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AT&T Monetizes Majority Stake in Central European Media Enterprises

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AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) has concluded the sale of its stake in Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. (CME) to Czech investment firm PPF Group N.V. for $1.1 billion in cash. This divestiture reduces AT&T's debt obligations by approximately $575 million, aligning with its strategy to monetize non-core assets and bolster shareholder value. AT&T aims to lower its net debt to strengthen its balance sheet. Upcoming financial results will be announced on October 22, 2020.

Positive
  • Received $1.1 billion in cash from CME sale.
  • Eliminated approximately $575 million in CME debt.
  • Continued focus on monetizing non-core assets.
Negative
  • None.

DALLAS--()--Czech investment firm PPF Group N.V. today completed its acquisition of Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. (CME). With the transaction closed, AT&T Inc.* (NYSE: T), which was the largest shareholder in CME, received $1.1 billion in cash and no longer backstops approximately $575 million in CME debt. AT&T acquired its stake in CME with the acquisition of Time Warner, now WarnerMedia, in 2018.

The sale is consistent with AT&T’s ongoing efforts to monetize non-core assets to drive incremental shareholder value. The company plans to continue to focus on lowering its net debt to strengthen its balance sheet and will remain opportunistic around opportunities to further improve its borrowing costs.

AT&T plans to announce third quarter 2020 results on Thursday, October 22, 2020. The company’s earnings call will begin at 8:30 a.m. ET that day. Shareholders can listen to a live broadcast via the internet at AT&T Investor Relations.

*About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a diversified, global leader in telecommunications, media and entertainment, and technology. WarnerMedia is a leading media and entertainment company that creates and distributes premium and popular content to global audiences through its consumer brands, including: HBO, HBO Max, Warner Bros., TNT, TBS, truTV, CNN, DC Entertainment, New Line, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Turner Classic Movies. Xandr, now part of WarnerMedia, provides marketers with innovative and relevant advertising solutions for consumers around premium video content and digital advertising through its platform. AT&T Communications provides more than 100 million U.S. consumers with entertainment and communications experiences across TV, mobile and broadband. Plus, it serves high-speed, highly secure connectivity and smart solutions to nearly 3 million business customers. AT&T Latin America provides pay-TV services across 10 countries and territories in Latin America and the Caribbean and wireless services to consumers and businesses in Mexico.

AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc. Additional information is available at about.att.com. © 2020 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the Globe logo and other marks are trademarks and service marks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

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

This news release may contain certain non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations between the non-GAAP financial measures and the GAAP financial measures are available on the company’s website at https://investors.att.com.

Contacts

Fletcher Cook
AT&T
Phone: 214-912-8541
Email: fletcher.cook@att.com

Daphne Avila
AT&T Inc.
Phone: (972) 266-3866
Email: daphne.avila@att.com

FAQ

What did AT&T Inc. announce on October 13, 2020?

AT&T announced the completion of the sale of its stake in Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. to PPF Group for $1.1 billion.

How much debt was eliminated by AT&T's sale of CME?

AT&T eliminated approximately $575 million in debt associated with CME.

What is AT&T's plan for its net debt?

AT&T plans to focus on lowering its net debt to strengthen its balance sheet.

When will AT&T announce its third-quarter results?

AT&T will announce its third-quarter results on October 22, 2020.

What financial strategy is AT&T pursuing?

AT&T is monetizing non-core assets to drive incremental shareholder value.

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