Verizon Communications Inc., Stamford, Conn., expects to contribute...

Verizon Communications Inc., Stamford, Conn., expects to contribute $125 million to its $40 billion pension fund in 2004, said Doreen Toben, CFO. Based on the funded status as of Dec. 31, no significant pension contributions will be required through this year, Ms. Toben said during a conference call today. Pension income in the second quarter was about 6 cents a share lower than the same period last year, which is consistent with previous projections, Ms. Toben said. For the year, Verizon expects pension income will be 3 to 5 cents a share, down from 35 cents for 2002.