Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]


Note 1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States (U.S.) and based upon Securities and Exchange Commission rules that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies and certain other information, you should refer to the financial statements included in Verizon Communications Inc.'s (Verizon or the Company) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. These financial statements reflect all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations and financial condition for the interim periods shown, including normal recurring accruals and other items. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.

Earnings Per Common Share

There were a total of approximately 2 million outstanding dilutive securities, primarily consisting of restricted stock units, included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates quoted market value and includes amounts held in money market funds.

Cash collections on the device payment plan agreement receivables collateralizing our asset-backed debt securities 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 in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash are included in the following line items in the condensed consolidated balance sheets:


	At September 30,		At December 31,		Decrease
(dollars in millions)	2021		2020
Cash and cash equivalents	$	9,936	$	22,171	$	(12,235)
Restricted cash:
Prepaid expenses and other	1,074		1,195		(121)
Other assets	101		132		(31)



Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	11,111	$	23,498	$	(12,387)