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In connection with the execution of agreements for the sales of
businesses 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.
Subsequent to the sale of Verizon Information Services Canada (see
Special Items Discontinued Operations), our Information
Services segment continues 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, following the sale of Verizon Information
Services Canada. The possible financial impact of the guarantee,
which is not expected to be adverse, cannot be reasonably estimated
since a variety of the potential outcomes available under the guarantee
result in costs and revenues or benefits that may offset. In addition,
performance under the guarantee is not likely.
As of December 31, 2005, letters of credit totaling $140 million
had been executed in the normal course of business, which support
several financing arrangements and payment obligations to third
parties. |