SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
Washington, D.C. 20549
(Mark One)
 
FORM 11-K
 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
 
 
OR
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from              to
 
 
Commission File Number:1-8610
 
 
A. Full title of the plan and the address of the plan, if different from that of the issuer named below:
 
 
AT&T PUERTO RICO RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
 
 
 
B. Name of issuer of the securities held pursuant to the plan and the address of its principal executive office:
 
 
AT&T INC.
 
 
208 S. Akard, Dallas, Texas 75202
 
 
 
 

 
AT&T PUERTO RICO RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
 
Financial Statements, Supplemental Schedules and Exhibit
 
Table of Contents
 
Page
   
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
Financial Statements:
 
   
   Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014
   Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits for the Year Ended December 31, 2015
   Notes to Financial Statements
   
Supplemental Schedules:
 
   
   Schedule H, Line 4(i) – Schedules of Assets (Held at End of Year) as of December 31, 2015
20 
   
Exhibit:
 
   
   23 – Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
23 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To Plan Administrator
of the AT&T Retirement Savings Plan and AT&T Puerto Rico Retirement Savings Plan

We have audited each of the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of the AT&T Retirement Savings Plan and AT&T Puerto Rico Retirement Savings Plan (collectively referred to as the Plans) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related statement of changes in net assets available for benefits for each of the Plans for the year ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plans' management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Plans' internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Plans' internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements for each of the Plans referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits of the AT&T Retirement Savings Plan and AT&T Puerto Rico Retirement Savings Plan at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the changes in their net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

The accompanying supplemental schedules of assets held (at end of year) as of December 31, 2015, has been subjected to audit procedures performed in conjunction with the audit of the AT&T Retirement Savings Plan's and AT&T Puerto Rico Retirement Savings Plan's financial statements. The information in the supplemental schedules is the responsibility of the Plans' management. Our audit procedures included determining whether the information reconciles to the financial statements or the underlying accounting and other records, as applicable, and performing procedures to test the completeness and accuracy of the information presented in the supplemental schedules. In forming our opinion on the information, we evaluated whether such information, including its form and content, is presented in conformity with the Department of Labor's Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. In our opinion, the information is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the financial statements as a whole.



Dallas, Texas /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
June 17, 2016
1

Statements of Net Assets Available For Benefits
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
               
               
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
AT&T Retirement Savings Plan
 
AT&T
Puerto Rico Retirement Savings Plan
   
AT&T Retirement Savings Plan
 
AT&T
Puerto Rico Retirement Savings Plan
 
Assets
                 
Investment in AT&T Savings Plan Master Trust,
   (Note 4)
$
28,829,979
 
$
75,898
 
$
29,253,468
 
$
72,712 
 
                         
Receivables:
                       
   Notes receivable from participants
 
636,382
   
7,594
   
629,419
   
6,978 
 
   Employer contribution receivable
 
2,629
   
60
   
-
   
65
 
   Participant contribution receivable
 
4,185
   
91
   
-
   
96
 
Net Assets Available for Benefits
$
29,473,175
 
$
83,643
 
$
29,882,887
 
$
79,851
 
                         
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                       
2

Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available For Benefits
 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
             
   
AT&T
Retirement
Savings Plan
   
AT&T
Puerto Rico Retirement Savings Plan
 
Net Assets Available for Benefits, December 31, 2014
 
$
29,882,887
   
$
79,851
 
                 
Additions to Net Assets
               
   Contributions:
               
      Participant contributions
   
1,072,484
     
4,994
 
      Employer contributions
   
531,683
     
3,335
 
      Rollover contributions
   
202,895
     
25
 
                 
Investment Income:
               
   Net income from investment in AT&T Savings Plan Master Trust
   
343,947
     
610
 
                 
Interest income on notes receivable from participants
   
25,593
     
300
 
                 
      Total Additions
   
2,176,602
     
9,264
 
                 
Deductions from Net Assets
               
   Administrative Expenses
   
17,281
     
165
 
   Other Deductions
   
822
     
-
 
   Distributions
   
2,698,016
     
5,360
 
                 
      Total Deductions
   
2,716,119
     
5,525
 
                 
Net (decrease) increase before transfers
   
(539,517
)
   
3,739
 
                 
Transfer from other qualified savings plan
   
810
     
-
 
Transfers from affiliated plans
   
128,995
     
53
 
                 
Net Assets Available for Benefits, December 31, 2015
 
$
29,473,175
   
$
83,643
 
                 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
               
                 
3

Notes to Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
NOTE 1. PLAN DESCRIPTIONS

The following descriptions provide only general information. Detailed provisions covering participant eligibility, participant allotments from pay, participant withdrawals, participant loans, employer contributions and related vesting of contributions and plan expenses are provided in the plan texts and prospectuses. The AT&T Retirement Saving Plan and AT&T Puerto Rico Retirement Savings Plan (collectively referred to as the Plans) are defined contribution plans and are subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA).

The AT&T Retirement Savings Plan (ARSP), formerly the BellSouth Retirement Savings Plan, was originally established by BellSouth Corporation (BellSouth) to provide a convenient way for eligible non-management and bargained for employees of participating BellSouth companies to save on a regular and long-term basis. In December 2006, BellSouth was acquired by AT&T Inc. (AT&T).  The plan later became sponsored by AT&T, Inc. and was renamed as the AT&T Retirement Savings Plan as of January 1, 2008.  Currently, the ARSP is available to a broader range of AT&T employees.
 
Following AT&T's March 2014 acquisition of Leap Wireless International, Inc., effective December 20, 2014, the ARSP was amended to allow for the merger of the Cricket Communications, Inc. 401(k) Plan (Cricket 401k) into the ARSP as soon as reasonably practicable after that date. Former participants of the Cricket 401k began participating in the ARSP on December 20, 2014 and the funds totaling $126,134 were received from the predecessor trustee in early January 2015 and are included in the Transfers from affiliated plans line of the Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available For Benefits.

The AT&T Puerto Rico Retirement Savings Plan (ARSP-PR) was originally established by CCPR Inc. to provide a convenient way for eligible employees of its Puerto Rico subsidiary, CCPR Services Inc., and certain affiliates, to save on a regular and long-term basis. The ARSP-PR became sponsored by AT&T effective December 31, 2008.

The Plans participate in the AT&T Savings Plan Master Trust (AT&T Master Trust) for certain participant investment fund options as described below. The AT&T Master Trust invests in the AT&T Savings Group Investment Trust (Group Trust) for the remaining participant investment fund options. The Bank of New York (BNY) Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon) serves as trustee for both the AT&T Master Trust and Group Trust. With respect to the ARSP-PR, BNY Mellon serves as a U.S. custodian pursuant to a custodian agreement and Oriental Financial Group serves as trustee of the associated trust known as the AT&T Puerto Rico Retirement Savings Plan Trust. Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company, Inc. (Fidelity) serves as recordkeeper for the Plan.

During 2015, participants could invest their contributions in one or more of 11 funds in 1% increments:

· AT&T Total Return Bond Fund*
· Small and Mid-Sized U.S. Stock Index Fund**
· AT&T U.S. Stock Fund*
· International Stock Index Fund**
· AT&T International Stock Fund*
· Large Cap U.S. Stock Index Fund**
· AT&T Stable Value Fund*
· AT&T Shares Fund**
·     AT&T Age-Based Asset Allocation Funds (based on retirement date)**
· Fidelity BrokerageLink®**
· Total U.S. Stock Market Index Fund**
 
 
*   Investment fund option of the Group Trust.
** Investment fund option of the AT&T Master Trust.

Participants contribute to the Plans through payroll allotments. The Company contributes to the Plans by matching the participants' contributions based on the provisions of the respective plan. For the ARSP, some matching contributions are made in the form of cash and are participant directed immediately upon allocation. The majority of Company matching contributions for the ARSP and all Company matching contributions for the ARSP-PR are made solely in the form of shares of AT&T's common stock. Matching contributions made in stock into the ARSP are held in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), which is part of the AT&T Shares Fund, within the AT&T Master Trust. Matching contributions made in stock into the ARSP-PR are held in a separate stock bonus portion of the ARSP-PR. Company contributions made to the Plans can be immediately diversified into any of the fund options above.
4

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
Dividends on AT&T shares held in the ARSP can either be reinvested in the AT&T Shares Fund on a quarterly basis, or paid into a short-term interest bearing fund for distribution (or pass-through) before the end of the year. Interest earned on dividends held in the short-term interest bearing fund are used to purchase additional units of the AT&T Shares Fund in the participant's account. During 2015, participants in the ARSP elected to receive $29,276 in dividend distributions, which are included in distributions on the statements of changes in net assets available for benefits. Dividends on AT&T shares held in the ARSP are reinvested in the AT&T Shares Fund on a quarterly basis. Dividends on AT&T shares held in the ARSP-PR are not eligible for pass-through and are reinvested in the AT&T Shares Fund on a quarterly basis.

Each participant is entitled to exercise voting rights attributable to the AT&T shares allocated to their account and is notified by the Company prior to the time that such rights may be exercised. Subject to the fiduciary provisions of ERISA, the trustee will not vote any allocated shares for which instructions have not been given by the participant. The trustee votes any unallocated shares in the same proportion as it votes those shares that were allocated to the extent the proportionate vote is consistent with the trustee's fiduciary obligation under ERISA. Participants have the same voting rights in the event of a tender or exchange offer.

Although it has not expressed any intent to do so, AT&T has the right under the Plans to discontinue its contributions at any time and to terminate the Plans subject to the provisions of ERISA. In the event that the Plans are terminated, subject to the conditions set forth by ERISA, the account balances of all participants shall be 100% vested.

Administrative and Operating Expenses; Investment Manager Fees  Except to the extent paid by the Company, all expenses incident to the administration and operation of the Plans are charged to participants, either directly to their accounts or through the investment funds offered under the Group Trust or AT&T Master Trust, in accordance with administrative procedures established by the plan administrator.  Investment manager fees are charged through the investment funds.  Expenses charged directly to participant accounts (e.g., recordkeeping, communications fees) are reflected as a periodic fee on the participant account statements.  In addition, expenses and fees with respect to certain transactions and services (e.g., plan loan initiation fees) are charged directly to participants who incur them rather than to the Plans as a whole.

NOTE 2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accompanying financial statements were prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which require management to make estimates that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Distributions are recorded when paid.

Investment Valuation and Income Recognition  Investments are stated at fair value except those investments that are fully benefit-responsive investments which are stated at contract value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. See Note 3 for discussion of fair value measurements. Investments in securities traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price on the last business day of the year. If no sale was reported on that date, they are valued at the last reported bid price. Shares of registered investment companies are valued based on quoted market prices, which represent the net asset value of shares held at year-end.

Common/collective trust funds and 103-12 investment entities (i.e. an investment entity that holds the assets of two or more plans which are not members of a related group or employee benefit plan) are valued at quoted redemption values that represent the net asset values of units held at year-end. Publicly traded partnerships are valued using trades on a national securities exchange based on the last reported sales price on the last business day of the year.

Investment contracts held by a defined contribution plan are required to be reported at contract value. Contract value is the relevant measurement attribute for that portion of the net assets available for benefits of a defined contribution plan attributable to fully benefit-responsive investment contracts because contract value is the amount participants would receive if they were to initiate permitted transactions under the terms of the Plans. The Group Trust invests in fully benefit-responsive synthetic guaranteed investment contracts (Synthetic GICs). The underlying investments of the Synthetic GICs are owned by the Group Trust and are comprised of corporate bonds and notes, registered investment companies and government securities. The contract value of the fully benefit-responsive investment contracts represents contributions plus earnings, less participant withdrawals and administrative expenses.
 
5

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
 

Purchases and sales of securities are reflected as of the trade date. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Interest earned on investments is recognized on the accrual basis.

Notes Receivable from Participants Notes receivable from participants represent participant loans that are recorded at their unpaid principal balance plus any accrued, but unpaid interest. Interest income on notes receivable from participants is recorded when it is earned. Related fees are recorded as administrative expenses and are expensed when they are incurred. No allowance for credit losses has been recorded as of December 31, 2015 or 2014. If a participant ceases to make loan repayments and the plan administrator deems the participant loan to be a distribution, the participant loan balance is reduced and a distribution is recorded.

Recent Accounting Standards

In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-07, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)" (ASU 2015-07). ASU 2015-07 removes the requirement to categorize investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient within the fair value hierarchy. These disclosures are limited to investments for which the entity has elected to measure the fair value using that practical expedient. Management has decided to adopt ASU 2015-07 for the reporting period ending December 31, 2015 with full retrospective application as required by the guidance.

In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-12, "Plan Accounting: Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Topic 960), Defined Contribution Pension Plans (Topic 962), Health and Welfare Benefit Plans (Topic 965): (Part I) Fully Benefit-Responsive Investment Contracts, (Part II) Plan Investment Disclosures, (Part III) Measurement Date Practical Expedient" (ASU 2015-12). ASU 2015-12 eliminates the requirement to group and disclose investments within the fair value hierarchy on the basis of nature, characteristics and risk. Investments will only be required to be disclosed by general type. Additionally, investment strategies for assets valued on the basis of Net Asset Value per share which are held in funds that file a Department of Labor Form 5500 as a Direct Filing Entity will no longer be required to be disclosed. ASU  2015-12 also eliminates the requirements to measure the fair value of fully benefit-responsive investment contracts and provide certain disclosures. Contract value is the only required measure for fully benefit-responsive investment contracts. Management has elected to adopt ASU 2015-12 for the reporting period ended December 31, 2015 with full retrospective application as required by the guidance.

NOTE 3. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, Fair Value Measurement, establishes a framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1 Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Plan has the ability to access.

Level 2 Inputs to the valuation methodology include:
·
Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets;
·
Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
·
Inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable for the asset or liability;
·
Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

6

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
The asset's or liability's fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques used need to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

The valuation methodologies described in Note 2 may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while Plan management believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. There have been no changes in the methodologies used at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

See Note 4 for fair value hierarchy for the Group Trust's and AT&T Master Trust's investments.

NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS

The Plans held investments in the AT&T Master Trust (for certain investment fund options as disclosed in Note 1), and the AT&T Master Trust held an investment in the Group Trust as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and for the year ended December 31, 2015.

AT&T Savings Plan Master Trust Investments

AT&T established the AT&T Master Trust to manage assets of pooled investment options among various AT&T sponsored employee benefit plans.

Each participating plan's interest in the investment fund options (i.e., separate accounts) of the AT&T Master Trust is based on account balances of the participants and their elected investment fund options. The AT&T Master Trust assets are allocated among the participating plans by assigning to each plan those transactions (primarily contributions, benefit payments and expenses) that can be specifically identified, and by allocating investment income and administrative expenses related to the AT&T Master Trust on a daily basis based on each participant's account balance within each investment fund option.

The participating plans and ownership percentages of the AT&T Master Trust are listed below:

   
December 31,
   
2015
 
2014
AT&T Retirement Savings Plan
   
99.74
%
   
99.75
%
AT&T Puerto Rico Retirement Savings Plan
   
0.26
%
   
0.25
%
Total
   
100.00
%
   
100.00
%

7

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
The Plans' percentage interest in each of the investment fund options within the AT&T Master Trust at December 31, 2015 is disclosed below:

 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
AT&T
Retirement
Savings Plan
 
AT&T
Puerto Rico
Retirement
Savings Plan
Total U.S. Stock Market Index Fund
   
99.890
%
   
0.110
%
Large Cap U.S. Stock Index Fund
   
99.740
%
   
0.260
%
Small and Mid-Sized U.S. Stock Index Fund
   
99.680
%
   
0.320
%
International Stock Index Fund
   
99.620
%
   
0.380
%
AT&T Shares Fund
   
99.740
%
   
0.260
%
AT&T Age-Based Asset Allocation Funds:
               
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2000 Fund
   
99.730
%
   
0.270
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2005 Fund
   
99.890
%
   
0.110
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2010 Fund
   
99.730
%
   
0.270
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2015 Fund
   
99.860
%
   
0.140
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2020 Fund
   
99.800
%
   
0.200
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2025 Fund
   
99.830
%
   
0.170
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2030 Fund
   
99.710
%
   
0.290
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2035 Fund
   
99.390
%
   
0.610
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2040 Fund
   
99.260
%
   
0.740
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2045 Fund
   
99.200
%
   
0.800
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2050 Fund
   
99.350
%
   
0.650
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2055 Fund
   
99.810
%
   
0.190
%
Fidelity BrokerageLink®
   
100.000
%
   
-
 

8

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
The Plans' percentage interest in each of the investment fund options within the AT&T Master Trust at December 31, 2014 is disclosed below:

 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
AT&T Retirement
Savings Plan
 
AT&T Puerto Rico
Retirement
Savings Plan
Total U.S. Stock Market Index Fund
   
99.930
%
   
0.070
%
Large Cap U.S. Stock Index Fund
   
99.770
%
   
0.230
%
Small and Mid-Sized U.S. Stock Index Fund
   
99.700
%
   
0.300
%
International Stock Index Fund
   
99.750
%
   
0.250
%
AT&T Shares Fund
   
99.770
%
   
0.230
%
AT&T Age-Based Asset Allocation Funds:
               
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2000 Fund
   
99.680
%
   
0.320
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2005 Fund
   
99.880
%
   
0.120
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2010 Fund
   
99.750
%
   
0.250
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2015 Fund
   
99.860
%
   
0.140
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2020 Fund
   
99.770
%
   
0.230
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2025 Fund
   
99.830
%
   
0.170
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2030 Fund
   
99.660
%
   
0.340
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2035 Fund
   
99.310
%
   
0.690
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2040 Fund
   
99.170
%
   
0.830
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2045 Fund
   
99.100
%
   
0.900
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2050 Fund
   
99.300
%
   
0.700
%
   AT&T Age-Based Allocation 2055 Fund
   
99.720
%
   
0.280
%
Fidelity BrokerageLink®
   
100.000
%
   
-
 
 
The financial position of the AT&T Master Trust was as follows:

   
December 31,
   
2015
   
2014
AT&T common stock
 
$
4,664,078
   
$
4,870,360
 
Mutual funds
   
56,385
     
62,083
 
Common/collective trust funds
   
12,098,091
     
11,981,563
 
Fidelity BrokerageLink
   
1,799,725
     
1,888,059
 
Investment in Group Trust
   
10,285,800
     
10,524,697
 
AT&T Master Trust investments
 
$
28,904,079
   
$
29,326,762
 
Net other assets and liabilities
   
1,798
     
(581
)
Net assets available for benefits
 
$
28,905,877
   
$
29,326,181
 
9

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
Net Appreciation in Fair Value of AT&T Master Trust Investments and Total Investment Income for the year ended December 31, 2015:

   
2015
 
Total net appreciation in fair value of AT&T Master Trust Investments
 
$
188,115
 
Investment interest income
 
 
6
 
Income from investment in Group Trust
 
 
156,436
 

The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the AT&T Master Trust's assets at fair value, excluding its investment in the Group Trust:

 
 
AT&T Master Trust Assets at Fair Value as of
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
 
                       
AT&T common stock
 
$
4,664,078
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
4,664,078
 
Mutual funds
   
56,385
     
-
     
-
     
56,385
 
Self-directed brokerage accounts
   
1,795,961
     
3,764
     
-
     
1,799,725
 
Total assets in fair value hierarchy
 
$
6,516,424
   
$
3,764
   
$
-
   
$
6,520,188
 
Investments measured at net asset value
                               
     Asset allocation funds
                           
4,174,913
 
     Total U.S. stock market index fund
                           
928,786
 
     Large cap U.S. stock index fund
                           
3,802,256
 
     Small and mid-sized U.S. stock index fund
                           
2,039,895
 
     International stock index fund
                           
1,152,241
 
Total assets at fair value
                         
$
18,618,279
 
10

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the AT&T Master Trust's assets at fair value, excluding its investment in the Group Trust:

 
 
AT&T Master Trust Assets at Fair Value as of
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Mutual funds
 
$
62,083
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
62,083
 
AT&T common stock
   
4,870,360
     
-
     
-
     
4,870,360
 
Self-directed brokerage accounts
   
1,884,249
     
3,810
     
-
     
1,888,059
 
Total assets in fair value hierarchy
 
$
6,816,692
   
$
3,810
   
$
-
   
$
6,820,502
 
Investments measured at net asset value
                               
     Asset allocation funds
                           
4,114,553
 
     Total U.S. stock market index fund
                           
842,665
 
     Large cap U.S. stock index fund
                           
3,955,748
 
     Small and mid-sized U.S. stock index fund
                           
2,201,764
 
     International stock index fund
                           
866,833
 
Total assets at fair value
                         
$
18,802,065
 

1This category includes 12 common/collective trust funds also known as Aged-Based Asset Allocation Funds which are well diversified portfolios that adjust the mix of the various underlying investments over time. The change in allocation of investments is designed to move from a more aggressive investment strategy to a more conservative strategy through the projected retirement date and for a number of years thereafter. The year associated with the fund identification denotes the projected year of retirement of the participant selecting the fund. There are currently no redemption restrictions on these investments.

2This category includes a common/collective trust fund with an objective of providing investment results that approximate the overall performance of the common stocks included in the Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index. There are currently no redemption restrictions on this investment.

3This category includes a common/collective trust fund with an objective of providing investment results that approximate the overall performance of the common stocks included in the Standard and Poor's Composite Stock Price Index of 500 stocks (the S&P 500®). There are currently no redemption restrictions on this investment.

4This category includes a common/collective trust fund with an objective of providing investment results that approximate the overall performance of the common stocks included in the Dow Jones 
U.S. Completion Total Stock Index. There are currently no redemption restrictions on this investment.

5This category includes a common/collective trust fund with an objective of providing investment results that approximate the overall performance of the common stocks included in the All Country World Index ex U.S. Index. Except for a short-term trading fee applicable to certain participant transactions, there are currently no redemption restrictions on this investment.
11

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
AT&T Savings Group Investment Trust Investments

AT&T established the Group Trust to manage assets of pooled investment options among various AT&T sponsored employee benefit trusts. Each participating trust's interest in the investment fund options (i.e., separate accounts) of the Group Trust is based on account balances of the participants and their elected investment fund options. The Group Trust assets are allocated among the participating plans by assigning to each trust those transactions (primarily contributions, distributions and expenses) that can be specifically identified and by allocating investment income and administrative expenses to the individual plans on a daily basis based on each participant's account balance within each investment fund option.

The participating entities and ownership percentages of the Group Trust are listed below:

   
December 31,
   
2015
 
2014
AT&T Master Trust
   
94.3
%
   
94.2
%
BellSouth Savings and Security Plan
   
5.7
%
   
5.8
%
Total
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%


The AT&T Master Trust's percentage interest in each of the investment fund options within the Group Trust is disclosed below as of December 31, 2015.

   
AT&T Total
Return Bond
Fund
 
AT&T U.S.
Stock Fund
 
AT&T
International
Stock Fund
 
AT&T
Stable Value
Fund
 
Group
Trust
Interest bearing cash
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
76
   
$
-
   
$
76
 
Corporate debt
   
-
     
3,168
     
-
     
-
     
3,168
 
Common/collective trust
   funds
   
223,554
     
1,270,030
     
154,807
     
-
     
1,648,391
 
103-12 investment entities
   
-
     
-
     
174,297
     
-
     
174,297
 
Equities - common stock
   
-
     
1,226,111
     
150,140
     
-
     
1,376,251
 
Equities - preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
433
     
-
     
433
 
Publicly traded
   partnerships
   
-
     
8,176
     
-
     
-
     
8,176
 
Registered investment
   companies
   
1,220,725
     
31,929
     
4,194
     
171,302
     
1,428,150
 
Group Trust investments
     at fair value
   
1,444,279
     
2,539,414
     
483,947
     
171,302
     
4,638,942
 
Unsettled trades and other
   
3,373
     
(1,746
)
   
(89
)
   
(165,522
)
   
(163,984
)
Fully benefit-responsive
     investments
     contracts valued
     at contract value
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
6,432,747
     
6,432,747
 
Group Trust net assets
 
$
1,447,652
   
$
2,537,668
   
$
483,858
   
$
6,438,527
   
$
10,907,705
 
AT&T Master Trust's
   percentage ownership
   interest of investments
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
90.4
%
   
94.3
%
12

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
The AT&T Master Trust's percentage interest in each of the investment fund options within the Group Trust is disclosed below as of December 31, 2014.

   
AT&T Total
Return Bond
Fund
 
AT&T U.S.
Stock Fund
 
AT&T
International
Stock Fund
 
AT&T
Stable Value
Fund
 
Group
Trust
Interest bearing cash
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
240
   
$
-
   
$
240
 
Common/collective trust
   funds
   
-
     
1,578,118
     
184,860
     
-
     
1,762,978
 
103-12 investment entities
   
-
     
-
     
171,733
     
-
     
171,733
 
Equities - common stock
   
-
     
1,196,545
     
155,379
     
-
     
1,351,924
 
Equities - preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
679
     
-
     
679
 
Publicly traded
   partnerships
   
-
     
5,078
     
-
     
-
     
5,078
 
Registered investment
   companies
   
1,347,889
     
46,394
     
2,611
     
74,556
     
1,471,450
 
Group Trust investments
   at fair value
   
1,347,889
     
2,826,135
     
515,502
     
74,556
     
4,764,082
 
Unsettled trades and other
   
3,351
     
(1,329
)
   
703
     
(309,906
)
   
(307,181
)
Fully benefit-responsive
     investments contracts
     valued at contract value
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
6,701,195
     
6,701,195
 
Group Trust net assets
 
$
1,351,240
   
$
2,824,806
   
$
516,205
   
$
6,465,845
   
$
11,158,096
 
AT&T Master Trust's
   percentage ownership
   interest of investments
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
90.2
%
   
94.2
%


Net Appreciation (Depreciation) in Fair Value of Group Trust Investments and
Total Investment Income for the year ended December 31, 2015

   
Group
Trust
Total net appreciation/(depreciation) in fair value of Group Trust Investments
 
$
(48,446
)
Investment income:
       
   Interest
 
$
161,494
 
   Dividends
   
58,248
 
Total investment income of Group Trust Investments
 
$
219,742
 
13

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Group Trust's assets at fair value as of December 31, 2015:

 
 
Group Trust Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Corporate debt
 
$
-
   
$
3,168
   
$
-
   
$
3,168
 
Interest-bearing cash
   
76
                     
76
 
Common stock
   
1,376,251
     
-
     
-
     
1,376,251
 
Preferred stock
   
433
     
-
     
-
     
433
 
Publicly traded partnerships
   
8,176
     
-
     
-
     
8,176
 
Registered investment companies
   
1,428,150
     
-
     
-
     
1,428,150
 
Total assets in fair value hierarchy
 
$
2,813,086
   
$
3,168
   
$
-
   
$
2,816,254
 
Investments measured at net asset value
                               
     U.S. common/collective trusts
                           
1,424,837
 
     International common/collective trusts
                           
223,554
 
     103-12 investments
                           
174,297
 
Total assets and liabilities at fair value
                         
$
4,638,942
 


The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Group Trust's assets at fair value as of December 31, 2014:

 
 
Group Trust Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Interest bearing cash
 
$
240
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
240
 
Equities - common stock
   
1,351,924
     
-
     
-
     
1,351,924
 
Publicly traded partnerships
   
5,078
     
-
     
-
     
5,078
 
Equities - preferred stock
   
679
     
-
     
-
     
679
 
Registered investment companies
   
1,471,450
     
-
     
-
     
1,471,450
 
Total assets and liabilities in fair value hiearchy
 
$
2,829,371
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
2,829,371
 
Investments measured at net asset value
                               
     U.S. common/collective trusts
                           
1,578,118
 
     International common/collective trusts
                           
184,860
 
     103-12 investments
                           
171,733
 
Total assets and liabilities at fair value
                         
$
4,764,082
 


1The objective of the common/collective trust funds held in the AT&T U.S. Stock Fund is to deliver diversified exposure to the large-capitalization U.S. equity market as represented by the Russell 3000 Index. This common/collective trust fund has redemption restrictions limited to daily and monthly settlement.

2The objective of the common/collective trust funds held in the AT&T International Stock Fund is to provide diversified exposure to international markets as represented by the All Country World Index ex U.S. and MSCI Emerging Markets Net Dividend Index. The three common/collective trust funds have redemption restrictions limited to daily, weekly or monthly. One fund is invested broadly in developed and emerging market countries, while the other two funds are invested primarily in emerging market countries.

3These are equity commingled funds that invest primarily in developed countries. These funds have redemption restrictions limited to monthly settlement.
14

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
Derivative Financial Instruments
In the normal course of operations, Group Trust assets and liabilities held in the AT&T Stable Value Fund (Stable Value Fund) may include derivative financial instruments (futures and foreign currency forward contracts). These instruments involve, in varying degrees, elements of credit and market volatility risks in excess of more traditional investment holdings such as equity and debt instruments. The contract or notional amounts disclosed provide a measure of the Group Trust's involvement in such instruments but are not indicative of potential loss. The intent is to use derivative financial instruments as an economic hedge to manage market volatility and foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with the Stable Value Fund's investment assets. The Group Trust's fiduciaries do not anticipate any material adverse effect on the Group Trust's financial position resulting from its involvement in these instruments.

The following table presents the effect of gains (losses) with respect to these derivative instruments, by type of derivative. The gains (losses) are located on the Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits as Net Income from Investment in AT&T Savings Plan Master Trust to the extent of the Plans' ownership in the AT&T Master Trust.

 
Year Ended
 
December 31, 2015
Futures contracts
 
$
(464
)
Forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts
 
$
16,683
 

Futures Contracts
The primary risk managed by the Group Trust using futures contracts is the price risk associated with investments. On behalf of the AT&T Master Trust, investment managers for the Group Trust enter into various futures contracts to economically hedge investments in domestic securities. These contracts, which are considered derivatives under Accounting Standards Codification Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging are agreements between two parties to buy or sell a security or financial interest at a set price on a future date and are standardized and exchange-traded. Upon entering into such a contract on behalf of the Group Trust, the investment manager is required to pledge to the broker an amount of cash or securities equal to the minimum "initial margin" requirements of the exchange on which the contract is traded. Pursuant to the contract, the investment manager agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded on a daily basis by the trustee as a realized gain or loss equal to the difference in the value of the contract between daily closing prices. Upon entering into such contracts, the Group Trust bears the risk of interest or exchange rates or securities prices moving unexpectedly, in which case, the Group Trust may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the futures contracts and may realize a loss. With futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to the Group Trust since futures are exchange traded and the exchange's clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange traded futures, guarantees the futures against default. The investments in the Group Trust are subject to equity price risk and interest rate risk, in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The U.S. interest rate futures held in the portfolio as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were used primarily to hedge and manage the duration risk of the portfolio.

The fair value of the open futures contracts is separately disclosed in the detail of the Group Trust investments presented below and are included in the Statement of Net Assets Available for Benefits to the extent of the Plans' ownership in the AT&T Master Trust.

15

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
At December 31, 2015, open futures contracts held in the Group Trust were as follows:

Type of Contract
 
Number of
Contracts
Buy/(Sell)
   
Expiration
   
Notional
Value
   
Fair Value
 
U.S. Treasury Bond Future
   
(403
)
   
3/2016
   
$
(61,961
)
 
$
(173
)
U.S. Treasury Bond Future
   
(79
)
   
3/2016
     
(12,146
)
   
141
 
U.S. Treasury Bond Future
   
(44
)
   
3/2016
     
(6,765
)
   
(10
)
U.S. Treasury Bond Future
   
(63
)
   
3/2016
     
(9,686
)
   
13
 
U.S. 10-Year Treasury Note Future
   
44
     
3/2016
     
5,540
     
(19
)
U.S. 10-Year Treasury Note Future
   
(279
)
   
3/2016
     
(35,128
)
   
97
 
U.S. 10-Year Treasury Note Future
   
183
     
3/2016
     
23,041
     
(74
)
90 Day Eurodollar Future
   
(4
)
   
3/2016
     
(993
)
   
-
 
90 Day Eurodollar Future
   
119
     
3/2016
     
29,531
     
(37
)
90 Day Eurodollar Future
   
(119
)
   
9/2016
     
(29,433
)
   
40
 
U.S. 5-Year Treasury Note Future
   
455
     
3/2016
     
53,836
     
(123
)
U.S. 5-Year Treasury Note Future
   
9
     
3/2016
     
1,065
     
2
 
U.S. 5-Year Treasury Note Future
   
651
     
3/2016
     
77,027
     
(153
)
U.S. 2-Year Treasury Note Future
   
197
     
3/2016
     
42,795
     
(57
)
U.S. 2-Year Treasury Note Future
   
(687
)
   
3/2016
     
(149,240
)
   
226
 
U.S. 2-Year Treasury Note Future
   
522
     
3/2016
     
113,396
     
(184
)
U.S. Ultra Bond Future
   
(36
)
   
3/2016
     
(5,713
)
   
4
 
U.S. Ultra Bond Future
   
(148
)
   
3/2016
     
(23,486
)
   
(130
)
U.S. Ultra Bond Future
   
(28
)
   
3/2016
     
(4,443
)
   
(27
)
Total
                 
$
7,237
   
$
(464
)

At December 31, 2014, open futures contracts held in the Group Trust were as follows:

Type of Contract
 
Number of
Contracts
Buy/(Sell)
   
Expiration
   
Notional
Value
   
Fair Value
 
U.S. Treasury Bond Future
   
(14
)
   
3/2015
   
$
(2,024
)
 
$
(62
)
U.S. Treasury Bond Future
   
(183
)
   
3/2015
     
(26,455
)
   
(719
)
U.S. Treasury Bond Future
   
(72
)
   
3/2015
     
(10,409
)
   
(166
)
U.S. Treasury Bond Future
   
(287
)
   
3/2015
     
(41,489
)
   
(1,274
)
U.S. 10-Year Treasury Note Future
   
218
     
3/2015
     
27,642
     
173
 
U.S. 10-Year Treasury Note Future
   
(192
)
   
3/2015
     
(24,345
)
   
(28
)
U.S. 10-Year Treasury Note Future
   
304
     
3/2015
     
38,546
     
216
 
U.S. 5-Year Treasury Note Future
   
632
     
3/2015
     
75,164
     
65
 
U.S. 5-Year Treasury Note Future
   
253
     
3/2015
     
30,089
     
4
 
U.S. 5-Year Treasury Note Future
   
(30
)
   
3/2015
     
(3,568
)
   
(5
)
U.S. 2-Year Treasury Note Future
   
40
     
3/2015
     
8,744
     
(1
)
U.S. 2-Year Treasury Note Future
   
446
     
3/2015
     
97,493
     
(114
)
U.S. 2-Year Treasury Note Future
   
(626
)
   
3/2015
     
(136,840
)
   
157
 
U.S. Ultra Bond Future
   
20
     
3/2015
     
3,304
     
50
 
U.S. Ultra Bond Future
   
(117
)
   
3/2015
     
(19,327
)
   
(947
)
U.S. Ultra Bond Future
   
(224
)
   
3/2015
     
(37,002
)
   
(1,554
)
U.S. Ultra Bond Future
   
(22
)
   
3/2015
     
(3,634
)
   
(182
)
Total
                 
$
(24,111
)
 
$
(4,387
)

16

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
Foreign Currency Contracts
The primary risks managed by the Group Trust using foreign currency forward contracts is the foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with the Group Trust's investments denominated in foreign currencies. On behalf of the Group Trust, investment managers enter into forward foreign currency contracts, which are agreements to exchange foreign currencies at a specified future date at a specified rate, the terms of which are not standardized on an exchange. These contracts are intended to minimize the effect of currency fluctuations on the performance of investments denominated in foreign currencies. Although in some cases, forward foreign currency contracts are used to express a view on the direction of a particular currency, risk arises both from the possible inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of the contracts (credit risk) and from movement in foreign currency exchange rates (market risk). Foreign currency forward contracts are entered into with major banks to minimize credit risk, and accordingly, no credit reserve has been established against these amounts.

The contracts are recorded at fair value on the date the contract is entered into, which is typically zero. The fair value of the foreign currency contracts are disclosed in unsettled trades and other of the Group Trust and are included in the Statement of Net Assets Available for Benefits to the extent of the Plans' ownership in the AT&T Master Trust.

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the contracts held by the Group Trust were:

 
Notional Value
 
Fair Value
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
Derivative assets
 
$
195
   
$
64
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Derivative liabilities
 
$
201
   
$
64
   
$
-
   
$
-
 

Fully Benefit-Responsive Investment Contracts
The Stable Value Fund consists of fully benefit-responsive investment contracts with various financial institutions and insurance companies which can be accounted for by the Plans at contract value. Generally contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus earnings, less participant withdrawals and administrative expenses.

The investments held by the Stable Value Fund as of December 31, 2015 include Synthetic GICs which are fully benefit-responsive investment contracts. Synthetic GICs are constructed by combining a stable value insurance wrapper contract and a fixed income portfolio. The assets supporting the Synthetic GICs are owned by the Group Trust and generally consist of high quality fixed income securities.

Traditional Guaranteed Investment Contracts ("Traditional GICs" also known as "General Account GICs") are issued by insurance companies and typically pay a guaranteed fixed or floating rate of interest over the life of the contract with a repayment of principal at maturity. A Synthetic GIC is similar to a Traditional GIC but has unbundled the insurance and investment components of the Traditional GIC.

Wrapper contracts are typically issued by a bank or insurance company, and seek to provide preservation of principal by permitting daily liquidity at contract value for participant directed transactions, in accordance with the provisions of the Plans. Wrapper contracts amortize the realized and unrealized gains and losses on the underlying fixed income investments through adjustments to the future interest crediting rate of the contract. Wrapper contracts typically contain contractual provisions that prevent the interest crediting rate from falling below zero.

In certain circumstances, the amount withdrawn from the wrapper contract could be payable at fair value rather than at contract value. These events include termination of the Plans, a material adverse change to the provisions of the Plans, if AT&T elects to withdraw from a wrapper contract in order to switch to a different investment provider or, in the event of a spin-off or sale of a division, if the terms of the successor plan do not meet the contract issuers' underwriting criteria for issuance of a clone wrapper contract. Events that would permit a wrapper contract issuer to terminate a wrapper contract upon short notice include the Plans' loss of qualified status, un-cured material breaches of responsibilities or material and adverse changes to the provisions of the Plans. The Company does not believe any of the events are probable of occurring in the foreseeable future.

Investment Risk
Investments held by the Group Trust and the AT&T Master Trust are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, market and credit risks. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investments, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in the values of investments could occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect participants' account balances and the amounts reported in the statements of net assets available for benefits. Participants' accounts that are invested in the Company stock fund option are exposed to market risk in the event of a significant decline in the value of AT&T stock.
 
17

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
Additionally, the Group Trust invests in securities with contractual cash flows, such as asset backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and commercial mortgage-backed securities. The value, liquidity and related income of these securities are sensitive to changes in economic conditions, including real estate value, delinquencies or defaults, or both, and may be adversely affected by shifts in the market's perception of the issuers and changes in interest rates.

NOTE 5. PARTIES IN INTEREST TRANSACTIONS

The assets of the Plans are invested in AT&T stock either through the Group Trust or AT&T Master Trust. Because the Company is the plan sponsor of the Plans, transactions involving the Company's stock qualify as party-in-interest transactions. In addition, certain investments held by the Plans, Group Trust and AT&T Master Trust are managed by BNY Mellon and Fidelity as trustee or custodian and record keeper, respectively, as defined by various agreements. Therefore, these transactions and fees paid to these entities qualify as parties-in-interest transactions. All of these transactions are exempt from the prohibited transactions rules.

NOTE 6. TAX STATUS

The ARSP has received a determination letter from the IRS dated May 7, 2015, stating that the ARSP is qualified under Section 401(a) of the IRC and, therefore, the related trust is exempt from taxation. Subsequent to this determination by the IRS the Plan was amended. Once qualified, the ARSP is required to operate in conformity with the IRC to maintain its qualification. The plan administrator believes the ARSP is being operated in compliance with the applicable requirements of the IRC and, therefore, believes that the Plan, as amended, is qualified and the related trust is tax exempt.

The ARSP-PR has received a determination letter from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico's Department of Treasury (Treasury) dated October 2, 2015, stating that the ARSP-PR is qualified under Section 1081.01 of the Internal Revenue Code for a New Puerto Rico (the Puerto Rico Code), and therefore, the related trust is exempt from taxation. Subsequent to this determination by the Treasury, the ARSP-PR was amended. Once qualified, the ARSP-PR is required to operate in conformity with the Puerto Rico Code to maintain its qualification. The plan administrator believes the ARSP-PR is being operated in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Puerto Rico Code and, therefore, believes that the ARSP-PR, as amended, is qualified and the related trust is tax exempt.

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require Plan management to evaluate uncertain tax positions taken by the Plans. The financial statement effects of a tax position are recognized when the position is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, to be sustained upon examination by the IRS or Treasury. The Plans administrator has analyzed the tax positions taken by the Plans, and has concluded that as of December 31, 2014, there were no uncertain positions taken or expected to be taken. The Plans have recognized no interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The Plans are subject to routine audits by taxing jurisdictions; however, there are currently no audits for any tax periods in progress. The Plans administrator believes they are no longer subject to income tax examinations for years prior to 2012.

NOTE 7. RECONCILIATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO FORM 5500

The following is a reconciliation of Net Assets Available for Benefits per the financial statements to the Form 5500 as of December 31, 2015:

   
AT&T
Retirement
Savings Plan
 
AT&T
Puerto Rico
Retirement
Savings Plan
 
Net Assets Available for Benefits per the financial statements
 
$
29,473,175
   
$
83,643
 
Distributions payable to participants
   
(3,489
)
   
-
 
Net Assets Available for Benefits per the Form 5500
 
$
29,469,686
   
$
83,643
 
 
18

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
The following is a reconciliation of Net Assets Available for Benefits per the financial statements to the Form 5500 as of December 31, 2014:

   
AT&T
Retirement
Savings Plan
 
AT&T
Puerto Rico
Retirement
Savings Plan
Net Assets Available for Benefits per the financial statements
 
$
29,882,887
   
$
79,851
 
Adjustment from contract value to fair value for fully benefit-responsive
     investment contracts
   
205,412
     
453
 
Distributions payable to participants
   
(5,091
)
   
(1
)
Net Assets Available for Benefits per the Form 5500
 
$
30,083,208
   
$
80,303
 


Distributions payable to participants are recorded on the Form 5500 for benefit claims that have been processed and approved for payment prior to December 31, but not yet paid as of that date. The following is a reconciliation of distributions to participants per the financial statements to the Form 5500 for the year ended December 31, 2015:

   
AT&T
Retirement
Savings Plan
 
AT&T
Puerto Rico
Retirement
Savings Plan
Distributions to participants per the financial statements
 
$
2,698,016
   
$
5,360
 
Distributions payable to participants at December 31, 2015
   
3,489
     
-
 
Distributions payable to participants at December 31, 2014
   
(5,091
)
   
(1
)
Distributions to participants per the Form 5500
 
$
2,696,414
   
$
5,359
 

Fully benefit-responsive contracts are recorded on the Form 5500 at contract value for the twelve month period ending December 31, 2015. For prior years, fully benefit-responsive contracts were recorded at fair value versus contract value on the financial statements. The following is a reconciliation of total additions per the financial statements to total income per the Form 5500 for the year ended December 31, 2015:

   
AT&T
Retirement
Savings Plan
 
AT&T
Puerto Rico
Retirement
Savings Plan
Total additions per the financial statements
 
$
2,176,602
   
$
9,264
 
Adjustment from contract value to fair value for fully benefit-responsive
   investment contracts at December 31, 2014
   
(205,412
)
   
(453
)
Total income per the Form 5500
 
$
1,971,190
   
$
8,811
 
19

SCHEDULE H, LINE 4(i) - SCHEDULE OF ASSETS (HELD AT END OF YEAR)
 
December 31, 2015
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
   
AT&T RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
 
EIN 43-1301883, PLAN NO. 009
 
               
Identity of Issue
 
Description of Investment
 
Current
Value
 
               
Loan Fund
           
*
Loans to Plan Participants
   
3.25% -10.5%
 
 
$
636,382
 
                   
TOTAL
         
$
636,382
 
*
Party-in-Interest.
               
                   
AT&T PUERTO RICO RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
 
EIN 43-1301883, PLAN NO. 011
 
                   
Identity of Issue
 
Description of Investment
 
  Current
Value
 
                   
Loan Fund
               
*
Loans to Plan Participants
   
3.25% - 9.25%
 
 
$
7,594
 
                   
TOTAL
         
$
7,594
 
*
Party-in-Interest.
               
20

SIGNATURE


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the trustee (or other persons who administer the employee benefit plan) has duly caused this annual report to be signed by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


 
AT&T Retirement Savings Plan
 
AT&T Puerto Rico Retirement Savings Plan
   
 
By AT&T Services, Inc.,
Plan Administrator for the Foregoing Plans





By
 /s/ Debra L. Dial
 
Debra L. Dial
 
Senior Vice President and Controller




Date: June 17, 2016
21

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit identified below, Exhibit 23 is filed herein as an exhibit hereto.

Exhibit
Number

23
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
22