Interest And Investment Income

When we determine that available funds exceed current needs, funds are invested with the U.S. Treasury’s Bureau of Public Debt in overnight securities issued by the U.S. Treasury. Due to net losses sustained during the years, historically low interest rates and increased levels of debt, investment income was only $1 million in 2010 and $2 million in 2009. In 2008, with less debt to repay and higher cash on hand, the Postal Service earned investment income of $11 million.

 

Interest and Investment Income (dollars in millions)

 

2010

2009

2008

Imputed Interest — Revenue Forgone

$ 24

$ 24

$ 25

Other Interest

1

2

11

Total Interest and Investment Income

$ 25

$ 26

$ 36

We also recognize imputed interest on the funds owed to us under the Revenue Forgone Reform Act of 1993. Under the Act, Congress agreed to reimburse the Postal Service $29 million annually through 2035 for services performed in prior years. See Note 11, Revenue Forgone, in the Notes to the Financial Statements for additional information.

The following table summarizes the cash requirements of contractual obligations as of September 30, 2010.

 

Contractual Obligations (dollars in millions)

contract obligations

Total

Payments Due by Year

Less Than 1 Year

13
Years

35
Years

After
5 Years

Debt (1)

$ 12,000

$ 7,500

$

$ 300

$ 4,200

Interest on Debt (1)

2,187

158

306

297

1,426

PSRHBF)

33,900

5,500

11,200

11,400

5,800

Capital Lease Obligations

845

101

198

179

367

Operating Leases

7,828

770

1,409

1,172

4,477

Capital Commitment (2)

1,315

763

382

110

60

Purchase Obligations (2)

4,226

1,455

2,764

7

Workers’ Compensation (3)

18,096

1,100

3,361

2,382

11,253

Employees’ Leave)

2,200

262

263

267

1,428

Total Contractual Obligations)

$ 82,617

$ 17,609

$ 19,883

$ 16,114

$ 29,011

(1) For overnight and short-term debt, the table assumes the balance as of period end remains outstanding for all periods presented.

(2) Legally binding obligations to purchase goods or services. Capital commitments pertain to purchases of equipment building improvements and vehicles. Purchase obligations generally pertain to items that are expensed when recieved or amortized over a short period of time. Capital commitments and purchase obligations are not reflected on the Balance Sheet.

(3) Assuming no new cases in future years. This amount represents the undiscounted expected workers’ compensation payments. The discounted amount of $12,589 million is reflected in our Balance Sheet at September 30, 2010.