SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
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Dec. 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES | SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Financial Statements and Business Activities
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), and include the accounts of United Parcel Service, Inc., and all of its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively "UPS" or the "Company"). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
We provide transportation services, primarily domestic and international letter and package delivery. Through our Supply Chain Solutions subsidiaries, we are also a global provider of transportation, logistics and related services.
In 2023, we reclassified certain operating expenses to better align with the manner in which we manage our operations. Substantially all of these costs were previously classified within operating expenses as Other expenses and have now been classified within operating expenses as Repairs and maintenance in the statements of consolidated income. The remaining line items within operating expenses impacted by this reclassification were inconsequential. As a result, the statements of consolidated income give effect to this reclassification as follows:
•Other expenses decreased by $381, $356 and $301 million for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
•Repairs and maintenance increased by $363, $369 and $326 million for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The reclassification had no impact on our reported revenue, operating profit, net income, or any internal performance measure on which management is compensated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingencies. Estimates have been prepared on the basis of the most current and best information, and actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
United States ("U.S.") Domestic Package and International Package Operations: Revenue is recognized over time as we perform the services in the contract.
Forwarding: Freight forwarding revenue, including truckload brokerage revenue, and expenses related to the transportation of freight are recognized over time as we perform the services. Customs brokerage revenue is recognized upon completing documents necessary for customs entry purposes.
Logistics: In our Logistics business we have a right to consideration from customers in an amount that corresponds directly with the value to the customers of our performance completed to date, and as such we recognize revenue in the amount to which we have a right to invoice the customer.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash. We consider securities with maturities of three months or less and insignificant credit risk, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of these securities approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. As of December 31, 2023, we had $37 million of restricted cash related to certain tax and regulatory matters and acquisitions. We had no restricted cash as of December 31, 2022.
Marketable Securities and Non-Current Investments
Debt securities are classified as either trading or available-for-sale securities and are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are reported as Investment income and other on the statements of consolidated income. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are reported within other comprehensive income, a separate component of shareowners’ equity. The amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. Such amortization and accretion is included in Investment income and other, together with interest and dividends. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method; realized gains and losses resulting from such sales are included in Investment income and other.
We periodically review our available-for-sale investments for indications of other-than-temporary impairment considering many factors, including the extent and duration to which a security’s fair value has been less than its cost, overall economic and market conditions and the financial condition and specific prospects for the issuer. Impairment of available-for-sale securities results in a charge to income when a market decline below cost is other-than-temporary, which includes consideration of whether we have both the intent and ability to hold such securities for the time necessary to recover the cost basis. If a decline in fair value is determined to be the result of a credit loss, then the decrease is recognized in income through an allowance for credit losses.
Investments in equity securities through which we exercise significant influence but do not have control over the investee are accounted for under the equity method. We record the investment at cost and subsequently increase or decrease the carrying amount of the investment by our proportionate share of the net earnings or losses and other comprehensive income of the investee. Gains and losses from equity method investments are reported in Investment income and other on the statements of consolidated income. We record dividends or other equity distributions as reductions of the carrying value of the investment. Equity method investments are included within Other Non-Current Assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
Inventories
Fuel and other materials and supplies are recognized as inventory when purchased, and then charged to expense when used in our operations. Jet fuel, diesel and unleaded gasoline inventories are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. Total inventories were $935 and $889 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and are included in Other current assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. We evaluate the useful lives of our property, plant and equipment based on our usage, maintenance and replacement policies, and taking into account physical and economic factors that may affect the useful lives of the assets.
Depreciation and amortization are provided by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are as follows:
•Aircraft: 7 to 40 years, based on aircraft type and original aircraft manufacture date
•Buildings: 10 to 40 years
•Leasehold Improvements: lesser of asset useful life or lease term
•Plant Equipment: 3 to 20 years
•Technology Equipment: 3 to 10 years
•Vehicles: 5 to 15 years
Routine maintenance and repairs are generally charged to expense as incurred. For substantially all of our aircraft, the costs of major airframe and engine overhauls, as well as routine maintenance and repairs, are charged to expense as incurred.
Interest incurred during the construction of property, plant and equipment is capitalized until the underlying assets are placed in service, at which time amortization of the capitalized interest begins, straight-line, over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Capitalized interest was $118 and $60 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
We monitor our property, plant and equipment for any indicators that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable, at which time we review long-lived assets for impairment based on undiscounted future cash flows. If the carrying amount of the asset is determined not to be recoverable, a write-down to fair value is recorded. Fair values are determined based on quoted market values, discounted cash flows or external appraisals, as appropriate. We test long-lived assets for impairment at the asset group level, which is the lowest level at which independent cash flows can be identified. Refer to note 4 for a discussion of impairments of property, plant and equipment.
Leases
We recognize a right-of-use ("ROU") asset and lease obligation for all leases greater than twelve months, including reasonably certain renewal or purchase options. Some of our leases contain both lease and non-lease components, which we have elected to treat as a single lease component. Lease costs for short-term leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Certain of our leases contain future payments that are dependent on an index or rate, such as the consumer price index. We initially measure the lease obligation and ROU asset using the index or rate at the commencement date. In subsequent periods, lease payments dependent on an index or rate are not remeasured. Rather, changes to payments due to a change in an index or rate are recognized in our statements of consolidated income in the period of the change.
When available, we use the rate implicit in the lease to discount lease payments; however, the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable for substantially all of our leases. For these leases, we use an estimate of our incremental borrowing rate to discount lease payments based on information available at lease commencement. The incremental borrowing rate is derived using multiple inputs including our credit rating, the impact of full collateralization, lease term and denominated currency.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Costs of purchased businesses in excess of net identifiable assets acquired (goodwill) and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment at least annually, unless changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred between annual tests. We complete our annual goodwill impairment evaluation as of July 1 on a reporting unit basis.
In assessing goodwill for impairment, we initially evaluate qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. We consider several factors, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, overall financial performance of the reporting unit, changes in management, strategy or customers and relevant reporting unit-specific events such as a change in the carrying amount of net assets, a more likely than not expectation of selling or disposing of all, or a portion of, a reporting unit, and the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit. If this qualitative assessment results in a conclusion that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, then no further testing is performed for that reporting unit.
If the qualitative assessment is not conclusive, or if we elect to bypass the qualitative test, we quantitatively assess the fair value of a reporting unit to test goodwill for impairment. We assess the fair value of a reporting unit using a combination of discounted cash flow modeling and observable valuation multiples for comparable companies. Our estimates are developed using assumptions that we believe are consistent with how a market participant would value our reporting units. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, we record the excess amount as goodwill impairment, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
When performing impairment tests of indefinite-lived intangible assets, we use a combination of income- and market-based approaches to estimate fair value. If the carrying value of the indefinite-lived asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.
Finite-lived intangible assets, including trademarks, licenses, patents, customer lists, non-compete agreements and franchise rights are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from 1 to 21 years. Capitalized software is generally amortized over 7 years. Finite-lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment as part of asset groups whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable.
Assets Held for Sale
We classify long-lived assets or disposal groups as held for sale in the period when all of the following conditions have been met:
•we have approved and committed to a plan to sell the assets or disposal group;
•the asset or disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition;
•an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the sale have been initiated;
•the sale of the asset or disposal group is probable and expected to be completed within one year;
•the asset or disposal group is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and
•it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.
We initially measure a long-lived asset or disposal group that is classified as held for sale at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less any costs to sell and recognize any loss in the period in which the held for sale criteria are met. Gains are not recognized until the date of sale. We cease depreciation and amortization of a long-lived asset, or assets within a disposal group, upon their designation as held for sale and subsequently assess fair value less any costs to sell at each reporting date until the asset or disposal group is no longer classified as held for sale.
Supplier Finance Programs
As part of our working capital management, certain financial institutions offer a Supply Chain Finance ("SCF") program to certain of our suppliers. We agree to commercial terms with our suppliers, including prices, quantities and payment terms, regardless of whether the supplier elects to participate in the SCF program. Suppliers issue invoices to us based on the agreed-upon contractual terms. If they participate in the SCF program, our suppliers, at their sole discretion, determine which invoices, if any, to sell to the financial institutions. Our suppliers’ voluntary inclusion of invoices in the SCF program has no bearing on our payment terms. No guarantees are provided by us under the SCF program. We have no economic interest in a supplier’s decision to participate, and we have no direct financial relationship with the financial institutions, as it relates to the SCF program.
Amounts due to our suppliers that participate in the SCF program are included in in our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, suppliers sold $504 and $806 million, respectively, of our outstanding payment obligations to participating institutions. A rollforward of obligations confirmed and paid during the year is presented below (in millions):
Self-Insurance Accruals
We self-insure costs associated with workers' compensation claims, automobile liability, health and welfare and general business liabilities, up to certain limits. Self-insurance reserves are established for estimates of the losses we will ultimately incur on reported claims, as well as estimates of claims that have been incurred but not yet reported. The expected ultimate cost for claims incurred is estimated based upon historical loss experience and judgments about the present and expected levels of cost per claim. Trends in actual experience are a significant factor in the determination of our reserves.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, we transferred a portion of our workers' compensation liability related to policy years 2001 through 2006 and policy year 2017 to a third-party insurer. We paid $151 million to transfer a portfolio of claims for which we carried reserves of $153 million, recognizing a pre-tax gain of $2 million that was recorded in Other expenses in the statement of consolidated income for the year ended December 31, 2023.
In 2022, we transferred a portion of our workers' compensation liability related to policy years 2007 through 2016 to a third-party insurer. We paid $341 million to transfer a portfolio of claims for which we carried reserves of $332 million, recognizing a pre-tax loss of $9 million that was recorded in Other expenses in the statement of consolidated income for the year ended December 31, 2022.
We also sponsor a number of health and welfare insurance plans for our employees. Liabilities and expenses related to these plans are based on estimates of the number of employees and eligible dependents covered under the plans, global health events, anticipated medical usage by participants and overall trends in medical costs and inflation.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits
We incur certain employment-related expenses associated with company-sponsored defined benefit pension and postretirement medical benefits. These expenses are calculated using various actuarial assumptions and methodologies, including discount rates, expected returns on plan assets, healthcare cost trend rates, inflation, compensation increase rates, mortality rates and coordination of benefits with plans not sponsored by UPS. Actuarial assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis, unless circumstances require an interim measurement of any of our plans.
We recognize changes in the fair value of plan assets and net actuarial gains or losses in excess of a corridor (defined as 10% of the greater of the fair value of plan assets or the plan's projected benefit obligation) in Investment income and other upon remeasurement of a plan. The remaining components of pension expense, primarily service and interest costs and the expected return on plan assets, are recorded ratably on a quarterly basis.
We recognize expense for required contributions to defined contribution plans quarterly, and we recognize a liability for any contributions due and unpaid within Accrued group welfare and retirement plan contributions.
We participate in a number of trustee-managed multiemployer pension and health and welfare plans for employees covered under collective bargaining agreements. Our contributions to these plans are determined in accordance with the respective collective bargaining agreements. We recognize expense for the contractually required contribution for each period, and we recognize a liability for any contributions due and unpaid within Accrued group welfare and retirement plan contributions.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for on an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, we generally consider all expected future events other than proposed changes in the tax law or rates. Valuation allowances are provided if it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Our current accounting policy for releasing income tax effects from other comprehensive income is based on a portfolio approach.
We recognize liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. Once it is determined that the position meets the recognition threshold, the second step requires us to estimate and measure the largest amount of tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. The difference between the amount of recognizable tax benefit and the total amount of tax benefit from positions filed or to be filed with the tax authorities is recorded as a liability for uncertain tax benefits. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as we have to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. We reevaluate uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement could result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision.
Foreign Currency Translation and Remeasurement
We translate the results of operations of our foreign subsidiaries using average exchange rates for each period, whereas balance sheet accounts are translated using exchange rates at the end of each period. Balance sheet currency translation adjustments are recorded in other comprehensive income. Pre-tax foreign currency transaction gains (losses) from remeasurement, net of hedging, included in Investment income and other were $(53), $72 and $(36) million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
Share-based awards are measured based on their fair values and expensed over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (the vesting period), less estimated forfeitures. We have issued employee share-based awards under various incentive compensation plans that contain vesting conditions, including service conditions, where the awards cliff vest after or three years or vest ratably over periods up to five years (the "nominal vesting period") or at the date the employee retires (as defined by the plan), if earlier. As of December 31, 2023, we have no outstanding share-based awards cliff vesting after one year. See note 13 for further discussion of our share-based awards. Compensation cost is generally recognized immediately for awards granted to retirement-eligible employees, or over the period from the grant date to the date retirement eligibility is achieved, if that is expected to occur during the nominal vesting period. We estimate forfeiture rates based on historical rates of forfeitures for awards with similar characteristics, historical and projected rates of employee turnover and the nature and terms of the vesting conditions of the awards. We reevaluate our forfeiture rates on an annual basis.
Fair Value Measurements
Our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis have been categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy. Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are based on other observable market data, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, such as interest rates and yield curves. Level 3 inputs are developed from unobservable data reflecting our own assumptions, and include situations where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability.
Certain non-financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, including property, plant, and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets. These assets are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is an impairment.
For business acquisitions, we allocate the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed and identified intangible assets based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. During the measurement period, which is one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Following the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to earnings.
Derivative Instruments
We recognize all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in our 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, we designate the derivative as a cash flow hedge, a fair value hedge or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation based upon the exposure being hedged.
•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 cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income, and reclassified into earnings in the period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.
•A fair value hedge refers to hedging the exposure to changes in the fair value of an existing asset or liability that is attributable to a particular risk. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is recognized in earnings during the current period, together with the 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 net investments in foreign operations. For instruments that meet the hedge accounting requirements, the net gains or losses attributable to changes in spot exchange rates are recorded in the foreign currency translation adjustment within other comprehensive income, and are recorded in the income statement when the hedged item affects earnings.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), and in December 2022 subsequently issued ASU 2022-06, to temporarily ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The standard provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform and can generally be applied through December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, we have transitioned our affected debt instruments and contracts to an alternative reference rate, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), which was adopted in accordance with recommendations of the Alternative Reference Rates Committee. We did not elect to apply the practical expedients provided under Topic 848 to these transitions, but we will continue to assess transactions for any potential impact during 2024.
In September 2022, the FASB issued an ASU to enhance the disclosure of supplier finance programs. This ASU did not affect the recognition, measurement or financial statement presentation of obligations covered by supplier finance programs. We adopted the requirements of this ASU as of January 1, 2023. It did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows or internal controls.
Other accounting pronouncements adopted during the periods covered by the consolidated financial statements did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows or internal controls.
Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Effective
In November 2023, the FASB issued an ASU on segment reporting, which will require new disclosures including relating to significant segment expenses and additional qualitative information including how segment measures are used by management. The standard becomes effective for us beginning with our 2024 annual reporting for both annual and interim periods. We are evaluating the impact of this ASU on our disclosures. We will be required to define significant segment expense categories and we anticipate providing additional qualitative information in accordance with this ASU. We do not expect this ASU to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In December 2023, the FASB issued an ASU to enhance tax-related disclosures. This update will require more standardized categories for tax rate reconciliation and additional detail for significant tax items. It will also require a breakdown of income taxes paid by jurisdiction exceeding 5% of total taxes and remove certain disclosure requirements for unremitted foreign earnings and uncertain tax positions. The standard becomes effective for us in the first quarter of 2025. We are evaluating its impact on our financial statements, disclosures and internal controls but do not expect this ASU to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows or internal controls.
Other accounting pronouncements issued, but not effective until after December 31, 2023, are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows or internal controls.
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