AT&T Delivers Strong 2023 Results, Cash from Operations and Free Cash Flow Driven by 5G and Fiber Growth

Rhea-AI Summary

AT&T's multi-year, investment-led strategy has resulted in improved free cash flow as the company focuses on attracting and retaining profitable customers.

Insights

Financial Analyst

AT&T's strategy to focus on investment has yielded tangible results in terms of free cash flow (FCF), which is a critical indicator of a company's financial health and its ability to sustain dividends, reduce debt and fund new projects. A consistent improvement in FCF can signal to investors and analysts that the company is generating enough earnings to support its operations and growth initiatives without relying on external financing. The ability to attract and retain profitable customers is indicative of a strong value proposition and competitive positioning within the telecommunications sector, potentially leading to an increase in market share and sustainable revenue streams.

However, it's important to scrutinize the capital expenditures (CapEx) associated with such investment-led strategies. If the CapEx is too high, it might offset the FCF benefits in the short term, although it could be justifiable if it translates into long-term profitability and market dominance. Additionally, the quality of customers retained—specifically their long-term value and churn rates—will be critical in assessing the sustainability of the improved cash flows.

Market Research Analyst

AT&T's strategy appears to be resonating with its target demographic, as evidenced by improved customer retention. This is a significant development in the telecom industry, where customer acquisition costs are high and customer loyalty is notoriously volatile. The ability to not only attract but also retain profitable customers suggests that AT&T is likely offering competitive services or pricing, which can be a differentiator in a saturated market. It's important to analyze how these strategies are impacting AT&T's brand perception and market dynamics.

Furthermore, understanding the demographics of the profitable customers AT&T is retaining would provide insight into the company's strategic focus areas and potential for future growth. For instance, if these customers are primarily in high-growth segments such as enterprise solutions or streaming services, this could suggest a strategic pivot that aligns with broader market trends and consumer preferences.

Telecommunications Industry Expert

The telecommunications industry is capital-intensive and investment-led strategies can be a double-edged sword. While they may lead to improved infrastructure, service quality and customer satisfaction, they can also result in significant financial burdens if not managed effectively. It's crucial to evaluate how AT&T's investments are allocated—whether towards expanding network coverage, enhancing 5G capabilities, or developing new technologies such as edge computing and IoT solutions.

It's also worth considering regulatory impacts on such strategies. With the telecommunications industry being highly regulated, any changes in policy or compliance requirements could affect AT&T's operational costs and investment efficiency. Given the current industry landscape, with increasing demands for data privacy and network security, AT&T's investment strategy needs to be agile enough to adapt to potential regulatory shifts.

AT&T's multi-year, investment-led strategy delivers improved free cash flow as company attracts and retains profitable customers

DALLAS, Jan. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) delivered strong fourth-quarter and full-year results highlighted by profitable 5G and AT&T Fiber subscriber gains. As a result, the company posted strong operating income and cash from operations, and surpassed its full-year guidance for adjusted EBITDA*, mobility service and broadband revenue growth as well as its previously increased guidance for free cash flow*.

Solid fourth-quarter results and strong free cash flow close out a strong year

• Fourth quarter cash from operating activities of $11.4 billion, up $1.0 billion or 10.0% year over year; Full-year cash from operating activities of $38.3 billion, up $2.5 billion versus the prior year.
• Fourth quarter free cash flow* of $6.4 billion; Full-year free cash flow* of $16.8 billion, exceeded previously increased guidance, and up $2.6 billion versus the prior year.
• Fourth quarter revenues of $32.0 billion, up 2.2% year over year.
• Fourth quarter operating income of $5.3 billion, with adjusted operating income* of $5.8 billion; Full-year operating income of $23.5 billion, with adjusted operating income* of $24.7 billion, up 5.0% year over year.

"We accomplished exactly what we said we would in 2023, delivering sustainable growth and consistent business performance, resulting in full-year free cash flow of $16.8 billion, ahead of our raised guidance. As we advance our lead in converged connectivity, we will continue to scale our best-in-class 5G and fiber networks to meet customers' growing demand for seamless, ubiquitous broadband, and drive durable growth for shareholders," said John Stankey, AT&T CEO.

Strategy enables profitable 5G and fiber subscriber growth

• Full-year Mobility service revenues up 4.4%, above guidance; company's best-ever full-year Mobility operating income. 
• Full-year consumer broadband revenues up 8.1%, above guidance; driven by full-year AT&T Fiber revenue growth of 26.6%.
• 526,000 postpaid phone net adds in the fourth quarter; more than 1.7 million for the full-year 2023 with historically low churn levels and continued strong ARPU growth.
• 273,000 AT&T Fiber net adds in the fourth quarter; 1.1 million net adds for full-year 2023, 16 straight quarters with more than 200,000 net adds; sixth straight year with 1 million or more AT&T Fiber net adds.

Transformation helping to support margin growth

• Achieved $6 billion+ run-rate cost savings target in mid-year 2023; Strong early progress on achieving an incremental $2 billion+ run-rate cost savings target by mid-2026.

A leading investor in America's broadband infrastructure

• Continued to enhance the largest wireless network in North America¹ and expand the most reliable 5G network¹; mid-band 5G spectrum now covers 210 million+ people, achieving end-of-year target.
• Grew the nation's largest fiber network, which now passes 26 million+ consumer and business locations; on track to pass 30 million+ locations with fiber by the end of 2025.

2024 Outlook

For the full year, AT&T expects:

• Wireless service revenue growth in the 3% range.
• Broadband revenue growth of 7%+.
• Adjusted EBITDA* growth in the 3% range.
• Capital investment* in the $21-$22 billion range.
• Free cash flow* in the $17-$18 billion range.
• Adjusted EPS* of $2.15 to $2.25, which includes an expected ($0.17) higher depreciation expense, including accelerated depreciation from our open radio access network (Open RAN) transformation, ($0.07) lower other income due to declines in non-cash prior service credit amortization included in pension and postretirement benefits costs, ($0.05) lower capitalized interest and ($0.03) lower adjusted equity income from the DIRECTV investment*.
• In 2025, the company expects to deliver Adjusted EPS* growth.

Note: AT&T's fourth-quarter earnings conference call will be webcast at 8:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. The webcast and related materials, including financial highlights, will be available on AT&T's Investor Relations website at https://investors.att.com.

Consolidated Financial Results

Revenues for the fourth quarter totaled $32.0 billion versus $31.3 billion in the year-ago quarter, up 2.2%. This increase primarily reflects higher Mobility, and to a lesser extent, Mexico and Consumer Wireline revenues, partly offset by continued declines in Business Wireline revenues.

Operating expenses were $26.8 billion versus $52.4 billion in the year-ago quarter. Operating expenses decreased primarily from non-cash goodwill impairment charges in the prior year quarter and benefits of continued transformation efforts, including lower personnel costs in 2023, partially offset by inflationary increases. The year-over-year decrease was partially offset by increased depreciation expense and higher equipment costs from the sale of higher-priced devices at Mobility and subscriber growth in Mexico.

Operating income (loss) was $5.3 billion versus ($21.1) billion in the year-ago quarter. When adjusting for certain items, adjusted operating income^* from continuing operations was $5.8 billion versus $5.7 billion in the year-ago quarter.

Equity in net income of affiliates was $0.3 billion, primarily from the DIRECTV investment. With adjustment for our proportionate share of intangible amortization, adjusted equity in net income from the DIRECTV investment^* was $0.6 billion.

Income (loss) from continuing operations was $2.6 billion versus ($23.1) billion in the year-ago quarter. Earnings per common share from continuing operations was $0.30 versus ($3.20) in the year-ago quarter. Adjusting for $0.24, which includes an actuarial loss on benefit plans, restructuring and impairments, our proportionate share of intangible amortization from the DIRECTV equity method investment and other items, adjusted earnings per diluted common share from continuing operations* was $0.54 compared to $0.61 in the year-ago quarter. 

Cash from operating activities from continuing operations was $11.4 billion, up $1.0 billion year over year, reflecting operational growth, lower mobile device payments, and lower voluntary benefit plan contributions, partly offset by higher cash tax payments.

Capital expenditures were $4.6 billion in the quarter. Capital investment^*, which includes $1.0 billion of cash payments for vendor financing, totaled $5.6 billion. Free cash flow^* was $6.4 billion for the quarter.

Full-Year Results

Revenues for the full year totaled $122.4 billion versus $120.7 billion in 2022, up 1.4%, primarily driven by higher revenues from Mobility, and to a lesser extent, Mexico and Consumer Wireline revenues, partially offset by lower Business Wireline revenues. Revenue increases also reflect favorable impacts of foreign exchange rates in Mexico.

Operating expenses were $99.0 billion compared with $125.3 billion in 2022 primarily due to non-cash goodwill impairment charges in the prior year, benefits of continued transformation efforts, including lower personnel costs in 2023, partially offset by inflationary cost increases. To a lesser extent, the year-over-year decrease reflects lower equipment costs at Mobility, driven by lower device sales and associated selling costs in 2023 and 3G network shutdown costs in the first quarter of 2022, higher returns on benefit-related assets and lower customer support costs. Partially offsetting these decreases were higher depreciation expense, increased amortization of deferred customer acquisition costs and unfavorable impact of foreign exchange.

Operating income (loss) was $23.5 billion versus ($4.6) billion in 2022. When adjusting for certain items, adjusted operating income^* from continuing operations was $24.7 billion versus $23.5 billion a year ago.

Equity in net income of affiliates was $1.7 billion, primarily from the DIRECTV investment. With adjustment for our proportionate share of intangible amortization, adjusted equity in net income from the DIRECTV investment^* for full-year 2023 was $2.9 billion.

Income (loss) from continuing operations was $15.6 billion versus ($6.9) billion a year ago. Earnings per common share from continuing operations was $1.97 versus ($1.10) for full-year 2022. With adjustments for both years, adjusted earnings per diluted common share from continuing operations* was $2.41 versus $2.57 for full-year 2022.

Cash from operating activities from continuing operations was $38.3 billion, up from $35.8 billion in the prior year, due to operational growth, timing of working capital, including lower device payments partially offset by lower receivable sales, and higher cash income tax payments.

Capital expenditures were $17.9 billion for the full year. Capital investment^*, which includes $5.7 billion of cash payments for vendor financing, totaled $23.6 billion. Free cash flow^* was $16.8 billion for the full year.

Total debt was $137.3 billion at the end of the fourth quarter, and net debt^* was $128.9 billion. The company expects to achieve net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA^* in the 2.5x range in the first half of 2025.

Communications Operational Highlights

Fourth-quarter revenues were $30.8 billion, up 1.4% year over year due to increases in Mobility and Consumer Wireline, which more than offset a decline in Business Wireline. Operating income was $6.6 billion, up 0.5% year over year, with operating income margin of 21.5%, compared to 21.7% in the year-ago quarter. 

Mobility

• Revenues were up 4.1% year over year to $22.4 billion due to both higher service and equipment revenues. Service revenues were $16.0 billion, up 3.9% year over year, primarily driven by subscriber and postpaid ARPU growth. Equipment revenues were $6.4 billion, up 4.7% year over year, driven by sales of higher-priced phones.
• Operating expenses were $16.2 billion, up 3.4% year over year, primarily due to higher network costs, increased amortization of customer acquisition costs, higher equipment costs driven by sales of higher-priced devices, and higher depreciation expense.
• Operating income was $6.2 billion, up 6.2% year over year. Operating income margin was 27.7%, compared to 27.2% in the year-ago quarter.
• EBITDA^* was $8.4 billion, up 5.6% year over year with EBITDA margin^* of 37.4%, up from 36.9% a year ago. EBITDA service margin^* was 52.2%, up from 51.4% in the year-ago quarter.
• Total wireless net adds were 5.9 million including:
  • 759,000 postpaid net adds with:
    • 526,000 postpaid phone net adds
    • (48,000) postpaid tablet and other branded computing device net losses
    • 281,000 other net adds
  • (132,000) prepaid phone net losses
• Postpaid churn was 1.01%, consistent with the year-ago quarter.
• Postpaid phone churn was 0.84%, consistent with the year-ago quarter.
• Prepaid churn was 2.97%, with Cricket substantially lower, versus 2.87% in the year-ago quarter.
• Postpaid phone-only ARPU was $56.23, up 1.4% versus the year-ago quarter, due to a mix shift to higher-priced unlimited plans and pricing actions.
• FirstNet® connections reached more than 5.5 million across approximately 27,500 agencies. FirstNet is the nationwide communications platform dedicated to public safety. The AT&T and FirstNet networks cover more than 99% of the U.S. population, and FirstNet covers more first responders than any other network in America.

Business Wireline

• Revenues were $5.1 billion, down 10.3% year over year due to lower demand for legacy voice and data services and product simplification, partly offset by growth in connectivity services.
• Operating expenses were $4.9 billion, down 4.1% year over year due to lower personnel costs associated with ongoing transformation initiatives and lower wholesale network access costs.
• Operating income was $165 million, down 69.4%, with operating income margin of 3.3% compared to 9.6% in the year-ago quarter. Operating income for the prior year quarter included impacts of about $100 million, primarily discrete intellectual property transaction revenues that did not repeat in 2023.
• EBITDA^* was $1.5 billion, down 19.3% year over year, and was impacted by the items described above. EBITDA margin^* was 30.4%, compared to 33.7% in the year-ago quarter. 

Consumer Wireline

• Revenues were $3.4 billion, up 3.8% year over year due to gains in broadband more than offsetting declines in legacy voice and data and other services. Broadband revenues increased 8.3% due to fiber growth of 21.9%, partly offset by non-fiber revenue declines of 8.4%.
• Operating expenses were $3.1 billion, up 2.7% year over year due to increased depreciation expense, higher network-related and selling costs, partly offset by lower customer support costs. 
• Operating income was $229 million, up 21.8% year over year with operating income margin of 6.8%, compared to 5.8% in the year-ago quarter.
• EBITDA^* was $1.1 billion, up 10.2% year over year with EBITDA margin^* of 33.1%, up from 31.2% in the year-ago quarter.
• Total broadband gains, excluding DSL, were 19,000, reflecting AT&T Fiber net adds of 273,000 and AT&T Internet Air net adds of 67,000, more than offsetting other non-fiber losses.

Latin America – Mexico Operational Highlights

Revenues were $1.1 billion, up 26.6% year over year primarily due to growth in both service and equipment revenues. Service revenues were $671 million, up 15.9% year over year, driven by favorable foreign exchange and subscriber growth. Equipment revenues were $419 million, up 48.6% year over year due to higher sales from subscriber growth and favorable foreign exchange rates.

Operating loss was ($43) million compared to ($79) million in the year-ago quarter. EBITDA^* was $137 million compared to $85 million in the year-ago quarter, reflecting improved operations and the net favorable impact of foreign exchange.

Total wireless net adds were 562,000, including 450,000 prepaid net adds, 151,000 postpaid net adds and (39,000) reseller net losses.

* Further clarification and explanation of non-GAAP measures and reconciliations to their most comparable GAAP measures can be found in the "Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations to GAAP Measures" section of the release and at https://investors.att.com.

FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and service marks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

1 Based on comparison of carrier owned & operated networks. No AT&T on-net coverage in select countries, including Canada. Details: att.com/international. Destinations covered: att.com/globalcountries. 5G claim based on nationwide GWS drive test data. GWS conducts paid drive tests for AT&T and uses the data in its analysis. AT&T 5G requires compatible plan and device. 5G coverage not available everywhere. Learn more at att.com/5Gforyou

About AT&T

We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect to greater possibility. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), please visit us at about.att.com. Investors can learn more at investors.att.com.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise. This news release may contain certain non-GAAP financial measures. 

Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations to GAAP Measures

Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures cited in this document to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures can be found at https://investors.att.com and in our Form 8-K dated January 24, 2024. Free cash flow, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted operating income, adjusted diluted EPS, net debt and net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures frequently used by investors and credit rating agencies.  All results metrics discussed below represent continuing operations.

Free cash flow for 4Q23 of $6.4 billion is cash from operating activities of $11.4 billion, plus cash distributions from DIRECTV classified as investing activities of $0.6 billion, minus capital expenditures of $4.6 billion and cash paid for vendor financing of $1.0 billion. For 2023, free cash flow of $16.8 billion is cash from operating activities of $38.3 billion, plus cash distributions from DIRECTV classified as investing activities of $2.0 billion, minus capital expenditures of $17.9 billion and cash paid for vendor financing of $5.7 billion.  For 2022, free cash flow of $14.1 billion is cash from operating activities of $35.8 billion, plus cash distributions from DIRECTV classified as investing activities of $2.6 billion, minus capital expenditures of $19.6 billion and cash paid for vendor financing of $4.7 billion.  Due to high variability and difficulty in predicting items that impact cash from operating activities, cash distributions from DIRECTV, capital expenditures and vendor financing payments, the company is not able to provide a reconciliation between projected free cash flow and the most comparable GAAP metric without unreasonable effort.

Adjusted Operating Income is operating income adjusted for revenues and costs we consider non-operational in nature, including items arising from asset acquisitions or dispositions. For 4Q23, Adjusted Operating Income of $5.8 billion is calculated as operating income of $5.3 billion plus $0.5 billion of adjustments. For 4Q22, Adjusted Operating Income of $5.7 billion is calculated as operating income of ($21.1) billion plus $26.7 billion of adjustments.

For 2023, Adjusted Operating Income of $24.7 billion is calculated as operating income of $23.5 billion plus $1.2 billion of adjustments. For 2022, Adjusted Operating Income of $23.5 billion is calculated as operating income of ($4.6) billion plus $28.1 billion of adjustments. Adjustments for all periods are detailed in the Discussion and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures included in our Form 8-K dated January 24, 2024.

EBITDA is operating income before depreciation and amortization. EBITDA margin is operating income before depreciation and amortization, divided by total revenues. EBITDA service margin is operating income before depreciation and amortization, divided by total service revenues. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by excluding from EBITDA certain significant items that are non-operational or non-recurring in nature, including dispositions and merger integration and transaction costs, significant abandonments and impairments, benefit-related gains and losses, employee separation and other material gains and losses.  Adjusted EBITDA estimates depend on future levels of revenues and expenses which are not reasonably estimable at this time. Accordingly, we cannot provide a reconciliation between projected Adjusted EBITDA and the most comparable GAAP metrics without unreasonable effort. 

Capital investment provides a comprehensive view of cash used to invest in our networks, product developments and support systems. In connection with capital improvements, we have favorable payment terms of 120 days or more with certain vendors, referred to as vendor financing, which are excluded from capital expenditures and reported as financing activities. Capital investment includes capital expenditures and cash paid for vendor financing ($1.0 billion in 4Q23, $5.7 billion in 2023). For 2024, capital investment is expected to be in the $21-$22 billion range. Due to high variability and difficulty in predicting items that impact capital expenditures and vendor financing payments, the company is not able to provide a reconciliation between projected capital investment and the most comparable GAAP metrics without unreasonable effort.

Adjusted diluted EPS is calculated by excluding from operating revenues, operating expenses, other income (expenses) and income tax expense, certain significant items that are non-operational or non-recurring in nature, including dispositions and merger integration and transaction costs, actuarial gains and losses, significant abandonments and impairment, benefit-related gains and losses, employee separation and other material gains and losses. Non-operational items arising from asset acquisitions and dispositions include the amortization of intangible assets. While the expense associated with the amortization of certain wireless licenses and customer lists is excluded, the revenue of the acquired companies is reflected in the measure and that those assets contribute to revenue generation.

We also adjust for net actuarial gains or losses associated with our pension and postemployment benefit plans due to the often-significant impact on our results (we immediately recognize this gain or loss in the income statement, pursuant to our accounting policy for the recognition of actuarial gains and losses). Consequently, our adjusted results reflect an expected return on plan assets rather than the actual return on plan assets, as included in the GAAP measure of income. 

The tax impact of adjusting items is calculated using the effective tax rate during the quarter except for adjustments that, given their magnitude, can drive a change in the effective tax rate, in these cases we use the actual tax expense or combined marginal rate of approximately 25%.

For 4Q23, Adjusted EPS of $0.54 is Diluted EPS of $0.30 adjusted for $0.18 actuarial loss on benefit plans, $0.06 restructuring and impairments, $0.03 proportionate share of intangible amortization at the DIRECTV equity method investment and $0.01 of benefit-related, transaction and other costs, minus $0.04 benefit from tax items.  For 4Q22, Adjusted EPS of $0.61 is Reported EPS of ($3.20) adjusted for $3.57 impairments, abandonments and restructuring, $0.19 actuarial loss on benefit plans, $0.04 proportionate share of intangible amortization at the DIRECTV equity method investment, $0.04 benefit-related and other costs and $0.01 impact of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2020-06, minus $0.04 benefit from tax items.

For 2023, Adjusted EPS from continuing operations of $2.41 is Diluted EPS of $1.97 adjusted for $0.18 restructuring and impairments, $0.17 net actuarial and settlement loss on benefit plans, and $0.14 proportionate share of intangible amortization at the DIRECTV equity method investment, minus $0.04 benefit from tax items and $0.01 of benefit-related, transaction and other costs.  For 2022, Adjusted EPS of $2.57 is Reported EPS from continuing operations of ($1.10) adjusted for $3.59 impairments, abandonments and restructuring, $0.19 benefit-related and other costs, $0.16 proportionate share of intangible amortization at the DIRECTV equity method investment and $0.06 impact of ASU No. 2020-06, minus $0.20 actuarial gain on benefit plans and $0.13 benefit from tax items.

The company expects adjustments to 2024 reported diluted EPS to include our proportionate share of intangible amortization at the DIRECTV equity method investment in the range of $0.5-$0.7 billion, a non-cash mark-to-market benefit plan gain/loss and other items. The company expects the mark-to-market adjustment, which is driven by interest rates and investment returns that are not reasonably estimable at this time, to be a significant item. Our projected 2024 and 2025 Adjusted EPS depend on future levels of revenues and expenses, most of which are not reasonably estimable at this time. Accordingly, we cannot provide a reconciliation between these projected non-GAAP metrics and the reported GAAP metrics without unreasonable effort.

Adjusted Equity in Net Income from DIRECTV investment of $0.6 billion for 4Q23 ($2.9 billion for 2023) is calculated as equity income from DIRECTV of $0.3 billion ($1.7 billion for 2023) reported in Equity in Net Income of Affiliates and excludes $0.3 billion ($1.3 billion for 2023) of AT&T's proportionate share of the noncash depreciation and amortization of fair value accretion from DIRECTV's revaluation of assets and purchase price allocation.

Net Debt of $128.9 billion at December 31, 2023 is calculated as Total Debt of $137.3 billion less Cash and Cash Equivalents of $6.7 billion and Time Deposits (i.e. deposits at financial institutions that are greater than 90 days) of $1.8 billion. 

Net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA is calculated by dividing net debt by the sum of the most recent four quarters of adjusted EBITDA. Net debt is calculated by subtracting cash and cash equivalents and Time Deposits, from Total Debt. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as defined above. Net debt and adjusted EBITDA estimates depend on future levels of revenues, expenses and other metrics which are not reasonably estimable at this time. Accordingly, we cannot provide a reconciliation between projected net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA and the most comparable GAAP metrics and related ratios without unreasonable effort.

Discussion and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures for Continuing Operations

We believe the following measures are relevant and useful information to investors as they are part of AT&T's internal management reporting and planning processes and are important metrics that management uses to evaluate the operating performance of AT&T and its segments. Management also uses these measures as a method of comparing performance with that of many of our competitors. These measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Free Cash Flow

Free cash flow is defined as cash from operations and cash distributions from DIRECTV classified as investing activities minus capital expenditures and cash paid for vendor financing (classified as financing activities). Free cash flow after dividends is defined as cash from operations and cash distributions from DIRECTV classified as investing activities, minus capital expenditures, cash paid for vendor financing and dividends on common and preferred shares. Free cash flow dividend payout ratio is defined as the percentage of dividends paid on common and preferred shares to free cash flow. We believe these metrics provide useful information to our investors because management views free cash flow as an important indicator of how much cash is generated by routine business operations, including capital expenditures and vendor financing, and from our continued economic interest in the U.S. video operations as part of our DIRECTV equity method investment, and makes decisions based on it. Management also views free cash flow as a measure of cash available to pay debt and return cash to shareowners.

Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Dividend Payout Ratio
Dollars in millions
	Fourth Quarter			Year Ended
	2023	2022		2023	2022
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations1	$       11,378	$        10,348		$       38,314	$        35,812
Add: Distributions from DIRECTV classified as investing          activities	602	444		2,049	2,649
Less: Capital expenditures	(4,601)	(4,229)		(17,853)	(19,626)
Less: Cash paid for vendor financing	(1,006)	(460)		(5,742)	(4,697)
Free Cash Flow	6,373	6,103		16,768	14,138
Less: Dividends paid	(2,020)	(2,014)		(8,136)	(9,859)
Free Cash Flow after Dividends	$         4,353	$          4,089		$         8,632	$          4,279
Free Cash Flow Dividend Payout Ratio	31.7 %	33.0 %		48.5 %	69.7 %
1. Includes distributions from DIRECTV of $332 and $1,666 in the fourth quarter and for the year ended December 31, 2023, and $379 and $1,808 in the fourth quarter and for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Cash Paid for Capital Investment

In connection with capital improvements, we negotiate with some of our vendors to obtain favorable payment terms of 120 days or more, referred to as vendor financing, which are excluded from capital expenditures and reported in accordance with GAAP as financing activities. We present an additional view of cash paid for capital investment to provide investors with a comprehensive view of cash used to invest in our networks, product developments and support systems. 

Cash Paid for Capital Investment
Dollars in millions
	Fourth Quarter			Year Ended
	2023	2022		2023	2022
Capital Expenditures	$           (4,601)	$           (4,229)		$         (17,853)	$         (19,626)
Cash paid for vendor financing	(1,006)	(460)		(5,742)	(4,697)
Cash paid for Capital Investment	$           (5,607)	$           (4,689)		$         (23,595)	$         (24,323)

 

EBITDA

Our calculation of EBITDA, as presented, may differ from similarly titled measures reported by other companies. For AT&T, EBITDA excludes other income (expense) – net, and equity in net income (loss) of affiliates, as these do not reflect the operating results of our subscriber base or operations that are not under our control. Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates represents the proportionate share of the net income (loss) of affiliates in which we exercise significant influence, but do not control. Because we do not control these entities, management excludes these results when evaluating the performance of our primary operations. EBITDA also excludes interest expense and the provision for income taxes. Excluding these items eliminates the expenses associated with our capital and tax structures. Finally, EBITDA excludes depreciation and amortization in order to eliminate the impact of capital investments. EBITDA does not give effect to cash used for debt service requirements and thus does not reflect available funds for distributions, reinvestment or other discretionary uses. EBITDA is not presented as an alternative measure of operating results or cash flows from operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP. 

EBITDA service margin is calculated as EBITDA divided by service revenues. 

These measures are used by management as a gauge of our success in acquiring, retaining and servicing subscribers because we believe these measures reflect AT&T's ability to generate and grow subscriber revenues while providing a high level of customer service in a cost-effective manner. Management also uses these measures as a method of comparing cash generation potential with that of many of its competitors. The financial and operating metrics which affect EBITDA include the key revenue and expense drivers for which management is responsible and upon which we evaluate performance. 

We believe EBITDA Service Margin (EBITDA as a percentage of service revenues) to be a more relevant measure than EBITDA Margin (EBITDA as a percentage of total revenue) for our Mobility business unit operating margin. We also use wireless service revenues to calculate margin to facilitate comparison, both internally and externally with our wireless competitors, as they calculate their margins using wireless service revenues as well. 

There are material limitations to using these non-GAAP financial measures. EBITDA, EBITDA margin and EBITDA service margin, as we have defined them, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Furthermore, these performance measures do not take into account certain significant items, including depreciation and amortization, interest expense, tax expense and equity in net income (loss) of affiliates. For market comparability, management analyzes performance measures that are similar in nature to EBITDA as we present it, and considering the economic effect of the excluded expense items independently as well as in connection with its analysis of net income as calculated in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA, EBITDA margin and EBITDA service margin should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP.

 

EBITDA, EBITDA Margin and EBITDA Service Margin
Dollars in millions
	Fourth Quarter			Year Ended
	2023	2022		2023	2022
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	$             2,582	$         (23,120)		$           15,623	$           (6,874)
Additions:
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	354	(77)		4,225	3,780
Interest Expense	1,726	1,560		6,704	6,108
Equity in Net (Income) of Affiliates	(337)	(374)		(1,675)	(1,791)
Other (Income) Expense - Net	946	919		(1,416)	(5,810)
Depreciation and amortization	4,766	4,595		18,777	18,021
EBITDA	10,037	(16,497)		42,238	13,434
Transaction and other cost	26	84		98	425
Benefit-related (gain) loss	(97)	(109)		(129)	108
Asset impairments and abandonments and restructuring	589	26,753		1,193	27,498
Adjusted EBITDA1	$           10,555	$           10,231		$           43,400	$           41,465
1. See "Adjusting Items" section for additional discussion and reconciliation of adjusted items.

 

Segment and Business Unit EBITDA, EBITDA Margin and EBITDA Service Margin
Dollars in millions
	Fourth Quarter			Year Ended
	2023	2022		2023	2022
Communications Segment
Operating Income	$         6,608	$          6,577		$       27,801	$        26,736
Add: Depreciation and amortization	4,411	4,258		17,363	16,681
EBITDA	11,019	10,835		45,164	43,417
Total Operating Revenues	30,797	30,365		118,038	117,067
Operating Income Margin	21.5 %	21.7 %		23.6 %	22.8 %
EBITDA Margin	35.8 %	35.7 %		38.3 %	37.1 %
Mobility
Operating Income	$         6,214	$          5,849		$       25,861	$        23,812
Add: Depreciation and amortization	2,162	2,080		8,517	8,198
EBITDA	8,376	7,929		34,378	32,010
Total Operating Revenues	22,393	21,501		83,982	81,780
Service Revenues	16,039	15,434		63,175	60,499
Operating Income Margin	27.7 %	27.2 %		30.8 %	29.1 %
EBITDA Margin	37.4 %	36.9 %		40.9 %	39.1 %
EBITDA Service Margin	52.2 %	51.4 %		54.4 %	52.9 %
Business Wireline
Operating Income	$            165	$             540		$         1,289	$          2,290
Add: Depreciation and amortization	1,369	1,360		5,377	5,314
EBITDA	1,534	1,900		6,666	7,604
Total Operating Revenues	5,052	5,635		20,883	22,538
Operating Income Margin	3.3 %	9.6 %		6.2 %	10.2 %
EBITDA Margin	30.4 %	33.7 %		31.9 %	33.7 %
Consumer Wireline
Operating Income	$            229	$             188		$            651	$             634
Add: Depreciation and amortization	880	818		3,469	3,169
EBITDA	1,109	1,006		4,120	3,803
Total Operating Revenues	3,352	3,229		13,173	12,749
Operating Income Margin	6.8 %	5.8 %		4.9 %	5.0 %
EBITDA Margin	33.1 %	31.2 %		31.3 %	29.8 %
Latin America Segment
Operating Income	$            (43)	$             (79)		$          (141)	$           (326)
Add: Depreciation and amortization	180	164		724	658
EBITDA	137	85		583	332
Total Operating Revenues	1,090	861		3,932	3,144
Operating Income Margin	-3.9 %	-9.2 %		-3.6 %	-10.4 %
EBITDA Margin	12.6 %	9.9 %		14.8 %	10.6 %

 

Adjusting Items

Adjusting items include revenues and costs we consider non-operational in nature, including items arising from asset acquisitions or dispositions, including the amortization of intangible assets. While the expense associated with the amortization of certain wireless licenses and customer lists is excluded, the revenue of the acquired companies is reflected in the measure and that those assets contribute to revenue generation. We also adjust for net actuarial gains or losses associated with our pension and postemployment benefit plans due to the often-significant impact on our results (we immediately recognize this gain or loss in the income statement, pursuant to our accounting policy for the recognition of actuarial gains and losses). Consequently, our adjusted results reflect an expected return on plan assets rather than the actual return on plan assets, as included in the GAAP measure of income.

The tax impact of adjusting items is calculated using the effective tax rate during the quarter except for adjustments that, given their magnitude, can drive a change in the effective tax rate, in these cases we use the actual tax expense or combined marginal rate of approximately 25%.   

Adjusting Items
Dollars in millions
	Fourth Quarter			Year Ended
	2023	2022		2023	2022
Operating Expenses
Transaction and other costs	$                  26	$                  84		$                  98	$                425
Benefit-related (gain) loss	(97)	(109)		(129)	108
Asset impairments and abandonments and restructuring	589	26,753		1,193	27,498
Adjustments to Operations and Support Expenses	518	26,728		1,162	28,031
Amortization of intangible assets	21	16		76	76
Adjustments to Operating Expenses	539	26,744		1,238	28,107
Other
DIRECTV intangible amortization (proportionate share)	294	359		1,269	1,547
Benefit-related (gain) loss, impairment of equity investment and other	76	420		390	1,242
Actuarial and settlement (gain) loss – net	1,739	1,839		1,594	(1,999)
Adjustments to Income Before Income Taxes	2,648	29,362		4,491	28,897
Tax impact of adjustments	632	1,082		1,038	882
Tax-related items	271	329		271	977
Adjustments to Net Income	$             1,745	$           27,951		$             3,182	$           27,038

Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Income Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA service margin and Adjusted diluted EPS are non-GAAP financial measures calculated by excluding from operating revenues, operating expenses, other income (expenses) and income tax expense, certain significant items that are non-operational or non-recurring in nature, including dispositions and merger integration and transaction costs, actuarial gains and losses, significant abandonments and impairment, benefit-related gains and losses, employee separation and other material gains and losses. Management believes that these measures provide relevant and useful information to investors and other users of our financial data in evaluating the effectiveness of our operations and underlying business trends.

Adjusted Operating Revenues, Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Income Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA service margin and Adjusted diluted EPS should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP. AT&T's calculation of Adjusted items, as presented, may differ from similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Income Margin, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin
Dollars in millions
	Fourth Quarter			Year Ended
	2023	2022		2023	2022
Operating Income	$         5,271	$      (21,092)		$       23,461	$        (4,587)
Adjustments to Operating Expenses	539	26,744		1,238	28,107
Adjusted Operating Income	5,810	5,652		24,699	23,520
EBITDA	10,037	(16,497)		42,238	13,434
Adjustments to Operations and Support Expenses	518	26,728		1,162	28,031
Adjusted EBITDA	10,555	10,231		43,400	41,465
Total Operating Revenues	32,022	31,343		122,428	120,741
Operating Income Margin	16.5 %	(67.3) %		19.2 %	(3.8) %
Adjusted Operating Income Margin	18.1 %	18.0 %		20.2 %	19.5 %
Adjusted EBITDA Margin	33.0 %	32.6 %		35.4 %	34.3 %

 

Adjusted Diluted EPS
	Fourth Quarter			Year Ended
	2023	2022		2023	2022
Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS)	$            0.30	$             (3.20)		$            1.97	$             (1.10)
DIRECTV intangible amortization (proportionate share)	0.03	0.04		0.14	0.16
Actuarial and settlement (gain) loss – net1	0.18	0.19		0.17	(0.20)
Restructuring and impairments	0.06	3.57		0.18	3.59
Benefit-related, transaction and other costs1, 2	0.01	0.05		(0.01)	0.25
Tax-related items	(0.04)	(0.04)		(0.04)	(0.13)
Adjusted EPS	$            0.54	$               0.61		$            2.41	$               2.57
Year-over-year growth - Adjusted	-11.5 %			-6.2 %
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding    with Dilution (000,000)	7,191	7,533		7,258	7,587
1. Includes adjustments for actuarial gains or losses associated with our pension and postemployment benefit plans, which we immediately recognize in the income statement, pursuant to our accounting policy for the recognition of actuarial gains/losses. We recorded total net actuarial and settlement losses of $1.6 billion in 2023. As a result, adjusted EPS reflects an expected return on plan assets of $2.7 billion (based on an average expected return on plan assets of 7.5% for our pension trust and 6.5% for our VEBA trusts), rather than the actual return on plan assets of $2.0 billion (actual pension return of 5.2% and VEBA return of 9.1%), included in the GAAP measure of income.
2. As of January 1, 2022, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2020-06, which requires that instruments which may be settled in cash or stock to be presumed settled in stock in calculating diluted EPS. While our intent was to settle the Mobility II preferred interests in cash, the ability to settle this instrument in AT&T shares resulted in additional dilutive impact, the magnitude of which was influenced by the fair value of the Mobility II preferred interests and the average AT&T common stock price during the reporting period, which could vary from period-to-period. For these reasons, we excluded the impact of ASU 2020-06 from our adjusted EPS calculation. The per share impact of ASU 2020-06 was to decrease reported diluted EPS $0.00 and $0.01 for the quarters ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and $0.00 and $0.06 for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Mobility II preferred interests were repurchased on April 5, 2023.

 

Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA

Net Debt to EBITDA ratios are non-GAAP financial measures frequently used by investors and credit rating agencies and management believes these measures provide relevant and useful information to investors and other users of our financial data. Our Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio is calculated by dividing the Net Debt by the sum of the most recent four quarters Adjusted EBITDA. Net Debt is calculated by subtracting cash and cash equivalents and deposits at financial institutions that are greater than 90 days (e.g., certificates of deposit and time deposits), from the sum of debt maturing within one year and long-term debt.

Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA - 2023
Dollars in millions
		Three Months Ended
		March. 31		June  30,		Sept.  30,		Dec.  31,		Four Quarters
		2023 1		2023 1		2023 1		2023
Adjusted EBITDA		$           10,589		$           11,053		$           11,203		$           10,555		$            43,400
End-of-period current debt										9,477
End-of-period long-term debt										127,854
Total End-of-Period Debt										137,331
Less: Cash and Cash Equivalents										6,722
Less: Time Deposits										1,750
Net Debt Balance										128,859
Annualized Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio										2.97
1. As reported in AT&T's Form 8-K filed October 19, 2023.

 

Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA - 2022
Dollars in millions
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,		June 30,		Sept. 30,		Dec. 31,		Four Quarters
		2022 1		2022 1		2022 1		2022 1
Adjusted EBITDA		$           10,190		$           10,330		$           10,714		$           10,231		$           41,465
End-of-period current debt										7,467
End-of-period long-term debt										128,423
Total End-of-Period Debt										135,890
Less: Cash and Cash Equivalents										3,701
Net Debt Balance										132,189
Annualized Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio										3.19
1. As reported in AT&T's Form 8-K filed October 19, 2023.

 

Supplemental Operational Measures

As a supplemental presentation to our Communications segment operating results, we are providing a view of our AT&T Business Solutions results which includes both wireless and fixed operations. This combined view presents a complete profile of the entire business customer relationship and underscores the importance of mobile solutions to serving our business customers. Our supplemental presentation of business solutions operations is calculated by combining our Mobility and Business Wireline operating units, and then adjusting to remove non-business operations. The following table presents a reconciliation of our supplemental Business Solutions results.

Supplemental Operational Measure
	Fourth Quarter
	December 31, 2023					December 31, 2022
	Mobility	Business Wireline	Adj.1	Business Solutions		Mobility	Business Wireline	Adj.1	Business Solutions	Percent Change
Operating Revenues
Wireless service	$     16,039	$            —	$ (13,648)	$   2,391		$   15,434	$          —	$ (13,176)	$   2,258	5.9 %
Wireline services	—	4,873	—	4,873		—	5,473	—	5,473	(11.0) %
Wireless equipment	6,354	—	(5,451)	903		6,067	—	(5,130)	937	(3.6) %
Wireline equipment	—	179	—	179		—	162	—	162	10.5 %
Total Operating Revenues	22,393	5,052	(19,099)	8,346		21,501	5,635	(18,306)	8,830	(5.5) %
Operating Expenses
Operations and support	14,017	3,518	(11,683)	5,852		13,572	3,735	(11,354)	5,953	(1.7) %
EBITDA	8,376	1,534	(7,416)	2,494		7,929	1,900	(6,952)	2,877	(13.3) %
Depreciation and amortization	2,162	1,369	(1,765)	1,766		2,080	1,360	(1,716)	1,724	2.4 %
Total Operating Expenses	16,179	4,887	(13,448)	7,618		15,652	5,095	(13,070)	7,677	(0.8) %
Operating Income	$       6,214	$          165	$   (5,651)	$      728		$     5,849	$        540	$   (5,236)	$   1,153	(36.9) %
Operating Income Margin				8.7 %					13.1 %
1. Non-business wireless reported in the Communications segment under the Mobility business unit.
Results have been recast to conform to the current period's classification.

 

Supplemental Operational Measure
	Year Ended
	December 31, 2023					December 31, 2022
	Mobility	Business Wireline	Adj.1	Business Solutions		Mobility	Business Wireline	Adj.1	Business Solutions	Percent Change
Operating Revenues
Wireless service	$     63,175	$            —	$ (53,752)	$   9,423		$   60,499	$          —	$ (51,710)	$   8,789	7.2 %
Wireline service	—	20,274	—	20,274		—	21,891	—	21,891	(7.4) %
Wireless equipment	20,807	—	(17,585)	3,222		21,281	—	(17,712)	3,569	(9.7) %
Wireline equipment	—	609	—	609		—	647	—	647	(5.9) %
Total Operating Revenues	83,982	20,883	(71,337)	33,528		81,780	22,538	(69,422)	34,896	(3.9) %
Operating Expenses
Operations and support	49,604	14,217	(40,980)	22,841		49,770	14,934	(41,127)	23,577	(3.1) %
EBITDA	34,378	6,666	(30,357)	10,687		32,010	7,604	(28,295)	11,319	(5.6) %
Depreciation and amortization	8,517	5,377	(6,951)	6,943		8,198	5,314	(6,763)	6,749	2.9 %
Total Operating Expenses	58,121	19,594	(47,931)	29,784		57,968	20,248	(47,890)	30,326	(1.8) %
Operating Income	$     25,861	$       1,289	$ (23,406)	$   3,744		$   23,812	$     2,290	$ (21,532)	$   4,570	(18.1) %
Operating Income Margin				11.2 %					13.1 %
1. Non-business wireless reported in the Communications segment under the Mobility business unit.
Results have been recast to conform to the current period's classification.

 

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