LEVEL 3 PARENT, LLC, 10-Q filed on 10/31/2023
Quarterly Report
v3.23.3
Cover Page
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
shares
Cover [Abstract]  
Document Type 10-Q
Document Quarterly Report true
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2023
Document Transition Report false
Entity File Number 001-35134
Entity Registrant Name LEVEL 3 PARENT, LLC
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE
Entity Tax Identification Number 47-0210602
Entity Address, Address Line One 1025 Eldorado Blvd.,
Entity Address, City or Town Broomfield,
Entity Address, State or Province CO
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 80021-8869
City Area Code 720
Local Phone Number 888-1000
Entity Current Reporting Status No
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business false
Entity Emerging Growth Company false
Entity Shell Company false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 0
Entity Central Index Key 0000794323
Amendment Flag false
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2023
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3
v3.23.3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
OPERATING REVENUE        
Operating revenues $ 1,763 $ 1,819 $ 5,311 $ 5,718
OPERATING EXPENSES        
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) 779 785 2,281 2,472
Selling, general and administrative 342 269 946 901
Gain on sale of business 0 119 0 119
Loss on disposal group held for sale 28 0 113 0
Operating expenses - affiliates 172 173 571 481
Depreciation and amortization 354 377 1,056 1,178
Goodwill impairment 0 0 1,970 0
Total operating expenses 1,675 1,485 6,937 4,913
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) 88 334 (1,626) 805
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME        
Interest expense (123) (99) (336) (284)
Other expense, net (39) (4) (27) (25)
Total other expense, net (146) (84) (316) (259)
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES (58) 250 (1,942) 546
Income tax (benefit) expense (13) 312 (14) 397
NET (LOSS) INCOME (45) (62) (1,928) 149
Nonrelated Party        
OPERATING REVENUE        
Operating revenues 1,706 1,762 5,144 5,548
Affiliates        
OPERATING REVENUE        
Operating revenues 57 57 167 170
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME        
Interest income - affiliate $ 16 $ 19 $ 47 $ 50
v3.23.3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]        
NET (LOSS) INCOME $ (45) $ (62) $ (1,928) $ 149
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS        
Reclassification of realized loss on foreign currency translation to gain on sale of business, net of $—, $—, $— and $— tax 0 112 0 112
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of $5, $28, $(3) and $70 tax (14) (114) (2) (229)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (14) (2) (2) (117)
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME $ (59) $ (64) $ (1,930) $ 32
v3.23.3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]        
Reclassification of realized loss on foreign currency translation to gain on sale of business, tax $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax $ 5 $ 28 $ (3) $ 70
v3.23.3
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
CURRENT ASSETS    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 146 $ 118
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $13 and $19 567 517
Assets held for sale 1,885 1,853
Other 220 197
Total current assets 4,284 4,153
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $3,521 and $2,875 7,384 7,303
GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS    
Goodwill 0 1,970
Other intangible assets, net 4,516 4,973
Other, net 1,320 1,360
Total goodwill and other assets 5,836 8,303
TOTAL ASSETS 17,504 19,759
CURRENT LIABILITIES    
Current maturities of long-term debt 29 26
Accrued expenses and other liabilities    
Salaries and benefits 177 146
Income and other taxes 106 86
Current operating lease liabilities 310 326
Other 145 109
Liabilities held for sale 474 446
Current portion of deferred revenue 292 274
Total current liabilities 1,921 1,848
LONG-TERM DEBT 8,960 8,070
DEFERRED REVENUE AND OTHER LIABILITIES    
Deferred revenue 1,554 1,420
Operating lease liabilities 840 922
Other 657 701
Total deferred revenue and other liabilities 3,051 3,043
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)
MEMBER'S EQUITY    
Member's equity 3,918 7,142
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (346) (344)
Total member's equity 3,572 6,798
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY 17,504 19,759
Affiliates    
CURRENT ASSETS    
Note receivable - affiliate 1,466 1,468
CURRENT LIABILITIES    
Accounts payable 48 70
Accrued expenses and other liabilities    
Current operating lease liabilities 131 125
DEFERRED REVENUE AND OTHER LIABILITIES    
Operating lease liabilities 224 286
Nonrelated Party    
CURRENT LIABILITIES    
Accounts payable $ 340 $ 365
v3.23.3
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 13 $ 19
Accumulated depreciation $ 3,521 $ 2,875
v3.23.3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Dec. 31, 2022
OPERATING ACTIVITIES          
Net (loss) income $ (45) $ (62) $ (1,928) $ 149  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization 354 377 1,056 1,178  
Loss on disposal group held for sale 28 0 113 0  
Goodwill impairment     1,970 0  
Gain on sale of business 0 (119) 0 (119)  
Deferred income taxes     (20) 367  
Changes in current assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable     (41) 2  
Accounts payable     (30) (37)  
Other assets and liabilities, net     12 (141)  
Other assets and liabilities, affiliate     (5) 81  
Changes in other noncurrent assets and liabilities, net     101 117  
Other, net     5 90  
Net cash provided by operating activities     1,233 1,687  
INVESTING ACTIVITIES          
Capital expenditures     (785) (877)  
Proceeds from sale of business     3 2,707  
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets     25 2  
Other, net     (12) 0  
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities     (769) 1,832  
FINANCING ACTIVITIES          
Distributions     (411) (1,210)  
Payments of long-term debt     (28) (2,367)  
Other     (13) 0  
Net cash used in financing activities     (452) (3,577)  
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     12 (58)  
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period     164 191 $ 191
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period 176 133 176 133 164
Supplemental cash flow information:          
Income taxes paid, net     (7) (4)  
Interest paid (net of capitalized interest of $15 and $12)     (302) (326)  
Supplemental non-cash information regarding financing activities:          
Issuance of senior secured notes as part of exchange offers (Note 6)     924 0  
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:          
Cash and cash equivalents 146 130 146 130 118
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash included in assets held for sale 28 0 28 0  
Restricted cash included in Other current assets 0 1 0 1  
Restricted cash included in Other, net noncurrent assets 2 2 2 2  
Total $ 176 $ 133 $ 176 $ 133 $ 164
v3.23.3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]    
Capitalized interest $ 15 $ 12
v3.23.3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF MEMBER'S EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Total
MEMBER'S EQUITY
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2021   $ 13,360 $ (351)
MEMBER'S EQUITY      
Net (loss) income $ 149 149  
Distributions   (1,210)  
Other   (1)  
Other comprehensive loss (117)   (117)
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2022 11,830 12,298 (468)
Balance at beginning of period at Jun. 30, 2022   13,018 (466)
MEMBER'S EQUITY      
Net (loss) income (62) (62)  
Distributions   (657)  
Other   (1)  
Other comprehensive loss (2)   (2)
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2022 11,830 12,298 (468)
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2022 6,798 7,142 (344)
MEMBER'S EQUITY      
Net (loss) income (1,928) (1,928)  
Distributions   (1,335)  
Other   39  
Other comprehensive loss (2)   (2)
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2023 3,572 3,918 (346)
Balance at beginning of period at Jun. 30, 2023   4,215 (332)
MEMBER'S EQUITY      
Net (loss) income (45) (45)  
Distributions   (250)  
Other   (2)  
Other comprehensive loss (14)   (14)
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2023 $ 3,572 $ 3,918 $ (346)
v3.23.3
Background
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Background Background
General

We are an international facilities-based technology and communications company focused on providing our customers with a broad array of integrated products and services necessary to fully participate in our ever-evolving digital world. We operate one of the world’s most interconnected networks. Our platform empowers our customers to swiftly adjust digital programs securely to meet immediate demands, create efficiencies, accelerate market access and reduce costs - allowing customers to rapidly evolve their IT programs to address dynamic changes. Our specific products and services are detailed in Note 4—Revenue Recognition.

Basis of Presentation

Our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022, 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 note 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 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). However, in our opinion, the disclosures made therein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. We believe 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, 2022.

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 (Lumen Technologies and its other subsidiaries, referred to herein as affiliates) have not been eliminated.

Operating lease assets are included in other, net under goodwill and other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. Other, net included affiliate operating lease assets of $335 million and $391 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Additionally, current operating lease liabilities included the current portion of affiliate operating lease liabilities of $131 million and $125 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, and operating lease liabilities included the noncurrent portion of affiliate operating lease liabilities of $224 million and $286 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

We reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation, including our revenue by product and service categories. See Note 4—Revenue Recognition for additional information. These changes had no impact on total operating revenue, total operating expenses or net (loss) income for any period.

Segments

Our operations are integrated into and reported as part of Lumen Technologies. Lumen'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 our CODM on a regular basis. As such, we have one reportable segment.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Refer to the significant accounting policies described in Note 1 — Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Supplier Finance Programs

On January 1, 2023, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2022-04, “Liabilities-Supplier Finance Program (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations” (“ASU 2022-04”). These amendments require that a company that uses a supplier finance program in connection with the purchase of goods or services disclose sufficient information about the program to allow a user of financial statements to understand the program’s nature, program activity during the period, changes from period to period and the potential magnitude of program transactions. The adoption of ASU 2022-04 did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Credit Losses

On January 1, 2023, we adopted ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR”) and Vintage Disclosures” (“ASU 2022-02”). The ASU eliminates the TDR recognition and measurement guidance, enhances existing disclosure requirements and introduces new requirements related to certain modifications of receivables made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The adoption of ASU 2022-02 did not have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives and Hedging

On January 1, 2023, we adopted ASU 2022-01, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging-Portfolio Layer Method” ("ASU 2022-01"). The ASU expands the current single-layer method to allow multiple hedged layers of a single closed portfolio under the method. The adoption of ASU 2022-01 did not have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Business Combinations

On January 1, 2023, we adopted ASU 2021-08, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2021-08”). This ASU requires entities to apply Topic 606 to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination. The adoption of ASU 2021-08 did not have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Government Assistance

On January 1, 2022, we adopted ASU 2021-10, "Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance” (“ASU 2021-10”). This ASU requires business entities to disclose information about certain types of government assistance they receive. The ASU only impacts annual financial statement note disclosures. The adoption of ASU 2021-10 did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Leases

On January 1, 2022, we adopted ASU 2021-05, “Leases (Topic 842): Lessors—Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments” (“ASU 2021-05”). This ASU (i) amends the lease classification requirements for lessors to align them with practice under ASC Topic 840, (ii) provides criteria for lessors to classify and account for a lease with variable lease payments that do not depend on a reference index or a rate as an operating lease; and (iii) provides guidance with respect to net investments by lessors under operating leases and other related topics. The adoption of ASU 2021-05 did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-06, “Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative” (“ASU 2023-06”). This ASU incorporates certain SEC disclosure requirements into the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”). The amendments in the ASU are expected to clarify or improve disclosure and presentation requirements of a variety of Codification Topics, allow users to more easily compare entities subject to the SEC’s existing disclosures with those entities that were not previously subject to the requirements, and align the requirements in the Codification with the SEC’s regulations. ASU 2023-06 will become effective for each amendment on the effective date of the SEC's corresponding disclosure rule changes. As of September 30, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2023-06 will have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-05, “Business Combinations – Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60): Recognition and initial Measurement” (“ASU 2023-05”). This ASU applies to the formation of entities that meet the definition of a joint venture (or a corporate joint venture). The amendments in the ASU require that a joint venture apply a new basis of accounting upon formation. ASU 2023-05 will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 and early adoption is permitted. As of September 30, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2023-05 will have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-04, “Liabilities (Topic 405): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121” (“ASU 2023-04”). This ASU amends and adds various SEC paragraphs to the FASB Codification to reflect guidance regarding the accounting for obligations to safeguard crypto assets an entity holds for platform users. The ASU does not provide any new guidance. ASU 2023-04 will become effective for us once the addition to the FASB Codification is made available. As of September 30, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2023-04 will have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-03, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205), Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480), Equity (Topic 505), and Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 120, SEC Staff Announcement at the March 24, 2022 EITF Meeting, and Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 6.B, Accounting Series Release 280—General Revision of Regulation S-X: Income or Loss Applicable to Common Stock” (“ASU 2023-03”). This ASU amends or superseded various SEC paragraphs within the applicable codification to conform to past SEC staff Announcements. This ASU does not provide any new guidance. ASU 023-03 will become effective for us once the addition to the FASB Codification is made available. As of September 30, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2023-03 will have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02, “Investments-Equity method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method” (“ASU 2023-02”). These amendments allow reporting entities to elect to account for qualifying tax equity investments using the proportional amortization method, regardless of the program giving rise to the related income tax credits. ASU 2023-02 will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 and early adoption is permitted. As of September 30, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2023-02 will have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-01, “Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements” (“ASU 2023-01”). These amendments require all entities to amortize leasehold improvements associated with common control leases over the useful life to the common control group. ASU 2023-01 will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 and early adoption is permitted. As of September 30, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2023-01 will have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions” (“ASU 2022-03”). These amendments clarify that a contractual restriction on the sales of an investment in an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring its fair value. ASU 2022-03 will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 and early adoption is permitted. As of September 30, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2022-03 will have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.
v3.23.3
Pending Divestiture of the EMEA Business
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]  
Pending Divestiture of the EMEA Business Planned Divestiture of the EMEA Business
On November 2, 2022, affiliates of Level 3 Parent, LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Lumen Technologies, Inc., granted an option to Colt Technology Services Group Limited, a portfolio company of Fidelity Investments, to purchase certain of their operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (the "EMEA business"), in exchange for $1.8 billion in cash, subject to certain working capital and other purchase price adjustments. Following the completion of a French consultative process, Colt exercised its option and on February 8, 2023, the parties entered into a definitive purchase agreement, which contains various customary covenants for transactions of this type, including various indemnities. Subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, Level 3 Parent, LLC expects to close the transaction November 1, 2023, although it can provide no assurance to this effect.

The actual amount of our net after-tax proceeds from this divestiture could vary substantially from the amounts we currently estimate, particularly if we experience delays in completing the transaction or if any of our other assumptions prove to be incorrect.

We do not believe this divestiture represents a strategic shift for us. Therefore, the planned divestiture of the EMEA business does not meet the criteria to be classified as discontinued operations. As a result, we will continue to report our operating results for the EMEA business (the "disposal group") in our consolidated operating results until the transaction is closed.

The pre-tax net income of the disposal group is estimated to be and reported as follows in the table below:

Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023202220232022
(Dollars in millions)
EMEA business pre-tax net income (loss)
$32 (21)131 (55)

As of September 30, 2023 in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, the assets and liabilities of our EMEA business are classified as held for sale and measured at the lower of (i) the carrying value when we classified the disposal group as held for sale and (ii) the fair value of the disposal group as of such date, less costs to sell. Effective with the designation of the disposal group as held for sale on November 2, 2022, we suspended recording depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization of finite-lived intangible assets and right-of-use assets while these assets are classified as held for sale. We estimate that we would have recorded an additional $90 million and $232 million of depreciation, intangible amortization, and amortization of right-of-use assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, if the EMEA business did not meet the held for sale criteria.

The classification of the EMEA business as held for sale was considered an event or change in circumstance which requires an assessment of the goodwill of the disposal group for impairment each reporting period until disposal. We performed a pre-classification and post-classification goodwill impairment test of the disposal group as described further in Note 3—Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. As a result of our impairment tests, we determined the EMEA business disposal group was impaired, resulting in a non-cash, non-tax-deductible goodwill impairment charge of $224 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. We evaluated the recoverability of the carrying value of the assets and liabilities held for sale relative to the agreed upon sales price, adjusted for costs to sell, and recorded an estimated loss on disposal of $616 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 in the consolidated statement of operations and a valuation allowance included in assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet. As a result of our evaluation of the recoverability of the carrying value of the EMEA assets and liabilities held for sale relative to the agreed upon sales price, adjusted for costs to sell, as of September 30, 2023, we recorded a $28 million and $113 million estimated loss on disposal during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, and adjusted the valuation allowance by the same amounts. For each reporting period through the closing date, we will conduct similar evaluations and adjust the valuation allowance for the EMEA assets held for sale as necessary.
The principal components of the held for sale assets and liabilities of the EMEA business as of the dates below are as follows:

September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
(Dollars in millions)
Assets held for sale
Cash and cash equivalents$27 43 
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $4 and $5
70 76 
Other current assets54 56 
Property, plant and equipment, net accumulated depreciation of $1,013 and $998
1,954 1,864 
Customer relationships and other intangibles, net103 100 
Operating lease assets215 156 
Valuation allowance on assets held for sale (1)
(729)(616)
Deferred tax assets145 131 
Other non-current assets34 32 
Total assets held for sale$1,873 1,842 
Liabilities held for sale
Accounts payable$56 78 
Salaries and benefits20 23 
Current portion of deferred revenue28 28 
Current operating lease liabilities41 33 
Other current liabilities33 28 
Deferred income taxes60 38 
Asset retirement obligations31 30 
Deferred revenue, non-current99 85 
Operating lease liabilities, non-current106 103 
Total liabilities held for sale$474 446 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)    Includes the impact of $341 million and $353 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, primarily related to loss on foreign currency translation, expected to be reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss upon close of the sale.
v3.23.3
Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill, customer relationships and other intangible assets consisted of the following:
September 30, 2023(1)
December 31, 2022(1)
(Dollars in millions)
Goodwill(2)
$— 1,970 
Customer relationships, less accumulated amortization of $3,735 and $3,265
$4,088 4,563 
Capitalized software, less accumulated amortization of $401 and $387
428 410 
Trade names, less accumulated amortization of $— and $130 (3)
— — 
Total other intangible assets, net$4,516 4,973 
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)These values exclude assets classified as held for sale.
(2)We recorded a non-cash, non-tax-deductible goodwill impairment charge of $2.0 billion during the second quarter of 2023.
(3)Trade names with a gross carrying value of $130 million became fully amortized during 2022 and were retired during the first quarter of 2023.

Our goodwill at December 31, 2022 was derived from Lumen's acquisition of us where the purchase price exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired.

Second Quarter 2023 Goodwill Impairment Analysis

When we performed our October 31, 2022 annual impairment test, we estimated the fair value of our reporting unit by considering both a market approach and a discounted cash flow method.

The sustained decline in Lumen's share price during the second quarter of 2023 was considered a triggering event requiring evaluation of goodwill impairment; as such, we estimated the fair value using only the market approach. Applying this approach, we utilized company comparisons and analyst reports within the telecommunications industry which supported a range of fair values derived from annualized revenue and EBITDA multiples between 1.5x and 4.3x and 4.6x and 10.5x, respectively. The revenue and EBITDA multiples were below these comparable market multiples. For the three months ended June 30, 2023, based on our assessment performed as described above, we concluded the estimated fair value was less than our carrying value of equity. As a result, we recorded a non-cash, non-tax-deductible goodwill impairment charge of $2.0 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2023.

The market approach that we used in the quarter ended June 30, 2023 incorporated estimates and assumptions related to the forecasted results for the remainder of the year, including revenues, expenses, and the achievement of certain strategic initiatives. In developing the market multiples, we considered observed trends of our industry participants. Our assessment included many factors that required significant judgment. Alternative interpretations of these factors could have resulted in different conclusions regarding the size of our impairments.

The following table shows the rollforward of goodwill assigned to our reportable segment from December 31, 2022 through September 30, 2023:

(Dollars in Millions)
As of December 31, 2022(1)
$1,970 
Impairment(1,970)
As of September 30, 2023(1)
$— 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)Goodwill at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 is net of accumulated impairment losses of $10.2 billion and $8.2 billion, respectively.
Total amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 totaled $184 million and $187 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 totaled $540 million and $565 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2023, the gross carrying amount of customer relationships, capitalized software, indefinite-life and other intangible assets was $8.7 billion.

We estimate that amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ending December 31, 2023 through 2027 will be as provided in the table below. As a result of classifying our EMEA business as being held for sale on our September 30, 2023 consolidated balance sheet, the amounts presented below do not include the future amortization of the intangible assets for the business to be divested. See Note 2—Planned Divestiture of the EMEA Business for more information.

(Dollars in millions)
2023 (remaining three months)$172 
2024682 
2025663 
2026651 
2027609 
v3.23.3
Revenue Recognition
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition
We categorize our products and services and related revenue among the following categories:
•Grow, which includes products and services that we anticipate will grow, including our colocation, dark fiber, Edge Cloud services, IP, managed security, software-defined wide area networks ("SD WAN"), secure access service edge ("SASE"), Unified Communications and Collaboration ("UC&C") and wavelengths services;
•Nurture, which includes our more mature offerings, including ethernet and VPN data network services;
•Harvest, which includes our legacy services managed for cash flow, including Time Division Multiplexing ("TDM") voice, private line and other legacy services;
•Other, which includes equipment sales, IT solutions and other services; and
•Affiliate Services, which include communications services provided to our affiliates that we also provide to our external customers.
From time to time, we may change the categorization of our products and services.
Disaggregated Revenue by Service Offering

The following tables provide disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers based on service offering for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. It also shows the amount of revenue that is not subject to ASC 606, but is instead governed by other accounting standards. The amounts in the tables below include revenue for the Latin American business prior to it being sold on August 1, 2022. See Note 2—Completed Divestiture of the Latin American Business and Planned Divestiture of European, Middle Eastern and African Business in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 for additional information on these divestitures.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2023Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
Total Revenue
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue(1)
Total Revenue from Contracts with CustomersTotal Revenue
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue(1)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers
(Dollars in millions)
Grow$988 (151)837 956 (153)803 
Nurture428 (3)425 464 (4)460 
Harvest264 — 264 316 — 316 
Other26 — 26 26 — 26 
Affiliate Services57 (57)— 57 (57)— 
Total revenue$1,763 (211)1,552 1,819 (214)1,605 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Total Revenue
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue(1)
Total Revenue from Contracts with CustomersTotal Revenue
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue(1)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers
(Dollars in millions)
Grow$2,947 (465)2,482 3,022 (518)2,504 
Nurture1,296 (11)1,285 1,462 (12)1,450 
Harvest825 — 825 982 — 982 
Other76 — 76 82 — 82 
Affiliate Services167 (167)— 170 (170)— 
Total revenue$5,311 (643)4,668 5,718 (700)5,018 
_____________________________________________________________________
(1) Includes lease revenue which is not within the scope of ASC 606.

Operating Lease Income

We lease various dark fiber, office facilities, colocation facilities, switching facilities, other network sites and service equipment to third parties under operating leases. Lease and sublease income are included in operating revenue in our consolidated statements of operations.

For the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, our gross rental income was $170 million and $175 million, which represents approximately 10% of our operating revenue for both periods. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, our gross rental income was $525 million and $581 million, which represents approximately 10% of our operating revenue for both periods.
Customer Receivables and Contract Balances

The following table provides balances of customer receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities, net of amounts classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
(Dollars in millions)
Customer receivables (1)
$567 515 
Contract assets (2)
9 13 
Contract liabilities (3)
239 222 
_____________________________________________________________________
(1)Reflects gross customer receivables of $580 million and $534 million, net of allowance for credit losses of $13 million and $19 million, at both September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, this amount excludes customer receivables classified as held for sale of $70 million and $76 million, respectively.
(2)As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, amount excludes contract assets classified as held for sale of $11 million and $16 million, respectively.
(3)As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, amount excludes contract liabilities classified as held for sale of $47 million and $59 million, respectively.

Contract liabilities are consideration we have received from our customers or billed in advance of providing the goods or services promised in the future. We defer recognizing this consideration 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 typically ranges from one to five years depending on the service. Contract liabilities are included within deferred revenue and liabilities held for sale in our consolidated balance sheets. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized $21 million and $119 million, respectively, of revenue that was included in contract liabilities of $281 million as of January 1, 2023, including contract liabilities that were classified as held for sale. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, we recognized $20 million and $128 million, respectively, of revenue that was included in contract liabilities of $305 million as of January 1, 2022, including contract liabilities that were classified as held for sale.

Performance Obligations

As of September 30, 2023, we expect to recognize approximately $3.9 billion of revenue in the future related to performance obligations associated with existing customer contracts that are partially or wholly unsatisfied. As of September 30, 2023, the transaction price related to unsatisfied performance obligations that are expected to be recognized for the remainder of 2023, 2024 and thereafter was $517 million, $1.6 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively.

These amounts exclude (i) the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed (for example, uncommitted usage or non-recurring charges associated with professional or technical services to be completed), (ii) contracts that are classified as leasing arrangements that are not subject to ASC 606 and (iii) the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts which relate to our EMEA business classified as held for sale.
Contract Costs

The following tables provide changes in our contract acquisition costs and fulfillment costs:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
Acquisition CostsFulfillment CostsAcquisition CostsFulfillment Costs
(Dollars in millions)
Beginning of period balance(1)(2)
$69 102 78 101 
Costs incurred12 24 16 20 
Amortization(14)(18)(14)(17)
Change in contract costs held for sale— — — 1 
End of period balance(5)(6)
$67 108 80 105 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2023		Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2022
Acquisition CostsFulfillment CostsAcquisition CostsFulfillment Costs
(Dollars in millions)
Beginning of period balance(3)(4)
$76 106 76 99 
Costs incurred39 68 45 63 
Amortization(44)(52)(41)(57)
Change in contract costs held for sale(4)(14)— — 
End of period balance(5)(6)
$67 108 80 105 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)Beginning of period balance for the three months ended September 30, 2023 excludes $10 million of acquisition costs and $14 million of fulfillment costs classified as held for sale related to the EMEA business.
(2)Beginning of period balance for the three months ended September 30, 2022 excludes no acquisition costs and $28 million of fulfillment costs classified as held for sale (related to the Latin American business, sold in the third quarter of 2022).
(3)Beginning of period balance for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 excludes $6 million of acquisition costs and no fulfillment costs classified as held for sale related to the EMEA business.
(4)Beginning of period balance for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 excludes no acquisition costs and $27 million of fulfillment costs classified as held for sale (related to the Latin American business, sold in the third quarter of 2022).
(5)End of period balance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 excludes $10 million of acquisition costs and $14 million of fulfillment costs classified as held for sale related to the EMEA business.
(6)End of period balance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 excludes no acquisition costs and no of fulfillment costs classified as held for sale (related to the Latin American business, sold in the third quarter of 2022).

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 services to customers, including labor and materials consumed for these activities.

We amortize deferred acquisition and fulfillment costs based on the transfer of services on a straight-line basis over the average expected contract life of approximately 35 months for our business customers. We include amortized fulfillment costs in cost of services and products, and amortized acquisition costs in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. We include the amount of deferred costs that are anticipated to be amortized in the next 12 months in other current assets on our consolidated balance sheets. We include the amount of deferred costs expected to be amortized beyond 12 months in other non-current assets on our consolidated balance sheets. We assess deferred acquisition and fulfillment costs for impairment on a quarterly basis.
v3.23.3
Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Credit Loss [Abstract]  
Credit Losses on Financial Instruments Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
To assess our expected credit losses on financial instruments, we aggregate financial assets with similar risk characteristics to monitor their credit quality or deterioration over the life of such assets. We periodically monitor certain risk characteristics within our aggregated financial assets and revise their composition accordingly, to the extent internal and external risk factors change. We separately evaluate financial assets that do not share risk characteristics with other financial assets. Our financial assets measured at amortized cost primarily consist of accounts receivable.

We use a loss rate method to estimate our allowance for credit losses. Our determination of the current expected credit loss rate begins with our review of historical loss experience as a percentage of accounts receivable. We measure our historical loss period based on the average days to recognize accounts receivable as credit losses. When asset specific characteristics and current conditions change from those in the historical period, due to changes in our credit and collections strategy, certain classes of aged balances, or credit loss and recovery policies, we perform a qualitative and quantitative assessment to adjust our historical loss rate. We use regression analysis to develop an expected loss rate using historical experience and economic data over a forecast period. We measure our forecast period based on the average days to collect payment on billed accounts receivable. To determine our current allowance for credit losses, we combine the historical and expected credit loss rates and apply them to our period end accounts receivable.

If there is an unexpected deterioration of a customer's financial condition or an unexpected change in economic conditions, including macroeconomic events, we assess the need to adjust the allowance for credit losses. Any such resulting adjustments would affect earnings in the period that adjustments are made.

The assessment of the correlation between historical observed default rates, current conditions and forecasted economic conditions requires judgment. Alternative interpretations of these factors could have resulted in different conclusions regarding our allowance for credit losses. The amount of credit loss is sensitive to changes in circumstances and forecasted economic conditions. Our historical credit loss experience, current conditions and forecast of economic conditions may also not be representative of the customers' actual default experience in the future and we may use methodologies that differ from those used by other companies.

The following table presents the activity of our allowance for credit losses for our accounts receivable portfolio:

(Dollars in millions)
Beginning balance at December 31, 2022(1)
$19 
Provision for expected losses5 
Write-offs charged against the allowance(15)
Recoveries collected3 
Change in allowance in assets held for sale1 
Ending balance at September 30, 2023(1)
$13 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, amounts exclude a $4 million and $5 million allowance for credit losses classified as held for sale. See Note 2—Planned Divestiture of the EMEA Business.
v3.23.3
Long-Term Debt
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt
The following table reflects our consolidated long-term debt, including finance leases and other obligations, unamortized discounts and premiums, net and unamortized debt issuance costs, but excluding intercompany debt:
Interest Rates (1)
Maturities (1)
September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
(Dollars in millions)
Level 3 Financing, Inc.
Senior Secured Debt: (2)
Senior notes
3.400% - 10.500%
2027 - 2030
$2,425 1,500 
Tranche B 2027 Term Loan (3)
SOFR + 1.75%
2027
2,411 2,411 
Senior Notes and other debt:
Senior notes (4)
3.625% - 4.625%
2027 - 2029
3,940 3,940 
Finance leases and other obligations(5)
VariousVarious266 291 
Unamortized premiums, net3 3 
Unamortized debt issuance costs(56)(49)
Total long-term debt8,989 8,096 
Less current maturities(29)(26)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities$8,960 8,070 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)As of September 30, 2023.
(2)See Note 7—Long-Term Debt in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 for a description of certain affiliate guarantees and liens securing this debt.
(3)The Tranche B 2027 Term Loan had an interest rate of 7.181% and 6.134% as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
(4)See Note 7—Long-Term Debt in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 for a description of guarantees provided by certain affiliates of Level 3 Financing, Inc.
(5)Excludes finance lease obligations of our EMEA business classified as held for sale.

Long-Term Debt Maturities

Set forth below is the aggregate principal amount of our long-term debt as of September 30, 2023 (excluding unamortized premiums, net, unamortized debt issuance costs, and intercompany debt), maturing during the following years:

(Dollars in millions)
2023 (remaining three months)$9 
202430 
202537 
202635 
20274,180 
2028 and thereafter4,751 
Total long-term debt$9,042 
New Issuances

Pursuant to exchange offers commenced on March 16, 2023 (the “Exchange Offers”), on March 31, 2023, Level 3 Financing, Inc. issued $915 million of its 10.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 (the “Initial Notes”) in exchange for $1.535 billion of Lumen’s outstanding senior unsecured notes.

On April 17, 2023, in connection with the Exchange Offers, Level 3 Financing, Inc. issued an additional $9 million of its 10.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 in exchange for $19 million aggregate principal amount of Lumen’s senior unsecured notes.

Supplier Finance Program

Pursuant to our purchase of network equipment under a supplier finance program implemented in 2021 with one of our key equipment vendors, we are obligated to make quarterly installment payments over a 5-year period and pay annual interest of 1.25% on unpaid balances. The first unsecured quarterly payment was due April 27, 2022, with remaining quarterly payments due through the end of the term on July 1, 2026. The supplier also agreed to certain milestone performance and other provisions that could result in us earning credits to be applied by us towards future equipment purchases. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we have not received significant credits and our outstanding obligations under the plan were $59 million and $67 million, respectively, of which $15 million and $12 million were included in current maturities of long-term debt and the remaining balances were reflected as the long-term debt.

Covenants

The term loan and senior notes of 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, dispose of assets and merge or consolidate with any other person. Also, in connection with a "change of control" of Level 3 Parent, LLC, or Level 3 Financing, Inc., Level 3 Financing will be required to offer to repurchase or repay certain of its long-term debt at a price of 101% of the principal amount of debt repurchased or repaid, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Certain of Lumen's and our debt instruments contain cross-acceleration provisions.

Compliance

As of September 30, 2023, we believe we were in compliance with the provisions and financial covenants contained in our debt agreements in all material respects.
v3.23.3
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, note receivable-affiliate and long-term debt (excluding finance leases and other obligations) and certain indemnification obligations. Due to their short-term nature, the carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, note receivable-affiliate and accounts payable approximate their fair values.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between independent and knowledgeable parties who are willing and able to transact for an asset or liability at the measurement date. We use valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value and then we rank the estimated values based on the reliability of the inputs using the below-described fair value hierarchy.

We determined the fair values of our long-term debt, including the current portion, based primarily on inputs other than quoted market prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable such as discounted future cash flows using current market interest rates.

The three input levels in the hierarchy of fair value measurements are defined by the FASB are generally as follows:
Input LevelDescription of Input
Level 1Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets.
Level 2Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable.
Level 3Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists.

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our following financial liabilities as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, as well as the input level used to determine the fair values indicated below:
September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Input LevelCarrying AmountFair ValueCarrying AmountFair Value
(Dollars in millions)
Liabilities-Long-term debt, excluding finance leases2$8,723 7,002 7,805 6,581 
Indemnifications related to the sale of the Latin American business (1)
386 86 86 86 
_____________________________________________________________________
(1)Nonrecurring fair value is measured as of August 1, 2022.
v3.23.3
Affiliate Transactions
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Affiliate Transactions Affiliate Transactions
We provide competitive local exchange carrier telecommunications services to our affiliates that we also provide to external customers. We believe these services are priced consistent with non-regulated rates charged to external customers. These services are billed directly to our affiliates and recognized as affiliate revenue on our consolidated statements of operations.

Costs are incurred directly by our affiliates for the services they use whenever possible. When such costs are not directly incurred, they are allocated among all affiliates based upon the most reasonable method, first using cost causative measures, or, if no cost causative measure is available, using a general allocator. Unlike other affiliates of Lumen, we do not operate as a service company to our affiliates and therefore any allocated affiliate revenue we earn reduces the affiliate charges incurred by us and is presented on a net basis within Operating expenses – affiliates on our consolidated statements of operations. From time to time, we may adjust the basis for allocating the costs of a shared service among affiliates. Any such changes in allocation methodologies are generally applied prospectively.

We also purchase services from our affiliates, including telecommunication services, insurance, flight services, and other support services such as legal, regulatory, finance, administration and executive support. Our affiliates charge us for those services using the allocation methodology described above.
v3.23.3
Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items Commitments, Contingencies and Other ItemsWe 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.
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. Subject to these limitations, at September 30, 2023, we had accrued $39 million in the aggregate for our litigation and non-income tax contingencies which is included in other current liabilities, other liabilities, or liabilities held for sale on our consolidated balance sheet as of such date. We cannot at this time estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss in excess of this $39 million accrual due to the inherent uncertainties and speculative nature of contested proceedings. 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.

Latin American Tax Litigation and Claims

In connection with the 2022 divestiture of our Latin American business, the purchaser assumed responsibility for the Peruvian tax litigation and Brazilian tax claims described in our prior periodic reports filed with the SEC. We agreed to indemnify the purchaser for amounts paid in respect to the Brazilian tax claims. The value of this indemnification is included in the indemnification amount as disclosed in Note 7—Fair Value of Financial Instruments.

Other Proceedings, Disputes and Contingencies

From time to time, we are involved in other proceedings incidental to our business, including patent infringement allegations, regulatory hearings 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 within the next twelve 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 is reasonably expected to exceed $300,000 in fines and penalties. In addition, in the past we acquired companies that operated certain manufacturing companies in the first part of the 1900s. Under applicable environmental laws, we could be named as a potentially responsible party for a share of the remediation of environmental conditions arising from the historical operations of our predecessors.

The outcome of these other proceedings described under this heading 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 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 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. 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.
v3.23.3
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The table below summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) recorded on our consolidated balance sheets by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:
Pension PlansForeign Currency Translation Adjustment and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2022$21 (365)(344)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax— (2)(2)
Net other comprehensive loss— (2)(2)
Balance at September 30, 2023$21 (367)(346)

The table below summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) recorded on our consolidated balance sheets by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2022:

Pension PlansForeign Currency Translation Adjustment and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2021$3 (354)(351)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax— (229)(229)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)— 112 112 
Net other comprehensive loss— (117)(117)
Balance at September 30, 2022$3 (471)(468)

The tables below present further information about our reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022:
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022Decrease (Increase)
in Net Income		Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations
 (Dollars in millions) 
Reclassification of realized loss on foreign currency translation to gain on sale of business$112 Gain on sale of business
Income tax benefit— Income tax expense
Net of tax$112 
v3.23.3
Other Financial Information
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Other Financial Information Other Financial Information
Other Current Assets

The following table presents details of other current assets reflected on our consolidated balance sheets:

September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
(Dollars in millions)
Prepaid expenses$110 99 
Contract fulfillment costs47 44 
Contract acquisition costs39 42 
Contract assets7 10 
Other17 2 
Total other current assets(1)
$220 197 
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)Excludes $54 million and $56 million of other current assets related to EMEA business that were classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
v3.23.3
Subsequent Events
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
Subsequent Events Subsequent Events
Distributions to Parent

As of the date of this report, $50 million of distributions were made to our ultimate parent in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Sale of Select Content Delivery Network ("CDN") Customer Contracts

On October 10, 2023, Lumen announced the sale of substantially all of our CDN service contracts. We will provide certain transition services to the purchaser for 90 days, following which we plan to wind down the remaining portion of our remaining CDN contracts in 2024.

Workforce Reduction

On October 31, 2023, Lumen announced a plan to reduce its global workforce as part of its ongoing efforts to reorganize it for growth by right-sizing its operations to improve its profitability. The workforce reduction is expected to be substantially completed by the end of the fourth quarter of 2023. As a result of this plan, we expect to incur severance and related costs in the range of approximately $17 to $27 million. The Company does not expect to incur any material impairment or exit costs related to this plan. The workforce reduction is considered a subsequent event for the purposes of these financial statements, and therefore, no accrual for severance and related costs has been recorded as of September 30, 2023.

Debt Transaction Support Agreement

On October 31, 2023, Lumen announced that it has entered into a transaction support agreement with a group of creditors representing over $7 billion of the outstanding indebtedness of Lumen and its subsidiaries to, among other things, extend maturities of the debt instruments of Lumen and Level 3 Financing, Inc. In addition, the creditors have committed to provide $1.2 billion of financing to Lumen through new long-term debt. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by the transaction support agreement is subject to the satisfaction of various closing conditions.
v3.23.3
Background (Policies)
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation

Our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022, 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 note 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 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). However, in our opinion, the disclosures made therein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. We believe 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, 2022.

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 (Lumen Technologies and its other subsidiaries, referred to herein as affiliates) have not been eliminated.
Segments SegmentsOur operations are integrated into and reported as part of Lumen Technologies. Lumen'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 our CODM on a regular basis.
Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Supplier Finance Programs

On January 1, 2023, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2022-04, “Liabilities-Supplier Finance Program (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations” (“ASU 2022-04”). These amendments require that a company that uses a supplier finance program in connection with the purchase of goods or services disclose sufficient information about the program to allow a user of financial statements to understand the program’s nature, program activity during the period, changes from period to period and the potential magnitude of program transactions. The adoption of ASU 2022-04 did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Credit Losses

On January 1, 2023, we adopted ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR”) and Vintage Disclosures” (“ASU 2022-02”). The ASU eliminates the TDR recognition and measurement guidance, enhances existing disclosure requirements and introduces new requirements related to certain modifications of receivables made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The adoption of ASU 2022-02 did not have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives and Hedging

On January 1, 2023, we adopted ASU 2022-01, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging-Portfolio Layer Method” ("ASU 2022-01"). The ASU expands the current single-layer method to allow multiple hedged layers of a single closed portfolio under the method. The adoption of ASU 2022-01 did not have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Business Combinations

On January 1, 2023, we adopted ASU 2021-08, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2021-08”). This ASU requires entities to apply Topic 606 to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination. The adoption of ASU 2021-08 did not have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Government Assistance

On January 1, 2022, we adopted ASU 2021-10, "Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance” (“ASU 2021-10”). This ASU requires business entities to disclose information about certain types of government assistance they receive. The ASU only impacts annual financial statement note disclosures. The adoption of ASU 2021-10 did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Leases

On January 1, 2022, we adopted ASU 2021-05, “Leases (Topic 842): Lessors—Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments” (“ASU 2021-05”). This ASU (i) amends the lease classification requirements for lessors to align them with practice under ASC Topic 840, (ii) provides criteria for lessors to classify and account for a lease with variable lease payments that do not depend on a reference index or a rate as an operating lease; and (iii) provides guidance with respect to net investments by lessors under operating leases and other related topics. The adoption of ASU 2021-05 did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-06, “Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative” (“ASU 2023-06”). This ASU incorporates certain SEC disclosure requirements into the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”). The amendments in the ASU are expected to clarify or improve disclosure and presentation requirements of a variety of Codification Topics, allow users to more easily compare entities subject to the SEC’s existing disclosures with those entities that were not previously subject to the requirements, and align the requirements in the Codification with the SEC’s regulations. ASU 2023-06 will become effective for each amendment on the effective date of the SEC's corresponding disclosure rule changes. As of September 30, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2023-06 will have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-05, “Business Combinations – Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60): Recognition and initial Measurement” (“ASU 2023-05”). This ASU applies to the formation of entities that meet the definition of a joint venture (or a corporate joint venture). The amendments in the ASU require that a joint venture apply a new basis of accounting upon formation. ASU 2023-05 will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 and early adoption is permitted. As of September 30, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2023-05 will have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-04, “Liabilities (Topic 405): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121” (“ASU 2023-04”). This ASU amends and adds various SEC paragraphs to the FASB Codification to reflect guidance regarding the accounting for obligations to safeguard crypto assets an entity holds for platform users. The ASU does not provide any new guidance. ASU 2023-04 will become effective for us once the addition to the FASB Codification is made available. As of September 30, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2023-04 will have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-03, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205), Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480), Equity (Topic 505), and Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 120, SEC Staff Announcement at the March 24, 2022 EITF Meeting, and Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 6.B, Accounting Series Release 280—General Revision of Regulation S-X: Income or Loss Applicable to Common Stock” (“ASU 2023-03”). This ASU amends or superseded various SEC paragraphs within the applicable codification to conform to past SEC staff Announcements. This ASU does not provide any new guidance. ASU 023-03 will become effective for us once the addition to the FASB Codification is made available. As of September 30, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2023-03 will have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02, “Investments-Equity method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method” (“ASU 2023-02”). These amendments allow reporting entities to elect to account for qualifying tax equity investments using the proportional amortization method, regardless of the program giving rise to the related income tax credits. ASU 2023-02 will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 and early adoption is permitted. As of September 30, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2023-02 will have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-01, “Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements” (“ASU 2023-01”). These amendments require all entities to amortize leasehold improvements associated with common control leases over the useful life to the common control group. ASU 2023-01 will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 and early adoption is permitted. As of September 30, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2023-01 will have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions” (“ASU 2022-03”). These amendments clarify that a contractual restriction on the sales of an investment in an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring its fair value. ASU 2022-03 will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 and early adoption is permitted. As of September 30, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2022-03 will have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.
Operating Lease Income
Operating Lease Income

We lease various dark fiber, office facilities, colocation facilities, switching facilities, other network sites and service equipment to third parties under operating leases. Lease and sublease income are included in operating revenue in our consolidated statements of operations.
Credit Losses on Financial Instruments To assess our expected credit losses on financial instruments, we aggregate financial assets with similar risk characteristics to monitor their credit quality or deterioration over the life of such assets. We periodically monitor certain risk characteristics within our aggregated financial assets and revise their composition accordingly, to the extent internal and external risk factors change. We separately evaluate financial assets that do not share risk characteristics with other financial assets. Our financial assets measured at amortized cost primarily consist of accounts receivable.
v3.23.3
Pending Divestiture of the EMEA Business (Tables)
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]  
EMEA business pre-tax net loss and held for sale assets and liabilities
The pre-tax net income of the disposal group is estimated to be and reported as follows in the table below:

Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023202220232022
(Dollars in millions)
EMEA business pre-tax net income (loss)
$32 (21)131 (55)
The principal components of the held for sale assets and liabilities of the EMEA business as of the dates below are as follows:

September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
(Dollars in millions)
Assets held for sale
Cash and cash equivalents$27 43 
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $4 and $5
70 76 
Other current assets54 56 
Property, plant and equipment, net accumulated depreciation of $1,013 and $998
1,954 1,864 
Customer relationships and other intangibles, net103 100 
Operating lease assets215 156 
Valuation allowance on assets held for sale (1)
(729)(616)
Deferred tax assets145 131 
Other non-current assets34 32 
Total assets held for sale$1,873 1,842 
Liabilities held for sale
Accounts payable$56 78 
Salaries and benefits20 23 
Current portion of deferred revenue28 28 
Current operating lease liabilities41 33 
Other current liabilities33 28 
Deferred income taxes60 38 
Asset retirement obligations31 30 
Deferred revenue, non-current99 85 
Operating lease liabilities, non-current106 103 
Total liabilities held for sale$474 446 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)    Includes the impact of $341 million and $353 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, primarily related to loss on foreign currency translation, expected to be reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss upon close of the sale.
v3.23.3
Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of goodwill, customer relationships and other intangible assets
Goodwill, customer relationships and other intangible assets consisted of the following:
September 30, 2023(1)
December 31, 2022(1)
(Dollars in millions)
Goodwill(2)
$— 1,970 
Customer relationships, less accumulated amortization of $3,735 and $3,265
$4,088 4,563 
Capitalized software, less accumulated amortization of $401 and $387
428 410 
Trade names, less accumulated amortization of $— and $130 (3)
— — 
Total other intangible assets, net$4,516 4,973 
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)These values exclude assets classified as held for sale.
(2)We recorded a non-cash, non-tax-deductible goodwill impairment charge of $2.0 billion during the second quarter of 2023.
(3)Trade names with a gross carrying value of $130 million became fully amortized during 2022 and were retired during the first quarter of 2023.
Reconciliation of goodwill
The following table shows the rollforward of goodwill assigned to our reportable segment from December 31, 2022 through September 30, 2023:

(Dollars in Millions)
As of December 31, 2022(1)
$1,970 
Impairment(1,970)
As of September 30, 2023(1)
$— 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)Goodwill at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 is net of accumulated impairment losses of $10.2 billion and $8.2 billion, respectively.
Schedule of estimated amortization expense for intangible assets
We estimate that amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ending December 31, 2023 through 2027 will be as provided in the table below. As a result of classifying our EMEA business as being held for sale on our September 30, 2023 consolidated balance sheet, the amounts presented below do not include the future amortization of the intangible assets for the business to be divested. See Note 2—Planned Divestiture of the EMEA Business for more information.

(Dollars in millions)
2023 (remaining three months)$172 
2024682 
2025663 
2026651 
2027609 
v3.23.3
Revenue Recognition (Tables)
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Disaggregation of revenue
The following tables provide disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers based on service offering for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. It also shows the amount of revenue that is not subject to ASC 606, but is instead governed by other accounting standards. The amounts in the tables below include revenue for the Latin American business prior to it being sold on August 1, 2022. See Note 2—Completed Divestiture of the Latin American Business and Planned Divestiture of European, Middle Eastern and African Business in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 for additional information on these divestitures.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2023Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
Total Revenue
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue(1)
Total Revenue from Contracts with CustomersTotal Revenue
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue(1)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers
(Dollars in millions)
Grow$988 (151)837 956 (153)803 
Nurture428 (3)425 464 (4)460 
Harvest264 — 264 316 — 316 
Other26 — 26 26 — 26 
Affiliate Services57 (57)— 57 (57)— 
Total revenue$1,763 (211)1,552 1,819 (214)1,605 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Total Revenue
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue(1)
Total Revenue from Contracts with CustomersTotal Revenue
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue(1)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers
(Dollars in millions)
Grow$2,947 (465)2,482 3,022 (518)2,504 
Nurture1,296 (11)1,285 1,462 (12)1,450 
Harvest825 — 825 982 — 982 
Other76 — 76 82 — 82 
Affiliate Services167 (167)— 170 (170)— 
Total revenue$5,311 (643)4,668 5,718 (700)5,018 
_____________________________________________________________________
(1) Includes lease revenue which is not within the scope of ASC 606.
Contract with customer, asset and liability
The following table provides balances of customer receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities, net of amounts classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
(Dollars in millions)
Customer receivables (1)
$567 515 
Contract assets (2)
9 13 
Contract liabilities (3)
239 222 
_____________________________________________________________________
(1)Reflects gross customer receivables of $580 million and $534 million, net of allowance for credit losses of $13 million and $19 million, at both September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, this amount excludes customer receivables classified as held for sale of $70 million and $76 million, respectively.
(2)As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, amount excludes contract assets classified as held for sale of $11 million and $16 million, respectively.
(3)As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, amount excludes contract liabilities classified as held for sale of $47 million and $59 million, respectively.
Capitalized contract cost
The following tables provide changes in our contract acquisition costs and fulfillment costs:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
Acquisition CostsFulfillment CostsAcquisition CostsFulfillment Costs
(Dollars in millions)
Beginning of period balance(1)(2)
$69 102 78 101 
Costs incurred12 24 16 20 
Amortization(14)(18)(14)(17)
Change in contract costs held for sale— — — 1 
End of period balance(5)(6)
$67 108 80 105 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2023		Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2022
Acquisition CostsFulfillment CostsAcquisition CostsFulfillment Costs
(Dollars in millions)
Beginning of period balance(3)(4)
$76 106 76 99 
Costs incurred39 68 45 63 
Amortization(44)(52)(41)(57)
Change in contract costs held for sale(4)(14)— — 
End of period balance(5)(6)
$67 108 80 105 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)Beginning of period balance for the three months ended September 30, 2023 excludes $10 million of acquisition costs and $14 million of fulfillment costs classified as held for sale related to the EMEA business.
(2)Beginning of period balance for the three months ended September 30, 2022 excludes no acquisition costs and $28 million of fulfillment costs classified as held for sale (related to the Latin American business, sold in the third quarter of 2022).
(3)Beginning of period balance for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 excludes $6 million of acquisition costs and no fulfillment costs classified as held for sale related to the EMEA business.
(4)Beginning of period balance for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 excludes no acquisition costs and $27 million of fulfillment costs classified as held for sale (related to the Latin American business, sold in the third quarter of 2022).
(5)End of period balance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 excludes $10 million of acquisition costs and $14 million of fulfillment costs classified as held for sale related to the EMEA business.
(6)End of period balance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 excludes no acquisition costs and no of fulfillment costs classified as held for sale (related to the Latin American business, sold in the third quarter of 2022).
v3.23.3
Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Tables)
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Credit Loss [Abstract]  
Activity in allowance for credit losses
The following table presents the activity of our allowance for credit losses for our accounts receivable portfolio:

(Dollars in millions)
Beginning balance at December 31, 2022(1)
$19 
Provision for expected losses5 
Write-offs charged against the allowance(15)
Recoveries collected3 
Change in allowance in assets held for sale1 
Ending balance at September 30, 2023(1)
$13 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, amounts exclude a $4 million and $5 million allowance for credit losses classified as held for sale. See Note 2—Planned Divestiture of the EMEA Business
v3.23.3
Long-Term Debt (Tables)
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of long-term debt
The following table reflects our consolidated long-term debt, including finance leases and other obligations, unamortized discounts and premiums, net and unamortized debt issuance costs, but excluding intercompany debt:
Interest Rates (1)
Maturities (1)
September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
(Dollars in millions)
Level 3 Financing, Inc.
Senior Secured Debt: (2)
Senior notes
3.400% - 10.500%
2027 - 2030
$2,425 1,500 
Tranche B 2027 Term Loan (3)
SOFR + 1.75%
2027
2,411 2,411 
Senior Notes and other debt:
Senior notes (4)
3.625% - 4.625%
2027 - 2029
3,940 3,940 
Finance leases and other obligations(5)
VariousVarious266 291 
Unamortized premiums, net3 3 
Unamortized debt issuance costs(56)(49)
Total long-term debt8,989 8,096 
Less current maturities(29)(26)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities$8,960 8,070 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)As of September 30, 2023.
(2)See Note 7—Long-Term Debt in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 for a description of certain affiliate guarantees and liens securing this debt.
(3)The Tranche B 2027 Term Loan had an interest rate of 7.181% and 6.134% as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
(4)See Note 7—Long-Term Debt in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 for a description of guarantees provided by certain affiliates of Level 3 Financing, Inc.
(5)Excludes finance lease obligations of our EMEA business classified as held for sale.
Schedule of aggregate future contractual maturities of long-term debt and capital leases (excluding discounts) Set forth below is the aggregate principal amount of our long-term debt as of September 30, 2023 (excluding unamortized premiums, net, unamortized debt issuance costs, and intercompany debt), maturing during the following years:
(Dollars in millions)
2023 (remaining three months)$9 
202430 
202537 
202635 
20274,180 
2028 and thereafter4,751 
Total long-term debt$9,042 
v3.23.3
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations, and input levels to determine fair values
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our following financial liabilities as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, as well as the input level used to determine the fair values indicated below:
September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Input LevelCarrying AmountFair ValueCarrying AmountFair Value
(Dollars in millions)
Liabilities-Long-term debt, excluding finance leases2$8,723 7,002 7,805 6,581 
Indemnifications related to the sale of the Latin American business (1)
386 86 86 86 
_____________________________________________________________________
(1)Nonrecurring fair value is measured as of August 1, 2022.
v3.23.3
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]    
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive loss
The table below summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) recorded on our consolidated balance sheets by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:
Pension PlansForeign Currency Translation Adjustment and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2022$21 (365)(344)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax— (2)(2)
Net other comprehensive loss— (2)(2)
Balance at September 30, 2023$21 (367)(346)

The table below summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) recorded on our consolidated balance sheets by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2022:

Pension PlansForeign Currency Translation Adjustment and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2021$3 (354)(351)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax— (229)(229)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)— 112 112 
Net other comprehensive loss— (117)(117)
Balance at September 30, 2022$3 (471)(468)

The tables below present further information about our reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022:
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022Decrease (Increase)
in Net Income		Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations
 (Dollars in millions) 
Reclassification of realized loss on foreign currency translation to gain on sale of business$112 Gain on sale of business
Income tax benefit— Income tax expense
Net of tax$112 
 The tables below present further information about our reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022:
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022Decrease (Increase)
in Net Income		Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations
 (Dollars in millions) 
Reclassification of realized loss on foreign currency translation to gain on sale of business$112 Gain on sale of business
Income tax benefit— Income tax expense
Net of tax$112 
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income   The tables below present further information about our reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022:
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022Decrease (Increase)
in Net Income		Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations
 (Dollars in millions) 
Reclassification of realized loss on foreign currency translation to gain on sale of business$112 Gain on sale of business
Income tax benefit— Income tax expense
Net of tax$112 
v3.23.3
Other Financial Information (Tables)
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of components other current assets
The following table presents details of other current assets reflected on our consolidated balance sheets:

September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
(Dollars in millions)
Prepaid expenses$110 99 
Contract fulfillment costs47 44 
Contract acquisition costs39 42 
Contract assets7 10 
Other17 2 
Total other current assets(1)
$220 197 
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)Excludes $54 million and $56 million of other current assets related to EMEA business that were classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
v3.23.3
Background (Details)
$ in Millions
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
USD ($)
segment
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Operating lease, right-of-use asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Other, net Other, net
Current operating lease liabilities $ 310 $ 326
Operating lease liabilities $ 840 922
Number of reportable segments | segment 1  
Affiliates    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Operating lease assets $ 335 391
Current operating lease liabilities 131 125
Operating lease liabilities $ 224 $ 286
v3.23.3
Pending Divestiture of the EMEA Business - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Dec. 31, 2022
Nov. 02, 2022
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]                
Depreciation and amortization $ 354     $ 377 $ 1,056 $ 1,178    
Impairment 0 $ 2,000   0 1,970 0    
Estimated (loss) on disposal (28)     $ 0 (113) $ 0    
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations                
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]                
Estimated (loss) on disposal (28)       (113)      
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | EMEA Business                
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]                
Cash consideration for disposal of business               $ 1,800
Depreciation and amortization $ 90       $ 232      
Impairment     $ 224          
Estimated (loss) on disposal             $ (616)  
v3.23.3
Pending Divestiture of the EMEA Business - Pre-Tax Net Loss (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | EMEA Business        
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]        
EMEA business pre-tax net income (loss) $ 32 $ (21) $ 131 $ (55)
v3.23.3
Pending Divestiture of the EMEA Business - Held For Sale Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Sep. 30, 2022
Assets held for sale      
Cash and cash equivalents $ 28   $ 0
Other current assets 54 $ 56  
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations      
Assets held for sale      
Allowance for doubtful accounts 4 5  
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | EMEA Business      
Assets held for sale      
Cash and cash equivalents 27 43  
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $4 and $5 70 76  
Allowance for doubtful accounts 4 5  
Other current assets 54 56  
Property, plant and equipment, net accumulated depreciation of $1,013 and $998 1,954 1,864  
Accumulated depreciation 1,013 998  
Customer relationships and other intangibles, net 103 100  
Operating lease assets 215 156  
Valuation allowance on assets held for sale (729) (616)  
Deferred tax assets 145 131  
Other non-current assets 34 32  
Total assets held for sale 1,873 1,842  
Liabilities held for sale      
Accounts payable 56 78  
Salaries and benefits 20 23  
Current portion of deferred revenue 28 28  
Current operating lease liabilities 41 33  
Other current liabilities 33 28  
Deferred income taxes 60 38  
Asset retirement obligations 31 30  
Deferred revenue, non-current 99 85  
Operating lease liabilities, non-current 106 103  
Total liabilities held for sale 474 446  
Loss on foreign currency translation $ 341 $ 353  
v3.23.3
Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2023
Mar. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Goodwill $ 0   $ 1,970
Other intangible assets, net 4,516   4,973
Customer relationships      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Other intangible assets, net 4,088   4,563
Accumulated amortization 3,735   3,265
Capitalized software      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Other intangible assets, net 428   410
Accumulated amortization 401   387
Trade names      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Other intangible assets, net 0   0
Accumulated amortization $ 0   $ 130
Fully Amortized and Retired Customer Relationships      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Gross carrying value of intangibles fully amortized and retired   $ 130  
v3.23.3
Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2022
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2022
USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]          
Goodwill impairment $ 0 $ 2,000 $ 0 $ 1,970 $ 0
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset amortization expense 184   $ 187 540 $ 565
Intangible assets, gross, including goodwill $ 8,700     $ 8,700  
Minimum | Revenue Multiple          
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]          
EBTIDA multiple   1.5      
Minimum | EBITDA Multiple          
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]          
EBTIDA multiple   4.6      
Maximum | Revenue Multiple          
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]          
EBTIDA multiple   4.3      
Maximum | EBITDA Multiple          
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]          
EBTIDA multiple   10.5      
v3.23.3
Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets - Reconciliation of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Goodwill            
As of December 31, 2022         $ 1,970  
Impairment $ 0 $ (2,000)   $ 0 (1,970) $ 0
As of September 30, 2023 0   $ 1,970   0  
Accumulated impairment losses $ 10,200   $ 8,200   $ 10,200  
v3.23.3
Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets - Amortization Expense (Details)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Estimated amortization expense of finite-lived acquisition-related intangible assets  
2023 (remaining three months) $ 172
2024 682
2025 663
2026 651
2027 $ 609
v3.23.3
Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Total revenues $ 1,763 $ 1,819 $ 5,311 $ 5,718
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue (211) (214) (643) (700)
Total revenue from contracts with customers 1,552 1,605 4,668 5,018
Grow        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Total revenues 988 956 2,947 3,022
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue (151) (153) (465) (518)
Total revenue from contracts with customers 837 803 2,482 2,504
Nurture        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Total revenues 428 464 1,296 1,462
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue (3) (4) (11) (12)
Total revenue from contracts with customers 425 460 1,285 1,450
Harvest        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Total revenues 264 316 825 982
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue 0 0 0 0
Total revenue from contracts with customers 264 316 825 982
Other        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Total revenues 26 26 76 82
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue 0 0 0 0
Total revenue from contracts with customers 26 26 76 82
Affiliate services        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Total revenues 57 57 167 170
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue (57) (57) (167) (170)
Total revenue from contracts with customers $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
v3.23.3
Revenue Recognition - Operating Lease Income (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]        
Rental income $ 170 $ 175 $ 525 $ 581
Percent of operating revenue 10.00%   10.00%  
v3.23.3
Revenue Recognition - Customer Receivables and Contract Balances (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2023
Jan. 01, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Jan. 01, 2022
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]        
Customer receivables $ 567   $ 515  
Contract assets 9   13  
Contract liabilities 239 $ 281 222 $ 305
Accounts receivable, gross 580   534  
Allowance for credit losses 13   19  
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations        
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]        
Customer receivables 70   76  
Contract assets 11   16  
Contract liabilities $ 47   $ 59  
v3.23.3
Revenue Recognition - Additional Information - Customer Receivables and Contract Balances (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Jan. 01, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Jan. 01, 2022
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]              
Revenue recognized $ 21 $ 20 $ 119 $ 128      
Contract liabilities $ 239   $ 239   $ 281 $ 222 $ 305
Minimum              
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]              
Contract term     1 year        
Maximum              
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]              
Contract term     5 years        
v3.23.3
Revenue Recognition - Additional Information - Remaining Performance Obligation (Details)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 3,900
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-10-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Expected timing of satisfaction, period 3 months
Remaining performance obligation $ 517
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Remaining performance obligation $ 1,600
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Expected timing of satisfaction, period 3 years
Remaining performance obligation $ 1,800
v3.23.3
Revenue Recognition - Contract Cost (Details) - USD ($)
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Contract acquisition costs        
Capitalized Contract Cost        
Beginning balance $ 69,000,000 $ 78,000,000 $ 76,000,000 $ 76,000,000
Costs incurred 12,000,000 16,000,000 39,000,000 45,000,000
Amortization (14,000,000) (14,000,000) (44,000,000) (41,000,000)
Change in contract costs held for sale 0 0 (4,000,000) 0
Ending balance 67,000,000 80,000,000 67,000,000 80,000,000
Contract acquisition costs | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | EMEA Business        
Capitalized Contract Cost        
Beginning balance 10,000,000   6,000,000  
Ending balance 10,000,000   10,000,000  
Contract acquisition costs | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale | Latin American Business        
Capitalized Contract Cost        
Beginning balance   0   0
Ending balance   0   0
Contract fulfillment costs        
Capitalized Contract Cost        
Beginning balance 102,000,000 101,000,000 106,000,000 99,000,000
Costs incurred 24,000,000 20,000,000 68,000,000 63,000,000
Amortization (18,000,000) (17,000,000) (52,000,000) (57,000,000)
Change in contract costs held for sale 0 1,000,000 (14,000,000) 0
Ending balance 108,000,000 105,000,000 108,000,000 105,000,000
Contract fulfillment costs | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | EMEA Business        
Capitalized Contract Cost        
Beginning balance 14,000,000   0  
Ending balance $ 14,000,000   $ 14,000,000  
Contract fulfillment costs | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale | Latin American Business        
Capitalized Contract Cost        
Beginning balance   28,000,000   27,000,000
Ending balance   $ 0   $ 0
v3.23.3
Revenue Recognition - Additional Information - Contract Costs (Details)
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Business Customers | Weighted Average  
Contract Costs [Line Items]  
Length of customer life 35 months
v3.23.3
Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss    
Beginning balance at December 31, 2022 $ 19  
Provision for expected losses 5  
Write-offs charged against the allowance (15)  
Recoveries collected 3  
Change in allowance in assets held for sale 1  
Ending balance at September 30, 2023(1) 13  
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations    
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss    
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 4 $ 5
v3.23.3
Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Long Term Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Long-term debt    
Unamortized premiums, net $ 3 $ 3
Unamortized debt issuance costs (56) (49)
Total long-term debt 8,989 8,096
Less current maturities (29) (26)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities 8,960 8,070
Senior notes | Senior Notes Maturing 2027-2029    
Long-term debt    
Long-term debt, gross $ 2,425 1,500
Senior notes | Senior Notes Maturing 2027-2029 | Minimum    
Long-term debt    
Stated interest rate 3.40%  
Senior notes | Senior Notes Maturing 2027-2029 | Maximum    
Long-term debt    
Stated interest rate 10.50%  
Senior notes | Senior Notes Maturing 2027-2029    
Long-term debt    
Long-term debt, gross $ 3,940 3,940
Senior notes | Senior Notes Maturing 2027-2029 | Minimum    
Long-term debt    
Stated interest rate 3.625%  
Senior notes | Senior Notes Maturing 2027-2029 | Maximum    
Long-term debt    
Stated interest rate 4.625%  
Term loan | Tranche B 2027 Term Loan    
Long-term debt    
Long-term debt, gross $ 2,411 $ 2,411
Effective percentage 7.181% 6.134%
Term loan | Tranche B 2027 Term Loan | SOFR    
Long-term debt    
Basis spread on variable rate 1.75%  
Finance leases and other obligations    
Long-term debt    
Long-term debt, gross $ 266 $ 291
v3.23.3
Long-Term Debt - Debt Maturities (Details)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
2023 (remaining three months) $ 9
2024 30
2025 37
2026 35
2027 4,180
2028 and thereafter 4,751
Total long-term debt $ 9,042
v3.23.3
Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Apr. 17, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Long-term debt      
Debt instrument, face amount   $ 19,000,000  
Redemption price, percentage 101.00%    
Senior notes | Lumen Technologies, Inc.      
Long-term debt      
Debt instrument, face amount $ 1,535,000,000    
10.500% Senior Secured Notes Due 2030 | Senior notes      
Long-term debt      
Debt instrument, face amount $ 915,000,000 $ 9,000,000  
Stated interest rate 10.50% 10.50%  
Supplier Finance Programs      
Long-term debt      
Stated interest rate 1.25%    
Period to make quarterly installment payments 5 years    
Outstanding obligations under the plan $ 59,000,000   $ 67,000,000
Obligation included in current maturities $ 15,000,000   $ 12,000,000
v3.23.3
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Level 3 | Carrying Amount    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Indemnifications related to the sale of the Latin American business $ 86 $ 86
Level 3 | Fair Value    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Indemnifications related to the sale of the Latin American business 86 86
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Carrying Amount    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Liabilities-Long-term debt, excluding finance leases 8,723 7,805
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Fair Value    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Liabilities-Long-term debt, excluding finance leases $ 7,002 $ 6,581
v3.23.3
Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items (Details)
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
USD ($)
patent
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Estimated litigation liability $ 39,000,000
Number of patents allegedly infringed | patent 1
Unfavorable Regulatory Action  
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Estimate of possible loss (not expected to exceed) $ 300,000
v3.23.3
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Schedule of the Entity's Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax    
Balance at beginning of period $ 6,798  
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (2) $ (229)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   112
Net other comprehensive loss (2) (117)
Balance at end of period 3,572 11,830
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] | Pension Plans    
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax    
Balance at beginning of period 21 3
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax 0 0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   0
Net other comprehensive loss 0 0
Balance at end of period 21 3
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment and Other    
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax    
Balance at beginning of period (365) (354)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (2) (229)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   112
Net other comprehensive loss (2) (117)
Balance at end of period (367) (471)
Total    
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax    
Balance at beginning of period (344) (351)
Balance at end of period $ (346) $ (468)
v3.23.3
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Schedule of Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income loss by component        
Gain on sale of business $ 28 $ 0 $ 113 $ 0
Income tax (benefit) expense (13) 312 (14) 397
Net of tax $ 45 62 $ 1,928 (149)
Decrease (Increase) in Net Income | Foreign currency translation        
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income loss by component        
Gain on sale of business   112   112
Income tax (benefit) expense   0   0
Net of tax   $ 112   $ 112
v3.23.3
Other Financial Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]    
Prepaid expenses $ 110 $ 99
Contract assets 7 10
Other 17 2
Total other current assets 220 197
Other current assets excluded due to being classified as held for sale 54 56
Contract fulfillment costs    
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]    
Contract costs 47 44
Contract acquisition costs    
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]    
Contract costs $ 39 $ 42
v3.23.3
Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Oct. 31, 2023
Sep. 30, 2023
Severance | Global Workforce Reduction      
Subsequent Event [Line Items]      
Accrual     $ 0
Subsequent Event | Group Of Creditors      
Subsequent Event [Line Items]      
Outstanding obligations under the plan   $ 7,000  
Subsequent Event | Financing Through Issuance Of New Long-Term Debt | Group Of Creditors      
Subsequent Event [Line Items]      
Commitment   1,200  
Subsequent Event | Severance | Global Workforce Reduction | Minimum      
Subsequent Event [Line Items]      
Expected cost to be incurred   17  
Subsequent Event | Severance | Global Workforce Reduction | Maximum      
Subsequent Event [Line Items]      
Expected cost to be incurred   $ 27  
Subsequent Event | Forecast      
Subsequent Event [Line Items]      
Distributions $ 50