Verizon
Annual Report 2015

Plain-text annual report

2015 Annual Report As the connected world expands, we’re asking ourselves a critical question: How do we make a difference for the people who count on us every day? This leads us to a simple, powerful truth: the digital world has made consumers a promise of a better, more connected life, and we’re the ones delivering it. We help make businesses better partners for their customers. We help students explore worlds beyond their classrooms. 2015 Annual Report www.verizon.com/2015AnnualReport 1 We deliver the promise of the digital world. 2 Financial highlights Financial highlights as of December 31, 2015 Consolidated revenues (in billions) $120.6 $127.1 $131.6 Operating cash flows from continuing operations (in billions) Reported diluted earnings per share $38.8 $38.9 $4.00 $4.37 $30.6 $2.42 2013 2014 2015 2013 2014 2015 2013 2014 2015 Adjusted diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP) Dividends declared per share $3.99 $2.09 $2.16 $2.23 $3.35 $2.84 2013 2014 2015 2013 2014 2015 Corporate highlights $21.2 billion in free cash flow (non-GAAP) 35.7 million wireless retail postpaid accounts 3.6% growth in operating revenues 0.96% wireless retail postpaid churn 2.7% annual dividend increase 112.1 million wireless retail connections 4.0 million wireless retail net additions* 42.5% wireless segment EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) 4.6% growth in wireless total operating revenues 418,000 Fios Internet subscriber net additions 178,000 Fios Video subscriber net additions 8.6% growth in Fios revenues 3.5% growth in wireline consumer retail revenues *Excludes acquisitions and adjustments Note: Certain reclassifications have been made, where appropriate, to reflect comparable operating results. See Investor Relations (www.verizon.com/about/investors) for reconciliations to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for the non-GAAP financial measures included in this annual report. 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,” “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. The following important factors, along with those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “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; and the inability to implement our business strategies. In keeping with Verizon’s commitment to protect the environment, this report was printed on paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). By selecting FSC-certified paper, Verizon is helping to make a difference by supporting responsible forest management practices. 2015 Annual Report www.verizon.com/2015AnnualReport Corporate responsibility highlights 3 Corporate responsibility highlights Education We transform learning. We’re creating hands-on, technology-based programs that equip young people with skills to succeed in jobs of the future. 100k students 60% 56% 37% Extending our reach We provided technology access and opportunities to more than 100,000 students in all 50 states. Increased tech interest Winners of our Verizon Innovative App Challenge were more interested in computer programming. Improved tech skills Students in our Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS) program got better at using technology. Increased engagement Students in our VILS program were more engaged with their subjects. Sustainability A connected world is a more sustainable world. We’re reducing our carbon emissions and our customers’ footprints. Carbon intensity reduction progress through 2014 2009 Baseline 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2020 18% 29% 31% 40% 40% Goal 50% Cutting carbon We kept working toward our goal of cutting our carbon intensity in half by 2020. 1 million American Business Act on Climate Pledge Reducing emissions Our IoT solutions reduced customer green- house gas emissions equivalent to taking more than one million cars off the road. Climate pledge We signed on to support clean energy, reduce waste and minimize our environmental footprint. www.verizon.com/2015AnnualReport 2015 Annual Report 4 Chairman’s letter Dear Shareowner, growth and profitability in a rapidly transforming industry. In 2015, the pace of change in com- munications accelerated, driven by fundamental shifts in technology, industry structure and demographics. Once again, we face hard questions about how to transform our company to compete and grow in this new environment and, once again, we’ve stepped up to the challenge of posi- tioning Verizon to be an innovator in the digital-first mobile future while delivering another year of strong operating and financial performance. Let me share the highlights of this transformational year. Delivering innovation Our strategy for continued growth and profitability is straightforward: deliver great wireless and wireline services over our superior networks, develop new business models in plat- forms such as video and the Internet of Things, and create incremental rev- enue opportunities in applications and content. We delivered on all elements of this three- tiered strategy in 2015. see in both our wireless and wireline businesses. Mobile and broadband usage is growing, driven by demand for data and video. Verizon’s base of high- quality customers also con- tinues to grow. We ended 2015 with 112.1 million retail wireless connections, 7 million Fios Internet subscribers and 5.8 million Fios Video subscribers, with strong demand for smartphones, tablets and our high-speed Fios Quantum service. This steady demand for mobile and consumer broad- band fueled our revenue growth in 2015. Total operating revenues were $131.6 billion, an increase of 3.6 per- cent over 2014. Most important, as video, music and commerce all migrate to mobile and digital platforms, our services are more embedded in customers’ lives than ever before. Therefore, Job #1 for Verizon is reinforcing the network superiority that is the defining char- acteristic of our brand. In 2015, we invested approximately $28 billion in capital and spectrum licenses to increase the future capacity of our wireless network, fill out our all-fiber network in the Boston-to- Washington corridor and enhance our global Internet backbone. The U.S. communications market- place continues to show its strength in a changing environment, as we Our leadership in 4G LTE wireless technology has enabled us to keep In periods of rapid change, the most important question a corporate leader can ask is, are we the company we need to be for the future? We have asked ourselves that ques- tion many times throughout Verizon’s history, and we’ve responded with forward- looking actions that have kept us at the forefront of our indus- try. Anticipating the mobile revolution, we built the nation’s best wireless network. Recognizing that fiber would overtake copper, we led the transition to broadband. Seeing that video was going mobile, we invested in wireless capacity and added to our skill set in digital video. At each inflection point, we’ve demonstrated our ability to use periods of industry disruption to create new sources of growth, while still delivering on the fundamentals on which Verizon is built. The result has been a remarkably durable record of 2015 Annual Report www.verizon.com/2015AnnualReport Chairman’s letter 5 ahead of the rapid increase in wireless data traffic, about 90 percent of which now rides on the 4G LTE network. In wireline, customers are taking advan- tage of the tremendous capacity of our fiber-to-the-home Fios network, with more than 70 percent of con- sumer Fios customers subscribing to speeds of 50 megabits per second or higher. Our commitment to network excellence has kept us at the top of Root Metrics’ rankings of wireless reliability, speed and network perfor- mance for five years in a row. Also, Fios Internet ranked highest among Internet Service Providers in a recent J.D. Power survey of customer satis- faction for three out of four regions of the country. Verizon intends to lead the way to the 5G world. By enhancing our networks with fiber, small cells, in- building systems, antennas and other capacity- boosting technologies, we’re not only increas- ing our ability to meet today’s surging demand for wireless data and video, we’re also getting our network ready for 5G wireless technology. This has the potential to substantially increase the throughput and responsiveness of wireless networks. As we have done with previous technology shifts in net- work architecture, Verizon intends to lead the way to the 5G world and has already begun to work with technol- ogy partners to develop the standards and market applications that will drive deployment. We expect to conduct trials of 5G in 2016 and move aggres- sively to commercial deployment thereafter. We believe that 5G will be the foundation for a new wave of growth and consumer benefits in such areas as mobile video, smart cities and other applications under development. We’ve historically had a two-year advantage on our competitors when it comes to network advances, and we’re investing to make sure that this remains a source of competitive advantage. Better matters One of the most important metrics for us is customer loyalty. In the wireless business, this is expressed as the percentage of customers who leave, or “churn,” for another carrier every month. I’m proud to report that our 0.96 percent churn rate led the indus- try in 2015. We see this as evidence that, in the words of our new brand campaign, “better matters” —  not just with respect to network quality, but the entire customer experience. While there’s no doubt that customers value what Verizon provides, it’s also clear that what customers want is changing rapidly. In particular, millen- nials —  who have now surpassed the Baby Boomers as the largest segment of the U.S. population —  behave very differently than traditional customers when it comes to managing their digital Wireless revenues (in billions) Wireless retail connections (in millions) 4G LTE devices (in millions) $87.6 $91.7 $81.0 108.2 112.1 102.8 84.4 67.4 42.7 2013 2014 2015 2013 2014 2015 2013 2014 2015 www.verizon.com/2015AnnualReport 2015 Annual Report 6 Chairman’s letter lives: they view most of their video online, discover most of their content on a mobile device and put a premium on services that are digital-first, on- demand and personalized to their individual needs. We cannot succeed with these new customers by doing more of the same; rather, we need to innovate and evolve our products around what the digital-first customer wants. for about one-third of Fios Video sales. We simplified complicated wireless price plans and data packages into easy-to- understand buckets labeled Small, Medium, Large and X-Large. We know we have much more work to do to make ourselves easier to do busi- ness with, but this is a healthy process that’s helping us clear out the obsolete or overly complex practices that have grown up in our business and focus on what’s most important to customers. To start with, we are using our “better matters” mantra to examine the way we interface with customers at every touch point —  from the experience in our stores to the buying process on our website —  and are making it easier for customers to transact more of their business with us online. We listened to customers’ frustration with the 300- channel bundle of TV stations that bloat the traditional cable pack- age and introduced a smaller bundle called Custom TV that now accounts We have also come together around a simple, powerful purpose: to deliver the promise of the digital world. We deliver on that promise every day by connecting millions of customers to what they need most and providing the infrastructure that makes the global economy work. Moreover, we’re using our resources to help create the next generation of innovators. Through the Verizon Foundation, we work with edu- cators across the country to create hands-on, technology- driven models for learning that are showing great promise in equipping young people for the jobs of the future. Our pro- grams help students develop specific skills like coding, as well as the broader life skills of critical thinking, collaboration and entrepreneurship. As a result, young people in these programs are more interested in studying science, technology, engi- neering and math, and in pursuing careers in these areas. Education is just one social challenge being trans- formed by the possibilities of smart technologies. For more on what we’re doing to create smarter, more sus- tainable communities, see our 2015 Corporate Responsibility Report. On the strategic front, we made a major move in the mobile media marketplace by acquiring AOL in June 2015. With AOL, we now have a highly sophisticated mobile adver- tising platform, as well as popular online content like the Huffington 2015 Annual Report www.verizon.com/2015AnnualReport Chairman’s letter 7 Post, Engadget and TechCrunch. We also launched a mobile-first social entertainment platform called go90, with content aimed at the millennial customer —  an app we’ve described as Hulu meets Twitter. Go90 offers customers a whole different experi- ence than they get from linear TV and, while it’s early in the game, we have been able to strike content deals with such partners as the NFL, the NBA, Awesomeness TV, Vice Media and major advertisers who are interested in reaching the young, highly mobile viewer who may not subscribe to traditional video services. With the global market for mobile commerce already at $48 billion and growing, the intersection of digital and mobile represents a significant incremental growth opportunity for Verizon. The other new business opportunity for us is the Internet of Things (IoT), which brings connected solutions to the physical environment. Already, IoT is creating a new revenue stream for Verizon, with revenues of about $690 million in 2015, up 18 percent year over year. We have a strong and growing presence in the field of telematics through which we help companies manage large fleets of vehicles and provide connected car services to manufacturers such as Mercedes Benz. We launched several products in this space in 2015, includ- ing hum, a connected car solution; GridWide, a smart energy product; Intelligent Lighting, which manages lighting in cities and industrial sites; and an agricultural technology solution that manages water resources and monitors crop conditions in large farms. We also created a platform called ThingSpace for developers of IoT applications, which enables developers to use our 4G LTE network to launch their products. ThingSpace is already hosting more than 4,000 developers, in just its first few months of operation. IoT is creating a new revenue stream for Verizon. They also leverage our concerted efforts to accelerate our innovation flywheel by establishing product development groups in Silicon Valley and Los Angeles to augment our exist- ing Innovation Centers in Waltham, Massachusetts and San Francisco. Because we anticipated the shift to mobile video, we are now a leader in the complex art of delivering advertising and video content in a TV- everywhere world. Our core wireless and wireline businesses benefit from these efforts also, as we continue to add to our prod- uct lineup with enhancements such as Fios Custom TV. These moves into digital video and IoT build on a foundation we’ve laid with several years’ worth of strategic acqui- sitions and business development. We are just at the beginning of the evolution to mobile-first video and IoT deployment. As these platforms Fios Internet subscribers (in millions) Fios Video subscribers (in millions) Wireline consumer retail revenue (in billions) 6.6 7.0 6.1 5.6 5.8 5.3 $15.6 $16.1 $14.8 2013 2014 2015 2013 2014 2015 2013 2014 2015 www.verizon.com/2015AnnualReport 2015 Annual Report 8 Chairman’s letter become widespread, they will drive more and more traffic on our wire- less and broadband networks. More broadly, they will be the central eco- system for technology development, unleashing a cascade of innovations with the potential to make our lives richer and our society safer and smarter in such fields as healthcare, education, energy management and smart cities. Also, the markets for these services are global, giving us a new, less capital- intensive path to expand the Verizon brand globally. For all these reasons, we believe these are big, scalable businesses that leverage our core assets and will contribute meaningfully to our growth in the next three to five years. Delivering results Underpinning Verizon’s transformation is our continued attention to the funda- mentals of the business. Thanks to our management team’s unrelenting oper- ational discipline and the incomparable dedication of our front-line employees, our wireless and wireline businesses are executing well, based on our core attributes of network quality, customer service and efficiency. The result is another year of growth and profitabil- ity. Cash flows from operating activities totaled $38.9 billion in 2015, compared with $30.6 billion in 2014. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded year over year to 35.4 percent, evidence of our rigorous attention to improving the efficiency of our operating model and freeing up resources that can be used to move the business forward. Our strong cash flows support con- sistent investment in networks and a record of dividend increases that now stands at nine consecutive years. We’re committed to setting the standard for excellence in our industry, now and in the future. We continued to sharpen our strategic focus in 2015 with the planned sale of some telecom properties to Frontier (expected to close at the end of the first quarter of 2016) and the monetiza- tion of certain tower assets. We used some of the proceeds to return value to shareowners in the form of an accel- erated stock repurchase in 2015 and plan to further repay debt in 2016. Our balance sheet is strong, and we remain on target with the debt reduction out- lined at the time of our acquisition of Vodafone’s interest in Verizon Wireless. We are committed to returning to our pre- Vodafone transaction credit rating profile in the 2018–2019 time frame. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for 2015 were $3.99, up 19.1 percent over $3.35 in adjusted EPS in 2014. Total return to shareowners for the year was 3.5 percent, which reflects more than $13.5 billion in dividends and stock repurchases and exceeds the performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 for 2015. We remain confident in the performance of our core businesses and believe that our strategy of deliv- ering strong operating results and creating new business models will fuel our growth over the long term. Delivering the future Not many companies can trans- form their businesses in a time of accelerating change. It requires a management team that can do many things at once: maintain a strong core business, bring totally new products and technologies to market, remain financially sound, and stay true to their values. While we haven’t chosen the easy road, I am confi- dent we will prevail —  as we have in the past —  because we’re willing to disrupt the industry, rather than wait to be disrupted. Most of all, we will win because we have the two things that are essential to any company that succeeds over the long term: a strong, customer- centric culture and an essential role in making the world a better place. I am grateful to our leadership team and our Board for their courage and guidance through this exciting period of our history. Our employees embody the values at the heart of our Credo, and I continue to marvel at their dedi- cation to customers and willingness to embrace change as we transform our company for the future. More change is coming, but no matter how fast the flywheel spins, we will remain true to the values and strengths that have made us great. We’re committed to setting the standard for excellence in our industry, now and in the future. Our best years are ahead of us. Lowell McAdam Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Verizon Communications Inc. 2015 Annual Report www.verizon.com/2015AnnualReport Selected Financial Data Results of Operations Operating revenues Operating income Net income attributable to Verizon Per common share — basic Per common share — diluted Cash dividends declared per common share Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Financial Position Total assets Debt maturing within one year Long-term debt Employee benefit obligations Noncontrolling interests Equity attributable to Verizon Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 9 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) $ 131,620 $ 127,079 $ 120,550 $ 115,846 $ 110,875 33,060 17,879 4.38 4.37 2.230 496 19,599 9,625 2.42 2.42 2.160 2,331 31,968 11,497 4.01 4.00 2.090 12,050 13,160 12,880 875 .31 .31 2.030 9,682 2,404 .85 .85 1.975 7,794 $ 244,640 $ 232,616 $ 273,654 $ 222,911 $ 228,194 6,489 103,705 29,957 1,414 2,735 110,536 33,280 1,378 16,428 12,298 3,933 89,658 27,682 56,580 38,836 4,369 47,618 34,346 52,376 33,157 4,849 50,303 32,957 49,938 35,970 • Significant events affecting our historical earnings trends in 2013 through 2015 are described in “Other Items” in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section. • 2012 data includes severance, pension and benefit charges, early debt redemption costs and litigation settlement charges. 2011 data includes severance, pension and benefit charges and early debt redemption costs. Stock Performance Graph Comparison of Five-Year Total Return Among Verizon, S&P 500 Telecommunications Services Index and S&P 500 Stock Index s r a l l o D $200 $180 $160 $140 $120 $100 $80 $60 Verizon S&P 500 Telecom Services S&P 500 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Data Points in Dollars Verizon S&P 500 Telecom Services S&P 500 2010 100.0 100.0 100.0 2011 118.3 106.3 102.1 2012 133.9 125.7 118.4 2013 158.5 140.0 156.7 2014 157.7 144.2 178.1 2015 163.2 149.0 180.6 At December 31, The graph compares the cumulative total returns of Verizon, the S&P 500 Telecommunications Services Index, and the S&P 500 Stock Index over a five-year period. It assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2010 with dividends being reinvested. 10 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 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 governmental agencies. With a presence around the world, we offer voice, data and video services and solutions on our wireless and wireline networks that are designed to meet customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control. We have two reportable segments, Wireless and Wireline. Our wireless business, operating as Verizon Wireless, provides voice and data services and equipment sales across the United States (U.S.) using one of the most extensive and reliable wireless networks. Our wireline business provides consumer, business and government customers with communications products and enhanced services, including broadband data and video, corporate networking solutions, data center and cloud services, security and managed network services and local and long distance voice services, and also owns and operates one of the most expansive end-to-end global Internet Protocol (IP) networks. We have a highly skilled, diverse and dedicated workforce of approximately 177,700 employees as of December 31, 2015. To compete effectively in today’s dynamic marketplace, we are focused on transforming around the capabilities of our high- performing networks with a goal of future growth based on delivering what customers want and need in the new digital world. Our three tier strategy is to lead at the network connectivity level in the markets we serve, develop new business models through global platforms in video and Internet of Things (IoT) and create certain opportunities in applica- tions and content for incremental monetization. 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 optic network that supports our businesses, maintain our networks and develop and maintain sig- nificant 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. Our network leadership will continue to be the hallmark of our brand, and provide the fundamental strength at the connectivity, platform and solutions layers upon which we build our competitive advantage. Strategic Transactions Spectrum Auction In January 2015, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) completed an auction of 65 MHz of spectrum in the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS)-3 band. We participated in that auction and were the high bidder on 181 spectrum licenses, for which we paid cash of approximately $10.4 billion. The FCC granted us these spectrum licenses in April 2015. Acquisition of AOL Inc. On May 12, 2015, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement) with AOL Inc. (AOL) pursuant to which we commenced a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of AOL at a price of $50.00 per share, net to the seller in cash, without interest and less any applicable withholding taxes. On June 23, 2015, we completed the tender offer and merger, and AOL became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Verizon. The aggregate cash consideration paid by Verizon at the closing of these transactions was approximately $3.8 billion. Holders of approximately 6.6 million shares exercised appraisal rights under Delaware law. If they had not exercised these rights, Verizon would have paid an additional $330 million for such shares at the closing. AOL is a leader in the digital content and advertising platform space. Verizon has been investing in emerging technology that taps into the market shift to digital content and advertising. AOL’s business model aligns with this approach, and we believe that its combination of owned and operated content properties plus a digital advertising platform enhances our ability to further develop future revenue streams. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information. Access Line Sale On February 5, 2015, we announced that we have entered into a defin- itive agreement with Frontier Communications Corporation (Frontier) pursuant to which Verizon will sell its local exchange business and related landline activities in California, Florida and Texas, including Fios Internet and video customers, switched and special access lines and high-speed Internet service and long distance voice accounts in these three states for approximately $10.5 billion (approximately $7.5 billion net of income taxes), subject to certain adjustments and including the assumption of $0.6 billion of indebtedness from Verizon by Frontier. The transaction, which includes the acquisition by Frontier of the equity interests of Verizon’s incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) in California, Florida and Texas, does not involve any assets or liabilities of Verizon Wireless. The assets and liabilities that will be sold are currently included in Verizon’s continuing operations and classified as assets held for sale and liabilities related to assets held for sale on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015. The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions including, among others, receipt of federal approvals from the FCC and the antitrust authorities and state regulatory approvals. All federal and state regulatory approvals have been obtained. We expect this trans- action to close at the end of the first quarter of 2016. Based on the number of voice connections and Fios Internet and video subscribers, respectively, as of December 31, 2015, the transaction will result in Frontier acquiring approximately 3.4 million voice connections, 1.6 million Fios Internet subscribers, 1.2 million Fios video subscribers and the related ILEC businesses from Verizon. Tower Monetization Transaction 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 (the Tower Monetization Transaction). Under the terms of the leases, American Tower has exclusive rights to lease and operate the towers over an average term of approximately 28 years. As the leases expire, American Tower has fixed-price purchase options to acquire these towers based on their anticipated fair market values at the end of the lease terms. As part of this transaction, we sold 162 towers for $0.1 billion. We have subleased capacity on the towers from American Tower for a minimum of 10 years at current market rates, with options to renew. We have accounted for the upfront payment as deferred rent and as a financing obligation. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 11 Wireless Transaction On February 21, 2014, we completed the acquisition of Vodafone Group Plc’s (Vodafone) indirect 45% interest in Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless for aggregate consideration of approximately $130 billion (the Wireless Transaction). The consideration paid was primarily comprised of cash of approximately $58.89 billion and Verizon common stock with a value of approximately $61.3 billion. With full control of Verizon Wireless enhancing our operational effi- ciency, we believe we are well- positioned to meet the challenges of an increasingly competitive industry. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information. Business Overview Wireless In our Wireless business, revenues grew 4.6% during 2015 driven by a 54.4% increase in equipment revenue as a result of an increase in device sales, primarily smartphones, under the Verizon device payment program (formerly known as Verizon Edge), partially offset by a decline in device sales under our traditional fixed-term service plans. Customers on our fixed-term service plans have historically paid higher fees for their wireless service in exchange for the ability to purchase their wireless devices at subsidized prices. Under the Verizon device payment program, our eligible wireless customers purchase phones or tablets at unsubsidized prices on an installment basis (a device installment plan). Customers that activate service on devices purchased under the device payment program or on a compatible device that they already own pay lower service fees (unsubsidized service pricing) as compared to those under our fixed- term service plans. The increase in activations of devices purchased under the Verizon device payment program has resulted in a relative shift of revenue from service revenue to equipment revenue and caused a change in the timing of the recognition of revenue. This shift in revenue was the result of recognizing a higher amount of equipment revenue at the time of sale of devices under the device payment program. For the year ended December 31, 2015, phone activations under the Verizon device payment program represented approximately 54% of retail postpaid phones activated compared to approximately 18% during 2014. During the fourth quarter of 2015, phone activations under the Verizon device payment program represented approx- imately 67% of retail postpaid phones activated. At December 31, 2015, approximately 29% of our retail postpaid phone connections participated in the Verizon device payment program compared to approximately 8% at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2015, approximately 42% of our retail postpaid phone connections were on unsubsidized service pricing. At December 31, 2015, retail postpaid connections were 4.4% higher than at December 31, 2014, with smartphones representing 84% of our retail postpaid phone base at December 31, 2015 compared to 79% at December 31, 2014. In August 2015, we launched a simplified shared data plan, the Verizon Plan, that offers customers various sizes of data packages that can be shared among up to 10 devices on a customer’s account. New customers who wish to participate in this new plan can do so by purchasing a device from Verizon either under our device payment program or at full retail, or by using their own compatible device. In addition, our current customers have the option of either moving to the Verizon Plan, subject to certain restrictions, or keeping their existing plan. We are focusing our wireless capital spending on adding capacity and density to our fourth generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, which is available to over 98% of the U.S. population in more than 500 markets covering approximately 312 million people, including those in areas served by our LTE in Rural America partners. Approximately 91% of our total data traffic in December 2015 was carried on our 4G LTE network. We are investing in the densification of our network by utilizing small cell technology, in- building solutions and distributed antenna solutions. Densification enables us to add capacity to manage mobile video consumption and demand for IoT, as well as position us for future fifth- generation (5G) technology. In 2015, we announced our commitment to developing and deploying 5G wireless technology. We are working with key partners to ensure the aggressive pace of innovation, standards development and appropriate require- ments for this next generation of wireless technology. Wireline In our Wireline business, revenues declined 1.8% during 2015 primarily due to revenue declines in Global Enterprise resulting from lower voice services and data networking revenues, as well as the negative impact of foreign exchange rates. To compensate for the shrinking market for traditional voice service, we continue to build our Wireline segment around data, video and advanced business services —  areas where demand for reliable high-speed connections is growing. The decrease in revenues in our Wireline segment was partially offset by revenue increases in Consumer retail driven by Fios. During the year ended December 31, 2015, Fios represented approximately 79% of Consumer retail revenue compared to approximately 76% in 2014. As the pen- etration of Fios products increases, we continue to seek ways to increase revenue and further realize operating and capital efficiencies as well as maximize profitability. As more applications are developed for this high-speed service, we expect that Fios will become a hub for managing multiple home services that will eventually be part of the digital grid, including not just entertainment and communications, but also IoT technology used to support wireless communications in areas such as home monitoring, health monitoring, energy management and utilities management. We continue to develop offerings on our Fios platform. During 2015, Verizon announced the introduction of Fios Custom TV, which offers customers the option of purchasing a package of channels that includes a base set of select national networks and local broadcast stations plus their choice of two sets of channels grouped into various content categories, such as news, sports and entertainment. Customers can add more sets of categorized channels to their Custom TV package for an additional monthly fee. As with all Fios TV packages, Custom TV customers also receive the Fios Local Package, which contains local versions of the Fox, CBS, NBCU, and ABC broadcast stations and other similar local content. Capital Expenditures and Investments We continue to invest in our wireless network, high-speed fiber and other advanced technologies to position ourselves at the center of growth trends for the future. During 2015, these investments included $17.8 billion for capital expenditures and $9.9 billion for acquisitions of wireless licenses. In addition, we acquired AOL to enhance our digital media and advertising capabilities. See “Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities” and Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for addi- tional information. We believe that our investments aimed at expanding our portfolio of products and services will provide our customers with an even more efficient, reliable infrastructure for competing in the infor- mation economy. 12 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Trends In the sections that follow, we provide information about the important aspects of our operations and investments, both at the consolidated and segment levels, and discuss our results of operations, financial position and sources and uses of cash. In addition, we highlight key trends and uncertainties to the extent practicable. The industries that we operate in are highly competitive, which we expect to continue particularly as traditional, non- traditional and emerging service providers seek increased market share. We believe that our high- quality customer base and superior networks differ- entiate us from our competitors and enable us to provide enhanced communications experiences to our customers. We believe our focus on the fundamentals of running a good business, including operating excellence and financial discipline, gives us the ability to plan and manage through changing economic and competitive conditions. We will continue to invest for growth, which we believe is the key to creating value for our shareowners. We are investing in innovative technology, like wireless networks and high-speed fiber, as well as the platforms that will position us to capture incremental profitable growth in new areas, like mobile video and IoT, to position ourselves at the center of growth trends of the future. Connection and Operating Trends In our Wireless segment, we expect to continue to attract and maintain the loyalty of high- quality retail postpaid customers, capitalizing on demand for data services and bringing our customers new ways of using wireless services in their daily lives. We expect that future connection growth will be driven by smartphones, tablets and other connected devices. We believe these devices will attract and retain higher value retail postpaid connections, contribute to continued increases in the penetration of data services and help us remain competitive with other wireless carriers. We expect future growth opportunities will be dependent on expanding the penetration of our network services, offering innovative wireless devices for both consumer and business customers and increasing the number of ways that our customers can connect with our network and services, and we expect to manage churn by focusing on improving the customer experience through simplified pricing and better execution in our distri- bution channels. Service and equipment pricing play an important role in the wireless competitive landscape. As the demand for wireless services continues to grow, wireless service providers are offering service plans that include unlimited voice minutes and text messages and a specific amount of data access in varying megabyte or gigabyte sizes or, in some cases, unlimited data usage at competitive prices. Some wireless service providers also allow customers to roll over unused data allowances to the next billing period. Furthermore, some wireless service providers offer price plans to new customers that undercut pricing under the customer’s service plan with its current wireless provider. Some wireless providers also offer promotional pricing and incentives targeted specifically to customers of Verizon Wireless. Many wireless service providers, as well as equipment manufac- turers, offer device payment options that decouple service pricing from equipment pricing and blur the traditional boundary between prepaid and postpaid plans. These payment options include device installment plans, which provide customers with the ability to pay for their device over a period of time, and device leasing arrangements. Historically, wireless service providers offered customers wireless plans whereby, in exchange for the customer entering into a fixed-term service agreement, the wireless service providers significantly, and in some cases fully, subsidized the customer’s device purchase. Wireless providers recovered those subsidies through higher service fees as compared to those paid by customers on device installment plans. We and many other wireless providers have limited or discontinued the use of device subsidies. As a result of the increased penetration of device installment plans, we expect the number of customers on plans with unsubsidized service pricing to continue to grow in 2016. We compete in this area by offering our customers services and devices that we believe they will regard as the best available value for the price, while meeting their wireless service needs. In our Wireline segment, we have experienced continuing access line losses as customers have disconnected both primary and secondary lines and switched to alternative technologies such as wireless, voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) and cable for voice and data services. We expect to continue to experience access line losses as customers continue to switch to alternate technologies. We also expect Consumer retail revenues to increase, primarily driven by our Fios services, as we seek to increase our penetration rates within our Fios service areas. Despite this challenging environment, we expect that we will be able to grow key aspects of our Wireline segment by providing network reliability, offering product bundles that include broadband Internet access, digital television and local and long distance voice services, offering more robust IP products and services, and accelerating our cloud computing and IoT strategies. We will also continue to focus on cost efficiencies to attempt to offset adverse impacts from unfavorable economic conditions and competitive pressures. Operating Revenue We expect to experience revenue growth in our Wireless segment in 2016, primarily as a result of an increase in the sale of devices under the Verizon device payment program. The increase in activations of these devices with unsubsidized service pricing results in a relative shift of revenue from service revenue to equipment revenue and causes a change in the timing of the recognition of revenue. This shift in revenue is the result of recognizing a higher amount of equipment revenue at the time of sale of devices under the device payment program. As a result of the increased penetration of device installment plans, we expect the number of customers on plans with unsubsidized service pricing to continue to grow in 2016. We expect Fios broadband and video penetration to positively impact our Mass Markets revenue and subscriber base. Although we have experienced revenue declines in our Global Enterprise business, we expect our Global Enterprise business to be positively impacted by additional revenues from application services, such as our cloud, security and other solutions-based services and from continued customer migration of their services to Private IP and other strategic networking services. We believe the trend in these growth areas as well as our offerings in telematics and video streaming will help offset the continuing decline in revenues in our Wireline segment related to retail voice connection losses and the continued decline in our legacy wholesale and enterprise markets. We are focused on developing new products and services as well as commercial models in mobile video and the IoT to monetize usage on our networks and expand our revenue mix. Although we do not expect to realize material incremental revenues from these initiatives in 2016, we expect these initiatives will have a long-term positive impact on revenues. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 13 Consolidated Results of Operations In this section, we discuss our overall results of operations and highlight items of a non- operational nature that are not included in our segment results. We have two reportable segments, Wireless and Wireline, which we operate and manage as strategic business units and organize by products and services. In “Segment Results of Operations,” we review the performance of our two report- able segments. On February 21, 2014, we completed the acquisition of Vodafone’s indirect 45% interest in Verizon Wireless. As a result, for 2014 our results reflect our 55% ownership of Verizon Wireless through the closing of the Wireless Transaction and reflect our full ownership of Verizon Wireless from the closing of the Wireless Transaction through December 31, 2014. Corporate and other includes the operations of AOL and related businesses, unallocated corporate expenses, the results of other businesses, such as our investments in unconsolidated businesses, pension and other employee benefit related costs and lease financing. Effective January 1, 2014, we have also reclassified the results of certain businesses, such as development stage businesses that support our strategic initiatives, from our Wireline segment to Corporate and other. The impact of this reclassification was not material to our consolidated financial statements or our segment results of operations. Corporate and other also includes the historical results of divested operations and other adjustments and gains and losses that are not allocated in assessing segment performance due to their non- operational nature. Although such transactions are excluded from the business segment results, they are included in reported consolidated earnings. Gains and losses that are not individually sig- nificant are included in all segment results as these items are included in the chief operating decision maker’s assessment of segment perfor- mance. We believe that this presentation assists users of our financial statements in better understanding our results of operations and trends from period to period. On July 1, 2014, our Wireline segment sold a non- strategic business (see “Acquisitions and Divestitures”). Accordingly, the historical Wireline results for these operations, which were not material to our consolidated financial statements or our segment results of operations, have been reclassified to Corporate and other to reflect comparable segment operating results. The results of operations related to this divestiture included within Corporate and other are as follows: Years Ended December 31, Impact of Divested Operations (dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Operating revenues Cost of services Selling, general and administrative $ expense – – – $ 256 239 $ 599 531 5 25 Operating Costs and Expenses We anticipate our overall wireless operating costs will increase as a result of the expected increase in the volume of smartphone sales, which will result in higher equipment costs. In addition, we expect content costs for our Fios video service to continue to increase. We also expect to incur costs related to the development of new products and services in mobile video and IoT. However, we expect to achieve certain cost efficiencies in 2016 and beyond as we continue to stream- line our business processes with a focus on improving productivity and increasing profitability. Upon the closing of the sale of our local exchange business and related landline activities in California, Florida and Texas, we expect that our Wireline segment EBITDA margin and operating income margin will decline. We expect to continue to undertake initiatives, including headcount and organizational realignment initiatives, to address our cost structure to mitigate this impact to our consolidated margins. Cash Flow from Operations We create value for our shareowners by investing the cash flows generated by our business in opportunities and transactions that support continued profitable growth, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and usage of our products and services. In addition, we have used our cash flows to maintain and grow our dividend payout to shareowners. Verizon’s Board of Directors increased the Company’s quarterly dividend by 2.7% during 2015, making this the ninth consecu- tive year in which we have raised our dividend. Our goal is to use our cash to create long-term value for our share- holders. We will continue to look for investment opportunities that will help us to grow the business, acquire spectrum licenses (see “Cash Flows from Investing Activities”), pay dividends to our shareholders and, when appropriate, buy back shares of our outstanding common stock (see “Cash Flows from Financing Activities”). We expect to use the proceeds from the Frontier transaction to reduce our debt levels. We also remain committed to returning to our pre Wireless Transaction credit- rating profile in the 2018 to 2019 timeframe. Capital Expenditures Our 2016 capital program includes capital to fund advanced networks and services, including 4G LTE and Fios, the continued expansion of our core networks, including our IP and data center enhancements, and support for our copper-based legacy voice networks and other expenditures to drive operating efficiencies. The level and the timing of the Company’s capital expenditures within these broad catego- ries can vary significantly as a result of a variety of factors outside our control, including, for example, material weather events. We are replacing copper wire with fiber-optic cable which will not alter our capital program but should result in lower maintenance costs in the future. Capital expenditures were $17.8 billion in 2015 and $17.2 billion in 2014. We believe that we have significant discretion over the amount and timing of our capital expenditures on a Company-wide basis as we are not subject to any agreement that would require significant capital expenditures on a designated schedule or upon the occurrence of designated events. We expect capital expenditures in 2016, which will be primarily focused on adding capacity to our 4G LTE network in order to stay ahead of our customers’ increasing data demands, to be in the range of approximately $17.2 billion to $17.7 billion. This includes capital spending up to approximately $150 million for the properties to be sold to Frontier. 14 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Consolidated Revenues Years Ended December 31, Wireless Service Equipment Other Total Wireline Mass Markets Global Enterprise Global Wholesale Other Total Corporate and other Eliminations Consolidated Revenues 2015 2014 2013 2015 vs. 2014 $ 70,396 $ 72,630 $ 69,033 8,111 3,879 81,023 16,924 4,360 91,680 10,959 4,057 87,646 18,473 12,943 5,979 325 37,720 3,444 (1,224) 17,383 14,156 6,560 525 38,624 2,113 (1,210) $ 131,620 $ 127,079 $ 120,550 18,047 13,649 6,190 543 38,429 2,144 (1,140) $ $ (3.1)% $ (2,234) 5,965 54.4 7.5 4.6 303 4,034 426 (706) (211) (218) (709) 2.4 (5.2) (3.4) (40.1) (1.8) 1,300 60.6 7.4 3.6 (84) 4,541 $ (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) 2014 vs. 2013 3,597 2,848 178 6,623 664 (507) (370) 18 (195) 31 70 6,529 5.2 % 35.1 4.6 8.2 3.8 (3.6) (5.6) 3.4 (0.5) 1.5 (5.8) 5.4 2015 Compared to 2014 The increase in consolidated revenues during 2015 was primarily due to higher equipment revenues in our Wireless segment, higher revenues as a result of the acquisition of AOL and higher Mass Markets revenues driven by Fios services at our Wireline segment. Partially offsetting these increases were lower Service revenues at our Wireless segment and lower Global Enterprise revenues at our Wireline segment. Wireless’ revenues increased $4.0 billion, or 4.6%, during 2015 primarily as a result of growth in equipment revenue. Equipment revenue increased by $6.0 billion, or 54.4% during 2015 as a result of an increase in device sales, primarily smartphones, under the Verizon device payment program, partially offset by a decline in device sales under traditional fixed-term service plans. Service revenue, which does not include recurring device installment billings related to the Verizon device payment program, decreased by $2.2 billion, or 3.1%, during 2015 primarily driven by an increase in the activation of devices purchased under the Verizon device payment program on plans with unsubsidized service pricing. The increase in these activations resulted in a relative shift of revenue from service revenue to equipment revenue and caused a change in the timing of the recognition of revenue. This shift in revenue was the result of recognizing a higher amount of equipment revenue at the time of sale of devices under the device payment program. During the year ended December 31, 2015, phone activations under the Verizon device payment program represented approximately 54% of retail postpaid phones activated compared to approximately 18% during 2014. During the fourth quarter of 2015, phone activations under the Verizon device payment program represented approximately 67% of retail postpaid phones activated. At December 31, 2015, approximately 29% of our retail postpaid phone connections participated in the Verizon device payment program compared to approximately 8% at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2015, approximately 42% of our retail postpaid phone connections were on unsubsidized service pricing. Service revenue plus recurring device installment billings related to the Verizon device payment program increased 2.0% during 2015. Retail postpaid connection net additions decreased during 2015 primarily due to a decrease in retail postpaid connection gross additions, partially offset by a lower retail postpaid connection churn rate. Retail postpaid connections per account increased as of December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014, primarily due to increases in Internet devices. Wireline’s revenues decreased $0.7 billion, or 1.8%, during 2015 primarily as a result of declines in Global Enterprise, partially offset by higher Mass Markets revenues driven by Fios services. Mass Markets revenues increased $0.4 billion, or 2.4%, during 2015 primarily due to the expansion of Fios services (voice, internet and video), including our Fios Quantum offerings, as well as changes in our pricing strategies, partially offset by the continued decline of local exchange revenues. Global Enterprise revenues decreased $0.7 billion, or 5.2%, during 2015 primarily due to lower voice services and data networking revenues, lower networking solutions revenues, a decline in customer premise equipment revenues and the negative impact of foreign exchange rates. Corporate and other revenues increased $1.3 billion, or 60.6%, during 2015 primarily as a result of the acquisition of AOL, which was completed on June 23, 2015. 2014 Compared to 2013 The increase in consolidated revenues during 2014 was primarily due to higher revenues at Wireless, as well as higher Mass Markets revenues driven by Fios services at our Wireline segment. Partially off- setting these increases were lower Global Enterprise Core and Global Wholesale revenues at our Wireline segment. Wireless’ revenues increased $6.6 billion, or 8.2%, during 2014 primarily as a result of growth in service revenue and equipment revenue. The increase in service revenue, which does not include recurring equipment installment billings related to the Verizon device payment program, during 2014 was primarily driven by higher retail postpaid service revenue, which increased largely as a result of an increase in retail postpaid connections as well as the continued increase in penetration of 4G LTE smartphones and tablets through our More Everything plans. Retail postpaid connection net additions increased during 2014 primarily due to an increase in retail postpaid connection gross additions partially offset by an increase in our retail postpaid connection churn rate. Retail postpaid connections per account increased as of December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014 primarily due to the increased penetration of tablets. Equipment revenue increased during 2014 primarily due to an increase in device sales under both traditional fixed-term service plans and the Verizon device payment program. Wireline’s revenues decreased $0.2 billion, or 0.5%, during 2014 primarily as a result of declines in Global Enterprise Core and Global Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 15 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Wholesale, partially offset by higher Mass Markets revenues driven by Fios services and increased Strategic services revenues within Global Enterprise. Mass Markets revenues increased $0.7 billion, or 3.8%, during 2014 primarily due to the expansion of Fios services (voice, internet and video), including our Fios Quantum offerings, as well as changes in our pricing strategies, partially offset by the continued decline of local exchange revenues. Global Enterprise revenues decreased $0.5 billion, or 3.6%, during 2014 primarily due to lower voice services and data networking revenues, the contraction of market rates due to competition and a decline in Core customer premise equipment revenues. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in Strategic services revenues, primarily due to growth in our application services, such as our cloud and data center offerings and contact center solutions. Global Wholesale revenues decreased $0.4 billion, or 5.6%, during 2014 primarily due to a decline in data revenues driven by the continuing demand for high-speed digital data services from fiber- to-the-cell customers upgrading their core data circuits to Ethernet facilities, as well as a decline in traditional voice revenues. During 2014, we also experienced a decline in domestic wholesale connections. Consolidated Operating Expenses (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) Years Ended December 31, Cost of services Wireless cost of equipment Selling, general and administrative expense Depreciation and amortization expense Consolidated Operating Expenses 2014 2015 2013 $ 29,438 $ 28,306 $ 28,534 16,353 27,089 16,606 $ 98,560 $ 107,480 $ 88,582 23,119 29,986 16,017 21,625 41,016 16,533 $ 2015 vs. 2014 1,132 1,494 (11,030) (516) (8,920) $ 2014 vs. 2013 (228) 4.0 % $ 6.9 (26.9) (3.1) (8.3) 5,272 13,927 (73) $ 18,898 (0.8)% 32.2 51.4 (0.4) 21.3 Consolidated operating expenses decreased during 2015 primarily due to non- operational credits recorded in 2015 as compared to non- operational charges recorded in 2014 (see “Other Items”). Consolidated operating expenses increased during 2014 primarily due to non- operational charges recorded in 2014 as compared to non- operational credits recorded in 2013 (see “Other Items”) as well as increased operating expenses at Wireless. 2015 Compared to 2014 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 adminis- trative expense. Cost of services increased during 2015 primarily due to an increase in costs as a result of the acquisition of AOL, higher rent expense as a result of an increase in wireless macro and small cell sites, higher wireless network costs from an increase in fiber facilities supporting network capacity expansion and densification, including the deployment of small cell technology, a volume- driven increase in costs related to the wireless device protection package offered to our customers as well as a $0.5 billion increase in content costs at our Wireline segment. Partially offsetting these increases were a $0.3 billion decline in employee costs and a $0.3 billion decline in access costs at our Wireline segment. Also offsetting the increase was a decrease in Cost of services reflected in the results of operations related to a non- strategic Wireline business that was divested on July 1, 2014. Wireless Cost of Equipment Wireless cost of equipment increased during 2015 primarily as a result of an increase in the average cost per unit, driven by a shift to higher priced units in the mix of devices sold, partially offset by a decline in the number of units 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 in “Cost of Services” above. Selling, general and administrative expense decreased during 2015 primarily due to non- operational credits, primarily severance, pension and benefit credits, recorded in 2015 as compared to non- operational charges, primarily severance, pension and benefit charges, recorded in 2014 (see “Other Items”). Also contributing to this decrease was a decline in sales commission expense at our Wireless segment, which was driven by an increase in activations under the Verizon device payment program. The decrease is partially offset by an increase in bad debt expense at our Wireless segment. The increase in bad debt expense was primarily driven by a volume increase in our installment receivables, as the credit quality of our customers remained consistent throughout the periods presented. Depreciation and Amortization Expense Depreciation and amortization expense decreased during 2015 primarily due to $0.9 billion of depreciation and amortization expense not being recorded on our depreciable Wireline assets in California, Florida and Texas which were classified as held for sale as of February 5, 2015, partially offset by an increase in depreciable assets at our Wireless segment. We will not record depreciation and amortization expense on our depreciable Wireline assets in California, Florida and Texas through the closing of the transaction with Frontier, which is expected to occur at the end of the first quarter of 2016. 16 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued 2014 Compared to 2013 Wireless Cost of Equipment Wireless cost of equipment increased during 2014 primarily due to an increase in cost of equipment sales at our Wireless segment as a result of an increase in the number of devices sold as well as an increase in the cost per unit. Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expense increased during 2014 primarily due to non- operational charges, primarily severance, pension and benefit charges, recorded in 2014 as compared to non- operational credits, primarily severance, pension and benefit credits, recorded in 2013 (see “Other Items”). Depreciation and Amortization Expense Depreciation and amortization expense decreased during 2014 primarily due to a decrease in net depreciable assets at our Wireline segment, partially offset by an increase in depreciable assets at our Wireless segment. Non- operational (Credits) Charges Non- operational (credits) charges included in operating expenses (see “Other Items”) were as follows: Years Ended December 31, Severance, Pension and Benefit (Credits) Charges (dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Selling, general and administrative expense $ (2,256) Gain on Spectrum License $ 7,507 $ (6,232) Transactions Selling, general and administrative expense Other Costs Cost of services and sales Selling, general and administrative expense (254) (707) (278) – – – 27 307 334 – – – Total non- operating (credits) charges included in operating expenses $ (2,510) $ 7,134 $ (6,510) See “Other Items” for a description of these and other non- operational items. Consolidated Operating Income and EBITDA Consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amor- tization expenses (Consolidated EBITDA) and Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, which are presented below, are non-GAAP measures and do not purport to be alternatives to operating income as a measure of operating performance. Management believes that these measures are useful to 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 our competi- tors. Consolidated EBITDA is calculated by adding back interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization expense, equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated businesses and other income and (expense), net to net income. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by excluding the effect of non- operational items and the impact of divested operations from the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA. Management believes that this measure provides additional relevant and useful information to investors and other users of our financial data in evaluating the effectiveness of our operations and underlying business trends in a manner that is consistent with management’s evaluation of business performance. See “Other Items” for additional details regarding these non- operational items. Operating expenses include pension and benefit related credits and/or charges based on actuarial assumptions, including projected discount rates and an estimated return on plan assets. These estimates are updated in the fourth quarter to reflect actual return on plan assets and updated actuarial assumptions. The adjustment has been recognized in the income statement during the fourth quarter or upon a remea- surement event pursuant to our accounting policy for the recognition of actuarial gains/losses. It is management’s intent to provide non-GAAP financial information to enhance the understanding of Verizon’s GAAP financial informa- tion, 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. The non-GAAP financial information presented may be determined or calculated differently by other companies. Years Ended December 31, Consolidated Operating Income Add Depreciation and amortization expense Consolidated EBITDA Add (Less) Non- operating (credits) charges included in operating expenses Less Impact of divested operations Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (dollars in millions) 2015 $ 33,060 2014 $ 19,599 2013 $ 31,968 16,017 49,077 16,533 36,132 16,606 48,574 (2,510) – $ 46,567 7,134 (12) $ 43,254 (6,510) (43) $ 42,021 The changes in Consolidated Operating Income, Consolidated EBITDA and Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA in the table above were primarily a result of the factors described in connection with operating revenues and operating expenses. Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 17 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Other Consolidated Results Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Businesses Equity in earnings of unconsolidated businesses decreased $1.9 billion during 2015 and increased $1.6 billion during 2014 primarily due to the gain of $1.9 billion recorded on the sale of our interest in Vodafone Omnitel N.V. (the Omnitel Transaction, and such interest, the Omnitel Interest) during the first quarter of 2014, which was part of the consideration for the Wireless Transaction completed on February 21, 2014. Other Income and (Expense), Net Additional information relating to Other income and (expense), net is as follows: Years Ended December 31, Interest income Other, net Total nm - not meaningful 2015 115 71 186 $ $ 2014 108 (1,302) (1,194) $ $ 2013 64 (230) (166) $ $ $ 2015 vs. 2014 7 1,373 $ 1,380 6.5% nm nm $ $ (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) 2014 vs. 2013 44 (1,072) (1,028) 68.8% nm nm Other income and (expense), net changed favorably during 2015 and changed unfavorably during 2014 primarily driven by net early debt redemp- tion costs of $1.4 billion incurred in 2014 (see “Other Items”). Interest Expense (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) Years Ended December 31, Total interest costs on debt balances Less capitalized interest costs Total 2015 5,504 584 4,920 $ $ 2014 5,291 376 4,915 2013 $ 3,421 754 $ 2,667 $ $ 2015 vs. 2014 213 208 5 $ $ Average debt outstanding Effective interest rate $ 113,325 $ 108,461 $ 65,959 4.9% 4.9% 5.2% 4.0% $ 55.3 0.1 2014 vs. 2013 1,870 (378) 54.7 % (50.1) 84.3 $ 2,248 Total interest costs on debt balances increased during 2015 primarily due to a $4.9 billion increase in average debt (see “Consolidated Financial Condition”). Capitalized interest costs were higher in 2015 primarily due to an increase in wireless licenses that are currently under development, which was a result of our winning bid in the FCC spectrum license auction during 2015. The FCC granted us those wireless licenses on April 8, 2015 (see Note 2 for additional information). Total interest costs on debt balances increased during 2014 primarily due to the issuance of fixed and floating rate notes to finance the Wireless Transaction (see “Acquisitions and Divestitures”) resulting in an increase in average debt and a corresponding increase in interest expense, partially offset by a lower effective interest rate (see “Consolidated Financial Condition”). Capitalized interest costs were lower in 2014 primarily due to a decrease in wireless licenses that are currently under development, which was due to the deployment of AWS licenses for commercial service during 2014. 18 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Provision for Income Taxes Years Ended December 31, Provision for income taxes Effective income tax rate nm - not meaningful 2015 $ 9,865 2014 $ 3,314 2013 $ 5,730 2015 vs. 2014 6,551 $ nm $ 34.9% 21.7% 19.6% (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) 2014 vs. 2013 (2,416) (42.2)% The effective income tax rate is calculated by dividing the provision for income taxes by income before the provision for income taxes. The effective income tax rate for 2015 was 34.9% compared to 21.7% for 2014. The increase in the effective income tax rate and provision for income taxes was primarily due to the impact of higher income before income taxes due to severance, pension and benefit credits recorded in 2015 compared to severance, pension and benefit charges recorded in 2014, as well as tax benefits associated with the utilization of certain tax credits in 2014 in connection with the Omnitel Transaction. The 2014 effective income tax rate also included a benefit from the inclusion of income attributable to Vodafone’s noncontrolling interest in the Verizon Wireless partnership prior to the Wireless Transaction completed on February 21, 2014. The effective income tax rate for 2014 was 21.7% compared to 19.6% for 2013. The increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to additional income taxes on the incremental income from the Wireless Transaction completed on February 21, 2014 and was partially offset by the utilization of certain tax credits in connection with the Omnitel Transaction in 2014 and the effective income tax rate impact of lower income before income taxes due to severance, pension and benefit charges recorded in 2014 compared to severance, pension and benefit credits recorded in 2013. The decrease in the provision for income taxes was primarily due to lower income before income taxes due to severance, pension and benefit charges recorded in 2014 compared to severance, pension and benefit credits recorded in 2013. Our effective income tax rate differed significantly from the statutory federal income tax rate for 2013 due to the inclusion of income attrib- utable to Vodafone’s noncontrolling interest in the Verizon Wireless partnership for the full year within our income before the provision for income taxes. In 2013, we recorded a tax provision on income before the provision for income taxes and when we included the income attributable to Vodafone’s noncontrolling interest in the Verizon Wireless partnership in our income before the provision for income taxes it resulted in our effective income tax rate being 13.7 percentage points lower during 2013. A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate for each period is included in Note 12 to the consoli- dated financial statements. Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Years Ended December 31, Net income attributable to noncontrolling 2015 2014 2013 2015 vs. 2014 (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) 2014 vs. 2013 interests $ 496 $ 2,331 $ 12,050 $ (1,835) (78.7)% $ (9,719) (80.7)% The decrease in Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests during 2015 and 2014 was primarily due to the completion of the Wireless Transaction on February 21, 2014. As a result, our results reflect our 55% ownership interest of Verizon Wireless through the closing of the Wireless Transaction and reflect our full ownership of Verizon Wireless for the remainder of the year. The noncontrolling interests that remained after the completion of the Wireless Transaction primarily relate to wireless partnership entities. Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 19 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Segment Results of Operations We have two reportable segments, Wireless and Wireline, which we operate and manage as strategic business units and organize by products and services. 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. 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 as a measure of operating performance. Management believes that this measure is useful to 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. Wireless Segment EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Wireless Segment EBITDA by total Wireless revenues. Wireless Segment EBITDA service margin, also presented below, is calculated by dividing Wireless Segment EBITDA by Wireless service revenues. Wireless Segment EBITDA service margin utilizes service revenues rather than total revenues. Service revenues primarily exclude equipment revenues in order to reflect the impact of providing service to the wireless customer base on an ongoing basis. Wireline Segment EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Wireline Segment EBITDA by total Wireline revenues. You can find additional information about our segments in Note 13 to the consoli- dated financial statements. Wireless Our Wireless segment, doing business as Verizon Wireless, provides wireless communications services across one of the most extensive wireless networks in the United States. Verizon Wireless was formed as a joint venture in April 2000 by the combination of the U.S. wireless operations and interests of Verizon and Vodafone. Prior to the completion of the Wireless Transaction, Verizon owned a controlling 55% interest in Verizon Wireless and Vodafone owned the remaining 45%. On February 21, 2014, the Wireless Transaction was completed and Verizon acquired 100% ownership of Verizon Wireless. We provide these services and equipment sales to consumer, business and government customers in the United States on a postpaid and prepaid basis. Postpaid connections represent individual lines of service for which a customer is billed in advance a monthly access charge in return for a monthly network service allowance, and usage beyond the allowance is billed monthly in arrears. Our prepaid service enables individ- uals to obtain wireless services without credit verification by paying for all services in advance. All financial results included in the tables below reflect the consolidated results of Verizon Wireless. Operating Revenues and Selected Operating Statistics (dollars in millions, except ARPA) Years Ended December 31, Service Equipment Other Total Operating Revenues Connections (’000):(1) Retail connections Retail postpaid connections Net additions in period (’000):(2) Retail connections Retail postpaid connections Churn Rate: Retail connections Retail postpaid connections Account Statistics: Retail postpaid ARPA Retail postpaid accounts (’000)(1) Retail postpaid connections per account(1) (1) As of end of period (2) Excluding acquisitions and adjustments 2015 $ 70,396 16,924 4,360 $ 91,680 2014 $ 72,630 10,959 4,057 $ 87,646 2013 $ 69,033 8,111 3,879 $ 81,023 2015 vs. 2014 (2,234) 5,965 303 4,034 (3.1)% $ 54.4 7.5 4.6 $ $ $ Increase/(Decrease) 2014 vs. 2013 3,597 2,848 178 6,623 5.2% 35.1 4.6 8.2 112,108 106,528 108,211 102,079 102,799 96,752 3,897 4,449 3.6 4.4 5,412 5,327 5.3 5.5 3,956 4,507 5,568 5,482 4,472 4,118 (1,612) (975) (29.0) (17.8) 1,096 1,364 24.5 33.1 1.24% 0.96% 1.33% 1.04% 1.27% 0.97% $ 152.63 35,736 2.98 $ 159.86 35,616 2.87 $ 153.93 35,083 2.76 $ (7.23) 120 0.11 (4.5) 0.3 3.8 $ 5.93 533 0.11 3.9 1.5 4.0 20 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued 2015 Compared to 2014 Wireless’ total operating revenues increased by $4.0 billion, or 4.6%, during 2015 primarily as a result of growth in equipment revenue. Accounts and Connections Retail (non- wholesale) postpaid accounts primarily represent retail customers with Verizon Wireless that are directly served and managed by Verizon Wireless and use its branded services. Accounts include shared data plans, such as our new Verizon Plan and More Everything 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. Retail connections represent our retail customer device connections. Churn is the rate at which service to connections is terminated. Retail connections under an account may include: smartphones and basic phones (collectively, phones) as well as tablets, LTE Internet (Installed) and other connected devices. Retail postpaid connection net additions decreased during 2015 primarily due to a decrease in retail postpaid connection gross additions, partially offset by lower retail postpaid connection churn rate. The decrease in retail postpaid connection gross additions during 2015 was driven by a decline in gross additions of smartphones, tablets and other Internet devices. Retail Postpaid Connections per Account 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. Retail postpaid con- nections per account increased as of December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014. The increase in retail postpaid connections per account is primarily due to increases in Internet devices, which represented 16.8% of our retail postpaid connection base as of December 31, 2015, compared to 14.1% as of December 31, 2014. Service Revenue Service revenue, which does not include recurring device installment billings related to the Verizon device payment program, decreased by $2.2 billion, or 3.1%, during 2015 primarily driven by lower retail postpaid service revenue. Retail postpaid service revenue was negatively impacted as a result of an increase in the activation of devices purchased under the Verizon device payment program on plans with unsubsidized service pricing. The increase in these acti- vations resulted in a relative shift of revenue from service revenue to equipment revenue and caused a change in the timing of the recog- nition of revenue. At December 31, 2015, approximately 29% of our retail postpaid phone connections participated in the Verizon device payment program compared to approximately 8% at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2015, approximately 42% of our retail postpaid phone connections were on unsubsidized service pricing. The decrease in service revenue was partially offset by the impact of an increase in retail postpaid connections as well as the continued increase in penetration of smartphones and tablets through our shared data plans. Service revenue plus recurring device installment billings related to the Verizon device payment program increased 2.0% during 2015. Retail postpaid ARPA (the average revenue per account from retail postpaid accounts), which does not include recurring device install- ment billings related to the Verizon device payment program, was negatively impacted during 2015 as a result of the increase in the activation of devices purchased under the Verizon device payment program on plans with unsubsidized service pricing. Partially offsetting this impact during 2015 was an increase in our retail postpaid connec- tions per account, as discussed above. Equipment Revenue Equipment revenue increased by $6.0 billion, or 54.4%, during 2015 as a result of an increase in device sales, primarily smartphones, under the Verizon device payment program, partially offset by a decline in device sales under traditional fixed-term service plans. For the year ended December 31, 2015, phone activations under the Verizon device payment program represented approximately 54% of retail postpaid phones activated compared to approximately 18% during 2014. During the fourth quarter of 2015, phone activations under the Verizon device payment program represented approximately 67% of retail postpaid phones activated. The increase in these activations resulted in a relative shift of revenue from service revenue to equipment revenue and caused a change in the timing of the recognition of revenue. This shift in revenue was the result of recognizing a higher amount of equipment revenue at the time of sale of devices under the device payment program. Other Revenue Other revenue includes non- service revenues such as regulatory fees, cost recovery surcharges, revenues associated with our device protection package, sublease rentals and financing revenue. Other revenue increased $0.3 billion, or 7.5%, during 2015 primarily due to a volume- driven increase in revenues related to our device protec- tion package. 2014 Compared to 2013 Wireless’ total operating revenues increased by $6.6 billion, or 8.2%, during 2014 primarily as a result of growth in service revenue and equipment revenue. Accounts and Connections Retail postpaid connection net additions increased during 2014 primarily due to an increase in retail postpaid connection gross additions partially offset by an increase in our retail postpaid connec- tion churn rate. Higher retail postpaid connection gross additions were driven by gross additions of tablets as well as 4G LTE smartphones. During 2014, our retail postpaid connection net additions included approximately 4.2 million tablets as compared to 1.4 million tablets in 2013. Retail Postpaid Connections per Account Retail postpaid connections per account increased 4.0% as of December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013 primarily due to the increased penetration of tablets. Service Revenue Service revenue, which does not include recurring device installment billings related to the Verizon device payment program, increased by $3.6 billion, or 5.2%, during 2014 primarily driven by higher retail postpaid service revenue, which increased largely as a result of an increase in retail postpaid connections as well as the continued increase in penetration of 4G LTE smartphones and tablets through our More Everything plans. The penetration of 4G LTE smartphones was driven by the activation of smartphones by new customers as well as existing customers migrating from basic phones and 3G smart- phones to 4G LTE smartphones. Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 21 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued The increase in retail postpaid ARPA, which does not include recurring device installment billings related to the Verizon device payment program, during 2014 was primarily driven by increases in smart- phone penetration and retail postpaid connections per account. As of December 31, 2014, we experienced a 4.0% increase in retail postpaid connections per account compared to 2013, with smartphones rep- resenting 79% of our retail postpaid phone base as of December 31, 2014 compared to 70% as of December 31, 2013. The increased penetration in retail postpaid connections per account is primarily due to increases in Internet data devices, which represented 14.1% of our retail postpaid connection base as of December 31, 2014 compared to 10.7% as of December 31, 2013, primarily due to tablet activations. Additionally, during 2014, postpaid smartphone activations repre- sented 92% of phones activated compared to 86% during 2013. Other service revenue increased during 2014 due to growth in wholesale connections. Equipment Revenue Equipment revenue increased during 2014 primarily due to an increase in device sales under both traditional fixed-term service plans and the Verizon device payment program. Operating Expenses Years Ended December 31, Cost of services Cost of equipment Selling, general and administrative expense Depreciation and amortization expense Total Operating Expenses $ 2015 7,803 $ 2014 7,200 $ 2013 7,295 16,353 23,176 8,202 $ 61,707 $ 60,886 $ 55,026 23,119 21,805 8,980 21,625 23,602 8,459 $ 2015 vs. 2014 603 1,494 (1,797) $ 521 821 (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) 2014 vs. 2013 8.4 % $ 6.9 (7.6) 6.2 1.3 $ (95) 5,272 426 257 5,860 (1.3)% 32.2 1.8 3.1 10.6 Cost of Services Cost of services increased $0.6 billion, or 8.4%, during 2015 primarily due to higher rent expense as a result of an increase in macro and small cell sites as well as higher wireless network costs from an increase in fiber facilities supporting network capacity expansion and densification, including the deployment of small cell technology, to meet growing customer demand for 4G LTE data services. Also contributing to the increase in Cost of services during 2015 was a volume- driven increase in costs related to the device protection package offered to our customers. Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expense decreased during 2015 primarily due to a $2.8 billion decline in sales commission expense. The decline in sales commission expense was driven by an increase in activations under the Verizon device payment program, which has a lower commission per unit than activations under traditional fixed- term service plans, partially offset by an increase in bad debt expense. The increase in bad debt expense was primarily driven by a volume increase in our device installment receivables, as the credit quality of our customers remained consistent throughout the periods presented. Cost of Equipment Cost of equipment increased $1.5 billion, or 6.9%, during 2015 primarily as a result of an increase in the average cost per unit, driven by a shift to higher priced units in the mix of devices sold, partially offset by a decline in the number of units sold. Cost of equipment increased during 2014 primarily due to an increase in cost of equipment sales of $5.3 billion as a result of an increase in the number of devices sold as well as an increase in the cost per unit. The increase in the number of devices sold was driven, in part, by the launch of new devices. Selling, general and administrative expense increased during 2014 primarily due to a $0.2 billion increase in advertising expense and gains recorded in the first quarter of 2013 related to wireless license exchange agreements, partially offset by a decline in sales commis- sion expense, which was driven by the adoption of the Verizon device payment program. Depreciation and Amortization Expense The increase in depreciation and amortization expense increased during 2015 and 2014, respectively, was primarily driven by an increase in net depreciable assets. 22 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Segment Operating Income and EBITDA Years Ended December 31, Segment Operating Income Add Depreciation and amortization expense Segment EBITDA 2015 $ 29,973 8,980 $ 38,953 2014 $ 26,760 8,459 $ 35,219 2013 $ 25,997 8,202 $ 34,199 2015 vs. 2014 $ 3,213 521 $ 3,734 12.0% 6.2 10.6 Segment operating income margin Segment EBITDA margin Segment EBITDA service margin 32.7% 42.5% 55.3% 30.5% 40.2% 48.5% 32.1% 42.2% 49.5% (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) $ 2014 vs. 2013 763 257 $ 1,020 2.9% 3.1 3.0 The changes in the table above during the periods presented were primarily a result of the factors described in connection with operating revenues and operating expenses. Non- operational items excluded from Wireless’ Operating income were as follows: Years Ended December 31, Gain on spectrum license transactions Severance, pension and benefit (credits) charges Other costs (dollars in millions) 2015 $ (254) 2014 (707) 2013 (278) $ $ 5 – $ (249) 86 109 (512) $ (61) – (339) $ Wireline Our Wireline segment provides voice, data and video communications products and enhanced services, including broadband video and data, corporate networking solutions, data center and cloud services, security and managed network services and local and long distance voice services. We provide these products and services to consumers in the United States, as well as to carriers, businesses and government customers both in the United States and around the world. The operating results of Verizon’s local exchange business and related landline activities in California, Florida and Texas, which will be sold to Frontier, are included within our Wireline segment for all periods presented. The assets and liabilities that will be sold are currently included in Verizon’s continuing operations and classified as assets held for sale and liabilities related to assets held for sale on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015. We expect this transaction to close at the end of the first quarter of 2016. Operating Revenues and Selected Operating Statistics Years Ended December 31, Consumer retail Small business Mass Markets Strategic services Core Global Enterprise Global Wholesale Other Total Operating Revenues Connections (’000):(1) Total voice connections Total Broadband connections Fios Internet subscribers Fios video subscribers (1) As of end of period 2014 2015 2013 $ 16,123 $ 15,583 $ 14,842 2,541 17,383 8,140 6,016 14,156 6,560 525 $ 37,720 $ 38,429 $ 38,624 2,350 18,473 8,165 4,778 12,943 5,979 325 2,464 18,047 8,324 5,325 13,649 6,190 543 2015 vs. 2014 540 (114) 426 (159) (547) (706) (211) (218) (709) 3.5 % $ (4.6) 2.4 (1.9) (10.3) (5.2) (3.4) (40.1) (1.8) $ $ $ (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) 2014 vs. 2013 741 (77) 664 184 (691) (507) (370) 18 (195) 5.0 % (3.0) 3.8 2.3 (11.5) (3.6) (5.6) 3.4 (0.5) 18,387 9,228 7,034 5,827 19,795 9,205 6,616 5,649 21,085 9,015 6,072 5,262 (1,408) 23 418 178 (7.1) 0.2 6.3 3.2 (1,290) 190 544 387 (6.1) 2.1 9.0 7.4 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Wireline’s revenues decreased $0.7 billion, or 1.8%, during 2015 primarily driven by declines in Global Enterprise, partially offset by higher Mass Markets revenues driven by Fios services. Fios revenues increased $1.1 billion, or 8.6%, during 2015. Global Enterprise Global Enterprise offers strategic services and other core communica- tions services to medium and large business customers, multinational corporations and state and federal government customers. Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 23 Mass Markets Mass Markets operations provide broadband Internet and video services (including high-speed Internet, Fios Internet and Fios video services), local exchange (basic service and end-user access) and long distance (including regional toll) voice services to residential and small business subscribers. 2015 Compared to 2014 Mass Markets revenues increased $0.4 billion, or 2.4%, during 2015 primarily due to the expansion of Fios services (voice, Internet and video), including our Fios Quantum offerings, as well as changes in our pricing strategies, partially offset by the continued decline of local exchange revenues. During 2015, we grew our subscriber base by 0.4 million Fios Internet subscribers and by 0.2 million Fios video subscribers, while also improving the penetration rate within our Fios service areas for Fios Internet. As of December 31, 2015, we achieved a penetration rate of 41.8% for Fios Internet compared to a penetration rate of 41.1% for Fios Internet as of December 31, 2014. During 2015, Consumer Fios revenue increased $1.0 billion, or 8.3%. Fios represented approximately 79% of Consumer retail revenue during 2015 compared to approximately 76% during 2014. The decline of local exchange revenues was primarily due to a 6.9% decline in Consumer retail voice connections resulting primarily from competition and technology substitution with wireless, competing VoIP and cable telephony services. Total voice connections include traditional switched access lines in service as well as Fios digital voice connections. There was also a 7.1% decline in Small business retail voice connections, reflecting competition and a shift to both IP and high-speed circuits, primarily in areas outside of our Fios footprint. 2014 Compared to 2013 Mass Markets revenues increased $0.7 billion, or 3.8%, during 2014 primarily due to the expansion of Fios services (voice, Internet and video), including our Fios Quantum offerings, as well as changes in our pricing strategies, partially offset by the continued decline of local exchange revenues. Fios represented approximately 76% of Consumer retail revenue during 2014 compared to approximately 71% during 2013. During 2014, we grew our subscriber base by 0.5 million Fios Internet subscribers and by 0.4 million Fios video subscribers, while also improving penetration rates within our Fios service areas. As of December 31, 2014, we achieved penetration rates of 41.1% and 35.8% for Fios Internet and Fios video, respectively, compared to penetration rates of 39.5% and 35.0% for Fios Internet and Fios video, respectively, at December 31, 2013. The increase in Mass Markets revenues was partially offset by the decline of local exchange revenues primarily due to a 5.5% decline in Consumer retail voice connections resulting primarily from com- petition and technology substitution with wireless, competing VoIP and cable telephony services. Total voice connections include tra- ditional switched access lines in service as well as Fios digital voice connections. There was also a decline in Small business retail voice connections, primarily reflecting competition and a shift to both IP and high-speed circuits. 2015 Compared to 2014 Global Enterprise revenues decreased $0.7 billion, or 5.2%, during 2015 primarily due to a $0.4 billion, or 11.7%, decline in core voice services and data networking revenues, which consist of traditional circuit-based services such as frame relay, private line and legacy voice and data services. These core services declined as a result of secular declines. Also contributing to the decrease were lower net- working solutions revenues, a decline in customer premise equipment revenues and the negative impact of foreign exchange rates. Networking solutions, which include Private IP, Public Internet, Ethernet and optical network services, declined $0.2 billion, or 4.6%, as a result of competitive price compression. 2014 Compared to 2013 Global Enterprise revenues decreased $0.5 billion, or 3.6%, during 2014 primarily due to a decline in voice services and data networking revenues, which consist of traditional circuit-based services such as frame relay, private line and legacy voice and data services. These core services declined as customers continued to migrate to next generation IP services. Also contributing to the decrease was the contraction of market rates due to competition and a decline in Core customer premise equipment revenues. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in strategic services revenues of $0.2 billion, or 2.3%, primarily due to growth in our application services, such as our cloud and data center offerings and contract center solutions. Global Wholesale Global Wholesale provides communications services including data, voice and local dial tone and broadband services primarily to local, long distance and other carriers that use our facilities to provide services to their customers. 2015 Compared to 2014 Global Wholesale revenues decreased $0.2 billion, or 3.4%, during 2015 primarily due to declines in traditional voice revenues and data revenues driven by the effect of technology substitution as well as continuing contraction of market rates due to competition. The decline in traditional voice revenue was primarily due to a decrease in minutes of use (MOUs) driven by a 6.5% decline in domestic wholesale con- nections between December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. As a result of technology substitution, the number of core data circuits at December 31, 2015 experienced a 14.5% decline compared to December 31, 2014. 2014 Compared to 2013 Global Wholesale revenues decreased $0.4 billion, or 5.6%, during 2014 primarily due to a decline in data and traditional voice revenues. Data revenue declines were driven by the continuing demand for high- speed digital data services from fiber-to-the-cell customers upgrading their core data circuits to Ethernet facilities. As a result of the customer migrations, at December 31, 2014, the number of core data circuits experienced a 14.2% decline. The traditional voice revenue declines are primarily due to a decrease in MOUs and the effect of technology substitution. As of December 31, 2014, we also experienced a 6.2% decline in domestic wholesale connections. Also contributing to the decline in voice revenues is the continuing contraction of market rates due to competition. 24 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Operating Expenses Years Ended December 31, Cost of services Selling, general and administrative expense Depreciation and amortization expense Total Operating Expenses 2014 2015 2013 $ 20,878 $ 21,332 $ 21,396 8,571 8,327 $ 35,545 $ 37,394 $ 38,294 7,989 6,678 8,180 7,882 2015 vs. 2014 (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) 2014 vs. 2013 $ $ (454) (191) (1,204) (1,849) (2.1)% $ (2.3) (15.3) (4.9) $ (64) (391) (445) (900) (0.3)% (4.6) (5.3) (2.4) Cost of Services Cost of services decreased during 2015 primarily due to a $0.3 billion decline in employee costs as a result of reduced headcount as well as a $0.3 billion decline in access costs driven by declines in overall wholesale long distance volumes. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase in content costs of $0.5 billion associated with continued Fios subscriber growth and programming license fee increases. Cost of services decreased slightly during 2014 primarily due to a decrease in employee costs as a result of reduced headcount and a decline in access costs driven by declines in overall wholesale long distance volumes, which was partially offset by an increase in content costs of $0.4 billion associated with continued Fios subscriber growth and programming license fee increases. Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expense decreased during 2015 primarily due to declines in employee costs as a result of reduced headcount and decreased administrative expenses, partially offset by an increase in transaction taxes and regulatory expenses. Segment Operating Income and EBITDA Selling, general and administrative expense decreased during 2014 primarily due to declines in employee costs as a result of reduced headcount, decreased advertising expense and lower transaction and property taxes. Depreciation and Amortization Expense Depreciation and amortization expense decreased during 2015 primarily due to $0.9 billion of depreciation and amortization expense not being recorded on our assets in California, Florida and Texas, which were classified as held for sale as of February 5, 2015, as well as decreases in net depreciable assets. We will not record depreciation and amortization expense on our depreciable Wireline assets in California, Florida and Texas through the closing of the transaction with Frontier, which is expected to occur at the end of the first quarter of 2016. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased during 2014 due to decreases in net depreciable assets. Years Ended December 31, Segment Operating Income Add Depreciation and amortization expense Segment EBITDA 2015 $ 2,175 6,678 $ 8,853 2014 $ 1,035 7,882 $ 8,917 $ 2013 330 8,327 $ 8,657 2015 vs. 2014 $ 1,140 nm (1,204) (64) $ (15.3)% (0.7) Segment operating income margin Segment EBITDA margin 5.8% 23.5% 2.7% 23.2% 0.9% 22.4% nm - not meaningful (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) 2014 vs. 2013 705 (445) 260 $ $ nm (5.3)% 3.0 The changes in Wireline’s Operating income, Segment EBITDA and Segment EBITDA margin during the periods presented were primarily a result of the factors described in connection with operating revenues and operating expenses. Non- operational items excluded from Wireline’s Operating income were as follows: Years Ended December 31, Severance, pension and benefit charges Impact of divested operations Other costs (dollars in millions) 2014 $ 189 (12) 137 $ 314 $ 2013 – (43) – $ (43) 2015 $ 15 – – $ 15 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 25 Other Items Severance, Pension and Benefit (Credits) Charges During 2015, we recorded net pre-tax severance, pension and benefit credits of approximately $2.3 billion primarily for our pension and post- retirement plans in accordance with our accounting policy to recognize actuarial gains and losses in the year in which they occur. The credits were primarily driven by an increase in our discount rate assumption used to determine the current year liabilities from a weighted- average of 4.2% at December 31, 2014 to a weighted- average of 4.6% at December 31, 2015 ($2.5 billion), the execution of a new prescription drug contract during 2015 ($1.0 billion) and a change in mortality assumptions primarily driven by the use of updated actuarial tables (MP-2015) issued by the Society of Actuaries ($0.9 billion), partially offset by the difference between our estimated return on assets of 7.25% at December 31, 2014 and our actual return on assets of 0.7% at December 31, 2015 ($1.2 billion), severance costs recorded under our existing separation plans ($0.6 billion) and other assumption adjust- ments ($0.3 billion). During 2014, we recorded net pre-tax severance, pension and benefit charges of approximately $7.5 billion primarily for our pension and postretirement plans in accordance with our accounting policy to recognize actuarial gains and losses in the year in which they occur. The charges were primarily driven by a decrease in our discount rate assumption used to determine the current year liabilities from a weighted- average of 5.0% at December 31, 2013 to a weighted- average of 4.2% at December 31, 2014 ($5.2 billion), a change in mortality assumptions primarily driven by the use of updated actuarial tables (RP-2014 and MP-2014) issued by the Society of Actuaries in October 2014 ($1.8 billion) and revisions to the retirement assumptions for participants and other assumption adjustments, partially offset by the difference between our estimated return on assets of 7.25% and our actual return on assets of 10.5% ($0.6 billion). As part of this charge, we recorded severance costs of $0.5 billion under our existing separation plans. During 2013, we recorded net pre-tax severance, pension and benefit credits of approximately $6.2 billion primarily for our pension and post- retirement plans in accordance with our accounting policy to recognize actuarial gains and losses in the year in which they occur. The credits were primarily driven by an increase in our discount rate assumption used to determine the current year liabilities from a weighted- average of 4.2% at December 31, 2012 to a weighted- average of 5.0% at December 31, 2013 ($4.3 billion), lower than assumed retiree medical costs and other assumption adjustments ($1.4 billion) and the differ- ence between our estimated return on assets of 7.5% at December 31, 2012 and our actual return on assets of 8.6% at December 31, 2013 ($0.5 billion). The Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA non-GAAP measure presented in the Consolidated Operating Income and EBITDA discussion (see “Consolidated Results of Operations”) excludes the severance, pension and benefit (credits) charges presented above. Early Debt Redemption and Other Costs During March 2014, we recorded net debt redemption costs of $0.9 billion in connection with the early redemption of $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC 8.50% Notes due 2018, and the purchase of the following notes pursuant to the Tender Offer: $0.7 billion of the then outstanding $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 6.10% Notes due 2018, $0.8 billion of the then outstanding $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 5.50% Notes due 2018, $0.6 billion of the then outstanding $1.3 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 8.75% Notes due 2018, $0.7 billion of the then outstanding $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 5.55% Notes due 2016, $0.4 billion of the then outstanding $0.75 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 5.50% Notes due 2017, $0.6 billion of the then out- standing $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC 8.50% Notes due 2018, $0.2 billion of the then outstanding $0.3 billion aggregate principal amount of Alltel Corporation 7.00% Debentures due 2016 and $0.3 billion of the then outstanding $0.6 billion aggregate principal amount of GTE Corporation 6.84% Debentures due 2018. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the Tender Offer. During the fourth quarter of 2014, we recorded net debt redemp- tion costs of $0.5 billion in connection with the early redemption of $0.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 4.90% Notes due 2015, $0.6 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 5.55% Notes due 2016, $1.3 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 3.00% Notes due 2016, $0.4 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 5.50% Notes due 2017, $0.7 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 8.75% Notes due 2018, $1.0 billion of the then outstanding $3.2 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 2.50% Notes due 2016, $0.1 billion aggregate principal amount Alltel Corporation 7.00% Debentures due 2016 and $0.4 billion aggregate principal amount of Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC 8.50% Notes due 2018, as well as $0.3 billion of other costs. We recognize early debt redemption costs in Other income and (expense), net on our consolidated statements of income. Gain on Spectrum License Transactions During the fourth quarter of 2015, we completed a license exchange transaction with an affiliate of T- Mobile USA Inc. (T- Mobile USA) to exchange certain AWS and Personal Communication Services (PCS) licenses. As a result of this non-cash exchange, we received $0.4 billion of AWS and PCS spectrum licenses at fair value and we recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $0.3 billion in Selling, general and administrative expense on our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2015. During the second quarter of 2014, we completed license exchange transactions with T- Mobile USA to exchange certain AWS and PCS licenses. The exchange included a number of swaps that we expect will result in more efficient use of the AWS and PCS bands. As a result of these exchanges, we received $0.9 billion of AWS and PCS spectrum licenses at fair value and we recorded an immaterial gain. 26 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued During the second quarter of 2014, we completed transactions pursuant to two additional agreements with T- Mobile USA with respect to our remaining 700 MHz A block spectrum licenses. Under one agreement, we sold certain of these licenses to T- Mobile USA in exchange for cash consideration of approximately $2.4 billion, and under the second agreement we exchanged the remainder of our 700 MHz A block spectrum licenses as well as AWS and PCS spectrum licenses for AWS and PCS spectrum licenses. As a result, we received $1.6 billion of AWS and PCS spectrum licenses at fair value and we recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $0.7 billion in Selling, general and administrative expense on our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2014. During the third quarter of 2013, after receiving the required regu- latory approvals, Verizon Wireless sold 39 lower 700 MHz B block spectrum licenses to AT&T in exchange for a payment of $1.9 billion and the transfer by AT&T to Verizon Wireless of AWS (10 MHz) licenses in certain markets in the western United States. Verizon Wireless also sold certain lower 700 MHz B block spectrum licenses to an investment firm for a payment of $0.2 billion. As a result, we received $0.5 billion of AWS licenses at fair value and we recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $0.3 billion in Selling, general and administrative expense on our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA non-GAAP measure presented in the Consolidated Operating Income and EBITDA discussion (see “Consolidated Results of Operations”) excludes the gains on the spectrum license transactions described above. Wireless Transaction Costs As a result of the third-party indebtedness incurred to finance the Wireless Transaction, we incurred interest expense of $0.4 billion during 2014 (see “Consolidated Financial Condition”). This amount represents the interest expense incurred prior to the closing of the Wireless Transaction. During 2013, as a result of the Wireless Transaction, we recorded costs of $0.9 billion primarily for interest expense of $0.7 billion related to the issuance of the new notes, as well as $0.2 billion in fees primarily in connection with the bridge credit agreement (see “Consolidated Financial Condition”). Gain on Sale of Omnitel Interest As a result of the sale of the Omnitel Interest on February 21, 2014, which was part of the consideration for the Wireless Transaction, we recorded a gain of $1.9 billion in Equity in earnings of unconsolidated businesses on our consolidated statement of income during 2014. Impact of Divested Operations On July 1, 2014, we sold a non- strategic Wireline business that provides communications solutions to a variety of government agencies. The Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA non-GAAP measure presented in the Consolidated Operating Income and EBITDA discussion (see “Consolidated Results of Operations”) excludes the historical financial results of the divested operations described above. Consolidated Financial Condition (dollars in millions) Years Ended December 31, Cash Flows Provided By (Used In) 2015 2014 2013 Operating activities Investing activities Financing activities $ 38,930 (30,043) (15,015) $ 30,631 (15,856) (57,705) $ 38,818 (14,833) 26,450 Increase (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents $ (6,128) $ (42,930) $ 50,435 We use the net cash generated from our operations to fund network expansion and modernization, 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 primarily held domestically and are invested to maintain principal and liquidity. Accordingly, we do not have signifi- cant exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. 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 and privately- placed capital market securities. In addition, in 2015, we established an active program to sell selected device installment plan receivables under the Verizon device payment program to a group of primarily relationship banks (Purchasers). Cash Flows Provided By Operating Activities Our primary source of funds continues to be cash generated from operations, primarily from our Wireless segment. Net cash provided by operating activities during 2015 increased by $8.3 billion primarily due to $5.9 billion of cash proceeds, net of remittances, related to the sale of wireless device installment receivables as well as $2.4 billion of cash proceeds received related to the Tower Monetization Transaction attributable to the portion of the towers for which the right-of-use has passed to the tower operator (see Note 2) as well as an increase in earnings at our Wireless segment. During 2015, we established an on-going program to sell from time to time, on an uncommitted basis, selected device installment plan receivables under the Verizon device payment program to the Purchasers. Under the program, we transfer the receivables to wholly-owned subsidiaries that are bankruptcy remote special purpose entities (Sellers). The Sellers then sell the receivables to the Purchasers for cash and additional consideration upon settlement of the receivables (the deferred purchase price). The receivables sold under the program are no longer considered assets of Verizon. We continue to bill and collect on the receivables in exchange for a monthly servicing fee, which is not material. Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 27 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Net cash provided by operating activities during 2014 decreased by $8.2 billion due in part to a $3.7 billion increase in income tax payments due to the incremental pre-tax income attributable to Verizon included in Verizon’s income since the closing of the Wireless Transaction. Also contributing to the decrease was a $2.3 billion increase in interest payments primarily due to the incremental debt needed to fund the Wireless Transaction as well as a $1.5 billion increase in pension con- tributions. The decrease in Cash flows provided by operating activities was partially offset by an increase in earnings at our Wireless segment. On February 21, 2014, we completed the Wireless Transaction which provides full access to the cash flows of Verizon Wireless. Having full access to all the cash flows from our wireless business gives us the ability to continue to invest in our networks and spectrum, meet evolving customer requirements for products and services and take advantage of new growth opportunities across our lines of business. Cash Flows Used In Investing Activities Capital Expenditures Capital expenditures continue to be a primary use of capital resources as they facilitate the introduction of new products and services, enhance responsiveness to competitive challenges and increase the operating efficiency and productivity of our networks. Capital expenditures, including capitalized software, were as follows: Years Ended December 31, Wireless Wireline Other (dollars in millions) 2015 $ 11,725 5,049 1,001 $ 17,775 2014 $ 10,515 5,750 926 $ 17,191 2013 $ 9,425 6,229 950 $ 16,604 Total as a percentage of revenue 13.5% 13.5% 13.8% Capital expenditures increased at Wireless in 2015 and 2014 in order to increase the capacity of our 4G LTE network. Capital expenditures declined at Wireline in 2015 and 2014 as a result of decreased legacy spending requirements as well as decreased Fios spending require- ments in 2015. Acquisitions During 2015, 2014 and 2013, we invested $9.9 billion, $0.4 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively, in acquisitions of wireless licenses. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, we also invested $3.5 billion, $0.2 billion and $0.5 billion, respectively, in acquisitions of investments and businesses, net of cash acquired. On January 29, 2015, the FCC completed an auction of 65 MHz of spectrum, which it identified as the AWS-3 band. Verizon participated in that auction, and was the high bidder on 181 spectrum licenses, for which we paid cash of approximately $10.4 billion. During the fourth quarter of 2014, we made a deposit of $0.9 billion related to our participation in this auction, which is classified within Other, net investing activities on our consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2014. During the first quarter of 2015, we submitted an application to the FCC and paid $9.5 billion to the FCC to complete payment for these licenses. The cash payment of $9.5 billion is classified within Acquisitions of wireless licenses on our consoli- dated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015. On April 8, 2015, the FCC granted us these spectrum licenses. On May 12, 2015, we entered into the Merger Agreement with AOL pursuant to which we commenced a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of AOL at a price of $50.00 per share, net to the seller in cash, without interest and less any applicable withholding taxes. On June 23, 2015, we completed the tender offer and merger, and AOL became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Verizon. The aggregate cash consideration paid by Verizon at the closing of these transactions was approximately $3.8 billion, net of cash acquired of $0.5 billion. Holders of approximately 6.6 million shares exercised appraisal rights under Delaware law. If they had not exercised these rights, Verizon would have paid an additional $330 million for such shares at closing. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information. In October 2015, AOL acquired an advertising technology business for cash consideration that was not significant. In February 2014, Verizon acquired a business dedicated to the devel- opment of IP television for cash consideration that was not significant. During the fourth quarter of 2013, Verizon acquired an industry leader in content delivery networks for $0.4 billion. Additionally, we acquired a technology company for cash consideration that was not significant. Dispositions During 2014, we received proceeds of $2.4 billion related to spectrum license transactions and $0.1 billion related to the disposition of a non- strategic Wireline business. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information. During 2013, we completed the sale of 700 MHz lower B block spectrum licenses and as a result, we received proceeds of $2.1 billion. Other, net On May 19, 2015, Verizon consummated a sale- leaseback transac- tion with a financial services firm for the buildings and real estate at our Basking Ridge, New Jersey location. We received total gross proceeds of $0.7 billion resulting in a deferred gain of $0.4 billion, which will be amortized over the initial leaseback term of twenty years. The leaseback of the buildings and real estate is accounted for as an operating lease. The proceeds received as a result of this transaction have been classified within Other, net investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2015. Also in 2015, Verizon received proceeds of $0.2 billion related to a sale of real estate. Cash Flows Provided by (Used In) Financing Activities We seek to maintain a mix of fixed and variable rate debt to lower borrowing costs within reasonable risk parameters. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was $(15.0) billion, $(57.7) billion and $26.5 billion, respectively. 2015 During 2015, our net cash used in financing activities of $15.0 billion was primarily driven by: • $9.3 billion used for repayments of long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations, including the repayment of $6.5 billion of borrow- ings under a term loan agreement; • $8.5 billion used for dividend payments; and • $5.0 billion payment for our accelerated share repurchase agreement. 28 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued These uses of cash were partially offset by proceeds from long-term borrowings of $6.7 billion, which included $6.5 billion of borrowings under a term loan agreement which was used for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition of spectrum licenses, as well as $2.7 billion of cash proceeds received related to the Tower Monetization Transaction attributable to the portion of the towers that we continue to occupy and use for network operations. Proceeds from and Repayments of Long-Term Borrowings At December 31, 2015, our total debt decreased to $110.2 billion as compared to $113.3 billion at December 31, 2014. The substantial majority of our total debt portfolio consists of fixed rate indebtedness, therefore, changes in interest rates do not have a material effect on our interest payments. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding our debt activity. At December 31, 2015, approximately $8.2 billion or 7.5% of the aggregate principal amount of our total debt portfolio consisted of foreign denominated debt, primarily the Euro and British Pound Sterling. We have entered into cross currency swaps in order to fix our future interest and principal payments in U.S. dollars and mitigate the impact of foreign currency transaction gains or losses. See “Market Risk” for additional information. 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. Other, net Other, net financing activities during 2015, include $2.7 billion of cash proceeds received related to the Tower Monetization Transaction, which relates to the portion of the towers that we continue to occupy and use for network operations, partially offset by the settlement of derivatives upon maturity for $0.4 billion. Dividends The Verizon Board of Directors assesses the level of our dividend payments on a periodic basis taking into account such factors as long-term growth opportunities, internal cash requirements and the expectations of our shareholders. During the third quarter of 2015, the Board increased our quarterly dividend payment 2.7% to $.565 per share from $.550 per share in the prior period. This is the ninth consec- utive year that Verizon’s Board of Directors has approved a quarterly dividend increase. As in prior periods, dividend payments were a significant use of capital resources. During 2015, we paid $8.5 billion in dividends. 2014 During 2014, our net cash used in financing activities of $57.7 billion was primarily driven by: • $58.9 billion used to partially fund the Wireless Transaction (see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements); • $17.7 billion used for repayments of long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations; and • $7.8 billion used for dividend payments. These uses of cash were partially offset by proceeds from long-term borrowings of $31.0 billion. Proceeds from and Repayments of Long-Term Borrowings At December 31, 2014, our total debt increased to $113.3 billion as compared to $93.6 billion at December 31, 2013 primarily as a result of additional debt issued to finance the Wireless Transaction. Since the substantial majority of our total debt portfolio consists of fixed rate indebtedness, changes in interest rates do not have a material effect on our interest payments. Throughout 2014, we accessed the capital markets to optimize the maturity schedule of our debt portfolio and take advantage of lower interest rates, thereby reducing our effective interest rate to 4.9% from 5.2% in 2013. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding our debt activity. At December 31, 2014, approximately $9.6 billion or 8.5% of the aggregate principal amount of our total debt portfolio consisted of foreign denominated debt, primarily the Euro and British Pound Sterling. We have entered into cross currency swaps in order to fix our future interest and principal payments in U.S. dollars and mitigate the impact of foreign currency transaction gains or losses. See “Market Risk” for additional information. See “Other Items” for additional information related to the early debt redemption costs incurred in 2014. Dividends During the third quarter of 2014, the Board increased our quarterly dividend payment 3.8% to $.550 per share from $.530 per share in the same period of 2013. As in prior periods, dividend payments were a significant use of capital resources. During 2014, we paid $7.8 billion in dividends compared to $5.9 billion in 2013. The increase is primarily due to the issuance of approximately 1.27 billion additional shares of common stock as a result of the Wireless Transaction. 2013 During 2013, our net cash provided by financing activities of $26.5 billion was primarily driven by proceeds from long-term borrow- ings of $49.2 billion to fund the Wireless Transaction. This source of cash was partially offset by: • $8.2 billion used for repayments of long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations; • $5.9 billion used for dividend payments; and • $3.2 billion used for a special distribution to a noncontrolling interest. Proceeds from and Repayments of Long-Term Borrowings At December 31, 2013, our total debt increased to $93.6 billion as compared to $52.0 billion at December 31, 2012 primarily as a result of additional debt issued to finance the Wireless Transaction. Since the substantial majority of our total debt portfolio consists of fixed rate indebtedness, changes in interest rates do not have a material effect on our interest payments. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding our debt activity. Dividends During the third quarter of 2013, the Board increased our quarterly dividend payment 2.9% to $.530 per share from $.515 per share in the same period of 2012. As in prior periods, dividend payments were a significant use of capital resources. Special Distributions In May 2013, the Board of Representatives of Verizon Wireless declared a distribution to its owners, which was paid in the second quarter of 2013 in proportion to their partnership interests on the payment date, in the aggregate amount of $7.0 billion. As a result, Vodafone received a cash payment of $3.15 billion and the remainder of the distribution was received by Verizon. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 29 Other, net The change in Other, net financing activities during 2013 was primarily driven by higher distributions to Vodafone, which owned a 45% non- controlling interest in Verizon Wireless as of December 31, 2013. Credit Facility As of December 31, 2015, the unused borrowing capacity under our $8.0 billion four-year credit facility was approximately $7.9 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. Common Stock Common stock has been used from time to time to satisfy some of the funding requirements of employee and shareholder plans, including 22.6 million, 18.2 million and 6.9 million common shares issued from Treasury stock during 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which had aggregate values of $0.9 billion, $0.7 billion and $0.3 billion, respectively. In February 2015, the Verizon Board of Directors authorized Verizon to enter into an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement to repur- chase $5.0 billion of the Company’s common stock. On February 10, 2015, in exchange for an upfront payment totaling $5.0 billion, Verizon received an initial delivery of 86.2 million shares having a value of approximately $4.25 billion. On June 5, 2015, Verizon received an addi- tional 15.4 million shares as final settlement of the transaction under the ASR agreement. In total, 101.6 million shares were delivered under the ASR at an average repurchase price of $49.21. On March 7, 2014, the Verizon Board of Directors approved a share buyback program, which authorizes the repurchase of up to 100 million shares of Verizon common stock terminating no later than the close of business on February 28, 2017. The program permits Verizon to repur- chase shares over time, with the amount and timing of repurchases depending on market conditions and corporate needs. The Board also determined that no additional shares were to be purchased under the prior program. During 2015, we repurchased $0.1 billion of our common stock as part of our previously announced share buyback program. There were no repurchases of common stock during 2014. During 2013, we repurchased $0.2 billion of our common stock under our previous share buyback program. As a result of the Wireless Transaction, in February 2014, Verizon issued approximately 1.27 billion shares. Credit Ratings Verizon’s credit ratings did not change in 2015 or 2014. During the third quarter of 2013, Verizon’s credit ratings were down- graded by Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s), Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (Standard & Poor’s) and Fitch Ratings (Fitch) as a result of Verizon’s announcement of the agreement to acquire Vodafone’s 45% noncontrolling interest in Verizon Wireless for approximately $130 billion including the incurrence of third-party indebtedness to fund the cash portion of the purchase price for the Wireless Transaction. Moody’s downgraded Verizon’s long-term debt ratings one notch from A3 to Baa1, while Standard & Poor’s lowered its corporate credit rating and senior unsecured debt rating one notch from A- to BBB+ and Fitch lowered its long-term issuer default rating and senior unsecured debt rating one notch from A to A-. Securities ratings assigned by rating organizations are expressions of opinion and are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold securities. A securities rating is subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization. Each rating should be evaluated inde- pendently of any other rating. 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 dispo- sition of assets and mergers and consolidations, and other similar covenants. Additionally, our term loan credit agreement requires us to maintain a leverage ratio (as such term is defined in those agreements) not in excess of 3.50:1.00 until our credit ratings are equal to or higher than A3 and A-. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details related to our term loan credit agreement. We and our consolidated subsidiaries are in compliance with all of our financial and restrictive covenants. Increase (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents Our Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2015 totaled $4.5 billion, a $6.1 billion decrease compared to Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2014 primarily as a result of the factors discussed above. Our Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2014 totaled $10.6 billion, a $42.9 billion decrease compared to Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2013 primarily as a result of the cash payment made to Vodafone as part of the completion of the Wireless Transaction. Free Cash Flow Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that management believes is useful to investors and other users of Verizon’s financial information in evaluating cash available to pay debt and dividends. Free cash flow is calculated by subtracting capital expenditures from net cash provided by operating activities. The following table recon- ciles net cash provided by operating activities to Free cash flow: Years Ended December 31, Net cash provided by operating (dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 activities $ 38,930 $ 30,631 $ 38,818 Less Capital expenditures (including capitalized software) Free cash flow 17,775 $ 21,155 17,191 $ 13,440 16,604 $ 22,214 The changes in free cash flow during 2015, 2014 and 2013 were a result of the factors described in connection with net cash provided by operating activities and capital expenditures. During 2015, we received $5.9 billion of cash proceeds, net of remittances, related to the sale of wireless device installment receivables as well as $2.4 billion of cash proceeds received related to the Tower Monetization Transaction attributable to the portion of the towers for which the right-of-use has passed to the tower operator. On February 21, 2014, we completed the Wireless Transaction which provides full access to the cash flows of Verizon Wireless. The completion of the Wireless Transaction resulted in an increase in income tax payments as well as an increase in interest payments, which reduced our net cash provided by operating activities during 2014 (see “Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities”). 30 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Employee Benefit Plan Funded Status and Contributions Employer Contributions We operate numerous qualified and nonqualified pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. These plans primarily relate to our domestic business units. During 2015 and 2014, contributions to our qualified pension plans were $0.7 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively. During 2013, contributions to our qualified pension plans were not material. We also contributed $0.1 billion, $0.1 billion and $0.1 billion to our nonqualified pension plans in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In an effort to reduce the risk of our portfolio strategy and better align assets with liabilities, we have adopted a liability driven pension strategy that seeks to better match cash flows from investments with projected benefit payments. We expect that the strategy will reduce the likelihood that assets will decline at a time when liabilities increase (referred to as liability hedging), with the goal to reduce the risk of underfunding to the plan and its participants and beneficia- ries, however, we also expect the strategy to result in lower asset returns. Based on this strategy and the funded status of the plans at December 31, 2015, we expect the minimum required qualified pension plan contribution in 2016 to be $0.6 billion. Nonqualified pension contri- butions are estimated to be approximately $0.1 billion in 2016. Contributions to our other postretirement benefit plans generally relate to payments for benefits on an as- incurred basis since the other postretirement benefit plans do not have funding requirements similar to the pension plans. We contributed $0.9 billion, $0.7 billion and $1.4 billion to our other postretirement benefit plans in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Contributions to our other postretirement benefit plans are estimated to be approximately $0.9 billion in 2016. Leasing Arrangements See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of leasing arrangements. Off Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments The following table provides a summary of our contractual obligations and commercial commitments at December 31, 2015. Additional detail about these items is included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Contractual Obligations Long-term debt(1) Capital lease obligations(2) Total long-term debt, including current maturities Interest on long-term debt(1) Operating leases(2) Purchase obligations(3) Other long-term liabilities(4) Finance obligations(5) Total contractual obligations Total $ 109,073 957 110,030 88,562 18,213 21,934 2,402 2,625 $ 243,766 Payments Due By Period $ Less than 1 year 6,054 271 6,325 5,058 2,744 8,440 1,462 261 $ 24,290 1–3 years $ 10,843 424 11,267 9,731 4,697 9,166 940 538 $ 36,339 3–5 years $ 14,381 124 14,505 8,880 3,475 2,278 – 560 $ 29,698 (dollars in millions) More than 5 years $ 77,795 138 77,933 64,893 7,297 2,050 – 1,266 $ 153,439 (1) Items included in long-term debt with variable coupon rates are described in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements. (2) See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements. (3) The purchase obligations reflected above are primarily commitments to purchase programming and network services, equipment, software, handsets and peripherals, and marketing activities, which will be used or sold in the ordinary course of business. These amounts do not represent our entire anticipated purchases in the future, but represent only those items that are the subject of contractual obligations. We also purchase products and services as needed with no firm commitment. For this reason, the amounts presented in this table alone do not provide a reliable indicator of our expected future cash outflows or changes in our expected cash position (see Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements). (4) Other long-term liabilities include estimated postretirement benefit and qualified pension plan contributions (see Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements). (5) Represents future minimum payments under the sublease arrangement for our tower transaction (see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements). We are not able to make a reliable estimate of when the unrecognized tax benefits balance of $1.6 billion and related interest and penalties will be settled with the respective taxing authorities until issues or examinations are further developed (see Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements). Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 31 Guarantees We guarantee the debentures and first mortgage bonds of our operating telephone company subsidiaries as well as the debt obli- gations of GTE Corporation that were issued and outstanding prior to July 1, 2003 (see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements). In connection with the execution of agreements for the sale of busi- nesses 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 financial losses (see Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements). As of December 31, 2015, letters of credit totaling approximately $0.1 billion, which were executed in the normal course of business and support several financing arrangements and payment obligations to third parties, were outstanding (see Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements). 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 cross currency swaps, foreign currency and prepaid forwards and collars, interest rate swap agreements, commodity swap and forward agreements and interest rate locks. 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. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, we posted collateral of approximately $0.1 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively, related to derivative contracts under collateral exchange arrangements. During the first and second quarter of 2015, we paid an immaterial amount of cash to enter into amendments to certain collateral exchange arrangements. These amendments suspend cash collateral posting for a specified period of time by both counterparties. While we may be exposed to credit losses due to the nonperformance of our counterparties, we consider the risk remote. As such, we do not expect that our results of operations or financial condition will be materially affected by these risk manage- ment strategies. 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 December 31, 2015, approximately 81% 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 $0.2 billion. The interest rates on substantially all of our existing long-term debt obligations are unaffected by changes to our credit ratings. The table that follows summarizes the fair values of our long-term debt, including current maturities, and interest rate swap derivatives as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. The table also provides a sensitivity analysis of the estimated fair values of these financial instruments assuming 100-basis-point upward and downward shifts in the yield curve. Our sensitivity analysis does not include the fair values of our commercial paper and bank loans, if any, because they are not signifi- cantly affected by changes in market interest rates. Long-term debt and related derivatives At December 31, 2015 At December 31, 2014 Fair Value $ 117,943 126,139 Fair Value assuming + 100 basis point shift $ 108,992 115,695 (dollars in millions) Fair Value assuming − 100 basis point shift $ 128,641 138,420 Interest Rate Swaps We enter into domestic 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 changes in the fair value of our debt portfolio. We record the interest rate swaps at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets as assets and liabilities. During the third quarter of 2015, we entered into interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $3.2 billion. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we entered into interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $2.6 billion. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the total notional amount of the interest rate swaps was $7.6 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively. The fair value of these contracts was $0.1 billion at December 31, 2015 and was not material at December 31, 2014. The ineffective portion of these interest rate swaps was not material at December 31, 2015 and 2014. Forward Interest Rate Swaps In order to manage our exposure to future interest rate changes, we have entered into forward interest rate swaps. We designated these contracts as cash flow hedges. At December 31, 2014, these swaps had a notional value of $2.0 billion. The fair value of these contracts was $0.2 billion at December 31, 2014, which was included within Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. During the third quarter of 2015, we settled these forward interest rate swaps and the pre-tax loss was not material. During the third quarter of 2015, we entered into forward interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $0.8 billion. The fair value of these contracts was not material at December 31, 2015. 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 consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are recorded in the consolidated statements of income in Other income and (expense), net. At December 31, 2015, our primary translation exposure was to the British Pound Sterling, Euro and Australian Dollar. 32 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Cross Currency Swaps Verizon Wireless previously entered into cross currency swaps des- ignated as cash flow hedges to exchange approximately $1.6 billion of British Pound Sterling and Euro- denominated debt into U.S. dollars and to fix our future interest and principal payments in U.S. dollars, as well as to mitigate the impact of foreign currency transaction gains or losses. In June 2014, we settled $0.8 billion of these cross currency swaps and the gains with respect to these swaps were not material. In December 2015, we settled $0.6 billion of these cross currency swaps on maturity. During the first quarter of 2014, we entered into cross currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges to exchange approximately $5.4 billion of Euro and British Pound Sterling denominated debt into U.S. dollars. During the second quarter of 2014, we entered into cross currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges to exchange approx- imately $1.2 billion of British Pound Sterling denominated debt into U.S. dollars. During the fourth quarter of 2014, we entered into cross currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges to exchange approxi- mately $3.0 billion of Euro denominated debt into U.S. dollars and to fix our future interest and principal payments in U.S. dollars. Each of these cross currency swaps was entered into in order to mitigate the impact of foreign currency transaction gains or losses. A portion of the gains and losses recognized in Other comprehensive income was reclassified to Other income and (expense), net to offset the related pre-tax foreign currency transaction gain or loss on the underlying debt obligations. The fair value of the outstanding swaps was $1.6 billion and $0.6 billion, which was primarily included within Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. At December 31, 2015, the total notional amount of the cross currency swaps was $9.7 billion. During 2015 and 2014, a pre-tax loss of $1.2 billion and a pre-tax loss of $0.1 billion, respectively, was recognized in Other comprehensive income with respect to these swaps. Net Investment Hedges We entered into foreign currency forward contracts that are des- ignated 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. During the third quarter of 2015, we entered into net investment hedges with a total notional value of $0.9 billion with the contract tenor maturing in 2018. The fair value of these contracts was not material at December 31, 2015. Critical Accounting Estimates and Recently Issued Accounting Standards Critical Accounting Estimates A summary of the critical accounting estimates used in preparing our financial statements is as follows: • Wireless licenses and Goodwill are a significant component of our consolidated assets. Both our wireless licenses and goodwill are treated as indefinite-lived intangible assets and, therefore are not amortized, but rather are tested for impairment annually in the fourth fiscal quarter, unless there are events requiring an earlier assessment or changes in circumstances during an interim period that indicate these assets may not be recoverable. We believe our estimates and assumptions are reasonable and represent appro- priate marketplace considerations as of the valuation date. Although we use consistent methodologies in developing the assumptions and estimates underlying the fair value calculations used in our impairment tests, these estimates are uncertain by nature and can vary from actual results. It is possible that in the future there may be changes in our assumptions, including estimated cash flow projec- tions, margins, growth rates and discount rate, which could result in different fair value estimates and an impairment charge. Wireless Licenses The carrying value of our wireless licenses was approximately $86.6 billion as of December 31, 2015. We aggregate our wireless licenses into one single unit of accounting, as we utilize our wireless licenses on an integrated basis as part of our nationwide wireless network. Our wireless licenses provide us with the exclusive right to utilize certain radio frequency spectrum to provide wireless communication services. There are currently no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that limit the useful life of our wireless licenses. In 2015, our quantitative impairment test consisted of comparing the estimated fair value of our aggregate wireless licenses to the aggre- gated carrying amount as of the test date. If the estimated fair value of our aggregated wireless licenses is less than the aggregated carrying amount of the wireless licenses then an impairment charge would have been recognized. Our quantitative impairment test for 2015 indicated that the fair value significantly exceeded the carrying value and, therefore, did not result in an impairment. In 2015, using a quantitative assessment, we estimated the fair value of our wireless licenses using the Greenfield approach. The Greenfield approach is an income based valuation approach that values the wireless licenses by calculating the cash flow generating potential of a hypothetical start-up company that goes into business with no assets except the wireless licenses to be valued. A discounted cash flow analysis is used to estimate what a marketplace participant would be willing to pay to purchase the aggregated wireless licenses as of the valuation date. As a result, we were required to make significant estimates about future cash flows specifically associated with our wireless licenses, an appropriate discount rate based on the risk associated with those estimated cash flows and assumed terminal value and growth rates. We considered current and expected future economic conditions, current and expected availability of wireless network technology and infrastructure and related equipment and the costs thereof as well as other relevant factors in estimating future cash flows. The discount rate represented our estimate of the weighted- average cost of capital (WACC), or expected return, that a marketplace par- ticipant would have required as of the valuation date. We developed the discount rate based on our consideration of the cost of debt Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 33 and equity of a group of guideline companies as of the valuation date. Accordingly, our discount rate incorporated our estimate of the expected return a marketplace participant would have required as of the valuation date, including the risk premium associated with the current and expected economic conditions as of the valuation date. The terminal value growth rate represented our estimate of the marketplace’s long-term growth rate. In 2014 and 2013, we performed a qualitative impairment assess- ment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of our wireless licenses was less than the carrying amount. As part of our assessment we considered several qualitative factors including the business enterprise value of Wireless, macroeconomic conditions (including changes in interest rates and discount rates), industry and market considerations (including industry revenue and EBITDA margin projections), the projected financial performance of Wireless, as well as other factors. Based on our assessment in 2014 and 2013, we qualitatively concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of our wireless licenses significantly exceeded their carrying value and therefore, did not result in an impairment. Goodwill At December 31, 2015, the balance of our goodwill was approx- imately $25.3 billion, of which $18.4 billion was in our Wireless reporting unit, $4.3 billion was in our Wireline reporting unit and $2.6 billion was in our other reporting unit. Determining whether an impairment has occurred requires the determination of fair value of each respective reporting unit. The fair value of our reporting units exceeded the carrying values. Accordingly, our annual impairment tests for 2015, 2014 and 2013 did not result in an impairment. In the event of a 10% decline in the fair value of any of our reporting units, the fair value would have still exceeded the book value of the reporting unit and no impairment charge would be recorded. 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 WACC, or expected return, that a marketplace par- ticipant would have required as of the valuation date. • We maintain benefit plans for most of our employees, including, for certain employees, pension and other postretirement benefit plans. At December 31, 2015, in the aggregate, pension plan benefit obliga- tions exceeded the fair value of pension plan assets, which will result in higher future pension plan expense. Other postretirement benefit plans have larger benefit obligations than plan assets, resulting in expense. Significant benefit plan assumptions, including the discount rate used, the long-term rate of return on plan assets, the determination of the substantive plan and health care trend rates are periodically updated and impact the amount of benefit plan income, expense, assets and obligations. Changes to one or more of these assumptions could significantly impact our accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits. A sensitivity analysis of the impact of changes in these assumptions on the benefit obligations and expense (income) recorded, as well as on the funded status due to an increase or a decrease in the actual versus expected return on plan assets as of December 31, 2015 and for the year then ended pertaining to Verizon’s pension and postretirement benefit plans is provided in the table below. (dollars in millions) Pension plans discount rate Rate of return on pension plan assets Postretirement plans discount rate Rate of return on postretirement plan assets Health care trend rates Percentage point change $ Increase (decrease) at December 31, 2015* (1,195) 1,333 (175) 175 (1,565) 1,761 (21) 21 3,074 (2,516) +0.50 −0.50 +1.00 −1.00 +0.50 −0.50 +1.00 −1.00 +1.00 −1.00 * In determining its pension and other postretirement obligation, the Company used a weighted- average discount rate of 4.6%. The rate was selected to approximate the composite interest rates available on a selection of high- quality bonds available in the market at December 31, 2015. The bonds selected had maturities that coincided with the time periods during which benefits payments are expected to occur, were non- callable and available in sufficient quantities to ensure marketability (at least $0.3 billion par outstanding). The annual measurement date for both our pension and other postretirement benefits is December 31st. Effective January 1, 2016, we adopted the full yield curve approach to estimate the interest cost component of net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefits. We will account for this change as a change in accounting estimate and, accordingly, will account for it prospectively beginning in the first quarter of 2016. Prior to this change, we estimated the interest cost component utilizing a single weighted- average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. The full yield curve approach refines our estimate of interest cost by applying the individual spot rates from a yield curve composed of the rates of return on several hundred high- quality, fixed income corporate bonds available at the measurement date. These indi- vidual spot rates align with the timing of each future cash outflow for benefit payments and therefore provide a more precise estimate of interest cost. This change in accounting estimate does not affect the measure- ment of our total benefit obligations at year end or our annual net periodic benefit cost as the change in the interest cost is offset in the actuarial gain or loss recorded at year end. Accordingly, this change in accounting estimate has no impact on our annual con- solidated GAAP results. We estimate the impact of this change on our consolidated GAAP results for the first quarter of 2016 will be a reduction of the interest cost component of net periodic benefit cost and an increase to Net income by approximately $0.1 billion. However, at this time the estimated impact of this change on the remaining 2016 interim periods and for annual 2016 results cannot be reasonably estimated because it is possible that in the future there may be changes to underlying assumptions, including an interim remeasurement of our benefit obligations, which could result in different estimates. Our non-GAAP measure for segment EBITDA is unaffected because net periodic benefit costs are not included in our segment results. For additional discussion of Non-GAAP measures and non- operational items see “Consolidated Results of Operations”. 34 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued • Our current and deferred income taxes, and associated valuation allowances, are impacted by events and transactions arising in the normal course of business as well as in connection with the adoption of new accounting standards, changes in tax laws and rates, acquisitions and dispositions of businesses and non- recurring items. As a global commercial enterprise, our income tax rate and the classification of income taxes can be affected by many factors, including estimates of the timing and realization of deferred income tax assets and the timing and amount of income tax payments. We account for tax benefits taken or expected to be taken in our tax returns in accordance with the accounting standard relating to the uncertainty in income taxes, which requires the use of a two-step approach for recognizing and measuring tax benefits taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We review and adjust our liability for unrecognized tax benefits based on our best judgment given the facts, circumstances, and information available at each reporting date. To the extent that the final outcome of these tax positions is different than the amounts recorded, such differences may impact income tax expense and actual tax payments. We recognize any interest and penalties accrued related to unrecog- nized tax benefits in income tax expense. Actual tax payments may materially differ from estimated liabilities as a result of changes in tax laws as well as unanticipated transactions impacting related income tax balances. • Our Plant, property and equipment balance represents a signif- icant component of our consolidated assets. We record Plant, property and equipment at cost. We depreciate Plant, property and equipment on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets. We expect that a one-year increase in estimated useful lives of our Plant, property and equipment would result in a decrease to our 2015 depreciation expense of $2.8 billion and that a one-year decrease would result in an increase of approximately $7.2 billion in our 2015 depreciation expense. • We maintain allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable, including our device installment plan receivables, for estimated losses resulting from the failure or inability of our customers to make required payments. Our allowance for uncollectible accounts receiv- able is based on management’s assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts and includes consideration of the credit worthiness and financial condition of those customers. We record an allowance to reduce the receivables to the amount that is reasonably believed to be collectible. We also record an allowance for all other receivables based on multiple factors including historical experience with bad debts, the general economic environment and the aging of such receivables. If there is a deterioration of customers’ financial condition or if future actual default rates on receivables in general differ from those currently anticipated, we may have to adjust our allowance for doubtful accounts, which would affect earnings in the period the adjustments are made. Recently Issued Accounting Standards See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting standard updates not yet adopted as of December 31, 2015. Acquisitions and Divestitures Wireless Wireless Transaction On February 21, 2014, we completed the Wireless Transaction for aggregate consideration of approximately $130 billion. The con- sideration paid was primarily comprised of cash of approximately $58.89 billion, Verizon common stock with a value of approximately $61.3 billion and other consideration. Omnitel Transaction On February 21, 2014, Verizon and Vodafone also consummated the sale of the Omnitel Interest (the Omnitel Transaction) by a subsidiary of Verizon to a subsidiary of Vodafone in connection with the Wireless Transaction pursuant to a separate share purchase agreement. As a result, during 2014, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $1.9 billion on the disposal of the Omnitel interest. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the Wireless Transaction. Spectrum License Transactions In January 2015, the FCC completed an auction of 65 MHz of spectrum in the AWS-3 band. We participated in the auction and were the high bidder on 181 spectrum licenses, for which we paid cash of approximately $10.4 billion. The FCC granted us these spectrum licenses in April 2015. 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 network while also resulting in a more efficient use of spectrum. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding our spectrum license transactions. Tower Monetization Transaction During March 2015, we completed a transaction with American Tower pursuant to which American Tower acquired the exclusive right to lease, acquire or otherwise operate and manage many of our wireless towers for an upfront payment of $5.1 billion, which also included payment for the sale of 162 towers. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information. Wireline During July 2014, Verizon sold a non- strategic Wireline business for cash consideration that was not significant. See Note 2 to the consoli- dated financial statements for additional information. Access Line Sale On February 5, 2015, we announced that we have entered into a definitive agreement with Frontier pursuant to which Verizon will sell its local exchange business and related landline activities in California, Florida and Texas, including Fios Internet and video customers, switched and special access lines and high-speed Internet service and long distance voice accounts in these three states for approximately $10.5 billion (approximately $7.5 billion net of income taxes), subject to certain adjustments and including the assumption of $0.6 billion of indebtedness from Verizon by Frontier. We expect this transaction to close at the end of the first quarter of 2016. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 35 Other Acquisition of AOL Inc. On May 12, 2015, we entered into the Merger Agreement with AOL pursuant to which we commenced a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of AOL at a price of $50.00 per share, net to the seller in cash, without interest and less any applicable withholding taxes. On June 23, 2015, we completed the tender offer and merger, and AOL became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Verizon. The aggregate cash consideration paid by Verizon at the closing of these transactions was approximately $3.8 billion. Holders of approximately 6.6 million shares exercised their appraisal rights under Delaware law. If they had not exercised these rights, Verizon would have paid an additional $330 million for such shares at the closing. AOL is a leader in the digital content and advertising platform space. Verizon has been investing in emerging technology that taps into the market shift to digital content and advertising. AOL’s business model aligns with this approach, and we believe that its combination of owned and operated content properties plus a digital advertising platform enhances our ability to further develop future revenue streams. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information. Other On September 3, 2015, AOL announced an agreement to acquire an advertising technology business for cash consideration that was not significant. The transaction was completed in October 2015. During the fourth quarter of 2014, Redbox Instant by Verizon, a venture between Verizon and Redbox Automated Retail, LLC (Redbox), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Outerwall Inc., ceased providing service to its customers. In accordance with an agreement between the parties, Redbox withdrew from the venture on October 20, 2014 and Verizon wound down and dissolved the venture during the fourth quarter of 2014. As a result of the termination of the venture, we recorded a pre-tax loss of $0.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014. During February 2014, Verizon acquired a business dedicated to the development of IP television for cash consideration that was not significant. During the fourth quarter of 2013, Verizon acquired an industry leader in content delivery networks for $0.4 billion. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information. Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward- Looking Statements In this report we have made forward- looking statements. These state- ments 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 oper- ations. Forward- looking statements also include those preceded or followed by the words “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “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. 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 negotia- tions, 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; and • the inability to implement our business strategies. 36 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting We, the management of Verizon Communications Inc., are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting of the company. Management has evaluated internal control over financial reporting of the company using the criteria for effective internal control established in Internal Control–Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. Management has assessed the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. Based on this assessment, we believe that the internal control over financial reporting of the company is effective as of December 31, 2015. In connection with this assessment, there were no material weaknesses in the company’s internal control over financial reporting identified by management. The company’s financial statements included in this Annual Report have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young LLP has also provided an attestation report on the company’s internal control over financial reporting. Lowell C. McAdam Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Francis J. Shammo Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Anthony T. Skiadas Senior Vice President and Controller Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting To The Board of Directors and Shareowners of Verizon Communications Inc.: We have audited Verizon Communications Inc. and subsidiaries’ (Verizon) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control–Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Verizon’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reason- able assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evalu- ating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, Verizon maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the COSO criteria. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Verizon as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehen- sive income, cash flows and changes in equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 and our report dated February 23, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Ernst & Young LLP New York, New York February 23, 2016 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 37 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To The Board of Directors and Shareowners of Verizon Communications Inc.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Verizon Communications Inc. and subsidiaries (Verizon) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of Verizon’s man- agement. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as eval- uating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Verizon at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Verizon’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control–Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 23, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Ernst & Young LLP New York, New York February 23, 2016 38 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Income Years Ended December 31, Operating Revenues Service revenues and other Wireless equipment revenues Total Operating Revenues Operating Expenses Cost of services (exclusive of items shown below) Wireless cost of equipment Selling, general and administrative expense Depreciation and amortization expense Total Operating Expenses Operating Income Equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated businesses Other income and (expense), net Interest expense Income Before Provision For Income Taxes Provision for income taxes Net Income Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to Verizon Net Income Basic Earnings Per Common Share Net income attributable to Verizon Weighted- average shares outstanding (in millions) Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Net income attributable to Verizon Weighted- average shares outstanding (in millions) See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 2015 2014 2013 $ 114,696 $ 116,122 $ 112,454 16,924 131,620 10,957 127,079 8,096 120,550 29,438 23,119 29,986 16,017 98,560 28,306 21,625 41,016 16,533 107,480 28,534 16,353 27,089 16,606 88,582 33,060 19,599 31,968 (86) 186 (4,920) 28,240 (9,865) 1,780 (1,194) (4,915) 15,270 (3,314) 142 (166) (2,667) 29,277 (5,730) $ 18,375 $ 11,956 $ 23,547 $ 496 $ 17,879 2,331 9,625 $ 12,050 11,497 $ 18,375 $ 11,956 $ 23,547 $ 4.38 4,085 $ 2.42 3,974 $ 4.01 2,866 $ 4.37 4,093 $ 2.42 3,981 $ 4.00 2,874 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 39 Years Ended December 31, Net Income Other Comprehensive Income, net of taxes Foreign currency translation adjustments Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Verizon Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Total Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive income attributable to Verizon Total Comprehensive Income See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2015 2014 2013 $ 18,375 $ 11,956 $ 23,547 (dollars in millions) (208) (194) (11) (148) (561) – (1,199) (197) (5) 154 (1,247) (23) 60 25 16 22 123 (15) $ 17,814 $ 10,686 $ 23,655 496 17,318 $ 17,814 2,308 8,378 $ 10,686 12,035 11,620 $ 23,655 40 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets At December 31, Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents Short-term investments Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $882 and $739 Inventories Assets held for sale Prepaid expenses and other Total current assets Plant, property and equipment Less accumulated depreciation Plant, property and equipment, net Investments in unconsolidated businesses Wireless licenses Goodwill Other intangible assets, net Non- current assets held for sale Deposit for wireless licenses Other assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity Current liabilities Debt maturing within one year Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Liabilities related to assets held for sale Other Total current liabilities Long-term debt Employee benefit obligations Deferred income taxes Non- current liabilities related to assets held for sale Other liabilities Equity Series preferred stock ($.10 par value; none issued) Common stock ($.10 par value; 4,242,374,240 shares issued in each period) Contributed capital Reinvested earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income Common stock in treasury, at cost Deferred compensation — employee stock ownership plans and other Noncontrolling interests Total equity Total liabilities and equity See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 2015 2014 $ 4,470 $ 10,598 350 13,457 1,252 792 1,959 22,280 555 13,993 1,153 552 2,648 29,499 220,163 136,622 83,541 230,508 140,561 89,947 796 86,575 25,331 8,338 10,267 – 7,512 802 75,341 24,639 5,728 – 921 5,739 $ 244,640 $ 232,616 $ 6,489 $ 2,735 19,362 463 8,738 35,052 16,680 – 8,572 27,987 103,705 110,536 29,957 45,484 959 11,641 – 424 11,196 11,246 550 (7,416) 428 1,414 17,842 33,280 41,563 – 5,574 – 424 11,155 2,447 1,111 (3,263) 424 1,378 13,676 $ 244,640 $ 232,616 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 41 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Years Ended December 31, Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization expense Employee retirement benefits Deferred income taxes Provision for uncollectible accounts Equity in losses (earnings) of unconsolidated businesses, net of dividends received Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisition/disposition of businesses Accounts receivable Inventories Other assets Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Other, net Net cash provided by operating activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities Capital expenditures (including capitalized software) Acquisitions of investments and businesses, net of cash acquired Acquisitions of wireless licenses Proceeds from dispositions of wireless licenses Proceeds from dispositions of businesses Other, net Net cash used in investing activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities Proceeds from long-term borrowings Repayments of long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations Decrease in short-term obligations, excluding current maturities Dividends paid Proceeds from sale of common stock Purchase of common stock for treasury Special distribution to noncontrolling interest Acquisition of noncontrolling interest Other, net Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2015 2014 2013 (dollars in millions) $ 18,375 $ 11,956 $ 23,547 16,533 16,606 16,017 (1,747) 3,516 1,610 127 (945) (99) 942 2,545 (1,411) 8,130 (92) 1,095 (1,743) (2,745) (132) (695) 1,412 (3,088) (5,052) 5,785 993 (102) (843) 56 (143) 925 (2,954) 38,818 38,930 30,631 (17,775) (17,191) (16,604) (3,545) (9,942) – 48 1,171 (30,043) 6,667 (9,340) (344) (8,538) 40 (5,134) – – 1,634 (15,015) (6,128) 10,598 $ 4,470 (182) (354) 2,367 120 (616) (494) (580) 2,111 – 734 (15,856) (14,833) 30,967 (17,669) (475) (7,803) 34 – – (58,886) (3,873) (57,705) (42,930) 53,528 $ 10,598 49,166 (8,163) (142) (5,936) 85 (153) (3,150) – (5,257) 26,450 50,435 3,093 $ 53,528 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balance at beginning of year attributable to Verizon 1,111 42 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount (dollars in millions, except per share amounts, and shares in thousands) 4,242,374 $ 424 2,967,610 $ – – 1,274,764 4,242,374 424 4,242,374 297 127 424 2,967,610 $ 297 – 2,967,610 – 297 Common Stock Balance at beginning of year Common shares issued (Note 2) Balance at end of year Contributed Capital Balance at beginning of year Acquisition of noncontrolling interest (Note 2) Other Balance at end of year Reinvested Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Balance at beginning of year Net income attributable to Verizon Dividends declared ($2.23, $2.16, $2.09) per share Balance at end of year Foreign currency translation adjustments Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans Other comprehensive income (loss) Balance at end of year attributable to Verizon Treasury Stock Balance at beginning of year Shares purchased Employee plans (Note 15) Shareowner plans (Note 15) Other Balance at end of year Deferred Compensation — ESOPs and Other Balance at beginning of year Restricted stock equity grant Amortization Balance at end of year Noncontrolling Interests Balance at beginning of year Acquisition of noncontrolling interest (Note 2) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Other comprehensive loss Total comprehensive income Distributions and other Balance at end of year Total Equity See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 11,155 – 41 11,196 2,447 17,879 (9,080) 11,246 (208) (194) (11) (148) (561) 550 (3,263) (5,134) 740 241 – (87,410) (104,402) 17,072 5,541 – 37,939 (26,898) 114 11,155 1,782 9,625 (8,960) 2,447 2,358 (1,199) (197) (5) 154 (1,247) 1,111 (105,610) (3,961) (109,041) – 14,132 4,105 (37) – 541 157 – (3,500) 6,835 96 – 37,990 – (51) 37,939 (3,734) 11,497 (5,981) 1,782 2,235 60 25 16 22 123 2,358 (4,071) (153) 260 3 – (169,199) (7,416) (87,410) (3,263) (105,610) (3,961) 424 208 (204) 428 1,378 – 496 – 496 (460) 1,414 $ 17,842 421 166 (163) 424 56,580 (55,960) 2,331 (23) 2,308 (1,550) 1,378 440 152 (171) 421 52,376 – 12,050 (15) 12,035 (7,831) 56,580 $ 13,676 $ 95,416 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 43 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Note 1 Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business 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 governmental agencies with a presence around the world. We have two reportable segments, Wireless and Wireline. For further information concerning our business segments, see Note 13. The Wireless segment provides wireless communications products and services across one of the most extensive and reliable wireless networks in the United States (U.S.) and has the largest fourth- generation (4G) Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology and third- generation (3G) networks of any U.S. wireless service provider. The Wireline segment provides voice, data and video communications products and enhanced services, including broadband video and data, corporate networking solutions, data center and cloud services, security and managed network services and local and long distance voice services. We provide these products and services to consumers in the United States, as well as to carriers, businesses and government customers both in the United States and around the world. Consolidation The method of accounting applied to investments, whether consoli- dated, equity or cost, involves an evaluation of all significant terms of the investments that explicitly grant or suggest evidence of control or influence over the operations of the investee. The consolidated financial statements include our controlled subsidiaries, as well as variable interest entities (VIE) where we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary. For controlled subsidiaries that are not wholly-owned, the noncontrolling interests are included in Net income and Total equity. Investments in businesses which we do not control, but have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies, are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for under the cost method. Equity and cost method investments are included in Investments in unconsol- idated businesses in our consolidated balance sheets. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Basis of Presentation We have reclassified certain prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation. Use of Estimates We prepare our financial statements using U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and disclo- sures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Examples of significant estimates include: the allowance for doubtful accounts, the recoverability of plant, property and equipment, the recoverability of intangible assets and other long-lived assets, fair values of financial instruments, unrecognized tax benefits, valuation allowances on tax assets, accrued expenses, pension and postre- tirement benefit assumptions, contingencies and the identification of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with business combinations. Revenue Recognition Multiple Deliverable Arrangements We offer products and services to our wireless and wireline customers through bundled arrangements. These arrangements involve multiple deliverables which may include products, services, or a combination of products and services. Wireless Our Wireless segment earns revenue primarily by providing access to and usage of its network as well as the sale of equipment. In general, access revenue is billed one month in advance and recognized when earned. Usage revenue is generally billed in arrears and recognized when service is rendered. Equipment sales revenue associated with the sale of wireless devices and accessories is generally recognized when the products are delivered to and accepted by the customer, as this is considered to be a separate earnings process from providing wireless services. For agreements involving the resale of third-party services in which we are considered the primary obligor in the arrangements, we record the revenue gross at the time of the sale. Under the Verizon device payment program (formerly known as Verizon Edge), our eligible wireless customers purchase phones or tablets at unsubsidized prices on an installment basis (a device installment plan). Certain devices are subject to promotions that allow customers to upgrade to a new device after paying down the minimum percentage of the device installment plan and trading in their device. When a customer has the right to upgrade to a new device by paying down the minimum percentage of the device installment plan and trading in their device, we account for this trade-in right as a guarantee obligation. The full amount of the trade-in right’s fair value (not an allocated value) is recognized as a guarantee liability and the remaining allocable consideration is allocated to the device. The value of the guarantee liability effectively results in a reduction to the revenue recognized for the sale of the device. In multiple element arrangements that bundle devices and monthly wireless service, revenue is allocated to each unit of accounting using a relative selling price method. At the inception of the arrangement, the amount allocable to the delivered units of accounting is limited to the amount that is not contingent upon the delivery of the monthly wireless service (the noncontingent amount). We effectively recognize revenue on the delivered device at the lesser of the amount allocated based on the relative selling price of the device or the noncontingent amount owed when the device is sold. Wireline Our Wireline segment earns revenue based upon usage of its network and facilities and contract fees. In general, fixed monthly fees for voice, video, data and certain other services are billed one month in advance and recognized when earned. Revenue from services that are not fixed in amount and are based on usage is generally billed in arrears and recognized when service is rendered. We sell each of the services offered in bundled arrangements (i.e., voice, video and data), as well as separately; therefore each product or service has a standalone selling price. For these arrangements, revenue is allocated to each deliverable using a relative selling price method. Under this method, arrangement consideration is allocated to each separate deliverable based on our standalone selling price for each product or service. These services include Fios services, individ- ually or in bundles, and High Speed Internet. 44 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued When we bundle equipment with maintenance and monitoring services, we recognize equipment revenue when the equipment is installed in accordance with contractual specifications and ready for the customer’s use. The maintenance and monitoring services are recognized monthly over the term of the contract as we provide the services. Installation- related fees, along with the associated costs up to but not exceeding these fees, are deferred and amortized over the estimated customer relationship period. Other Advertising revenues are generated through display advertising and search advertising. Display advertising revenue is generated by the display of graphical advertisements and other performance-based advertising. Search advertising revenue is generated when a consumer clicks on a text-based advertisement on their screen. Agreements for advertising typically take the forms of impression-based contracts, time-based contracts or performance-based contracts. Advertising revenues derived from impression-based contracts, in which we provide impressions in exchange for a fixed fee, are generally recog- nized as the impressions are delivered. Advertising revenues derived from time-based contracts, in which we provide promotions over a specified time period for a fixed fee, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract, provided that we meet and will continue to meet our obligations under the contract. Advertising revenues derived from contracts where we are compensated based on certain performance criteria are recognized as we complete the contractually specified performance. We report taxes imposed by governmental authorities on revenue- producing transactions between us and our customers on a net basis. Maintenance and Repairs We charge the cost of maintenance and repairs, including the cost of replacing minor items not constituting substantial betterments, princi- pally to Cost of services as these costs are incurred. Advertising Costs Costs for advertising products and services as well as other pro- motional and sponsorship costs are charged to Selling, general and administrative expense in the periods in which they are incurred (see Note 15). Earnings Per Common Share Basic earnings per common share are based on the weighted- average number of shares outstanding during the period. Where appropriate, diluted earnings per common share include the dilutive effect of shares issuable under our stock-based compensation plans. There were a total of approximately 8 million, 7 million and 8 million outstanding dilutive securities, primarily consisting of restricted stock units, included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2015, there were no outstanding options to purchase shares that would have been anti- dilutive. Outstanding options to purchase shares that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share, because to do so would have been anti- dilutive for the period, were not significant for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. On January 28, 2014, at a special meeting of our shareholders, we received shareholder approval to increase our authorized shares of common stock by 2 billion shares to an aggregate of 6.25 billion autho- rized shares of common stock. On February 4, 2014, this authorization became effective. On February 21, 2014, we issued approximately 1.27 billion shares of common stock upon completing the acquisition of Vodafone Group Plc’s indirect 45% interest in Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless. See Note 2 for additional information. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of 90 days or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates quoted market value and include amounts held in money market funds. Marketable Securities We have investments in marketable securities, which are consid- ered “ available-for-sale” under the provisions of the accounting standard for certain debt and equity securities, and are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in Short-term invest- ments or Other assets. We continually evaluate our investments in marketable securities for impairment due to declines in market value considered to be other-than- temporary. That evaluation includes, in addition to persistent, declining stock prices, general economic and company- specific evaluations. In the event of a determination that a decline in market value is other-than- temporary, a charge to earnings is recorded for the loss, and a new cost basis in the investment is established. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable are recorded in the consolidated financial statements at cost net of an allowance for credit losses. We maintain allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable, including our device installment plan receivables, for estimated losses resulting from the failure or inability of our customers to make required payments. Similar to traditional service revenue accounting treatment, we record device installment plan bad debt expense based on an estimate of the percentage of equipment revenue that will not be collected. This estimate is based on a number of factors including historical write-off experience, credit quality of the customer base and other factors such as macroeconomic conditions. Due to the device installment plan being incorporated in the standard Verizon Wireless bill, the collection and risk strategies continue to follow historical practices. We monitor the aging of our accounts with device installment plan receivables and write off account balances if collection efforts are unsuccessful and future collection is unlikely. Inventories Inventory consists of wireless and wireline equipment held for sale, which is carried at the lower of cost (determined principally on either an average cost or first-in, first-out basis) or market. Plant and Depreciation We record plant, property and equipment at cost. Plant, property and equipment are generally depreciated on a straight-line basis. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated life of the improvement or the remaining term of the related lease, calculated from the time the asset was placed in service. When depreciable assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are deducted from the plant accounts, and any gains or losses on disposition are recognized in income. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued We capitalize and depreciate network software purchased or developed along with related plant assets. We also capi- talize interest associated with the acquisition or construction of network- related assets. Capitalized interest is reported as a reduction in interest expense and depreciated as part of the cost of the network- related assets. In connection with our ongoing review of the estimated remaining average useful lives of plant, property and equipment, we determined that changes were necessary to the remaining estimated useful lives of certain assets as a result of technology upgrades, enhancements, and planned retirements. These changes resulted in an increase in depreciation expense of $0.4 billion and $0.6 billion in 2015 and 2014, respectively. While the timing and extent of current deployment plans are subject to ongoing analysis and modification, we believe the current estimates of useful lives are reasonable. Computer Software Costs We capitalize the cost of internal-use network and non- network software that has a useful life in excess of one year. Subsequent additions, modifications or upgrades to internal-use network and non- network software are capitalized only to the extent that they allow the software to perform a task it previously did not perform. Planning, software maintenance and training costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Also, we capitalize interest associated with the development of internal-use network and non- network software. Capitalized non- network internal-use software costs are amortized using the straight-line method over a period of 3 to 8 years and are included in Other intangible assets, net in our consolidated balance sheets. For a discussion of our impairment policy for capitalized software costs, see “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” below. Also, see Note 3 for additional detail of internal-use non- network software reflected in our consolidated balance sheets. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 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 fiscal quarter or more frequently if impairment indicators are present. To determine if goodwill is potentially impaired, we have the option to perform a qual- itative assessment. However, we may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and perform an impairment test even if no indications of a potential impairment exist. The impairment test for goodwill uses a two-step approach, which is performed at the reporting unit level. Step one, performed to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of the reporting unit (calculated using a market approach and/ or a discounted cash flow method) to its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, there is a potential impairment and step two must be performed to measure the amount of the impairment charge. Step two compares the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its implied fair value (i.e., fair value of reporting unit less the fair value of the unit’s assets and liabilities, including identifiable intangible assets). If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount of goodwill, an impairment charge is recognized. Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization A significant portion of our intangible assets are wireless licenses that provide our wireless operations with the exclusive right to utilize des- ignated radio frequency spectrum to provide wireless communication services. While licenses are issued for only a fixed time, generally ten years, such licenses are subject to renewal by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). License renewals have occurred Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 45 routinely and at nominal cost. Moreover, we have determined that there are currently no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that limit the useful life of our wireless licenses. As a result, we treat the wireless licenses as an indefinite-lived intangible asset. We reevaluate the useful life determination for wireless licenses each year to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. We test our wireless licenses for potential impairment annually or more frequently if impairment indicators are present. We have the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. However, we may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. The most recent quantitative assessment of our wireless licenses occurred in 2015. Our quantitative assessment consisted of comparing the estimated fair value of our aggregate wireless licenses to the aggregated carrying amount as of the test date. Using a quantitative assessment, we estimated the fair value of our aggregate wireless licenses using the Greenfield approach. The Greenfield approach is an income based valuation approach that values the wireless licenses by calculating the cash flow generating potential of a hypothetical start-up company that goes into business with no assets except the wireless licenses to be valued. A discounted cash flow analysis is used to estimate what a marketplace participant would be willing to pay to purchase the aggregated wireless licenses as of the valuation date. If the estimated fair value of the aggregated wireless licenses is less than the aggregated carrying amount of the wireless licenses then an impairment charge is recognized. In 2014 and 2013, we performed a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of our wireless licenses was less than the carrying amount. As part of our assessment, we considered several qualitative factors including the business enterprise value of our Wireless segment, macroeconomic conditions (including changes in interest rates and discount rates), industry and market consid- erations (including industry revenue and EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) margin projections), the projected financial performance of our Wireless segment, as well as other factors. Interest expense incurred while qualifying activities are performed to ready wireless licenses for their intended use is capitalized as part of wireless licenses. The capitalization period ends when the develop- ment is discontinued or substantially complete and the license is ready for its intended use. Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization and Long-Lived Assets Our intangible assets that do not have indefinite lives (primarily customer lists and non- network internal-use software) are amortized over their estimated useful lives. All of our intangible assets subject to amortization and long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If any indica- tions were present, we would test for recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the asset group to the net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the asset group. If those net undis- counted cash flows do not exceed the carrying amount, we would perform the next step, which is to determine the fair value of the asset and record an impairment, if any. We reevaluate the useful life deter- minations for these intangible assets each year to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to their remaining useful lives. 46 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued For information related to the carrying amount of goodwill, wireless licenses and other intangible assets, as well as the major components and average useful lives of our other acquired intangible assets, see Note 3. Stock-Based Compensation We measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based compensation awards made to employees and directors based on estimated fair values. See Note 10 for further details. Fair Value Measurements Fair value of financial and non- financial assets and liabilities is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The three-tier hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value, which prioritizes the inputs used in the method- ologies of measuring fair value for assets and liabilities, is as follows: Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities Level 3 — No observable pricing inputs in the market Financial assets and financial liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their categorization within the fair value hierarchy. Income Taxes Our effective tax rate is based on pre-tax income, statutory tax rates, tax laws and regulations and tax planning strategies available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency of our foreign operations is generally the local currency. For these foreign entities, we translate income statement amounts at average exchange rates for the period, and we translate assets and liabilities at end-of- period exchange rates. We record these translation adjustments in Accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of Equity, in our consolidated balance sheets. We report exchange gains and losses on intercompany foreign currency transactions of a long-term nature in Accumulated other comprehensive income. Other exchange gains and losses are reported in income. Employee Benefit Plans Pension and postretirement health care and life insurance benefits earned during the year as well as interest on projected benefit obligations are accrued currently. Prior service costs and credits resulting from changes in plan benefits are generally amortized over the average remaining service period of the employees expected to receive benefits. Expected return on plan assets is determined by applying the return on assets assumption to the actual fair value of plan assets. Actuarial gains and losses are recognized in operating results in the year in which they occur. These gains and losses are measured annually as of December 31 or upon a remeasurement event. Verizon management employees no longer earn pension benefits or earn service towards the company retiree medical subsidy (see Note 11). Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences in the bases between financial statement and income tax assets and liabili- ties. Deferred income taxes are recalculated annually at tax rates then in effect. We record valuation allowances to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We recognize a pension or a postretirement plan’s funded status as either an asset or liability on the consolidated balance sheets. Also, we measure any unrecognized prior service costs and credits that arise during the period as a component of Accumulated other comprehen- sive income, net of applicable income tax. We use a two-step approach for recognizing and measuring tax benefits taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The first step is recognition: we determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more- likely-than-not recognition threshold, we presume that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The second step is measure- ment: a tax position that meets the more- likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Differences between tax positions taken in a tax return and amounts recognized in the financial statements will generally result in one or more of the following: an increase in a liability for income taxes payable, a reduction of an income tax refund receiv- able, a reduction in a deferred tax asset, or an increase in a deferred tax liability. The accounting standard relating to income taxes generated by leveraged lease transactions requires that changes in the projected timing of income tax cash flows generated by a leveraged lease transaction be recognized as a gain or loss in the year in which the change occurs. Significant management judgment is required in evaluating our tax positions and in determining our effective tax rate. Derivative Instruments We enter into derivative transactions primarily to manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, equity and commodity prices. We employ risk management strategies, which may include the use of a variety of derivatives including cross currency swaps, foreign currency and prepaid forwards and collars, interest rate swap agreements, commodity swap and forward agreements and interest rate locks. We do not hold derivatives for trading purposes. We measure all derivatives, including derivatives embedded in other financial instruments, at fair value and recognize them as either assets or liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Our derivative instru- ments are valued primarily using models based on readily observable market parameters for all substantial terms of our derivative contracts and thus are classified as Level 2. Changes in the fair values of deriva- tive instruments not qualifying as hedges or any ineffective portion of hedges are recognized in earnings in the current period. Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments used effectively as fair value hedges are recognized in earnings, along with changes in the fair value of the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of the effective portions of cash flow hedges are reported in Other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in earnings when the hedged item is recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair value of the effective portion of net investment hedges of certain of our foreign operations are reported in Other comprehensive income (loss) as part of the cumulative trans- lation adjustment and partially offset the impact of foreign currency changes on the value of our net investment. Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 47 In April 2015, the accounting standard update related to the sim- plification of the presentation of debt issuance costs was issued. This standard update requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. In August 2015, the accounting standard update related to the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs associated with line-of- credit arrangements was issued. This standard adds Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) paragraphs pursuant to an SEC Staff Announcement that the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs associated with a line- of- credit arrangement as an asset and subsequently amortizing the costs ratably over the term of the arrangement. We will adopt these standard updates during the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of these standard updates is not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. In June 2014, an accounting standard update was issued related to the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. The standard update requires that a perfor- mance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. We will adopt this standard update during the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of this standard update is not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the accounting standard update related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers was issued. This standard update clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The standard update intends to provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues; improve compa- rability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets; and provide more useful information to users of financial statements through improved disclosure require- ments. Upon adoption of this standard update, we expect that the allocation and timing of revenue recognition will be impacted. In August 2015, an accounting standard update was issued that delays the effective date of this standard until the first quarter of 2018. Companies are permitted to early adopt the standard in the first quarter of 2017. There are two adoption methods available for implementation of the standard update related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. Under one method, the guidance is applied retro- spectively to contracts for each reporting period presented, subject to allowable practical expedients. Under the other method, the guidance is applied only to the most current period presented, recognizing the cumulative effect of the change as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings, and also requires additional disclosures comparing the results to the previous guidance. We are currently evaluating these adoption methods and the impact that this standard update will have on our consolidated financial statements. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Variable Interest Entities VIEs are entities which lack sufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, have equity investors which do not have the ability to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations through voting rights, do not have the obligation to absorb the expected losses, or do not have the right to receive the residual returns of the entity. We consolidate the assets and liabilities of VIEs when we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the party which has the power to make the decisions that most significantly affect the economic performance of the VIE and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be signifi- cant to the VIE. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards During the first quarter of 2015, we adopted the accounting standard update related to the reporting of discontinued operations and dis- closures of disposals of components of an entity, which changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. As a result of this standard update, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The prospective adoption of this standard update did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we early adopted the accounting standard update related to the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. The standard update requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in the statement of financial position. We applied the amendments in this accounting standard update retrospectively to all periods presented. The adoption of this standard update did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In September 2015, the accounting standard update related to the simplification of the accounting for measurement- period adjustments in business combinations was issued. This standard update requires an acquirer to recognize measurement- period adjustments in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined and to record the effects on earnings of any changes resulting from the change in provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. We will adopt this standard update during the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of this standard update is not expected to have a significant impact on our consoli- dated financial statements. In May 2015, the accounting standard update related to disclosures for investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share was issued. This standard update removes the requirement to catego- rize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The standard update also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient. We will adopt this standard update during the first quarter of 2016 and apply it retrospectively to all periods presented. The adoption of this standard update is not expected to have a significant impact on our consoli- dated financial statements. 48 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Note 2 Acquisitions and Divestitures Wireless Wireless Transaction On September 2, 2013, Verizon entered into a stock purchase agreement (the Stock Purchase Agreement) with Vodafone Group Plc (Vodafone) and Vodafone 4 Limited (Seller), pursuant to which Verizon agreed to acquire Vodafone’s indirect 45% interest in Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless (the Partnership, and such interest, the Vodafone Interest) for aggregate consideration of approximately $130 billion. On February 21, 2014, pursuant to the terms and subject to the con- ditions set forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement, Verizon acquired (the Wireless Transaction) from Seller all of the issued and outstanding capital stock (the Transferred Shares) of Vodafone Americas Finance 1 Inc., a subsidiary of Seller (VF1 Inc.), which indirectly through certain subsidiaries (together with VF1 Inc., the Purchased Entities) owned the Vodafone Interest. In consideration for the Transferred Shares, upon completion of the Wireless Transaction, Verizon (i) paid approximately $58.89 billion in cash, (ii) issued approximately 1.27 billion shares of Verizon’s common stock, par value $0.10 per share (the Stock Consideration), which was valued at approximately $61.3 billion at the closing of the Wireless Transaction, (iii) issued senior unsecured Verizon notes in an aggregate principal amount of $5.0 billion (the Verizon Notes), (iv) sold Verizon’s indirectly owned 23.1% interest in Vodafone Omnitel N.V. (Omnitel, and such interest, the Omnitel Interest), valued at $3.5 billion and (v) provided other consideration, which included the assumption of preferred stock valued at approxi- mately $1.7 billion. The total cash paid to Vodafone and the other costs of the Wireless Transaction, including financing, legal and bank fees, were financed through the incurrence of third-party indebtedness. See Note 7 for additional information. In accordance with the accounting standard on consolidation, a change in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains a con- trolling financial interest in its subsidiary is accounted for as an equity transaction and remeasurement of assets and liabilities of previously controlled and consolidated subsidiaries is not permitted. As a result, we accounted for the Wireless Transaction by adjusting the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest to reflect the change in Verizon’s ownership interest in the Partnership. Any difference between the fair value of the consideration paid and the amount by which the noncon- trolling interest is adjusted has been recognized in equity attributable to Verizon. Omnitel Transaction On February 21, 2014, Verizon and Vodafone also consummated the sale of the Omnitel Interest (the Omnitel Transaction) by a subsidiary of Verizon to a subsidiary of Vodafone in connection with the Wireless Transaction pursuant to a separate share purchase agreement. As a result, during 2014, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $1.9 billion on the disposal of the Omnitel interest in Equity in (losses) earnings of uncon- solidated businesses on our consolidated statement of income. Verizon Notes (Non-Cash Transaction) The Verizon Notes were issued pursuant to Verizon’s existing indenture. The Verizon Notes were issued in two separate series, with $2.5 billion due February 21, 2022 (the eight-year Verizon Notes) and $2.5 billion due February 21, 2025 (the eleven-year Verizon Notes). The Verizon Notes bear interest at a floating rate, which will be reset quarterly, with interest payable quarterly in arrears, beginning May 21, 2014. The eight-year Verizon notes bear interest at a floating rate equal to three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), plus 1.222%, and the eleven-year Verizon notes bear interest at a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR, plus 1.372%. The indenture that governs the Verizon Notes contains certain negative covenants, including a negative pledge covenant and a merger or similar trans- action covenant, affirmative covenants and events of default that are customary for companies maintaining an investment grade credit rating. An event of default for either series of the Verizon Notes may result in acceleration of the entire principal amount of all debt securi- ties of that series. Beginning two years after the closing of the Wireless Transaction, Verizon may redeem all or any portion of the outstanding Verizon Notes held by Vodafone or any of its affiliates for a redemp- tion price of 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Verizon Notes may only be transferred by Vodafone to third parties in specified amounts during specified periods, com- mencing January 1, 2017. Any Verizon Notes held by third parties will not be redeemable by Verizon prior to their maturity dates. Verizon has agreed to file a registration statement with respect to the Verizon Notes at least three months prior to the Verizon Notes becoming transferable. Other Consideration (Non-Cash Transaction) Included in the other consideration provided to Vodafone is the indirect assumption of long-term obligations with respect to 5.143% Class D and Class E cumulative preferred stock (Preferred Stock) issued by one of the Purchased Entities. Both the Class D shares (825,000 shares outstanding) and Class E shares (825,000 shares outstanding) are mandatorily redeemable in April 2020 at $1,000 per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends. Dividends accrue at 5.143% per annum and will be treated as interest expense. Both the Class D and Class E shares have been classified as liability instruments and were recorded at fair value as determined at the closing of the Wireless Transaction. Deferred Tax Liabilities Certain deferred taxes directly attributable to the Wireless Transaction have been calculated based on an analysis of taxes attributable to the difference between the tax basis of the investment in the noncon- trolling interest that is assumed compared to Verizon’s book basis. As a result, Verizon recorded a deferred tax liability of approximately $13.5 billion. Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 49 • During the fourth quarter of 2015, we completed a license exchange transaction with an affiliate of T- Mobile USA to exchange certain AWS and PCS spectrum licenses. As a result we received $0.4 billion of AWS and PCS spectrum licenses at fair value and recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $0.3 billion in Selling, general and administrative expense on our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2015. • During the fourth quarter of 2015, we entered into a license exchange agreement with affiliates of AT&T to exchange certain AWS and PCS spectrum licenses. This non-cash exchange is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2016 and we expect to record an immaterial gain. • During the first quarter of 2016, we entered into a license exchange agreement with affiliates of Sprint Corporation, which provides for the exchange of certain AWS and PCS spectrum licenses. This non-cash exchange is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2016 and we expect to record an immaterial gain. Tower Monetization Transaction 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. Under the terms of the leases, American Tower has exclusive rights to lease and operate the towers over an average term of approximately 28 years. As the leases expire, American Tower has fixed-price purchase options to acquire these towers based on their anticipated fair market values at the end of the lease terms. As part of this trans- action, we also sold 162 towers for $0.1 billion. We have subleased capacity on the towers from American Tower for a minimum of 10 years at current market rates, with options to renew. The upfront payment, including the towers sold, which is primarily included within Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet, is accounted for as deferred rent and as a financing obligation. The $2.4 billion accounted for as deferred rent, which is presented within Other, net cash flows provided by operating activities, relates to the portion of the towers for which the right-of-use has passed to the tower operator. The $2.7 billion accounted for as a financing obligation, which is presented within Other, net cash flows used in financing activities, relates to the portion of the towers that we continue to occupy and use for network operations. Other During 2015, 2014 and 2013, we acquired various other wireless licenses and markets for cash consideration that was not significant. Additionally, during 2013, we obtained control of previously uncon- solidated wireless partnerships, which were previously accounted for under the equity method and are now consolidated, which resulted in an immaterial gain. In 2013, we recorded $0.2 billion of goodwill as a result of these transactions. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Spectrum License Transactions Since 2013, we have entered into several strategic spectrum transac- tions including: • During the first quarter of 2013, we completed license exchange transactions with T- Mobile License LLC and Cricket License Company, LLC, a subsidiary of Leap Wireless, to exchange certain Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) licenses. These non-cash exchanges included a number of intra- market swaps that we expect will enable Verizon Wireless to make more efficient use of the AWS band. As a result of these exchanges, we received an aggregate $0.5 billion of AWS licenses at fair value and recorded an immate- rial gain. • During the third quarter of 2013, after receiving the required regu- latory approvals, Verizon Wireless sold 39 lower 700 MHz B block spectrum licenses to AT&T Inc. (AT&T) in exchange for a payment of $1.9 billion and the transfer by AT&T to Verizon Wireless of AWS (10 MHz) licenses in certain markets in the western United States. Verizon Wireless also sold certain lower 700 MHz B block spectrum licenses to an investment firm for a payment of $0.2 billion. As a result, we received $0.5 billion of AWS licenses at fair value and we recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $0.3 billion in Selling, general and administrative expense on our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2013. • During the second quarter of 2014, we completed license exchange transactions with T- Mobile USA, Inc. (T- Mobile USA) to exchange certain AWS and Personal Communication Services (PCS) licenses. The exchange included a number of swaps that we expect will result in more efficient use of the AWS and PCS bands. As a result of these exchanges, we received $0.9 billion of AWS and PCS spectrum licenses at fair value and we recorded an immaterial gain. • During the second quarter of 2014, we completed transactions pursuant to two additional agreements with T- Mobile USA with respect to our remaining 700 MHz A block spectrum licenses. Under one agreement, we sold certain of these licenses to T- Mobile USA in exchange for cash consideration of approximately $2.4 billion, and under the second agreement we exchanged the remainder of our 700 MHz A block spectrum licenses as well as AWS and PCS spectrum licenses for AWS and PCS spectrum licenses. As a result, we received $1.6 billion of AWS and PCS spectrum licenses at fair value and we recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $0.7 billion in Selling, general and administrative expense on our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2014. • During the third quarter of 2014, we entered into a license exchange agreement with affiliates of AT&T to exchange certain AWS and PCS spectrum licenses. This non-cash exchange was completed in January 2015 at which time we recorded an immaterial gain. • On January 29, 2015, the FCC completed an auction of 65 MHz of spectrum, which it identified as the AWS-3 band. Verizon par- ticipated in that auction and was the high bidder on 181 spectrum licenses, for which we paid cash of approximately $10.4 billion. During the fourth quarter of 2014, we made a deposit of $0.9 billion related to our participation in this auction which is classified within Other, net investing activities on our consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2014. During the first quarter of 2015, we submitted an application to the FCC and paid $9.5 billion to the FCC to complete payment for these licenses. The cash payment of $9.5 billion is classified within Acquisitions of wireless licenses on our consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015. On April 8, 2015, the FCC granted us these spectrum licenses. 50 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Wireline Access Line Sale On February 5, 2015, we announced that we have entered into a defin- itive agreement with Frontier Communications Corporation (Frontier) pursuant to which Verizon will sell its local exchange business and related landline activities in California, Florida and Texas, including Fios Internet and video customers, switched and special access lines and high-speed Internet service and long distance voice accounts in these three states for approximately $10.5 billion (approximately $7.5 billion net of income taxes), subject to certain adjustments and including the assumption of $0.6 billion of indebtedness from Verizon by Frontier. The transaction, which includes the acquisition by Frontier of the equity interests of Verizon’s incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) in California, Florida and Texas, does not involve any assets or liabilities of Verizon Wireless. The assets and liabilities that will be sold are currently included in Verizon’s continuing operations and classified as assets held for sale and liabilities related to assets held for sale on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, these businesses generated approximately $5.4 billion of revenues, excluding revenues with affiliates, for each respective year and operating income of approximately $0.8 billion and an immaterial loss, respectively, based on the stand-alone financial results of the businesses. These amounts include direct expenses incurred of approximately $2.7 billion in each of the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and (credits) charges related to pension and benefit actuarial valuation adjustments for these ILEC employees of $(0.2) billion and $0.6 billion for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The amounts also include indirect overhead expenses, which are a significant component of our cost structure. These stand-alone financial results also include approx- imately $1.0 billion of depreciation and amortization for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In our consolidated results, the depreciation and amortization of these ILEC assets ceased at the beginning of 2015 in accordance with the accounting model for assets held for sale. The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions including, among others, receipt of federal approvals from the FCC and the antitrust authorities and state regu- latory approvals. All federal and state regulatory approvals have been obtained. We expect this transaction to close at the end of the first quarter of 2016. Based on the number of voice connections and Fios Internet and video subscribers, respectively, as of December 31, 2015, the trans- action would result in Frontier acquiring approximately 3.4 million voice connections, 1.6 million Fios Internet subscribers, 1.2 million Fios video subscribers and the related ILEC businesses from Verizon. The operating results of these businesses, collectively, are included within our Wireline segment for all periods presented. The following table summarizes the major classes of assets and liabil- ities of our local exchange and related landline activities in California, Florida and Texas which are classified as held for sale on our consoli- dated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015: (dollars in millions) Assets held for sale: Accounts receivable Prepaid expense and other Total current assets held for sale Plant, property and equipment, net Goodwill (Note 3) Other assets Total non- current assets held for sale Total assets held for sale Liabilities related to assets held for sale: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Other current liabilities Total current liabilities related to assets held for sale Long-term debt Employee benefit obligations Other liabilities Total non- current liabilities related to assets held for sale Total liabilities related to assets held for sale $ 435 58 493 8,884 1,328 55 10,267 $ 10,760 $ 256 207 463 594 289 76 959 $ 1,422 Other On July 1, 2014, we sold a non- strategic Wireline business that provides communications solutions to a variety of government agencies for net cash proceeds of $0.1 billion and recorded an immaterial gain. During the fourth quarter of 2015, Verizon completed a sale of real estate for which we received total gross proceeds of $0.2 billion and recognized an immaterial deferred gain. The proceeds received as a result of this transaction have been classified within Cash flows used in investing activities on our consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015. Other Acquisition of AOL Inc. On May 12, 2015, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement) with AOL Inc. (AOL) pursuant to which we commenced a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of AOL at a price of $50.00 per share, net to the seller in cash, without interest and less any applicable withholding taxes. On June 23, 2015, we completed the tender offer and merger, and AOL became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Verizon. The aggregate cash consideration paid by Verizon at the closing of these transactions was approximately $3.8 billion. Holders of approximately 6.6 million shares exercised appraisal rights under Delaware law. If they had not exercised these rights, Verizon would have paid an additional $330 million for such shares at the closing. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued AOL is a leader in the digital content and advertising platform space. Verizon has been investing in emerging technology that taps into the market shift to digital content and advertising. AOL’s business model aligns with this approach, and we believe that its combination of owned and operated content properties plus a digital advertising platform enhances our ability to further develop future revenue streams. The acquisition of AOL has been accounted for as a business combi- nation. The identification of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are finalized and we are in the process of finalizing our valuations for deferred taxes. These adjustments are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. The valuations will be finalized within 12 months following the close of the acquisition. The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were determined using the income, cost and market approaches. The fair value measurements were primarily based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represent a Level 3 measure- ment as defined in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, other than long-term debt assumed in the acquisition. The income approach was primarily used to value the intangible assets, consisting primarily of acquired technology and customer relationships. The income approach indicates value for an asset based on the present value of cash flow projected to be generated by the asset. Projected cash flow is discounted at a required rate of return that reflects the relative risk of achieving the cash flow and the time value of money. The cost approach, which estimates value by determining the current cost of replacing an asset with another of equivalent economic utility, was used, as appropriate, for plant, property and equipment. The cost to replace a given asset reflects the estimated reproduction or replacement cost for the property, less an allowance for loss in value due to depreciation. The following table summarizes the consideration to AOL’s share- holders and the identification of the assets acquired, including cash acquired of $0.5 billion, and liabilities assumed as of the close of the acquisition, as well as the fair value at the acquisition date of AOL’s noncontrolling interests: (dollars in millions) Cash payment to AOL’s equity holders Estimated liabilities to be paid Total consideration Assets acquired: Goodwill Intangible assets subject to amortization Other Total assets acquired Liabilities assumed: Total liabilities assumed Net assets acquired: Noncontrolling interest Total consideration As of June 23, 2015 $ 3,764 377 $ 4,141 $ 1,903 2,504 1,551 5,958 1,816 4,142 (1) $ 4,141 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 51 Goodwill is calculated as the difference between the acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred and the fair value of the net assets acquired. The goodwill recorded as a result of the AOL transaction represents future economic benefits we expect to achieve as a result of combining the operations of AOL and Verizon as well as assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. The preliminary goodwill related to this acquisition is included within Corporate and other (see Note 3 for additional details). Pro Forma Information If the acquisition of AOL had been completed as of January 1, 2014, our results of operations, including Operating revenues and Net income attributable to Verizon, would not have been materially different from our previously reported results of operations. Real Estate Transaction On May 19, 2015, Verizon consummated a sale- leaseback transac- tion with a financial services firm for the buildings and real estate at our Basking Ridge, New Jersey location. We received total gross proceeds of $0.7 billion resulting in a deferred gain of $0.4 billion, which will be amortized over the initial leaseback term of twenty years. The leaseback of the buildings and real estate is accounted for as an operating lease. The proceeds received as a result of this transaction have been classified within Cash flows used in investing activities on our consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015. Other On September 3, 2015, AOL announced an agreement to acquire an advertising technology business for cash consideration that was not significant. The transaction was completed in October 2015. On October 7, 2014, Redbox Instant by Verizon, a venture between Verizon and Redbox Automated Retail, LLC (Redbox), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Outerwall Inc., ceased providing service to its customers. In accordance with an agreement between the parties, Redbox withdrew from the venture on October 20, 2014 and Verizon wound down and dissolved the venture during the fourth quarter of 2014. As a result of the termination of the venture, we recorded a pre-tax loss of $0.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014. During February 2014, Verizon acquired a business dedicated to the development of Internet Protocol (IP) television for cash consideration that was not significant. During the fourth quarter of 2013, Verizon acquired an industry leader in content delivery networks for $0.4 billion. Upon closing, we recorded $0.3 billion of goodwill. Additionally, we acquired a technology company for cash consideration that was not significant. The consoli- dated financial statements include the results of the operations of each of these acquisitions from the date each acquisition closed. On February 20, 2016, Verizon entered into a purchase agreement to acquire XO Holdings’ wireline business which owns and operates one of the largest fiber-based IP and Ethernet networks outside of Verizon's footprint for approximately $1.8 billion, subject to adjust- ment. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the first half of 2017. Separately, Verizon entered into an agreement to lease certain wireless spectrum from XO Holdings and has an option to buy XO Holdings’ entity that owns its wireless spectrum exercisable under certain circumstances. 52 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Note 3 Wireless Licenses, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Wireless Licenses Changes in the carrying amount of Wireless licenses are as follows: Balance at January 1, 2014 Acquisitions (Note 2) Dispositions (Note 2) Capitalized interest on wireless licenses Reclassifications, adjustments and other Balance at December 31, 2014 Acquisitions (Note 2) Capitalized interest on wireless licenses Reclassifications, adjustments and other Balance at December 31, 2015 (dollars in millions) $ 75,747 444 (1,978) 167 961 $ 75,341 10,474 389 371 $ 86,575 Reclassifications, adjustments and other includes the exchanges of wireless licenses in 2015 and 2014 as well as $0.3 billion of Wireless licenses that are classified as Assets held for sale on our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. See Note 2 for addi- tional details. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, approximately $10.4 billion and $0.4 billion, respectively, of wireless licenses were under development for com- mercial service for which we were capitalizing interest costs. The increase is primarily due to licenses acquired in the AWS-3 auction. The average remaining renewal period of our wireless license portfolio was 5.6 years as of December 31, 2015. See Note 1 for additional details. Goodwill Changes in the carrying amount of Goodwill are as follows: Balance at January 1, 2014 Acquisitions (Note 2) Dispositions (Note 2) Reclassifications, adjustments and other Balance at December 31, 2014 Acquisitions (Note 2 ) Reclassifications, adjustments and other Balance at December 31, 2015 Wireless $ 18,376 15 – (1) $ 18,390 3 – $ 18,393 Wireline 6,258 40 (38) (11) 6,249 – (1,918) 4,331 $ $ $ Other – – – – – 2,035 572 2,607 $ $ $ (dollars in millions) Total $ 24,634 55 (38) (12) $ 24,639 2,038 (1,346) $ 25,331 As a result of the acquisition of AOL in the second quarter of 2015, we recognized preliminary Goodwill of $1.9 billion, which is included within Other (see Note 2 for additional details). We also allocated $0.6 billion of goodwill on a relative fair value basis from Wireline to Other as a result of an internal reorganization. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in Goodwill in Wireline primarily due to the reclassification of $1.3 billion of Goodwill to Non- current assets held for sale on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015 as a result of our agreement to sell our local exchange business and related landline activities in California, Florida and Texas to Frontier (see Note 2 for additional details). The amount of Goodwill reclassified was based on a relative fair value basis. Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 53 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Other Intangible Assets The following table displays the composition of Other intangible assets, net: At December 31, Customer lists (5 to 14 years) Non- network internal-use software (3 to 8 years) Other (5 to 25 years) Total $ Gross Amount 4,139 14,542 2,220 $ 20,901 $ Accumulated Amortization (2,365) (9,620) (578) $ (12,563) 2015 Net Amount 1,774 4,922 1,642 8,338 $ $ $ Gross Amount 3,618 12,791 1,073 $ 17,482 $ Accumulated Amortization (2,924) (8,428) (402) $ (11,754) (dollars in millions) 2014 Net Amount 694 4,363 671 5,728 $ $ The amortization expense for Other intangible assets was as follows: Years 2015 2014 2013 (dollars in millions) $ 1,694 1,567 1,587 Estimated annual amortization expense for Other intangible assets is as follows: Years 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 (dollars in millions) $ 1,696 1,491 1,311 1,082 805 Note 4 Plant, Property and Equipment Note 5 Investments in Unconsolidated Businesses The following table displays the details of Plant, property and equipment, which is stated at cost: (dollars in millions) At December 31, Land Buildings and equipment Central office and other network Lives (years) – 15 – 45 equipment Cable, poles and conduit Leasehold improvements Work in progress Furniture, vehicles and other 3 – 50 11 – 50 5 – 20 – 3 – 20 Less accumulated depreciation Plant, property and equipment, net $ 2015 709 $ 2014 763 25,209 25,587 129,201 44,290 7,104 4,907 8,365 220,163 136,622 129,619 54,797 6,374 4,580 9,166 230,508 140,561 $ 83,541 $ 89,947 Equity Method Investments Vodafone Omnitel Vodafone Omnitel N.V. (Vodafone Omnitel) is one of the largest wireless communications companies in Italy. Prior to the completion of the Wireless Transaction on February 21, 2014, Verizon held a 23.1% ownership interest in Vodafone Omnitel. As part of the consideration of the Wireless Transaction, a subsidiary of Verizon sold its entire ownership interest in Vodafone Omnitel to a subsidiary of Vodafone on February 21, 2014. See Note 2 for additional information. Other Equity and Cost Investees The remaining investments include wireless partnerships in the U.S., limited partnership investments in entities that invest in affordable housing projects and other smaller domestic and international investments. Summarized Financial Information The financial information for our equity method investees in 2015 and 2014, including Vodafone Omnitel through the closing of the Wireless Transaction in February 2014, was not significant and therefore is not reflected in the table below. Summarized financial information for our equity investees in 2013 is as follows: Income Statement Years Ended December 31, Net revenue Operating income Net income (dollars in millions) 2013 $ 8,984 1,632 925 54 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Note 6 Leasing Arrangements As Lessor We are the lessor in leveraged and direct financing lease agree- ments for commercial aircraft and power generating facilities, which comprise the majority of our leasing portfolio along with telecom- munications equipment, commercial real estate property and other equipment. These leases have remaining terms of up to 23 years as of December 31, 2015. In addition, we lease space on certain of our cell towers to other wireless carriers. Minimum lease payments receivable represent unpaid rentals, less principal and interest on third-party non- recourse debt relating to leveraged lease transactions. Since we have no general liability for this debt, which is secured by a senior security interest in the leased equipment and rentals, the related principal and interest have been offset against the minimum lease payments. All recourse debt is reflected in our consolidated balance sheets. At each reporting period, we monitor the credit quality of the various lessees in our portfolios. Regarding the leveraged lease portfolio, external credit reports are used where available and where not available we use internally developed indicators. These indicators or internal credit risk grades factor historic loss experience, the value of the underlying collateral, delinquency trends, and industry and general economic conditions. The credit quality of our lessees varies from A to CCC+. For each reporting period, the leveraged leases within the portfolio are reviewed for indicators of impairment where it is probable the rent due according to the contractual terms of the lease will not be collected. All significant accounts, individually or in the aggregate, are current and none are classified as impaired. Finance lease receivables, which are included in Prepaid expenses and other and Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets, are comprised of the following: At December 31, Minimum lease payments receivable Estimated residual value Unearned income Total Allowance for doubtful accounts Finance lease receivables, net Prepaid expenses and other Other assets $ Leveraged Leases 778 496 (309) 965 $ $ Direct Finance Leases 7 2 (2) 7 $ Leveraged Leases $ 1,095 600 (535) $ 1,160 2015 Total 785 498 (311) 972 (78) 894 3 891 894 $ $ $ $ $ Direct Finance Leases 8 2 (2) 8 $ $ (dollars in millions) 2014 Total $ 1,103 602 (537) $ 1,168 (78) $ 1,090 4 $ 1,086 $ 1,090 Accumulated deferred taxes arising from leveraged leases, which are included in Deferred income taxes, amounted to $0.8 billion at December 31, 2015 and $0.9 billion at December 31, 2014. Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 55 Amortization of capital leases is included in Depreciation and amortiza- tion expense in the consolidated statements of income. Capital lease amounts included in Plant, property and equipment are as follows: At December 31, Capital leases Less accumulated amortization Total (dollars in millions) 2015 $ 421 (221) $ 200 2014 $ 319 (171) $ 148 The aggregate minimum rental commitments under noncancelable leases for the periods shown at December 31, 2015, are as follows: (dollars in millions) Years 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total minimum rental commitments Less interest and executory costs Present value of minimum lease payments Less current installments Long-term obligation at December 31, 2015 Operating Leases $ 2,744 2,486 2,211 1,939 1,536 7,297 $ 18,213 $ Capital Leases 302 278 187 97 45 159 1,068 111 957 271 686 $ Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued The future minimum lease payments to be received from non- cancelable capital leases (direct financing and leveraged leases), net of nonrecourse loan payments related to leveraged leases and allow- ances for doubtful accounts, along with expected receipts relating to operating leases for the periods shown at December 31, 2015, are as follows: Years 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total (dollars in millions) Capital Leases 93 $ 94 52 44 72 430 $ 785 Operating Leases $ 128 103 82 51 23 12 $ 399 As Lessee We lease certain facilities and equipment for use in our operations under both capital and operating leases. Total rent expense under operating leases amounted to $3.2 billion in 2015, $2.7 billion in 2014 and $2.6 billion in 2013, respectively. During March 2015, we completed a transaction with 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, with options to renew. Under this agreement, total rent payments amounted to $0.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2015. We expect to make minimum future lease payments of approxi- mately $2.6 billion. We continue to include the towers in Plant, property and equipment, net in our consolidated balance sheets and depreciate them accordingly. At December 31, 2015, $0.5 billion of towers were included in Plant, property and equipment, net. See Note 2 for addi- tional information. 56 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Note 7 Debt Changes to debt during 2015 are as follows: Balance at January 1, 2015 Proceeds from long-term borrowings Repayments of long-term borrowings and capital leases obligations Decrease in short-term obligations, excluding current maturities Reclassifications of long-term debt Reclassification of long-term debt to Non- current liabilities related to assets held for sale (Note 2) Debt acquired (Note 2) Other Balance at December 31, 2015 Debt maturing within one year is as follows: At December 31, Long-term debt maturing within one year Short-term notes payable Commercial paper and other Total debt maturing within one year $ Debt Maturing within One Year 2,735 4,000 (9,340) (344) 8,556 – 461 421 6,489 $ Long-term Debt $ 110,536 2,667 – – (8,556) (594) 92 (440) $ 103,705 (dollars in millions) Total $ 113,271 6,667 (9,340) (344) – (594) 553 (19) $ 110,194 2015 $ 6,325 158 6 $ 6,489 (dollars in millions) 2014 $ 2,397 319 19 $ 2,735 The weighted- average interest rate for our commercial paper outstanding was 1.0% and 0.4% at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Credit Facility As of December 31, 2015, the unused borrowing capacity under our $8.0 billion four-year credit facility was approximately $7.9 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. Long-Term Debt Outstanding long-term debt obligations are as follows: At December 31, Verizon Communications — notes payable and other Interest Rates % 0.30 – 3.85 4.15 – 5.50 5.85 – 6.90 7.35 – 8.95 Floating Maturities 2016 – 2042 2018 – 2055 2018 – 2054 2018 – 2039 2016 – 2025 Verizon Wireless — notes payable and other 8.88 2018 Verizon Wireless — Alltel assumed notes 6.80 – 7.88 2029 – 2032 Telephone subsidiaries–debentures 5.13 – 6.50 7.38 – 7.88 8.00 – 8.75 2028 – 2033 2022 – 2032 2019 – 2031 Other subsidiaries — debentures and other 6.84 – 8.75 2018 – 2028 Capital lease obligations (average rate of 3.4% and 4.0% in 2015 and 2014, respectively) Unamortized discount, net of premium Total long-term debt, including current maturities Less long-term debt maturing within one year Total long-term debt $ 2015 26,281 51,156 16,420 2,300 14,100 68 686 575 1,099 780 1,432 (dollars in millions) $ 2014 27,617 40,701 24,341 2,264 14,600 676 686 1,075 1,099 880 1,432 957 (5,824) 110,030 6,325 $ 103,705 516 (2,954) 112,933 2,397 $ 110,536 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 57 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued 2015 February Exchange Offers On February 11, 2015, we announced the commencement of seven separate private offers to exchange (the February Exchange Offers) specified series of outstanding notes and debentures issued by Verizon and GTE Corporation (collectively, the Old Notes) for new Notes to be issued by Verizon (the New Notes) and, in the case of the 6.94% debentures due 2028 of GTE Corporation, cash. The February Exchange Offers have been accounted for as a modification of debt. On March 13, 2015, Verizon issued $2.9 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.272% Notes due 2036 (the 2036 New Notes), $5.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.522% Notes due 2048 (the 2048 New Notes) and $5.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.672% Notes due 2055 (the 2055 New Notes) in satisfaction of the exchange offer consideration on tendered Old Notes (not including accrued and unpaid interest on the Old Notes). The following tables list the series of Old Notes included in the February Exchange Offers and the principal amount of each such series accepted by Verizon for exchange. The table below lists the series of Old Notes included in the February Exchange Offers for the 2036 New Notes: (dollars in millions) Verizon Communications Inc. Interest Rate 5.15% Maturity 2023 Principal Amount Outstanding $ 11,000 The table below lists the series of Old Notes included in the February Exchange Offers for the 2048 New Notes: (dollars in millions) Verizon Communications Inc. GTE Corporation Interest Rate 6.90% 6.40% 6.40% 6.25% 6.94% Maturity 2038 2038 2033 2037 2028 Principal Amount Outstanding $ 1,250 1,750 4,355 750 800 The table below lists the series of Old Notes included in the February Exchange Offers for the 2055 New Notes: (dollars in millions) Verizon Communications Inc. Interest Rate 6.55% Maturity 2043 Principal Amount Outstanding $ 10,670 Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange $ 2,483 Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange 773 884 2,159 – $ – $ 3,816 Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange $ 4,084 Term Loan Agreement During the first quarter of 2015, we entered into a term loan agreement with a major financial institution, pursuant to which we borrowed $6.5 billion for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition of spectrum licenses. Borrowings under the term loan agreement were to mature in March 2016, with a $4.0 billion mandatory prepayment required in June 2015. The term loan agreement contained certain negative covenants, including a negative pledge covenant, a merger or similar transaction covenant and an accounting changes covenant, affirmative covenants and events of default that are customary for companies maintaining an investment grade credit rating. In addition, the term loan agreement required us to maintain a leverage ratio (as defined in the term loan agreement) not in excess of 3.50:1.00, until our credit ratings were equal to or higher than A3 and A- at Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, respectively. During March 2015, we prepaid approximately $5.0 billion of the term loan agreement, which satisfied the mandatory prepayment. During the third and fourth quarters of 2015, respectively, we made repayments of approximately $1.0 billion and $0.5 billion. As of December 31, 2015, no amounts remained outstanding under the term loan agreement. Other During June 2015, as part of the Merger Agreement with AOL, we assumed approximately $0.6 billion of debt and capital lease obli- gations. As of December 31, 2015, approximately $0.4 billion of the assumed debt and capital lease obligations were repaid. During October 2015, we executed a $0.2 billion, 1.5% loan due 2018. Also, during March 2015, $0.5 billion of floating rate Verizon Communications Notes matured and were repaid. During November 2015, $1.0 billion of 0.7% Verizon Communications Notes matured and were repaid. 2014 During February 2014, we issued €1.75 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.375% Notes due 2022, €1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.25% Notes due 2026 and £0.85 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.75% Notes due 2034. The issuance of these Notes resulted in cash proceeds of approximately $5.4 billion, net of discounts and issuance costs. The net proceeds were used, in part, to finance the Wireless Transaction. Net proceeds not used to finance the Wireless Transaction were used for general corporate purposes. Also, during February 2014, we issued $0.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.90% Notes due 2054 resulting in cash proceeds of approximately $0.5 billion, net of discounts and issuance costs. The net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. 58 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued During March 2014, we issued $4.5 billion aggregate principal amount of fixed and floating rate notes resulting in cash proceeds of approximately $4.5 billion, net of discounts and issuance costs. The issuances consisted of the following: $0.5 billion aggregate principal amount Floating Rate Notes due 2019 that bear interest at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 0.77% which rate will be reset quarterly, $0.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.55% Notes due 2019, $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.45% Notes due 2021, $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.15% Notes due 2024 and $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.05% Notes due 2034. During March 2014, the net proceeds were used to purchase notes in the Tender Offer described below. Also, during March 2014, $1.0 billion of LIBOR plus 0.61% Verizon Communications Notes and $1.5 billion of 1.95% Verizon Communications Notes matured and were repaid. During September 2014, we issued $0.9 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.8% Notes due 2044. The issuance of these Notes resulted in cash proceeds of approximately $0.9 billion, net of discounts and issuance costs. The net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. Also, during September 2014, we redeemed $0.8 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 1.25% Notes due November 2014 and recorded an immaterial amount of early debt redemp- tion costs. During October 2014, we issued $6.5 billion aggregate principal amount of fixed rate notes. The issuance of these notes resulted in cash proceeds of approximately $6.4 billion, net of discounts and issuance costs and after reimbursement of certain expenses. The issuance consisted of the following: $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.00% Notes due 2021, $2.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.50% Notes due 2024, and $2.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.40% Notes due 2034. The net proceeds from the issuance was used to redeem (i) in whole the following series of outstanding notes which were called for early redemption in November 2014 (collectively, November Early Debt Redemption): $0.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 4.90% Notes due 2015 at 103.7% of the principal amount of such notes, $0.6 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 5.55% Notes due 2016 at 106.3% of the principal amount of such notes, $1.3 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 3.00% Notes due 2016 at 103.4% of the principal amount of such notes, $0.4 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 5.50% Notes due 2017 at 110.5% of the principal amount of such notes, $0.7 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 8.75% Notes due 2018 at 125.2% of the principal amount of such notes, $0.1 billion aggregate principal amount of Alltel Corporation 7.00% Debentures due 2016 at 108.7% of the principal amount of such notes and $0.4 billion aggregate principal amount of Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC 8.50% Notes due 2018 at 124.5% of the principal amount of such notes; and (ii) $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 2.50% Notes due 2016 at 103.0% of the principal amount of such notes. Proceeds not used for the redemption of these notes were used for general corporate purposes. Any accrued and unpaid interest was paid to the date of redemption (see “Early Debt Redemption and Other Costs”). During December 2014, we issued €1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of 1.625% Notes due 2024 and €1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.625% Notes due 2031. The issuance of these Notes resulted in cash proceeds of approximately $3.0 billion, net of discounts and issuance costs and after reimbursement of certain expenses. The net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. Verizon Notes (Non-Cash Transaction) During February 2014, in connection with the Wireless Transaction, we issued $5.0 billion aggregate principal amount of floating rate notes. The Verizon Notes were issued in two separate series, with $2.5 billion due February 21, 2022 and $2.5 billion due February 21, 2025. The Verizon Notes bear interest at a floating rate, which will be reset quarterly, with interest payable quarterly in arrears, beginning May 21, 2014 (see Note 2). The eight-year Verizon notes bear interest at a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR, plus 1.222%, and the eleven-year Verizon notes bear interest at a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR, plus 1.372%. Preferred Stock (Non-Cash Transaction) As a result of the Wireless Transaction, we assumed long-term obliga- tions with respect to 5.143% Class D and Class E cumulative Preferred Stock issued by one of the Purchased Entities. Both the Class D shares (825,000 shares outstanding) and Class E shares (825,000 shares outstanding) are mandatorily redeemable in April 2020 at $1,000 per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends. Dividends accrue at 5.143% per annum and will be treated as interest expense. Both the Class D and Class E shares have been classified as liability instruments and were recorded at fair value as determined at the closing of the Wireless Transaction. Term Loan Agreement During February 2014, we drew $6.6 billion pursuant to a term loan agreement, which was entered into during October 2013, with a group of major financial institutions to finance, in part, the Wireless Transaction. $3.3 billion of the loans under the term loan agreement had a maturity of three years (the 3-Year Loans) and $3.3 billion of the loans under the term loan agreement had a maturity of five years (the 5-Year Loans). The 5-Year Loans provide for the partial amorti- zation of principal during the last two years that they are outstanding. Loans under the term loan agreement bear interest at floating rates. The term loan agreement contains certain negative covenants, including a negative pledge covenant, a merger or similar transaction covenant and an accounting changes covenant, affirmative covenants and events of default that are customary for companies maintaining an investment grade credit rating. In addition, the term loan agreement requires us to maintain a leverage ratio (as defined in the term loan agreement) not in excess of 3.50:1.00, until our credit ratings are equal to or higher than A3 and A- at Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, respectively. During June 2014, we issued $3.3 billion aggregate principal amount of fixed and floating rate notes resulting in cash proceeds of approxi- mately $3.3 billion, net of discounts and issuance costs. The issuances consisted of the following: $1.3 billion aggregate principal amount of Floating Rate Notes due 2017 that will bear interest at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 0.40% which will be reset quarterly and $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 1.35% Notes due 2017. We used the net proceeds from the offering of these notes to repay the 3-Year Loans on June 12, 2014. During July 2014, we amended the term loan agreement, settled the outstanding $3.3 billion of 5-Year Loans and borrowed $3.3 billion of new loans. The new loans mature in July 2019, bear interest at a lower interest rate and require lower amortization payments in 2017 and 2018. In connection with the transaction, which primarily settled on a net basis, we recorded approximately $0.5 billion of proceeds from long-term borrowings and of repayments of long-term borrowings, respectively. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Tender Offer On March 10, 2014, we announced the commencement of a tender offer (the Tender Offer) to purchase for cash any and all of the series of notes listed in the following table: Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 59 (dollars in millions, except for Purchase Price) Verizon Communications Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC Alltel Corporation GTE Corporation (1) Per $1,000 principal amount of notes Interest Rate 6.10% 5.50% 8.75% 5.55% 5.50% 8.50% 7.00% 6.84% Maturity 2018 2018 2018 2016 2017 2018 2016 2018 Principal Amount Outstanding 1,500 $ 1,500 1,300 1,250 750 Purchase Price(1) $ 1,170.07 1,146.91 1,288.35 1,093.62 1,133.22 Principal Amount Purchased 748 $ 763 564 652 353 1,000 1,279.63 300 600 1,125.26 1,196.85 619 157 266 4,122 $ The Tender Offer for each series of notes was subject to a financing condition, which was either satisfied or waived with respect to all series. The Tender Offer expired on March 17, 2014 and settled on March 19, 2014. In addition to the purchase price, any accrued and unpaid interest on the purchased notes was paid to the date of purchase. During March 2014, we recorded early debt redemp- tion costs in connection with the Tender Offer (see “Early Debt Redemption and Other Costs”). May Exchange Offer On May 29, 2014, we announced the commencement of a private exchange offer (the May Exchange Offer) to exchange up to all Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC’s £0.6 billion outstanding aggregate principal amount of 8.875% Notes due 2018 (the 2018 Old Notes) for Verizon’s new sterling- denominated Notes due 2024 (the New Notes) and an amount of cash. This exchange offer has been accounted for as a modification of debt. In connection with the May Exchange Offer, which expired on June 25, 2014, we issued £0.7 billion aggregate principal of New Notes and made a cash payment of £22 million in exchange for £0.6 billion aggregate principal amount of tendered 2018 Old Notes. The New Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.073% per annum. Concurrent with the issuance of the New Notes, we entered into cross currency swaps to fix our future interest and principal payments in U.S. dollars (see Note 9). July Exchange Offers On July 23, 2014, we announced the commencement of eleven separate private offers to exchange (the July Exchange Offers) specified series of outstanding Notes issued by Verizon and Alltel Corporation (collectively, the Old Notes) for new Notes to be issued by Verizon. The July Exchange Offers have been accounted for as a modification of debt. On August 21, 2014, Verizon issued $3.3 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.625% Notes due 2020 (the 2020 New Notes), $4.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.862% Notes due 2046 (the 2046 New Notes) and $5.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.012% Notes due 2054 (the 2054 New Notes) in satisfac- tion of the exchange offer consideration on tendered Old Notes (not including accrued and unpaid interest on the Old Notes). The following tables list the series of Old Notes included in the July Exchange Offers and the principal amount of each such series accepted by Verizon for exchange. The table below lists the series of Old Notes included in the July Exchange Offers for the 2020 New Notes: (dollars in millions) Verizon Communications Interest Rate 3.65% 2.50% Maturity 2018 2016 Principal Amount Outstanding $ 4,750 4,250 The table below lists the series of Old Notes included in the July Exchange Offers for the 2046 New Notes: (dollars in millions) Verizon Communications Alltel Corporation Interest Rate 6.40% 7.75% 7.35% 7.75% 7.875% 6.80% Maturity 2033 2030 2039 2032 2032 2029 Principal Amount Outstanding $ 6,000 2,000 1,000 400 700 300 Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange $ 2,052 1,068 $ 3,120 Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange $ 1,645 794 520 149 248 65 $ 3,421 60 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued The table below lists the series of Old Notes included in the July Exchange Offers for the 2054 New Notes: (dollars in millions) Verizon Communications Interest Rate 6.55% 6.40% 6.90% Maturity 2043 2038 2038 Principal Amount Outstanding $ 15,000 1,750 1,250 Principal Amount Accepted For Exchange $ 4,330 – – $ 4,330 Verizon Wireless —  Notes Payable and Other Verizon Wireless Capital LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Verizon Wireless, is a limited liability company formed under the laws of Delaware on December 7, 2001 as a special purpose finance subsid- iary to facilitate the offering of debt securities of Verizon Wireless by acting as co- issuer. Other than the financing activities as a co- issuer of Verizon Wireless indebtedness, Verizon Wireless Capital LLC has no material assets, operations or revenues. Verizon Wireless is jointly and severally liable with Verizon Wireless Capital LLC for co- issued notes. 2015 During December 2015, we repaid $0.6 billion upon maturity for €0.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC 8.750% Notes due 2015, and the related cross currency swap was settled. 2014 In addition to the retirements of debt securities in connection with the Tender Offer, the May Exchange Offer, the July Exchange Offers and the November Early Debt Redemption, as noted above, during March 2014, Verizon Wireless redeemed $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of the Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC 8.50% Notes due 2018 at 127.135% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest (see “Early Debt Redemption and Other Costs”). Telephone and Other Subsidiary Debt 2014 During 2014, a series of notes held by GTE Corporation was included in the Tender Offer described above. Early Debt Redemption and Other Costs During March 2014, we recorded net debt redemption costs of $0.9 billion in connection with the early redemption of $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC 8.50% Notes due 2018, and the purchase of the following notes pursuant to the Tender Offer: $0.7 billion of the then outstanding $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 6.10% Notes due 2018, $0.8 billion of the then outstanding $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 5.50% Notes due 2018, $0.6 billion of the then outstanding $1.3 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 8.75% Notes due 2018, $0.7 billion of the then outstanding $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 5.55% Notes due 2016, $0.4 billion of the then outstanding $0.75 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 5.50% Notes due 2017, $0.6 billion of the then out- standing $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC 8.50% Notes due 2018, $0.2 billion of the then outstanding $0.3 billion aggregate principal amount of Alltel Corporation 7.00% Debentures due 2016 and $0.3 billion of the then outstanding $0.6 billion aggregate principal amount of GTE Corporation 6.84% Debentures due 2018. During the fourth quarter of 2014, we recorded net debt redemp- tion costs of $0.5 billion in connection with the early redemption of $0.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 4.90% Notes due 2015, $0.6 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 5.55% Notes due 2016, $1.3 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 3.00% Notes due 2016, $0.4 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 5.50% Notes due 2017, $0.7 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 8.75% Notes due 2018, $1.0 billion of the then outstanding $3.2 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon 2.50% Notes due 2016, $0.1 billion aggregate principal amount Alltel Corporation 7.00% Debentures due 2016 and $0.4 billion aggregate principal amount of Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC 8.50% Notes due 2018, as well as $0.3 billion of other costs. We recognize early debt redemption costs in Other income and (expense), net on our consolidated statements of income. Additional Financing Activities (Non-Cash Transaction) We financed, primarily through vendor financing arrangements, the purchase of approximately $0.7 billion of long-lived assets during 2015 and 2014, consisting primarily of network equipment. At December 31, 2015, $0.9 billion of vendor financing arrangements remained out- standing. These purchases are non-cash financing activities and therefore not reflected within Capital expenditures on our consolidated statements of cash flows. Guarantees We guarantee the debentures and first mortgage bonds of our operating telephone company subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2015, $3.1 billion aggregate principal amount of these obligations remained outstanding. Each guarantee will remain in place for the life of the obli- gation 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 Corporation that were issued and outstanding prior to July 1, 2003. As of December 31, 2015, $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of these obligations remain outstanding. Debt Covenants We and our consolidated subsidiaries are in compliance with all of our financial and restrictive covenants. Maturities of Long-Term Debt Maturities of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2015 are as follows: Years 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter (dollars in millions) $ 6,325 4,195 7,072 5,645 8,860 77,933 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Note 8 Wireless Device Installment Plans Under the Verizon device payment program, our eligible wireless customers purchase phones or tablets at unsubsidized prices on an installment basis (a device installment plan). 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 installment charge is included in their standard wireless monthly bill. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, the total portfolio of device installment plan receivables we are servicing was $11.9 billion and $3.8 billion. During 2015, we entered into programs to sell certain device installment receivables. The outstanding portfolio of device installment plan receivables derecognized from our consoli- dated balance sheets but which we continue to service was $8.2 billion at December 31, 2015. Wireless Device Installment Plan Receivables The following table displays device installment plan receivables, net, that continue to be recognized in our consolidated balance sheets: At December 31, Device installment plan receivables, gross Unamortized imputed interest Device installment plan receivables, net of unamortized imputed interest Allowance for credit losses Device installment plan receivables, net Classified on our consolidated balance sheets: (dollars in millions) 2015 $ 3,720 (142) 3,578 (444) $ 3,134 2014 $ 3,833 (155) 3,678 (76) $ 3,602 Accounts receivable, net Other assets Device installment plan receivables, net $ 1,979 1,155 $ 3,134 $ 2,470 1,132 $ 3,602 At the time of sale, we impute risk adjusted interest on the device installment plan receivables. We record the imputed interest as a reduction to the related accounts receivable. Interest income, which is included within Service revenues and other on our consolidated state- ments of income, is recognized over the financed installment term. We assess the collectability of our device installment plan receivables based upon a variety of factors, including the credit quality of the customer base, payment trends and other qualitative factors. We use custom, empirical, risk models to measure the credit quality of a customer and determine eligibility for the device payment program. Based upon the risk assessed by the models, a customer may be required to provide a down payment to enter into the program and may be subject to lower limits on the total amount financed. The down payment will vary in accordance with the risk assessed. We update our risk assessments monthly based on payment trends and other qualitative factors in order to monitor the overall quality of our receiv- ables. The credit quality of our customers is consistent throughout the periods presented. Activity in the allowance for credit losses for the device installment plan receivables was as follows: (dollars in millions) Balance at January 1, 2015 Bad debt expenses Write-offs Allowance related to receivables sold Other Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 76 662 (203) (101) 10 $ 444 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 61 Customers entering into device installment agreements prior to May 31, 2015 have the right to upgrade their device, subject to certain conditions, including making a stated portion of the required device payments and trading in their device. Generally, customers entering into device installment agreements on or after June 1, 2015 are required to repay all amounts due under their device installment agreement before being eligible to upgrade their device. However, certain devices are subject to promotions that allow customers to upgrade to a new device after paying down the minimum percentage of their device installment plan and trading in their device. When a customer is eligible to upgrade to a new device, we record a guarantee liability in accordance with our accounting policy. The gross guarantee liability related to the upgrade program, which was approximately $0.2 billion at December 31, 2015 and $0.7 billion at December 31, 2014, was primarily included in Other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Sales of Wireless Device Installment Plan Receivables Wireless Device Installment Plan Receivables Purchase Agreement During the first quarter of 2015, we established a program (Receivables Purchase Agreement, or RPA) to sell from time to time, on an uncommitted basis, eligible device installment plan receivables to a group of primarily relationship banks (Purchasers). Under the program, we transfer the eligible receivables to wholly-owned sub- sidiaries that are bankruptcy remote special purpose entities (Sellers or SPEs). The Sellers then sell the receivables to the Purchasers for upfront cash proceeds and additional consideration upon settlement of the receivables (the deferred purchase price). The receivables sold under the program are no longer considered assets of Verizon. We continue to bill and collect on the receivables in exchange for a monthly servicing fee, which is not material. Eligible receivables under the RPA exclude device installment plans where a customer was required to provide a down payment. Revolving Sale of Wireless Device Installment Plan Receivables During the fourth quarter of 2015, we entered into a one-year uncom- mitted facility to sell eligible device installment plan receivables on a revolving basis (Revolving Program), subject to a maximum funding limit, to the Purchasers. Sales of eligible receivables by the Sellers, once initiated, generally occur and are settled on a monthly basis. The receiv- ables sold under the Revolving Program are no longer considered assets of Verizon. We continue to bill and collect on the receivables in exchange for a monthly servicing fee, which is not material. Customer installment payments will be available to purchase eligible installment plan receivables originated over the facility’s term. Eligible receivables under the Revolving Program exclude device installment plans where a customer was required to provide a down payment. The sales of receivables under the RPA and Revolving Program did not have a material impact on our consolidated statements of income. The cash proceeds received from the Purchasers are recorded within Cash flows provided by operating activities on our consolidated statement of cash flows. The following table provides a summary of device installment receiv- ables sold under the RPA and the Revolving Program during the year ended December 31, 2015: (dollars in millions) Device installment plan receivables sold, net(1) Cash proceeds received(2) Deferred purchase price recorded Revolving Program RPA Total $ 6,093 4,502 1,690 $ 3,270 2,738 532 $ 9,363 7,240 2,222 (1) Device installment plan receivables net of allowances, imputed interest and the device trade-in right. (2) As of December 31, 2015, cash proceeds received, net of remittances, were $5.9 billion. 62 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Variable Interest Entities Under both the RPA and the Revolving Program, the SPE’s sole business consists of the acquisition of the receivables from Verizon and the resale of the receivables to the Purchasers. The assets of the SPEs are not available to be used to satisfy obligations of any Verizon entities other than the Sellers. We determined that the SPEs are VIEs as they lack sufficient equity to finance their activities. Given that we have the power to direct the activities of the SPEs that most significantly impact the SPE’s economic performance, we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the SPEs. As a result, we consolidate the assets and lia- bilities of the SPEs into our consolidated financial statements. Deferred Purchase Price Under both the RPA and the Revolving Program, the deferred purchase price was initially recorded at fair value, based on the remaining installment amounts expected to be collected, adjusted, as applicable, for the time value of money and by the timing and estimated value of the device trade-in. The estimated value of the device trade-in considers prices expected to be offered to us by independent third parties. This estimate contemplates changes in value after the launch of a device. The fair value measurements are considered to be Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. The collection of the deferred purchase price is contingent on collections from customers. At December 31, 2015, our deferred purchase price receivable was $2.2 billion, which is held by the SPEs and is included within Other assets on our consolidated balance sheet. Continuing Involvement Verizon has continuing involvement with the sold receivables as it services the receivables. We continue to service the customer and their related receivables, including facilitating customer payment collection, in exchange for a monthly servicing fee. While servicing the receivables, the same policies and procedures are applied to the sold receivables that apply to owned receivables, and we continue to maintain normal relationships with our customers. The credit quality of the customers we continue to service is consistent throughout the periods presented. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we have collected and remitted approximately $1.3 billion, net of fees, of which an immaterial amount was returned as deferred purchase price. During the year ended December 31, 2015, credit losses on receivables sold were an immaterial amount. In addition, we have continuing involvement related to the sold receivables as we may be responsible for absorbing additional credit losses pursuant to the agreements. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss related to the involvement with the SPEs is limited to the amount of the deferred purchase price, which was $2.2 billion as of December 31, 2015. The maximum exposure to loss represents an estimated loss that would be incurred under severe, hypothetical circumstances whereby the Company would not receive the portion of the proceeds withheld by the Purchasers. As we believe the probability of these circumstances occurring is remote, the maximum exposure to loss is not an indication of the Company’s expected loss. Note 9 Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments Recurring Fair Value Measurements The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015: Level 1(1) Level 2(2) Level 3(3) Total (dollars in millions) $ Assets: Short-term investments: Equity securities Fixed income securities Other current assets: Fixed income securities Other assets: Fixed income securities Interest rate swaps Net investment hedges Cross currency swaps Total $ Liabilities: Other liabilities: 265 – 250 – – – – 515 $ $ – 85 – 928 128 13 1 $ 1,155 $ $ $ – – – – – – – – – – – – $ 265 85 250 928 128 13 1 $ 1,670 $ 19 1,638 24 $ 1,681 Interest rate swaps Cross currency swaps Forward interest rate swaps $ Total $ – – – – $ 19 1,638 24 $ 1,681 (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) no observable pricing inputs in the market Equity securities consist of investments in common stock of domestic and international corporations measured using quoted prices in active markets. Fixed income securities consist primarily of investments in municipal bonds as well as U.S. Treasury securities. We use quoted prices in active markets for our U.S. Treasury securities, therefore these secu- rities are classified as Level 1. For all other 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 observ- able 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 within the fair value hierarchy during 2015. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued 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 mea- surement, 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 capital leases, was as follows: Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 63 At December 31, Short- and long-term debt, excluding capital leases Derivative Instruments Interest Rate Swaps We enter into domestic 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 changes in the fair value of our debt portfolio. We record the interest rate swaps at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets as assets and liabilities. During the third quarter of 2015, we entered into interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $3.2 billion. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we entered into interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $2.6 billion. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the total notional amount of the interest rate swaps was $7.6 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively. The fair value of these contracts was $0.1 billion at December 31, 2015 and was not material at December 31, 2014. The ineffective portion of these interest rate swaps was not material at December 31, 2015 and 2014. Forward Interest Rate Swaps In order to manage our exposure to future interest rate changes, we have entered into forward interest rate swaps. We designated these contracts as cash flow hedges. At December 31, 2014, these swaps had a notional value of $2.0 billion. The fair value of these contracts was $0.2 billion at December 31, 2014, which was included within Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. During the third quarter of 2015, we settled these forward interest rate swaps and the pre-tax loss was not material. During the third quarter of 2015, we entered into forward interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $0.8 billion. The fair value of these contracts was not material at December 31, 2015. Cross Currency Swaps Verizon Wireless previously entered into cross currency swaps des- ignated as cash flow hedges to exchange approximately $1.6 billion of British Pound Sterling and Euro- denominated debt into U.S. dollars and to fix our future interest and principal payments in U.S. dollars, as well as to mitigate the impact of foreign currency transaction gains or losses. In June 2014, we settled $0.8 billion of these cross currency swaps and the gains with respect to these swaps were not material. In December 2015, we settled $0.6 billion of these cross currency swaps on maturity. During the first quarter of 2014, we entered into cross currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges to exchange approximately $5.4 billion of Euro and British Pound Sterling denominated debt into U.S. dollars. During the second quarter of 2014, we entered into cross currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges to exchange approx- imately $1.2 billion of British Pound Sterling denominated debt into U.S. dollars. During the fourth quarter of 2014, we entered into cross currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges to exchange approxi- mately $3.0 billion of Euro denominated debt into U.S. dollars and to fix our future interest and principal payments in U.S. dollars. Each of these cross currency swaps was entered into in order to mitigate the impact of foreign currency transaction gains or losses. Carrying Amount $ 109,237 2015 Fair Value $ 118,216 Carrying Amount $ 112,755 (dollars in millions) 2014 Fair Value $ 126,549 A portion of the gains and losses recognized in Other comprehensive income was reclassified to Other income and (expense), net to offset the related pre-tax foreign currency transaction gain or loss on the underlying debt obligations. The fair value of the outstanding swaps was $1.6 billion and $0.6 billion, which was primarily included within Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. At December 31, 2015, the total notional amount of the cross currency swaps was $9.7 billion. During 2015 and 2014, a pre-tax loss of $1.2 billion and a pre-tax loss of $0.1 billion, respectively, was recognized in Other comprehensive income with respect to these swaps. Net Investment Hedges We entered into foreign currency forward contracts that are designated 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. During the third quarter of 2015, we entered into net investment hedges with a total notional value of $0.9 billion with the contract tenor maturing in 2018. The fair value of these contracts was not material at December 31, 2015. 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, certain notes receivable, including lease receivables, and derivative contracts. Our policy is to deposit our temporary cash investments with major financial institu- tions. Counterparties to our derivative contracts are also major financial institutions with whom we have negotiated derivatives agreements (ISDA master agreement) and credit support annex agreements which provide rules for collateral exchange. We generally apply collateralized arrangements with our counterparties for uncleared derivatives to mitigate credit risk. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, we posted collat- eral of approximately $0.1 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively, related to derivative contracts under collateral exchange arrangements, which were recorded as Prepaid expenses and other in our consolidated balance sheets. During the first and second quarters of 2015, we paid an immaterial amount of cash to enter into amendments to certain collateral exchange arrangements. These amendments suspend cash collateral posting for a specified period of time by both counterpar- ties. We may enter into swaps on an uncollateralized basis in certain circumstances. While we may be exposed to credit losses due to the nonperformance of our counterparties, we consider the risk remote and do not expect the settlement of these transactions to have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements The Company measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. During the fourth quarter of 2014, certain long-lived assets met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. At that time, the fair value of these long-lived assets was measured, resulting in expected disposal losses of $0.1 billion. The fair value of these assets held for sale was measured with the assistance of third- party appraisals and other estimates of fair value, which used market 64 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued approach techniques as part of the analysis. The fair value measure- ment was categorized as Level 3, as significant unobservable inputs were used in the valuation. The expected disposal losses, which rep- resented the difference between the fair value less cost to sell and the carrying amount of the assets held for sale, were included in Selling, general and administrative expenses. approximately $0.3 billion and is expected to be recognized over approximately two years. The RSUs granted in 2015 and 2014 have weighted- average grant date fair values of $48.15 and $47.23 per unit, respectively. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, we paid $0.4 billion, $0.6 billion and $1.1 billion, respec- tively, to settle RSUs and PSUs classified as liability awards. Note 10 Stock-Based Compensation Verizon Communications Long-Term Incentive Plan The Verizon Communications Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the Plan) permits the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, perfor- mance stock units and other awards. The maximum number of shares available for awards from the Plan is 119.6 million shares. Restricted Stock Units The Plan provides for grants of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) that generally vest at the end of the third year after the grant. The RSUs are classified as equity awards because the RSUs will be paid in Verizon common stock upon vesting. The RSU equity awards are measured using the grant date fair value of Verizon common stock and are not remeasured at the end of each reporting period. Dividend equivalent units are also paid to participants at the time the RSU award is paid, and in the same proportion as the RSU award. Performance Stock Units The Plan also provides for grants of Performance Stock Units (PSUs) that generally vest at the end of the third year after the grant. As defined by the Plan, the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors determines the number of PSUs a participant earns based on the extent to which the corresponding performance goals have been achieved over the three-year performance cycle. The PSUs are classified as liability awards because the PSU awards are paid in cash upon vesting. The PSU award liability is measured at its fair value at the end of each reporting period and, therefore, will fluctuate based on the price of Verizon common stock as well as performance relative to the targets. Dividend equivalent units are also paid to participants at the time that the PSU award is determined and paid, and in the same pro- portion as the PSU award. The granted and cancelled activity for the PSU award includes adjustments for the performance goals achieved. The following table summarizes Verizon’s Restricted Stock Unit and Performance Stock Unit activity: (shares in thousands) Outstanding January 1, 2013 Granted Payments Cancelled/Forfeited Outstanding December 31, 2013 Granted Payments Cancelled/Forfeited Outstanding December 31, 2014 Granted Payments Cancelled/Forfeited Outstanding December 31, 2015 Restricted Stock Units 18,669 4,950 (7,246) (180) 16,193 5,278 (6,202) (262) 15,007 4,958 (5,911) (151) 13,903 Performance Stock Units 39,463 7,470 (22,703) (506) 23,724 7,359 (9,153) (1,964) 19,966 7,044 (6,732) (3,075) 17,203 As of December 31, 2015, unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of Verizon’s RSUs and PSUs was Verizon Wireless’ Long-Term Incentive Plan The Verizon Wireless Long-Term Incentive Plan (the Wireless Plan) provided compensation opportunities to eligible employees of Verizon Wireless (the Partnership). Under the Wireless Plan, Value Appreciation Rights (VARs) were granted to eligible employees. We have not granted new VARs since 2004. As of December 31, 2015, there are no VARs that remain outstanding. Stock-Based Compensation Expense After-tax compensation expense for stock-based compensation related to RSUs, PSUs and VARs described above included in Net income attributable to Verizon was $0.3 billion, $0.3 billion and $0.4 billion for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Stock Options The Plan provides for grants of stock options to participants at an option price per share of no less than 100% of the fair market value of Verizon common stock on the date of grant. Each grant has a 10-year life, vesting equally over a three-year period, starting at the date of the grant. We have not granted new stock options since 2004. As of December 31, 2015, there are no stock options that remain outstanding. Note 11 Employee Benefits We maintain non- contributory defined benefit pension plans for many of our employees. In addition, we maintain postretirement health care and life insurance plans for our retirees and their dependents, which are both contributory and non- contributory, and include a limit on our share of the cost for certain recent and future retirees. In accordance with our accounting policy for pension and other postretirement benefits, operating expenses include pension and benefit related credits and/or charges based on actuarial assumptions, including projected discount rates and an estimated return on plan assets. These estimates are updated in the fourth quarter to reflect actual return on plan assets and updated actuarial assumptions. The adjust- ment 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. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Pension and other postretirement benefits for many of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements. Modifications in benefits have been bargained from time to time, and we may also peri- odically amend the benefits in the management plans. The following tables summarize benefit costs, as well as the benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status and rate assumptions associated with pension and postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 65 Obligations and Funded Status At December 31, Change in Benefit Obligations Beginning of year Service cost Interest cost Plan amendments Actuarial (gain) loss, net Benefits paid Curtailment and termination benefits Settlements paid Reclassifications (Note 2) End of year Change in Plan Assets Beginning of year Actual return on plan assets Company contributions Benefits paid Settlements paid End of year Funded Status End of year 2015 $ 25,320 374 969 – (1,361) (971) – (2,315) – $ 22,016 $ 18,548 118 744 (971) (2,315) $ 16,124 Pension 2014 $ 23,032 327 1,035 (89) 2,977 (1,566) 11 (407) – $ 25,320 $ 17,111 1,778 1,632 (1,566) (407) $ 18,548 (dollars in millions) Health Care and Life 2014 2015 $ 27,097 324 1,117 (45) (2,733) (1,370) – – (167) $ 24,223 $ $ 2,435 28 667 (1,370) – 1,760 $ 23,042 258 1,107 (412) 4,645 (1,543) – – – $ 27,097 $ $ 3,053 193 732 (1,543) – 2,435 $ (5,892) $ (6,772) $ (22,463) $ (24,662) We reclassified $0.2 billion to Non- current liabilities related to assets held for sale as a result of our agreement to sell our local exchange business and related landline activities in California, Florida and Texas to Frontier (see Note 2 for additional details). At December 31, Amounts recognized on the balance sheet Noncurrent assets Current liabilities Noncurrent liabilities Total Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Pre-tax) Prior Service Benefit (Cost) Total 2015 349 (93) (6,148) (5,892) (51) (51) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Pension 2014 337 (122) (6,987) (6,772) (dollars in millions) Health Care and Life 2014 2015 $ – (695) (21,768) $ (22,463) $ – (528) (24,134) $ (24,662) (56) (56) $ $ (2,038) (2,038) $ $ (2,280) (2,280) The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $22.0 billion and $25.3 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets follows: At December 31, Projected benefit obligation Accumulated benefit obligation Fair value of plan assets 2015 $ 21,694 21,636 15,452 (dollars in millions) 2014 $ 24,919 24,851 17,810 66 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Net Periodic Cost The following table summarizes the benefit (income) cost related to our pension and postretirement health care and life insurance plans: (dollars in millions) Years Ended December 31, Service cost Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Expected return on plan assets Interest cost Remeasurement (gain) loss, net Net periodic benefit (income) cost Curtailment and termination benefits Total $ 2015 374 (5) (1,270) 969 (209) (141) – (141) $ $ 2014 327 (8) (1,181) 1,035 2,380 2,553 11 $ 2,564 $ Pension 2013 395 6 (1,245) 1,002 (2,470) (2,312) 4 (2,308) $ $ 2015 324 (287) (101) 1,117 (2,659) (1,606) – $ (1,606) $ $ Health Care and Life 2013 318 (247) (143) 1,095 (3,989) (2,966) – (2,966) 2014 258 (253) (161) 1,107 4,615 5,566 – $ 5,566 $ Other pre-tax changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss are as follows: (dollars in millions) At December 31, Prior service cost Reversal of amortization items Prior service cost Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss (pre-tax) 2015 – $ 5 5 $ Pension 2014 (89) $ 8 (81) $ Health Care and Life 2014 (413) 2015 (45) $ $ 287 $ 242 253 (160) $ The estimated prior service cost for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit (income) cost over the next fiscal year is not significant. The estimated prior service cost for the defined benefit postretirement plans that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit (income) cost over the next fiscal year is $0.3 billion. Assumptions The weighted- average assumptions used in determining benefit obligations follow: At December 31, Discount Rate Rate of compensation increases 2015 4.60% 3.00 Pension 2014 4.20% 3.00 Health Care and Life 2015 2014 4.60% 4.20% N/A N/A The weighted- average assumptions used in determining net periodic cost follow: At December 31, Discount Rate Expected return on plan assets Rate of compensation increases 2015 4.20% 7.25 3.00 2014 5.00% 7.25 3.00 Pension 2013 4.20% 7.50 3.00 2015 4.20% 4.80 N/A Health Care and Life 2013 4.20% 5.60 N/A 2014 5.00% 5.50 N/A Effective January 1, 2016, we changed the method we use to estimate the interest component of net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefits. Historically, we estimated the interest cost component utilizing a single weighted- average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. We have elected to utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation of interest cost by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. We have made this change to provide a more precise measurement of interest cost by improving the correlation between projected benefit cash flows to the corresponding spot yield curve rates. We will account for this change as a change in accounting estimate and accordingly will account for it prospectively. We estimate the impact of this change on our con- solidated GAAP results for the first quarter of 2016 will be a reduction of the interest cost component of net periodic benefit cost and an increase to Net income by approximately $0.1 billion. However, at this time the estimated impact of this change on the remaining 2016 interim periods and for annual 2016 results cannot be reasonably estimated because it is possible that in the future there may be changes to underlying assumptions, including an interim remeasurement of our benefit obligations, which could result in different estimates. The use of the full yield curve approach does not impact how we measure our total benefit obligations at year end or our annual net periodic benefit cost as any change in the interest cost component is completely offset by the actuarial gain or loss measured at year end which is immedi- ately recognized in the income statement. Accordingly, this change in estimate will not impact our income from continuing operations, net income or earnings per share as measured on an annual basis. Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 67 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued In order to project the long-term target investment return for the total portfolio, estimates are prepared for the total return of each major asset class over the subsequent 10-year period. Those estimates are based on a combination of factors including the current market interest rates and valuation levels, consensus earnings expectations and his- torical long-term risk premiums. To determine the aggregate return for the pension trust, the projected return of each individual asset class is then weighted according to the allocation to that investment area in the trust’s long-term asset allocation policy. The assumed health care cost trend rates follow: management approaches are used depending on perceived market efficiencies and various other factors. Due to our diversification and risk control processes, there are no significant concentrations of risk, in terms of sector, industry, geography or company names. Pension and healthcare and life plans assets do not include significant amounts of Verizon common stock. Pension Plans The fair values for the pension plans by asset category at December 31, 2015 are as follows: At December 31, Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for Health Care and Life 2014 2015 2013 next year 6.00% 6.50% 6.50% Rate to which cost trend rate gradually declines 4.50 4.75 4.75 Year the rate reaches the level it is assumed to remain thereafter 2024 2022 2020 A one- percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effects: Asset Category Cash and cash equivalents Equity securities Fixed income securities U.S. Treasuries and agencies Corporate bonds International bonds Other Real estate Other (dollars in millions) Total Level 1 Level 2 $ 1,459 $ 1,375 $ 3,216 2,313 84 $ 900 Level 3 – 3 1,264 3,024 713 3 1,670 884 380 194 2,702 659 3 – 128 20 – 39 1,631 34 – – (dollars in millions) Private equity Hedge funds Increase 249 $ Decrease (194) $ Total – 2,988 – 2,988 1,787 730 1,057 – $ 16,124 $ 4,800 $ 5,497 $ 5,827 One- Percentage Point Effect on 2015 service and interest cost Effect on postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2015 3,074 (2,516) Plan Assets The company’s overall investment strategy is to achieve a mix of assets which allows us to meet projected benefit payments while taking into consideration risk and return. While target allocation percentages will vary over time, the current target allocation for plan assets is designed so that 65% of the assets have the objective of achieving a return in excess of the growth in liabilities (comprised of public equities, private equities, real estate, hedge funds and emerging debt) and 35% of the assets are invested as liability hedging assets (where cash flows from investments better match projected benefit payments, typically longer duration fixed income). This allocation will shift as funded status improves to a higher allocation of liability hedging assets. Target policies will be revisited periodically to ensure they are in line with fund objectives. Both active and passive The fair values for the pension plans by asset category at December 31, 2014 are as follows: (dollars in millions) Asset Category Cash and cash equivalents Equity securities Fixed income securities U.S. Treasuries and agencies Corporate bonds International bonds Other Real estate Other Total Level 1 Level 2 $ 1,983 $ 1,814 $ 169 $ 4,339 2,952 1,277 Level 3 – 110 1,257 2,882 582 3 1,792 – 427 830 112 264 2,506 19 524 3 – – 1,792 39 – – Private equity Hedge funds Total 204 3,544 3,748 1,962 798 $ 18,548 $ 5,899 $ 6,274 $ 6,375 – – 1,164 The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of pension plan assets that are measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs: Balance at January 1, 2014 Actual gain (loss) on plan assets Purchases and sales Transfers in (out) Balance at December 31, 2014 Actual gain (loss) on plan assets Purchases and sales Transfers in (out) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ Equity Securities – (1) 106 5 110 1 16 (124) 3 $ $ $ Corporate Bonds 162 5 (50) (5) 112 4 18 (6) 128 $ $ $ International Bonds – – 8 11 19 (3) 5 (1) 20 $ $ Real Estate $ 1,784 42 (34) – $ 1,792 132 (259) (34) $ 1,631 Private Equity $ 3,942 73 (471) – $ 3,544 63 (619) – $ 2,988 (dollars in millions) Total $ 7,084 152 (297) (564) $ 6,375 209 (515) (242) $ 5,827 Hedge Funds $ 1,196 33 144 (575) 798 12 324 (77) $ 1,057 $ 68 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Health Care and Life Plans The fair values for the other postretirement benefit plans by asset category at December 31, 2015 are as follows: (dollars in millions) Asset Category Cash and cash equivalents Equity securities Fixed income securities Total Level 1 Level 2 $ 162 $ 974 8 $ 752 154 $ 222 Level 3 – – U.S. Treasuries and agencies Corporate bonds International bonds Other 21 524 79 – Total $ 1,760 $ 18 133 19 – 930 $ 3 391 60 – 830 $ – – – – – The fair values for the other postretirement benefit plans by asset category at December 31, 2014 are as follows: (dollars in millions) Asset Category Cash and cash equivalents Equity securities Fixed income securities Total Level 1 Level 2 $ 208 $ 6 $ 1,434 1,172 202 $ 262 Level 3 – – U.S. Treasuries and agencies Corporate bonds International bonds Other 105 461 111 116 98 119 14 – Total $ 2,435 $ 1,409 $ 7 296 97 116 980 $ – 46 – – 46 The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the other postretirement benefit plans assets that are measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs: (dollars in millions) Balance at December 31, 2013 Actual gain on plan assets Purchases and sales Balance at December 31, 2014 Transfers in (out) Balance at December 31, 2015 Corporate Bonds – $ 1 45 $ 46 (46) – $ $ Total – 1 45 $ 46 (46) – $ The following are general descriptions of asset categories, as well as the valuation methodologies and inputs used to determine the fair value of each major category of assets. Cash and cash equivalents include short-term investment funds, primarily in diversified portfolios of investment grade money market instruments and are valued using quoted market prices or other valuation methods, and thus are classified within Level 1 or Level 2. Equity securities are investments in common stock of domestic and international corporations in a variety of industry sectors, and are valued primarily using quoted market prices at the end of the reporting period or other valuation methods based on observable inputs, and thus are classified as Level 1 or Level 2. Investments not traded on a national securities exchange use other valuation methods such as pricing models or quoted prices of securities with similar characteris- tics depending upon market activity and availability of quoted market prices, and thus are classified as Level 3. Fixed income securities include U.S. Treasuries and agencies, debt obligations of foreign governments and domestic and foreign cor- porations. Fixed income also includes investments in collateralized mortgage obligations, mortgage backed securities and interest rate swaps. The fair value of fixed income securities is based on observable prices for identical or comparable assets, adjusted using benchmark curves, sector grouping, matrix pricing, broker/dealer quotes and issuer spreads, and thus are classified within Level 1 or Level 2. Real estate investments include those in limited partnerships that invest in various commercial and residential real estate projects both domestically and internationally. The fair values of real estate assets are typically determined by using income and/or cost approaches or a comparable sales approach, taking into consideration discount and capitalization rates, financial conditions, local market conditions and the status of the capital markets, and thus are classified within Level 3. Commingled funds, included within the Cash and cash equivalents, Equity securities, Fixed income securities and Real estate investment asset categories, are typically valued at net asset value (NAV) provided by the fund administrator. NAV is the redemption value of the units held at year end. As a practical expedient, management has determined that NAV approximates fair value. These assets are categorized as Level 2 or Level 3 depending upon liquidity. Private equity investments include those in limited partnerships that invest in operating companies that are not publicly traded on a stock exchange. Investment strategies in private equity include leveraged buyouts, venture capital, distressed investments and investments in natural resources. These investments are valued using inputs such as trading multiples of comparable public securities, merger and acqui- sition activity and pricing data from the most recent equity financing taking into consideration illiquidity, and thus are classified within Level 3. Hedge fund investments include those seeking to maximize absolute returns using a broad range of strategies to enhance returns and provide additional diversification. The fair values of hedge funds are estimated using the NAV of the investments as a practical expedient. Investments of this type for which Verizon has the ability to fully redeem at NAV within the near term are classified within Level 2. Investments that cannot be redeemed in the near term are classified within Level 3. Employer Contributions In 2015, we contributed $0.7 billion to our qualified pension plans, $0.1 billion to our nonqualified pension plans and $0.9 billion to our other postretirement benefit plans. We anticipate a minimum contribu- tion of $0.6 billion to our qualified pension plans in 2016. Nonqualified pension plans contributions are estimated to be $0.1 billion and contri- butions to our other postretirement benefit plans are estimated to be $0.9 billion in 2016. Estimated Future Benefit Payments The benefit payments to retirees are expected to be paid as follows: Year 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021–2025 Pension Benefits $ 1,906 1,757 1,441 1,391 1,371 6,699 (dollars in millions) Health Care and Life $ 1,390 1,390 1,384 1,354 1,349 6,889 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Savings Plan and Employee Stock Ownership Plans We maintain four leveraged employee stock ownership plans (ESOP). We match a certain percentage of eligible employee contributions to the savings plans with shares of our common stock from this ESOP. At December 31, 2015, the number of allocated shares of common stock in this ESOP was 57 million. There were no unallocated shares of common stock in this ESOP at December 31, 2015. All leveraged ESOP shares are included in earnings per share computations. Total savings plan costs were $0.9 billion in 2015, $0.9 billion in 2014 and $1.0 billion in 2013. Severance Benefits The following table provides an analysis of our actuarially determined severance liability recorded in accordance with the accounting standard regarding employers’ accounting for postemployment benefits: (dollars in millions) Year 2013 2014 2015 Beginning of Year $ 1,010 757 875 Charged to Expense $ 134 531 551 $ Payments (381) (406) (619) $ Other (6) (7) (7) End of Year $ 757 875 800 Severance, Pension and Benefit (Credits) Charges During 2015, we recorded net pre-tax severance, pension and benefit credits of approximately $2.3 billion primarily for our pension and post- retirement plans in accordance with our accounting policy to recognize actuarial gains and losses in the year in which they occur. The credits were primarily driven by an increase in our discount rate assumption used to determine the current year liabilities from a weighted- average of 4.2% at December 31, 2014 to a weighted- average of 4.6% at December 31, 2015 ($2.5 billion), the execution of a new prescription drug contract during 2015 ($1.0 billion) and a change in mortality assumptions primarily driven by the use of updated actuarial tables (MP-2015) issued by the Society of Actuaries ($0.9 billion), partially offset by the difference between our estimated return on assets of 7.25% at December 31, 2014 and our actual return on assets of 0.7% at December 31, 2015 ($1.2 billion), severance costs recorded under our existing separation plans ($0.6 billion) and other assumption adjust- ments ($0.3 billion). During 2014, we recorded net pre-tax severance, pension and benefit charges of approximately $7.5 billion primarily for our pension and postretirement plans in accordance with our accounting policy to recognize actuarial gains and losses in the year in which they occur. The charges were primarily driven by a decrease in our discount rate assumption used to determine the current year liabilities from a weighted- average of 5.0% at December 31, 2013 to a weighted- average of 4.2% at December 31, 2014 ($5.2 billion), a change in mortality assumptions primarily driven by the use of updated actuarial tables (RP-2014 and MP-2014) issued by the Society of Actuaries in October 2014 ($1.8 billion) and revisions to the retirement assumptions for participants and other assumption adjustments, partially offset by the difference between our estimated return on assets of 7.25% and our actual return on assets of 10.5% ($0.6 billion). As part of this charge, we recorded severance costs of $0.5 billion under our existing separation plans. Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 69 During 2013, we recorded net pre-tax severance, pension and benefit credits of approximately $6.2 billion primarily for our pension and post- retirement plans in accordance with our accounting policy to recognize actuarial gains and losses in the year in which they occur. The credits were primarily driven by an increase in our discount rate assumption used to determine the current year liabilities from a weighted- average of 4.2% at December 31, 2012 to a weighted- average of 5.0% at December 31, 2013 ($4.3 billion), lower than assumed retiree medical costs and other assumption adjustments ($1.4 billion) and the differ- ence between our estimated return on assets of 7.5% at December 31, 2012 and our actual return on assets of 8.6% at December 31, 2013 ($0.5 billion). Note 12 Taxes The components of income before provision for income taxes are as follows: Years Ended December 31, Domestic Foreign Total (dollars in millions) 2015 $ 27,639 601 $ 28,240 2014 $ 12,992 2,278 $ 15,270 2013 $ 28,833 444 $ 29,277 The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows: Years Ended December 31, Current Federal Foreign State and Local Total Deferred Federal Foreign State and Local Total Total income tax provision (dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 $ 5,476 70 803 6,349 $ 2,657 81 668 3,406 $ (197) (59) 201 (55) 3,377 9 130 3,516 $ 9,865 (51) (9) (32) (92) $ 3,314 5,060 8 717 5,785 $ 5,730 The following table shows the principal reasons for the difference between the effective income tax rate and the statutory federal income tax rate: Years Ended December 31, Statutory federal income tax rate State and local income tax rate, net of federal tax benefits Affordable housing credit Employee benefits including ESOP dividend Disposition of Omnitel Interest Noncontrolling interests Other, net Effective income tax rate 2015 35.0 % 2014 35.0 % 2013 35.0 % 2.1 (0.5) 2.7 (1.0) (0.4) – (0.5) (0.8) 34.9 % (0.7) (5.9) (5.0) (3.4) 21.7 % 2.1 (0.6) (0.4) – (14.3) (2.2) 19.6 % The effective income tax rate for 2015 was 34.9% compared to 21.7% for 2014. The increase in the effective income tax rate and provision for income taxes was primarily due to the impact of higher income before income taxes due to severance, pension and benefit credits recorded in 2015 compared to severance, pension and benefit charges recorded in 2014, as well as tax benefits associated with the utilization of certain tax credits in connection with the Omnitel Transaction in 2014. 70 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued The effective income tax rate for 2014 was 21.7% compared to 19.6% for 2013. The increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to additional income taxes on the incremental income from the Wireless Transaction completed on February 21, 2014 and was partially offset by the utilization of certain tax credits in connection with the Omnitel Transaction in 2014 and the effective income tax rate impact of lower income before income taxes due to severance, pension and benefit charges recorded in 2014 compared to severance, pension and benefit credits recorded in 2013. The decrease in the provision for income taxes was primarily due to lower income before income taxes due to severance, pension and benefit charges recorded in 2014 compared to severance, pension and benefit credits recorded in 2013. The amounts of cash taxes paid are as follows: During 2015, the valuation allowance increased approximately $1.6 billion primarily as a result of the acquisition of AOL. The balance of the valuation allowance at December 31, 2015 and the 2015 activity is primarily related to state and foreign tax losses. Unrecognized Tax Benefits A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: Balance at January 1, Additions based on tax positions related to the current year Additions for tax positions of prior (dollars in millions) 2015 $ 1,823 2014 $ 2,130 2013 $ 2,943 194 330 80 627 116 250 (412) (79) (221) $ 1,635 (278) (239) (497) $ 1,823 (801) (210) (168) $ 2,130 Years Ended December 31, Income taxes, net of amounts refunded $ 5,293 $ 4,093 $ Employment taxes Property and other taxes Total 2013 422 1,282 2,082 $ 8,445 $ 7,180 $ 3,786 1,284 1,868 1,290 1,797 2014 2015 Reductions for tax positions of prior years Settlements Lapses of statutes of limitations Balance at December 31, (dollars in millions) years Deferred taxes arise because of differences in the book and tax bases of certain assets and liabilities. Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: At December 31, Employee benefits Tax loss and credit carry forwards Other — assets Valuation allowances Deferred tax assets Spectrum and other intangible amortization Depreciation Other — liabilities Deferred tax liabilities Net deferred tax liability (dollars in millions) 2015 $ 12,220 4,099 2,504 18,823 (3,414) 15,409 2014 $ 13,350 2,255 2,247 17,852 (1,841) 16,011 29,945 24,725 6,125 60,795 $ 45,386 28,283 23,423 5,754 57,460 $ 41,449 At December 31, 2015, undistributed earnings of our foreign sub- sidiaries indefinitely invested outside the United States amounted to approximately $1.8 billion. The majority of Verizon’s cash flow is generated from domestic operations and we are not dependent on foreign cash or earnings to meet our funding requirements, nor do we intend to repatriate these undistributed foreign earnings to fund U.S. operations. Furthermore, a portion of these undistributed earnings represent amounts that legally must be kept in reserve in accordance with certain foreign jurisdictional requirements and are unavailable for distribution or repatriation. As a result, we have not provided U.S. deferred taxes on these undistributed earnings because we intend that they will remain indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States and therefore unavailable for use in funding U.S. operations. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred taxes related to these undis- tributed earnings is not practicable. At December 31, 2015, we had net after-tax loss and credit carry forwards for income tax purposes of approximately $4.1 billion that primarily relate to state and foreign tax losses. Of these net after-tax loss and credit carry forwards, approximately $2.5 billion will expire between 2016 and 2035 and approximately $1.6 billion may be carried forward indefinitely. Included in the total unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is $1.2 billion, $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively, that if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate. We recognized the following net after-tax benefits related to interest and penalties in the provision for income taxes: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (dollars in millions) $ 43 92 33 The after-tax accruals for the payment of interest and penalties in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows: At December 31, 2015 2014 (dollars in millions) $125 169 The decrease in unrecognized tax benefits was primarily due to an internal restructure that eliminated certain state unrecognized tax benefits and the expiration of the statute of limitations in various juris- dictions, partially offset by an increase in unrecognized tax benefits related to the acquisition of AOL. 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 IRS and multiple state and foreign jurisdictions for various open tax years. The IRS is currently examining the Company’s U.S. income tax returns for tax years 2010-2012, Cellco Partnership’s U.S. income tax returns for tax years 2013-2014, and AOL’s U.S. income tax returns for tax years 2011-2012. Tax controver- sies are ongoing for tax years as early as 2006. The amount of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits will change in the next twelve months due to the expiration of the statute of limitations in various jurisdictions and it is reasonably possible that various current tax examinations will conclude or require reevaluations of the Company’s tax positions during this period. An estimate of the range of the possible change cannot be made until these tax matters are further developed or resolved. Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 71 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Note 13 Segment Information Reportable Segments We have two reportable segments, Wireless and Wireline, which we operate and manage as strategic business units and organize by products and services. We measure and evaluate our reportable segments based on segment operating income, consistent with the chief operating decision maker’s assessment of segment performance. Corporate and other includes the operations of AOL and related businesses, unallocated corporate expenses, the results of other businesses, such as our investments in unconsolidated businesses, pension and other employee benefit related costs and lease financing. Effective January 1, 2014, we have also reclassified the results of certain businesses, such as development stage businesses that support our strategic initiatives, from our Wireline segment to Corporate and other. The impact of this reclassification was not material to our consolidated financial statements or our segment results of operations. Corporate and other also includes the historical results of divested operations and other adjustments and gains and losses that are not allocated in assessing segment performance due to their non- operational nature. Although such transactions are excluded from the business segment results, they are included in reported consolidated earnings. Gains and losses that are not individually significant are included in all segment results as these items are included in the chief operating decision maker’s assessment of segment performance. On July 1, 2014, our Wireline segment sold a non- strategic business (see Note 2). Accordingly, the historical Wireline results for these operations have been reclassified to Corporate and other to reflect comparable segment operating results. The reconciliation of segment operating revenues and expenses to consolidated operating revenues and expenses below also includes those items of a non- operational nature. We exclude from segment results the effects of certain items that management does not consider in assessing segment performance, primarily because of their non- operational nature. We have adjusted prior period consolidated and segment information, where applicable, to conform to current year presentation. Our segments and their principal activities consist of the following: Segment Wireless Wireline Description Wireless’ communications products and services include wireless voice and data services and equipment sales, which are provided to consumer, business and government customers across the United States. Wireline’s voice, data and video communications products and enhanced services include broadband video and data, corporate networking solutions, data center and cloud services, security and managed network services and local and long distance voice services. We provide these products and services to consumers in the United States, as well as to carriers, businesses and government customers both in the United States and around the world. The following table provides operating financial information for our two reportable segments: 2015 External Operating Revenues Service revenue Equipment Other Consumer retail Small business Mass Markets Strategic services Core Global Enterprise Global Wholesale Other Intersegment revenues Total operating revenues Cost of services Wireless cost of equipment Selling, general and administrative expense Depreciation and amortization expense Total operating expenses Operating income Assets Plant, property and equipment, net Capital expenditures Wireless Wireline Total Segments (dollars in millions) $ 70,305 16,924 4,294 $ – – – – – – – – 157 91,680 7,803 23,119 21,805 8,980 61,707 29,973 $ $ 185,406 40,911 11,725 $ $ – – – 16,123 2,350 18,473 8,164 4,777 12,941 4,958 322 1,026 37,720 20,878 – 7,989 6,678 35,545 2,175 78,316 41,044 5,049 $ 70,305 16,924 4,294 16,123 2,350 18,473 8,164 4,777 12,941 4,958 322 1,183 129,400 28,681 23,119 29,794 15,658 97,252 32,148 $ $ 263,722 81,955 16,774 72 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued 2014 External Operating Revenues Service revenue Equipment Other Consumer retail Small business Mass Markets Strategic services Core Global Enterprise Global Wholesale Other Intersegment revenues Total operating revenues Cost of services Wireless cost of equipment Selling, general and administrative expense Depreciation and amortization expense Total operating expenses Operating income Assets Plant, property and equipment, net Capital expenditures 2013 External Operating Revenues Service revenue Equipment Other Consumer retail Small business Mass Markets Strategic services Core Global Enterprise Global Wholesale Other Intersegment revenues Total operating revenues Cost of services Wireless cost of equipment Selling, general and administrative expense Depreciation and amortization expense Total operating expenses Operating income Assets Plant, property and equipment, net Capital expenditures Wireless Wireline Total Segments (dollars in millions) $ 72,555 10,957 4,021 $ – – – – – – – – 113 87,646 7,200 21,625 23,602 8,459 60,886 26,760 $ $ 160,333 38,276 10,515 $ $ – – – 15,583 2,464 18,047 8,316 5,323 13,639 5,207 529 1,007 38,429 21,332 – 8,180 7,882 37,394 1,035 76,640 50,318 5,750 $ 72,555 10,957 4,021 15,583 2,464 18,047 8,316 5,323 13,639 5,207 529 1,120 126,075 28,532 21,625 31,782 16,341 98,280 27,795 $ $ 236,973 88,594 16,265 Wireless Wireline Total Segments (dollars in millions) $ 68,973 8,096 3,851 $ – – – – – – – – 103 81,023 7,295 16,353 23,176 8,202 55,026 25,997 $ $ 146,363 35,932 9,425 $ $ – – – 14,842 2,537 17,379 8,129 6,002 14,131 5,549 502 1,063 38,624 21,396 – 8,571 8,327 38,294 330 84,524 51,885 6,229 $ 68,973 8,096 3,851 14,842 2,537 17,379 8,129 6,002 14,131 5,549 502 1,166 119,647 28,691 16,353 31,747 16,529 93,320 26,327 $ $ 230,887 87,817 15,654 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Reconciliation to Consolidated Financial Information A reconciliation of the reportable segment operating revenues to con- solidated operating revenues is as follows: Years Ended December 31, Operating Revenues Total reportable segments Corporate and other Reconciling items: Impact of divested operations (Note 2) Eliminations Consolidated operating revenues (dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 $ 129,400 $ 126,075 $ 119,647 3,444 1,888 1,514 At December 31, Assets Total reportable segments Corporate and other Eliminations Total consolidated 256 – (1,224) 599 (1,210) $ 131,620 $ 127,079 $ 120,550 (1,140) Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 73 A reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments’ assets to con- solidated assets is as follows: (dollars in millions) 2015 2014 $ 263,722 205,930 (225,012) $ 244,640 $ 236,973 191,686 (196,043) $ 232,616 We generally account for intersegment sales of products and services and asset transfers at arm’s length prices. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of our total operating revenues during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. International operating revenues and long-lived assets are not significant. Fios revenues are included within our Wireline segment and amounted to approximately $13.8 billion, $12.7 billion, and $11.2 billion for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. A reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments’ operating income to consolidated Income before provision for income taxes is as follows: Years Ended December 31, Operating Income Total reportable segments Corporate and other Reconciling items: Severance, pension and benefit credits (charges) (Note 11) Gain on spectrum license transactions (Note 2) Impact of divested operations (Note 2) Other costs Consolidated operating income Equity in (losses) earnings of (dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 $ 32,148 $ 27,795 $ 26,327 (1,598) (912) (1,074) 2,256 (7,507) 6,232 707 12 254 – – 278 43 – 33,060 19,599 31,968 (334) 142 unconsolidated businesses (166) Other income and (expense), net Interest expense (2,667) Income Before Provision for Income Taxes $ 28,240 $ 15,270 $ 29,277 (86) 1,780 186 (4,920) (1,194) (4,915) Note 14 Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income consists of net income and other gains and losses affecting equity that, under U.S. GAAP, are excluded from net income. Significant changes in the components of Other comprehensive income, net of provision for income taxes are described below. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income The changes in the balances of Accumulated other comprehensive income by component are as follows: (dollars in millions) Balance at January 1, 2015 Other comprehensive loss Amounts reclassified to net income Net other comprehensive loss Balance at December 31, 2015 $ Foreign currency translation adjustments (346) (208) – (208) (554) $ $ Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges (84) (1,063) 869 (194) (278) $ Unrealized loss on marketable securities 112 $ (5) (6) (11) 101 $ Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans $ 1,429 – (148) (148) $ 1,281 Total $ 1,111 (1,276) 715 (561) 550 $ The amounts presented above in net other comprehensive loss are net of taxes and noncontrolling interests, which are not significant. For the year ended December 31, 2015, 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 on our consolidated statement of income. For the year ended December 31, 2015, all other amounts reclassified to net income in the table above are included in Other income and (expense), net on our consolidated statement of income. 74 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments The change in Foreign currency translation adjustments during 2015 was related to our non-U.S. dollar net investments in foreign subsid- iaries. The change in Foreign currency translation adjustments during 2014 was primarily a result of the completion of the Omnitel transac- tion. The change in Foreign currency translation adjustments during 2013 was primarily related to our investment in Vodafone Omnitel N.V. which was driven by the movements of the U.S. dollar against the Euro. Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges During 2014 and 2013, Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges included in Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non- controlling interests primarily reflect activity related to cross currency swaps. Reclassification adjustments on cash flow hedges primarily reflect the reclassification to Other income and (expense), net of a portion of the unrealized gains and losses on cross currency swaps to offset related pre-tax foreign currency transaction gain or loss on the underlying debt obligations (see Note 9). Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities During 2015, 2014 and 2013, reclassification adjustments on mar- ketable securities for gains (losses) realized in net income were not significant. Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Plans The change in Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, was not significant. Note 15 Additional Financial Information The tables that follow provide additional financial information related to our consolidated financial statements: Income Statement Information (dollars in millions) Years Ended December 31, Depreciation expense Interest costs on debt balances Capitalized interest costs Advertising expense 2015 $ 14,323 5,504 (584) 2,749 2014 $ 14,966 5,291 (376) 2,526 2013 $ 15,019 3,421 (754) 2,438 Balance Sheet Information At December 31, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable Accrued expenses Accrued vacation, salaries and wages Interest payable Taxes payable Other Current Liabilities Advance billings and customer deposits Dividends payable Other (dollars in millions) 2015 2014 $ 6,391 5,281 4,107 1,529 2,054 $ 19,362 $ 5,598 4,016 4,131 1,478 1,457 $ 16,680 $ 2,969 2,323 3,446 $ 8,738 $ 3,125 2,307 3,140 $ 8,572 Cash Flow Information Years Ended December 31, Cash Paid (dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Interest, net of amounts capitalized $ 4,491 $ 4,429 $ 2,122 During the year ended December 31, 2015, Verizon repurchased approximately 2.8 million shares of the Company’s common stock under our authorized share buyback program for approximately $0.1 billion. At December 31, 2015, the maximum number of shares that could be purchased by or on behalf of Verizon under our share buyback program was 97.2 million. In addition to the previously authorized three-year share buyback program, in February 2015, the Verizon Board of Directors autho- rized Verizon to enter into an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement to repurchase $5.0 billion of the Company’s common stock. On February 10, 2015, in exchange for an up-front payment totaling $5.0 billion, Verizon received an initial delivery of 86.2 million shares having a value of approximately $4.25 billion. On June 5, 2015, Verizon received an additional 15.4 million shares as final settlement of the transaction under the ASR agreement. In total, 101.6 million shares were delivered under the ASR at an average repurchase price of $49.21. Common stock has been used from time to time to satisfy some of the funding requirements of employee and shareowner plans, including 22.6 million common shares issued from Treasury stock during the year ended December 31, 2015, which had an aggregate value of $0.9 billion. Note 16 Commitments and Contingencies In the ordinary course of business Verizon is involved in various com- mercial 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 allo- cation 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. Verizon is currently involved in approximately 60 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 Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries 75 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued have sold products and 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 busi- nesses 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. As of December 31, 2015, letters of credit totaling approximately $0.1 billion, which were executed in the normal course of business and support several financing arrangements and payment obligations to third parties, were outstanding. We have several commitments primarily to purchase programming and network services, equipment, software, handsets and peripherals, and marketing activities, which will be used or sold in the ordinary course of business, from a variety of suppliers totaling $21.9 billion. Of this total amount, $8.4 billion is attributable to 2016, $9.2 billion is attributable to 2017 through 2018, $2.3 billion is attributable to 2019 through 2020 and $2.0 billion is attributable to years thereafter. These amounts do not represent our entire anticipated purchases in the future, but represent only those items that are the subject of contractual obli- gations. Our commitments are generally determined based on the noncancelable quantities or termination amounts. Purchases against our commitments for 2015 totaled approximately $10.2 billion. Since the commitments to purchase programming services from television networks and broadcast stations have no minimum volume require- ment, we estimated our obligation based on number of subscribers at December 31, 2015, and applicable rates stipulated in the contracts in effect at that time. We also purchase products and services as needed with no firm commitment. Note 17 Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) Quarter Ended 2015 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 2014 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Operating Revenues Operating Income (Loss) $ 31,984 32,224 33,158 34,254 $ 30,818 31,483 31,586 33,192 $ 7,960 7,821 7,535 9,744 $ 7,160 7,685 6,890 (2,136) Net Income (Loss) attributable to Verizon(1) (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) Amount $ 4,219 4,231 4,038 5,391 $ 3,947 4,214 3,695 (2,231) Per Share — Basic Per Share — Diluted Net Income (Loss) $ $ 1.03 1.04 .99 1.32 1.15 1.02 .89 (.54) $ $ 1.02 1.04 .99 1.32 1.15 1.01 .89 (.54) $ 4,338 4,353 4,171 5,513 $ 5,986 4,324 3,794 (2,148) • • • • • Results of operations for the third quarter of 2015 include after-tax charges attributable to Verizon of $0.2 billion related to a pension remeasurement. Results of operations for the fourth quarter of 2015 include after-tax credits attributable to Verizon of $1.6 billion related to severance, pension and benefit credits, as well as after-tax credits attributable to Verizon of $0.2 billion related to a gain on spectrum license transactions. Results of operations for the first quarter of 2014 include after-tax- credits attributable to Verizon of $1.9 billion related to the sale of its entire ownership interest in Vodafone Omnitel, as well as after-tax costs attributable to Verizon of $0.6 billion related to early debt redemptions and $0.3 billion related to the Wireless Transaction. Results of operations for the second quarter of 2014 include after-tax credits attributable to Verizon of $0.4 billion related to a gain on spectrum license transactions. Results of operations for the fourth quarter of 2014 include after-tax charges attributable to Verizon of $4.7 billion related to severance, pension and benefit charges, as well as after-tax costs attributable to Verizon of $0.5 billion related to early debt redemption and other costs. (1) Net income (loss) attributable to Verizon per common share is computed independently for each quarter and the sum of the quarters may not equal the annual amount. 76 Directors and Executive Leadership Board of Directors Shellye L. Archambeau Chief Executive Officer MetricStream, Inc. Mark T. Bertolini Kathryn A. Tesija Strategic Advisor Target Corporation Gregory D. Wasson Former President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Krohn Senior Vice President and Treasurer Daniel S. Mead Executive Vice President and President of Strategic Initiatives Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Marc C. Reed Aetna Inc. Richard L. Carrión Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Popular, Inc. Melanie L. Healey Former Group President The Procter & Gamble Company Gregory G. Weaver Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Deloitte & Touche LLP Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Diego Scotti Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Corporate Officers and Executive Leadership Craig L. Silliman Executive Vice President of Public Policy and General Counsel M. Frances Keeth Lowell C. McAdam Retired Executive Vice President Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Anthony T. Skiadas Royal Dutch Shell plc Karl- Ludwig Kley Francis J. Shammo Executive Vice President and Chairman of the Executive Board and Chief Financial Officer Chief Executive Officer Merck KGaA Lowell C. McAdam Caroline Armour Senior Vice President of Internal Auditing Marni M. Walden Senior Vice President and Controller John G. Stratton Executive Vice President and President of Operations Executive Vice President and President of Product Innovation and New Businesses Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Roy H. Chestnutt Verizon Communications Inc. Executive Vice President — Donald T. Nicolaisen Former Chief Accountant United States Securities and Exchange Commission Clarence Otis, Jr. Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Darden Restaurants, Inc. Rodney E. Slater Partner Squire Patton Boggs LLP Strategy, Development and Planning James J. Gerace Chief Communications Officer Roger Gurnani Executive Vice President and Chief Information and Technology Architect William L. Horton, Jr. Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Corporate Secretary 2015 Annual Report www.verizon.com/2015AnnualReport Investor information 77 Investor information Stock transfer agent Questions or requests for assistance regarding changes to or transfers of your registered stock ownership should be directed to our Transfer Agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A. at: Verizon Communications Inc. c/o Computershare P.O. Box 43078 Providence, RI 02940-3078 Phone: 800 631-2355 or 781 575-3994 Outside the U.S.: 866 725-6576 Website: www.computershare.com/verizon Email: verizon@computershare.com Persons using a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call: 800 952-9245 Shareowner services Please contact our Transfer Agent regarding information on the following services: Online account access: Registered shareowners can view account information online at: www.computershare.com/verizon Click on “Create Login” to register. For existing users, click on “Login.” Direct dividend deposit service: Verizon offers an electronic funds transfer service to registered shareowners wishing to deposit dividends directly into savings or checking accounts on dividend payment dates. Direct invest stock purchase and share ownership plan: Verizon offers a direct stock purchase and share ownership plan. The plan allows current and new investors to purchase common stock and to reinvest the dividends toward the purchase of additional shares. For more information, go to www.verizon.com/about/stock- transfer-agent Electronic delivery: By receiving links to proxy, annual report and shareowner Dividend information At its September 2015 meeting, the Board materials online, you can help Verizon of Directors increased our quarterly reduce the amount of materials we print dividend 2.7 percent. On an annual basis, and mail. As a thank you for choosing this increased Verizon’s dividend to electronic delivery, Verizon will plant a $2.26 per share. Dividends have been tree on your behalf. It’s fast and easy, paid since 1984. and you can change your electronic delivery options at any time. Sign up at Form 10-K www.computershare.com/verizon to take To receive a printed copy of the 2015 Annual advantage of the many benefits electronic Report on Form 10-K, which is filed with delivery offers, including: the Securities and Exchange Commission, - Faster access to financial documents please contact Investor Relations: - Email notification of document availability Verizon Communications Inc. - Access to your documents online 24/7 Investor Relations - Convenience of managing your One Verizon Way documents (view and print) If your shares are held by a broker, bank or other nominee, you may elect to receive an electronic copy of the annual report and proxy materials online at www.proxyvote. com, or you can contact your broker. Investor services Investor website: Get company information and news on our investor website —  www.verizon.com/about/ investors Email Alerts: Get the latest investor information delivered directly to you. Subscribe to Email alerts at our investor website. Stock market information Shareowners of record at December 31, 2015: 602,700 Verizon (ticker symbol: VZ) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the NASDAQ Global Select Market (NASDAQ). Verizon also maintains a standard listing on the London Stock Exchange. Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Phone: 212 395-1525 Corporate governance statement Verizon is subject to the corporate governance standards of the NYSE and NASDAQ, which are available on their respective websites. In addition, Verizon has adopted its own corporate governance framework. Information relating to Verizon’s corporate governance framework, including Verizon’s Code of Conduct, Corporate Governance Guidelines and the charters of the Committees of its Board of Directors, can be found on the corporate governance section of our website at: www.verizon.com/ about/investors. Verizon believes it is in compliance with the applicable corporate governance requirements in the United States, including under Delaware law, the corporate governance standards of the NYSE and NASDAQ, and U.S. federal securities laws. If you would like to receive a printed copy of Verizon’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, please contact the Assistant Corporate Secretary: Verizon Communications Inc. Assistant Corporate Secretary 1095 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10036 www.verizon.com/2015AnnualReport 2015 Annual Report Verizon Communications Inc. 1095 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10036 212 395-1000 verizon.com/about © 2016. Verizon. All Rights Reserved. 002CSN622B 3.EPCP90276283RD 

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