286) | |
AT&T Internet Air | 139 | 2 | |
Broadband ARPU | $66.17 | $62.26 | 6.3 % |
Fiber ARPU | $69.00 | $66.70 | 3.4 % |
Consumer Wireline achieved strong revenue growth with improving EBITDA margins*. Consumer Wireline also delivered positive broadband net adds for the fourth consecutive quarter, driven by 239,000 AT&T Fiber net adds and 139,000 AT&T Internet Air net adds.
Consumer Wireline revenues were up 3.0% year over year driven by growth in broadband revenues attributable to fiber revenues, which grew 17.9%, partially offset by declines in legacy voice and data services and other services. Operating expenses were up 2.6% year over year, primarily due to higher depreciation and increased network-related costs, which were largely offset by lower customer support costs. Operating income was $184 million versus $168 million in the prior-year quarter, and EBITDA* was $1.1 billion, up $73 million year over year.
Latin America Segment - Mexico | |||
Dollars in millions; Subscribers in thousands | Second Quarter | Percent | |
Unaudited | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
Operating Revenues | $ 1,103 | $ 967 | 14.1 % |
Service | 699 | 635 | 10.1 % |
Equipment | 404 | 332 | 21.7 % |
Operating Expenses | 1,097 | 1,006 | 9.0 % |
Operating Income/(Loss) | 6 | (39) | -- % |
EBITDA* | 178 | 146 | 21.9 % |
Total Wireless Net Adds | 177 | 76 | |
Postpaid | 142 | 56 | |
Prepaid | 67 | 50 | |
Reseller | (32) | (30) |
Latin America segment revenues were up 14.1% year over year, primarily due to higher equipment sales, subscriber growth, and favorable impacts of foreign exchange rates. Operating expenses were up 9.0% due to higher equipment and selling costs attributable to subscriber growth and unfavorable impact of foreign exchange. Operating income was $6 million compared to ($39) million in the year-ago quarter. EBITDA* was $178 million, up $32 million year over year.
* Further clarification and explanation of non-GAAP measures and reconciliations to their most comparable GAAP measures can be found in the "Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations to GAAP Measures" section of the release and at https://investors.att.com. |
1 Effective with our first-quarter 2024 reporting, we have removed connected devices from our total Mobility subscribers, consistent with industry standards and our key performance metrics. Connected devices include data-centric devices such as session-based tablets, monitoring devices and primarily wholesale automobile systems. |
About AT&T
We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect to greater possibility. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), please visit us at about.att.com. Investors can learn more at investors.att.com.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise. This news release may contain certain non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations between the non-GAAP financial measures and the GAAP financial measures are available on the company's website at https://investors.att.com.
Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations to GAAP Measures
Schedules and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures cited in this document to the most directly comparable financial measures under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) can be found at https://investors.att.com and in our Form 8-K dated July 24, 2024. Adjusted diluted EPS, adjusted operating income, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, net debt and net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures frequently used by investors and credit rating agencies.
Adjusted diluted EPS is calculated by excluding from operating revenues, operating expenses, other income (expenses) and income tax expense, certain significant items that are non-operational or non-recurring in nature, including dispositions and merger integration and transaction costs, actuarial gains and losses, significant abandonments and impairments, benefit-related gains and losses, employee separation and other material gains and losses.
Non-operational items arising from asset acquisitions and dispositions include the amortization of intangible assets. While the expense associated with the amortization of certain wireless licenses and customer lists is excluded, the revenue of the acquired companies is reflected in the measure and those assets contribute to revenue generation.
We also adjust for net actuarial gains or losses associated with our pension and postemployment benefit plans due to the often-significant impact on our results (we immediately recognize this gain or loss in the income statement, pursuant to our accounting policy for the recognition of actuarial gains and losses). Consequently, our adjusted results reflect an expected return on plan assets rather than the actual return on plan assets, as included in the GAAP measure of income.
The tax impact of adjusting items is calculated using the effective tax rate during the quarter except for adjustments that, given their magnitude, can drive a change in the effective tax rate, in these cases we use the actual tax expense or combined marginal rate of approximately 25%.
For 2Q24, adjusted EPS of $0.57 is diluted EPS of $0.49 adjusted for $0.05 restructuring costs and $0.03 proportionate share of intangible amortization at the DIRECTV equity method investment.
For 2Q23, adjusted EPS of $0.63 is diluted EPS of $0.61 adjusted for $0.03 proportionate share of intangible amortization at the DIRECTV equity method investment, minus $0.01 net actuarial and settlement gains on benefit plans.
The company expects adjustments to 2024 reported diluted EPS to include our proportionate share of intangible amortization at the DIRECTV equity method investment in the range of $0.5-$0.7 billion, a non-cash mark-to-market benefit plan gain/loss, and other items. The company expects the mark-to-market adjustment, which is driven by interest rates and investment returns that are not reasonably estimable at this time, to be a significant item. Our projected 2024 and 2025 adjusted EPS depend on future levels of revenues and expenses, most of which are not reasonably estimable at this time. Accordingly, we cannot provide a reconciliation between these projected non-GAAP metrics and the reported GAAP metrics without unreasonable effort.
Adjusted operating income is operating income adjusted for revenues and costs we consider non-operational in nature, including items arising from asset acquisitions or dispositions. For 2Q24, adjusted operating income of $6.3 billion is calculated as operating income of $5.8 billion plus $520 million of adjustments. For 2Q23, adjusted operating income of $6.4 billion is calculated as operating income of $6.4 billion minus $11 million of adjustments. Adjustments for all periods are detailed in the Discussion and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures included in our Form 8-K dated July 24, 2024.
EBITDA is net income plus income tax, interest, and depreciation and amortization expenses minus equity in net income of affiliates and other income (expense) – net. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by excluding from EBITDA certain significant items that are non-operational or non-recurring in nature, including dispositions and merger integration and transaction costs, significant abandonments and impairments, benefit-related gains and losses, employee separation and other material gains and losses. Adjusted EBITDA estimates depend on future levels of revenues and expenses which are not reasonably estimable at this time. Accordingly, we cannot provide a reconciliation between projected adjusted EBITDA and the most comparable GAAP metrics without unreasonable effort.
For 2Q24, adjusted EBITDA of $11.3 billion is calculated as net income of $3.9 billion, plus income tax expense of $1.1 billion, plus interest expense of $1.7 billion, minus equity in net income of affiliates of $0.3 billion, minus other income (expense) – net of $0.7 billion, plus depreciation and amortization of $5.1 billion, plus adjustments of $505 million. For 2Q23, adjusted EBITDA of $11.1 billion is calculated as net income of $4.8 billion, plus income tax expense of $1.4 billion, plus interest expense of $1.6 billion, minus equity in net income of affiliates of $0.4 billion, minus other income (expense) – net of $1.0 billion, plus depreciation and amortization of $4.7 billion, minus adjustments of $28 million. Adjustments for all periods are detailed in the Discussion and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures included in our Form 8-K dated July 24, 2024.
At the segment or business unit level, EBITDA is operating income before depreciation and amortization. EBITDA margin is operating income before depreciation and amortization, divided by total revenues. EBITDA service margin is operating income before depreciation and amortization, divided by total service revenues.
Free cash flow for 2Q24 of $4.6 billion is cash from operating activities of $9.1 billion, plus cash distributions from DIRECTV classified as investing activities of $0.4 billion, minus capital expenditures of $4.4 billion and cash paid for vendor financing of $0.6 billion. For 2Q23, free cash flow of $4.2 billion is cash from operating activities of $9.9 billion, plus cash distributions from DIRECTV classified as investing activities of $0.2 billion, minus capital expenditures of $4.3 billion and cash paid for vendor financing of $1.6 billion. Due to high variability and difficulty in predicting items that impact cash from operating activities, cash distributions from DIRECTV, capital expenditures and vendor financing payments, the company is not able to provide a reconciliation between projected free cash flow and the most comparable GAAP metric without unreasonable effort.
Capital investment provides a comprehensive view of cash used to invest in our networks, product developments and support systems. In connection with capital improvements, we have favorable payment terms of 120 days or more with certain vendors, referred to as vendor financing, which are excluded from capital expenditures and reported as financing activities. Capital investment includes capital expenditures and cash paid for vendor financing ($0.6 billion in 2Q24 and $1.6 billion in 2Q23). For 2024, capital investment is expected to be in the $21-$22 billion range. Due to high variability and difficulty in predicting items that impact capital expenditures and vendor financing payments, the company is not able to provide a reconciliation between projected capital investment and the most comparable GAAP metrics without unreasonable effort.
Adjusted equity in net income from DIRECTV investment of $0.6 billion for 2Q24 is calculated as equity income from DIRECTV of $0.4 billion reported in Equity in Net Income of Affiliates and excludes $0.3 billion of AT&T's proportionate share of the noncash depreciation and amortization of fair value accretion from DIRECTV's revaluation of assets and purchase price allocation.
Net debt of $126.9 billion at June 30, 2024, is calculated as total debt of $130.6 billion less cash and cash equivalents of $3.1 billion and time deposits (i.e. deposits at financial institutions that are greater than 90 days) of $0.7 billion.
Net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA is calculated by dividing net debt by the sum of the most recent four quarters of adjusted EBITDA. Net debt and adjusted EBITDA are calculated as defined above. Net debt and adjusted EBITDA estimates depend on future levels of revenues, expenses and other metrics which are not reasonably estimable at this time. Accordingly, we cannot provide a reconciliation between projected net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA and the most comparable GAAP metrics and related ratios without unreasonable effort.
Discussion and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures
We believe the following measures are relevant and useful information to investors as they are part of AT&T's internal management reporting and planning processes and are important metrics that management uses to evaluate the operating performance of AT&T and its segments. Management also uses these measures as a method of comparing performance with that of many of our competitors. These measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow is defined as cash from operations and cash distributions from DIRECTV classified as investing activities minus capital expenditures and cash paid for vendor financing (classified as financing activities). Free cash flow after dividends is defined as cash from operations and cash distributions from DIRECTV classified as investing activities, minus capital expenditures, cash paid for vendor financing and dividends on common and preferred shares. Free cash flow dividend payout ratio is defined as the percentage of dividends paid on common and preferred shares to free cash flow. We believe these metrics provide useful information to our investors because management views free cash flow as an important indicator of how much cash is generated by routine business operations, including capital expenditures and vendor financing, and from our continued economic interest in the U.S. video operations as part of our DIRECTV equity method investment, and makes decisions based on it. Management also views free cash flow as a measure of cash available to pay debt and return cash to shareowners.
Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Dividend Payout Ratio | |||||
Dollars in millions | |||||
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