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Qwest Communications Announces Tax Treatment for 2008 Dividends

^{Published on 2009-01-19 07:51:24, Last Modified on 2009-01-19 07:52:47 - Market Wire}
 

DENVER--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) today announced the expected tax treatment for its 2008 dividends. During 2008, Qwest paid quarterly dividends on its common stock that amounted to $0.32 per share. For United States federal income tax-reporting purposes, the company will report the 2008 dividends as non-taxable distributions.

Non-taxable distributions are generally treated as a return of capital to the extent of a shareholder's basis in his or her shares. Accordingly, these non-taxable distributions reduce that tax basis. Once a shareholder's basis is reduced to zero, non-taxable distributions generally will be taxed as capital gains.

While the above information includes general statements about the tax classification of dividends paid on Qwest common stock, these statements do not constitute tax advice. The taxation of corporate distributions can be complex, and stockholders are encouraged to consult their tax advisers to determine what impact the above information may have on their specific tax situation.

The common stock dividend of $0.08 that was announced on Dec. 11, 2008, with a record date of Feb. 13, 2009 and a payable date of March 6, 2009, will be reported for income tax purposes in 2009. The company will not be able to calculate the tax classification of dividends paid in 2009 until 2010. The tax classification of 2009 dividends will be reported in early 2010.

About Qwest

Customers coast to coast turn to Qwest's industry-leading national fiber-optic network and world-class customer service to meet their communications and entertainment needs. For residential customers, Qwest offers a new generation of [ fiber-optic high-speed Internet ] service, as well as [ digital home phone ], [ Verizon Wireless ], and [ DIRECTV ] services. Qwest is also the choice of 95 percent of Fortune 500 companies, offering a full suite of network, data and voice services for [ small businesses ], [ large businesses ], [ government agencies ] and [ wholesale customers ]. Additionally, Qwest participates in [ Networx ], the largest communications services contract in the world, and is recognized as a [ leader ] in the network services market by a leading technology industry analyst firm.

Forward-Looking Statement Note

This release may contain projections and other forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are referred to the documents filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the most recent reports which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: access line losses due to increased competition, including from technology substitution of our access lines with wireless and cable alternatives, among others; our substantial indebtedness, and our inability to complete any efforts to further de-lever our balance sheet; adverse results of increased review and scrutiny by media and others (including any internal analyses) of financial reporting issues and practices or otherwise; rapid and significant changes in technology and markets; any adverse developments in commercial disputes or legal proceedings; potential fluctuations in quarterly results; volatility of our stock price; intense competition in the markets in which we compete including the effects of consolidation in our industry; changes in demand for our products and services; acceleration of the deployment of advanced new services, such as broadband data, wireless and video services, which could require substantial expenditure of financial and other resources in excess of contemplated levels; higher than anticipated employee levels, capital expenditures and operating expenses; adverse changes in the regulatory or legislative environment affecting our business; changes in the outcome of future events from the assumed outcome included in our significant accounting policies; and our ability to utilize net operating losses in projected amounts.

The information contained in this release is a statement of Qwest's present intention, belief or expectation and is based upon, among other things, the existing regulatory environment, industry conditions, market conditions and prices, the economy in general and Qwest's assumptions. Qwest may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in Qwest's assumptions or otherwise. The cautionary statements contained or referred to in this release should be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that Qwest or persons acting on its behalf may issue. This release may include analysts' estimates and other information prepared by third parties for which Qwest assumes no responsibility.

Qwest undertakes no obligation to review or confirm analysts' expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements and other statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

By including any information in this release, Qwest does not necessarily acknowledge that disclosure of such information is required by applicable law or that the information is material.

The marks that comprise the Qwest logo are registered trademarks of Qwest Communications International Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries.