UPS-9.30.2012-10Q
Table of Contents

United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
_____________________________________ 
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012, 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
_____________________________________ 
United Parcel Service, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
58-2480149
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
55 Glenlake Parkway, NE Atlanta, Georgia
 
30328
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(404) 828-6000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
_____________________________________   

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  þ    No  ¨
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 definitions 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  ¨    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) 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
There were 230,434,603 Class A shares, and 723,576,134 Class B shares, with a par value of $0.01 per share, outstanding at October 25, 2012.


Table of Contents

UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 5.
Item 6.


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements
This report includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in the future tense, and all statements accompanied by terms such as “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “estimate,” “assume,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “target,” “plan,” and variations thereof and similar terms are intended to be forward-looking statements. We intend that all forward-looking statements we make will be subject to safe harbor protection of the federal securities laws pursuant to Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Our disclosure and analysis in this report, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission contain some forward-looking statements regarding our intent, belief and current expectations about our strategic direction, prospects and future results. From time to time, we also provide forward-looking statements in other materials we release as well as oral forward-looking statements. Such statements give our current expectations or forecasts of future events; they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made. However, caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements because such statements speak only as of the date when made.
Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or anticipated results. These risks and uncertainties are described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and may also be described from time to time in our future reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider the limitations on, and risks associated with, forward-looking statements and not unduly rely on the accuracy of predictions contained in such forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances, changes in expectations, or the occurrence of unanticipated events after the date of those statements.

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Table of Contents

Item 1. Financial Statements
UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, 2012 (unaudited) and December 31, 2011
(In millions)
 
 
September 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
8,430

 
$
3,034

Marketable securities
586

 
1,241

Accounts receivable, net
5,545

 
6,246

Deferred income tax assets
569

 
611

Other current assets
1,214

 
1,152

Total Current Assets
16,344

 
12,284

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
17,829

 
17,621

Goodwill
2,170

 
2,101

Intangible Assets, Net
614

 
585

Non-Current Investments and Restricted Cash
305

 
303

Other Non-Current Assets
1,802

 
1,807

Total Assets
$
39,064

 
$
34,701

LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt and commercial paper
$
3,859

 
$
33

Accounts payable
1,863

 
2,300

Accrued wages and withholdings
1,839

 
1,843

Self-insurance reserves
857

 
781

Income taxes payable
391

 
146

Other current liabilities
1,480

 
1,411

Total Current Liabilities
10,289

 
6,514

Long-Term Debt
11,148

 
11,095

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Obligations
5,213

 
5,505

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities
1,332

 
1,900

Self-Insurance Reserves
1,871

 
1,806

Other Non-Current Liabilities
1,597

 
773

Shareowners’ Equity:
 
 
 
Class A common stock (231 and 240 shares issued in 2012 and 2011)
3

 
3

Class B common stock (723 and 725 shares issued in 2012 and 2011)
7

 
7

Additional paid-in capital

 

Retained earnings
10,448

 
10,128

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(2,929
)
 
(3,103
)
Deferred compensation obligations
77

 
88

Less: Treasury stock (2 shares in 2012 and 2011)
(77
)
 
(88
)
Total Equity for Controlling Interests
7,529

 
7,035

Total Equity for Non-Controlling Interests
85

 
73

Total Shareowners’ Equity
7,614

 
7,108

Total Liabilities and Shareowners’ Equity
$
39,064

 
$
34,701


See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
(In millions, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Revenue
$
13,071

 
$
13,166

 
$
39,556

 
$
38,939

Operating Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
7,577

 
6,647

 
21,159

 
19,845

Repairs and maintenance
306

 
324

 
911

 
956

Depreciation and amortization
464

 
447

 
1,382

 
1,331

Purchased transportation
1,743

 
1,796

 
5,193

 
5,206

Fuel
969

 
1,015

 
3,008

 
2,980

Other occupancy
220

 
229

 
670

 
715

Other expenses
1,026

 
1,042

 
3,108

 
3,023

Total Operating Expenses
12,305

 
11,500

 
35,431

 
34,056

Operating Profit
766

 
1,666

 
4,125

 
4,883

Other Income and (Expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income
6

 
16

 
18

 
36

Interest expense
(98
)

(84
)
 
(284
)
 
(252
)
Total Other Income and (Expense)
(92
)
 
(68
)
 
(266
)
 
(216
)
Income Before Income Taxes
674

 
1,598

 
3,859

 
4,667

Income Tax Expense
205

 
526

 
1,304

 
1,588

Net Income
$
469

 
$
1,072

 
$
2,555

 
$
3,079

Basic Earnings Per Share
$
0.49

 
$
1.10

 
$
2.66

 
$
3.12

Diluted Earnings Per Share
$
0.48

 
$
1.09

 
$
2.63

 
$
3.09


STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In millions)
(unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Net income
$
469

 
$
1,072

 
$
2,555

 
$
3,079

Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
243

 
(179
)
 
176

 
(47
)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax
1

 
2

 
2

 
(5
)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax
(8
)
 
39

 
(92
)
 
(29
)
Change in unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax
27

 
45

 
88

 
147

Comprehensive income
$
732

 
$
979

 
$
2,729

 
$
3,145

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
(unaudited)
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
2,555

 
$
3,079

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
1,382

 
1,331

Pension and postretirement benefit expense
709

 
628

Pension and postretirement benefit contributions
(864
)
 
(1,397
)
Self-insurance reserves
141

 
44

Deferred taxes, credits and other
330

 
387

Stock compensation expense
421

 
402

Other (gains) losses
162

 
160

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
468

 
177

Other current assets
(47
)
 
185

Accounts payable
(279
)
 
(67
)
Accrued wages and withholdings
13

 
367

Other current liabilities
196

 
88

Other operating activities
(84
)
 
(22
)
Net cash from operating activities
5,103

 
5,362

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(1,603
)
 
(1,557
)
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment
61

 
29

Purchases of marketable securities
(2,256
)
 
(3,830
)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities
2,901

 
3,357

Net decrease in finance receivables
56

 
128

Cash paid for business acquisitions
(100
)
 

Other investing activities
34

 
(243
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(907
)
 
(2,116
)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Net change in short-term debt
2,075

 
1,110

Proceeds from long-term borrowings
1,741

 
277

Repayments of long-term borrowings
(8
)
 
(180
)
Purchases of common stock
(1,402
)
 
(2,173
)
Issuances of common stock
253

 
220

Dividends
(1,600
)
 
(1,500
)
Other financing activities
8

 
(238
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
1,067

 
(2,484
)
Effect Of Exchange Rate Changes On Cash And Cash Equivalents
133

 
1

Net Increase In Cash And Cash Equivalents
5,396

 
763

Cash And Cash Equivalents:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
3,034

 
3,370

End of period
$
8,430

 
$
4,133

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Principles of Consolidation
In our opinion, the accompanying interim, unaudited, consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. These consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly our financial position as of September 30, 2012, our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. The results reported in these consolidated financial statements should not be regarded as necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. The interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
For interim consolidated financial statement purposes, we provide for accruals under our various employee benefit plans and self-insurance reserves for each three month period based on one quarter of the estimated annual expense.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on our financial position or results of operations.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, finance receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value as of September 30, 2012. The fair values of our investment securities are disclosed in Note 4, our short and long-term debt in Note 8 and our derivative instruments in Note 13. We utilized Level 1 inputs in the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques to determine the fair value of our cash and cash equivalents, and Level 2 inputs to determine the fair value of our accounts receivable, finance receivables and accounts payable.
Accounting Estimates
The preparation of the accompanying interim, unaudited, consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingencies at the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates have been prepared on the basis of the most current and best information and actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Change in Accounting Methodology
As described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, we elected to change our accounting methodologies for recognizing expense for our company-sponsored U.S. and international pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The impact of these changes in our accounting methodologies was reported through retrospective application of the new policies to all periods presented. Accordingly, all relevant information as of, and for the quarter and year-to-date periods ended, September 30, 2011 has been adjusted to reflect the application of the new policies.
NOTE 2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an Accounting Standards Update to disclosure requirements for fair value measurement. These amendments, which became effective for us in the first quarter of 2012, result in a common definition of fair value and common measurement and disclosure requirements between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. Consequently, the amendments change some fair value measurement principles and disclosure requirements. The implementation of this amended accounting guidance had an immaterial impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

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Table of Contents
UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



In June 2011, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update that increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income in the financial statements. This update requires companies to present comprehensive income in a single statement below net income or in a separate statement of comprehensive income immediately following the income statement. This requirement became effective for us beginning with the first quarter of 2012, and we have included the required presentation in all applicable filings since that date.
In July 2012, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update that added an optional qualitative assessment for determining whether an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. The objective of this update is to reduce the cost and complexity of performing an impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets by allowing an entity the option to make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of an intangible impairment to determine whether it should calculate the fair value of the asset. This accounting standards update also amends existing guidance by expanding upon the examples of events and circumstances that an entity should consider between annual impairment tests in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. We adopted this accounting standard update and applied its provisions to certain of our intangible assets for our annual impairment testing as of October 1, 2012.
Other accounting pronouncements adopted during the periods covered by the consolidated financial statements had an immaterial impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Effective
Accounting pronouncements issued, but not effective until after September 30, 2012, are not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
NOTE 3. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
We issue employee share-based awards under the UPS Incentive Compensation Plan, which permits the grant of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance shares, performance units and management incentive awards to eligible employees. The primary compensation programs offered under the UPS Incentive Compensation Plan include the UPS Management Incentive Award program, the UPS Long-Term Incentive Performance Award program and the UPS Stock Option program. We also maintain an employee stock purchase plan which allows eligible employees to purchase shares of UPS class A common stock at a discount. Additionally, our matching contributions to the primary employee defined contribution plan are made in shares of UPS class A common stock.
Compensation Program Changes
Effective January 1, 2011, we modified certain components of our management compensation programs for future award grants, as follows:
We eliminated our Long-Term Incentive program, and incorporated the value of the award into our Management Incentive Award program. The combined award is referred to as the Management Incentive Award program.
Previously, the restricted stock units granted under the Management Incentive Award program were granted in the fourth quarter of each year, while the restricted performance units granted under the Long-Term Incentive program were granted in the second quarter of each year (restricted stock units and restricted performance units are referred to as “Restricted Units”). Prospectively, Restricted Units granted under the modified Management Incentive Award will generally be granted in the first quarter of each year.
Management Incentive Award
During 2012, we granted Restricted Units under the Management Incentive Award program to eligible management employees. Restricted Units under the Management Incentive Award program will generally vest over a five-year period with approximately 20% of the award vesting on January 15th of each of the years following the grant date (except in the case of death, disability, or retirement, in which case immediate vesting occurs). The entire grant is expensed on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Based on the dates that the eligible management population and performance targets were approved for the Management Incentive Award program, we determined the award measurement dates to be February 6, 2012 (for U.S.-based employees) and April 2, 2012 (for internationally-based employees); therefore, the Restricted Unit grants were valued for stock compensation expense purposes using the closing New York Stock Exchange price of $76.92 and $80.67 on those dates, respectively.


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Table of Contents
UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


As discussed in the Compensation Program Changes, we eliminated our Long-Term Incentive program and incorporated the value of the award into our Management Incentive Award program, beginning with the 2012 awards. Accordingly, no award was granted under the Long-Term Incentive program during 2012. During the second quarter of 2011, we granted 1.6 million Restricted Units at a grant price of $74.25 related to eligible management employees under the former UPS Long-Term Incentive program.
Long-Term Incentive Performance Award
During the first quarter of 2012, we also granted target Restricted Units under the UPS Long-Term Incentive Performance Award program to eligible management employees. Of the total 2012 target award, 90% of the target award will be divided into three substantially equal tranches, one for each calendar year in the three-year award cycle from 2012 to 2014, using performance criteria targets established each year. For 2012, those targets consist of consolidated operating return on invested capital and growth in consolidated revenue. The remaining 10% of the total 2012 target award will be based upon our achievement of adjusted earnings per share in 2014 compared to a target established at the grant date.
The number of Restricted Units earned each year will be the target number adjusted for the percentage achievement of performance criteria targets for the year. The percentage of achievement used to determine the Restricted Units earned may be a percentage less than or more than 100% of the target Restricted Units for each tranche. Based on the date that the eligible management population and performance targets were approved for the 2012 performance tranches, we determined the award measurement date to be March 1, 2012; therefore the target Restricted Units grant was valued for stock compensation expense purposes using the closing New York Stock Exchange price of $76.89 on that date.
Nonqualified Stock Options
Historically, awards granted under the UPS Stock Option program were granted during the second quarter of each year to a limited group of eligible senior management employees. Stock option awards generally vest over a five-year period with approximately 20% of the award vesting at each anniversary date of the grant (except in the case of death, disability, or retirement, in which case immediate vesting occurs). The options granted will expire ten years after the date of the grant. In the first quarter of 2012, we granted 0.2 million stock options at a weighted average grant price of $76.94. In the second quarter of 2011, we granted 0.2 million stock options at a grant price of $74.25. The weighted average fair value of our employee stock options granted, as determined by the Black-Scholes valuation model, was $14.88 and $15.92 for 2012 and 2011 respectively, using the following assumptions:
 
2012
 
2011
Expected life (in years)
7.5

 
7.5

Risk-free interest rate
1.63
%
 
2.90
%
Expected volatility
25.06
%
 
24.26
%
Expected dividend yield
2.77
%
 
2.77
%
Compensation expense for share-based awards recognized in net income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was $126 and $130 million pre-tax, respectively. Compensation expense for share-based awards recognized in net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was $421 and $402 million pre-tax, respectively.
 

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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
The following is a summary of marketable securities classified as available-for-sale as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in millions):
 
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current marketable securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agency debt securities
$
242

 
$
3

 
$

 
$
245

Mortgage and asset-backed debt securities
152

 
4

 

 
156

Corporate debt securities
157

 
6

 

 
163

U.S. state and local municipal debt securities
15

 

 

 
15

Other debt and equity securities
7

 

 

 
7

Total marketable securities
$
573

 
$
13

 
$

 
$
586

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current marketable securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agency debt securities
$
184

 
$
3

 
$

 
$
187

Mortgage and asset-backed debt securities
188

 
4

 
(1
)
 
191

Corporate debt securities
835

 
4

 
(2
)
 
837

U.S. state and local municipal debt securities
15

 

 

 
15

Other debt and equity securities
10

 
1

 

 
11

Total marketable securities
$
1,232

 
$
12

 
$
(3
)
 
$
1,241

Auction Rate Securities
During the first quarter 2011, we sold all remaining investments in auction rate securities, which had been classified as non-current marketable securities. These sales did not have a material impact on our statement of consolidated income.
Investment Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
We have concluded that no other-than-temporary impairment losses existed as of September 30, 2012. In making this determination, we considered the financial condition and prospects of the issuers, the magnitude of the losses compared with the investments’ cost, the length of time the investments have been in an unrealized loss position, the probability that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the securities, the credit rating of the securities and our ability and intent to hold these investments until the anticipated recovery in market value occurs.
Maturity Information
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of marketable securities at September 30, 2012, 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.
 
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Due in one year or less
$
43

 
$
43

Due after one year through three years
242

 
244

Due after three years through five years
52

 
53

Due after five years
234

 
244

 
571

 
584

Equity securities
2

 
2

 
$
573

 
$
586


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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Non-Current Investments and Restricted Cash
We had $286 million of restricted cash related to our self-insurance requirements as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, which is reported in “Non-Current Investments and Restricted Cash” on the consolidated balance sheets.
At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 we held a $19 and $17 million, respectively, investment in a variable life insurance policy to fund benefits for the UPS Excess Coordinating Benefit Plan. This investment is classified as “Non-Current Investments and Restricted Cash” in the consolidated balance sheets with the quarterly change in investment value recognized in the statements of consolidated income.
Fair Value Measurements
Marketable securities utilizing Level 1 inputs include active exchange-traded equity securities and equity index funds, and most U.S. Government debt securities, as these securities all have quoted prices in active markets. Marketable securities utilizing Level 2 inputs include asset-backed securities, corporate bonds and municipal bonds. These securities are valued using market corroborated pricing, matrix pricing or other models that utilize observable inputs such as yield curves.
We maintain holdings in certain investment partnerships that are measured at fair value utilizing Level 3 inputs (classified as “other investments” in the tables below, and as “Other Non-Current Assets” in the consolidated balance sheets). These partnership holdings do not have quoted prices, nor can they be valued using inputs based on observable market data. These investments are valued internally using a discounted cash flow model based on each partnership’s financial statements and cash flow projections. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the investment partnerships are state and federal tax credits provided by each partnership, tax benefits from investment losses and tax benefits on interest expense. Significant increases or decreases in any of these inputs in isolation would result in changes in the fair value measurement.
The following table presents information about our investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value (in millions):
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Balance 
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agency debt securities
$
245

 
$

 
$

 
$
245

Mortgage and asset-backed debt securities

 
156

 

 
156

Corporate debt securities

 
163

 

 
163

U.S. state and local municipal debt securities

 
15

 

 
15

Other debt and equity securities

 
7

 

 
7

Total marketable securities
245

 
341

 

 
586

Other investments
19

 

 
177

 
196

Total
$
264

 
$
341

 
$
177

 
$
782

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Balance 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agency debt securities
$
187

 
$

 
$

 
$
187

Mortgage and asset-backed debt securities

 
191

 

 
191

Corporate debt securities

 
837

 

 
837

U.S. state and local municipal debt securities

 
15

 

 
15

Other debt and equity securities

 
11

 

 
11

Total marketable securities
187

 
1,054

 

 
1,241

Other investments
17

 

 
217

 
234

Total
$
204

 
$
1,054

 
$
217

 
$
1,475

The following table presents the changes in the above Level 3 instruments measured on a recurring basis for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (in millions):
 
Marketable
Securities
 
Other
Investments
 
Total
Balance on July 1, 2012
$

 
$
190

 
$
190

Transfers into (out of) Level 3

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings (in investment income)

 
(13
)
 
(13
)
Included in accumulated other comprehensive income (pre-tax)

 

 

Purchases

 

 

Sales

 

 

Balance on September 30, 2012
$

 
$
177

 
$
177

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable
Securities
 
Other
Investments
 
Total
Balance on July 1, 2011
$

 
$
240

 
$
240

Transfers into (out of) Level 3

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings (in investment income)

 
(12
)
 
(12
)
Included in accumulated other comprehensive income (pre-tax)

 

 

Purchases

 

 

Sales

 

 

Balance on September 30, 2011
$

 
$
228

 
$
228



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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The following table presents the changes in the above Level 3 instruments measured on a recurring basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (in millions):
 
Marketable
Securities
 
Other
Investments
 
Total
Balance on January 1, 2012
$

 
$
217

 
$
217

Transfers into (out of) Level 3

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses):

 

 

Included in earnings (in investment income)

 
(40
)
 
(40
)
Included in accumulated other comprehensive income (pre-tax)

 

 

Purchases

 

 

Sales

 

 

Balance on September 30, 2012
$

 
$
177

 
$
177

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable
Securities

 
Other
Investments

 
Total
Balance on January 1, 2011
$
138

 
$
267

 
$
405

Transfers into (out of) Level 3

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses):

 

 

Included in earnings (in investment income)

 
(39
)
 
(39
)
Included in accumulated other comprehensive income (pre-tax)

 

 

Purchases

 

 

Sales
(138
)
 

 
(138
)
Balance on September 30, 2011
$

 
$
228

 
$
228

There were no transfers of investments between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.
NOTE 5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 consist of the following (in millions):
 
2012
 
2011
Vehicles
$
6,095

 
$
5,981

Aircraft
15,144

 
14,616

Land
1,119

 
1,114

Buildings
3,131

 
3,095

Building and leasehold improvements
3,016

 
2,943

Plant equipment
6,933

 
6,803

Technology equipment
1,674

 
1,593

Equipment under operating leases
78

 
93

Construction-in-progress
498

 
303

 
37,688

 
36,541

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(19,859
)
 
(18,920
)
 
$
17,829

 
$
17,621

 


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NOTE 6. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Information about net periodic benefit cost for our company-sponsored pension and postretirement benefit plans is as follows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (in millions):
 
U.S. Pension Benefits
 
U.S. Postretirement
Medical Benefits
 
International
Pension Benefits
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Three Months Ended September 30:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
249

 
$
218

 
$
23

 
$
22

 
$
12

 
$
9

Interest cost
353

 
327

 
52

 
52

 
10

 
10

Expected return on assets
(493
)
 
(489
)
 
(4
)
 
(4
)
 
(11
)
 
(11
)
Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transition obligation

 

 

 

 

 

Prior service cost
43

 
43

 
1

 
2

 
1

 

Other net (gain) loss

 
29

 

 

 

 
1

Actuarial (gain) loss

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost
$
152

 
$
128

 
$
72

 
$
72

 
$
12

 
$
9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Pension Benefits
 
U.S. Postretirement
Medical Benefits
 
International
Pension Benefits
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Nine Months Ended September 30:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
748

 
$
654

 
$
67

 
$
66

 
$
41

 
$
27

Interest cost
1,058

 
981

 
156

 
156

 
31

 
30

Expected return on assets
(1,478
)
 
(1,467
)
 
(13
)
 
(12
)
 
(35
)
 
(33
)
Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transition obligation

 

 

 

 

 

Prior service cost
130

 
129

 
3

 
6

 
1

 

Other net (gain) loss

 
88

 

 

 

 
3

Actuarial (gain) loss

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost
$
458

 
$
385

 
$
213

 
$
216

 
$
38

 
$
27

During the first nine months of 2012, we contributed $418 million and $446 million to our company-sponsored pension and postretirement medical benefit plans, respectively. We also expect to contribute $6 and $25 million over the remainder of the year to the pension and U.S. postretirement medical benefit plans, respectively.
As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately 245,000 employees employed under a national master agreement and various supplemental agreements with local unions affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (“Teamsters”). These agreements run through July 31, 2013. We have approximately 2,700 pilots who are employed under a collective bargaining agreement with the Independent Pilots Association, which became amendable at the end of 2011. Our airline mechanics are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 2727, which runs through November 1, 2013. In addition, approximately 3,200 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 (“IAM”). Our agreement with the IAM runs through July 31, 2014.

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Multiemployer Benefit Plans
We contribute to a number of multiemployer defined benefit and health and welfare plans under terms of collective bargaining agreements that cover our union represented employees. Our current collective bargaining agreements set forth the annual contribution increases allotted to the plans that we participate in, and we are in compliance with these contribution rates. These limitations will remain in effect throughout the terms of the existing collective bargaining agreements.
In the third quarter of 2012, we reached an agreement with the New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund ("NETTI Fund"), a multiemployer pension plan in which UPS is a participant, to restructure the pension liabilities for approximately 10,200 UPS employees represented by the Teamsters. The agreement reflects a decision by the NETTI Fund's trustees to restructure the NETTI Fund through plan amendments to utilize a "two pool approach", which effectively subdivides the plan assets and liabilities between two groups of beneficiaries. As part of this agreement, UPS agreed to withdraw from the original pool of the NETTI Fund of which it had historically been a participant, and reenter the NETTI Fund's newly-established pool as a new employer.
Upon ratification of the agreement by the Teamsters in September 2012, we withdrew from the original pool of the NETTI Fund and incurred an undiscounted withdrawal liability of $2.162 billion to be paid in equal monthly installments over 50 years. The undiscounted withdrawal liability was calculated by independent actuaries employed by the NETTI Fund, in accordance with the governing plan documents and the applicable requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. In the third quarter of 2012, we recorded a charge to expense to establish an $896 million withdrawal liability on our consolidated balance sheet, which represents the present value of the $2.162 billion future payment obligation discounted at a 4.25% interest rate. This discount rate represents the estimated credit-adjusted market rate of interest at which we could obtain financing of a similar maturity and seniority.
The $896 million charge to expense recorded in the third quarter of 2012 is included in "compensation and benefits" expense in the statements of consolidated income, while the corresponding withdrawal liability is included in "other non-current liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheet. We will impute interest on the withdrawal liability using the 4.25% discount rate, while the monthly payments made to the NETTI Fund will reduce the remaining balance of the withdrawal liability.
Our status in the newly-established pool of the NETTI Fund is accounted for as the participation in a new multiemployer pension plan, and therefore we will recognize expense based on the contractually-required contribution for each period, and we will recognize a liability for any contributions due and unpaid at the end of a reporting period.
NOTE 7. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table indicates the allocation of goodwill by reportable segment as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in millions):
 
U.S. Domestic
Package
 
International
Package
 
Supply Chain &
Freight
 
Consolidated
December 31, 2011:
$

 
$
361

 
$
1,740

 
$
2,101

Acquired

 
67

 

 
67

Currency / Other

 
5

 
(3
)
 
2

September 30, 2012:

 
$
433

 
$
1,737

 
$
2,170

The increase in goodwill in the International Package segment was due to the February 2012 acquisition of Kiala S.A., a firm based in Brussels that provides e-commerce retailers a platform to offer delivery options to consumers. The purchase price allocation was not complete as of September 30, 2012 and therefore adjustments to the recorded amount of goodwill may occur prior to the one year anniversary of the acquisition. The remaining change in goodwill for both the International Package and Supply Chain & Freight segments was due to the impact of changes in the value of the U.S. Dollar on the translation of non-U.S. Dollar goodwill balances.

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The following is a summary of intangible assets as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in millions):
 
Gross Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Carrying
Value
September 30, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
Trademarks, licenses, patents, and other
$
186

 
$
(89
)
 
$
97

Customer lists
130

 
(75
)
 
55

Franchise rights
111

 
(62
)
 
49

Capitalized software
2,160

 
(1,747
)
 
413

Total Intangible Assets, Net
$
2,587

 
$
(1,973
)
 
$
614

December 31, 2011:
 
 
 
 
 
Trademarks, licenses, patents, and other
$
146

 
$
(54
)
 
$
92

Customer lists
120

 
(66
)
 
54

Franchise rights
109

 
(58
)
 
51

Capitalized software
2,014

 
(1,626
)
 
388

Total Intangible Assets, Net
$
2,389

 
$
(1,804
)
 
$
585

NOTE 8. DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
The carrying value of our outstanding debt as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 consists of the following (in millions):
 
Maturity
 
2012
 
2011
Commercial paper
2012
 
$
2,075

 
$

4.50% senior notes
2013
 
1,759

 
1,778

3.875% senior notes
2014
 
1,040

 
1,050

5.50% senior notes
2018
 
856

 
841

5.125% senior notes
2019
 
1,147

 
1,119

8.375% debentures
2020
 
515

 
504

3.125% senior notes
2021
 
1,663

 
1,641

8.375% debentures
2030
 
284

 
284

6.20% senior notes
2038
 
1,480

 
1,480

4.875% senior notes
2040
 
489

 
489

1.125% senior notes
2017
 
373

 

2.45% senior notes
2022
 
994

 

3.625% senior notes
2042
 
367

 

Floating rate senior notes
2049-2053
 
376

 
376

Facility notes and bonds
2015-2036
 
320

 
320

Pound Sterling notes
2031/2050
 
804

 
777

Capital lease obligations
2012-3004
 
462

 
469

Other debt
2022
 
3

 

Total Debt
 
 
15,007

 
11,128

Less: Current Maturities
 
 
(3,859
)
 
(33
)
Long-term Debt
 
 
$
11,148

 
$
11,095



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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Debt Issuances
In September 2012, we completed an offering of $1.75 billion in senior notes, consisting of $375 million of 1.125% notes due October 2017, $1.0 billion of 2.45% notes due October 2022, and $375 million of 3.625% notes due October 2042. These notes pay interest semiannually. We may redeem all or any portions of the notes at any time by paying the greater of the principal amount plus accrued interest, or the sum of the present values of remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest discounted to the redemption date on a semiannual basis at an applicable Treasury rate plus 10 basis points for the 1.125% notes and plus 15 basis points for the 2.45% and 3.625% notes (plus in each case, accrued interest to the date of redemption). After pricing and underwriting discounts, we received a total of $1.734 billion in cash proceeds from the offering. The proceeds from this offering will be used for the principal repayment of the $1.75 billion 4.5% senior notes due January 15, 2013.
Sources of Credit
We are authorized to borrow up to $10.0 billion under the U.S. commercial paper program we maintain. We had $2.075 billion outstanding under this program as of September 30, 2012, with an average interest rate of 0.08%. 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. As of September 30, 2012, there were no amounts outstanding under this program. As of September 30, 2012, we have classified the entire commercial paper balance as a current liability in our consolidated balance sheets.
We maintain two credit agreements with a consortium of banks. One of these agreements provides revolving credit facilities of $1.5 billion, and expires on April 11, 2013. Generally, amounts outstanding under this facility bear interest at a periodic fixed rate equal to LIBOR for the applicable interest period and currency denomination, plus an applicable margin. Alternatively, a fluctuating rate of interest equal to Citibank’s publicly announced base rate, plus an applicable margin, may be used at our discretion. In each case, the applicable margin for advances bearing interest based on LIBOR is a percentage determined by quotations from Markit Group Ltd. for our 1-year credit default swap spread, subject to a minimum rate of 0.10% and a maximum rate of 0.75%. The applicable margin for advances bearing interest based on the base rate is 1.00% below the applicable margin for LIBOR advances (but not lower than 0.00%). We are also able to request advances under this facility based on competitive bids for the applicable interest rate. There were no amounts outstanding under this facility as of September 30, 2012.
The second agreement provides revolving credit facilities of $1.0 billion, and expires on April 12, 2017. Generally, amounts outstanding under this facility bear interest at a periodic fixed rate equal to LIBOR for the applicable interest period and currency denomination, plus an applicable margin. Alternatively, a fluctuating rate of interest equal to Citibank’s publicly announced base rate, plus an applicable margin, may be used at our discretion. In each case, the applicable margin for advances bearing interest based on LIBOR is a percentage determined by quotations from Markit Group Ltd. for our credit default swap spread, interpolated for a period from the date of determination of such credit default swap spread in connection with a new interest period until the latest maturity date of this facility then in effect (but not less than a period of one year). The applicable margin is subject to certain minimum rates and maximum rates based on our public debt ratings from Standard & Poor’s Rating Service and Moody’s Investors Service. The minimum applicable margin rates range from 0.100% to 0.375%, and the maximum applicable margin rates range from 0.750% to 1.250%. The applicable margin for advances bearing interest based on the base rate is 1.00% below the applicable margin for LIBOR advances (but not less than 0.00%). We are also able to request advances under this facility based on competitive bids. There were no amounts outstanding under this facility as of September 30, 2012.
Debt Covenants
Our existing debt instruments and credit facilities subject us to certain financial covenants. As of September 30, 2012 and for all prior periods, we have satisfied these financial covenants. These covenants limit the amount of secured indebtedness that we may incur, and limit the amount of attributable debt in sale-leaseback transactions, to 10% of net tangible assets. As of September 30, 2012, 10% of net tangible assets was equivalent to $2.599 billion; however, we have no covered sale-leaseback transactions or secured indebtedness outstanding. Additionally, we are required to maintain a minimum net worth, as defined, of $5.0 billion on a quarterly basis. As of September 30, 2012, our net worth, as defined, was equivalent to $10.458 billion. We do not expect these covenants to have a material impact on our financial condition or liquidity.
Fair Value of Debt
Based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for long-term debt with similar terms and maturities, the fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities, was approximately $17.078 and $12.035 billion as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. We utilized Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques to determine the fair value of all of our debt instruments.

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 9. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND CONTINGENCIES
We are involved in a number of judicial proceedings and other matters arising from the conduct of our business activities.
Although there can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome, we have generally denied, or believe we have a meritorious defense and will deny, liability in all litigation pending against us, including (except as otherwise noted herein) the matters described below, and we intend to defend vigorously each case. We have accrued for legal claims when, and to the extent that, amounts associated with the claims become probable and can be reasonably estimated. The actual costs of resolving legal claims may be substantially higher or lower than the amounts accrued for those claims.
For those matters as to which we are not able to estimate a possible loss or range of loss, we are not able to determine whether the loss will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations or liquidity. For matters in this category, we have indicated in the descriptions that follow the reasons that we are unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss.
Judicial 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. At this time, we do not believe that any loss associated with these matters, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
UPS and our subsidiary Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. are defendants in a lawsuit in California Superior Court about the rebranding of The UPS Store franchises.  In Morgate, the plaintiffs are 125 individual franchisees who did not rebrand to The UPS Store and a certified class of all franchisees who did rebrand. The trial court entered judgment against a bellwether individual plaintiff, which was affirmed in January 2012. The trial court granted our motion for summary judgment against the certified class, which was reversed in January 2012.  
There are multiple factors that prevent us from being able to estimate the amount of loss, if any, that may result from whatever remaining aspects of this case proceeds including: (1) we are vigorously defending ourselves and believe we have a number of meritorious legal defenses; and (2) it remains uncertain what evidence of damages, if any, plaintiffs will be able to present. Accordingly, at this time, we are not able to estimate a possible loss or range of loss that may result from this matter or to determine whether such loss, if any, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
In AFMS LLC v. UPS and FedEx Corporation, a lawsuit filed in federal court in the Central District of California in August 2010, the plaintiff asserts that UPS and FedEx violated U.S. antitrust law by conspiring to refuse to negotiate with third party negotiators retained by shippers and by individually imposing policies that prevent shippers from using such negotiators. The Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) has informed us that it has opened a civil investigation of our policies and practices for dealing with third party negotiators. We are cooperating with this investigation. We deny any liability with respect to these matters and intend to vigorously defend ourselves. There are multiple factors that prevent us from being able to estimate the amount of loss, if any, that may result from these matters including: (1) we believe that we have a number of meritorious defenses; (2) discovery is ongoing; and (3) the DOJ investigation is ongoing. Accordingly, at this time, we are not able to estimate a possible loss or range of loss that may result from these matters or to determine whether such loss, if any, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.


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In Canada, three purported class-action cases were filed against us in British Columbia (2006); Ontario (2007) and Québec (2006). The cases each allege inadequate disclosure concerning the existence and cost of brokerage services provided by us under applicable provincial consumer protection legislation and infringement of interest restriction provisions under the Criminal Code of Canada. The British Columbia class action was declared inappropriate for certification and dismissed by the trial judge. That decision was upheld by the British Columbia Court of Appeal in March 2010, which ended the case in our favor. The Ontario class action was certified in September 2011. Partial summary judgment was granted to us and the plaintiffs by the Ontario motions court. The complaint under the Criminal Code was dismissed. No appeal is being taken from that decision. The allegations of inadequate disclosure were granted and we are appealing that decision. The motion to authorize the Québec litigation as a class action was dismissed by the trial judge in October 2012; there may be an appeal. We have denied all liability and are vigorously defending the two outstanding cases. There are multiple factors that prevent us from being able to estimate the amount of loss, if any, that may result from these matters, including: (1) we are vigorously defending ourselves and believe that we have a number of meritorious legal defenses; and (2) there are unresolved questions of law and fact that could be important to the ultimate resolution of these matters. Accordingly, at this time, we are not able to estimate a possible loss or range of loss that may result from these matters or to determine whether such loss, if any, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operation or liquidity.
Other Matters
In May and December 2007 and August 2008 we received and responded to grand jury subpoenas from the DOJ in the Northern District of California in connection with an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. We also have responded to informal requests for information in connection with this investigation, which relates to transportation of packages on behalf of on-line pharmacies that may have operated illegally. We have been cooperating with this investigation and are exploring the possibility of resolving this matter, which could include our undertaking further enhancements to our compliance program and/or a payment. Such a payment may exceed the amounts previously accrued with respect to this matter, but we do not expect that the amount of such additional loss would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
We received a grand jury subpoena from the Antitrust Division of the DOJ regarding the DOJ's investigation into certain pricing practices in the freight forwarding industry in December 2007.
In August 2010, competition authorities in Brazil opened an administrative proceeding to investigate alleged anticompetitive behavior in the freight forwarding industry. Approximately 45 freight forwarding companies and individuals are named in the proceeding, including UPS, UPS SCS Transportes (Brasil) S.A., and a former employee in Brazil. UPS will have an opportunity to respond to these allegations.
We are cooperating with each of these investigations, and intend to continue to vigorously defend ourselves. There are multiple factors that prevent us from being able to estimate the amount of loss, if any, that may result from these matters including: (1) we are vigorously defending each matter and believe that we have a number of meritorious legal defenses; (2) there are unresolved questions of law that could be of importance to the ultimate resolutions of these matters, including the calculation of any potential fine; and (3) there is uncertainty about the time period that is the subject of the investigations. Accordingly, at this time, we are not able to estimate a possible loss or range of loss that may result from these matters or to determine whether such loss, if any, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.


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In January 2008, a class action complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York alleging price-fixing activities relating to the provision of freight forwarding services. UPS was not named in this case. In July 2009, the plaintiffs filed a first amended complaint naming numerous global freight forwarders as defendants. UPS and UPS Supply Chain Solutions are among the 60 defendants named in the amended complaint. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves in this case. There are multiple factors that prevent us from being able to estimate the amount of loss, if any, that may result from these matters including: (1) the court has dismissed the complaint, with leave to amend, and the scope of the plaintiffs' claims is therefore unclear; (2) the scope and size of the proposed class is ill-defined; (3) there are significant legal questions about the adequacy and standing of the putative class representatives; and (4) we believe that we have a number of meritorious legal defenses. Accordingly, at this time, we are not able to estimate a possible loss or range of loss that may result from these matters or to determine whether such loss, 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 do not believe that the eventual resolution of these other lawsuits (either individually or in the aggregate), including any reasonably possible losses in excess of current accruals, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Tax Matters
In addition to the income tax matters described in Note 14, we received an IRS Revenue Agent Report (RAR) covering excise taxes for tax years 2003 through 2007 in June 2011. The excise tax RAR proposed two alternate theories for asserting additional excise tax on transportation of property by air. We disagree with these proposed excise tax theories and related adjustments.
We believe that these theories are not based on a reasonable interpretation of the applicable law, are inconsistent with our historical operating structure, and are in direct conflict with previously issued guidance to UPS from the IRS National Office. We filed protests and, in the third quarter of 2011, the IRS responded to our protests and forwarded the case to IRS Appeals.
We believe the likelihood that these theories will ultimately be sustained is remote.
Further, we have asserted that if the current excise tax theories are sustained, UPS will be entitled to correlative income tax refunds for the 1999 through 2007 tax years. Accordingly, we have filed protective income tax refund claims for amounts significantly greater than the proposed excise tax assessments. The IRS has not completed its audit or made any claims with respect to any tax year after 2007, nor have we filed protective income tax refund claims for those tax years. However, the income tax refund claims for those tax years would also be significantly greater than the amount of any excise tax assessment proposed under similar theories.
Because we believe there is only a remote likelihood that the excise tax RAR theories will ultimately be sustained, we have concluded that the uncertain income tax positions associated with the protective refund claims based on the same theories do not currently meet the applicable standard for recognition of an income tax benefit. Accordingly, we have not accrued any income tax benefit of such claims in our financial statements or in the disclosures in Note 14.
In the third quarter of 2012, following the Appeals Opening Conference in July 2012, we had settlement discussions which we expect will lead to a complete resolution of all excise tax matters and correlative income tax refund claims for the 2003 through 2007 tax years within the next twelve months. At this time, we do not believe the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.


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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 10. SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY
Capital Stock, Additional Paid-In Capital and Retained Earnings
We maintain two classes of common stock, which are distinguished from each other primarily by their respective voting rights. Class A shares are entitled to 10 votes per share, whereas class B shares are entitled to one vote per share. Class A shares are primarily held by UPS employees and retirees, and these shares are fully convertible into class B shares at any time. Class B shares are publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “UPS.” Class A and B shares both have a $0.01 par value, and as of September 30, 2012, there were 4.6 billion class A shares and 5.6 billion class B shares authorized to be issued. Additionally, there are 200 million preferred shares, with a $0.01 par value, authorized to be issued; as of September 30, 2012, no preferred shares had been issued.
 
The following is a rollforward of our common stock, additional paid-in capital and retained earnings accounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (in millions, except per share amounts):
 
2012
 
2011
 
Shares
 
Dollars
 
Shares
 
Dollars
Class A Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
240

 
$
3

 
258

 
$
3

Common stock purchases
(6
)
 

 
(6
)
 

Stock award plans
5

 

 
4

 

Common stock issuances
3

 

 
3

 

Conversions of class A to class B common stock
(11
)
 

 
(15
)
 

Class A shares issued at end of period
231

 
$
3

 
244

 
$
3

Class B Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
725

 
$
7

 
735

 
$
7

Common stock purchases
(13
)
 

 
(26
)
 

Conversions of class A to class B common stock
11

 

 
15

 

Class B shares issued at end of period
723

 
$
7

 
724

 
$
7

Additional Paid-In Capital
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
 
$

 
 
 
$

Stock award plans
 
 
414

 
 
 
375

Common stock purchases
 
 
(827
)
 
 
 
(417
)
Common stock issuances
 
 
207

 
 
 
192

Option premiums received (paid)
 
 
206

 
 
 
(150
)
Unsettled portion of accelerated stock repurchase program
 

 
 
 

Balance at end of period
 
 
$

 
 
 
$

Retained Earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
 
$
10,128

 
 
 
$
10,604

Net income attributable to common shareowners
 
 
2,555

 
 
 
3,079

Dividends ($1.71 and $1.56 per share)
 
 
(1,670
)
 
 
 
(1,553
)
Common stock purchases
 
 
(565
)
 
 
 
(1,773
)
Balance at end of period
 
 
$
10,448

 
 
 
$
10,357

In total, we repurchased a total of 18.5 million shares of class A and class B common stock for $1.392 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, and 31.7 million shares for $2.190 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. On May 3, 2012, the Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase authorization of $5.0 billion, which replaces an authorization previously announced in 2008. The new share repurchase authorization has no expiration date.

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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


In order to lower the average cost of acquiring shares in our ongoing share repurchase program, we periodically enter into structured repurchase agreements involving the use of capped call options for the purchase of UPS class B shares. We pay a fixed sum of cash upon execution of each agreement in exchange for the right to receive either a pre-determined amount of cash or stock. Upon expiration of each agreement, if the closing market price of our common stock is above the pre-determined price, we will have our initial investment returned with a premium in either cash or shares (at our election). If the closing market price of our common stock is at or below the pre-determined price, we will receive the number of shares specified in the agreement. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we did not pay premiums on options for the purchase of shares; however, we received $206 million in premiums for options that were entered into during 2011 that expired during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we paid $150 million in premiums on options for the purchase of shares, and had not received any premiums in excess of our initial investment.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
We experience activity in AOCI for unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses from derivatives that qualify as hedges of cash flows and unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs. The activity in AOCI for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in millions):
 
2012
 
2011
Foreign currency translation gain (loss):
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
(160
)
 
$
(68
)
Aggregate adjustment for the period (net of tax effect of $(6) and $4)
176

 
(47
)
Balance at end of period
16

 
(115
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax:
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
6

 
12

Current period changes in fair value (net of tax effect of $5 and $10)
7

 
16

Reclassification to earnings (net of tax effect of $(3) and $(13))
(5
)
 
(21
)
Balance at end of period
8

 
7

Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax:
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
(204
)
 
(239
)
Current period changes in fair value (net of tax effect of $(38) and $(47))
(64
)
 
(80
)
Reclassification to earnings (net of tax effect of $(16) and $30)
(28
)
 
51

Balance at end of period
(296
)
 
(268
)
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax:
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
(2,745
)
 
(2,340
)
Reclassification to earnings (net of tax effect of $50 and $87)
84

 
139

Adjustment for Early Retirement Reinsurance Program (net of tax effect of $2 and $4)
4

 
8

Balance at end of period
(2,657
)
 
(2,193
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at end of period
$
(2,929
)
 
$
(2,569
)

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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Deferred Compensation Obligations and Treasury Stock
Activity in the deferred compensation program for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in millions):
 
2012
 
2011
Shares
 
Dollars
 
Shares
 
Dollars
Deferred Compensation Obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
 
$
88

 
 
 
$
103

Reinvested dividends
 
 
3

 
 
 
3

Benefit payments
 
 
(14
)
 
 
 
(19
)
Balance at end of period
 
 
$
77

 
 
 
$
87

Treasury Stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
(2
)
 
$
(88
)
 
(2
)
 
$
(103
)
Reinvested dividends

 
(3
)
 

 
(3
)
Benefit payments

 
14

 

 
19

Balance at end of period
(2
)
 
$
(77
)
 
(2
)
 
$
(87
)

Noncontrolling Interests:
We have noncontrolling interests in certain consolidated subsidiaries in our International Package and Supply Chain & Freight segments. The noncontrolling interests on our consolidated balance sheets primarily relate to a joint venture in Dubai that operates in the Middle East, Turkey and portions of the Central Asia region. The activity related to our noncontrolling interests is presented below for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (in millions):
 
2012
 
2011
Noncontrolling Interests:
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
73

 
$
68

Acquired noncontrolling interests
12

 
3

Dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

Balance at end of period
$
85

 
$
71

NOTE 11. SEGMENT INFORMATION
We report our operations in three segments: U.S. Domestic Package operations, International Package operations and Supply Chain & Freight operations. Package operations represent our most significant business and are broken down into regional operations around the world. Regional operations managers are responsible for both domestic and export operations within their geographic area.
U.S. Domestic Package
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 220 countries and territories worldwide, including shipments wholly outside the United States, as well as shipments with either origin or distribution outside the United States. Our International Package reporting segment includes the operations of our Europe, Asia and Americas operating segments.

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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Supply Chain & Freight
Supply Chain & Freight includes the operations of our forwarding, logistics and freight units, as well as other aggregated businesses. Our forwarding and logistics business provides services in more than 195 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 aggregated business units within this segment include Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. (the franchisor of Mail Boxes Etc. and The UPS Store) and UPS Capital.
In evaluating financial performance, we focus on operating profit as a segment’s measure of profit or loss. Operating profit is before investment income, interest expense and income taxes. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of accounting policies included in the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, with certain expenses allocated between the segments using activity-based costing methods. Unallocated assets are comprised primarily of cash, marketable securities and investments in limited partnerships.
Segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Domestic Package
$
7,861

 
$
7,767

 
$
23,923

 
$
23,047

International Package
2,943

 
3,057

 
8,923

 
9,096

Supply Chain & Freight
2,267

 
2,342

 
6,710

 
6,796

Consolidated
$
13,071

 
$
13,166

 
$
39,556

 
$
38,939

Operating Profit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Domestic Package
$
129

 
$
1,046

 
$
2,258

 
$
2,923

International Package
449

 
417

 
1,311

 
1,375

Supply Chain & Freight
188

 
203

 
556

 
585

Consolidated
$
766

 
$
1,666

 
$
4,125

 
$
4,883


 

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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 12. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (in millions, except per share amounts):
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to common shareowners
$
469

 
$
1,072

 
$
2,555

 
$
3,079

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares
958

 
974

 
959

 
982

Deferred compensation obligations
1

 
1

 
1

 
2

Vested portion of restricted shares
2

 
2

 
2

 
2

Denominator for basic earnings per share
961

 
977

 
962

 
986

Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted performance units
3

 
2

 
3

 
3

Restricted stock units
5

 
7

 
5

 
6

Stock option plans
1

 
1

 
1

 
1

Denominator for diluted earnings per share
970

 
987

 
971

 
996

Basic earnings per share
$
0.49

 
$
1.10

 
$
2.66

 
$
3.12

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.48

 
$
1.09

 
$
2.63

 
$
3.09

Diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 exclude the effect of 2.6 and 9.8 million shares of common stock (2.6 and 6.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011), respectively, that may be issued upon the exercise of employee stock options, because such effect would be antidilutive.
NOTE 13. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Risk Management Policies
We are exposed to market risk, primarily related to foreign exchange rates, commodity prices and interest rates. These exposures are actively monitored by management. To manage the volatility relating to certain of these exposures, we enter into a variety of derivative financial instruments. Our objective is to reduce, where it is deemed appropriate to do so, fluctuations in earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency rates, commodity prices and interest rates. It is our policy and practice to use derivative financial instruments only to the extent necessary to manage exposures. As we use price sensitive instruments to hedge a certain portion of our existing and anticipated transactions, we expect that any loss in value for those instruments generally would be offset by increases in the value of those hedged transactions. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Credit Risk Management
The forward contracts, swaps and options discussed below 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 banks and financial institutions that meet established credit guidelines, and monitoring counterparty credit risk to prevent concentrations of credit risk with any single counterparty.
 We have agreements with substantially all of our active counterparties containing early termination rights and/or bilateral collateral provisions whereby cash is required whenever the net fair value of derivatives associated with those counterparties exceed specific thresholds. Events such as a counterparty credit rating downgrade (depending on the ultimate rating level) would typically require an increase in the amount of collateral required of the counterparty and/or allow us to take additional protective measures such as early termination of trades. At September 30, 2012, we held cash collateral of $128 million under these agreements.

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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


In connection with the agreements described above, we could also be required to provide collateral or terminate transactions with certain counterparties in the event of a downgrade of our credit rating. The amount of collateral required would be determined by our credit rating and the net fair value of the associated derivatives with each counterparty. At September 30, 2012, the aggregate fair value of the instruments covered by these contractual features that were in a net liability position was $233 million; however, we were not required to post any collateral with our counterparties as of that date.
We have not historically incurred, and do not expect to incur in the future, any losses as a result of counterparty default.
Accounting Policy for Derivative Instruments
We recognize all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, further, on the type of hedging relationship. For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, a company must designate the derivative, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a cash flow hedge, a fair value hedge or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation.
A cash flow hedge refers to hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of AOCI, and reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The remaining gain or loss on the derivative instrument in excess of the cumulative change in the present value of future cash flows of the hedged item, or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness, are recognized in the statements of consolidated income during the current period.
A fair value hedge refers to hedging the exposure to changes in the fair value of an existing asset or liability on the consolidated balance sheets that is attributable to a particular risk. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is recognized in the statements of consolidated income during the current period, as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item.
A net investment hedge refers to the use of cross currency swaps, forward contracts or foreign currency denominated debt to hedge portions of our net investments in foreign operations. For hedges that meet the effectiveness requirements, the net gains or losses attributable to changes in spot exchange rates are recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment within other AOCI. The remainder of the change in value of such instruments is recorded in earnings.
Types of Hedges
Commodity Risk Management
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 on our business. We periodically enter into option contracts on energy commodity products to manage the price risk associated with forecasted transactions involving refined fuels, principally jet-A, diesel and unleaded gasoline. The objective of the hedges is to reduce the variability of cash flows, due to changing fuel prices, associated with the forecasted transactions involving those products. We have designated and account for these contracts as cash flow hedges of the underlying forecasted transactions involving these fuel products and, therefore, the resulting gains and losses from these hedges are recognized as a component of fuel expense or revenue when the underlying transactions occur.
Foreign Currency Risk Management
To protect against the reduction in value of forecasted foreign currency cash flows from our international package business, we maintain a foreign currency cash flow hedging program. Our most significant foreign currency exposures relate to the Euro, the British Pound Sterling and the Canadian Dollar. We hedge portions of our forecasted revenue denominated in foreign currencies with option contracts. We have designated and account for these contracts as cash flow hedges of anticipated foreign currency denominated revenue and, therefore, the resulting gains and losses from these hedges are recognized as a component of international package revenue when the underlying sales transactions occur.
We also hedge portions of our anticipated cash settlements of intercompany transactions subject to foreign currency remeasurement using foreign currency forward contracts. We have designated and account for these contracts as cash flow hedges of forecasted foreign currency denominated transactions; therefore, the resulting gains and losses from these hedges are recognized as a component of other operating expense when the underlying transactions are subject to currency remeasurement.

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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


We have foreign currency denominated debt obligations and capital lease obligations associated with our aircraft. For some of these debt obligations and leases, we hedge the foreign currency denominated contractual payments using cross-currency interest rate swaps, which effectively convert the foreign currency denominated contractual payments into U.S. Dollar denominated payments. We have designated and account for these swaps as cash flow hedges of the forecasted contractual payments; therefore, the resulting gains and losses from these hedges are recognized in the statements of consolidated income when the currency remeasurement gains and losses on the underlying debt obligations and leases are incurred.
Interest Rate Risk Management
Our indebtedness under our various financing arrangements creates interest rate risk. 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. The notional amount, interest payment date and maturity date of the swaps match the terms of the associated debt being hedged. Interest rate swaps allow us to maintain a target range of floating rate debt within our capital structure.
We have designated and account for the majority of our interest rate swaps that convert fixed rate interest payments into floating rate interest payments as hedges of the fair value of the associated debt instruments. Therefore, the gains and losses resulting from fair value adjustments to the interest rate swaps and fair value adjustments to the associated debt instruments are recorded to interest expense in the period in which the gains and losses occur. We have designated and account for interest rate swaps that convert floating rate interest payments into fixed rate interest payments as cash flow hedges of the forecasted payment obligations. The gains and losses resulting from fair value adjustments to the interest rate swaps are recorded to AOCI.
We periodically hedge the forecasted fixed-coupon interest payments associated with anticipated debt offerings, using forward starting interest rate swaps, interest rate locks or similar derivatives. These agreements effectively lock a portion of our interest rate exposure between the time the agreement is entered into and the date when the debt offering is completed, thereby mitigating the impact of interest rate changes on future interest expense. These derivatives are settled commensurate with the issuance of the debt, and any gain or loss upon settlement is amortized as an adjustment to the effective interest yield on the debt.
Outstanding Positions
As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the notional amounts of our outstanding derivative positions were as follows (in millions):
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Currency hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
Euro
EUR
1,701

 
EUR
1,685

British Pound Sterling
GBP
832

 
GBP
870

Canadian Dollar
CAD
363

 
CAD
318

Mexican Peso
MXN
4,400

 
MXN

Malaysian Ringgit
MYR
100

 
MYR

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed to Floating Interest Rate Swaps
$
6,424

 
$
6,424

Floating to Fixed Interest Rate Swaps
$
782

 
$
791

Interest Rate Basis Swaps
$
2,500

 
$

As of September 30, 2012, we had no outstanding commodity hedge positions. The maximum term over which we are hedging exposures to the variability of cash flow is 38 years.

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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Balance Sheet Recognition and Fair Value Measurements
The following table indicates the location on the consolidated balance sheets in which our derivative assets and liabilities have been recognized, the fair value hierarchy level applicable to each derivative type and the related fair values of those derivatives (in millions). The table is segregated between those derivative instruments that qualify and are designated as hedging instruments and those that are not, as well as by type of contract and whether the derivative is in an asset or liability position.
Asset Derivatives
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy Level
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Derivatives designated as hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
Other current assets
 
Level 2
 
$
75

 
$
164

Interest rate contracts
Other current assets
 
Level 2
 
10

 

Foreign exchange contracts
Other non-current assets
 
Level 2
 
18

 

Interest rate contracts
Other non-current assets
 
Level 2
 
446

 
401

Derivatives not designated as hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
Other current assets
 
Level 2
 
60

 
2

Interest rate contracts
Other non-current assets
 
Level 2
 
107

 
82

Total Asset Derivatives
 
 
 
 
$
716

 
$
649

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liability Derivatives
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy Level
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011

Derivatives designated as hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
Other non-current liabilities
 
Level 2
 
$
170

 
$
185

Interest rate contracts
Other non-current liabilities
 
Level 2
 
14

 
13

Derivatives not designated as hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
Other current liabilities
 
Level 2
 
62

 

Interest rate contracts
Other non-current liabilities
 
Level 2
 
47

 
10

Total Liability Derivatives
 
 
 
 
$
293

 
$
208

 
Our foreign currency, interest rate and energy derivatives are largely comprised of over-the-counter derivatives, which are primarily valued using pricing models that rely on market observable inputs such as yield curves, currency exchange rates and commodity forward prices; therefore, these derivatives are classified as Level 2.

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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Income Statement Recognition
The following table indicates the amount and location in the statements of consolidated income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 in which derivative gains and losses, as well as the related amounts reclassified from AOCI, have been recognized for those derivatives designated as cash flow hedges (in millions):
Three Months Ended September 30:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
Derivative Instruments in Cash Flow
Hedging Relationships
 
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
OCI on
Derivative
(Effective
Portion)
 
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
OCI on
Derivative
(Effective
Portion)
 
Location of Gain
(Loss) Reclassified
from Accumulated
OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
into Income
(Effective
Portion)
 
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
into Income
(Effective
Portion)
Interest rate contracts
 
$
(11
)
 
$
(5
)
 
Interest Expense
 
$
(6
)
 
$
(4
)
Foreign exchange contracts
 
87

 
(117
)
 
Interest Expense
 
30

 
(24
)
Foreign exchange contracts
 
10

 
11

 
Other Operating
Expense
 

 
(3
)
Foreign exchange contracts
 
(37
)
 
118

 
Revenue
 
36

 
(25
)
Commodity contracts
 

 

 
Fuel Expense
 

 

Total
 
$
49

 
$
7

 
 
 
$
60

 
$
(56
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
Derivative Instruments in Cash Flow
Hedging Relationships
 
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
OCI on
Derivative
(Effective
Portion)
 
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
OCI on
Derivative
(Effective
Portion)
 
Location of Gain
(Loss) Reclassified
from Accumulated
OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
into Income
(Effective
Portion)
 
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
into Income
(Effective
Portion)
Interest rate contracts
 
$
(72
)
 
$
(6
)
 
Interest Expense
 
$
(16
)
 
$
(14
)
Foreign exchange contracts
 
15

 
(120
)
 
Interest Expense
 
27

 
7

Foreign exchange contracts
 
(5
)
 
6

 
Other Operating
Expense
 

 
(3
)
Foreign exchange contracts
 
(40
)
 
(16
)
 
Revenue
 
33

 
(80
)
Commodity contracts
 

 
9

 
Fuel Expense
 

 
9

Total
 
$
(102
)
 
$
(127
)
 
 
 
$
44

 
$
(81
)
As of September 30, 2012, $16 million of pre-tax gains related to cash flow hedges that are currently deferred in AOCI are expected to be reclassified to income over the 12 month period ended September 30, 2013. The actual amounts that will be reclassified to income over the next 12 months will vary from this amount as a result of changes in market conditions.
The amount of ineffectiveness recognized in income on derivative instruments designated in cash flow hedging relationships was immaterial for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The following table indicates the amount and location in the statements of consolidated income in which derivative gains and losses, as well as the associated gains and losses on the underlying exposure, have been recognized for those derivatives designated as fair value hedges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (in millions):
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
Derivative Instruments in Fair Value
Hedging Relationships
Location of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income
 
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized
in Income
 
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized
in Income
 
Hedged Items in
Fair Value
Hedging
Relationships
 
Location of 
Gain (Loss)
Recognized In
 Income
 
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized
in Income
 
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized
in Income
Three Months Ended September 30:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
Interest
Expense
 
$
19

 
$
237

 
Fixed-Rate
Debt and
Capital Leases
 
Interest
Expense
 
$
(19
)
 
$
(237
)
Nine Months Ended September 30:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
Interest
Expense
 
$
55

 
$
350

 
Fixed-Rate
Debt and
Capital Leases
 
Interest
Expense
 
$
(55
)
 
$
(350
)
Additionally, we maintain some interest rate swap and foreign exchange forward contracts that are not designated as hedges. These interest rate swap contracts are intended to provide an economic hedge of a portfolio of interest bearing receivables. These foreign exchange forward contracts are intended to provide an economic offset to foreign currency remeasurement risks for certain assets and liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
We also periodically terminate interest rate swaps and foreign currency options by entering into offsetting swap and foreign currency positions with different counterparties. As part of this process, we de-designate our original swap and foreign currency contracts. These transactions provide an economic offset that effectively eliminates the effects of changes in market valuation.
We have entered into several interest rate basis swaps, which effectively convert cash flows based on variable LIBOR-based interest rates to cash flows based on the prevailing federal funds interest rate. These swaps are not designated as hedges, and all amounts related to fair value changes and settlements are recorded to interest expense in the statements of consolidated income.
The following is a summary of the amounts recorded in the statements of consolidated income related to fair value changes and settlements of these interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedges (in millions):
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
Derivative Instruments not Designated in
Hedging Relationships
Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
 
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized
in Income
 
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized
in Income
Three Months Ended September 30:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
Interest Expense
 
$
(6
)
 
$

Foreign exchange contracts
Revenue
 
$
2

 
$

Foreign exchange contracts
Other Operating Expenses
 
$
(7
)
 
$
11

Foreign exchange contracts
Investment Income
 
$
(24
)
 
$

Nine Months Ended September 30:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
Interest Expense
 
$
(11
)
 
$

Foreign exchange contracts
Revenue
 
$
2

 
$

Foreign exchange contracts
Other Operating Expenses
 
$
27

 
$
(2
)
Foreign exchange contracts
Investment Income
 
$
(24
)
 
$


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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 14. INCOME TAXES
In addition to the excise tax matters described in Note 9, in June 2011 we received an IRS Revenue Agent Report (RAR) covering income taxes for tax years 2005 through 2007. The income tax RAR proposed adjustments related to the value of acquired software and intangibles, research credit expenditures, and the amount of deductible costs associated with our British Pound Sterling Notes exchange offer completed in May 2007. Receipt of the RAR represents only the conclusion of the examination process. We disagree with some of the proposed adjustments related to these matters. Therefore, we filed protests and, in the third quarter of 2011, the IRS responded to our protests and forwarded the case to IRS Appeals.
We expect to begin discussions of these income tax matters with IRS Appeals within the next twelve months. It should be noted, however, that the ultimate resolution of these matters will result in a refund to UPS - even according to the adjustments proposed by the IRS.
At this time, we do not believe the ultimate resolution of these income tax matters will have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.
A number of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position is audited and ultimately settled. It is difficult to predict the ultimate outcome or the timing of resolution for uncertain tax positions. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months. Items that may cause changes to unrecognized tax benefits include the timing of interest deductions and the allocation of income and expense between tax jurisdictions. These changes could result from the settlement of ongoing litigation, the completion of ongoing examinations, the expiration of the statute of limitations or other unforeseen circumstances. At this time, an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change cannot be made.
NOTE 15. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
Kiala S.A.
In February 2012, we acquired Kiala S.A. (“Kiala”), a Belgium-based developer of a platform that enables e-commerce retailers to offer their shoppers the option of having goods delivered to a convenient retail location. Kiala currently operates in Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Spain. The acquisition will broaden our service portfolio for business-to-consumer deliveries. Kiala is not material to our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

TNT Express N.V.
On March 19, 2012, we announced an agreement to purchase TNT Express N.V. ("TNT Express") for €9.50 per ordinary share. The transaction will create a global leader in the logistics industry and an enhanced, integrated global transportation network. The combination will expand our express capabilities and logistics solutions in Europe, while deepening our existing position in fast-growing regions such as Asia and Latin America. The offer values the issued and outstanding share capital of TNT Express at €5.16 billion (approximately $6.67 billion at the September 30, 2012 exchange rate).
On July 13, 2012, the European Commission announced that the proposed acquisition would move to a Phase II review, which can take up to 25 weeks to complete, and as a result, we subsequently extended the public offer for all of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of TNT Express beyond the date initially set forth in the Offer Memorandum. On October 19, 2012, the European Commission issued a Statement of Objections, which addresses the competitive effects of the intended merger on the international express small package market in Europe. UPS and TNT Express will respond to the European Commission in the fourth quarter of 2012, and we currently anticipate that the acquisition will be completed in early 2013.


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Table of Contents

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

Overview
The U.S. economic expansion has continued at a slow-to-moderate pace through the third quarter of 2012. Continued growth in retail sales, particularly among e-commerce retailers, has provided for expansion in the overall U.S. small package delivery market; however, recent weakness in manufacturing activity, combined with the uneven nature of the overall economic recovery, has negatively impacted the small package delivery market. Given these trends, our products most aligned with business-to-consumer shipments have experienced the strongest growth, while our business-to-business volume continues to be pressured. We expect these trends to continue for the remainder of 2012.
Outside of the U.S., economic growth has slowed considerably due to volatility in world markets and fiscal austerity measures, particularly in Europe. This slower economic growth has created an environment in which customers are more likely to trade-down from premium express products to standard delivery products. Additionally, the uneven nature of economic growth worldwide has led to shifting trade patterns whereby transcontinental trade is being pressured, but intra-regional trade is continuing to grow. These circumstances have led us to adjust our air capacity and cost structure in our transportation network to the prevailing volume mix levels. Our broad portfolio of product offerings and the flexibilities inherent in our transportation network have helped us adapt to these changing trends, which has led to a continued overall solid performance in our International Package business.
While the worldwide economic environment has been challenging in 2012, we have continued to undertake initiatives to improve yield management, increase operational efficiency and contain costs across all segments. Continued deployment of technology improvements should lead to further gains in our operational efficiency, flexibility and reliability, thus restraining cost increases and improving margins. In our International Package segment, we have adjusted our air network and utilized newly constructed or expanded operating facilities to improve time-in-transit for shipments in each region. We have also continued to optimize our aircraft network, to leverage the new route authority we have gained over the last several years and to take full advantage of faster growing trade lanes. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2012, we acquired Kiala S.A., which will expand our service offerings for business-to-consumer deliveries in Europe.
Our consolidated results are presented in the table below:
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Change
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Change
 
2012
 
2011
 
%
 
2012
 
2011
 
%
Revenue (in millions)
$
13,071

 
$
13,166

 
(0.7
)%
 
$
39,556

 
$
38,939

 
1.6
 %
Operating Expenses (in millions)
12,305

 
11,500

 
7.0
 %
 
35,431

 
34,056

 
4.0
 %
Operating Profit (in millions)
$
766

 
$
1,666

 
(54.0
)%
 
$
4,125

 
$
4,883

 
(15.5
)%
Operating Margin
5.9
%
 
12.7
%
 
 
 
10.4
%
 
12.5
%
 
 
Average Daily Package Volume (in thousands)
15,521

 
15,079

 
2.9
 %
 
15,490

 
14,994

 
3.3
 %
Average Revenue Per Piece
$
10.90

 
$
11.06

 
(1.4
)%
 
$
10.96

 
$
11.01

 
(0.5
)%
Net Income (in millions)
$
469

 
$
1,072

 
(56.3
)%
 
$
2,555

 
$
3,079

 
(17.0
)%
Basic Earnings Per Share
$
0.49

 
$
1.10

 
(55.5
)%
 
$
2.66

 
$
3.12

 
(14.7
)%
Diluted Earnings Per Share
$
0.48

 
$
1.09

 
(56.0
)%
 
$
2.63

 
$
3.09

 
(14.9
)%



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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS



Items Affecting Comparability
The year-over-year comparisons of our financial results were affected by the following items (amounts in millions):
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Operating Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multiemployer Pension Plan Withdrawal Charge
$
896

 
$

 
$
896

 
$

Gain (Loss) on Real Estate Transactions

 

 

 
(33
)
Income Tax Expense:

 

 
 
 
 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) from the Items Above
(337
)
 

 
(337
)
 
13

Multiemployer Pension Plan Withdrawal Charge
In the third quarter of 2012, we recognized an $896 million pre-tax charge ($559 million after-tax) for the establishment of a withdrawal liability related to our withdrawal from a multiemployer pension plan within our U.S. Domestic Package segment. This charge is recorded in compensation and benefits expense in our statements of consolidated income.
Gain (Loss) on Real Estate Transactions
In the second quarter of 2011, we recognized a pre-tax loss from certain real estate transactions within our U.S. Domestic Package segment of $15 million ($11 million after-tax) and a pre-tax gain from certain real estate transactions within our Supply Chain & Freight segment of $48 million ($31 million after-tax). These gains and losses are recorded in other operating expenses in our statements of consolidated income.
Results of Operations—Segment Review
The results and discussions that follow are reflective of how our executive management monitors the performance of our reporting segments. From time to time, we supplement the reporting of our financial information determined under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) with certain non-GAAP financial measures, including operating profit, operating margin, pre-tax income, effective tax rate, net income and earnings per share adjusted for the non-comparable items. We believe that these adjusted measures provide meaningful information to assist investors and analysts in understanding our financial results and assessing our prospects for future performance. We believe these adjusted financial measures are important indicators of our results of operations because they exclude items that may not be indicative of, or are unrelated to, our core operating results, and provide a better baseline for analyzing trends in our underlying businesses.
Certain operating expenses are allocated between our reporting segments based on activity-based costing methods. These activity-based costing methods require us to make estimates that impact the amount of each expense category that is attributed to each segment. Changes in these estimates will directly impact the amount of expense allocated to each segment, and therefore the operating profit of each reporting segment. There were no significant changes in our expense allocation methodology during 2012 or 2011.

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Table of Contents
UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


U.S. Domestic Package Operations
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Change
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Change
2012
 
2011
 
%
 
2012
 
2011
 
%
Average Daily Package Volume (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Next Day Air
1,264

 
1,196

 
5.7
 %
 
1,236

 
1,174

 
5.3
 %
Deferred
931

 
852

 
9.3
 %
 
947

 
866

 
9.4
 %
Ground
11,010

 
10,688

 
3.0
 %
 
10,990

 
10,637

 
3.3
 %
Total Avg. Daily Package Volume
13,205

 
12,736

 
3.7
 %
 
13,173

 
12,677

 
3.9
 %
Average Revenue Per Piece:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Next Day Air
$
19.80

 
$
20.75

 
(4.6
)%
 
$
20.09

 
$
20.61

 
(2.5
)%
Deferred
13.23

 
13.94

 
(5.1
)%
 
13.27

 
13.69

 
(3.1
)%
Ground
7.94

 
7.92

 
0.3
 %
 
7.99

 
7.90

 
1.1
 %
Total Avg. Revenue Per Piece
$
9.45

 
$
9.53

 
(0.8
)%
 
$
9.51

 
$
9.47

 
0.4
 %
Operating Days in Period
63

 
64

 
 
 
191

 
192

 
 
Revenue (in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Next Day Air
$
1,577

 
$
1,588

 
(0.7
)%
 
$
4,743

 
$
4,645

 
2.1
 %
Deferred
776

 
760

 
2.1
 %
 
2,400

 
2,277

 
5.4
 %
Ground
5,508

 
5,419

 
1.6
 %
 
16,780

 
16,125

 
4.1
 %
Total Revenue
$
7,861

 
$
7,767

 
1.2
 %
 
$
23,923

 
$
23,047

 
3.8
 %
Operating Expenses (in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Expenses
$
7,732

 
$
6,721

 
15.0
 %
 
$
21,665

 
$
20,124

 
7.7
 %
Multiemployer Pension Plan Withdrawal Charge
(896
)
 

 
 
 
(896
)
 

 
 
Gain (Loss) on Real Estate Transactions

 

 
 
 

 
(15
)
 
 
Adjusted Operating Expenses
$
6,836

 
$
6,721

 
1.7
 %
 
$
20,769

 
$
20,109

 
3.3
 %
Operating Profit (in millions) and Margin:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Profit
$
129

 
$
1,046

 
(87.7
)%
 
$
2,258

 
$
2,923

 
(22.8
)%
Adjusted Operating Profit
$
1,025

 
$
1,046

 
(2.0
)%
 
$
3,154

 
$
2,938

 
7.4
 %
Operating Margin
1.6
%
 
13.5
%
 
 
 
9.4
%
 
12.7
%
 
 
Adjusted Operating Margin
13.0
%
 
13.5
%
 
 
 
13.2
%
 
12.7
%
 
 
Revenue
The change in overall revenue was impacted by the following factors for the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012 compared with the corresponding periods of 2011:
 
Volume
 
Rates /
Product Mix
 
Fuel
Surcharge
 
Total
Revenue
Change
Net Revenue Change Drivers:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third quarter 2012 vs. 2011
2.1
%
 
0.5
%
 
(1.4
)%
 
1.2
%
Year-to-date 2012 vs. 2011
3.4
%
 
0.2
%
 
0.2
 %
 
3.8
%
Volume
Our overall volume increased in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012 compared with 2011, largely due to continued solid growth in retail e-commerce and strong customer demand for our lightweight products. Business-to-consumer shipments, which represent approximately 40% of total U.S. Domestic Package volume, grew rapidly and drove growth in both air and ground shipments; however, we were negatively impacted by recent economic weakness in the U.S., as business-to-business volume declined about 1% in the third quarter, after experiencing growth earlier in the year.

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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Among our air products, Next Day Air letter and package volume both experienced solid increases for the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012, with particular growth in our Next Day Air Saver products. The higher volume for our deferred air products, which increased over 9% for the third quarter and year-to-date periods, was primarily due to strong demand for our residential package services. The overall solid growth in our air products was driven by business-to-consumer shipments from e-commerce retailers, though U.S. economic weakness restrained the growth in our commercial air volume.
The increase in ground volume for the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012 was driven by our lightweight service offerings, including SurePost, which target low-cost, non-urgent residential deliveries. Volume for these lightweight products grew approximately 25%, and accounted for over half of the total increase in ground shipments in the third quarter. Outside of these lightweight service offerings, volume for our traditional ground residential services also experienced a solid increase in the third quarter and year-to-date periods. Overall ground volume growth continues to be driven by strong business-to-consumer shipping activity from e-commerce retailers, as recent weakness in U.S. manufacturing caused a small decline in our commercial ground volume.
Rates and Product Mix
Overall revenue per piece decreased 0.8% for the third quarter of 2012 compared with the same period of 2011 (increased 0.4% year-to-date), and was impacted by changes in base rates, product mix and fuel surcharge rates, as discussed below.
Revenue per piece for our Next Day Air and deferred products decreased in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012 compared with 2011, as declines in fuel surcharge rates and product mix changes more than offset the impact of a base rate increase that took effect in early 2012. Changes in product mix negatively impacted revenue per piece for our air products, as letter volume increased at a faster rate than package volume, and our Next Day Air Saver volume continued to grow at a faster rate than our premium Next Day Air services.
Ground revenue per piece increased for the third quarter of year-to-date periods of 2012, compared with the corresponding periods of 2011, primarily due to a base rate increase that took effect in early 2012; however, this was partially offset by product mix changes, as strong volume growth in our lightweight service offerings resulted in these relatively lower-yielding products accounting for a greater portion of our overall volume in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012, compared with the corresponding periods of 2011. Fuel surcharge rate changes, which are discussed further below, adversely impacted revenue per piece growth in the third quarter of 2012 compared with 2011, but positively impacted the year-to-date comparison.
Revenue per piece for our ground and air products was positively impacted by an increase in base rates that took effect on January 2, 2012. We increased the base rates 6.9% on UPS Next Day Air, UPS 2nd Day Air and UPS 3 Day Select, and 5.9% on UPS Ground, while reducing our fuel surcharge indices (discussed further below). Other pricing changes included an increase in the residential surcharge, and an increase in the delivery area surcharge on certain residential and commercial services. These rate changes are customary and occur on an annual basis.
Fuel Surcharges
UPS applies a fuel surcharge on our domestic air and ground services. The air fuel surcharge is based on the U.S. Department of Energy’s (“DOE”) Gulf Coast spot price for a gallon of kerosene-type jet fuel, while the ground fuel surcharge is based on the DOE’s On-Highway Diesel Fuel price. Based on published rates, the average fuel surcharge for domestic air and ground products was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Change
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Change
 
2012

2011
 
% Point
 
2012
 
2011
 
% Point
Next Day Air / Deferred
11.1
%
 
14.7
%
 
(3.6
)%
 
12.8
%
 
13.1
%
 
(0.3
)%
Ground
7.3
%
 
9.0
%
 
(1.7
)%
 
7.9
%
 
7.8
%
 
0.1
 %
On January 2, 2012, in connection with our base rate increase, we modified the fuel surcharge on air and ground services by reducing the index used to determine the fuel surcharge by 2% and 1%, respectively. Total domestic fuel surcharge revenue decreased by $107 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared with the same period of 2011 primarily due to the lower third quarter fuel surcharge rates; however, this was partially offset by the increase in package volume for the quarter. These decreased fuel surcharge rates for the third quarter were due to lower jet and diesel fuel prices, as well as the reduction in the index on the air and ground surcharges.

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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


On a year-to-date basis, total domestic fuel surcharge revenue increased $49 million compared with 2011 primarily due to increased volume.
Operating Expenses
Adjusted operating expenses for the segment increased $115 million for the third quarter of 2012 compared with the same period of 2011 ($660 million year-to-date). This increase was primarily due to pick-up and delivery costs, which grew $134 million ($507 million year-to-date), as well as the cost of operating our domestic integrated air and ground network, which increased $54 million for the third quarter ($237 million year-to-date). The growth in pick-up and delivery and network costs was due largely to increased volume and higher employee compensation costs, which were impacted by a union contractual wage increase (package driver wage rates rose 2.0%), an increase in driver hours (up 1.9%) and increased employee health care costs. These increases were partially offset by reductions in indirect operating costs of $75 million for the third quarter ($103 million year-to-date), largely due to reductions in the expense for management incentive awards.
Cost increases have been mitigated as we adjust our air and ground networks to better match higher volume levels and utilize technology to increase package sorting efficiency. Improved delivery densities, particularly for our residential products, have also contained increases in cost. These network efficiency improvements allowed us to process increased volume at a faster rate than the increase in average daily direct labor hours (up 1.6%), aircraft block hours (up 1.2%) and miles driven (up 1.4%) in the third quarter of 2012 compared with the same period of 2011, resulting in a reduction in the total cost per piece of 0.3% (0.1% year-to-date).
Operating Profit and Margin
The 2.0% decline in adjusted operating profit for the third quarter of 2012 was largely due to having one less operating day compared with the same period of 2011. Overall volume growth allowed us to better leverage our transportation network, resulting in productivity improvements and better pick-up and delivery density, which favorably impacted our operating margins; however, these trends were largely offset by the impact of fuel as well as changes in customer and product mix, which combined to pressure our revenue per piece. Because of the increase in fuel prices during the third quarter, operating profit was negatively impacted by approximately $60 million in the third quarter from the two month time lag between the fuel price changes and when the monthly surcharge rates are applied to package shipments. This was a reversal of the fuel impact we had experienced in the second quarter of 2012.
These factors drove a 50 basis point reduction in our adjusted operating margin in the third quarter of 2012, compared with the same period of 2011, resulting in the 2.0% decline in adjusted operating profit. On a year-to-date basis, however, adjusted operating margin increased 50 basis points in 2012 compared with 2011, as the impact of fuel and operating days was lessened. This resulted in a solid 7.4% increase in adjusted operating profit in the year-to-date period of 2012, compared with the corresponding period of 2011.
 

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Table of Contents
UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


International Package Operations
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Change
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Change
 
2012
 
2011
 
%
 
2012
 
2011
 
%
Average Daily Package Volume (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
1,386

 
1,424

 
(2.7
)%
 
1,385

 
1,407

 
(1.6
)%
Export
930

 
919

 
1.2
 %
 
932

 
910

 
2.4
 %
Total Avg. Daily Package Volume
2,316

 
2,343

 
(1.2
)%
 
2,317

 
2,317

 
 %
Average Revenue Per Piece:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
$
6.87

 
$
7.24

 
(5.1
)%
 
$
7.01

 
$
7.26

 
(3.4
)%
Export
37.46

 
38.27

 
(2.1
)%
 
37.31

 
38.34

 
(2.7
)%
Total Avg. Revenue Per Piece
$
19.16

 
$
19.41

 
(1.3
)%
 
$
19.20

 
$
19.46

 
(1.3
)%
Operating Days in Period
63

 
64

 
 
 
191

 
192

 
 
Revenue (in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
$
600

 
$
660

 
(9.1
)%
 
$
1,855

 
$
1,961

 
(5.4
)%
Export
2,195

 
2,251

 
(2.5
)%
 
6,642

 
6,698

 
(0.8
)%
Cargo
148

 
146

 
1.4
 %
 
426

 
437

 
(2.5
)%
Total Revenue
$
2,943

 
$
3,057

 
(3.7
)%
 
$
8,923

 
$
9,096

 
(1.9
)%
Operating Expenses (in millions)
$
2,494

 
$
2,640

 
(5.5
)%
 
$
7,612

 
$
7,721

 
(1.4
)%
Operating Profit (in millions)
$
449

 
$
417

 
7.7
 %
 
$
1,311

 
$
1,375

 
(4.7
)%
Operating Margin
15.3
%
 
13.6
%
 
 
 
14.7
%
 
15.1
%
 
 
Currency Translation Benefit / (Cost)—(in millions)*:
 
 
 
 
$
 
 
 
 
 
$
Revenue
 
 
 
 
$
(95
)
 
 
 
 
 
$
(255
)
Operating Expenses
 
 
 
 
104

 
 
 
 
 
249

Operating Profit
 
 
 
 
$
9

 
 
 
 
 
$
(6
)
___________________
*
Net of currency hedging; amount represents the change compared to the prior year.
Revenue
The change in overall revenue was impacted by the following factors for the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012 compared with the corresponding periods of 2011:
 
Volume
 
Rates /
Product Mix
 
Fuel
Surcharge
 
Currency
 
Total
Revenue
Change
Net Revenue Change Drivers:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third quarter 2012 vs. 2011
(2.7
)%
 
3.5
%
 
(1.4
)%
 
(3.1
)%
 
(3.7
)%
Year-to-date 2012 vs. 2011
(0.5
)%
 
1.3
%
 
0.1
 %
 
(2.8
)%
 
(1.9
)%
Volume
Our overall average daily volume declined in the third quarter of 2012 compared with the corresponding period of 2011 (flat year-to-date), as the worldwide economic slowdown impacted the international small package market.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Export volume increased in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012 compared to the corresponding periods of 2011, as more regional sourcing by customers led to solid growth in intra-regional shipments in all areas of the world. This growth in intra-regional shipments was largely offset by declines in volume for several important transcontinental trade lanes in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012. U.S. export volume declined, particularly exports from the U.S. to Europe, as economic weakness within the European Union in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012 negatively impacted our volume; however, Asian export volume increased to all other regions, including the key Asia to U.S. trade lane, and was favorably impacted by new product launches from several customers. Overall export volume continued to shift towards our less premium products, such as Transborder Standard and Worldwide Expedited, as compared with our premium express products, such as Worldwide Express, primarily as a result of economic pressures on our customers internationally.
Domestic volume decreased during the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011, and was negatively impacted by economic weakness across Europe; however, this was partially offset by domestic volume growth in the U.K., Mexico and Canada.
Rates and Product Mix
Total average revenue per piece increased 2.0% for the third quarter of 2012 (2.0% year-to-date) on a currency-adjusted basis, and was impacted by base rate increases, as well as changes in product mix and fuel surcharge rates, which are discussed below.
Currency-adjusted export revenue per piece decreased 0.2% for the third quarter (0.5% year-to-date), as the shift in product mix from our premium express products to our standard products more than offset the increase in base rates. Additionally, currency-adjusted export revenue per piece was adversely impacted by a shortening of average trade lanes, as we experienced greater volume growth among our lower-yielding Transborder and Trade Direct products relative to our higher-yielding transcontinental volume.
Currency-adjusted domestic revenue per piece increased 3.0% for third quarter (3.7% year-to-date), largely due to base rate increases.
On January 2, 2012, we 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), while reducing fuel surcharge indices. Rate changes for shipments originating outside the U.S. are made throughout the year and vary by geographic market.
Fuel Surcharges
On January 2, 2012, in connection with our base rate increases, 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 surcharges for air products originating outside the United States are indexed to the DOE's Gulf Coast spot price for a gallon of kerosene-type jet fuel, while the fuel surcharges for ground products originating outside the United States are indexed to fuel prices in the international region or country where the shipment takes place. Total international fuel surcharge revenue decreased by $43 million for the third quarter of 2012 when compared with 2011, primarily due to lower package volume and reduced fuel surcharge rates caused by declining fuel prices.
On a year-to-date basis, fuel surcharge revenue increased by $7 million in 2012 compared to 2011, due to a year-to-date increase in international air volume.
Operating Expenses
Overall operating expenses for the segment decreased $146 million for the third quarter of 2012 compared with the same period in 2011 ($109 million year-to-date). The largest components of this decrease relate to the cost of pick-up and delivery, which decreased $71 million for the third quarter ($69 million year-to-date), and the cost of operating our international integrated air and ground network, which decreased $73 million for the third quarter ($96 million year-to-date). The declines in these costs were primarily as a result of lower fuel prices, decreased package volume and the impact of currency exchange rate movements. Additionally, network costs were reduced due to a 5.3% reduction in aircraft block hours resulting from ongoing modifications to our air network.

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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Partially offsetting these cost reductions was an increase in indirect operating costs, which increased $14 million for the third quarter of 2012 compared with the corresponding period of 2011 ($81 million year-to-date). This increase was impacted by our investment in enhanced security screening for our international locations and expenses associated with business acquisition activities, including our proposed acquisition of TNT Express N.V. as well as the February 2012 acquisition of Kiala S.A.
Excluding the impact of currency exchange rate changes, the total cost per piece for the segment increased 1.1% for the third quarter (2.4% year-to-date).
Operating Profit and Margin
The operating margin increased 170 basis points in the third quarter of 2012 compared with the same period of 2011, as benefits derived from air network adjustments and cost containment programs more than offset the adverse effects of international economic conditions and fuel price changes. The increase in operating margin resulted in a 7.7% increase in operating profit for the third quarter of 2012 compared with the corresponding period of 2011, despite the reduction in volume and revenue.
On a year-to-date basis, the operating margin declined 40 basis points in 2012 compared with 2011. This decline in operating margin was impacted by the year-to-date volume declines in the key Asia and U.S.-origin transcontinental trade lanes, as these routes have a larger cost infrastructure (relative to the remainder of the International Package segment) to support the air express volume in each region. Operating margin was also adversely impacted by the product mix change from our premium express products to our standard products. These factors combined to produce a 4.7% decline in operating profit for the year-to-date period of 2012 compared with 2011.

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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Supply Chain & Freight Operations
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Change
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Change
 
2012

2011
 
%
 
2012
 
2011
 
%
Freight LTL Statistics:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue (in millions)
$
621

 
$
596

 
4.2
 %
 
$
1,775

 
$
1,734

 
2.4
 %
Revenue Per Hundredweight
$
21.86

 
$
21.53

 
1.5
 %
 
$
22.00

 
$
21.00

 
4.8
 %
Shipments (in thousands)
2,595

 
2,617

 
(0.8
)%
 
7,646

 
7,803

 
(2.0
)%
Shipments Per Day (in thousands)
41.2

 
40.9

 
0.7
 %
 
40.0

 
40.6

 
(1.5
)%
Gross Weight Hauled (in millions of lbs)
2,838

 
2,769

 
2.5
 %
 
8,212

 
8,258

 
(0.6
)%
Weight Per Shipment (in lbs)
1,094

 
1,058

 
3.4
 %
 
1,074

 
1,058

 
1.5
 %
Operating Days in Period
63

 
64

 
 
 
191

 
192

 
 
Revenue (in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forwarding and Logistics
$
1,445

 
$
1,552

 
(6.9
)%
 
$
4,354

 
$
4,520

 
(3.7
)%
Freight
691

 
667

 
3.6
 %
 
1,969

 
1,931

 
2.0
 %
Other
131

 
123

 
6.5
 %
 
387

 
345

 
12.2
 %
Total Revenue
$
2,267

 
$
2,342

 
(3.2
)%
 
$
6,710

 
$
6,796

 
(1.3
)%
Operating Expenses (in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Expenses
$
2,079

 
$
2,139

 
(2.8
)%
 
$
6,154

 
$
6,211

 
(0.9
)%
Gain (Loss) on Real Estate Transactions

 

 


 

 
48

 


Adjusted Operating Expenses
$
2,079

 
$
2,139

 
(2.8
)%
 
$
6,154

 
$
6,259

 
(1.7
)%
Operating Profit (in millions) and Margin:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Operating Profit
$
188

 
$
203

 
(7.4
)%
 
$
556

 
$
585

 
(5.0
)%
       Adjusted Operating Profit
$
188

 
$
203

 
(7.4
)%
 
$
556

 
$
537

 
3.5
 %
Operating Margin
8.3
%
 
8.7
%
 
 
 
8.3
%
 
8.6
%
 
 
Adjusted Operating Margin
8.3
%
 
8.7
%
 
 
 
8.3
%
 
7.9
%
 
 
Currency Translation Benefit / (Cost) – (in millions)*:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
 
 
 
 
$
(44
)
 
 
 
 
 
$
(96
)
Operating Expenses
 
 
 
 
43

 
 
 
 
 
92

Operating Profit
 
 
 
 
$
(1
)
 
 
 
 
 
$
(4
)
___________________
*
Amount represents the change compared to the prior year.
Revenue
Forwarding and logistics revenue decreased $107 million in the third quarter of 2012 ($166 million year-to-date) compared with the corresponding period in 2011. Forwarding revenue decreased in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012, primarily due to lower rates in our air forwarding business and the adverse impact of foreign currency exchange rates; however, this was partially offset by improved tonnage in both our air and ocean forwarding businesses. The reduction in rates in the air forwarding business was largely due to industry overcapacity in key trades lanes, particularly the Asia-outbound market. In our logistics products, revenue increased in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012 as we experienced solid growth in our mail services and healthcare solutions. The improved revenue in our health care solutions business was driven by organic growth as well as the December 2011 acquisition of Pieffe Group.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Freight revenue increased $24 million for the third quarter, driven by an increase in LTL revenue per hundredweight and in average daily LTL shipments; however, these factors were partially offset by having one less operating day in the third quarter of 2012 compared with the prior year period. The increase in LTL revenue per hundredweight was largely due to our focus on yield management and profitable revenue growth, as well as a general rate increase averaging 5.9% that took effect on July 16, 2012, covering non-contractual shipments in the United States, Canada and Mexico. On a year-to-date basis, freight revenue increased $38 million in 2012 compared with 2011, as the increase in LTL revenue per hundredweight more than offset the decline in average daily LTL shipments and the impact of one less operating day. The year-to-date decline in average daily LTL shipments was impacted by increased competitiveness in the LTL market and the slowdown in the U.S. economy. Fuel surcharge revenue increased by $2 million for the third quarter of 2012 compared with the corresponding period of the prior year ($8 million year-to-date), due to changes in diesel fuel prices and overall LTL shipment volume.
The other businesses within Supply Chain & Freight increased revenue by $8 million for the quarter ($42 million year-to-date), primarily due to growth at The UPS Store, UPS Customer Solutions and our contract to provide domestic air transportation services for the U.S. Postal Service.
Operating Expenses
Forwarding and logistics adjusted operating expenses decreased $86 million for the third quarter of 2012 compared with the same period of 2011 ($158 million year-to-date), due to several factors. Purchased transportation expense fell by $65 million in the third quarter ($126 million year-to-date), primarily due to lower rates charged to us by third-party transportation carriers. Compensation and benefits expense declined by $6 million in the third quarter ($26 million year-to-date), largely due to reduced payroll and lower pension costs. Operating expenses in the year-to-date period of 2012 were also reduced by a $9 million gain realized upon the sale of an operating facility.
Freight adjusted operating expenses increased $14 million in the third quarter of 2012 ($18 million year-to-date), while the total cost per LTL shipment increased 3.5% for the third quarter and year-to-date periods. The largest component of this increase related to the cost of operating our linehaul network, which grew by $15 million for the third quarter ($22 million year-to-date), as a result of a 4.1% average daily tonnage increase, coupled with wage and purchased transportation increases. Rising diesel fuel prices increased the fuel expense for our fleet, as well as increased the fuel surcharge rates passed to us from third-party transportation carriers. These factors were, however, partially offset by productivity improvements. Our truckload division experienced a $2 million reduction in costs for the third quarter ($10 million year-to-date) associated with reduced volume, which was impacted by the loss of lower-margin customers.
Adjusted operating expenses for the other businesses within Supply Chain & Freight increased $12 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared with 2011 ($35 million year-to-date).
Operating Profit and Margin
Adjusted operating profit for the forwarding and logistics unit decreased by $21 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 ($8 million year-to-date). This decrease was primarily due to reduced profitability in our international air forwarding business, as European economic uncertainty, continued weakness in China and a slowing U.S. economy all contributed to a reduction in overall air freight market demand. This lower demand pressured the rates we charge to our customers, which more than offset the reduced rates we incur from third-party transportation carriers, and thereby led to a compression in our operating margin. Operating profit for our logistics business declined in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012 compared with the corresponding periods of 2011, largely due to increased expense for our self-insurance casualty programs resulting from actuarial reserve adjustments that occurred during the third quarters of 2012 and 2011.
Adjusted operating profit for our freight unit increased $10 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 ($20 million year-to-date), as gains in pick-up and delivery stops per hour, dock bills per hour and linehaul network utilization, as well as improved yields, more than offset the overall decline in volume.
The combined adjusted operating profit for all of our other businesses in this segment decreased $4 million during the third quarter, primarily due to lower operating profit at The UPS Store and UPS Capital; however, on a year-to-date basis, operating profit for the other businesses in this segment increased $7 million in 2012 compared with 2011, largely due to growth from our contract to provide domestic air transportation services for the U.S. Postal Service.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Consolidated Operating Expenses
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Change
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Change
 
2012
 
2011
 
%
 
2012
 
2011
 
%
Operating Expenses (in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and Benefits
$
7,577

 
$
6,647

 
14.0
 %
 
$
21,159

 
$
19,845

 
6.6
 %
Multiemployer Pension Plan Withdrawal Charge
(896
)
 

 
 
 
(896
)
 

 
 
Adjusted Compensation and Benefits
6,681

 
6,647

 
0.5
 %
 
20,263

 
19,845

 
2.1
 %
Repairs and Maintenance
306

 
324

 
(5.6
)%
 
911

 
956

 
(4.7
)%
Depreciation and Amortization
464

 
447

 
3.8
 %
 
1,382

 
1,331

 
3.8
 %
Purchased Transportation
1,743

 
1,796

 
(3.0
)%
 
5,193

 
5,206

 
(0.2
)%
Fuel
969

 
1,015

 
(4.5
)%
 
3,008

 
2,980

 
0.9
 %
Other Occupancy
220

 
229

 
(3.9
)%
 
670

 
715

 
(6.3
)%
Other Expenses
1,026

 
1,042

 
(1.5
)%
 
3,108

 
3,023

 
2.8
 %
Net Gain on Real Estate Transactions

 

 
 
 

 
33

 
 
Adjusted Other Expenses
1,026


1,042

 
(1.5
)%
 
3,108

 
3,056

 
1.7
 %
Total Operating Expenses
$
12,305

 
$
11,500

 
7.0
 %
 
$
35,431

 
$
34,056

 
4.0
 %
Adjusted Total Operating Expenses
$
11,409

 
$
11,500

 
(0.8
)%
 
34,535

 
$
34,089

 
1.3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency Translation (Benefit) Cost
 
 
 
 
$
(147
)
 
 
 
 
 
$
(341
)
Compensation and Benefits
Adjusted benefits expense increased $42 million for the third quarter of 2012 compared with 2011 ($315 million year-to-date), primarily due to higher pension expense, increased health and welfare costs and changes in the expense associated with our self-insurance for worker’s compensation claims, as follows:
Adjusted pension expense increased $31 million for the third quarter of 2012 compared with 2011 ($149 million year-to-date), due to higher union contribution rates for multiemployer pension plans combined with increased service and interest costs for company-sponsored plans. The increase in service and interest costs for company-sponsored plans was largely due to continued service accruals and lower discount rates.
Health and welfare costs increased $54 million for the third quarter of 2012 compared with 2011 ($107 million year-to-date), largely due to less favorable experience trends.
Insurance reserves are established for estimates of the loss that we will ultimately incur on reported worker's compensation claims, as well as estimates of claims that have been incurred but not reported, and take into account a number of factors including our history of claim losses, payroll growth and the impact of safety improvement initiatives. The expense associated with our self-insurance programs for worker’s compensation claims decreased $33 million for the third quarter of 2012 compared with 2011, due to favorable actuarial expense adjustments as the frequency of claims was less than previously projected. On a year-to-date basis, an increase in total payroll costs, changes in state worker's compensation laws and an increase in the average severity of claims combined to produce a $39 million increase in expense in 2012 compared with 2011.

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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Employee payroll costs decreased $8 million for the third quarter of 2012 compared with 2011, largely due to reductions in management incentive compensation. Union and other labor payroll decreased, primarily due to a 0.5% reduction in total union labor hours for the quarter, which was impacted by having one less operating day in 2012. This decrease was partially offset by the contractual union wage rate increases that took effect under our collective bargaining agreement with the Teamsters. For the year-to-date period of 2012 compared with 2011, employee payroll costs increased $103 million, largely due to contractual union wage rate increases, as well as a 0.2% increase in total union labor hours; however, this was partially offset by a slight decline in management payroll costs due to a reduction in incentive compensation expense.
Repairs and Maintenance
The decrease in repairs and maintenance expense was largely due to lower aircraft maintenance costs, which decreased $15 million for the third quarter of 2012 compared with 2011 ($55 million year-to-date). This decrease resulted primarily from the conversion of an engine maintenance agreement with an outside vendor from a cost reimbursement approach to a fixed rate per flight hour. Additionally, aircraft maintenance expense declined due to a reduction in the number of scheduled maintenance checks for our Airbus A300, Boeing 757 and Boeing MD-11 aircraft.
Depreciation and Amortization
The increase in depreciation and amortization expense was primarily the result of an increase in depreciation expense on vehicles of $11 million for the third quarter of 2012 compared with 2011 ($42 million year-to-date), primarily resulting from the replacement of older, fully-depreciated vehicles, technology upgrades on new vehicles and an overall increase in the size of our vehicle fleet in our U.S. Domestic package operations.
Purchased Transportation
The decrease in purchased transportation expense charged to us by third-party air, ocean and truck carriers for the third quarter of 2012 compared with 2011 was impacted by several factors. In our international air freight forwarding business, lower rates charged to us by third-party air carriers resulted in a $55 million decline in expense for the third quarter of 2012 compared with 2011. Lower volume in our international package business allowed us to reduce the use of third-party carriers in the third quarter of 2012, which resulted in a $20 million decrease in expense. Additionally, the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations resulted in a $12 million decline in expense when comparing the third quarter of 2012 with the corresponding period of 2011. These factors were partially offset by a $30 million increase in expense for the quarter due to higher fees paid to the U.S. Postal Service associated with the strong volume growth in our SurePost product.
The decrease in purchased transportation expense for the year-to-date period of 2012 compared with 2011 was primarily due to lower rates charged to us by third-party air carriers in our international freight forwarding business ($113 million reduction in expense) and the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations ($51 million reduction in expense). These factors were largely offset by higher fees paid to the U.S. Postal Service related to our SurePost product ($90 million increase in expense), increased expense associated with our use of rail carriers ($14 million increase in expense) and increased volume in our DirectShip product ($32 million increase in expense).
Fuel
The decrease in fuel expense for the third quarter of 2012 compared with the same period of 2011 was primarily due to lower usage, which decreased expense by $29 million, as well as a decline in fuel prices for jet-A fuel and diesel, which decreased expense by $17 million. The year-to-date fuel expense increase was largely due to higher fuel prices in 2012 compared with 2011, which increased expense by $81 million; however, this was partially offset by lower usage of fuel products, which decreased expense by $53 million.
Other Occupancy
Other occupancy expense decreased in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012, compared with the corresponding periods of 2011, primarily due to reductions in personal property and real estate taxes combined with a decrease in utilities expense. The relatively warm winter in the United States, combined with lower natural gas prices, helped to reduce heating and snow removal costs in our facilities during the early months of 2012.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Other Expenses
The decrease in adjusted other expenses for the third quarter of 2012 compared with 2011 was largely due to a reduction in foreign currency remeasurement losses and package claims expense. These decreases were partially offset by expenses incurred in 2012 related to the proposed TNT Express N.V. acquisition, as well as increased expense related to transportation equipment rentals and auto liability insurance.
Year-to-date 2012 adjusted other expenses increased, compared with 2011, primarily due to an increase in transportation equipment rentals, bad debt expense and auto liability insurance, as well as expenses incurred in 2012 related to the proposed TNT Express N.V. acquisition. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in employee relocation expenses and a decline in package claims expense. Additionally, year-to-date 2012 adjusted other expenses were reduced by a $9 million gain on the sale of a distribution facility in our Supply Chain & Freight segment.

Investment Income and Interest Expense
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Change
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Change
 
2012
 
2011
 
%
 
2012
 
2011
 
%
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment Income
$
6

 
$
16

 
(62.5
)%
 
$
18

 
$
36

 
(50.0
)%
Interest Expense
$
(98
)
 
$
(84
)
 
16.7
 %
 
$
(284
)
 
$
(252
)
 
12.7
 %
Investment Income
The decrease in investment income for the third quarter of 2012 compared with the same period of 2011 was primarily caused by a $4 million decline in fair value adjustments ($12 million year-to-date) and an $8 million decline in realized gains on sales of investments ($20 million year-to-date). These declines were partially offset by an increase in interest income, largely due to having a higher average balance of interest-earning cash and investments in our portfolio in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012 compared with the corresponding periods of 2011.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012 compared to 2011, largely due to a higher average balance of debt outstanding, as well as a higher effective interest rate incurred on our debt. The higher effective interest rate largely resulted from two factors: (1) having a greater proportion of fixed-rate debt outstanding relative to lower-yielding variable rate debt and (2) an increase in the interest rate indices underlying our variable-rate debt and swaps in 2012. Additionally, interest expense increased in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012 compared with 2011 due to unfavorable fair value adjustments on interest rate swaps that have not been designated as hedges.
Income Tax Expense
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Change
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Change
 
2012
 
2011
 
%
 
2012
 
2011
 
%
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Tax Expense
$
205

 
$
526

 
(61.0
)%
 
$
1,304

 
$
1,588

 
(17.9
)%
Multiemployer Pension Plan Withdrawal Charge
337

 

 
 
 
337

 
 
 
 
Gain (Loss) on Real Estate Transactions

 

 


 

 
(13
)
 


Adjusted Income Tax Expense
$
542

 
$
526

 
3.0
 %
 
$
1,641

 
$
1,575

 
4.2
 %
Effective Tax Rate
30.4
%
 
32.9
%
 
 
 
33.8
%
 
34.0
%
 
 
Adjusted Effective Tax Rate
34.5
%
 
32.9
%
 
 
 
34.5
%
 
34.0
%
 
 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Our adjusted effective tax rate in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012, compared with 2011, increased primarily due to the expiration of certain U.S. tax credit provisions at the end of 2011, and a decrease in the relative benefit of other deductions and tax credits that do not increase in proportion to increases in pre-tax income. In addition, in the third quarter of 2011, we recorded the benefit of lowering the year-to-date adjusted effective tax rate in consideration of two other factors present at that time: (1) a higher proportion of total taxable income being earned in non-U.S. jurisdictions where statutory tax rates are lower than the U.S. federal jurisdiction and (2) favorable developments in certain U.S. state tax audit and litigation matters.
Adjusted income tax expense increased in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to higher pre-tax income and the factors described above.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Net Cash From Operating Activities
The following is a summary of the significant sources (uses) of cash from operating activities (amounts in millions):
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
Net income
$
2,555

 
$
3,079

Non-cash operating activities (a)
3,145

 
2,952

Pension and postretirement plan contributions (UPS-sponsored plans)
(864
)
 
(1,397
)
Income tax receivables and payables
272

 
269

Changes in working capital and other noncurrent assets and liabilities
79

 
481

Other sources (uses) of cash from operating activities
(84
)
 
(22
)
Net cash from operating activities
$
5,103

 
$
5,362

___________________ 
(a)
Represents depreciation and amortization, gains and losses on derivative transactions and foreign exchange, deferred income taxes, provisions for uncollectible accounts, pension and postretirement benefit expense, stock compensation expense, impairment charges, and other non-cash items.
Operating cash flow was negatively impacted in 2012, compared with 2011, by changes in our working capital position. Changes in working capital were largely a result of the timing of salary and wages payable and related tax withholdings, as a portion of the management incentive compensation award for 2011 was not paid until the first quarter of 2012 (due to a change in the structure of the program). Additionally, normal seasonal changes in accounts receivable, accounts payable, other current assets and liabilities, and other working capital needs provided a smaller benefit to our operating cash flow in 2012 as compared with 2011.
The adverse impact of working capital changes on our operating cash flow in 2012 compared with 2011 was partially offset by reduced pension and postretirement medical benefit plan contributions (net of the related tax benefits). Contributions to our company-sponsored pension and postretirement medical benefit plans have varied based primarily on whether any minimum funding requirements are present for the individual plans. The variance in contributions between 2012 and 2011 was largely due to the UPS IBT Pension Plan, to which we contributed $355 million in 2012 compared with $1.2 billion in 2011. The remaining contributions in both years were largely related to our international pension and U.S. postretirement medical plans. As discussed in Note 6 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements, we expect to contribute $31 million to our company-sponsored pension and U.S. postretirement medical benefit plans over the remainder of 2012.


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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Net Cash Used In Investing Activities
Our primary sources (uses) of cash for investing activities were as follows (amounts in millions):
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(907
)
 
$
(2,116
)
 
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures:
 
 
 
Buildings and facilities
$
(350
)
 
$
(247
)
Aircraft and parts
(499
)
 
(569
)
Vehicles
(440
)
 
(463
)
Information technology
(314
)
 
(278
)
 
$
(1,603
)
 
$
(1,557
)
 
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures as a % of Revenue
4.1
%
 
4.0
%
 
 
 
 
Other Investing Activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment
$
61

 
$
29

Net decrease in finance receivables
$
56

 
$
128

Net sales (purchases) of marketable securities
$
645

 
$
(473
)
Cash paid for business acquisitions
$
(100
)
 
$

Other sources (uses) of cash for investing activities
$
34

 
$
(243
)
We have commitments for the purchase of aircraft, vehicles, equipment and real estate to provide for the replacement of existing capacity and anticipated future growth. We generally fund our capital expenditures with our cash from operations. Capital spending on aircraft is primarily related to contract deposits on open aircraft orders, and final payments associated with the delivery of seven Boeing 767-300s in 2012 and the delivery of two Boeing 747-400s and five Boeing 767-300s in 2011. Capital spending on buildings and facilities and information technology increased in 2012 compared with 2011, largely due to our Cologne hub expansion in Germany as well as various technology deployments. Future capital spending for anticipated growth and replacement assets will depend on a variety of factors, including economic and industry conditions.
The net decrease in finance receivables was primarily due to loan sales in our business credit and asset-based lending portfolios. The purchases and sales of marketable securities are largely determined by liquidity needs and the periodic rebalancing of investment types, and will therefore fluctuate from period to period. The cash paid for business acquisitions was related to our acquisition of Kiala S.A., which closed in the first quarter of 2012. Other investing activities include the cash settlement of derivative contracts used in our currency hedging programs and the timing of aircraft purchase contract deposits on our Boeing 767-300 aircraft order.
On March 19, 2012, we announced an agreement to purchase TNT Express N.V. ("TNT Express") for €9.50 per ordinary share. The offer values the issued and outstanding share capital of TNT Express at €5.16 billion (approximately $6.67 billion at the September 30, 2012 exchange rate). We currently anticipate that the acquisition will be completed in early 2013 and intend to finance the offer by utilizing a combination of available cash and debt backed by existing credit facilities.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
Our primary sources (uses) of cash for financing activities are as follows (amounts in millions, except per share data):
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2012
 
2011
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
$
1,067

 
$
(2,484
)
Share Repurchases:
 
 
 
Cash expended for shares repurchased
$
(1,402
)
 
$
(2,173
)
Number of shares repurchased
(18.5
)
 
(31.7
)
Shares outstanding at period end
952

 
966

Percent reduction in shares outstanding
(1.1
)%
 
(2.5
)%
Dividends:
 
 
 
Dividends declared per share
$
1.71

 
$
1.56

Cash expended for dividend payments
$
(1,600
)
 
$
(1,500
)
Borrowings:
 
 
 
Net borrowings of debt principal
$
3,808

 
$
1,207

Other Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Cash received for common stock issuances
$
253

 
$
220

Other sources (uses) of cash for financing activities
$
8

 
$
(238
)
Capitalization (as of September 30 each year):
 
 
 
Total debt outstanding at period end
$
15,007

 
$
12,402

Total shareowners’ equity at period end
7,614

 
7,869

Total capitalization
$
22,621

 
$
20,271

Debt to Total Capitalization %
66.3
 %
 
61.2
 %
We repurchased a total of 18.5 million shares of class A and class B common stock for $1.392 billion during the year-to-date 2012 period, and 31.7 million shares for $2.190 billion for the year-to-date 2011 period ($1,402 billion and $2,173 billion in repurchases for 2012 and 2011, respectively, are reported on the cash flow statement due to the timing of settlements). On May 3, 2012, the Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase authorization of $5.0 billion, which replaces an authorization previously announced in 2008. The new share repurchase authorization has no expiration date, and as of September 30, 2012, we had $4.216 billion of this share repurchase authorization remaining. We anticipate repurchasing approximately $1.5 billion in shares for all of 2012.
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 increased our quarterly cash dividend payment to $0.57 per share in 2012, compared with the previous $0.52 quarterly dividend rate in 2011. We expect to continue the practice of paying regular cash dividends.
Issuances of debt in 2012 consisted primarily of commercial paper and an offering of $1.75 billion of senior notes (discussed further below), while the issuances of debt in 2011 consisted primarily of commercial paper. Repayments of debt in 2012 and 2011 consisted primarily of scheduled principal payments on capitalized lease obligations, paydowns of commercial paper and the early redemption of certain floating rate notes. 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.

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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


In September 2012, we completed an offering of $1.75 billion in senior notes, consisting of $375 million of 1.125% notes due October 2017, $1.0 billion of 2.45% notes due October 2022, and $375 million of 3.625% notes due October 2042. These notes pay interest semiannually. We may redeem all or any portions of the notes at any time by paying the greater of the principal amount plus accrued interest, or the sum of the present values of remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest discounted to the redemption date at an applicable Treasury rate plus 10 basis points for the 1.125% notes and 15 basis points for the 2.45% and 3.625% notes (plus in each case, accrued interest to the date of redemption). After pricing and underwriting discounts, we received a total of $1.734 billion in cash proceeds from the offering. The proceeds from this offering will be used for the principal repayment of the $1.75 billion 4.5% senior notes due January 15, 2013.
The cash outflows in other financing activities were primarily due to premiums paid and received on capped call options for the purchase of UPS class B shares, and tax withholdings on vested employee stock awards.
Sources of Credit
We are authorized to borrow up to $10.0 billion under the U.S. commercial paper program we maintain. We had $2.075 billion outstanding under this program as of September 30, 2012, with an average interest rate of 0.08%. 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. As of September 30, 2012, there were no amounts outstanding under this program.
We maintain two credit agreements with a consortium of banks. One of these agreements provides revolving credit facilities of $1.5 billion, and expires on April 11, 2013. Generally, amounts outstanding under this facility bear interest at a periodic fixed rate equal to LIBOR for the applicable interest period and currency denomination, plus an applicable margin. Alternatively, a fluctuating rate of interest equal to Citibank’s publicly announced base rate, plus an applicable margin, may be used at our discretion. In each case, the applicable margin for advances bearing interest based on LIBOR is a percentage determined by quotations from Markit Group Ltd. for our 1-year credit default swap spread, subject to a minimum rate of 0.10% and a maximum rate of 0.75%. The applicable margin for advances bearing interest based on the base rate is 1.00% below the applicable margin for LIBOR advances (but not lower than 0.00%). We are also able to request advances under this facility based on competitive bids for the applicable interest rate. There were no amounts outstanding under this facility as of September 30, 2012.
The second agreement provides revolving credit facilities of $1.0 billion, and expires on April 12, 2017. Generally, amounts outstanding under this facility bear interest at a periodic fixed rate equal to LIBOR for the applicable interest period and currency denomination, plus an applicable margin. Alternatively, a fluctuating rate of interest equal to Citibank’s publicly announced base rate, plus an applicable margin, may be used at our discretion. In each case, the applicable margin for advances bearing interest based on LIBOR is a percentage determined by quotations from Markit Group Ltd. for our credit default swap spread, interpolated for a period from the date of determination of such credit default swap spread in connection with a new interest period until the latest maturity date of this facility then in effect (but not less than a period of one year). The applicable margin is subject to certain minimum rates and maximum rates based on our public debt ratings from Standard & Poor’s Rating Service and Moody’s Investors Service. The minimum applicable margin rates range from 0.100% to 0.375%, and the maximum applicable margin rates range from 0.750% to 1.250%. The applicable margin for advances bearing interest based on the base rate is 1.00% below the applicable margin for LIBOR advances (but not less than 0.00%). We are also able to request advances under this facility based on competitive bids. There were no amounts outstanding under this facility as of September 30, 2012.
Our Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s short-term credit ratings are P-1 and A-1, respectively. Our Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s long-term credit ratings are Aa3 and A+, respectively. We currently have a negative outlook from both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s.
Our existing debt instruments and credit facilities subject us to certain financial covenants. As of September 30, 2012 and for all prior periods, we have satisfied these financial covenants. These covenants limit the amount of secured indebtedness that we may incur, and limit the amount of attributable debt in sale-leaseback transactions, to 10% of net tangible assets. As of September 30, 2012, 10% of net tangible assets was equivalent to $2.599 billion; however, we have no covered sale-leaseback transactions or secured indebtedness outstanding. Additionally, we are required to maintain a minimum net worth, as defined, of $5.0 billion on a quarterly basis. As of September 30, 2012, our net worth, as defined, was equivalent to $10.458 billion. We do not expect these covenants to have a material impact on our financial condition or liquidity.

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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Except as described in this quarterly report, the nature and amounts of our payment obligations under our debt, capital and operating lease agreements, purchase commitments, and other liabilities as of September 30, 2012 have not materially changed from those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
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.
Guarantees and Other Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have guarantees or other off-balance sheet financing arrangements, including variable interest entities, which we believe could have a material impact on our financial condition or liquidity.
Contingencies
We are involved in a number of judicial proceedings and other matters arising from the conduct of our business activities.
Although there can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome, we have generally denied, or believe we have a meritorious defense and will deny, liability in all litigation pending against us, including (except as otherwise noted herein) the matters described below, and we intend to defend vigorously each case. We have accrued for legal claims when, and to the extent that, amounts associated with the claims become probable and can be reasonably estimated. The actual costs of resolving legal claims may be substantially higher or lower than the amounts accrued for those claims.
For those matters as to which we are not able to estimate a possible loss or range of loss, we are not able to determine whether the loss will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations or liquidity. For matters in this category, we have indicated in the descriptions that follow the reasons that we are unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss.
Judicial 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. At this time, we do not believe that any loss associated with these matters, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
UPS and our subsidiary Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. are defendants in a lawsuit in California Superior Court about the rebranding of The UPS Store franchises.  In Morgate, the plaintiffs are 125 individual franchisees who did not rebrand to The UPS Store and a certified class of all franchisees who did rebrand. The trial court entered judgment against a bellwether individual plaintiff, which was affirmed in January 2012. The trial court granted our motion for summary judgment against the certified class, which was reversed in January 2012.  
There are multiple factors that prevent us from being able to estimate the amount of loss, if any, that may result from whatever remaining aspects of this case proceeds including: (1) we are vigorously defending ourselves and believe we have a number of meritorious legal defenses; and (2) it remains uncertain what evidence of damages, if any, plaintiffs will be able to present. Accordingly, at this time, we are not able to estimate a possible loss or range of loss that may result from this matter or to determine whether such loss, if any, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


In AFMS LLC v. UPS and FedEx Corporation, a lawsuit filed in federal court in the Central District of California in August 2010, the plaintiff asserts that UPS and FedEx violated U.S. antitrust law by conspiring to refuse to negotiate with third party negotiators retained by shippers and by individually imposing policies that prevent shippers from using such negotiators. The Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) has informed us that it has opened a civil investigation of our policies and practices for dealing with third party negotiators. We are cooperating with this investigation. We deny any liability with respect to these matters and intend to vigorously defend ourselves. There are multiple factors that prevent us from being able to estimate the amount of loss, if any, that may result from these matters including: (1) we believe that we have a number of meritorious defenses; (2) discovery is ongoing; and (3) the DOJ investigation is ongoing. Accordingly, at this time, we are not able to estimate a possible loss or range of loss that may result from these matters or to determine whether such loss, if any, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
In Canada, three purported class-action cases were filed against us in British Columbia (2006); Ontario (2007) and Québec (2006). The cases each allege inadequate disclosure concerning the existence and cost of brokerage services provided by us under applicable provincial consumer protection legislation and infringement of interest restriction provisions under the Criminal Code of Canada. The British Columbia class action was declared inappropriate for certification and dismissed by the trial judge. That decision was upheld by the British Columbia Court of Appeal in March 2010, which ended the case in our favor. The Ontario class action was certified in September 2011. Partial summary judgment was granted to us and the plaintiffs by the Ontario motions court. The complaint under the Criminal Code was dismissed. No appeal is being taken from that decision. The allegations of inadequate disclosure were granted and we are appealing that decision. The motion to authorize the Québec litigation as a class action was dismissed by the trial judge in October 2012; there may be an appeal. We have denied all liability and are vigorously defending the two outstanding cases. There are multiple factors that prevent us from being able to estimate the amount of loss, if any, that may result from these matters, including: (1) we are vigorously defending ourselves and believe that we have a number of meritorious legal defenses; and (2) there are unresolved questions of law and fact that could be important to the ultimate resolution of these matters. Accordingly, at this time, we are not able to estimate a possible loss or range of loss that may result from these matters or to determine whether such loss, if any, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operation or liquidity.
Other Matters
In May and December 2007 and August 2008 we received and responded to grand jury subpoenas from the DOJ in the Northern District of California in connection with an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. We also have responded to informal requests for information in connection with this investigation, which relates to transportation of packages on behalf of on-line pharmacies that may have operated illegally. We have been cooperating with this investigation and are exploring the possibility of resolving this matter, which could include our undertaking further enhancements to our compliance program and/or a payment. Such a payment may exceed the amounts previously accrued with respect to this matter, but we do not expect that the amount of such additional loss would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
We received a grand jury subpoena from the Antitrust Division of the DOJ regarding the DOJ's investigation into certain pricing practices in the freight forwarding industry in December 2007.
In August 2010, competition authorities in Brazil opened an administrative proceeding to investigate alleged anticompetitive behavior in the freight forwarding industry. Approximately 45 freight forwarding companies and individuals are named in the proceeding, including UPS, UPS SCS Transportes (Brasil) S.A., and a former employee in Brazil. UPS will have an opportunity to respond to these allegations.
We are cooperating with each of these investigations, and intend to continue to vigorously defend ourselves. There are multiple factors that prevent us from being able to estimate the amount of loss, if any, that may result from these matters including: (1) we are vigorously defending each matter and believe that we have a number of meritorious legal defenses; (2) there are unresolved questions of law that could be of importance to the ultimate resolutions of these matters, including the calculation of any potential fine; and (3) there is uncertainty about the time period that is the subject of the investigations. Accordingly, at this time, we are not able to estimate a possible loss or range of loss that may result from these matters or to determine whether such loss, if any, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


   
In January 2008, a class action complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York alleging price-fixing activities relating to the provision of freight forwarding services. UPS was not named in this case. In July 2009, the plaintiffs filed a first amended complaint naming numerous global freight forwarders as defendants. UPS and UPS Supply Chain Solutions are among the 60 defendants named in the amended complaint. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves in this case. There are multiple factors that prevent us from being able to estimate the amount of loss, if any, that may result from these matters including: (1) the court has dismissed the complaint, with leave to amend, and the scope of the plaintiffs' claims is therefore unclear; (2) the scope and size of the proposed class is ill-defined; (3) there are significant legal questions about the adequacy and standing of the putative class representatives; and (4) we believe that we have a number of meritorious legal defenses. Accordingly, at this time, we are not able to estimate a possible loss or range of loss that may result from these matters or to determine whether such loss, 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 do not believe that the eventual resolution of these other lawsuits (either individually or in the aggregate), including any reasonably possible losses in excess of current accruals, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Collective Bargaining Agreements
As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately 245,000 employees employed under a national master agreement and various supplemental agreements with local unions affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (“Teamsters”). These agreements run through July 31, 2013. We have approximately 2,700 pilots who are employed under a collective bargaining agreement with the Independent Pilots Association, which became amendable at the end of 2011. Our airline mechanics are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 2727, which runs through November 1, 2013. In addition, approximately 3,200 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 (“IAM”). Our agreement with the IAM runs through July 31, 2014.
Multiemployer Benefit Plans
We contribute to a number of multiemployer defined benefit and health and welfare plans under terms of collective bargaining agreements that cover our union represented employees. Our current collective bargaining agreements set forth the annual contribution increases allotted to the plans that we participate in, and we are in compliance with these contribution rates. These limitations will remain in effect throughout the terms of the existing collective bargaining agreements.
In the third quarter of 2012, we reached an agreement with the New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund ("NETTI Fund"), a multiemployer pension plan in which UPS is a participant, to restructure the pension liabilities for approximately 10,200 UPS employees represented by the Teamsters. The agreement reflects a decision by the NETTI Fund's trustees to restructure the NETTI Fund through plan amendments to utilize a "two pool approach", which effectively subdivides the plan assets and liabilities between two groups of beneficiaries. As part of this agreement, UPS agreed to withdraw from the original pool of the NETTI Fund of which it had historically been a participant, and reenter the NETTI Fund's newly-established pool as a new employer.
Upon ratification of the agreement by the Teamsters in September 2012, we withdrew from the original pool of the NETTI Fund and incurred an undiscounted withdrawal liability of $2.162 billion to be paid in equal monthly installments over 50 years. The undiscounted withdrawal liability was calculated by independent actuaries employed by the NETTI Fund, in accordance with the governing plan documents and the applicable requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. In the third quarter of 2012, we recorded a charge to expense to establish an $896 million withdrawal liability on our balance sheet, which represents the present value of the $2.162 billion future payment obligation discounted at a 4.25% interest rate. This discount rate represents the estimated credit-adjusted market rate of interest at which we could obtain financing of a similar maturity and seniority.

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UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


As part of this agreement, we believe that UPS, the NETTI Fund and our affected employees have obtained several benefits, including:
The old pool of the NETTI Fund has historically had, and would likely continue to have, funding challenges; this represented a risk to UPS of having to face higher future contribution requirements, as well as a risk to the security of the pension benefits of those UPS employees who participate in the NETTI Fund. The 50 year fixed payment obligation should improve the funded status of the NETTI Fund over time, while reducing the risk to UPS of significantly higher future contribution requirements.
The newly-established pool provides better protections for new participating employers. This pool uses a direct-attribution methodology for calculating any potential future withdrawal liabilities, which reduces our exposure to the liabilities of other participating employers. Additionally, this pool contains provisions designed to maintain a fully-funded status, including automatic benefit reductions and/or increased employee contributions in the event of an underfunded situation occurring.
As part of the agreement, we were able to freeze our hourly pension contribution rate to the newly-established pool of the NETTI Fund for a period of 10 years, which provides cash flow visibility for both UPS and the NETTI Fund.
The $896 million charge to expense recorded in the third quarter of 2012 is included in "compensation and benefits expense" in the consolidated statement of income, while the corresponding withdrawal liability is included in "other non-current liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheet. We will impute interest on the withdrawal liability using the 4.25% discount rate, while the monthly payments made to the NETTI Fund will reduce the remaining balance of the withdrawal liability.
Our status in the newly-established pool of the NETTI Fund is accounted for as the participation in a new multiemployer pension plan, and therefore we will recognize expense based on the contractually-required contribution for each period, and we will recognize a liability for any contributions due and unpaid at the end of a reporting period.
Rate Adjustments
In June 2012, our UPS Freight unit announced a general rate increase averaging 5.9%, covering non-contractual shipments in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The rate adjustment took effect on July 16, 2012, and applies to minimum charge, LTL rates and accessorial charges.
Tax Matters
We received an IRS Revenue Agent Report (RAR) covering excise taxes for tax years 2003 through 2007 in June 2011. The excise tax RAR proposed two alternate theories for asserting additional excise tax on transportation of property by air. We disagree with these proposed excise tax theories and related adjustments.
We believe that these theories are not based on a reasonable interpretation of the applicable law, are inconsistent with our historical operating structure, and are in direct conflict with previously issued guidance to UPS from the IRS National Office. We filed protests and, in the third quarter of 2011, the IRS responded to our protests and forwarded the case to IRS Appeals.
We believe the likelihood that these theories will ultimately be sustained is remote.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Further, we have asserted that if the current excise tax theories are sustained, UPS will be entitled to correlative income tax refunds for the 1999 through 2007 tax years. Accordingly, we have filed protective income tax refund claims for amounts significantly greater than the proposed excise tax assessments. The IRS has not completed its audit or made any claims with respect to any tax year after 2007, nor have we filed protective income tax refund claims for those tax years. However, the income tax refund claims for those tax years would also be significantly greater than the amount of any excise tax assessment proposed under similar theories.
Because we believe there is only a remote likelihood that the excise tax RAR theories will ultimately be sustained, we have concluded that the uncertain income tax positions associated with the protective refund claims based on the same theories do not currently meet the applicable standard for recognition of an income tax benefit. Accordingly, we have not accrued any income tax benefit of such claims in our financial statements or in the disclosures in Note 14.
In the third quarter of 2012, following the Appeals Opening Conference in July 2012, we had settlement discussions which we expect will lead to a complete resolution of all excise tax matters and correlative income tax refund claims for the 2003 through 2007 tax years within the next twelve months. At this time, we do not believe the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.
In addition to the excise tax matters described above, we received an IRS Revenue Agent Report (RAR) covering income taxes for tax years 2005 through 2007 in June 2011. The income tax RAR proposed adjustments related to the value of acquired software and intangibles, research credit expenditures, and the amount of deductible costs associated with our Pound Sterling Notes exchange offer completed in May 2007. Receipt of the RAR represents only the conclusion of the examination process. We disagree with some of the proposed adjustments related to these matters. Therefore, we filed protests and, in the third quarter of 2011, the IRS responded to our protests and forwarded the case to IRS Appeals.
We expect to begin discussions of these income tax matters with IRS Appeals within the next twelve months. It should be noted, however, that the ultimate resolution of these matters will result in a refund to UPS - even according to the adjustments proposed by the IRS.
At this time, we do not believe the ultimate resolution of these income tax matters will have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an Accounting Standards Update to disclosure requirements for fair value measurement. These amendments, which became effective for us in the first quarter of 2012, result in a common definition of fair value and common measurement and disclosure requirements between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. Consequently, the amendments change some fair value measurement principles and disclosure requirements. The implementation of this amended accounting guidance had an immaterial impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
In June 2011, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update that increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income in the financial statements. This update requires companies to present comprehensive income in a single statement below net income or in a separate statement of comprehensive income immediately following the income statement. This requirement became effective for us beginning with the first quarter of 2012, and we have included the required presentation in all applicable filings since that date.
In July 2012, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update that added an optional qualitative assessment for determining whether an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. The objective of this update is to reduce the cost and complexity of performing an impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets by allowing an entity the option to make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of an intangible impairment to determine whether it should calculate the fair value of the asset. This accounting standards update also amends existing guidance by expanding upon the examples of events and circumstances that an entity should consider between annual impairment tests in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. We adopted this accounting standard update and applied its provisions to certain of our intangible assets for our annual impairment testing as of October 1, 2012.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Other accounting pronouncements adopted during the periods covered by the consolidated financial statements had an immaterial impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Effective
Accounting pronouncements issued, but not effective until after September 30, 2012, are not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

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Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, equity prices, and certain commodity prices. This market risk arises 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 total fair value asset (liability) of our derivative financial instruments is summarized in the following table (in millions):
 
September 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
Currency Derivatives
$
(79
)
 
$
(19
)
Interest Rate Derivatives
502

 
460

 
$
423

 
$
441

Our market risks, hedging strategies and financial instrument positions at September 30, 2012 have not materially changed from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. In 2012, we entered into several interest rate basis swaps, which effectively converted cash flows based on variable LIBOR-based interest rates to cash flows based on the prevailing federal funds interest rate. We also entered into new currency options on the Euro, British Pound Sterling and Canadian Dollar, as well as terminated positions that expired during the first nine months of 2012. The remaining fair value changes between December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012 in the preceding table are primarily due to interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate changes between those dates.
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 banks and financial institutions that meet established credit guidelines.
We have agreements with substantially all of our active counterparties containing early termination rights and/or bilateral collateral provisions whereby cash is required whenever the net fair value of derivatives associated with those counterparties exceed specific thresholds. Events, such as a credit rating downgrade (depending on the ultimate rating level) would typically require an increase in the amount of collateral required of the counterparty and/or allow us to take additional protective measures such as early termination of trades. At September 30, 2012, we held cash collateral of $128 million under these agreements.
We have not historically incurred, and do not expect to incur in the future, any losses as a result of counterparty default.
The information concerning market risk under the caption “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” on pages 56-58 of our consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, is hereby incorporated by reference in this report.
Item 4.
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 (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”)). Based upon that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management to allow their timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting:
There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
For a discussion of legal proceedings affecting us and our subsidiaries, please see the information under the sub-caption “Contingencies” of the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in this report.
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the risk factors described in Part 1, Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
(c) A summary of our repurchases of our class A and class B common stock during the third quarter of 2012 is as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased(1)
 
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
 
Total Number
of Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Program
 
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet be  Purchased
Under the Program
July 1 – July 31, 2012
0.6

 
$
78.88

 
0.5

 
$
4,696

August 1 – August 31, 2012
1.2

 
71.00

 
1.1

 
4,615

September 1 – September 30, 2012
5.6

 
72.13

 
5.6

 
4,216

Total July 1 – September 30, 2012
7.4

 
$
72.44

 
7.2

 
 
_________________ 
(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.
On May 3, 2012, the Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase authorization of $5.0 billion, which replaces an authorization previously announced in 2008. The new share repurchase authorization has no expiration date. Share repurchases may take the form of accelerated share repurchases, open market purchases, or other such methods as we deem appropriate. The timing of our share repurchases will depend upon market conditions. Unless terminated earlier by the resolution of our Board, the program will expire when we have purchased all shares authorized for repurchase under the program.
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 5.
Other Information
None.

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Item 6.
Exhibits
These exhibits are either incorporated by reference into this report or filed with this report as indicated below.
Index to Exhibits:
3.1

  
  
Form of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of United Parcel Service, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2010).
 
 
 
3.2

  
  
Amended and Restated Bylaws of United Parcel Service, Inc. as of May 6, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K, filed on May 12, 2010).
 
 
 
 
 
11

  
  
Statement regarding Computation of per Share Earnings (incorporated by reference to Note 12 to “Item 1. Financial Statements” of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q).
 
 
 
†12

  
  
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
 
 
 
†31.1

  
  
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
†31.2

  
  
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
†32.1

  
  
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
†32.2

  
  
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
††101

  
  
The following financial information from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
___________________
Filed herewith.
††
Furnished electronically herewith



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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC.
(Registrant)
 
 
 
Date:
November 2, 2012
By:
  
/S/    KURT P. KUEHN        
 
 
 
  
Kurt P. Kuehn
 
 
 
  
Senior Vice President and
 
 
 
  
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
  
(Duly Authorized Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)



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