Verizon
Annual Report 2016

Plain-text annual report

Building a connected world 2016 Annual Report ...and a better future for everyone hum evolution XO agreement announced 5G trials Hearst joint venture Boston build announcement Awesomeness TV Frontier sale Wired Differently campaign New prepaid plans VZ Messages upgrade Telogis New labor agreements New Verizon Plan & My Verizon app One Fiber build RootMetrics® clean sweep LTE Advanced Fleetmatics Sensity Qualcomm & ThingSpace initiative Google Pixel 4G LTE drone test hum evolution XO agreement announced 5G trials Hearst joint venture Boston build announcement Awesomeness TV Frontier sale Wired Differently campaign New prepaid plans VZ Messages upgrade Telogis New labor agreements New Verizon Plan & My Verizon app One Fiber build RootMetrics® clean sweep LTE Advanced Fleetmatics Sensity Qualcomm & ThingSpace initiative Google Pixel 4G LTE drone test www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport | 1 Financial and operational highlights as of December 31, 2016 Dividends declared per share 2016 2015 2014 $2.285 $2.23 $2.16 $3.21 reported earnings per share 1.01% wireless retail postpaid churn $3.87 adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) $126.0 billion in consolidated revenues $89.2 billion in wireless revenues 92.5 million retail postpaid 4G LTE connections $22.7 billion in cash flow from operations 5.7 million Fios Internet subscribers 10th consecutive year of annual dividend increases 114.2 million wireless retail connections 4.7 million Fios Video subscribers 4.6% growth in Fios revenues Note: Certain reclassifications have been made, where appropriate, to reflect comparable operating results. See our investor website (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; the inability to implement our business strategies; and the inability to realize the expected benefits of strategic transactions. 2 | www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Corporate responsibility highlights Verizon’s technology delivers environmental and societal benefits to our customers. To learn more about our initiatives, please review our Corporate Responsibility Supplement at www.verizon.com/about/responsibility. Education Through Verizon Innovative Learning, the education initiative of the Verizon Foundation, we are providing free technology, access and an immersive, hands-on learning curriculum to underserved communities across America. Program results indicate: Verizon Innovative Learning reached more than 200K students in 2016. Teachers are more skilled at using technology in the classroom. Students find technology makes STEM more interesting. Students are more confident. Sustainability Verizon is working to minimize our environmental impact through energy efficiency and waste reduction measures. Carbon intensity To build on our progress, we: In 2009, we pledged to reduce our carbon intensity— the carbon our business emits divided by the terabytes of data we transport over our networks— by 50 percent by 2020, even as we grew our business. We achieved this goal in 2016. Verizon carbon intensity 2009–2016 2009 baseline 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Goal 18% 29% 31% 40% 40% 48% 54% • Established a new goal to double our current green energy capacity by 2025 by adding 24MW of green energy. • Reduced Verizon’s water consumption by 4 percent, toward our goal of a 7 percent reduction from the 2014 baseline by 2020. • Met our goal for 75 percent of assessed suppliers to comply with our environmental standards, and set a new goal for 75 percent of assessed suppliers to be compliant with comprehensive corporate responsibility standards by 2020. • Helped our customers eliminate 5.9 to 8.6 million metric tons of GHG emissions, equivalent to removing 1.2 to 1.8 million cars from the road for one year. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport | 3 We are united in our belief that “better matters.” Dear Shareholders, Investing in superior networks 2016 at-a-glance In one of the most dynamic business environments in memory, Verizon delivered solid results while continuing to transform for the digital-first marketplace. Our 2016 performance reflects the attributes that have become the hallmarks of Verizon: leadership in wireless and fiber networks; a growing base of loyal, high-quality customers; innovation in mobile and digital services; and investment in new sources of growth in the digital economy. We remain well-positioned for long- term profitable growth as we take advantage of the opportunities created by technology advances and growing demand for connected solutions. The foundation of Verizon’s performance— in 2016, as in every year in our history— is our consistently superior network. This fact was confirmed by third-party studies such as the most recent RootMetrics® surveys, which ranked Verizon the best wireless network in the U.S. in all six of its categories: overall performance, network reliability, network speed, data performance, call performance and text performance. This was the seventh consecutive time Verizon ranked #1 in the U.S. We have sustained our quality edge amid a period of extraordinary growth in 4G LTE wireless network usage, which was up 47 percent year over year in 2016, driven by surging demand for mobile video. • Strong wireless demand in a highly penetrated market with increased competition • Customer growth, satisfaction and loyalty remained strong • Progress in building new sources of revenue by: • • • Investing in next-generation fiber and wireless networks Building new platforms in digital commerce, video and the Internet of Things Developing applications and content— on our own and with partners— to drive traffic to our superior networks • Focus on fundamental execution and delivering value to shareholders 4 | www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport In keeping with our history of network innovation, we are also reinventing our network architecture around a common fiber platform that will support all of Verizon’s businesses. This new “One Fiber” architecture will improve our 4G LTE coverage, speed the deployment of 5G, and deliver high-speed broadband to homes and businesses of all sizes. We launched One Fiber in Boston in 2016 and plan to invest $300 million over six years to deploy it throughout the city. Going forward, we will have further opportunities for expansion through recently acquired XO Communications, which has fiber assets in 45 of the 50 largest markets across the U.S. Through every generation of technology, we have used network innovation to create new opportunities for growth and deliver superior service to customers. We remain dedicated to providing the foundation for the connected life on which our customers depend. Delivering for customers When J.D. Power asked customers in 2016 to rate the quality of their communications services, Verizon ranked #1 in three out of four regions for residential internet service, #1 in six out of six regions surveyed for wireless, and #1 overall among U.S. large-business customers. These ratings speak to both the excellence of our networks and the dedication of our employees to delivering superior customer service. These attributes also contribute to Verizon’s having a high-quality, loyal customer base. In wireless, we ended the year with 114.2 million retail connections, up 1.9 percent year over year. In 2016 we added 1.3 million postpaid smartphones and maintained our industry-leading retail postpaid phone churn of less than 0.9 percent for the year, showing that customers do indeed believe that “better matters.” Customers responded strongly to In wireless, we ended the year with 114.2 million retail connections, up 1.9% year over  year. In order to respond to our customers’ needs, we continue to evolve our network architecture to increase efficiency and provide the highest quality experience. Our superior 4G LTE Advanced wireless network will be our mainstay for years to come. We are constantly adding to its capacity to handle increased traffic, and preparing for the future by deploying and recycling spectrum while building small cells at a significant reduction in cost. We lead the industry in the development of the next generation of wireless networks, known as 5G, along with the ecosystem of products this exciting new technology will enable. With speeds more than 1 gigabyte per second— 100 times faster than current wireless technology— and latency that is literally faster than the blink of an eye, 5G will open new market opportunities in fixed broadband and the Internet of Things (IoT). 5G technology will eventually impact industry sectors across the global economy and create an estimated $12.3 trillion in market opportunity by 2035. To prepare for these growth opportunities, we have created the largest 5G proving ground in the U.S. In 2016, we conducted successful technical trials of 5G infrastructure and will follow up in 2017 with pre- commercial pilots in 11 markets around the country in preparation for introducing fixed wireless service. We’re also working with partners across the technology industry to develop the ecosystem of devices and network components to make 5G a reality. We believe these initiatives— leveraged by our strong spectrum and fiber assets— will give us crucial first-mover advantage in these new markets. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport | 5 Network superiority: Our One Fiber build in Boston We believe a better network matters. That’s why we work continually to evolve next-generation networks. Areas of growth: IoT and telematics Verizon has become a major force in the Internet of Things marketplace, and we’ve dramatically transformed our telematics capabilities. innovations such as Safety Mode and carryover data plans that give them more control over their wireless usage. In our wireline business, we ended the year with 5.7 million Fios Internet and 4.7 million Fios Video customers. We’re growing by showing customers that our all-fiber Fios service is indeed “wired differently” and delivering a steady stream of innovations like 750 Mbps “Instant Internet” and our popular Custom TV packages. Fios revenue growth remains strong, and we see more opportunity to grow as we penetrate big urban markets like Boston, New York and Philadelphia. Our Enterprise Solutions group provides global clients with services such as advanced connectivity, collaboration and managed services. Among our customer wins in 2016 were contracts with Target, Oracle, AECOM, ICICI Bank, Nanyang Technological University and several U.S. federal government agencies. We’re changing not only what we deliver to customers, but also how we deliver it, as we transform our processes and customer interactions around a digital model. The most obvious driver of the trend toward digital commerce is the millennial customer: the Snapchat generation that will account for 60 percent of U.S. purchasing power by 2020. But digital disruption is widespread and crosses all demographics. Whether it’s ordering a ride from Uber, shoes from Zappos or groceries from Amazon, frictionless online commerce is rapidly becoming the norm in the digital economy. In 2016 Verizon made a big shift toward this digital-first model by introducing a new My Verizon app that enables customers to purchase Verizon services and manage their relationship with us on their mobile device. After its first six months, the new app was already serving 14.5 million customers and accounting for 13.4 percent of our digital sales. We will continue to simplify our products and processes and improve all our touch points with customers so that we earn their loyalty every day. With so much of daily life and commerce dependent on our networks, we take our responsibility to deliver the promise of the digital world to customers very seriously. With every technological advance, the potential for creating value— for shareholders and for society— gets bigger and more exciting. At the same time, we have a responsibility for spreading the opportunities afforded by the digital world as widely as possible, which is why we’ve made access to technology and tech education a focus of the Verizon Foundation. Currently, careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are growing at twice the rate of other jobs, yet millions of these openings are going unfilled because there are too few qualified workers to fill the demand. In particular, children in underserved communities lack exposure to adult role models in STEM jobs and, as a result, are underrepresented in technical fields. We’re tackling this issue through an initiative called Verizon Innovative Learning (VIL) that provides free technology, access and immersive, hands-on learning to students and teachers, particularly in underserved communities. Through VIL, we host a nationwide contest that challenges students to use technology to solve real-world problems, provide free summer technology camps on university campuses, run free technology workshops at select Verizon Wireless stores and much more. We’ve also launched a campaign called #weneedmore to call attention to the millions of students in underserved communities who lack advanced technology in schools and exposure to careers in science and technology. Our goal is to get others involved in the mission to expose young people to the opportunities the digital world offers and give every student an equal chance at success. For more details, visit verizon.com/about/responsibility and www.weneedmore.com. 6 | www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport With every technological advance, the potential for creating value— for shareholders and for society— gets bigger and more exciting. Building the growth platform To drive future growth, we are developing the platforms, content and applications that will increase usage on our network and monetize our investment in world-class infrastructure. For several years we have been building our video assets with the goal of creating new ways to reach customers who access their video content primarily on mobile devices. According to a Cisco study, mobile video is growing at a compound annual rate of 62 percent and will account for 75 percent of the traffic on wireless networks by 2020. The centerpiece of our strategy in the evolving media marketplace is AOL, which enjoyed sequential revenue growth throughout 2016. Average daily use of our mobile- first content engine, go90, is up to 30 minutes per viewer as we add more unique programming through partnerships with Awesomeness TV, Complex Media, professional sports leagues and other content providers. In 2016, we announced our intention to acquire Yahoo. Together, AOL and Yahoo will give us some 1.3 billion users, and provide us with added scale and content to make us a strong competitive force in digital advertising, which is projected to be a $90 billion global market by 2020. Addressing social challenges through “smart city” solutions At Verizon, we’ve been building and advancing digital infrastructure and solutions for decades. Building more connected communities for all is what we do best. We also strengthened our position in the IoT marketplace, particularly in telematics, or connected transportation solutions. IoT is a fast-growing area for Verizon; in the fourth quarter, organic revenue growth from our IoT businesses was 21 percent year over year, with annualized revenues approaching $1 billion. In fact, with the acquisitions of Fleetmatics and Telogis in 2016, Verizon is now the #1 telematics company in the U.S., and we have the assets and expertise to address the global market for connected fleet services, expected to grow to $40 billion worldwide by 2020. More broadly, we’re building the platforms and products to seamlessly connect people and vehicles to the physical environment. Our consumer telematics product, hum, is gaining subscribers, and we will add to its capabilities this year. Our IoT platform, ThingSpace, supports more than 13,000 developers who are embedding mobility into a wide range of products and applications that will connect to our 4G LTE wireless network. We also acquired two companies in the nascent “smart cities” marketplace, giving us a robust suite of services to offer to municipalities, campuses and other communities to ease traffic congestion, make neighborhoods safer, manage energy use and engage citizens. These kinds of solutions will also leverage our One Fiber investment in Boston and eventually across the country. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport | 7 Better matters In a marketplace where some of our competitors ask customers to compromise on network quality, we at Verizon are united in our belief that “better matters” and confident of the unique role we play in delivering all the benefits of the digital world to our customers. In a year marked by many hurricanes, floods, fires and other natural disasters, our employees proved once again that the best network is made up not only of glass and cell towers, but also of the best people who go the extra mile for our customers. I’m grateful to our leadership team for their dedication and to our Board of Directors for their strategic guidance. All of us feel privileged to lead this great company. Over our history, we have used periods of change in technology and industry structure to grow our company and move the industry forward. We’re excited by that challenge in 2017 and beyond. We look forward to developing our capabilities, building our resources, and making our networks stronger, faster and better so that we continue to be the premier company in delivering the promise of the digital age. Lowell McAdam Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Verizon Communications Inc. Serving the digital customer: Our go90 app As technology changes, so do the needs of our customers. Our investments and assets position us uniquely in the digital world and enable us to reach customers where they are. The goal of our digital media, IoT and smart cities initiatives is to create new growth engines for Verizon by staying ahead of the trends in a transforming marketplace. Our focus now is to integrate these businesses, gain scale and build the global franchises that will contribute meaningfully to Verizon’s growth. Focusing on the fundamentals Achieving growth in a challenging environment remains our top priority. Total operating revenues for the year were nearly $126 billion. Adjusting for revenues attributable to AOL and divested wireline properties, total operating revenues (non-GAAP) were down 2.4 percent for the year on a comparable basis despite a solid operating performance. Adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) were $3.87, down 3 percent year over year. In wireless, revenues declined by 2.7 percent year over year, as we continued the transition to a new pricing model and dealt with the effects of a fluid competitive environment. Total wireline revenues decreased by 2.3 percent for the year, but Fios revenue growth was strong, at 4.6 percent year over year. Throughout this rapidly changing business environment, our commitment to financial discipline is unwavering. Total return to shareholders in 2016 was 20.7 percent, which includes our 10th consecutive dividend increase. Our cash flows funded $17.1 billion of capital investment to maintain our network advantage and build new businesses, and our strong balance sheet gives us the financial flexibility to grow the business. In 2016, we improved our strategic position by divesting three telephone properties, continued to drive process efficiencies and negotiated new labor contracts that will yield $500 million in cash savings as well as other benefits over the life of the contracts. We also negotiated the sale of our data center assets, a transaction expected to close in second-quarter 2017. Total return to shareholders in 2016 was 20.7%, which includes our 10th consecutive dividend increase. 8 | www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport 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 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) $ 125,980 $ 131,620 $ 127,079 $ 120,550 $ 115,846 27,059 13,127 33,060 17,879 3.22 3.21 2.285 481 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 13,160 875 .31 .31 2.030 9,682 $ 244,180 $ 244,175 $ 232,109 $ 273,184 $ 222,720 2,645 105,433 26,166 1,508 6,489 103,240 29,957 1,414 2,735 110,029 33,280 1,378 22,524 16,428 12,298 3,933 89,188 27,682 56,580 38,836 4,369 47,428 34,346 52,376 33,157 • Significant events affecting our historical earnings trends in 2014 through 2016 are described in “Other Items” in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section. • 2013 data includes severance, pension and benefit charges, gain on spectrum license transactions and wireless transaction costs. 2012 data includes severance, pension and benefit charges, early debt redemption costs and litigation settlement charges. 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 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Data Points in Dollars Verizon S&P 500 Telecom Services S&P 500 2011 100.0 100.0 100.0 2012 113.2 118.3 116.0 2013 134.0 131.7 153.5 2014 133.3 135.6 174.5 2015 137.9 140.1 176.9 2016 166.5 173.0 198.0 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, 2011 with dividends being reinvested. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 9 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 160,900 employees as of December 31, 2016. 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 the Internet of Things (IoT) and create certain opportunities in applications 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 significant advanced informa- tion 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. In addition, protecting the privacy of our customers’ information and the security of our systems and networks will continue to be a priority at Verizon. 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 Digital Media and Interactive Entertainment We have been investing in technology that taps into the market shift to digital content and advertising. During 2015, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement) with AOL Inc. (AOL) pursuant to which we completed 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. The aggregate cash consideration paid by Verizon at the closing of these transactions was approximately $3.8 billion. AOL is a leader in the digital content and advertising platform space. AOL’s business model aligns with this approach, and we believe that its combination of owned and operated content prop- erties plus a digital advertising platform enhances our ability to further develop future revenue streams. On July 23, 2016, Verizon entered into a stock purchase agreement (the Purchase Agreement) with Yahoo! Inc. (Yahoo). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, we agreed to acquire the stock of one or more subsidiaries of Yahoo holding all of Yahoo's operating business, for approximately $4.83 billion in cash, subject to certain adjustments (the Transaction). On February 20, 2017, Verizon and Yahoo entered into an amendment to the Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which the Transaction purchase price will be reduced by $350 million to approximately $4.48 billion in cash, subject to certain adjustments. Subject to certain exceptions, the parties also agreed that certain user security and data breaches incurred by Yahoo (and the losses arising therefrom) will be disregarded (1) for purposes of specified conditions to Verizon’s obligations to close the Transaction and (2) in determining whether a “Business Material Adverse Effect” under the Purchase Agreement has occurred. Concurrently with the amendment of the Purchase Agreement, Yahoo and Yahoo Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Yahoo that Verizon has agreed to purchase pursuant to the Transaction, also entered into an amendment to a related reorganization agreement, pursuant to which Yahoo (which has announced that it intends to change its name to Altaba Inc. following the closing of the Transaction) will retain 50% of certain post-closing liabilities arising out of govern- mental or third party investigations, litigations or other claims related to certain user security and data breaches incurred by Yahoo. In accor- dance with the original Transaction agreements, Yahoo will continue to retain 100% of any liabilities arising out of any shareholder lawsuits (including derivative claims) and investigations and actions by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of Yahoo's stockholders, and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2017. We believe that our acquisition of Yahoo's operating business will help us become a scaled distributor in mobile media. Yahoo's operations are expected to provide us with a valuable portfolio of online content, mobile applications and viewers. Additionally, our acquisition of Yahoo's operating business is expected to expand our analytics and ad tech capabilities which we expect will enhance both our compet- itive position in the mobile media marketplace and value proposition to advertisers (see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details). IoT and Telematics We are also building our growth capabilities in the emerging IoT market by developing business models to monetize usage on our network at the connectivity and platform layers. On July 30, 2016, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Fleetmatics Group PLC (Fleetmatics), a leading global provider of fleet and mobile workforce management solutions. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, we acquired Fleetmatics for $60.00 per ordinary share in cash. The aggregate merger consideration was approximately $2.5 billion, including cash acquired of $0.1 billion. We completed the acquisition on November 7, 2016. In July 2016, we also closed on the acquisition of Telogis, Inc. (Telogis), a global cloud-based mobile enterprise management software business, for $0.9 billion of cash consideration. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we recognized IoT revenues, including revenues from businesses acquired during 2016, of approximately $1.0 billion, a 39% increase compared to the prior year period. 10 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Network Evolution We are reinventing our network architecture around a common fiber platform that will support both our wireless and wireline technologies. We expect that this new “One Fiber” architecture will improve our 4G LTE coverage, speed the deployment of fifth-generation (5G) tech- nology, deliver high-speed Fios broadband to homes and businesses and create new opportunities in the small and medium business market. In April 2016, we announced our One Fiber strategy for the city of Boston. We launched One Fiber for consumer and business services to customers in Boston late in 2016. We expect to have further opportunities for expansion with our acquisition of XO Holdings’ wireline business, which owns and operates one of the largest fiber- based IP and Ethernet networks, for approximately $1.8 billion, subject to adjustment. We completed this acquisition on February 1, 2017. Data Center Sale On December 6, 2016, we entered into a definitive agreement with Equinix, Inc. (Equinix) pursuant to which Verizon will sell 24 customer- facing data center sites in the United States and Latin America, for approximately $3.6 billion, subject to certain adjustments. The sale does not affect Verizon’s data center services delivered from 27 sites in Europe, Asia- Pacific and Canada, or its managed hosting and cloud offerings. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to close during the first half of 2017. Access Line Sale On February 5, 2015, we entered into a definitive agreement with Frontier Communications Corporation (Frontier) pursuant to which Verizon agreed to 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 $7.3 billion net of income taxes), subject to certain adjustments and including the assumption of $0.6 billion of indebtedness from Verizon by Frontier (Access Line Sale). The transaction, which included the acquisition by Frontier of the equity interests of Verizon’s incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) in California, Florida and Texas, did not involve any assets or liabilities of Verizon Wireless. The transaction closed on April 1, 2016. The transaction resulted in Frontier acquiring approximately 3.3 million voice connections, 1.6 million Fios Internet subscribers, 1.2 million Fios video subscribers and the related ILEC businesses from Verizon. Approximately 9,300 Verizon employees who served customers in California, Florida and Texas continued employment with Frontier. The operating results of these businesses, collectively, are excluded from our Wireline segment for all periods presented to reflect comparable segment operating results consistent with the information regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker. Business Overview 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. We have two reportable segments, Wireless and Wireline, which we operate and manage as strategic business units and organize by products and services. Wireless Our Wireless segment, doing business as Verizon Wireless, provides wireless communications services and products across one of the most extensive wireless networks in the United States. 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 individuals to obtain wireless services without credit verification by paying for all services in advance. We offer various postpaid account service plans, including shared data plans, single connection plans and other plans tailored to the needs of our customers. Our shared data plans typically feature domestic unlimited voice minutes, unlimited domestic and international text, video and picture messaging, and a single data allowance that can be shared among the wireless devices on a customer’s account. These allowances will vary from time to time as part of promotional offers or in response to market circumstances. On February 12, 2017, we announced an introductory plan, our new Verizon Unlimited plan, available to our consumer and small business customers, which offers among other things, unlimited domestic voice, data and texting. Both our shared data plans and the Verizon Unlimited plan include our HD (High Definition) Voice, Video Calling and Mobile Hotspot services on compatible devices. Under the Verizon device payment program, our eligible wireless customers purchase wireless devices under a device payment plan agreement. 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 fixed-term service plans. 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 314 million people, including those in areas served by our LTE in Rural America partners. Approximately 96% of our total data traffic in December 2016 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 systems. Densification enables us to add capacity to manage mobile video consumption and demand for IoT, as well as position us for future 5G technology. We are committed to developing and deploying 5G wireless technology. We are working with key partners to ensure the aggressive pace of innovation, standards development and appropriate requirements for this next generation of wireless technology. Based on the outcome of our ongoing pre- commercial trials, we intend to be the first company to deploy a 5G fixed wireless broadband network in the United States. We expect to launch a fixed commercial wireless service supported by this network in 2018. 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. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 11 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued In our Wireline business, to compensate for the shrinking market for tra- ditional 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. We expect our One Fiber initiative in Wireline will allow us to densify our 4G LTE wireless network as well as position us for future 5G technology. We also continue to seek ways to increase revenue and further realize operating and capital efficiencies as well as maximize profitability for our Fios services. Corporate and Other Corporate and other includes the results of our digital media, including AOL, telematics and other businesses, investments in unconsolidated businesses, unallocated corporate expenses, pension and other employee benefit related costs and lease financing. 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 April 1, 2016, we completed the Access Line Sale. On July 1, 2014, our Wireline segment sold a non- strategic business. See “Acquisitions and Divestitures”. The results of operations for these divestitures are included within Corporate and other for all periods presented to reflect comparable segment operating results consistent with the information regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker (See “Impact of Divested Operations”). In addition, Corporate and other includes the results of our telematics businesses for all periods presented, which were reclassified from our Wireline segment effective April 1, 2016. The impact of this reclassifi- cation was not material to our consolidated financial statements or our segment results of operations. 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 2016, these investments included $17.1 billion for capital expenditures. See “Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities” and “Operating Environment and Trends” for additional informa- tion. We believe that our investments aimed at expanding our portfolio of products and services will provide our customers with an efficient, reliable infrastructure for competing in the information economy. 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. In “Segment Results of Operations,” we review the performance of our two reportable segments in more detail. Consolidated Revenues Years Ended December 31, Wireless Wireline Corporate and other Eliminations Consolidated Revenues 2016 $ 89,186 31,345 6,943 (1,494) $ 125,980 2015 $ 91,680 32,094 9,018 (1,172) $ 131,620 2014 $ 87,646 32,793 7,731 (1,091) $ 127,079 2016 vs. 2015 (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) 2015 vs. 2014 $ (2,494) (749) (2,075) (322) $ (5,640) (2.7)% $ 4,034 (699) (2.3) 1,287 (23.0) (81) 27.5 $ 4,541 (4.3) 4.6% (2.1) 16.6 7.4 3.6 Corporate and other revenues decreased $2.1 billion, or 23.0%, during 2016 as a result of the Access Line Sale that was completed on April 1, 2016. The results of operations related to these divestitures included within Corporate and other are discussed separately below under the heading “Impact of Divested Operations”. During 2016, our digital media business represented approximately 46% of revenues in Corporate and other, comprised primarily of revenues from AOL, which we aquired on June 23, 2015. Corporate and other also includes revenues from new businesses acquired during 2016 of approximately $0.1 billion. 2016 Compared to 2015 The decrease in consolidated revenues during 2016 was primarily due to a decline in revenues at our segments, Wireless and Wireline, as well as a decline in revenues within Corporate and other. Wireless’ revenues decreased $2.5 billion, or 2.7%, during 2016 primarily as a result of a decline in service revenue driven by customer migration to plans with unsubsidized service pricing, including our new price plans launched during 2016. This decline was partially offset by an increase in other revenue, primarily due to financing revenues from the Verizon device payment program, and an increase in equipment revenue due to an increase in device sales, primarily smartphones, under the Verizon device payment program. Wireline’s revenues decreased $0.7 billion, or 2.3%, during 2016 primarily as a result of declines in Global Enterprise and Global Wholesale. Wireline’s revenues were also partially impacted by a reduction in Fios marketing activities during the union work stoppage that commenced on April 13, 2016 and ended on June 1, 2016. Revenues for our segments are discussed separately below under the heading “Segment Results of Operations”. 12 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued 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 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 decreased 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. Wireline’s revenues decreased $0.7 billion, or 2.1%, during 2015 primarily as a result of declines in Global Enterprise, partially offset by higher Mass Markets revenues driven by Fios services. Revenues for our segments are discussed separately below under the heading “Segment Results of Operations”. Corporate and other revenues increased $1.3 billion, or 16.6%, during 2015 primarily as a result of the acquisition of AOL, which was completed on June 23, 2015. Corporate and other revenues include the results of our local exchange business and related landline activities in California, Florida and Texas that was sold on April 1, 2016. The results of operations related to these divestitures included within Corporate and other are discussed separately below under the heading “Impact of Divested Operations”. Consolidated Operating Expenses Years Ended December 31, Cost of services Wireless cost of equipment Selling, general and administrative expense Depreciation and amortization expense Consolidated Operating Expenses 2016 $ 29,186 22,238 31,569 15,928 $ 98,921 2015 $ 29,438 23,119 29,986 16,017 $ 98,560 2014 $ 28,306 21,625 41,016 16,533 $ 107,480 2016 vs. 2015 (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) 2015 vs. 2014 $ (252) (881) 1,583 (89) 361 $ (0.9)% $ 1,132 1,494 (3.8) (11,030) 5.3 (516) (0.6) $ (8,920) 0.4 4.0% 6.9 (26.9) (3.1) (8.3) Consolidated operating expenses increased during 2016 primarily due to non- operational charges recorded in 2016 as compared to the non- operational credits recorded in 2015 (see “Other Items”). 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”). Operating expenses for our segments are discussed separately below under the heading “Segment Results of Operations”. 2016 Compared to 2015 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 decreased during 2016 primarily due to the comple- tion of the Access Line Sale on April 1, 2016 (see “Impact of Divested Operations”), as well as a decline in net pension and postretirement benefit cost in our Wireline segment. Partially offsetting this decrease is an increase in costs as a result of the acquisition of AOL on June 23, 2015, the launch of go90 in the third quarter of 2015, and $0.4 billion of incremental costs incurred as a result of the union work stoppage that commenced on April 13, 2016, and ended on June 1, 2016. Wireless Cost of Equipment Wireless cost of equipment decreased during 2016 primarily as a result of a 4.6% decline in the number of smartphone units sold, partially offset by an increase in the average cost per unit for smartphones. 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 com- mission 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 increased during 2016 primarily due to severance, pension and benefit charges recorded in 2016 as compared to severance, pension and benefit credits recorded in 2015 (see “Other Items”), an increase in costs as a result of the acquisition of AOL on June 23, 2015, and the launch of go90 in the third quarter of 2015. These increases were partially offset by a gain on the Access Line Sale (see “Other Items”), a decline in costs as a result of the completion of the Access Line Sale on April 1, 2016 (see “Impact of Divested Operations”) as well as declines in sales commission expense at our Wireless segment and declines in employee costs at our Wireline segment. Depreciation and Amortization Expense Depreciation and amortization expense decreased during 2016 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. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 13 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued 2015 Compared to 2014 Cost of Services 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 $0.4 billion increase in content costs at our Wireline segment. Partially offsetting these increases were a $0.4 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 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 did not record depreciation and amortization expense on our depreciable Wireline assets in California, Florida and Texas through the closing of the Access Line Sale, which closed on April 1, 2016. Non- operational Charges (Credits) Non- operational charges (credits) included in operating expenses (see “Other Items”) were as follows: Years Ended December 31, Severance, Pension and Benefit Charges (Credits) (dollars in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Selling, general and administrative expense $ 2,923 Gain on Access Line Sale Selling, general and administrative expense Gain on Spectrum License Transactions Selling, general and administrative expense Other Costs Cost of services and sales Selling, general and administrative expense (1,007) (142) – – – $ (2,256) $ 7,507 – – (254) (707) – – – 27 307 334 Total non- operating charges (credits) included in operating expenses $ 1,774 $ (2,510) $ 7,134 See “Other Items” for a description of these and other non- operational items. Impact of Divested Operations On April 1, 2016, we completed the Access Line Sale. On July 1, 2014, our Wireline segment sold a non- strategic business. See “Acquisitions and Divestitures”. The results of operations related to these divestitures are included within Corporate and other for all periods presented to reflect comparable segment operating results consistent with the information regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker. The results of operations related to these divestitures included within Corporate and other are as follows: Years Ended December 31, Impact of Divested Operations Operating revenues Cost of services Selling, general and administrative expense Depreciation and amortization expense (dollars in millions) 2016 2015 2014 $ 1,280 482 $ 5,280 1,852 $ 5,625 2,004 137 522 574 – 88 1,026 14 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Other Consolidated Results Equity in (Losses) Earnings of Unconsolidated Businesses Equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated businesses changed unfavorably by $1.9 billion during 2015 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 acquisition of Vodafone Group Plc’s (Vodafone) indirect 45% interest in Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless (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 2016 59 (1,658) (1,599) $ $ $ $ 2015 115 71 186 2014 108 (1,302) (1,194) $ $ 2016 vs. 2015 (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) 2015 vs. 2014 (48.7)% $ $ (56) (1,729) $ (1,785) nm nm 7 1,373 $ 1,380 6.5% nm nm The change in Other income and (expense), net during the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the similar period in 2015 was primarily driven by net early debt redemption costs of $1.8 billion recorded during the second quarter of 2016. Other income and (expense), net changed favorably during 2015 primarily driven by net early debt redemption costs of $1.4 billion incurred in 2014 (see “Other Items”). Interest Expense Years Ended December 31, Total interest costs on debt balances Less capitalized interest costs Total 2016 5,080 704 4,376 $ $ 2015 5,504 584 4,920 $ $ 2014 5,291 376 4,915 $ $ Average debt outstanding Effective interest rate $ 106,113 $ 112,838 $ 107,978 4.8% 4.9% 4.9% 2016 vs. 2015 (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) 2015 vs. 2014 $ $ (424) 120 (544) (7.7)% $ 20.5 (11.1) $ 213 208 5 4.0% 55.3 0.1 Total interest costs on debt balances decreased during 2016 primarily due to lower average debt balances and a lower effective interest rate. 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 2016 and 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 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details). Provision for Income Taxes Years Ended December 31, Provision for income taxes Effective income tax rate nm —  not meaningful $ 2016 7,378 35.2% $ 2015 9,865 34.9% $ 2014 3,314 21.7% 2016 vs. 2015 (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) 2015 vs. 2014 $ (2,487) (25.2)% $ 6,551 nm 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 2016 was 35.2% compared to 34.9% for 2015. The increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to the impact of $527 million included in the provision for income taxes from goodwill not deductible for tax purposes in connection with the Access Line Sale on April 1, 2016. This increase was partially offset by the impact that lower income before income taxes in the current period has on each of the reconciling items specified in the table included in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements. 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 2016 compared to severance, pension and benefit credits recorded in 2015. 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 attrib- utable to Vodafone’s noncontrolling interest in the Verizon Wireless partnership prior to the Wireless Transaction completed on February 21, 2014. A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate for each period is included in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 15 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Years Ended December 31, Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 2016 $ 481 2015 $ 496 2014 $ 2,331 (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) 2015 vs. 2014 2016 vs. 2015 $ (15) (3.0)% $ (1,835) (78.7)% The decrease in Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests during 2015 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 thereafter. The noncontrolling interests that remained after the completion of the Wireless Transaction primarily relate to wireless partnership entities. Consolidated Net Income, 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 that we believe are useful to management, 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 Verizon’s competitors. 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. We believe this measure is useful to management, investors and other users of our financial infor- mation in evaluating the effectiveness of our operations and underlying business trends in a manner that is consistent with management’s evaluation of business performance. We believe Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is widely used by investors to compare a company’s operating performance to its competitors by minimizing impacts caused by dif- ferences in capital structure, taxes and depreciation policies. Further, the exclusion of non- operational items and the impact of divested operations enables comparability to prior period performance and trend analysis. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is also used by rating agencies, lenders and other parties to evaluate our creditworthiness. See “Other Items” for additional details regarding these non- operational items. Operating expenses include pension and other postretirement benefit related credits and/or charges based on actuarial assumptions, including projected discount rates and an estimated return on plan assets. Such estimates are updated at least annually at the end of the fiscal year to reflect actual return on plan assets and updated actuarial assumptions or more frequently if significant events arise which require an interim remeasurement. The adjustment has been 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/losses. We believe the exclusion of these actuarial gains or losses enables management, investors and other users of our financial information to assess our performance on a more comparable basis and is consistent with management’s own evaluation of performance. 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 corre- sponding GAAP measure so as not to imply that more emphasis should be placed on the non-GAAP measure. We believe that non-GAAP measures provide relevant and useful information, which is used by management, investors and other users of our financial information as well as by our management in assessing both consolidated and segment performance. The non-GAAP financial information presented may be determined or calculated differently by other companies. (dollars in millions) Years Ended December 31, Consolidated Net Income Add (Less): Provision for income taxes Interest expense Other (income) and expense, net Equity in losses (earnings) of unconsolidated businesses 2016 2014 $ 13,608 $ 18,375 $ 11,956 2015 7,378 9,865 3,314 4,376 4,920 4,915 1,194 1,599 (186) 86 (1,780) 27,059 33,060 19,599 Consolidated Operating Income Add Depreciation and amortization expense 15,928 16,017 16,533 42,987 49,077 36,132 Consolidated EBITDA Add (Less) Non- operating charges (credits) 98 included in operating expenses Less Impact of divested operations Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA 1,774 (2,510) (661) (2,906) 7,134 (3,047) $ 44,100 $ 43,661 $ 40,219 The changes in Consolidated Net Income, Consolidated Operating Income, Consolidated EBITDA and Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA in the table above were primarily a result of the factors described in con- nection with operating revenues and operating expenses. 16 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport 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. We believe this measure is useful to man- agement, 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 evalu- ating operating performance in relation to our competitors. Segment EBITDA is calculated by adding back depreciation and amortization expense to segment operating income. Segment EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Segment EBITDA by total segment operating revenues. You can find additional information about our segments in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements. Wireless On February 21, 2014, we completed the acquisition of Vodafone’s indirect 45% interest in Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless. Prior to the completion of the Wireless Transaction, Verizon owned a controlling 55% interest in Verizon Wireless and Vodafone owned the remaining 45%. As a result of the completion of the Wireless Transaction, Verizon acquired 100% ownership of Verizon Wireless. 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 and I-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 I-ARPA Retail postpaid accounts (’000)(1) Retail postpaid connections per account(1) (1) As of end of period (2) Excluding acquisitions and adjustments 2016 $ 66,580 17,515 5,091 $ 89,186 2015 $ 70,396 16,924 4,360 $ 91,680 2014 $ 72,630 10,959 4,057 $ 87,646 $ $ 2016 vs. 2015 (3,816) 591 731 (2,494) Increase/(Decrease) 2015 vs. 2014 (2,234) 5,965 303 $ 4,034 (3.1)% 54.4 7.5 4.6 (5.4)% $ 3.5 16.8 (2.7) 114,243 108,796 112,108 106,528 108,211 102,079 2,135 2,268 1.9 2.1 3,897 4,449 3.6 4.4 2,155 2,288 3,956 4,507 5,568 5,482 (1,801) (2,219) (45.5) (49.2) (1,612) (975) (29.0) (17.8) 1.26% 1.01% 1.24% 0.96% 1.33% 1.04% $ 144.32 $ 167.70 35,410 3.07 $ 152.63 $ 163.63 35,736 2.98 $ 159.86 $ 162.17 35,616 2.87 $ $ (8.31) 4.07 (326) 0.09 (5.4) 2.5 (0.9) 3.0 $ $ (7.23) 1.46 120 0.11 (4.5) 0.9 0.3 3.8 2016 Compared to 2015 Wireless’ total operating revenues decreased by $2.5 billion, or 2.7%, during 2016 compared to 2015 primarily as a result of a decline in service revenue partially offset by increases in equipment and other revenues. Accounts and Connections Retail 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 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 those from smartphones and basic phones (collectively, phones) as well as tablets and other devices connected to the Internet, including retail IoT devices. The U.S. wireless market has achieved a high penetration of smart phones which reduced the opportunity for new phone connection growth for the industry. Retail postpaid connection net additions decreased during 2016 primarily due to a decrease in retail postpaid connec- tion gross additions as well as a higher retail postpaid connection churn rate. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 17 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued 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 connec- tions per account increased 3.0% as of December 31, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015 primarily due to increases in Internet devices, which represented 18.3% of our retail postpaid connection base as of December 31, 2016, compared to 16.8% as of December 31, 2015. 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 $0.7 billion, or 16.8%, during 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to financing revenues from our device payment program, cost recovery surcharges and a volume- driven increase in revenues related to our device protection package. Service Revenue Service revenue, which does not include recurring device payment plan billings related to the Verizon device payment program, decreased by $3.8 billion, or 5.4%, during 2016 compared to 2015 primarily driven by lower retail postpaid service revenue. Retail postpaid service revenue was negatively impacted as a result of customer migration to plans with unsubsidized service pricing, including our new price plans launched during 2016 which feature safety mode and carryover data. Customer migration to unsubsidized service pricing is driven in part by an increase in the activation of devices purchased under the Verizon device payment program. During the fourth quarter of 2016, phone activations under the Verizon device payment program were 77% of retail postpaid phones activated. At December 31, 2016, approximately 67% of our retail postpaid phone connections were on unsubsidized service pricing compared to approximately 42% at December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2016, approximately 46% of our retail postpaid phone connections participated in the Verizon device payment program compared to approximately 29% at December 31, 2015. The decrease in service revenue was partially offset by an increase in retail postpaid connections compared to the prior year. Service revenue plus recurring device payment plan billings related to the Verizon device payment program, which represents the total value received from our wireless connections, increased 2.0% during 2016. Retail postpaid ARPA (the average service revenue per account from retail postpaid accounts), which does not include recurring device payment plan billings related to the Verizon device payment program, was negatively impacted during 2016 as a result of customer migration to plans with unsubsidized service pricing, including our new price plans launched during 2016 which feature safety mode and carryover data. Retail postpaid I-ARPA (the average service revenue per account from retail postpaid accounts plus recurring device payment plan billings), which represents the monthly recurring value received on a per account basis from our retail postpaid accounts, increased 2.5% during 2016. Equipment Revenue Equipment revenue increased $0.6 billion, or 3.5%, during 2016 compared to 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 the traditional fixed- term service plans, promotional activity and a decline in overall sales volumes. Under the Verizon device payment program, we recognize a higher amount of equipment revenue at the time of sale of devices. For the year ended December 31, 2016, phone activations under the Verizon device payment program represented approximately 70% of retail postpaid phones activated compared to approximately 54% during 2015. 2015 Compared to 2014 Wireless’ total operating revenues increased by $4.0 billion, or 4.6%, during 2015 compared to 2014 primarily as a result of growth in equipment revenue. Accounts and Connections Retail postpaid connection net additions decreased during 2015 compared to 2014 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 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 payment plan billings related to the Verizon device payment program, decreased by $2.2 billion, or 3.1%, during 2015 compared to 2014 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. 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. 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 connec- tions as well as the continued increase in penetration of smartphones and tablets through our shared data plans. Service revenue plus recurring device payment plan billings related to the Verizon device payment program increased 2.0% during 2015. Retail postpaid ARPA, which does not include recurring device payment plan 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. Retail postpaid I-ARPA, which represents the monthly recurring value received on a per account basis from our retail postpaid accounts, increased 0.9% during 2015. 18 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Equipment Revenue Equipment revenue increased by $6.0 billion, or 54.4%, during 2015 compared to 2014 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. 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 increased $0.3 billion, or 7.5%, during 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to a volume- driven increase in revenues related to our device protection package. Operating Expenses Years Ended December 31, Cost of services Cost of equipment Selling, general and administrative expense Depreciation and amortization expense Total Operating Expenses 2016 $ 7,988 22,238 19,924 9,183 $ 59,333 2015 $ 7,803 23,119 21,805 8,980 $ 61,707 2014 $ 7,200 21,625 23,602 8,459 $ 60,886 2016 vs. 2015 (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) 2015 vs. 2014 $ $ 185 (881) (1,881) 203 (2,374) 2.4% $ (3.8) (8.6) 2.3 (3.8) 603 1,494 (1,797) 521 821 $ 8.4% 6.9 (7.6) 6.2 1.3 Cost of Services Cost of services increased $0.2 billion, or 2.4%, during 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to higher rent expense as a result of an increase in macro and small cell sites supporting network capacity expansion and densification, as well as a volume- driven increase in costs related to the device protection package offered to our customers. Partially offsetting these increases were decreases in network connection costs and cost of roaming. Cost of services increased $0.6 billion, or 8.4%, during 2015 compared to 2014 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 deployment of small cell tech- nology, 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. Cost of Equipment Cost of equipment decreased $0.9 billion, or 3.8%, during 2016 compared to 2015 primarily as a result of a 4.6% decline in the number of smartphone units sold, partially offset by an increase in the average cost per unit for smartphones. Cost of equipment increased $1.5 billion, or 6.9%, during 2015 compared to 2014 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 decreased $1.9 billion, or 8.6%, during 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to a $1.2 billion decline in sales commission expense as well as declines in employee related costs, non- income taxes, bad debt expense and advertising. The decline in sales commission expense was driven by an overall decline in activations as well as an increase in the proportion of activations under the Verizon device payment program, which has a lower commission per unit than activations under traditional fixed-term service plans. The decline in employee related costs was a result of reduced headcount. Selling, general and administrative expense decreased $1.8 billion, or 7.6%, during 2015 compared to 2014 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 payment plan receivables, as the credit quality of our customers remained consistent throughout the periods presented. Depreciation and Amortization Expense Depreciation and amortization expense increased during 2016 and 2015, respectively, primarily driven by an increase in net depre- ciable assets. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 19 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 2016 $ 29,853 9,183 $ 39,036 2015 $ 29,973 8,980 $ 38,953 2014 $ 26,760 8,459 $ 35,219 Segment operating income margin Segment EBITDA margin 33.5% 43.8% 32.7% 42.5% 30.5% 40.2% 2016 vs. 2015 (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) 2015 vs. 2014 $ $ (120) 203 83 (0.4)% $ 3,213 521 2.3 $ 3,734 0.2 12.0% 6.2 10.6 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 our Wireless segment Operating income were as follows: Years Ended December 31, Gain on spectrum license transactions Severance, pension and benefit charges Other costs 2016 $ (142) 43 – (99) $ (dollars in millions) 2015 (254) 5 – (249) $ $ 2014 $ (707) 86 109 $ (512) Wireline The operating results and statistics for all periods presented below exclude the results of Verizon’s local exchange business and related landline activities in California, Florida and Texas, which were sold to Frontier on April 1, 2016, to reflect comparable segment operating results consistent with the information regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker. Operating Revenues and Selected Operating Statistics Years Ended December 31, Consumer retail Small business Mass Markets 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 2016 $ 12,751 1,651 14,402 11,621 5,003 319 $ 31,345 2015 $ 12,696 1,744 14,440 12,050 5,263 341 $ 32,094 2014 $ 12,168 1,829 13,997 12,814 5,448 534 $ 32,793 $ $ 2016 vs. 2015 55 (93) (38) (429) (260) (22) (749) 0.4% $ (5.3) (0.3) (3.6) (4.9) (6.5) (2.3) $ (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) 2015 vs. 2014 528 (85) 443 (764) (185) (193) (699) 4.3% (4.6) 3.2 (6.0) (3.4) (36.1) (2.1) 13,939 15,035 16,140 (1,096) (7.3) (1,105) (6.8) 7,038 5,653 4,694 7,085 5,418 4,635 7,024 5,068 4,453 (47) 235 59 (0.7) 4.3 1.3 61 350 182 0.9 6.9 4.1 Wireline’s revenues decreased $0.7 billion, or 2.3%, during 2016 compared to 2015 primarily as a result of declines in Global Enterprise and Global Wholesale. Wireline’s revenues were also partially impacted by a reduction in Fios marketing activities during the union work stoppage that commenced on April 13, 2016 and ended on June 1, 2016. Fios revenues were $11.2 billion during the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $10.7 billion during the similar period in 2015. 20 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Mass Markets Mass Markets operations provide broadband Internet and video services (including high-speed Internet, Fios Internet and Fios video services) and local exchange (basic service and end-user access) and long distance (including regional toll) voice services to residential and small business subscribers. 2016 Compared to 2015 Mass Markets revenues decreased 0.3%, during 2016 compared to 2015 as the continued decline of local exchange revenues was partially offset by increases in Fios revenues due to subscriber growth for Fios services (Internet, video and voice). The decline of local exchange revenues was primarily due to a 7.5% decline in Consumer retail voice connections resulting primarily from competition and technology substitution with wireless and competing voice over Internet Protocol (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 an 8.0% decline in Small business retail voice connections, reflecting compe- tition and a shift to both IP and high-speed circuits, primarily in areas outside of our Fios footprint. During 2016, we grew our subscriber base by 0.2 million Fios Internet subscribers and 0.1 million Fios video subscribers, while also improving penetration rates within our Fios service areas for Fios Internet. As of December 31, 2016, we achieved a penetration rate of 40.4% for Fios Internet compared to a penetration rate of 40.2% for Fios Internet as of December 31, 2015. Our Fios connection growth for 2016 was impacted by a reduction in Fios marketing activities during the union work stoppage that commenced on April 13, 2016 and ended on June 1, 2016. Consumer Fios revenues increased $0.4 billion, or 4.3%. Fios represented approximately 82% of Consumer retail revenue during 2016 compared to approximately 79% during 2015. 2015 Compared to 2014 Mass Markets revenues increased $0.4 billion, or 3.2%, during 2015 compared to 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. 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 40.2% for Fios Internet compared to a penetration rate of 39.5% for Fios Internet as of December 31, 2014. During 2015, Consumer Fios revenue increased $0.9 billion, or 9.5%. Fios represented approx- imately 79% of Consumer retail revenue during 2015 compared to approximately 75% during 2014. The decline of local exchange revenues was primarily due to a 6.2% 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. Global Enterprise Global Enterprise offers advanced information and communication technology services and other traditional communications services to medium and large business customers, multinational corporations and state and federal government customers. 2016 Compared to 2015 Global Enterprise revenues decreased $0.4 billion, or 3.6%, during 2016 compared to 2015 due to declines in traditional data and advanced networking solutions, cloud and IT services and voice communications services. Also contributing to the decrease was the negative impact of foreign exchange rates. Our traditional data net- working services, which consist of traditional circuit-based services such as frame relay, private line and legacy data networking services, our advanced networking solutions, which include Private IP, Public Internet, Ethernet and optical network services, and our cloud and IT services declined as a result of competitive price pressures. 2015 Compared to 2014 Global Enterprise revenues decreased $0.8 billion, or 6.0%, during 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to a 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 as a result of competitive price compression. 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. 2016 Compared to 2015 Global Wholesale revenues decreased $0.3 billion, or 4.9%, during 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to declines in data revenues and traditional voice revenues driven by the effect of technology substitution as well as continuing contraction of market rates due to competition. As a result of technology substitution, the number of core data circuits at December 31, 2016 decreased 16.3% compared to December 31, 2015. The decline in traditional voice revenue is driven by a 5.8% decline in domestic wholesale connections at December 31, 2016, compared to December 31, 2015. 2015 Compared to 2014 Global Wholesale revenues decreased $0.2 billion, or 3.4%, during 2015 compared to 2014 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 also due to a decrease in minutes of use. We experienced a 7.3% decline in domestic wholesale connections between December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. As a result of technology substitution, the number of core data circuits at December 31, 2015 decreased 14.7% compared to December 31, 2014. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 21 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 2016 $ 18,619 6,585 6,101 $ 31,305 2015 $ 18,816 7,256 6,543 $ 32,615 2014 $ 19,413 7,394 6,817 $ 33,624 2016 vs. 2015 (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) 2015 vs. 2014 $ $ (197) (671) (442) (1,310) (1.0)% $ (9.2) (6.8) (4.0) $ (597) (138) (274) (1,009) (3.1)% (1.9) (4.0) (3.0) Cost of Services Cost of services decreased $0.2 billion, or 1.0%, during 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to a decline in net pension and post- retirement benefit cost, a $0.3 billion decline in access costs driven by declines in overall wholesale long distance volumes and rates and employee costs as a result of reduced headcount. These decreases were partially offset by $0.4 billion of incremental costs incurred as a result of the union work stoppage that commenced on April 13, 2016 and ended on June 1, 2016 as well as a $0.2 billion increase in content costs associated with continued programming license fee increases and continued Fios subscriber growth. Cost of services decreased during 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to a $0.4 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 offset- ting these decreases was an increase in content costs of $0.4 billion associated with continued Fios subscriber growth and programming license fee increases. Segment Operating Income (Loss) and EBITDA Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expense decreased $0.7 billion, or 9.2%, during 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to declines in employee costs as a result of reduced headcount, a decline in net pension and postretirement benefit costs and decreases in non- income taxes. Selling, general and administrative expense decreased during 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to declines in employee costs as a result of reduced headcount and decreased administrative expenses, partially offset by an increase in non- income taxes. Depreciation and Amortization Expense Depreciation and amortization expense decreased during 2016 and 2015 compared to the prior year periods primarily due to decreases in net depreciable assets. Years Ended December 31, Segment Operating Income (Loss) Add Depreciation and amortization expense Segment EBITDA 2016 40 6,101 6,141 $ $ $ 2015 (521) 6,543 $ 6,022 $ 2014 (831) 6,817 $ 5,986 Segment operating income (loss) margin Segment EBITDA margin 0.1% 19.6% (1.6)% 18.8% (2.5)% 18.3% nm —  not meaningful 2016 vs. 2015 (dollars in millions) Increase/(Decrease) 2015 vs. 2014 $ $ 561 (442) 119 nm (6.8)% 2.0 $ $ 310 (274) 36 (37.3)% (4.0) 0.6 The changes in the table above 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 (loss) were as follows: (dollars in millions) $ 2015 15 $ 2014 189 (2,021) 137 $ (2,803) $ (1,695) (2,818) – Years Ended December 31, Severance, pension and benefit charges Impact of divested operations Other costs 2016 $ – (661) – $ (661) 22 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued 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. The Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA non-GAAP measure presented in the Consolidated Net Income, Operating Income and EBITDA discussion (see “Consolidated Results of Operations”) excludes the severance, pension and benefit charges (credits) presented above. Early Debt Redemption and Other Costs During 2016, we recorded net debt redemption costs of $1.8 billion in connection with the early redemption of $2.2 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications notes called and redeemed in whole, as well as the early redemption pursuant to three concurrent, but separate, tender offers of the following: $3.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications notes included in the Group 1 Any and All Offer; $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of debentures of our operating telephone company subsidiaries included in the Group 2 Any and All Offer; $3.8 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications notes, $0.2 billion aggregate principal amount of Alltel Corporation debentures and $0.3 billion aggregate principal amount of GTE Corporation debentures included in the Group 3 Offer. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial state- ments for additional details related to our early debt redemptions. During 2014, we recorded net debt redemption costs of $1.4 billion in connection with the early redemption of $4.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications notes, $1.7 billion aggregate principal amount of Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC notes and $0.1 billion aggregate principal amount of Alltel Corporation debentures as well as the purchase of the following pursuant to a tender offer: $3.2 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications notes, $0.6 billion aggregate principal amount of Cellco Partnership and Verizon Wireless Capital LLC notes, $0.3 billion aggregate principal amount of GTE Corporation deben- tures and $0.2 billion aggregate principal amount of Alltel Corporation debentures. We also recorded $0.3 billion of other costs. We recognize early debt redemption costs in Other income and (expense), net on our consolidated statements of income. Other Items Severance, Pension and Benefit Charges (Credits) During 2016, we recorded net pre-tax severance, pension and benefit charges of $2.9 billion in accordance with our accounting policy to recognize actuarial gains and losses in the period in which they occur. The pension and benefit remeasurement charges of $2.5 billion were primarily driven by a decrease in our discount rate assumption used to determine the current year liabilities of our pension and other postretirement benefit plans from a weighted- average of 4.6% at December 31, 2015 to a weighted- average of 4.2% at December 31, 2016 ($2.1 billion), updated health care trend cost assumptions ($0.9 billion), the difference between our estimated return on assets of 7.0% and our actual return on assets of 6.0% ($0.2 billion) and other assumption adjustments ($0.3 billion). These charges were partially offset by a change in mortality assumptions primarily driven by the use of updated actuarial tables (MP-2016) issued by the Society of Actuaries ($0.5 billion) and lower negotiated prescription drug pricing ($0.5 billion). As part of these charges, we also recorded severance costs of $0.4 billion under our existing separation plans. The net pre-tax severance, pension and benefit charges during 2016 were comprised of a net pre-tax pension remeasurement charge of $0.2 billion measured as of March 31, 2016 related to settlements for employees who received lump-sum distributions in one of our defined benefit pension plans, a net pre-tax pension and benefit remeasure- ment charge of $0.8 billion measured as of April 1, 2016 related to curtailments in three of our defined benefit pension and one of our other postretirement plans, a net pre-tax pension and benefit remea- surement charge of $2.7 billion measured as of May 31, 2016 in two defined benefit pension plans and three other postretirement benefit plans as a result of our accounting for the contractual healthcare caps and bargained for changes, a net pre-tax pension remeasurement charge of $0.1 billion measured as of May 31, 2016 related to settle- ments for employees who received lump-sum distributions in three of our defined benefit pension plans, a net pre-tax pension remeasure- ment charge of $0.6 billion measured as of August 31, 2016 related to settlements for employees who received lump-sum distributions in five of our defined benefit pension plans, and a net pre-tax pension and benefit credit of $1.9 billion as a result of our fourth quarter remea- surement of our pension and other postretirement assets and liabilities based on updated actuarial assumptions. 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 differ- ence 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 adjustments ($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 post- retirement plans in accordance with our accounting policy to recognize actuarial gains and losses in the year in which they occur. The charges www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 23 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Gain on Access Line Sale During the second quarter of 2016, we completed the Access Line Sale. As a result of this transaction, we recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $1.0 billion in Selling, general and administrative expense on our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2016. The pre-tax gain included a $0.5 billion pension and postretirement benefit curtailment gain due to the elimination of the accrual of pension and other postretirement benefits for some or all future services of a significant number of employees covered in three of our defined benefit pension plans and one of our other post- retirement benefit plans. The Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA non-GAAP measure presented in the Consolidated Net Income, Operating Income and EBITDA discus- sion (see “Consolidated Results of Operations”) excludes the gain on the access line sale described above. Gain on Spectrum License Transactions During the first quarter of 2016, we completed a license exchange transaction with affiliates of AT&T Inc. (AT&T) to exchange certain Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) and Personal Communication Services (PCS) spectrum 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 $0.1 billion in Selling, general and administrative expense on our con- solidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2016. 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 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 con- solidated 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. 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. The Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA non-GAAP measure presented in the Consolidated Net Income, Operating Income and EBITDA discus- sion (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. 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 (losses) earnings of unconsolidated businesses on our consolidated statement of income during 2014. Impact of Divested Operations On April 1, 2016, we completed the Access Line Sale to Frontier. 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 Net Income, Operating Income and EBITDA discus- sion (see “Consolidated Results of Operations”) excludes the historical financial results of the divested operations described above. Operating Environment and Trends 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 give us the ability to plan and manage through changing economic and competitive conditions. We remain focused on executing on the fundamentals of the business: maintaining a high- quality customer base, delivering strong financial and operating results and generating strong free cash flows. 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, such as 5G 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. The U.S. wireless market has achieved a high penetration of smart- phones which reduces the opportunity for new phone connection growth for the industry. We expect future revenue growth in the industry to be driven by monetization of usage through new ecosys- tems, and penetration increases in other connected devices including tablets and IoT devices. Current and potential competitors in the U.S. wireless market include other national wireless service providers, various regional wireless service providers, wireless resellers as well as other communications and technology companies providing wireless products and services. 24 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Service and equipment pricing continue to play an important role in the wireless competitive landscape. 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. As the demand for wireless data services continues to grow, we and other wireless service providers are offering service plans at competitive prices that include a specific amount of data access in varying megabyte or gigabyte sizes or, in some cases, unlimited data usage subject to certain restrictions. These allowances will vary from time to time as part of promotional offers or in response to market circumstances. We and many other wireless service providers allow customers to carry over unused data allowances to the next billing period or provide access to specific data content free of data charges to the customer. We expect future service growth opportunities to arise following the migration of customers to unsubsidized pricing and will be dependent on expanding the pen- etration of our services and increasing the number of ways that our customers can connect with our network and services. Many wireless service providers, as well as equipment manufacturers, offer device payment options that distinguish service pricing from equipment pricing and blur the traditional boundary between prepaid and postpaid plans. These payment options include device payment 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 this form of device subsidy. As a result, we have experienced significant growth in the percentage of activations on device payment plans and the number of customers on plans with unsubsidized service pricing. The increase in activations on device payment plans 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, while recognizing a lower amount of monthly service revenue with unsubsidized service pricing. Current and potential competitors to our Wireline businesses include cable companies, wireless service providers, other domestic and foreign telecommunications providers, satellite television companies, Internet service providers and other companies that offer network services and managed enterprise solutions. In addition, companies with a global presence increasingly compete with our Wireline businesses. A relatively small number of telecom- munications and integrated service providers with global operations serve customers in the global enterprise and, to a lesser extent, the global wholesale markets. We compete with these full or near-full service providers for large contracts to provide integrated services to global enterprises. Many of these companies have strong market presence, brand recognition, and existing customer relationships, all of which contribute to intensifying competition that may affect our future revenue growth. 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 IoT strategies. We will also continue to focus on cost efficiencies to attempt to offset adverse impacts from unfavorable economic condi- tions and competitive pressures. 2017 Connection 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 to manage churn by providing a consistent, reliable experience on our wireless network and focusing on improving the customer experience through simplified pricing and better execution in our distribution channels. 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, VoIP and cable for voice and data services. We expect to continue to expe- rience access line losses as customers continue to switch to alternate technologies. As we seek to increase our penetration rates within our Fios service areas and expand our existing business through initiatives such as One Fiber, we expect to continue to grow our Fios Internet and video connections. 2017 Operating Revenue Trends In our Wireless segment, we expect to continue to experience declines in service revenue as a result of our customer base migration to unsub- sidized service pricing, the introduction of new pricing structures in 2016 and early 2017 and the use of promotions. Equipment revenues are largely dependent on wireless device sales volumes, the mix of devices, promotions and upgrade cycles, which are subject to device lifecycles, iconic device launches and competition within the wireless industry. We expect growth in our Fios broadband and video subscriber base to positively impact our Consumer retail revenue. We also expect a continuing decline in Consumer retail revenue related to retail voice and legacy broadband connection losses. We expect a continued decline in revenues for our legacy wholesale and enterprise markets. However, we expect the acquisition of XO Holdings’ wireline business to mitigate these declines. In Global Enterprise, we also expect additional revenues from application services, such as our cloud, security and other solutions-based services, and continued customer migration of their services to Private IP and other strategic networking services to partially mitigate these pressures. We expect initiatives to develop platforms, content and applications in the mobile video and IoT space will have a long-term positive impact on revenues, drive usage on our network and monetize our investments. 2017 Operating Cost and Expense Trends We expect our consolidated operating income margin and adjusted EBITDA margin to remain strong as we continue to undertake initia- tives to reduce our overall cost structure by improving productivity and gaining efficiency in our operations throughout the business in 2017 and beyond. Expenses related to new products and services, such as mobile video, and expenses related to newly acquired businesses will apply offsetting pressure to our margins. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 25 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued 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 2.2% during 2016, making this the tenth consecu- tive year in which we have raised our dividend. During 2016, we changed the method in which we monetize device payment plan receivables from sales of device payment plan receiv- ables to asset- backed securitizations. While proceeds from sales of device payment plan receivables were reflected in our cash flows from operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows, proceeds from asset- backed securitizations are reflected in cash flows from financing activities. This change will result in lower cash flow from operations, but will not reduce the cash we have available to run the business. 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”). Capital Expenditures Our 2017 capital program includes capital to fund advanced networks and services, including adding capacity and density to our 4G LTE network in order to stay ahead of our customers’ increasing data demands and pre- position our network for 5G, building out fiber assets for wireless backhaul and to deliver Fios services to customers as part of our One Fiber initiative, expanding our core networks, sup- porting our copper-based legacy voice networks and pursuing other opportunities to drive operating efficiencies. The level and the timing of the Company’s capital expenditures within these broad categories can vary significantly as a result of a variety of factors outside of our control, such as material weather events. Capital expenditures were $17.1 billion in 2016 and $17.8 billion in 2015. 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. Consolidated Financial Condition Years Ended December 31, Cash Flows Provided By (Used In) Operating activities Investing activities Financing activities Decrease In Cash and Cash Equivalents (dollars in millions) 2016 2015 2014 $ 22,715 (10,983) (13,322) $ 38,930 (30,043) (15,015) $ 30,631 (15,856) (57,705) $ (1,590) $ (6,128) $ (42,930) 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 require- ments will continue to be financed primarily through internally generated funds. Debt or equity financing may be needed to fund additional invest- ments 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 significant 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, our available arrangements to monetize our device payment plan agreement receivables include asset- backed securitizations and sales of selected receivables to relationship banks. 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 2016 decreased by $16.2 billion primarily due to a change in the method in which we monetize device payment plan receivables, as discussed below, as well as a decline in earnings, an increase in income taxes paid primarily as a result of the Access Line Sale, and $2.4 billion of cash proceeds received in 2015 as a result of our transaction (Tower Monetization Transaction) with American Tower Corporation (American Tower). During 2016, we changed the method in which we monetize device payment plan receivables from sales of device payment plan receiv- ables, which were recorded within cash flows provided by operating activities, to asset- backed securitization transactions, which are recorded in cash flows from financing activities. During 2016, we received cash proceeds related to sales of wireless device payment plan agreement receivables of $2.0 billion and collected $1.1 billion of deferred purchase price. During 2015, we received $7.2 billion of cash proceeds related to new sales of wireless device payment plan agreement receivables. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial state- ments for more information. During 2016, we received proceeds from asset- backed securitization transactions of $5.0 billion. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements and “Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities” for more information. 26 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued 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. During 2016, 2015 and 2014, we acquired various other businesses and investments for cash consideration that was not significant. See “Acquisitions and Divestitures” for additional information on our acquisitions. Dispositions During 2016, we received cash proceeds of $9.9 billion in connection with the completion of the Access Line Sale on April 1, 2016. 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 “Acquisitions and Divestitures” for additional information on our dispositions. Other, net On May 19, 2015, we consummated a sale- leaseback transaction 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, we received proceeds of $0.2 billion related to a sale of real estate. Net cash provided by operating activities during 2015 increased by $8.3 billion primarily due to $5.9 billion of cash proceeds, net of remit- tances, related to the sale of wireless device payment plan agreement receivables as well as $2.4 billion of cash proceeds received as a result of the Tower Monetization Transaction. We completed the Tower Monetization Transaction in March 2015, 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, of which $2.4 billion related to a portion of the towers for which the right-of-use has passed to the tower operator. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for more information. Cash Flows Used In Investing Activities Capital Expenditures Capital expenditures continue to relate primarily to the use of capital resources to 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) 2016 $ 11,240 4,504 1,315 $ 17,059 2015 $ 11,725 5,049 1,001 $ 17,775 2014 $ 10,515 5,750 926 $ 17,191 Total as a percentage of revenue 13.5% 13.5% 13.5% Capital expenditures decreased at Wireless in 2016 primarily due to the timing of investments to increase the capacity of our 4G LTE network. Capital expenditures increased at Wireless in 2015 in order to increase the capacity of our 4G LTE network. Capital expendi- tures declined at Wireline in 2016 as a result of capital expenditures related to the local exchange business and related landline activities in California, Florida and Texas that were sold to Frontier on April 1, 2016 and reduced capital spending during the work stoppage that commenced April 13, 2016 and ended June 1, 2016. Capital expen- ditures declined at Wireline in 2015 as a result of decreased legacy spending requirements as well as decreased Fios spending require- ments in 2015. Acquisitions During 2016, 2015 and 2014, we invested $0.5 billion, $9.9 billion and $0.4 billion, respectively, in acquisitions of wireless licenses. During 2016, 2015 and 2014, we also invested $3.8 billion, $3.5 billion and $0.2 billion, respectively, in acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired. In July 2016, we acquired Telogis, a global cloud-based mobile enter- prise management business, for $0.9 billion of cash consideration. In November 2016, we acquired Fleetmatics, a leading global provider of fleet and mobile workforce management solutions, for $60.00 per ordinary share in cash. The aggregate merger consideration was approximately $2.5 billion, including cash acquired of $0.1 billion. 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 www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 27 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Cash Flows 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 2016, 2015 and 2014, net cash used in financing activities was $13.3 billion, $15.0 billion and $57.7 billion, respectively. 2016 During 2016, our net cash used in financing activities of $13.3 billion was primarily driven by: 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 • $19.2 billion used for repayments of long-term borrowings and agreement. capital lease obligations; and • $9.3 billion used for dividend payments. These uses of cash were partially offset by proceeds from long-term borrowings of $18.0 billion, which included $5.0 billion of proceeds from our asset- backed debt transactions. Proceeds from and Repayments of Long-Term Borrowings At December 31, 2016, our total debt decreased to $108.1 billion as compared to $109.7 billion at December 31, 2015. Our effective interest rate was 4.8% and 4.9% during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 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 also “Market Risk” and Note 6 to the consolidated financial state- ments for additional details. At December 31, 2016, approximately $11.6 billion or 10.7% 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 on a majority of our foreign denominated debt 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 2016, includes net early debt redemption costs of $1.8 billion. See “Other Items” for additional infor- mation related to the early debt redemption costs incurred during the year ended December 31, 2016. 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 2016, the Board increased our quarterly dividend payment 2.2% to $0.5775 from $0.565 per share in the prior period. This is the tenth consecu- tive 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 2016, we paid $9.3 billion in dividends. 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 $109.7 billion as compared to $112.8 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 6 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. Other, net Other, net financing activities during 2015 included $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 During the third quarter of 2015, the Board increased our quarterly dividend payment 2.7% to $0.565 per share from $0.550 per share in the same prior period. 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. 28 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Proceeds from and Repayments of Long-Term Borrowings At December 31, 2014, our total debt increased to $112.8 billion as compared to $93.1 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 6 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 $0.550 per share from $0.530 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. Asset- Backed Debt As of December 31, 2016, the carrying value of our asset- backed debt was $5.0 billion. Our asset- backed debt includes notes (the Asset- Backed Notes) issued to third-party investors (Investors) and loans (ABS Financing Facility) received from banks and their conduit facilities (collectively, the Banks). Our consolidated asset- backed securitization bankruptcy remote legal entities (each, an ABS Entity or collectively, the ABS Entities) issue the debt or are otherwise party to the transaction documentation in connection with our asset- backed debt transactions. Under the terms of our asset- backed debt, we transfer device payment plan agreement receivables from Cellco Partnership and certain other affiliates of Verizon (collectively, the Originators) to one of the ABS Entities, which in turn transfer such receivables to another ABS Entity that issues the debt. Verizon entities retain the equity interests in the ABS Entities, which represent the rights to all funds not needed to make required payments on the asset- backed debt and other related payments and expenses. Our asset- backed debt is secured by the transferred device payment plan agreement receivables and future collections on such receiv- ables. The device payment plan agreement receivables transferred to the ABS Entities and related assets, consisting primarily of restricted cash, will only be available for payment of asset- backed debt and expenses related thereto, payments to the Originators in respect of additional transfers of device payment plan agreement receivables, and other obligations arising from our asset- backed debt transactions, and will not be available to pay other obligations or claims of Verizon’s creditors until the associated asset- backed debt and other obligations are satisfied. The Investors or Banks, as applicable, which hold our asset- backed debt have legal recourse to the assets securing the debt, but do not have any recourse to Verizon with respect to the payment of principal and interest on the debt. Under a parent support agreement, Verizon has agreed to guarantee certain of the payment obligations of Cellco Partnership and the Originators to the ABS Entities. Cash collections on the device payment plan agreement receivables are required at certain specified times to be placed into segregated accounts. Deposits to the segregated accounts are considered restricted cash and are included in Prepaid expenses and other and Other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. Proceeds from our asset- backed debt transactions, deposits to the segregated accounts and payments to the Originators in respect of additional transfers of device payment plan agreement receivables, are reflected in Cash flows from financing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Repayments of our asset- backed debt and related interest payments made from the segregated accounts are non-cash activities and therefore are not reflected within Cash flows from financing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. The asset- backed debt issued and the assets securing this debt are included on our consolidated balance sheets. Although the ABS Financing Facility is fully drawn as of December 31, 2016, we have the right to prepay all or a portion thereof at any time. If we choose to prepay, the amount prepaid shall be available for further drawdowns until September 2018, except in certain circumstances. Credit Facilities On September 23, 2016, we amended our $8.0 billion credit facility to increase the availability to $9.0 billion and extend the maturity to September 23, 2020. As of December 31, 2016, the unused borrowing capacity under our $9.0 billion credit facility was approximately $8.9 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. In March 2016, we entered into an equipment credit facility insured by Eksportkreditnamnden Stockholm, Sweden (EKN), the Swedish export credit agency, with the ability to borrow up to $1 billion to finance locally- sourced network equipment- related purchases. The facility has borrowings available through June 2017, contingent upon the amount of equipment- related purchases made by Verizon. As of December 31, 2016 we had drawn $0.5 billion on the facility and the unused borrowing capacity was $0.5 billion. Common Stock Common stock has been used from time to time to satisfy some of the funding requirements of employee and shareholder plans, including 3.5 million, 22.6 million and 18.2 million common shares issued from Treasury stock during 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which had aggregate values of an immaterial amount, $0.9 billion and $0.7 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. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 29 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued 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 repurchase shares over time, with the amount and timing of repur- chases depending on market conditions and corporate needs. The Board also determined that no additional shares were to be purchased under the prior program. There were no repurchases of common stock during 2016 and 2014. During 2015, we repurchased $0.1 billion of our common stock as part of our share buyback program. As a result of the Wireless Transaction, in February 2014, Verizon issued approximately 1.27 billion shares of common stock. Credit Ratings Verizon’s credit ratings did not change in 2016, 2015 or 2014. 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 disposition of assets and mergers and consolidations, and other similar covenants. Additionally, our term loan credit agreements require 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-. We and our consolidated subsidiaries are in compliance with all of our financial and restrictive covenants. 2017 Term Loan Agreement During January 2017, we entered into a term loan credit agreement with a syndicate of major financial institutions, pursuant to which we can borrow up to $5.5 billion for (i) the acquisition of Yahoo and (ii) general corporate purposes. Borrowings under the term loan credit agreement mature 18 months following the funding date, with a partial mandatory prepayment required within six months following the funding date. 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 credit agreement requires us to maintain a leverage ratio (as defined in the term loan credit 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 Investor Service and S&P Global Ratings, respectively. To date, we have not drawn on this term loan. Change In Cash and Cash Equivalents Our Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2016 totaled $2.9 billion, a $1.6 billion decrease compared to Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2015 primarily as a result of the factors discussed above. 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. Free Cash Flow Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that reflects an addi- tional way of viewing our liquidity that, when viewed with our GAAP results, provides a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our cash flows. We believe it is a more conservative measure of cash flow since purchases of fixed assets are necessary for ongoing operations. Free cash flow has limitations due to the fact that it does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expen- ditures. For example, free cash flow does not incorporate payments made on capital lease obligations or cash payments for business acquisitions. Therefore, we believe it is important to view free cash flow as a complement to our entire consolidated statements of cash flows. Free cash flow is calculated by subtracting capital expenditures from net cash provided by operating activities. The following table reconciles net cash provided by operating activities to Free cash flow: Years Ended December 31, Net cash provided by operating (dollars in millions) 2016 2015 2014 activities $ 22,715 $ 38,930 $ 30,631 Less Capital expenditures (including capitalized software) Free cash flow 17,059 $ 5,656 17,775 $ 21,155 17,191 $ 13,440 The changes in free cash flow during 2016, 2015 and 2014 were a result of the factors described in connection with net cash provided by operating activities and capital expenditures. The change in free cash flow during 2016 was primarily due to a change in the method in which we monetize device payment plan receivables, as discussed below, as well as a decline in earnings, an increase in income taxes paid primarily as a result of the Access Line Sale, and $2.4 billion of cash proceeds received in 2015 related to the Tower Monetization Transaction with American Tower. During 2016, we changed the method in which we monetize device payment plan receivables from sales of device payment plan receiv- ables, which were recorded within cash flows provided by operating activities, to asset- backed securitization transactions, which are recorded in cash flows from financing activities. During 2016, we received cash proceeds related to new sales of wireless device payment plan agreement receivables of $2.0 billion and collected $1.1 billion of deferred purchase price. During 2015, we received $7.2 billion of cash proceeds related to new sales of wireless device payment plan agreement receivables. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for more information. During 2016, we received proceeds from asset- backed securitization transactions of $5.0 billion. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements and “Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities” for more information. During 2015, we received $5.9 billion of cash proceeds, net of remit- tances, related to the sale of wireless device payment plan receivables as well as $2.4 billion of cash proceeds received related to the Tower Monetization Transaction. 30 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport 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 2016, 2015 and 2014, contribu- tions to our qualified pension plans were $0.8 billion, $0.7 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively. We also contributed $0.1 billion to our non- qualified pension plans each year in 2016, 2015 and 2014. 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, 2016, we expect the minimum required qualified pension plan contribution in 2017 to be $0.6 billion. Nonqualified pension contri- butions are estimated to be approximately $0.1 billion in 2017. Contributions to our other postretirement benefit plans generally relate to payments for benefits on an as- incurred basis since these other postretirement benefit plans do not have funding requirements similar to the pension plans. We contributed $1.1 billion, $0.9 billion and $0.7 billion to our other postretirement benefit plans in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Contributions to our other postretirement benefit plans are estimated to be approximately $0.8 billion in 2017. Leasing Arrangements See Note 5 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, 2016. 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 Payments Due By Period Total $ 107,429 950 108,379 81,026 17,875 16,799 2,536 2,360 $ 228,975 Less than 1 year 2,142 335 $ 2,477 4,802 2,822 6,926 1,444 266 $ 18,737 1–3 years $ 12,386 391 12,777 9,160 4,887 6,386 1,092 548 $ 34,850 3–5 years $ 20,977 160 21,137 8,169 3,442 1,258 – 570 $ 34,576 (dollars in millions) More than 5 years $ 71,924 64 71,988 58,895 6,724 2,229 – 976 $ 140,812 (1) Items included in long-term debt with variable coupon rates are described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements. (2) See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements. (3) The purchase obligations reflected above are primarily commitments to purchase programming and network services, equipment, software and marketing services, 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 15 to the consolidated financial statements). (4) Other long-term liabilities include estimated postretirement benefit and qualified pension plan contributions (see Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements). (5) Represents future minimum payments under the sublease arrangement for our tower transaction (see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements). We are not able to make a reliable estimate of when the unrecognized tax benefits balance of $1.9 billion and related interest and penalties will be settled with the respective taxing authorities until issues or examinations are further developed (see Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements). www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 31 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Guarantees We guarantee the debentures of our operating telephone company subsidiaries as well as the debt obligations of GTE LLC, as successor in interest to GTE Corporation, that were issued and outstanding prior to July 1, 2003 (see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements). As a result of the closing of the Access Line Sale on April 1, 2016, GTE Southwest Inc., Verizon California Inc. and Verizon Florida LLC are no longer wholly-owned subsidiaries of Verizon, and the guar- antees of $0.6 billion aggregate principal amount of debentures and first mortgage bonds of those entities have terminated pursuant to their terms. 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 15 to the consolidated financial statements). As of December 31, 2016, letters of credit totaling approximately $0.4 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 15 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, and interest rate caps. 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, 2016 and 2015, we posted collateral of approximately $0.2 billion and $0.1 billion, respectively, related to derivative contracts under collateral exchange arrangements. During 2015, we paid an immaterial amount of cash to enter into amendments to certain col- lateral exchange arrangements. These amendments suspend cash collateral posting for a specified period of time by both counterparties. We are in the process of negotiating extensions to amendments expiring during 2017. 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, 2016, approximately 78% 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 $0.3 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, 2016 and 2015. 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, 2016 At December 31, 2015 Fair Value $ 117,580 117,943 Fair Value assuming + 100 basis point shift $ 109,029 108,992 (dollars in millions) Fair Value assuming – 100 basis point shift $ 128,007 128,641 Interest Rate Swaps We enter into 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 the London Interbank Offered Rate, resulting in a net increase or decrease to Interest expense. These swaps are designated as fair value hedges and hedge against interest rate risk exposure of designated debt issuances. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the fair value of these contracts was $0.2 billion and $0.1 billion, respectively, which was primarily included within Other liabilities and Other assets, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the total notional amount of the interest rate swaps was $13.1 billion and $7.6 billion, respectively. 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. The fair value of these contracts, which was included within Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet, was not material at December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2015, these swaps had a notional value of $0.8 billion. During 2016, we settled all outstanding forward interest rate swaps. Interest Rate Caps We also have interest rate caps which we use as an economic hedge but for which we have elected not to apply hedge accounting. During 2016, we entered into interest rate caps to mitigate our interest exposure to interest rate increases on our ABS Financing Facility. The fair value of these contracts was not material at December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2016, the total notional value of these contracts was $2.5 billion. 32 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued 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, 2016, our primary translation exposure was to the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Australian Dollar and Japanese Yen. Cross Currency Swaps We enter into cross currency swaps to exchange 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 effect of foreign currency transaction gains or losses. These swaps are designated as cash flow hedges. The fair value of the outstanding swaps, which was primarily included within Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets, was $1.8 billion and $1.6 billion at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the total notional amount of the cross currency swaps was $12.9 billion and $9.7 billion, respectively. Net Investment Hedges We have designated certain foreign currency instruments 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. The fair value of these contracts was not material at December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2015, the total notional value of these contracts was $0.9 billion. During 2016, we settled these net investment hedges and designated $0.8 billion total notional value of Euro- denominated debt as a net investment hedge. 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 and assumptions are uncertain by nature, may change over time and can vary from actual results. It is possible that in the future there may be changes in our estimates and assumptions, including the timing and amount of future cash flows, margins, growth rates, market participant assumptions, com- parable benchmark companies and related multiples and discount rates, which could result in different fair value estimates. Significant and adverse changes to any one or more of the above noted estimates and assumptions could result in a goodwill impairment for one or more of our reporting units. Wireless Licenses The carrying value of our wireless licenses was approximately $86.7 billion as of December 31, 2016. 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 2016 and 2014, 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 assessments in 2016 and 2014, 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. 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 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. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 33 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued Goodwill At December 31, 2016, the balance of our goodwill was approx- imately $27.2 billion, of which $18.4 billion was in our Wireless reporting unit, $3.8 billion was in our Wireline reporting unit, $2.7 billion was in our digital media reporting unit and $2.3 billion was in our other reporting units. To determine if goodwill is potentially impaired, we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment or if indications of a potential impairment exist, the determination of whether an impairment has occurred requires the determination of fair value of each respective reporting unit. In 2016, we performed a qualitative assessment for our Wireless reporting unit to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than the carrying amount. As part of our assessment we considered several qualitative factors, including the business enterprise value of Wireless from the last quantitative test and the excess of fair value over carrying value from this test, macroeconomic conditions (including changes in interest rates and discount rates), industry and market consider- ations (including industry revenue and EBITDA margin projections), the projected financial performance of Wireless, as well as other factors. Based on our assessments in 2016, we qualitatively concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the Wireless reporting unit significantly exceeded its carrying value and, therefore, did not result in an impairment. We performed a quantitative impairment assessment for our Wireless reporting unit in 2015 and 2014 and for our Wireline and other reporting units in 2016, 2015 and 2014. For each year, our quantitative impairment tests indicated that the fair value of each of our reporting units exceeded their carrying value and therefore, 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 of each of our reporting units would have still exceeded their book value. However, the excess of fair value over carrying value for both our Wireline and digital media reporting units continues to decline such that it is reasonably possible that small changes to our valuation inputs, such as a decline in actual or projected operating results or an increase in discount rates, could trigger a goodwill impairment loss in the future. Under our quantitative assessment, 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 compar- ative 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 participant 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, 2016, 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, 2016 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, 2016* (1,114) 1,241 (149) 149 (1,006) 1,113 (14) 14 609 (616) +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 4.2%. 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, 2016. 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 31. 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 accounted for this change as a change in accounting estimate and, accordingly, accounted 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. 34 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued 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 histor- ical experience with bad debts, the general economic environment and the aging of such receivables. If there is a deterioration of our 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, 2016. 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 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. During the fourth quarter of 2016, we entered into a license exchange agreement with affiliates of AT&T to exchange certain AWS and PCS spectrum licenses. As a result of this agreement, $0.9 billion of Wireless licenses are classified as held for sale on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. This non-cash exchange was completed in February 2017. We expect to record a gain on this trans- action in the first quarter of 2017. 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 consolidated GAAP results. For the year ended December 31, 2016, this change resulted in our reduction of the interest cost component of net periodic benefit cost of approximately $0.4 billion. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the impact of this change on our non-GAAP measures was an increase to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA by approximately $0.4 billion. Our non-GAAP measure for Segment EBITDA is unaffected because the interest cost component of net periodic benefit cost is not included in our segment results. For additional discussion of Non-GAAP measures and non- operational items see “Consolidated Results of Operations”. • 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 2016 depreciation expense of $2.8 billion and that a one-year decrease would result in an increase of approximately $5.7 billion in our 2016 depreciation expense. • We maintain allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable, including our device payment 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 www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 35 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued 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 Access Line Sale On February 5, 2015, we entered into a definitive agreement with Frontier pursuant to which Verizon agreed to 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 (approx- imately $7.3 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 included the acquisition by Frontier of the equity interests of Verizon’s ILECs in California, Florida and Texas, did not involve any assets or liabilities of Verizon Wireless. The transaction closed on April 1, 2016. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information. Other During July 2014, we sold a non- strategic Wireline business for cash consideration that was not significant. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information. On February 20, 2016, we 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, for approximately $1.8 billion, subject to adjustment. We completed the acquisition on February 1, 2017. Separately, we entered into an agreement to lease certain wireless spectrum from a wholly-owned subsidiary of XO Holdings that holds its wireless spectrum. Verizon has an option, exer- cisable under certain circumstances, to buy that subsidiary. On December 6, 2016, we entered into a definitive agreement with Equinix pursuant to which Verizon will sell 24 customer- facing data center sites in the United States and Latin America, for approximately $3.6 billion, subject to certain adjustments. The sale does not affect Verizon’s data center services delivered from 27 sites in Europe, Asia- Pacific and Canada, or its managed hosting and cloud offerings. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to close during the first half of 2017. Other Acquisition of Yahoo! Inc.’s Operating Business On July 23, 2016, Verizon entered into a stock purchase agreement (the Purchase Agreement) with Yahoo. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, we agreed to acquire the stock of one or more subsidiaries of Yahoo holding all of Yahoo’s operating business for approximately $4.83 billion in cash, subject to certain adjustments (the Transaction). Prior to the closing of the Transaction, pursuant to a related reorga- nization agreement, Yahoo will transfer all of the assets and liabilities constituting Yahoo’s operating business to the subsidiaries to be acquired in the Transaction. The assets to be acquired will not include Yahoo’s cash, its ownership interests in Alibaba, Yahoo! Japan and certain other investments, certain undeveloped land recently divested by Yahoo or certain non-core intellectual property. We will receive for our benefit and that of our current and certain future affiliates a non-ex- clusive, worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free license to all of Yahoo’s intellectual property that is not being conveyed with the business. On February 20, 2017, Verizon and Yahoo entered into an amendment to the Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which the Transaction purchase price will be reduced by $350 million to approximately $4.48 billion in cash, subject to certain adjustments. Subject to certain exceptions, the parties also agreed that certain user security and data breaches incurred by Yahoo (and the losses arising therefrom) will be disregarded (1) for purposes of specified conditions to Verizon’s obligations to close the Transaction and (2) in determining whether a “Business Material Adverse Effect” under the Purchase Agreement has occurred. Concurrently with the amendment of the Purchase Agreement, Yahoo and Yahoo Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Yahoo that Verizon has agreed to purchase pursuant to the Transaction, also entered into an amendment to the related reorganization agreement, pursuant to which Yahoo (which has announced that it intends to change its name to Altaba Inc. following the closing of the Transaction) will retain 50% of certain post-closing liabilities arising out of govern- mental or third party investigations, litigations or other claims related to certain user security and data breaches incurred by Yahoo. In accor- dance with the original Transaction agreements, Yahoo will continue to retain 100% of any liabilities arising out of any shareholder lawsuits (including derivative claims) and investigations and actions by the SEC. The Transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of Yahoo's stockholders, and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2017. 36 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations continued 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 July 29, 2016, we acquired Telogis, a global cloud-based mobile enterprise management software business, for $0.9 billion of cash consideration. On July 30, 2016, we entered into an agreement (the Transaction Agreement) to acquire Fleetmatics. Fleetmatics is a leading global provider of fleet and mobile workforce management solutions. Pursuant to the terms of the Transaction Agreement, we acquired Fleetmatics for $60.00 per ordinary share in cash. The aggregate merger consideration was approximately $2.5 billion, including cash acquired of $0.1 billion. We completed the acquisition on November 7, 2016. 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. From time to time, we enter into strategic agreements to acquire various other businesses and investments. See Note 2 to the consoli- dated 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 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; • • the inability to implement our business strategies; and the inability to realize the expected benefits of strategic transactions. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 37 Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting We, the management of Verizon Communications Inc., are respon- sible 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, 2016. Based on this assessment, we believe that the internal control over financial reporting of the company is effective as of December 31, 2016. 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 attes- tation report on the company’s internal control over financial reporting. Lowell C. McAdam Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Matthew D. Ellis 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, 2016, 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 main- tenance 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. 38 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport 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 proce- dures may deteriorate. In our opinion, Verizon maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on the COSO criteria. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consoli- dated balance sheets of Verizon as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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, 2016 and our report dated February 21, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Ernst & Young LLP New York, New York February 21, 2017 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, 2016 and 2015, 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, 2016. 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 rea- sonable 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, 2016 and 2015, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, 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, 2016, 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 21, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Ernst & Young LLP New York, New York February 21, 2017 www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 39 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, net 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) 2016 2015 2014 $ 108,468 17,512 125,980 $ 114,696 16,924 131,620 $ 116,122 10,957 127,079 29,186 22,238 31,569 15,928 98,921 27,059 (98) (1,599) (4,376) 20,986 (7,378) 13,608 481 13,127 13,608 3.22 4,080 $ $ $ $ 29,438 23,119 29,986 16,017 98,560 33,060 (86) 186 (4,920) 28,240 (9,865) 18,375 496 17,879 18,375 4.38 4,085 $ $ $ $ 28,306 21,625 41,016 16,533 107,480 19,599 1,780 (1,194) (4,915) 15,270 (3,314) 11,956 2,331 9,625 11,956 2.42 3,974 $ $ $ $ $ 3.21 4,086 $ 4.37 4,093 $ 2.42 3,981 40 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Years Ended December 31, Net Income Other Comprehensive Income, net of taxes Foreign currency translation adjustments Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges Unrealized 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 2016 13,608 $ 2015 18,375 $ (159) 198 (55) 2,139 2,123 – 15,731 481 15,250 15,731 $ $ (208) (194) (11) (148) (561) – 17,814 496 17,318 17,814 $ $ (dollars in millions) 2014 11,956 $ (1,199) (197) (5) 154 (1,247) (23) 10,686 2,308 8,378 10,686 $ $ www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 41 Consolidated Balance Sheets At December 31, Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents Short-term investments Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $845 and $882 Inventories Assets held for sale Prepaid expenses and other Total current assets Plant, property and equipment Less accumulated depreciation Plant, property and equipment, net Investments in unconsolidated businesses Wireless licenses Goodwill Other intangible assets, net Non- current assets held for sale Other assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity Current liabilities Debt maturing within one year Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Liabilities related to assets held for sale Other Total current liabilities Long-term debt Employee benefit obligations Deferred income taxes Non- current liabilities related to assets held for sale Other liabilities Equity Series preferred stock ($.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) 2016 2015 $ 2,880 – 17,513 1,202 882 3,918 26,395 232,215 147,464 84,751 1,110 86,673 27,205 8,897 613 8,536 $ 244,180 $ 4,470 350 13,457 1,252 792 2,034 22,355 220,163 136,622 83,541 796 86,575 25,331 7,592 10,267 7,718 $ 244,175 $ 2,645 19,593 24 8,078 30,340 $ 6,489 19,362 463 8,738 35,052 105,433 26,166 45,964 6 12,239 103,240 29,957 45,484 959 11,641 – 424 11,182 15,059 2,673 (7,263) 449 1,508 24,032 $ 244,180 – 424 11,196 11,246 550 (7,416) 428 1,414 17,842 $ 244,175 42 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport 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 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 Proceeds from asset- backed 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 Acquisition of noncontrolling interest Other, net Net cash used in financing activities 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 2016 2015 2014 (dollars in millions) $ 13,608 $ 18,375 $ 11,956 15,928 2,705 (1,063) 1,420 138 (5,067) 61 449 (1,079) (4,385) 22,715 (17,059) (3,765) (534) – 9,882 493 (10,983) 12,964 4,986 (19,159) (149) (9,262) 3 – – (2,705) (13,322) (1,590) 4,470 2,880 $ 16,017 (1,747) 3,516 1,610 127 (945) (99) 942 2,545 (1,411) 38,930 (17,775) (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 $ 16,533 8,130 (92) 1,095 (1,743) (2,745) (132) (695) 1,412 (3,088) 30,631 (17,191) (182) (354) 2,367 120 (616) (15,856) 30,967 – (17,669) (475) (7,803) 34 – (58,886) (3,873) (57,705) (42,930) 53,528 10,598 $ www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 43 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount (dollars in millions, except per share amounts, and shares in thousands) 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 Balance at beginning of year Net income attributable to Verizon Dividends declared ($2.285, $2.23, $2.16) per share Balance at end of year Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balance at beginning of year attributable to Verizon Foreign currency translation adjustments Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges Unrealized 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 14) Shareowner plans (Note 14) 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 4,242,374 – 4,242,374 $ 424 – 424 4,242,374 – 4,242,374 $ 424 – 424 2,967,610 1,274,764 4,242,374 $ 297 127 424 11,196 – (14) 11,182 11,246 13,127 (9,314) 15,059 550 (159) 198 (55) 2,139 2,123 2,673 (7,416) – 150 3 – (7,263) 428 223 (202) 449 1,414 – 481 – 481 (387) 1,508 $ 24,032 11,155 – 41 11,196 2,447 17,879 (9,080) 11,246 1,111 (208) (194) (11) (148) (561) 550 (3,263) (5,134) 740 241 – (7,416) 424 208 (204) 428 1,378 – 496 – 496 (460) 1,414 $ 17,842 (87,410) (104,402) 17,072 5,541 – (169,199) 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 (3,961) – 541 157 – (3,263) 421 166 (163) 424 56,580 (55,960) 2,331 (23) 2,308 (1,550) 1,378 $ 13,676 (105,610) – 14,132 4,105 (37) (87,410) (169,199) – 3,439 70 – (165,690) 44 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport 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 12. The Wireless segment provides wireless communications services and products across one of the most extensive wireless networks in the United States (U.S.). We provide these services and equipment sales to consumer, business and government customers in the United States on a postpaid and prepaid basis. 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 requires 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 obligations, contingencies and the identification and valuation 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, our eligible wireless customers purchase wireless devices under a device payment plan agreement. On select devices, certain marketing promotions have been revocably offered to customers to upgrade to a new device after paying down a certain specified portion of the required device payment plan agreement amount as well as trading in their device in good working order. When a customer enters into a device payment plan agreement with the right to upgrade to a new 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 effec- tively results in a reduction to the revenue recognized for the sale of the device. We may offer our customers certain promotions where a customer can trade-in his or her owned device in connection with the purchase of a new device. Under these types of promotions, the customer will receive trade-in credits that are applied to the customer’s monthly bill. As a result, we recognize a trade-in obligation measured at fair value using weighted- average selling prices obtained in recent resales of devices eligible for trade-in. 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. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 45 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 6 million, 8 million and 7 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respec- tively. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, 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 year ended December 31, 2014. 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 (Vodafone) 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 considered “ available-for-sale” under the provisions of the accounting standard for certain debt and equity securities and are included in the accom- panying consolidated balance sheets in Short-term investments 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 per- sistent, 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. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued 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. 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, which we pass through to 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 14). 46 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable are recorded in the consolidated financial statements at cost net of an allowance for credit losses, with the exception of device payment plan agreement receivables which are initially recorded at fair value. We maintain allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable, including our device payment plan agreement receivables, for estimated losses resulting from the failure or inability of our customers to make required payments. Our allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable is based on management’s assess- ment 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. Similar to traditional service revenue accounting treatment, we record device payment plan agreement 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 macroeco- nomic conditions. Due to the device payment plan agreement 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 payment plan agreement 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. 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 useful lives of plant, property and equipment during 2016, we determined that the average useful lives of certain leasehold improvements would be increased from 5 to 7 years. This change resulted in a decrease to depreciation expense of $0.2 billion in 2016. We determined that changes were also 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 $0.3 billion, $0.4 billion and $0.6 billion in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. While the timing and extent of current deployment plans are subject to ongoing analysis and modifi- cation, 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. Our assessments in 2016, 2015 and 2014 indicated that the fair value of each of our reporting units exceeded their carrying value and therefore, did not result in an impairment. 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 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 re- evaluate the useful life determination for wireless licenses each year to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. 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. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 47 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued 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. In 2016 and 2014, 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 considerations (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. The most recent quantitative assessments 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. Our assessments in 2016, 2015 and 2014 indicated that the fair value of our wireless licenses exceeded the carrying value and, therefore, did not result in an impairment. 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 re- evaluate 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. 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. 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. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences in the basis 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 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. Significant management judgment is required in evaluating our tax positions and in determining our effective tax rate. 48 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued 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 9 for further details. 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 10). 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. Derivative Instruments We enter into derivative transactions primarily to manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest 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 agree- ments and interest rate caps. We do not hold derivatives for trading purposes. See Note 8. We measure all derivatives at fair value and recognize them as either assets or liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Our derivative instruments 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 derivative 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 translation adjustment and partially offset the impact of foreign currency changes on the value of our net investment. 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 2016, we adopted the accounting standard update related to the simplification of the accounting for measurement- period adjustments in business combina- tions. 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. The prospective adoption of this standard update did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. During the first quarter of 2016, we adopted the accounting standard update related to disclosures for investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value (NAV) per share. This standard update removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the NAV per share practical expedient. The standard update limits the required disclosures to investments for which the entity has elected to measure the fair value using the practical expedient. The retrospective adoption of this standard update impacted our presentation of pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets in the notes to the con- solidated financial statements but did not have an impact on the measurement of the assets. During the first quarter of 2016, we adopted the accounting standard update related to the simplification of the presentation of debt issuance costs. 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. During the first quarter of 2016, we also adopted the accounting standard update related to the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs associated with line-of- credit arrangements. This standard adds Securities and Exchange Commision (SEC) paragraphs pursuant to an SEC Staff Announcement that the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs asso- ciated with a line-of- credit arrangement as an asset and subsequently amortizing the costs ratably over the term of the arrangement. We applied the amendments in these accounting standard updates ret- rospectively to all periods presented. The adoption of these standard updates did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 49 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued During the first quarter of 2016, we adopted the accounting standard update 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 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The prospective adoption of this standard update did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements. During the second quarter of 2016, we prospectively changed our method for determining the date at which we remeasure plan assets and obligations as a result of a significant event during an interim period in accordance with Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-04, Compensation —  Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer’s Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets. As a practical expedient, we elected to remeasure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end that is closest to the date of the significant event. While this standard update may impact the amounts recognized in an interim period as the result of a remeasurement, the adoption of this standard update did not impact our annual consolidated financial statements as the employee benefit obligations are measured annually as of December 31. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In January 2017, the accounting standard update related to the sim- plification of the accounting for goodwill impairment was issued. The amendments in this update eliminate the requirement to perform step two of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation when an impairment is determined to have occurred. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. This standard update is effective as of the first quarter of 2020; however, early adoption is permitted for any interim or annual impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. Verizon expects to early adopt this standard as of January 1, 2017. The prospective adoption of this standard update is not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the accounting standard update related to the clas- sification and presentation of changes in restricted cash was issued. The amendments in this update require that cash and cash equivalent balances in a statement of cash flows include those amounts deemed to be restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. This standard update is effective as of the first quarter of 2018; however, early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that this standard update will have on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the accounting standard update related to the classi- fication of certain cash receipts and cash payments was issued. This standard update addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice for these issues. Among the updates, this standard update requires cash receipts from payments on a transferor’s beneficial interests in securitized trade receivables to be classified as cash inflows from investing activities. This standard update is effective as of the first quarter of 2018; however, early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that this standard update will have on our consolidated financial statements. We expect the amendment relating to beneficial interests in securitization transactions will have an impact on our presentation of collections of the deferred purchase price from sales of wireless device payment plan agreement receivables in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Upon adoption of this standard update in the first quarter of 2018, we expect to retrospectively reclassify approxi- mately $1.1 billion of collections of deferred purchase price related to collections from customers for the year ended December 31, 2016 from Cash flows from operating activities to Cash flows from investing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. In June 2016, the standard update related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments was issued. This standard update requires that certain financial assets be measured at amortized cost reflecting an allowance for estimated credit losses expected to occur over the life of the assets. The estimate of credit losses must be based on all relevant information including historical information, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the amounts. This standard update is effective as of the first quarter of 2020; however early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that this standard update will have on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the accounting standard update related to employee share-based payment accounting was issued. This standard update intends to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classi- fication of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This standard update is effective as of the first quarter of 2017. The retrospective adoption of this standard update is not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the accounting standard update related to leases was issued. This standard update intends to increase transparency and improve comparability by requiring entities to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases, with certain excep- tions. In addition, through improved disclosure requirements, the standard update will enable users of financial statements to further understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. This standard update is effective as of the first quarter of 2019; however, early adoption is permitted. Verizon’s current operating lease portfolio is primarily comprised of network, real estate, and equipment leases. Upon adoption of this standard, we expect our balance sheet to include a right of use asset and liability related to substantially all operating lease arrangements. We have established a cross- functional coordinated implementation team to implement the standard update related to leases. We are in the process of assessing the impact to our systems, processes and internal controls to meet the standard update’s reporting and disclosure requirements. In May 2014, the accounting standard update related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers was issued. This standard update along with related subsequently issued updates clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP. The standard update also amends current guidance for the recognition of costs to obtain and fulfill contracts with customers such that incremental costs of obtaining and direct costs of fulfilling contracts with customers will be deferred and amortized con- sistent with the transfer of the related good or service. The standard update intends to provide a more robust framework for addressing 50 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued revenue issues; improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets; and provide more useful information to users of financial statements through improved disclosure requirements. The two permitted transition methods under the new standard are the full retrospective method, in which case the standard would be applied to each prior reporting period presented and the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the earliest period shown, or the modified retrospective method, in which case the standard is applied only to the most current period presented and the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the date of initial appli- cation. In August 2015, an accounting standard update was issued that delayed the effective date of this standard until the first quarter of 2018, at which time we plan to adopt the standard. We are in process of evaluating the impact of the standard update. The ultimate impact on revenue resulting from the application of the new standard will be subject to assessments that are dependent on many variables, including, but not limited to, the terms of our contractual arrangements and our mix of business. Upon adoption, we expect that the allocation of revenue between equipment and service for our wireless fixed-term service plans will result in more revenue allocated to equipment and recognized earlier as compared with current GAAP. We expect the timing of recognition of our sales commission expenses will also be impacted, as a substantial portion of these costs (which are currently expensed) will be capitalized and amortized as described above. In 2016, total sales commission expenses were approximately $4.2 billion. In 2017, we expect total sales commission expenses to decline as our wireless customers continue to migrate from our fixed-term service plans to device payment plans which have lower commission structures. We continue to evaluate the available transi- tion methods. Our considerations include, but are not limited to, the comparability of our financial statements and the comparability within our industry from application of the new standard to our contractual arrangements. We plan to select a transition method by the second half of 2017. We have established a cross- functional coordinated implementation team to implement the standard update related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. We have identified and are in the process of implementing changes to our systems, processes and internal controls to meet the standard update’s reporting and disclo- sure requirements. 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 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 approx- imately $58.89 billion in cash, (ii) issued approximately 1.27 billion shares of Verizon’s common stock, par value $0.10 per share, 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 approximately $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. 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 the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), plus 1.222%, and the eleven-year Verizon notes bear interest at a floating rate equal to the three-month LIBOR, plus 1.372%. On December 7, 2016, we redeemed the eight-year Verizon Notes (see Note 6 for addi- tional details). 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 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. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 51 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued 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. Spectrum License Transactions Since 2014, we have entered into several strategic spectrum transac- tions including: • During the second quarter of 2014, we completed license exchange transactions with T- Mobile USA, Inc. (T- Mobile USA) to exchange certain Advanced Wireless Services (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 Inc. (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 immate- rial 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. • 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 was completed in March 2016. As a result, we received $0.4 billion of AWS and PCS spectrum licenses at fair value and recorded a pre-tax gain of $0.1 billion in Selling, general and administrative expense on our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2016. • 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 was completed in September 2016. As a result, we received $0.3 billion of AWS and PCS spectrum licenses at fair value and recorded an immaterial gain in Selling, general and admin- istrative expense on our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2016. • During the fourth quarter of 2016, we entered into a license exchange agreement with affiliates of AT&T to exchange certain AWS and PCS spectrum licenses. As a result of this agreement, $0.9 billion of Wireless licenses are classified as held for sale on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. This non-cash exchange was completed in February 2017. We expect to record a gain on this transaction in the first quarter of 2017. 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. See Note 5 for additional information. Other During 2016, 2015, and 2014, we acquired various other wireless licenses and markets for cash consideration that was not significant. 52 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport The acquisition of XO Holdings’ wireline business will be accounted for as a business combination. While we have commenced the appraisals necessary to identify the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the amount of goodwill to be recognized as of the acquisition date, the initial identification of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is not yet available. Data Center Sale On December 6, 2016, we entered into a definitive agreement with Equinix, Inc. (Equinix) pursuant to which Verizon will sell 24 customer- facing data center sites in the United States and Latin America, for approximately $3.6 billion, subject to certain adjustments. The sale does not affect Verizon’s data center services delivered from 27 sites in Europe, Asia- Pacific and Canada, or its managed hosting and cloud offerings. We plan to account for a portion of the transaction, consisting of the data center buildings, land and related assets, as a sale of real estate. The real estate assets to be sold of $0.7 billion are currently included in Verizon’s continuing operations and classified as held and used within Plant, property and equipment, net on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016. The non-real estate 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, 2016. At December 31, 2016, assets to be sold classified as Non- current assets held for sale of $0.6 billion were principally comprised of goodwill, plant, property and equipment and other intangible assets. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to close during the first half of 2017. 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, we completed a sale of real estate for which we received total gross proceeds of $0.2 billion and recog- nized 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. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Wireline Access Line Sale On February 5, 2015, we entered into a definitive agreement with Frontier Communications Corporation (Frontier) pursuant to which Verizon sold 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 $7.3 billion net of income taxes), subject to certain adjustments and including the assumption of $0.6 billion of indebtedness from Verizon by Frontier (Access Line Sale). The transaction, which included the acquisition by Frontier of the equity interests of Verizon’s incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) in California, Florida and Texas, did not involve any assets or liabilities of Verizon Wireless. The transaction closed on April 1, 2016. The transaction resulted in Frontier acquiring approximately 3.3 million voice connections, 1.6 million Fios Internet subscribers, 1.2 million Fios video subscribers and the related ILEC businesses from Verizon. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, these busi- nesses generated revenues of approximately $1.3 billion, $5.3 billion and $5.4 billion, respectively, and operating income of $0.7 billion, $2.8 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively, for Verizon. The operating results of these businesses are excluded from our Wireline segment for all periods presented to reflect comparable segment operating results consistent with the information regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker. During April 2016, Verizon used the net cash proceeds received of $9.9 billion to reduce its consolidated indebtedness (see Note 6). The assets and liabilities that were sold were included in Verizon’s con- tinuing operations and classified as assets held for sale and liabilities related to assets held for sale on our consolidated balance sheets through the completion of the transaction on April 1, 2016. As a result of the closing of the transaction, we derecognized plant, property, and equipment of $9.0 billion, goodwill of $1.3 billion, $0.7 billion of defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plan obligations and $0.6 billion of indebtedness assumed by Frontier. We recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $1.0 billion in Selling, general and administrative expense on our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2016. The pre-tax gain included a $0.5 billion pension and postretirement benefit curtailment gain due to the elimination of the accrual of pension and other postre- tirement benefits for some or all future services of a significant number of employees covered by three of our defined benefit pension plans and one of our other postretirement benefit plans. XO Holdings On February 20, 2016, we entered into a purchase agreement to acquire XO Holdings’ wireline business, which owns and operates one of the largest fiber-based Internet Protocol (IP) and Ethernet networks, for approximately $1.8 billion, subject to adjustment. We completed the acquisition on February 1, 2017. Separately, we entered into an agreement to lease certain wireless spectrum from a wholly-owned subsidiary of XO Holdings that holds its wireless spectrum. Verizon has an option, exercisable under certain circumstances, to buy that subsidiary. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 53 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued 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. 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 combination. The identification of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are finalized. 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 measurement 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(1) 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 $ 1,938 2,504 1,551 5,993 1,851 4,142 (1) $ 4,141 (1) During the year ended December 31, 2016, we made cash payments of $179 million in respect of acquisition-date estimated liabilities to be paid. As of December 31, 2016, the remaining balance of estimated liabilities to be paid was $198 million. 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 goodwill related to this acquisition is included within Corporate and other (see Note 3 for additional details). Acquisition of Yahoo! Inc.’s Operating Business On July 23, 2016, Verizon entered into a stock purchase agreement (the Purchase Agreement) with Yahoo! Inc. (Yahoo). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, we agreed to acquire the stock of one or more subsidiaries of Yahoo holding all of Yahoo’s operating business for approximately $4.83 billion in cash, subject to certain adjustments (the Transaction). Prior to the closing of the Transaction, pursuant to a related reorga- nization agreement, Yahoo will transfer all of the assets and liabilities constituting Yahoo’s operating business to the subsidiaries to be acquired in the Transaction. The assets to be acquired will not include Yahoo’s cash, its ownership interests in Alibaba, Yahoo! Japan and certain other investments, certain undeveloped land recently divested by Yahoo or certain non-core intellectual property. We will receive for our benefit and that of our current and certain future affiliates a non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free license to all of Yahoo’s intellectual property that is not being conveyed with the business. Yahoo employees who transfer to Verizon will have any unvested Yahoo restricted stock units that they hold converted into cash-settle- able Verizon restricted stock units, which will have the same vesting schedule as their Yahoo restricted stock units. The value of those outstanding restricted stock units on the date of signing was approxi- mately $1.1 billion. 54 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued On February 20, 2017, Verizon and Yahoo entered into an amendment to the Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which the Transaction purchase price will be reduced by $350 million to approximately $4.48 billion in cash, subject to certain adjustments. Subject to certain exceptions, the parties also agreed that certain user security and data breaches incurred by Yahoo (and the losses arising therefrom) will be disregarded (1) for purposes of specified conditions to Verizon’s obligations to close the Transaction and (2) in determining whether a “Business Material Adverse Effect” under the Purchase Agreement has occurred. Concurrently with the amendment of the Purchase Agreement, Yahoo and Yahoo Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Yahoo that Verizon has agreed to purchase pursuant to the Transaction, also entered into an amendment to the related reorganization agreement, pursuant to which Yahoo (which has announced that it intends to change its name to Altaba Inc. following the closing of the Transaction) will retain 50% of certain post-closing liabilities arising out of govern- mental or third party investigations, litigations or other claims related to certain user security and data breaches incurred by Yahoo. In accor- dance with the original Transaction Agreements, Yahoo will continue to retain 100% of any liabilities arising out of any shareholder lawsuits (including derivative claims) and investigations and actions by the SEC. The Transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of Yahoo's stockholders, and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2017. Fleetmatics Group PLC On July 30, 2016, we entered into an agreement (the Transaction Agreement) to acquire Fleetmatics Group PLC, a public limited company incorporated in Ireland (Fleetmatics). Fleetmatics is a leading global provider of fleet and mobile workforce management solutions. Pursuant to the terms of the Transaction Agreement, we acquired Fleetmatics for $60.00 per ordinary share in cash. The aggregate merger consideration was approximately $2.5 billion, including cash acquired of $0.1 billion. We completed the acquisition on November 7, 2016. As a result of the transaction, Fleetmatics became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Verizon. The consolidated financial statements include the results of Fleetmatics’ operations from the date the acquisition closed. Had this acquisition been completed on January 1, 2016 or 2015, the results of the acquired operations of Fleetmatics would not have had a signif- icant impact on the consolidated net income attributable to Verizon. Upon closing, we recorded approximately $1.4 billion of goodwill and $1.1 billion of other intangibles. The acquisition of Fleetmatics was accounted for as a business combination. The consideration was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values as of the close of the acquisition. 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 Fleetmatics transaction represents future economic benefits we expect to achieve as a result of the acquisition. The goodwill related to this acquisition is included within Corporate and other (see Note 3 for additional details). Other On July 29, 2016, we acquired Telogis, Inc., a global cloud-based mobile enterprise management software business, for $0.9 billion of cash consideration. Upon closing, we recorded $0.5 billion of goodwill that is included within Corporate and other. On September 12, 2016, we announced an agreement to acquire a leading provider of IoT solutions for smart communities for cash consideration that is not significant. The transaction was completed in October 2016. 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, we acquired a business dedicated to the devel- opment of IP television for cash consideration that was not significant. Real Estate Transaction On May 19, 2015, we consummated a sale- leaseback transaction 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. 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, 2015 Acquisitions (Note 2) Capitalized interest on wireless licenses Reclassifications, adjustments and other Balance at December 31, 2015 Acquisitions (Note 2) Capitalized interest on wireless licenses Reclassifications, adjustments and other Balance at December 31, 2016 (dollars in millions) $ 75,341 10,474 389 371 $ 86,575 28 506 (436) $ 86,673 Reclassifications, adjustments and other includes the exchanges of wireless licenses in 2016 and 2015 as well as $0.9 billion and $0.3 billion of Wireless licenses that are classified as Assets held for sale on our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. See Note 2 for additional details. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, approximately $10.0 billion and $10.4 billion, respectively, of wireless licenses were under development for commercial service for which we were capitalizing interest costs. The average remaining renewal period of our wireless license portfolio was 5.1 years as of December 31, 2016. See Note 1 for addi- tional details. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 55 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Goodwill Changes in the carrying amount of Goodwill are as follows: Balance at January 1, 2015 Acquisitions (Note 2) Reclassifications, adjustments and other Balance at December 31, 2015 Acquisitions (Note 2) Reclassifications, adjustments and other Balance at December 31, 2016 Wireless $ 18,390 3 – $ 18,393 – – $ 18,393 Wireline 6,249 – (1,918) 4,331 – (547) 3,784 $ $ $ Other – 2,035 572 2,607 2,310 111 5,028 $ $ $ (dollars in millions) Total $ 24,639 2,038 (1,346) $ 25,331 2,310 (436) $ 27,205 During the second quarter of 2016, we allocated $0.1 billion of Goodwill on a relative fair value basis from Wireline to Other as a result of the reclassification of our telematics businesses (see Note 12 for additional details). During the fourth quarter of 2016, we allocated $0.4 billion of Goodwill on a relative fair value basis from Wireline to Non- current assets held for sale on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 as a result of our agreement to sell 24 data center sites (see Note 2 for additional details). As a result of acquisitions completed during 2016, we recognized preliminary Goodwill of $2.3 billion, which is included within Other (see Note 2 for additional details). As a result of the acquisition of AOL in the second quarter of 2015, we recognized 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 the Access Line Sale (see Note 2 for additional details). The amount of Goodwill reclassified was based on a relative fair value basis. Other Intangible Assets The following table displays the composition of Other intangible assets, net: At December 31, Customer lists (6 to 14 years) Non- network internal-use software (3 to 8 years) Other (5 to 25 years) Total $ Gross Amount 2,884 16,135 1,854 $ 20,873 $ Accumulated Amortization (480) (10,913) (583) $ (11,976) 2016 $ Net Amount 2,404 5,222 1,271 8,897 $ $ Gross Amount 4,139 14,542 1,346 $ 20,027 $ Accumulated Amortization (2,365) (9,620) (450) $ (12,435) (dollars in millions) 2015 Net Amount 1,774 $ 4,922 896 7,592 $ The amortization expense for Other intangible assets was as follows: Years 2016 2015 2014 (dollars in millions) $ 1,701 1,694 1,567 Estimated annual amortization expense for Other intangible assets is as follows: Years 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 (dollars in millions) $ 1,749 1,564 1,358 1,121 938 Note 4 Plant, Property and Equipment 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) – 7 – 45 $ 2016 667 $ 2015 709 25,587 27,117 equipment Cable, poles and conduit Leasehold improvements Work in progress Furniture, vehicles and other Less accumulated depreciation Plant, property and equipment, net 3 – 50 7 – 50 5 – 20 – 3 – 20 136,737 45,639 7,627 5,710 8,718 232,215 147,464 129,201 44,290 7,104 4,907 8,365 220,163 136,622 $ 84,751 $ 83,541 56 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Note 5 Leasing Arrangements 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 $3.6 billion in 2016, $3.2 billion in 2015 and $2.7 billion in 2014. 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) 2016 $ 1,277 (524) 753 $ 2015 $ 1,046 (318) 728 $ The aggregate minimum rental commitments under noncancelable leases for the periods shown at December 31, 2016, are as follows: (dollars in millions) Tower Monetization Transaction 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 $0.3 billion and $0.2 billion for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We expect to make minimum future lease payments of approximately $2.4 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, 2016 and 2015, $0.5 billion of towers related to this transaction were included in Plant, property and equipment, net. See Note 2 for additional information. Operating Leases $ 2,822 2,583 2,304 1,927 1,515 6,724 $ 17,875 Capital Leases 366 272 149 111 62 79 1,039 89 950 335 615 $ $ Years 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 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, 2016 Note 6 Debt Changes to debt during 2016 are as follows: Balance at January 1, 2016 Proceeds from long-term borrowings Proceeds from asset- backed 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 Other Balance at December 31, 2016 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 6,489 120 – (8,125) (149) 4,088 222 2,645 $ Long-term Debt $ 103,240 12,844 4,986 (11,034) – (4,088) (515) $ 105,433 2016 2,477 168 – 2,645 $ $ (dollars in millions) Total $ 109,729 12,964 4,986 (19,159) (149) – (293) $ 108,078 (dollars in millions) 2015 6,325 158 6 6,489 $ $ www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 57 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Credit facilities On September 23, 2016, we amended our $8.0 billion credit facility to increase the availability to $9.0 billion and extend the maturity to September 23, 2020. As of December 31, 2016, the unused borrowing capacity under our $9.0 billion credit facility was approximately $8.9 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. In March 2016, we entered into an equipment credit facility insured by Eksportkreditnamnden Stockholm, Sweden (EKN), the Swedish export credit agency, with the ability to borrow up to $1 billion to finance locally- sourced network equipment- related purchases. The facility has borrow- ings available through June 2017, contingent upon the amount of equipment- related purchases made by Verizon. As of December 31, 2016 we had drawn $0.5 billion on the facility and the unused borrowing capacity was $0.5 billion. Long-Term Debt Outstanding long-term debt obligations are as follows: At December 31, Verizon Communications — notes payable and other Interest Rates % 0.50 – 3.85 4.11 – 5.50 5.85 – 6.90 7.35 – 8.95 Floating Maturities 2017 – 2042 2018 – 2055 2018 – 2054 2018 – 2039 2017 – 2025 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 2022 – 2031 Other subsidiaries — notes payable, debentures and other 6.84 – 8.75 2018 – 2028 Verizon Wireless and other subsidiaries — asset- backed debt 1.42 – 2.36 Floating 2021 2021 Capital lease obligations (average rate of 3.5% and 3.4% in 2016 and 2015, respectively) Unamortized discount, net of premium Unamortized debt issuance costs Total long-term debt, including current maturities Less long-term debt maturing within one year Total long-term debt $ 2016 28,491 53,909 11,295 1,860 9,750 525 319 561 328 1,102 2,485 2,520 (dollars in millions) $ 2015 26,281 51,156 16,420 2,300 14,100 686 575 1,099 780 1,500 – – 950 (5,716) (469) 107,910 2,477 $ 105,433 957 (5,824) (465) 109,565 6,325 $ 103,240 2016 April Tender Offers On March 4, 2016, we announced the commencement of three concurrent, but separate, tender offers (the April Tender Offers) to purchase for cash (1) any and all of the series of notes listed below in the Group 1 Any and All Offer, (2) any and all of the series of notes listed below in the Group 2 Any and All Offer and (3) up to $5.5 billion aggregate purchase price, excluding accrued and unpaid interest and any fees or commis- sions, of the series of notes listed below in the Group 3 Offer. The April Tender Offers for each series of notes were conditioned upon the closing of the sale of our local exchange business and related landline activities in California, Florida and Texas to Frontier and the receipt of at least $9.5 billion of the purchase price cash at closing (the Sale Condition). The Sale Condition was satisfied and the April Tender Offers were settled on April 4, 2016, resulting in the notes listed below being repurchased and cancelled for $10.2 billion, inclusive of accrued interest of $0.1 billion. The table below lists the series of notes included in the Group 1 Any and All Offer: (dollars in millions, except for Purchase Price) Verizon Communications Inc. Interest Rate 2.50% 2.00% 6.35% Maturity 2016 2016 2019 Principal Amount Outstanding $ 2,182 1,250 1,750 Purchase Price(1) $ 1,007.60 1,007.20 1,133.32 Principal Amount Purchased $ 1,272 731 970 $ 2,973 (1) Per $1,000 principal amount of notes tendered and not withdrawn prior to early expiration 58 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued The table below lists the series of notes included in the Group 2 Any and All Offer: (dollars in millions, except for Purchase Price) Verizon Delaware LLC Interest Rate 8.375% 8.625% Maturity 2019 2031 Principal Amount Outstanding 15 15 $ Purchase Price(1) $ 1,182.11 1,365.39 Principal Amount Purchased 15 5 $ Verizon Maryland LLC Verizon New England Inc. Verizon New Jersey Inc. Verizon New York Inc. Verizon Pennsylvania LLC Verizon Virginia LLC 8.00% 8.30% 5.125% 7.875% 8.00% 7.85% 6.50% 7.375% 6.00% 8.35% 8.75% 7.875% 8.375% 2029 2031 2033 2029 2022 2029 2028 2032 2028 2030 2031 2022 2029 50 100 350 349 200 149 100 500 125 175 125 100 100 1,301.32 1,347.26 1,012.50 1,261.63 1,238.65 1,311.32 1,151.71 1,201.92 1,110.47 1,324.10 1,356.47 1,227.79 1,319.78 22 76 171 176 54 63 28 256 57 127 72 43 81 $ 1,246 (1) Per $1,000 principal amount of notes tendered and not withdrawn prior to early expiration The table below lists the series of notes included in the Group 3 Offer: (dollars in millions, except for Purchase Price) Verizon Communications Inc. Alltel Corporation GTE Corporation (1) Per $1,000 principal amount of notes Interest Rate 8.95% 7.75% 7.35% 7.75% 6.55% 6.40% 6.90% 6.25% 6.40% 5.85% 6.00% 5.15% 7.875% 6.80% 6.94% 8.75% Maturity 2039 2032 2039 2030 2043 2033 2038 2037 2038 2035 2041 2023 2032 2029 2028 2021 $ Principal Amount Outstanding 353 251 480 1,206 6,585 2,196 477 750 866 1,500 1,000 8,517 452 235 800 300 Purchase Price(1) $ 1,506.50 1,315.19 1,293.50 1,377.92 1,291.74 1,220.28 1,243.29 1,167.66 1,176.52 1,144.68 1,164.56 1,152.83 1,322.92 1,252.93 1,261.35 1,307.34 $ Principal Amount Purchased 63 33 68 276 2,340 466 92 114 116 250 – – 115 47 237 93 $ 4,310 www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 59 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued April Early Debt Redemption On April 8, 2016, we redeemed in whole the following series of out- standing notes which were called for redemption on April 5, 2016 (collectively, April Early Debt Redemption): $0.9 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 2.50% Notes due 2016 at 100.8% of the principal amount of such notes, $0.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 2.00% Notes due 2016 at 100.8% of the principal amount of such notes, and $0.8 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 6.35% Notes due 2019 at 113.5% of the principal amount of such notes. These notes were repurchased and cancelled for $2.3 billion, inclusive of an imma- terial amount of accrued interest. Debt Issuances and Redemptions During August 2016, we issued $6.2 billion aggregate principal amount of fixed and floating rate notes. The issuance of these Notes resulted in cash proceeds of approximately $6.1 billion, net of discounts and issuance costs and after reimbursement of certain expenses. The issuance consisted of the following series of notes: $0.4 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications Floating Rate Notes due 2019, $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 1.375% Notes due 2019, $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 1.750% Notes due 2021, $2.3 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 2.625% Notes due 2026, and $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 4.125% Notes due 2046. The floating rate notes bear interest at a rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 0.370%, which rate will be reset quarterly. The net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including to repay at maturity on September 15, 2016, $2.3 billion aggregate principal amount of our floating rate notes, plus accrued interest on the notes. During September 2016, we issued $2.1 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.20% Notes due 2046. The issuance of these Notes resulted in cash proceeds of approximately $2.0 billion, net of discounts and issuance costs and after reimbursement of certain expenses. The net proceeds were used to redeem in whole $0.9 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 4.80% Notes due 2044 at 100% of the principal amount of such notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption, for an imma- terial loss. Proceeds not used for the redemption of these notes were used for general corporate purposes. During October 2016, we issued the following series of notes: €1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 0.500% Notes due 2022, €1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 0.875% Notes due 2025, €1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 1.375% Notes due 2028, and £0.45 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 3.125% Notes due 2035. The issuance of these notes resulted in cash proceeds of approximately $4.1 billion, net of discounts and issuance costs and after reimbursement of certain expenses. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were used for general corporate purposes, including the financing of our acquisition of Fleetmatics and the repayment of outstanding indebtedness. During December 2016, we redeemed in whole $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 1.35% Notes due 2017 at 100.321% of the principal amount of such notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption, for an immaterial loss. Also in December 2016, we repurchased $2.5 billion aggregate principal amount of the eight-year Verizon Notes at 100% of the aggregate principal amount of such notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. During February 2017, we issued $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.95% Notes due 2047. The issuance of these Notes resulted in cash proceeds of approximately $1.5 billion, net of discounts and issuance costs and after reimbursement of certain expenses. The net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. 2017 Term Loan Agreement During January 2017, we entered into a term loan credit agreement with a syndicate of major financial institutions, pursuant to which we can borrow up to $5.5 billion for (i) the acquisition of Yahoo and (ii) general corporate purposes. Borrowings under the term loan credit agreement mature 18 months following the funding date, with a partial mandatory prepayment required within six months following the funding date. 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 credit agreement requires us to maintain a leverage ratio (as defined in the term loan credit 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 Investor Service and S&P Global Ratings, respectively. To date, we have not drawn on this term loan. January 2017 Exchange Offers and Cash Offers On January 25, 2017, we commenced eighteen separate private offers to exchange (the January 2017 Exchange Offers) specified series of outstanding Notes issued by Verizon Communications (the Old Notes) for new Notes to be issued by Verizon Communications. In connection with the January 2017 Exchange Offers, which expired on January 31, 2017 and settled on February 3, 2017, we issued $3.2 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 2.946% Notes due 2022, $1.7 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 4.812% Notes due 2039 and $4.1 billion aggregate principal amount of Verizon Communications 5.012% Notes due 2049 (collectively, the New Notes) plus applicable cash of $0.6 billion (not including accrued and unpaid interest on the Old Notes) in exchange for $8.3 billion aggregate principal amount of tendered Old Notes. We concurrently commenced eighteen separate offers to purchase for cash (the January 2017 Cash Offers) the Old Notes. In connection with the January 2017 Cash Offers, which expired on January 31, 2017 and settled on February 3, 2017, we repurchased $0.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Old Notes for $0.5 billion, exclusive of accrued interest. 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. 60 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued 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 obliga- tions. During 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. 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. Asset- Backed Debt As of December 31, 2016, the carrying value of our asset- backed debt was $5.0 billion. Our asset- backed debt includes notes (the Asset- Backed Notes) issued to third-party investors (Investors) and loans (ABS Financing Facility) received from banks and their conduit facilities (collectively, the Banks). Our consolidated asset- backed securitization bankruptcy remote legal entities (each, an ABS Entity or collectively, the ABS Entities) issue the debt or are otherwise party to the transaction documentation in connection with our asset- backed debt transactions. Under the terms of our asset- backed debt, we transfer device payment plan agreement receivables from Cellco Partnership and certain other affiliates of Verizon (collectively, the Originators) to one of the ABS Entities, which in turn transfer such receivables to another ABS Entity that issues the debt. Verizon entities retain the equity interests in the ABS Entities, which represent the rights to all funds not needed to make required payments on the asset- backed debt and other related payments and expenses. Our asset- backed debt is secured by the transferred device payment plan agreement receivables and future collections on such receiv- ables. The device payment plan agreement receivables transferred to the ABS Entities and related assets, consisting primarily of restricted cash, will only be available for payment of asset- backed debt and expenses related thereto, payments to the Originators in respect of additional transfers of device payment plan agreement receivables, and other obligations arising from our asset- backed debt transactions, and will not be available to pay other obligations or claims of Verizon’s creditors until the associated asset- backed debt and other obligations are satisfied. The Investors or Banks, as applicable, which hold our asset- backed debt have legal recourse to the assets securing the debt, but do not have any recourse to Verizon with respect to the payment of principal and interest on the debt. Under a parent support agreement, Verizon has agreed to guarantee certain of the payment obligations of Cellco Partnership and the Originators to the ABS Entities. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 61 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Cash collections on the device payment plan agreement receivables are required at certain specified times to be placed into segregated accounts. Deposits to the segregated accounts are considered restricted cash and are included in Prepaid expenses and other and Other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. Proceeds from our asset- backed debt transactions, deposits to the segregated accounts and payments to the Originators in respect of additional transfers of device payment plan agreement receivables, are reflected in Cash flows from financing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Repayments of our asset- backed debt and related interest payments made from the segregated accounts are non-cash activities and therefore are not reflected within Cash flows from financing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. The asset- backed debt issued and the assets securing this debt are included on our consolidated balance sheets. Asset- Backed Notes In July 2016, we issued $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of senior and junior asset- backed notes through an ABS Entity, of which $1.1 billion of notes were sold to Investors. The senior asset- backed notes have an expected weighted- average life of about 2.5 years and bear interest at 1.42% per annum. The junior asset- backed notes have an expected weighted- average life of about 3.2 years and bear interest at a weighted- average rate of 1.53%. In November 2016, we issued $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of senior and junior asset- backed notes through an ABS Entity. The senior asset- backed notes have an expected weighted- average life of about 2.6 years and bear interest at 1.68% per annum. The junior asset- backed notes have an expected weighted- average life of about 3.3 years and bear interest at a weighted- average rate of 2.26%. Under the terms of the asset- backed notes, there is a two-year revolving period during which we may transfer additional receivables to the ABS Entity. ABS Financing Facility During September 2016, we entered into a device payment plan agreement financing facility through an ABS Entity with a number of financial institutions. Under the terms of the ABS Financing Facility, such counterparties made advances under asset- backed loans backed by device payment plan agreement receivables for proceeds of $1.5 billion. We had the option of requesting an additional $1.5 billion of committed funding. During December 2016, we received additional funding of $1.0 billion under this option. These loans have an expected weighted- average life of about 2.4 years and bear interest at floating rates. There is a two-year revolving period, which may be extended, during which we may transfer additional receivables to the ABS Entity. Subject to certain conditions, we may also remove receivables from the ABS Entity. We may prepay the outstanding amounts of the loans without penalty, but in certain cases, with breakage costs. As of December 31, 2016, outstanding borrowings under the ABS Financing Facility were $2.5 billion. Although the ABS Financing Facility is fully drawn as of December 31, 2016, we have the right to prepay all or a portion thereof at any time. If we choose to prepay, the amount prepaid shall be available for further drawdowns until September 2018, except in certain circumstances. Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) The ABS Entities meet the definition of a VIE for which we have determined we are the primary beneficiary as we have both the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the entity. Therefore, the assets, liabilities and activities of the ABS Entities are consolidated in our financial results and are included in amounts presented on the face of our consolidated balance sheets. The assets and liabilities related to our asset- backed debt arrange- ments included on our consolidated balance sheets were as follows: At December 31, Assets Account receivable, net Prepaid expenses and other Other Assets Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Long-term debt (dollars in millions) 2016 2015 $ $ 3,383 236 2,383 4 4,988 – – – – – See Note 7 for more information on device payment plan agreement receivables used to secure asset- backed debt. Early Debt Redemption and Other Costs During 2016, we recorded net pre-tax losses on early debt redemption of $1.8 billion primarily in connection with the April Tender Offers and the April Early Debt Redemption. We recognize early debt redemption costs in Other income and (expense), net on our consolidated statements of income and within our Net cash used in financing activities on our consolidated state- ments of cash flows. Additional Financing Activities (Non-Cash Transaction) During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we financed, primarily through vendor financing arrangements, the purchase of approximately $0.5 billion and $0.7 billion, respectively, of long-lived assets consisting primarily of network equipment. At December 31, 2016, $1.1 billion relating to vendor financing arrangements, including those entered into in prior years, remained outstanding. 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 of our operating telephone company subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2016, $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of these obligations remained outstanding. Each guarantee will remain in place for the life of the obligation unless terminated pursuant to its terms, including the operating telephone company no longer being a wholly-owned subsidiary of Verizon. As a result of the closing of the Access Line Sale on April 1, 2016, GTE Southwest Inc., Verizon California Inc. and Verizon Florida LLC are no longer wholly-owned subsidiaries of Verizon, and the guar- antees of $0.6 billion aggregate principal amount of debentures and first mortgage bonds of those entities have terminated pursuant to their terms. 62 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued We also guarantee the debt obligations of GTE LLC as successor in interest to GTE Corporation that were issued and outstanding prior to July 1, 2003. As of December 31, 2016, $1.1 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, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, at December 31, 2016 are as follows: Years 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter (dollars in millions) $ 2,477 7,729 5,548 9.040 12.097 71,988 Note 7 Wireless Device Payment Plans Under the Verizon device payment program, our eligible wireless customers purchase wireless devices under a device payment plan agreement. 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 device payment plan charge is included on their standard wireless monthly bill. Wireless Device Payment Plan Agreement Receivables The following table displays device payment plan receivables, net, that continue to be recognized in our consolidated balance sheets: At December 31, Device payment plan agreement receivables, gross Unamortized imputed interest Device payment plan agreement receivables, net of unamortized imputed interest Allowance for credit losses Device payment plan agreement receivables, net Classified on our consolidated balance sheets: Accounts receivable, net Other assets Device payment plan agreement receivables, net (dollars in millions) 2016 2015 $ 11,797 (511) $ 3,720 (142) 11,286 (688) 3,578 (444) $ 10,598 $ 3,134 $ 6,140 4,458 $ 1,979 1,155 $ 10,598 $ 3,134 Included in our device payment plan agreement receivables, net at December 31, 2016 are net device payment plan agreement receiv- ables of $5.7 billion that have been transferred to ABS Entities and continue to be reported in our consolidated financial statements. We may offer our customers certain promotions where a customer can trade-in his or her owned device in connection with the purchase of a new device. Under these types of promotions, the customer will receive trade-in credits that are applied to the customer’s monthly bill. As a result, we recognize a trade-in obligation measured at fair value using weighted- average selling prices obtained in recent resales of devices eligible for trade-in. Device payment plan agreement receiv- ables, net does not reflect this trade-in obligation. At December 31, 2016, the amount of trade-in obligations was not significant. At the time of sale of a device, we impute risk adjusted interest on the device payment plan agreement 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 statements of income, is recognized over the financed device payment term. When originating device payment plan agreements, we use internal and external data sources to create a credit risk score to measure the credit quality of a customer and to determine eligibility for the device payment program. If a customer is either new to Verizon Wireless or has less than 210 days of customer tenure with Verizon Wireless (a new customer), the credit decision process relies more heavily on external data sources. If the customer has 210 days or more of customer tenure with Verizon Wireless (an existing customer), the credit decision process relies on internal data sources. Verizon Wireless’ experience has been that the payment attributes of longer tenured customers are highly predictive when considering their ability to pay in the future. External data sources include obtaining a credit report from a national consumer credit reporting agency, if available. Verizon Wireless uses its internal data and/or credit data obtained from the credit reporting agencies to create a custom credit risk score. The custom credit risk score is generated automatically (except with respect to a small number of applications where the information needs manual intervention) from the applicant’s credit data using Verizon Wireless’ proprietary custom credit models, which are empirically derived, demonstrably and statistically sound. The credit risk score measures the likelihood that the potential customer will become severely delinquent and be disconnected for non- payment. For a small portion of new customer applications, a traditional credit report is not available from one of the national credit reporting agencies because the potential customer does not have sufficient credit history. In those instances, alternate credit data is used for the risk assessment. Based on the custom credit risk score, we assign each customer to a credit class, each of which has a specified required down payment percentage and specified credit limits. Device payment plan agreement receivables originated from customers assigned to credit classes requiring no down payment represent the lowest risk. Device payment plan agreement receivables originated from customers assigned to credit classes requiring a down payment represent a higher risk. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 63 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Subsequent to origination, Verizon Wireless monitors delinquency and write-off experience as key credit quality indicators for its portfolio of device payment plan agreements and fixed-term service plans. The extent of our collection efforts with respect to a particular customer are based on the results of proprietary custom empirically derived internal behavioral scoring models which analyze the customer’s past performance to predict the likelihood of the customer falling further delinquent. These customer scoring models assess a number of variables, including origination characteristics, customer account history and payment patterns. Based on the score derived from these models, accounts are grouped by risk category to determine the collection strategy to be applied to such accounts. We continuously monitor collection performance results and the credit quality of our device payment plan agreement receivables based on a variety of metrics, including aging. Verizon Wireless considers an account to be delinquent and in default status if there are unpaid charges remaining on the account on the day after the bill’s due date. The balance and aging of the device payment plan agreement receiv- ables on a gross basis was as follows: At December 31, Unbilled Billed: Current Past due Device payment plan agreement receivables, gross (dollars in millions) 2016 $ 11,089 2015 $ 3,420 557 151 227 73 $ 11,797 $ 3,720 Activity in the allowance for credit losses for the device payment plan agreement receivables was as follows: Balance at January 1, 2016 Bad debt expense Write-offs Allowance related to receivables sold Other Balance at December 31, 2016 (dollars in millions) $ $ 444 692 (479) 28 3 688 Customers that entered into device payment plan 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 payment plan agreement payments and trading in their device in good working order. Generally, customers entering into device payment plan agreements on or after June 1, 2015 are required to repay all amounts due under their device payment plan agreements before being eligible to upgrade their device. However, on select devices, certain marketing promotions have been revocably offered to customers to upgrade to a new device after paying down a certain specified portion of the required device payment plan agreement amount as well as trading in their device in good working order. When a customer enters into a device payment plan agreement with the right to upgrade to a new device, we record a guarantee liability in accordance with our accounting policy. Sales of Wireless Device Payment Plan Agreement Receivables During 2015 and 2016, we established programs pursuant to a Receivables Purchase Agreement, or RPA, to sell from time to time, on an uncommitted basis, eligible device payment plan agreement receiv- ables to a group of primarily relationship banks (Purchasers) on both a revolving (Revolving Program) and non- revolving (Non- Revolving Program) basis. The receivables sold under the RPA are no longer considered assets of Verizon. The outstanding portfolio of device payment plan agreement receivables derecognized from our consoli- dated balance sheet, but which we continue to service, was $4.3 billion at December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, the total portfolio of device payment plan agreement receivables, including derecognized device payment plan agreement receivables, that we are servicing was $16.1 billion. Under the Non- Revolving Program, we transfer the eligible receivables to wholly-owned subsidiaries that are bankruptcy remote special purpose entities (Sellers). 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). Under the Revolving Program, we sell eligible device payment plan agreement receivables on a revolving basis, 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. Customer payments made towards receivables sold under the Revolving Program will be available to purchase additional eligible device payment plan agreement receivables originated during the revolving period. We elected to end the revolving period in July 2016. 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 excluded device payment plan agreements where a new customer was required to provide a down payment. The sales of receivables under the RPA 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 statements of cash flows. During 2016, we sold $3.3 billion of receivables, net of allowance and imputed interest, under the Revolving Program. We received cash proceeds from new transfers of $2.0 billion and cash proceeds from reinvested collections of $0.9 billion, and recorded a deferred purchase price of $0.4 billion. During 2015, we sold $6.1 billion of receivables, net of allowances and imputed interest, under the Non- Revolving Program. In connection with this sale, we received cash proceeds from new transfers of $4.5 billion and recorded a deferred purchase price of $1.7 billion. During 2015, we also sold $3.3 billion of receivables, net of allowances and imputed interest, under the Revolving Program. In connection with this sale, we received cash proceeds from new transfers of $2.7 billion and recorded a deferred purchase price of $0.6 billion. 64 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Deferred Purchase Price Under the RPA, the deferred purchase price was initially recorded at fair value, based on the remaining device payment 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 in con- nection with upgrades. 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. To date, we have collected $1.1 billion which was returned as deferred purchase price and recorded within Cash flows provided by operating activities on our consolidated statements of cash flows. Collections which were returned as deferred purchase price and recorded within Cash flows provided by investing activities on our consolidated statements of cash flows were immaterial. At December 31, 2016, our deferred purchase price receivable, which is held by the Sellers, was comprised of $1.2 billion included within Prepaid expenses and other and $0.4 billion included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2015, our deferred purchase price receivable was $2.2 billion, which was included within Other assets in our consolidated balance sheet. Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) Under the RPA, the Sellers’ sole business consists of the acquisition of the receivables from Cellco Partnership and certain other affiliates of Verizon and the resale of the receivables to the Purchasers. The assets of the Sellers are not available to be used to satisfy obligations of any Verizon entities other than the Sellers. We determined that the Sellers are VIEs as they lack sufficient equity to finance their activities. Given that we have the power to direct the activities of the Sellers that most significantly impact the Sellers’ economic performance, we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the Sellers. As a result, we consolidate the assets and liabilities of the Sellers into our consoli- dated financial statements. 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 on behalf of the Purchasers, 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. To date, we have collected and remitted approximately $7.1 billion, net of fees. To date, cash proceeds received, net of remittances, were $3.0 billion. During 2016, credit losses on receivables sold were $0.2 billion. In addition, we have continuing involvement related to the sold receiv- ables 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 Sellers is limited to the amount of the outstanding deferred purchase price, which was $1.6 billion as of December 31, 2016. 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 8 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, 2016: Level 1(1) Level 2(2) Level 3(3) Total (dollars in millions) Assets: Other assets: $ Equity securities Fixed income securities Interest rate swaps Cross currency swaps Interest rate cap Total Liabilities: Other liabilities: Interest rate swaps Cross currency swaps Total $ $ $ 123 10 – – – 133 $ $ – 566 71 45 10 692 $ $ – – – $ 236 1,803 $ 2,039 $ $ – – – – – – – – – $ $ 123 576 71 45 10 825 $ 236 1,803 $ 2,039 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: $ 265 – Fixed income securities 250 $ – 85 – Other assets: Fixed income securities Interest rate swaps Net investment hedges Cross currency swaps Total Liabilities: Other liabilities: Interest rate swaps Cross currency swaps Forward interest rate swaps Total $ $ $ – – – – 515 928 128 13 1 $ 1,155 $ – – – – $ 19 1,638 $ 24 $ 1,681 $ – – – – – – – – – – – – $ 265 85 250 928 128 13 1 $ 1,670 $ 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 www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 65 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued do not have quoted prices in active markets, we use alternative matrix pricing resulting in these debt securities being classified as Level 2. pricing for fair value measurements of our derivative instruments. Our derivative instruments are recorded on a gross basis. 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 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 2016. 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: At December 31, Short- and long-term debt, excluding capital leases Derivative Instruments Interest Rate Swaps We enter into 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 interest rate risk exposure of designated debt issuances. We record the interest rate swaps at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets as assets and liabilities. Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps are recorded to Interest expense, which are offset by changes in the fair value of the hedged debt due to changes in interest rates. During 2015, we entered into interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $5.8 billion. During 2016, we entered into interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $6.3 billion and settled $0.9 billion notional amount of interest rate swaps. The ineffective portion of these interest rate swaps was not material at December 31, 2016 and 2015. 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. During 2015, we settled $2.0 billion notional amount of forward interest rate swaps for a pre-tax loss that was not material, and entered into forward interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $0.8 billion. During 2016, we entered into forward interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $1.3 billion and settled $2.0 billion notional amount of these forward interest rate swaps. During 2016, a pre-tax loss of $0.2 billion was recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss). During 2015, a pre-tax loss of $0.1 billion was recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss). Cross Currency Swaps We have entered into cross currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges to exchange our 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. During 2015, we settled $0.6 billion of cross currency swaps on maturity. During 2016, we entered into cross currency swaps with a total notional value of $3.3 billion and settled $0.1 billion notional amount of cross currency swaps upon redemption of the related debt. Carrying Amount $ 107,128 2016 Fair Value $ 117,584 Carrying Amount $ 108,772 (dollars in millions) 2015 Fair Value $ 118,216 A portion of the gains and losses recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss) 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. During 2016 and 2015, pre-tax losses of $0.1 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, were recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss) with respect to these swaps. Net Investment Hedges We have designated certain foreign currency instruments 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 2015, we entered into foreign currency forward contracts with a total notional value of $0.9 billion and designated them as net investment hedges. During 2016, we de- designated and settled these hedges. We simultaneously designated $0.8 billion total notional value of Euro- denominated debt as a net investment hedge. Undesignated Derivatives We also have the following derivative which we use as an economic hedge but for which we have elected not to apply hedge accounting. Interest Rate Caps We enter into interest rate caps to mitigate our interest exposure to interest rate increases on our ABS Financing Facility. During 2016, we entered into such interest rate caps with a notional value of $2.5 billion and recognized an immaterial reduction in Interest expense. The following table sets forth the notional amounts of our outstanding derivative instruments: (dollars in millions) Interest rate swaps Forward interest rate swaps Cross currency swaps Net investment hedge Interest rate caps At December 31, 2016 Notional Amount $ 13,099 – 12,890 – 2,540 At December 31, 2015 Notional Amount $ 7,620 750 9,675 864 – 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, including device payment plan agreement receivables, certain notes receivable, including lease receivables, and derivative contracts. Our policy is to deposit 66 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued our temporary cash investments with major financial institutions. 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, 2016 and 2015, we posted collat- eral of approximately $0.2 billion and $0.1 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 are in the process of negotiating extensions to amendments expiring during 2017. We may enter into swaps on an uncollateral- ized 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. Note 9 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 generally 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, 2014 Granted Payments Cancelled/Forfeited Outstanding December 31, 2014 Granted Payments Cancelled/Forfeited Outstanding December 31, 2015 Granted Payments Cancelled/Forfeited Adjustments Outstanding December 31, 2016 Restricted Stock Units 16,193 5,278 (6,202) (262) 15,007 4,958 (5,911) (151) 13,903 4,409 (4,890) (114) – 13,308 Performance Stock Units 23,724 7,359 (9,153) (1,964) 19,966 7,044 (6,732) (3,075) 17,203 6,391 (4,702) (1,143) 170 17,919 As of December 31, 2016, unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of Verizon’s RSUs and PSUs was approximately $0.3 billion and is expected to be recognized over approximately two years. The RSUs granted in 2016 and 2015 have weighted- average grant date fair values of $51.86 and $48.15 per unit, respectively. During 2016, 2015 and 2014, we paid $0.4 billion, $0.4 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively, to settle RSUs and PSUs classified as liability awards. Stock-Based Compensation Expense After-tax compensation expense for stock-based compensation related to RSUs and PSUs described above included in Net income attributable to Verizon was $0.4 billion, $0.3 billion and $0.3 billion for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Note 10 Employee Benefits We maintain non- contributory defined benefit pension plans for certain employees. In addition, we maintain postretirement health care and life insurance plans for certain 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, an estimated return on plan assets, and health care trend rates. These estimates are updated in the fourth quarter to reflect actual return on plan assets and updated actuarial assumptions. The adjustment 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 certain employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements. Modifications in benefits have been bargained from time to time, and we may also periodically 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 post- retirement health care and life insurance benefit plans. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 67 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued 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 Divestiture (Note 2) End of year Change in Plan Assets Beginning of year Actual return on plan assets Company contributions Benefits paid Settlements paid Divestiture (Note 2) End of year Funded Status End of year 2016 $ 22,016 322 677 428 1,017 (938) 4 (1,270) (1,144) $ 21,112 $ 16,124 882 837 (938) (1,270) (972) $ 14,663 Pension 2015 $ 25,320 374 969 – (1,361) (971) – (2,315) – $ 22,016 $ 18,548 118 744 (971) (2,315) – $ 16,124 (dollars in millions) Health Care and Life 2015 2016 $ 24,223 193 746 (5,142) 1,289 (1,349) – – (310) $ 19,650 $ $ 1,760 35 917 (1,349) – – 1,363 $ 27,097 324 1,117 (45) (2,733) (1,370) – – (167) $ 24,223 $ $ 2,435 28 667 (1,370) – – 1,760 $ (6,449) $ (5,892) $ (18,287) $ (22,463) As a result of the Access Line Sale which closed on April 1, 2016, we derecognized $0.7 billion of defined benefit pension and other postre- tirement benefit plan obligations, including $0.2 billion that had been reclassified to Non- current liabilities related to assets held for sale in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015. 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 Cost (Benefit) Total 2016 2 (88) (6,363) (6,449) 443 443 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Pension 2015 349 (93) (6,148) (5,892) (dollars in millions) Health Care and Life 2015 2016 $ – (639) (17,648) $ (18,287) $ – (695) (21,768) $ (22,463) (51) (51) $ $ (6,072) (6,072) $ $ (2,038) (2,038) The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $21.1 billion and $22.0 billion at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 2016 Collective Bargaining Negotiations In the collective bargaining agreements ratified in June 2016, Verizon’s annual postretirement benefit obligation for retiree healthcare remains capped at the levels established by the previous contracts ratified in 2012. Effective January 2016, prior to reaching these new collective bargaining agreements, certain retirees began to pay for the costs of retiree healthcare in accordance with the provisions relating to caps in the previous contracts. In reaching new collective bargaining agreements in 2016, there is a mutual understanding that the sub- stantive postretirement benefit plans provide that Verizon’s annual postretirement benefit obligation for retiree healthcare is capped and, accordingly, we began accounting for the contractual healthcare caps in June 2016. We also adopted changes to our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans to reflect the agreed upon terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agree- ments. The impact was a reduction in our postretirement benefit plan obligations of approximately $5.1 billion and an increase in our defined benefit pension plan obligations of approximately $0.4 billion, which have been recorded as a net increase to Accumulated other comprehensive income of $2.9 billion (net of taxes of $1.8 billion). The amount recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income will be reclassified to net periodic benefit cost on a straight-line basis over 68 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued the average remaining service period of the respective plans’ partic- ipants which, on a weighted- average basis, is 12.2 years for defined benefit pension plans and 7.8 years for other postretirement benefit plans. The above-noted reclassification resulted in a decrease to net periodic benefit cost and increase to pre-tax income of approximately $0.4 billion during 2016. 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 2016 $ 21,048 20,990 14,596 (dollars in millions) 2015 $ 21,694 21,636 15,452 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 $ 2016 322 21 (1,045) 677 1,198 1,173 4 $ 1,177 2015 374 (5) (1,270) 969 (209) (141) – (141) $ $ $ Pension 2014 327 (8) (1,181) 1,035 2,380 2,553 11 $ 2,564 $ 2016 193 (657) (54) 746 1,300 1,528 – $ 1,528 $ $ Health Care and Life 2014 258 (253) (161) 1,107 4,615 5,566 – $ 5,566 2015 324 (287) (101) 1,117 (2,659) (1,606) – (1,606) $ 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 (benefit) Reversal of amortization items Prior service cost (benefit) Amounts reclassified to net income Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss (pre-tax) 2016 428 (21) 87 494 $ $ Pension 2015 – $ 5 – 5 $ Health Care and Life 2015 (45) $ 2016 $ (5,142) 657 451 $ (4,034) 287 – 242 $ Amounts reclassified to net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 includes the reclassification to Selling, general and administrative expense of a pre-tax pension and postretirement benefit curtailment gain of $0.5 billion ($0.3 billion net of taxes) due to the transfer of employees to Frontier, which caused the elimination of a significant amount of future service in three of our defined benefit pension plans and one of our other postretirement benefit plans requiring us to recognize a portion of the prior service credits. See Note 2 for additional detail. The estimated prior service cost for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit (income) cost over the next fiscal year is not significant. The estimated prior service cost for the defined benefit postretire- ment plans that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit (income) cost over the next fiscal year is ($0.9) billion. Assumptions The weighted- average assumptions used in determining benefit obligations follow: At December 31, Discount Rate Rate of compensation increases 2016 4.30% 3.00 Pension 2015 4.60% 3.00 Health Care and Life 2015 4.60% N/A 2016 4.20% N/A The weighted- average assumptions used in determining net periodic cost follow: At December 31, Discount rate in effect for determining service cost Discount rate in effect for determining interest cost Expected return on plan assets Rate of compensation increases 2016 4.50% 3.20 7.00 3.00 2015 4.20% 4.20 7.25 3.00 Pension 2014 5.00% 5.00 7.25 3.00 2016 4.50% 3.40 3.80 N/A Health Care and Life 2014 5.00% 5.00 5.50 N/A 2015 4.20% 4.20 4.80 N/A www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 69 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued 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 have accounted for this change as a change in accounting estimate and accordingly accounted for it prospectively. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the impact of this change on our consolidated GAAP results was a reduction of the interest cost component of net periodic benefit cost by approximately $0.4 billion. 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 immediately recognized in the income statement. Accordingly, this change in estimate did not impact our income from continuing operations, net income or earnings per share as measured on an annual basis. In determining our pension and other postretirement benefit obliga- tions, we used a weighted- average discount rate of 4.2%. 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, 2016. 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 market- ability (at least $0.3 billion par outstanding). 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: At December 31, Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year Rate to which cost trend rate gradually Health Care and Life 2014 2015 2016 6.50% 6.00% 6.50% declines 4.50 4.50 4.75 Year the rate reaches the level it is assumed to remain thereafter 2025 2024 2022 A one- percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effects: 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 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, 2016 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 Real estate Other Private equity Hedge funds Total investments at fair value Total Level 1 Level 2 $ 1,228 $ 1,219 $ 1,883 1,883 Level 3 – – 9 $ – 1,251 2,375 713 655 880 371 152 2,126 679 – 20 – – 97 14 655 624 526 624 – 4 – 9,255 4,154 3,707 1,394 – 522 Investments measured at NAV 5,408 Total $ 14,663 $ 4,154 $ 3,707 $ 1,394 The fair values for the pension 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 U.S. Treasuries and agencies Corporate bonds International bonds Other Real estate Other Private equity Hedge funds Total investments at fair value Total Level 1 Level 2 $ 1,387 $ 1,375 $ 2,237 2,234 Level 3 – 3 12 $ – 1,265 2,350 710 2 873 884 381 192 2,030 657 2 – 33 – – – 128 20 – 873 609 194 609 – – – 9,627 4,718 3,276 1,633 – 194 One- Percentage Point Effect on 2016 service and interest cost Effect on postretirement benefit obligation as of Increase $ 100 Decrease (81) $ Total December 31, 2016 609 (616) $ 16,124 $ 4,718 $ 3,276 $ 1,633 (dollars in millions) Investments measured at NAV 6,497 70 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued 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, 2015 Actual gain (loss) on plan assets Purchases and sales Transfers in (out) Balance at December 31, 2015 Actual gain (loss) on plan assets Purchases and sales Balance at December 31, 2016 $ Equity Securities 1 – – 2 3 (1) (2) – $ $ $ Corporate Bonds 100 6 18 4 128 (9) (22) 97 $ $ $ International Bonds 18 (2) 5 (1) 20 (2) (4) 14 $ $ Real Estate 692 93 (24) 112 873 169 (387) 655 $ $ $ Private Equity 624 45 (60) – 609 12 3 624 $ $ $ Hedge Funds – – – – – – 4 4 $ $ $ (dollars in millions) Total $ 1,435 142 (61) 117 $ 1,633 169 (408) $ 1,394 Commingled funds not traded on national exchanges are priced by the funds’ custodian or administrator at NAV. Commingled funds held by third-party custodians appointed by the fund managers provide the fund managers with a NAV. The fund managers have the responsibility for providing this information to the custodian of the respective plan. The investment manager of the entity values venture capital, corporate finance, and natural resource limited partnership investments. Real estate investments are valued at amounts based upon appraisal reports prepared by either independent real estate appraisers or the investment manager using discounted cash flows or market compa- rable data. Loans secured by mortgages are carried at the lesser of the unpaid balance or appraised value of the underlying properties. The values assigned to these investments are based upon available and current market information and do not necessarily represent amounts which might ultimately be realized. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, estimated fair values might differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the securities existed. These differences could be material. Forward currency contracts, futures, and options are valued by the trustee at the exchange rates and market prices prevailing on the last business day of the year. Both exchange rates and market prices are readily available from published sources. These securities are classi- fied by the asset class of the underlying holdings. Hedge funds are valued by the custodian at NAV based on statements received from the investment manager. These funds are valued in accordance with the terms of their corresponding offering or private placement memoranda. Commingled funds, hedge funds, venture capital, corporate finance, natural resource and real estate limited partnership investments for which fair value is measured using the NAV per share as a practical expedient are not leveled within the fair value hierarchy and are included as a reconciling item to total investments. Health Care and Life Plans The fair values for the other postretirement benefit plans by asset category at December 31, 2016 are as follows: (dollars in millions) Asset Category Cash and cash equivalents Equity securities Fixed income securities Total $ 131 $ 463 Level 1 Level 2 1 $ 130 $ 463 – Level 3 – – U.S. Treasuries and agencies Corporate bonds International bonds Total investments at fair value Investments measured at NAV 23 170 60 847 516 22 145 30 661 1 25 30 186 Total $ 1,363 $ 661 $ 186 $ – – – – – 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 $ 162 $ 768 Level 1 Level 2 – $ 162 $ 752 16 Level 3 – – U.S. Treasuries and agencies Corporate bonds International bonds Total investments at fair value Investments measured at NAV 21 208 79 1,238 522 19 133 19 923 2 75 60 315 Total $ 1,760 $ 923 $ 315 $ – – – – – 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. Investments in securities traded on national and foreign securities exchanges are valued by the trustee at the last reported sale prices on the last business day of the year or, if no sales were reported on that date, at the last reported bid prices. Government obligations, corporate bonds, international bonds and asset- backed securities are valued using matrix prices with input from independent third-party valuation sources. Over-the- counter securities are valued at the bid prices or the average of the bid and ask prices on the last business day of the year from published sources or, if not available, from other sources consid- ered reliable such as multiple broker quotes. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 71 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Employer Contributions In 2016, we contributed $0.8 billion to our qualified pension plans which included $0.2 billion of discretionary contributions, $0.1 billion to our nonqualified pension plans and $1.1 billion to our other post- retirement benefit plans. We anticipate a minimum contribution of $0.6 billion to our qualified pension plans in 2017. Nonqualified pension plans contributions are estimated to be $0.1 billion and contributions to our other postretirement benefit plans are estimated to be $0.8 billion in 2017. Estimated Future Benefit Payments The benefit payments to retirees are expected to be paid as follows: Year 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022–2026 Pension Benefits $ 2,356 1,790 1,722 1,204 1,189 5,777 (dollars in millions) Health Care and Life $ 1,259 1,284 1,290 1,302 1,327 6,616 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, 2016, the number of allocated shares of common stock in this ESOP was 55 million. There were no unallocated shares of common stock in this ESOP at December 31, 2016. All leveraged ESOP shares are included in earnings per share computations. Total savings plan costs were $0.7 billion in 2016, $0.9 billion in 2015 and $0.9 billion in 2014. 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 postemploy- ment benefits: Beginning of Year $ 757 875 800 Charged to Expense $ 531 551 417 (dollars in millions) Payments $ (406) (619) (583) $ Other (7) (7) 22 End of Year $ 875 800 656 Year 2014 2015 2016 Severance, Pension and Benefit Charges (Credits) During 2016, we recorded net pre-tax severance, pension and benefit charges of $2.9 billion in accordance with our accounting policy to recognize actuarial gains and losses in the period in which they occur. The pension and benefit remeasurement charges of $2.5 billion were primarily driven by a decrease in our discount rate assumption used to determine the current year liabilities of our pension and other postretirement benefit plans from a weighted- average of 4.6% at December 31, 2015 to a weighted- average of 4.2% at December 31, 2016 ($2.1 billion), updated health care trend cost assumptions ($0.9 billion), the difference between our estimated return on assets of 7.0% and our actual return on assets of 6.0% ($0.2 billion) and other assumption adjustments ($0.3 billion). These charges were partially offset by a change in mortality assumptions primarily driven by the use of updated actuarial tables (MP-2016) issued by the Society of Actuaries ($0.5 billion) and lower negotiated prescription drug pricing ($0.5 billion). As part of these charges, we also recorded severance costs of $0.4 billion under our existing separation plans. The net pre-tax severance, pension and benefit charges during 2016 were comprised of a net pre-tax pension remeasurement charge of $0.2 billion measured as of March 31, 2016 related to settlements for employees who received lump-sum distributions in one of our defined benefit pension plans, a net pre-tax pension and benefit remeasure- ment charge of $0.8 billion measured as of April 1, 2016 related to curtailments in three of our defined benefit pension and one of our other postretirement plans, a net pre-tax pension and benefit remea- surement charge of $2.7 billion measured as of May 31, 2016 in two defined benefit pension plans and three other postretirement benefit plans as a result of our accounting for the contractual healthcare caps and bargained for changes, a net pre-tax pension remeasurement charge of $0.1 billion measured as of May 31, 2016 related to settle- ments for employees who received lump-sum distributions in three of our defined benefit pension plans, a net pre-tax pension remeasure- ment charge of $0.6 billion measured as of August 31, 2016 related to settlements for employees who received lump-sum distributions in five of our defined benefit pension plans, and a net pre-tax pension and benefit credit of $1.9 billion as a result of our fourth quarter remea- surement of our pension and other postretirement assets and liabilities based on updated actuarial assumptions. 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 lia- bilities 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. 72 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Note 11 Taxes The components of income before provision for income taxes are as follows: Years Ended December 31, Domestic Foreign Total (dollars in millions) 2016 $ 20,047 939 $ 20,986 2015 $ 27,639 601 $ 28,240 2014 $ 12,992 2,278 $ 15,270 The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows: The amounts of cash taxes paid are as follows: Years Ended December 31, Income taxes, net of amounts refunded Employment taxes Property and other taxes Total (dollars in millions) 2016 2015 2014 $ 9,577 1,196 1,796 $ 12,569 $ 5,293 1,284 1,868 $ 8,445 $ 4,093 1,290 1,797 $ 7,180 The increase in cash taxes paid during 2016 compared to 2015 was due to a $3.2 billion increase in income taxes paid primarily as a result of the Access Line Sale. (dollars in millions) 2016 2015 2014 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: Years Ended December 31, Current Federal Foreign State and Local Total Deferred Federal Foreign State and Local Total Total income tax provision $ 7,451 148 842 8,441 $ 5,476 70 803 6,349 $ 2,657 81 668 3,406 (933) (2) (128) (1,063) $ 7,378 3,377 9 130 3,516 $ 9,865 (51) (9) (32) (92) $ 3,314 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 Non- deductible goodwill Other, net Effective income tax rate 2016 35.0 % 2015 35.0 % 2014 35.0 % 2.2 (0.7) 2.1 (0.5) (0.5) – (0.6) 2.2 (2.4) 35.2 % (0.4) – (0.5) – (0.8) 34.9 % 2.7 (1.0) (0.7) (5.9) (5.0) – (3.4) 21.7 % The effective income tax rate for 2016 was 35.2% compared to 34.9% for 2015. The increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to the impact of $527 million included in the provision for income taxes from goodwill not deductible for tax purposes in con- nection with the Access Line Sale on April 1, 2016. This increase was partially offset by the impact that lower income before income taxes in the current period has on each of the reconciling items specified in the table above. 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 2016 compared to severance, pension and benefit credits recorded in 2015. 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. 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) 2016 $ 10,453 3,318 2,632 16,403 (2,473) 13,930 2015 $ 12,220 4,099 2,504 18,823 (3,414) 15,409 31,404 22,848 5,642 59,894 $ 45,964 29,945 24,725 6,125 60,795 $ 45,386 At December 31, 2016, undistributed earnings of our foreign sub- sidiaries indefinitely invested outside the United States amounted to approximately $2.3 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, 2016, we had net after-tax loss and credit carry forwards for income tax purposes of approximately $3.3 billion that primarily relate to state and foreign tax losses. Of these net after-tax loss and credit carry forwards, approximately $1.9 billion will expire between 2017 and 2036 and approximately $1.4 billion may be carried forward indefinitely. During 2016, the valuation allowance decreased approximately $0.9 billion. The balance of the valuation allowance at December 31, 2016 is primarily related to state and foreign tax losses and the 2016 activity is primarily the result of the utilization and expiration of certain tax attributes. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 73 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Unrecognized Tax Benefits A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: Note 12 Segment Information Balance at January 1, Additions based on tax positions related to the current year Additions for tax positions of prior years Reductions for tax positions of prior years Settlements Lapses of statutes of limitations Balance at December 31, (dollars in millions) 2016 $ 1,635 2015 $ 1,823 2014 $ 2,130 338 188 194 330 80 627 (153) (18) (88) $ 1,902 (412) (79) (221) $ 1,635 (278) (239) (497) $ 1,823 Included in the total unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is $1.5 billion, $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, that if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate. We recognized the following net after-tax (expenses) benefits related to interest and penalties in the provision for income taxes: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 $ (dollars in millions) (25) 43 92 The after-tax accruals for the payment of interest and penalties in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows: At December 31, 2016 2015 (dollars in millions) $ 142 125 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 Internal Revenue Service (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 2013–2014, Cellco Partnership’s U.S. income tax return for tax year 2013, and AOL’s U.S. income tax returns for tax years 2011–2012. Tax controversies 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. 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 report- able segments based on segment operating income, consistent with the chief operating decision maker’s assessment of segment performance. 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. Corporate and other includes the results of our digital media, including AOL, telematics and other businesses, investments in unconsolidated businesses, unallocated corporate expenses, pension and other employee benefit related costs and lease financing. 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 April 1, 2016, we completed the Access Line Sale. On July 1, 2014, our Wireline segment sold a non- strategic business. See Note 2. The results of operations for these divestitures are included within Corporate and other for all periods presented to reflect comparable segment operating results consistent with the information regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker. In addition, Corporate and other includes the results of our telematics businesses for all periods presented, which were reclassified from our Wireline segment effective April 1, 2016. The impact of this reclassifi- cation was not material to our consolidated financial statements or our segment results of operations. 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. 74 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued The following table provides operating financial information for our two reportable segments: 2016 External Operating Revenues Service Equipment Other Consumer retail Small business Mass Markets 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 2015 External Operating Revenues Service Equipment Other Consumer retail Small business Mass Markets 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 (loss) Assets Plant, property and equipment, net Capital expenditures Wireless Wireline (dollars in millions) Total Reportable Segments $ $ 66,362 17,511 4,915 – – – – – – 398 89,186 7,988 22,238 19,924 9,183 59,333 29,853 $ 211,345 42,898 11,240 $ $ $ – – – 12,751 1,651 14,402 11,620 4,052 320 951 31,345 18,619 – 6,585 6,101 31,305 40 66,679 40,205 4,504 $ 66,362 17,511 4,915 12,751 1,651 14,402 11,620 4,052 320 1,349 120,531 26,607 22,238 26,509 15,284 90,638 29,893 $ $ 278,024 83,103 15,744 Wireless Wireline (dollars in millions) Total Reportable Segments $ $ 70,305 16,924 4,294 – – – – – – 157 91,680 7,803 23,119 21,805 8,980 61,707 29,973 $ 185,405 40,911 11,725 $ $ $ – – – 12,696 1,744 14,440 12,048 4,301 338 967 32,094 18,816 – 7,256 6,543 32,615 (521) 78,305 41,044 5,049 $ 70,305 16,924 4,294 12,696 1,744 14,440 12,048 4,301 338 1,124 123,774 26,619 23,119 29,061 15,523 94,322 29,452 $ $ 263,710 81,955 16,774 www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 75 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued 2014 External Operating Revenues Service Equipment Other Consumer retail Small business Mass Markets 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 (loss) Assets Plant, property and equipment, net Capital expenditures Wireless Wireline (dollars in millions) Total Reportable Segments $ $ 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 $ $ $ – – – 12,168 1,829 13,997 12,802 4,520 527 947 32,793 19,413 – 7,394 6,817 33,624 (831) 76,629 50,318 5,750 $ 72,555 10,957 4,021 12,168 1,829 13,997 12,802 4,520 527 1,060 120,439 26,613 21,625 30,996 15,276 94,510 25,929 $ $ 236,962 88,594 16,265 Reconciliation to Consolidated Financial Information A reconciliation of the reportable segment operating revenues to consolidated 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 2016 2015 $ 120,531 5,663 1,280 (1,494) $ 125,980 $ 123,774 3,738 5,280 (1,172) $ 131,620 (dollars in millions) 2014 $ 120,439 2,106 5,625 (1,091) $ 127,079 Fios revenues are included within our Wireline segment and amounted to approximately $11.2 billion, $10.7 billion, and $9.8 billion for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, 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 10) Gain on access line sale (Note 2) Gain on spectrum license transactions (Note 2) Impact of divested operations (Note 2) Other costs Consolidated operating income Equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated businesses Other income and (expense), net Interest expense Income Before Provision for Income Taxes 2016 2015 (dollars in millions) 2014 $ 29,893 (1,721) (2,923) 1,007 142 661 – 27,059 (98) (1,599) (4,376) $ 20,986 $ 29,452 (1,720) 2,256 – 254 2,818 – 33,060 (86) 186 (4,920) $ 28,240 $ 25,929 (1,217) (7,507) – 707 2,021 (334) 19,599 1,780 (1,194) (4,915) $ 15,270 76 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued A reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments’ assets to consolidated assets is as follows: At December 31, Assets Total reportable segments Corporate and other Eliminations Total consolidated 2016 $ 278,024 213,787 (247,631) $ 244,180 (dollars in millions) 2015 $ 263,710 205,476 (225,011) $ 244,175 No single customer accounted for more than 10% of our total operating revenues during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. International operating revenues and long-lived assets are not significant. Note 13 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, 2014 Other comprehensive income (loss) Amounts reclassified to net income Net other comprehensive income (loss) Balance at December 31, 2014 Other comprehensive loss Amounts reclassified to net income Net other comprehensive loss Balance at December 31, 2015 Other comprehensive income (loss) Amounts reclassified to net income Net other comprehensive income (loss) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ Foreign currency translation adjustments 853 (288) (911) (1,199) (346) (208) – (208) (554) (159) – (159) (713) $ $ Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges 113 (89) (108) (197) (84) (1,063) 869 (194) (278) (225) 423 198 (80) $ Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities 117 $ 14 (19) (5) 112 (5) (6) (11) 101 (13) (42) (55) 46 $ Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans $ 1,275 – 154 154 1,429 – (148) (148) 1,281 2,881 (742) 2,139 $ 3,420 Total $ 2,358 (363) (884) (1,247) 1,111 (1,276) 715 (561) 550 2,484 (361) 2,123 $ 2,673 The amounts presented above in net other comprehensive income (loss) are net of taxes. The amounts reclassified to net income related to foreign currency translation adjustments in the table above are included in Equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated businesses (see Note 2 for additional information). 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 statements of income (see Note 10 for additional information). The amounts reclassified to net income related to unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities in the table above are included in Other income and (expense), net on our consolidated statements of income. The amounts reclassified to net income related to unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges in the table above are included in Other income and (expense), net and Interest expense on our consolidated statements of income (see Note 8 for additional information). www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 77 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Note 14 Additional Financial Information The tables that follow provide additional financial information related to our consolidated financial statements: Income Statement Information Years Ended December 31, Depreciation expense Interest costs on debt balances Capitalized interest costs Advertising expense 2016 $ 14,227 5,080 (704) 2,744 2015 $ 14,323 5,504 (584) 2,749 2014 $ 14,966 5,291 (376) 2,526 (dollars in millions) 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) 2016 2015 $ 7,084 5,717 3,813 1,463 1,516 $ 19,593 $ 5,700 5,659 4,420 1,529 2,054 $ 19,362 $ 2,914 2,375 2,789 $ 8,078 $ 2,969 2,323 3,446 $ 8,738 Cash Flow Information Years Ended December 31, Cash Paid Interest, net of amounts capitalized Other, net Cash Flows from Operating Activities Changes in device payment plan agreement receivables-non- current Proceeds from Tower Monetization Transaction Other, net (dollars in millions) 2016 2015 2014 $ 4,085 $ 4,491 $ 4,429 $ (3,303) $ (23) $ (1,010) – (1,082) (4,385) 2,346 (3,734) (1,411) $ $ – (2,078) (3,088) $ During the year ended December 31, 2016, Verizon did not repurchase any shares of Verizon’s common stock under our authorized share buyback program. 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, 2016, 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 2015, the Verizon Board of Directors authorized 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. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we issued 3.5 million common shares from Treasury stock, which had an immaterial aggregate value. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we issued 22.6 million common shares from Treasury stock, which had an aggregate value of $0.9 billion. Note 15 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. 78 | Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements continued Verizon is currently involved in approximately 35 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 have sold products and could 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, counterpar- ties 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 Note 16 Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) 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, 2016, letters of credit totaling approximately $0.4 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 and marketing services, which will be used or sold in the ordinary course of business, from a variety of suppliers totaling $16.8 billion. Of this total amount, $6.9 billion is attributable to 2017, $6.4 billion is attributable to 2018 through 2019, $1.3 billion is attributable to 2020 through 2021 and $2.2 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 obligations. Our commitments are generally determined based on the noncancelable quantities or termination amounts. Purchases against our commitments totaled approximately $8.1 billion for 2016, $10.2 billion for 2015, and $21.0 billion for 2014. Since the commitments to purchase program- ming services from television networks and broadcast stations have no minimum volume requirement, we estimated our obligation based on number of subscribers at December 31, 2016, and applicable rates stipulated in the contracts in effect at that time. We also purchase products and services as needed with no firm commitment. Quarter Ended 2016 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 2015 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Operating Revenues $ 32,171 30,532 30,937 32,340 $ 31,984 32,224 33,158 34,254 Operating Income $ 7,942 4,554 6,540 8,023 $ 7,960 7,821 7,535 9,744 Net Income attributable to Verizon(1) (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) Amount $ 4,310 702 3,620 4,495 $ 4,219 4,231 4,038 5,391 Per Share — Basic Per Share — Diluted $ $ 1.06 .17 .89 1.10 1.03 1.04 .99 1.32 $ $ 1.06 .17 .89 1.10 1.02 1.04 .99 1.32 Net Income $ 4,430 831 3,747 4,600 $ 4,338 4,353 4,171 5,513 • • • • • • Results of operations for the first quarter of 2016 include after-tax charges attributable to Verizon of $0.1 billion related to a pension remeasurement, as well as after-tax credits attribut- able to Verizon of $0.1 billion related to a gain on spectrum license transactions. Results of operations for the second quarter of 2016 include after-tax charges attributable to Verizon of $2.2 billion related to pension and benefit remeasurements and after-tax charges attributable to Verizon of $1.1 billion related to early debt redemption costs, as well as after-tax credits attributable to Verizon of $0.1 billion related to a gain on the Access Line Sale. Results of operations for the third quarter of 2016 include after-tax charges attributable to Verizon of $0.5 billion related to a pension remeasurement and severance costs. Results of operations for the fourth quarter of 2016 include after-tax credits attributable to Verizon of $1.0 billion related to severance, pension and benefit credits. 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. (1) Net income attributable to Verizon per common share is computed independently for each quarter and the sum of the quarters may not equal the annual amount. www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport Verizon Communications Inc. and Subsidiaries | 79 Corporate officers and executive leadership Lowell C. McAdam Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Matthew D. Ellis Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Caroline Armour Senior Vice President of Internal Auditing Roy H. Chestnutt Executive Vice President— Strategy, Development and Planning James J. Gerace Senior Vice President and 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 Scott Krohn Senior Vice President and Treasurer Marc C. Reed Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Diego Scotti Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Craig L. Silliman Executive Vice President of Public Policy and General Counsel Anthony T. Skiadas Senior Vice President and Controller John G. Stratton Executive Vice President and President of Operations Marni M. Walden Executive Vice President and President of Product Innovation and New Businesses Board of Directors Shellye L. Archambeau Chief Executive Officer MetricStream, Inc. Mark T. Bertolini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Aetna Inc. Richard L. Carrión Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Popular, Inc. Melanie L. Healey Former Group President The Procter & Gamble Company M. Frances Keeth Retired Executive Vice President Royal Dutch Shell plc Karl- Ludwig Kley Former Chairman of the Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer Merck KGaA Lowell C. McAdam Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Verizon Communications Inc. Clarence Otis, Jr. Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Darden Restaurants, Inc. Rodney E. Slater Partner Squire Patton Boggs LLP Kathryn A. Tesija Former Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising and Supply Chain Officer Target Corporation Gregory D. Wasson Former President and Chief Executive Officer Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Gregory G. Weaver Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Deloitte & Touche LLP 80 | www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport 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 Electronic delivery: By receiving links to proxy, annual report and shareowner materials online, you can help Verizon reduce the amount of materials we print and mail. As a thank you for choosing electronic delivery, Verizon will plant a tree on your behalf. It’s fast and easy, and you can change your electronic delivery options at any time. Sign up at www.computershare.com/ verizon to take advantage of the many benefits electronic delivery offers, including: Outside the U.S.: 866 725-6576 • Faster access to financial 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 about the following services: Online account access: Registered shareowners can view account information online at www.computershare.com/verizon. Click on “Create Log In” to register. For existing users, click on “Log In.” 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 their dividends toward the purchase of additional shares. For more information, go to www.verizon.com/ about/investors/shareowner-services. documents • Email notification of document availability • Access to your documents online 24/7 • Convenience of managing your 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 on our investor website. Stock market information Shareowners of record as of December 31, 2016: 690,741 Verizon (ticker symbol: VZ) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Dividend information At its September 2016 meeting, the Board of Directors increased our quarterly dividend 2.2 percent. On an annual basis, this increased Verizon’s dividend to $2.31 per share. Dividends have been paid since 1984. Form 10-K To receive a printed copy of the 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, please contact Investor Relations: Verizon Communications Inc. Investor Relations One Verizon Way Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Phone: 212 395-1525 Corporate governance Verizon’s Bylaws, 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/ corporate-governance. If you would like to receive a printed copy of any of these documents, please contact the Assistant Corporate Secretary: Verizon Communications Inc. Assistant Corporate Secretary 1095 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10036 www.verizon.com/2016AnnualReport | 81 Verizon Communications Inc. 1095 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10036 212 395-1000 verizon.com/about © 2017. Verizon. All Rights Reserved. 002CSN79EE 3.EPC05610112500.100 

Continue reading text version or see original annual report in PDF format above