Summary
Verizon Communications Inc. reported solid financial results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2008, demonstrating resilience amidst evolving market conditions. Total operating revenues grew by 4.1% to $24.75 billion for the quarter and 4.4% to $72.71 billion for the nine-month period, primarily driven by robust performance in the Domestic Wireless segment. Net income for the quarter was $1.67 billion, a notable increase from $1.27 billion in the prior year, with diluted earnings per share of $0.59. The company continues to strategically invest in growth areas, particularly its wireless business and fiber optic network expansion (FiOS), while managing expenses through operational efficiencies. The company announced significant strategic moves, including the pending acquisition of Alltel Corporation for approximately $28.1 billion and the recent completion of the Rural Cellular Corporation acquisition. These transactions are aimed at strengthening Verizon's market position and expanding its network coverage. Despite these investments and ongoing integration costs, Verizon maintained a strong operational focus, reporting improved operating income for the nine-month period and continued dividend payments and share repurchases, signaling confidence in its long-term financial health.
Financial Highlights
27 data points| Revenue | $24.75B |
| Cost of Revenue | $10.05B |
| Gross Profit | $14.70B |
| SG&A Expenses | $6.88B |
| Operating Expenses | $20.58B |
| Operating Income | $4.17B |
| Interest Expense | $440.00M |
| Net Income | $1.67B |
| EPS (Basic) | $0.59 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $0.59 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 2.84B |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 2.85B |
Key Highlights
- 1Total operating revenues increased by 4.1% to $24.75 billion in Q3 2008, driven by a 12.5% surge in Domestic Wireless revenues.
- 2Net income for the quarter rose to $1.67 billion from $1.27 billion in Q3 2007, with diluted EPS of $0.59.
- 3The company announced the pending acquisition of Alltel Corporation for approximately $28.1 billion, and completed the acquisition of Rural Cellular Corporation.
- 4Domestic Wireless segment operating income increased by 13.5% to $3.47 billion, reflecting strong growth in service and data revenues.
- 5Wireline segment revenues saw a slight decline of 1.7% to $12.16 billion, impacted by lower demand for traditional voice services, though offset by broadband and strategic services growth.
- 6Capital expenditures remained substantial, with $12.58 billion invested in the first nine months of 2008, primarily for network expansion and modernization, including spectrum acquisition.
- 7Verizon continued its commitment to shareholders with a 7.0% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.460 per share and active share repurchases.