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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


X           QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011

OR

___           TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from   N/A   to   N/A  


COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-5046

Con-way Inc.

Incorporated in the State of Delaware
I.R.S. Employer Identification No. 94-1444798

2211 Old Earhart Road, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, Michigan  48105
Telephone Number (734) 994-6600

Former address: 2855 Campus Drive, Suite 300, San Mateo, California  94403
Former Telephone Number: (650) 378-5200

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  x    No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes  x    No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.
                           Large accelerated filer x  Accelerated filer o  Non-accelerated filer o  Smaller reporting company  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o    No x



Number of shares of Common Stock, $0.625 par value,
outstanding as of April 30, 2011:  55,420,003


 
 

 



CON-WAY INC.
FORM 10-Q
Quarter Ended March 31, 2011
           
           
Table of Contents
           
         
Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
           
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
           
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets -            
 
       
March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010
3
           
     
Statements of Consolidated Operations -
 
       
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
5
           
     
Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows -
 
       
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
6
           
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
7
           
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
16
           
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
27
           
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
28
           
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
           
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
29
           
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
29
           
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
29
           
 
Signatures
30
           
           
           

 
- 2 -

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
             
             
             
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
           
             
             
CON-WAY INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
             
             
             
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
ASSETS
 
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Current Assets
           
     Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 422,675     $ 421,420  
     Trade accounts receivable, net
    626,807       539,849  
     Other accounts receivable
    61,879       79,065  
     Operating supplies, at lower of average cost or market
    27,759       23,868  
     Prepaid expenses
    64,012       47,345  
     Deferred income taxes
    12,460       8,530  
      1,215,592       1,120,077  
                 
                 
Property, Plant and Equipment
               
     Land
    194,818       194,818  
     Buildings and leasehold improvements
    818,963       817,599  
     Revenue equipment
    1,489,984       1,480,561  
     Other equipment
    308,080       306,215  
      2,811,845       2,799,193  
   Accumulated depreciation
    (1,403,839 )     (1,394,608 )
      1,408,006       1,404,585  
                 
Other Assets
               
     Deferred charges and other assets
    38,955       39,107  
     Capitalized software, net
    18,835       19,083  
     Marketable securities
    5,975       6,039  
     Intangible assets, net
    16,415       17,191  
     Goodwill
    337,851       337,650  
      418,031       419,070  
                 
Total Assets
  $ 3,041,629     $ 2,943,732  
                 
                 
                 
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 

 

 
- 3 -

 



 
CON-WAY INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
 
             
             
             
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Current Liabilities
           
Accounts payable
  $ 363,326     $ 304,176  
Accrued liabilities
    225,263       203,231  
Self-insurance accruals
    98,725       105,857  
Short-term borrowings
    18,344       18,552  
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases
    20,246       20,074  
Total Current Liabilities
    725,904       651,890  
                 
Long-Term Liabilities
               
Long-term debt
    718,244       718,215  
Long-term obligations under capital leases
    70,876       75,735  
Self-insurance accruals
    165,051       169,311  
Employee benefits
    412,674       418,731  
Other liabilities and deferred credits
    47,298       41,789  
Deferred income taxes
    65,196       48,529  
Total Liabilities
    2,205,243       2,124,200  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)
               
                 
Shareholders' Equity
               
Common stock, $0.625 par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares;
               
issued 62,853,151 and 62,750,994 shares, respectively
    39,263       39,143  
Additional paid-in capital, common stock
    585,255       580,008  
Retained earnings
    820,891       821,187  
Cost of repurchased common stock
               
(7,681,083 and 7,884,597 shares, respectively)
    (331,742 )     (340,912 )
Total Common Shareholders' Equity
    1,113,667       1,099,426  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
    (277,281 )     (279,894 )
Total Shareholders' Equity
    836,386       819,532  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
  $ 3,041,629     $ 2,943,732  
                 
                 
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 

 

 
- 4 -

 


 
CON-WAY INC.
 
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
 
             
             
             
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Revenues
  $ 1,245,627     $ 1,161,911  
                 
Costs and Expenses
               
Salaries, wages and employee benefits
    491,640       489,459  
Purchased transportation
    316,990       277,641  
Other operating expenses
    130,682       133,751  
Fuel and fuel-related taxes
    136,027       114,349  
Depreciation and amortization
    50,314       45,026  
Maintenance
    29,472       31,485  
Rents and leases
    27,791       28,732  
Purchased labor
    26,015       24,301  
Loss from impairment of intangible assets
    -       2,767  
      1,208,931       1,147,511  
                 
Operating Income
    36,696       14,400  
                 
Other Income (Expense)
               
Investment income
    322       382  
Interest expense
    (13,919 )     (16,400 )
Miscellaneous, net
    (1,738 )     (1,296 )
      (15,335 )     (17,314 )
                 
Income (Loss) before Income Tax Provision
    21,361       (2,914 )
Income Tax Provision
    14,439       1,123  
                 
Net Income (Loss) Applicable to Common Shareholders
  $ 6,922     $ (4,037 )
                 
Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding
               
Basic
    55,039,751       49,335,702  
Diluted
    55,725,230       49,335,702  
                 
Earnings (Loss) per Common Share
               
Basic
               
  Net Income (Loss) Applicable to Common Shareholders
  $ 0.13     $ (0.08 )
                 
Diluted
               
  Net Income (Loss) Applicable to Common Shareholders
  $ 0.12     $ (0.08 )
                 
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 

 

 
- 5 -

 


 
CON-WAY INC.
 
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
             
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
  $ 421,420     $ 476,575  
                 
Operating Activities
               
Net income (loss)
    6,922       (4,037 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided
               
by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization, net of accretion
    50,078       43,216  
Non-cash compensation and employee benefits
    6,106       5,191  
Increase in deferred income taxes
    11,702       4,286  
Provision for uncollectible accounts
    1,963       1,244  
Loss from impairment of intangible assets
    -       2,767  
Loss (Gain) from sales of property and equipment, net
    (161 )     654  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Receivables
    (90,497 )     (102,532 )
Prepaid expenses
    (16,667 )     (16,589 )
Accounts payable
    59,150       50,899  
Accrued variable compensation
    (15,618 )     (9,621 )
Accrued liabilities, excluding accrued variable compensation
               
     and employee benefits
    36,995       36,399  
Self-insurance accruals
    (11,392 )     11,974  
Accrued income taxes
    17,240       (1,476 )
Employee benefits
    3,119       4,165  
Deferred charges and credits
    5,732       (1,303 )
Other
    (3,267 )     (1,387 )
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    61,405       23,850  
                 
Investing Activities
               
Capital expenditures
    (58,418 )     (16,132 )
Software expenditures
    (1,938 )     (1,115 )
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
    8,391       1,691  
Purchases of marketable securities
    -       (32,260 )
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities
    125       10,200  
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
    (51,840 )     (37,616 )
                 
Financing Activities
               
Repayment of capital leases
    (4,618 )     (2,148 )
Net proceeds from (repayments of) short-term borrowings
    (410 )     4,579  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    2,078       1,004  
Excess tax benefit from stock-option exercises
    150       96  
Payments of common dividends
    (5,510 )     (4,947 )
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
    (8,310 )     (1,416 )
                 
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    1,255       (15,182 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
  $ 422,675     $ 461,393  
                 
Supplemental Disclosure
               
Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes, net
  $ (18,204 )   $ 1,123  
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized
  $ 16,376     $ 15,497  
                 
Non-cash Financing Activities
               
Repurchased common stock issued under defined contribution plan
  $ 8,589     $ 8,769  
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 

 
- 6 -

 


CON-WAY INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


1. Principal Accounting Policies

Organization

Con-way Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (“Con-way”) provide transportation, logistics and supply-chain management services for a wide range of manufacturing, industrial and retail customers. Con-way’s business units operate in regional and transcontinental less-than-truckload and full-truckload freight transportation, contract logistics and supply-chain management, multimodal freight brokerage, and trailer manufacturing. As more fully discussed in Note 4, “Segment Reporting,” for financial reporting purposes, Con-way is divided into four reporting segments: Freight, Logistics, Truckload and Other.

Basis of Presentation

These interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X, and should be read in conjunction with Con-way’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Accordingly, significant accounting policies and other disclosures normally provided have been omitted.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly Con-way’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of annual results.

Earnings (Loss) per Share (“EPS”)

Basic EPS is computed by dividing reported earnings (loss) by the weighted-average common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is calculated as follows:

(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Numerator:
           
Net income (loss) applicable to common
           
 shareholders, as reported
  $ 6,922     $ (4,037 )
                 
Denominator:
               
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
    55,039,751       49,335,702  
Stock options and nonvested stock
    685,479       --  
      55,725,230       49,335,702  
                 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.12     $ (0.08 )
 
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the
               
computation of diluted EPS
    1,992,478       3,673,931  

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior-period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current-period presentation.

2. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill is recorded as the excess of an acquired entity’s purchase price over the amounts assigned to assets acquired (including separately recognized intangible assets) and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized but is assessed for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The assessment requires the comparison of the fair value of a reporting unit to the carrying value of its net assets, including allocated goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, Con-way must then compare the implied fair value of the reporting-unit goodwill with the carrying amount of the goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting-unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

 
- 7 -

 
The following table shows the changes in the gross carrying amounts of goodwill attributable to each applicable segment:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Logistics
   
Truckload
   
Other
   
Total
 
                         
Balance at December 31, 2009
                       
Goodwill
  $ 54,968     $ 464,598     $ 727     $ 520,293  
Accumulated impairment losses
    (31,822 )     (134,813 )     --       (166,635 )
      23,146       329,785       727       353,658  
                                 
Impairment charge
    (16,414 )     --       --       (16,414 )
Change in foreign currency exchange rates
    406       --       --       406  
Balances at December 31, 2010
                               
Goodwill
    55,374       464,598       727       520,699  
Accumulated impairment losses
    (48,236 )     (134,813 )     --       (183,049 )
      7,138       329,785       727       337,650  
                                 
Change in foreign currency exchange rates
    201       --       --       201  
Balances at March 31, 2011
                               
Goodwill
    55,575       464,598       727       520,900  
Accumulated impairment losses
    (48,236 )     (134,813 )     --       (183,049 )
    $ 7,339     $ 329,785     $ 727     $ 337,851  

Intangible Assets

The fair value of intangible assets is amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $0.8 million in the first quarter of 2011 and $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2010. Intangible assets consisted of the following:

   
March 31, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Gross Carrying Amount
   
Accumulated Amortization
   
Gross Carrying Amount
   
Accumulated Amortization
 
                         
Customer relationships
  $ 27,655     $ 11,240     $ 27,530     $ 10,339  

In the first quarter of 2010, Con-way evaluated the fair value of Chic Logistics’ customer-relationship intangible asset due to lower projected revenues from customers comprising the customer relationship intangible asset. As a result, Menlo Worldwide Logistics recognized a $2.8 million impairment loss to reduce the carrying amount of the intangible asset to its estimated fair value, which was determined using an income approach that utilized a discounted cash flow model. The impairment charge reduced the carrying amount of Chic Logistics’ intangible asset to zero.

Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is presented in the following table:

(Dollars in thousands)
     
       
Year ending December 31:
     
Remaining nine months of 2011
  $ 2,300  
2012
    2,600  
2013
    2,400  
2014
    2,400  
2015
    2,400  
2016
    2,400  

 
- 8 -

 
3. Restructuring Activities

Con-way recognized restructuring charges of $0.5 million in the first quarter of 2011 and $0.8 million in the first quarter of 2010, and expects to recognize $2.0 million of additional expense through 2011. Con-way reported the employee-separation costs in salaries, wages and employee benefits and the contract-termination costs in other operating expenses. Con-way’s remaining liability for amounts expensed but not yet paid was $1.9 million at March 31, 2011. The remaining liability relates to employee-separation costs that are expected to be paid through 2011.

Outsourcing Initiative

In 2009, as part of an ongoing effort to reduce costs and improve efficiencies, Con-way initiated a project to outsource a significant portion of its information-technology infrastructure function and a small portion of its administrative and accounting functions. Con-way does not expect to incur additional restructuring charges for the outsourcing initiative.

The following table summarizes the effect of the outsourcing initiative:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Employee-Separation Costs
   
Contract-Termination Costs
   
Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ --     $ 371     $ 371  
Cash payments
    --       (371 )     (371 )
Balance at March 31, 2011
  $ --     $ --     $ --  
                         
Total expense recognized to date
  $ 5,126     $ 728     $ 5,854  

In the first quarter of 2010, Con-way allocated corporate outsourcing charges of $0.6 million and $0.2 million to the Freight and Logistics segments, respectively.

Consolidation of Executive Offices

In the third quarter of 2010, in an effort to more closely align corporate functions and better support the business, Con-way initiated a project to consolidate its executive offices located in San Mateo, California and Ann Arbor, Michigan. As a result, the office in San Mateo will be closed and the office in Ann Arbor will serve as Con-way’s principal executive office. Con-way expects the consolidation to be substantially complete by the end of the second quarter of 2011.

The following table summarizes the effect of the initiative:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Employee-Separation Costs
   
Relocation and
Other Costs
   
Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 2,496     $ --     $ 2,496  
2011 charges
    144       322       466  
Cash payments
    (714 )     (322 )     (1,036 )
Balance at March 31, 2011
  $ 1,926     $ --     $ 1,926  
                         
Total expense recognized to date
  $ 2,640     $ 322     $ 2,962  
Expected remaining expenses
  $ 1,023     $ 967     $ 1,990  

In connection with the consolidation of its executive offices, Con-way, in the first quarter of 2011, allocated restructuring charges of $0.3 million, $0.1 million, and $0.1 million to the Freight, Logistics and Truckload segments, respectively.

 
- 9 -

 


4. Segment Reporting

Con-way discloses segment information in the manner in which the business units are organized for making operating decisions, assessing performance and allocating resources. For the periods presented, Con-way is divided into the following four reporting segments:

 
·
Freight. The Freight segment consists of the operating results of the Con-way Freight business unit, which provides regional, inter-regional and transcontinental less-than-truckload freight services throughout North America.

 
·
Logistics. The Logistics segment consists of the operating results of the Menlo Worldwide Logistics business unit, which develops contract-logistics solutions, including the management of complex distribution networks and supply-chain engineering and consulting, and also provides multimodal freight brokerage services.
 
 
·
Truckload. The Truckload segment consists of the operating results of the Con-way Truckload business unit, which provides asset-based full-truckload freight services throughout North America.

 
·
Other. The Other reporting segment consists of the operating results of Road Systems, a trailer manufacturer, and certain corporate activities for which the related income or expense has not been allocated to other reporting segments.
 
 
Financial Data
 
 
Management evaluates segment performance primarily based on revenue and operating income (loss). Accordingly, investment income, interest expense, and other non-operating items are not reported in segment results. Corporate expenses are generally allocated based on measurable services provided to each segment, or for general corporate expenses, based on segment revenue. Inter-segment revenue and related operating income (loss) have been eliminated to reconcile to consolidated revenue and operating income (loss). Transactions between segments are generally based on negotiated prices.
 
 

 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Revenues before Inter-segment Eliminations
           
Freight
  $ 767,741     $ 725,003  
Logistics
    369,975       355,183  
Truckload
    145,215       140,616  
Other
    11,997       11,839  
Inter-segment Revenue Eliminations
    (49,301 )     (70,730 )
    $ 1,245,627     $ 1,161,911  
                 
Inter-segment Revenue Eliminations
               
Freight
  $ 11,291     $ 12,448  
Logistics
    6,161       3,170  
Truckload
    20,846       44,110  
Other
    11,003       11,002  
    $ 49,301     $ 70,730  
                 
Revenues from External Customers
               
Freight
  $ 756,450     $ 712,555  
Logistics
    363,814       352,013  
Truckload
    124,369       96,506  
Other
    994       837  
    $ 1,245,627     $ 1,161,911  
Operating Income (Loss)
               
Freight
  $ 20,344     $ (3,153 )
Logistics
    8,646       12,856  
Truckload
    7,083       2,975  
Other
    623       1,722  
    $ 36,696     $ 14,400  
                 

 
- 10 -

 

5. Fair-Value Measurements

Assets and liabilities reported at fair value are classified in one of the following three levels within the fair-value hierarchy:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data

The following table summarizes the valuation of financial instruments within the fair-value hierarchy:

   
March 31, 2011
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                         
Cash equivalents
  $ 392,032     $ 277,510     $ 114,522     $ --  
Other marketable securities
    5,975       --       --       5,975  

   
December 31, 2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                         
Cash equivalents
  $ 388,053     $ 118,763     $ 269,290     $ --  
Other marketable securities
    6,039       --       --       6,039  

Cash equivalents consist of short-term interest-bearing instruments (primarily commercial paper, money-market funds and certificates of deposit) with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.

Money-market funds reflect their published net asset value and are classified as Level 1 instruments within the fair-value hierarchy. Commercial paper and certificates of deposit are generally valued using published interest rates for instruments with similar terms and maturities, and accordingly, are classified as Level 2 instruments within the fair-value hierarchy. At March 31, 2011, the weighted-average remaining maturity of the cash equivalents was less than one month. Based on their short maturities, the carrying amount of the cash equivalents approximates their fair value.

Con-way holds one auction-rate security, which is valued with an income approach that utilizes a discounted cash flow model. The following table summarizes the change in fair values of Con-way’s auction-rate security, which was valued using Level 3 inputs:

       
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Auction-rate security
 
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 6,691  
Unrealized gain
    48  
Partial redemption
    (700 )
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 6,039  
Unrealized gain
    61  
Partial redemption
    (125 )
Balance at March 31, 2011
  $ 5,975  

For the periods presented, the fair value of Con-way’s auction-rate security varied due primarily to changes in interest-rate benchmarks.

 
- 11 -

 


6. Employee Benefit Plans

In the periods presented, employees of Con-way and its subsidiaries in the U.S. were covered under several retirement benefit plans, including defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution retirement plans, a postretirement medical plan and a long-term disability plan. See Note 11, “Employee Benefit Plans,” of Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” in Con-way’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information concerning its employee benefit plans. See “Cost-Reduction Actions” below for a discussion of employee benefits changes that were effective in April 2009.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

As a result of plan amendments, no additional benefits accrue under these plans and already-accrued benefits will not be adjusted for future increases in compensation. The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit expense (income) for Con-way’s domestic defined benefit pension plans:

   
Qualified Pension Plans
 
Non-Qualified Pension Plans
 
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Interest cost on benefit obligation
  $ 17,970     $ 17,364     $ 937     $ 974  
Expected return on plan assets
    (21,542 )     (19,381 )     --       --  
Net amortization and deferral
    2,739       2,228       157       111  
Net periodic benefit expense (income)
  $ (833 )   $ 211     $ 1,094     $ 1,085  
       

Con-way expects to make required contributions of $21.8 million and discretionary contributions of $40.6 million to its Qualified Pension Plans in 2011; however, this could change based on variations in interest rates, asset returns, Pension Protection Act requirements and other factors.

Defined Contribution Retirement Plans

Con-way’s defined contribution retirement plans consist mostly of the primary defined contribution retirement plan (the “Primary DC Plan”).

Con-way’s expense under the Primary DC Plan was $8.9 million in the first quarter of both 2011 and 2010. At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Con-way had recognized accrued liabilities of $10.7 million and $10.4 million, respectively, for its contributions related to the Primary DC Plan. In the first three months of 2011 and 2010, Con-way used 237,184 shares and 251,732 shares, respectively, of repurchased common stock (also referred to as treasury stock), to fund $8.6 million and $8.8 million, respectively, of contributions to the Primary DC Plan.

Postretirement Medical Plan

The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit expense for the postretirement medical plan:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Service cost – benefits earned during the period
  $ 405     $ 398  
Interest cost on benefit obligation
    1,121       1,221  
Net amortization and deferral
    (303 )     (301 )
Net periodic benefit expense
  $ 1,223     $ 1,318  

Long-term Disability Plan

Con-way’s expense associated with the long-term disability plan was $2.6 million and $3.1 million in the first quarter of 2011 and 2010, respectively. In Con-way’s consolidated balance sheets, the long-term and current portions of the long-term disability plan obligation are reported in employee benefits and accrued liabilities, respectively. At March 31, 2011, the long-term and current portions of the obligation were $21.3 million and $11.4 million, respectively, and at December 31, 2010, were $22.1 million and $11.4 million, respectively.

 
 
- 12 -

 
Cost-Reduction Actions

In response to economic conditions, in March 2009 Con-way announced several measures to reduce costs and conserve cash, as detailed below. The measures announced in March 2009 substantially consisted of the suspension or curtailment of employee benefits and a reduction in salaries and wages.

Salaries and Wages

Effective in March 2009, the salaries and wages of certain employees were reduced by 5%, including corporate and shared-services employees and those at the Con-way Freight and Road Systems business units. Effective in January 2010, Con-way restored one-half of the salary and wage reductions. Con-way restored the remaining one-half of salary and wage reductions effective in January 2011.

Compensated Absences

Effective in April 2009, a compensated-absences benefit was suspended at Con-way Freight. During the period of suspension, no compensated-absences benefits were earned for current-year service; however, employees could use previously vested benefits. Also, effective in March 2009, Menlo Worldwide Logistics reduced its compensated-absences benefit by 25%. Effective in April 2010, Con-way Freight and Menlo Worldwide Logistics reinstated their compensated-absences benefits.

Defined Contribution Plan

Effective in April 2009, employer contributions to Con-way’s Primary DC Plan were suspended or limited. The matching and transition contributions were suspended and the basic contribution was limited to no more than 3% of an employee’s eligible compensation.

7. Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income (loss), which is a measure of all changes in equity except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, was as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Net income (loss)
  $ 6,922     $ (4,037 )
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    994       (1,043 )
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale
               
security, net of deferred tax of $24 and $38, respectively
    37       58  
Employee benefit plans, net of deferred tax of
      $1,011 and $3,060, respectively
    1,582       3,493  
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 9,535     $ (1,529 )
 
 
- 13 -

 
 
8. Share-Based Compensation

Under terms of its share-based compensation plans, Con-way grants various types of share-based compensation awards to employees and directors. The plans provide for awards in the form of stock options, nonvested stock (also known as restricted stock), performance-share plan units and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”). See Note 12, “Share-Based Compensation,” of Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” in Con-way’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information concerning its share-based compensation awards.

The following expense was recognized for share-based compensation:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Salaries, wages and employee benefits
  $ 4,763     $ 3,575  
Deferred income tax benefit
    (1,844 )     (1,371 )
     Net share-based compensation expense
  $ 2,919     $ 2,204  

The SARs are liability-classified awards and, as a result, Con-way re-measures the fair value of the awards each reporting period until the awards are settled. At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Con-way had recognized accrued liabilities for cash-settled SARs of $4.0 million and $2.9 million, respectively, using a fair value per SAR of $18.92 and $16.41, respectively.

9. Income Taxes

Con-way recognized a tax provision of $14.4 million in the first quarter of 2011 and $1.1 million in the same quarter of 2010. The first-quarter tax provision in 2011 reflects $6.5 million of discrete adjustments, including a $5.9 million charge due to the matter discussed below under “Uncertain Tax Positions.” The first-quarter tax provision in 2010 reflects a $2.3 million charge related to health care legislation. Excluding these items and other less material discrete adjustments, the first-quarter effective tax rate declined to 37.3% in 2011 from 41.7% in 2010, due primarily to a benefit associated with a fuel-related tax credit that was not in effect during 2010 until legislation was enacted in December 2010.

Other accounts receivable in the consolidated balance sheets include income tax receivables of $23.6 million and $41.2 million at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

Uncertain Tax Positions

Con-way is subject to examination for federal income taxes for 2005 to 2010. The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has issued a Revenue Agent's Report for tax years 2005 through 2007 proposing certain adjustments, one of which relates primarily to the treatment of certain payments to retirees and former employees of Menlo Worldwide Forwarding, Inc. and its subsidiaries and Menlo Worldwide Expedite!, Inc. (collectively “MWF”) by Con-way after the sale of MWF to United Parcel Service, Inc. in 2004. Con-way disagrees with this proposed adjustment and is contesting it through the IRS administrative appeals process. Con-way has met with the IRS Appeals Division and continues to discuss the possibility of settling the matter. If Con-way cannot settle the matter through the IRS appeals process, Con-way will litigate. Con-way anticipates that the appeals process and any litigation could take an extended period of time to resolve. Con-way recorded an additional liability in the first quarter of 2011 and believes that it has provided adequate reserves related to all matters contained in tax periods open to examination. However, should Con-way experience an unfavorable outcome in this matter, it could have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Due primarily to the matter discussed above, Con-way’s estimated liability for unrecognized tax benefits increased to $19.3 million (including $7.0 million of accrued interest and penalties) at March 31, 2011 from $15.9 million (including $6.1 million of accrued interest and penalties) at December 31, 2010.

10. Commitments and Contingencies

Purchase Obligations

In connection with its outsourcing initiative, Con-way entered into agreements with third-party service providers in the first quarter of 2010. Payments to the third-party providers are estimated to be $240 million between 2011 and 2016, when the agreements are expected to expire. The payments under the terms of the agreements are subject to change depending on the quantities and types of services consumed. The estimated payments reflect amounts based on projections of services expected to be consumed. The contracts also contain provisions that allow Con-way to terminate the contract at any time; however, Con-way would be required to pay additional fees if termination is for causes other than the failure of the service providers to perform. If Con-way had elected, for convenience, to terminate the contract for the outsourced information-technology services at December 31, 2010, the termination fee would have been approximately $39 million, compared to approximately $34 million if Con-way elects to terminate the contract on December 31, 2011.
 
 
- 14 -

 

Menlo Worldwide, LLC

Menlo Worldwide, LLC (“MW”) has asserted claims against the sellers of Chic Holdings alleging inaccurate books and records, misstatement of revenue, and other similar matters related to the pre-sale financial performance of the Chic businesses and is pursuing all legal and equitable remedies available to MW. There currently exists a $9 million hold-back in escrow against which MW may apply any award for breach of warranty under the purchase agreement. The ultimate outcome of this matter is uncertain and any resulting award will not be recognized until received.

Emery Worldwide Airlines, Inc.

In February 2002, a lawsuit was filed against Emery Worldwide Airlines, Inc. (“EWA”) in the District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, alleging violations of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (the “WARN Act”) in connection with employee layoffs and ultimate terminations due to the August 2001 grounding of EWA’s airline operations and the shutdown of the airline operations in December 2001. The court subsequently certified the lawsuit as a class action on behalf of affected employees laid off between August 11 and August 15, 2001. The WARN Act generally requires employers to give 60-days notice, or 60-days pay and benefits in lieu of notice, of any shutdown of operations or mass layoff at a site of employment. The lawsuit was tried in early January 2009, and on September 28, 2009, the court issued its decision in favor of EWA. The Plaintiffs appealed the judgment and the District Court’s decision was affirmed on February 16, 2011. Plaintiffs’ petitions for rehearing of the appellate court’s decision were denied by orders dated March 4, 2011 and March 9, 2011. Plaintiffs have 90 days from the dates of those orders to file an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court.

Con-way is a defendant in various other lawsuits incidental to its businesses. It is the opinion of management that the ultimate outcome of these actions will not have a material effect on Con-way’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.




 
- 15 -

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Introduction

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (referred to as “Management’s Discussion and Analysis”) is intended to assist in a historical and prospective understanding of Con-way’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including a discussion and analysis of the following:

 
·
Overview of Business
 
·
Results of Operations
 
·
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
·
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
·
Forward-Looking Statements

Overview of Business

Con-way provides transportation, logistics and supply-chain management services for a wide range of manufacturing, industrial and retail customers. Con-way’s business units operate in regional and transcontinental less-than-truckload and full-truckload freight transportation, contract logistics and supply-chain management, multimodal freight brokerage and trailer manufacturing. For financial reporting purposes, Con-way is divided into four reporting segments:
 
 
·
Freight. The Freight segment consists of the operating results of the Con-way Freight business unit, which provides regional, inter-regional and transcontinental less-than-truckload freight services throughout North America.

 
·
Logistics. The Logistics segment consists of the operating results of the Menlo Worldwide Logistics business unit, which develops contract-logistics solutions, including the management of complex distribution networks and supply-chain engineering and consulting, and also provides multimodal freight brokerage services.
 
 
·
Truckload. The Truckload segment consists of the operating results of the Con-way Truckload business unit, which provides asset-based full-truckload freight services throughout North America.
 
 
·
Other. The Other reporting segment consists of the operating results of Road Systems, a trailer manufacturer, and certain corporate activities for which the related income or expense has not been allocated to other reporting segments.
 
Con-way’s primary business-unit results generally depend on the number, weight and distance of shipments transported, the prices received on those shipments or services and the mix of services provided to customers, as well as the fixed and variable costs incurred by Con-way in providing the services and the ability to manage those costs under changing circumstances. Con-way’s primary business units are affected by the timing and degree of fluctuations in fuel prices and their ability to recover incremental fuel costs through fuel-surcharge programs and/or cost-recovery mechanisms, as more fully discussed in Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Fuel.”

Con-way Freight primarily transports shipments utilizing a network of freight service centers combined with a fleet of company-operated line-haul and pickup-and-delivery tractors and trailers. Menlo Worldwide Logistics manages the logistics functions of its customers and primarily utilizes third-party transportation providers for the movement of customer shipments. Con-way Truckload primarily transports shipments using a fleet of company-operated long-haul tractors and trailers.

 

 

 
- 16 -

 

Results of Operations

The overview below provides a high-level summary of Con-way’s results of operations for the periods presented and is intended to provide context for the remainder of the discussion on reporting segments. Refer to “Reporting Segment Review” below for more complete and detailed discussion and analysis.


(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Revenues
  $ 1,245,627     $ 1,161,911  
Costs and expenses
               
Other costs and expenses
    1,208,931       1,144,744  
Loss from impairment of intangible assets
    ---       2,767  
      1,208,931       1,147,511  
Operating income
    36,696       14,400  
Other non-operating expense
    15,335       17,314  
Income (loss) before income tax
               
provision
    21,361       (2,914 )
Income tax provision
    14,439       1,123  
Net income (loss) applicable to
               
common shareholders
  $ 6,922     $ (4,037 )
                 
Diluted income (loss) per share
  $ 0.12     $ (0.08 )

Overview

Con-way’s consolidated revenue for the first quarter of 2011 increased 7.2% from the first quarter of 2010, reflecting increased revenue at all reporting segments.

Con-way’s first-quarter consolidated operating income increased to $36.7 million in 2011 from $14.4 million in 2010 due to improved operating results at Freight and Truckload, partially offset by lower operating income at the Logistics and Other segments. Improved operating results at Freight and Truckload reflect increased pricing, moderating volumes and cost controls, while lower operating income at Logistics was due to a decline in net revenue (revenue less purchased transportation expense) and increased expenses.

Other non-operating expense in the first quarter of 2011 decreased $2.0 million from the first quarter of 2010, primarily reflecting lower interest expense. Lower interest expense in 2011 reflects the net effect of various financing transactions, including the repayment in the second quarter of 2010 of the $200 million outstanding under Con-way’s 8 7/8% Notes due 2010 and capital-lease transactions entered into during the second and fourth quarters of 2010.

Con-way recognized a tax provision of $14.4 million in the first quarter of 2011 and $1.1 million in the same quarter of 2010. The first-quarter tax provision in 2011 reflects $6.5 million of discrete adjustments, including a $5.9 million charge due to the matter more fully discussed in Note 9, “Income Taxes,” of Item 1, “Financial Statements.” The first-quarter tax provision in 2010 reflects a $2.3 million charge related to health care legislation. Excluding these items and other less material discrete adjustments, the first-quarter effective tax rate declined to 37.3% in 2011 from 41.7% in 2010, due primarily to a benefit associated with a fuel-related tax credit that was not in effect during 2010 until legislation was enacted in December 2010.


 
- 17 -

 


Cost-Reduction Actions

In response to economic conditions, in March 2009 Con-way announced several employee-related measures to reduce costs and conserve cash, as detailed in Note 6, “Employee Benefit Plans,” of Item 1, “Financial Statements.”  Effective in January 2010, Con-way restored one-half of the salary and wage reductions, and effective in April 2010, Con-way reinstated the compensated-absences benefits. Con-way restored the remaining one-half of salary and wage reductions effective in January 2011. If Con-way Freight attains a minimum operating ratio of 95.0% (also known as an operating margin of 5.0%) for two consecutive quarters, Con-way will prospectively reinstate the “basic” and “transition” contributions to the defined contribution retirement plan to their prior levels. Any future merit-based pay increases for those companies that instituted salary and wage reductions, and the reinstatement of Con-way’s “matching” contributions to the defined contribution retirement plan are based on a number of factors and are not currently subject to specified financial metrics.

The table below compares the estimated cost savings from employee-related cost-reduction measures. The predominant amount of the reported cost savings relate to the Freight segment. Actual results may differ from the estimated amounts depending on factors such as employee count and turnover and assumptions related to employee retirement plan contributions.

(Dollars in millions)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Salaries and wages
  $ --     $ 7  
Compensated absences
    --       15  
Defined contribution plan
               
Matching
    8       8  
Basic and transition
    6       6  
Total estimated cost savings
  $ 14     $ 36  
                 

 
- 18 -

 
 
Reporting Segment Review

For the discussion and analysis of segment operating results, management utilizes revenue before inter-segment eliminations. Management believes that revenue before inter-segment eliminations, combined with the detailed operating expense information, provides the most meaningful analysis of segment results. Revenue before inter-segment eliminations is reconciled to revenue from external customers in Note 4, “Segment Reporting,” of Item 1, “Financial Statements.”

Freight

The following table compares operating results, operating margins, and the percentage change in selected operating statistics of the Freight reporting segment:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Revenue before inter-segment eliminations
  $ 767,741     $ 725,003  
                 
Salaries, wages and employee benefits
    361,742       356,834  
Purchased transportation
    121,523       120,007  
Other operating expenses
    107,747       113,837  
Fuel and fuel-related taxes
    92,732       77,181  
Depreciation and amortization
    27,576       22,916  
Maintenance
    21,298       21,676  
Rents and leases
    10,862       11,408  
Purchased labor
    3,917       4,297  
Total operating expenses
    747,397       728,156  
Operating income (loss)
  $ 20,344     $ (3,153 )
                 
Operating margin
    2.6 %     -0.4 %
                 
   
2011 vs. 2010
         
Selected Operating Statistics
               
Weight per day
    -4.7 %        
Revenue per hundredweight (“yield”)
    +9.7 %        
Shipments per day (“volume”)
    -8.1 %        
Weight per shipment
    +3.8 %        

Freight’s revenue in the first quarter of 2011 increased 5.9% from the first quarter of 2010 due to a 9.7% increase in yield and a one-day increase in the number of working days, partially offset by a 4.7% decline in weight per day. The 4.7% decline in weight per day reflects a 8.1% decrease in shipments per day and a 3.8% increase in weight per shipment. In the first quarter of 2011, the increase in yield was due primarily to increases in base freight rates and fuel-surcharge revenue, partially offset by an increase in weight per shipment and a decline in length of haul. Excluding fuel surcharges, yield in the first quarter of 2011 increased 5.6% and fuel-surcharge revenue increased to 16.0% of revenue from 12.5% in 2010. Con-way Freight’s management believes that the variations in yield and weight per day were due in part to sales and pricing initiatives that increased base freight rates while moderating the amount of freight transported and reflect improved pricing conditions in the less-than-truckload market.

In the first quarter, Freight reported operating income of $20.3 million in 2011 compared to an operating loss of $3.2 million in 2010. Improved operating results in the first quarter of 2011 were due largely to higher revenue on improved yields and effective cost controls. Operating results in the periods presented benefited from the cost-reduction measures announced in March 2009; however, the first three months of 2011 included higher expenses due to the reinstatement in 2010 and 2011 of certain benefits previously curtailed under the cost-reductions measures.

Expenses for salaries, wages and employee benefits increased 1.4% in the first quarter of 2011. Variable compensation increased $4.3 million based on variations in performance measures relative to variable-compensation plan targets. Employee benefits expense increased 1.8% due primarily to higher expenses for compensated absences, which increased $15.7 million, partially offset by decreases in expenses for employee medical and workers’ compensation claims. The increase in expense for compensated-absences benefits was primarily due to the resumption of the benefit effective in April 2010. Lower expenses for employee medical and workers’ compensation claims were due largely to decreases in the number of claims. Salaries and wages, excluding variable compensation, declined 0.4% due primarily to a lower average employee count, partially offset by the reinstatement of salary and wage reductions.
 
 
- 19 -

 

Purchased transportation expense in the first three months of 2011 was relatively unchanged from the prior-year period, as the decrease in freight transported by third-party providers was essentially offset by fuel-related rate increases.

Other operating expenses declined 5.3% in the first quarter of 2011 due largely to decreases in self-insurance expense, particularly cargo claims, which reflect lower shipment volumes and improved freight handling. Improved freight handling was due in part to the utilization of the SafeStackTM cargo loading system for trailers that was deployed during 2010.

Expenses for fuel and fuel-related taxes increased 20.1% in the first quarter of 2011 due primarily to the increase in the cost per gallon of diesel fuel, partially offset by lower fuel consumption due to a moderation in shipment volumes.

Logistics

The table below compares operating results and operating margins of the Logistics reporting segment. The table summarizes Logistics’ revenue as well as net revenue (revenue less purchased transportation expense). Carrier-management revenue is attributable to contracts for which Menlo Worldwide Logistics manages the transportation of freight but subcontracts to third parties the actual transportation and delivery of products, which Menlo Worldwide Logistics refers to as purchased transportation. Menlo Worldwide Logistics’ management places emphasis on net revenue as a meaningful measure of the relative importance of its principal services since revenue earned on most carrier-management services includes the third-party carriers’ charges to Menlo Worldwide Logistics for transporting the shipments. The table also includes operating income and operating margin excluding the loss from impairment of intangible assets. Management believes these measures are relevant to evaluate its on-going operations.

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Revenue before inter-segment eliminations
  $ 369,975     $ 355,183  
Purchased transportation expense
    (227,654 )     (210,934 )
Net revenue
    142,321       144,249  
                 
Salaries, wages and employee benefits
    53,349       52,232  
Other operating expense
    39,459       37,197  
Fuel and fuel-related taxes
    256       213  
Depreciation and amortization
    2,841       3,063  
Maintenance
    702       574  
Rents and leases
    15,708       16,245  
Purchased labor
    21,360       19,102  
Loss from impairment of intangible assets
    --       2,767  
Total operating expenses excluding
               
purchased transportation
    133,675       131,393  
Operating income
  $ 8,646     $ 12,856  
Operating income excluding impairment
  $ 8,646     $ 15,623  
                 
Operating margin on revenue
    2.3 %     3.6 %
Operating margin on net revenue
    6.1 %     8.9 %
Operating margin on revenue excluding impairment
    2.3 %     4.4 %
Operating margin on net revenue excluding impairment
    6.1 %     10.8 %

In the first quarter of 2011, Logistics’ revenue increased 4.2% due to a 6.3% increase in revenue from carrier-management services, partially offset by a 0.5% decrease in revenue from warehouse-management services. Higher revenue from carrier-management services was due primarily from growth at existing customers and increased freight brokerage volumes. Lower revenue from warehouse-management services was due primarily to the loss of certain customers.

Logistics’ net revenue in the first quarter of 2011 decreased 1.3% due primarily to purchased transportation expense that grew at a faster rate than revenue from carrier-management services, which reflects a decline in the amount of revenue recognized under performance-based arrangements. Under performance-based arrangements, revenue is recognized upon the achievement of contractually specified performance measures typically without an associated increase in operating expenses. The level of achievement, if any, relating to these performance measures varies each reporting period. In the first quarter of 2011, purchased transportation expense increased 7.9%.
 
 
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In the first quarter, Logistics reported operating income of $8.6 million in 2011 compared $12.9 million in 2010. As discussed more fully in Note 2, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” of Item 1, “Financial Statements,” Logistics recognized a $2.8 million charge in the first quarter of 2010 for the impairment of a customer-relationship intangible asset. Excluding the loss from impairment, Logistics’ operating income in 2011 declined 44.7% from 2010, reflecting the decline in net revenue and lower margins on both warehouse-management and carrier-management services. Lower margins on warehouse-management services were due largely to increased costs associated with new customer contracts. Lower margins on carrier-management services were due largely to the decline in the amount of revenue recognized under performance-based arrangements.

Salaries, wages and employee benefits increased 2.1% in the first quarter of 2011. Salaries and wages, excluding variable compensation, rose 5.8% in the first quarter of 2011 due primarily to increased staffing needs at Logistics-managed warehouses. Employee benefits expense increased 8.1% in the first quarter of 2011 due primarily to increased costs associated with employee severances and expenses related to Con-way’s share-based compensation plans. In the first quarter of 2011, variable compensation declined $2.0 million or 41.3% based on variations in performance measures relative to variable-compensation plan targets.

In the first quarter of 2011, other operating expenses increased 6.1% due primarily to higher administrative corporate allocations for information-technology services.

Purchased labor expense increased 11.8% in the first quarter of 2011 due to increased labor demands as the result of warehouse relocations and the start-up of new warehouse-management facilities.

Truckload

The table below compares operating results, operating margins and the percentage change in selected operating statistics of the Truckload reporting segment. The table summarizes the segment’s revenue before inter-segment eliminations, including freight revenue, fuel-surcharge revenue and other non-freight revenue.

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Freight revenue
  $ 110,613     $ 116,202  
Fuel-surcharge revenue
    30,317       20,745  
Other revenue
    4,285       3,669  
Revenue before inter-segment eliminations
    145,215       140,616  
                 
Salaries, wages and employee benefits
    50,367       52,918  
Purchased transportation
    5,830       6,188  
Other operating expenses
    14,349       16,618  
Fuel and fuel-related taxes
    42,994       36,900  
Depreciation and amortization
    16,684       15,349  
Maintenance
    7,371       9,162  
Rents and leases
    269       219  
Purchased labor
    268       287  
Total operating expenses
    138,132       137,641  
Operating income
  $ 7,083     $ 2,975  
                 
Operating margin
    4.9 %     2.1 %
                 
   
2011 vs. 2010
         
Selected Operating Statistics
               
Loaded  miles
    -8.3 %        
Freight revenue per loaded mile
    +3.8 %        

 
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In the first quarter of 2011, Truckload’s revenue increased 3.3% from the same period of 2010, due primarily to a 46.1% increase in fuel-surcharge revenue, partially offset by a 4.8% decline in freight revenue. Higher fuel-surcharge revenue was due primarily to higher fuel prices in 2011 compared to 2010. The 4.8% decline in freight revenue reflects an 8.3% decline in loaded miles and a 3.8% increase in revenue per loaded mile. The decrease in loaded miles reflects a smaller fleet and a planned reduction in the amount of services Truckload provided to Freight. Revenue per loaded mile and fuel-surcharge revenue increased as the decrease in services provided to Freight allowed Truckload to leverage improved truckload pricing with external customers.

Truckload’s operating income in the first quarter increased to $7.1 million in 2011 from $3.0 million in 2010. Higher operating income was due primarily to the increase in revenue, which reflected higher fuel surcharges and improved revenue per loaded mile, and operating costs that declined as a percentage of revenue.

In the first quarter of 2011, expenses for salaries, wages and employee benefits decreased 4.8% due primarily to a decline in salaries and wages, excluding variable compensation. The decrease in expenses for salaries and wages was due primarily to fewer miles due to a reduction in the tractor fleet.

Other operating expenses declined 13.7% in the first quarter of 2011 due primarily to a $2.6 million decrease in vehicular self-insurance expense that was due to declines in the severity and number of claims.

Expenses for fuel and fuel-related taxes increased 16.5% in the first quarter of 2011 due primarily to a higher fuel cost per gallon.

Other

The Other reporting segment consists of the operating results of Road Systems, a trailer manufacturer, and certain corporate activities for which the related income or expense has not been allocated to other reporting segments. The table below summarizes the operating results for the Other reporting segment:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Revenue
           
Road Systems
  $ 11,997     $ 11 ,839  
                 
Operating income (loss)
               
Road Systems
  $ (85 )   $ (109 )
Con-way re-insurance activities
    1,325       2,147  
Con-way corporate properties
    (359 )     (337 )
Other
    (258 )     21  
    $ 623     $ 1,722  

 
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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents increased to $422.7 million at March 31, 2011 from $421.4 million at December 31, 2010, as $61.4 million provided by operating activities exceeded $51.8 million used in investing activities and $8.3 million used in financing activities. Cash provided by operating activities came primarily from net income after adjustment for non-cash items. Cash used in investing activities primarily reflects capital expenditures. Cash used in financing activities primarily reflects the payment of common dividends and debt repayment.

 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Operating Activities
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 6,922     $ (4,037 )
Non-cash adjustments (1)
    69,688       57,358  
Changes in assets and liabilities
    (15,205 )     (29,471 )
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    61,405       23,850  
                 
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
    (51,840 )     (37,616 )
                 
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
    (8,310 )     (1,416 )
                 
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
  $ 1,255     $ (15,182 )
                 
(1) “Non-cash adjustments” refer to depreciation, amortization, impairment charges, deferred income taxes,
 
provision for uncollectible accounts, and other non-cash income and expenses.
 

Operating Activities

The most significant items affecting the comparison of Con-way’s operating cash flows for the periods presented are summarized below:

In the first three months of 2011, net income and non-cash adjustments collectively increased $23.3 million from the same period of 2010.

Cash used from changes in assets and liabilities decreased $14.3 million in the first three months of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010. Comparative changes were primarily associated with accrued income taxes, receivables and self-insurance accruals.

Accrued income taxes provided $17.2 million in the first three months of 2011, compared to $1.5 million used in the same prior-year period due primarily to variations in income tax refunds and payments. In the first three months of 2011, Con-way received $18.2 million of net refunds, and in the first three months of 2010, Con-way made net payments of $1.1 million.

In the first three months of 2011, receivables used $90.5 million, compared to $102.5 million used in the first three months of 2010. Changes in receivables reflect variations in revenue and average collection periods.

The change in self-insurance accruals used $11.4 million in the first three months of 2011, compared to $12.0 million provided in the first three months of 2010. The cash used in the first three months of 2011 was due primarily to decreases in the liabilities for vehicular and workers compensation claims. The cash provided in the first three months of 2010 was due primarily to increases in the liabilities for vehicular and cargo claims.

Investing Activities

The most significant items affecting the comparison of Con-way’s investing cash flows for the periods presented are summarized below:

In the first three months, capital expenditures were $58.4 million in 2011, compared to $16.1 million in 2010. Increased capital expenditures in 2011 were due primarily to the acquisition of tractor equipment at the Truckload segment.

In the first three months of 2010, $22.1 million of cash was used as the result of a net investment in marketable securities, compared to no net investment in marketable securities in the first three months of 2011.

 
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Financing Activities

The most significant items affecting the comparison of Con-way’s investing cash flows for the periods presented are summarized below:

In the first three months of 2011, changes in capital leases and short-term borrowings resulted in a $5.0 million use of cash, compared to a $2.4 million source of cash in the first three months of 2010.

Contractual Cash Obligations

Con-way’s contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2010 are summarized in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Contractual Cash Obligations,” of Con-way’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the first three months of 2011, there have been no material changes in Con-way’s contractual obligations outside the ordinary course of business.

Capital Resources and Liquidity Outlook

Con-way’s capital requirements relate primarily to the acquisition of revenue equipment to support growth and/or replacement of older equipment with newer equipment. In funding these capital expenditures and meeting working-capital requirements, Con-way utilizes various sources of liquidity and capital, including cash and cash equivalents, cash flow from operations, credit facilities and access to capital markets. Con-way may also manage its liquidity requirements and cash-flow generation by varying the timing and amount of capital expenditures and by implementing cost-reduction initiatives, as more fully discussed under “Results of Operations – Overview.”

Con-way has a $325 million unsecured revolving credit facility that matures on November 4, 2014. The revolving facility is available for cash borrowings and issuance of letters of credit. At March 31, 2011, no cash borrowings were outstanding under the credit facility; however, $182.2 million of letters of credit were outstanding, leaving $142.8 million of available capacity for additional letters of credit or cash borrowings. The revolving facility is guaranteed by certain of Con-way’s material domestic subsidiaries and contains two financial covenants: (i) a leverage ratio and (ii) a fixed-charge coverage ratio. At March 31, 2011, Con-way was in compliance with the revolving credit facility’s financial covenants and expects to remain in compliance through December 31, 2011 and thereafter.

Con-way had other uncommitted unsecured credit facilities totaling $62.6 million at March 31, 2011, which are available to support short-term borrowings, letters of credit, bank guarantees and overdraft facilities. At March 31, 2011, $18.3 million of cash borrowings and $26.0 million of other credit commitments were outstanding leaving $18.3 million of available capacity.

See “– Forward-Looking Statements” below and Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and Note 7, “Debt and Other Financing Arrangements,” of Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” in Con-way’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information concerning Con-way’s $325 million credit facility and its other debt instruments.

In 2011, Con-way anticipates capital and software expenditures of approximately $300 million, net of asset dispositions, primarily for the acquisition of tractor equipment. Con-way’s actual 2011 capital expenditures may differ from the estimated amount depending on factors such as availability and timing of delivery of equipment.

During 2011, Con-way’s net cash flows will benefit from capital expenditure-related tax legislation enacted in December 2010. As a result of the legislation, Con-way will be able to deduct a substantial portion of its 2011 capital expenditures in 2011.

At March 31, 2011, Con-way’s senior unsecured debt was rated as investment grade by Standard and Poor’s (BBB-), Fitch Ratings (BBB-), and Moody’s (Baa3). Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s assigned an outlook of “negative,” while Fitch Ratings assigned an outlook of “stable.”


 
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to adopt accounting policies and make significant judgments and estimates. In many cases, there are alternative policies or estimation techniques that could be used. Con-way maintains a process to evaluate the appropriateness of its accounting policies and estimation techniques, including discussion with and review by the Audit Committee of its Board of Directors and its independent auditors. Accounting policies and estimates may require adjustment based on changing facts and circumstances and actual results could differ from estimates. Con-way believes that the accounting policies that are most judgmental and material to the financial statements are those related to the following:

 
·
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
·
Goodwill
 
·
Income Taxes
 
·
Property, Plant and Equipment and Other Long-Lived Assets
 
·
Revenue Recognition
 
·
Self-Insurance Accruals

There have been no significant changes to the critical accounting policies and estimates disclosed in Con-way’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 
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Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included herein constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and should not be relied upon as predictions of future events. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including:

 
·
any projections of earnings, revenues, weight, yield, volumes, income or other financial or operating items;

 
·
any statements of the plans, strategies, expectations or objectives of Con-way’s management for future operations or other future items;

 
·
any statements concerning proposed new products or services;

 
·
any statements regarding Con-way’s estimated future contributions to pension plans;

 
·
any statements as to the adequacy of reserves;

 
·
any statements regarding the outcome of any legal and other claims and proceedings that may be brought against Con-way;

 
·
any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance;

 
·
any statements regarding strategic acquisitions; and

 
·
any statements of estimates or belief and any statements or assumptions underlying the foregoing.

Certain such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates” or “anticipates” or the negative of those terms or other variations of those terms or comparable terminology or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily dependent on assumptions, data and methods that may be incorrect or imprecise and there can be no assurance that they will be realized. In that regard, certain important factors, among others and in addition to the matters discussed elsewhere in this document and other reports and documents filed by Con-way with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause actual results and other matters to differ materially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements. A detailed description of certain of these risk factors is included in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of Con-way’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


 
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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Con-way is exposed to a variety of market risks, including the effects of interest rates, fuel prices and foreign currency exchange rates.

Con-way enters into derivative financial instruments only in circumstances that warrant the hedge of an underlying asset, liability or future cash flow against exposure to some form of interest rate, commodity or currency-related risk. Additionally, the designated hedges should have high correlation to the underlying exposure such that fluctuations in the value of the derivatives offset reciprocal changes in the underlying exposure. Con-way held no derivative financial instruments at March 31, 2011.

Interest Rates

Con-way is subject to the effect of interest-rate fluctuations on the fair value of its long-term debt and on the amount of interest income earned on cash-equivalent investments and marketable securities, as more fully discussed in Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” of Con-way’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Fuel

Con-way is subject to risks associated with the availability and price of fuel, which are subject to political, economic and market factors that are outside of Con-way’s control.

Con-way would be adversely affected by an inability to obtain fuel in the future. Although historically Con-way has been able to obtain fuel from various sources and in the desired quantities, there can be no assurance that this will continue to be the case in the future.

Con-way may also be adversely affected by the timing and degree of fluctuations in fuel prices. Currently, Con-way’s business units have fuel-surcharge revenue programs or cost-recovery mechanisms in place with a majority of customers. Con-way Freight and Con-way Truckload maintain fuel-surcharge programs designed to offset or mitigate the adverse effect of rising fuel prices. Menlo Worldwide Logistics has cost-recovery mechanisms incorporated into most of its customer contracts under which it recognizes fuel-surcharge revenue designed to eliminate the adverse effect of rising fuel prices on purchased transportation.

Con-way’s competitors in the less-than-truckload (“LTL”) and truckload markets also impose fuel surcharges. Although fuel surcharges are generally based on a published national index, there is no industry-standard fuel-surcharge formula. As a result, fuel-surcharge revenue constitutes only part of the overall rate structure. Revenue excluding fuel surcharges (sometimes referred to as base freight rates) represents the collective pricing elements that exclude fuel surcharges. In the LTL market, changes in base freight rates reflect numerous factors such as length of haul, freight class, weight per shipment and customer-negotiated adjustments. In the truckload market, changes in base freight rates primarily reflect differences in origin and destination location and customer-negotiated adjustments. Ultimately, the total amount that Con-way Freight and Con-way Truckload can charge for their services is determined by competitive pricing pressures and market factors.

Historically, Con-way Freight’s fuel-surcharge program has enabled it to more than recover increases in fuel costs and fuel-related increases in purchased transportation. As a result, Con-way Freight may be adversely affected if fuel prices fall and the resulting decrease in fuel-surcharge revenue is not offset by an equivalent increase in base freight-rate revenue. Although lower fuel surcharges may improve Con-way Freight’s ability to increase the freight rates that it would otherwise charge, there can be no assurance in this regard. Con-way Freight may also be adversely affected if fuel prices increase or return to historically high levels. Customers faced with fuel-related increases in transportation costs often seek to negotiate lower rates through reductions in the base freight rates and/or limitations on the fuel surcharges charged by Con-way Freight, which adversely affect Con-way Freight’s ability to offset higher fuel costs with higher revenue.

Con-way Truckload’s fuel-surcharge program mitigates the effect of rising fuel prices but does not always result in Con-way Truckload fully recovering increases in its cost of fuel. The extent of recovery may vary depending on the amount of customer-negotiated adjustments and the degree to which Con-way Truckload is not compensated due to empty and out-of-route miles or from engine idling during cold or warm weather.

Con-way would be adversely affected if, due to competitive and market factors, its business units are unable to continue their current fuel-surcharge programs and/or cost-recovery mechanisms. In addition, there can be no assurance that these programs, as currently maintained or as modified in the future, will be sufficiently effective to offset increases in the price of fuel.


 
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Foreign Currency

The assets and liabilities of Con-way’s foreign subsidiaries are denominated in foreign currencies, which create exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Con-way does not currently use derivative financial instruments to manage foreign currency risk.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a)    Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Con-way's management, with the participation of Con-way's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of Con-way's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, Con-way's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that Con-way’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of such period.
 
(b)   Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in Con-way's internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Con-way’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Certain legal proceedings of Con-way are discussed in Note 10, “Commitments and Contingencies,” of Item 1, “Financial Statements.”

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There are no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of Con-way’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
 
  Exhibit No.    
   
(10)
Material contracts:
     
 
10.1
Summary of Certain Compensation Arrangements (Item 5.02 to Con-way’s Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2011).*#
     
(31)
Certification of Officers pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
(32)
Certification of Officers pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
(101)
The following financial statements from Con-way’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, filed on May 6, 2011, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):  (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Statements of Consolidated Operations, (iii) Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows, and (iv) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.
     
     
* Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporated herein by reference.
# Designates a contract or compensation plan for Management or Directors.

 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


 
Con-way Inc.
 
(Registrant)
   
May 6, 2011
/s/ Stephen L. Bruffett
 
Stephen L. Bruffett
 
Executive Vice President and
 
Chief Financial Officer


 
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