We extended our track record for double-digit earnings growth to a fourth consecutive year even while integrating Bell Atlantic and Nynex following our merger,

The key thing that's going on in our market is great growth. We've started to accelerate our investments to get ahead of the curve.

Most of our growth and investors' excitement in the company comes with the close of those two deals,

While domestic telecom revenues were down, we recognize that this is part of the evolution of our business model, and we are on track with where we want to be, ... It's significant that new growth businesses, such as wireless, data, long-distance and broadband, now account for more than half of our revenues.

This is a logical fit, naturally uniting our U.S. properties and strong management teams, and enhancing the benefits of Bell Atlantic's merger with GTE,

With four quarters as a new company under our belt, we can say unequivocally that we have delivered on the promise of the Bell Atlantic-NYNEX merger, ... With our merger synergies, we have been able to produce solid operating results in our key businesses and fund our entry into new markets as well.