10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2005

VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2005

Filed November 8, 2005For Securities:VZ

Summary

Verizon Communications Inc. reported solid performance for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2005, driven by strong growth in its Domestic Wireless segment. Total revenues increased by 4.6% in the third quarter and 5.2% year-to-date, largely due to a significant 14.2% revenue jump in Domestic Wireless. The company's strategic focus on higher-growth areas such as wireless, broadband, and data services is yielding positive results, with these segments contributing 59% of total revenues in Q3 2005, up from 54% in Q3 2004. Despite a slight decline in Domestic Telecom revenues, the company is seeing positive trends in broadband connections and long-distance services within this segment. Efforts towards operational efficiency and disciplined capital allocation are also evident. Financially, Net Income for the quarter was $1.869 billion ($0.67 per diluted share), compared to $1.796 billion ($0.64 per diluted share) in the prior year period. For the nine months, Net Income reached $5.739 billion ($2.05 per diluted share), up from $4.792 billion ($1.71 per diluted share) in the same period of 2004. The company continues to generate strong operating cash flow, supporting its investments in growth initiatives and debt repayment.

Key Highlights

  • 1Consolidated revenues grew by 4.6% in Q3 2005 and 5.2% year-to-date, primarily driven by the Domestic Wireless segment's 14.2% Q3 increase.
  • 2Domestic Wireless added 1.9 million net customers in Q3 2005, contributing to strong revenue growth, although average revenue per user (ARPU) saw a slight decrease due to pricing plan changes.
  • 3Domestic Telecom revenues declined by 0.7% in Q3 2005, mainly due to a decrease in local service revenues, but showed growth in broadband connections (up 42.3% year-to-date) and long-distance services.
  • 4Net income increased to $1.869 billion in Q3 2005 from $1.796 billion in Q3 2004, with diluted EPS rising to $0.67 from $0.64.
  • 5Operating cash flow remained strong, with $15.275 billion generated in the first nine months of 2005.
  • 6Capital expenditures increased significantly, particularly in Domestic Telecom and Domestic Wireless, reflecting investments in growth areas like fiber optics and broadband wireless.
  • 7The company is progressing with the acquisition of MCI, expected to close in early 2006, which is anticipated to enhance its position as a global communications solutions provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of Verizon's revenue growth in the third quarter of 2005 was its Domestic Wireless segment, which saw revenues increase by 14.2% compared to the same period in the prior year. This growth was fueled by an increase in customer base, though average revenue per user (ARPU) saw a slight decline.

Verizon is addressing the decline in its Domestic Telecom segment by focusing on higher-growth areas within it, such as broadband connections (DSL and FiOS) and long-distance services. While overall revenues in this segment slightly decreased, the company reported a significant increase in broadband connections and a rise in long-distance service revenues, indicating a strategic shift towards more profitable services.

Verizon announced an agreement to acquire MCI in February 2005, with further amendments made in May 2005. The acquisition is expected to close in early 2006, pending regulatory approvals. Verizon anticipates that combining its Enterprise Solutions Group with MCI's customer groups will create a stronger global communications solutions provider.

Several special and non-recurring items impacted the results. For instance, the sale of Hawaii operations in Q2 2005 resulted in a significant gain. The company also recorded charges related to facility and employee restructuring, and impairments in its leasing operations. These items are detailed in the 'Special Items' and 'Consolidated Results of Operations' sections, with their effects excluded from segment performance analysis.