10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-K

FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS

PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

(Mark One)

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007

or

 

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

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 001-15451

 

 

LOGO

 

 

United Parcel Service, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   58-2480149
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
55 Glenlake Parkway, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia   30328
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

(404) 828-6000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

  

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Class B common stock, par value $.01 per share

   New York Stock Exchange

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Class A common stock, par value $.01 per share

(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.    Yes  ¨    No  þ

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  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Check one:

Large accelerated filer  þ                        Accelerated filer  ¨                        Non-accelerated filer  ¨                        Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  þ

The aggregate market value of the class B common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $49,523,505,067 as of June 30, 2007. The registrant’s class A common stock is not listed on a national securities exchange or traded in an organized over-the-counter market, but each share of the registrant’s class A common stock is convertible into one share of the registrant’s class B common stock.

As of February 14, 2008, there were 342,043,020 outstanding shares of class A common stock and 692,320,301 outstanding shares of class B common stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of shareowners scheduled for May 8, 2008 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

 

 

 


PART I

 

Item 1. Business

Overview

United Parcel Service, Inc. (“UPS”) is the world’s largest package delivery company, a leader in the U.S. less-than-truckload industry, and a global leader in supply chain management. We were founded in 1907 as a private messenger and delivery service in Seattle, Washington. Today, we deliver packages each business day for 1.8 million shipping customers to 6.1 million consignees in over 200 countries and territories. In 2007, we delivered an average of 15.75 million pieces per day worldwide, or a total of 3.97 billion packages. Total revenue in 2007 was $49.7 billion.

Our primary business is the time-definite delivery of packages and documents worldwide. In recent years, we have extended our service portfolio to include less-than-truckload transportation, primarily in the U.S., and supply chain services. We report our operations in three segments: U.S. Domestic Package operations, International Package operations, and Supply Chain & Freight operations.

 

   

U.S. Domestic Package. U.S. Domestic Package operations include the time-definite delivery of letters, documents, and packages throughout the United States.

 

   

International Package. International Package operations include delivery to more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, including shipments wholly outside the United States, as well as shipments with either origin or distribution outside the United States.

 

   

Supply Chain & Freight. Supply Chain & Freight includes our forwarding and logistics operations, UPS Freight, and other related business units. Our forwarding and logistics business provides services in more than 175 countries and territories worldwide, and includes supply chain design and management, freight distribution, customs brokerage, mail and consulting services. UPS Freight offers a variety of less-than-truckload (“LTL”) and truckload (“TL”) services to customers in North America. Other business units within this segment include Mail Boxes, Etc. (the franchisor of Mail Boxes, Etc. and The UPS Store) and UPS Capital.

Transportation and Infrastructure.    We operate a ground fleet approximately 100,000 vehicles, which reaches all business and residential zip codes in the contiguous U.S. We also operate an air fleet of about 600 aircraft, the ninth largest airline in the world. Our primary air hub is in Louisville, KY. Regional air hubs are located in Columbia, SC; Dallas, TX; Hartford, CT; Ontario, CA; Philadelphia, PA; and Rockford, IL. Our largest international air hub is in Cologne, Germany, with other regional international hubs in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Miami, FL and Pampanga, Philippines.

We have established a global transportation infrastructure and a comprehensive portfolio of services. We support these services with advanced operational and customer-facing technology. Our supply chain solutions enable customers’ inventory to move more effectively. As a consequence, they can concentrate on their own core competencies.

Outlook.    We believe that the following trends will allow us to continue to grow our business:

 

   

Globalization of trade is a worldwide economic reality, which will continue to expand as trade barriers are eliminated and large consumer markets, in particular China, India and Europe, experience economic growth.

 

   

Package shipments will increase as a result of just-in-time inventory management, greater use of the Internet for ordering goods, and direct-to-consumer business models.

 

   

Outsourcing supply chain management is becoming more prevalent, as customers increasingly view effective management of their supply chains as a strategic advantage rather than a cost center.

 

1


Our vision for the future is to synchronize the world of commerce, addressing the complexities of our customers’ supply chain needs. Our goal is to develop business solutions that create value and competitive advantages for our customers, enabling them to achieve supply chain efficiencies, better customer service for their customers and improved cash flow.

Operations

We believe that our integrated global network is the most extensive in the industry. It is the only network that handles all levels of service (air, ground, domestic, international, commercial, residential) through one integrated pickup and delivery service system.

U.S. Domestic Package

The U.S. business consists of air and ground delivery of small packages—up to 150 pounds in weight—and letters to and from all 50 states. It also provides guaranteed, time-definite delivery of certain heavy-weight packages. Substantially all of our U.S. small package delivery services are guaranteed.

This business is built on an integrated air and ground pick-up and delivery network. We believe that this model improves productivity and asset utilization, and provides the flexibility to transport packages using the most reliable and cost-effective transportation mode or combination of modes.

In 2006, we made the most significant upgrade ever to our U.S. ground package delivery network, accelerating the transit times for more than a half-million packages nationwide by one day or more. Additional lane enhancements were introduced in February 2008.

We believe that our broad product portfolio, reliable package delivery service, experienced and dedicated employees and unmatched, integrated air and ground network provide us with the advantages of reputation, service quality and economies of scale that differentiate us from our competitors. Our strategy is to increase domestic revenue through cross-selling services to our large and diverse customer base, to limit the rate of expense growth, and to employ technology-driven efficiencies to increase operating profit.

International Package

The International Package segment provides air and ground delivery of small packages and letters to 200 countries and territories around the world. Export services cross country boundaries; domestic services move shipments within a country’s borders. UPS’s global presence grew out of its highly refined U.S. domestic business.

 

   

Europe is our largest region outside the United States—accounting for approximately half of our international revenue. In Europe we provide both express and domestic service, much like the service portfolio we offer in the U.S., and based on the same integrated network.

 

   

Through more than two dozen alliances with Asian delivery companies that supplement company-owned operations, we currently serve more than 40 Asia Pacific countries and territories. Two of the fastest growing economies in the world, China and India, are among our most promising opportunities.

 

   

Our Canadian operations include both domestic and import/export capabilities. We deliver to all addresses throughout Canada. We are also the largest air cargo carrier and a leading logistics provider in Latin America and the Caribbean.

We have built a strong international presence through significant investments over several decades. Some of our recent acquisitions and investments include the following:

 

   

In 2005, we acquired Stolica in Poland and Lynx Express in the United Kingdom. These acquisitions strengthened our European network, increasing package delivery density, and hence, productivity, in these geographic areas.

 

2


   

In 2006, to capitalize on growth opportunities across the whole of Europe, we completed the expansion of our automated package sorting hub at the Cologne/Bonn airport in Germany. The expansion doubled the hub’s sorting capacity to 110,000 packages per hour, largely through the use of new automation technology.

 

   

In 2007, we implemented the largest service expansion of our international shipping portfolio in more than a decade. UPS began offering customers three, rather than two, daily time-definite delivery options to and from the world’s most active trading markets, giving customers greater flexibility in managing their businesses.

Growth in Asia is being driven by global demand, which is stimulating improved demographic and economic trends throughout the region, particularly in China and India. Over the last few years UPS has steadily increased air service between the U.S. and Asia.

 

   

In 2005, UPS became the first U.S. airline to launch non-stop service between the U.S. and Guangzhou, which is located in one of China’s fastest growing manufacturing regions. We also launched express delivery service for customers within China.

 

   

In 2006, we added another three daily flights between Shanghai, China and the U.S., and another new flight between Qingdao, China and Incheon, Korea. We also began direct air service between Shanghai and Cologne. Those flights support international express volume into and out of China, which has seen dramatic growth in recent years.

 

   

In 2007, we added six daily flights between the U.S. and Nagoya, Japan. This new service complements our 78 weekly flights into and out of Tokyo and Osaka, Japan. These flights will connect to Shanghai in 2008, enhancing intra-Asia service.

 

   

In 2007, we also announced plans for a new air hub in Shanghai, the first constructed in China by a U.S. carrier. Scheduled to open in 2008, it will link all of China via Shanghai to UPS’s international network with direct service to the Americas, Europe and Asia. It also will connect points served in China by UPS. Once this hub is operational, we will have the ability to add an unlimited number of flights between the U.S. and Shanghai.

The international package delivery market has been growing at a faster rate than that of the U.S., and our international package operations have historically been growing faster than the market. We plan to use our worldwide infrastructure and broad product portfolio to grow high-margin premium services. We will also implement cost, process and technology improvements in our international operations. We believe that both Europe and Asia offer significant opportunities for growth.

Supply Chain & Freight Segment

The Supply Chain & Freight segment consists of our forwarding and logistics capabilities as well as our freight business unit.

In recent years we extended our service portfolio into heavy air and ground forwarding through two acquisitions. In 2005 we acquired Menlo Worldwide Forwarding, which forms the basis for our time-definite, guaranteed air forwarding service. In the same year, we acquired Overnite Corp., a LTL service, which offers a full range of regional, inter-regional and long-haul LTL capabilities in all 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands and Mexico. Overnite Corp. was rebranded as UPS Freight in 2006.

In today’s global economy, companies’ supply chains are growing increasingly complex, as shown in Diagram 1 below. Many of our customers, large and small, have outsourced all or part of their supply chains to streamline and gain efficiencies, to improve service, to support new business models and to strengthen their balance sheets.

 

3


LOGO

This increasing complexity creates demand for a global service offering that incorporates transportation, distribution and international trade services with financial and information services. We believe that we can capitalize on this opportunity because:

 

   

We manage supply chains in over 175 countries and territories, with about 35 million square feet of distribution space worldwide.

 

   

We focus on supply chain optimization, freight forwarding, international trade services and management-based solutions for our customers rather than solely on more traditional asset-based logistics such as warehouses and vehicle fleets.

 

   

We provide a broad range of transportation solutions to customers worldwide, including air, ocean and ground freight, as well as customs brokerage, and trade and materials management.

 

   

We provide service, information technology systems and distribution facilities adapted to the unique supply chains of specific industries such as healthcare, technology, and consumer/retail. We call this “configurable solutions.” In a configurable solution, multiple customers share standardized IT systems and processes as well as a common network of assets. A configurable solution is repeatable for multiple customers and has a transportation component.

 

   

We offer a portfolio of financial services that provides customers with short-term and long-term financing, secured lending, working capital, government guaranteed lending, letters of credit, global trade financing, credit cards and equipment leasing.

Our growth strategy is to increase the number of customers benefiting from configurable supply chain solutions and to increase the amount of small package transportation from these customers. We intend to leverage our small package and freight customers through cross-selling the full complement of UPS services.

Products and Services

Our goal is to provide our customers with easy-to-use products and services. We seek to streamline their shipment processing and integrate critical transportation information into their own business processes, helping them create supply chain efficiencies, better serve their customers and improve their cash flows. These products and services support LTL and air freight shipments, as well as small package transportation. UPS offers a variety of technology solutions for automated shipping, visibility and billing. We believe we have the most comprehensive suite of such services in the industry.

 

4


Global Small Package.    Our global small package portfolio consists of air and ground services for package delivery to over 200 countries, providing delivery within one-to-two business days to the world’s major business centers. We offer a spectrum of export and domestic services. Export services are those provided for packages crossing a country’s borders, while domestic services are for packages that stay within the borders of a single country. We provide domestic services in 23 major countries outside the United States. This portfolio includes guaranteed delivery options to major cities around the world. We handle packages that weigh up to 150 pounds and are up to 165 inches in combined length and girth. We offer same-day pickup of air and ground packages. We also offer worldwide customs clearance service for any mode of transportation.

Additional products that provide enhanced shipping, visibility, billing and returns services are available to customers who require customized package solutions.

Our enhanced, data-driven package pick-up and delivery technology is the basis for new services introduced in 2007. For example, UPS Delivery Intercept enables a shipper to reroute a package while it is in transit. And UPS Proactive Response provides support to customers who require even greater control of their shipments. Shipments sent using this service are constantly monitored from pickup to delivery, watching for problems or delays, at which point prearranged intervention steps commence.

We provide our customers with easy access to UPS. There are approximately 150,000 domestic and international access points to UPS. These include: nearly 40,000 branded drop-boxes, more than 1,000 UPS Customer Centers, over 5,800 independently owned and operated The UPS Store® and Mail Boxes Etc.® locations worldwide (over 4,400 in the U.S.), more than 2,400 alliance partner locations, in excess of 15,000 Authorized Shipping Outlets and commercial counters, and more than 85,000 UPS drivers who can accept packages given to them.

Supply Chain Services.    Our freight forwarding and logistics businesses meet customers’ supply chain needs through a comprehensive portfolio of services, including:

 

   

Freight Forwarding: international air, full container load (“FCL”) and less than container load (“LCL”) ocean, rail and ground freight for all size shipments utilizing UPS and other carriers, and multimodal transportation network management.

 

   

Logistics and Distribution: supply chain management, distribution center design, planning and management, order fulfillment, inventory management, receiving and shipping, critical parts logistics, reverse logistics and cross docking.

 

   

International Trade Management: customs brokerage and international trade consulting.

 

   

Industry-specific Solutions: for healthcare, retail, high tech, automotive, industrial manufacturing and government customers.

 

 

 

UPS CapitalSM provides asset-based lending, global trade finance and export-import lending services.

Freight Services.    UPS Freight provides LTL services through a network of owned and leased service centers and carrier partnerships. UPS Freight also provides our customers with truckload and dedicated truckload transportation solutions. Since expanding into the freight transport market, we have enhanced our value proposition through improvements in technology, operations and the customer experience. These efforts have resulted in expanded market presence, despite a challenging economic environment. Significant service and reliability improvements for freight transportation enabled us to implement a no-fee, guaranteed delivery service in early 2008.

Technology

Technology is the backbone of everything we do at UPS. It is at the heart of customer access to the company.

 

   

UPS.com processes over 15 million package tracking transactions daily. A growing number of those tracking requests now come from customers in countries that have wireless access to UPS tracking information.

 

5


   

Package tracking, pickup requests, rate quotes, account opening, wireless registration, drop-off locator, transit times and supply ordering services are all available at customers’ desktops or laptops. The site also displays full domestic and international service information and allows customers to process outbound shipments as well as return labels for their customers.

 

   

Businesses in a number of countries also can download UPS OnLine Tools SM to their own websites for direct use by their customers. This allows users to access the information they need without leaving our customers’ websites.

 

   

In 2007, we integrated all freight products, including international air freight forwarding shipments, into our small package visibility systems. Now a shipper can view the status of package and freight shipments from a single web page.

Technology is also the foundation for process improvements within UPS that enhance productivity, improve efficiency and reduce costs. The most comprehensive improvement to our U.S. small package handling facilities was completed in 2007. This multi-year effort re-engineered our domestic business, based on a data-driven platform, and included software, hardware and process changes. It enables a package center to produce an optimized dispatch plan for every driver and detailed loading instructions for every vehicle before center employees handle any packages. This plan reduces mileage driven, resulting in substantial savings in fuel usage. The re-engineered system provides the basis for unique customer-focused services based on the customer-specific data which powers the system.

Sales and Marketing

The UPS worldwide sales organization is responsible for the complete spectrum of UPS products and services. This field sales organization consists primarily of locally based account executives assigned to our individual operating units. For our largest multi-shipping-site customers, we manage sales through an organization of regionally based account managers, reporting directly to executive management.

Our sales force also includes specialized groups that work with our general sales organization to support the sale of customer technology solutions, international package delivery, LTL and freight transportation, and warehousing and distribution services.

In 2007, we completed a major sales force reorganization to better align our sales resources and integrate with customer business processes. Our goal is to enhance the customer experience when dealing with the extensive scope of UPS capabilities, at any point in the shipping or supply chain management process.

Our worldwide marketing organization also supports global small package and our supply chain and freight businesses. Our corporate marketing function is engaged in market and customer research, brand management, rate-making and revenue management policy, new product development, product portfolio management, marketing alliances and e-commerce, including the non-technical aspects of our web presence. Advertising, public relations, and most formal marketing communications are centrally developed and controlled.

In addition to our corporate marketing group, field-based marketing personnel are assigned to our individual operating units and are primarily engaged in business planning, bid preparation and revenue management activities. These local marketing teams support the execution of corporate initiatives while also managing limited promotional and public relations activities pertinent to their local markets.

Employees

As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately 425,300 employees.

Approximately 246,000 of our employees are employed under a national master agreement and various supplemental agreements with local unions affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters

 

6


(“Teamsters”). These agreements run through July 31, 2008. At the end of 2007, UPS Teamster-represented employees ratified a new five-year labor contract which will take effect on August 1, 2008 and run through July 31, 2013.

We have approximately 2,900 pilots who are employed under a collective bargaining agreement with the Independent Pilots Association (“IPA”). The current contract becomes amendable at the end of 2011. Our airline mechanics are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 2727, which became amendable on November 1, 2006. We began formal negotiations with Teamsters Local 2727 in October 2006. In addition, the majority of our ground mechanics who are not employed under agreements with the Teamsters are employed under collective bargaining agreements with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (approximately 2,900). These agreements run through July 31, 2009.

We believe that our relations with our employees are good. Every year we survey all our employees to determine their level of job satisfaction. Areas of concern receive management attention as we strive to keep UPS the employer of choice among our employees.

We consistently receive numerous awards and wide recognition as an employer-of-choice, resulting in part from our emphasis on diversity and corporate citizenship.

Competition

We are the largest package delivery company in the world, in terms of both revenue and volume. We offer a broad array of services in the package and freight delivery industry and, therefore, compete with many different local, regional, national and international companies. Our competitors include worldwide postal services, various motor carriers, express companies, freight forwarders, air couriers and others. Through our supply chain service offerings, we compete with a number of participants in the supply chain, financial services and information technology industries.

Competitive Strengths

Our competitive strengths include:

Integrated Global Network.    We believe that our integrated global ground and air network is the most extensive in the industry. It is the only network that handles all levels of service (air, ground, domestic, international, commercial, residential) through a single pickup and delivery service system.

Our sophisticated engineering systems allow us to optimize our network efficiency and asset utilization on a daily basis. This unique, integrated global business model creates consistent and superior returns.

We believe we have the most comprehensive integrated delivery and information services portfolio of any carrier in Europe. In other regions of the world, we rely on both our own and local service providers’ capabilities to meet our service commitments.

Leading-edge Technology.    We are a global leader in developing technology that helps our customers optimize their shipping and logistics business processes to lower costs, improve service and increase efficiency.

Technology powers virtually every service we offer and every operation we perform. Our technology initiatives are driven by our customers’ needs. We offer a variety of on-line service options that enable our customers to integrate UPS functionality into their own businesses not only to conveniently send, manage and track their shipments, but to provide their customers with better information services. We provide the infrastructure for an Internet presence that extends to tens of thousands of customers who have integrated UPS tools directly into their own web sites.

 

7


Broad, Portfolio of Services.    Our portfolio of services enables customers to choose the delivery option that is most appropriate for their requirements. Increasingly, our customers benefit from business solutions that integrate many UPS services in addition to package delivery. For example, our supply chain services—such as freight forwarding, customs brokerage, order fulfillment, and returns management—help improve the efficiency of the supply chain management process.

Customer Relationships.    We focus on building and maintaining long-term customer relationships. We serve 1.8 million pick-up customers and 6.1 million delivery customers daily. Cross-selling small package, supply chain and freight services across our customer base is an important growth mechanism for the company.

Brand Equity.    We have built a leading and trusted brand in our industry—a brand that stands for quality service, reliability and product innovation. The distinctive appearance of our vehicles and the friendliness and helpfulness of our drivers are major contributors to our brand equity.

Distinctive Culture.    We believe that the dedication of our employees results in large part from our distinctive “employee-owner” concept. Our employee stock ownership tradition dates from 1927, when our founders, who believed that employee stock ownership was a vital foundation for successful business, first offered stock to employees. To facilitate employee stock ownership, we maintain several stock-based compensation programs.

Our long-standing policy of “promotion from within” complements our tradition of employee ownership, and this policy reduces the need for us to hire managers and executive officers from outside UPS. The majority of our management team began their careers as full-time or part-time hourly UPS employees, and have spent their entire careers with us. Many of our executive officers have more than 30 years of service with UPS and have accumulated a meaningful ownership stake in our company. Therefore, our executive officers have a strong incentive to effectively manage UPS, which benefits all our shareowners.

Financial Strength.    Our balance sheet reflects financial strength that few companies can match. As of December 31, 2007, we had a balance of cash and marketable securities of approximately $2.604 billion and shareowners’ equity of $12.183 billion. We carry long-term debt ratings of AA- / Aa2 from Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s, respectively, reflecting our strong capacity to service our obligations. Our financial strength gives us the resources to achieve global scale; to make investments in technology, transportation equipment and buildings; to pursue strategic opportunities which will facilitate our growth; and to return value to our shareowners in the form of increasing dividends and share repurchases.

Government Regulation

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, through the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”), the U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) and the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”), regulates air transportation services.

The TSA regulates various security aspects of air cargo transportation in a manner consistent with the TSA mission statement to “protect[s] the Nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.”

The DOT’s authority primarily relates to economic aspects of air transportation, such as discriminatory pricing, non-competitive practices, interlocking relations and cooperative agreements. The DOT also regulates, subject to the authority of the President of the United States, international routes, fares, rates and practices, and is authorized to investigate and take action against discriminatory treatment of U.S. air carriers abroad. We are subject to U.S. customs laws and related DOT regulations regarding the import and export of shipments to and from the U.S. In addition, our customs brokerage entities are subject to those same laws and regulations as they relate to the filing of documents on behalf of client importers and exporters.

 

8


The FAA’s authority primarily relates to safety aspects of air transportation, including aircraft standards and maintenance, personnel and ground facilities. In 1988, the FAA granted us an operating certificate, which remains in effect so long as we meet the operational requirements of federal aviation regulations.

FAA regulations mandate an aircraft corrosion control program, and aircraft inspection and repair at periodic intervals specified by approved programs and procedures, for all aircraft. Our total expenditures under these programs for 2007 were $15 million. The future cost of repairs pursuant to these programs may fluctuate. All mandated repairs have been completed, or are scheduled to be completed, within the timeframes specified by the FAA.

Our ground transportation of packages in the U.S. is subject to the DOT’s jurisdiction with respect to the regulation of routes and to both the DOT’s and the states’ jurisdiction with respect to the regulation of safety, insurance and hazardous materials.

We are subject to similar regulation in many non-U.S. jurisdictions. In addition, we are subject to non-U.S. government regulation of aviation rights involving non-U.S. jurisdictions, and non-U.S. customs regulation.

The Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 created the U.S. Postal Service as an independent establishment of the executive branch of the federal government, and vested the power to recommend domestic postal rates in a regulatory body, the Postal Rate Commission. We participate in the proceedings before the Postal Rate Commission in an attempt to secure fair postal rates for competitive services.

We are subject to numerous other laws and regulations in connection with our non-package businesses, including customs regulations, Food and Drug Administration regulation of our transportation of pharmaceuticals, and state and federal lending regulations.

Where You Can Find More Information

We make our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to these reports available free of charge through the investor relations page of our website, located at www.shareholder.com/ups, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with or furnished to the SEC. Additional information about UPS is available at www.ups.com. Our sustainability report, which presents the highlights of our activities that support our commitment to acting responsibly and contributing to society, is available at www.sustainability.ups.com .

We have adopted a written Code of Business Conduct that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer and senior financial officers. It is available in the governance section of the investor relations page of our website, located at www.shareholder.com/ups. In the event that we make changes in, or provide waivers from, the provisions of the Code of Business Conduct that the SEC requires us to disclose, we intend to disclose these events in the governance section of our investor relations website.

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines and the charters for our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are also available in the governance section of the investor relations page of our website.

See Footnote 12 to our consolidated financial statements for financial information regarding our reporting segments and geographic areas in which we operate.

 

9


Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

Name and Office

   Age   

Principal Occupation

and Employment For

the Last Five Years

David P. Abney

Senior Vice President, Chief Operating

Officer, and President—UPS Airlines

   52    Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and President, UPS Airlines (2007 – present), Senior Vice President and President, UPS International (2003 – 2007), UPS/Fritz Companies Integration Manager (2001 – 2002).

David A. Barnes

Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

   52    Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer (2005 – present), Corporate Information Services Portfolio Coordinator (2001 – 2004).

Daniel J. Brutto

Senior Vice President and President, UPS International

   51    Senior Vice President and President, UPS International (2008 – present), President, Global Freight Forwarding (2006-2007), Corporate Controller (2004 – 2006), Vice President (1997 – 2004).

D. Scott Davis

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

   56    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (2008 – present), Vice Chairman (2006 – 2007), Senior Vice President (2001-2007), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (2001 – 2007), Director (2006 – present).

Alan Gershenhorn

Senior Vice President

   49    Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Marketing (2008 – present), Senior Vice President and President, UPS International (2007), President, UPS Supply Chain Solutions – Asia and Europe (2006), President, UPS Supply Chain Solutions – Shared Services (2005), President, United Parcel Service Canada, Ltd. (2002 – 2004).

Allen E. Hill

Senior Vice President

   52    Senior Vice President, Human Resources (2007 – present), Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Public Affairs (2006 – 2007), Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary (2004 – 2006), Corporate Legal Department Manager (1995 – 2004).

Kurt P. Kuehn

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

   53    Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (2008 – present), Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Marketing (2004 – 2007), Vice President, Investor Relations (1999 – 2003).

Teri P. McClure

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

   44    Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary (2006 – present), Corporate Legal Department Manager (2005 – 2006), Compliance Department Manager (2004 – 2005), District Manager (2003 – 2005), and Vice President (1999 – 2003).

 

10


Name and Office

   Age   

Principal Occupation

and Employment For

the Last Five Years

John J. McDevitt

Senior Vice President

   49    Senior Vice President, Global Transportation Services and Labor Relations (2005 – present), Senior Vice President, Strategic Integration (2003 – 2005), Air Region Manager (2000 – 2002).

Christine M. Owens

Senior Vice President

   52    Senior Vice President, Communications and Brand Management (2005 – present), Corporate Transportation Group Manager (2004 – 2005), Region Manager (1997 – 2004).

Robert E. Stoffel

Senior Vice President

   52    Senior Vice President, Engineering, Strategy and Supply Chain Distribution (2007 – present), Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Group (2004 – 2007), President, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, Inc. (2002 – 2003), Vice President, UPS Logistics Group, Inc. (2000 – 2002).

James F. Winestock

Senior Vice President

   56    Senior Vice President, U.S. Operations (2004 – present), Region Manager (1998 – 2003).

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Information about risk factors can be found in Item 7 of this report under the caption “Risk Factors”.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Properties

Operating Facilities

We own our headquarters, which are located in Atlanta, Georgia and consist of about 735,000 square feet of office space on an office campus, and our UPS Supply Chain Solutions group’s headquarters, which are located in Alpharetta, Georgia and consist of about 310,000 square feet of office space.

We also own our 27 principal U.S. package operating facilities, which have floor spaces that range from about 310,000 to 693,000 square feet. In addition, we have a 1.9 million square foot operating facility near Chicago, Illinois, which is designed to streamline shipments between East Coast and West Coast destinations, and we own or lease over 1,100 additional smaller package operating facilities in the U.S. The smaller of these facilities have vehicles and drivers stationed for the pickup of packages and facilities for the sorting, transfer and delivery of packages. The larger of these facilities also service our vehicles and equipment and employ specialized mechanical installations for the sorting and handling of packages.

We own or lease almost 600 facilities that support our international package operations and over 900 facilities that support our freight forwarding and logistics operations. Our freight forwarding and logistics operations maintain facilities with about 35 million square feet of floor space. We own and operate a logistics campus consisting of approximately 3.5 million square feet in Louisville, Kentucky.

UPS Freight operates approximately 270 service centers with a total of 6.3 million square feet of floor space. UPS Freight owns 200 of these service centers, while the remainder are occupied under operating lease agreements. The main offices of UPS Freight are located in Richmond, Virginia and consist of about 240,000 square feet of office space.

 

11


Our aircraft are operated in a hub and spokes pattern in the U.S. Our principal air hub in the U.S., known as Worldport, is located in Louisville, KY. The Worldport facility consists of over 4.1 million square feet and the site includes approximately 596 acres. We are able to sort over 300,000 packages per hour in the Worldport facility. We also have regional air hubs in Columbia, SC; Dallas, TX; Hartford, CT; Ontario, CA; Philadelphia, PA; and Rockford, IL. These hubs house facilities for the sorting, transfer and delivery of packages. Our European air hub is located in Cologne, Germany, and our Asia-Pacific air hub is located in Taipei, Taiwan. Our intra-Asia air hub is located at Clark Air Force Base in Pampanga, Philippines, our regional air hub in Canada is located in Hamilton, Ontario, and our regional air hub for Latin America and the Caribbean is in Miami, FL.

In 2007, work continued on our Worldport facility that will increase sorting capacity over the next five years by 37 percent to 416,000 packages per hour. The expansion involves the addition of two aircraft load / unload wings to the hub building, followed by the installation of high-speed conveyor and computer control systems. The overall size of the Worldport facility will increase by 1.1 million square feet to 5.2 million square feet, and the facility will be able to accommodate the Boeing 747-400 aircraft currently on order. The expansion will cost over $1 billion and is expected to be completed by 2010.

Over the past five years, UPS has invested about $600 million in China, including a successful transition to become the first wholly-owned foreign express carrier in the country. In 2007, UPS broke ground for the UPS International Air Hub at Pudong International Airport, which will be built on a parcel totaling 1 million square feet and will open during 2008. Rapid expansion is planned to a sorting capacity of 17,000 pieces per hour. The new hub will link all of China via Shanghai to UPS’s international network with direct service to the Americas, Europe and Asia. It also will connect points served in China by UPS through a dedicated service provided by Yangtze River Express, a Chinese all-cargo airline.

Our primary information technology operations are consolidated in a 435,000 square foot owned facility, the Ramapo Ridge facility, which is located on a 39-acre site in Mahwah, New Jersey. We also own a 175,000 square foot facility located on a 25-acre site in Alpharetta, Georgia, which serves as a backup to the main information technology operations facility in New Jersey. This facility provides production functions and backup capacity in the event that a power outage or other disaster incapacitates the main data center. It also helps us to meet our internal communication needs.

We believe that our facilities are adequate to support our current operations.

 

12


Fleet

Aircraft

The following table shows information about our aircraft fleet as of December 31, 2007:

 

Description

   Owned and
Capital
Leases
   Short-term
Leased or
Chartered
From
Others
   On
Order
   Under
Option

McDonnell-Douglas DC-8-71

   20    —      —      —  

McDonnell-Douglas DC-8-73

   26    —      —      —  

Boeing 727-100

   8    —      —      —  

Boeing 727-200

   2    —      —      —  

Boeing 747-100

   7    —      —      —  

Boeing 747-200

   4    —      —      —  

Boeing 747-400F

   3    —      9    —  

Boeing 747-400BCF

   —      —      2    —  

Boeing 757-200

   75    —      —      —  

Boeing 767-300

   32    —      27    —  

Boeing MD-11

   38    —      —      —  

Airbus A300-600

   53    —      —      —  

Other

   —      311    —      —  
                   

Total

   268    311    38    —  
                   

We maintain an inventory of spare engines and parts for each aircraft.

All of the aircraft we own meet Stage III federal noise regulations and can operate at airports that have aircraft noise restrictions. We became the first major airline to successfully operate a 100% Stage III fleet more than three years in advance of the date required by federal regulations.

During 2007, we placed into service 10 Boeing MD-11 aircraft and 3 Boeing 747-400F aircraft. In February 2007, we announced an order for 27 Boeing 767-300ER freighters to be delivered between 2009 and 2012. We also have firm commitments to purchase nine Boeing 747-400F aircraft scheduled for delivery between 2008 and 2010 and two Boeing 747-400BCF aircraft scheduled for delivery during 2008. Also, during 2007 we sold 21 727-100 aircraft, with eight remaining to be sold in 2008. In addition, we terminated the agreement to purchase 10 Airbus A380-800 freighter aircraft including the options to purchase 10 additional A380-800 aircraft.

Vehicles

We operate a ground fleet of approximately 100,000 package cars, vans, tractors and motorcycles. Our ground support fleet consists of over 26,000 pieces of equipment designed specifically to support our aircraft fleet, ranging from non-powered container dollies and racks to powered aircraft main deck loaders and cargo tractors. We also have about 41,000 containers used to transport cargo in our aircraft.

Safety

We promote safety throughout our operations. Our Automotive Fleet Safety Program is built with the following components:

 

   

Selection. Five out of every six drivers come from our part-time ranks. Therefore, many of our new drivers are familiar with our philosophies, policies, practices and training programs.

 

13


   

Training. Training is the cornerstone of our Fleet Safety Program. Our approach starts with training the trainer. All trainers are certified to ensure that they have the skills and motivation to effectively train novice drivers. A new driver’s employment includes extensive classroom and on-line training as well as on-road training, followed by three safety training rides integrated into his or her training cycle.

 

   

Responsibility. Our operations managers are responsible for their drivers’ safety records. We investigate every accident. If we determine that an accident could have been prevented, we retrain the driver.

 

   

Preventive Maintenance. An integral part of our Fleet Safety Program is a comprehensive Preventive Maintenance Program. Our fleet is tracked by computer to ensure that each vehicle is serviced before a breakdown or accident is likely to occur.

 

   

Honor Plan. A well-defined safe driver honor plan recognizes and rewards our drivers when they achieve success. We have over 4,450 drivers who have driven for 25 years or more without an avoidable accident.

Our workplace safety program is built upon a comprehensive health and safety process. The foundation of this process is our employee-management health and safety committees. The workplace safety process focuses on employee conditioning and safety-related habits. Our employee co-chaired health and safety committees complete comprehensive facility audits and injury analyses, and recommend facility and work process changes.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

We are a defendant in a number of lawsuits filed in state and federal courts containing various class-action allegations under state wage-and-hour laws. In one of these cases, Marlo v. UPS, which has been certified as a class action in a California federal court, plaintiffs allege that they improperly were denied overtime, and seek penalties for missed meal and rest periods, and interest and attorneys’ fees. Plaintiffs purport to represent a class of 1,200 full-time supervisors. In August 2005, the court granted summary judgment in favor of UPS on all claims, and plaintiff appealed the ruling. In October 2007, the appeals court reversed the lower court’s ruling. We have denied any liability with respect to these claims and intend to vigorously defend ourselves in this case. At this time, we have not determined the amount of any liability that may result from this matter or whether such liability, if any, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

In another case, Cornn v. UPS, which was certified as a class action in a California federal court, plaintiffs allege that they were improperly denied wages and/or overtime and meal and rest periods. Plaintiffs purport to represent a class of approximately 23,600 drivers and seek back wages, penalties, interest and attorneys’ fees. UPS settled this matter in full for a total payment of $87 million in the second quarter of 2007. The settlement had no impact on our 2007 operating results as it was accrued for previously during the third quarter of 2006.

In another case, Hohider v. UPS, which in July 2007 was certified as a class action in a Pennsylvania federal court, plaintiffs have challenged certain aspects of the Company’s interactive process for assessing requests for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Plaintiffs purport to represent a class of over 35,000 current and former employees, and seek backpay, compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorneys’ fees. In August 2007, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals granted the Company’s Petition to hear the appeal of the trial court’s recent certification order. The appeal will likely take one year. At this time, we have not determined the amount of any liability that may result from this matter or whether such liability, if any, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

UPS and Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. are defendants in various lawsuits brought by franchisees who operate Mail Boxes Etc. centers and The UPS Store locations. These lawsuits relate to the re-branding of Mail Boxes Etc. centers to The UPS Store, the The UPS Store business model, the representations made in connection with the rebranding and the sale of The UPS Store franchises, and UPS’s sale of services in the franchisees’ territories.

 

14


We have denied any liability with respect to these claims and intend to defend ourselves vigorously. At this time, we have not determined the amount of any liability that may result from these matters or whether such liability, if any, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

UPS and UPS Freight, along with several other companies involved in the LTL freight business, have been named as defendants in numerous putative class-action lawsuits filed since July 30, 2007 in courts across the nation. The cases have been consolidated for pretrial purposes in a Multi-District Litigation proceeding in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The lawsuits allege that the defendants conspired to fix fuel surcharge rates, and they seek injunctive relief, treble damages and attorneys’ fees. We intend to defend against these suits vigorously. These cases are at a preliminary stage and at this time, we have not determined the amount of any liability that may result from this matter or whether such liability, if any, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

We are a defendant in various other lawsuits that arose in the normal course of business. We believe that the eventual resolution of these cases will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

Other Matters

We received grand jury subpoenas from the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) regarding the DOJ’s investigations into air cargo pricing practices in July 2006 and into freight forwarding pricing practices in December 2007. In October 2007, we received information requests from the European Commission and the New Zealand Commerce Commission relating to investigations of freight forwarding pricing practices. We are cooperating with these investigations.

 

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

None

 

15


PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our Class A common stock is not listed on a national securities exchange or traded in an organized over-the-counter market, but each share of our Class A common stock is convertible into one share of our Class B common stock.

The following is a summary of our Class B common stock price activity and dividend information for 2007 and 2006. Our Class B common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “UPS.”

 

     High    Low    Close    Dividends
Declared

2007:

           

First Quarter

   $ 75.98    $ 68.66    $ 70.10    $ 0.42

Second Quarter

   $ 74.48    $ 69.54    $ 73.00    $ 0.42

Third Quarter

   $ 78.99    $ 72.70    $ 75.10    $ 0.42

Fourth Quarter

   $ 77.00    $ 70.00    $ 70.72    $ 0.42

2006:

           

First Quarter

   $ 80.16    $ 72.74    $ 79.38    $ 0.38

Second Quarter

   $ 83.99    $ 77.55    $ 82.33    $ 0.38

Third Quarter

   $ 83.00    $ 65.50    $ 71.94    $ 0.38

Fourth Quarter

   $ 79.72    $ 71.95    $ 74.98    $ 0.38

As of January 31, 2008, there were 171,519 and 17,454 record holders of Class A and Class B common stock, respectively.

The policy of our Board of Directors is to declare dividends each year out of current earnings. The declaration of future dividends is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors in light of all relevant facts, including earnings, general business conditions and working capital requirements.

On January 31, 2008, our Board declared a dividend of $0.45 per share, which is payable on March 4, 2008 to shareowners of record on February 11, 2008.

On October 30, 2007, the Board of Directors approved an increase in our share repurchase authorization to $2.0 billion, which replaced the remaining amount available under our February 2007 share repurchase authorization. In January 2008, the Board of Directors approved an increase in our share repurchase authorization to $10.0 billion, as part of a new financial policy. Unless terminated earlier, the program will expire when we have purchased all shares authorized for repurchase under the program.

A summary of repurchases of our Class A and Class B common stock during the fourth quarter of 2007 is as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):

 

    Total Number
of Shares
Purchased(1)
  Average
Price Paid
Per Share(1)
  Total Number
of Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Program
  Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet be Purchased
Under the Program
(as of month-end)

October 1—October 31, 2007

  2.1   $ 75.58   2.1   $ 60

November 1—November 30, 2007

  3.8     72.19   3.8     1,725

December 1—December 31, 2007

  2.2     73.04   2.2     1,566
                   

Total October 1—December 31, 2007

  8.1   $ 73.31   8.1   $ 1,566
                   

 

(1) Includes shares repurchased through our publicly announced share repurchase program and shares tendered to pay the exercise price and tax withholding on employee stock options.

 

16


Shareowner Return Performance Graph

The following Performance Graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates such information by reference into such filing.

The following graph shows a five-year comparison of cumulative total shareowners’ returns for our class B common stock, the S&P 500 Index, and the Dow Jones Transportation Average. The comparison of the total cumulative return on investment, which is the change in the quarterly stock price plus reinvested dividends for each of the quarterly periods, assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2002 in the S&P 500 Index, the Dow Jones Transportation Average, and the class B common stock of United Parcel Service, Inc.

LOGO

 

     12/31/02    12/31/03    12/31/04    12/31/05    12/31/06    12/31/07

United Parcel Service, Inc.

   $ 100.00    $ 119.89    $ 139.55    $ 124.88    $ 127.08    $ 122.64

S&P 500 Index

   $ 100.00    $ 128.68    $ 142.68    $ 149.69    $ 173.33    $ 182.85

Dow Jones Transportation Average

   $ 100.00    $ 131.84    $ 168.39    $ 188.00    $ 206.46    $ 209.40

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2007 regarding compensation plans under which our Class A common stock is authorized for issuance. These plans do not authorize the issuance of our Class B common stock.

 

17


EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

 

     Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise

of outstanding options,
warrants and rights

(a)
   Weighted-average exercise
price of outstanding options,
warrants and rights

(b)
   Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance
under equity compensation
plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a))

(c)

Plan category

        

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

   33,493,586    $ 36.12    44,589,843

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

   —        N/A    —  
            

Total

   33,493,586    $ 36.12    44,589,843
            

Our shareowners have approved the United Parcel Service, Inc. Incentive Compensation Plan and the United Parcel Service, Inc. Discounted Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The material features of each of these plans are described in Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K.

 

18


Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following table sets forth selected financial data for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2007 (amounts in millions, except per share amounts). This financial data should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and other financial data appearing elsewhere in this report.

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  

Selected Income Statement Data

          

Revenue:

          

U.S. Domestic Package

   $ 30,985     $ 30,456     $ 28,610     $ 26,960     $ 25,362  

International Package

     10,281       9,089       7,977       6,809       5,609  

Supply Chain & Freight

     8,426       8,002       5,994       2,813       2,514  
                                        

Total revenue

     49,692       47,547       42,581       36,582       33,485  

Operating expenses:

          

Compensation and benefits

     31,745       24,421       22,517       20,823       19,251  

Other

     17,369       16,491       13,921       10,770       9,789  
                                        

Total operating expenses

     49,114       40,912       36,438       31,593       29,040  

Operating profit (loss):

          

U.S. Domestic Package

     (1,531 )     4,923       4,493       3,702       3,657  

International Package

     1,831       1,710       1,494       1,149       732  

Supply Chain and Freight

     278       2       156       138       56  
                                        

Total operating profit

     578       6,635       6,143       4,989       4,445  

Other income (expense):

          

Investment income

     99       86       104       82       18  

Interest expense

     (246 )     (211 )     (172 )     (149 )     (121 )

Gain on redemption of long-term debt

     —         —         —         —         28  
                                        

Income before income taxes

     431       6,510       6,075       4,922       4,370  

Income tax expense

     (49 )     (2,308 )     (2,205 )     (1,589 )     (1,472 )
                                        

Net income

   $ 382     $ 4,202     $ 3,870     $ 3,333     $ 2,898  
                                        

Per share amounts:

          

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.36     $ 3.87     $ 3.48     $ 2.95     $ 2.57  

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.36     $ 3.86     $ 3.47     $ 2.93     $ 2.55  

Dividends declared per share

   $ 1.68     $ 1.52     $ 1.32     $ 1.12     $ 0.92  

Weighted average shares outstanding:

          

Basic

     1,057       1,085       1,113       1,129       1,128  

Diluted

     1,063       1,089       1,116       1,137       1,138  
     As of December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  

Selected Balance Sheet Data

          

Cash and marketable securities

   $ 2,604     $ 1,983     $ 3,041     $ 5,197     $ 3,952  

Total assets

     39,042       33,210       34,947       32,847       29,734  

Long-term debt

     7,506       3,133       3,159       3,261       3,149  

Shareowners’ equity

     12,183       15,482       16,884       16,378       14,852  

 

19


Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Operations

The following tables set forth information showing the change in revenue, average daily package volume, and average revenue per piece, both in dollars or amounts and in percentage terms:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
   Change  
     2007    2006    $     %  

Revenue (in millions):

          

U.S. Domestic Package:

          

Next Day Air

   $ 6,738    $ 6,778    $ (40 )   (0.6 )%

Deferred

     3,359      3,424      (65 )   (1.9 )

Ground

     20,888      20,254      634     3.1  
                        

Total U.S. Domestic Package

     30,985      30,456      529     1.7  

International Package:

          

Domestic

     2,177      1,950      227     11.6  

Export

     7,488      6,554      934     14.3  

Cargo

     616      585      31     5.3  
                        

Total International Package

     10,281      9,089      1,192     13.1  

Supply Chain & Freight:

          

Forwarding and Logistics

     5,911      5,681      230     4.0  

Freight

     2,108      1,952      156     8.0  

Other

     407      369      38     10.3  
                        

Total Supply Chain & Freight

     8,426      8,002      424     5.3  
                        

Consolidated

   $ 49,692    $ 47,547    $ 2,145     4.5 %
                        
Average Daily Package Volume (in thousands):              #        

U.S. Domestic Package:

          

Next Day Air

     1,277      1,267      10     0.8 %

Deferred

     974      993      (19 )   (1.9 )

Ground

     11,606      11,537      69     0.6  
                        

Total U.S. Domestic Package

     13,857      13,797      60     0.4  

International Package:

          

Domestic

     1,132      1,108      24     2.2  

Export

     761      689      72     10.4  
                        

Total International Package

     1,893      1,797      96     5.3  
                        

Consolidated

     15,750      15,594      156     1.0 %
                        

Operating days in period

     252      253     
Average Revenue Per Piece:              $        

U.S. Domestic Package:

          

Next Day Air

   $ 20.94    $ 21.14    $ (0.20 )   (0.9 )%

Deferred

     13.69      13.63      0.06     0.4  

Ground

     7.14      6.94      0.20     2.9  

Total U.S. Domestic Package

     8.87      8.73      0.14     1.6  

International Package:

          

Domestic

     7.63      6.96      0.67     9.6  

Export

     39.05      37.60      1.45     3.9  

Total International Package

     20.26      18.70      1.56     8.3  

Consolidated

   $ 10.24    $ 9.88    $ 0.36     3.6 %
                        

 

20


     Year Ended
December 31,
   Change  
     2006    2005    $     %  

Revenue (in millions):

          

U.S. Domestic Package:

          

Next Day Air

   $ 6,778    $ 6,381    $ 397     6.2 %

Deferred

     3,424      3,258      166     5.1  

Ground

     20,254      18,971      1,283     6.8  
                        

Total U.S. Domestic Package

     30,456      28,610      1,846     6.5  

International Package:

          

Domestic

     1,950      1,588      362     22.8  

Export

     6,554      5,856      698     11.9  

Cargo

     585      533      52     9.8  
                        

Total International Package

     9,089      7,977      1,112     13.9  

Supply Chain & Freight:

          

Forwarding and Logistics

     5,681      4,859      822     16.9  

UPS Freight

     1,952      797      1,155     144.9  

Other

     369      338      31     9.2  
                        

Total Supply Chain & Freight

     8,002      5,994      2,008     33.5  
                        

Consolidated

   $ 47,547    $ 42,581    $ 4,966     11.7 %
                        
Average Daily Package Volume (in thousands):              #        

U.S. Domestic Package:

          

Next Day Air

     1,267      1,228      39     3.2 %

Deferred

     993      946      47     5.0  

Ground

     11,537      11,044      493     4.5  
                        

Total U.S. Domestic Package

     13,797      13,218      579     4.4  

International Package:

          

Domestic

     1,108      916      192     21.0  

Export

     689      616      73     11.9  
                        

Total International Package

     1,797      1,532      265     17.3  
                        

Consolidated

     15,594      14,750      844     5.7 %
                        

Operating days in period

     253      254     
Average Revenue Per Piece:              $        

U.S. Domestic Package:

          

Next Day Air

   $ 21.14    $ 20.46    $ 0.68     3.3 %

Deferred

     13.63      13.56      0.07     0.5  

Ground

     6.94      6.76      0.18     2.7  

Total U.S. Domestic Package

     8.73      8.52      0.21     2.5  

International Package:

          

Domestic

     6.96      6.83      0.13     1.9  

Export

     37.60      37.43      0.17     0.5  

Total International Package

     18.70      19.13      (0.43 )   (2.2 )

Consolidated

   $ 9.88    $ 9.62    $ 0.26     2.7 %
                        

 

21


The following tables set forth information showing the change in UPS Freight’s less-than-truckload (“LTL”) revenue, shipments, and gross weight hauled, both in dollars or amounts and in percentage terms:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
   Change  
   2007    2006    $     %  

LTL revenue (in millions)

   $ 2,013    $ 1,831    $ 182     9.9 %

LTL revenue per LTL hundredweight

   $ 17.41    $ 15.93    $ 1.48     9.3 %

LTL shipments (in thousands)

     10,481      9,638      843     8.7 %

LTL shipments per day (in thousands)

     41.4      38.2      3.2     8.3 %

LTL gross weight hauled (in millions of pounds)

     11,560      11,498      62     0.5 %

LTL weight per shipment

     1,103      1,193      (90 )   (7.5 )%

Operating days in period

     253      252     
     Year Ended
December 31,
   Change  
   2006    2005    $     %  

LTL revenue (in millions)

   $ 1,831    $ 754    $ 1,077     142.8 %

LTL revenue per LTL hundredweight

   $ 15.93    $ 15.53    $ 0.40     2.6 %

LTL shipments (in thousands)

     9,638      4,113      5,525     134.3 %

LTL shipments per day (in thousands)

     38.2      40.7      (2.5 )   (6.1 )%

LTL gross weight hauled (in millions of pounds)

     11,498      4,855      6,643     136.8 %

LTL weight per shipment

     1,193      1,180      13     1.1 %

Operating days in period

     252      101     

Overnite Corp., now known as UPS Freight, was acquired on August 5, 2005. The information presented above reflects the performance of UPS Freight for the period subsequent to the date of acquisition.

Operating Profit and Margin

The following tables set forth information showing the change in operating profit (loss), both in dollars (in millions) and in percentage terms, for each reporting segment:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
   Change  
     2007     2006    $     %  

Reporting Segment

         

U.S. Domestic Package

   $ (1,531 )   $ 4,923    $ (6,454 )   N/A  

International Package

     1,831       1,710      121     7.1 %

Supply Chain & Freight

     278       2      276     N/A  
                         

Consolidated Operating Profit

   $ 578     $ 6,635    $ (6,057 )   (91.3 )%
                         
     Year Ended
December 31,
   Change  
     2006     2005    $     %  

Reporting Segment

         

U.S. Domestic Package

   $ 4,923     $ 4,493    $ 430     9.6 %

International Package

     1,710       1,494      216     14.5  

Supply Chain & Freight

     2       156      (154 )   (98.7 )
                         

Consolidated Operating Profit

   $ 6,635     $ 6,143    $ 492     8.0 %
                         

 

22


The following table sets forth information showing the operating margin for each reporting segment:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Reporting Segment

      

U.S. Domestic Package

   (4.9 )%   16.2 %   15.7 %

International Package

   17.8 %   18.8 %   18.7 %

Supply Chain & Freight

   3.3 %   0.0 %   2.6 %

Consolidated Operating Margin

   1.2 %   14.0 %   14.4 %

U.S. Domestic Package Operations

2007 compared to 2006

U.S. Domestic Package revenue increased $529 million, or 1.7%, in 2007, due to a 1.6% improvement in revenue per piece and a 0.4% increase in average daily package volume. Next Day Air volume increased 0.8% and Ground volume increased 0.6% for the year, largely as a result of a solid peak season in the fourth quarter, when our Next Day Air volume rose 2.2% and Ground volume increased 1.5%. Deferred air volume declined 1.9% in 2007. Our domestic air and ground products have been impacted by the slowing U.S. economy and weak small package market in 2007. Trends in U.S. industrial production and business-to-consumer shipments in 2007 have not been favorable to the overall small package market, which places pressure on our domestic package volume.

The increase in overall revenue per piece of 1.6% in 2007 resulted primarily from a rate increase that took effect earlier in the year, but was negatively impacted by lower fuel surcharge revenue and an unfavorable shift in product mix. Next Day Air revenue per piece declined 0.9%, and was negatively impacted by strong growth in our lower-yielding Next Day Air Saver products. Deferred revenue per piece increased only 0.4%. The change in revenue per piece for all our air products was negatively impacted by a lower fuel surcharge rate (discussed further below). Ground revenue per piece increased 2.9%, primarily due to the rate increase, but was also impacted slightly by a higher fuel surcharge due to higher diesel fuel prices in 2007 compared with 2006. Overall product mix reduced revenue per piece, as our premium air products suffered volume declines while our ground volume grew 0.6%.

Consistent with the practice in previous years, a rate increase took effect on January 1, 2007. We increased the base rates 6.9% on UPS Next Day Air, UPS 2nd Day Air, and UPS 3 Day Select, and 4.9% on UPS Ground. Other pricing changes included a $0.10 increase in the residential surcharge, and a $0.75 increase in the charge for undeliverable packages after three delivery attempts.

In January 2007, we modified the fuel surcharge on domestic air services by reducing the index used to determine the fuel surcharge by 2%. This fuel surcharge continues to be based on the U.S. Energy Department’s Gulf Coast spot price for a gallon of kerosene-type jet fuel. Based on published rates, the average fuel surcharge on domestic air products was 12.17% in 2007, a decline from the 14.02% in 2006, primarily due to the 2% reduction in the index. The ground fuel surcharge rate continues to fluctuate based on the U.S. Energy Department’s On-Highway Diesel Fuel Price. Based on published rates, the average fuel surcharge on domestic ground products was 4.30% in 2007, an increase from 4.13% in 2006, due to higher diesel fuel prices. As a result of the air products index rate reduction and fuel market price movements, total domestic fuel surcharge revenue decreased by $110 million in 2007.

U.S. Domestic Package incurred an operating loss of $1.531 billion in 2007, compared with a $4.923 billion operating profit in 2006, largely due to a $6.100 billion charge related to our withdrawal from the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund (“Central States Pension Fund”). Additionally, Domestic Package operating results were negatively impacted by low revenue growth, an aircraft impairment charge, and a special voluntary separation opportunity (“SVSO”) charge. The aircraft impairment and SVSO charges reduced domestic operating profit by $159 million and $53 million, respectively. These factors were partially offset by cost controls, including, among other categories, lower self-insurance expense. The expense associated with our self-insurance

 

23


accruals for workers’ compensation claims, automotive liability and general business liabilities declined as a result of several factors. The Central States Pension Fund withdrawal, aircraft impairment, and SVSO charges, as well as the impact of lower self-insurance expense, are discussed further in the “Operating Expenses” section.

2006 compared to 2005

U.S. Domestic Package revenue increased $1.846 billion, or 6.5%, for the year, with average daily package volume up 4.4%. Volume gains were realized across all products primarily due to a solid U.S. economy, strong small package market and continuing efforts to generate new volume. Overall domestic volume growth moderated in the latter half of 2006 compared with 2005, due to slower overall economic growth in the U.S. and a downturn in industrial production during the fourth quarter.

Pricing remained firm as overall revenue per piece was up 2.5% for the year. Ground revenue per piece increased 2.7% and Next Day Air revenue per piece increased 3.3% for the year, primarily due to the impact of a rate increase that took effect in 2006 and the impact of an increased fuel surcharge rate in 2006 compared to 2005. Deferred revenue per piece increased 0.5% for the year for the same reasons, but was adversely affected by the growth in lighter weight, lower revenue packages.

On January 2, 2006, a rate increase took effect which was in line with previous years’ rate increases. We increased rates 5.5% on UPS Next Day Air, UPS 2nd Day Air, and UPS 3 Day Select, and 3.9% on UPS Ground. Other pricing changes included a new charge for undeliverable packages after three delivery attempts and an increase in rates for proof of delivery features for our Delivery Required and Signature Confirmation services. The residential surcharge increased $0.25 for UPS Ground services and $0.35 for UPS Next Day Air, UPS 2nd Day Air and UPS 3 Day Select.

In January 2006, we modified the fuel surcharge on domestic air services by reducing the index used to determine the fuel surcharge by 2%. The air fuel surcharge was subject to a maximum cap of 12.50% through June 4, 2006. Effective June 5, 2006, we reduced the index by another 2% and no longer applied a cap to the air fuel surcharge. This fuel surcharge continued to be based on the U.S. Energy Department’s Gulf Coast spot price for a gallon of kerosene-type jet fuel. Based on published rates, the average fuel surcharge on domestic air products was 14.02% in 2006, as compared with 10.23% in 2005. Additionally, the UPS Ground fuel surcharge continued to fluctuate based on the U.S. Energy Department’s On-Highway Diesel Fuel Price. Based on published rates, the average fuel surcharge on domestic ground products was 4.13% in 2006, as compared to 2.86% in 2005. Total domestic fuel surcharge revenue increased by $542 million in 2006, due to higher jet and diesel fuel prices, volume growth, and the modifications to our fuel surcharges noted above. These fuel surcharges are used to provide some protection against the increased fuel expense that we incur due to higher fuel prices, as well as the increased purchased transportation expense which is also affected by higher fuel prices.

U.S. Domestic Package operating profit increased $430 million, or 9.6%, for the year, and the operating margin increased by approximately 50 basis points to 16.2%. This increase was primarily a result of the revenue growth described previously, combined with efficiencies from leveraging our integrated ground and air networks. The 2006 operating profit for our U.S. Domestic Package segment was negatively impacted by the settlement of a class action litigation (see “Contingencies” section below), which resulted in an $87 million charge to expense. Operating profit for this segment was positively affected as a result of lower expense associated with our self-insurance accruals for workers’ compensation claims, automotive liability and general business liabilities in 2006 compared with 2005.

International Package Operations

2007 compared to 2006

International Package revenue improved $1.192 billion, or 13.1% in 2007, driven by a 10.4% volume increase for our export products and an 8.3% increase in total revenue per piece. The growth in revenue per piece

 

24


was positively impacted by base rate increases and the weakening of the U.S. Dollar against several major foreign currencies in 2007, but was adversely affected by a lower fuel surcharge rate applied to our U.S. origin international air products.

Export volume increased throughout the world. Asian export volume grew strongly in key markets during the year, especially China. Asian export volume continues to benefit from our geographic service expansion, as well as strong economic growth, which benefits our intra-Asian package business. To continue this expansion, we received authority in 2007 to operate six daily flights between the U.S. and Nagoya, Japan. We are also constructing a package and freight air hub in Shanghai, China that is expected to open in 2008. This hub will link Shanghai to our international air network, with direct service to Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

European export volume also grew solidly, largely due to continued growth in the transborder business and improved economic and industrial output in the European Union. U.S. export volume increased at a slower pace. Non-U.S. domestic volume increased 2.2% for the year, and was impacted by growth in several major European countries and Canada.

Export revenue per piece increased 3.9% for the year, largely due to rate increases and favorable exchange rates, but was adversely impacted by relatively higher growth in lower revenue per piece transborder products, and a reduction in certain fuel surcharge rates. Non-U.S. domestic revenue per piece increased 9.6% for the year, and was affected by rate increases and favorable exchange rates. Total average revenue per piece increased 2.7% on a currency-adjusted basis, and the overall change in segment revenue was positively affected by $464 million in 2007 due to currency fluctuations, net of hedging activity.

In January 2007, we increased rates 6.9% for international shipments originating in the United States (Worldwide Express, Worldwide Express Plus, UPS Worldwide Expedited and UPS International Standard service). Rate changes for international shipments originating outside the United States vary by geographical market and occur throughout the year.

Also in January 2007, we modified the fuel surcharge on certain U.S.-related international air services by reducing the index used to determine the fuel surcharge by 2%. The fuel surcharge for products originating outside the United States continues to be indexed to fuel prices in our different international regions. Total international fuel surcharge revenue increased by $12 million during the year due to increased volume, but was partially offset by the reduction in the fuel surcharge index.

International Package operating profit increased $121 million, or 7.1%, for the year, primarily due to the volume and revenue per piece improvements described above. The change in operating profit was also positively affected by $153 million during the year due to favorable currency exchange rates, net of hedging activity. International Package operating profit was adversely affected in 2007 by charges related to the aircraft impairment ($62 million) and the SVSO ($7 million), both of which are discussed further in the “Operating Expenses” section. Operating profit was negatively impacted by fuel, as the increase in fuel surcharge revenue was more than offset by the increase in fuel expense. The adverse impact of the aircraft impairment, SVSO charge, and fuel were the primary causes of the 100 basis point decline in operating margin to 17.8%.

2006 compared to 2005

International Package revenue improved $1.112 billion, or 13.9%, for the year, primarily due to the 11.9% volume growth for our export products and the impact of acquisitions completed in 2005. Total international revenue per piece declined slightly for the year due to changes in product mix, as lower-yielding domestic products comprised a larger proportion of overall international volume. The change in revenue was positively affected by $83 million during the year due to currency fluctuations, net of hedging activity. Revenue increased by $247 million during the year due to business acquisitions completed previously.

 

25


In January 2006, we increased rates 5.5% for international shipments originating in the United States (Worldwide Express, Worldwide Express Plus, UPS Worldwide Expedited and UPS International Standard service). Rate changes for international shipments originating outside the United States varied by geographical market and occurred throughout the year.

Also in January 2006, we modified the fuel surcharge on certain U.S.-related international air services by reducing the index used to determine the fuel surcharge by 2%. The air fuel surcharge continued to remain subject to a maximum cap of 12.5% through June 4, 2006. Effective June 5, 2006, we reduced the index by another 2% and no longer applied a cap to the air fuel surcharge. The fuel surcharge for products originating outside the United States continued to be indexed to fuel prices in our different international regions, depending upon where the shipment took place. Total international fuel surcharge revenue increased by $189 million during the year due to higher jet fuel prices and increased international air volume.

Export volume increased throughout the world, with solid volume increases in Europe, Asia, and U.S. export products. Asian export volume continued to benefit from geographic service expansion and strong economic growth in Asia, while European export volume gains were impacted by our growing transborder business and the expansion of the European Union. International domestic volume increased 21.0% for the year, due to volume growth in Canada and Europe, which also benefited from the acquisition of Stolica in Poland during the second quarter of 2005 and the acquisition of Lynx in the U.K. during the third quarter of 2005. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, international domestic volume and revenue increased 6.9% and 8.3%, respectively, for the year.

Export revenue per piece increased 0.5% for the year, largely due to the rate increases discussed previously, the impact of the fuel surcharge, and currency fluctuations, partially offset by relatively higher growth in lower revenue per piece transborder products. For the year, total international average daily package volume increased 17.3%, while average revenue per piece decreased 2.2% (decreased 3.3% currency-adjusted).

The improvement in operating profit for our International Package segment was $216 million for the year, or 14.5%, and the operating margin increased 10 basis points to 18.8%. The increases in operating profit and margin were driven by the volume and revenue growth described previously. The change in operating profit was also positively affected by $26 million during the year due to currency fluctuations.

Supply Chain & Freight Operations

2007 compared to 2006

Supply Chain & Freight revenue increased $424 million, or 5.3%, in 2007. Forwarding and logistics revenue increased $230 million, or 4.0%, for the year, and was affected by favorable exchange rate movements and revenue management initiatives begun in 2006. Favorable exchange rate movements positively affected the growth in revenue by $178 million during the year. Revenue growth in this business was driven by improvements in international air freight and mail services, which were impacted by overall market growth and lower customer turnover rates.

UPS Freight increased revenue $156 million, or 8.0%, for the year as a result of improved yields and a strong increase in average daily shipment volume. Average LTL shipments per day increased 8.3% during the year, driven by new customer wins and leveraging our existing small package customer base for new sales opportunities. LTL revenue per hundredweight increased 9.3% during the year, due to an increase in base rates in 2007 and a focus on higher-yielding customer segments. The increase in revenue per hundredweight and average daily shipments were somewhat offset by a 7.5% decrease for the year in the LTL weight per shipment.

The other businesses within Supply Chain & Freight, which include our retail franchising business, our financial business, and our U.S. domestic cargo operations, increased revenue by 10.3% during the year. This revenue growth was primarily due to increased revenue from our contract to provide domestic air transportation services for the U.S. Postal Service.

 

26


Operating profit for the Supply Chain & Freight segment was $278 million in 2007, compared with a profit of $2 million in 2006, resulting in a 330 basis point improvement in the operating margin. This improvement was largely due to improved results in the forwarding and logistics business as a result of cost controls, a focus on asset utilization, and revenue management initiatives. Cost improvements were realized as a result of the restructuring program that began in 2006, which included a reduction of non-operating staff of approximately 1,400 people. Additionally, margin improvements are being realized by focusing on capacity utilization in the air freight business, through better utilizing space available on our own aircraft. Finally, revenue management initiatives put into place last year are producing better returns through reducing less profitable accounts, and ensuring that new accounts meet specific criteria that allow us to better utilize our existing transportation assets.

Operating profit in 2007 for this segment was reduced by $46 million as a result of a charge for restructuring and disposing of certain non-core business units in France, as well as by $8 million due to the SVSO charge. These charges are discussed further in the “Operating Expenses” section. Currency fluctuations positively affected the growth in operating profit by $18 million in 2007.

2006 compared to 2005

Supply Chain & Freight revenue increased $2.008 billion, or 33.5%, for the year. UPS Freight, formerly known as Overnite Corp., provided $1.155 billion of the increase in revenue for the year. Excluding the impact of the Overnite acquisition in August 2005, segment revenues grew 16.4% for the year. Total average daily LTL shipments for UPS Freight in 2006 declined against the full year 2005 (both the pre and post-acquisition period) due to service issues caused by the integration of the UPS Freight business, as well as a weakening in the overall LTL market in the United States in the latter half of 2006. LTL revenue per LTL hundredweight increased as we proactively reduced less profitable accounts and focused on higher yielding customer segments.

Forwarding and logistics revenue increased $822 million, or 16.9% for the year, largely due to continued changes in the business model for this unit. The forwarding and logistics business is moving towards a model that places more transactional ownership risk on UPS, including increased utilization of UPS-owned assets. This has the effect of increasing revenue as well as purchased transportation expense. The increased revenue associated with these forwarding transactions was somewhat offset by certain revenue management initiatives, which involved reducing less profitable accounts. In addition, revenue increased by $29 million during the year due to currency fluctuations.

The other businesses within Supply Chain & Freight, which include our retail franchising business and our financial business, increased revenue by 9.2% during the year. This revenue growth was primarily due to increased financial services revenue, as well as revenue earned from our previously-announced contract to provide domestic air transportation for the U.S. Postal Service.

For the year, the Supply Chain & Freight segment reported $2 million in operating profit, as compared with a $156 million in operating profit for 2005. These results were impacted by the integration of the acquired Menlo Worldwide Forwarding business into our air network, and the integration of the Motor Cargo business unit within the acquired Overnite Corp. operations into the UPS Freight network. The UPS Freight integration led to service issues, which resulted in a loss of revenue, as well as productivity setbacks resulting in increased costs. The integration of the Menlo Worldwide Forwarding business resulted in increased costs and some lost sales resulting from customer turnover. The increase in operating profit was positively affected by $2 million during 2006 due to the impact of currency fluctuations on revenue and expense.

In an effort to rationalize our cost structure and focus on profitable revenue growth, we initiated a restructuring plan for our forwarding and logistics operations in the fourth quarter of 2006. This restructuring plan was designed to generate efficiencies, resulting in improved operating profits, by further integrating all of our transportation services to better serve our customers. This restructuring involved the reduction of non-operating expenses by approximately 20%, including a reduction in non-operating staff of approximately 1,400 people. We incurred $12 million in expenses in 2006 related to employee severance.

 

27


Operating Expenses

2007 compared to 2006

Consolidated operating expenses increased by $8.202 billion, or 20.0%, in 2007 compared with 2006. Currency fluctuations in our International Package and Supply Chain & Freight segments resulted in consolidated operating expenses increasing by $471 million for the year.

Compensation and benefits expense increased by $7.324 billion for the year, and was impacted by several items including the charge for the withdrawal from the Central States Pension Fund, higher wage rates in the union workforce, increased stock-based compensation, higher expense for union pension and welfare programs, the SVSO charge, and the restructuring charge in our Supply Chain & Freight business in France. These increases were slightly offset by lower workers compensation expense.

Our national master agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (“Teamsters”) allowed us, upon ratification, to withdraw employees from the Central States Pension Fund and to establish a jointly trusteed single-employer plan for this group. Upon ratification of the contract in December 2007 and our withdrawal from the Central States Pension Fund, we recorded a pre-tax $6.100 billion charge to establish our withdrawal liability, and made a December 2007 payment in the same amount to the Central States Pension Fund to satisfy this liability.

In December 2006, we offered a special voluntary separation opportunity (“SVSO”) to approximately 640 employees who work in non-operating functions. This program was established to improve the efficiency of non-operating processes by eliminating duplication and sharing expertise across the company. The SVSO ended in February 2007, and 195, or 30% of eligible employees, accepted the offer. As a result, we recorded a charge to expense of approximately $68 million in the first quarter of 2007, to reflect the cash payout and the acceleration of stock compensation and certain retiree healthcare benefits under the SVSO program.

In the third quarter of 2007, we initiated a restructuring plan for our forwarding and logistics operations in France. The objective of this restructuring plan was to reduce our forwarding and logistics cost structure and focus on profitable revenue growth in the Europe region. The restructuring principally consisted of an employment reduction program, which was ratified by our company’s trade union representatives in France in July 2007. Employees participating in this program are entitled to severance benefits, including certain bonuses for employees participating in the voluntary termination phase. These severance benefits are formula-driven and are in accordance with French statutory laws as well as the applicable collective bargaining agreements. We recorded a restructuring charge of $46 million ($42 million related to severance costs, and thus recorded in compensation and benefits expense) in 2007 related to this program.

Stock-based and other management incentive compensation expense increased $113 million, or 17.7%, during 2007, primarily due to 2007 awards of stock options, restricted performance units, and restricted stock units. Pension and healthcare expense increased during the year, largely due to higher expense associated with plans covering union employees, but was somewhat offset by lower expense for the UPS-sponsored pension benefits (See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements).

During the first quarter of 2005, we modified our Management Incentive Awards program under our Incentive Compensation Plan to provide that half of the annual award be made in restricted stock units, with certain exceptions for first time participants in the program. The restricted stock units granted each year under this program generally have a five-year graded vesting period, with approximately 20% of the total restricted stock unit award vesting at each anniversary date of the grant. The other half of the Management Incentive Award granted each year is in the form of cash and unrestricted shares of Class A common stock and is fully vested at the time of grant. Previous awards under the Management Incentive Awards program were made in common stock that was fully vested in the year of grant. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, we recognize the expense associated with restricted stock unit awards over the appropriate vesting

 

28


period. We anticipate that this change in the award structure will have the effect of increasing the expense recognized for our restricted stock unit grants in future years, until approximately 2010, when we the effect of expensing new restricted stock unit grants will be somewhat offset with the elimination of expense from awards that have become completely vested.

The expense associated with our self-insurance accruals for workers’ compensation claims, automotive liability and general business liabilities was $46 million lower in 2007 compared with 2006. Insurance reserves are established for estimates of the loss that we will ultimately incur on reported claims, as well as estimates of claims that have been incurred but not yet reported. Recorded balances are based on reserve levels, which incorporate historical loss experience and judgments about the present and expected levels of cost per claim. The lower expense reflects favorable claims experience resulting from several company initiatives put into place over the last several years and other factors, including initiatives to decrease accident frequencies, improved oversight and management of claims, improved trends in health care costs, and favorable state legislative reforms.

The 0.2% increase in repairs and maintenance reflects higher maintenance expense on aircraft, largely offset by lower maintenance expense on vehicles and buildings. The 0.2% decrease in depreciation and amortization was influenced by several factors, including lower depreciation expense on aircraft and amortization expense on capitalized software, partially offset by increased depreciation expense on vehicles. The 7.4% increase in purchased transportation was impacted by volume growth in our International Package business and currency fluctuations, as well as growth in our international forwarding business. The 12.0% increase in fuel expense for the year was primarily due to higher prices for jet and diesel fuel, as well as higher usage, but was partially mitigated by hedging gains. Other occupancy expense increased 2.1% for the year, and was affected by increased rent expense and property taxes, but partially offset by lower utilities expense. The 3.0% increase in other expenses for the year was affected by a $221 million aircraft impairment charge, discussed further below, but partially offset with cost controls in several areas. The comparison in other expenses was also affected by the $87 million charge in the Cornn class action litigation in 2006 (see “Contingencies” section).

As a result of business changes that occurred in the first quarter of 2007, including capacity-optimization programs in our domestic and international air freight forwarding business as well as changes to our aircraft orders and planned delivery dates, we began a review process of our aircraft fleet types to ensure that we maintain the optimum mix of aircraft types to service our international and domestic package businesses. The review was completed in March 2007, and based on the results of our evaluation we accelerated the planned retirement of certain Boeing 727 and 747 aircraft, and recognized an impairment and obsolescence charge of $221 million for the aircraft and related engines and parts in 2007. This charge is included in the caption “Other expenses” in the Statement of Consolidated Income, of which $159 million impacted our U.S. Domestic Package segment and $62 million impacted our International Package segment.

2006 compared to 2005

Consolidated operating expenses increased by $4.474 billion, or 12.3%, for the year, and were significantly impacted by the acquisitions of Overnite, Stolica, and Lynx. Currency fluctuations in our International Package and Supply Chain & Freight segments resulted in operating expenses increasing by $84 million for the year.

Compensation and benefits increased by $1.904 billion, or 8.5%, for the year, largely due to the acquisitions mentioned above, as well as increased health and welfare benefit costs and higher pension expense. These increases were partially offset by the decline in workers compensation expense, as previously discussed. Excluding the effect of acquisitions, compensation and benefits expense increased 5.1% for the year. Stock-based and other management incentive compensation expense increased $49 million, or 8.0% in 2006, due to the expensing of restricted stock units granted in the fourth quarter of 2005, the impact of a new grant of stock options and restricted performance units in the second quarter of 2006, and the impact of adopting the non-substantive vesting period approach of FAS 123R (discussed further in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements). These grants were partially offset by lower accruals for our Management Incentive Awards program in 2006.

 

29


Other operating expenses increased by $2.570 billion, or 18.5%, for the year, largely due to the acquisitions mentioned above, as well as increases in fuel expense and purchased transportation. The table below indicates the impact of business acquisitions completed in 2005 on the increase in operating expenses by category in 2006.

 

     Total %
Increase
    Acquisition
Impact
    % Increase
without
Acquisitions
 

Other Operating Expenses:

      

Repairs and maintenance

   5.3 %   3.0 %   2.3 %

Depreciation and amortization

   6.3 %   3.1 %   3.2 %

Purchased transportation

   34.9 %   4.8 %   30.1 %

Fuel

   27.3 %   7.1 %   20.2 %

Other occupancy

   7.6 %   4.2 %   3.4 %

Other expenses

   8.5 %   3.9 %   4.6 %
                  
   18.5 %   4.5 %   14.0 %
                  

Excluding the effect of acquisitions, the 20.2% increase in fuel expense for the year was impacted by higher prices for jet-A, diesel and unleaded gasoline as well as higher usage, but was partially mitigated by hedging gains. The 30.1% increase in purchased transportation was influenced by volume growth in our International Package business, currency fluctuations, higher fuel prices, increased rail costs, and changes to the freight forwarding business model described previously. The 2.3% increase in repairs and maintenance was largely due to increased expense on airframe and engine repairs. The 3.2% increase in depreciation and amortization for the year was caused primarily by higher depreciation expense on plant equipment, aircraft and engines, and higher amortization expense on intangible assets. The 3.4% increase in other occupancy expense was largely due to higher electricity and other utilities expenses. The increase in other expenses was impacted by several items, including the $87 million tentative settlement of a class action litigation (see “Contingencies” section below).

Investment Income and Interest Expense

2007 compared to 2006

The increase in investment income of $13 million was primarily due to higher realized gains on sales of investments, but partially offset by a lower average balance of interest-earning investments and increased equity-method losses on investment partnerships.

Interest expense increased $35 million in 2007, primarily due to higher average debt balances outstanding, largely related to commercial paper. Our commercial paper balances increased in the fourth quarter of 2007, causing a corresponding increase in interest expense, as a result of the payment made to withdraw from the Central States Pension Fund. Increased interest charges were somewhat offset, however, by higher capitalized interest related to various construction projects, including aircraft purchases and our Worldport expansion.

2006 compared to 2005

The decrease in investment income of $18 million during the year was primarily due to a lower average balance of interest-earning investments, due to the timing of cash payments for pension fundings, business acquisitions, and capital expenditures. This was partially offset by a higher average interest rate earned on investments, as well as the absence of any investment impairments during 2006 ($16 million of investment impairments were recognized in 2005, as described below).

The $39 million increase in interest expense during the year was primarily due to higher average interest rates on variable rate debt and interest rate swaps, as well as interest expense incurred on debt related to real estate investment partnerships. This was partially offset by slightly lower average debt balances during 2006, as well as higher capitalized interest due to large aircraft contract deposit payments made during the year.

 

30


Net Income and Earnings Per Share

2007 compared to 2006

Net income for 2007 was $382 million, an 90.9% decrease from the $4.202 billion achieved in 2006, resulting in an 90.7% decrease in diluted earnings per share to $0.36 in 2007 from $3.86 in 2006. This decrease in net income was largely due to the after-tax $3.772 billion charge recorded to reflect our withdrawal from the Central States Pension Fund. Additionally, 2007 net income was adversely impacted by $31 million as a result of the restructuring charge in our France Supply Chain & Freight business, $141 million as a result of the aircraft impairment charge, and $43 million as a result of the SVSO charge. These items were partially offset by the improved results in our International Package and Supply Chain & Freight segments.

The reduction in basic and diluted earnings per share were largely due to the pension withdrawal, aircraft impairment, France restructuring, and SVSO charges noted above. These items reduced basic and diluted earnings per share by $3.77 and $3.75 in 2007. Basic and diluted earnings per share benefited from a reduction in outstanding shares in 2007 compared with 2006, due to our ongoing share repurchase program.

2006 compared to 2005

Net income for 2006 was $4.202 billion, an 8.6% increase from the $3.870 billion achieved in 2005, resulting in a 11.2% increase in diluted earnings per share to $3.86 in 2006 from $3.47 in 2005. Net income in 2006 benefited from a $52 million reduction in income tax expense ($0.05 impact to diluted earnings per share) due to favorable developments with certain U.S. Federal tax contingency matters involving non-U.S. operations. Diluted earnings per share has increased at a faster rate than the growth in net income due to the reduction in shares outstanding as a result of our ongoing share repurchase program. The increase in net income for 2006 was largely due to higher operating profits for both our U.S. Domestic and International Package segments.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $1.123, $5.589, and $5.793 billion in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The decrease in 2007 operating cash flows compared with 2006 and 2005 was primarily due to the $6.100 billion payment made to withdraw from the Central States Pension Fund in 2007. This was partially offset by reduced 2007 fundings to our management pension and postretirement benefit plans. In 2007, we funded $687 million to our pension and postretirement benefit plans as compared to $1.625 billion in 2006 and $995 million in 2005. As discussed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, pension and postretirement health contributions to plan trusts in 2008 are projected to be approximately $133 million.

The amount of U.S. federal estimated income tax payments was lower in 2007 compared with 2006 and 2005, due to the deductibility of the pension withdrawal payment for income tax purposes. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2008, we received an $850 million U.S. federal tax refund due to 2007 overpayments of our estimated tax liability. In 2005, we received a $374 million tax refund associated with the 1985-1990 settlement with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) reached previously, primarily on tax matters related to excess value package insurance.

Additionally, we paid approximately $35 million in 2007 to employees who accepted the SVSO offer, and we expect to pay approximately $28 million in the first quarter of 2008 related to this program.

On November 9, 2007, we announced a rate increase and a change in the fuel surcharge that took effect on December 31, 2007. We increased the base rates 6.9% on UPS Next Day Air, UPS 2nd Day Air, and UPS 3 Day Select, and 4.9% on UPS Ground. We also increased the base rates 6.9% for international shipments originating in the United States (Worldwide Express, Worldwide Express Plus, UPS Worldwide Expedited and UPS International Standard service). Other pricing changes included a $0.10 increase in the residential surcharge, and

 

31


an increase of $0.10 in the delivery area surcharge on both residential and commercial services to certain ZIP codes. These rate changes are customary, and are consistent with previous years’ rate increases. Additionally, we modified the fuel surcharge on domestic and U.S.-origin international air services by reducing by 2% the index used to determine the fuel surcharge. The UPS Ground fuel surcharge continues to fluctuate based on the U.S. Energy Department’s On-Highway Diesel Fuel Price. Rate changes for shipments originating outside the U.S. were made throughout the past year and varied by geographic market.

In January 2008, UPS Freight announced a general rate increase averaging 5.4 percent covering non-contractual shipments in the United States and Canada. The increase goes into effect on February 4, 2008, and applies to minimum charge, LTL and TL rates.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $2.199 billion, $2.340 billion, and $975 million in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The decrease in cash used in 2007 compared with 2006 was primarily due to lower capital expenditures and increased net sales of marketable securities and short-term investments. Net sales of marketable securities and short-term investments were $621 million, $482 million, and $2.752 billion in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, and were primarily used to fund our pension and postretirement medical benefit plans, as well as complete business acquisitions. In 2005, we spent $1.488 billion on business acquisitions, primarily Overnite Corp., Lynx Express Ltd. in the United Kingdom, Messenger Service Stolica S.A. in Poland, and the express operations of Sinotrans Air Transportation Development Co. Ltd. in China (See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements). We had a net cash use of $39 million in 2007, compared with cash generation of $68 and $95 million in 2006 and 2005, respectively, due to originations, sales, and customer paydowns of finance receivables, primarily in our commercial lending, asset-based lending, and leasing portfolios.

In the second quarter of 2006, we terminated several energy derivatives and received $229 million in cash, which is reported in other investing activities in the statement of cash flows. These derivatives were designated as hedges of forecasted cash outflows for purchases of fuel products. As these derivatives maintained their effectiveness and qualified for hedge accounting, we recognized the gains associated with these hedges as a reduction of fuel expense over the original term of the hedges through 2007.

Capital expenditures represent a primary use of cash in investing activities, as follows (in millions):

 

     2007    2006    2005

Buildings and facilities

   $ 853    $ 720    $ 495

Aircraft and parts

     1,137      1,150      874

Vehicles

     492      831      456

Information technology

     338      384      362
                    
   $ 2,820    $ 3,085    $ 2,187
                    

As described in the “Commitments” section below, we have commitments for the purchase of aircraft, vehicles, equipment and other fixed assets to provide for the replacement of existing capacity and anticipated future growth. We fund our capital expenditures with our cash from operations.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was $2.297, ($3.851), and ($4.175) billion in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. As of December 31, 2007, we increased our commercial paper borrowings to $7.366 billion, an increase of $6.575 billion over December 31, 2006. This issuance of commercial paper was used to fund the withdrawal payment to the Central States Pension Fund upon ratification of our labor contract with the Teamsters, as previously discussed. The commercial paper balance was reduced subsequent to December 31, 2007 as a result of an issuance of long-term debt (discussed further in the “Sources of Credit” section) and the receipt of an income tax refund.

 

32


Issuances of debt during 2007 consisted primarily of issuances of commercial paper and UPS Notes. Repayments of debt consisted primarily of scheduled principal payments on our capital lease obligations and principal payments on debt related to our investment in certain equity-method partnerships. We consider the overall fixed and floating interest rate mix of our portfolio and the related overall cost of borrowing when planning for future issuances and non-scheduled repayments of debt.

Our primary uses of cash in financing activities have been to repurchase stock, pay dividends, and repay long-term debt. In October 2007, the Board of Directors approved an increase in our share repurchase authorization to $2.0 billion, which replaced the remaining amount available under our February 2007 share repurchase authorization. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, we repurchased a total of 35.9, 32.6, and 33.9 million shares of Class A and Class B common stock for $2.618 , $2.455, and $2.479 billion, respectively ($2.639, $2.460, and $2.479 billion reported on the statement of cash flows due to timing of settlements).

In January 2008, we announced a new financial policy regarding our capital structure to enhance shareowner value. Prospectively, we intend to manage our balance sheet to a target debt ratio of approximately 50%-60% funds from operations to total debt. To implement this policy, the Board of Directors authorized an increase in our share repurchase authorization to $10.0 billion. We intend to complete this level of share repurchases within two years. Share repurchases may take the form of an accelerated share repurchase program, open market purchases, or other such methods as we deem appropriate.

We increased our quarterly cash dividend payment to $0.42 per share in 2007 from $0.38 per share in 2006, resulting in an increase in total cash dividends paid to $1.703 billion from $1.577 billion. The declaration of dividends is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on various factors, including our net income, financial condition, cash requirements, future prospects, and other relevant factors. We expect to continue the practice of paying regular cash dividends. On January 31, 2008, our Board declared a dividend of $0.45 per share, which is payable on March 4, 2008 to shareowners of record on February 11, 2008. The Board also approved an earlier payment schedule for the dividend typically declared in November. Beginning in 2008 and going forward, that dividend is expected to be paid in December instead of the following January. The movement of the fourth quarter dividend payment into December will result in a total of five dividend payments being made in 2008.

Sources of Credit

We are authorized to borrow up to $10.0 billion under our U.S. commercial paper program. We had $7.366 billion outstanding under this program as of December 31, 2007, with an average interest rate of 4.36%. At December 31, 2007, we classified $4.0 billion of our commercial paper as long-term debt on our balance sheet, due to the subsequent refunding of the commercial paper through the issuance of long-term debt, as discussed further below. We also maintain a European commercial paper program under which we are authorized to borrow up to €1.0 billion in a variety of currencies, however no amounts were outstanding under this program as of December 31, 2007.

In November 2007, we filed a shelf registration statement under which we may issue debt securities in the United States. On January 15, 2008, we completed an offering of $1.750 billion of 4.50% senior notes due January 2013, $750 million of 5.50% senior notes due January 2018, and $1.500 billion of 6.20% senior notes due January 2038. All of these notes pay interest semiannually, and allow for redemption of the notes by UPS at any time by paying the greater of the principal amount or a “make-whole” amount, plus accrued interest. After pricing and underwriting discounts, we received a total of $3.961 billion in cash proceeds from the offering. The proceeds from the offering were used to reduce our outstanding commercial paper balance.

We maintain three credit agreements with a consortium of banks, two of which provide revolving credit facilities of $1.0 billion each, with one expiring April 17, 2008 and the other April 19, 2012, and the third

 

33


providing a revolving credit facility of $7.0 billion and expiring on October 17, 2008. Interest on any amounts we borrow under these facilities would be charged at 90-day LIBOR plus 15 basis points. At December 31, 2007, there were no outstanding borrowings under these facilities.

Our existing debt instruments and credit facilities do not have cross-default or ratings triggers, however these debt instruments and credit facilities do subject us to certain financial covenants. Covenants in our credit facilities generally require us to maintain a $3.0 billion minimum net worth and limit the amount of secured indebtedness that may be incurred by the company. The notes issued in January 2008 include limitations on secured indebtedness and on sale-leaseback transactions. These covenants are not considered material to the overall financial condition of the company, and all applicable covenant tests were satisfied as of December 31, 2007.

Commitments

We have contractual obligations and commitments in the form of capital leases, operating leases, debt obligations, purchase commitments, and certain other liabilities. We intend to satisfy these obligations through the use of cash flow from operations. The following table summarizes the expected cash outflow to satisfy our contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2007 (in millions):

 

Year

   Capital
Leases
   Operating
Leases
   Debt
Principal
   Debt
Interest
   Purchase
Commitments
   Pension
Fundings
   Other
Liabilities

2008

   $ 108    $ 378    $ 3,426    $ 329    $ 1,306    $ 101    $ 78

2009

     73      325      83      384      791      824      74

2010

     91      237      40      380      729      630      71

2011

     31      166      33      379      698      717      69

2012

     31      116      26      377      304      859      67

After 2012

     285      560      6,919      6,177      —        334      203
                                                

Total

   $ 619    $ 1,782    $ 10,527    $ 8,026    $ 3,828    $ 3,465    $ 562
                                                

Our capital lease obligations relate primarily to leases on aircraft. Capital leases, operating leases, and purchase commitments, as well as our debt principal obligations, are discussed further in Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements. The amount of interest on our debt was calculated as the contractual interest payments due on our fixed-rate debt, in addition to interest on variable rate debt that was calculated based on interest rates as of December 31, 2007. The calculations of debt interest do not take into account the effect of interest rate swap agreements. The maturities of debt principal and interest include the effect of the January 2008 issuance of $4.0 billion in senior notes that were used to reduce the commercial paper balance.

Purchase commitments represent contractual agreements to purchase goods or services that are legally binding, the largest of which are orders for aircraft, engines, and parts. In February 2007, we announced an order for 27 Boeing 767-300ER freighters to be delivered between 2009 and 2012. We also have firm commitments to purchase nine Boeing 747-400F aircraft scheduled for delivery between 2008 and 2010, and two Boeing 747-400BCF aircraft scheduled for delivery during 2008. These aircraft purchase orders will provide for the replacement of existing capacity and anticipated future growth.

In July 2007, we formally cancelled our previous order for ten Airbus A380-800 freighter aircraft, pursuant to the provisions of an agreement signed with Airbus in February 2007. As a result of our cancellation of the Airbus A380-800 order, we received cash in July 2007 representing the return of amounts previously paid to Airbus as purchase contract deposits and accrued interest on those balances. Additionally, we received a credit memorandum to be used by UPS for the purchase of parts and services from Airbus. The cancellation of the Airbus order did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

 

34


Pension fundings represent the anticipated required cash contributions that will be made to the UPS IBT Pension Plan, which was established upon ratification of the national master agreement with the Teamsters. The UPS IBT Pension Plan is the only UPS-sponsored pension or postretirement benefit plan with a material minimum funding requirement as of December 31, 2007. The pension funding requirements were estimated under the provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, using discount rates, asset returns, and other assumptions appropriate for this plan. To the extent that the funded status of the UPS IBT pension plan in future years differs from our current projections, the actual contributions made in future years could materially differ from the amounts shown in the table above.

The contractual payments due under the “other liabilities” column primarily includes commitment payments related to our investment in certain partnerships. The table above does not include approximately $355 million of unrecognized tax benefits that have been recognized as liabilities in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), because we are uncertain if or when such amounts will ultimately be settled in cash. In addition, although we have recognized and disclosed unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with FIN 48, we also have outstanding recognized tax benefits in excess of the recorded liabilities such that we do not believe a net contractual obligation exists to the taxing authorities. FIN 48 is discussed further in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

As of December 31, 2007, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling approximately $2.177 billion issued in connection with routine business requirements. As of December 31, 2007, we had unfunded loan commitments totaling $860 million associated with our financial business.

We believe that funds from operations and borrowing programs will provide adequate sources of liquidity and capital resources to meet our expected long-term needs for the operation of our business, including anticipated capital expenditures, such as commitments for aircraft purchases, for the foreseeable future.

Contingencies

We are a defendant in a number of lawsuits filed in state and federal courts containing various class-action allegations under state wage-and-hour laws. In one of these cases, Marlo v. UPS, which has been certified as a class action in a California federal court, plaintiffs allege that they improperly were denied overtime, and seek penalties for missed meal and rest periods, and interest and attorneys’ fees. Plaintiffs purport to represent a class of 1,200 full-time supervisors. In August 2005, the court granted summary judgment in favor of UPS on all claims, and plaintiff appealed the ruling. In October 2007, the appeals court reversed the lower court’s ruling. We have denied any liability with respect to these claims and intend to vigorously defend ourselves in this case. At this time, we have not determined the amount of any liability that may result from this matter or whether such liability, if any, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

In another case, Cornn v. UPS, which was certified as a class action in a California federal court, plaintiffs allege that they were improperly denied wages and/or overtime and meal and rest periods. Plaintiffs purport to represent a class of approximately 23,600 drivers and seek back wages, penalties, interest and attorneys’ fees. UPS settled this matter in full for a total payment of $87 million in the second quarter of 2007. The settlement had no impact on our 2007 operating results as it was accrued for previously during the third quarter of 2006.

In another case, Hohider v. UPS, which in July 2007 was certified as a class action in a Pennsylvania federal court, plaintiffs have challenged certain aspects of the Company’s interactive process for assessing requests for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Plaintiffs purport to represent a class of over 35,000 current and former employees, and seek backpay, compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorneys’ fees. In August 2007, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals granted the Company’s Petition to hear the appeal of the trial court’s recent certification order. The appeal will likely take one year. At this time, we have not determined the amount of any liability that may result from this matter or whether such liability, if any, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

 

35


UPS and Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. are defendants in various lawsuits brought by franchisees who operate Mail Boxes Etc. centers and The UPS Store locations. These lawsuits relate to the re-branding of Mail Boxes Etc. centers to The UPS Store, the The UPS Store business model, the representations made in connection with the rebranding and the sale of The UPS Store franchises, and UPS’s sale of services in the franchisees’ territories. We have denied any liability with respect to these claims and intend to defend ourselves vigorously. At this time, we have not determined the amount of any liability that may result from these matters or whether such liability, if any, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

UPS and UPS Freight, along with several other companies involved in the LTL freight business, have been named as defendants in numerous putative class-action lawsuits filed since July 30, 2007 in courts across the nation. The cases have been consolidated for pretrial purposes in a Multi-District Litigation proceeding in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The lawsuits allege that the defendants conspired to fix fuel surcharge rates, and they seek injunctive relief, treble damages and attorneys’ fees. We intend to defend against these suits vigorously. These cases are at a preliminary stage and at this time, we have not determined the amount of any liability that may result from this matter or whether such liability, if any, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

We are a defendant in various other lawsuits that arose in the normal course of business. We believe that the eventual resolution of these cases will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

Along with an income tax audit for years 2003 and 2004, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is currently examining non-income based taxes including excise taxes on transportation of property by air and fuel purchases, which could lead to proposed assessments. The IRS has not presented an official position with regard to excise taxes at this time, and therefore we are not able to determine the technical merit of any potential assessment; however, we do not believe that the resolution of this matter would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately 246,000 employees employed under a national master agreement and various supplemental agreements with local unions affiliated with the Teamsters. In September 2007, we reached a new national master agreement with the Teamsters, which was ratified in December 2007. The new agreement provides for wage increases as well as contributions to healthcare and pension plans, and most economic provisions of the new five year agreement will take effect on August 1, 2008, with the exception of our withdrawal from the Central States Pension Fund, as discussed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements. We have approximately 2,900 pilots who are employed under a collective bargaining agreement with the Independent Pilots Association, which becomes amendable at the end of 2011. Our airline mechanics are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 2727, which became amendable on November 1, 2006. We began formal negotiations with Teamsters Local 2727 on October 2, 2006. In addition, the majority of our ground mechanics who are not employed under agreements with the Teamsters are employed under collective bargaining agreements with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (approximately 2,900). These agreements run through July 31, 2009.

Apart from the Central States Pension Fund, we participate in a number of trustee-managed multi-employer pension and health and welfare plans for employees covered under collective bargaining agreements. Several factors could cause us to make significantly higher future contributions to these plans, including unfavorable investment performance, changes in demographics, and increased benefits to participants. At this time, we are unable to determine the amount of additional future contributions, if any, or whether any material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity would result from our participation in these plans.

Other Matters

We received grand jury subpoenas from the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) regarding the DOJ’s investigations into air cargo pricing practices in July 2006 and into freight forwarding

 

36


pricing practices in December 2007. In October 2007, we received information requests from the European Commission and the New Zealand Commerce Commission relating to investigations of freight forwarding pricing practices. We are cooperating with these investigations.

Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in certain commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and equity prices. All of these market risks arise in the normal course of business, as we do not engage in speculative trading activities. In order to manage the risk arising from these exposures, we utilize a variety of foreign exchange, interest rate, equity and commodity forward contracts, options, and swaps.

The following analysis provides quantitative information regarding our exposure to commodity price risk, foreign currency exchange risk, interest rate risk, and equity price risk. We utilize valuation models to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value of financial instruments with exposure to market risk that assume instantaneous, parallel shifts in exchange rates, interest rate yield curves, and commodity and equity prices. For options and instruments with non-linear returns, models appropriate to the instrument are utilized to determine the impact of market shifts. There are certain limitations inherent in the sensitivity analyses presented, primarily due to the assumption that exchange rates change in a parallel fashion and that interest rates change instantaneously. In addition, the analyses are unable to reflect the complex market reactions that normally would arise from the market shifts modeled.

A discussion of our accounting policies for derivative instruments and further disclosures are provided in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements.

Commodity Price Risk

We are exposed to changes in the prices of refined fuels, principally jet-A, diesel, and unleaded gasoline. Currently, the fuel surcharges that we apply to our domestic and international package and LTL services are the primary means of reducing the risk of adverse fuel price changes. Additionally, we use a combination of options contracts to provide partial protection from changing fuel and energy prices. The net fair value of such contracts subject to price risk, excluding the underlying exposures, as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 was an asset (liability) of $(179) and $10 million, respectively. The potential loss in the fair value of these derivative contracts, assuming a hypothetical 10% adverse change in the underlying commodity price, would be approximately $42 and $8 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. This amount excludes the offsetting impact of the price risk inherent in the physical purchase of the underlying commodities.

In the second quarter of 2006, we terminated several energy derivatives and received $229 million in cash. These derivatives were designated as hedges of forecasted cash outflows for purchases of fuel products. As these derivatives maintained their effectiveness and qualified for hedge accounting, the gains associated with these hedges were recognized in income over the original term of the hedges through the end of 2007.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

We have foreign currency risks related to our revenue, operating expenses, and financing transactions in currencies other than the local currencies in which we operate. We are exposed to currency risk from the potential changes in functional currency values of our foreign currency-denominated assets, liabilities, and cash flows. Our most significant foreign currency exposures relate to the Euro, the British Pound Sterling and the Canadian Dollar. We use a combination of purchased and written options and forward contracts to hedge cash flow currency exposures. These derivative instruments generally cover forecasted foreign currency exposures for periods up to one year. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the net fair value of the hedging instruments described above was an asset (liability) of $(42) and $30 million, respectively. The potential loss in fair value for

 

37


such instruments from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates would be approximately $387 and $183 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. This sensitivity analysis assumes a parallel shift in the foreign currency exchange rates. Exchange rates rarely move in the same direction. The assumption that exchange rates change in a parallel fashion may overstate the impact of changing exchange rates on assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency.

Interest Rate Risk

As described in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, we have issued debt instruments, including debt associated with capital leases, that accrue expense at fixed and floating rates of interest. We use a combination of derivative instruments, including interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps, as part of our program to manage the fixed and floating interest rate mix of our total debt portfolio and related overall cost of borrowing. These swaps are generally entered into concurrently with the issuance of the debt that they are intended to modify, and the notional amount, interest payment, and maturity dates of the swaps match the terms of the associated debt.

Our floating rate debt and interest rate swaps subject us to risk resulting from changes in short-term (primarily LIBOR) interest rates. The potential change in annual interest expense resulting from a hypothetical 100 basis point change in short-term interest rates applied to our floating rate debt and swap instruments at December 31, 2007 and 2007 would be approximately $100 and $29 million, respectively.

We have investments in debt and preferred equity securities (including auction rate securities), as well as cash-equivalent instruments, some of which accrue income at variable rates of interest. The potential change in annual investment income resulting from a hypothetical 100 basis point change in interest rates applied to our investments exposed to variable interest rates at December 31, 2007 and 2006 would be approximately $15 and $12 million, respectively.

Additionally, as described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, we hold a portfolio of finance receivables that accrue income at fixed and floating rates of interest. The potential change in the annual income resulting from a hypothetical 100 basis point change in interest rates applied to our variable rate finance receivables at December 31, 2007 and 2006 would be immaterial.

This interest rate sensitivity analysis assumes interest rate changes are instantaneous, parallel shifts in the yield curve. In reality, interest rate changes are rarely instantaneous or parallel. While this is our best estimate of the impact of the specified interest rate scenarios, these estimates should not be viewed as forecasts. We adjust the fixed and floating interest rate mix of our interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities in response to changes in market conditions.

Equity Price Risk

We hold investments in various common equity securities that are subject to price risk, and for certain of these securities, we utilize options to hedge this price risk. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the fair value of such investments was $35 and $80 million, respectively. The potential change in the fair value of such investments, assuming a 10% change in equity prices net of the offsetting impact of any hedges, would be approximately $4 and $8 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006.

Credit Risk

The forward contracts, swaps, and options previously discussed contain an element of risk that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements. However, we minimize such risk exposures for these instruments by limiting the counterparties to large banks and financial institutions that meet established credit guidelines. We do not expect to incur any losses as a result of counterparty default.

 

38


New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”), which was issued to define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value, and expand disclosures about fair value measurements, and is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB deferred the effective date of FAS 157 for one year for certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities, and removed certain leasing transactions from its scope. We adopted FAS 157 on January 1, 2008, and the impact of adoption was not material to our results of operations or financial condition.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 158 “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R))” (“FAS 158”). This statement requires us to recognize the funded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans as an asset or liability in the balance sheet, and required delayed recognition items, consisting of actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs and credits, to be recognized in other comprehensive income and subsequently amortized to the income statement. On December 31, 2006, we adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of FAS 158, which resulted in a reduction to AOCI of $2.097 billion and a reduction of long-term deferred tax liabilities of $1.258 billion.

Additionally, we currently utilize the early measurement date option available under Statement No. 87 “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions”, and we measure the funded status of our plans as of September 30 each year. Under the provisions of FAS 158, we will be required to use a December 31 measurement date for all of our pension and postretirement benefit plans beginning in 2008. As a result of this change in measurement date, we recorded a cumulative effect after-tax $44 million reduction to retained earnings as of January 1, 2008.

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“FAS 159”), which gives entities the option to measure eligible financial assets, financial liabilities and firm commitments at fair value (i.e., the fair value option), on an instrument-by-instrument basis, that are otherwise not accounted for at fair value under other accounting standards. The election to use the fair value option is available at specified election dates, such as when an entity first recognizes a financial asset or financial liability or upon entering into a firm commitment. Subsequent changes in fair value must be recorded in earnings. Additionally, SFAS No. 159 allows for a one-time election for existing positions upon adoption, with the transition adjustment recorded to beginning retained earnings. We adopted FAS 159 on January 1, 2008, and elected to apply the fair value option to our investment in certain investment partnerships that were previously accounted for under the equity method. Accordingly, we recorded an after-tax $12 million reduction to retained earnings as of January 1, 2008, representing the cumulative effect adjustment of adopting FAS 159.

In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 requires that we determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. Once it is determined that a position meets this recognition threshold, the position is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial statements. On January 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of FIN 48, and the impact of this Interpretation is discussed in Note 13.

In June 2007, the EITF reached consensus on Issue No. 06-11, “Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards.” EITF 06-11 requires that the tax benefit related to dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units, which are expected to vest, be recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital. EITF 06-11 is to be applied prospectively for tax benefits on dividends declared in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007, and we will adopt the provisions of EITF 06-11 beginning in the first quarter of 2008. EITF 06-11 is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

In December 2007 the FASB issued Statement No. 141(R) “Business Combinations” (“FAS 141(R)”). FAS 141(R) requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize the full fair value of assets acquired

 

39


and liabilities assumed in the transaction (whether a full or partial acquisition); establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed; requires expensing of most transaction and restructuring costs; and requires the acquirer to disclose to investors and other users all of the information needed to evaluate and understand the nature and financial effect of the business combination. FAS 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after January 1, 2009. The impact of FAS No. 141R on our consolidated financial statements will depend upon the nature, terms and size of the acquisitions we consummate after the effective date.

In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51” (“FAS 160”). FAS 160 requires reporting entities to present noncontrolling (minority) interests as equity (as opposed to as a liability or mezzanine equity) and provides guidance on the accounting for transactions between an entity and noncontrolling interests. As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately $13 million in noncontrolling interests classified in other non-current liabilities. FAS 160 applies prospectively as of January 1, 2009, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements which will be applied retrospectively for all periods presented.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. As indicated in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements, the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses reported in our financial statements are affected by estimates and judgments that are necessary to comply with generally accepted accounting principles. We base our estimates on prior experience and other assumptions that we consider reasonable to our circumstances. Actual results could differ from our estimates, which would affect the related amounts reported in our financial statements. While estimates and judgments are applied in arriving at many reported amounts, we believe that the following matters may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity.

Contingencies—As discussed in Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements, we are involved in various legal proceedings and contingencies. We have recorded liabilities for these matters in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies” (“FAS 5”). FAS 5 requires a liability to be recorded based on our estimate of the probable cost of the resolution of a contingency. The actual resolution of these contingencies may differ from our estimates. If a contingency is settled for an amount greater than our estimate, a future charge to income would result. Likewise, if a contingency is settled for an amount that is less than our estimate, a future credit to income would result.

The events that may impact our contingent liabilities are often unique and generally are not predictable. At the time a contingency is identified, we consider all relevant facts as part of our FAS 5 evaluation. We record a liability for a loss that meets the recognition criteria of FAS 5. These criteria require recognition of a liability when the loss is probable of occurring and reasonably estimable. Events may arise that were not anticipated and the outcome of a contingency may result in a loss to us that differs from our previously estimated liability. These factors could result in a material difference between estimated and actual operating results. Contingent losses that meet the recognition criteria under FAS 5, excluding those related to income taxes and self insurance which are discussed further below, were not material to the Company’s financial position as of December 31, 2007. In addition, we have certain contingent liabilities that have not been recognized as of December 31, 2007, because a loss is not reasonably estimable.

Goodwill Impairment—We account for goodwill in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“FAS 142”), which requires annual impairment testing of goodwill for each of our reporting units. Goodwill impairment testing requires that we estimate the fair value of our goodwill and compare that estimate to the amount of goodwill recorded on our balance sheet.

 

40


We use a discounted cash flow model (“DCF model”) to estimate the fair value of our goodwill. The completion of the DCF model requires that we make a number of significant assumptions to produce an estimate of future cash flows. These assumptions include projections of future revenue, costs and working capital changes. In addition, we make assumptions about the estimated cost of capital and other relevant variables, as required, in estimating the fair value of our reporting units. The projections that we use in our DCF model are updated annually and will change over time based on the historical performance and changing business conditions for each of our reporting units.

As of December 31, 2007, our recorded goodwill was $2.577 billion, of which $2.282 billion relates to our Supply Chain and Freight segment. This segment of our business has experienced rapid growth over the last several years, largely due to the acquisitions that we have made. Because of its growth, this segment continues to experience significant change as we integrate the acquired companies, resulting in higher volatility in our DCF model projections than for our other segments. Our annual impairment tests performed in 2007, 2006 and 2005 resulted in no goodwill impairment.

Self-Insurance Accruals—We self-insure costs associated with workers’ compensation claims, automotive liability, health and welfare, and general business liabilities, up to certain limits. Insurance reserves are established for estimates of the loss that we will ultimately incur on reported claims, as well as estimates of claims that have been incurred but not yet reported. Recorded balances are based on reserve levels, which incorporate historical loss experience and judgments about the present and expected levels of cost per claim. Trends in actual experience are a significant factor in the determination of such reserves. We believe our estimated reserves for such claims are adequate, but actual experience in claim frequency and/or severity could materially differ from our estimates and affect our results of operations.

Workers’ compensation, automobile liability and general liability insurance claims may take several years to completely settle. Consequently, actuarial estimates are required to project the ultimate cost that will be incurred to fully resolve the claims. A number of factors can affect the actual cost of a claim, including the length of time the claim remains open, trends in health care costs and the results of related litigation. Furthermore, claims may emerge in future years for events that occurred in a prior year at a rate that differs from previous actuarial projections. Changes in state legislation with respect to workers compensation can affect the adequacy of our self-insurance accruals. All of these factors can result in revisions to prior actuarial projections and produce a material difference between estimated and actual operating results.

We sponsor a number of health and welfare insurance plans for our employees. These liabilities and related expenses are based on estimates of the number of employees and eligible dependents covered under the plans, anticipated medical usage by participants and overall trends in medical costs and inflation. Actual results may differ from these estimates and, therefore, produce a material difference between estimated and actual operating results.

Pension and Postretirement Medical Benefits—As discussed in Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements, we maintain several defined benefit and postretirement benefit plans. Our pension and other postretirement benefit costs are calculated using various actuarial assumptions and methodologies as prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions” and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions.” These assumptions include discount rates, health care cost trend rates, inflation, rate of compensation increases, expected return on plan assets, mortality rates, and other factors. Actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect our recognized expense and recorded obligation in such future periods. We believe that the assumptions utilized in recording the obligations under our plans are reasonable based on information as to historical experience and performance as well as other factors that might cause future expectations to differ from past trends. Differences in actual

 

41


experience or changes in assumptions may affect our pension and other postretirement obligations and future expense. A 25 basis point change in the assumed discount rate, expected return on assets, and health care cost trend rate for the U.S. pension and postretirement benefit plans would result in the following increases (decreases) on the Company’s costs and obligations for the year 2007 (in millions):

 

     25 Basis Point
Increase
    25 Basis Point
Decrease
 

Pension Plans

    

Discount Rate:

    

Effect on net periodic benefit cost

   $ (65 )   $ 67  

Effect on projected benefit obligation

     (615 )     643  

Return on Assets:

    

Effect on net periodic benefit cost

     (36 )     36  

Postretirement Medical Plans

    

Discount Rate:

    

Effect on net periodic benefit cost

     (6 )     6  

Effect on projected benefit obligation

     (88 )     91  

Health Care Cost Trend Rate:

    

Effect on net periodic benefit cost

     2       (2 )

Effect on projected benefit obligation

     19       (19 )

Financial Instruments—As discussed in Notes 2, 3, 8, and 15 to our consolidated financial statements, and in the “Market Risk” section of this report, we hold and issue financial instruments that contain elements of market risk. Certain of these financial instruments are required to be recorded at fair value. Fair values are based on listed market prices, when such prices are available. To the extent that listed market prices are not available, fair value is determined based on other relevant factors, including dealer price quotations. Certain financial instruments, including over-the-counter derivative instruments, are valued using pricing models that consider, among other factors, contractual and market prices, correlations, time value, credit spreads, and yield curve volatility factors. Changes in the fixed income, equity, foreign exchange, and commodity markets will impact our estimates of fair value in the future, potentially affecting our results of operations. A quantitative sensitivity analysis of our exposure to changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and equity prices is presented in the “Market Risk” section of this report.

Depreciation, Residual Value, and Impairment of Fixed Assets—As of December 31, 2007, we had $17.663 billion of net fixed assets, the most significant category of which is aircraft. In accounting for fixed assets, we make estimates about the expected useful lives and the expected residual values of the assets, and the potential for impairment based on the fair values of the assets and the cash flows generated by these assets.

In estimating the lives and expected residual values of aircraft, we have relied upon actual experience with the same or similar aircraft types. Subsequent revisions to these estimates could be caused by changes to our maintenance program, changes in the utilization of the aircraft, governmental regulations on aging aircraft, and changing market prices of new and used aircraft of the same or similar types. We periodically evaluate these estimates and assumptions, and adjust the estimates and assumptions as necessary. Adjustments to the expected lives and residual values are accounted for on a prospective basis through depreciation expense.

In accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“FAS 144”), we review long-lived assets for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable based on the undiscounted future cash flows of the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset is determined not to be recoverable, a write-down to fair value is recorded. Fair values are determined based on quoted market values, discounted cash flows, or external appraisals, as applicable. We review long-lived assets for impairment at the individual asset or the asset group level for which the lowest level of independent cash flows can be identified. The circumstances that

 

42


would indicate potential impairment may include, but are not limited to, a significant change in the extent to which an asset is utilized, a significant decrease in the market value of an asset, and operating or cash flow losses associated with the use of the asset. In estimating cash flows, we project future volume levels for our different air express products in all geographic regions in which we do business. Adverse changes in these volume forecasts, or a shortfall of our actual volume compared with our projections, could result in our current aircraft capacity exceeding current or projected demand. This situation would lead to an excess of a particular aircraft type, resulting in an aircraft impairment charge or a reduction of the expected life of an aircraft type (thus resulting in increased depreciation expense).

As a result of business changes that occurred in the first quarter of 2007, including capacity-optimization programs in our domestic and international air freight forwarding business as well as changes to our aircraft orders and planned delivery dates, we began a review process of our aircraft fleet types to ensure that we maintain the optimum mix of aircraft types to service our international and domestic package businesses. The review was completed in March 2007, and based on the results of our evaluation, we accelerated the planned retirement of certain Boeing 727 and 747 aircraft, and recognized an impairment and obsolescence charge of $221 million for the aircraft and related engines and parts in 2007. This charge is included in the caption “Other expenses” in the Statement of Consolidated Income, of which $159 million impacted our U.S. Domestic Package segment and $62 million impacted our International Package segment.

During 2006, we reevaluated the anticipated service lives of our Boeing 757, Boeing 767, and Airbus A300 fleets, and as a result of this evaluation, increased the depreciable lives from 20 to 30 years and reduced the residual values from 30% to 10% of original cost. This change did not have a material effect on our results of operations.

Income Taxes—We make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of income by legal entity and jurisdiction, tax credits, benefits, and deductions, and in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities, which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes, as well as the interest and penalties related to these uncertain tax positions. Significant changes to these estimates may result in an increase or decrease to our tax provision in a subsequent period.

We assess the likelihood that we will be able to recover our deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, we must increase our provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that we estimate will not ultimately be recoverable. We believe that we will ultimately recover a substantial majority of the deferred tax assets recorded on our consolidated balance sheets. However, should there be a change in our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, our tax provision would increase in the period in which we determined that the recovery was not likely.

The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. In the first quarter of 2007, we adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of SFAS No. 109” (“FIN 48”), and related guidance (see Note 13 in the consolidated financial statements). As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, we recognize liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process prescribed in the interpretation. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step requires us to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as we have to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. We reevaluate these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit, and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision.

 

43


Forward-Looking Statements

“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and other parts of this report contain “forward-looking” statements about matters that inherently are difficult to predict. The words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “we see,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include statements regarding our intent, belief and current expectations about our strategic direction, prospects and future results. We have described some of the important factors that affect these statements as we discussed each subject. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and certain factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

Risk Factors

The following are some of the factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the expected results described in our forward-looking statements:

 

   

The effect of general economic and other conditions in the markets in which we operate, both in the United States and internationally. Our operations in international markets are also affected by currency exchange and inflation risks.

 

   

The impact of competition on a local, regional, national, and international basis. Our competitors include the postal services of the U.S. and other nations, various motor carriers, express companies, freight forwarders, air couriers and others. Our industry is undergoing rapid consolidation, and the combining entities are competing aggressively for business.

 

   

The impact of complex and stringent aviation, transportation, environmental, labor, employment and other governmental laws and regulations, and the impact of new laws and regulations that may result from increased security concerns following the events of September 11, 2001. Our failure to comply with applicable laws, ordinances or regulations could result in substantial fines or possible revocation of our authority to conduct our operations.

 

   

Strikes, work stoppages and slowdowns by our employees. Such actions may affect our ability to meet our customers needs, and customers may do more business with competitors if they believe that such actions may adversely affect our ability to provide service. We may face permanent loss of customers if we are unable to provide uninterrupted service. The terms of future collective bargaining agreements also may affect our competitive position and results of operations.

 

   

Possible disruption of supplies, or an increase in the prices, of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel for our aircraft and delivery vehicles as a result of war or other factors. We require significant quantities of fuel and are exposed to the commodity price risk associated with variations in the market price for petroleum products.

 

   

Cyclical and seasonal fluctuations in our operating results due to decreased demand for our services.

 

44


Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Information about market risk can be found in Item 7 of this report under the caption “Market Risk.”

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Our financial statements are filed together with this report. See the Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules on page F-1 for a list of the financial statements filed together with this report. Supplementary data appear in Note 17 to our financial statements.

 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures:

As of the end of the period covered by this report, management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting. Based upon, and as of the date of, the evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting:

There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting:

UPS management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting for United Parcel Service, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“the Company”). Based on the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, management has assessed the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as effective as of December 31, 2007. The independent registered public accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP, as auditors of the consolidated balance sheet of United Parcel Service, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2007, has issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein.

United Parcel Service, Inc.

February 29, 2008

 

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

 

45


PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information about our directors is presented under the caption “Election of Directors” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareowners to be held on May 8, 2008 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Information about our executive officers can be found in Part I of this report under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in accordance with Instruction 3 of Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K and General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K.

Information about our Audit Committee is presented under the caption “Election of Directors—Committees of the Board of Directors—Audit Committee” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareowners to be held on May 8, 2008 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Information about our Code of Business Conduct is presented under the caption “Where You Can Find More Information” in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

Information about our compliance with Section 16 of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is presented under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareowners to be held on May 8, 2008 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Information about executive compensation is presented under the captions “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation to Executive Officers,” “Compensation of Directors,” “Report of the Compensation Committee” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareowners to be held on May 8, 2008 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Information about security ownership is presented under the caption “Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareowners to be held on May 8, 2008 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Information about our equity compensation plans is presented under the caption “Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans” in Part II, Item 5 of this report.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Information about transactions with related persons is presented under the caption “Related Person Transactions” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareowners to be held on May 8, 2008 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Information about director independence is presented under the caption “Election of Directors—Director Independence” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareowners to be held on May 8, 2008 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant and Fees and Services

Information about aggregate fees billed to us by our principal accountant is presented under the caption “Principal Accounting Firm Fees” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meetings of Shareowners to be held on May 8, 2008 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

46


PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) 1. Financial Statements.

See the Index to Financial Statements on page F-1 for a list of the financial statements filed with this report.

2. Financial Statement Schedules.

None.

3. List of Exhibits.

See the Exhibit Index for a list of the exhibits incorporated by reference into or filed with this report.

(b) Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

See the Exhibit Index for a list of the exhibits incorporated by reference into or filed with this report.

(c) Financial Statement Schedules.

None.

 

47


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, United Parcel Service, Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC.
(REGISTRANT)
By:   /s/    D. SCOTT DAVIS
  D. Scott Davis
  Chairman and
  Chief Executive Officer

Date: February 29, 2008

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ F. DUANE ACKERMAN

F. Duane Ackerman

   Director   February 29, 2008

/s/ MICHAEL J. BURNS

Michael J. Burns

   Director   February 22, 2008

/s/ D. SCOTT DAVIS

D. Scott Davis

  

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)

  February 29, 2008

/s/ STUART E. EIZENSTAT

Stuart E. Eizenstat

   Director   February 22, 2008

/s/ MICHAEL L. ESKEW

Michael L. Eskew

   Director   February 21, 2008

/s/ JAMES P. KELLY

James P. Kelly

   Director   February 22, 2008

/s/ KURT P. KUEHN

Kurt P. Kuehn

  

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  February 29, 2008

/s/ ANN M. LIVERMORE

Ann M. Livermore

   Director   February 26, 2008

/s/ RUDY MARKHAM

Rudy Markham

   Director   February 29, 2008

/s/ VICTOR A. PELSON

Victor A. Pelson

   Director   February 21, 2008

/s/ JOHN W. THOMPSON

John W. Thompson

   Director   February 22, 2008

/s/ CAROL B. TOMÉ

Carol B. Tomé

   Director   February 29, 2008

/s/ BEN VERWAAYEN

Ben Verwaayen

   Director   February 29, 2008

 

48


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Item 8—Financial Statements

 

     Page
Number

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

   F-2

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-3

Consolidated balance sheets—December 31, 2007 and 2006

   F-4

Statements of consolidated income—Years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

   F-5

Statements of consolidated comprehensive income—Years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

   F-5

Statements of consolidated cash flows—Years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

   F-6

Notes to consolidated financial statements

   F-7

 

F-1


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Board of Directors and Shareowners

United Parcel Service, Inc.

Atlanta, Georgia

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of United Parcel Service, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of United Parcel Service, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2007 and our report dated February 29, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements, and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s adoption of the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109),” on January 1, 2007, the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” on January 1, 2006, and the recognition and disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)),” on December 31, 2006.

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

February 29, 2008

 

F-2


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Shareowners

United Parcel Service, Inc.

Atlanta, Georgia

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of United Parcel Service, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of United Parcel Service Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109),” on January 1, 2007, the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” on January 1, 2006, and the recognition and disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)),” on December 31, 2006.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 29, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

February 29, 2008

 

F-3


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions)

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2006  
ASSETS     

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2,027     $ 794  

Marketable securities and short-term investments

     577       1,189  

Accounts receivable, net

     6,084       5,794  

Finance receivables, net

     468       426  

Deferred income tax assets

     606       414  

Income taxes receivable

     1,256       65  

Other current assets

     742       695  
                

Total Current Assets

     11,760       9,377  

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

     17,663       16,779  

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Assets

     4,421       2,044  

Goodwill

     2,577       2,533  

Intangible Assets, Net

     628       688  

Long-Term Finance Receivables, Net

     431       374  

Other Non-Current Assets

     1,562       1,415  
                

Total Assets

   $ 39,042     $ 33,210  
                
LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY     

Current Liabilities:

    

Current maturities of long-term debt and commercial paper

   $ 3,512     $ 983  

Accounts payable

     1,819       1,841  

Accrued wages and withholdings

     1,414       1,303  

Dividends payable

     440       400  

Self-insurance reserves

     704       682  

Other current liabilities

     1,951       1,510  
                

Total Current Liabilities

     9,840       6,719  

Long-Term Debt

     7,506       3,133  

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Obligations

     4,438       2,748  

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities

     2,620       2,529  

Self-Insurance Reserves

     1,651       1,604  

Other Non-Current Liabilities

     804       995  

Shareowners’ Equity:

    

Class A common stock (349 and 401 shares issued in 2007 and 2006)

     3       4  

Class B common stock (694 and 672 shares issued in 2007 and 2006)

     7       7  

Additional paid-in capital

     —         —    

Retained earnings

     14,186       17,676  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (2,013 )     (2,205 )

Deferred compensation obligations

     137       147  
                
     12,320       15,629  

Less: Treasury stock (2 and 3 shares in 2007 and 2006)

     (137 )     (147 )
                

Total Shareowners’ Equity

     12,183       15,482  
                

Total Liabilities and Shareowners’ Equity

   $ 39,042     $ 33,210  
                

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME

(In millions, except per share amounts)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Revenue

   $ 49,692     $ 47,547     $ 42,581  

Operating Expenses:

      

Compensation and benefits

     31,745       24,421       22,517  

Repairs and maintenance

     1,157       1,155       1,097  

Depreciation and amortization

     1,745       1,748       1,644  

Purchased transportation

     5,902       5,496       4,075  

Fuel

     2,974       2,655       2,085  

Other occupancy

     958       938       872  

Other expenses

     4,633       4,499       4,148  
                        

Total Operating Expenses

     49,114       40,912       36,438  
                        

Operating Profit

     578       6,635       6,143  
                        

Other Income and (Expense):

      

Investment income

     99       86       104  

Interest expense

     (246 )     (211 )     (172 )
                        

Total Other Income and (Expense)

     (147 )     (125 )     (68 )
                        

Income Before Income Taxes

     431       6,510       6,075  

Income Tax Expense

     49       2,308       2,205  
                        

Net Income

   $ 382     $ 4,202     $ 3,870  
                        

Basic Earnings Per Share

   $ 0.36     $ 3.87     $ 3.48  
                        

Diluted Earnings Per Share

   $ 0.36     $ 3.86     $ 3.47  
                        

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In millions)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Net income

   $ 382     $ 4,202     $ 3,870  

Change in foreign currency translation adjustment

     190       54       (36 )

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax

     (3 )     1       16  

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax

     (318 )     (15 )     112  

Change in unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax

     323       16       (14 )
                        

Comprehensive income

   $ 574     $ 4,258     $ 3,948  
                        

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

     

Net income

  $ 382     $ 4,202     $ 3,870  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:

     

Depreciation and amortization

    1,745       1,748       1,644  

Pension and postretirement benefit expense

    513       568       442  

Pension and postretirement benefit contributions

    (687 )     (1,625 )     (995 )

Deferred taxes, credits and other

    (249 )     99       189  

Stock compensation expense

    447       369       234  

Self-insurance reserves

    69       180       261  

Asset impairment and obsolescence charge

    221       —         —    

Other (gains) losses

    243       128       170  

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:

     

Accounts receivable

    (380 )     (77 )     (789 )

Income taxes receivable

    (1,191 )     17       440  

Other current assets

    (3 )     82       (160 )

Accounts payable

    (37 )     24       158  

Accrued wages and withholdings

    108       12       56  

Other current liabilities

    56       (120 )     273  

Other operating activities

    (114 )     (18 )     —    
                       

Net cash from operating activities

    1,123       5,589       5,793  
                       

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

     

Capital expenditures

    (2,820 )     (3,085 )     (2,187 )

Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment

    85       75       27  

Purchases of marketable securities and short-term investments

    (9,017 )     (9,056 )     (7,623 )

Sales and maturities of marketable securities and short-term investments

    9,638       9,538       10,375  

Net (increase) decrease in finance receivables

    (39 )     68       95  

Cash paid for business acquisitions

    (2 )     (50 )     (1,488 )

Other investing activities

    (44 )     170       (174 )
                       

Net cash (used in) investing activities

    (2,199 )     (2,340 )     (975 )
                       

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

     

Net change in short-term debt

    2,613       (513 )     (287 )

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

    4,094       649       128  

Repayments of long-term borrowings

    (198 )     (90 )     (302 )

Purchases of common stock

    (2,639 )     (2,460 )     (2,479 )

Issuances of common stock

    174       164       164  

Dividends

    (1,703 )     (1,577 )     (1,391 )

Other financing activities

    (44 )     (24 )     (8 )
                       

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    2,297       (3,851 )     (4,175 )
                       

Effect Of Exchange Rate Changes On Cash And Cash Equivalents

    12       27       (13 )
                       

Net Increase (Decrease) In Cash And Cash Equivalents

    1,233       (575 )     630  

Cash And Cash Equivalents:

     

Beginning of period

    794       1,369       739  
                       

End of period

  $ 2,027     $ 794     $ 1,369  
                       

Cash Paid During The Period For:

     

Interest (net of amount capitalized)

  $ 248     $ 210     $ 169  
                       

Income taxes

  $ 1,351     $ 2,061     $ 1,465  
                       

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Financial Statements and Business Activities

The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of United Parcel Service, Inc., and all of its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively “UPS” or the “Company”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

UPS concentrates its operations in the field of transportation services, primarily domestic and international letter and package delivery. Through our Supply Chain & Freight subsidiaries, we are also a global provider of specialized transportation, logistics, and financial services.

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 reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

U.S. Domestic and International Package Operations—Revenue is recognized upon delivery of a letter or package, in accordance with EITF 91-9 “Revenue and Expense Recognition for Freight Services in Process”.

Forwarding and Logistics—Freight forwarding revenue and the expense related to the transportation of freight is recognized at the time the services are performed, and presented in accordance with EITF 99-19 “Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal Versus Net as an Agent”. Material management and distribution revenue is recognized upon performance of the service provided. Customs brokerage revenue is recognized upon completing documents necessary for customs entry purposes.

Freight—Revenue is recognized upon delivery of a less-than-truckload (“LTL”) or truckload (“TL”) shipment, in accordance with EITF 91-9.

Financial Services—Income on loans and direct finance leases is recognized on the effective interest method. Accrual of interest income is suspended at the earlier of the time at which collection of an account becomes doubtful or the account becomes 90 days delinquent. Income on operating leases is recognized on the straight-line method over the terms of the underlying leases.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash. We consider securities with maturities of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of these securities approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.

Marketable Securities and Short-Term Investments

Marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value, with related unrealized gains and losses reported, net of tax, as accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), a separate component of shareowners’ equity. The amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. Such amortization and accretion is included in investment

 

F-7


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

income, along with interest and dividends. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method; realized gains and losses resulting from such sales are included in investment income.

Investment securities are reviewed for impairment in accordance with FASB Statement No. 115 “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” and FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) 115-1 “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments.” We periodically review our investments for indications of other than temporary impairment considering many factors, including the extent and duration to which a security’s fair value has been less than its cost, overall economic and market conditions, and the financial condition and specific prospects for the issuer. Impairment of investment securities results in a charge to income when a market decline below cost is other than temporary.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are as follows: Vehicles—3 to 15 years; Aircraft—12 to 30 years; Buildings—20 to 40 years; Leasehold Improvements—terms of leases; Plant Equipment—6 to 10 years; Technology Equipment—3 to 5 years. The costs of major airframe and engine overhauls, as well as routine maintenance and repairs, are charged to expense as incurred. During 2006, we reevaluated the anticipated service lives of our Boeing 757, Boeing 767, and Airbus A300 fleets, and as a result of this evaluation, increased the depreciable lives from 20 to 30 years and reduced the residual values from 30% to 10% of original cost. This change did not have a material effect on our results of operations.

Interest incurred during the construction period of certain property, plant and equipment is capitalized until the underlying assets are placed in service, at which time amortization of the capitalized interest begins, straight-line, over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Capitalized interest was $67, $48, and $32 million for 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

In accordance with the provisions of FASB Statement No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” we review long-lived assets for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable based on the undiscounted future cash flows of the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset is determined not to be recoverable, a write-down to fair value is recorded. Fair values are determined based on quoted market values, discounted cash flows, or external appraisals, as applicable. We review long-lived assets for impairment at the individual asset or the asset group level for which the lowest level of independent cash flows can be identified.

As a result of business changes that occurred in the first quarter of 2007, including capacity-optimization programs in our domestic and international air freight forwarding business as well as changes to our aircraft orders and planned delivery dates, we began a review process of our aircraft fleet types to ensure that we maintain the optimum mix of aircraft types to service our international and domestic package businesses. The review was completed in March 2007, and based on the results of our evaluation, we accelerated the planned retirement of certain Boeing 727 and 747 aircraft, and recognized an impairment and obsolescence charge of $221 million for the aircraft and related engines and parts in 2007. This charge is included in the caption “Other expenses” in the Statement of Consolidated Income, of which $159 million impacted our U.S. Domestic Package segment and $62 million impacted our International Package segment.

UPS continues to operate all of its other aircraft and continues to experience positive cash flow. No impairments of aircraft or other long-lived assets were recognized in 2006 or 2005.

 

F-8


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Costs of purchased businesses in excess of net assets acquired (goodwill), and intangible assets are accounted for under the provisions of FASB Statement No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“FAS 142”). Under FAS 142, we are required to test all goodwill for impairment at least annually, unless changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred sooner. We are required to test goodwill on a “reporting unit” basis. A reporting unit is the operating segment unless, for businesses within that operating segment, discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by management, in which case such a component business is the reporting unit.

A fair value approach is used to test goodwill for impairment. An impairment charge is recognized for the amount, if any, by which the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its fair value. Fair values are established using discounted cash flows. When available and as appropriate, comparative market multiples were used to corroborate discounted cash flow results. Our annual impairment tests performed in 2007, 2006, and 2005 resulted in no goodwill impairment.

Finite-lived intangible assets, including trademarks, licenses, patents, customer lists, non-compete agreements, and franchise rights are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 2 to 20 years. Capitalized software is amortized over periods ranging from 3 to 5 years.

Self-Insurance Accruals

We self-insure costs associated with workers’ compensation claims, automotive liability, health and welfare, and general business liabilities, up to certain limits. Insurance reserves are established for estimates of the loss that we will ultimately incur on reported claims, as well as estimates of claims that have been incurred but not yet reported. Recorded balances are based on reserve levels, which incorporate historical loss experience and judgments about the present and expected levels of cost per claim.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“FAS 109”). FAS 109 is an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, FAS 109 generally considers all expected future events other than proposed changes in the tax law or rates. Valuation allowances are provided if it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

We recognize liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step requires us to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as we have to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. We reevaluate these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit, and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision.

 

F-9


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Foreign Currency Translation

We translate the results of operations of our foreign subsidiaries using average exchange rates during each period, whereas balance sheet accounts are translated using exchange rates at the end of each period. Balance sheet currency translation adjustments are recorded in AOCI. Net currency transaction gains and losses included in other operating expenses were pre-tax gains (losses) of $26, $23, and $(22) million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation is accounted for under FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“FAS 123(R)”). FAS 123(R), which was adopted on January 1, 2006 using the modified-prospective transition method, requires all share-based awards to employees to be measured based on their fair values and expensed over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (the vesting period). Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for stock-based compensation under the recognition and measurement provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”. We issue employee share-based awards under the UPS Incentive Compensation Plan that are subject to specific vesting conditions; generally, the awards cliff vest or vest ratably over a five year period, “the nominal vesting period,” or at the date the employee retires (as defined by the plan), if earlier. For awards that specify an employee vests in the award upon retirement, we accounted for the awards using the nominal vesting period approach prior to the adoption of FAS 123(R). Under this approach, we record compensation expense over the nominal vesting period. If the employee retires before the end of the nominal vesting period, any remaining unrecognized compensation expense is recorded at the date of retirement.

Upon our adoption of FAS 123(R), we revised our approach to apply the non-substantive vesting period approach to all new share-based compensation awards. Under this approach, compensation cost is recognized immediately for awards granted to retirement-eligible employees, or over the period from the grant date to the date retirement eligibility is achieved, if that is expected to occur during the nominal vesting period. We continue to apply the nominal vesting period approach for any awards granted prior to January 1, 2006, and for the remaining portion of the then unvested outstanding awards.

If we had accounted for all share-based compensation awards granted prior to January 1, 2006 under the non-substantive vesting period approach, the impact to our net income and earnings per share would have been immaterial for all prior periods. The adoption of the non-substantive vesting period approach reduced 2006 net income by $23 million, or $0.02 per diluted share.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative instruments are accounted for in accordance with FASB Statement No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 133”), as amended, which requires all financial derivative instruments to be recorded on our balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives not designated as hedges must be adjusted to fair value through income. If a derivative is designated as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in its fair value that are considered to be effective, as defined, either offset the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through income, or are recorded in AOCI until the hedged item is recorded in income. Any portion of a change in a derivative’s fair value that is considered to be ineffective, or is excluded from the measurement of effectiveness, is recorded immediately in income.

 

F-10


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”), which was issued to define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value, and expand disclosures about fair value measurements, and is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB deferred the effective date of FAS 157 for one year for certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities, and removed certain leasing transactions from its scope. We adopted FAS 157 on January 1, 2008, and the impact of adoption was not material to our results of operations or financial condition.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 158 “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R))” (“FAS 158”). This statement requires us to recognize the funded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans as an asset or liability in the balance sheet, and required delayed recognition items, consisting of actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs and credits, to be recognized in other comprehensive income and subsequently amortized to the income statement. On December 31, 2006, we adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of FAS 158, which resulted in a reduction to AOCI of $2.097 billion and a reduction of long-term deferred tax liabilities of $1.258 billion.

Additionally, we currently utilize the early measurement date option available under Statement No. 87 “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions”, and we measure the funded status of our plans as of September 30 each year. Under the provisions of FAS 158, we will be required to use a December 31 measurement date for all of our pension and postretirement benefit plans beginning in 2008. As a result of this change in measurement date, we recorded a cumulative effect after-tax $44 million reduction to retained earnings as of January 1, 2008.

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“FAS 159”), which gives entities the option to measure eligible financial assets, financial liabilities and firm commitments at fair value (i.e., the fair value option), on an instrument-by-instrument basis, that are otherwise not accounted for at fair value under other accounting standards. The election to use the fair value option is available at specified election dates, such as when an entity first recognizes a financial asset or financial liability or upon entering into a firm commitment. Subsequent changes in fair value must be recorded in earnings. Additionally, SFAS No. 159 allows for a one-time election for existing positions upon adoption, with the transition adjustment recorded to beginning retained earnings. We adopted FAS 159 on January 1, 2008, and elected to apply the fair value option to our investment in certain investment partnerships that were previously accounted for under the equity method. Accordingly, we recorded an after-tax $12 million reduction to retained earnings as of January 1, 2008, representing the cumulative effect adjustment of adopting FAS 159.

In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 requires that we determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. Once it is determined that a position meets this recognition threshold, the position is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial statements. On January 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of FIN 48, and the impact of this Interpretation is discussed in Note 13.

In June 2007, the EITF reached consensus on Issue No. 06-11, “Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards.” EITF 06-11 requires that the tax benefit related to dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units, which are expected to vest, be recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital. EITF 06-11 is to be applied prospectively for tax benefits on dividends declared in fiscal years

 

F-11


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

beginning after December 15, 2007, and we will adopt the provisions of EITF 06-11 beginning in the first quarter of 2008. EITF 06-11 is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

In December 2007 the FASB issued Statement No. 141(R) “Business Combinations” (“FAS 141(R)”). FAS 141(R) requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize the full fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction (whether a full or partial acquisition); establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed; requires expensing of most transaction and restructuring costs; and requires the acquirer to disclose to investors and other users all of the information needed to evaluate and understand the nature and financial effect of the business combination. FAS 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after January 1, 2009. The impact of FAS No. 141R on our consolidated financial statements will depend upon the nature, terms and size of the acquisitions we consummate after the effective date.

In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51” (“FAS 160”). FAS 160 requires reporting entities to present noncontrolling (minority) interests as equity (as opposed to as a liability or mezzanine equity) and provides guidance on the accounting for transactions between an entity and noncontrolling interests. As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately $13 million in noncontrolling interests classified in other non-current liabilities. FAS 160 applies prospectively as of January 1, 2009, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements which will be applied retrospectively for all periods presented.

Changes in Presentation

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

NOTE 2. MARKETABLE SECURITIES AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

The following is a summary of marketable securities and short-term investments classified as available-for-sale at December 31, 2007 and 2006 (in millions):

 

     Cost    Unrealized
Gains
   Unrealized
Losses
   Estimated
Fair Value

2007

           

U.S. government and agency securities

   $ 59    $ 2    $ —      $ 61

U.S. mortgage and asset-backed securities

     251      2      2      251

U.S. corporate securities

     152      2      —        154

U.S. state and local municipal securities

     4      —        —        4

Other debt securities

     2      —        —        2
                           

Total debt securities

     468      6      2      472

Common equity securities

     2      —        —        2

Preferred equity securities

     103      —        —        103
                           

Current marketable securities and short-term investments

     573      6      2      577
                           

Non-current common equity securities

     25      8      —        33
                           

Total marketable securities and short-term investments

   $ 598    $ 14    $ 2    $ 610
                           

 

F-12


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

     Cost    Unrealized
Gains
   Unrealized
Losses
   Estimated
Fair Value

2006

           

U.S. government and agency securities

   $ 124    $ —      $ —      $ 124

U.S. mortgage and asset-backed securities

     234      1      2      233

U.S. corporate securities

     79      —        1      78

U.S. state and local municipal securities

     582      —        —        582

Other debt securities

     2      —        —        2
                           

Total debt securities

     1,021      1      3      1,019

Common equity securities

     38      10      —        48

Preferred equity securities

     122      —        —        122
                           

Current marketable securities and short-term investments

     1,181      11      3      1,189
                           

Non-current common equity securities

     24      8      —        32
                           

Total marketable securities and short-term investments

   $ 1,205    $ 19    $ 3    $ 1,221
                           

The gross realized gains on sales of marketable securities totaled $23, $12, and $2 million in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The gross realized losses totaled $9, $21, and $12 million in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Impairment losses recognized on marketable securities and short-term investments totaled $16 million during 2005, with no such losses recognized in 2007 or 2006.

The following table presents the age of gross unrealized losses and fair value by investment category for all securities in a loss position as of December 31, 2007 (in millions):

 

     Less Than 12 Months    12 Months or More    Total
     Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses

U.S. government and agency securities

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —  

U.S. mortgage and asset-backed securities

     22      —        56      2      78      2

U.S. corporate securities

     15      —        12      —        27      —  

U.S. state and local municipal securities

     —        —        —        —        —        —  

Other debt securities

     —        —        —        —        —        —  
                                         

Total debt securities

     37      —        68      2      105      2

Common equity securities

     —        —        —        —        —        —  

Preferred equity securities

     —        —        2      —        2      —  
                                         
   $ 37    $ —      $ 70    $ 2    $ 107    $ 2
                                         

The unrealized losses in the mortgage and asset-backed securities relate to various fixed income securities, and are primarily due to changes in market interest rates. We have both the intent and ability to hold the securities contained in the previous table for a time necessary to recover the cost basis.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of marketable securities and short-term investments at December 31, 2007, by contractual maturity, are shown below (in millions). Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties.

 

F-13


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

     Cost    Estimated
Fair Value

Due in one year or less

   $ 10    $ 10

Due after one year through three years

     146      148

Due after three years through five years

     22      22

Due after five years

     290      292
             
     468      472

Equity securities

     130      138
             
   $ 598    $ 610
             

NOTE 3. FINANCE RECEIVABLES

The following is a summary of finance receivables at December 31, 2007 and 2006 (in millions):

 

     2007     2006  

Commercial term loans

   $ 351     $ 280  

Investment in finance leases

     143       138  

Asset-based lending

     309       273  

Receivable factoring

     109       131  
                

Gross finance receivables

     912       822  

Less: Allowance for credit losses

     (13 )     (22 )
                

Balance at December 31

   $ 899     $ 800  
                

Outstanding receivable balances at December 31, 2007 and 2006 are net of unearned income of $30 and $29 million, respectively.

When we “factor” (i.e., purchase) a customer invoice from a client, we record the customer receivable as an asset and also establish a liability for the funds due to the client, which is recorded in accounts payable on the consolidated balance sheet. The following is a reconciliation of receivable factoring balances at December 31, 2007 and 2006 (in millions):

 

     2007     2006  

Customer receivable balances

   $ 109     $ 131  

Less: Amounts due to client

     (74 )     (77 )
                

Net funds employed

   $ 35     $ 54  
                

Non-earning finance receivables were $42 and $23 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, of which $19 and $2 million are U.S. government guaranteed portions of loans. The following is a rollforward of the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables (in millions):

 

     2007     2006  

Balance at January 1

   $ 22     $ 20  

Provisions charged to operations

     2       8  

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

     (11 )     (6 )
                

Balance at December 31

   $ 13     $ 22  
                

 

F-14


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The carrying value of finance receivables at December 31, 2007, by contractual maturity, is shown below (in millions). Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because some borrowers have the right to prepay these receivables without prepayment penalties.

 

     Carrying
Value

Due in one year or less

   $ 474

Due after one year through three years

     69

Due after three years through five years

     43

Due after five years

     326
      
   $ 912
      

Based on interest rates for financial instruments with similar terms and maturities, the estimated fair value of finance receivables is approximately $895 and $795 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. At December 31, 2007, we had unfunded loan commitments totaling $860 million, consisting of standby letters of credit of $117 million and other unfunded lending commitments of $743 million.

NOTE 4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment as of December 31 consists of the following (in millions):

 

     2007     2006  

Vehicles

   $ 5,295     $ 4,970  

Aircraft (including aircraft under capitalized leases)

     13,541       13,162  

Land

     1,056       1,026  

Buildings

     2,837       2,667  

Leasehold improvements

     2,604       2,496  

Plant equipment

     5,537       5,230  

Technology equipment

     1,699       1,673  

Equipment under operating leases

     153       142  

Construction-in-progress

     889       715  
                
     33,611       32,081  

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (15,948 )     (15,302 )
                
   $ 17,663     $ 16,779  
                

NOTE 5. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

We sponsor various retirement and pension plans, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans which cover our employees worldwide. In the U.S. we maintain the following defined benefit pension plans: UPS Retirement Plan, UPS Pension Plan, UPS IBT Pension Plan, and several non-qualified plans including the UPS Excess Coordinating Benefit Plan. Effective January 1, 2006, the qualified defined benefit plans covering Overnite and Motor Cargo employees were merged with the UPS Retirement Plan and UPS Pension Plan.

We also sponsor various defined benefit plans covering certain of our International employees. The majority of our International obligations are for defined benefit plans in Canada and the United Kingdom (including the Lynx acquisition in 2005). In addition, many of our International employees are covered by government- sponsored retirement and pension plans. We are not directly responsible for providing benefits to participants of government-sponsored plans.

 

F-15


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The UPS Retirement Plan is noncontributory and includes substantially all eligible employees of participating domestic subsidiaries who are not members of a collective bargaining unit. This plan generally provides for retirement benefits based on average compensation levels earned by employees prior to retirement. Benefits payable under this plan are subject to maximum compensation limits and the annual benefit limits for a tax qualified defined benefit plan as prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service.

The UPS Excess Coordinating Benefit Plan is a non-qualified plan that provides benefits to participants in the UPS Retirement Plan for amounts that exceed the benefit limits described above.

The UPS Pension Plan is noncontributory and includes certain eligible employees of participating domestic subsidiaries and members of collective bargaining units that elect to participate in the plan. This plan provides for retirement benefits based on service credits earned by employees prior to retirement.

We also sponsor postretirement medical plans in the U.S. that provide health care benefits to our retirees who meet certain eligibility requirements and who are not otherwise covered by multi-employer plans. Generally, this includes employees with at least 10 years of service who have reached age 55 and employees who are eligible for postretirement medical benefits from a Company-sponsored plan pursuant to collective bargaining agreements. We have the right to modify or terminate certain of these plans. These benefits have been provided to certain retirees on a noncontributory basis; however, in many cases, retirees are required to contribute all or a portion of the total cost of the coverage.

Our national master agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (“Teamsters”) allowed us, upon ratification, to withdraw employees from the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund (“Central States Pension Fund”), a multi-employer pension plan, and to establish a jointly trusteed single-employer plan (“UPS IBT Pension Plan”) for this group of employees. We recorded a pre-tax charge of $6.100 billion to establish our withdrawal liability upon ratification of the national master agreement, and made a $6.100 billion payment to the Central States Pension Fund in December 2007. In connection with the national master agreement and upon establishment of the UPS IBT Pension Plan, we restored certain benefit levels to our employee group within the new plan, which resulted in the initial recognition of a $1.701 billion pension liability and a corresponding $1.062 billion reduction of AOCI and $639 million reduction of deferred tax liabilities.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Information about net periodic benefit cost for the pension and postretirement benefit plans is as follows (in millions):

 

     U.S. Pension Benefits     U.S. Postretirement
Medical Benefits
    International
Pension Benefits
 
     2007     2006     2005     2007     2006     2005     2007     2006     2005  

Net Periodic Cost:

                  

Service cost

   $ 520     $ 474     $ 374     $ 101     $ 102     $ 92     $ 31     $ 24     $ 14  

Interest cost

     835       726       612       182       170       170       31       26       16  

Expected return on assets

     (1,302 )     (1,106 )     (922 )     (46 )     (43 )     (38 )     (31 )     (22 )     (13 )

Amortization of:

                  

Transition obligation

     3       3       3       —         —         —         —         —         —    

Prior service cost

     57       36       37       (8 )     (8 )     (7 )     1       1       1  

Actuarial (gain) loss

     109       148       68       22       29       31       5       7       4  

Settlements / curtailments

     —         —         —         3       —         —         —         1       —    
                                                                        

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 222     $ 281     $ 172     $ 254     $ 250     $ 248     $ 37     $ 37     $ 22  
                                                                        

 

F-16


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Actuarial Assumptions

The table below provides the weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost.

 

     Pension Benefits     Postretirement
Medical Benefits
    International
Pension Benefits
 
     2007     2006     2005     2007     2006     2005     2007     2006     2005  

Discount rate

   6.00 %   5.75 %   6.25 %   6.00 %   5.75 %   6.25 %   4.97 %   4.93 %   5.76 %

Rate of compensation increase

   4.50 %   4.00 %   4.00 %   N/A     N/A     N/A     3.40 %   3.94 %   3.46 %

Expected return on assets

   8.96 %   8.96 %   8.96 %   9.00 %   9.00 %   9.00 %   7.53 %   7.67 %   7.68 %

The table below provides the weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations of our plans.

 

     Pension Benefits     Postretirement
Medical Benefits
    International
Pension Benefits
 
         2007             2006             2007             2006             2007             2006      

Discount rate

   6.47 %   6.00 %   6.25 %   6.00 %   5.56 %   4.96 %

Rate of compensation increase

   4.50 %   4.50 %   N/A     N/A     3.64 %   3.79 %

Our pension and other postretirement benefit costs are calculated using various actuarial assumptions and methodologies as prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions” and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions.” These assumptions include discount rates, expected return on plan assets, health care cost trend rates, inflation, rate of compensation increases, mortality rates, and other factors. Actuarial assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis.

A discount rate is used to determine the present value of our future benefit obligations. For U.S. plans, the discount rate is determined by matching the expected cash flows to a yield curve based on long-term, high quality fixed income debt instruments available as of the measurement date. For international plans, the discount rate is selected based on high quality fixed income indices available in the country in which the plan is domiciled. These assumptions are updated each year.

An assumption for return on plan assets is used to determine the expected return on asset component of net periodic benefit cost for the fiscal year. This assumption for our U.S. plans was developed using a long-term projection of returns for each asset class, and taking into consideration our target asset allocation. For our U.S. plans, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield is the foundation for all other asset class returns, and various risk premiums are added to determine the expected return for each allocation.

For plans outside the U.S., consideration is given to local market expectations of long-term returns. Strategic asset allocations are determined by country, based on the nature of liabilities and considering the demographic composition of the plan participants.

Health care cost trends are used to project future postretirement benefits payable from our plans. For year-end 2007 obligations, future postretirement medical benefit costs were forecasted assuming an initial annual increase of 9.0%, decreasing to 5.0% by the year 2012 and with consistent annual increases at those ultimate levels thereafter.

 

F-17


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Assumed health care cost trends have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the U.S. postretirement medical plans. A one-percent change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects (in millions):

 

     1% Increase    1% Decrease  

Effect on total of service cost and interest cost

   $ 6    $ (5 )

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

     84      (82 )

Benefit Obligations and Fair Value of Plan Assets

The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets as of our measurement date on September 30 (in millions):

 

     U.S. Pension Benefits     U.S. Postretirement
Medical Benefits
    International
Pension

Benefits
 
     2007     2006     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Benefit Obligations:

            

Net benefit obligation at October 1, prior year

   $ 13,558     $ 12,299     $ 2,992     $ 2,927     $ 551     $ 476  

Service cost

     520       474       101       102       31       24  

Interest cost

     835       726       182       170       31       26  

Gross benefits paid

     (342 )     (304 )     (190 )     (158 )     (11 )     (13 )

Plan participants’ contributions

     —         —         12       13       2       2  

Plan amendments

     1,722       309       47       —         —         —    

Actuarial (gain)/loss

     (824 )     54       8       (62 )     (95 )     (5 )

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

     —         —         —         —         46       40  

Curtailments and settlements

     —         —         —         —         (6 )     (4 )

Other

     —         —         1       —         25       5  
                                                

Net benefit obligation at September 30

   $ 15,469     $ 13,558     $ 3,153     $ 2,992     $ 574     $ 551  
                                                

Fair Value of Plan Assets:

            

Fair value of plan assets at October 1, prior year

   $ 15,374     $ 12,943     $ 551     $ 509     $ 348     $ 266  

Actual return on plan assets

     2,445       1,310       73       50       37       36  

Employer contributions

     477       1,425       152       137       56       35  

Plan participants’ contributions

     —         —         12       13       2       2  

Gross benefits paid

     (342 )     (304 )     (190 )     (158 )     (11 )     (13 )

Acquired businesses / Other

     —         —         —         —         —         3  

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

     —         —         —         —         32       23  

Curtailments and settlements

     —         —         —         —         6       (4 )
                                                

Fair value of plan assets at September 30

   $ 17,954     $ 15,374     $ 598     $ 551     $ 470     $ 348  
                                                

 

F-18


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Funded Status

The following table discloses the funded status of our plans as of our measurement date on September 30 and the amounts recognized in our balance sheet as of year-end, on a pre-tax basis (in millions):

 

    U.S. Pension Benefits     U.S. Postretirement
Medical Benefits
    International
Pension Benefits
 
    2007     2006     2007     2006         2007             2006      

Funded Status:

           

Fair value of plan assets at September 30

  $ 17,954     $ 15,374     $ 598     $ 551     $ 470     $ 348  

Benefit obligation at September 30

    (15,469 )     (13,558 )     (3,153 )     (2,992 )     (574 )     (551 )
                                               

Funded Status at September 30

    2,485       1,816       (2,555 )     (2,441 )     (104 )     (203 )

Employer contributions in the fourth quarter

    4       9       25       20       24       22  
                                               

Funded Status at December 31

  $ 2,489     $ 1,825     $ (2,530 )   $ (2,421 )   $ (80 )   $ (181 )
                                               

Amounts Not Yet Recognized in Net Periodic Cost:

           

Unrecognized net transition obligation

    9       12       —         —         —         —    

Unrecognized net prior service cost / (benefit)

    2,197       532       (51 )     (106 )     13       12  

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

    113       2,189       683       727       5       110  
                                               

Net unrecognized cost at December 31

  $ 2,319     $ 2,733     $ 632     $ 621     $ 18     $ 122  
                                               

Amounts Recognized in our Balance Sheet:

           

Pension and postretirement benefit assets

  $ 4,406     $ 2,043     $ —       $ —       $ 15     $ 1  

Other current liabilities

    (36 )     (19 )     (65 )     (52 )     (3 )     (2 )

Pension and postretirement benefit obligations

    (1,881 )     (199 )     (2,465 )     (2,369 )     (92 )     (180 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    2,319       2,733       632       621       18       122  
                                               

Net asset / (liability) at December 31

  $ 4,808     $ 4,558     $ (1,898 )   $ (1,800 )   $ (62 )   $ (59 )
                                               

The accumulated benefit obligation for our pension plans as of September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $14.419 and $12.481 billion, respectively. In general, we use a measurement date of September 30 for our pension and postretirement benefit plans with the primary exception of the UPS IBT Pension Plan, which has a measurement date of December 31. Under the provisions of FAS 158, we will be required to use a December 31 measurement date for all of our pension and postretirement benefit plans beginning in 2008.

Employer contributions and benefits paid under the pension plans include $19 and $24 million paid from employer assets in 2007 and 2006, respectively. Employer contributions and benefits paid (net of participant contributions) under the postretirement medical benefit plans include $80 and $72 million paid from employer assets in 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

F-19


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

At September 30, 2007 and 2006, the projected benefit obligation, the accumulated benefit obligation, and the fair value of plan assets for pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets and for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were as follows (in millions):

 

As of September 30

   Projected Benefit Obligation 
Exceeds the Fair Value of

Plan Assets
   Accumulated Benefit Obligation
Exceeds the Fair Value of
Plan Assets
       2007            2006            2007            2006    

U.S. Pension Benefits

           

Projected benefit obligation

   $ 1,920    $ 227    $ 1,920    $ 227

Accumulated benefit obligation

     1,883      176      1,883      176

Fair value of plan assets

     —        —        —        —  

International Pension Benefits

           

Projected benefit obligation

   $ 180    $ 551    $ 180    $ 541

Accumulated benefit obligation

     150      453      150      448

Fair value of plan assets

     99      347      99      342

The accumulated postretirement benefit obligation exceeds plan assets for all of our U.S. postretirement benefit plans.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The amounts in AOCI expected to be amortized and recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in 2008 are as follows (in millions):

 

     U.S. Pension Benefits    U.S. Postretirement
Medical Benefits
    International Pension
Benefits

Transition obligation

   $ 4    $ —       $ —  

Prior service cost / (benefit)

     185      (4 )     1

Actuarial loss

     8      19       —  
                     
   $ 197    $ 15     $ 1
                     

Plan Asset Investment Policy

The asset allocation for our U.S. pension and other postretirement plans as of September 30, 2007 and 2006 and the target allocation as of September 30, 2007, by asset category, are as follows:

 

     Weighted Average
Target Allocation
2007
   Percentage of
Plan Assets at
September 30,
 
        2007     2006  

Equity securities

   55% –  65%    59.0 %   61.5 %

Debt securities

   20% – 30%    25.0 %   26.5 %

Real estate / other

   10% – 15%    16.0 %   12.0 %
               

Total

      100.0 %   100.0 %

Equity securities include UPS Class A shares of common stock in the amounts of $460 million (2.5% of total plan assets) and $440 million (2.8% of total plan assets), as of September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

F-20


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The applicable benefit plan committees establish investment guidelines and strategies, and regularly monitor the performance of the funds and portfolio managers. Our investment strategy with respect to pension assets is to invest the assets in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The long-term primary objectives for our pension assets are to (1) provide for a reasonable amount of long-term growth of capital, without undue exposure to risk; and protect the assets from erosion of purchasing power, and (2) provide investment results that meet or exceed the plans’ actuarially assumed long-term rate of return.

Expected Cash Flows

Information about expected cash flows for the pension and postretirement benefit plans is as follows (in millions):

 

     U.S.
Pension Benefits
   U.S. Postretirement
Medical Benefits
   International Pension
Benefits

Employer Contributions:

        

2008 (expected) to plan trusts

   $ 101    $ —      $ 32

2008 (expected) to plan participants

     17      67      7

Expected Benefit Payments:

        

2008

   $ 367    $ 158    $ 13

2009

     435      173      15

2010

     499      188      16

2011

     569      203      17

2012

     644      212      20

2013 - 2017

     4,549      1,294      129

Expected benefit payments for pensions will be primarily paid from plan trusts. Expected benefit payments for postretirement medical benefits will be paid from plan trusts and corporate assets. Our funding policy for U.S. plans is to contribute amounts annually that are at least equal to the amounts required by applicable laws and regulations, or to directly fund payments to plan participants, as applicable. International plans will be funded in accordance with local regulations. Additional discretionary contributions will be made when deemed appropriate to meet the long-term obligations of the plans.

Other Plans

We also contribute to several multi-employer pension plans for which the previous disclosure information is not determinable. Amounts charged to operations for pension contributions to these multi-employer plans were $7.642, $1.405, and $1.234 billion during 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The 2007 amount includes the $6.100 billion payment to withdraw from the Central States Pension Fund, as previously discussed.

We also contribute to several multi-employer health and welfare plans that cover both active and retired employees for which the previous disclosure information is not determinable. Amounts charged to operations for contributions to multi-employer health and welfare plans were $919, $862, and $798 million during 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

We also sponsor a defined contribution plan for all employees not covered under collective bargaining agreements. The Company matches, in shares of UPS common stock, a portion of the participating employees’ contributions. Matching contributions charged to expense were $128, $113, and $105 million for 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

 

F-21


UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Contributions are also made to defined contribution money purchase plans under certain collective bargaining agreements. Amounts charged to expense were $72, $62, and $55 million for 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

NOTE 6. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following table indicates the allocation of goodwill by reportable segment (in millions):

 

     U.S. Domestic
Package
   International
Package
    Supply Chain &
Freight
    Consolidated  

December 31, 2005 balance

   $ —      $ 290     $ 2,259     $ 2,549  

Acquired

     —        28       4       32  

Purchase Accounting Adjustments

     —        (39 )     (60 )     (99 )

Currency / Other

     —        11       40       51