Windstream Q1 Profit Falls; Backs Full-year Outlook - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Telecommunications services provider Windstream Corp. (WIN) reported Thursday first-quarter net income of $16.0 million or $0.02 per share, significantly down from $52.3 million or $0.09 per share in the prior year.

Results included about $0.02 in after-tax merger and integration, restructuring and other expense. Excluding items, adjusted earnings per share were $0.04 for the recent quarter.

On average, 10 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to earn $0.09 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Total revenues and sales declined 2 percent to $1.46 billion from $1.50 billion a year earlier. Analysts estimated revenues of $1.47 billion for the quarter.

Total costs and expenses advanced 3 percent to $1.3 billion from $1.26 billion reported last year.

Windstream also affirmed its previously provided financial guidance for 2014. The company still expects total revenue for the year within a range of a 2.5 percent decline to a 1 percent increase as compared to 2013 revenue.

The firm continues to expect adjusted free cash flow of $775 million to $885 million, resulting in a dividend payout ratio ranging from 68 percent to 78 percent for the year.