AT&T to sell certain assets in Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands

AT&T Inc said on Wednesday it would sell its wireless and wireline operations in Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands to Liberty Latin America Ltd for $1.95 billion, as the second-largest US wireless carrier cuts its huge debt pile. The deal comes as the company faces calls from activist investor Elliott Management to end its acquisition spree and focus on improving its business.

"This transaction is a result of our ongoing strategic review of our balance sheet and assets to identify opportunities for monetization," Chief Financial Officer John Stephens said in a statement. Reuters had reported in July that AT&T was exploring a sale for its Puerto Rico assets for $3 billion to cut the debt it took on to purchase Time Warner Inc for $85 billion last year.

AT&T's long-term debt stood at $157.79 billion as of June end, according to a regulatory filing. The company has already sold its stake in streaming service Hulu for $1.43 billion and WarnerMedia's Manhattan offices at Hudson Yards for about $2.2 billion.

Liberty Latin America will support its FirstNet program in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, AT&T said. FirstNet is a national communication platform that is dedicated to first responders. AT&T expects the deal to close in the next nine months subject to review by the US Department of Justice and Federal Communications Commission.

The company's business in Puerto Rico comprises internet, TV, landlines and business services. AT&T also said shareholders should expect buybacks in the fourth quarter as it aims at balancing its debt and profit.