Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

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DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
)
 
$
—