att2q08.htm
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 June 30, 2008
 
       
   
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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes [   ]   No [X]
 
At July 31, 2008, there were 5,893 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
   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Operating Revenues
                       
Wireless service
  $ 10,894     $ 9,513     $ 21,499     $ 18,583  
Voice
    9,519       10,378       19,212       20,833  
Data
    6,054       5,746       12,026       11,401  
Directory
    1,383       1,155       2,781       2,177  
Other
    3,016       2,686       6,092       5,453  
Total operating revenues
    30,866       29,478       61,610       58,447  
Operating Expenses
                               
Cost of services and sales (exclusive of depreciation and
                               
amortization shown separately below)
    11,900       11,658       23,902       23,080  
Selling, general and administrative
    7,441       7,460       15,300       14,727  
Depreciation and amortization
    4,958       5,416       9,861       11,032  
Total operating expenses
    24,299       24,534       49,063       48,839  
Operating Income
    6,567       4,944       12,547       9,608  
Other Income (Expense)
                               
Interest expense
    (854 )     (879 )     (1,719 )     (1,752 )
Equity in net income of affiliates
    212       210       455       383  
Other income (expense) – net
    (43 )     127       (10 )     631  
Total other income (expense)
    (685 )     (542 )     (1,274 )     (738 )
Income Before Income Taxes
    5,882       4,402       11,273       8,870  
Income taxes
    2,110       1,498       4,040       3,118  
Net Income
  $ 3,772     $ 2,904     $ 7,233     $ 5,752  
                                 
Basic Earnings Per Share
  $ 0.64     $ 0.47     $ 1.21     $ 0.93  
Diluted Earnings Per Share
  $ 0.63     $ 0.47     $ 1.21     $ 0.92  
Weighted Average Number of Common
                               
Shares Outstanding – Basic (in millions)
    5,926       6,145       5,962       6,184  
Dividends Declared Per Common Share
  $ 0.400     $ 0.355     $ 0.800     $ 0.710  
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

AT&T INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
           
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Assets
 
(Unaudited)
       
Current Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,631     $ 1,970  
Accounts receivable – net of allowances for
               
uncollectibles of $1,303 and $1,364
    15,971       16,185  
Prepaid expenses
    1,671       1,524  
Deferred income taxes
    1,407       2,044  
Other current assets
    2,545       2,963  
Total current assets
    23,225       24,686  
Property, plant and equipment
    212,549       210,518  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
    115,181       114,628  
Property, Plant and Equipment – Net
    97,368       95,890  
Goodwill
    71,528       70,713  
Licenses
    46,771       37,985  
Customer Lists and Relationships - Net
    12,568       14,505  
Other Intangible Assets - Net
    5,844       5,912  
Investments in Equity Affiliates
    2,838       2,270  
Postemployment Benefit
    17,898       17,291  
Other Assets
    6,468       6,392  
Total Assets
  $ 284,508     $ 275,644  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Current Liabilities
               
Debt maturing within one year
  $ 16,472     $ 6,860  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    18,927       21,399  
Advanced billing and customer deposits
    3,573       3,571  
Accrued taxes
    3,782       5,027  
Dividends payable
    2,357       2,417  
Total current liabilities
    45,111       39,274  
Long-Term Debt
    63,675       57,255  
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
               
Deferred income taxes
    25,136       24,939  
Postemployment benefit obligation
    24,832       24,011  
Other noncurrent liabilities
    13,817       14,798  
Total deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities
    63,785       63,748  
                 
Stockholders’ Equity
               
Common shares issued ($1 par value)
    6,495       6,495  
Capital in excess of par value
    91,647       91,638  
Retained earnings
    35,719       33,297  
Treasury shares (at cost)
    (21,420 )     (15,683 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (504 )     (380 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    111,937       115,367  
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 284,508     $ 275,644  
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

AT&T INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Dollars in millions, increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
(Unaudited)
 
   
  Six months ended
 
   
   June 30,
 
   
          2008
   
          2007
 
Operating Activities
           
Net income
  $ 7,233     $ 5,752  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
               
provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    9,861       11,032  
Undistributed earnings from investments in equity affiliates
    (415 )     (344 )
Provision for uncollectible accounts
    860       738  
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
    1,384       (546 )
Net gain on sales of investments
    (27 )     (64 )
Gain on license exchange
    -       (409 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (776 )     87  
Other current assets
    274       (665 )
Accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities
    (5,117 )     (287 )
Stock-based compensation tax benefit
    (14 )     (107 )
Other - net
    242       (108 )
Total adjustments
    6,272       9,327  
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    13,505       15,079  
                 
Investing Activities
               
Construction and capital expenditures
               
Capital expenditures
    (9,320 )     (7,460 )
Interest during construction
    (257 )     (78 )
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    (10,087 )     (221 )
Dispositions
    623       520  
Proceeds from sale of securities, net of investments
    (73 )     509  
Other
    41       17  
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
    (19,073 )     (6,713 )
                 
Financing Activities
               
Net change in short-term borrowings with original
               
maturities of three months or less
    6,590       (1,993 )
Issuance of long-term debt
    10,924       5,924  
Repayment of long-term debt
    (1,605 )     (2,065 )
Purchase of treasury shares
    (6,077 )     (6,904 )
Issuance of treasury shares
    310       1,252  
Dividends paid
    (4,802 )     (4,414 )
Stock-based compensation tax benefit
    14       107  
Other
    (125 )     (121 )
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
    5,229       (8,214 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (339 )     152  
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of year
    1,970       2,418  
Cash and Cash Equivalents End of Period
  $ 1,631     $ 2,570  
                 
Cash paid during the six months ended June 30 for:
               
Interest
  $ 1,863     $ 1,765  
Income taxes, net of refunds
  $ 4,730     $ 1,484  
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

AT&T INC.
     
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
     
Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts
     
(Unaudited)
     
   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30, 2008
 
   
Shares
   
Amount
 
Common Stock
           
Balance at beginning of year
    6,495     $ 6,495  
Balance at end of period
    6,495     $ 6,495  
                 
Capital in Excess of Par Value
               
Balance at beginning of year
          $ 91,638  
Issuance of shares
            88  
Stock based compensation
            (79 )
Balance at end of period
          $ 91,647  
                 
Retained Earnings
               
Balance at beginning of year
          $ 33,297  
Net income ($1.21 per diluted share)
            7,233  
Dividends to stockholders ($0.80 per share)
            (4,742 )
Other
            (69 )
Balance at end of period
          $ 35,719  
                 
Treasury Shares
               
Balance at beginning of year
    (451 )   $ (15,683 )
Purchase of shares
    (164 )     (6,077 )
Issuance of shares
    13       340  
Balance at end of period
    (602 )   $ (21,420 )
                 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax
               
Balance at beginning of year
          $ (380 )
Other comprehensive income (loss) (see Note 2)
            (124 )
Balance at end of period
          $ (504 )
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

 
 

 
AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

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

NOTE 1. PREPARATION OF INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Basis of Presentation Throughout this document, AT&T Inc. is referred to as “AT&T,” “we” or the “Company.” The consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods. We believe that these consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the results for the interim periods shown. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. You should read this document in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our majority-owned subsidiaries and affiliates. Our subsidiaries and affiliates operate in the communications services industry both domestically and internationally, providing wireless and wireline communications services and equipment, managed networking, wholesale services and directory advertising and publishing services.

All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in the consolidation process. Investments in partnerships and less than majority-owned subsidiaries where we have significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Earnings from certain foreign equity investments accounted for using the equity method are included for periods ended within up to one month of our year end.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (FAS 157) requires disclosures for financial assets and liabilities that are remeasured at fair value at least annually. FAS157 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. Substantially all of our available-for-sale securities are valued using quoted market prices (referred to as Level 1). Adjustments to fair value are recorded in other comprehensive income until the investment is sold (see Note 2). The fair market value of these securities was $2,570 at June 30, 2008.

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. We have reclassified certain amounts in prior-period financial statements to conform to the current period’s presentation.

Valuation and Other Adjustments In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 112, “Employers’ Accounting for Postemployment Benefits,” (FAS 112) we establish obligations for expected termination benefits provided under existing plans to former or inactive employees after employment but before retirement. These benefits include severance payments, workers’ compensation, disability, medical continuation coverage and other benefits. At June 30, 2008, we had severance accruals under FAS 112 of $369, of which $42 were established as merger-related severance accruals. At December 31, 2007, we had severance accruals of $127.

Included in the current liabilities reported on our consolidated balance sheet are accruals established under Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 95-3, “Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Business Combination” (EITF 95-3). The liabilities include accruals for severance, lease terminations and equipment removal costs associated with our acquisitions of AT&T Corp., BellSouth Corporation (BellSouth) and Dobson Communications Corporation. Following is a summary of the accruals recorded under EITF 95-3 at December 31, 2007, cash payments made during 2008 and the adjustments thereto.

   
12/31/07
   
Cash
         
6/30/08
 
   
Balance
   
Payments
   
Adjustments
   
Balance
 
Severance accruals paid from:
                       
Company funds
  $ 540     $ (177 )   $ 6     $ 369  
Pension and postemployment
benefit plans
    129       (21 )     -       108  
Lease terminations
    425       (56 )     91       460  
Equipment removal and other related costs
    161       (18 )     17       160  
Total
  $ 1,255     $ (272 )   $ 114     $ 1,097  
 
6
 

 
AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

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

New Accounting Standards
Split Dollar Life Insurance In 2007, the EITF ratified the consensus on EITF 06-4, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements” (EITF 06-4) and EITF 06-10 “Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements” (EITF 06-10). EITF 06-4 and EITF 06-10 cover split-dollar life insurance arrangements (where the company owns and controls the policy) and provides that an employer should recognize a liability for future benefits in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions” (FAS 106). These are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. We adopted EITF 06-4 and EITF 06-10 on January 1, 2008, recording additional postretirement liabilities of $101 and a decrease to retained earnings of $63.

NOTE 2. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The components of our comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 include net income, adjustments to stockholders’ equity for the foreign currency translation adjustment, net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges and defined benefit postretirement plans. The foreign currency translation adjustment was due to exchange rate fluctuations in our foreign affiliates’ local currencies and the reclassification adjustment on cash flow hedges was due to the amortization of losses from our interest rate forward contracts.

Following is our comprehensive income:

   
Three months ended
Six months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net income
  $ 3,772     $ 2,904     $ 7,233     $ 5,752  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    39       44       105       18  
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
                               
Unrealized gains (losses)
    26       68       (64 )     149  
Less reclassification adjustment realized in net income
    34       (40 )     (16 )     (40 )
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
                               
Unrealized gains (losses)
    (21 )     (13 )     (99 )     (36 )
Reclassification adjustment for losses on cash flow hedges
included in net income
    5       4       9       8  
Defined benefit postretirement plans:
                               
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss and prior service
benefit included in net income
    (31 )     56       (59 )     104  
Other
    -       1       -       (1 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    52       120       (124 )     202  
Total Comprehensive Income 
  $ 3,824     $ 3,024     $ 7,109     $ 5,954  


 

 
AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

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

NOTE 3. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Reconciliations of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share for net income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 are shown in the table below:

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Numerators
                       
Numerator for basic earnings per share:
                       
Net income
  $ 3,772     $ 2,904     $ 7,233     $ 5,752  
Dilutive potential common shares:
                               
Other stock-based compensation
    2       2       4       4  
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
  $ 3,774     $ 2,906     $ 7,237     $ 5,756  
Denominators (000,000)
                               
Denominator for basic earnings per share:
                               
Weighted-average number of common
                               
shares outstanding
    5,926       6,145       5,962       6,184  
Dilutive potential common shares:
                               
Stock options
    15       26       15       24  
Other stock-based compensation
    21       24       20       22  
Denominator for diluted earnings per share
    5,962       6,195       5,997       6,230  
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.64     $ 0.47     $ 1.21     $ 0.93  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.63     $ 0.47     $ 1.21     $ 0.92  

At June 30, 2008, we had issued and outstanding options to purchase approximately 209 million shares of AT&T common stock. The exercise prices of options to purchase a weighted average of 104 million shares in the second quarter and 110 million for the first six months exceeded the average market price of AT&T stock. Accordingly, we did not include these amounts in determining the dilutive potential common shares for the respective period. At June 30, 2008, the exercise price of 105 million share options was below market price.

At June 30, 2007, we had issued and outstanding options to purchase 261 million shares of AT&T common stock. The exercise prices of options to purchase a weighted average of 95 million shares in the second quarter and 113 million for the first six months exceeded the average market price of AT&T stock. Accordingly, we did not include these amounts in determining the dilutive potential common shares for the respective period.


 

 
AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

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

NOTE 4. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Our segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services and are managed accordingly. We analyze our various operating segments based on segment income before income taxes. Interest expense and other income (expense) – net are managed only on a total company basis and are, accordingly, reflected only in consolidated results. Therefore, these items are not included in the calculation of each segment’s percentage of our consolidated results. We have four reportable segments: (1) wireless, (2) wireline, (3) advertising & publishing and (4) other.

As part of our internal business unit realignment in the second quarter 2008, expenses were moved between line items (cost of sales and selling, general and administrative) and between segments (primarily wireline and other).

The wireless segment provides wireless voice and advanced data communications services.

The wireline segment provides landline voice and data communications services, managed networking to business customers, AT&T U-verseSM TV service (U-verse) and satellite television services through our agency arrangements.

The advertising & publishing segment includes our directory operations, which publish Yellow and White Pages directories and sell directory and Internet-based advertising. Results for this segment are shown under the amortization method, which means that revenues and direct expenses are recognized ratably over the life of the directory title, typically 12 months. However, consolidated results for 2007 directory operations acquired in our BellSouth acquisition are treated differently in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations” (FAS 141).

Under FAS 141, BellSouth deferred revenue and expenses from directories published during the twelve-month period ending with the December 29, 2006 acquisition date were not recognized in 2007 consolidated results. Accordingly, our consolidated revenue and expenses in 2007 related to directory operations were lower. Because management assesses the performance of the segment including the revenue and expenses associated with those directories, for segment reporting purposes, our 2007 advertising & publishing segment results include revenue of $306 in the second quarter and $715 for the first six months of 2007 and expenses of $119 in the second quarter and $227 for the first six months of 2007. These amounts are eliminated in the consolidation and elimination column in the reconciliation below.

The other segment includes results from Sterling Commerce Inc., customer information services and all corporate and other operations. This segment includes our portion of the results from our international equity investments. Also included in the other segment are impacts of management decisions affecting the entire company for which management does not evaluate the individual operating segments.

In the following tables, we show how our segment results are reconciled to our consolidated results reported in accordance with GAAP. The Wireless, Wireline, Advertising & Publishing and Other columns represent the segment results of each such operating segment. The Consolidation and Elimination column adds in those line items that we manage on a consolidated basis only: interest expense and other income (expense) – net. This column also eliminates any intercompany transactions included in each segment’s results as well as the advertising & publishing revenue and expenses in the second quarter and for the first six months of 2007 as noted above.

Segment assets for the six months ended June 30, 2008 are materially unchanged from the year ended December 31, 2007 with the exception of the wireless and other segment assets. Our wireless segment assets totaled $123,620, which increased $17,667, or 16.7%, primarily due to the acquisition of wireless spectrum. Our other segment assets totaled $206,436, which increased $23,361, or 12.8%, primarily due to an increase in value of our investments in our subsidiaries.

 

 
AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts

For the three months ended June 30, 2008
                               
               
Advertising &
         
Consolidation
   
Consolidated
 
   
Wireless
   
Wireline
   
Publishing
   
Other
   
and Elimination
   
Results
 
Revenues from external customers
  $ 11,977     $ 17,059     $ 1,383     $ 447     $ -     $ 30,866  
Intersegment revenues
    56       549       24       65       (694 )     -  
Total segment operating revenues
    12,033       17,608       1,407       512       (694 )     30,866  
Operations and support expenses
    7,523       11,227       771       512       (692 )     19,341  
Depreciation and amortization expenses
    1,446       3,269       203       42       (2 )     4,958  
Total segment operating expenses
    8,969       14,496       974       554       (694 )     24,299  
Segment operating income (loss)
    3,064       3,112       433       (42 )     -       6,567  
Interest expense
    -       -       -       -       854       854  
Equity in net income of affiliates
    3       -       -       209       -       212  
Minority interest
    (69 )     -       -       -       69       -  
Other income (expense) – net
    -       -       -       -       (43 )     (43 )
Segment income before income taxes
  $ 2,998     $ 3,112     $ 433     $ 167     $ (828 )   $ 5,882  

At June 30, 2008 or for the six months ended
                               
               
Advertising &
         
Consolidation
   
Consolidated
 
   
Wireless
   
Wireline
   
Publishing
   
Other
   
and Elimination
   
Results
 
Revenues from external customers
  $ 23,762     $ 34,146     $ 2,781     $ 921     $ -     $ 61,610  
Intersegment revenues
    96       1,086       43       135       (1,360 )     -  
Total segment operating revenues
    23,858       35,232       2,824       1,056       (1,360 )     61,610  
Operations and support expenses
    14,912       22,731       1,558       1,360       (1,359 )     39,202  
Depreciation and amortization expenses
    2,926       6,439       415       82       (1 )     9,861  
Total segment operating expenses
    17,838       29,170       1,973       1,442       (1,360 )     49,063  
Segment operating income (loss)
    6,020       6,062       851       (386 )     -       12,547  
Interest expense
    -       -       -       -       1,719       1,719  
Equity in net income of affiliates
    5       -       -       450       -       455  
Minority interest
    (129 )     -       -       -       129       -  
Other income (expense) – net
    -       -       -       -       (10 )     (10 )
Segment income before income taxes
  $ 5,896     $ 6,062     $ 851     $ 64     $ (1,600 )   $ 11,273  

10
 

 
AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts


For the three months ended June 30, 2007
                               
               
Advertising &
         
Consolidation
   
Consolidated
 
   
Wireless
   
Wireline
   
Publishing
   
Other
   
and Elimination
   
Results
 
Revenues from external customers
  $ 10,368     $ 17,478     $ 1,461     $ 477     $ (306 )   $ 29,478  
Intersegment revenues
    27       515       17       81       (640 )     -  
Total segment operating revenues
    10,395       17,993       1,478       558       (946 )     29,478  
Operations and support expenses
    6,981       11,502       792       600       (757 )     19,118  
Depreciation and amortization expenses
    1,810       3,301       263       43       (1 )     5,416  
Total segment operating expenses
    8,791       14,803       1,055       643       (758 )     24,534  
Segment operating income (loss)
    1,604       3,190       423       (85 )     (188 )     4,944  
Interest expense
    -       -       -       -       879       879  
Equity in net income of affiliates
    17       -       -       202       (9 )     210  
Minority interest
    (67 )     -       -       -       67       -  
Other income (expense) – net
    -       -       -       -       127       127  
Segment income before income taxes
  $ 1,554     $ 3,190     $ 423     $ 117     $ (882 )   $ 4,402  

At June 30, 2007 or for the six months ended
                               
               
Advertising &
         
Consolidation
   
Consolidated
 
   
Wireless
   
Wireline
   
Publishing
   
Other
   
and Elimination
   
Results
 
Revenues from external customers
  $ 20,343     $ 34,960     $ 2,892     $ 967     $ (715 )   $ 58,447  
Intersegment revenues
    49       1,025       29       129       (1,232 )     -  
Total segment operating revenues
    20,392       35,985       2,921       1,096       (1,947 )     58,447  
Operations and support expenses
    13,564       23,104       1,526       1,070       (1,457 )     37,807  
Depreciation and amortization expenses
    3,701       6,742       505       85       (1 )     11,032  
Total segment operating expenses
    17,265       29,846       2,031       1,155       (1,458 )     48,839  
Segment operating income (loss)
    3,127       6,139       890       (59 )     (489 )     9,608  
Interest expense
    -       -       -       -       1,752       1,752  
Equity in net income of affiliates
    24       -       -       374       (15 )     383  
Minority interest
    (115 )     -       -       -       115       -  
Other income (expense) – net
    -       -       -       -       631       631  
Segment income before income taxes
  $ 3,036     $ 6,139     $ 890     $ 315     $ (1,510 )   $ 8,870  



11 
 

 
AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

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

NOTE 5. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

Substantially all of our employees are covered by one of various noncontributory pension and death benefit plans. We also provide certain medical, dental and life insurance benefits to substantially all retirees under various plans and accrue actuarially determined postretirement benefit costs as employees earn these benefits. 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 meet the plans’ obligations to provide benefits to employees upon their retirement. No significant cash contributions are required under ERISA regulations during 2008.

The following details pension and postretirement benefit costs included in operating expenses (in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses) in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. We account for these costs in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions” and FAS 106. In the following table, gains are denoted with parentheses and losses are not.

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Pension (benefit) cost:
                       
Service cost – benefits earned during the period
  $ 293     $ 313     $ 586     $ 629  
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
    829       807       1,659       1,608  
Expected return on assets
    (1,401 )     (1,367 )     (2,801 )     (2,734 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    33       39       66       71  
Recognized actuarial loss
    4       60       6       120  
Net pension benefit
  $ (242 )   $ (148 )   $ (484 )   $ (306 )
                                 
Postretirement benefit cost:
                               
Service cost – benefits earned during the period
  $ 107     $ 127     $ 214     $ 254  
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
                               
  benefit obligation
    639       644       1,275       1,287  
Expected return on assets
    (332 )     (337 )     (664 )     (674 )
Amortization of prior service benefit
    (89 )     (91 )     (179 )     (180 )
Recognized actuarial loss
    -       74       -       148  
Postretirement benefit cost
  $ 325     $ 417     $ 646     $ 835  
                                 
 Combined net pension and postretirement cost
  $ 83     $ 269     $ 162     $ 529  

Our combined net pension and postretirement cost decreased $186 in the second quarter and $367 for the first six months of 2008. This decline was primarily due to the decrease in amortization of the unrecognized actuarial losses recorded under Statement of Financial Standards No. 158 “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans” in Other Comprehensive Income. As allowed under GAAP, we amortize gains and losses only when the net gains or losses exceed 10 percent of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of assets.

We have varying types of pension programs providing benefits for certain non-U.S. operations. In addition to the pension and postretirement costs above, we recorded net pension cost for non-U.S. plans of $3 in the second quarter and $7 for the first six months of 2008 and $4 in the second quarter and $8 for the first six months of 2007.

We also provide senior- and middle-management employees with nonqualified, unfunded supplemental retirement and savings plans. Net supplemental retirement pension benefits cost, which is not included in the table above was $45 in the second quarter and $91 for the first six months of 2008, of which $36 and $71 was interest cost, respectively. Net supplemental retirement pension benefits cost was $49 in the second quarter and $96 for the first six months of 2007, of which $36 and $72 was interest cost, respectively.

12 
 

 
AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

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

For ease of reading, AT&T Inc. is referred to as “we,” “AT&T,” or the “Company” throughout this document and the names of the particular subsidiaries and affiliates providing the services generally have been omitted. AT&T is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates operate in the communications services industry in both the United States and internationally providing telecommunications services and equipment as well as directory advertising and publishing services. You should read this discussion in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, accompanying notes and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. In the tables throughout this section, percentage increases and decreases that are not considered meaningful are denoted with a dash.

Consolidated Results  Our financial results in the second quarter and for the first six months of 2008 and 2007 are summarized as follows:

   
Second Quarter
   
Six-Month Period
 
               
Percent
               
Percent
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
Change
   
2008
   
2007
   
Change
 
Operating revenues
  $ 30,866     $ 29,478       4.7 %   $ 61,610     $ 58,447       5.4 %
Operating expenses
    24,299       24,534       (1.0 )     49,063       48,839       0.5  
Operating income
    6,567       4,944       32.8       12,547       9,608       30.6  
Income before income taxes
    5,882       4,402       33.6       11,273       8,870       27.1  
Net Income
    3,772       2,904       29.9       7,233       5,752       25.7  

Overview
Operating income Our operating income increased $1,623, or 32.8%, in the second quarter and $2,939, or 30.6%, for the first six months of 2008, reflecting continued growth in wireless service and data revenues. Our operating income margin increased from 16.8% to 21.3% in the second quarter and from 16.4% to 20.4% for the first six months. Reported results in 2008 include directory revenue and expenses from directories published by BellSouth Corporation (BellSouth) subsidiaries. In accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), our reported results in 2007 did not include deferred revenue of $306 in the second quarter and $715 for the first six months and expenses of $119 in the second quarter and $227 for the first six months from BellSouth directories published during the 12-month period ending with the December 29, 2006 date we acquired BellSouth. Had our 2007 directory results included this deferred revenue and expenses, operating income would have increased $1,436 in the second quarter and $2,451 for the first six months of 2008, as compared to 2007. See our “Advertising & Publishing Segment Results” section for discussion of this purchase accounting treatment.

Operating revenues  Our operating revenues increased $1,388, or 4.7%, in the second quarter and $3,163, or 5.4%, for the first six months primarily due to continuing growth in wireless subscribers. Revenues in the second quarter and for the first six months also reflect an increase in data revenues, primarily related to Internet Protocol (IP) data, partially offset by the continued decline in voice revenues. As discussed above, purchase accounting treatment for directories published 12 months prior to the BellSouth acquisition also increased revenues in the second quarter and for the first six months of 2008 when compared to 2007.

Our operating revenues also reflect the continued decline in our retail access lines due to increased competition, as customers disconnected both primary and additional lines and switched to competitors’ wireless, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and cable offerings for voice and data. The slower national economy also adversely affected the ability of our consumer wireline customers to purchase our services. While we lose the voice revenues, we have the opportunity to increase wireless service revenues should the customer choose us as their wireless provider.

Operating expenses  Our operating expenses decreased $235, or 1.0%, in the second quarter and increased $224, or 0.5%, for the first six months. The decrease in the second quarter was primarily due to merger integration costs incurred in 2007 and not in 2008, lower amortization expense on intangible assets, and lower employee related accruals. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in subsidized wireless equipment sales and the inclusion of BellSouth-related directory expenses in 2008 and not in 2007, as noted above.
13
 

 
AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
The increase for the first six months was primarily due to increased wireless equipment sales, a $374 charge taken in the first quarter of 2008 for workforce reductions and the purchase accounting treatment of the BellSouth deferred directory expenses discussed above. Partially offsetting these second quarter increases were merger integration costs recognized in 2007 and not in 2008, and lower amortization expense on intangible assets in 2008.

Interest expense decreased $25, or 2.8%, in the second quarter and $33, or 1.9%, for the first six months of 2008. Interest expense remained relatively unchanged due to a decrease in our weighted average interest rate and changes in interest charged during construction offset by an increase in our average debt balances. Future interest expense will continue to reflect increased interest during construction due to our spectrum purchases.

Equity in net income of affiliates increased $2, or 1.0%, in the second quarter and $72, or 18.8%, for the first six months of 2008. The increase is primarily due to improved results from our investment in América Móvil S.A. de C.V. (América Móvil).

Other income (expense) – net  We had other expense of $43 in the second quarter and $10 for the first six months of 2008, as compared to other income of $127 in the second quarter and $631 for the first six months of 2007. Results in the second quarter of 2008 primarily included expenses of $90 related to minority interest expenses and the loss on sale of investments partially offset by $45 of interest, dividend and leveraged lease income. Results in the second quarter of 2007 primarily included gains of $80 related to the sale of administrative buildings and other non-strategic assets, $64 on the sale of investments and $39 of interest income. These gains were partially offset by $59 in minority interest expenses.

Results for the first six months of 2008 primarily included expenses of $129 related to minority interest expenses partially offset by $117 of interest, dividend and leveraged lease income. Results for the first six months of 2007 primarily included gains of $409 related to a wireless spectrum license exchange, $165 for the sale of administrative buildings and other non-strategic assets, $74 of interest income and $64 on the sale of investments. These gains were partially offset by $100 in minority interest expenses.

Income taxes increased $612, or 40.9%, in the second quarter and $922, or 29.6%, for the first six months of 2008. The increase in income taxes in the second quarter and for the first six months was primarily due to higher income before income taxes. Our effective tax rates were 35.9% in the second quarter of 2008 compared to 34.0% in the second quarter of 2007, and 35.8% for the first six months of 2008 compared to 35.2% for the first six months of 2007. The increase in our effective tax rates in 2008 was primarily due to an increase in income before income taxes. The effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2007 reflects a benefit related primarily to the enactment of state income tax legislation and the favorable resolution of a contested interest assessment.

Selected Financial and Operating Data
 
          June 30,
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
Wireless customers (000)
72,882
 
63,673
 
Consumer revenue connections (000) 1,2
48,417
 
49,513
 
Network access lines in service (000) 2
58,860
 
64,078
 
Broadband connections (000) 2,3
14,693
 
13,261
 
Video connections (000) 2,4
2,784
 
1,897
 
Debt ratio 5
41.7
%
35.6
%
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 6
5.5
 
5.3
 
Number of AT&T employees
307,550
 
301,840
 
1 Consumer revenue connections includes retail access lines, VoIP customers, broadband and video.
2 Represents services by AT&T’s local exchange companies (ILECs) and affiliates.
3 Broadband connections include DSL, U-verse high-speed Internet access and satellite broadband.
4 Video connections include customers that have satellite service under our agency arrangements and U-verse video connections
5 See our “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section for discussion.
6 See Exhibit 12.
14
 

 
AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

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

Our segments represent strategic business units that offer different products and services and are managed accordingly. Our operating segment results presented in Note 4 and discussed below for each segment follow our internal management reporting. We analyze our various operating segments based on segment income before income taxes. Interest expense and other income (expense) – net are managed only on a total company basis and are, accordingly, reflected only in consolidated results. We have four reportable segments: (1) wireless, (2) wireline, (3) advertising & publishing, and (4) other.

The wireless segment provides wireless voice and advanced data communications services.

The wireline segment provides landline voice and data communications services, managed networking to business customers, AT&T U-verseSM TV services (U-verse) and satellite television services through our agency arrangements.

The advertising & publishing segment includes our directory operations, which publish Yellow and White Pages directories and sell directory and Internet-based advertising.

The other segment includes results from Sterling Commerce Inc. (Sterling), customer information services and all corporate and other operations. The other segment includes our portion of the results from our international equity investments. Also included in the other segment are impacts of management decisions affecting the entire company for which management does not evaluate the individual operating segments.

As part of our internal business unit realignment in the second quarter 2008, expenses were moved between line items (cost of sales and selling, general and administrative) and between segments (primarily wireline and other).

The following tables show components of results of operations by segment. Significant segment results are discussed following each table. Capital expenditures for each segment are discussed in “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Wireless
Segment Results
   
Second Quarter
   
Six-Month Period
 
               
    Percent
               
    Percent
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
    Change
   
2008
   
2007
   
    Change
 
Segment operating revenues
                                   
Service revenues
  $
10,951
    $
9,540
      14.8 %   $
21,596
    $
18,632
      15.9 %
Equipment revenues
   
1,082
     
855
     
26.5
     
2,262
     
1,760
     
28.5
 
Total Segment Operating Revenues
   
12,033
     
10,395
     
15.8
     
23,858
     
20,392
     
17.0
 
Segment operating expenses
                                               
Cost of services and equipment sales
   
4,162
     
3,941
     
5.6
     
8,272
     
7,611
     
8.7
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
3,361
     
3,040
     
10.6
     
6,640
     
5,953
     
11.5
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
1,446
     
1,810
      (20.1 )    
2,926
     
3,701
      (20.9 )
Total Segment Operating Expenses
   
8,969
     
8,791
     
2.0
     
17,838
     
17,265
     
3.3
 
Segment Operating Income
   
3,064
     
1,604
     
91.0
     
6,020
     
3,127
     
92.5
 
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Affiliates
   
3
     
17
      (82.4 )    
5
     
24
      (79.2 )
Minority Interest 1
    (69 )     (67 )     (3.0 )     (129 )     (115 )     (12.2 )
Segment Income
  $
2,998
    $
1,554
      92.9 %   $
5,896
    $
3,036
      94.2 %
1 Minority interest is reported as “Other Income (Expense) – Net” in the consolidated statements of income.
 
15
 

 
AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

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

Operating Income and Margin Trends
Our wireless segment operating income increased $1,460, or 91.0%, in the second quarter and $2,893, or 92.5%, for the first six months of 2008, reflecting an increase in our customer base and a decline in merger-related expenses as our wireless operations now have been largely integrated. Our wireless segment operating income margin was 25.5% in the second quarter and 25.2% for the first six months of 2008, which improved over margins of 15.4% in the second quarter and 15.3% for the first six months of 2007. The higher margin in 2008 was primarily due to revenue growth of $1,638, or 15.8%, in the second quarter and $3,466, or 17.0%, for the first six months of 2008, partially offset by increased operating expenses of $178, or 2.0%, in the second quarter and $573, or 3.3%, for the first six months. The majority of the improvement in our results was due to the increase in our customer base of 9.2 million since June 30, 2007. This increase includes 1.7 million customers related to our acquisition of Dobson Communications Corporation (Dobson) in November 2007. As of June 30, 2008, we served 72.9 million wireless customers. Contributing to our customer base increase was improvement in the postpaid customer turnover (churn) rate. Customer net additions for the first six months of 2008 were adversely affected by approximately 330,000 disconnections related to the shut down of our Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) wireless network operations, which was completed in February 2008. Results also benefited from merger integration costs recognized in 2007 and not reoccurring in 2008, and lower amortization expense on intangible assets in 2008.
 
Average service revenue per user/customer (ARPU) in the second quarter of 2008 remained consistent with the second quarter of 2007. Data services ARPU grew 32.2% in the second quarter of 2008, partially offset by a decline in voice service ARPU of 6.8%. We expect continued growth from data services as more customers purchase advanced handsets and as our third-generation network continues to expand. The decline in voice service ARPU is primarily the result of a higher percentage of prepaid and reseller customers, which provide lower ARPU than postpaid customers, lower growth in outcollect roaming due to acquisitions and rate negotiations as part of roaming cost savings initiatives, lower Universal Service Fund (USF) rates when compared to 2007 and other decreases in voice service. We expect continued pressure on voice service ARPU.

Our total churn rate remained stable and was 1.6% in the second quarter of 2008 and 2007. Our postpaid churn rate declined to 1.1% compared to 1.2% in the second quarter of 2007.

Operating Results
Service revenues are comprised of voice, data and other revenue. Service revenues increased $1,411, or 14.8%, in the second quarter and $2,964, or 15.9%, for the first six months of 2008. The increase in service revenues primarily consisted of:
·  
Data revenue increases of $859, or 52.0%, in the second quarter and $1,694, or 54.5%, for the first six months primarily due to the increased number of data users and an increase in data ARPU of 32.2% in the second quarter and 34.6% for the first six months. Data revenue growth was driven by increases of more than 100% in wireless internet access revenues and more than 50% increase in messaging, e-mail and data access revenues. This primarily resulted from increased use of more advanced handsets, which can provide for the data services previously mentioned. Data service revenues represented 22.9% of wireless service revenues in the second quarter and 22.2% for the first six months of 2008, up from 17.3% in the second quarter and 16.7% for the first six months of 2007.
·  
Voice and other revenue increases of $552, or 7.0%, in the second quarter and $1,270, or 8.2%, for the first six months, primarily due to an increase in the average number of wireless customers of 14.8%, partially offset by a decline in voice ARPU of 6.8% in the second quarter and 5.8% for the first six months. Included in voice revenues were increases in long-distance and net roaming revenue due to increased international usage and a positive impact from the acquisition of Dobson.

Equipment revenues increased $227, or 26.5%, in the second quarter and $502, or 28.5%, for the first six months of 2008. The increase was due to higher handset revenues reflecting increased retail customer gross additions of 8.7% in the second quarter and 11.6% for the first six months, and customer upgrades to more advanced handsets.

Cost of services and equipment sales expenses increased $221, or 5.6%, in the second quarter and $661, or 8.7%, for the first six months of 2008 almost entirely due to increased equipment sales expense. This equipment cost increase was due to the overall increase in sales as well as an increase in sales of higher-cost, advanced handsets and accessories. Total equipment costs continue to be higher than equipment revenues due to the sale of discounted handsets to customers.
16
 

 
AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
Cost of services increased $13 in the second quarter and $28 for the first six months due to increased USF, reseller, interconnect and other expenses of $112 in the second quarter and $215 for the first six months. These increases were largely offset by a decline in expenses of $99 in the second quarter and $187 for the first six months primarily related to lower network costs, roaming and long-distance expenses related to cost savings initiatives, including vendor maintenance agreements revisions and efficiencies from the Dobson acquisition.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $321, or 10.6%, in the second quarter and $687, and 11.5%, for the first six months of 2008 and included the following:
·  
Increases in customer service and other expenses of $181 in the second quarter and $393 for the first six months primarily due to increased customer support costs, other general and administrative and bad-debt expense.
·  
Increases in selling, upgrade commissions and residual expenses of $140 in the second quarter and $294 for the first six months due to increases in sales, prepaid plan gross addition costs and handset upgrade activity, which was consistent with our increase in customer gross and net additions. These increases were partially offset by a decline in advertising expenses.

Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased $364, or 20.1%, in the second quarter and $775, or 20.9%, for the first six months of 2008. Amortization expense decreased $210 in the second quarter and $456 for the first six months primarily due to lower amortization of intangibles related to our acquisition of BellSouth’s 40% ownership interest in AT&T Mobility due to the use of accelerated amortization methods, which result in lower expense each year as the remaining useful life of the asset decreases.

Depreciation expense decreased $154 in the second quarter and $319 for the first six months primarily due to certain network assets becoming fully depreciated (including TDMA assets), partially offset by increased expense related to ongoing capital spending for network upgrades and expansion.

Wireline
Segment Results
   
Second Quarter
   
Six-Month Period
 
               
    Percent
               
    Percent
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
    Change
   
2008
   
2007
   
    Change
 
Segment operating revenues
                                   
Voice
  $
9,757
    $
10,586
      (7.8 )%   $
19,676
    $
21,263
      (7.5 )%
Data
   
6,287
     
5,980
     
5.1
     
12,492
     
11,842
     
5.5
 
Other
   
1,564
     
1,427
     
9.6
     
3,064
     
2,880
     
6.4
 
Total Segment Operating Revenues
   
17,608
     
17,993
      (2.1 )    
35,232
     
35,985
      (2.1 )
Segment operating expenses
                                               
Cost of sales
   
7,818
     
7,817
     
-
     
15,780
     
15,618
     
1.0
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
3,409
     
3,685
      (7.5 )    
6,951
     
7,486
      (7.1 )
Depreciation and amortization
   
3,269
     
3,301
      (1.0 )    
6,439
     
6,742
      (4.5 )
Total Segment Operating Expenses
   
14,496
     
14,803
      (2.1 )    
29,170
     
29,846
      (2.3 )
Segment Income
  $
3,112
    $
3,190
      (2.4 )%   $
6,062
    $
6,139
      (1.3 )%

Operating Income and Margin Trends
Our wireline segment operating income decreased $78, or 2.4%, in the second quarter and $77, or 1.3%, for the first six months of 2008. Our wireline segment operating income margin was 17.7% in both the second quarter of 2008 and 2007, and for the first six months increased from 17.1% in 2007 to 17.2% in 2008. Operating income continued to be pressured by access line declines due to increased competition, customers switching to alternative technologies such as wireless and VoIP, and the slowing national economy. Our strategy is to offset these line losses by increasing non-access-line-related revenues from customer connections for data, including VoIP and video. Additionally, we have the opportunity to increase wireless segment revenues if customers choose AT&T Mobility as an alternative provider. The decline in segment voice revenue was partially offset by continued growth in data revenue and lower amortization of intangibles related to the AT&T Corp. (ATTC) and BellSouth acquisitions due to the use of accelerated amortization methods, which result in lower expense each year as the remaining useful life of the asset decreases.
 
17

 
AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued
Dollars in millions except per share amounts
Operating Results
Voice revenues decreased $829, or 7.8%, in the second quarter and $1,587, or 7.5%, for the first six months of 2008 primarily due to declining demand for traditional voice services. Included in voice revenues are revenues from local voice, long-distance and local wholesale services. Voice revenues do not include VoIP revenues, which are included in data revenues.
·  
Local voice revenues decreased $427, or 6.8%, in the second quarter and $837, or 6.7%, for the first six months of 2008. The decrease was driven primarily by declines in customer demand for access lines of approximately $290 in the second quarter and $500 for the first six months of 2008 and by expected declines in revenues from ATTC’s mass-market customers of approximately $125 in the second quarter and $290 for the first six months of 2008. We expect our local voice revenue to continue to be negatively affected by increased competition, including customers shifting to competitors’ alternative technologies, the disconnection of additional lines for DSL service and other reasons and the slowing economy.
·  
Long-distance revenues decreased $302, or 7.8%, in the second quarter and $540, or 7.0%, for the first six months of 2008. The decrease was primarily due to a net decrease in demand for long-distance service, mostly due to expected declines in ATTC’s mass-market customers, which decreased approximately $170 in the second quarter and $360 for the first six months of 2008.
·  
Local wholesale revenues decreased $100, or 20.4%, in the second quarter and $210, or 21.0%, for the first six months of 2008. The decrease was primarily due to industry consolidation as certain customers moved more traffic to their own networks and the declining number of competitive providers using Unbundled Network Element-Platform lines.

Data revenues increased $307, or 5.1%, in the second quarter and $650, or 5.5%, for the first six months of 2008. Data revenues accounted for approximately 36% of wireline operating revenues in the second quarter and for the first six months of 2008 and 33% of wireline operating revenues in the second quarter and for the first six months of 2007. Data revenues include transport, IP and packet-switched data services.

IP data revenues increased $378, or 16.1%, in the second quarter and $783, or 17.1%, for the first six months of 2008 primarily due to growth in consumer and business broadband, virtual private networks (VPN) and managed Internet services. Broadband high-speed Internet access increased IP data revenues approximately $130 in the second quarter and $295 for the first six months of 2008. Broadband revenues were partially offset by a decline in revenue share due to the renegotiation of our Yahoo agreement. VPN increased approximately $120 in the second quarter and $260 for the first six months of 2008, and various other IP data services such as U-verse video and dedicated Internet access services contributed approximately $125 to the increase in the second quarter and $230 for the first six months of 2008. The increase in IP data revenues reflects continued growth in the customer base and migration from other traditional circuit-based services.

Our transport services, which include DS1s and DS3s (types of dedicated high-capacity lines) and SONET (a dedicated high-speed solution for multisite businesses), increased $31, or 1.1%, in the second quarter and $51, or 0.9%, for the first six months of 2008. Transport services revenues increased primarily due to continuing high-speed volume growth in Ethernet (types of high capacity switched lines), UVN (custom solutions for interconnecting data sites) and international private lines.

Our traditional circuit-based services which include frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode and managed packet services, decreased $102, or 13.5%, in the second quarter and $184, or 12.1%, for the first six months of 2008. This decrease is primarily due to lower demand as customers continue to shift to IP-based technology such as VPN, DSL and managed Internet services. We expect these traditional services to continue to decline as a percentage of our overall data revenues.

Other operating revenues increased $137, or 9.6%, in the second quarter and $184, or 6.4%, for the first six months of 2008. Integration services and customer premises equipment, government-related services and outsourcing account for more than 59% of total other revenue for all periods. Managed services, which includes revenue from agreements we announced last year, increased $107 in the second quarter and $194 for the first six months. Government professional services revenue increased $27 in the second quarter and $55 for the first six months driven by growth across various contracts. Partially offsetting these increases, revenue from equipment sales and related network integration was essentially flat in the second quarter and decreased $57 for the first six months primarily due to less emphasis on the sale of lower-margin equipment.
 
18
 

 
AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

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

Cost of sales expenses were essentially unchanged in the second quarter and increased $162, or 1.0%, for the first six months of 2008.

Cost of sales increased due to the following:
·  
Higher nonemployee-related expenses, such as contract services, materials and supplies costs, of $219 in the second quarter and $348 for the first six months.
·  
Higher employee levels increased expenses (primarily salary and wages) by $74 in the second quarter and $112 for the first six months.
·  
Salary and wage merit increases and other bonus accrual adjustments of $22 for the first six months.

Offsetting these increases, cost of sales decreased due to:
·  
Lower net pension and postretirement cost, which reduced expense $99 in the second quarter and $193 for the first six months, reflecting the decrease in amortization of unrecognized actuarial losses.
·  
Lower traffic compensation expenses (for access to another carrier’s network) of $122 in the second quarter and $163 for the first six months primarily due to reduced portal fees from renegotiation of our agreement with Yahoo, continued migration of long-distance calls onto our network and a lower volume of calls from ATTC’s declining national mass-market customer base.
·  
Increased capitalization of labor, primarily from deployment of our U-verse service, reduced employee costs $39 in the second quarter partially offset by salary and wage merit increases and other bonus accrual adjustments.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $276, or 7.5%, in the second quarter and $535, or 7.1%, for the first six months of 2008.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased due to:
·  
Lower other wireline support costs of $171 in the second quarter and $237 for the first six months primarily due to higher advertising costs incurred in 2007 for brand advertising and re-branding related to the BellSouth acquisition.
·  
Lower net pension and postretirement cost, which reduced expense $59 in the second quarter and $115 for the first six months, reflecting the decrease in amortization of unrecognized actuarial losses.
·  
Lower employee levels decreased expenses (primarily salary and wages) by $45 in the second quarter and $85 for the first six months.
·  
Lower provision for uncollectible accounts, primarily related to our wholesale customers, of $29 in the second quarter and $25 for the first six months.
·  
Lower bonus accruals partially offset by salary and wage merit increases and other adjustments reduced employee costs $42 in the second quarter.

Partially offsetting these decreases, selling, general and administrative expenses increased due to:
·  
Higher nonemployee-related expenses, such as contract services, materials and supplies costs, of $78 in the second quarter and $51 for the first six months.
·  
Salary and wage merit increases and other bonus accrual adjustments of $39 for the first six months.

Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased $32, or 1.0%, in the second quarter and $303, or 4.5%, for the first six months of 2008. The decrease was primarily due to amortization of intangibles, which decreased $147 in the second quarter and $354 for the first six months of 2008. Intangibles related to the 2006 acquisition of BellSouth and the 2005 acquisition of ATTC are amortized using an accelerated method, which means that we record lower expenses as the remaining useful life of the asset decreases. The decrease was slightly offset by amortization of the customer lists acquired from Yahoo, which began in the second quarter of 2008.
 
19
 

 
AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

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

Depreciation expense for property, plant, and equipment increased $115 in the second quarter and $51 for the first six months of 2008. This increase was partially due to second quarter 2007 purchase accounting adjustments to the acquired BellSouth plant. We increased our estimate of the beginning fair value of plant to reflect a lower average age of the plant than the initial estimate and correspondingly increased remaining useful lives. Combined with an increase in estimated salvage value, the net effect was to reduce quarterly depreciation expense. Accordingly, in the second quarter of 2007, we recorded approximately $60 of expense credits related to first quarter 2007 for these purchase price adjustments.

Depreciation expense also increased due to more plant being added to service than the offsetting reduction due to the attrition of the existing plant base.

Supplemental Information

Telephone, Broadband and Video Connections Summary
Our switched access lines and other services provided by our local exchange telephone subsidiaries at June 30, 2008 and 2007 are shown below and access line trends are addressed throughout this segment discussion.

 (in 000s)
                 
                   
   
June 30,
   
    June 30,
   
% Increase
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
(Decrease)
 
Switched Access Lines 1
                 
Retail Consumer
   
33,020
     
36,356
      (9.2 )%
Retail Business 2
   
22,428
     
23,144
      (3.1 )
Retail Subtotal 2
   
55,448
     
59,500
      (6.8 )
Percent of total switched access lines
    94.2 %     92.9 %        
                         
Sold to ATTC
   
154
     
554
      (72.2 )
Sold to other CLECs 2,3
   
3,094
     
3,729
      (17.0 )
Wholesale Subtotal 2
   
3,248
     
4,283
      (24.2 )
Percent of total switched access lines
    5.5 %     6.7 %        
                         
Payphone (Retail and Wholesale) 4
   
164
     
295
      (44.4 )%
Percent of total switched access lines
    0.3 %     0.4 %        
                         
Total Switched Access Lines
   
58,860
     
64,078
      (8.1 )%
                         
Total Broadband Connections 2,5
   
14,693
     
13,261
      10.8 %
                         
Satellite service 2,6
   
2,235
     
1,846
      21.1 %
U-verse video
   
549
     
51
     
-
 
Total Video Connections
   
2,784
     
1,897
      46.8 %
1 Represents access lines served by AT&T’s ILECs and affiliates.
Prior period amounts restated to conform to current period reporting methodology.
3 Competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs).
4 Revenue from retail payphone lines is reported in the Other segment.
5 Broadband connections included DSL, U-verse high-speed Internet access and satellite broadband.
6 Satellite service includes connections under our agency and resale agreements.

 
20
 

 
AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

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

Advertising & Publishing
Segment Results
   
Second Quarter
   
Six-Month Period
 
               
    Percent
               
    Percent
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
    Change
   
2008
   
2007
   
    Change
 
Total Segment Operating Revenues
  $
1,407
    $
1,478
      (4.8 )%   $
2,824
    $
2,921
      (3.3 )%
Segment operating expenses
                                               
Cost of sales
   
439
     
364
     
20.6
     
860
     
797
     
7.9
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
332
     
428
      (22.4 )    
698
     
729
      (4.3 )
Depreciation and amortization
   
203
     
263
      (22.8 )    
415
     
505
      (17.8 )
Total Segment Operating Expenses
   
974
     
1,055
      (7.7 )    
1,973
     
2,031
      (2.9 )
Segment Income
  $
433
    $
423
      2.4 %   $
851
    $
890
      (4.4 )%

Accounting Impacts from the BellSouth Acquisition
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations” (FAS 141) requires that BellSouth deferred revenue and expenses from directories published during the 12-month period ending with the December 29, 2006 acquisition date not be included in our consolidated results. However, for management reporting purposes we continued to amortize these balances over the life of the directory (typically 12 months). Thus, for segment disclosure purposes, our advertising & publishing segment results included revenue of $306 and expenses of $119 in the second quarter of 2007 and revenue of $715 and expenses of $227 for the first six months of 2007. See Note 4 for a discussion of FAS 141.

Operating Results
Our advertising & publishing operating income margin was 30.8% in the second quarter of 2008, compared to 28.6% in the second quarter of 2007 and 30.1% for the first six months of 2008 compared to 30.5% for the first six months of 2007.

Operating revenues decreased $71, or 4.8%, in the second quarter and $97, or 3.3%, for the first six months of 2008 largely driven by lower print revenue of $101 in the second quarter and $188 for the first six months, and lower sales agency revenue of approximately $35 in the second quarter and for the first six months due to the sale of a sales agency business. These decreases were partially offset by increased Internet revenue of $53 in the second quarter and $104 for the first six months, and lower sales adjustments of $17 in the second quarter and $13 for the first six months.

Operating expenses decreased $81, or 7.7%, in the second quarter and $58, or 2.9%, for the first six months of 2008 largely driven by decreased depreciation and amortization of $60 in the second quarter and $90 for the first six months, resulting from use of an accelerated method of amortization for the customer list acquired as part of the BellSouth acquisition, and print product related expenses. These expense decreases were partially offset by increased YELLOWPAGES.COM expansion costs in the second quarter and for the first six months. Operating expenses for second quarter of 2007 also reflect a merger-related classification year to date true-up from cost of sales to selling, general and administrative expense of $35.

 
21
 

 
AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

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

Other
Segment Results
   
Second Quarter
   
Six-Month Period
 
               
    Percent
               
    Percent
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
    Change
   
2008
   
2007
   
    Change
 
Total Segment Operating Revenues
  $
512
    $
558
      (8.2 )%   $
1,056
    $
1,096
      (3.6 )%
Total Segment Operating Expenses
   
554
     
643
      (13.8 )    
1,442
     
1,155
     
24.8
 
Segment Operating Income (Loss)
    (42 )     (85 )    
50.6
      (386 )     (59 )    
-
 
Equity in Net Income of Affiliates
   
209
     
202
     
3.5
     
450
     
374
      20.3 %
Segment Income
  $
167
    $
117
      42.7 %   $
64
    $
315
      (79.7 )%

Our other segment operating results consist primarily of Sterling, customer information services (primarily operator services and payphone), corporate and other operations. Sterling provides business-integration software and services.

Segment operating revenues decreased $46, or 8.2%, in the second quarter and $40, or 3.6%, for the first six months of 2008 primarily due to reduced revenues from our operator services and our retail payphone operations.

Segment operating expenses decreased $89, or 13.8%, in the second quarter and increased $287, or 24.8%, for the first six months of 2008. The decrease in the second quarter was primarily due to a reduction in reserves held at our captive insurance company and reduced operating expenses from our operator services and retail payphone operations. The increase for the six months was primarily due to a charge in the first quarter of $374 associated with our announced workforce reduction, primarily management employees in non-customer facing areas of the business. The restructure of our operations from a collection of regional companies to a single national approach allows us to streamline staff functions. This was partially offset by decreased operating expenses from our operator services and retail payphone operations.

Our other segment also includes our equity investments in international companies, the income from which we report as equity in net income of affiliates. Our earnings from foreign affiliates are sensitive to exchange-rate changes in the value of the respective local currencies. Our foreign investments are recorded under GAAP, which include adjustments for the purchase method of accounting and exclude certain adjustments required for local reporting in specific countries.

Equity in net income of affiliates increased $7, or 3.5%, in the second quarter and $76, or 20.3%, for the first six months of 2008. Our investment in América Móvil increased $14 in the second quarter and $50 for the first six months primarily due to improved operating results. Our investment in Teléfonos de México, S.A. de C.V. decreased $3 in the second quarter and increased $30 for the first six months reflecting lower operating results in the second quarter and lower depreciation and minority interest during 2008.

COMPETITIVE AND REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT

Overview AT&T subsidiaries operating within the U.S. are subject to federal and state regulatory authorities. AT&T subsidiaries operating outside the U.S. are subject to the jurisdiction of national and supranational regulatory authorities in the markets where service is provided, and regulation is generally limited to operational licensing authority for the provision of services to enterprise customers.

In the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Telecom Act), Congress established a national policy framework intended to bring the benefits of competition and investment in advanced telecommunications facilities and services to all Americans by opening all telecommunications markets to competition and reducing or eliminating burdensome regulation. Since the Telecom Act was passed, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and some state regulatory commissions have maintained many of the extensive regulatory requirements applicable to our traditional wireline subsidiaries. We are actively pursuing additional legislative and regulatory measures to reduce or eliminate regulatory requirements that inhibit our ability to provide the full range of services demanded by our customers. For example, we are supporting regulatory and legislative efforts that would offer a streamlined process for new video service providers to compete with traditional cable television providers. The FCC has adopted rules that prohibit municipalities from making unnecessary and unreasonable demands on competitive video service providers, and which require prompt action by such localities on cable franchise applications by new entrants. States representing a majority of our local service access lines have adopted legislation that enables new video entrants to acquire a statewide or state-approved (as opposed to municipal-approved) franchise to offer video services. We also are supporting efforts to update regulatory treatment for retail services. Passage of legislation is uncertain and depends on many factors.
 
22
 

 
AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

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

Our wireless operations are likewise subject to substantial governmental regulation. Wireless communications providers must be licensed by the FCC to provide communications services at specified spectrum frequencies within specified geographic areas and must comply with the rules and policies governing the use of the spectrum as adopted by the FCC. While wireless communications providers’ prices and service offerings are generally not subject to state regulation, an increasing number of states are attempting to regulate or legislate various aspects of wireless services, such as in the area of consumer protection. Additionally, we have noted our opposition to proposals to impose “net neutrality” access regulation on wireless providers. We believe that the wireless industry is characterized by innovation, differentiation and competition among handset manufacturers, carriers and applications and that additional broadband regulation and new wholesale requirements are unnecessary given the state of competition and may be appropriate only in the case of market failure.

OTHER BUSINESS MATTERS

U-verse Services We are continuing to expand our deployment of U-verse TV, high-speed broadband and voice services. As of June 30, 2008, we have passed approximately 11 million living units. As we expand our deployment, we expect to continue to use contracted outside labor in addition to our employees as installers; our rate of expansion will be slowed if we cannot hire and train an adequate number of qualified contractors and technicians to keep pace with customer demand or if we cannot obtain all required local building permits in a timely fashion. Our deployment plans also could be delayed if we do not receive required equipment and software on schedule.

We believe that our U-verse TV service is subject to federal oversight as a “video service” under the Federal Communications Act. However, some cable providers and municipalities have claimed that certain IP video services should be treated as a traditional cable service and therefore subject to the applicable state and local cable regulation. Certain municipalities have refused us permission to use our existing right-of-ways to deploy or activate our U-verse-related services and products, resulting in litigation. Pending negotiations and current or threatened litigation involving municipalities could delay our deployment plans in those areas. On July 10, 2008, the U.S. District Court for Connecticut affirmed its October 2007 ruling that AT&T’s U-verse TV service is a cable service in Connecticut. AT&T is considering whether to appeal that decision. If courts having jurisdiction where we have significant deployments of our U-verse services were to decide that federal, state and/or local cable regulation were applicable to our U-verse services, it could have a material adverse effect on the cost, timing and extent of our deployment plans.

NSA Litigation There are 24 pending lawsuits that allege that we and other telecommunications carriers unlawfully provided assistance to the National Security Agency (NSA) in connection with intelligence activities that were initiated following the events of September 11, 2001. In the first filed case, Hepting et al v. AT&T Corp., AT&T Inc. and Does 1-20, a purported class action filed in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California, plaintiffs allege that the defendants have disclosed and are currently disclosing to the U.S. Government content and call records concerning communications to which Plaintiffs were a party. Plaintiffs seek damages, a declaratory judgment, and injunctive relief for violations of the First and Fourth Amendments to the United States Constitution, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, and other federal and California statutes. We filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. The United States asserted the “state secrets privilege” and related statutory privileges and also filed a motion asking the court to dismiss the complaint. The Court denied the Motions to Dismiss of both parties.

We and the U.S. government filed interlocutory appeals. The case was argued before a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in August 2007. We are awaiting a decision. Management believes these actions are without merit and intends to vigorously defend these matters.

In July 2008, the President signed into law, the FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) Amendments Act of 2008 (the Act), a provision of which addresses the allegations in these pending lawsuits (immunity provision). The immunity provision requires the pending lawsuits to be dismissed if the Attorney General certifies to the court either that the alleged assistance was undertaken by court order, certification, directive, or written request or that the telecom entity did not provide the alleged assistance. However, a lawsuit seeking to enjoin the immunity provision’s application on grounds that it is unconstitutional was filed the day after the Act was signed by the President. We believe that the immunity provision is constitutional and that it will eventually end the lawsuits pending against us.
 
23
 

 
AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

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

Retiree Phone Concession Litigation  In May 2005, we were served with a purported class action in U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas (Stoffels v. SBC Communications Inc.), in which the plaintiffs, who are retirees of Pacific Bell Telephone, Southwestern Bell, and Ameritech, contend that the telephone concession provided by the company is, in essence, a “defined benefit plan” within the meaning of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA). In October 2006, the court certified two classes. The issue of whether the concession is an ERISA pension plan was tried before the judge in November 2007. In May 2008, the court ruled that the concession was an ERISA pension plan. We asked the court to certify this ruling for interlocutory appeal and, on August 1, 2008, the court denied our request.  A trial on the appropriate remedy has yet to be set.  We believe that an adverse outcome having a material effect on our financial statements in this case is unlikely, but will continue to evaluate the potential impact of this suit on our financial results as it progresses.

Broadcom Patent Dispute A number of our handsets, as well as those provided by other wireless carriers, are subject to a patent dispute at the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) between Broadcom Corporation and Qualcomm Incorporated (Qualcomm). Currently, the U.S. ITC’s exclusion order applicable to certain Qualcomm technology is stayed pending a decision by the appeals court. A hearing on the appeal was held in July 2008, and we anticipate a decision will not occur before early in the fourth quarter of 2008. We continue to take steps to mitigate the effects on us. However, if no resolution were to occur, future costs and availability of handsets using Qualcomm chips could be adversely affected.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTER 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking civil penalties from AT&T Mobility in connection with alleged violations of federal environmental statutes in connection with management of back-up power systems at AT&T Mobility facilities. The EPA’s allegations include noncompliance with requirements to obtain air emission permits for generators and to prepare spill prevention plans for fuel storage tanks. We expect to settle this matter on terms that would include civil penalties in the range of $1 to $3.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We had $1,631 in cash and cash equivalents available at June 30, 2008. Cash and cash equivalents included cash of $940 and money market funds and other cash equivalents of $691. In the first six months, cash inflow was primarily provided by cash receipts from operations, the issuance of long-term debt, short-term borrowings and dispositions. These inflows were offset by cash used to meet the needs of the business including, but not limited to, payment of operating expenses, acquisition of wireless spectrum licenses and other assets, funding capital expenditures, repurchase of common shares, dividends to stockholders, tax payments, the repayment of debt and the payment of interest on debt. We discuss many of these factors in detail below.

Cash Provided by or Used in Operating Activities
In the first six months of 2008, cash provided by operating activities was $13,505 compared to $15,079 in the first six months of 2007. Our operating cash flow reflects our increased operating income (including the effects of lower amortization expense), declines in our operational liabilities, and increased tax payments of approximately $3,200.

Within the next 12 months, we expect the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will complete its examination of our 2003 through 2005 federal income tax returns and that we will make a deposit in the range of $800 to $1,200 to reduce the accrual of interest while we continue to work with the IRS to resolve any contested issues.

Cash Used in or Provided by Investing Activities
In the first six months of 2008, cash used in investing activities consisted primarily of $10,087 for the acquisition of wireless spectrum and business acquisitions, $9,320 for capital expenditures, $257 for interest during construction and $73 related to other investing activities. Cash provided by investing activities of $664 was primarily related to the disposition of non-strategic assets.
 
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AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

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


Our acquisitions activity included the following:
·  
$9,325 for the purchase of spectrum licenses related to the 700 MHz Band wireless spectrum auction and the acquisition of licenses from Aloha Partners, L.P.
·  
$350 related to a customer list acquisition.
·  
$342 related to wireless related acquisitions.
·  
$70 related to other acquisitions.

Our capital expenditures are primarily for our wireless and wireline subsidiaries’ networks, our U-verse services, and support systems for our communications services. Capital spending in our wireless segment increased 92.0% in the first six months, primarily for network capacity expansion, integration and upgrades to our Universal Mobile Telecommunications System/High-Speed Packet Access network, as well as for IT and other support systems for our wireless service. Capital expenditures in the wireline segment, which represented 75.6% of our capital expenditures, increased 12.9% in the first six months, primarily due to the continued deployment of our U-verse services.

We continue to expect that our 2008 capital expenditures, which include wireless network expansion and U-verse services, will be in the midteens as a percentage of consolidated revenue. We continue to expect to fund 2008 capital expenditures for our wireless and wireline segments, including international operations, using cash from operations and incremental borrowings, depending on interest rate levels and overall market conditions. The amount of capital investment is influenced by demand for services and products, continued growth and regulatory considerations.

In the first six months, proceeds from dispositions included $327 from the sale of buildings and other equipment, $230 from the sale of a unit of one of our publishing subsidiaries and $66 from the sale of other non-strategic assets.

Cash Used in or Provided by Financing Activities
We plan to fund our 2008 financing activities through a combination of short- and long-term borrowings and cash from operations. Our financing activities include funding repurchases of our common stock and the repayment of debt.

At June 30, 2008, we had $16,472 of debt maturing within one year, which included $8,494 of commercial paper borrowings, $7,957 of long-term debt maturities, and $21 of other borrowings. All of our commercial paper borrowings are due within 90 days. We continue to examine our mix of short- and long-term debt in light of interest rate trends.

In the first six months of 2008, we received net proceeds of $10,924 from the issuance of long-term debt and $6,590 from the issuance of commercial paper. Our long-term debt issuances were as follows:
·  
$2,500 of 5.5% global notes due in 2018.
·  
$2,000 of floating rate notes due 2010 in a private offering, which can be redeemed early (which is classified as debt maturing in one year).
·  
1,250 of 6.125% global notes due 2015 (equivalent to approximately $1,975 when issued).
·  
$1,500 of 4.95% global notes due in 2013.
·  
$1,250 of 6.40% global notes due 2038.
·  
$1,000 of 5.60% global notes due 2018.
·  
$750 of 6.3% global notes due in 2038.

In the first six months, we repaid $1,605 of debt, which primarily consisted of repayments on long-term debt and scheduled principal payments on other debt and borrowings.

On December 10, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 400 million shares of AT&T common stock; this authorization expires at the end of 2009. In the first six months of 2008, we repurchased 164.2 million shares at a cost of $6,077. See our “Issuer Equity Repurchases” table for information on share repurchases during the second quarter of 2008. Although we will continue to evaluate additional share repurchases during the remainder of 2008, we intend to focus primarily on reducing our debt ratio.

We paid dividends of $4,802 in the first six months of 2008 and $4,414 in the first six months of 2007, primarily reflecting an increase in the quarterly dividend approved by our Board of Directors in December 2007, which was partially offset by a decline in common shares outstanding of approximately 4% due to our share repurchases over the past year. Dividends declared by our Board of Directors totaled $0.40 per share in the second quarter of 2008 and $0.355 per share in the second quarter of 2007. Our dividend policy considers the expectations and requirements of stockholders, internal requirements of AT&T and long-term growth opportunities. It is our intent to provide the financial flexibility to allow our Board of Directors to consider dividend growth and to recommend an increase in dividends to be paid in future periods. All dividends remain subject to declaration by our Board of Directors.
 
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AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

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

At June 30, 2008, our debt ratio was 41.7% compared to 35.6% at June 30, 2007 and 35.7% at December 31, 2007. The increased debt ratio at June 30, 2008 reflects an increase in debt of more than $18,400 since June 30, 2007 and $16,000 since December 31, 2007. The increased debt ratio also reflects the impact of our share repurchases in 2007 and 2008. Equity in 2008 reflects our increased income and adjustments to other comprehensive income required under Statement of Financial Standards No. 158 “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.”

We have a five-year $10,000 credit agreement with a syndicate of investment and commercial banks, which we have the right to increase up to an additional $2,000 provided no event of default under the credit agreement has occurred. The current agreement will expire in July 2011. We also have the right to terminate, in whole or in part, amounts committed by the lenders under this agreement in excess of any outstanding advances; however, any such terminated commitments may not be reinstated. Advances under this agreement may be used for general corporate purposes, including support of commercial paper borrowings and other short-term borrowings. We must maintain a debt-to-EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other modifications described in the agreement) financial ratio covenant of not more than three-to-one as of the last day of each fiscal quarter for the four quarters then ended. We comply with all covenants under the agreement. At June 30, 2008, we had no borrowings outstanding under this agreement.

In April 2008, we entered into a $3,000 revolving credit agreement with certain banks. This agreement will expire in December 2008. We have the right to terminate, in whole or in part, amounts committed by the lenders under this agreement in excess of any outstanding advances; however, any such terminated commitments may not be reinstated. This agreement will not affect our existing $10,000, five-year revolving credit agreement, mentioned previously. These advances would be used for general corporate purposes, which could include repayment of maturing commercial paper. We must maintain a debt-to-EBITDA (with other modifications described in the agreement) financial ratio covenant of not more than three-to-one as of the last day of each fiscal quarter for the four quarters then ended. This agreement contains a negative pledge covenant, which requires that, if at any time we or a subsidiary pledge assets or otherwise permits a lien on its properties, advances under this agreement will be ratably secured, subject to specified exceptions. At June 30, 2008, we had no borrowings outstanding under this agreement.
 
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AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

At June 30, 2008, we had interest rate swaps with a notional value of $6,000 and a fair value of $24. In the second quarter we entered into an additional interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $2,750.

We have fixed-to-fixed cross-currency swaps on foreign-currency-denominated debt instruments with a U.S. dollar notional value of $4,774 to hedge our exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The increase in 2008 relates to our April 2008 entry into additional fixed-to-fixed cross-currency swaps on our Euro-denominated global notes with a U.S. dollar notional value of $1,975 to hedge our exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. This hedge also includes interest rate swaps of a fixed foreign-denominated rate to a fixed U.S.-denominated interest rate, which results in a U.S.-denominated semi-annual rate of 5.78% on our Euro-denominated notes. These derivatives have been designated at inception and qualify as cash flow hedges with a net fair value of $112 at June 30, 2008.
 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The registrant maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the registrant is recorded, processed, summarized, accumulated and communicated to its management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. The chief executive officer and chief financial officer have performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2008. Based on that evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2008.


 
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AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

CAUTIONARY LANGUAGE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Information set forth in this report contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially. Many of these factors are discussed in more detail in the “Risk Factors” section of our Form 10-K. We claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

The following factors could cause our future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements:

·  
Adverse economic changes in the markets served by us or in countries in which we have significant investments.
·  
Changes in available technology and the effects of such changes including product substitutions and deployment costs.
·  
Increases in our benefit plans’ costs including increases due to adverse changes in the U.S. and foreign securities markets, resulting in worse-than-assumed investment returns and discount rates, and adverse medical cost trends.
·  
The final outcome of Federal Communications Commission proceedings and reopenings of such proceedings and judicial review, if any, of such proceedings, including issues relating to access charges, broadband deployment, unbundled loop and transport elements and wireless services.
·  
The final outcome of regulatory proceedings in the states in which we operate and reopenings of such proceedings, and judicial review, if any, of such proceedings, including proceedings relating to interconnection terms, access charges, universal service, unbundled network elements and resale and wholesale rates, broadband deployment including our U-verse services, performance measurement plans, service standards and traffic compensation.
·  
Enactment of additional state, federal and/or foreign regulatory and tax laws and regulations pertaining to our subsidiaries and foreign investments.
·  
Our ability to absorb revenue losses caused by increasing competition, including offerings using alternative technologies (e.g., cable, wireless and VoIP), and our ability to maintain capital expenditures.
·  
The extent of competition and the resulting pressure on access line totals and wireline and wireless operating margins.
·  
Our ability to develop attractive and profitable product/service offerings to offset increasing competition in our wireless and wireline markets.
·  
The ability of our competitors to offer product/service offerings at lower prices due to lower cost structures and regulatory and legislative actions adverse to us, including state regulatory proceedings relating to unbundled network elements and nonregulation of comparable alternative technologies (e.g., VoIP).
·  
The timing, extent and cost of deployment of our U-verse services; the development of attractive and profitable service offerings; the extent to which regulatory, franchise fees and build-out requirements apply to these services; and the availability, cost and/or reliability of the various technologies and/or content required to provide such services.
·  
The outcome of pending or threatened litigation including patent infringement claims by or against third parties.
·  
The impact on our networks and business of major equipment failures, severe weather conditions, natural disasters or terrorist attacks.
·  
The issuance by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other accounting oversight bodies of new accounting standards or changes to existing standards.
·  
The issuance by the Internal Revenue Service and/or other tax authorities of new tax regulations or changes to existing standards; actions by tax agencies and judicial authorities with respect to applying applicable tax laws and regulations; and the resolution of disputes with any taxing jurisdictions.
·  
Our ability to adequately fund our wireless operations, including access to additional spectrum, network upgrades and technological advancements.
·  
Changes in our corporate strategies, such as changing network requirements or acquisitions and dispositions, to respond to competition and regulatory, legislative and technological developments.

Readers are cautioned that other factors discussed in this report, although not enumerated here, also could materially affect our future earnings.
 
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AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

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

Item 1A. Risk Factors

We discuss in our Annual Report on Form 10-K various risks that may materially affect our business. We use this section to update this discussion to reflect material developments since our Form 10-K was filed. For the second quarter 2008, there were no such material developments.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(a)
During the second quarter of 2008, non-employee directors acquired shares of common stock pursuant to the Non-Employee Director Stock and Deferral Plan. Under the plan, a director may make an annual election to receive all or part of his or her annual retainer or fees in the form of shares or deferred stock units (DSUs) that are convertible into cash or shares. Each director also receives an annual grant of DSUs. The plan provides that DSUs (and dividends earned thereon) acquired during 2007 and thereafter would be convertible in the form of cash only. During the second quarter of 2008, an aggregate of 5,757 shares and DSUs (from pre-2007 accruals) were acquired by non-employee directors at prices ranging from $33.69 to $39.90, in each case the fair market value of the shares on the date of acquisition. The issuances of shares and DSUs were exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

(c)  
On December 10, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 400 million shares of AT&T common stock; this authorization expires at the end of 2009. In the second quarter of 2008, we repurchased 52.6 million shares at a cost of $2,006. We have repurchased, and intend to continue to repurchase, shares pursuant to plans that comply with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We will fund our share repurchases through a combination of cash from operations, borrowings, dependent upon market conditions, and cash from the disposition of certain non-strategic investments.

Purchase Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share1
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
May 6, 2008 –
May 30, 2008
23,700,000
 
$     39.38
 
23,700,000
 
264,666,667
June 2, 2008 –
June 30, 2008
28,900,000
 
$     37.08
 
28,900,000
 
235,766,667
Total
52,600,000
 
$     38.12
 
52,600,000
 
235,766,667
1Average Price Paid per Share excludes transaction costs.

 
 
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AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Annual Meeting of Shareowners (shares in millions)

(a)
The annual meeting of the shareowners of AT&T was held on April 25, 2008, in San Antonio, Texas. Shareowners representing 4,693, or 78.7%, of the common shares outstanding as of the February 29, 2008 record date were present in person or were represented at the meeting by proxy.

(b)
Election of Directors (requires majority vote):
 
VOTES *
Nominee
For
Against
Abstain
Randall Stephenson
4,518
100
74
William F. Aldinger III
4,457
157
79
Gilbert F. Amelio
4,519
95
78
Reuben V. Anderson
4,537
77
78
James H. Blanchard
4,535
80
78
August A. Busch III
4,491
126
76
James P. Kelly
4,542
74
77
Jon C. Madonna
4,527
88
78
Lynn M. Martin
4,468
147
78
John B. McCoy
4,535
80
78
Mary S. Metz
4,475
141
76
Joyce M. Roché
4,474
142
76
Laura D’Andrea Tyson
4,533
84
76
Patricia P. Upton
4,500
116
76
 *
Difference between total number of votes in table above and number of shareowners represented is due to rounding.

(c)  
Holders of common shares voted at this meeting on the following matters, which were set forth in our proxy statement dated March 11, 2008. Approval of the following proposals required a majority vote.

 
For
% For1
 
Against
% Against1
 
Abstain
Non-Vote2
Ratification of Ernst & Young
               
LLP as Independent Auditors
4,539
98.0
93
2.0
%
61
-
Report on Political Contributions
1,147
31.9
 
2,452
68.1
 
606
489
Exclusion of Projected Returns
On Pension Plan Assets in
Determining Compensation
- Pension Credit Policy
1,869
45.8
 
2,213
54.2
 
122
489
Lead Independent Director
Bylaw
1,605
39.4
 
2,471
60.6
 
128
489
SERP Policy
1,451
35.9
 
2,597
64.2
 
156
489
Advisory Vote On Compensation
1,733
43.7
2,234
56.3
237
489
1  Percentages are based on the total common shares voted.
2  Difference between total number of votes in table above and number of shareowners represented is due to rounding.
 
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AT&T INC.
JUNE 30, 2008

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are incorporated by reference as exhibits hereto. Unless otherwise indicated, all exhibits so incorporated are from File No. 1-8610.

10-a
AT&T Inc. Cash Deferral Plan, amended through June 26, 2008
10-b
AT&T Inc. Stock Repurchase and Deferral Plan, amended through June 26, 2008
10-c
AT&T Inc. Change In Control Severance Plan amended through June 26, 2008
10-d
AT&T Inc. 2006 Incentive Plan amended through June 26, 2008
10-e
AT&T Inc. Non-Employee Director Stock Purchase Plan, Effective June 27, 2008
10-f
AT&T Inc. Non-Employee Director Stock and Deferral Plan, Effective December 31, 2008
12
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
31
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
31.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer
31.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
32
Section 1350 Certifications

31 
 

 

SIGNATURE



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

AT&T Inc.



August 6, 2008                           /s/  Richard G. Lindner
Richard G. Lindner
Senior Executive Vice President
   and Chief Financial Officer


 
 
 
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