What is the main message Verizon is conveying to investors in this filing?

The main message is one of confidence in Verizon's ongoing performance and financial stability. Despite the economic climate, the company believes its core business drivers are strong, enabling continued growth, investment, and shareholder returns through dividends.

How will the adoption of FAS 160 affect my investment in Verizon?

The adoption of FAS 160 will primarily change how Verizon's financial statements are presented, specifically regarding 'Non-controlling interests in Consolidated Financial Statements.' Importantly, it will not have a net effect on earnings attributable to Verizon or on operating cash flow. Your investment's fundamental value from earnings and cash flow perspectives should remain unchanged by this accounting standard adoption.

What is Verizon's outlook for dividends?

Verizon has a stated goal of continuing to return value to shareholders through annual dividend increases. This strategy is supported by the company's strong cash flow position and its five-year business plan, which indicates the ability to sustain these increases.

Are there any specific risks mentioned that investors should be aware of?

The filing includes a standard 'safe harbor' statement that outlines potential risks and uncertainties. These include adverse economic conditions, competition, labor matters, technological changes, supplier issues, benefit plan costs, disaster impacts, credit market conditions, regulatory changes, and the successful integration of acquisitions like Alltel. Investors should monitor these factors as they could impact future results.

VZ 8-K: Regulation FD — Mar 11, 2009

Summary

This 8-K filing from Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), dated March 10, 2009, reports on an update provided by Executive Vice President Doreen Toben at the Raymond James Institutional Investors Conference on March 9, 2009. The key takeaway for investors is Verizon's expressed confidence in its ongoing performance and financial strength despite the prevailing economic conditions. The company indicated that its core strategic drivers remained stable in early 2009 and that it anticipates continued strong performance, both in absolute terms and relative to competitors. Furthermore, Verizon reaffirmed its commitment to returning value to shareholders through a competitive dividend, with plans for annual increases supported by a strong cash flow outlook and a five-year business plan. The filing also disclosed the adoption of FAS 160, which will impact financial reporting with a new presentation for non-controlling interests but will not affect net earnings attributable to Verizon or operating cash flow. Investors can also note the estimated effective tax rate for 2009, expected to be between 33% and 36%.

Key Highlights

1Verizon expressed confidence in continued strong business performance and financial strength in 2009, with no significant negative changes observed in strategic drivers.
2The company reiterated its commitment to shareholder value, aiming for annual dividend increases supported by a strong cash flow outlook and a five-year business plan.
3Verizon has adopted FAS 160 ('Non-controlling interests in Consolidated Financial Statements'), which will alter financial presentation but not impact net earnings attributable to Verizon or operating cash flow.
4The estimated effective tax rate for income attributable to Verizon (before special items) in 2009 is projected to be in the range of 33% to 36%.
5The update was provided by Executive Vice President Doreen Toben at the Raymond James Institutional Investors Conference.
6The company believes it has the financial strength to grow, invest in the future, and maintain a competitive dividend.

VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC 8-K Report, Regulation FD Disclosure (Mar 11, 2009)

Summary

Key Highlights

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