10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2015

VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2015

Filed July 28, 2015For Securities:VZ

Summary

Verizon Communications Inc.'s second-quarter 2015 results, as of June 30, 2015, show a modest increase in total operating revenues, driven significantly by a surge in wireless equipment sales, largely attributable to the adoption of the Verizon Edge installment plan. This shift from traditional subsidies to installment plans is impacting the revenue recognition timing, boosting equipment revenue while decreasing service revenue. Key strategic initiatives during the period included the acquisition of AOL for approximately $3.8 billion, aimed at bolstering digital media and advertising capabilities, and the ongoing sale of the company's landline business in California, Florida, and Texas to Frontier Communications for $10.5 billion. The company also made significant investments in spectrum licenses, acquiring AWS-3 band licenses for $10.4 billion. While total operating income remained relatively stable year-over-year, the company's free cash flow saw a substantial increase, reflecting strong operational cash generation and disciplined capital expenditures.

Financial Highlights

51 data points
Beta

Revenue

$32.22B

83.1% Gross Margin

Net Income

$4.23B

13.1% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$1.04

Total Assets

$240.75B

Cash & Equivalents

$3.01B

Free Cash Flow

$8.74B

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$32.22B
Cost of Revenue$5.46B
Gross Profit$26.77B
SG&A Expenses$7.97B
Operating Expenses$24.40B
Operating Income$7.82B
Interest Expense$1.21B
Net Income$4.23B
EPS (Basic)$1.04
EPS (Diluted)$1.04
Shares Outstanding (Basic)4.08B
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)4.08B

Key Highlights

  • 1Total operating revenues increased by 2.4% year-over-year to $32.2 billion for the second quarter of 2015.
  • 2Wireless equipment revenues saw a substantial increase of 61.8% to $3.9 billion, driven by the Verizon Edge installment plan, while wireless service revenues decreased by 2.2%.
  • 3Verizon completed the acquisition of AOL Inc. for $3.8 billion, expanding its digital media and advertising offerings.
  • 4The company is proceeding with the sale of its wireline business in CA, FL, and TX to Frontier Communications for $10.5 billion, with a projected closing in the first half of 2016.
  • 5Significant investment in wireless spectrum occurred with the acquisition of AWS-3 band licenses for $10.4 billion.
  • 6Free cash flow increased significantly by $4.4 billion to $10.8 billion for the first six months of 2015.
  • 7The company repurchased $5.0 billion of its common stock through an accelerated share repurchase program.

Frequently Asked Questions

The substantial increase in wireless equipment revenue is primarily driven by the growing adoption of the Verizon Edge installment plan, where customers pay for their devices over time, shifting revenue recognition from service to equipment sales at the point of sale.

The most significant strategic moves include the acquisition of AOL Inc. for approximately $3.8 billion to enhance digital media capabilities, and the agreement to sell its wireline business in California, Florida, and Texas to Frontier Communications for $10.5 billion. Verizon also made a large investment in acquiring new spectrum licenses.

The shift to installment plans like Verizon Edge changes the timing of revenue recognition. Equipment revenue is recognized upfront, leading to higher equipment revenue, while service revenue is comparatively lower. This impacts metrics like Average Revenue Per Account (ARPA) as it excludes installment billings.

The Wireline segment experienced a revenue decline, primarily due to decreases in Global Enterprise. However, Mass Markets revenue saw an increase, driven by the expansion of FiOS services. The company is actively managing this segment by focusing on data, video, and advanced business services while divesting traditional landline operations.