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AT&T takes USD 10 bln pensions charge, sees margin pressure

2013-01-18 09:01:00| Telecompaper Headlines

(Telecompaper) AT&T announced that it will take a USD 10 billion charge in the fourth quarter 2012 for its pensions obligations. The non-cash, pre-tax charge results from a reduction in the assumed discount rate to 4.3 percent, resulting in an actuarial loss of approximately USD 12.0 billion. This was partially offset by an asset gain of USD 1.9 billion. Due to the continued uncertainty in the securities markets and US economy, the operator lowered its expected long-term rate of return on asset assumption to 7.75 percent. In a SEC filing, the US operator also reported fourth-quarter smartphone sales of approximately 10.2 million devices. Due to the high subsidies on these devices, AT&T said it expects pressure on operating income, margins, and earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2012. In addition, storms, including Superstorm Sandy, are expected to reduce Q4 operating profit by around USD 175 million, impacting especially the Wireless division. AT&T will report full quarterly results on 24 January.

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