- The Department of Labor has tentatively signed off on AT&T's (NYSE:T) plan to address a pension shortfall by contributing $9.5B worth of newly-created preferred stock in its wireless unit.
- AT&T originally announced the plan last year to a very mixed reception. UBS previously estimated the contribution could save AT&T $3B/year in tax payments.
- The Labor Department's proposal has been opened to public comment. If fully approved, it would retroactively go into effect as of Sep. 1.
- AT&T's pension fund assets were worth an estimated $45.1B, less than obligations of $58.9B.