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, 2017
 
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," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
                                                                                                                                                                              Yes [   ]   No [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
                                                                                                                                                                              Yes [   ]   No [X]
At October 31, 2017, there were 6,139 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,
  
   
2017
    
2016
    
2017
    
2016
  
                         
Operating Revenues
                        
Service
  
$
36,378
    
$
37,272
    
$
109,372
    
$
111,515
  
Equipment
    
3,290
      
3,618
      
9,498
      
10,430
  
Total operating revenues
    
39,668
      
40,890
      
118,870
      
121,945
  
                                 
Operating Expenses
                                
Cost of services and sales
                                
   Equipment
    
4,191
      
4,455
      
12,177
      
13,090
  
   Broadcast, programming and operations
    
5,284
      
4,909
      
15,156
      
14,239
  
   Other cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and
         amortization shown separately below)
    
9,431
      
9,526
      
27,714
      
28,436
  
Selling, general and administrative
    
8,317
      
9,013
      
24,917
      
26,363
  
Depreciation and amortization
    
6,042
      
6,579
      
18,316
      
19,718
  
Total operating expenses
    
33,265
      
34,482
      
98,280
      
101,846
  
Operating Income
    
6,403
      
6,408
      
20,590
      
20,099
  
Other Income (Expense)
                                
Interest expense
    
(1,686
)
    
(1,224
)
    
(4,374
)
    
(3,689
)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates
    
11
      
16
      
(148
)
    
57
  
Other income (expense) – net
    
246
      
(7
)
    
354
      
154
  
Total other income (expense)
    
(1,429
)
    
(1,215
)
    
(4,168
)
    
(3,478
)
Income Before Income Taxes
    
4,974
      
5,193
      
16,422
      
16,621
  
Income tax expense
    
1,851
      
1,775
      
5,711
      
5,803
  
Net Income
    
3,123
      
3,418
      
10,711
      
10,818
  
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
    
(94
)
    
(90
)
    
(298
)
    
(279
)
Net Income Attributable to AT&T
  
$
3,029
    
$
3,328
    
$
10,413
    
$
10,539
  
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T
  
$
0.49
    
$
0.54
    
$
1.69
    
$
1.70
  
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AT&T
  
$
0.49
    
$
0.54
    
$
1.69
    
$
1.70
  
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares
   Outstanding – Basic (in millions)
    
6,162
      
6,168
      
6,164
      
6,171
  
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares
   Outstanding – with Dilution (in millions)
    
6,182
      
6,189
      
6,184
      
6,191
  
Dividends Declared Per Common Share
  
$
0.49
    
$
0.48
    
$
1.47
    
$
1.44
  
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,
  
   
2017
    
2016
    
2017
    
2016
  
Net income
  
$
3,123
    
$
3,418
    
$
10,711
    
$
10,818
  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                                
    Foreign currency:
                                
        Foreign currency translation adjustment (includes $10,
            $21, $6 and $21 attributable to noncontrolling interest),
            net of taxes of $74, $(91), $580 and $35
    
151
      
(225
)
    
490
      
(51
)
    Available-for-sale securities:
                                
        Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $28, $28, $72
            and $15
    
45
      
46
      
128
      
25
  
        Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of
            taxes of $(50), $(3), $(54) and $(3)
    
(79
)
    
(5
)
    
(86
)
    
(5
)
     Cash flow hedges:
                                
        Net unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $178, $240,
            $(94) and $99
    
330
      
446
      
(174
)
    
183
  
        Reclassification adjustment included in net income, net of
            taxes of $5, $5, $15 and $15
    
10
      
10
      
29
      
29
  
     Defined benefit postretirement plans:
                                
        Net prior service credit arising during period, net of
            taxes of $0, $0, $594 and $0
    
-
      
-
      
969
      
-
  
        Amortization of net prior service credit included in net
            income, net of taxes of $(157), $(131), $(447) and $(393)
    
(256
)
    
(215
)
    
(731
)
    
(644
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    
201
      
57
      
625
      
(463
)
Total comprehensive income
    
3,324
      
3,475
      
11,336
      
10,355
  
Less: Total comprehensive income attributable to
        noncontrolling interest
    
(104
)
    
(111
)
    
(304
)
    
(300
)
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to AT&T
  
$
3,220
    
$
3,364
    
$
11,032
    
$
10,055
  
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
                                
 
3
 
AT&T INC.
  
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
  
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
  
   
September 30,
    
December 31,
  
   
2017
    
2016
  
Assets
  
(Unaudited)
        
Current Assets
            
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
48,499
    
$
5,788
  
Accounts receivable - net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $741 and $661
    
15,876
      
16,794
  
Prepaid expenses
    
1,258
      
1,555
  
Other current assets
    
10,724
      
14,232
  
Total current assets
    
76,357
      
38,369
  
Property, plant and equipment
    
326,240
      
319,648
  
   Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
    
(199,778
)
    
(194,749
)
Property, Plant and Equipment – Net
    
126,462
      
124,899
  
Goodwill
    
105,668
      
105,207
  
Licenses
    
96,071
      
94,176
  
Customer Lists and Relationships – Net
    
11,573
      
14,243
  
Other Intangible Assets – Net
    
7,775
      
8,441
  
Investments in Equity Affiliates
    
1,627
      
1,674
  
Other Assets
    
18,332
      
16,812
  
Total Assets
  
$
443,865
    
$
403,821
  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
                
Current Liabilities
                
Debt maturing within one year
  
$
8,551
    
$
9,832
  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    
28,928
      
31,138
  
Advanced billing and customer deposits
    
4,503
      
4,519
  
Accrued taxes
    
2,703
      
2,079
  
Dividends payable
    
3,008
      
3,008
  
Total current liabilities
    
47,693
      
50,576
  
Long-Term Debt
    
154,728
      
113,681
  
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
                
Deferred income taxes
    
64,381
      
60,128
  
Postemployment benefit obligation
    
31,231
      
33,578
  
Other noncurrent liabilities
    
19,723
      
21,748
  
Total deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities
    
115,335
      
115,454
  
                 
Stockholders' Equity
                
Common stock ($1 par value, $14,000,000,000 authorized at September 30, 2017 and
   December 31, 2016: issued 6,495,231,088 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016)
    
6,495
      
6,495
  
Additional paid-in capital
    
89,527
      
89,604
  
Retained earnings
    
36,074
      
34,734
  
Treasury stock (355,897,357 at September 30, 2017 and 356,237,141
   at December 31, 2016, at cost)
    
(12,716
)
    
(12,659
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    
5,580
      
4,961
  
Noncontrolling interest
    
1,149
      
975
  
Total stockholders' equity
    
126,109
      
124,110
  
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
  
$
443,865
    
$
403,821
  
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
                
 
4
 
AT&T INC.
  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
  
Dollars in millions
  
(Unaudited)
            
   
Nine months ended
  
   
September 30,
  
   
2017
    
2016
  
Operating Activities
            
Net income
  
$
10,711
    
$
10,818
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                
   Depreciation and amortization
    
18,316
      
19,718
  
   Undistributed loss (earnings) from investments in equity affiliates
    
171
      
(22
)
   Provision for uncollectible accounts
    
1,216
      
1,036
  
   Deferred income tax expense
    
3,254
      
3,011
  
   Net loss (gain) from sale of investments, net of impairments
    
(114
)
    
(88
)
   Actuarial loss (gain) on pension and postretirement benefits
    
(259
)
    
-
  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                
   Accounts receivable
    
(652
)
    
(1,108
)
   Other current assets
    
(106
)
    
1,805
  
   Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
    
(1,437
)
    
(1,173
)
   Equipment installment receivables and related sales
    
1,116
      
207
  
   Deferred fulfillment costs
    
(1,102
)
    
(1,883
)
Retirement benefit funding
    
(420
)
    
(770
)
Other - net
    
(1,420
)
    
(2,349
)
Total adjustments
    
18,563
      
18,384
  
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    
29,274
      
29,202
  
                 
Investing Activities
                
Capital expenditures:
                
   Purchase of property and equipment
    
(15,756
)
    
(15,283
)
   Interest during construction
    
(718
)
    
(669
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    
1,154
      
(2,922
)
Dispositions
    
56
      
184
  
(Purchases) sales of securities, net
    
(2
)
    
501
  
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
    
(15,266
)
    
(18,189
)
                 
Financing Activities
                
Issuance of long-term debt
    
46,761
      
10,140
  
Repayment of long-term debt
    
(10,309
)
    
(10,688
)
Purchase of treasury stock
    
(460
)
    
(444
)
Issuance of treasury stock
    
26
      
137
  
Dividends paid
    
(9,030
)
    
(8,850
)
Other
    
1,715
      
(534
)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
    
28,703
      
(10,239
)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    
42,711
      
774
  
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of year
    
5,788
      
5,121
  
Cash and Cash Equivalents End of Period
  
$
48,499
    
$
5,895
  
Cash paid during the nine months ended September 30 for:
                
   Interest
  
$
5,031
    
$
4,430
  
   Income taxes, net of refunds
  
$
1,861
    
$
3,166
  
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, 2017
  
   
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
          
$
89,604
  
Issuance of treasury stock
            
4
  
Share-based payments
            
(81
)
Balance at end of period
          
$
89,527
  
                 
Retained Earnings
                
Balance at beginning of year
          
$
34,734
  
Net income attributable to AT&T ($1.69 per diluted share)
            
10,413
  
Dividends to stockholders ($1.47 per share)
            
(9,075
)
Other
            
2
  
Balance at end of period
          
$
36,074
  
                 
Treasury Stock
                
Balance at beginning of year
    
(356
)
  
$
(12,659
)
Repurchase and acquisition of common stock
    
(14
)
    
(530
)
Issuance of treasury stock
    
14
      
473
  
Balance at end of period
    
(356
)
  
$
(12,716
)
                 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to AT&T, net of tax
                
Balance at beginning of year
          
$
4,961
  
Other comprehensive income attributable to AT&T
            
619
  
Balance at end of period
          
$
5,580
  
                 
Noncontrolling Interest
                
Balance at beginning of year
          
$
975
  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
            
298
  
Distributions
            
(270
)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest
            
140
  
Translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes
            
6
  
Balance at end of period
          
$
1,149
  
                 
Total Stockholders' Equity at beginning of year
          
$
124,110
  
Total Stockholders' Equity at end of period
          
$
126,109
  
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
                
 
6
 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

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. 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, 2016. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those for the full year.

In the tables throughout this document, percentage increases and decreases that are not considered meaningful are denoted with a dash.

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

Basis of Presentation  These consolidated financial statements include all adjustments that are necessary to present fairly the results for the presented interim periods, consisting of normal recurring accruals and other items. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our subsidiaries and affiliates over which we exercise control.

All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in the consolidation process. Investments in unconsolidated 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.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
Income Taxes  As of January 1, 2017, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-16, "Income Taxes (Topic 740)" (ASU 2016-16), with modified retrospective application, resulting in our recognition of an immaterial adjustment to retained earnings. Under ASU 2016-16, we recognize the income tax effects of intercompany sales or transfers of assets other than inventory (e.g., intellectual property or property, plant and equipment) during the period of intercompany sale or transfer instead of the period of either sale or transfer to a third party or recognition of depreciation or impairment.

New Accounting Standards
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits  In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2017-07, "Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost" (ASU 2017-07), which changes the presentation of periodic benefit cost components. Under ASU 2017-07, we will continue to present service costs within our operating expenses but present amortization of prior service credits and other components of our net periodic benefit cost in "other income (expense) – net" in our consolidated statements of income. ASU 2017-07 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. See Note 5 for our components of net periodic benefit cost.

Revenue Recognition  In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" (ASC 606), and has modified the standard thereafter. This standard replaces existing revenue recognition rules with a comprehensive revenue measurement and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements. ASC 606, as amended, becomes effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, at which point we plan to adopt the standard using the "modified retrospective method." Under that method, we will apply the rules to all open 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 accounting standards.
 
7
 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

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

NOTE 2. EARNINGS PER SHARE

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, is shown in the table below:

   
Three months ended
    
Nine months ended
  
   
September 30,
    
September 30,
  
   
2017
    
2016
    
2017
    
2016
  
Numerators
                        
Numerator for basic earnings per share:
                        
   Net Income
  
$
3,123
    
$
3,418
    
$
10,711
    
$
10,818
  
   Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    
(94
)
    
(90
)
    
(298
)
    
(279
)
   Net Income attributable to AT&T
    
3,029
      
3,328
      
10,413
      
10,539
  
   Dilutive potential common shares:
                                
      Share-based payment
    
3
      
3
      
9
      
9
  
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
  
$
3,032
    
$
3,331
    
$
10,422
    
$
10,548
  
Denominators (000,000)
                                
Denominator for basic earnings per share:
                                
   Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    
6,162
      
6,168
      
6,164
      
6,171
  
   Dilutive potential common shares:
                                
      Share-based payment (in shares)
    
20
      
21
      
20
      
20
  
Denominator for diluted earnings per share
    
6,182
      
6,189
      
6,184
      
6,191
  
Basic earnings per share attributable to AT&T
  
$
0.49
    
$
0.54
    
$
1.69
    
$
1.70
  
Diluted earnings per share attributable to AT&T
  
$
0.49
    
$
0.54
    
$
1.69
    
$
1.70
  
 
 
8
 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

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

 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
  
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities
  
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges
  
Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans
  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance as of December 31, 2016
$
(1,995)
  
$
541
  
$
744
  
$
5,671
  
$
4,961
Other comprehensive income
   (loss) before reclassifications
  
484
    
128
    
(174)
    
969
    
1,407
Amounts reclassified
   from accumulated OCI
  
-
1
 
  
(86)
1
 
  
29
2
 
  
(731)
3
 
  
(788)
Net other comprehensive
   income (loss)
  
484
    
42
    
(145)
    
238
    
619
Balance as of September 30, 2017
$
(1,511)
  
$
583
  
$
599
  
$
5,909
  
$
5,580
                               
 
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
 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).
 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 segments based on Segment Contribution, which consists of operating income, excluding acquisition-related costs and other significant items (as discussed below), and equity in net income (loss) of affiliates for investments managed within each segment. We have four reportable segments: (1) Business Solutions, (2) Entertainment Group, (3) Consumer Mobility and (4) International.

We also evaluate segment performance based on EBITDA and/or EBITDA margin, which is defined as Segment Contribution excluding equity in net income (loss) of affiliates and depreciation and amortization. We believe EBITDA to be a relevant and useful measurement to our investors as it is part of our internal management reporting and planning processes and it is an important metric that management uses to evaluate segment operating performance. EBITDA does not give effect
 
9
 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
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 fixed strategic services; as well as traditional data and voice products. We utilize our wireless and wired networks 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 United States or in U.S. territories. We utilize our copper and IP-based wired network and our satellite technology.

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

The International segment provides entertainment services in Latin America and wireless services in Mexico. Video entertainment services are provided to primarily residential customers using satellite technology. We utilize our regional and national networks in Mexico to provide consumer and business customers with wireless data and voice communication services. Our international subsidiaries conduct business in their local currency, and operating results are converted to U.S. dollars using official exchange rates.

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 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 consists of (1) 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 consists 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 our satellite fleet. Our domestic communications business strategies reflect bundled product offerings that increasingly cut across product lines and utilize our asset base. Therefore, asset information and capital expenditures by segment are not presented. Depreciation is allocated based on asset utilization by segment.
 
10
 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2017
  
   
Revenues
    
Operations
and Support
Expenses
    
EBITDA
    
Depreciation
and
Amortization
    
Operating
Income (Loss)
    
Equity in Net
Income (Loss) of
Affiliates
    
Segment
Contribution
  
Business Solutions
  
$
17,061
    
$
10,233
    
$
6,828
    
$
2,325
    
$
4,503
    
$
-
    
$
4,503
  
Entertainment Group
    
12,648
      
9,953
      
2,695
      
1,379
      
1,316
      
(6
)
    
1,310
  
Consumer Mobility
    
7,748
      
4,551
      
3,197
      
877
      
2,320
      
-
      
2,320
  
International
    
2,099
      
1,937
      
162
      
304
      
(142
)
    
17
      
(125
)
Segment Total
    
39,556
      
26,674
      
12,882
      
4,885
      
7,997
    
$
11
    
$
8,008
  
Corporate and Other
    
201
      
89
      
112
      
21
      
91
                  
Acquisition-related items
    
-
      
134
      
(134
)
    
1,136
      
(1,270
)
                
Certain significant items
    
(89
)
    
326
      
(415
)
    
-
      
(415
)
                
AT&T Inc.
  
$
39,668
    
$
27,223
    
$
12,445
    
$
6,042
    
$
6,403
                  
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017
  
   
Revenues
    
Operations
and Support
Expenses
    
EBITDA
    
Depreciation
and
Amortization
    
Operating
Income (Loss)
    
Equity in Net
Income (Loss) of
Affiliates
    
Segment
Contribution
  
Business Solutions
  
$
51,016
    
$
30,722
    
$
20,294
    
$
6,972
    
$
13,322
    
$
-
    
$
13,322
  
Entertainment Group
    
37,953
      
29,112
      
8,841
      
4,256
      
4,585
      
(23
)
    
4,562
  
Consumer Mobility
    
23,279
      
13,599
      
9,680
      
2,621
      
7,059
      
-
      
7,059
  
International
    
6,054
      
5,468
      
586
      
905
      
(319
)
    
62
      
(257
)
Segment Total
    
118,302
      
78,901
      
39,401
      
14,754
      
24,647
    
$
39
    
$
24,686
  
Corporate and Other
    
657
      
397
      
260
      
54
      
206
                  
Acquisition-related items
    
-
      
622
      
(622
)
    
3,508
      
(4,130
)
                
Certain significant items
    
(89
)
    
44
      
(133
)
    
-
      
(133
)
                
AT&T Inc.
  
$
118,870
    
$
79,964
    
$
38,906
    
$
18,316
    
$
20,590
                  
 
 
11
 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2016
  
 
Revenues
  
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
  
 
Revenues
  
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
                  
 
 
12
 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

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. 
                         
   
Three months ended
    
Nine months ended
  
   
September 30,
    
September 30,
  
   
2017
    
2016
    
2017
    
2016
  
Business Solutions
  
$
4,503
    
$
4,303
    
$
13,322
    
$
12,803
  
Entertainment Group
    
1,310
      
1,488
      
4,562
      
4,734
  
Consumer Mobility
    
2,320
      
2,572
      
7,059
      
7,640
  
International
    
(125
)
    
(53
)
    
(257
)
    
(421
)
Segment Contribution
    
8,008
      
8,310
      
24,686
      
24,756
  
Reconciling Items:
                                
  Corporate and Other
    
91
      
(17
)
    
206
      
(235
)
  Merger and integration charges
    
(134
)
    
(290
)
    
(622
)
    
(818
)
  Amortization of intangibles acquired
    
(1,136
)
    
(1,282
)
    
(3,508
)
    
(3,949
)
  Actuarial gain (loss)
    
-
      
-
      
259
      
-
  
  Employee separation costs
    
(208
)
    
(260
)
    
(268
)
    
(314
)
  Gain (loss) on wireless spectrum transactions
    
-
      
(22
)
    
181
      
714
  
  Natural disaster costs and revenue credits
    
(207
)
    
(30
)
    
(207
)
    
(30
)
  Venezuela devaluation
    
-
      
-
      
(98
)
    
-
  
  Segment equity in net (income) loss of affiliates
    
(11
)
    
(1
)
    
(39
)
    
(25
)
AT&T Operating Income
    
6,403
      
6,408
      
20,590
      
20,099
  
Interest expense
    
1,686
      
1,224
      
4,374
      
3,689
  
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates
    
11
      
16
      
(148
)
    
57
  
Other income (expense) - net
    
246
      
(7
)
    
354
      
154
  
Income Before Income Taxes
  
$
4,974
    
$
5,193
    
$
16,422
    
$
16,621
  

NOTE 5. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

Many of our employees are covered by one of our noncontributory pension plans. We also provide certain medical, dental, life insurance and death benefits to certain retired employees under various plans and accrue actuarially determined postretirement benefit costs. Our objective in funding these plans, in combination with the standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), is to accumulate assets sufficient to provide benefits described in the plans to employees upon their retirement.

In 2013, we made a voluntary contribution of a preferred equity interest in AT&T Mobility II LLC (Mobility II), the primary holding company for our domestic wireless business, to the pension trust used to pay benefits under our qualified pension plans. The preferred equity interest had a value of $9,354 at September 30, 2017. The trust is entitled to receive cumulative cash distributions of $560 per annum, which are distributed quarterly by Mobility II to the trust, in equal amounts and accounted for as contributions. Mobility II distributed $420 to the trust during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. So long as those distributions are made, 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.

The preferred equity interest is not transferable by the trust except through its put and call features. In early September 2017, AT&T notified the trust and the fiduciary of the preferred equity interest that AT&T committed that it would not exercise its call option of the preferred interest until at least September 9, 2022, which resulted in an increase in the fair value of the preferred interest of approximately $1,245.
 
13
 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

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

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. During the second quarter of 2017, a substantive plan change involving the frequency of considering potential health reimbursement account credit increases was communicated to our retirees. This plan change triggered a remeasurement of our postretirement obligations and resulted in additional prior service credits recognized in other comprehensive income, reducing our liability by $1,563. Such credits amortize through earnings over a period approximating the average service period to full eligibility. Upon our adoption of ASU 2017-07, the amortization of these prior service credits will be recorded in other income (expense) – net.

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 with Corporate and Other (see Note 4).

   
Three months ended
    
Nine months ended
  
   
September 30,
    
September 30,
  
   
2017
    
2016
    
2017
    
2016
  
Pension cost:
                        
   Service cost – benefits earned during the period
  
$
282
    
$
278
    
$
846
    
$
834
  
   Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
    
484
      
495
      
1,452
      
1,485
  
   Expected return on assets
    
(783
)
    
(778
)
    
(2,350
)
    
(2,336
)
   Amortization of prior service credit
    
(31
)
    
(26
)
    
(93
)
    
(77
)
   Net pension (credit) cost
  
$
(48
)
  
$
(31
)
  
$
(145
)
  
$
(94
)
                                 
Postretirement cost:
                                
   Service cost – benefits earned during the period
  
$
32
    
$
48
    
$
107
    
$
144
  
   Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
    
193
      
243
      
617
      
729
  
   Expected return on assets
    
(81
)
    
(88
)
    
(240
)
    
(266
)
   Amortization of prior service credit
    
(382
)
    
(320
)
    
(1,084
)
    
(958
)
   Actuarial (gain) loss
    
-
      
-
      
(259
)
    
-
  
   Net postretirement (credit) cost
  
$
(238
)
  
$
(117
)
  
$
(859
)
  
$
(351
)
                                 
   Combined net pension and postretirement (credit) cost
  
$
(286
)
  
$
(148
)
  
$
(1,004
)
  
$
(445
)

As part of our second-quarter 2017 remeasurement, we decreased the weighted-average discount rate used to measure our postretirement benefit obligation to 4.10%. The discount rate in effect for determining postretirement service and interest costs after remeasurement is 4.50% and 3.30%, respectively.

We also provide senior- and middle-management employees with nonqualified, unfunded supplemental retirement and savings plans. For the third quarter ended 2017 and 2016, net supplemental pension benefits costs not included in the table above were $22 and $23. For the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, net supplemental pension benefit costs were $67 and $70.
 
14
 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

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

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, 2016.

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, 2017
  
December 31, 2016
  
 
Carrying
  
Fair
  
Carrying
  
Fair
  
 
Amount
  
Value
  
Amount
  
Value
  
Notes and debentures 1
  
$
162,450
    
$
171,025
    
$
122,381
    
$
128,726
  
Bank borrowings
    
2
      
2
      
4
      
4
  
Investment securities
    
2,565
      
2,565
      
2,587
      
2,587
  
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.
 
15
 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
Following is the fair value leveling for available-for-sale securities and derivatives as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

   
September 30, 2017
  
   
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Level 3
    
Total
  
Available-for-Sale Securities
                        
   Domestic equities
  
$
1,274
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
1,274
  
   International equities
    
380
      
-
      
-
      
380
  
   Fixed income bonds
    
-
      
659
      
-
      
659
  
Asset Derivatives 1
                                
   Interest rate swaps
    
-
      
45
      
-
      
45
  
   Cross-currency swaps
    
-
      
967
      
-
      
967
  
Liability Derivatives 1
                                
   Interest rate swaps
    
-
      
(34
)
    
-
      
(34
)
   Cross-currency swaps
    
-
      
(1,809
)
    
-
      
(1,809
)
1 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. 

   
December 31, 2016
  
   
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Level 3
    
Total
  
Available-for-Sale Securities
                        
   Domestic equities
  
$
1,215
    
$
-
    
$
-
    
$
1,215
  
   International equities
    
594
      
-
      
-
      
594
  
   Fixed income bonds
    
-
      
508
      
-
      
508
  
Asset Derivatives 1
                                
   Interest rate swaps
    
-
      
79
      
-
      
79
  
   Cross-currency swaps
    
-
      
89
      
-
      
89
  
Liability Derivatives 1
                                
   Interest rate swaps
    
-
      
(14
)
    
-
      
(14
)
   Cross-currency swaps
    
-
      
(3,867
)
    
-
      
(3,867
)
1 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 $509 have maturities of less than one year, $33 within one to three years, $32 within three to five years and $85 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.
 
16
 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

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

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, 2017 and September 30, 2016, no ineffectiveness was measured on interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges.

Cash Flow Hedging  We designate our cross-currency swaps as cash flow hedges. We have entered into multiple cross-currency swaps to hedge our exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that are attributable to foreign currency risk generated from the issuance of our Euro, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar and Swiss franc denominated debt. These agreements include initial and final exchanges of principal from fixed foreign currency denominated amounts to fixed U.S. dollar denominated amounts, to be exchanged at a specified rate that is usually determined by the market spot rate upon issuance. They also include an interest rate swap of a fixed or floating foreign currency-denominated rate to a fixed U.S. dollar denominated interest rate.

Unrealized gains on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded at fair value as assets, and unrealized losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded at fair value as liabilities. For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion is reported as a component of accumulated OCI until reclassified into interest expense in the same period the hedged transaction affects earnings. The gain or loss on the ineffective portion is recognized as "Other income (expense) – net" in the consolidated statements of income in each period. We evaluate the effectiveness of our cross-currency swaps each quarter. In the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, 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, 2017 and September 30, 2016, 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, 2017, we had posted
17
 
 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
collateral of $837 (a deposit asset) and held collateral of $338 (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 $141. If DIRECTV Holdings LLC's credit rating had been downgraded below BBB- (S&P), we would have been required to post additional collateral of $221. At December 31, 2016, we had posted collateral of $3,242 (a deposit asset) and held no collateral. 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,
  
 
2017
  
2016
  
Interest rate swaps
  
$
10,775
    
$
9,650
  
Cross-currency swaps
    
38,694
      
29,642
  
Total
  
$
49,469
    
$
39,292
  

Following are the related hedged items affecting our financial position and performance:
  
                         
Effect of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income
                    
 
Three months ended
  
Nine months ended
  
 
September 30,
  
September 30,
  
Fair Value Hedging Relationships
2017
  
2016
  
2017
  
2016
  
Interest rate swaps (Interest expense):
                        
     Gain (Loss) on interest rate swaps
  
$
(3
)
  
$
(54
)
  
$
(51
)
  
$
17
  
     Gain (Loss) on long-term debt
    
3
      
54
      
51
      
(17
)

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
2017
  
2016
  
2017
  
2016
  
Cross-currency swaps:
                        
     Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI
  
$
429
    
$
686
    
$
(268
)
  
$
282
  
Interest rate locks:
                                
     Gain (Loss) recognized in accumulated OCI
    
79
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
     Interest income (expense) reclassified from
        accumulated OCI into income
    
(15
)
    
(15
)
    
(44
)
    
(44
)

NOTE 7. ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSITIONS AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS

Acquisitions
Auction 1000 On April 13, 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that we were the successful bidder for $910 of spectrum in 18 markets. We provided the FCC an initial deposit of $2,348 in July 2016 and received a refund of $1,438 in April 2017, which was recorded as cash from investing activities on our consolidated statements of cash flows.
 
18
 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
Dispositions
YP Holdings LLC  In June 2017, YP Holdings LLC was acquired by Dex Media. Our results include a gain of $36 for our portion of the proceeds.

Pending Acquisitions
Time Warner Inc.  On October 22, 2016, we entered into and 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, 2017, the total transaction value is approximately $105,834. Each share of Time Warner common stock will be exchanged for $53.75 per share in cash and a number of shares of AT&T common stock equal to the exchange ratio. If the average stock price (as defined in the Merger Agreement) at the time of closing the Merger 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.

Time Warner is a global leader in media and entertainment whose major businesses encompass an array of some 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 for audiences around the world with our extensive customer relationships and distribution, one of the world's largest pay-TV subscriber bases and leading scale in TV, mobile and broadband distribution.

The Merger Agreement was approved by Time Warner shareholders on February 15, 2017. The transaction has been approved by all requisite foreign jurisdictions and remains subject to review by the U.S. Department of Justice. 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. On October 20, 2017, to facilitate obtaining final regulatory approval required to close the merger, AT&T and Time Warner elected to extend the October 22, 2017 termination date of the agreement for a short period of time.
 
Other Events
FirstNet  On March 30, 2017, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) announced its selection of AT&T to build and manage the first nationwide broadband network dedicated to America's first responders. FirstNet will provide 20 MHz of valuable telecommunications spectrum and success-based payments of $6,500 over the next five years to support network buildout. We expect to spend about $40,000, in part recoverable from FirstNet, over the life of the 25-year contract to build, operate and maintain the network. AT&T will construct and operate the network and provide sustainability payments to FirstNet. Sustainability payments are required to be used for the operating expenses of FirstNet and to fund network improvements included in our $40,000 estimate. FirstNet's operating expenses are anticipated to be in the $75-$100 range annually, and when adjusted for inflation, we expect to be in the $3,000 range over the life of the 25-year contract. After FirstNet's operating expenses are paid, we anticipate that the remaining amount, expected to be in the $15,000 range, will be reinvested into the network. As of November 2, 2017, 30 states and territories have opted-in to the program, representing 38%, or approximately $6,900, of this total sustainability payment commitment. The actual reach of the network and our investment over the 25-year period will be determined by the number of individual states and territories electing to participate in FirstNet.

States have until December 28, 2017 to elect to opt-out of the federally funded program, after which any state that did not formally make an election will automatically be opted-in. We do not expect FirstNet to materially impact our 2017 results.

19
 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

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, 2017 and December 31, 2016, gross equipment installment receivables of $4,176 and $5,665 were included on our consolidated balance sheets, of which $2,485 and $3,425 are notes receivable that are included in "Accounts receivable - net."

In 2014, we entered into an uncommitted agreement pertaining to the sale of equipment installment receivables and related security with Citibank and various other relationship banks as purchasers (collectively, the Purchasers). Under this agreement, we transfer certain receivables to the Purchasers for cash and additional consideration upon settlement of the receivables, referred to as the deferred purchase price. Since 2014, we have made beneficial modifications to the agreement. During 2017, we modified the agreement and entered into a second uncommitted agreement with the Purchasers such that we receive more upfront cash consideration at the time the receivables are transferred to the Purchasers. Additionally, in the event a customer trades in a device prior to the end of the installment contract period, we agree to make a payment to the Purchasers equal to any outstanding remaining installment receivable balance. Accordingly, we record a guarantee obligation to the Purchasers for this estimated amount at the time the receivables are transferred. Under the terms of the agreement, we continue to bill and collect the payments from our customers on behalf of the Purchasers. Since inception, cash proceeds received, net of remittances (excluding amounts returned as deferred purchase price), were $4,019.

The following table sets forth a summary of equipment installment receivables sold during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:

 
Three months ended
    
Nine months ended
  
 
September 30,
    
September 30,
  
 
2017
    
2016
    
2017
    
2016
  
Gross receivables sold
  
$
1,619
    
$
1,485
    
$
6,217
    
$
5,812
  
Net receivables sold 1
    
1,478
      
1,336
      
5,698
      
5,263
  
Cash proceeds received
    
1,292
      
891
      
4,139
      
3,538
  
Deferred purchase price recorded
    
285
      
463
      
1,767
      
1,745
  
Guarantee obligation recorded
    
65
      
-
      
139
      
-
  
1 Receivables net of allowance, imputed interest and trade-in right guarantees.

The deferred purchase price and guarantee obligation are initially recorded at estimated fair value and subsequently carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The estimation of their fair values is based on remaining installment payments expected to be collected and the expected timing and value of device trade-ins. The estimated value of the device trade-ins considers prices offered to us by independent third parties that contemplate changes in value after the launch of a device model. The fair value measurements used for the deferred purchase price and the guarantee obligation are considered Level 3 under the Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure framework (see Note 6).
 
20
 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
 
The following table shows the equipment installment receivables, previously sold to the Purchasers, which we repurchased in exchange for the associated deferred purchase price during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:

 
Three months ended
  
Nine months ended
  
 
September 30,
  
September 30,
  
 
2017
  
2016
  
2017
  
2016
  
Fair value of repurchased receivables
  
$
567
    
$
749
    
$
1,281
    
$
1,281
  
Carrying value of deferred purchase price
    
507
      
722
      
1,147
      
1,261
  
Gain (loss) on repurchases 1
  
$
60
    
$
27
    
$
134
    
$
20
  
1 These gains (losses) are included in "Selling, general and administrative" in the consolidated statements of income. 

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, our deferred purchase price receivable was $3,170 and $3,090, respectively, of which $2,023 and $1,606 are 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 total amount of our deferred purchase price and guarantee obligation.

The sales of equipment installment receivables did not have a material impact on our consolidated statements of income or to "Total Assets" reported on our consolidated balance sheets. We reflect 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.

Derecognized Installment Receivables
The following table sets forth a summary of equipment installment receivables that were sold to Purchasers and are no longer considered our assets.

   
2017
  
Outstanding derecognized receivables at January 1,
  
$
7,232
  
Gross receivables sold
    
6,217
  
Collections on cash purchase price
    
(3,556
)
Collections on deferred purchase price
    
(665
)
Trade ins and other
    
(295
)
Fair value of repurchased receivables
    
(1,281
)
Outstanding derecognized receivables at September 30,
  
$
7,652
  
 
 
21
 
AT&T INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

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

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. 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.

Consolidated Results  Our financial results in the third quarter and for the first nine months of 2017 and 2016 are summarized as follows:

   
Third Quarter
    
Nine-Month Period
  
               
Percent
                
Percent
  
   
2017
    
2016
    
Change
    
2017
    
2016
    
Change
  
Operating Revenues
                                    
   Service
  
$
36,378
    
$
37,272
      
(2.4
)%
  
$
109,372
    
$
111,515
      
(1.9
)%
   Equipment
    
3,290
      
3,618
      
(9.1
)
    
9,498
      
10,430
      
(8.9
)
Total Operating Revenues
    
39,668
      
40,890
      
(3.0
)
    
118,870
      
121,945
      
(2.5
)
                                                 
Operating expenses
                                                
   Cost of services and sales
                                                
      Equipment
    
4,191
      
4,455
      
(5.9
)
    
12,177
      
13,090
      
(7.0
)
      Broadcast, programming and
        operations
    
5,284
      
4,909
      
7.6
      
15,156
      
14,239
      
6.4
  
      Other cost of services
    
9,431
      
9,526
      
(1.0
)
    
27,714
      
28,436
      
(2.5
)
   Selling, general and administrative
    
8,317
      
9,013
      
(7.7
)
    
24,917
      
26,363
      
(5.5
)
   Depreciation and amortization
    
6,042
      
6,579
      
(8.2
)
    
18,316
      
19,718
      
(7.1
)
Total Operating Expenses
    
33,265
      
34,482
      
(3.5
)
    
98,280
      
101,846
      
(3.5
)
Operating Income
    
6,403
      
6,408
      
(0.1
)
    
20,590
      
20,099
      
2.4
  
Income Before Income Taxes
    
4,974
      
5,193
      
(4.2
)
    
16,422
      
16,621
      
(1.2
)
Net Income
    
3,123
      
3,418
      
(8.6
)
    
10,711
      
10,818
      
(1.0
)
Net Income Attributable to AT&T
  
$
3,029
    
$
3,328
      
(9.0
)%
  
$
10,413
    
$
10,539
      
(1.2
)%

Overview

Operating revenues decreased $1,222, or 3.0%, in the third quarter and $3,075, or 2.5%, for the first nine months of 2017.
Service revenues decreased $894, or 2.4%, in the third quarter and $2,143, or 1.9%, for the first nine months of 2017. The decreases were primarily due to continued declines in legacy wireline voice and data products and lower wireless service revenues reflecting increased adoption of unlimited plans. Additionally, we waived $89 in service revenues for customers in areas affected by natural disasters during the third quarter of 2017. These were partially offset by increased revenues from strategic business services.

Equipment revenues decreased $328, or 9.1%, in the third quarter and $932, or 8.9%, for the first nine months of 2017. The decreases were primarily due to lower wireless handset sales and upgrades. Equipment revenue is becoming increasingly unpredictable as many customers are choosing to upgrade devices less frequently or are bringing their own devices.

Operating expenses decreased $1,217, or 3.5%, in the third quarter and $3,566, or 3.5%, for the first nine months of 2017.
Equipment expenses decreased $264, or 5.9%, in the third quarter and $913, or 7.0%, for the first nine months of 2017. The decreases were driven by a decline in devices sold reflecting a change in customer buying habits.