The past year in review

Financial Highlights

2010 was a difficult year for both the U.S. economy and the Postal Service. As the economy weakened, mail volumes and revenue continued to decline. The Postal Service met the challenge with focused cost reductions and increased efficiency.

	Years ended September 30			Percent change from preceding year
	2010	2009	2008	2010	2009	2008
(Dollars in millions, audited)
Operating revenue	$ 67,052	$68,090	$74,932	(1.5%)	(9.1%))	0.2%
Operating expenses *	$ 75,426	$71,830	$77,738	5.0%)	(7.6%)	(3.0%)
Loss from operations	$ (8,374)	$(3,740)	$(2,806)
Operating margin	(12.5%)	(5.5%)	(3.7%)
Net loss	$ (8,505)	$(3,794)	$(2,806)
Purchases of capital property and equipment	$ 1,393	$ 1,839	$ 1,995	(24.3%)	(7.8%)	(26.5%)
Debt	$ 12,000	$10,200	$ 7,200
Interest expense	$ 156	$ 80	$ 36
Capital contributions of U.S. government	$ 3,132	$ 3,087	$ 3,034
Deficit since reorganization	$(17,005)	$(8,500)	$(4,706)
Total net deficiency	$(13,873)	$(5,413)	$(1,672)
(Unaudited)
Number of career employees	583,908	623,128	663,238	(6.3%)	(6.0%)	(3.1%)
Mail volume (pieces in millions)	170,574	176,744	202,703	(3.5%)	(12.8%))	(4.5%))
New delivery points served	739,580	923,595	1,199,764