falseQ120190000732712765000000744000000P5YP2Y0.59000.60250.10.1625000000062500000004291433646429143364604100000000.00330.051500.017500.038750.0590.08750.013750.01750.030.040160.05P4Y2210000000023200000000P9Y1000000200000018000000050000006000000500000060000000560000000.10.125000000025000000000P5YP9MP1Y159400267155727000P2YP2YP30YP25YP24YP1Y 0000732712 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 exch:XNYM vz:A4.073NotesDue2024Member 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 exch:XNYM vz:A3.25NotesDue2026Member 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 exch:XNYM vz:A1.875NotesDue2029Member 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 exch:XNYM vz:A0.875NotesDue2025Member 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 exch:XNYM vz:A2.625NotesDue2031Member 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 exch:XNYM vz:A1.375NotesDue2028Member 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 exch:XNYM us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 exch:XNYM vz:A2.375NotesDue2022Member 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 exch:XNYM vz:A3.375NotesDue2036Member 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 exch:XNGS us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 exch:XNYM vz:A1.375NotesDue2026Member 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 exch:XNYM vz:A3.125NotesDue2035Member 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 exch:XNYM vz:A1.625NotesDue2024Member 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 exch:XNYM vz:A2.875NotesDue2038Member 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 exch:XNYM vz:A4.75NotesDue2034Member 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 exch:XNYM vz:A2.500NotesDue2031Member 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 exch:XNYM vz:A0.500NotesDue2022Member 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 exch:XNYM vz:A1.250NotesDue2030Member 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 exch:XNYM vz:A0.875NotesDue2027Member 2019-08-08 2019-08-08 0000732712 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:ServiceMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:ServiceMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:ServiceAndOtherMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:ServiceAndOtherMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:ProductMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:ProductMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 2018-12-31 0000732712 2019-03-31 0000732712 2018-03-31 0000732712 2017-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:SubsequentEventMember 2019-04-01 2019-08-08 0000732712 us-gaap:PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OtherAssetsMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OtherAssetsMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OtherAssetsMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 2019-01-01 0000732712 us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member 2019-01-01 0000732712 us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2019-01-01 0000732712 2020-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 2021-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:WirelessPostpaidContractsMember 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:WirelessPostpaidContractsMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:MediaBusinessMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 2019-04-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:CustomerContractsThatHaveContractMinimumOverTotalContractTermMember 2019-04-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:WirelineConsumerAndSmallAndMediumBusinessContractsMember 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:MediaBusinessMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:WirelineConsumerAndSmallAndMediumBusinessContractsMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 2018-01-01 0000732712 us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 srt:MaximumMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 srt:MinimumMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember vz:WirelineMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember vz:WirelessMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:CorporateNonSegmentMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember vz:WirelessMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:CorporateNonSegmentMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember vz:WirelineMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember vz:WirelessMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:CorporateNonSegmentMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember vz:WirelineMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:CustomerListsMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:CustomerListsMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 vz:NonNetworkInternalUseSoftwareMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OtherIntangibleAssetsMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:NonNetworkInternalUseSoftwareMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OtherIntangibleAssetsMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 vz:WirelessLicensesMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 vz:WirelessLicensesMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:WirelessLicensesMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:WirelessLicensesMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:TowerMonetizationTransactionMember 2015-03-01 2015-03-31 0000732712 vz:TowerMonetizationTransactionMember 2015-03-31 0000732712 srt:MaximumMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 srt:MinimumMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:DebtExchangeOffersMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:GTELLC8.750DebenturesDue2021Member vz:DebtExchangeOffersMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:Verizon1.750To5.150NotesAndFloatingRateNotesDue2021To2025Member vz:DebtExchangeOffersMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:Verizon4.016NotesDue2029Member vz:DebtExchangeOffersMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:A3.875NotesDue2029Member 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:A3.875NotesDue2029Member 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:Verizon5.000NotesDue2051Member 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:Verizon5.000NotesDue2051Member 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:A2016ABSFinancingFacilityMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:EquipmentCreditFacilitiesMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:ShortTermUncommittedCreditFacilityMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:EquipmentCreditFacilitiesMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:VendorFinancingFacilityMember vz:NetworkEquipmentMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:VendorFinancingFacilityMember vz:NetworkEquipmentMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:AssetBackedNotesMember vz:ClassA1bSeniorSecuredNotesMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:EquipmentCreditFacilitiesMember 2017-07-31 0000732712 vz:A2.500NotesDue2031Member us-gaap:SubsequentEventMember 2019-04-26 0000732712 vz:Verizon3.500NotesDue2021Member 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:VendorFinancingFacilityMember vz:NetworkEquipmentMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 vz:A2.625NotesDue2020Member us-gaap:SubsequentEventMember 2019-04-01 2019-04-26 0000732712 us-gaap:CommercialPaperMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:AssetBackedDebtMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:Verizon3.500NotesDue2021Member us-gaap:SubsequentEventMember 2019-04-01 2019-04-26 0000732712 vz:EquipmentCreditFacilitiesMember vz:NetworkEquipmentMember 2016-03-31 0000732712 vz:ShortTermUncommittedCreditFacilityMember 2018-07-31 0000732712 vz:EquipmentCreditFacilitiesMember vz:NetworkEquipmentMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:VendorFinancingFacilityMember vz:NetworkEquipmentMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:GuaranteeOfDebtObligationsOfGeneralTelephoneAndElectronicsCorporationMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:A1.250NotesDue2030Member us-gaap:SubsequentEventMember 2019-04-26 0000732712 vz:A2018ABSFinancingFacilityMember 2018-05-01 2018-05-31 0000732712 vz:A0.875NotesDue2027And1.250NotesDue2030Member us-gaap:SubsequentEventMember 2019-04-26 0000732712 vz:A0.875NotesDue2027Member us-gaap:SubsequentEventMember 2019-04-26 0000732712 vz:GuaranteeOfDebenturesOfOperatingTelephoneCompanySubsidiariesMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:A2018ABSFinancingFacilityMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:A2016ABSFinancingFacilityMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:AssetBackedNotesMember us-gaap:SecuredDebtMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:A2018ABSFinancingFacilityMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:A2.625NotesDue2020Member 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:AssetBackedNotesMember vz:ClassA1bSeniorSecuredNotesMember 2019-03-31 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:AssetBackedNotesMember vz:ClassA1aSeniorSecuredNotesMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:AssetBackedNotesMember vz:ClassCJuniorSecuredNotesMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:AssetBackedNotesMember vz:ClassBJuniorSecuredNotesMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:AssetBackedNotesMember vz:ClassA1aSeniorSecuredNotesMember 2019-03-31 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:AssetBackedNotesMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:AssetBackedNotesMember vz:ClassBJuniorSecuredNotesMember 2019-03-31 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:AssetBackedNotesMember vz:ClassCJuniorSecuredNotesMember 2019-03-31 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:LongtermDebtCurrentMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:LongTermDebtMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:LongtermDebtCurrentMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccountsReceivableMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:LongTermDebtMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccountsReceivableMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 vz:Verizon3.000NotesDue2021Member 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:Verizon1.750NotesDue2021Member 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:A5.900NotesDue2054Member 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:Verizon1.375NotesDue2019Member 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:Verizon1.375NotesDue2019Member 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:A5.900NotesDue2054Member 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:VariousVerizonNotesOfOpenMarketRepurchaseMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:Verizon3.000NotesDue2021Member 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:Verizon1.750NotesDue2021Member 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:Verizon3.500NotesDue2021Member 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:AssetBackedNotesMember vz:ClassA1bSeniorSecuredNotesMember us-gaap:LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:AssetBackedNotesMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 srt:MinimumMember vz:Verizon1.750To5.150NotesAndFloatingRateNotesDue2021To2025Member 2019-03-31 0000732712 srt:MaximumMember vz:Verizon1.750To5.150NotesAndFloatingRateNotesDue2021To2025Member 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:ProductTradeInMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:BilledRevenuesMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:BilledRevenuesMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:UnbilledRevenuesMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:UnbilledRevenuesMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap:InterestRateCapMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:CurrencySwapMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap:InterestRateSwapMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:ForeignExchangeForwardMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap:ForeignExchangeForwardMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:InterestRateCapMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap:InterestRateCapMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:CurrencySwapMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:InterestRateSwapMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap:InterestRateSwapMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:InterestRateCapMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member vz:ForwardStartingInterestRateSwapsMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap:CurrencySwapMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap:ForeignExchangeForwardMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:ForeignExchangeForwardMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member vz:ForwardStartingInterestRateSwapsMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:InterestRateSwapMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap:FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap:CurrencySwapMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member vz:ForwardStartingInterestRateSwapsMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:ForwardStartingInterestRateSwapsMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap:FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:ForeignExchangeForwardMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:ForwardStartingInterestRateSwapsMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:CurrencySwapMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:InterestRateSwapMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:InterestRateCapMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 vz:ForwardStartingInterestRateSwapsMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:ForeignExchangeForwardMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:CurrencySwapMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:InterestRateSwapMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:InterestRateCapMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap:InterestRateCapMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member vz:ForwardStartingInterestRateSwapsMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap:CurrencySwapMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:InterestRateSwapMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap:CurrencySwapMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap:InterestRateCapMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:InterestRateCapMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:InterestRateSwapMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap:FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member vz:ForwardStartingInterestRateSwapsMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap:InterestRateSwapMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member vz:ForwardStartingInterestRateSwapsMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:CurrencySwapMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:InterestRateCapMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap:InterestRateSwapMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:CurrencySwapMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 vz:ForwardStartingInterestRateSwapsMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap:FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:ForeignExchangeForwardMember us-gaap:FairValueHedgingMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:CurrencySwapMember us-gaap:CashFlowHedgingMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:ForwardStartingInterestRateSwapsMember us-gaap:CashFlowHedgingMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:EuroDenominatedDebtMember us-gaap:NetInvestmentHedgingMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:InterestRateSwapMember us-gaap:FairValueHedgingMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:EuroDenominatedDebtMember us-gaap:NetInvestmentHedgingMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:LongTermDebtMember us-gaap:FairValueHedgingMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:LongTermDebtMember us-gaap:FairValueHedgingMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:QualifiedPlanMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:NonqualifiedPlanMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:QualifiedPlanMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:A2018VoluntarySeparationProgramMember 2018-09-01 2018-09-30 0000732712 us-gaap:SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:CostofServiceMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:CostofServiceMember us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:CostofServiceMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:CostofServiceMember us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2017-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember 2017-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2017-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember 2017-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2017-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2017-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2017-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember 2018-12-31 0000732712 vz:StraightPathCommunicationsIncMember 2018-02-01 2018-02-28 0000732712 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember vz:VerizonConsumerGroupMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:IntersegmentEliminationMember vz:VerizonConsumerGroupMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember us-gaap:ProductMember vz:VerizonConsumerGroupMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember us-gaap:ProductMember vz:VerizonConsumerGroupMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember us-gaap:ServiceMember vz:VerizonConsumerGroupMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember vz:BusinessGlobalEnterpriseMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember vz:VerizonConsumerGroupMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember vz:VerizonConsumerGroupMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember vz:WholesaleMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:IntersegmentEliminationMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember vz:WholesaleMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember vz:SmallAndMediumBusinessMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:IntersegmentEliminationMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember vz:PublicSectorAndOtherMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember vz:ConsumerOtherMember vz:VerizonConsumerGroupMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember us-gaap:ServiceMember vz:VerizonConsumerGroupMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:IntersegmentEliminationMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember vz:VerizonConsumerGroupMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember vz:ConsumerOtherMember vz:VerizonConsumerGroupMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember vz:SmallAndMediumBusinessMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember vz:PublicSectorAndOtherMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:IntersegmentEliminationMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:ExternalOperatingRevenuesMember vz:BusinessGlobalEnterpriseMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:IntersegmentEliminationMember vz:VerizonConsumerGroupMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:ServiceAndOtherMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:ProductMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:ServiceAndOtherMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 us-gaap:ProductMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:CorporateAndReconcilingItemsMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 srt:ConsolidationEliminationsMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:CorporateAndReconcilingItemsMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 srt:ConsolidationEliminationsMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:FiosRevenuesMember vz:VerizonConsumerGroupMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:FiosRevenuesMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:FiosRevenuesMember vz:VerizonConsumerGroupMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:FiosRevenuesMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:FiosRevenuesMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:FiosRevenuesMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:WirelessServiceMember vz:VerizonConsumerGroupMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:WirelessServiceMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:WirelessServiceMember vz:VerizonBusinessGroupMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000732712 vz:WirelessServiceMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:WirelessServiceMember vz:VerizonConsumerGroupMember 2018-01-01 2018-03-31 0000732712 vz:WirelessServiceMember 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 iso4217:USD iso4217:USD xbrli:shares vz:Lease vz:segment iso4217:EUR iso4217:GBP xbrli:pure xbrli:shares vz:Agreement vz:Employee vz:legal_matter
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 _____________________________________________________________________________
FORM 8-K
 
 ______________________________________________________________________________
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report: August 8, 2019
(Date of earliest event reported)
 ______________________________________________________________________________
Verizon Communications Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 _______________________________________________________________________________  
 
 
 
 
Delaware
1-8606
23-2259884
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission File Number)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
 
1095 Avenue of the Americas
 
10036
New York
New York
 
 
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212395-1000
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))


 


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
 
Trading Symbol(s)
 
Name of Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.10
 
VZ
 
New York Stock Exchange
Common Stock, par value $0.10
 
VZ
 
The NASDAQ Global Select Market
2.375% Notes due 2022
 
VZ22A
 
New York Stock Exchange
0.500% Notes due 2022
 
VZ22B
 
New York Stock Exchange
1.625% Notes due 2024
 
VZ24B
 
New York Stock Exchange
4.073% Notes due 2024
 
VZ24C
 
New York Stock Exchange
0.875% Notes due 2025
 
VZ25
 
New York Stock Exchange
3.25% Notes due 2026
 
VZ26
 
New York Stock Exchange
1.375% Notes due 2026
 
VZ26B
 
New York Stock Exchange
0.875% Notes due 2027
 
VZ27E
 
New York Stock Exchange
1.375% Notes due 2028
 
VZ28
 
New York Stock Exchange
1.875% Notes due 2029
 
VZ29B
 
New York Stock Exchange
1.250% Notes due 2030
 
VZ30
 
New York Stock Exchange
2.625% Notes due 2031
 
VZ31
 
New York Stock Exchange
2.500% Notes due 2031
 
VZ31A
 
New York Stock Exchange
4.75% Notes due 2034
 
VZ34
 
New York Stock Exchange
3.125% Notes due 2035
 
VZ35
 
New York Stock Exchange
3.375% Notes due 2036
 
VZ36A
 
New York Stock Exchange
2.875% Notes due 2038
 
VZ38B
 
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period or complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

Item 8.01. Other Events.
 
In November 2018, Verizon Communications Inc. (Verizon or the Company) announced a strategic reorganization of its business. Under the new structure, effective April 1, 2019, there are two reportable segments that Verizon operates and manages as strategic business units - Verizon Consumer Group and Verizon Business Group.

The Company is filing this Current Report on Form 8-K to recast certain financial and related information included in Verizon’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 (the 2019 Q1 Form 10-Q) to reflect the new operating structure.

In Exhibit 99 to this Report, the Company has updated the following items contained in the 2019 Q1 Form 10-Q:
Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Part I. Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This Report does not reflect events occurring after the April 26, 2019 filing date of the 2019 Q1 Form 10-Q and does not modify or update the disclosures therein except to present the new operating structure. For developments since the filing of the 2019 Q1 Form 10-Q, refer to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2019, and its Current Reports on Form 8-K filed subsequent to the 2019 Q1 Form 10-Q.




 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits.
  
 
 
 
Exhibit
Number
  
Description
 
 
99
 
Revisions to Verizon's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q the quarter ended March 31, 2019:
    Revised Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
    Revised Part I. Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document.
 
  
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
104
 
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibits 101).






 

SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Verizon Communications Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
 
August 8, 2019
 
 
 
/s/ Anthony T. Skiadas
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Anthony T. Skiadas
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Senior Vice President and Controller




 


EXHIBIT INDEX
 
 
 
Exhibit
Number
  
Description
 
 
99
  
Revisions to Verizon's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q the quarter ended March 31, 2019:
Revised Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Revised Part I. Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
104
 
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibits 101).


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT 99
Part I - Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries

 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
2019

 
2018

 
 
 
 
Operating Revenues
 
 
 
Service revenues and other
$
27,197

 
$
26,732

Wireless equipment revenues
4,931

 
5,040

Total Operating Revenues
32,128

 
31,772

 
 
 
 
Operating Expenses
 
 
 
Cost of services (exclusive of items shown below)
7,792

 
7,946

Cost of wireless equipment
5,198

 
5,309

Selling, general and administrative expense
7,198

 
6,844

Depreciation and amortization expense
4,231

 
4,324

Total Operating Expenses
24,419

 
24,423

 
 
 
 
Operating Income
7,709

 
7,349

Equity in losses of unconsolidated businesses
(6
)
 
(19
)
Other income (expense), net
295

 
(75
)
Interest expense
(1,210
)
 
(1,201
)
Income Before Provision For Income Taxes
6,788

 
6,054

Provision for income taxes
(1,628
)
 
(1,388
)
Net Income
$
5,160

 
$
4,666

 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
$
128

 
$
121

Net income attributable to Verizon
5,032

 
4,545

Net Income
$
5,160

 
$
4,666

 
 
 
 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Verizon
$
1.22

 
$
1.11

Weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions)
4,138

 
4,104

 
 
 
 
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Verizon
$
1.22

 
$
1.11

Weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions)
4,140

 
4,107

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


1

Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
(dollars in millions) (unaudited)
2019

 
2018

 
 
 
 
Net Income
$
5,160

 
$
4,666

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $(5) and $(6)
24

 
93

Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $5 and $(180)
(13
)
 
501

Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax of $(2) and $1
4

 
(5
)
Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans, net of tax of $56 and $60
(169
)
 
(173
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Verizon
(154
)
 
416

Total Comprehensive Income
$
5,006

 
$
5,082

 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
$
128

 
$
121

Comprehensive income attributable to Verizon
4,878

 
4,961

Total Comprehensive Income
$
5,006

 
$
5,082

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

2

Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries

 
At March 31,

 
At December 31,

(dollars in millions, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
2019

 
2018

 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
2,322

 
$
2,745

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $744 and $765
24,469

 
25,102

Inventories
1,417

 
1,336

Prepaid expenses and other
5,189

 
5,453

Total current assets
33,397

 
34,636

 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment
254,457

 
252,835

Less accumulated depreciation
166,608

 
163,549

Property, plant and equipment, net
87,849

 
89,286

 
 
 
 
Investments in unconsolidated businesses
674

 
671

Wireless licenses
94,237

 
94,130

Goodwill
24,635

 
24,614

Other intangible assets, net
9,608

 
9,775

Operating lease right-of-use assets
23,105

 

Other assets
10,442

 
11,717

Total assets
$
283,947

 
$
264,829

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
Debt maturing within one year
$
8,614

 
$
7,190

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
18,664

 
22,501

Current operating lease liabilities
2,997

 

Other current liabilities
8,332

 
8,239

Total current liabilities
38,607

 
37,930

 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
105,045

 
105,873

Employee benefit obligations
17,888

 
18,599

Deferred income taxes
34,344

 
33,795

Non-current operating lease liabilities
18,971

 

Other liabilities
11,632

 
13,922

Total long-term liabilities
187,880

 
172,189

 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)

 

 
 
 
 
Equity
 
 
 
Series preferred stock ($0.10 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; none issued)

 

Common stock ($0.10 par value; 6,250,000,000 shares authorized in each period; 4,291,433,646 issued in each period)
429

 
429

Additional paid in capital
13,418

 
13,437

Retained earnings
46,493

 
43,542

Accumulated other comprehensive income
2,216

 
2,370

Common stock in treasury, at cost (155,727,000 and 159,400,267 shares outstanding)
(6,825
)
 
(6,986
)
Deferred compensation – employee stock ownership plans and other
125

 
353

Noncontrolling interests
1,604

 
1,565

Total equity
57,460

 
54,710

Total liabilities and equity
$
283,947

 
$
264,829

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

3

Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
(dollars in millions) (unaudited)
2019

 
2018

 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net Income
$
5,160

 
$
4,666

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
4,231

 
4,324

Employee retirement benefits
(195
)
 
(151
)
Deferred income taxes
459

 
702

Provision for uncollectible accounts
319

 
239

Equity in losses of unconsolidated businesses, net of dividends received
21

 
30

Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisition/disposition of businesses
(2,702
)
 
(2,033
)
Discretionary employee benefits contributions
(300
)
 
(1,000
)
Other, net
88

 
(129
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
7,081

 
6,648

 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 
 
 
Capital expenditures (including capitalized software)
(4,268
)
 
(4,552
)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired
(25
)
 
(32
)
Acquisitions of wireless licenses
(104
)
 
(970
)
Other, net
(406
)
 
269

Net cash used in investing activities
(4,803
)
 
(5,285
)
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
 
 
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
2,131

 
1,956

Proceeds from asset-backed long-term borrowings
1,117

 
1,178

Repayments of long-term borrowings and finance lease obligations
(2,963
)
 
(2,984
)
Repayments of asset-backed long-term borrowings
(813
)
 

Dividends paid
(2,489
)
 
(2,407
)
Other, net
360

 
941

Net cash used in financing activities
(2,657
)
 
(1,316
)
 
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(379
)
 
47

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period
3,916

 
2,888

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period (Note 1)
$
3,537

 
$
2,935

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


4

Table of Contents

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries
Note 1. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States (U.S.) and based upon Securities and Exchange Commission rules that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies and certain other information, you should refer to the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018 of Verizon Communications Inc. (Verizon or the Company) included in its Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 8, 2019. These financial statements reflect all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations and financial condition for the interim periods shown, including normal recurring accruals and other items. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

In November 2018, we announced a strategic reorganization of our business. Under the new structure, effective April 1, 2019, there are two reportable segments that we operate and manage as strategic business units - Verizon Consumer Group (Consumer) and Verizon Business Group (Business). In conjunction with the new reporting structure, we recast our segment disclosures for all periods presented.

Our Consumer segment provides consumer-focused wireless and wireline communications services and products. Our wireless services are provided across one of the most extensive wireless networks in the U.S. under the Verizon Wireless brand and through wholesale and other arrangements. Our wireline services are provided in nine states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern U.S., as well as Washington D.C., over our 100% fiber-optic network under the Fios brand and over a traditional copper-based network to customers who are not served by Fios. Our Consumer segment’s wireless and wireline products and services are available to our retail customers, as well as resellers that purchase wireless network access from us on a wholesale basis.

Our Business segment provides wireless and wireline communications services and products, video and data services, corporate networking solutions, security and managed network services, local and long distance voice services and network access to deliver various Internet of Things (IoT) services and products. We provide these products and services to businesses, government customers and wireless and wireline carriers across the U.S. and select products and services to customers around the world.

Basis of Presentation
We have reclassified certain prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation, including impacts for changes in our reportable segments.

Earnings Per Common Share
There were a total of approximately 2 million outstanding dilutive securities, primarily consisting of restricted stock units, included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2019. There were a total of approximately 3 million outstanding dilutive securities, primarily consisting of restricted stock units, included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates quoted market value and includes amounts held in money market funds.

Cash collections on the device payment plan agreement receivables collateralizing asset-backed debt securities are required at certain specified times to be placed into segregated accounts. Deposits to the segregated accounts are considered restricted cash and are included in Prepaid expenses and other and Other assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash are included in the following line items on the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
 
At March 31,

 
At December 31,

 
Increase / (Decrease)

(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
2,322

 
$
2,745

 
$
(423
)
Restricted cash:
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid expenses and other
1,091

 
1,047

 
44

Other assets
124

 
124

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
3,537

 
$
3,916

 
$
(379
)


Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of the acquisition cost of businesses over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Impairment testing for goodwill is performed annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently if impairment indicators are present. In November 2018, we announced a strategic reorganization of our business which resulted in certain changes to our operating segments and reporting units. We transitioned to

5

Table of Contents

the new segment reporting structure effective April 1, 2019, in connection with which we are reassigning goodwill to each of our new reporting units.

We performed an impairment assessment of the impacted reporting units, specifically our historical Wireless, historical Wireline and historical Connect reporting units on March 31, 2019, immediately before our strategic reorganization became effective. Our impairment assessments indicated that the fair value for each of our historical Wireless, historical Wireline and historical Connect reporting units exceeded their respective carrying value, and therefore did not result in a goodwill impairment. Our Media reporting unit was not impacted by the strategic reorganization and there were no indicators of impairment during the quarter ended March 31, 2019.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standard
The following Accounting Standard Updates (ASUs) were issued by Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and have been recently adopted by Verizon.
 
Description
Date of Adoption
Effect on Financial Statements
 
ASU 2016-02, ASU 2018-01, ASU 2018-10, ASU 2018-11, ASU 2018-20 and ASU 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842)
 
The FASB issued Topic 842 requiring entities to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases, with certain exceptions. In addition, Topic 842 will enable users of financial statements to further understand the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. Topic 842 allows for a modified retrospective application and is effective as of the first quarter of 2019. Entities are allowed to apply the modified retrospective approach: (1) retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented in the financial statements with the cumulative-effect adjustment recognized at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented; or (2) retrospectively at the beginning of the period of adoption (January 1, 2019) through a cumulative-effect adjustment. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply.
1/1/2019
We adopted Topic 842 beginning on January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach with a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings recorded at the beginning of the period of adoption. Therefore, upon adoption, we have recognized and measured leases without revising comparative period information or disclosure. We recorded an increase of $410 million (net of tax) to retained earnings on January 1, 2019 which related to deferred sale leaseback gains recognized from prior transactions. Additionally, the adoption of the standard had a significant impact in our condensed consolidated balance sheet due to the recognition of $22.1 billion of operating lease liabilities, along with $23.2 billion of operating lease right-of-use-assets.
 


The cumulative after-tax effect of the changes made to our condensed consolidated balance sheet for the adoption of Topic 842 were as follows:
(dollars in millions)
At December 31, 2018

 
Adjustments due to
Topic 842

 
At January 1, 2019

Prepaid expenses and other
$
5,453

 
$
(329
)
 
$
5,124

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 
23,241

 
23,241

Other assets
11,717

 
(2,048
)
 
9,669

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
22,501

 
(3
)
 
22,498

Other current liabilities
8,239

 
(2
)
 
8,237

Current operating lease liabilities

 
2,931

 
2,931

Deferred income taxes
33,795

 
139

 
33,934

Non-current operating lease liabilities

 
19,203

 
19,203

Other liabilities
13,922

 
(1,815
)
 
12,107

Retained earnings
43,542

 
410

 
43,952

Noncontrolling interests
1,565

 
1

 
1,566



In addition to the increase to the operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets and the derecognition of deferred sale leaseback gains through opening retained earnings, Topic 842 also resulted in reclassifying the presentation of prepaid and deferred rent to operating lease right-of-use assets. The operating lease right-of-use assets amount also includes the balance of any prepaid lease payments, unamortized initial direct costs, and lease incentives.

We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard. Accordingly, we have adopted these practical expedients and did not reassess: (1) whether an expired or existing contract is a lease or contains an embedded lease; (2) lease classification of an expired or existing lease; (3) capitalization of initial direct costs for an expired or existing lease. In addition, we have elected the land easement transition practical expedient, and did not reassess whether an existing or expired land easement is a lease or contains a lease if it has not historically been accounted for as a lease.

We lease network equipment including towers, distributed antenna systems, small cells, real estate, connectivity mediums which include dark fiber, equipment leases, and other various types of assets for use in our operations under both operating and finance leases. We assess whether an arrangement is a lease or contains a lease at inception. For arrangements considered leases or that contain a lease that is accounted for

6

Table of Contents

separately, we determine the classification and initial measurement of the right-of-use asset and lease liability at the lease commencement date, which is the date that the underlying asset becomes available for use.

For both operating and finance leases, we recognize a right-of-use asset, which represents our right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, and a lease liability, which represents the present value of our obligation to make payments arising over the lease term. The present value of the lease payments is calculated using the incremental borrowing rate for operating and finance leases. The incremental borrowing rate is determined using a portfolio approach based on the rate of interest that the Company would have to pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over a similar term. Management uses the unsecured borrowing rate and risk-adjusts that rate to approximate a collateralized rate, which will be updated on a quarterly basis for measurement of new lease liabilities.

In those circumstances where the Company is the lessee, we have elected to account for non-lease components associated with our leases (e.g., common area maintenance costs) and lease components as a single lease component for substantially all of our asset classes. Additionally, in arrangements where we are the lessor, we have customer premise equipment for which we apply the lease and non-lease component practical expedient and account for non-lease components (e.g., service revenue) and lease components as combined components under the revenue recognition guidance in ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" (Topic 606) as the service revenues are the predominant components in the arrangements.

Rent expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and is included in either Cost of services or Selling, general and administrative expense in our condensed consolidated statements of income, based on the use of the facility on which rent is being paid. Variable rent payments related to both operating and finance leases are expensed in the period incurred. Our variable lease payments consist of payments dependent on various external indicators, including real estate taxes, common area maintenance charges and utility usage.

Operating leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; we recognize a rent expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

We recognize the amortization of the right-of-use asset for our finance leases on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the term of the lease or the useful life of the right-of-use asset in Depreciation and amortization expense in our condensed consolidated statements of income. The interest expense related to finance leases is recognized using the effective interest method based on the discount rate determined at lease commencement and is included within Interest expense in our condensed consolidated statements of income.

See Note 5 for additional information related to leases, including disclosure required under Topic 842.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards
The following ASUs have been recently issued by the FASB.
 
Description
Date of Adoption
Effect on Financial Statements
 
ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326)
 
In June 2016, the FASB issued this standard update which requires certain financial assets be measured at amortized cost net of an allowance for estimated credit losses such that the net receivable represents the present value of expected cash collection. In addition, this standard update requires that certain financial assets be measured at amortized cost reflecting an allowance for estimated credit losses expected to occur over the life of the assets. The estimate of credit losses must be based on all relevant information including historical information, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the amounts. An entity will apply the update through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective (January 1, 2020). A prospective transition approach is required for debt securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized before the effective date. Early adoption of this standard is permitted.
1/1/2020
We are currently evaluating the impacts that this standard update will have on our various financial assets, which we expect to include, but is not limited to, our device payment plan agreement receivables, service receivables and contract assets. We have established a cross-functional coordinated team to address the potential impacts to our systems, processes and internal controls in order to meet the standard update's accounting and reporting requirements.

 
 


Note 2. Revenues and Contract Costs
We earn revenue from contracts with customers, primarily through the provision of telecommunications and other services and through the sale of wireless equipment.


7

Table of Contents

Revenue by Category
We have two reportable segments that we operate and manage as strategic business units - Consumer and Business. Revenue is disaggregated by products and services within Consumer, and customer groups (Global Enterprise, Small and Medium Business, Public Sector and Other, and Wholesale) within Business. See Note 11 for additional information on revenue by segment.

Corporate and other includes the results of our media business, Verizon Media Group (Verizon Media), which operated under the "Oath" brand until January 2019, and other businesses. Verizon Media generated revenues from contracts with customers under Topic 606 of approximately $1.8 billion and $1.9 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

We also earn revenues, that are not accounted for under Topic 606, from leasing arrangements (such as towers), captive reinsurance arrangements primarily related to wireless device insurance and the interest on equipment financed on a device payment plan agreement when sold to the customer by an authorized agent. As allowed by the practical expedient within Topic 842, we have elected to combine the lease and non-lease components for those arrangements of customer premise equipment where we are the lessor as components accounted for under Topic 606. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, revenues from arrangements that were not accounted for under Topic 606 were approximately $787 million and $1.2 billion, respectively.

Remaining Performance Obligations
When allocating the total contract transaction price to identified performance obligations, a portion of the total transaction price may relate to service performance obligations which were not satisfied or are partially satisfied as of the end of the reporting period. Below we disclose information relating to these unsatisfied performance obligations. In the prior year, we have elected to apply the practical expedient available under Topic 606 that provides the option to exclude the expected revenues arising from unsatisfied performance obligations related to contracts that have an original expected duration of one year or less. This situation primarily arises with respect to certain month-to-month service contracts. At March 31, 2019, month-to-month service contracts represented approximately 86% of our wireless postpaid contracts and approximately 55% of our wireline Consumer and Small and Medium Business contracts, compared to March 31, 2018, for which month-to-month service contracts represented approximately 82% of our wireless postpaid contracts and 57% of our wireline Consumer and Small and Medium Business contracts.

Additionally, certain contracts provide customers the option to purchase additional services. The fees related to these additional services are recognized when the customer exercises the option (typically on a month-to-month basis).

Contracts for wireless services are generally either month-to-month and cancellable at any time (typically under a device payment plan) or contain terms ranging from greater than one month to up to two years (typically under a fixed-term plan). Additionally, customers may incur charges based on usage or additional optional services purchased in conjunction with entering into a contract that can be cancelled at any time and therefore are not included in the transaction price. The transaction price allocated to service performance obligations, which are not satisfied or are partially satisfied as of the end of the reporting period, are generally related to our fixed-term plans.

Our Consumer group customers also include other telecommunications companies who utilize Verizon's networks to resell wireless service to their respective end customers. Reseller arrangements generally include a stated contract term, which typically extends longer than two years. These arrangements generally include an annual minimum revenue commitment over the term of the contract for which revenues will be recognized in future periods.

Consumer customer contracts for wireline services generally have a service term of two years; however, this term may be shorter at twelve months or month-to-month. Certain contracts with Business customers for wireline services extend into future periods, contain fixed monthly fees and usage-based fees, and can include annual commitments in each year of the contract or commitments over the entire specified contract term; however, a significant number of contracts for wireline services with our Business customers have a contract term that is twelve months or less.

Additionally, there are certain contracts with Business customers for wireline services that have a contractual minimum fee over the total contract term. We cannot predict the time period when revenue will be recognized related to those contracts; thus, they are excluded from the time bands below. These contracts have varying terms spanning over four years ending in January 2024 and have aggregate contract minimum payments totaling $3.8 billion.

At March 31, 2019, the transaction price related to unsatisfied performance obligations for total wireless and wireline revenue contracts expected to be recognized for 2019, 2020 and thereafter was $14.2 billion, $10.7 billion and $3.4 billion, respectively.

Accounts Receivable and Contract Balances
The timing of revenue recognition may differ from the time of billing to our customers. Receivables presented in our consolidated balance sheet represent an unconditional right to consideration. Contract balances represent amounts from an arrangement when either Verizon has performed, by transferring goods or services to the customer in advance of receiving all or partial consideration for such goods and services from the customer, or the customer has made payment to Verizon in advance of obtaining control of the goods and/or services promised to the customer in the contract.

Contract assets primarily relate to our rights to consideration for goods or services provided to customers but for which we do not have an unconditional right at the reporting date. Under a fixed-term plan, total contract revenue is allocated between wireless service and equipment

8

Table of Contents

revenues. In conjunction with these arrangements, a contract asset is created, which represents the difference between the amount of equipment revenue recognized upon sale and the amount of consideration received from the customer when the performance obligation related to the transfer of control of the equipment is satisfied. The contract asset is reclassified to accounts receivable as wireless services are provided and billed. We have the right to bill the customer as service is provided over time, which results in our right to the payment being unconditional. The contract asset balances are presented in our consolidated balance sheet as Prepaid expenses and other and Other assets. We assess our contract assets for impairment on a quarterly basis and will recognize an impairment charge to the extent their carrying amount is not recoverable.

Contract liabilities arise when we bill our customers and receive consideration in advance of providing the goods or services promised in the contract. We typically bill service one month in advance, which is the primary component of the contract liability balance. Contract liabilities are recognized as revenue when services are provided to the customer. The contract liability balances are presented in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as Other current liabilities and Other liabilities.

The following table presents information about receivables from contracts with customers:
 
At January 1,

 
At March 31,

 
At January 1,

 
At March 31,

(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2019

 
2018

 
2018

Receivables(1)
$
12,104

 
$
11,601

 
$
12,073

 
$
11,028

Device payment plan agreement receivables(2)
8,940

 
9,687

 
1,461

 
3,630

(1) 
Balances do not include receivables related to the following contracts: leasing arrangements (such as towers), captive reinsurance arrangements primarily related to wireless device insurance and the interest on equipment financed on a device payment plan agreement when sold to the customer by an authorized agent.
(2) 
Included in device payment plan agreement receivables presented in Note 7. Balances do not include receivables related to contracts completed prior to January 1, 2018 and receivables derived from the sale of equipment on a device payment plan through an authorized agent.

The following table presents information about contract balances:


At January 1,

 
At March 31,

 
At January 1,

 
At March 31,

(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2019

 
2018

 
2018

Contract asset
$
1,003

 
$
1,021

 
$
1,170

 
$
1,106

Contract liability (1)
4,943

 
4,973

 
4,452

 
4,571


(1) Revenue recognized related to contract liabilities existing at January 1, 2019 and January 1, 2018 were $3.7 billion and $3.5 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018, respectively.

The balance of contract assets and contract liabilities recorded in our condensed consolidated balance sheet were as follows:


At March 31,

 
At December 31,

(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

Assets
 
 
 
Prepaid expenses and other
$
770

 
$
757

Other assets
251

 
246

Total
$
1,021

 
$
1,003

 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Other current liabilities
$
4,255

 
$
4,207

Other liabilities
718

 
736

Total
$
4,973

 
$
4,943



Contract Costs
Topic 606 requires the recognition of an asset for incremental costs to obtain a customer contract, which are then amortized to expense, over the respective periods of expected benefit. We recognize an asset for incremental commission expenses paid to internal sales personnel and agents in conjunction with obtaining customer contracts. We only defer these costs when we have determined the commissions are, in fact, incremental and would not have been incurred absent the customer contract. Costs to obtain a contract are amortized and recorded ratably as commission expense over the period representing the transfer of goods or services to which the assets relate. Costs to obtain wireless contracts are amortized over both of our Consumer and Business customers' estimated device upgrade cycles, as such costs are typically incurred each time a customer upgrades. Costs to obtain wireline contracts are amortized as expense over the estimated customer relationship period for our Consumer customers. Incremental costs to obtain wireline contracts for our Business customers are insignificant. Costs to obtain contracts are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expense.

We also defer costs incurred to fulfill contracts that: (1) relate directly to the contract; (2) are expected to generate resources that will be used to satisfy our performance obligation under the contract; and (3) are expected to be recovered through revenue generated under the contract. Contract fulfillment costs are expensed as we satisfy our performance obligations and recorded in Cost of services. These costs principally relate to direct costs that enhance our wireline business resources, such as costs incurred to install circuits.

9

Table of Contents


We determine the amortization periods for our costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a customer contract at a portfolio level due to the similarities within these customer contract portfolios.

Other costs, such as general costs or costs related to past performance obligations, are expensed as incurred.

Collectively, costs to obtain a contract and costs to fulfill a contract are referred to as Deferred contract costs, and amortized over a two- to five-year period. Deferred contract costs are classified as current or non-current within Prepaid expenses and other and Other assets, respectively. The balances of Deferred contract costs included in our condensed consolidated balance sheet were as follows:


At March 31,

 
At December 31,

(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

Assets
 
 
 
Prepaid expenses and other
$
2,230

 
$
2,083

Other assets
1,791

 
1,812

Total
$
4,021

 
$
3,895



For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we recognized expense of $615 million and $405 million, respectively, associated with the amortization of Deferred contract costs, primarily within Selling, general and administrative expense in our condensed consolidated statements of income.

We assess our Deferred contract costs for impairment on a quarterly basis. We recognize an impairment charge to the extent the carrying amount of a deferred cost exceeds the remaining amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for the goods and services related to the cost, less the expected costs related directly to providing those goods and services that have not yet been recognized as expenses. There have been no impairment charges recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2019 or March 31, 2018.

Note 3. Acquisitions and Divestitures
Spectrum License Transactions
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we entered into and completed various wireless license transactions for an insignificant amount of cash consideration.

Other
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we completed various other acquisitions for an insignificant amount of cash consideration.

Note 4. Wireless Licenses, Goodwill, and Other Intangible Assets
Wireless Licenses
The carrying amounts of Wireless licenses are as follows:
 
At March 31,

At December 31,

(dollars in millions)
2019

2018

Wireless licenses
$
94,237

$
94,130



At March 31, 2019 and 2018, approximately $7.2 billion and $13.6 billion, respectively, of wireless licenses were under development for commercial service for which we were capitalizing interest costs. We recorded approximately $88 million and $124 million of capitalized interest on wireless licenses for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The average remaining renewal period of our wireless licenses portfolio was 4.4 years as of March 31, 2019.

Goodwill
In November 2018, we announced a strategic reorganization of our business. As discussed in Note 1, the Company began reporting externally under the new structure as of April 1, 2019. The below table relates to the previous reporting structure in effect as of March 31, 2019.


10

Table of Contents

Changes in the carrying amount of Goodwill are as follows:
(dollars in millions)
Historical
Wireless

 
Historical
Wireline

 
Historical
Other

 
Total

Balance at January 1, 2019 (1)
$
18,397

 
$
3,871

 
$
2,346

 
$
24,614

Acquisitions (Note 3)

 
20

 

 
20

Reclassifications, adjustments and other

 
1

 

 
1

Balance at March 31, 2019 (1)
$
18,397

 
$
3,892

 
$
2,346

 
$
24,635


(1) Goodwill is net of accumulated impairment charge of $4.6 billion, related to our Media reporting unit (included within Historical Other in the table above), which was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Other Intangible Assets
The following table displays the composition of Other intangible assets, net:
 
At March 31, 2019
 
 
At December 31, 2018
 
(dollars in millions)
Gross
Amount

 
Accumulated
Amortization

 
Net
Amount

 
Gross
Amount

 
Accumulated
Amortization

 
Net
Amount

Customer lists (8 to 13 years)
$
3,953

 
$
(1,213
)
 
$
2,740

 
$
3,951

 
$
(1,121
)
 
$
2,830

Non-network internal-use software (3 to 7 years)
18,958

 
(13,192
)
 
5,766

 
18,603

 
(12,785
)
 
5,818

Other (2 to 25 years)
1,999

 
(897
)
 
1,102

 
1,988

 
(861
)
 
1,127

Total
$
24,910

 
$
(15,302
)
 
$
9,608

 
$
24,542

 
$
(14,767
)
 
$
9,775



The amortization expense for Other intangible assets was as follows: 
 
Three Months Ended

(dollars in millions)
March 31,

2019
$
555

2018
534



The estimated future amortization expense for Other intangible assets for the remainder of the current year and next 5 years is as follows:
Years
(dollars in millions)

Remainder of 2019
$
1,603

2020
1,837

2021
1,544

2022
1,276

2023
1,004

2024
749



Note 5. Leasing Arrangements
We enter into various lease arrangements for network equipment including towers, distributed antenna systems, small cells, real estate and connectivity mediums including dark fiber, equipment leases, and other various types of assets for use in our operations. Our leases have remaining lease terms ranging from 1 year to 24 years, some of which include options to extend the leases term for up to 25 years, and some of which include options to terminate the leases. For the majority of leases entered into during the current period, we have concluded it is not reasonably certain that we would exercise the options to extend the lease or terminate the lease. Therefore, as of the lease commencement date, our lease terms generally do not include these options. We include options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option.

During March 2015, we completed a transaction with American Tower Corporation (American Tower) pursuant to which American Tower acquired the exclusive rights to lease and operate approximately 11,300 of our wireless towers for an upfront payment of $5.0 billion. We have subleased capacity on the towers from American Tower for a minimum of 10 years at current market rates in 2015, with options to renew. We continue to include the towers in Property, plant and equipment, net in our condensed consolidated balance sheets and depreciate them accordingly. In addition to the rights to lease and operate the towers, American Tower assumed the interest in the underlying ground leases related to these towers. While American Tower can renegotiate the terms of and is responsible for paying the ground leases, we are still the primary obligor for these leases and accordingly, the present value of these ground leases are included in our operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities. We do not expect to be required to make ground lease payments unless American Tower defaults, which we determined to be remote.
 

11

Table of Contents

The components of net lease cost were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended

 
 
March 31,

(dollars in millions)
Classification
2019

Operating lease cost (1)
Cost of services
Selling, general and administrative expense
$
1,170

Finance lease cost:
 
 
Amortization of right-of-use assets
Depreciation and amortization expense
86

Interest on lease liabilities
Interest expense
9

Short-term lease cost (1)
Cost of services
Selling, general and administrative expense
16

Variable lease cost (1)
Cost of services
Selling, general and administrative expense
57

Sublease income
Service revenues and other
(67
)
Total net lease cost
 
$
1,271

(1) All operating lease costs, including short-term and variable lease costs, are split between Cost of services and Selling, general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income based on the use of the facility that the rent is being paid on. See Note 1 for additional information. Variable lease costs represent payments that are dependent on a rate or index, or on usage of the asset.
 
Supplemental disclosure for the statement of cash flows related to operating and finance leases were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended

 
March 31,

(dollars in millions)
2019

Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
 
Operating cash flows for operating leases
$
(1,058
)
Operating cash flows for finance leases
(9
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
Financing cash flows for finance leases
(86
)
Supplemental lease cash flow disclosures
 
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
668

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities
115



Supplemental disclosure for the balance sheet related to finance leases were as follows:
 
At March 31,

(dollars in millions)
2019

Assets
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
742

 
 
Liabilities
 
Debt maturing within one year
$
323

Long-term debt
611

Total Finance lease liabilities
$
934



The weighted-average remaining lease term and the weighted-average discount rate of our leases were as follows:
 
At March 31,

 
2019

Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)
 
Operating Leases
9

Finance Leases
4

Weighted-average discount rate
 
Operating Leases
4.2
%
Finance Leases
3.6
%



12

Table of Contents

The Company's maturity analysis of operating and finance lease liabilities as of March 31, 2019 were as follows:
(dollars in millions)
Operating Leases

 
Finance Leases

Remainder of 2019
$
3,051

 
$
279

2020
3,805

 
270

2021
3,462

 
173

2022
3,045

 
122

2023
2,689

 
75

Thereafter
10,792

 
105

Total lease payments
26,844

 
1,024

Less interest
(4,876
)
 
(90
)
Present value of lease liabilities
21,968

 
934

Less current obligation
(2,997
)
 
(323
)
Long-term obligation at March 31, 2019
$
18,971

 
$
611



As of March 31, 2019, we have contractually obligated lease payments amounting to $477 million for an office facility operating lease that has not yet commenced. We have legally obligated lease payments for various other operating leases that have not yet commenced for which the total obligation was not significant. We have certain rights and obligations for these leases, but have not recognized an operating lease right-of-use asset or an operating lease liability since they have not yet commenced.

Note 6. Debt

Significant Debt Transactions
Exchange Offers
The following table shows the transactions that occurred in the first quarter of 2019.
(dollars in millions)
Principal Amount Exchanged

Principal Amount Issued

Verizon 1.750% - 5.150% notes and floating rate notes, due 2021 - 2025
$
3,892

$

GTE LLC 8.750% debentures, due 2021
21


Verizon 4.016% notes due 2029 (1)

4,000

Total
$
3,913

$
4,000

(1) Total exchange amount issued in consideration does not include an insignificant amount of cash used to settle.

Debt Redemptions, Repurchases and Repayments
The following table shows the transactions that occurred in the first quarter of 2019.
(dollars in millions)
Principal Redeemed / Repaid

Amount Paid as % of Principal (1)

Verizon 5.900% notes due 2054
$
500

100.000
%
Verizon 1.375% notes due 2019
206

100.000
%
Verizon 1.750% notes due 2021
621

100.000
%
Verizon 3.000% notes due 2021
930

101.061
%
Verizon 3.500% notes due 2021
315

102.180
%
Open market repurchases of various Verizon notes
163

Various

Total
$
2,735

 
(1) Percentages represent price paid to redeem, repurchase and repay.

In April 2019, we notified investors of our intention to redeem in May 2019 in whole $831 million aggregate principal amount of 2.625% Notes due 2020 and $736 million aggregate principal amount of 3.500% Notes due 2021.


13

Table of Contents

Debt Issuances
The following table shows the transactions that occurred in the first quarter of 2019.
(dollars in millions)
Principal Amount Issued

Net Proceeds (1)

Verizon 3.875% notes due 2029 (2)
$
1,000

$
994

Verizon 5.000% notes due 2051
510

506

Total
$
1,510

$
1,500

(1) Net proceeds were net of discount and issuance costs.
(2) An amount equal to the net proceeds from this green bond will be used to fund, in whole or in part, "Eligible Green Investments." "Eligible Green Investments" include new and existing investments made by us during the period from two years prior to the issuance of the green bond through the maturity date of the green bond, in the following categories: (1) renewable energy; (2) energy efficiency; (3) green buildings; (4) sustainable water management; and (5) biodiversity and conservation. "Eligible Green Investments" include operating expenditures as well as capital investments.

In April 2019, we issued €2.5 billion of notes with interest rates of 0.875% and 1.250% per year due on 2027 and 2030 respectively, and £500 million of notes with an interest rate of 2.500% per year due on 2031.

Short-Term Borrowing and Commercial Paper Program
In July 2018, we entered into a short-term uncommitted credit facility with the ability to borrow up to $700 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we drew $600 million from the facility.

As of March 31, 2019, we had no commercial paper outstanding.

Asset-Backed Debt
As of March 31, 2019, the carrying value of our asset-backed debt was $10.4 billion. Our asset-backed debt includes Asset-Backed Notes (ABS Notes) issued to third-party investors (Investors) and loans (ABS Financing Facilities) received from banks and their conduit facilities (collectively, the Banks). Our consolidated asset-backed debt bankruptcy remote legal entities (each, an ABS Entity or collectively, the ABS Entities) issue the debt or are otherwise party to the transaction documentation in connection with our asset-backed debt transactions. Under the terms of our asset-backed debt, Cellco Partnership (Cellco) and certain other affiliates of Verizon (collectively, the Originators) transfer device payment plan agreement receivables to one of the ABS Entities, which in turn transfers such receivables to another ABS Entity that issues the debt. Verizon entities retain the equity interests in the ABS Entities, which represent the rights to all funds not needed to make required payments on the asset-backed debt and other related payments and expenses.

Our asset-backed debt is secured by the transferred device payment plan agreement receivables and future collections on such receivables. The device payment plan agreement receivables transferred to the ABS Entities and related assets, consisting primarily of restricted cash, will only be available for payment of asset-backed debt and expenses related thereto, payments to the Originators in respect of additional transfers of device payment plan agreement receivables, and other obligations arising from our asset-backed debt transactions, and will not be available to pay other obligations or claims of Verizon’s creditors until the associated asset-backed debt and other obligations are satisfied. The Investors or Banks, as applicable, which hold our asset-backed debt have legal recourse to the assets securing the debt, but do not have any recourse to Verizon with respect to the payment of principal and interest on the debt. Under a parent support agreement, Verizon has agreed to guarantee certain of the payment obligations of Cellco and the Originators to the ABS Entities.

Cash collections on the device payment plan agreement receivables collateralizing asset-backed debt securities are required at certain specified times to be placed into segregated accounts. Deposits to the segregated accounts are considered restricted cash and are included in Prepaid expenses and other and Other assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Proceeds from our asset-backed debt transactions are reflected in Cash flows from financing activities in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The asset-backed debt issued and the assets securing this debt are included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.


14

Table of Contents

ABS Notes
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we completed the following ABS Notes transactions:
(dollars in millions)
Interest Rates %

 
Expected Weighted-average Life to Maturity
Principal Amount Issued

A-1a Senior class notes
2.930

 
2.50
$
900

A-1b Senior floating rate class notes
 LIBOR + 0.330

(1) 
2.50
100

B Junior class notes
3.020

 
3.22
69

C Junior class notes
3.220

 
3.40
53

Total ABS notes
 
 
 
$
1,122

(1) The one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) rate at March 31, 2019 was 2.495%.

Under the terms of each series of ABS Notes, there is a two year revolving period during which we may transfer additional receivables to the ABS Entity. The two year revolving period of the ABS Notes we issued in July 2016 and November 2016 ended in July 2018 and November 2018 respectively, and we began to repay principal on the 2016-1 Class A senior ABS Notes and the 2016-2 Class A senior ABS Notes in August 2018 and December 2018, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we made aggregate repayments of $559 million.

ABS Financing Facilities
In May 2018, we entered into a device payment plan agreement financing facility with a number of financial institutions (2018 ABS Financing Facility). Under the terms of the 2018 ABS Financing Facility, the financial institutions made advances under asset-backed loans backed by device payment plan agreement receivables of business customers for proceeds of $540 million. The loan agreement entered into in connection with the 2018 ABS Financing Facility has a final maturity date in December 2021 and bears interest at a floating rate. There is a one year revolving period beginning from May 2018 during which we may transfer additional receivables to the ABS Entity. Subject to certain conditions, we may also remove receivables from the ABS Entity. Under the loan agreement, we have the right to prepay all or a portion of the advances at any time without penalty, but in certain cases, with breakage costs. If we choose to prepay, the amount prepaid shall be available for further drawdowns until May 2019, except in certain circumstances. As of March 31, 2019, the 2018 ABS Financing Facility is fully drawn and the outstanding borrowing under the 2018 ABS Financing Facility was $540 million.

We entered into an ABS Financing Facility in September 2016 with a number of financing institutions (2016 ABS Financing Facility). Under the terms of the 2016 ABS Financing Facility, the financial institutions made advances under asset-backed loans backed by device payment plan agreement receivables of consumer customers. Two loan agreements were entered into in connection with the 2016 ABS Financing Facility in September 2016 and May 2017. The loan agreements have a final maturity date in March 2021 and bear interest at floating rates. The two year revolving period of the two loan agreements ended in September 2018. Under the loan agreements, we have the right to prepay all or a portion of the advances at any time without penalty, but in certain cases, with breakage costs. Subject to certain conditions, we may also remove receivables from the ABS Entity. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we made an aggregate of $253 million in repayments. The aggregate outstanding borrowings under the two loans were $671 million as of March 31, 2019.

Variable Interest Entities (VIEs)
The ABS Entities meet the definition of a VIE for which we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary as we have both the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the entity. Therefore, the assets, liabilities and activities of the ABS Entities are consolidated in our financial results and are included in amounts presented on the face of our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The assets and liabilities related to our asset-backed debt arrangements included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
 
At March 31,

 
At December 31,

(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

Assets
 
 
 
Account receivable, net
$
9,535

 
$
8,861

Prepaid expenses and other
1,045

 
989

Other assets
3,263

 
2,725

 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
10

 
7

Short-term portion of long-term debt
5,494

 
5,352

Long-term debt
4,892

 
4,724



See Note 7 for additional information on device payment plan agreement receivables used to secure asset-backed debt.


15

Table of Contents

Credit Facilities
As of March 31, 2019, the unused borrowing capacity under our $9.5 billion credit facility was approximately $9.4 billion. The credit facility does not require us to comply with financial covenants or maintain specified credit ratings, and it permits us to borrow even if our business has incurred a material adverse change. We use the credit facility for the issuance of letters of credit and for general corporate purposes.

In March 2016, we entered into a $1.0 billion credit facility insured by Eksportkreditnamnden Stockholm, Sweden, the Swedish export credit agency. As of March 31, 2019, the outstanding balance was $706 million. We used this credit facility to finance network equipment-related purchases.

In July 2017, we entered into credit facilities insured by various export credit agencies providing us with the ability to borrow up to $4.0 billion to finance equipment-related purchases. The facilities have borrowings available, portions of which extend through October 2019, contingent upon the amount of eligible equipment-related purchases that we make. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we drew $424 million from these facilities. As of March 31, 2019, we had an outstanding balance of $3.1 billion.

Non-Cash Transaction
During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we financed, primarily through vendor financing arrangements, the purchase of approximately $115 million and $345 million respectively, of long-lived assets consisting primarily of network equipment. At both March 31, 2019 and 2018, $1.0 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, relating to these financing arrangements, including those entered into in prior years and liabilities assumed through acquisitions, remained outstanding. These purchases are non-cash financing activities and therefore are not reflected within Capital expenditures in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

Early Debt Redemptions
During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded losses on early debt redemptions of an insignificant amount and $249 million, respectively, which were recorded in Other income (expense), net in our condensed consolidated statements of income.

Guarantees
We guarantee the debentures of our operating telephone company subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2019, $796 million aggregate principal amount of these obligations remained outstanding. Each guarantee will remain in place for the life of the obligation unless terminated pursuant to its terms, including the operating telephone company no longer being a wholly-owned subsidiary of Verizon.

We also guarantee the debt obligations of GTE LLC as successor in interest to GTE Corporation that were issued and outstanding prior to July 1, 2003. As of March 31, 2019, $423 million aggregate principal amount of these obligations remained outstanding.

Note 7. Wireless Device Payment Plans
Under the Verizon device payment program, our eligible wireless customers purchase wireless devices under a device payment plan agreement. Customers that activate service on devices purchased under the device payment program pay lower service fees as compared to those under our fixed-term service plans, and their device payment plan charge is included on their wireless monthly bill. As of January 2017, we no longer offer Consumer customers new fixed-term, subsidized service plans for phones; however, we continue to offer subsidized plans to our Business customers. We also continue to service existing fixed-term subsidized plans for Consumer customers who have not yet purchased and activated devices under the Verizon device payment program.

Wireless Device Payment Plan Agreement Receivables
The following table displays device payment plan agreement receivables, net, recognized in our condensed consolidated balance sheets:
 
At March 31,

 
At December 31,

(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

Device payment plan agreement receivables, gross
$
18,865

 
$
19,313

Unamortized imputed interest
(493
)
 
(546
)
Device payment plan agreement receivables, net of unamortized imputed interest
18,372

 
18,767

Allowance for credit losses
(526
)
 
(597
)
Device payment plan agreement receivables, net
$
17,846

 
$
18,170

 
 
 
 
Classified in our condensed consolidated balance sheets:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
$
12,607

 
$
12,624

Other assets
5,239

 
5,546

Device payment plan agreement receivables, net
$
17,846

 
$
18,170



Included in our device payment plan agreement receivables, net at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, are net device payment plan agreement receivables of $12.7 billion and $11.5 billion, respectively, that have been transferred to ABS Entities and continue to be reported in our condensed

16

Table of Contents

consolidated balance sheets. See Note 6 for additional information. We believe the carrying value of our installment loans receivables approximate their fair value using a Level 3 expected cash flow model.

We may offer certain promotions that allow a customer to trade in their owned device in connection with the purchase of a new device. Under these types of promotions, the customer receives a credit for the value of the trade-in device. In addition, we may provide the customer with additional future credits that will be applied against the customer’s monthly bill as long as service is maintained. We recognize a liability for the trade-in device measured at fair value, which is determined by considering several factors, including the weighted-average selling prices obtained in recent resales of similar devices eligible for trade-in. Future credits are recognized when earned by the customer. Device payment plan agreement receivables, net does not reflect the trade-in device liability. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 the amount of trade-in liability was insignificant and $64 million, respectively.

From time to time, we offer certain marketing promotions that allow our customers to upgrade to a new device after paying down a certain specified portion of the required device payment plan agreement amount as well as trading in their device in good working order. When a customer enters into a device payment plan agreement with the right to upgrade to a new device, we account for this trade-in right as a guarantee obligation.

For indirect channel wireless contracts with customers, we impute risk adjusted interest on the device payment plan agreement receivables. We record the imputed interest as a reduction to the related accounts receivable. Interest income, which is included within Service revenues and other in our condensed consolidated statements of income, is recognized over the financed device payment term. See Note 2 for additional information on financing considerations with respect to direct channel wireless contracts with customers.

When originating device payment plan agreements, we use internal and external data sources to create a credit risk score to measure the credit quality of a customer and to determine eligibility for the device payment program. If a customer is either new to Verizon Wireless or has less than 210 days of customer tenure with Verizon Wireless (a new customer), the credit decision process relies more heavily on external data sources. If the customer has 210 days or more of customer tenure with Verizon Wireless (an existing customer), the credit decision process relies on internal data sources. Verizon Wireless’ experience has been that the payment attributes of longer tenured customers are highly predictive for estimating their reliability to make future payments. External data sources include obtaining a credit report from a national consumer credit reporting agency, if available. Verizon Wireless uses its internal data and/or credit data obtained from the credit reporting agencies to create a custom credit risk score. The custom credit risk score is generated automatically (except with respect to a small number of applications where the information needs manual intervention) from the applicant’s credit data using Verizon Wireless’ proprietary custom credit models, which are empirically derived, demonstrably and statistically sound. The credit risk score measures the likelihood that the potential customer will become severely delinquent and be disconnected for non-payment. For a small portion of new customer applications, a traditional credit report is not available from one of the national credit reporting agencies because the potential customer does not have sufficient credit history. In those instances, alternate credit data is used for the risk assessment.

Based on the custom credit risk score, we assign each customer to a credit class, each of which has specified offers of credit including an account level spending limit and either a maximum amount of credit allowed per device or a required down payment percentage. During the fourth quarter of 2018 Verizon Wireless moved all customers, new and existing, from a required down payment percentage, between zero and 100%, to a maximum amount of credit per device.

Subsequent to origination, Verizon Wireless monitors delinquency and write-off experience as key credit quality indicators for its portfolio of device payment plan agreements and fixed-term service plans. The extent of our collection efforts with respect to a particular customer are based on the results of proprietary custom empirically derived internal behavioral scoring models that analyze the customer’s past performance to predict the likelihood of the customer falling further delinquent. These customer scoring models assess a number of variables, including origination characteristics, customer account history and payment patterns. Based on the score derived from these models, accounts are grouped by risk category to determine the collection strategy to be applied to such accounts. We continuously monitor collection performance results and the credit quality of our device payment plan agreement receivables based on a variety of metrics, including aging. Verizon Wireless considers an account to be delinquent and in default status if there are unpaid charges remaining on the account on the day after the bill’s due date.

The balance and aging of the device payment plan agreement receivables on a gross basis were as follows:
 
At March 31,

 
At December 31,

(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

Unbilled
$
17,586

 
$
18,043

Billed:
 
 
 
Current
990

 
986

Past due
289

 
284

Device payment plan agreement receivables, gross
$
18,865

 
$
19,313




17

Table of Contents

Activity in the allowance for credit losses for the device payment plan agreement receivables was as follows:
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

Balance at January 1,
$
597

 
$
848

Bad debt expense
155

 
104

Write-offs
(226
)
 
(149
)
Balance at March 31,
$
526

 
$
803



Note 8. Fair Value Measurements
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2019:
(dollars in millions)
Level 1(1)

 
Level 2(2)

 
Level 3(3)

 
Total

Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed income securities
$

 
$
430

 
$

 
$
430

Interest rate swaps

 
100

 

 
100

Cross currency swaps

 
215

 

 
215

Interest rate caps

 
6

 

 
6

Total
$

 
$
751

 
$

 
$
751

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$

 
$
361

 
$

 
$
361

Cross currency swaps

 
519

 

 
519

Forward starting interest rate swaps

 
242

 

 
242

Interest rate caps

 
2

 

 
2

Foreign exchange forwards

 
10

 

 
10

Total
$

 
$
1,134

 
$

 
$
1,134


The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2018:
(dollars in millions)
Level 1(1)

 
Level 2(2)

 
Level 3(3)

 
Total

Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed income securities
$

 
$
405

 
$

 
$
405

Interest rate swaps

 
3

 

 
3

Cross currency swaps

 
220

 

 
220

Interest rate caps

 
14

 

 
14

Total
$

 
$
642

 
$

 
$
642

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$

 
$
813

 
$

 
$
813

Cross currency swaps

 
536

 

 
536

Forward starting interest rate swaps

 
60

 

 
60

Interest rate caps

 
4

 

 
4

Total
$

 
$
1,413

 
$

 
$
1,413

 
(1) 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
(2) 
Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
(3) 
Unobservable pricing inputs in the market

Certain of our equity investments do not have readily determinable fair values and are excluded from the tables above. Such investments are measured at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer and are included in Investments in unconsolidated businesses in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the carrying amount of our investments without readily determinable fair values were $278 million and $248 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, there was an insignificant adjustment due to

18

Table of Contents

observable price changes and we did not recognize an impairment charge. Cumulative adjustments due to observable price changes and impairment charges were $57 million and insignificant, respectively.

Fixed income securities consist primarily of investments in municipal bonds. For fixed income securities that do not have quoted prices in active markets, we use alternative matrix pricing resulting in these debt securities being classified as Level 2.

Derivative contracts are valued using models based on readily observable market parameters for all substantial terms of our derivative contracts and thus are classified within Level 2. We use mid-market pricing for fair value measurements of our derivative instruments. Our derivative instruments are recorded on a gross basis.

We recognize transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

Fair Value of Short-term and Long-term Debt
The fair value of our debt is determined using various methods, including quoted prices for identical terms and maturities, which is a Level 1 measurement, as well as quoted prices for similar terms and maturities in inactive markets and future cash flows discounted at current rates, which are Level 2 measurements. The fair value of our short-term and long-term debt, excluding finance leases, was as follows:
 
At March 31,
 
 
At December 31,
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
(dollars in millions)
Carrying
Amount

 
Fair Value

 
Carrying
Amount

 
Fair
Value 

Short- and long-term debt, excluding finance leases
$
112,725

 
$
125,307

 
$
112,159

 
$
118,535



Derivative Instruments
The following table sets forth the notional amounts of our outstanding derivative instruments:
 
At March 31,

 
At December 31,

(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

Interest rate swaps
$
19,076

 
$
19,813

Cross currency swaps
16,638

 
16,638

Forward starting interest rate swaps
3,000

 
4,000

Interest rate caps
1,624

 
2,218

Foreign exchange forwards
1,000

 
600



Interest Rate Swaps
We enter into interest rate swaps to achieve a targeted mix of fixed and variable rate debt. We principally receive fixed rates and pay variable rates based on LIBOR, resulting in a net increase or decrease to Interest expense. These swaps are designated as fair value hedges and hedge against interest rate risk exposure of designated debt issuances. We record the interest rate swaps at fair value in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as assets and liabilities. Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps are recorded to Interest expense, which are offset by changes in the fair value of the hedged debt due to changes in interest rates.

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we entered into interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $510 million and settled interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $1.2 billion.

The ineffective portions of these interest rate swaps were insignificant for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

The following amounts were recorded in Long-term debt in our condensed consolidated balance sheets related to cumulative basis adjustments for fair value hedges:
 
At March 31,

 
At December 31,

(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

Carrying amount of hedged liabilities
$
18,752

 
$
18,903

Cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustment included in the carrying amount of the hedged liabilities
(205
)
 
(785
)


Cross Currency Swaps
We have entered into cross currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges to exchange our British Pound Sterling, Euro, Swiss Franc and Australian Dollar-denominated cash flows into U.S. dollars and to fix our cash payments in U.S. dollars, as well as to mitigate the impact of foreign currency transaction gains or losses.


19

Table of Contents

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, an insignificant pre-tax gain was recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss). During the three months ended March 31, 2018, a pre-tax gain of $1.1 billion was recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss). A portion of the gains recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss) was reclassified to Other income (expense), net to offset the related pre-tax foreign currency transaction gain or loss on the underlying hedged item.

Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps
We have entered into forward starting interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges in order to manage our exposure to interest rate changes on future forecasted transactions.

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we did not enter into any new forward starting interest rate swaps and settled forward starting interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $1.0 billion. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, a pre-tax loss of $203 million was recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss).

We hedge our exposure to the variability in future cash flows based on the expected maturities of the related forecasted debt issuance.

Net Investment Hedges
We have designated certain foreign currency instruments as net investment hedges to mitigate foreign exchange exposure related to non-U.S. dollar net investments in certain foreign subsidiaries against changes in foreign exchange rates. The notional amount of the Euro-denominated debt as a net investment hedge was $761 million and $806 million at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

Undesignated Derivatives
We also have the following derivative contracts which we use as economic hedges but for which we have elected not to apply hedge accounting.

Interest Rate Caps
We enter into interest rate caps to mitigate our interest exposure to interest rate increases on our ABS Financing Facilities and ABS Notes. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we recognized an insignificant amount in Interest expense.

Foreign Exchange Forwards
We enter into British Pound Sterling and Euro foreign exchange forwards to mitigate our foreign exchange rate risk related to non-functional currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities of international subsidiaries. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we entered into foreign exchange forwards with a total notional value of $3.0 billion and settled foreign exchange forwards with a total notional value of $2.6 billion. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recognized an insignificant amount in Other income (expense), net.

Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of temporary cash investments, short-term and long-term investments, trade receivables, including device payment plan agreement receivables, certain notes receivable, including lease receivables, and derivative contracts.

Counterparties to our derivative contracts are major financial institutions with whom we have negotiated derivatives agreements (ISDA master agreements) and credit support annex (CSA) agreements which provide rules for collateral exchange. Negotiations and executions of new ISDA master agreements and CSA agreements with our counterparties continued throughout 2018 and 2019. The newly executed CSA agreements contain rating based thresholds such that we or our counterparties may be required to hold or post collateral based upon changes in outstanding positions as compared to established thresholds and changes in credit ratings. At March 31, 2019 we posted an insignificant amount of collateral and approximately $83 million of collateral at December 31, 2018 related to derivative contracts under collateral exchange arrangements, which were recorded as Prepaid expenses and other in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. While we may be exposed to credit losses due to the nonperformance of our counterparties, we consider the risk remote and do not expect that any such nonperformance would result in a significant effect on our results of operations or financial condition due to our diversified pool of counterparties.
 
Note 9. Employee Benefits
We maintain non-contributory defined benefit pension plans for certain employees. In addition, we maintain postretirement health care and life insurance plans for certain retirees and their dependents, which are both contributory and non-contributory, and include a limit on our share of the cost for certain current and future retirees. In accordance with our accounting policy for pension and other postretirement benefits, operating expenses include service costs associated with pension and other postretirement benefits while other credits and/or charges based on actuarial assumptions, including projected discount rates, an estimated return on plan assets, and impact from health care trend rates are reported in Other income (expense), net. These estimates are updated in the fourth quarter to reflect actual return on plan assets and updated actuarial assumptions or upon a remeasurement event. The adjustment is recognized in the income statement during the fourth quarter or upon a remeasurement event pursuant to our accounting policy for the recognition of actuarial gains and losses.


20

Table of Contents

Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)
The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost (income) related to our pension and postretirement health care and life insurance plans:
 
(dollars in millions)
 
 
Pension
 
Health Care and Life
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
2019

 
2018

 
2019

 
2018

Service cost - Cost of services
$
50

 
$
58

 
$
20

 
$
26

Service cost - Selling, general and administrative expense
11

 
14

 
4

 
6

Service cost
$
61

 
$
72

 
$
24

 
$
32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
$
15

 
$
10

 
$
(243
)
 
$
(244
)
Expected return on plan assets
(282
)
 
(329
)
 
(9
)
 
(11
)
Interest cost
178

 
166

 
157

 
153

Remeasurement gain, net
(96
)
 

 

 

Other components
$
(185
)
 
$
(153
)
 
$
(95
)
 
$
(102
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
(124
)
 
$
(81
)
 
$
(71
)
 
$
(70
)

The service cost component of net periodic benefit cost (income) is recorded in Cost of services and Selling, general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income while the other components, including mark-to-market adjustments, if any, are recorded in Other income (expense), net.

2018 Voluntary Separation Program
In September 2018, we announced a Voluntary Separation Program for select U.S.-based management employees. Approximately 10,400 eligible employees have separated or will separate from the Company under this program by the end of June 2019. The severance benefits payments to these employees are expected to be significantly completed by the end of September 2019.

Severance Payments
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we paid severance benefits of $807 million. At March 31, 2019, we had a remaining severance liability of $1.3 billion, a portion of which includes future contractual payments to employees separated as a result of the Voluntary Separation Program.

Employer Contributions
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we made a discretionary contribution of $300 million to our qualified pension plans. As a result of the $300 million and $1.0 billion discretionary pension contributions during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, we do not expect mandatory pension funding through December 31, 2019. There was no contribution made to our nonqualified pension plans during the three months ended March 31, 2019. There have been no significant changes with respect to the nonqualified pension and other postretirement benefit plans contributions in 2019.

Remeasurement gain, net
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recorded a net pre-tax remeasurement gain of $96 million in our pension plans triggered by the Voluntary Separation Program for select U.S.-based management employees and other headcount reduction initiatives, primarily driven by a $150 million credit due to the difference between our estimated return on assets and our actual return on assets, offset by a $54 million charge due to a change in our discount rate assumption used to determine the current year liabilities of our pension plans.


21

Table of Contents

Note 10. Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Equity
Changes in the components of Total equity were as follows:
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts, and shares in thousands)
Three months ended March 31,
2019

 
 
 
2018

 
 
 
 
Shares

 
Amount

 
Shares

 
Amount

 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
4,291,434

 
$
429

 
4,242,374

 
$
424

 
Common shares issued

 

 
49,048

 
5

 
Balance at end of period
4,291,434

 
429

 
4,291,422

 
429

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional Paid In Capital
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
 
13,437

 
 
 
11,101

 
Other
 
 
(19
)
 
 
 
2,336

 
Balance at end of period
 
 
13,418

 
 
 
13,437

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retained Earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
 
43,542

 
 
 
35,635

 
Opening balance sheet adjustment
 
 
410

(1) 
 
 
2,232

(2) 
Adjusted opening balance
 
 
43,952

 
 
 
37,867

 
Net income attributable to Verizon
 
 
5,032

 
 
 
4,545

 
Dividends declared ($0.6025, $0.5900 per share)
 
 
(2,491
)
 
 
 
(2,438
)
 
Balance at end of period
 
 
46,493

 
 
 
39,974

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period attributable to Verizon
 
 
2,370

 
 
 
2,659

 
Opening balance sheet adjustment
 
 

 
 
 
630

(2) 
Adjusted opening balance
 
 
2,370

 
 
 
3,289

 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
 
24

 
 
 
93

 
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges
 
 
(13
)
 
 
 
501

 
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities
 
 
4

 
 
 
(5
)
 
Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans
 
 
(169
)
 
 
 
(173
)
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
(154
)
 
 
 
416

 
Balance at end of period attributable to Verizon
 
 
2,216

 
 
 
3,705

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Treasury Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
(159,400
)
 
(6,986
)
 
(162,898
)
 
(7,139
)
 
Employee plans
3,668

 
161

 
3,368

 
147

 
Shareholder plans
5

 

 
4

 

 
Balance at end of period
(155,727
)
 
(6,825
)
 
(159,526
)
 
(6,992
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Compensation-ESOPs and Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
 
353

 
 
 
416

 
Restricted stock equity grant
 
 
35

 
 
 
33

 
Amortization
 
 
(263
)
 
 
 
(221
)
 
Balance at end of period
 
 
125

 
 
 
228

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
 
1,565

 
 
 
1,591

 
Opening balance sheet adjustment
 
 
1

(1) 
 
 
44

(2) 
Adjusted opening balance
 
 
1,566

 
 
 
1,635

 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
128

 
 
 
121

 
Total comprehensive income
 
 
128

 
 
 
121

 
Distributions and other
 
 
(90
)
 
 
 
(192
)
 
Balance at end of period
 
 
1,604

 
 
 
1,564

 
Total Equity
 
 
$
57,460

 
 
 
$
52,345

 

22

Table of Contents

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) The opening balance sheet adjustment for the three months ended March 31, 2019 is due to the adoption of Topic 842 on January 1, 2019. See Note 1 for additional information.
(2) Opening balance sheet adjustments for the three months ended March 31, 2018 are due to the adoption of multiple ASUs on January 1, 2018. Refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 8, 2019 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 for additional information.

Common Stock
Verizon did not repurchase any shares of Verizon common stock through its previously authorized share buyback program during the three months ended March 31, 2019. At March 31, 2019, the maximum number of shares that could be purchased by or on behalf of Verizon under our share buyback program was 100 million.

Common stock has been used from time to time to satisfy some of the funding requirements of employee and shareowner plans, including 3.7 million common shares issued from Treasury stock during the three months ended March 31, 2019.

In connection with our acquisition of Straight Path Communications, Inc. in February 2018, we issued approximately 49 million shares of Verizon common stock, valued at approximately $2.4 billion.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The changes in the balances of Accumulated other comprehensive income by component are as follows:
(dollars in millions)
Foreign 
currency
translation
adjustments

 
Unrealized
gain (loss) on cash
flow hedges

 
Unrealized
gain (loss) on
marketable
securities

 
Defined
benefit
pension and
postretirement
plans

 
Total

Balance at January 1, 2019
$
(600
)
 
$
(80
)
 
$
20

 
$
3,030

 
$
2,370

Other comprehensive income (loss)
24

 
(141
)
 
4

 

 
(113
)
Amounts reclassified to net income

 
128

 

 
(169
)
 
(41
)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)
24

 
(13
)
 
4

 
(169
)
 
(154
)
Balance at March 31, 2019
$
(576
)
 
$
(93
)
 
$
24

 
$
2,861

 
$
2,216



The amounts presented above in net other comprehensive income (loss) are net of taxes. The amounts reclassified to net income related to unrealized gain on cash flow hedges in the table above are included in Other income (expense), net and Interest expense in our condensed consolidated statements of income. See Note 8 for additional information. The amounts reclassified to net income related to defined benefit pension and postretirement plans in the table above are included in Cost of services and Selling, general and administrative expense in our condensed consolidated statements of income. See Note 9 for additional information.

Note 11. Segment Information
Reportable Segments
As discussed in Note 1, in November 2018, we announced a strategic reorganization of our business.Under the new structure, effective April 1, 2019, there are two reportable segments that we operate and manage as strategic business units - Consumer and Business. In conjunction with the new reporting structure, we recast our segment disclosures for all periods presented. We measure and evaluate our reportable segments based on segment operating income, consistent with the chief operating decision maker’s assessment of segment performance.

Our segments and their principal activities consist of the following:
Segment
 
Description
Verizon Consumer Group
 
Our Consumer segment provides consumer-focused wireless and wireline communications services and products. Our wireless services are provided across one of the most extensive wireless networks in the U.S. under the Verizon Wireless brand and through wholesale and other arrangements. Our wireline services are provided in nine states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern U.S., as well as Washington D.C., over our 100% fiber-optic network under the Fios brand and over a traditional copper-based network to customers who are not served by Fios.
 
 
 
Verizon
Business Group
 
Our Business segment provides wireless and wireline communications services and products, video and data services, corporate networking solutions, security and managed network services, local and long distance voice services and network access to deliver various IoT services and products. We provide these products and services to businesses, government customers and wireless and wireline carriers across the U.S. and select products and services to customers around the world.


Our Consumer segment’s wireless and wireline products and services are available to our retail customers, as well as resellers that purchase wireless network access from us on a wholesale basis. Our Business segment’s wireless and wireline products and services are organized by the primary customer groups targeted by these offerings: Global Enterprise, Small and Medium Business, Public Sector and Other, and Wholesale.

23

Table of Contents


Corporate and other includes the results of Verizon Media and other businesses, investments in unconsolidated businesses, unallocated corporate expenses, certain pension and other employee benefit related costs and interest and financing expenses. Corporate and other also includes the historical results of divested businesses and other adjustments and gains and losses that are not allocated in assessing segment performance due to their nature. Although such transactions are excluded from the business segment results, they are included in reported consolidated earnings. Gains and losses from these transactions that are not individually significant are included in segment results as these items are included in the chief operating decision maker’s assessment of segment performance.

The reconciliation of segment operating revenues and expenses to consolidated operating revenues and expenses below includes the effects of special items that the chief operating decision maker does not consider in assessing segment performance, primarily because of their nature.

The following table provides operating financial information for our two reportable segments:
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

External Operating Revenues
 
 
 
Consumer
 
 
 
Service
$
16,261

 
$
15,814

Wireless equipment
4,166

 
4,270

Other
1,671

 
1,480

Total Consumer
22,098

 
21,564

 
 
 
 
Business
 
 
 
Global Enterprise
2,690

 
2,825

Small and Medium Business
2,704

 
2,528

Public Sector and Other
1,471

 
1,429

Wholesale
841

 
986

Total Business
7,706

 
7,768

Total reportable segments
$
29,804

 
$
29,332

 
 
 
 
Intersegment Revenues
 
 
 
Consumer
$
50

 
$
63

Business
13

 
15

Total reportable segments
$
63

 
$
78

 
 
 
 
Total Operating Revenues
 
 
 
Consumer
$
22,148

 
$
21,627

Business(1)
7,719

 
7,783

Total reportable segments
$
29,867

 
$
29,410

 
 
 
 
Operating Income
 
 
 
Consumer
$
7,250

 
$
6,935

Business
1,048

 
1,114

Total reportable segments
$
8,298

 
$
8,049


(1) Service and other revenues and Wireless equipment revenues included in our Business segment amounted to approximately $6.9 billion and $765 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and approximately $7.0 billion and $770 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

The following table provides Fios revenue for our two reportable segments:
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

Consumer
$
2,764

 
$
2,734

Business
243

 
217

Total Fios revenue
$
3,007

 
$
2,951


24

Table of Contents


The following table provides Wireless service revenue under our current reportable structure and includes intersegment activity:
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

Consumer
$
13,357

 
$
12,881

Business
2,694

 
2,501

Total Wireless service revenue
$
16,051

 
$
15,382



Reconciliation to Consolidated Financial Information
A reconciliation of the reportable segment operating revenues to consolidated operating revenues is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

Total reportable segment operating revenues
$
29,867

 
$
29,410

Corporate and other
2,335

 
2,463

Eliminations
(74
)
 
(101
)
Total consolidated operating revenues
$
32,128

 
$
31,772



A reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments’ operating income to consolidated income before provision for income taxes is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

Total reportable segment operating income
$
8,298

 
$
8,049

Corporate and other
(386
)
 
(385
)
Other components of net periodic benefit charges (Note 9)
(203
)

(208
)
Acquisition and integration related charges

 
(107
)
Total consolidated operating income
7,709

 
7,349

 
 
 
 
Equity in losses of unconsolidated businesses
(6
)
 
(19
)
Other income (expense), net
295

 
(75
)
Interest expense
(1,210
)
 
(1,201
)
Income Before Provision For Income Taxes
$
6,788

 
$
6,054


No single customer accounted for more than 10% of our total operating revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

The chief operating decision maker does not review disaggregated assets on a segment basis; therefore, such information is not presented. Depreciation included in the measure of segment profitability is primarily allocated based on proportional usage.
 
Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies
In the ordinary course of business, Verizon is involved in various commercial litigation and regulatory proceedings at the state and federal level. Where it is determined, in consultation with counsel based on litigation and settlement risks, that a loss is probable and estimable in a given matter, the Company establishes an accrual. In none of the currently pending matters is the amount of accrual material. An estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss in excess of the amounts already accrued cannot be made at this time due to various factors typical in contested proceedings, including: (1) uncertain damage theories and demands; (2) a less than complete factual record; (3) uncertainty concerning legal theories and their resolution by courts or regulators; and (4) the unpredictable nature of the opposing party and its demands. We continuously monitor these proceedings as they develop and adjust any accrual or disclosure as needed. We do not expect that the ultimate resolution of any pending regulatory or legal matter in future periods, including the Hicksville matter described below, will have a material effect on our financial condition, but it could have a material effect on our results of operations for a given reporting period.

Reserves have been established to cover environmental matters relating to discontinued businesses and past telecommunications activities. These reserves include funds to address contamination at the site of a former Sylvania facility in Hicksville, NY, which had processed nuclear fuel rods in the 1950s and 1960s. In September 2005, the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) accepted the site into its Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. As a result, the ACE has taken primary responsibility for addressing the contamination at the site. An adjustment to the reserves may be made after a cost allocation is conducted with respect to the past and future expenses of all of the parties. Adjustments to the environmental reserve may also be made based upon the actual conditions found at other sites requiring remediation.


25

Table of Contents

Verizon is currently involved in approximately 30 federal district court actions alleging that Verizon is infringing various patents. Most of these cases are brought by non-practicing entities and effectively seek only monetary damages; a small number are brought by companies that have sold products and could seek injunctive relief as well. These cases have progressed to various stages and a small number may go to trial in the coming 12 months if they are not otherwise resolved.

In connection with the execution of agreements for the sales of businesses and investments, Verizon ordinarily provides representations and warranties to the purchasers pertaining to a variety of nonfinancial matters, such as ownership of the securities being sold, as well as indemnity from certain financial losses. From time to time, counterparties may make claims under these provisions, and Verizon will seek to defend against those claims and resolve them in the ordinary course of business.

Subsequent to the sale of Verizon Information Services Canada in 2004, we continue to provide a guarantee to publish directories, which was issued when the directory business was purchased in 2001 and had a 30-year term (before extensions). The preexisting guarantee continues, without modification, despite the subsequent sale of Verizon Information Services Canada and the spin-off of our domestic print and Internet yellow pages directories business. The possible financial impact of the guarantee, which is not expected to be adverse, cannot be reasonably estimated as a variety of the potential outcomes available under the guarantee result in costs and revenues or benefits that may offset each other. We do not believe performance under the guarantee is likely.

26

Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
Verizon Communications Inc. (Verizon, or the Company) is a holding company that, acting through its subsidiaries, is one of the world’s leading providers of communications, information and entertainment products and services to consumers, businesses and government entities. With a presence around the world, we offer voice, data and video services and solutions on our networks that are designed to meet customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control. We have a highly diverse workforce of approximately 139,400 employees as of March 31, 2019.

To compete effectively in today’s dynamic marketplace, we are focused on transforming around the capabilities of our high-performing networks to drive growth based on delivering what customers want and need in the new digital world. During 2019, we are focused on leveraging our network leadership; retaining and growing our high-quality customer base while balancing profitability; enhancing ecosystems in growth businesses; and driving monetization of our networks and solutions. Our strategy requires significant capital investments primarily to acquire wireless spectrum, put the spectrum into service, provide additional capacity for growth in our networks, invest in the fiber that supports our businesses, evolve and maintain our networks and develop and maintain significant advanced information technology systems and data system capabilities. We believe that steady and consistent investments in our networks and platforms will drive innovative products and services and fuel our growth.

We are consistently deploying new network architecture and technologies to extend our leadership in both fourth-generation (4G) and fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks. We expect that our Intelligent Edge Network design will allow us to realize significant efficiencies by utilizing multi-purpose infrastructure utilizing common architecture within the core and providing flexibility to meet customer demands. In addition, protecting the privacy of our customers’ information and the security of our systems and networks continues to be a priority at Verizon. Our network leadership is the hallmark of our brand and the foundation for the connectivity, platform and solutions upon which we build our competitive advantage.

Highlights of Our Financial Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018
(dollars in millions)
CHART-Q12019RECASTOPREVENUES.JPG CHART-Q12019RECASTOPINCOME.JPG CHART-Q12019RECASTNETINCOME.JPG CHART-Q12019RECASTCFFROMOPS.JPG CHART-Q12019RECASTCAPEX.JPG

27

Table of Contents

Business Overview
In November 2018, we announced a strategic reorganization of our business. Under the new structure, effective April 1, 2019, there are two reportable segments that we operate and manage as strategic business units - Verizon Consumer Group (Consumer) and Verizon Business Group (Business). In conjunction with the new reporting structure, we recast our segment disclosures for all periods presented.

Revenue by Segment
CHART-Q12019RECAST19REVBYSEG.JPG CHART-Q12019RECAST18REVBYSEG.JPG
INFOGRAPHICLEGEND21.JPG
———
Note: Excludes eliminations.

Verizon Consumer Group
Our Consumer segment provides consumer-focused wireless and wireline communications services and products. Our wireless services are provided across one of the most extensive wireless networks in the United States (U.S.) under the Verizon Wireless brand and through wholesale and other arrangements. Our wireline services are provided in nine states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern U.S., as well as Washington D.C., over our 100% fiber-optic network under the Fios brand and over a traditional copper-based network to customers who are not served by Fios. Our Consumer segment's wireless and wireline products and services are available to our retail customers, as well as resellers that purchase wireless network access from us on a wholesale basis.

Customers can obtain our wireless services on a postpaid or prepaid basis. A retail postpaid connection represents an individual line of service for a wireless device for which a customer is generally billed one month in advance for a monthly access charge in return for access to and usage of network services. Our prepaid service is offered only to Consumer customers and enables individuals to obtain wireless services without credit verification by paying for all services in advance. The Consumer segment also offers several categories of wireless equipment to customers, including a variety of smartphone and other handsets, wireless-enabled Internet devices, such as tablets, laptop computers and netbooks, and other wireless-enabled connected devices, such as smart watches and other wearables.

In addition to the wireless services and equipment discussed above, Consumer sells residential fixed connectivity solutions, including Internet, video and voice services, and wireless network access to resellers on a wholesale basis. The Consumer segment's operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2019 totaled $22.1 billion, an increase of 2.4% compared to the similar period in 2018. As of March 31, 2019, Consumer had approximately 94 million wireless retail connections, 6 million broadband connections and 4 million Fios video connections.

Verizon Business Group
Our Business segment provides wireless and wireline communications services and products, video and data services, corporate networking solutions, security and managed network services, local and long distance voice services and network access to deliver various Internet of Things (IoT) services and products, including Verizon Connect’s solutions which support fleet tracking management, compliance management, field service management, asset tracking and other types of mobile resource management. We provide these products and services to businesses, government customers and wireless and wireline carriers across the U.S. and select products and services to customers around the world. The Business segment's operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2019 totaled $7.7 billion, a decrease of 0.8% compared to the similar period in 2018. As of March 31, 2019, Business had approximately 24 million wireless retail postpaid connections and approximately 500 thousand broadband connections.

Corporate and Other
Corporate and other includes the results of our media business, Verizon Media Group (Verizon Media), which operated under the "Oath" brand until January 2019, and other businesses, investments in unconsolidated businesses, unallocated corporate expenses, certain pension and other employee benefit related costs and interest and financing expenses. Corporate and other also includes the historical results of divested businesses and other adjustments and gains and losses that are not allocated in assessing segment performance due to their nature. Although such transactions are excluded from the business segment results, they are included in reported consolidated earnings. Gains and losses from these transactions that are not individually significant are included in segment results as these items are included in the chief operating decision maker’s assessment of segment performance.


28

Table of Contents

Verizon Media includes diverse media and technology brands that serve both consumers and businesses. Verizon Media provides consumers with owned and operated search properties and finance, news, sports and entertainment offerings and provides other businesses and partners access to consumers through digital advertising platforms. Verizon Media's total operating revenues were $1.8 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2019. This was a decrease of 7.2% compared to the similar period in 2018.

Capital Expenditures and Investments
We continue to invest in our wireless networks, high-speed fiber and other advanced technologies to position ourselves at the center of growth trends for the future. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, these investments included $4.3 billion for capital expenditures. See "Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities" for additional information. We believe that our investments aimed at expanding our portfolio of products and services will provide our customers with an efficient, reliable infrastructure for competing in the information economy.

Global Network and Technology
We are focusing our capital spending on adding capacity and density to our 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network. We are densifying our 4G LTE network by utilizing small cell technology, in-building solutions and distributed antenna systems. Network densification not only enables us to add capacity to address increasing mobile video consumption and the growing demand for IoT products and services, but it also positions us for the deployment of 5G technology. Over the past several years, we have been leading the development of 5G wireless technology industry standards and the ecosystems for fixed and mobile 5G wireless services. We believe 5G technology can provide users with eight capabilities, or currencies. The eight currencies are peak data rates, mobile data volumes, mobility, number of connected devices, energy efficiency, service deployment, reduced latency and improved reliability. We expect that 5G technology will provide higher throughput and lower latency than the current 4G LTE technology and enable our networks to handle more traffic as the number of Internet-connected devices grows. During 2018, we commercially launched 5G Home initially on proprietary standards in four U.S. markets: Sacramento, Los Angeles, Houston and Indianapolis. We will shift to the global standards as soon as the devices and equipment become available. In February 2019, we announced that we expect to expand 5G Home coverage to more markets in the second half of 2019. In April 2019, we launched our 5G Ultra Wideband Network in Chicago and Minneapolis and announced that we expect the network will become commercially available in 20 additional U.S. cities in 2019, with more to come throughout the year. In addition, we launched the first 5G-compatible smartphone in April 2019.

To compensate for the shrinking market for traditional copper-based products, we continue to build our wireline business around fiber-based networks supporting data, video and advanced business services - areas where demand for reliable high-speed connections is growing. We are evolving the architecture of our networks to a next-generation multi-use platform, providing improved efficiency and virtualization, increased automation and opportunities for edge computing services that will support both our fiber-based and radio access network technologies. We call this the Intelligent Edge Network. We expect that this new architecture will simplify operations by eliminating legacy network elements, improve our 4G LTE wireless coverage, speed the deployment of 5G wireless technology, and create new opportunities in the business market.

Operating Environment and Trends
Except as discussed below, there have been no significant changes to the information related to trends affecting our business that was previously disclosed in the "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for the year ended December 31, 2018 filed with our recast financial statements and included in our Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 8, 2019.

We adopted Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2016-02, ASU 2018-01, ASU 2018-10, ASU 2018-11, ASU 2018-20 and ASU 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842) on January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective application. This method does not impact the prior periods, which continue to reflect the accounting treatment prior to the adoption of Topic 842. As a result, for items that were affected by our adoption of Topic 842, financial results of periods prior to January 1, 2019 are not comparable to the current period financial results. See Notes 1 and 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Recent Developments
In September 2018, we announced a Voluntary Separation Program for select U.S.-based management employees which impacts approximately 10,400 eligible employees. The severance benefits payments to these employees are expected to be significantly completed by the end of September 2019.

Critical Accounting Estimates
In November 2018, we announced a strategic reorganization of our business, which resulted in changes to our segments and reporting units, effective April 1, 2019. The goodwill impairment assessment results described below relate to the previous reporting units in effect as of March 31, 2019.

At March 31, 2019, the balance of our goodwill was approximately $24.6 billion, of which $18.4 billion was in our historical Wireless reporting unit, $3.9 billion was in our historical Wireline reporting unit, $186 million was in our Media reporting unit and $2.1 billion was in our historical Connect reporting unit. To determine if goodwill is potentially impaired, we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment or if indicators of a potential impairment exist, the determination of whether an impairment has occurred requires the determination of the fair value of the reporting unit being assessed.


29

Table of Contents

Due to the strategic reorganization effective April 1, 2019, we performed an assessment of our impacted reporting units, namely our historical Wireline, our historical Connect and historical Wireless reporting units as of March 31, 2019. Our impairment assessments indicated that the fair value for each of our historical Wireline, historical Connect and historical Wireless reporting units exceeded their respective carrying value and therefore, did not result in a goodwill impairment. Our Media reporting unit will remain unchanged under the new reporting structure, and there were no indicators of impairment during the first quarter of 2019.

Under our quantitative assessment, the fair value of the reporting unit is calculated using a market approach and a discounted cash flow method. The market approach includes the use of comparative multiples to corroborate discounted cash flow results. The discounted cash flow method is based on the present value of two components-projected cash flows and a terminal value. The terminal value represents the expected normalized future cash flows of the reporting unit beyond the cash flows from the discrete projection period. The fair value of the reporting unit is calculated based on the sum of the present value of the cash flows from the discrete period and the present value of the terminal value. The discount rate represented our estimate of the weighted-average cost of capital, or expected return, that a marketplace participant would have required as of the valuation date. The application of our goodwill impairment test required key assumptions underlying our valuation model. The discounted cash flow analysis factored in assumptions on discount rates and terminal growth rates to reflect risk profiles of key strategic revenue and cost initiatives, as well as revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization expenses (EBITDA) growth relative to history and market trends and expectations. The market multiples approach incorporated significant judgment involved in the selection comparable public company multiples and benchmarks. The selection of companies was influenced by differences in growth and profitability, and volatility in market prices of peer companies. These valuation inputs are inherently uncertain, and an adverse change in one or a combination of these inputs could trigger a goodwill impairment loss in the future.

Our historical Wireline reporting unit has experienced increasing market pressures that have resulted in lower than expected revenues and earnings and these pressures may persist over the near term. A projected sustained decline in a reporting unit's revenues and earnings could have a significant negative impact on its fair value and may result in impairment charges in the future. Such a decline could be driven by, among other things: (1) further anticipated decreases in service pricing, sales volumes and long-term growth rate as a result of competitive pressures or other factors; or (2) the inability to achieve or delays in achieving the goals in strategic initiatives. In addition, adverse changes to macroeconomic factors, such as increases to long-term interest rates, would also negatively impact the fair value of the reporting unit.

At the goodwill impairment measurement date of March 31, 2019, our historical Wireline reporting unit had fair value that exceeded its carrying amount by approximately 5%, which is consistent with our most recent annual impairment test performed in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Consolidated Results of Operations
In this section, we discuss our overall results of operations and highlight special items that are not included in our segment results. In "Segment Results of Operations," we review the performance of our two reportable segments in more detail.

Consolidated Revenues
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
Increase/
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

 
(Decrease)
Consumer
$
22,148

 
$
21,627

 
$
521

 
2.4
 %
Business
7,719

 
7,783

 
(64
)
 
(0.8
)
Corporate and other
2,335

 
2,463

 
(128
)
 
(5.2
)
Eliminations
(74
)
 
(101
)
 
27

 
(26.7
)
Consolidated Revenues
$
32,128

 
$
31,772

 
$
356

 
1.1


Consolidated revenues increased $356 million, or 1.1%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the similar period in 2018, due to increases in revenues at our Consumer segment, partially offset by decreases in revenues at our Business segment and Corporate and other.

Revenues for our segments are discussed separately below under the heading "Segment Results of Operations."

Corporate and other revenues decreased $128 million, or 5.2%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the similar period in 2018. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to a decrease of $137 million in revenues within Verizon Media.


30

Table of Contents

Consolidated Operating Expenses
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
Increase/
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

 
(Decrease)
Cost of services
$
7,792

 
$
7,946

 
$
(154
)
 
(1.9
)%
Cost of wireless equipment
5,198

 
5,309

 
(111
)
 
(2.1
)
Selling, general and administrative expense
7,198

 
6,844

 
354

 
5.2

Depreciation and amortization expense
4,231

 
4,324

 
(93
)
 
(2.2
)
Consolidated Operating Expenses
$
24,419

 
$
24,423

 
$
(4
)
 


Cost of Services
Cost of services includes the following costs directly attributable to a service: salaries and wages, benefits, materials and supplies, content costs, contracted services, network access and transport costs, customer provisioning costs, computer systems support, and costs to support our outsourcing contracts and technical facilities. Aggregate customer care costs, which include billing and service provisioning, are allocated between Cost of services and Selling, general and administrative expense.

Cost of services decreased $154 million, or 1.9%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the similar period in 2018. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in employee related costs due to lower headcount and a decrease in network access costs due to reduction in voice connections, partially offset by an increase in rent expense as a result of adding capacity to the networks to support demand.

Cost of Wireless Equipment
Cost of wireless equipment decreased $111 million, or 2.1%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the similar period in 2018, primarily as a result of declines in the number of wireless devices sold.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, general and administrative expense includes: salaries and wages and benefits not directly attributable to a service or product, bad debt charges, taxes other than income taxes, advertising and sales commission costs, customer billing, call center and information technology costs, regulatory fees, professional service fees, and rent and utilities for administrative space. Also included is a portion of the aggregate customer care costs as discussed above in "Cost of Services."

Selling, general and administrative expense increased $354 million, or 5.2%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the similar period in 2018. The increase was primarily due to an increase in advertising and sales commission expense. The increase in sales commission expense is due to a lower net deferral of commission costs in the current year as compared to the prior year, as a result of the adoption of ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" (Topic 606) on January 1, 2018 using a modified retrospective approach. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in employee related costs.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $93 million, or 2.2%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the similar period in 2018. This decrease was primarily driven by the change in the mix of depreciable assets.

Other Consolidated Results
Other Income (Expense), Net
Additional information relating to Other income (expense), net is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
Increase/
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

 
(Decrease)
Interest income
$
29

 
$
16

 
$
13

 
81.3
 %
Other components of net periodic benefit cost
280

 
255

 
25

 
9.8

Other, net
(14
)
 
(346
)
 
332

 
(96.0
)
Total
$
295

 
$
(75
)
 
$
370

 
nm


nm - not meaningful

Other income (expense), net, reflects certain items not directly related to our core operations, including interest income, gains and losses from asset dispositions, debt extinguishment costs and components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs. The increase in Other income (expense), net during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, was primarily driven by a decrease in early debt redemption costs of an insignificant amount during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to $249 million recorded

31

Table of Contents

during the similar period in 2018. In addition, we recorded a $96 million benefit, primarily attributable to a pension remeasurement gain, during the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Interest Expense
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
Increase/
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

 
(Decrease)
Total interest costs on debt balances
$
1,368

 
$
1,377

 
$
(9
)
 
(0.7
)%
Less capitalized interest costs
158

 
176

 
(18
)
 
(10.2
)
Total
$
1,210

 
$
1,201

 
$
9

 
0.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average debt outstanding
$
113,476

 
$
117,973

 
 
 
 
Effective interest rate
4.8
%
 
4.7
%
 
 
 
 

Total interest expense increased during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, primarily due to lower capitalized interest costs.

Provision for Income Taxes
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
Increase/
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

 
(Decrease)
Provision for income taxes
$
1,628

 
$
1,388

 
$
240

 
17.3
%
Effective income tax rate
24.0
%
 
22.9
%
 
 
 
 

The effective income tax rate is calculated by dividing the provision for income taxes by income before the provision for income taxes. The increase in the effective income tax rate during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, was primarily due to tax benefits from funding employee benefit obligations in the prior period that did not reoccur in the current period. The increase in the provision for income taxes during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, was primarily due to the impact of an increase in income before income taxes in the current period.

Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits were $2.9 billion at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits were $372 million (after-tax) and $348 million (after-tax) at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

Verizon and/or its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. As a large taxpayer, we are under audit by the Internal Revenue Service and multiple state and foreign jurisdictions for various open tax years. It is reasonably possible that the amount of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits could change by a significant amount in the next twelve months. An estimate of the range of the possible change cannot be made until these tax matters are further developed or resolved.

Consolidated Net Income, Consolidated EBITDA and Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA
Consolidated EBITDA and Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, which are presented below, are non-generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) measures that we believe are useful to management, investors and other users of our financial information in evaluating operating profitability on a more variable cost basis as they exclude the depreciation and amortization expense related primarily to capital expenditures and acquisitions that occurred in prior years, as well as in evaluating operating performance in relation to Verizon’s competitors. Consolidated EBITDA is calculated by adding back interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization expenses to net income.

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by excluding from Consolidated EBITDA the effect of the following non-operational items: equity in losses of unconsolidated businesses and other income and expense, net, as well as the effect of special items. We believe that this measure is useful to management, investors and other users of our financial information in evaluating the effectiveness of our operations and underlying business trends in a manner that is consistent with management’s evaluation of business performance. We believe that Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is widely used by investors to compare a company’s operating performance to its competitors by minimizing impacts caused by differences in capital structure, taxes and depreciation policies. Further, the exclusion of non-operational items and special items enables comparability to prior period performance and trend analysis. See "Special Items" for additional information.

It is management’s intent to provide non-GAAP financial information to enhance the understanding of Verizon’s GAAP financial information, and it should be considered by the reader in addition to, but not instead of, the financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Each non-GAAP financial measure is presented along with the corresponding GAAP measure so as not to imply that more emphasis should be placed on the non-GAAP measure. We believe that non-GAAP measures provide relevant and useful information, which is used by management, investors and other users of our financial information as well as by our management in assessing both consolidated and segment performance.

32

Table of Contents

The non-GAAP financial information presented may be determined or calculated differently by other companies and may not be directly comparable to that of other companies.
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

Consolidated Net Income
$
5,160

 
$
4,666

Add:

 
 
Provision for income taxes
1,628

 
1,388

Interest expense
1,210

 
1,201

Depreciation and amortization expense
4,231

 
4,324

Consolidated EBITDA*
$
12,229

 
$
11,579

 
 
 
 
Add (Less):
 
 
 
Other (income) expense, net†
$
(295
)
 
$
75

Equity in losses of unconsolidated businesses
6

 
19

Acquisition and integration related charges

 
105

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA
$
11,940

 
$
11,778


* Prior period figures have been amended to conform to the current period's calculation of Consolidated EBITDA.
† Includes Pension and benefits mark-to-market adjustments and early debt redemption costs, where applicable.
‡ Excludes depreciation and amortization expense.

The changes in Consolidated Net Income, Consolidated EBITDA and Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA in the table above during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, were primarily a result of the factors described in connection with operating revenues and operating expenses.

Segment Results of Operations
We have two reportable segments that we operate and manage as strategic business units, Consumer and Business. We measure and evaluate our reportable segments based on segment operating income. The use of segment operating income is consistent with the chief operating decision maker’s assessment of segment performance.

To aid in the understanding of segment performance as it relates to segment operating income, we use the following operating statistics to evaluate the overall effectiveness of our segments:

Wireless retail connections are retail customer device postpaid and prepaid connections. Retail connections under an account may include those from smartphones and basic phones (collectively, phones) as well as tablets and other Internet devices, including wearables and retail IoT devices.

Wireless retail postpaid connections are retail postpaid customer device connections. Retail connections under an account may include those from phones, as well as tablets and other Internet devices, including wearables and retail IoT devices.

Fios Internet connections are the total number of connections to the Internet using Fios Internet services.

Fios video connections are the total number of connections to traditional linear video programming using Fios video services.

Broadband connections are the total number of connections to the Internet using Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and Fios Internet services.

Voice connections are the total number of traditional switched access lines in service and Fios digital voice connections.

Wireless retail connections, net additions are the total number of additional retail customer device postpaid and prepaid connections, less the number of device disconnects within the current period.

Wireless retail postpaid connections, net additions are the total number of additional retail customer device postpaid connections, less the number of device disconnects within the current period.

Churn is the rate at which service to either retail or postpaid retail connections is terminated on a monthly basis.

Wireless retail postpaid ARPA is the calculated average service revenue per account (ARPA) from retail postpaid accounts, which does not include recurring device payment plan billings related to the Verizon device payment program.


33

Table of Contents

Wireless retail postpaid accounts are retail customers that are directly served and managed under the Verizon Wireless brand and use its services. Accounts include unlimited plans, shared data plans and corporate accounts, as well as legacy single connection plans and family plans. A single account may include monthly wireless services for a variety of connected devices.

Wireless retail postpaid connections per account is calculated by dividing the total number of retail postpaid connections by the number of retail postpaid accounts as of the end of the period.

Segment earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (Segment EBITDA), which is presented below, is a non-GAAP measure and does not purport to be an alternative to operating income (loss) as a measure of operating performance. We believe this measure is useful to management, investors and other users of our financial information in evaluating operating profitability on a more variable cost basis as it excludes the depreciation and amortization expenses related primarily to capital expenditures and acquisitions that occurred in prior years, as well as in evaluating operating performance in relation to our competitors. Segment EBITDA is calculated by adding back depreciation and amortization expense to segment operating income (loss). Segment EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Segment EBITDA by total segment operating revenues. You can find additional information about our segments in Note 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Verizon Consumer Group
Our Consumer segment provides consumer-focused wireless and wireline communications services and products. Our wireless services are provided across one of the most extensive wireless networks in the U.S. under the Verizon Wireless brand and through wholesale and other arrangements. Our wireline services are provided in nine states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern U.S., as well as Washington D.C., over our 100% fiber-optic network under the Fios brand and over a traditional copper-based network to customers who are not served by Fios.

Operating Revenues and Selected Operating Statistics
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
Increase/
(dollars in millions, except ARPA)
2019

 
2018

 
(Decrease)
Service
$
16,259

 
$
15,824

 
$
435

 
2.7
 %
Wireless equipment
4,166

 
4,270

 
(104
)
 
(2.4
)
Other
1,723

 
1,533

 
190

 
12.4

Total Operating Revenues
$
22,148

 
$
21,627

 
$
521

 
2.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Connections (‘000): (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wireless retail connections
94,059

 
93,992

 
67

 
0.1

Wireless retail postpaid connections
89,580

 
88,924

 
656

 
0.7

Fios Internet connections
5,808

 
5,627

 
181

 
3.2

Fios video connections
4,322

 
4,525

 
(203
)
 
(4.5
)
Broadband connections
6,476

 
6,454

 
22

 
0.3

Voice connections
6,184

 
6,786

 
(602
)
 
(8.9
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Additions in Period (‘000): (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wireless retail
(377
)
 
(390
)
 
13

 
3.3

Wireless retail postpaid
(201
)
 
(55
)
 
(146
)
 
nm

Wireless retail postpaid phones
(163
)
 
(153
)
 
(10
)
 
(6.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Churn Rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wireless retail
1.32
%
 
1.31
%
 
 
 
 
Wireless retail postpaid
1.08
%
 
1.01
%
 
 
 
 
Wireless retail postpaid phones
0.81
%
 
0.77
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Account Statistics:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wireless retail postpaid ARPA
$
117.45

 
$
113.44

 
$
4.01

 
3.5

Wireless retail postpaid accounts (‘000) (1)
33,958

 
34,109

 
(151
)
 
(0.4
)
Wireless retail postpaid connections per account (1)
2.64

 
2.61

 
0.03

 
1.1

nm - not meaningful

(1) 
As of end of period
(2) 
Excluding acquisitions and adjustments

Consumer’s total operating revenues increased $521 million, or 2.4%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, primarily as a result of increases in Service and Other revenues, partially offset by a decrease in Wireless equipment revenue.


34

Table of Contents

Service Revenue
Service revenue increased $435 million, or 2.7%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, due to increases in wireless service and Fios revenues, partially offset by decreases in wireline voice and DSL broadband services.

Wireless service revenue increased 3.7%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, due to an increase in access revenue driven by customers shifting to higher access plans and a 1.1% increase in the number of devices per account, the declining fixed-term subsidized plan base and subscriber and data usage growth from reseller accounts. Wireless retail postpaid ARPA increased 3.5%.

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, Fios revenue totaled $2.8 billion and increased 1.1%, compared to the similar period in 2018, due to a 3.2% increase in Fios Internet connections, reflecting increased demand in higher broadband speeds, partially offset by a 4.5% decrease in Fios video connections, reflecting the ongoing shift from traditional linear video to over-the-top (OTT) offerings.

Service revenue attributable to wireline voice and DSL broadband services declined during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018. The decline related to voice services is due to a decrease of 8.9% in voice connections resulting primarily from competition and technology substitution with wireless and competing voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and cable telephony services. The decline related to DSL broadband service is due to the continuing demand for higher speed internet connectivity.

Wireless Equipment Revenue
Wireless equipment revenue decreased $104 million, or 2.4%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, as a result of an overall decline in wireless device sales and increased promotions, partially offset by a shift to higher priced units in the mix of wireless devices sold.

Other Revenue
Other revenue includes non-service revenues such as regulatory fees, cost recovery surcharges, revenues associated with our device protection package, leasing and interest on equipment financed under a device payment plan agreement when sold to the customer by an authorized agent.

Other revenue increased $190 million, or 12.4%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, primarily due to volume and pricing increases related to our wireless device protection package.

Operating Expenses
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
Increase/
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

 
(Decrease)
Cost of services
$
3,879

 
$
3,773

 
$
106

 
2.8
 %
Cost of wireless equipment
4,142

 
4,273

 
(131
)
 
(3.1
)
Selling, general and administrative expense
3,983

 
3,671

 
312

 
8.5

Depreciation and amortization expense
2,894

 
2,975

 
(81
)
 
(2.7
)
Total Operating Expenses
$
14,898

 
$
14,692

 
$
206

 
1.4


Cost of Services
Cost of services increased $106 million, or 2.8%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, primarily due to an increase in rent expense as a result of adding capacity to the networks to support demand and a volume-driven increase in costs related to the device protection package offered to our wireless retail postpaid customers, which was partially offset by a decrease in employee related costs.

Cost of Wireless Equipment
Cost of wireless equipment decreased $131 million, or 3.1%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, primarily as a result of declines in the number of wireless devices sold.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, general and administrative expense increased $312 million, or 8.5%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, primarily due to increases in advertising costs, sales commission and bad debt expense. The increase in sales commission expense is due to a lower net deferral of commission costs in the current year as compared to the prior year, as a result of the adoption of Topic 606 on January 1, 2018 using a modified retrospective approach. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in employee related costs.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $81 million, or 2.7%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, driven by the change in the mix of total Verizon depreciable assets and Consumer's usage of those assets.


35

Table of Contents

Segment Operating Income and EBITDA 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
Increase/
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

 
(Decrease)
Segment Operating Income
$
7,250

 
$
6,935

 
$
315

 
4.5
 %
Add Depreciation and amortization expense
2,894

 
2,975

 
(81
)
 
(2.7
)
Segment EBITDA
$
10,144

 
$
9,910

 
$
234

 
2.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment operating income margin
32.7
%
 
32.1
%
 
 
 
 
Segment EBITDA margin
45.8
%
 
45.8
%
 
 
 
 

The changes in the table above during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, were primarily a result of the factors described in connection with operating revenues and operating expenses.

Verizon Business Group
Our Business segment provides wireless and wireline communications services and products, video and data services, corporate networking solutions, security and managed network services, local and long distance voice services and network access to deliver various IoT services and products. We provide these products and services to businesses, government customers and wireless and wireline carriers across the U.S. and select products and services to customers around the world. The Business segment is organized in four customer groups: Global Enterprise, Small and Medium Business, Public Sector and Other, and Wholesale.

Operating Revenues and Selected Operating Statistics
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
Increase/
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

 
(Decrease)
Global Enterprise
$
2,691

 
$
2,826

 
$
(135
)
 
(4.8
)%
Small and Medium Business
2,708

 
2,534

 
174

 
6.9

Public Sector and Other
1,471

 
1,430

 
41

 
2.9

Wholesale
849

 
993

 
(144
)
 
(14.5
)
Total Operating Revenues (1)
$
7,719

 
$
7,783

 
$
(64
)
 
(0.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Connections (‘000): (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wireless retail postpaid connections
23,827

 
22,190

 
1,637

 
7.4

Fios Internet connections
311

 
289

 
22

 
7.6

Fios video connections
76

 
72

 
4

 
5.6

Broadband connections
497

 
512

 
(15
)
 
(2.9
)
Voice connections
5,269

 
5,769

 
(500
)
 
(8.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net additions in period (‘000): (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wireless retail postpaid
262

 
315

 
(53
)
 
(16.8
)
Wireless retail postpaid phones
119

 
129

 
(10
)
 
(7.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Churn Rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wireless retail postpaid
1.24
%
 
1.16
%
 
 
 
 
Wireless retail postpaid phones
1.02
%
 
0.95
%
 
 
 
 
(1) 
Service and other revenues included in our Business segment amounted to approximately $6.9 billion and $7.0 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Wireless equipment revenues included in our Business segment amounted to approximately $765 million and $770 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(2) 
As of end of period
(3) 
Excluding acquisitions and adjustments

Business’s total operating revenues decreased $64 million, or 0.8%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, primarily as a result of decreases in Global Enterprise and Wholesale revenues, partially offset by increases in Small and Medium Business and Public Sector and Other revenues.

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, Fios revenues totaled $243 million and increased 12.0%, compared to the similar period in 2018, reflecting increased demand in higher broadband speeds.


36

Table of Contents

Global Enterprise
Global Enterprise offers services to large businesses, which are identified based on their size and volume of business with Verizon, as well as non-U.S. public sector customers.

Global Enterprise revenues decreased $135 million, or 4.8%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, primarily due to declines in traditional data and voice communication services as a result of competitive price pressures.

Small and Medium Business
Small and Medium Business offers wireless services and equipment, tailored voice and networking products, Fios services, IP Networking, advanced voice solutions, security, and managed information technology services to our U.S.-based customers that do not meet the requirements to be categorized as Global Enterprise.

Small and Medium Business revenues increased $174 million, or 6.9%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, largely due to an increase in wireless postpaid service revenue, as a result of an increase in the amount of wireless retail postpaid connections. The increase was further driven by other revenue due to volume and rate-driven increases in revenues related to our wireless device protection package, as well as an increase in revenues related to Fios services. These increases were partially offset by revenue declines related to the loss of voice and DSL service connections.

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, Fios revenues totaled $229 million and increased 16.8%, compared to the similar period in 2018, reflecting increased demand in higher broadband speeds.

Public Sector and Other
Public Sector and Other offers wireless products and services, as well as wireline connectivity solutions, to U.S. federal, state and local governments and educational institutions. These services include the services offered by Consumer discussed above and business services and connectivity similar to the products and services offered by the Global Enterprise group, in each case, with features and pricing designed to address the needs of governments and educational institutions.

Public Sector and Other revenues increased 2.9%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, due to an increase in customer premise equipment and professional services, as well as an increase in wireless postpaid service revenue as a result of an increase in wireless retail postpaid accounts and connections.

Wholesale
Wholesale offers wireline communications services including data, voice, local dial tone and broadband services primarily to local, long distance, and wireless carriers that use our facilities to provide services to their customers.

Wholesale revenues decreased $144 million, or 14.5%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, due to declines in core data and traditional voice services resulting from the effect of technology substitution and continuing contraction of market rates due to competition. Data declines were partially offset by growth in higher bandwidth services, including dark fiber transport.

Operating Expenses
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
Increase/
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

 
(Decrease)
Cost of services
$
2,591

 
$
2,710

 
$
(119
)
 
(4.4
)%
Cost of wireless equipment
1,057

 
1,036

 
21

 
2.0

Selling, general and administrative expense
1,981

 
1,864

 
117

 
6.3

Depreciation and amortization expense
1,042

 
1,059

 
(17
)
 
(1.6
)
Total Operating Expenses
$
6,671

 
$
6,669

 
$
2

 


Cost of Services
Cost of services decreased $119 million, or 4.4%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, primarily related to a decrease in personnel costs due to a lower headcount and a decrease in access costs due to a reduction of voice connections, which were partially offset by increases in other direct costs.


37

Table of Contents

Cost of Wireless Equipment
Cost of wireless equipment increased 2.0% during 2019 compared to the similar period in 2018, primarily driven by higher price device mix and costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, general and administrative expense increased $117 million, or 6.3%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, Selling, general and administrative expense increased due to a retirement obligation related to long-lived assets. In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recognized a one-time gain from insignificant transactions, which further led to a year over year increase in Selling, general and administrative expense.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased 1.6% during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, driven by the change in the mix of total Verizon depreciable assets and Business's usage of those assets.

Segment Operating Income and EBITDA 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
Increase/
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

 
(Decrease)
Segment Operating Income
$
1,048

 
$
1,114

 
$
(66
)
 
(5.9
)%
Add Depreciation and amortization expense
1,042

 
1,059

 
(17
)
 
(1.6
)%
Segment EBITDA
$
2,090

 
$
2,173

 
$
(83
)
 
(3.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment operating income margin
13.6
%
 
14.3
%
 
 
 
 
Segment EBITDA margin
27.1
%
 
27.9
%
 
 
 
 

The changes in the table above during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar periods in 2018, were primarily a result of the factors described in connection with operating revenues and operating expenses.

Special Items
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

Severance, pension and benefits credits
 
 
 
Other income (expense), net
$
(96
)
 
$

Acquisition and integration related charges
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expense

 
105

Depreciation and amortization expense

 
2

Early debt redemption costs
 
 
 
Other income (expense), net

 
249

Total
$
(96
)
 
$
356


The Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA non-GAAP measure presented in the Consolidated Net Income, Consolidated EBITDA and Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA discussion (see "Consolidated Results of Operations") excludes all of the amounts included above, as described below.

The income and expenses related to special items included in our consolidated results of operations were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

Within Total Operating Expenses
$

 
$
107

Within Other income (expense), net
(96
)
 
249

Total
$
(96
)
 
$
356


38

Table of Contents


Severance, Pension and Benefits Credits
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recorded a net pre-tax remeasurement credit of $96 million in our pension plans triggered by the Voluntary Separation Program for select U.S.-based management employees and other headcount reduction initiatives, primarily driven by a $150 million credit due to the difference between our estimated return on assets and our actual return on assets, offset by a $54 million charge due to a change in our discount rate assumption used to determine the current year liabilities of our pension plans. Pension and benefit activity was recorded in accordance with our accounting policy to recognize actuarial gains and losses in the period in which they occur.

See Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information related to our 2019 pension and benefits credits.

Acquisition and Integration Related Charges
Acquisition and integration related charges recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2018 primarily related to the acquisition of Yahoo’s operating business in June 2017.

Early Debt Redemption Costs
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recorded losses on early debt redemptions of $249 million in connection with the tender offers of notes issued by Verizon with coupon rates ranging from 1.750% to 5.012% and maturity dates ranging from 2021 to 2055.

Consolidated Financial Condition
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

 
Change

Cash Flows Provided By (Used In)
 
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
7,081

 
$
6,648

 
$
433

Investing activities
(4,803
)
 
(5,285
)
 
482

Financing activities
(2,657
)
 
(1,316
)
 
(1,341
)
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
(379
)
 
$
47

 
$
(426
)

We use the net cash generated from our operations to fund expansion and modernization of our networks, service and repay external financing, pay dividends, invest in new businesses and, when appropriate, buy back shares of our outstanding common stock. Our sources of funds, primarily from operations and, to the extent necessary, from external financing arrangements, are sufficient to meet ongoing operating and investing requirements. We expect that our capital spending requirements will continue to be financed primarily through internally generated funds. Debt or equity financing may be needed to fund additional investments or development activities or to maintain an appropriate capital structure to ensure our financial flexibility. Our cash and cash equivalents are held both domestically and internationally, and are invested to maintain principal and provide liquidity. See "Market Risk" for additional information regarding our foreign currency risk management strategies.

Our available external financing arrangements include an active commercial paper program, credit available under credit facilities and other bank lines of credit, vendor financing arrangements, issuances of registered debt or equity securities, U.S. retail medium-term notes and other capital market securities that are privately-placed or offered overseas. In addition, we monetize our device payment plan agreement receivables through asset-backed debt transactions.

Cash Flows Provided By Operating Activities
Our primary source of funds continues to be cash generated from operations. Net cash provided by operating activities increased $433 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, primarily due to an increase in earnings and a decrease in discretionary contributions to qualified employee benefit plans, partially offset by changes in working capital and severance payments as a result of the Voluntary Separation Program during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018. We made $300 million and $1.0 billion in discretionary employee benefits contributions during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, to our defined benefit pension plan. As a result of the discretionary pension contributions, we expect that there will be no required pension funding until 2024, which will continue to benefit future cash flows. Further, the funded status of our qualified pension plan improved as a result of the contributions.

Cash Flows Used In Investing Activities
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures continue to relate primarily to the use of capital resources to facilitate the introduction of new products and services, enhance responsiveness to competitive challenges, maintain the existing infrastructure and increase the operating efficiency and productivity of our networks.


39

Table of Contents

Capital expenditures, including capitalized software, were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

Capital expenditures (including capitalized software)
$
4,268

 
$
4,552

Total as a percentage of revenue
13.3
%
 
14.3
%

Capital expenditures decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2019, primarily due to capital efficiencies from our business excellence initiatives. Our investments primarily related to network equipment to support the business.

Acquisitions
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we completed various acquisitions for an insignificant amount of cash consideration.

Cash Flows Used In Financing Activities
We seek to maintain a mix of fixed and variable rate debt to lower borrowing costs within reasonable risk parameters and to protect against earnings and cash flow volatility resulting from changes in market conditions. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, net cash used in financing activities was $2.7 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively.

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, our net cash used in financing activities of $2.7 billion was primarily driven by repayments, redemptions and repurchases of long-term borrowings and finance lease obligations of $3.0 billion, cash dividends of $2.5 billion, and repayments of asset-backed long-term borrowings of $813 million. These uses of cash were partially offset by proceeds from long-term borrowings of $2.1 billion and proceeds from asset-backed long-term borrowings of $1.1 billion.

At March 31, 2019, our total debt increased to $113.7 billion, compared to $113.1 billion at December 31, 2018. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, our effective interest rate was 4.8% and 4.7% respectively. See Note 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our debt activity.

Verizon may continue to acquire debt securities issued by Verizon and its affiliates in the future through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers, exchange offers, or otherwise, upon such terms and at such prices as Verizon may from time to time determine for cash or other consideration.

Asset-Backed Debt
Cash collections on the device payment plan agreement receivables collateralizing asset-backed debt securities are required at certain specified times to be placed into segregated accounts. Deposits to the segregated accounts are considered restricted cash and are included in Prepaid expenses and other and Other assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Proceeds from our asset-backed debt transactions are reflected in Cash flows from financing activities in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The asset-backed debt issued and the assets securing this debt are included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Other, net
Other, net financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2019 includes $600 million in short-term uncommitted credit facility borrowing.

Credit Facilities
As of March 31, 2019, the unused borrowing capacity under our $9.5 billion credit facility was approximately $9.4 billion. The credit facility does not require us to comply with financial covenants or maintain specified credit ratings, and it permits us to borrow even if our business has incurred a material adverse change. We use the credit facility for the issuance of letters of credit and for general corporate purposes.

In March 2016, we entered into a $1.0 billion credit facility insured by Eksportkreditnamnden Stockholm, Sweden, the Swedish export credit agency. As of March 31, 2019, the outstanding balance was $706 million. We used this credit facility to finance network equipment-related purchases.

In July 2017, we entered into credit facilities insured by various export credit agencies providing us with the ability to borrow up to $4.0 billion to finance equipment-related purchases. The facilities have borrowings available, portions of which extend through October 2019 contingent upon the amount of eligible equipment-related purchases that we make. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we drew $424 million from these facilities. As of March 31, 2019, we had an outstanding balance of $3.1 billion.


40

Table of Contents

Dividends
As in prior periods, dividend payments were a significant use of capital resources. We paid $2.5 billion and $2.4 billion in cash dividends during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Covenants
Our credit agreements contain covenants that are typical for large, investment grade companies. These covenants include requirements to pay interest and principal in a timely fashion, pay taxes, maintain insurance with responsible and reputable insurance companies, preserve our corporate existence, keep appropriate books and records of financial transactions, maintain our properties, provide financial and other reports to our lenders, limit pledging and disposition of assets and mergers and consolidations, and other similar covenants.

We and our consolidated subsidiaries are in compliance with all of our restrictive covenants.

Change In Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Our Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2019 totaled $2.3 billion, a $423 million decrease compared to December 31, 2018, primarily as a result of the factors discussed above.

Restricted cash totaled $1.2 billion at both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, primarily related to cash collections on the device payment plan agreement receivables that are required at certain specified times to be placed into segregated accounts.

Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that reflects an additional way of viewing our liquidity that, when viewed with our GAAP results, provides a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our cash flows. Free cash flow is calculated by subtracting capital expenditures from net cash provided by operating activities. We believe it is a more conservative measure of cash flow since purchases of fixed assets are necessary for ongoing operations. Free cash flow has limitations due to the fact that it does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures. For example, free cash flow does not incorporate payments made on finance lease obligations or cash payments for business acquisitions. Therefore, we believe it is important to view free cash flow as a complement to our entire condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

The following table reconciles net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow:
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
2019

 
2018

 
Change

Net cash provided by operating activities
$
7,081

 
$
6,648

 
$
433

Less Capital expenditures (including capitalized software)
4,268

 
4,552

 
(284
)
Free cash flow
$
2,813

 
$
2,096

 
$
717


The increase in free cash flow during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the similar period in 2018, is a reflection of the increase in operating cash flows and decrease in capital expenditures discussed above.

Market Risk
We are exposed to various types of market risk in the normal course of business, including the impact of interest rate changes, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, changes in investment, equity and commodity prices and changes in corporate tax rates. We employ risk management strategies, which may include the use of a variety of derivatives including, but not limited to, cross currency swaps, forward starting interest rate swaps, interest rate swaps, interest rate caps and foreign exchange forwards. We do not hold derivatives for trading purposes.

It is our general policy to enter into interest rate, foreign currency and other derivative transactions only to the extent necessary to achieve our desired objectives in optimizing exposure to various market risks. Our objectives include maintaining a mix of fixed and variable rate debt to lower borrowing costs within reasonable risk parameters and to protect against earnings and cash flow volatility resulting from changes in market conditions. We do not hedge our market risk exposure in a manner that would completely eliminate the effect of changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates on our earnings.

Counterparties to our derivative contracts are major financial institutions with whom we have negotiated derivatives agreements (ISDA master agreements) and credit support annex (CSA) agreements which provide rules for collateral exchange. Negotiations and executions of new ISDA master agreements and CSA agreements with our counterparties continued throughout 2018 and 2019. The newly executed CSA agreements contain rating based thresholds such that we or our counterparties may be required to hold or post collateral based upon changes in outstanding positions as compared to established thresholds and changes in credit ratings. At March 31, 2019 we posted an insignificant amount of collateral and approximately $83 million of collateral at December 31, 2018 related to derivative contracts under collateral exchange arrangements, which were recorded as Prepaid expenses and other in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. While we may be exposed to credit losses due to the nonperformance of our counterparties, we consider the risk remote and do not expect that any such nonperformance would result in a

41

Table of Contents

significant effect on our results of operations or financial condition due to our diversified pool of counterparties. See Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the derivative portfolio.

Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to changes in interest rates, primarily on our short-term debt and the portion of long-term debt that carries floating interest rates. As of March 31, 2019, approximately 79% of the aggregate principal amount of our total debt portfolio consisted of fixed rate indebtedness, including the effect of interest rate swap agreements designated as hedges. The impact of a 100-basis-point change in interest rates affecting our floating rate debt would result in a change in annual interest expense, including our interest rate swap agreements that are designated as hedges, of approximately $258 million. The interest rates on our existing long-term debt obligations are unaffected by changes to our credit ratings.

Interest Rate Swaps
We enter into interest rate swaps to achieve a targeted mix of fixed and variable rate debt. We principally receive fixed rates and pay variable rates based on the London Interbank Offered Rate, resulting in a net increase or decrease to Interest expense. These swaps are designated as fair value hedges and hedge against interest rate risk exposure of designated debt issuances. At March 31, 2019, the fair value of the asset and liability of these contracts were $100 million and $361 million, respectively. At December 31, 2018, the fair value of the asset and liability of these contracts were insignificant and $813 million, respectively. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the total notional amount of the interest rate swaps was $19.1 billion and $19.8 billion, respectively.

Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps
We have entered into forward starting interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges in order to manage our exposure to interest rate changes on future forecasted transactions. At March 31, 2019, the fair value of the liability of these contracts was $242 million. At December 31, 2018, the fair value of the liability of these contracts was $60 million. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the total notional amount of the forward starting interest rate swaps was $3.0 billion and $4.0 billion, respectively.

Interest Rate Caps
We also have interest rate caps which we use as an economic hedge but for which we have elected not to apply hedge accounting. We enter into interest rate caps to mitigate our interest exposure to interest rate increases on our ABS Financing Facilities and ABS Notes. The fair value of the asset and liability of these contracts were insignificant at both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the total notional value of these contracts was $1.6 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively.

Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency for our foreign operations is primarily the local currency. The translation of income statement and balance sheet amounts of our foreign operations into U.S. dollars is recorded as cumulative translation adjustments, which are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of income in Other income (expense), net. At March 31, 2019, our primary translation exposure was to the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Australian Dollar and Japanese Yen.

Cross Currency Swaps
We have entered into cross currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges to exchange our British Pound Sterling, Euro, Swiss Franc and Australian Dollar-denominated cash flows into U.S. dollars and to fix our cash payments in U.S. dollars, as well as to mitigate the impact of foreign currency transaction gains or losses. The fair value of the asset of these contracts was $215 million at March 31, 2019 and $220 million at December 31, 2018. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the fair value of the liability of these contracts was $519 million and $536 million, respectively. The total notional amount of the cross currency swaps was $16.6 billion at both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

Foreign Exchange Forwards
We also have foreign exchange forwards which we use as an economic hedge but for which we have elected not to apply hedge accounting. We enter into British Pound Sterling and Euro foreign exchange forwards to mitigate our foreign exchange rate risk related to non-functional currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities of international subsidiaries. At March 31, 2019, the fair value of the liability of these contracts was insignificant. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the total notional amount of the foreign exchange forwards was $1.0 billion and $600 million, respectively.

Acquisitions and Divestitures
Spectrum License Transactions
From time to time, we enter into agreements to buy, sell or exchange spectrum licenses. We believe these spectrum license transactions have allowed us to continue to enhance the reliability of our wireless network, while also resulting in a more efficient use of spectrum. See Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.


42

Table of Contents

Other
From time to time, we enter into strategic agreements to acquire various other businesses and investments. See Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Other Factors That May Affect Future Results
Regulatory and Competitive Trends
There have been no material changes to Regulatory and Competitive Trends as previously disclosed in "Business" for the year ended December 31, 2018 included in our Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 8, 2019.
Environmental Matters
Reserves have been established to cover environmental matters relating to discontinued businesses and past telecommunications activities. These reserves include funds to address contamination at the site of a former Sylvania facility in Hicksville, NY, which had processed nuclear fuel rods in the 1950s and 1960s. In September 2005, the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) accepted the site into its Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. As a result, the ACE has taken primary responsibility for addressing the contamination at the site. An adjustment to the reserves may be made after a cost allocation is conducted with respect to the past and future expenses of all of the parties. Adjustments to the environmental reserve may also be made based upon the actual conditions found at other sites requiring remediation.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards
See Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting standard updates not yet adopted as of March 31, 2019.

 Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
In this report we have made forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our estimates and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include the information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations. Forward-looking statements also include those preceded or followed by the words "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "hopes" or similar expressions. For those statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

The following important factors, along with those discussed elsewhere in this report and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), could affect future results and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements:

adverse conditions in the U.S. and international economies;

the effects of competition in the markets in which we operate;

material changes in technology or technology substitution;

disruption of our key suppliers’ provisioning of products or services;

changes in the regulatory environment in which we operate, including any increase in restrictions on our ability to operate our networks;

breaches of network or information technology security, natural disasters, terrorist attacks or acts of war or significant litigation and any resulting financial impact not covered by insurance;

our high level of indebtedness;

an adverse change in the ratings afforded our debt securities by nationally accredited ratings organizations or adverse conditions in the credit markets affecting the cost, including interest rates, and/or availability of further financing;

material adverse changes in labor matters, including labor negotiations, and any resulting financial and/or operational impact;

significant increases in benefit plan costs or lower investment returns on plan assets;

changes in tax laws or treaties, or in their interpretation;

changes in accounting assumptions that regulatory agencies, including the SEC, may require or that result from changes in the accounting rules or their application, which could result in an impact on earnings;

43

Table of Contents


the inability to implement our business strategies; and

the inability to realize the expected benefits of strategic transactions.


44