DEX MEDIA WEST LLC - 10-Q Quarterly Report

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ

On July 27, 2004, the Company’s indirect parent, Dex Media, Inc. (“Dex Media”) consummated its initial public offering of common stock (the “Offering”). Part of the proceeds related to the Offering were used to redeem $18.2 million of the Company’s senior subordinated notes on August 26, 2004 at a redemption price of 109.875% along with the accrued and unpaid interest. In connection with the Offering, the Company paid $5.0 million to each of the Sponsors (as defined below) to eliminate the $2.0 million annual advisory fee payable under its management consulting agreements.

On August 19, 2002, Dex Holdings LLC (“Dex Holdings”), the parent of Dex Media both new entities formed by the private equity firms of The Carlyle Group and Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe (“WCAS”) (together, the “Sponsors”), entered into concurrent purchase agreements (the “Dex East Purchase Agreement” and the “Dex West Purchase Agreement”) to purchase the business of Qwest Dex Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Qwest Dex, Inc. (together “Qwest Dex”) from Qwest Communications International Inc. (“Qwest”) in two separate phases.

In the first phase, consummated on November 8, 2002, Dex Holdings assigned its right to purchase the directory business in the Dex East States (as defined below) to Dex Media East LLC (“Dex Media East”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Dex Media. Dex Media East now operates the directory business in Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota and South Dakota (the “Dex East States”). The total amount of consideration paid for Qwest Dex’s directory business in the Dex East States was $2.8 billion (excluding fees and acquisition costs).

In the second phase (the “Acquisition”), consummated on September 9, 2003, Qwest Dex contributed its remaining assets and liabilities relating to its directory business in the Dex West States (as defined below) to GPP LLC, a newly-formed limited liability company. Immediately following this contribution, Dex Media West LLC, (“Dex Media West” or the “Company”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Dex Media, purchased all of the interests in GPP LLC for $4.3 billion (excluding fees and acquisition costs). Immediately following such purchase, Dex Media West merged with GPP LLC. Dex Media West now operates the directory business acquired in Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming (the “Dex West States”). In conjunction with the acquisition, Dex West (as defined below) employees became employees of Dex Media West and were immediately transferred to Dex Media East. On January 1, 2004, all employees of Dex Media East were transferred to another indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Dex Media, Dex Media Service LLC ( “Service Co.”).

The combined financial statements of the acquired business in the Dex West States prior to the September 9, 2003 acquisition date, referred to as “Dex West” or the “Predecessor,” represent a component of Qwest Dex and include the operating activities of Qwest Dex for the Dex West States.

The Company is the exclusive official directory publisher for Qwest Corporation, Qwest’s local exchange carrier (“Qwest LEC”), in the Dex West States, which is the primary local exchange carrier in most service areas within the Dex West States. As a result, the Company is the largest telephone directory publisher of white and yellow pages directories to businesses and residents in the Dex West States. The Company provides

directory and Internet solutions to local and national advertisers. Virtually all of the Company’s revenue is derived from the sale of advertising in its various directories. Published directories are distributed to businesses and residents in the Dex West States through third-party vendors.

The accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial statements are unaudited. In compliance with the instructions of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim financial statements, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted. In management’s opinion, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (which consist of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to fairly present the condensed consolidated statements of financial position as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004, for the periods from September 10 to September 30, 2003, from July 1 to September 9, 2003 and the period from January 1 to September 9, 2003 and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and for the periods from September 10 to September 30, 2003 and from January 1 to September 9, 2003. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the Predecessor as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and for the periods from September 10 to December 31, 2003 and from January 1 to September 9, 2003, and for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 included in the Company’s Form S-4 Amendment No. 2 as filed with the SEC. The condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.

The accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2004 and December 30, 2003, the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the period from September 10 to September 30, 2003, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the period from September 10 to September 30, 2003, include all material adjustments required under purchase accounting.

Dex West is considered the Predecessor to the Company. As such, the historical financial statements of Dex West are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, including the statements of operations for the periods from July 1 to September 9, 2003 and from January 1 to September 9, 2003, and the combined statement of cash flows for the period from January 1 to September 9, 2003 (together, the “Predecessor Financial Statements”). The Predecessor Financial Statements have not been adjusted to give effect to the Acquisition. As such, the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company after the Acquisition are not comparable to the Predecessor Financial Statements prior to the Acquisition.

The accompanying combined financial statements of the Predecessor include the activities of Qwest Dex for business conducted in the Dex West States. Because of Dex West’s relationship with Qwest Dex as well as Qwest and its other affiliates, the revenue and expenses are not necessarily indicative of what they would have been had Dex West operated without the shared resources of Qwest and its affiliates. Accordingly, these combined financial statements are not necessarily indicative of future results of operations.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2004 presentation.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Dex Media West and its wholly-owned subsidiary. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts and disclosures reported in these consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

The sale of advertising in printed directories published by the Company and the Predecessor is the primary source of revenue. Revenue is recognized ratably over the life of each directory using the deferral and amortization method of accounting, with revenue recognition commencing in the month of delivery. The Company and the Predecessor publish white and yellow pages directories primarily with 12-month lives. From time to time, the Company may choose to change the publication of certain directories in order to more efficiently manage work and account flow. The lives of the effected directories will primarily be 12 months thereafter. Such extensions did not have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and they are not expected to have a material effect on revenue or cost of revenue in future periods under the deferral and amortization method of accounting. The Company published 27 and 96 directories for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004, respectively.

The Company enters into transactions where the Company’s products and services are promoted by a third party and, in exchange, the Company carries the party’s advertisement. The Company accounts for these transactions in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 99-17, “Accounting for Advertising Barter Transactions.” Revenue and expense related to such transactions are classified in the consolidated statements of operations consistently with similar items sold or purchased for cash. Such barter transactions were not significant to the Company’s operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the period from September 10 to September 30, 2003.

In certain cases, the Company enters into agreements with accounts that involve the delivery of more than one product or service. Revenue for such arrangements is allocated in accordance with EITF Issue No. 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.”

The Company and the Predecessor account for cost of revenue under the deferral and amortization method of accounting. Accordingly, the cost of revenue recognized in a reporting period consists of (1) costs incurred in that period and recognized in that period, principally sales salaries and wages, (2) costs incurred in a prior period, a portion of which is amortized and recognized in the current period and, (3) costs incurred in the current period, a portion of which is amortized and recognized in that period and the balance of which is

deferred until future periods. Consequently, there will be a difference between the cost of revenue recognized in any given period and the costs incurred in the given period, which may be significant.

Costs incurred in the current period and subject to deferral include direct costs associated with the publication of directories, including sales commissions, paper, printing, transportation, distribution and pre-press production and employee and systems support costs relating to each of the foregoing. Sales commissions include commissions paid to employees for sales to local advertisers and to third party certified marketing representatives, which act as the Company’s channel to national advertisers. All deferred costs related to the sale and production of directories are recognized ratably over the life of each directory under the deferral and amortization method of accounting, with cost recognition commencing in the month of delivery.

Company. The Company accounts for the Stock Option Plan of Dex Media, Inc. and the Dex Media, Inc. 2004 Incentive Award Plan under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, and related Interpretations. Had the Company accounted for employee stock option grants under the fair value method prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” the pro forma results of the Company for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the period from September 10 to September 30, 2003 would have been as follows (in thousands):

Predecessor. Had the Predecessor accounted for Qwest employee stock option grants under the fair value method prescribed by SFAS No. 123, the pro forma net income of Dex West for the periods from July 1 to September 9, 2003 and from January 1 to September 9, 2003 would have been as follows (in thousands):

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded to reflect the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities and their tax bases at each year end. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted income tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for future income tax rate changes in the year the changes are enacted. Deferred tax assets are recognized for operating losses and tax credit carry forwards if management believes, based upon existing evidence, that it is more likely than not that the carry forward will be utilized. All deferred tax assets are reviewed for realizability and valuation allowances are recorded if it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, goodwill was decreased by the following purchase accounting adjustment (in thousands):

The initial purchase price and fair value estimates recorded upon the September 9, 2003 Acquisition were adjusted upon settlement of the working capital adjustment with the seller in 2004 pursuant to the provisions of the Dex West Purchase Agreement.

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of other intangible assets and their estimated useful lives are as follows (dollars in thousands):


⁽¹⁾	Amortization is calculated using a declining method in relation to estimated retention lives of acquired accounts.

Long-term debt is comprised of the following (in thousands, in descending order of right of payment):

A portion of the net proceeds from the Offering was used to redeem $18.2 million of the Company’s senior subordinated notes at a redemption price of 109.875% plus accrued and unpaid interest on August 26, 2004.

As of September 30, 2004, there were no borrowings under the revolving credit facility. The Company paid interest and fees on the bank facility, senior notes and senior subordinated notes of $170.1 million and $0.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the period from September 10 to September 30, 2003, respectively. Included in interest and fees paid in 2004 were $1.8 million of early redemption premiums paid to redeem a portion of our senior subordinated notes and the accelerated payment of less than $0.1 million accrued interest on those notes. The premium and interest were paid with a portion of the net proceeds from the Offering. As of September 30, 2004, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants under its credit facilities.

In connection with the amendment and restatement of our Credit Agreement, the applicable margins on the revolving credit facility, Tranche A term loan and Tranche B term loan have been reduced. The commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility has been reduced to 0.375% from 0.5%. The reductions have been effective since June 11, 2004.

As discussed in Note 1(a), a portion of the net proceeds from the Offering was used to redeem $18.2 million of the Company’s senior subordinated notes at a redemption price of 109.875% plus accrued and unpaid interest.

In September 2002, Qwest Dex, Inc. issued to the Predecessor $750.0 million in debt with a two-year maturity. The loan consisted of a fixed interest rate component, at a rate of 14% per annum, and a floating interest rate component, at LIBOR plus 11.50%. The loan was guaranteed by Qwest Dex Holdings, Inc. and Qwest Services Corporation (“QSC”), and the obligations were secured by a first priority pledge of the stock of Qwest Dex, a first priority pledge of substantially all of the assets of Qwest Dex and a second priority pledge of the stock of Qwest LEC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Qwest. The loan agreement included certain financial covenants, including an interest coverage ratio based on earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation

and amortization (“EBITDA”) to interest expense with a minimum ratio of 4.75:1 and a debt to EBITDA ratio of 1.75:1 and other covenants limiting Dex’s ability to incur additional debt or liens, pay dividends and make investments. Upon the completion of the sale of Dex West, the entire $750.0 million debt balance was repaid. The Predecessor paid interest of $67.4 million for the period from January 1 to September 9, 2003.

In addition, Qwest granted a second priority pledge of the stock of Qwest Dex Holdings, Inc. and Qwest Dex, Inc. and certain assets of Qwest Dex, Inc. to its banks in connection with an amendment of its credit facility. Qwest Dex, Inc. and Qwest Dex Holdings, Inc. were guarantors of the credit facility. The amount of the guarantee was limited to the maximum amount outstanding under the loan. The credit facility, as amended, included several restrictive covenants which, among other things, limited Qwest’s ability to incur additional debt or liens; pay dividends; repurchase Qwest’s common stock; sell, lease, transfer or dispose of assets; make investments; and merge with another company.

On November 8, 2002, Dex Media adopted the Stock Option Plan of Dex Media, Inc. (the “2002 Plan”) that permits the grant of nonqualified and incentive stock options to its employees, consultants and independent directors or those of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Effective May 2004, Dex Media adopted the Dex Media, Inc. 2004 Incentive Award Plan (the “2004 Plan”). The 2004 Plan provides for a variety of stock-based awards, including non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, deferred stock awards, dividend equivalents, performance-based awards and other stock-based awards. Effective with the adoption of the 2004 Plan, Dex Media discontinued grants under the 2002 Plan while the 5,066,540 options outstanding under the 2002 Plan remain outstanding pursuant to the terms of that plan. Upon adoption of the 2004 Plan, 210,110 shares available for issuance under the 2002 Plan became available for issuance under the 2004 Plan. As of September 30, 2004, the number of shares available for issuance under the 2004 Plan was 1,210,110 with 12,500 shares issued under a restricted stock award and 1,197,610 shares available for issuance pursuant to future awards.

The Compensation Committee of Dex Media determines the terms for each award. Generally, all outstanding stock options have an exercise price that is equal to the estimated fair value of the common stock on the date the stock option was granted, however, in certain instances stock options have been granted with an exercise price below the estimated fair value of the common stock on the date of grant. All outstanding options have a term of ten years. Outstanding options vest in two segments. Subject to the optionee’s continued employment with the Company, (1) 25% of the options granted will vest in equal annual installments of 5% each on each December 31 beginning in the year of grant or the following year, depending upon when during the calendar year the options are granted, and ending five years after; and (2) 75% of the options granted will vest on the eighth anniversary of the grant date; however, an installment equal to 15% of the options granted shall become vested following each of the fiscal years beginning the year of grant or the following year, depending upon when during the calendar year the options are granted, and ending five years after if certain EBITDA targets are met with respect to each year. All shares issued under the restricted stock awards are subject to restriction on sale and transfer of the shares. These restrictions lapse on one-third of the shares granted on each of the first three anniversary dates of the grant, provided that the recipient is still an employee or director of the Company.

On November 3, 2003, Dex Media declared a distribution to Dex Holdings of $750.2 million. As a result of the distribution and as provided under the 2002 Plan, Dex Media adjusted the exercise price of all outstanding options to $6.00, effective November 10, 2003. On January 28, 2004, Dex Media declared another distribution to its parent of $250.5 million. As a result of the distribution and as allowed under the 2002 Plan, Dex Media adjusted the exercise price of outstanding options to $4.64 and increased the number of outstanding options by 9.3587%, effective March 3, 2004. As the aggregate intrinsic value of the awards immediately after the changes in exercise price was not greater than the aggregate intrinsic value of the awards

immediately prior to the changes in exercise price, and as the ratio of the exercise price per share to the market price per share was not reduced, the adjustments to the exercise price of the options did not result in any accounting recognition in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25 and FASB Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 44, “Accounting for Certain Transactions Involving Stock Compensation.”

Predecessor. Employees of the Predecessor participated in the Qwest employee stock incentive plans. The Qwest stock incentive plans were accounted for using the intrinsic value method of APB Opinion No. 25 under which no compensation expense is recognized for options granted to employees when the strike price of those options equals or exceeds the value of the underlying security on the measurement date. Generally, options granted to current Dex Media West employees under this plan expired 90 days after the Acquisition.

Company. Effective November 8, 2002, Dex Media adopted a pension plan and effective December 1, 2002, Dex Media adopted a post-retirement benefit plan providing retiree healthcare (together, the “Dex Media Plans”) with features similar to the Qwest plans described below. All individuals who became employees of Dex Media in connection with the Acquisition and who previously participated in the Qwest plans now participate in the Dex Media Plans. Employees of Qwest Dex who retired prior to the date of the Acquisition became retirees of Qwest and as such receive benefits under the Qwest plans. Dex Media has filed for a determination letter with the IRS for its pension plan.

Pension costs and other post-retirement costs are recognized over the periods in which the employee renders services and becomes eligible to receive benefits as determined by using the projected unit credit method. Dex Media’s funding policy is to make contributions with the objective of accumulating sufficient assets to pay all benefits when due. No pension funding was required for Dex Media for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the period from September 10 to September 30, 2003. The post-retirement benefit plan is pay-as-you go and is funded out of Dex Media’s operating cash as the costs are incurred. No other post-retirement benefit funding was required for Dex Media for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the period from September 10 to September 30, 2003.

On September 9, 2003, Dex West employees became employees of Dex Media East. Effective January 1, 2004, all employees of Dex Media East were transferred to Service Co. As such, all employee-related liabilities, including pension and other post-retirement obligations, are now included in Service Co.’s liabilities. The Company records an affiliate payable for the portion of the liability associated with the employees who provide services to Dex Media West. Under the Shared Services and Employees Agreement dated September 9, 2003, costs related to employees providing services entirely for Dex Media West are allocated 100% to Dex Media West. Shared employee costs are allocated and charged to Dex Media West based upon Dex Media West’s proportional share of consolidated Dex Media revenue.

Predecessor. Qwest Dex employees participated in the Qwest pension, other post-retirement and other post-employment benefit plans. The amounts contributed by Qwest Dex to these plans were not segregated or restricted to pay amounts due to Qwest Dex employees and could be used to provide benefits to other employees of Qwest or its affiliates. The cost of pension and post-retirement health care and life insurance benefits and required contributions were apportioned to Qwest Dex based upon demographic information provided by the plan administrator.

The noncontributory defined benefit pension plan included substantially all management and occupational (union) employees. Post-retirement healthcare and life insurance plans provided medical, dental, and

life insurance benefits for certain retirees. Qwest also provided post-employment benefits to certain former employees.

Pension credits and other post-retirement costs are recognized over the period in which the employee renders services and becomes eligible to receive benefits as determined by using the projected unit credit method. Qwest’s funding policy was to make contributions with the objective of accumulating sufficient assets to pay all benefits when due. No pension funding was required for Qwest or Qwest Dex for the periods from July 1 to September 9, 2003 or from January 1 to September 9, 2003 and neither Qwest nor Qwest Dex made any contributions to the other post-retirement benefit plan for the periods from July 1 to September 9, 2003 and from January 1 to September 9, 2003.

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company and the Predecessor are as follows (in thousands):

The Company is involved, from time to time, in litigation arising in the normal course of business. The outcome of this litigation is not expected to have a material adverse impact on the Company.

In September of 2004, the Company announced a planned work force reduction primarily due to efficiencies gained by the replacement of our core production platform with technology from Amdocs. Accordingly, the Company accrued $4.7 million of severance costs in the third quarter of 2004.

As also described in Notes 1(b) and 8(a), upon consummation of the acquisition of Dex West on September 9, 2003, all Dex West employees transferred to Dex Media West became legal employees of Dex Media East. Effective January 1, 2004, all employees of Dex Media East were transferred to Service Co. As such, all employee-related liabilities, including pension and other post-retirement obligations, are now included in Service Co.’s liabilities, with an offsetting asset recorded as an affiliate receivable. Dex Media West is charged and carries an affiliate payable for the portion of the liability associated with employees providing services to Dex Media West. Pursuant to the Shared Services and Employees Agreement dated September 9, 2003, costs related to employees providing services entirely for Dex Media West are allocated 100% to Dex Media West. Shared employee costs are allocated and charged to Dex Media West based upon Dex Media West’s proportional share of consolidated Dex Media revenue. All cash related affiliate balances are settled at least monthly.

In connection with the Acquisition, the Company entered into a management consulting agreement with each of the Sponsors. Each agreement allows the Company access to the Sponsors’ expertise in areas such as corporate management, financial transactions, product strategy, investment, acquisitions and other matters that relate to the Company’s business, administration and policies. Each of the two Sponsors received an annual advisory fee of $1.0 million for advisory, consulting and other services. Pursuant to these management consulting agreements, the Company incurred $1.0 million and $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the period from September 10 to September 30, 2003, respectively. The annual advisory fees payable under the agreements were terminated in conjunction with Dex Media’s Offering for a one-time fee of $5.0 million paid to each of the two Sponsors. The Sponsors maintain the right to act as the Company’s financial advisor or investment banker in connection with any merger, acquisition, disposition, finance or the like in return for additional reasonable compensation and expenses as may be agreed upon by the parties.

Dex Media has entered into a two year network services agreement with SAVVIS Communications Corporation (“SAVVIS”), pursuant to which SAVVIS will provide network connections and other services to support the Company’s integrated production system and other systems. SAVVIS is an affiliate of WCAS. The Company and Dex Media East expect to pay SAVVIS approximately $2.2 million, collectively, over the two-year term of the contract, although the Company has the option to purchase additional services for which the Company would pay SAVVIS additional fees. As of September 30, 2004, approximately $1.2 million was not yet incurred under the contract.

In October 2004, the Company entered into four fixed interest rate swaps to hedge against the effects of increases in the interest rates associated with floating debt on its credit facilities. The interest rate swaps have an aggregate notional amount of $300 million, with applicable preset monthly fixed rates ranging from 1.901% to 3.61%. The interest rate swaps will expire in October 2006.

On November 10, 2004, the Company announced that it priced an offering of $300.0 million senior notes due 2011, at a rate of 5 7/8%. The gross proceeds will be primarily used to pay down a portion of the Company’s bank facilities.

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations covers periods prior to and subsequent to the acquisition of Dex West on September 9, 2003 (the “Acquisition”). In this section, references to “Dex West” or “Predecessor” refer to the historical operations of Qwest Dex Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary in Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming (collectively the “Dex West States”) prior to the Acquisition. References to “we,” “our” or “us” refers to Dex Media West, the successor to Dex West or to the combined results of Dex Media West and Dex West where applicable. We have operated as a stand-alone company since the Acquisition. The Acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Under this method, the pre-acquisition deferred revenue and related deferred costs associated with directories that were published prior to the acquisition date were not carried over to our balance sheet. The effect of this accounting treatment is to reduce revenue and related costs that would otherwise have been recognized during the twelve months subsequent to the acquisition date. For purposes of comparison and analysis of the three months ended September 30, 2004 to the three months ended September 30, 2003 the period from September 10, 2003 to September 30, 2003, has been combined with the Predecessor period from July 1 to September 9, 2003; and such combined period is hereinafter referred to as the “combined three month period.” For purposes of comparison and analysis of the nine months ended September 30, 2004 to the nine months ended September 30, 2003 the period from September 10, 2003 to September 30, 2003, has been combined with the Predecessor period from January 1 to September 9, 2003; and such combined period is hereinafter referred to as the “combined nine month period.”

The discussion and analysis of historical predecessor periods does not reflect the significant impact that the Acquisition has had on us, including significantly increased leverage and liquidity requirements. The statements in the discussion and analysis regarding industry outlook, our expectations regarding future performance of our business and the other non-historical statements are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. See “— Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” You should read the following discussion together with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere herein.

Upon consummation of the Acquisition, Dex West employees became employees of Dex Media East. Effective January 1, 2004, all employees of Dex Media East were transferred to another indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Dex Media, Dex Media Service Co. (“Service Co.”).

As a result of our conversion to the Amdocs software system (discussed below), certain of our customer account categories will be reclassified, which may result in a change in how we report our total number of customer accounts.

We are the largest directory publisher in the Dex West States. For each of the three months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined three months ended September 30, 2003, we published 27 directories, respectively, and distributed approximately 6.3 million copies of these directories to business and residential consumers in the Dex West States. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003, we published 96 and 88 directories, respectively, and distributed approximately 21.9 million and 19.8 million copies, respectively, of these directories to business and residential consumers in the Dex West States. We also provide related services, including an Internet-based directory, direct marketing lists and the sale of Dex directories and other publishers’ directories outside of the normal delivery schedule. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004, we generated $221.7 million and $646.0 million in revenue, respectively. Excluding the effects of purchase accounting adjustments to deferred revenue, our revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 would have been $230.4 million and $692.8 million, respectively. Approximately 97.9% of our total revenue,

excluding the effects of purchase accounting, for each of the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004, respectively, was generated from the publication of directories.

Our Predecessor historically operated as the directory business of Qwest Dex in the Dex West States and not as a stand-alone company. The combined financial statements included for the periods from July 1 to September 9, 2003 and from January 1 to September 9, 2003 have been derived from the historical financial statements of Qwest Dex and include the activities of Qwest Dex for business conducted in the Dex West States prior to the Acquisition. Because of the Predecessor’s relationship with Qwest Dex as well as Qwest and its other affiliates, the Predecessor’s historical results of operations and cash flows are not necessarily indicative of what they would have been had the Predecessor operated without the shared resources of Qwest and its affiliates. Accordingly, the combined statements for the combined three months and combined nine months ended September 30, 2003 are not indicative of our future results of operations and cash flows.

Historically, the Predecessor reimbursed Qwest for services it and its affiliates provided to Dex West based upon either (1) tariffed or negotiated contract rates, (2) market prices or (3) fully distributed costs (“FDC”). FDCs include costs associated with employees of Qwest or Qwest affiliates that are entirely dedicated to functions within Dex West, many of whom became employees of Dex Media East upon consummation of the Acquisition and subsequently were transferred to Service Co. on January 1, 2004. Such fully distributed employee costs were paid by Dex West through shared payroll and benefit systems as incurred. Other affiliate service costs were paid by Dex West based upon presentation of periodic billings from Qwest or affiliates of Qwest. The allocation methodologies are consistent with the guidelines established for Qwest reporting to federal and state regulatory bodies. The historical costs for services provided to the Predecessor by Qwest affiliates may not necessarily reflect the expenses that we will incur as an independent entity.

After the Acquisition, Qwest and Qwest LEC continued to provide certain services to us that they had historically provided to the Predecessor, including but not limited to support services relating to information technology services and payroll services, pursuant to a transition services agreement. We terminated and replaced the transition services agreement with Qwest and Qwest LEC as of December 31, 2003 with services provided internally or through arrangements with third parties.

Our strategy is centered on building relationships with our major account groups: small and medium-sized local businesses and national companies doing business in the Dex West States. We plan to continue to build our knowledge of their businesses and develop value-added content that can be distributed to our business and residential consumers in a variety of forms. Currently, the primary method of distribution is our print directories. We also use the Internet and CD-ROMs to deliver our content. We plan to continue evaluating different methods of distribution as markets and electronic device acceptance change, particularly in the digital space. Additionally, we will look to enhance print product offerings and Internet-related products and distribution.

Maximizing the utility of our content is an important aspect of our overall strategy. To accomplish this, we plan to continue: innovating new products such as advertising on book spines, covers and tabs; expanding on market segmentation such as bilingual directories in select markets; and enhancing our distribution platforms. In addition, we plan to continue evaluating our related businesses based on the utility of these product offerings and Internet-related products and distribution.

Also, now that we are a stand-alone company, our strategy is to focus on improving our infrastructure in order to achieve a more efficient cost structure and improve revenue opportunities in the long-term. Beginning in 2004, we began replacing our entire production system with Amdocs technology in a phased deployment. The first phase was deployed on June 1, 2004, with the last phase expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2005.

Our condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared on the basis of the deferral and amortization method of accounting, under which revenue and expenses are initially deferred and then recognized ratably over the life of each directory, commencing in the month of delivery. In 2003, we determined that the 12-month lives of eight directories published in December 2002 would be extended. The new editions of these eight directories were published, in most cases, in January 2004. These extensions were made to more efficiently manage work and account flow. The lives of the new editions of these directories are expected to be 12 months, thereafter. These extensions did not have a significant impact on our results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and are not expected to have a material effect on revenue or cost of revenue in future periods under the deferral and amortization method of accounting.

We derive virtually all of our revenue from the sale of advertising in our printed directories, which we refer to as directory services revenue. We also provide related services, including an Internet-based directory, other Internet-related products, direct marketing lists and the sale of Dex directories and other publishers’ directories outside of the normal delivery schedule, which we refer to collectively as other revenue. Growth in directory services revenue is affected by several factors, including changes in the quantity and size of advertisements sold, as well as the proportion of premium advertisements sold, changes in the pricing of advertising, changes in the quantity and mix of advertising purchased per account and the introduction of additional products which generate incremental revenue. Directory services revenue may also increase through the publication of new printed directories.

Our revenue and cost of revenue for the twelve months following the consummation of the Acquisition are lower than they would have been had the Acquisition not occurred because the Acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Under the purchase method of accounting, deferred revenue and deferred directory costs associated with the directories published and distributed prior to the Acquisition were not carried over to our balance sheet at the time of purchase. The effect of this accounting treatment was to reduce revenue and related costs that would otherwise have been recognized in the twelve months subsequent to the Acquisition. The purchase method of accounting will not affect our revenue and directory costs in periods subsequent to September 2004. This purchase accounting adjustment is non-recurring and has no impact on cash flows.

We enter into transactions where our products and services are promoted by a third party and, in exchange, we carry that party’s advertisement. We account for these transactions in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 99-17, “Accounting for Advertising Barter Transactions.” Revenue and expense related to such transactions are classified in the consolidated statements of operations consistently with similar items sold or purchased for cash. Such barter transactions were not significant to our operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the period from September 10 to September 30, 2003.

In certain cases, we enter into agreements with accounts that involve the delivery of more than one product or service. We allocate revenue for such arrangements in accordance with EITF Issue No. 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.”

We account for cost of revenue under the deferral and amortization method of accounting. Accordingly, our cost of revenue recognized in a reporting period consists of (1) costs incurred in that period and recognized in that period, principally sales salaries and wages, (2) costs incurred in a prior period, a portion of which is amortized and recognized in the current period, and (3) costs incurred in the current period, a portion of which is amortized and recognized in that period and the balance of which is deferred until future

periods. Consequently, there will be a difference between the cost of revenue recognized in any given period and the costs incurred in the given period, which may be significant.

Costs incurred in the current period and subject to deferral include direct costs associated with the publication of directories, including sales commissions, paper, printing, transportation, distribution and pre-press production, and employee and systems support costs relating to each of the foregoing. Sales commissions include commissions paid to employees for sales to local advertisers and to certified marketing representatives (“CMRs”), which act as our channel to national advertisers. All deferred costs related to the sale and production of directories are recognized ratably over the life of each directory under the deferral and amortization method of accounting, with cost recognition commencing in the month of delivery.

Our general and administrative expense consists primarily of the costs of advertising, promotion and marketing, administrative staff, information technology, training, account billing, corporate management, office and facilities expense and bad debt expense. All of our general and administrative expense is recognized in the period in which it is incurred. Historically, our general and administrative expense has included the costs of other services, that were shared among Qwest affiliates, including real estate, information technologies, finance and human resources. However, since we terminated the transition services agreements with Qwest as of December 31, 2003, we now incur these costs directly. Our general and administrative expense has increased as a stand-alone company and may continue to increase.

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method of accounting. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded to reflect the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities and their tax bases at each year end. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted income tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for future income tax rate changes in the year the changes are enacted. Deferred tax assets are recognized for operating losses and tax credit carry forwards if management believes, based upon existing evidence, that it is more likely than not that the carry forward will be utilized. All deferred tax assets are reviewed for realizability and valuation allowances are recorded if it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Our revenue and cost of revenue for the twelve months following the consummation of the Acquisition were approximately $120.6 million and $31.6 million lower, respectively, than our revenue and cost of revenue would have been otherwise because the Acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. As such, the results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2004, the combined three months ended September 30, 2003, the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003 are not comparable.

Dex West financial information for the period prior to the consummation of the Acquisition on September 9, 2003 reflects a historic basis of accounting. Financial information for the period subsequent to the consummation of the Acquisition reflects a purchase accounting basis of accounting. As a result of the change in basis of assets, the financial information for these respective periods are not comparable.

Upon the consummation of the Acquisition, we became a stand-alone company. Operating as a separate entity from Qwest would have increased our costs for the periods from July 1 to September 9, 2003 and from January 1 to September 9, 2003. In addition, we have incurred incremental pension and benefit costs as a stand-alone entity. The increase in pension costs results from the elimination of pension credits included in Dex West’s historical results related to Qwest’s over-funded pension plan from which Dex Media West will no longer benefit. Additionally, we have incurred increased employee benefit costs due to separation from Qwest’s larger employee base. In addition, we have paid an annual advisory fee of $2.0 million to the Sponsors. In connection with the initial public offering of our indirect parent, Dex Media, the annual advisory fees payable

under the management consulting agreements with the Sponsors were terminated. Future stand-alone costs incurred are unpredictable due to various factors.

Historically, Dex West was included in the consolidated federal income tax returns filed by Qwest. Dex West had an informal agreement with Qwest pursuant to which Dex West was required to compute its provision for income taxes on a separate return basis and pay to, or receive from, Qwest the separate U.S. federal income tax return liability or benefit so computed, if any. For federal income tax purposes, the Acquisition is treated as an asset purchase and we generally have a tax bases in the acquired assets equal to the purchase price. As a result, for tax purposes, we will be able to depreciate assets, primarily intangibles, with higher tax bases after the consummation of the Acquisition. These step-ups in tax bases for intangibles, which will be amortized over 15 years, should significantly reduce our cash income taxes over that period.

In connection with the Acquisition, we incurred substantial indebtedness. As a result, we incur significant interest expense and we have significant repayment obligations. The interest expense relating to this debt adversely affects our net income.

The results of operation below include the effects of purchase accounting for both periods presented and therefore are not comparable. Please refer to the section “Items Affecting Comparability Between Periods” and the discussion below for detail regarding the effects of these adjustments.

Total revenue increased by $34.4 million, or 18.4%, to $221.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from $187.3 million for the combined three months ended September 30, 2003. Total revenue was $8.7 million and $40.1 million lower for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined three months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, due to the effects of purchase accounting. Excluding the effects of purchase accounting, total revenue increased $3.0 million, or 1.3%. Total revenue, excluding the effects of purchase accounting, included $225.6 million in directory services revenue and $4.8 million in revenue for all other products for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

Total directory services revenue, which consists of local and national directory services revenue, increased $35.2 million, or 19.4%, to $216.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from $181.7 million for the combined three months ended September 30, 2003. Total directory services revenue was $8.7 million and $40.1 million lower for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined three months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, due to the effects of purchase accounting. Excluding the effects of purchase accounting, total directory services revenue increased $3.8 million, or 1.7%.

Directory services revenue is affected by a variety of volume and pricing factors. Volume related factors include quantity of advertisements sold, the change in mix of advertisements among our product families, the proportion of advertisements sold with premium features and the volume of promotional services obtained from our advertisers in exchange for our publication of their advertisement in our directories and the number of local advertiser disconnects during a period. Pricing factors include price increases related to our standard rates that may be made from time to time in varying markets for varying categories, offset by discount programs that may be initiated in local markets for certain advertiser headings. Such factors generally affect the dollar volume of orders initiated in a period which are recognized as revenue over the life of a given directory, beginning in the month of delivery. Multiple factors contribute to changes in revenue, and although no single factor can be distinguished as the primary cause, improvements in product mix and pricing, combined with stable account renewal, contributed to our changes in directory services revenue.

Local directory services revenue increased $33.7 million, or 21.7%, to $189.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $155.4 million for the combined three months ended September 30, 2003. Local directory services revenue was $3.6 million and $32.5 million lower for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined three months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, due to the effects of purchase accounting. Excluding the effects of purchase accounting, local directory services revenue increased $4.8 million, or 2.6%.

Revenue from national advertisers increased $1.5 million, or 5.6%, to $27.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 as compared to $26.3 million for the combined three months ended September 30, 2003. Revenue from national advertisers was $5.1 million and $7.6 million lower for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined three months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, due to the effects of purchase accounting. Excluding the effects of purchase accounting in 2003, revenue from national advertisers decreased $1.0 million, or 2.9%.

Other revenue decreased by $0.8 million, or 14.9%, to $4.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from $5.6 million for the combined three months ended September 30, 2003. In 2004, we substantially reduced the number of products in our direct marketing services product line which represents $0.4 million of the decline between periods.

Cost of revenue recognized was $68.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $58.7 million for the combined three months ended September 30, 2003. Recognized cost of revenue was $0.8 million and $11.5 million lower than it would have been for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined three months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, due to the effects of purchase accounting. Excluding the effects of purchase accounting, cost of revenue recognized decreased $0.9 million, or 1.3%. Cost of revenue recognized represented 30.1% and 30.9% of revenue, excluding the effects of purchase accounting, for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined three months ended September 30, 2003, respectively.

For the three months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined three months ended September 30, 2003, we incurred costs subject to deferral and amortization of $74.0 million and $76.6 million, respectively. The decrease in incurred costs is primarily due to decreases in employee costs, direct costs of publishing and other costs of revenue.

Employee costs incurred decreased $2.2 million, or 6.7%, to $30.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from $33.0 million for the combined three months ended September 30, 2003. The decrease is due primarily to changes in sales incentives and a reduction in the number of employees.

Direct costs of publishing incurred, which primarily included paper, printing and distribution, were $25.2 million and $25.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined three months ended September 30, 2003, respectively.

Contracting and professional fees incurred increased $3.8 million to $5.3 million from $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined three months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. The increase is primarily due to on-going support related to our new production system.

Other costs of revenue incurred, which primarily includes systems expense, office and facilities expense and national commissions were $12.7 million and $16.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined three months ended September 30, 2003, respectively.

Our gross profit was $153.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $128.6 million for the combined three months ended September 30, 2003. Excluding the effects of purchase accounting, gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined three months ended September 30, 2003, was $161.1 million and $157.2 million, respectively. Gross margin, excluding the effects of purchase accounting, increased to 69.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from 69.1% for the combined three months ended September 30, 2003.

General and administrative expense, excluding depreciation and amortization, increased $14.6 million, or 49.7%, to $44.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from $29.4 million for the combined three months ended September 30, 2003. The increase was primarily due to the termination of annual advisory fees and increases in employee costs and advertising expense offset by decrease in bad debt expense.

Employee costs, which include salaries and wages, benefits and other employee costs, increased $7.2 million to $13.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from $6.5 million for the combined three months ended September 30, 2003. Salaries and wages increased $1.2 million, or 27.3%, to $5.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from $4.4 million for the combined three months ended September 30, 2003. Benefits were $2.8 million and $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined three months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. The increase in benefits is a result of higher costs of medical benefits and to the absence of pension credits in 2004 related to Qwest’s over-funded pension plan from which benefits were recognized in 2003. Other employee costs were $5.3 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined three months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. The increase in other expenses is due primarily to accrued severance costs of $4.7 million related to the planned workforce reduction as a result of efficiencies gained by the replacement of our core production platform with technology from Amdocs.

Advertising increased $2.2 million, or 91.7%, to $4.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from $2.4 million for the combined three months ended September 30, 2003 due to additional media advertisements and exclusivity arrangements designed to increase consumer awareness, including promoting the new Dex trademark and product offerings. Advertising as a percent of revenue, excluding the effects of purchase accounting, increased to 2.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from 1.1% for the combined three months ended September 30, 2003.

Contracting and professional fees decreased $2.7 million, or 35.1%, to $5.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from $7.7 million for the combined three months ended September 30, 2003.

Bad debt expense decreased $1.8 million, or 24.1%, to $5.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from $7.3 million for the combined three months ended September 30, 2003. Bad debt

expense as a percentage of revenue, excluding the effects of purchase accounting, was 2.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2004 as compared to 3.2% for the combined three months ended September 30, 2003. The decrease in bad debt expense is a result of improved and accelerated collection efforts on local advertiser accounts, combined with a decline in direct write-offs of national accounts as compared to the prior year period.

In connection with the Offering we paid $5.0 million to each of our two Sponsors to eliminate the $2.0 million aggregate annual advisory fee payable under our management consulting agreements. This non-recurring termination fee was not incurred in the prior year period. The annual advisory fee paid in prior periods is included in contracting and professional fees.

All other general and administrative expense was $5.2 million and $5.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined three months ended September 30, 2003, respectively.

Total revenue increased by $1.2 million or 0.2%, to $646.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $644.7 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003. Total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $46.8 million and $40.1 million lower, respectively, than it would have been due to the effects of purchase accounting. Excluding the effects of purchase accounting, total revenue increased $8.0 million, or 1.2%. Total revenue, excluding the effects of purchase accounting, included $678.0 million in directory services revenue and $14.8 million in revenue for all other products for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

Total directory services revenue, which consists of local and national directory services revenue, increased $2.6 million, or 0.4% to $631.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $628.6 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003. Total directory services revenue for the nine months

ended September 30, 2004 and the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $46.8 million and $40.1 million lower, respectively, than it would have been due to the effects of purchase accounting. Excluding the effects of purchase accounting, total directory services revenue increased $9.3 million, or 1.4%.

Directory services revenue is affected by a variety of volume and pricing factors. Volume related factors include quantity of advertisements sold, the change in mix of advertisements among our product families, the proportion of advertisements sold with premium features and the volume of promotional services obtained from our advertisers in exchange for our publication of their advertisement in our directories. Pricing factors include price increases related to our standard rates that may be made from time to time in varying markets for varying categories, offset by discount programs that may be initiated in local markets for certain advertiser headings. Such factors generally affect the dollar volume of orders initiated in a period which are recognized as revenue over the life of a given directory, beginning in the month of delivery. Multiple factors contribute to changes in revenue, and although no single factor can be distinguished as the primary cause, improvements in product mix and pricing, combined with stable account renewal, contributed to our changes in directory services revenue.

Local directory services revenue increased $34.0 million, or 6.4%, to $567.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $533.8 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003. Local directory services revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $9.6 million and $32.5 million lower, respectively, than it would have been due to the effects of purchase accounting. Excluding the effects of purchase accounting, local directory services revenue increased $11.2 million, or 2.0% to $577.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Local directory services revenue, excluding the effects of purchase accounting, accounted for 83.4% and 82.7% of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively.

Revenue from national advertisers decreased $31.4 million, or 33.2%, to $63.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, as compared to $94.7 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003. Revenue from national advertisers for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $37.2 million and $7.6 million lower, respectively, than it would have been due to the effects of purchase accounting. Excluding the effects of purchase accounting, revenue from national advertisers decreased $1.8 million, or 1.8%. Revenue from national advertisers excluding the effects of purchase accounting, for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 accounted for 14.5% of revenue as compared to 14.9% for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003.

Other revenue decreased by $1.3 million, or 8.3%, to $14.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $16.2 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003. In 2004, we substantially reduced the number of products in our direct marketing services product line which represented $0.7 million of the decline between periods.

Cost of revenue recognized was $198.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $198.1 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003. Recognized cost of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $10.5 million and $11.5 million lower, respectively, than it would have been due to the effects of purchase accounting. Excluding the effects of purchase accounting, cost of revenue recognized decreased $0.8 million, or 0.4%. Cost of revenue recognized, excluding the effects of purchase accounting, represented 30.1% of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to 30.6% of revenue for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003, we incurred costs subject to deferral and amortization of $221.0 million and $211.6 million, respectively. The increase in incurred costs is primarily due to increased on-going support costs related to our new production system and to the shifts in publication schedules of eight directories from December 2003 to the first quarter of 2004, which totaled $9.8 million.

Employee costs incurred decreased by $5.3 million, or 5.5%, to $91.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $96.8 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003. The decrease is a result of changes to sales incentives and a reduction in the number of employees.

Direct costs of publishing incurred, which primarily include paper, printing and distribution, increased $9.6 million, or 13.4% to $81.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $71.4 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003. The differences in directory publication schedules between the periods contributed $7.1 million of the increase.

Contracting and professional fees incurred increased $7.7 million to $11.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $3.8 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003. The increase is primarily due to on-going support related to our new production system.

Other costs of revenue incurred, which primarily includes systems expense, national commissions, and office and facilities expense was $37.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $39.6 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003.

Our gross profit was $447.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $446.6 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003. Excluding the effects of purchase accounting, gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $484.0 million and $475.2 million, respectively. Gross margin, excluding the effects of purchase accounting, increased to 69.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from 69.4% for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003.

General and administrative expense, excluding depreciation and amortization, increased $20.7 million, or 25.4%, to $102.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $81.6 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003. The increase was primarily due to the termination of annual advisory fees and increases in employee costs, advertising expense and contracting and professional fees offset by decreases in bad debt expense and other general and administrative.

Employee costs increased $14.0 million, or 84.8%, to $30.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and from $16.5 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. Employee costs include salaries and wages, benefits and other employee costs. Salaries and wages increased $5.6 million, or 53.8%, to $16.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $10.4 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003. The increase in salaries and wages was due to additional stand-alone costs resulting from operating the Company as a separate entity from Qwest. Prior to 2004, the functions of finance, human resources, real estate and information technology were provided primarily by Qwest and were included in other general and administrative expense as affiliate expenses. Benefits increased $3.6 million, or 75.0%, to $8.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $4.8 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003. This increase is primarily due to higher costs of medical benefits and to the absence of pension credits recognized in 2004 related to Qwest’s over-funded pension plan from which benefits were recognized in 2003. Other employee costs were $6.1 million and $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. The increase in other employee costs is primarily related to accrued costs of $4.7 million related to the planned workforce reduction as a result of the efficiencies gained by the replacement of our core production platform with technology from Amdocs.

Advertising expense increased $5.6 million, or 72.7%, to $13.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $7.7 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003 due to additional media advertisements and exclusivity arrangements designed to increase consumer awareness, including promoting the new Dex trademark and product offerings. Advertising as a percent of revenue,

excluding the effects of purchase accounting, increased to 1.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to 1.1% for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003.

Contracting and professional fees increased $2.4 million, or 18.3%, to $15.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $13.1 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003.

Bad debt expense decreased $3.6 million, or 17.0%, to $17.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $20.9 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003. Bad debt expense as a percent of total revenue, excluding the effects of purchase accounting, was 2.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to 3.1% for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003. The decrease in bad debt expense is primarily a result of improved and accelerated collection efforts on local advertiser accounts combined with higher expense in combined 2003 relating to the bankruptcy of a specific CMR.

In connection with the Offering, we paid $5.0 million to each of our two Sponsors to eliminate the $2.0 million aggregate annual advisory fee payable under the management consulting agreements. This non-recurring termination fee was not incurred in the prior year period. The annual advisory fee paid in prior periods is included in contracting and professional fees.

All other general and administrative expense, decreased $7.8 million, or 33.3%, to $15.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $23.4 million for the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003. For the combined nine months ended September 30, 2003, other general and administrative expense included affiliate charges from Qwest, including finance, human resources, real estate and information technology with the costs of such expenses incurred directly in salaries and wages for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

The condensed consolidated results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 include the results of operations for Dex Media West subsequent to the Acquisition, whereas the condensed consolidated results of operations for three months and nine months ended September 30, 2003 do not include the results of Dex West prior to the Acquisition. Consequently, the results of operations for the periods presented in the financial statements are not comparable. As such, we have provided a comparison of the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 to the combined three months and nine months ended September 30, 2003 in the previous section. In addition and as described further below, in connection with the Acquisition, we acquired intangible assets subject to amortization and incurred significant indebtedness.

In connection with the Acquisition, we recorded significant intangible assets at the date of Acquisition. Substantial portions of these assets have definite lives and are subject to amortization. For the three months ended September 30, 2004, the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the period from September 10 to September 30, 2003, we recognized $57.8 million, $173.5 million and $14.1 million, respectively, in amortization expense related to our identifiable intangible assets.

We incurred significant indebtedness in connection with the Acquisition. As such, interest expense subsequent to and prior to the Acquisition are not comparable. We recognized interest expense of $54.4 million, $162.3 million and $16.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004, the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and the period from September 10 to September 30, 2003, respectively. Interest expense for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 includes $19.8 million of amortization of deferred financing costs and $1.8 million of early redemption premiums paid to redeem a portion of our senior subordinated notes.

SFAS No. 109 requires that we recognize deferred income tax assets on net operating losses to the extent realization of these assets is more likely than not. As of September 30, 2004 we have recorded $18.9 million of deferred income tax assets resulting primarily from net operating loss carryforwards. Based upon current projections of income and expenses, we have determined that it is more likely than not that we will utilize these deferred tax assets before the expiration of the net operating loss carryforward periods. Accordingly, no valuation allowance has been recorded.

Following the consummation of the Acquisition, our primary source of liquidity continues to be cash flow generated from operations. We also have availability under our revolving credit facility, subject to certain conditions.

In connection with the Acquisition, we incurred $2,213.0 million of borrowings under our credit facilities and $1,165.0 million of indebtedness with the issuance of the outstanding notes. As of September 30, 2004, we had outstanding $3,014.8 million in aggregate indebtedness due to aggregate debt repayments since the Acquisition of $363.2 million. As a result, we are significantly leveraged and our liquidity requirements will be significantly increased, primarily due to increased debt service obligations. In connection with the Offering, we redeemed $18.2 million of our 9 7/8% senior subordinated notes at a redemption price of 109.875% plus accrued and unpaid dividends on August 26, 2004 with a portion of the proceeds from the Offering.

Our credit facilities consist of a revolving credit facility and term loan facilities. The revolving credit facility expiring in September 2009 is comprised of total principal of up to $100.0 million available for general corporate purposes, subject to certain conditions. The term loan facilities consist of a Tranche A term loan facility and a Tranche B term loan facility, which mature in September 2009 and March 2010, respectively.


	•	a base rate used by JPMorgan Chase Bank, plus an applicable margin; or

	•	a eurocurrency rate on deposits for one, two, three or six-month periods (or nine or twelve-month periods if, at the time of the borrowing, all lenders agree to make such a duration available), plus an applicable margin.

The applicable margins on loans under our revolving credit facility, the Tranche A term loan facility and the Tranche B term loan facility are subject to change depending on our leverage ratio.

In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal amounts under our credit facilities, we are required to pay an annual commitment fee of 0.375% (reduced from 0.5% when the credit facilities were amended on June 11, 2004) to the lenders for the unused commitments under our revolving credit facility. The commitment fee is payable quarterly in arrears and is subject to change depending on our leverage ratio.

On June 11, 2004, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement to, among other things, (i) reduce the applicable margins on loans under our credit facilities and the commitment fee on the revolving credit facility, (ii) permit the redemption of all of Dex Media’s 5% Series A preferred stock, which was held by our Sponsors and management, plus accrued and unpaid dividends, (iii) permit the redemption of up to 35% of our outstanding 9 7/8% senior subordinated notes due 2013 and its associated redemption premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest from proceeds from the Offering, (iv) make a final lump sum payment to our Sponsors to terminate the annual advisory fee payable under the management consulting agreement, and (v) permit us to distribute to Dex Media the funds required to fund the quarterly dividends on Dex Media’s common stock if and when such dividends are declared, up to $40.6 million annually. The amendments to the credit agreement, except the repricing of the applicable margins and commitment fee which were effective on June 11, 2004, were effective immediately upon the consummation of the Offering on July 27, 2004.

Our credit facilities contain negative and affirmative covenants and requirements affecting us and domestic subsidiaries that we create or acquire, with certain exceptions set forth in our credit agreement. Our credit facilities contain the following negative covenants and restrictions, among others: restrictions on liens, sale-leaseback transactions, incurrence of debt, payment of dividends and other restricted junior payments, redemptions and stock repurchases, consolidations and mergers, acquisitions, asset dispositions, investments, loans, advances, changes in line of business, changes in fiscal year, restrictive agreements with subsidiaries, transactions with affiliates, capital expenditures, amendments to charter, by-laws and other material documents, hedging agreements and inter-company indebtedness. Our credit facilities also require us to meet certain financial covenants, including leverage ratios, an interest coverage ratio and a fixed charges coverage ratio.

We entered into a billing and collection services agreement with Qwest LEC upon the consummation of the Acquisition, which was renewed effective November 1, 2004. Under the renewed agreement, Qwest LEC will continue until December 31, 2008 to bill and collect, on our behalf, amounts owed by our accounts, that are also Qwest local telephone customers, for our directory services. In 2003, Qwest LEC billed approximately 47% of our revenue, excluding the effects of purchase accounting, on our behalf, and we billed the remaining 53% directly. Qwest LEC bills the account on the same billing statement on which it bills the customer for local telephone service. In conjunction with the Acquisition, we developed and continue to maintain the ability to transition those accounts billed by Qwest from the Qwest LEC billing and collection system to our own billing and collection system, within approximately two weeks should we choose to do so.

Historically, our Predecessor’s principal source of liquidity has been cash flow generated from operations. Prior to the consummation of the Acquisition, Dex West’s primary liquidity requirements were for debt service on that portion of a Qwest Dex line of credit borrowing arrangement with an affiliate of Qwest which was apportioned to it, debt service on $750.0 million of debt issued by Qwest Dex, dividends to Qwest, income tax payments to Qwest for the estimated tax liability of Qwest Dex as well as capital expenditures and working capital. Our Predecessor historically generated sufficient cash flow to fund operations and investments and to make payments to Qwest.

Net cash provided by operations was $206.2 million and $61.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and for the period from September 10 to September 30, 2003, respectively. Cash provided by operations was generated primarily from cash receipts from the sale of directory advertisements, reduced by cash disbursements for cost of revenue incurred, general and administrative expenses and interest expense.

Net cash used for investing activities was $20.5 million and $4,346.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and for the period from September 10 to September 30, 2003, respectively. The principal use of cash for investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was $25.7 million of expenditures for property, plant and equipment and software. The principal source of cash flows from investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was $5.2 million cash received in settlement of the working capital true up for assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Acquisition. The principal use of cash for investing activities for the period from September 10 to September 30, 2003 was $4.3 billion for the acquisition of Dex West including acquisition costs.

Net cash (used for) and provided by for financing activities was ($187.5 million) and $4,293.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and for the period from September 10 to September 30, 2003, respectively. Significant uses of cash for financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 included $188.2 million total debt repayments of which $18.2 million was the redemption of the senior subordinated notes in conjunction with the Offering. The main uses of cash flows for the period from September 10 to September 30, 2003 were $80.0 million of repayments on long-term borrowings. The principal sources of cash flows for the period from September 10 to September 30, 2003 were borrowings of $3.4 billion and contributions from parent of $1.1 billion.

Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend to a large extent on our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain

extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. Based on our current level of operations, we believe our cash flow from operations, available cash and available borrowings under our credit facilities will be adequate to meet our future liquidity needs for at least the next 12 months.

We cannot assure you, however, that our business will generate cash flow from operations in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. The restrictive covenants under the note indentures and credit agreement prohibit us from commingling the funds of Dex Media East with ours. They also prohibit us from borrowing any funds from Dex Media East. Despite the restrictive covenants under the note indentures and credit agreement limiting our ability to incur additional indebtedness and dispose of our assets, the covenants allow for multiple sources of limited liquidity that we may access to meet our ongoing business needs, including:


	i.	Cash from operating cash flow.

	ii.	Up to $100.0 million of the revolving credit facility available to us as of September 30, 2004.

	iii.	Other unsecured indebtedness which we may incur up to an aggregate principal amount of $75.0 million.

	iv.	We may sell, or dispose of, assets up to $15.0 million annually, subject to an aggregate amount of $30.0 million.

	v.	The proceeds from any debt issuance which we may use as long as our leverage ratio is at or below 4.0 to 1.0.

	vi.	We may use the proceeds from any equity offering as follows: a) 50%, if our leverage ratio is above 4.0 to 1.0 or b) 100%, if our leverage ratio is at or below 4.0 to 1.0. As a condition to the closing of the Offering, we amended our credit facility to, among other things, allow us access to a portion of the proceeds from the Offering irrespective of our leverage ratio.

The credit agreement and indentures governing the notes permit us to pursue the option of financing our capital expenditures with capital leases as long as the aggregate outstanding balance of capital leases is not in excess of $45.0 million at any time. As of September 30, 2004, the outstanding balance of capital leases was $0.5 million.

Our access to liquidity will improve significantly when our leverage ratio drops below 4.0 to 1.0. The leverage ratio can be improved by reducing debt level or increasing the amount of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). When our leverage ratio is under 4.0 to 1.0, we may retain any proceeds from debt or equity issuances for any business purpose, except for optional repayment of non-credit facility related debt with equity proceeds. If we use equity proceeds to optionally repay a cumulative amount of non-credit facility related debt in excess of $20.0 million, we are required to repay equal amounts of debt under our term facilities with the proceeds from the same equity issuances.

We expect that our primary liquidity requirements will be for debt service on our credit facilities and notes, capital expenditures and working capital. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, we used the funds generated from operations in excess of liquidity requirements to make optional repayments under our credit facilities.

Our debt portfolio, consisting of the amounts borrowed under the credit facilities, senior notes and senior subordinated notes, is comprised of 38.0% fixed rate debt and 62.0% floating rate debt as of September 30, 2004. Mandatory repayments or optional repayments under the credit facilities in the future will cause the percentage of fixed rate debt in our debt portfolio to increase. As our fixed rate debt as a percentage of our total debt increases, the effective interest rate of our debt portfolio will rise. Due to the current low interest rate environment, the floating rate debt under the credit facilities has significantly lower interest rates than the

fixed interest rates of our senior notes and senior subordinated notes. If short-term interest rates rise, the effective interest rate of our portfolio will also increase.

Tranche A and Tranche B of our term loan credit facilities have required quarterly principal repayments that were scheduled to begin June 30, 2004 and continue until the maturity dates of the facilities. Any optional repayment is applied to reduce the subsequent scheduled repayments of each tranche, in direct order of the first four scheduled repayments, and thereafter, ratably. As a result of the optional repayments made since September 10, 2003, the required quarterly payments for Tranche A and for Tranche B in the period from June 30, 2004 to March 31, 2005 were reduced to zero. The first mandatory repayment is now due June 30, 2005 in the amount of $38.6 million.

On November 10, 2003, our indirect parent, Dex Media, issued $500.0 million of 8% Notes due 2013 and $389.0 million aggregate principal amount at maturity of 9% Discount Notes due 2013 for aggregate gross proceeds of $750.2 million. On February 11, 2004, our indirect parent, Dex Media, issued another $361.0 million aggregate principal amount at maturity of 9% Discount Notes due 2013 for gross proceeds of $250.5 million. The gross proceeds of $750.2 million and $250.5 million were paid by Dex Media as a distribution to its parent and ultimately to our Sponsors. These notes are expected to be serviced and repaid from distributions to Dex Media from us and our affiliate, Dex Media East, subject in each case to restrictions contained in our respective debt agreements. Accordingly, our cash requirements will increase in May 2009 when cash interest becomes payable on Dex Media’s 9% Discount Notes.

Dex Media has no operations of its own and derives all of its cash flow and liquidity from its subsidiaries. It depends on the earnings and the distribution of funds from us and Dex Media East to meet its business needs. Although we are not obligated to make funds available to Dex Media for any purpose, we are expected to make cash distributions of up to $11.6 million to Dex Media semi-annually to service its cash interest obligations on its 8% Notes due 2013, subject to certain covenant requirements under the note indentures and credit agreement. Although the terms of our credit facilities permit us to pay cash distributions to Dex Media in an amount not to exceed 58% of the regularly scheduled interest payments on the initial $250.0 million of the $500.0 million of 8% Notes due 2013, we must meet an interest coverage ratio for the four consecutive fiscal quarters prior to the payment of the distribution to Dex Media to cover our 58% portion of the regularly scheduled interest payments on the remaining $250.0 million of the $500.0 million of 8% Notes due 2013. The indentures relating to our senior notes and senior subordinated notes permit up to $50.0 million in any fiscal year to be distributed to Dex Media to make interest payments on Dex Media’s 9% Discount Notes and 8% Notes.

Directory services revenue is our most significant source of revenue. Competition from other yellow pages publishers affects our ability to attract and retain advertisers and to increase advertising rates.

Paper is our principal raw material. Substantially all of the paper that we use (other than for covers) is supplied by two companies: Nippon Paper Industries USA Co., Ltd. (formerly Daishowa America Co., Ltd.) and Norske Skog Canada (USA), Inc. Prices under the two agreements are negotiated each year based on prevailing market rates, which have been declining consistent with general U.S. market trends for directory paper over the last three years.

Historically, Dex West reimbursed Qwest for services Qwest and its affiliates provided to Dex West based upon either (1) tariffed or negotiated contract rates, (2) market prices or (3) fully distributed costs. The historical costs for services provided to the Predecessor by Qwest affiliates do not reflect the expenses that we have begun to incur as a stand-alone company. As of December 31, 2003 we completed the replacement of the

services provided by Qwest and Qwest LEC with services provided internally or through arrangements with third parties. The costs we incur on a stand-alone basis are higher than historical costs for services previously provided by Qwest and its affiliates.

Based on industry sources, overall usage of printed yellow pages directories in the U.S. declined by a compound annual rate of approximately 2% between 1999 and 2003. Several factors, including the publication of competing directories and the increased usage of Internet-based directories, could cause usage of our printed directories to continue to decline. Any declines in usage could limit our ability to maintain or increase our advertising prices, cause businesses that purchase advertising in our yellow pages directories to reduce or discontinue those purchases and discourage businesses that do not purchase advertising in our yellow pages directories from doing so. Any of these factors could affect our ability to generate revenue and have a material adverse effect on our business.

Although we remain primarily focused on our printed directories, we also market an Internet-based directory service, DexOnline.com (formerly Qwestdex.com), to our advertisers. We view our Internet-based directory as a complement to our print product rather than as a stand-alone business. We believe that any decline in the usage of our printed directories could be offset in part by an increase in usage of our Internet-based directory. We also believe that increased usage of Internet-based directories will continue to support overall usage and advertising rates in the U.S. directory advertising industry and could provide us with growth in advertisements. However, if we cannot provide services over the Internet successfully or compete successfully with other Internet-based directory services, our business could be negatively impacted.

In anticipation of the Offering and the use of a portion of the proceeds to reduce debt, on May 17, 2004 Standard and Poors revised the outlook on our credit ratings to stable from negative.

On July 28, 2004, Moody’s Investor Service upgraded the credit ratings of our credit facilities, senior notes and senior subordinated notes by two notches. The rating upgrade does not have any immediate impact on our financing costs.

The U.S. directory advertising industry is competitive. There are a number of independent directory publishers and publishers affiliated with local exchange carriers with which we compete in one or more of the Dex West States. For example, new competitive directories were introduced in four of our top ten markets in 2003 compared to just one new competitive directory in 2002.

Through our Internet-based directory, we compete with these publishers and with other Internet sites providing search and classified directory information. In addition, we compete against other forms of media, including newspapers, radio, television, the Internet, billboards and direct mail, for business and professional advertising.

The foregoing discussion of material trends, known facts and uncertainties should not be construed as exhaustive or as an admission regarding the adequacy of disclosure made by us. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

We have identified the policies below as critical to our business operations and the understanding of our results of operations. The effect and any associated risks related to these policies on our business operations is

discussed throughout Item 2 — “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” where these policies affect our reported and expected financial results.

The sale of advertising in printed directories published by us is our primary source of revenue. We recognize revenue ratably over the life of each directory using the deferral and amortization method of accounting, with revenue recognition commencing in the month of delivery. Our directories are initially published with an estimated 12-month useful life, although we may revise the estimate of a directory life subsequent to its publication in order to better manage account and production workflow as it relates to other directories published in the same period. Because we generally have the right to bill and collect revenue related to the extension of directory publishing dates, a revision in the estimated life of a given directory should not have a significant impact on our results of operations or cash flows.

Direct costs related to the sales, production and distribution of directories are recognized ratably over the life of each directory under the deferral and amortization method of accounting, with cost recognition commencing in the month of delivery. Direct costs include sales commissions, graphics costs and the costs of printing, publishing and distribution. Revisions in the estimated useful lives of directories after their initial publication may cause the acceleration or deceleration of cost recognition related to the amortization of deferred directory costs. Although we cannot predict the extent such changes could have on future cost recognition, the movement of book publishing dates has historically had a minimal impact on cost recognition between periods.

We periodically make judgments regarding the collectibility of outstanding receivables and provide appropriate allowances when collectibility becomes doubtful. Although we believe our allowance for doubtful accounts adequately reflects that portion of our receivables that are uncollectible, we may revise our estimates in future periods based upon new circumstances and such revisions may be material.

It is our determination that it is more likely than not that we will utilize our deferred tax assets before the expiration of the net operating loss carryforward periods. This determination is based upon our estimation of projected book and taxable income and expense over the next several years. To the extent our projections vary significantly from actual results, a portion of our deferred tax benefits may not be realizable, resulting in a charge to income tax expense.

This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this Form 10-Q and, except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we assume no obligation to update or revise them or to provide reasons why actual results may differ.

As of September 30, 2004, we had a total outstanding debt balance of $3,014.8 million comprised of $1,868.0 million of variable rate debt drawn under the secured credit facilities, $385.0 million of senior notes and $761.8 million of senior subordinated notes. The credit facilities were made up of $830.2 million of Tranche A term loan maturing in September 2009 and $1,037.8 million of Tranche B term loan maturing in March 2010. Due to the variable rate characteristics of the credit facilities, the carrying amounts of the Tranche A term loan and the Tranche B term loan approximated fair values.

The $385.0 million unsecured senior notes bearing a fixed interest rate of 8 1/2% matures in August 2010. Due to changes in interest rates and market conditions since the issuance of these fixed rate notes, the fair value of the notes was $437.0 million at September 30, 2004.

The $761.8 million unsecured senior subordinated notes bearing a fixed interest rate of 9 7/8% matures in August 2013. Due to changes in interest rates and market conditions since the issuance of these fixed rate notes, the fair value of the notes was $895.1 million at September 30, 2004.

As of September 30, 2004, we had no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility, $830.2 million of debt outstanding under our Tranche A term loan facility and $1,037.8 million of debt outstanding under our Tranche B term loan facility. Interest payable on our revolving credit facility and each of our term loan facilities is based upon variable rates. Accordingly, our earnings and cash flows are affected by changes in interest rates. Assuming we had incurred this level of borrowings on January 1, 2004 with interest payable at variable rates and assuming a one percentage point increase in the weighted average interest rate under these borrowings, we estimate that our interest expense for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 would have increased by approximately $4.7 million and $14.2 million, respectively. In October 2004, we entered into four fixed interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $300 million, with applicable preset monthly fixed rates ranging from 1.901% to 3.61%. The interest rate swaps will expire in October 2006. We do not intend to use any financial derivative instruments for speculative purposes.

Dex Media West maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that are designed to ensure that information that would be required to be disclosed in Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to Dex Media West’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, Dex Media West carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of Dex Media West’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Dex Media West’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, Dex Media West’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that Dex Media West’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

There have been no significant changes in Dex Media West’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the internal controls subsequent to the date Dex Media West completed its evaluation.

From time to time, we are a party to litigation matters arising in connection with the normal course of our business. In many of these matters, plaintiffs allege that they have suffered damages from errors or omissions or improper listings contained in directories published by us. Although we have not had notice of any such claims that we believe to be material, any pending or future claim could have a material adverse effect on our business.

In addition, we are exposed to defamation and breach of privacy claims arising from our publication of directories and our methods of collecting, processing and using personal data. The subjects of our data and users of data that we collect and publish could have claims against us if such data were found to be inaccurate, or if personal data stored by us was improperly accessed and disseminated by unauthorized persons. Although we have not had notice of any material claims relating to defamation or breach of privacy claims to date, we may be party to litigation matters that could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Dex Media West LLC has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


	By:	/s/ ROBERT M. NEUMEISTER, JR.



	Robert M. Neumeister, Jr.
	Executive Vice President and
	Chief Financial Officer
	(principal financial officer
	and duly authorized officer)


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

		For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004
OR

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

		For the transition period from to


Delaware		25-1903487
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)


		Page
		Nos.

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION			2
Item 1.	Financial Statements		2
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) — September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003		2
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) — Three Months Ended September 30, 2004, and for the Periods from September 10 to September 30, 2003 and from July 1 to September 9, 2003		3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004, and for the Periods from September 10 to September 30, 2003 and from January 1 to September 9, 2003		4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004, and for the Periods from September 10 to September 30, 2003 and from January 1 to September 9, 2003		5
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)		6
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		17
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		34
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		34
PART II: OTHER INFORMATION			35
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		35
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		35
Item 3.	Defaults upon Senior Securities		35
Item 4.	Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders		35
Item 5.	Other Information		35
Item 6.	Exhibits		35
Signature			36
Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 302
Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 302
Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 906
Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 906


			As of			As of
			September 30,			December 31,
			2004			2003

ASSETS
Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	2,915		$	4,658
	Accounts receivable, net			62,721			53,114
	Deferred directory costs			167,484			142,293
	Current deferred taxes			3,396			3,876
	Other current assets			6,664			5,461

		Total current assets		243,180			209,402
Property, plant and equipment, net				50,492			38,016
Goodwill				2,193,401			2,198,586
Intangible assets, net				1,727,814			1,901,300
Deferred income taxes				15,483			13,778
Deferred financing costs				84,810			102,794
Other assets				1,785			2,955

		Total Assets	$	4,316,965		$	4,466,831


LIABILITIES AND OWNER’S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable		$	18,569		$	16,694
	Amounts due to affiliate			25,812			28,554
	Deferred revenue and customer deposits			129,869			68,232
	Accrued interest payable			20,001			49,405
	Current portion of long-term debt			77,243			20,178
	Other accrued liabilities			5,222			6,113

		Total current liabilities		276,716			189,176
Long-term debt				2,937,557			3,182,822
Amounts due to affiliate related to post-retirement and other post-employment obligations				40,337			35,519
Other liabilities				211			408

		Total Liabilities		3,254,821			3,407,925

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Accumulated deficit				(29,665	)		(27,808	)
Owner’s interest				1,091,809			1,086,714

		Total Owner’s Equity		1,062,144			1,058,906

		Total Liabilities and Owner’s Equity	$	4,316,965		$	4,466,831



			Company						Predecessor

						Period from			Period from
			Three Months			September 10			July 1
			Ended			to			to
			September 30,			September 30,			September 9,
			2004			2003			2003

Revenue			$	221,696		$	14,571		$	172,739
Operating Expenses:
	Cost of revenue			68,537			4,819			53,909
	General and administrative expense			28,499			5,502			16,613
	Bad debt expense			5,540			1,857			5,439
	Termination of annual advisory fees			10,000			—			—
	Depreciation and amortization expense			5,116			614			3,339
	Amortization of intangibles			57,829			14,068			—

		Total operating expenses		175,521			26,860			79,300

		Operating income (loss)		46,175			(12,289	)		93,439
Other (income) expense:
	Interest income			(249	)		(102	)		(980	)
	Interest expense			54,439			16,580			48,476
	Other expense			17			—			—

(Loss) income before taxes				(8,032	)		(28,767	)		45,943
		Income tax (benefit) provision		(3,189	)		(11,190	)		17,336

		Net (loss) income	$	(4,843	)	$	(17,577	)	$	28,607

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		Three Months			Nine Months			Period from
		Ended			Ended			September 10 to
		September 30, 2004			September 30, 2004			September 30, 2003

Net Loss:
	As reported	$	(4,843	)	$	(1,857	)	$	(17,577	)
	Pro forma		(4,912	)		(2,052	)		(17,594	)


		Period from		Period from
		July 1 to		January 1 to
		September 9, 2003		September 9, 2003

Net Income:
	As reported	$	28,607	$	151,752
	Pro forma		28,340		150,865


Balance at December 31, 2003	$	2,198,586
Working capital adjustment		(5,185	)

Balance at September 30, 2004	$	2,193,401


		Gross
		Carrying		Accumulated			Net Book
Intangible Assets		Value		Amortization			Value		Life

Account relationships — local		$	890,000	$	(184,489	)	$	705,511		20 years	⁽¹⁾
Account relationships — national			252,000		(36,582	)		215,418		25 years	⁽¹⁾
Non-compete/publishing agreements			359,000		(9,729	)		349,271		39 years
Dex Trademark			385,000		—			385,000		Indefinite
Qwest Dex Trademark agreement			65,000		(16,441	)		48,559		4 years
Advertising agreements			26,000		(1,945	)		24,055		14 years

	Totals	$	1,977,000	$	(249,186	)	$	1,727,814


(11)	Related Party Transactions, Other than Affiliates


Item 2.	*Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations*


	*The Three Months Ended September 30, 2004 Compared to the Combined Three Months Ended September 30, 2003.*



			Dex Media West				Predecessor		Combined

			Three Months		Period from		Period from		Three Months
			Ended		September 10 to		July 1 to		Ended
			September 30,		September 30,		September 9,		September 30,
			2004		2003		2003		2003


			(Dollars in thousands)
Revenue:
	Local directory services		$	189,114	$	12,781	$	142,584	$	155,365
	National directory services			27,810		375		25,960		26,335

		Total directory services		216,924		13,156		168,544		181,700
Other revenue				4,772		1,415		4,195		5,610

		Total revenue		221,696		14,571		172,739		187,310
Cost of revenue				68,537		4,819		53,909		58,728

	Gross profit		$	153,159	$	9,752	$	118,830	$	128,582
	Gross margin			69.1%		66.9%		68.8%		68.6%
General and administrative expense, including bad debt expense and termination of annual advisory fees			$	44,040	$	7,359	$	22,052	$	29,411


	*The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 Compared to the Combined Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003.*


Item 3.	*Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk*


Item 1.	*Financial Statements*


(1)	Description of Business


*(a)*	*Dex Media Initial Public Offering*


*(b)*	*Acquisition*


Item 2.	*Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds*


Item 4.	*Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders*


Exhibit 31.1	—	Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Dex Media West LLC pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 31.2	—	Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Dex Media West LLC pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.1	—	Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Dex Media West LLC pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.2	—	Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Dex Media West LLC pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 are being furnished solely to accompany this Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, and are not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are not to be incorporated by references into any of our filings, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.


Exhibit
Number		Description

Exhibit 31.1	—	Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Dex Media West LLC pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 31.2	—	Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Dex Media West LLC pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.1	—	Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Dex Media West LLC pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.2	—	Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Dex Media West LLC pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 are being furnished solely to accompany this Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, and are not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are not to be incorporated by references into any of our filings, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.