01—Abstract
Summary
Summary of the 10-K filed February 27, 2009. Cited figures are marked; the original filing is the authoritative source.
United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) reported total revenues of $51.5 billiona for the year ended December 31, 2008, representing a 3.6% increase compared to the prior year.
The company navigated a challenging economic environment, with its U.S. Domestic Package segment showing modest revenue growth of 0.9%, primarily driven by increased revenue per piece. International Package revenue saw a more robust increase of 9.8%, supported by volume growth and favorable currency exchange rates, though trends slowed in the latter half of the year due to global economic conditions. The company's financial results were significantly impacted by a substantial charge of $6.1 billionb related to its withdrawal from the Central States Pension Fund in 2007, which heavily influenced year-over-year comparisons.
Excluding this one-time item and other charges, operating profit showed improvement, reflecting strong performance in the International Package and Supply Chain & Freight segments. Despite a challenging macroeconomic backdrop, UPS demonstrated resilience through pricing adjustments, cost management, and strategic investments in its global network and technology, positioning it for future growth.
Key financial highlights include a strong balance sheet with $1.049 billionc in cash and marketable securities and $6.780 billion in shareholder equity as of year-end 2008, alongside robust credit ratings from Moody's and Standard & Poor's. The company also continued its commitment to shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases.
02—Key points
Key Highlights
- Total revenue for 2008 reached $51.5 billion, up 3.6% from $49.7 billion in 2007.
- U.S. Domestic Package revenue grew by 0.9% to $31.3 billion, with a 3.0% increase in revenue per piece, partially offset by a 2.0% decline in average daily package volume due to the recession.
- International Package revenue increased by 9.8% to $11.3 billion, driven by a 6.8% volume increase in export products and a 6.1% rise in revenue per piece.
- The company reported a net income of $3.003 billion ($2.94 diluted EPS) for 2008, a significant increase from $382 million ($0.36 diluted EPS) in 2007, largely due to the absence of a $6.1 billion pension withdrawal charge in 2007.
- Operating expenses decreased by 6.1% primarily due to a reduction in compensation and benefits, largely attributable to the absence of the prior year's pension withdrawal charge.
- The company maintained strong financial health with $1.049 billion in cash and marketable securities and $6.780 billion in shareowners' equity at year-end 2008.
- Significant investments were made in capital expenditures, totaling $2.6 billion, including expansion of the Worldport hub and international facilities in China.
03—One dollar
04—Financials
Financial Highlights
Figures from 10-KFY2008filed February 27, 2009Financial Statements
FY2008 against FY2007
| Line item | FY2008FY2007 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $51.49B$49.69B | +3.6% |
| Operating Expenses | $46.10B$49.11B | −6.1% |
| Operating Income | $5.38B$578.00M | +831.1% |
| Interest Expense | $442.00M$246.00M | +79.7% |
| Net Income | $3.00B$382.00M | +686.1% |
| EPS (Basic) | $2.96$0.36 | +722.2% |
| EPS (Diluted) | $2.94$0.36 | +716.7% |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 1.02B— | — |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 1.02B— | — |
05—Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the overall financial performance of UPS in 2008?
In 2008, UPS generated $51.5 billion in revenue, a 3.6% increase from 2007. Despite challenging economic conditions impacting volume, the company reported a net income of $3.003 billion, or $2.94 per diluted share. This represents a significant recovery from 2007, which was heavily impacted by a large pension withdrawal charge.
How did the economic downturn affect UPS's different segments?
The U.S. Domestic Package segment saw a modest 0.9% revenue increase, driven by higher prices per package, but experienced a 2.0% decline in package volume due to the recession. The International Package segment performed better, with a 9.8% revenue increase, though growth slowed in the latter half of the year due to global economic weakness.
What major charges or one-time events impacted UPS's financial results?
The most significant factor impacting year-over-year comparisons was a $6.1 billion charge in 2007 related to UPS's withdrawal from the Central States Pension Fund. In 2008, the company recorded a $548 million goodwill impairment charge for its UPS Freight segment and a $27 million intangible asset impairment charge related to its UK operations.
What is UPS's financial position regarding liquidity and debt?
As of December 31, 2008, UPS had a strong balance sheet with $1.049 billion in cash and marketable securities and $6.780 billion in shareowners' equity. The company also maintained strong credit ratings and had access to substantial revolving credit facilities, indicating good liquidity.
06—Continue