Level 3 Parent (LVLT) 10-Q 2019 Q3 Quarterly report

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2019

or

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 001-35134

LEVEL 3 PARENT, LLC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware			47-0210602
(State of Incorporation)			(I.R.S. Employer
			Identification No.)
1025 Eldorado Blvd.,	Broomfield,	CO	80021-8869
(Address of principal executive offices)			(Zip Code)

(720) 888-1000

(Registrant’s telephone number,

including area code)

THE REGISTRANT, A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTURYLINK, INC., MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS H(1) (a) AND (b) OF FORM 10-Q AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM WITH REDUCED DISCLOSURE PURSUANT TO GENERAL INSTRUCTION H(2).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer	☐	Accelerated filer	☐
Non-accelerated filer	☒	Smaller reporting company	☐
		Emerging growth company	☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.			☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes ☐ No ☒

All of the limited liability company interest in the registrant is held by an affiliate of the registrant. NaN of the interest is publicly traded.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements	3
Part I	Financial Information
Item 1.	Financial Statements	6
	Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)	6
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)	7
	Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)	8
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)	9
	Consolidated Statements of Member's Equity (Unaudited)	10
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)*	11
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	38
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	45
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	47
Part II	Other Information
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	48
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	48
Item 6.	Exhibits	49
Signature		50
* All references to "Notes" in this quarterly report refer to these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report and other documents filed by us under the federal securities law include, and future oral or written statements or press releases by us and our management may include, forward-looking statements about our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects. These "forward-looking" statements are defined by, and are subject to the "safe harbor" protections under, the federal securities laws. These statements include, among others:

• forecasts of our anticipated future results of operations, cash flows or financial position;

• statements concerning the anticipated impact of our transactions, investments, product development, transformation projects and other initiatives;

• statements about our liquidity, profit margins, tax position, tax assets, tax rates, asset values, contingent liabilities, growth opportunities and growth rates, business prospects, regulatory and competitive outlook, market share, product capabilities, investment and expenditure plans, business strategies, capital allocation plans, financing alternatives and sources, and pricing plans; and

• other similar statements of our expectations, beliefs, future plans and strategies, anticipated developments and other matters that are not historical facts, many of which are highlighted by words such as “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “plan,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “likely,” “seeks,” “hopes,” or variations or similar expressions with respect to the future.

These forward-looking statements are based upon our judgment and assumptions as of the date such statements are made concerning future developments and events, many of which are beyond our control. These forward-looking statements, and the assumptions upon which they are based, (i) are not guarantees of future results, (ii) are inherently speculative and (iii) are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those anticipated, estimated, projected or implied by us in those statements if one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove incorrect. All of our forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to our discussion of factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, estimated, projected or implied by us in those forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect actual results include but are not limited to:

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• the effects of competition from a wide variety of competitive providers, including decreased demand for our more mature service offerings and increased pricing pressures;

• the effects of new, emerging or competing technologies, including those that could make our products and services less desirable or obsolete;

• our ability to attain our key operating imperatives, including simplifying and consolidating our network, simplifying and automating our service support systems and strengthening our relationships with customers and attaining projected cost savings;

• our ability to safeguard our network, and to avoid the adverse impact on our business from possible security breaches, service outages, system failures, equipment breakage, or similar events impacting our network or the availability and quality of our services;

• the effects of ongoing changes in the regulation of the communications industry, including the outcome of regulatory or judicial proceedings relating to intercarrier compensation, interconnection obligations, special access, universal service, broadband deployment, data protection and net neutrality;

• our ability to avoid unanticipated integration disruptions;

• our ability to effectively adjust to changes in the communications industry, and changes in the composition of our markets and product mix;

• possible changes in the demand for our products and services, including our ability to effectively respond to increased demand for high-speed data transmission services;

• our ability to successfully maintain the quality and profitability of our existing product and service offerings and to introduce profitable new offerings on a timely and cost-effective basis;

• our ability to generate cash flows sufficient to fund our financial commitments and objectives, including our capital expenditures, operating costs, debt payments and distributions;

• our ability to implement our operating plans, corporate strategies and capital allocation plans, or changes to such plans, whether based upon changes in our cash flows, cash requirements, financial performance, financial position, market conditions or otherwise;

• our ability to effectively retain and hire key personnel and maintain satisfactory relations with our workforce;

• the negative impact of increases in the costs of CenturyLink’s pension, health, post-employment or other benefits, including those caused by changes in markets, interest rates, mortality rates, demographics or regulations, which could affect our business and liquidity;

• adverse changes in our access to credit markets on favorable terms, whether caused by changes in our financial position, lower debt credit ratings, unstable markets or otherwise;

• our ability to meet the terms and conditions of our debt obligations, including our ability to make transfers of cash in compliance therewith;

• our ability to maintain favorable relations with our key business partners, suppliers, vendors, landlords and lenders;

• our ability to collect our receivables from financially troubled customers;

• CenturyLink's ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards in the amounts projected;

• any adverse developments in legal or regulatory proceedings involving us or our affiliates, including CenturyLink;

4

• changes in tax, communications, healthcare or other laws or regulations;

• the effects of changes in accounting policies, practices or assumptions including changes that could potentially require additional future impairment charges;

• the effects of adverse weather, terrorism or other natural or man-made disasters;

• adverse effects of material weakness or any other significant deficiencies identified in our internal controls over financial reporting;

• the effects of more general factors such as changes in interest rates, in exchange rates, in operating costs, in public policy, in the views of financial analysts, or in general market, labor, economic or geo-political conditions; and

• other risks referenced in "Risk Factors" in Item 1A or elsewhere in our annual report on Form 10-K or other of our filings with the SEC.

Additional factors or risks that we currently deem immaterial, that are not presently known to us or that arise in the future could also cause our actual results to differ materially from our expected results. Given these uncertainties, investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon our forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason, whether as a result of new information, future events or developments, changed circumstances, or otherwise. Furthermore, any information about our intentions contained in any of our forward-looking statements reflects our intentions as of the date of such forward-looking statement, and is based upon, among other things, existing regulatory, technological, industry, competitive, economic and market conditions, and our assumptions as of such date. We may change our intentions, strategies or plans (including our distribution or other capital allocation plans) at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in our assumptions or otherwise.

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

LEVEL 3 PARENT, LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018		2019		2018
	(Dollars in millions)
OPERATING REVENUE
Operating revenue	$	2,023		1,984		5,990		6,071
Operating revenue - affiliates	41			26		134		78
Total operating revenue	2,064			2,010		6,124		6,149
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	960			976		2,846		2,954
Selling, general and administrative	289			311		964		1,043
Operating expenses - affiliates	76			65		209		173
Depreciation and amortization	430			431		1,209		1,295
Goodwill impairment	—			—		3,708		—
Total operating expenses	1,755			1,783		8,936		5,465
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	309			227		(2,812	)	684
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME
Interest income - affiliate	15			18		47		50
Interest expense	(123		)	(137	)	(384	)	(381	)
Other (expense) income, net	(13		)	18		2		21
Total other expense, net	(121		)	(101	)	(335	)	(310	)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	188			126		(3,147	)	374
Income tax expense	74			38		214		184
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	114		88		(3,361	)	190

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6

LEVEL 3 PARENT, LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018		2019		2018
	(Dollars in millions)
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	114		88		(3,361	)	190
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of $22, $(1), $24 and $29 tax	(110		)	(1	)	(115	)	(164	)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(110		)	(1	)	(115	)	(164	)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	$	4		87		(3,476	)	26

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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LEVEL 3 PARENT, LLC

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
	(Unaudited)
	(Dollars in millions)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,224		243
Restricted cash	3			4
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $14 and $11	718			712
Note receivable - affiliate	1,590			1,825
Other	294			234
Total current assets	3,829			3,018
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,610 and $1,021	9,719			9,453
GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS
Goodwill	7,389			11,119
Operating lease assets	1,102			—
Restricted cash	19			25
Customer relationships, net	7,026			7,567
Other intangible assets, net	458			410
Other, net	550			699
Total goodwill and other assets	16,544			19,820
TOTAL ASSETS	$	30,092		32,291
LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	407		6
Accounts payable	753			726
Accounts payable - affiliates	552			246
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Salaries and benefits	216			233
Income and other taxes	113			130
Current operating lease liabilities	244			—
Interest	78			95
Other	71			78
Current portion of deferred revenue	296			310
Total current liabilities	2,730			1,824
LONG-TERM DEBT	10,995			10,838
DEFERRED REVENUE AND OTHER LIABILITIES
Deferred revenue	1,264			1,181
Deferred income taxes, net	225			202
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	900			—
Other	286			369
Total deferred revenue and other liabilities	2,675			1,752
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)
MEMBER'S EQUITY
Member's equity	13,978			18,048
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(286		)	(171	)
Total member's equity	13,692			17,877
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY	$	30,092		32,291

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

8

LEVEL 3 PARENT, LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018
	(Dollars in millions)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net (loss) income	$	(3,361	)	190
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,209			1,295
Goodwill impairment	3,708			—
Deferred income taxes	165			175
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(28		)	51
Accounts payable	(72		)	(64	)
Other assets and liabilities, net	(126		)	(118	)
Other assets and liabilities, affiliate	306			55
Changes in other noncurrent assets and liabilities, net	57			37
Other, net	(14		)	6
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,844			1,627
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	(982		)	(726	)
Payments of notes receivable - affiliates	235			—
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	27			119
Other, net	(25		)	—
Net cash used in investing activities	(745		)	(607	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	988			—
Payments of long-term debt	(404		)	(5	)
Distributions	(709		)	(1,130	)
Net cash used in financing activities	(125		)	(1,135	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	974			(115	)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	272			331
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$	1,246		216

Supplemental cash flow information:
Income taxes paid, net	$	(17	)	(24	)
Interest paid (net of capitalized interest of $9 and $—)	$	(416	)	(404	)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,224		188
Restricted cash - current	3			3
Restricted cash - noncurrent	19			25
Total	$	1,246		216

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

9

LEVEL 3 PARENT, LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF MEMBER'S EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018		2019		2018
	(Dollars in millions)
MEMBER'S EQUITY
Balance at beginning of period	$	14,008		18,749		18,048		19,254
Net income (loss)	114			88		(3,361	)	190
Cumulative net effect of adoption of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, net of $3 tax	—			—		—		9
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income: Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	—			—		—		(6	)
Purchase price accounting adjustments	—			—		—		(5	)
Distributions	(144		)	(525	)	(709	)	(1,130	)
Balance at end of period	13,978			18,312		13,978		18,312
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Balance at beginning of period	(176		)	(139	)	(171	)	18
Other comprehensive loss	(110		)	(1	)	(115	)	(164	)
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income: Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	—			—		—		6
Balance at end of period	(286		)	(140	)	(286	)	(140	)
TOTAL MEMBER'S EQUITY	$	13,692		18,172		13,692		18,172

    

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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LEVEL 3 PARENT, LLC

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

References in the Notes to “Level 3 Communications, Inc.,” "Level 3," “we,” “us,” "its," the “Company” and “our”, unless the context otherwise requires, refer to Level 3 Parent, LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries.

(1) Background

General

We are an international facilities-based communications provider of a broad range of integrated communications services. We designed our network to provide communications services that employ and take advantage of rapidly improving underlying optical, Internet Protocol, computing and storage technologies.

Effective November 1, 2017, we were acquired by CenturyLink in a cash and stock transaction, including the assumption of our debt (the "CenturyLink Merger").

Basis of Presentation

Our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018, which was derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, and our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements provided herein have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"); however, in our opinion, the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. We believe that these consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the results for the interim periods. The consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the first nine months of the year are not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations and cash flows that might be expected for the entire year. These consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our subsidiaries in which we have a controlling interest. Intercompany amounts and transactions with our consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated. Transactions with our non-consolidated affiliates (CenturyLink and its other subsidiaries, referred to herein as affiliates) have not been eliminated. Due to exchange restrictions and other conditions, effective at the end of the third quarter of 2015, we deconsolidated our Venezuelan subsidiary and began accounting for our investment in our Venezuelan subsidiary using the cost method of accounting. The factors that led to our conclusions at the end of the third quarter of 2015 continued to exist through the third quarter of 2019.

We reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation, including the categorization of our revenue for three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.

Segments

Our operations are integrated into and reported as part of CenturyLink. CenturyLink's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") is our CODM but reviews our financial information on an aggregate basis only in connection with our quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Consequently, we do not provide our discrete financial information to the CODM on a regular basis. As such, we have 1 reportable segment.

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Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

We adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, "Leases (ASC 842)", as of January 1, 2019, using the non-comparative transition option pursuant to ASU 2018-11.  Therefore, we have not restated comparative period financial information for the effects of ASC 842, and we will not make the new required lease disclosures for comparative periods beginning before January 1, 2019. Instead, we have recognized ASC 842's cumulative effect transition adjustment (discussed below) as of January 1, 2019. In addition, we elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things (i) allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classification; (ii) did not require us to reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases under the new definition of a lease; and (iii) did not require us to reassess whether previously capitalized initial direct costs for any existing leases would qualify for capitalization under ASC 842. We also elected the practical expedient related to land easements, allowing us to carry forward our accounting treatment for land easements on existing agreements. We did not elect the hindsight practical expedient regarding the likelihood of exercising a lessee purchase option or assessing any impairment of right-of-use assets for existing leases.

On March 5, 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2019-01, "Leases (ASC 842): Codification Improvements", effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The new ASU aligns the guidance in ASC 842 for determining fair value of the underlying asset by lessors that are not manufacturers or dealers, with that of existing guidance.  As a result, the fair value of the underlying asset at lease commencement is its cost, reflecting any volume or trade discounts that may apply. However, if there has been a significant lapse of time between when the underlying asset is acquired and when the lease commences, the definition of fair value (in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement") should be applied. More importantly, the ASU also exempts both lessees and lessors from having to provide certain interim disclosures in the fiscal year in which a company adopts the new leases standard. Early adoption permits public companies to adopt concurrent with the transition to ASC 842 on leases. We adopted ASU 2019-01 as of January 1, 2019.

Adoption of the new standards resulted in the recording of operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities of approximately $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively, as of January 1, 2019. The standards did not materially impact our consolidated net earnings and had no impact on cash flows. Our financial position for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 is presented under the new guidance, as discussed above, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previous guidance.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Financial Instruments

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments". The primary impact of ASU 2016-13 for us is a change in the model for the recognition of credit losses related to our financial instruments from an incurred loss model, which recognized credit losses only if it was probable that a loss had been incurred, to an expected loss model, which requires our management team to estimate the total credit losses expected on the portfolio of financial instruments. We are evaluating the potential impact ASU 2016-13 will have on our financial assets measured at amortized cost including, but not limited to, customer receivables and contract asset balances.

Over the fourth quarter we will complete our evaluation of the impact to our accounting and internal controls over financial reporting as a result of ASU 2016-13. We expect to adopt ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020 and recognize the impacts through a cumulative adjustment to accumulated deficit as of the date of adoption.

Subsequent Event

As of the date of this report, $250 million of distributions were declared and $225 million were paid to our parent in the fourth quarter of 2019.

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(2) Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill, customer relationships and other intangible assets consisted of the following:

	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(Dollars in millions)
Goodwill	$	7,389	11,119
Customer relationships, less accumulated amortization of $1,355 and $833	$	7,026	7,567
Other intangible assets subject to amortization:
Trade names, less accumulated amortization of $50 and $30	80		100
Developed technology, less accumulated amortization of $121 and $67	378		310
Total other intangible assets, net	$	458	410

Our goodwill was derived from CenturyLink's acquisition of us where the purchase price exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired.

We are required to perform an impairment test related to our goodwill annually, which we perform as of October 31, or sooner if an indicator of impairment occurs. The decline in CenturyLink's stock price triggered impairment testing in the first quarter of 2019. Due to this impairment indicator, we evaluated our goodwill as of March 31, 2019. There was not an additional triggering event during the third quarter of 2019.

When we performed our October 31, 2018 annual impairment test, we estimated the fair value of equity by considering both a market approach and a discounted cash flow method. The market approach method includes the use of multiples of publicly traded companies whose services are comparable to ours. The discounted cash flow method is based on the present value of projected cash flows and a terminal value, which represents the expected normalized cash flows beyond the cash flows from the discrete projection period. Because CenturyLink's low stock price was a trigger for impairment testing, we estimated the fair value of our operations using only the market approach in the quarter ended March 31, 2019. Applying this approach, we utilized company comparisons and analyst reports within the telecommunications industry which have historically supported a range of fair values of annualized revenue and EBITDA multiples between 2.1x and 4.9x and 4.9x and 9.8x, respectively. We selected a revenue and EBITDA multiple within this range. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, based on our assessments performed as described above, we concluded that the estimated fair value was less than our carrying value of equity as of the date of our triggering event during the first quarter. As a result, we recorded a non-cash, non-tax-deductible goodwill impairment charge aggregating to $3.7 billion in the first quarter of 2019.

The market multiples approach that we used incorporates significant estimates and assumptions related to the forecasted results for the remainder of the year, including revenues, expenses, and the achievement of other cost synergies. In developing the market multiple, we also considered observed trends of our industry participants. Our failure to attain these forecasted results or changes in trends could result in future impairments. Our assessment included many qualitative factors that required significant judgment. Alternative interpretations of these factors could have resulted in different conclusions regarding the size of our impairments. Continued declines in our profitability or cash flows or the continued sustained low trading prices of CenturyLink's common stock may result in further impairment.

Total amortization expense for intangible assets for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, was $206 million and $204 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, was $604 million and $595 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2019, the gross carrying amount of goodwill, customer relationships, indefinite-life and other intangible assets was $16.4 billion.

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We estimate that total amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ending December 31, 2019 through 2023 will be as follows:

	(Dollars in millions)
2019 (remaining three months)	$	205
2020	825
2021	825
2022	764
2023	743

The following table shows the rollforward of goodwill from December 31, 2018 through September 30, 2019:

	(Dollars in millions)
As of December 31, 2018	$	11,119
Effect of foreign currency rate change and other	(22		)
Impairment	(3,708		)
As of September 30, 2019	$	7,389

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(3) Revenue Recognition

Refer to the Revenue Recognition section of Note 1—Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 4—Revenue Recognition in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for further information regarding our application of ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, including practical expedients and judgments applied in determining the amounts and timing of revenue from contracts with customers.

Reconciliation of Total Revenue to Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The following table provides the amount of revenue that is not subject to ASC 606, but is instead governed by other accounting standards:

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018		2019		2018
	(Dollars in millions)
Total revenue	$	2,064		2,010		6,124		6,149
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue (1)	(94		)	(72	)	(288	)	(221	)
Total revenue from contracts with customers	$	1,970		1,938		5,836		5,928

_____________________________________________________________________ 

⁽¹⁾  Includes sublease rental income and revenue from fiber capacity lease arrangements which are not within the scope of ASC 606.

Customer Receivables and Contract Balances

The following table provides balances of customer receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(Dollars in millions)
Customer receivables (1)	$	737	712
Contract assets	31		19
Contract liabilities	412		393

(1) Gross customer receivables of $751 million and $723 million, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $14 million and $11 million, at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

Contract liabilities are consideration we have received from our customers or billed in advance of providing goods or services promised in the future. We defer recognizing this consideration as revenue until we have satisfied the related performance obligation to the customer. Contract liabilities include recurring services billed one month in advance and installation and maintenance charges that are deferred and recognized over the actual or expected contract term, which ranges from one to seven years depending on the service. Contract liabilities are included within deferred revenue in our consolidated balance sheets.

The following table provides information about revenue recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:

	Three Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018	2019	2018
	(Dollars in millions)
Revenue recognized in the period from:
Amounts included in contract liability at the beginning of the period (January 1, 2019 and 2018, respectively)	$	27	22	146	135
Performance obligations satisfied in previous periods	—		—	—	—

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Performance Obligations

As of September 30, 2019, our estimated revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations associated with customer contracts (including affiliates) that are unsatisfied (or partially satisfied) is approximately $5.2 billion. We expect to recognize approximately 69% of this revenue through 2021, with the balance recognized thereafter.

We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts for which we are contractually entitled to bill pre-determined amounts for future services (for example, uncommitted usage or non-recurring charges associated with professional or technical services to be completed), or contracts that are classified as leasing arrangements that are not subject to ASC 606.

Contract Costs

The following tables provide changes in our contract acquisition costs and fulfillment costs:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2019					2018
	(Dollars in millions)
	Acquisition Costs			Fulfillment Costs		Acquisition Costs		Fulfillment Costs
Beginning of period balance	$	73		106		34		52
Costs incurred	13			26		16		22
Amortization	(12		)	(17	)	(5	)	(8	)
End of period balance	$	74		115		45		66

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019					2018
	(Dollars in millions)
	Acquisition Costs			Fulfillment Costs		Acquisition Costs		Fulfillment Costs
Beginning of period balance	$	64		84		13		14
Costs incurred	42			77		42		69
Amortization	(32		)	(46	)	(10	)	(17	)
End of period balance	$	74		115		45		66

Acquisition costs include commission fees paid to employees as a result of obtaining contracts. Fulfillment costs include third party and internal costs associated with the provision, installation and activation of telecommunications services to customers, including labor and materials consumed for these activities.

Deferred acquisition and fulfillment costs are amortized based on the transfer of services on a straight-line basis over an expected contract term between 12 and 60 months for our business customers and amortized fulfillment costs are included in cost of services and products and amortized acquisition costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. The amount of these deferred costs that are expected to be amortized in the next twelve months are included in other current assets on our consolidated balance sheets. The amount of deferred costs expected to be amortized beyond the next twelve months is included in other non-current assets on our consolidated balance sheets. Deferred acquisition and fulfillment costs are assessed for impairment on an annual basis.

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(4) Leases

Financial position for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 are presented under the new guidance, while prior periods amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previous guidance, as discussed in Note 1—Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

We primarily lease various office facilities, switching and colocation facilities, equipment and dark fiber. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception and whether that lease meets the classification criteria of a finance or operating lease. Lease-related assets, or right-of-use assets, are recognized at the lease commencement date at amounts equal to the respective lease liabilities. Lease-related liabilities are recognized at the present value of the remaining contractual fixed lease payments, discounted using our incremental borrowing rates. As part of the present value calculation for the lease liabilities, we use an incremental borrowing rate as the rates implicit in the leases are not readily determinable. The incremental borrowing rates used for lease accounting are based on our unsecured rates, adjusted to approximate the rates at which we could borrow on a collateralized basis over a term similar to the recognized lease term. We apply the incremental borrowing rates to lease components using a portfolio approach based upon the length of the lease term and the reporting entity in which the lease resides. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, while variable lease payments are expensed as incurred.

Some of our lease arrangements contain lease components (including fixed payments, such as, rent, real estate taxes and insurance costs) and non-lease components (including common-area maintenance costs). We generally account for each component separately based on the estimated standalone price of each component. For colocation leases, we account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.

Many of our lease agreements contain renewal options; however, we do not recognize right-of-use assets or lease liabilities for renewal periods unless it is determined that we are reasonably certain of renewing the lease at inception or when a triggering event occurs. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term, unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain to be exercised. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

Lease expense consisted of the following:

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2019		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	(Dollars in millions)
Operating and short-term lease cost	$	92	288
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	3		10
Interest on lease liability	2		8
Total finance lease cost	5		18
Total lease cost	$	97	306

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Supplemental unaudited consolidated balance sheet information and other information related to leases:

		September 30,
Leases (millions)	Classification on the Balance Sheet	2019
Assets
Operating lease assets	Operating lease assets	$	1,102
Finance lease assets	Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	147
Total leased assets		$	1,249
Liabilities
Current
Operating	Current operating lease liabilities	$	244
Finance	Current portion of long-term debt	7
Noncurrent
Operating	Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	900
Finance	Long-term debt	153
Total lease liabilities		$	1,304
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)
Operating leases		11.1
Finance leases		13.4
Weighted-average discount rate
Operating leases		6.59		%
Finance leases		5.68		%

Supplemental unaudited consolidated cash flow statement information related to leases:

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	(Dollars in millions)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	296
Operating cash flows from finance leases	8
Financing cash flows from finance leases	3

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As of September 30, 2019, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:

	Operating Leases			Finance Leases
	(Dollars in millions)
2019 (remaining three months)	$	75		6
2020	277			15
2021	231			16
2022	199			16
2023	169			16
Thereafter	701			165
Total lease payments	1,652			234
Less: interest	(508		)	(74	)
Total	1,144			160
Less: current portion	(244		)	(7	)
Long-term portion	$	900		153

As of September 30, 2019, we had no material operating or finance leases that had not yet commenced.

Operating Lease Income

We lease various IRUs, office facilities, switching facilities and other network sites to third parties under operating leases. Lease and sublease income are included in operating revenue in the consolidated statements of operations.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, our gross rental income was $52 million and $153 million, respectively, which represents 2.5% of our operating revenue for both periods. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, our gross rental income was $47 million and $143 million, respectively, which represents 2.3% of our operating revenue for both periods.

Disclosures under ASC 840

We adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 as noted above, and as required, the following disclosure is provided for periods prior to adoption.

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The future annual minimum payments under capital lease agreements as of December 31, 2018 were as follows:

	Future Minimum Payments
	(Dollars in millions)
Capital lease obligations:
2019	$	16
2020	15
2021	16
2022	16
2023	17
2024 and thereafter	164
Total minimum payments	244
Less: amount representing interest and executory costs	(81		)
Present value of minimum payments	163
Less: current portion	(6		)
Long-term portion	$	157

At December 31, 2018, our future rental commitments for operating leases were as follows:

	Operating Leases
	(Dollars in millions)
2019	$	396
2020	259
2021	219
2022	164
2023	137
2024 and thereafter	613
Total future minimum payments (1)	$	1,788

_______________________________________________________________________________

(1) Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $29 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.

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(5) Long-Term Debt

The following table summarizes our long-term debt:

	Interest Rates	Maturities	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
			(Dollars in millions)
Level 3 Parent, LLC
Senior notes (1)	5.750%	2022	$	600		600
Subsidiaries
Level 3 Financing, Inc.
Senior notes (2)	4.625%-6.125%	2021 - 2027	5,915			5,315
Term loan (3)	LIBOR + 2.25%	2024	4,611			4,611
Finance leases	Various	Various	160			163
Total long-term debt, excluding unamortized premiums			11,286			10,689
Unamortized premiums, net			129			155
Unamortized debt issuance costs			(13		)	—
Total long-term debt			11,402			10,844
Less current maturities			(407		)	(6	)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities			$	10,995		10,838

(1) The notes are not guaranteed by any of Level 3 Parent, LLC's subsidiaries. See "Additional Information" within this Note for redemption

details.

(2) The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsubordinated unsecured basis by Level 3 Parent, LLC and Level 3

Communications, LLC. See "Subsequent Events" within this Note for redemption details.    

(3) The Tranche B 2024 Term Loan is a secured obligation and is guaranteed by Level 3 Parent, LLC and certain of its subsidiaries. The Tranche

B 2024 Term Loan had an interest rate of 4.294% as of September 30, 2019 and 4.754% as of December 31, 2018. The interest rate on the

Tranche B 2024 Term Loan is set with a minimum London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") of 0 percent.

Aggregate Maturities of Long-Term Debt

Set forth below is the aggregate principal amount of our long-term debt and finance leases (excluding unamortized premiums) maturing during the following years as of September 30, 2019:

	(Dollars in millions)
2019 (remaining three months)	$	403
2020	6
2021	7
2022	1,449
2023	1,210
2024 and thereafter	8,211
Total long-term debt	$	11,286

Repayments

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, Level 3 Financing, Inc. repurchased approximately $400 million of its 6.125% Senior Notes due 2021.

New Issuance

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On September 25, 2019, Level 3 Financing, Inc. issued $1.0 billion of 4.625% Senior Notes due 2027. The proceeds from the offering together with cash on hand will be used for general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, to redeem all of Level 3 Financing, Inc.'s $240 million outstanding principal amount of 6.125% Senior Notes due 2021, all of Level 3 Parent, LLC's $600 million outstanding principal amount of 5.75% Senior Notes due 2022 and $160 million of Level 3 Financing, Inc.'s $1 billion in outstanding principal amount of 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022. See "Subsequent Event" below.

Covenants

The term loan and senior notes of Level 3 Parent, LLC and Level 3 Financing, Inc. contain extensive affirmative and negative covenants. Such covenants include, among other things and subject to certain significant exceptions, restrictions on their ability to declare or pay dividends, repay certain other indebtedness, create liens, incur additional indebtedness, make investments, engage in transactions with their affiliates including CenturyLink and its other subsidiaries, dispose of assets and merge or consolidate with any other person. Also, Level 3 Parent, LLC, as well as Level 3 Financing, Inc., will be required to offer to purchase certain of its long-term debt securities under certain circumstances in connection with a "change of control" of Level 3 Parent, LLC.

Certain of CenturyLink's and our debt instruments contain cross acceleration provisions. When present, these provisions could have a wider impact on liquidity than might otherwise arise from a default or acceleration of a single debt instrument.

Compliance

As of September 30, 2019, Level 3 Parent, LLC (as successor in interest to Level 3 Communications, Inc.) believes it and its subsidiaries were in compliance with the provisions and financial covenants in their respective material debt agreements in all material respects.

Additional Information

For additional information on our long-term debt, see Note 5—Long-Term Debt to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Subsequent Event

On October 25, 2019, Level 3 Financing, Inc. redeemed all of the $240 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of its 6.125% Senior Notes due 2021 and $160 million of the $1.0 billion outstanding principal amount of its 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022.

On October 17, 2019, Level 3 Parent, LLC. issued a notice of redemption on all $600 million outstanding principal amount of Level 3 Parent, LLC's 5.75% Senior Notes due 2022 on December 1, 2019.

(6)  Severance and Leased Real Estate

Periodically, we reduce our workforce and accrue liabilities for the related severance costs. These workforce reductions result primarily from the progression or completion of improvement and transformation initiatives, increased competitive pressures, cost reduction initiatives, process improvements through automation and reduced workload demands due to the loss of customers purchasing certain services.

We have recognized liabilities to reflect our estimates of the fair values of the existing lease obligations for real estate which we have ceased using, net of estimated sublease rentals. In accordance with transitional guidance under the new lease standard (ASC 842), the existing lease obligation of $47 million as of January 1, 2019 has been netted against the operating lease right of use assets at adoption. For additional information, see Note 4—Leases to our consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of Part I of this report.

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Changes in our accrued liabilities for severance expenses were as follows:

	Severance
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance at January 1, 2019	$	19
Accrued to expense	(1		)
Payments, net	(10		)
Balance at September 30, 2019	$	8

(7) Products and Services Revenue

We categorize our products, services and revenue among the following 5 categories:

• IP and Data Services, which include primarily VPN data networks, Ethernet, IP, video (including our CDN services and Vyvx broadcast services) and other ancillary services;

• Transport and Infrastructure, which includes private line (including business data services), wavelength, colocation and data center services, including cloud, hosting and application management solutions, professional services, network security services, dark fiber services and other ancillary services;

• Voice and Collaboration, which includes primarily TDM voice services, VOIP and other ancillary services;

• Other, which includes sublease rental income and information technology services and managed services, which may be purchased in conjunction with our other network services; and

• Affiliate Services, we provide our non-consolidated affiliates with telecommunication services that we also provide to external customers.

From time to time, we may change the categorization of our products and services.

Our operating revenue for our products and services consisted of the following categories:

	Three Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018	2019	2018
	(Dollars in millions)
IP and Data Services	$	972	970	2,917	2,961
Transport and Infrastructure	668		664	1,981	2,013
Voice and Collaboration	379		349	1,085	1,094
Other	4		1	7	3
Affiliate Services	41		26	134	78
Total operating revenue	$	2,064	2,010	6,124	6,149

We recognize revenue in our consolidated statements of operations for certain USF surcharges and transaction taxes that we bill to our customers. Our consolidated statements of operations also reflect the offsetting expense for the amounts we remit to the government agencies. These USF surcharges, where we record revenue and transaction taxes, are assigned to the products and services categories based on the underlying revenue. We also act as a collection agent for certain other USF and transaction taxes that we are required by government agencies to bill our customers, for which we do not record any revenue or expense because we only act as a pass-through agent.

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The following table provides the amount of USF surcharges and transaction taxes:

	Three Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018	2019	2018
	(Dollars in millions)
USF surcharges and transaction taxes	$	116	96	326	301

(8) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure framework provides a three-tiered fair value hierarchy based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value. Input Level 1 refers to fair values determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Input Level 2 refers to fair values estimated using significant other observable inputs and Input Level 3 includes fair values estimated using significant unobservable inputs.

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our long-term debt, excluding finance leases, as well as the input level used to determine the fair values indicated below:

		September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
	Input Level	Carrying Amount		Fair Value	Carrying Amount	Fair Value
		(Dollars in millions)
Liabilities-Long-term debt, excluding finance lease	2	$	11,242	11,225	10,681	10,089

(9) Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items

We are subject to various claims, legal proceedings and other contingent liabilities, including the matters described below, which individually or in the aggregate could materially affect our financial condition, future results of operations or cash flows. As a matter of course, we are prepared to both litigate these matters to judgment as needed, as well as to evaluate and consider reasonable settlement opportunities.

Irrespective of its merits, litigation may be both lengthy and disruptive to our operations and could cause significant expenditure and diversion of management attention. We review our litigation accrual liabilities on a quarterly basis, but in accordance with applicable accounting guidelines only establish accrual liabilities when losses are deemed probable and reasonably estimable and only revise previously-established accrual liabilities when warranted by changes in circumstances, in each case based on then-available information. As such, as of any given date we could have exposure to losses under proceedings as to which no liability has been accrued or as to which the accrued liability is inadequate. Amounts accrued for our litigation contingencies at September 30, 2019 aggregated to approximately $66 million and are included in “Other” current liabilities and “Other Liabilities” in our consolidated balance sheet as of such date. The establishment of an accrual does not mean that actual funds have been set aside to satisfy a given contingency. Thus, the resolution of a particular contingency for the amount accrued could have no effect on our results of operations but nonetheless could have an adverse effect on our cash flows.

In this Note, when we refer to a class action as "putative" it is because a class has been alleged, but not certified in that matter.

Peruvian Tax Litigation

In 2005, the Peruvian tax authorities ("SUNAT") issued tax assessments against one of our Peruvian subsidiaries asserting $26 million of additional income tax withholding and value-added taxes ("VAT"), penalties and interest for calendar years 2001 and 2002 on the basis that the Peruvian subsidiary incorrectly documented its importations. After taking into account the developments described below, as well as the accrued interest and foreign exchange effects, we believe the total amount of exposure was $8 million at September 30, 2019.

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We challenged the assessments via administrative and then judicial review processes. In October 2011, the highest administrative review tribunal (the "Tribunal") decided the central issue underlying the 2002 assessments in SUNAT's favor. We appealed the Tribunal's decision to the first judicial level, which decided the central issue in favor of Level 3. SUNAT and we filed cross-appeals with the court of appeal. In May 2017, the court of appeal issued a decision reversing the first judicial level. In June 2017, we filed an appeal of the decision to the Supreme Court of Justice, the final judicial level. Oral argument was held before the Supreme Court of Justice in October 2018. A decision on this case is pending.

In October 2013, the Tribunal decided the central issue underlying the 2001 assessments in SUNAT’s favor. We appealed that decision to the first judicial level in Peru, which decided the central issue in favor of SUNAT. In June 2017, we filed an appeal with the court of appeal. In November 2017, the court of appeals issued a decision affirming the first judicial level and we filed an appeal of the decision to the Supreme Court of Justice. Oral argument was held before the Supreme Court of Justice in June 2019. A decision on this case is pending. 

Brazilian Tax Claims

In December 2004, March 2009, April 2009 and July 2014, the São Paulo state tax authorities issued tax assessments against one of our Brazilian subsidiaries for the Tax on Distribution of Goods and Services (“ICMS”) with respect to revenue from leasing certain assets (in the case of the December 2004, March 2009 and July 2014 assessments) and revenue from the provision of Internet access services (in the case of the April 2009 and July 2014 assessments), by treating such activities as the provision of communications services, to which the ICMS tax applies. In September 2002, July 2009 and May 2012, the Rio de Janeiro state tax authorities issued tax assessments to the same Brazilian subsidiary on similar issues.

We have filed objections to these assessments, arguing that the lease of assets and the provision of Internet access are not communication services subject to ICMS. The objections to the September 2002, December 2004 and March 2009 assessments were rejected by the respective state administrative courts, and we have appealed those decisions to the judicial courts. In October 2012 and June 2014, we received favorable rulings from the lower court on the December 2004 and March 2009 assessments regarding equipment leasing, but those rulings are subject to appeal by the state. No ruling has been obtained with respect to the September 2002 assessment. The objections to the April and July 2009 and May 2012 assessments are still pending final administrative decisions. The July 2014 assessment was confirmed during the fourth quarter of 2014 at the first administrative level, and we appealed this decision to the second administrative level.

We are vigorously contesting all such assessments in both states and, in particular, view the assessment of ICMS on revenue from equipment leasing to be without merit. These assessments, if upheld, could result in a loss of up to $37 million at September 30, 2019 in excess of the accruals established for these matters.

Qui Tam Action

We were notified in late 2017 of a qui tam action pending against Level 3 Communications, Inc. and others in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, captioned United States of America ex rel., Stephen Bishop v. Level 3 Communications, Inc. et al. The original qui tam complaint was filed under seal on November 26, 2013, and an amended complaint was filed under seal on June 16, 2014. The court unsealed the complaints on October 26, 2017.

The amended complaint alleges that we, principally through 2 former employees, submitted false claims and made false statements to the government in connection with 2 government contracts. The relator seeks damages in this lawsuit of approximately $50 million, subject to trebling, plus statutory penalties, pre-and-post judgment interest, and attorney’s fees. The case is currently stayed.

We are evaluating our defenses to the claims. At this time, we do not believe it is probable we will incur a material loss. If, contrary to our expectations, the plaintiff prevails in this matter and proves damages at or near $50 million, and is successful in having those damages trebled, the outcome could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in the period in which a liability is recognized and on our cash flows for the period in which any damages are paid.

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Several people, including 2 former Level 3 employees, were indicted in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on October 3, 2017, and charged with, among other things, accepting kickbacks from a subcontractor, who was also indicted, for work to be performed under a prime government contract. Of the 2 former employees, 1 entered a plea agreement, and the other is deceased. We are fully cooperating in the government’s investigations in this matter.

Letters of Credit

It is customary for us to use various financial instruments in the normal course of business. These instruments include letters of credit which are conditional commitments issued on our behalf in accordance with specified terms and conditions. As of both September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had outstanding letters of credit or other similar obligations of approximately $24 million and $30 million, respectively, of which $18 million and $24 million are collateralized by cash that is reflected on the consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash and securities.

Other Proceedings, Disputes and Contingencies

From time to time, we are involved in other proceedings incidental to our business, including patent infringement allegations, administrative hearings or proceedings of state public utility commissions relating primarily to our rates or services, actions relating to employee claims, various tax issues, environmental law issues, grievance hearings before labor regulatory agencies and miscellaneous third-party tort actions.

We are currently defending several patent infringement lawsuits asserted against us by non-practicing entities, many of which are seeking substantial recoveries. These cases have progressed to various stages and one or more may go to trial in the coming 24 months if they are not otherwise resolved. Where applicable, we are seeking full or partial indemnification from our vendors and suppliers. As with all litigation, we are vigorously defending these actions and, as a matter of course, are prepared to litigate these matters to judgment, as well as to evaluate and consider all reasonable settlement opportunities.

We are subject to various foreign, federal, state and local environmental protection and health and safety laws. From time to time, we are subject to judicial and administrative proceedings brought by various governmental authorities under these laws. Several such proceedings are currently pending, but none individually is reasonably expected to exceed $100,000 in fines and penalties.

The outcome of these other proceedings is not predictable. However, based on current circumstances, we do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these other proceedings, after considering available defenses and any insurance coverage or indemnification rights, will have a material adverse effect on us.

The matters listed above in this Note do not reflect all of our contingencies. For additional information on our contingencies, see Note 16 - Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items to the financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. The ultimate outcome of the above-described matters may differ materially from the outcomes anticipated, estimated, projected or implied by us in certain of our statements appearing above in this Note, and proceedings currently viewed as immaterial by us may ultimately materially impact us.

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(10) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The tables below summarize changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss recorded on our consolidated balance sheets by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2019:

	Pension Plans		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment and Other		Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	5	(176	)	(171	)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—		(115	)	(115	)
Net other comprehensive loss	—		(115	)	(115	)
Balance at September 30, 2019	$	5	(291	)	(286	)

The table below summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income recorded on our consolidated balance sheets by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2018:

	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment and Other			Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	18		18
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of tax	(164		)	(164	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	6			6
Net other comprehensive loss	(158		)	(158	)
Balance at September 30, 2018	$	(140	)	(140	)

(11) Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

Level 3 Financing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, has issued Senior Notes that are unsecured obligations of Level 3 Financing, Inc.; however, they are fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by Level 3 Parent, LLC and Level 3 Communications, LLC.

In conjunction with the registration of certain of the Level 3 Financing, Inc. Senior Notes, we have presented below the accompanying condensed consolidating financial information pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10 "Financial statements of guarantors and affiliates whose securities collateralize an issue registered or being registered."

The operating activities of the separate legal entities included in our consolidated financial statements are interdependent. The accompanying condensed consolidating financial information presents the statements of comprehensive income (loss), balance sheets and statements of cash flows of each legal entity and, on an aggregate basis, our other non-guarantor subsidiaries based on amounts incurred by such entities and is not intended to present the operating results of those legal entities on a stand-alone basis. Level 3 Communications, LLC leases equipment and certain facilities from other wholly owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Parent, LLC. These transactions are eliminated in our consolidated results.

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Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

	Level 3 Parent, LLC			Level 3 Financing, Inc.		Level 3 Communications, LLC		Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Total
	(Dollars in millions)
OPERATING REVENUE
Operating revenue	$	—		—		995		1,028		—		2,023
Operating revenue - affiliates	—			—		61		179		(199	)	41
Total operating revenue	—			—		1,056		1,207		(199	)	2,064
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	—			—		516		444		—		960
Selling, general and administrative	(25		)	2		322		189		(199	)	289
Operating expenses - affiliates	—			—		54		22		—		76
Depreciation and amortization	—			—		169		261		—		430
Total operating expenses	(25		)	2		1,061		916		(199	)	1,755
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	25			(2	)	(5	)	291		—		309
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest income - affiliate	15			—		—		—		—		15
Interest (expense) income	(8		)	(115	)	4		(4	)	—		(123	)
Interest income (expense) - intercompany, net	963			161		(1,125	)	2		(1	)	—
Equity in net (losses) earnings of subsidiaries	(860		)	(934	)	188		—		1,606		—
Other (expense) income, net	(17		)	4		2		(2	)	—		(13	)
Total other income (expense), net	93			(884	)	(931	)	(4	)	1,605		(121	)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	118			(886	)	(936	)	287		1,605		188
Income tax expense (benefit)	4			(26	)	2		94		—		74
NET INCOME (LOSS)	114			(860	)	(938	)	193		1,605		114
Other comprehensive (loss), net of income taxes	(110		)	—		—		(110	)	110		(110	)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	$	4		(860	)	(938	)	83		1,715		4

28

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

	Level 3 Parent, LLC			Level 3 Financing, Inc.		Level 3 Communications, LLC		Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Total
	(Dollars in millions)
OPERATING REVENUE
Operating revenue	$	—		—		951		1,033		—		1,984
Operating revenue - affiliates	—			—		50		47		(71	)	26
Total operating revenue	—			—		1,001		1,080		(71	)	2,010
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	—			—		538		438		—		976
Selling, general and administrative expenses	—			—		333		49		(71	)	311
Operating expenses - affiliates	—			—		50		15		—		65
Depreciation and amortization	—			—		176		255		—		431
Total operating expenses	—			—		1,097		757		(71	)	1,783
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME	—			—		(96	)	323		—		227
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest income - affiliate	16			—		—		2		—		18
Interest expense	(8		)	(118	)	(2	)	(8	)	(1	)	(137	)
Interest income (expense) - intercompany, net	771			234		(997	)	(8	)	—		—
Equity in net (losses) earnings of subsidiaries	(690		)	(834	)	452		—		1,072		—
Other income (expense), net	(3		)	—		(1	)	21		1		18
Total other income (expense), net	86			(718	)	(548	)	7		1,072		(101	)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	86			(718	)	(644	)	330		1,072		126
Income tax (benefit) expense	(2		)	(28	)	(18	)	86		—		38
NET INCOME (LOSS)	88			(690	)	(626	)	244		1,072		88
Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(1		)	—		—		(1	)	1		(1	)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	$	87		(690	)	(626	)	243		1,073		87

29

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

	Level 3 Parent, LLC			Level 3 Financing, Inc.		Level 3 Communications, LLC		Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Total
	(Dollars in millions)
OPERATING REVENUE
Operating revenue	$	—		—		2,903		3,087		—		5,990
Operating revenue - affiliates	—			—		170		596		(632	)	134
Total operating revenue	—			—		3,073		3,683		(632	)	6,124
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	—			—		1,484		1,362		—		2,846
Selling, general and administrative	(25		)	5		1,084		532		(632	)	964
Operating expenses - affiliates	—			—		141		68		—		209
Depreciation and amortization	—			—		477		732		—		1,209
Goodwill impairment	—			—		1,369		2,339		—		3,708
Total operating expenses	(25		)	5		4,555		5,033		(632	)	8,936
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	25			(5	)	(1,482	)	(1,350	)	—		(2,812	)
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME
Interest income - affiliate	47			—		—		—		—		47
Interest (expense) income	(24		)	(354	)	7		(13	)	—		(384	)
Interest income (expense) - intercompany, net	2,844			487		(4,671	)	1,340		—		—
Equity in net losses of subsidiaries	(6,227		)	(6,445	)	(1,048	)	—		13,720		—
Other (expense) income, net	(19		)	4		10		7		—		2
Total other (expense) income, net	(3,379		)	(6,308	)	(5,702	)	1,334		13,720		(335	)
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	(3,354		)	(6,313	)	(7,184	)	(16	)	13,720		(3,147	)
Income tax expense (benefit)	7			(86	)	2		291		—		214
NET (LOSS) INCOME	(3,361		)	(6,227	)	(7,186	)	(307	)	13,720		(3,361	)
Other comprehensive (loss), net of income taxes	(115		)	—		—		(115	)	115		(115	)
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	$	(3,476	)	(6,227	)	(7,186	)	(422	)	13,835		(3,476	)

30

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

	Level 3 Parent, LLC			Level 3 Financing, Inc.		Level 3 Communications, LLC		Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Total
	(Dollars in millions)
OPERATING REVENUE
Operating revenue	$	—		—		2,884		3,187		—		6,071
Operating revenue - affiliates	—			—		81		151		(154	)	78
Total operating revenue	—			—		2,965		3,338		(154	)	6,149
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	—			—		1,727		1,227		—		2,954
Selling, general and administrative	—			3		878		234		(72	)	1,043
Operating expenses - affiliates	—			—		140		115		(82	)	173
Depreciation and amortization	—			—		520		775		—		1,295
Total operating expenses	—			3		3,265		2,351		(154	)	5,465
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME	—			(3	)	(300	)	987		—		684
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME
Interest income - affiliate	48			—		—		2		—		50
Interest expense	(24		)	(339	)	(3	)	(15	)	—		(381	)
Interest income (expense) - intercompany, net	1,474			1,446		(2,756	)	(164	)	—		—
Equity in net (losses) earnings of subsidiaries	(1,321		)	(2,505	)	451		—		3,375		—
Other income (expense), net	(3		)	—		3		21		—		21
Total other income (expense), net	174			(1,398	)	(2,305	)	(156	)	3,375		(310	)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	174			(1,401	)	(2,605	)	831		3,375		374
Income tax (benefit) expense	(16		)	(80	)	16		264		—		184
NET INCOME (LOSS)	190			(1,321	)	(2,621	)	567		3,375		190
Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(164		)	—		—		(164	)	164		(164	)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	$	26		(1,321	)	(2,621	)	403		3,539		26

31

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

September 30, 2019

	Level 3 Parent, LLC		Level 3 Financing, Inc.	Level 3 Communications, LLC	Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	Eliminations		Total
	(Dollars in millions)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3	—	1,156	65	—		1,224
Restricted cash	—		—	—	3	—		3
Accounts receivable	—		—	69	649	—		718
Intercompany advances	19,145		24,656	7,542	3,030	(54,373	)	—
Note receivable - affiliate	1,590		—	—	—	—		1,590
Other	—		—	131	178	(15	)	294
Total current assets	20,738		24,656	8,898	3,925	(54,388	)	3,829
Property, plant, and equipment, net	—		—	3,574	6,145	—		9,719
GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS
Goodwill	—		—	382	7,007	—		7,389
Operating lease assets	—		—	1,213	378	(489	)	1,102
Restricted cash	12		—	5	2	—		19
Customer relationships, net	—		—	3,465	3,561	—		7,026
Other intangible assets, net	—		—	434	24	—		458
Investment in subsidiaries	9,314		11,471	2,813	—	(23,598	)	—
Other, net	268		1,508	86	200	(1,512	)	550
Total goodwill and other assets	9,594		12,979	8,398	11,172	(25,599	)	16,544
TOTAL ASSETS	$	30,332	37,635	20,870	21,242	(79,987	)	30,092
LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	—	400	—	7	—		407
Accounts payable	—		2	420	331	—		753
Accounts payable - affiliates	80		16	471	—	(15	)	552
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Salaries and benefits	—		—	174	42	—		216
Income and other taxes	—		7	67	39	—		113
Current operating lease liabilities	—		—	252	89	(97	)	244
Interest	3		71	1	3	—		78

32

Intercompany payables	—		—	50,785		3,588	(54,373	)	—
Other	1		1	8		61	—		71
Current portion of deferred revenue	—		—	159		137	—		296
Total current liabilities	84		497	52,337		4,297	(54,485	)	2,730
LONG-TERM DEBT	611		10,231	6		147	—		10,995
DEFERRED REVENUE AND OTHER LIABILITIES
Deferred revenue	—		—	1,055		209	—		1,264
Deferred income taxes, net	56		—	781		900	(1,512	)	225
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	—		—	989		303	(392	)	900
Other	—		—	141		145	—		286
Total deferred revenue and other liabilities	56		—	2,966		1,557	(1,904	)	2,675
MEMBER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT)	29,581		26,907	(34,439	)	15,241	(23,598	)	13,692
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY	$	30,332	37,635	20,870		21,242	(79,987	)	30,092

33

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

December 31, 2018

	Level 3 Parent, LLC		Level 3 Financing, Inc.	Level 3 Communications, LLC	Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	Eliminations		Total
	(Dollars in millions)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2	—	164	77	—		243
Restricted cash	—		—	—	4	—		4
Accounts receivable	—		—	70	642	—		712
Intercompany advances	16,852		23,957	7,744	2,707	(51,260	)	—
Note receivable - affiliate	1,825		—	—	—	—		1,825
Other	1		3	97	133	—		234
Total current assets	18,680		23,960	8,075	3,563	(51,260	)	3,018
Property, plant, and equipment, net	—		—	3,136	6,317	—		9,453
GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS
Goodwill	—		—	1,665	9,454	—		11,119
Restricted cash	15		—	9	1	—		25
Customer relationships, net	—		—	3,823	3,744	—		7,567
Other intangible assets, net	—		—	409	1	—		410
Investment in subsidiaries	15,541		17,915	3,861	—	(37,317	)	—
Other, net	275		1,421	110	225	(1,332	)	699
Total goodwill and other assets	15,831		19,336	9,877	13,425	(38,649	)	19,820
TOTAL ASSETS	$	34,511	43,296	21,088	23,305	(89,909	)	32,291
LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	—	—	1	5	—		6
Accounts payable	—		—	380	346	—		726
Accounts payable - affiliates	62		11	162	11	—		246
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Salaries and benefits	—		—	189	44	—		233
Income and other taxes	—		4	72	54	—		130
Interest	11		78	1	5	—		95
Intercompany payables	—		—	45,347	5,913	(51,260	)	—
Other	3		1	8	66	—		78

34

Current portion of deferred revenue	—		—	168		142	—		310
Total current liabilities	76		94	46,328		6,586	(51,260	)	1,824
LONG-TERM DEBT	613		10,068	7		150	—		10,838
DEFERRED REVENUE AND OTHER LIABILITIES
Deferred revenue	—		—	971		210	—		1,181
Deferred income taxes, net	56		—	841		637	(1,332	)	202
Other	—		—	197		172	—		369
Total deferred revenue and other liabilities	56		—	2,009		1,019	(1,332	)	1,752
MEMBER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT)	33,766		33,134	(27,256	)	15,550	(37,317	)	17,877
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY	$	34,511	43,296	21,088		23,305	(89,909	)	32,291

35

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

	Level 3 Parent, LLC			Level 3 Financing, Inc.	Level 3 Communications, LLC		Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations	Total
	(Dollars in millions)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(262	)	—	1,692		414		—	1,844
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	—			—	(558	)	(424	)	—	(982	)
Payments of notes receivable - affiliates	235			—	—		—		—	235
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	25			—	1		1		—	27
Other, net	—			—	(25	)	—		—	(25	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	260			—	(582	)	(423	)	—	(745	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	—			—	988		—		—	988
Payments of long-term debt	—			—	(401	)	(3	)	—	(404	)
Distributions	(709		)	—	—		—		—	(709	)
Increase (decrease) due from affiliate, net	709			—	(709	)	—		—	—
Net cash used in financing activities	—			—	(122	)	(3	)	—	(125	)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(2		)	—	988		(12	)	—	974
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	17			—	173		82		—	272
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$	15		—	1,161		70		—	1,246

36

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

	Level 3 Parent, LLC			Level 3 Financing, Inc.	Level 3 Communications, LLC		Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations	Total
	(Dollars in millions)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(49	)	—	1,420		256		—	1,627
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	—			—	(392	)	(334	)	—	(726	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	68			—	—		51		—	119
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	68			—	(392	)	(283	)	—	(607	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Payments of long-term debt	—			—	—		(5	)	—	(5	)
Distributions	(1,130		)	—	—		—		—	(1,130	)
Increase (decrease) due from/to affiliates, net	1,130			—	(1,130	)	—		—	—
Net cash used in financing activities	—			—	(1,130	)	(5	)	—	(1,135	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	19			—	(102	)	(32	)	—	(115	)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	32			—	186		113		—	331
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$	51		—	84		81		—	216

37

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this report to “Level 3 Communications, Inc.,” "Level 3," “we,” “us,” "its," the “Company” and “our” refer to Level 3 Parent, LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries.

All references to "Notes" in this Item 2 of Part I refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this report.

Certain statements in this report constitute forward-looking statements. See "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" appearing at the beginning of this report and "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of Part I of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for a discussion of certain factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our anticipated results or otherwise impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or prospects.

Overview

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") included herein should be read in conjunction with MD&A and the other information included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, and with the consolidated financial statements and related notes in Item 1 of Part I of this report. The results of operations and cash flows for the first nine months of the year are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations and cash flows that might be expected for the entire year.

We are an international facilities-based communications company engaged in providing a broad array of integrated communication services to our business customers. We designed our network to provide communications services that employ and take advantage of rapidly improving underlying optical, Internet Protocol, computing and storage technologies.

Results of Operations

The following table summarizes the results of our consolidated operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018:

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018		2019		2018
	(Dollars in millions)
Operating revenue	$	2,064		2,010		6,124		6,149
Operating expenses	1,755			1,783		8,936		5,465
OPERATING INCOME	309			227		(2,812	)	684
Other expense, net	(121		)	(101	)	(335	)	(310	)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	188			126		(3,147	)	374
Income tax expense	74			38		214		184
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	114		88		(3,361	)	190

For a discussion of certain trends that impact our business, see the MD&A discussion of trends impacting CenturyLink’s non-consumer business included in CenturyLink’s reports filed with the SEC, including its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2019.

38

Operating Revenue

We categorize our products, services and revenue among the following five categories:

• IP and Data Services, which include primarily VPN data networks, Ethernet, IP, video (including our CDN services and Vyvx broadcast services) and other ancillary services;

• Transport and Infrastructure, which includes private line (including business data services), wavelength, colocation and data center facilities and services, including cloud, hosting and application management solutions professional services, dark fiber services and other ancillary services;

• Voice and Collaboration, which includes primarily TDM voice services, VoIP and other ancillary services;

• Other, which includes sublease rental income and information technology services and managed services, which may be purchased in conjunction with our other network services; and

• Affiliate Services, we provide our affiliates with telecommunication services that we also provide to external customers.

From time to time, we may change the categorization of our products and services.

The following tables summarize our consolidated operating revenue recorded under our five revenue categories:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018	Increase/(Decrease)	% Change
	(Dollars in millions)
IP and Data Services	$	972	970	2	—	%
Transport and Infrastructure	668		664	4	1	%
Voice and Collaboration	379		349	30	9	%
Other	4		1	3	nm
Affiliate Services	41		26	15	58	%
Total operating revenue	$	2,064	2,010	54	3	%

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018	Increase/(Decrease)		% Change
	(Dollars in millions)
IP and Data Services	$	2,917	2,961	(44	)	(1	)%
Transport and Infrastructure	1,981		2,013	(32	)	(2	)%
Voice and Collaboration	1,085		1,094	(9	)	(1	)%
Other	7		3	4		133	%
Affiliate Services	134		78	56		72	%
Total operating revenue	$	6,124	6,149	(25	)	—	%

nm Percentages greater than 200% and comparisons between positive and negative values or to/from zero values are considered not meaningful.

Our total operating revenue increased by $54 million, or 3%, for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to increases in voice and collaboration and affiliate services attributable to high service volumes for each and increased rates in voice and collaboration. Total operating revenue decreased by $25 million, or less than 1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019,

39

as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to declines in IP and data services and transport and infrastructure, which were partially offset by an increase in the level of services we provide to our affiliates.

Operating Expenses

The following tables summarize our consolidated operating expenses:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018	Increase/(Decrease)		% Change
	(Dollars in millions)
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	$	960	976	(16	)	(2	)%
Selling, general and administrative	289		311	(22	)	(7	)%
Operating expenses - affiliates	76		65	11		17	%
Depreciation and amortization	430		431	(1	)	—	%
Total operating expenses	$	1,755	1,783	(28	)	(2	)%

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018	Increase/(Decrease)		% Change
	(Dollars in millions)
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	$	2,846	2,954	(108	)	(4	)%
Selling, general and administrative	964		1,043	(79	)	(8	)%
Operating expenses - affiliates	209		173	36		21	%
Depreciation and amortization	1,209		1,295	(86	)	(7	)%
Goodwill impairment	3,708		—	3,708		nm
Total operating expenses	$	8,936	5,465	3,471		64	%

nm Percentages greater than 200% and comparisons between positive and negative values or to/from zero values are considered not meaningful.

Cost of Services and Products (Exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) decreased by $16 million, or 2%, for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2018. Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) decreased by $108 million, or 4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The decreases in our cost of services and products for both periods were primarily due to lower salaries and wages and employee related expenses from lower headcount, reduced network expense and voice usage costs, reduced customer premises equipment costs and lower space and power costs, which were partially offset by higher direct taxes and fees, customer installation costs and an increase in right of way and dark fiber expenses.

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, general and administrative decreased by $22 million, or 7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2018. Selling, general and administrative decreased by $79 million, or 8%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The decreases in selling, general and administrative expenses for both periods were primarily due to lower salaries and wages from lower headcount, lower rent expense in 2019 and from higher exited lease obligations in 2018, lower hardware and software expenses, reductions in marketing and advertising expenses and property and other taxes and an increase in the amount of labor capitalized or deferred, which were partially offset by higher commissions and other expense.

40

Operating Expenses - Affiliates

Operating expenses - affiliate increased by $11 million, or 17%, for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2018. Operating expenses - affiliate increased by $36 million, or 21%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018.The increase in operating expenses - affiliates was primarily due to the increase in the level of services provided to us by our affiliates.

Depreciation and Amortization

The following table provides detail regarding depreciation and amortization expense:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018	Increase/(Decrease)		% Change
	(Dollars in millions)
Depreciation	$	224	227	(3	)	(1	)%
Amortization	206		204	2		1	%
Total depreciation and amortization	$	430	431	(1	)	—	%

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018	Increase/(Decrease)		% Change
	(Dollars in millions)
Depreciation	$	605	700	(95	)	(14	)%
Amortization	604		595	9		2	%
Total depreciation and amortization	$	1,209	1,295	(86	)	(7	)%

Depreciation expense decreased by $3 million, or 1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to the impact of the full depreciation of plant, property and equipment assigned a one year life at the time CenturyLink acquired us, of approximately $60 million, offset by increases associated with changes in our estimates of the remaining economic life of certain network assets of $28 million and an increase in net depreciable assets of $30 million. Depreciation expense decreased by $95 million, or 14%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to the impact of the full depreciation of plant, property and equipment assigned a one year life at the time CenturyLink acquired us, of approximately $180 million, offset by increases associated with changes in our estimates of the remaining economic life of certain network assets of $43 million and an increase in net depreciable assets of $43 million.

Amortization expense increased by $2 million, or 1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2018 and $9 million, or 2%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to an increase in net amortizable assets.

Goodwill Impairment

Our goodwill was derived from CenturyLink's acquisition of us where the purchase price exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired.

We are required to perform an impairment test related to our goodwill annually, which we perform as of October 31, or sooner if an indicator of impairment occurs. The decline in CenturyLink's stock price in the first quarter of 2019 triggered impairment testing. Due to this impairment indicator, we evaluated our goodwill as of March 31, 2019, which led to the first quarter 2019 impairment charge described below. There were no additional indicators of impairment during the second or third quarter of 2019.

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When we performed our October 31, 2018 annual impairment test, we estimated the fair value of equity by considering both a market approach and a discounted cash flow method. The market approach method includes the use of multiples of publicly traded companies whose services are comparable to ours. The discounted cash flow method is based on the present value of projected cash flows and a terminal value equal to the present value of all the remaining cash flows after the projection period. Because CenturyLink's low stock price was the trigger for impairment testing, we estimated the fair value of our operations using only the market approach as of March 31, 2019. Applying this approach, we utilized company comparisons and analyst reports within the telecommunications industry which have historically supported a range of fair values of annualized revenue and EBITDA multiples between 2.1x and 4.9x and 4.9x and 9.8x, respectively. We selected a revenue and EBITDA multiple within this range. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, based on our assessments performed as described above, we concluded that the estimated fair value was less than our carrying value of equity as of the date of our triggering event during the first quarter. As a result, we recorded a non-cash, non-tax-deductible goodwill impairment charge aggregating to $3.7 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

See Note 2—Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets for more information.

Other Consolidated Results

The following tables summarize our total other expense, net:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018		Increase/(Decrease)		% Change
	(Dollars in millions)
Interest income - affiliate	$	15		18		(3	)	(17	)%
Interest expense	(123		)	(137	)	(14	)	(10	)%
Other (expense) income, net	(13		)	18		(31	)	(172	)%
Total other expense, net	$	(121	)	(101	)	20		20	%
Income tax expense	$	74		38		36		95	%

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018		Increase/(Decrease)		% Change
	(Dollars in millions)
Interest income - affiliate	$	47		50		(3	)	(6	)%
Interest expense	(384		)	(381	)	3		1	%
Other income, net	2			21		(19	)	(90	)%
Total other expense, net	$	(335	)	(310	)	25		8	%
Income tax expense	$	214		184		30		16	%

Interest Income - Affiliate

Interest income - affiliate decreased by $3 million, or 17%, for the three months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2018, and decreased by $3 million, or 6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Decreases in interest income - affiliate for both periods are primarily due to the repayment of a portion of amounts owed to us under notes receivable - affiliate.

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Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased by $14 million, or 10%, for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to payments of long-term debt. Interest expense increased by $3 million, or 1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increase was primarily due to the increase in long term-debt, which was partially offset by an increase in capitalized interest.

Other Income, net

Other income, net decreased by $31 million, or 172%, for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2018. Other income, net decreased by $19 million or 90%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The decrease in other income, net for both periods was primarily due to foreign currency losses, which were partially offset by the gain on the early extinguishment of debt.

Income Tax Expense

For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and the three months ended September 30, 2018, our effective income tax rate was 39.4% and 30.2%, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and the nine months ended September 30, 2018, our effective income tax rate was (6.8)% and 49.2%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was significantly impacted by the new base erosion and anti-abuse provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and immaterial discrete items. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was significantly impacted by the goodwill impairment and the new base erosion and anti-abuse provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  Without the goodwill impairment, the rate would be 38.1%. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was significantly impacted by the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act legislation in December 2017 which resulted in a re-measurement of our deferred tax assets and liabilities at the new federal corporate tax rate.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

At September 30, 2019, we held cash and cash equivalents of $1.2 billion. At September 30, 2019, cash and cash equivalents of $43 million were held in foreign bank accounts for funding our foreign operations. Due to various factors, our access to foreign cash is generally more restricted than our access to domestic cash.

Capital Expenditures

We incur capital expenditures on an ongoing basis to enhance and modernize our networks, compete effectively in our markets and expand our service offerings. CenturyLink and we evaluate capital expenditure projects based on a variety of factors, including expected strategic impacts (such as forecasted impact on revenue growth, productivity, expenses, service levels and customer retention) and the expected return on investment. The amount of CenturyLink's consolidated capital investment is influenced by, among other things, demand for CenturyLink's services and products, cash flow generated by operating activities and cash required for other purposes.

Debt and Other Financing Arrangements

As of September 30, 2019, our long-term debt (including current maturities and finance leases) totaled $11.4 billion, compared to $10.8 billion outstanding as of December 31, 2018. This increase is attributable to the timing between our sale of new senior notes in the third quarter of 2019 to redeem outstanding notes in the fourth quarter of 2019. See Note 5—Long-Term Debt.

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Subject to market conditions, from time to time, we expect to continue to issue term debt or senior notes to refinance our maturing debt. The availability, interest rate and other terms of any new borrowings will depend on the ratings assigned us by the three major credit rating agencies, among other factors. As of the date of this report, the credit ratings for the senior unsecured debt of Level 3 Parent, LLC and unsecured and secured debt of Level 3 Financing, Inc. were as follows:

Borrower	Moody's Investor Services, Inc.	Standard & Poor's	Fitch Ratings
Level 3 Parent, LLC
Unsecured	B1	B+	BB
Level 3 Financing, Inc.
Unsecured	Ba3	BB	BB
Secured	Ba1	BBB-	BBB-

Future Contractual Obligations

For information regarding our estimated future contractual obligations, see the MD&A discussion included in Item 7 of Part II of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Historical Information

The following table summarizes our consolidated cash flow activities:

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018		Change
	(Dollars in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	1,844		1,627		217
Net cash used in investing activities	$	(745	)	(607	)	138
Net cash used in financing activities	$	(125	)	(1,135	)	(1,010	)

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $217 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to increases in other assets and liabilities, affiliate and other noncurrent assets and liabilities, partially offset by decreases in accounts receivable, accounts payable, deferred revenue and other current assets and liabilities, net. Cash provided by operating activities is subject to variability period over period as a result of the timing of the collection of receivables and payments related to interest expense, accounts payable, and bonuses.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities increased $138 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to an increase in capital expenditures and a decrease in proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets partially offset by an increase in payments of notes receivable - affiliates.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities decreased $1.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to a decrease in distributions and an increase in proceeds from long-term debt partially offset by increases in payments of long-term debt.

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Other Matters

We are subject to various legal proceedings and other contingent liabilities that individually or in the aggregate could materially affect our financial condition, future results of operations or cash flows. See Note 9 - Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items for additional information.

CenturyLink is involved in several legal proceedings to which we are not a party that, if resolved against it, could have a material adverse effect on its business and financial condition. As a wholly owned subsidiary of CenturyLink, our business and financial condition could be similarly affected. You can find descriptions of these legal proceedings in CenturyLink's quarterly and annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Because we are not a party to any of the matters, we have not accrued any liabilities for these matters.

Market Risk

At September 30, 2019, we were exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on our variable rate long-term debt obligations. We seek to maintain a favorable mix of fixed and variable rate debt in an effort to limit interest costs and cash flow volatility resulting from changes in rates.

As of September 30, 2019, we have approximately $11.1 billion (excluding unamortized premiums, unamortized debt issuance costs and finance leases) of long-term debt outstanding, 59% of which bears interest at fixed rates and is therefore not exposed to interest rate risk. We also have $4.6 billion of floating rate debt exposed to changes in the London InterBank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). A hypothetical increase of 100 basis points in LIBOR relative to this debt would decrease our annual pre-tax earnings by $46 million.

By operating internationally, we are exposed to the risk of fluctuations in the foreign currencies used by our international subsidiaries, including the British Pound, the Euro, the Brazilian Real and the Argentinian Peso. Although the percentages of our consolidated revenue and costs that are denominated in these currencies are immaterial, our consolidated results of operations could be adversely impacted by volatility in exchange rates or an increase in the number of foreign currency transactions.

Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the computation of exposures to market risks. Actual values may differ materially from those presented above if market conditions vary from the assumptions used in the analyses performed. These analyses only incorporate the risk exposures that existed at September 30, 2019.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of September 30, 2019, we have no special purpose or limited purpose entities that provide off-balance sheet financing, liquidity, or market or credit risk support and we did not engage in leasing, hedging or other similar activities that expose us to any significant liabilities that are not (i) reflected on the face of the consolidated financial statements, (ii) disclosed in Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, or in the Future Contractual Obligations table included in Item 7 of Part II of the same report, or (iii) discussed under the heading "Market Risk" above.

Other Information

CenturyLink's and our website is www.centurylink.com. We routinely post important investor information in the "Investor Relations" section of our website at ir.centurylink.com. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our website is not part of this quarterly report. You may obtain free electronic copies of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports in the "Investor Relations" section of our website (ir.centurylink.com) under the heading "SEC Filings." These reports are available on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file them with the SEC. From time to time, we also use our website to webcast our earnings calls and certain of our meetings with investors or other members of the investment community.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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Omitted pursuant to General Instruction H(2).

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or furnishes under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. These include controls and procedures designed to ensure that this information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Jeff K. Storey, and our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Indraneel Dev, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2019. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective, as of September 30, 2019, due to the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting that was disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended in December 31, 2018 related to the existence and accuracy of our revenue transactions.

Remediation Plans

As previously described in Part II, Item 9A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, we began implementing remediation plans to address both of the material weaknesses described in that report. During the second quarter, we remediated our material weakness related to the ineffective design and operation of process level internal controls over the fair value measurement of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed in CenturyLink's acquisition of us.

The remaining material weakness relates to our ineffective design and operation of certain process level internal controls over the existence and accuracy of revenue transactions. This material weakness will not be considered remediated until we have designed and implemented sufficient process level controls and the applicable controls operate for a sufficient period of time such that management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively. Based on our progress to date, we expect that the remediation of this material weakness will be completed as of December 31, 2019.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the third quarter of 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. We currently expect, however, to complete the implementation of changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2019 in connection with the remediation efforts discussed above.

Inherent Limitations of Internal Controls

The effectiveness of our or any system of disclosure controls and procedures is subject to certain limitations, including the exercise of judgment in designing, implementing and evaluating the controls and procedures, the assumptions used in identifying the likelihood of future events and the inability to eliminate misconduct completely. As a result, there can be no assurance that our disclosure controls and procedures will detect all errors or fraud. By their nature, our or any system of disclosure controls and procedures can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management's control objectives.

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PART II-OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information contained in Note 9 - Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items, included in Item 1 of Part I of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q is incorporated herein by reference. The ultimate outcome of the matters described in Note 9 may differ materially from the outcomes anticipated, estimated, projected or implied by us in certain of our statements appearing in such Note, and proceedings currently viewed as immaterial by us may ultimately materially impact us. For more information, see “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Legal and Regulatory Matters—Our pending legal proceedings could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results, on the trading price of our securities and on our ability to access the capital markets” in Item 1A of Part I of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results. In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibits identified in parentheses below are on file with the SEC and are incorporated herein by reference. All other exhibits are provided as part of this electronic submission.

31.1*	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.
31.2*	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.
32.1*	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2*	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101*	The following materials from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Level 3 Parent, LLC for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, formatted in Inline XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language); (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) Consolidated Statements of Member's Equity and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
104*	Cover page formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.

_______________________________________________________________________________

* Exhibit filed herewith.

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on November 8, 2019.

LEVEL 3 PARENT, LLC
By:	/s/ Eric J. Mortensen
	Eric J. Mortensen Senior Vice President - Controller  (Principal Accounting Officer)

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