12_09 10Q


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 September 30, 2012

OR

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

For the transition period from ___ to___


Commission File Number: 1-05046

Con-way Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
94-1444798
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
2211 Old Earhart Road, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI
48105
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (734) 994-6600

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 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  ý    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  ý    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. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filer ý  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 ý

Number of shares of Common Stock, $0.625 par value,
outstanding as of October 31, 2012:  55,968,995


1
 



CON-WAY INC.
FORM 10-Q
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets -
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Consolidated Income -
 
 
 
 
 
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income -
 
 
 
 
 
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows -
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Signatures


2
 



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


CON-WAY INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
ASSETS
2012
 
2011
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
442,021

 
$
438,010

Marketable securities
3,200

 
13,255

Trade accounts receivable, net
629,370

 
577,522

Other accounts receivable
53,196

 
43,849

Operating supplies, at lower of average cost or market
25,674

 
22,822

Prepaid expenses
38,564

 
48,369

Deferred income taxes
17,069

 
46,563

Total Current Assets
1,209,094

 
1,190,390

 
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
 

 
 

Land
189,319

 
194,078

Buildings and leasehold improvements
829,231

 
827,910

Revenue equipment
1,709,507

 
1,613,806

Other equipment
328,304

 
318,313

 
3,056,361

 
2,954,107

Accumulated depreciation
(1,509,860
)
 
(1,458,074
)
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
1,546,501

 
1,496,033

 
 
 
 
Other Assets
 

 
 

Deferred charges and other assets
34,957

 
36,743

Capitalized software, net
20,941

 
19,829

Marketable securities

 
5,354

Intangible assets, net
11,586

 
13,951

Goodwill
338,041

 
337,716

 
405,525

 
413,593

Total Assets
$
3,161,120

 
$
3,100,016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.


3
 



CON-WAY INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
2012
 
2011
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
361,489

 
$
345,489

Accrued liabilities
255,472

 
235,146

Self-insurance accruals
104,272

 
104,328

Short-term borrowings
10,639

 
14,481

Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases
12,745

 
24,026

Total Current Liabilities
744,617

 
723,470

 
 
 
 
Long-Term Liabilities
 

 
 

Long-term debt
718,983

 
718,336

Long-term obligations under capital leases
36,765

 
51,902

Self-insurance accruals
148,903

 
158,889

Employee benefits
555,070

 
610,850

Other liabilities and deferred credits
34,814

 
39,120

Deferred income taxes
71,581

 
38,195

Total Liabilities
2,310,733

 
2,340,762

 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)


 


 
 
 
 
Shareholders' Equity
 

 
 

Common stock, $0.625 par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares;
 

 
 

 issued 63,550,965 and 63,065,931 shares, respectively
39,692

 
39,394

Additional paid-in capital, common stock
611,094

 
595,992

Retained earnings
955,141

 
884,758

Cost of repurchased common stock
 

 
 

(7,581,970 and 7,468,869 shares, respectively)
(326,088
)
 
(322,454
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(429,452
)
 
(438,436
)
Total Shareholders' Equity
850,387

 
759,254

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
$
3,161,120

 
$
3,100,016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.


4
 



CON-WAY INC.
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
1,404,113

 
$
1,377,079

 
$
4,216,370

 
$
3,971,255


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Costs and Expenses
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Salaries, wages and employee benefits
534,011

 
516,083

 
1,601,105

 
1,516,597

Purchased transportation
384,312

 
365,306

 
1,152,563

 
1,030,822

Other operating expenses
145,660

 
145,298

 
420,704

 
417,998

Fuel and fuel-related taxes
136,011

 
142,185

 
420,196

 
428,322

Depreciation and amortization
55,403

 
50,814

 
160,687

 
151,668

Maintenance
33,893

 
35,711

 
98,474

 
97,692

Rents and leases
29,654

 
30,423

 
86,596

 
86,944

Purchased labor
29,956

 
30,134

 
84,999

 
83,226

 
1,348,900

 
1,315,954

 
4,025,324

 
3,813,269


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income
55,213

 
61,125

 
191,046

 
157,986


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Income (Expense)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Investment income
204

 
163

 
648

 
712

Interest expense
(13,667
)
 
(13,909
)
 
(41,199
)
 
(41,751
)
Miscellaneous, net
(592
)
 
227

 
(3,218
)
 
(2,536
)
 
(14,055
)
 
(13,519
)
 
(43,769
)
 
(43,575
)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before Income Tax Provision
41,158

 
47,606

 
147,277

 
114,411

Income Tax Provision
15,854

 
18,478

 
54,527

 
48,939

Net Income
$
25,304

 
$
29,128

 
$
92,750

 
$
65,472


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Basic
55,906,636

 
55,535,074

 
55,806,937

 
55,331,170

Diluted
56,463,535

 
56,117,334

 
56,432,216

 
56,054,059


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per Common Share
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Basic
$
0.45

 
$
0.52

 
$
1.66

 
$
1.18

Diluted
$
0.45

 
$
0.52

 
$
1.64

 
$
1.17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.


5
 



CON-WAY INC.
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
$
25,304

 
$
29,128

 
$
92,750

 
$
65,472


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
674

 
(1,226
)
 
(52
)
 
477

Unrealized gain on available-for-sale security,
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
net of deferred tax of $182, $7, $145 and $21, respectively
283

 
12

 
226

 
33

Employee benefit plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of actuarial loss included in expense, net of
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
deferred tax of $1,872, $976, $5,633 and $2,928, respectively
2,928

 
1,527

 
8,810

 
4,581

 
3,885

 
313

 
8,984

 
5,091

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive Income
$
29,189

 
$
29,441

 
$
101,734

 
$
70,563

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.


6
 



CON-WAY INC.
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
$
438,010

 
$
421,420

Operating Activities
 

 
 

Net income
92,750

 
65,472

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
 

 
 

by operating activities:
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization, net of accretion
159,936

 
150,905

Non-cash compensation and employee benefits
25,299

 
17,668

Increase in deferred income taxes
57,102

 
42,049

Provision for uncollectible accounts
3,267

 
4,973

Gain from sales of property, equipment and investment, net
(8,015
)
 
(1,923
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

Receivables
(54,586
)
 
(104,658
)
Prepaid expenses
9,805

 
16,350

Accounts payable
8,716

 
53,788

Accrued variable compensation
(4,742
)
 
12,806

Accrued liabilities, excluding accrued variable compensation
 

 
 

and employee benefits
25,153

 
15,172

Self-insurance accruals
(10,042
)
 
(11,970
)
Accrued income taxes
(8,949
)
 
31,218

Employee benefits
(55,865
)
 
(51,430
)
Deferred charges and credits
(3,915
)
 
1,508

Other
(6,211
)
 
(5,878
)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
229,703

 
236,050

Investing Activities
 

 
 

Capital expenditures
(213,217
)
 
(176,677
)
Software expenditures
(5,743
)
 
(7,280
)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
19,385

 
6,083

Purchases of marketable securities
(8,200
)
 
(11,230
)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities
23,613

 
525

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
(184,162
)
 
(188,579
)
Financing Activities
 

 
 

Repayment of capital leases
(25,868
)
 
(14,884
)
Net repayments of short-term borrowings
(3,891
)
 
(3,732
)
Payment of debt issuance costs

 
(661
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
3,357

 
5,374

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
1,632

 
713

Payments of common dividends
(16,760
)
 
(16,617
)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
(41,530
)
 
(29,807
)
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
4,011

 
17,664

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
$
442,021

 
$
439,084

Supplemental Disclosure
 

 
 

Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes, net
$
7,260

 
$
(28,005
)
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized
$
43,105

 
$
43,765

Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities
 

 
 

Revenue equipment acquired through partial non-monetary exchanges
$
23,974

 
$
25,708

Repurchased common stock issued under defined contribution plan
$

 
$
17,307

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.


7
 



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 3, “Segment Reporting,” for financial reporting purposes, Con-way is divided into four reporting segments: Freight, Logistics, Truckload and Other.

Basis of Presentation

These unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. for interim financial information and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X, and should be read in conjunction with Con-way’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Accordingly, significant accounting policies and other disclosures normally provided have been reduced or omitted. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly Con-way’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of annual results.

Earnings per Share (“EPS”)

Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is calculated as follows:

(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
25,304

 
$
29,128

 
$
92,750

 
$
65,472

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
55,906,636

 
55,535,074

 
55,806,937

 
55,331,170

Stock options and nonvested stock
556,899

 
582,260

 
625,279

 
722,889

 
56,463,535

 
56,117,334

 
56,432,216

 
56,054,059

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted Earnings per Share:
$
0.45

 
$
0.52

 
$
1.64

 
$
1.17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
computation of diluted EPS
1,818,992

 
2,070,672

 
1,779,609

 
1,838,289


New Accounting Standards

As of September 30, 2012, there are no material new accounting standards that have been issued but not yet adopted by Con-way.


8
 




2. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

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, 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
66

 

 

 
66

Balances at December 31, 2011
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Goodwill
55,440

 
464,598

 
727

 
520,765

Accumulated impairment losses
(48,236
)
 
(134,813
)
 

 
(183,049
)
 
7,204

 
329,785

 
727

 
337,716

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in foreign currency exchange rates
325

 

 

 
325

Balances at September 30, 2012
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Goodwill
55,765

 
464,598

 
727

 
521,090

Accumulated impairment losses
(48,236
)
 
(134,813
)
 

 
(183,049
)
 
$
7,529

 
$
329,785

 
$
727

 
$
338,041


Intangible Assets

Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. In the third quarter and first nine months of 2012, amortization expense related to intangible assets was $0.8 million and $2.4 million, respectively, compared to $0.9 million and $2.5 million in the same periods of 2011.

Intangible assets consisted of the following:

 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
Customer relationships
$
23,098

 
$
11,512

 
$
27,570

 
$
13,619


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

(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
Year ending December 31:
 
Remaining three months of 2012
$
590

2013
2,356

2014
2,356

2015
2,356

2016
2,356

2017
1,571






9
 






3. 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. Transactions between segments are generally based on negotiated prices. 
 


10
 



(Dollars in thousands)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Revenues before Inter-segment Eliminations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Freight
$
858,276

 
$
843,300

 
$
2,567,847

 
$
2,450,870

Logistics
427,790

 
417,142

 
1,294,965

 
1,181,129

Truckload
160,094

 
158,705

 
480,337

 
459,371

Other
15,229

 
12,160

 
44,156

 
36,454

Inter-segment Revenue Eliminations
(57,276
)
 
(54,228
)
 
(170,935
)
 
(156,569
)
 
$
1,404,113

 
$
1,377,079

 
$
4,216,370

 
$
3,971,255

Inter-segment Revenue Eliminations
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Freight
$
11,996

 
$
13,205

 
$
37,868

 
$
36,931

Logistics
12,625

 
9,411

 
34,792

 
24,216

Truckload
18,502

 
20,921

 
57,273

 
63,291

Other
14,153

 
10,691

 
41,002

 
32,131

 
$
57,276

 
$
54,228

 
$
170,935

 
$
156,569

Revenues from External Customers
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Freight
$
846,280

 
$
830,095

 
$
2,529,979

 
$
2,413,939

Logistics
415,165

 
407,731

 
1,260,173

 
1,156,913

Truckload
141,592

 
137,784

 
423,064

 
396,080

Other
1,076

 
1,469

 
3,154

 
4,323

 
$
1,404,113

 
$
1,377,079

 
$
4,216,370

 
$
3,971,255

Operating Income (Loss)
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Freight
$
34,441

 
$
40,721

 
$
122,372

 
$
100,220

Logistics
10,990

 
12,679

 
35,972

 
33,420

Truckload
11,273

 
7,867

 
36,442

 
25,273

Other
(1,491
)
 
(142
)
 
(3,740
)
 
(927
)
 
$
55,213

 
$
61,125

 
$
191,046

 
$
157,986


4. 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

Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

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

 
September 30, 2012
(Dollars in thousands)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Cash equivalents
$
398,496

 
$
84,082

 
$
314,414

 
$

Current marketable securities
3,200

 

 
3,200

 

 
December 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Cash equivalents
$
398,450

 
$
84,872

 
$
313,578

 
$

Current marketable securities
13,255

 

 
13,255

 

Other marketable securities
5,354

 

 

 
5,354




11
 



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

Money-market funds reflect their published net asset value and are classified as Level 1 instruments. Commercial paper, certificates of deposit and variable-rate demand notes are generally valued using published interest rates for instruments with similar terms and maturities, and accordingly, are classified as Level 2 instruments. At September 30, 2012, 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.

Level 3 investments consisted of one auction-rate security at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2011, which was valued with an income approach that utilized a discounted cash flow model. This investment was sold during the three months ended September 30, 2012. The following table summarizes the change in fair value of Con-way’s auction-rate security, which was valued using Level 3 inputs:
(Dollars in thousands)
Auction-rate security
Balance at December 31, 2010
$
6,039

Loss included in other comprehensive income
(10
)
Settlements
(675
)
Balance at December 31, 2011
$
5,354

Gains (Losses)
 
Included in earnings
(367
)
Included in other comprehensive income
371

Settlements and Sales
 
Settlements
(75
)
Sales
(5,283
)
Balance at September 30, 2012
$
































12
 



5. 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 and a postretirement medical plan. See Note 10, “Employee Benefit Plans,” of Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” in Con-way’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information concerning its employee benefit plans, including changes to its defined contribution retirement plans.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

As a result of plan amendments in previous years, 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
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Interest cost on benefit obligation
$
17,542

 
$
17,827

 
$
52,626

 
$
53,482

Expected return on plan assets
(21,102
)
 
(21,483
)
 
(63,308
)
 
(64,451
)
Amortization of net loss
4,862

 
2,636

 
14,585

 
7,909

Net periodic benefit expense (income)
$
1,302

 
$
(1,020
)
 
$
3,903

 
$
(3,060
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-Qualified Pension Plans
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Interest cost on benefit obligation
$
860

 
$
946

 
$
2,579

 
$
2,840

Amortization of net loss
240

 
170

 
763

 
509

Net periodic benefit expense
$
1,100

 
$
1,116

 
$
3,342

 
$
3,349


Con-way has made $51.4 million in contributions to its Qualified Pension Plans in 2012, including $8.4 million contributed in October 2012. Con-way does not anticipate making any further contributions to the plans in 2012.

Defined Contribution Retirement Plans

Con-way’s expense for defined contribution retirement plans was $12.0 million and $37.6 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012, respectively, compared to $8.4 million and $26.2 million in the same periods of 2011. In the periods presented, Con-way’s contributions included cash and Con-way common stock. From January 2009 through June 2011, the common stock contributions were made with repurchased common stock (also referred to as treasury stock). In 2011, Con-way used 461,151 shares of treasury stock to fund $17.3 million of contributions.




13
 



Postretirement Medical Plan

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

 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Service cost
$
419

 
$
360

 
$
1,259

 
$
1,081

Interest cost on benefit obligation
1,080

 
1,123

 
3,239

 
3,369

Amortization of prior service credit
(302
)
 
(303
)
 
(905
)
 
(909
)
Net periodic benefit expense
$
1,197

 
$
1,180

 
$
3,593

 
$
3,541


6. 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. In addition to the awards described in Note 11, “Share-Based Compensation,” of Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” in Con-way’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the plans also provide for awards in the form of performance-share plan units ("PSPUs"). The PSPUs vest three years from the grant date if certain performance criteria are achieved. The number of shares the award recipients ultimately receive depends upon the achievement of certain performance criteria and can range from 0% to 200% of the grant target. PSPUs are subject to forfeiture if an award recipient ceases to be an active full-time employee prior to the end of the three-year period, subject in some cases to early vesting upon specified events, including death or disability of the award recipient, or termination of employment following a change in control of Con-way. The PSPUs are valued at the market price of Con-way's common stock at the date of the award, reduced by the present value of the dividends not received during the three-year vesting period. The amount of expense recorded each period is based on Con-way's current estimate of the number of shares that will ultimately vest.

At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, Con-way had recognized accrued liabilities for cash-settled Stock Appreciation Rights ("SARs") of $3.6 million and $3.1 million, respectively, using a weighted-average fair value per SAR of $7.91 and $10.85, respectively.

The following expense was recognized for share-based compensation:

 
Three Months Ended
September 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2012
 
2011

2012
 
2011
Salaries, wages and employee benefits
$
1,542


$
316


$
11,371


$
9,485

Deferred income tax benefit
(596
)

(89
)

(4,414
)

(3,665
)
Net share-based compensation expense
$
946


$
227


$
6,957


$
5,820


7. Income Taxes

Con-way's third-quarter and year-to-date effective tax rates in 2012 were 38.5% and 37.0%, respectively. In the third quarter
and first nine months of 2011, the effective tax rates were 38.8% and 42.8%, respectively. The year-to-date 2012 tax provision reflects a $2.5 million benefit for discrete adjustments, including $4.2 million of benefit in the second quarter for the release of reserves due to the expiration of the statute of limitations on uncertain tax positions, partially offset by a $2.5 million second-quarter charge for a proposed Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") audit adjustment. The 2011 year-to-date tax provision reflects $6.0 million of charges for discrete adjustments, including a $5.9 million first-quarter charge due to the matter discussed below under “Audit Settlement.” Excluding the effect of various discrete tax adjustments, the third-quarter and year-to-date 2012 effective tax rates were 38.4% and 38.7%, respectively. In the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, the effective tax rates, excluding discrete adjustments, were 37.4% and 37.5%, respectively. The rates in 2012 increased from 2011 primarily due to a 2011 benefit associated with a now-expired fuel-related tax credit.

Other accounts receivable in the consolidated balance sheets include income tax receivables of $13.3 million and $4.8 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.



14
 



Audit Settlement

In 2011, Con-way settled a disputed issue with the IRS that arose in the 2005 to 2007 audit cycle. This issue primarily related to the treatment and character of certain payments Con-way made to retirees and former employees of Menlo Worldwide Forwarding, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“MWF”) since the 2004 sale of MWF to United Parcel Service, Inc. Con-way and the IRS agreed in the settlement to re-characterize a portion of these payments as capital losses. The re-characterized portion may not be deducted and may be used only to offset capital gains.

8. 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 $232 million between 2012 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, 2011, the termination fee would have been approximately $34 million, compared to approximately $28 million if Con-way elects to terminate the contract on December 31, 2012.

Legal Matters

Con-way is a defendant in various legal matters 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 position, 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 through three primary business units: Con-way Freight, Menlo Worldwide Logistics and Con-way Truckload. These business units operate in regional and transcontinental less-than-truckload and full-truckload freight transportation, contract logistics and supply-chain management, and multimodal freight brokerage. 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 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.

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. Due to Con-way Freight’s cost structure, sudden or severe changes in shipment volumes can have a negative impact on management’s ability to manage costs.

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.”




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
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Revenues
$
1,404,113

 
$
1,377,079

 
$
4,216,370

 
$
3,971,255

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses
1,348,900

 
1,315,954

 
4,025,324

 
3,813,269

Operating income
55,213

 
61,125

 
191,046

 
157,986

Other non-operating expense
14,055

 
13,519

 
43,769

 
43,575

Income before income tax provision
41,158

 
47,606

 
147,277

 
114,411

Income tax provision
15,854

 
18,478

 
54,527

 
48,939

Net income
$
25,304

 
$
29,128

 
$
92,750

 
$
65,472


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.45

 
$
0.52

 
$
1.64

 
$
1.17


Overview

Con-way's third-quarter consolidated revenue increased 2.0% in 2012 compared with 2011, and consolidated revenue on a year-to-date basis increased 6.2% from 2011 to 2012. The increases in consolidated revenue for both periods reflect higher revenue at all segments.

Con-way's consolidated operating income for the third quarter decreased 9.7% to $55.2 million in 2012 from $61.1 million in 2011, the result of declines in the Freight, Logistics and Other segments. The declines at Freight and Logistics were the result of reduced operating margins, while the decline in Other was due to reinsurance activities. In the year-to-date periods, operating income increased 20.9% to $191.0 million in 2012 from $158.0 million in 2011, primarily due to increases at the Freight and Truckload segments.

Con-way's third-quarter and year-to-date effective tax rates in 2012 were 38.5% and 37.0%, respectively. In the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, the effective tax rates were 38.8% and 42.8%, respectively. Both years included discrete tax adjustments that affected the effective tax rate, as more fully discussed in Note 7, “Income Taxes,” of Item 1, “Financial Statements.” Excluding the discrete tax adjustments, the third-quarter and year-to-date effective tax rates in 2012 were 38.4% and 38.7%, respectively, compared to 37.4% and 37.5%, respectively, in 2011. The rates in 2012 increased from 2011 primarily due to a 2011 benefit associated with a now-expired fuel-related tax credit.

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 Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis - Results of Operations - Overview,” in Conway's 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. For the periods presented, Con-way's comparative expenses were affected by the reinstatement of certain employer contributions to the defined contribution retirement plan in the fourth quarter of 2011. One of the suspended benefits, matching contributions to the defined contribution retirement plan, has not been reinstated. Any potential reinstatement of Con-way's matching contributions is based on a number of considerations.


17
 



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 3, “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
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Revenue before inter-segment eliminations
$
858,276

 
$
843,300

 
$
2,567,847

 
$
2,450,870




 


 


 


Salaries, wages and employee benefits
393,509

 
382,545

 
1,170,174

 
1,120,203

Purchased transportation
149,655

 
138,520

 
436,917

 
396,761

Other operating expenses
113,153

 
113,294

 
334,048

 
336,789

Fuel and fuel-related taxes
91,239

 
96,549

 
285,501

 
293,003

Depreciation and amortization
31,576

 
27,562

 
92,624

 
82,729

Maintenance
24,868

 
25,546

 
72,709

 
70,779

Rents and leases
13,119

 
12,460

 
37,229

 
35,235

Purchased labor
6,716

 
6,103

 
16,273

 
15,151

Total operating expenses
823,835

 
802,579

 
2,445,475

 
2,350,650

Operating income
$
34,441

 
$
40,721

 
$
122,372

 
$
100,220


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating margin
4.0
 %
 
4.8
%
 
4.8
 %
 
4.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012 vs. 2011
 
 
 
2012 vs. 2011
 
 
Selected Operating Statistics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weight per day
-0.2
 %
 
 
 
+0.7
 %
 
 
Revenue per hundredweight ("yield")
+3.5
 %
 
 
 
+4.2
 %
 
 
Shipments per day ("volume")
-2.8
 %
 
 
 
-1.0
 %
 
 
Weight per shipment
+2.6
 %
 
 
 
+1.8
 %
 
 


Freight's revenue in the third quarter of 2012 increased 1.8% from the third quarter of 2011, and in the first nine months of 2012, increased 4.8% from 2011. The third-quarter increase in revenue was due to a 3.5% increase in yield, partially offset by a 0.2% decrease in weight per day. The increase in yield was primarily due to an increase in base freight rates. The decrease in weight per day reflects a 2.8% decline in shipments per day, partially offset by a 2.6% increase in weight per shipment. In the first nine months of 2012, the revenue increase was due to a 4.2% increase in yield and a 0.7% increase in weight per day. The increase in yield was primarily due to an increase in base freight rates, while the increase in weight per day reflects a 1.8% increase in weight per shipment, partially offset by a 1.0% decrease in shipments per day. Freight's revenue was adversely affected by one less work day in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 when compared to the same periods of 2011.

After a 1.5% year-over-year increase in weight per day in the first quarter of 2012, the year-to-date increase in weight per day was 1.2% at June 2012 and 0.7% at September 2012. For October 2012 monthly activity, weight per day declined approximately 3% from October 2011.

Yield excluding fuel surcharges increased by 3.4% and 3.6%, respectively, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012. In the third quarter, Freight's fuel-surcharge revenue increased to 17.3% of revenue in 2012 from 17.2% in 2011, and in the first nine months, increased to 17.5% of revenue in 2012 from 17.0% in 2011. The fuel surcharge is intended to compensate Con-


18
 



way Freight for the adverse effects of higher fuel costs and fuel-related increases in purchased transportation. Fuel surcharges are only one part of Con-way Freight's overall rate structure, and the total price that Con-way Freight receives from customers for its services is governed by market forces, as more fully discussed below in Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Fuel.”

Freight's operating income decreased 15.4% in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, and in the first nine months, increased 22.1% from the prior-year period. The third-quarter decrease in operating income was the result of reduced margins, as higher revenues from improved yields were more than offset by increased expenses, particularly for employee benefits. The increase in year-to-date operating income reflected revenue gains that were largely due to yield improvements.

In the third quarter and first nine months of 2012, expenses for salaries, wages and employee benefits increased 2.9% and 4.5%, respectively, from the same periods in 2011. Employee benefits expense increased 9.5% and 11.2%, respectively, when compared to the third quarter and first nine months of last year. Higher expenses for employee benefits in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 were primarily due to higher costs for employee medical benefits and defined contribution retirement plans. Higher costs for employee medical benefits were largely due to increases in the number of claims. The increase in defined contribution retirement plan expense was mainly due to the restoration of benefits in the fourth quarter of 2011, as more fully discussed above in “Overview.” Salaries and wages, excluding variable compensation, increased 1.5% and 1.6%, respectively, primarily due to salary and wage rate increases in the second quarter of 2012. Variable-compensation expense decreased $3.3 million or 38.2% in the third quarter of 2012, but increased $3.9 million or 17.9% in the first nine months of 2012 based primarily on variations in performance measures relative to variable-compensation plan targets.

Purchased transportation expense increased 8.0% in the third quarter of 2012, and 10.1% in the first nine months, due to increased third-party miles and higher carrier rates.

Expense for fuel and fuel-related taxes decreased 5.5% in the third quarter of 2012 and 2.6% in the first nine months of 2012, primarily due to lower fuel consumption as the result of fewer miles driven by company-operated tractors.

The increase in purchased transportation expense and the decrease in fuel expense are related. Both are largely due to a shift toward a higher proportion of miles driven by third-party carriers as opposed to company drivers. The increase in third-party miles is part of Con-way Freight's effort to reduce total linehaul costs by reducing empty miles. The increase in third-party miles was more than offset by the decrease in miles driven by company-operated tractors.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased 14.6% in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, and increased 12.0% in the year-to-date period, primarily due to the replacement of older tractors with newer models.


























19
 



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 carriers 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 carriers’ charges to Menlo Worldwide Logistics for transporting the shipments.

(Dollars in thousands)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Revenue before inter-segment eliminations
$
427,790

 
$
417,142

 
$
1,294,965

 
$
1,181,129

Purchased transportation expense
(268,031
)
 
(262,477
)
 
(817,645
)
 
(737,159
)
Net revenue
159,759

 
154,665

 
477,320

 
443,970

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries, wages and employee benefits
64,492

 
58,913

 
194,290

 
168,883

Other operating expenses
42,741

 
38,928

 
122,869

 
115,907

Fuel and fuel-related taxes
193

 
267

 
636

 
808

Depreciation and amortization
2,303

 
2,637

 
7,366

 
8,273

Maintenance
610

 
788

 
2,213

 
2,209

Rents and leases
15,872

 
17,067

 
47,355

 
48,454

Purchased labor
22,558

 
23,386

 
66,619

 
66,016

Total operating expenses excluding purchased transportation
148,769

 
141,986

 
441,348

 
410,550

Operating income
$
10,990

 
$
12,679

 
$
35,972

 
$
33,420

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating margin on revenue
2.6
%
 
3.0
%
 
2.8
%
 
2.8
%
Operating margin on net revenue
6.9
%
 
8.2
%
 
7.5
%
 
7.5
%

In the third quarter of 2012, Logistics' revenue increased 2.6% due to a 4.7% increase in revenue from carrier-management services, partially offset by a 3.0% decrease in revenue from warehouse-management services. In the first nine months of 2012, Logistics' revenue increased 9.6% due to a 12.9% increase in revenue from carrier-management services and a 1.4% increase in revenue from warehouse-management services. In the third quarter of 2012, higher revenue from carrier-management services was primarily due to new customers, while lower revenue from warehouse-management services was primarily due to the closure of two warehouse facilities and to lower volumes. In the first nine months of 2012, higher revenue from carrier-management services was primarily due to new customers. In the same period, increased revenue from warehouse-management services was primarily due to growth at existing customers.

Logistics’ net revenue in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 increased 3.3% and 7.5%, respectively, when compared to the prior-year periods. Purchased transportation expense increased 2.1% and 10.9% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012, respectively, primarily due to increased carrier-management volumes.

Logistics’ operating income in the third quarter of 2012 decreased 13.3% from the same period of 2011, reflecting increases in salaries, wages and employee benefits expense, and higher other operating expenses. In the first nine months of 2012, Logistics' operating income increased 7.6% from the same period of 2011. Higher operating income in the first nine months of 2012 reflects growth in net revenue, partially offset by increased operating expenses, particularly salaries, wages and employee benefits expense, and other operating expenses.

Salaries, wages and employee benefits increased 9.5% and 15.0% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012, respectively. In the third quarter and first nine months, salaries and wages, excluding variable compensation, rose 11.6% and 15.8%, respectively, primarily due to increased average employee counts in response to growth from new and existing customers. Employee benefits expense increased 18.3% in the third quarter of 2012, primarily due to increased costs for employee medical benefits. In the first nine months of 2012, employee benefits expense increased 17.0%, primarily due to


20
 



increased costs for employee medical benefits and payroll taxes. Higher costs for employee medical benefits were largely due to increases in the number of claims. Increased expense for payroll taxes was primarily due to the increase in salaries and wages. Variable-compensation expense decreased $1.6 million or 34.9% in the third quarter of 2012 based primarily on variations in performance measures relative to variable-compensation plan targets. In the first nine months of 2012, variable-compensation expense was relatively unchanged from 2011.

Other operating expenses increased 9.8% and 6.0% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012, respectively, primarily due to increased expenses for warehouse-related packaging materials and supplies, amortization of set-up expenses related to carrier-management services, and higher costs for information-technology projects that support customer operations.

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
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Freight revenue
$
119,409

 
$
118,395

 
$
355,835

 
$
342,973

Fuel-surcharge revenue
35,628

 
35,829

 
110,050

 
103,298

Other revenue
5,057

 
4,481

 
14,452

 
13,100

Revenue before inter-segment eliminations
160,094

 
158,705

 
480,337

 
459,371

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries, wages and employee benefits
52,604

 
54,142

 
159,196

 
156,562

Purchased transportation
9,463

 
7,594

 
27,055

 
20,457

Other operating expenses
15,477

 
16,238

 
47,297

 
45,192

Fuel and fuel-related taxes
44,458

 
45,234

 
133,681

 
134,199

Depreciation and amortization
17,904

 
17,764

 
51,595

 
51,593

Maintenance
8,332

 
9,280

 
23,274

 
24,435

Rents and leases
310

 
282

 
958

 
815

Purchased labor
273

 
304

 
839

 
845

Total operating expenses
148,821

 
150,838

 
443,895

 
434,098

Operating income
$
11,273

 
$
7,867

 
$
36,442

 
$
25,273

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating margin on revenue
7.0
 %
 
5.0
%
 
7.6
%
 
5.5
%
Operating margin on revenue
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

excluding fuel-surcharge revenue
9.1
 %
 
6.4
%
 
9.8
%
 
7.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012 vs. 2011
 
 
 
2012 vs. 2011
 
 
Selected Operating Statistics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Freight revenue per loaded mile
+2.0
 %
 
 
 
+2.7
%
 
 
Loaded miles
-1.1
 %
 
 
 
+1.0
%
 
 

Truckload’s revenue increased 0.9% in the third quarter of 2012 from the same period of 2011, primarily due to a 0.9% increase in freight revenue. The 0.9% increase in freight revenue was due to a 2.0% increase in revenue per loaded mile, partially offset by a 1.1% decrease in loaded miles. The decrease in loaded miles was due to lower miles per tractor, partially offset by an increase in the number of owner-operated units. In the first nine months of 2012, Truckload's revenue increased 4.6% from the same prior-year period, reflecting a 3.8% increase in freight revenue and a 6.5% increase in fuel-surcharge revenue. The 3.8% increase in freight revenue was due to a 2.7% increase in revenue per loaded mile and a 1.0% increase in loaded miles. The increase in loaded miles was due to an increase in the number of owner-operated units, partially offset by lower miles per tractor. In the first nine months of 2012, higher fuel-surcharge revenue reflects higher fuel prices in 2012 compared to 2011 and an improved fuel-surcharge recovery rate.



21
 



Truckload's operating income increased 43.3% in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, and in the first nine months, increased 44.2% from the prior-year period. Increased operating income in the third quarter of 2012 was primarily due to lower expenses for employee benefits and an increase in the rate per loaded mile. Higher operating income in the first nine months of 2012 was primarily due to an increase in the rate per loaded mile and an improved fuel-surcharge recovery rate.

Salaries, wages and employee benefits decreased 2.8% in the third quarter of 2012 and increased 1.7% in the first nine months of 2012. Employee benefits expense decreased 14.0% in the third quarter of 2012 primarily due to decreased costs for workers' compensation claims, partially offset by an increase in expense for employee medical benefits. Employee benefits expense increased 1.2% in the first nine months of 2012 primarily due to increases for employee medical benefits and defined contribution retirement plans, partially offset by a decrease in costs for workers' compensation claims. The decreases in expense for workers' compensation claims were due to decreases in expense per claim and the number of claims. The increases in expense for employee medical benefits were largely due to increases in the number of claims. The increase in expenses for defined contribution retirement plans was mainly due to the restoration of benefits in the fourth quarter of 2011. Variable-compensation expense increased $1.0 million in the third quarter of 2012 and $2.1 million in the first nine months of 2012 based on variations in performance measures relative to variable-compensation plan targets.

Purchased transportation expense increased 24.6% and 32.3% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012, respectively, primarily due to growth in Truckload’s owner-operator fleet.

Expense for fuel and fuel-related taxes decreased 1.7% and 0.4% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012, respectively, primarily due to improved miles per gallon compared to the same periods of 2011.

Other operating expenses decreased 4.7% in the third quarter of 2012 and increased 4.7% in the first nine months of 2012. Lower other operating expenses in the third quarter of 2012 primarily reflect gains resulting from the disposition of equipment. Higher other operating expenses in the first nine months of 2012 were primarily due to increases for vehicular self-insurance and employee development expenses, partially offset by gains resulting from the disposition of equipment. The increase in expenses for vehicular self-insurance was due to an increase in expense per claim. Higher expenses for employee development relate to increased driver certification and training costs. The increases in gains from the disposition of equipment reflect improved conditions in the used-tractor market.

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
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Road Systems
$
15,229

 
$
12,160

 
$
44,156

 
$
36,454




 


 


 


Operating income (loss)


 


 


 


Road Systems
$
19

 
$
56

 
$
(106
)
 
$
(23
)
Con-way reinsurance activities
(1,166
)
 
24

 
(2,594
)
 
60

Con-way corporate properties
(319
)
 
(351
)
 
(999
)
 
(1,081
)
Other
(25
)
 
129

 
(41
)
 
117

 
$
(1,491
)
 
$
(142
)
 
$
(3,740
)
 
$
(927
)









22
 



Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents increased to $442.0 million at September 30, 2012 from $438.0 million at December 31, 2011, as $229.7 million provided by operating activities exceeded $184.2 million used in investing activities and $41.5 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 repayment of capital leases and payment of common dividends.
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
92,750

 
$
65,472

Non-cash adjustments (1)
237,589

 
213,672

Changes in assets and liabilities
(100,636
)
 
(43,094
)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
229,703

 
236,050

 
 
 
 
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
(184,162
)
 
(188,579
)
 
 
 
 
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
(41,530
)
 
(29,807
)
 
 
 
 
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
4,011

 
$
17,664

 
 
 
 
(1) “Non-cash adjustments” refer to depreciation, amortization, 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 nine months of 2012, net income and non-cash adjustments collectively increased operating cash flows $51.2 million over the same period of 2011. Changes in assets and liabilities decreased operating cash flow by $57.5 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011. Significant comparative changes include accrued income taxes and accrued variable compensation.

Accrued income taxes used $8.9 million in the first nine months of 2012, compared to $31.2 million provided in the same prior-year period primarily due to variations in income tax payments and refunds. In the first nine months of 2012, Con-way made net payments of $7.3 million, and in the first nine months of 2011 Con-way received $28.0 million of net refunds.

Accrued variable compensation used $4.7 million in the first nine months of 2012, compared to $12.8 million provided in the same prior-year period. Variations in performance measures relative to variable-compensation plan targets resulted in a higher level of payments in the first nine months of 2012 when compared to the prior-year period.

Investing Activities

The most significant item affecting the comparison of Con-way’s investing cash flows for the periods presented was the change in capital expenditures. In the first nine months, capital expenditures were $213.2 million in 2012, compared to $176.7 million in 2011. Increased capital expenditures in 2012 were primarily due to increased acquisitions of tractor equipment at Con-way Freight.

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment increased to $19.4 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $6.1 million in the first nine months of 2011, primarily due to the sale of facilities in the Freight segment.




23
 



Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities increased to $41.5 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $29.8 million used in the same period of 2011 primarily due to the repayment of capital leases. Payments in the first nine months of 2012 included the repayment of certain capital leases previously scheduled to mature in December of 2012 and December 2013.

Contractual Cash Obligations

Con-way’s contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2011 are summarized in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Contractual Cash Obligations,” of Con-way’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the first nine months of 2012, 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.

Con-way has a $325 million unsecured revolving credit facility that matures on August 2, 2016. The revolving facility is available for cash borrowings and issuance of letters of credit. At September 30, 2012, no cash borrowings were outstanding under the credit facility; however, $169.8 million of letters of credit were outstanding, leaving $155.2 million of available capacity for additional letters of credit or cash borrowings, subject to compliance with financial covenants and other customary conditions of borrowing. 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 September 30, 2012, Con-way was in compliance with the revolving credit facility’s financial covenants and expects to remain in compliance.

Con-way had other uncommitted unsecured credit facilities totaling $67.7 million at September 30, 2012, which are available to support short-term borrowings, letters of credit, bank guarantees and overdraft facilities. At September 30, 2012, $10.6 million of cash borrowings and $27.3 million of other credit commitments were outstanding leaving $29.8 million of available capacity.

See “– Forward-Looking Statements” below and Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and Note 6, “Debt and Other Financing Arrangements,” of Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” in Con-way’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information concerning Con-way’s $325 million credit facility and its other debt instruments.

In 2012, 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 2012 capital expenditures may differ from the estimated amount depending on factors such as availability and timing of delivery of equipment.

At September 30, 2012, 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, Fitch Ratings, and Moody's assigned an outlook of “stable.”



24
 



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

Other than described below, there have been no significant changes to the critical accounting policies and estimates disclosed in Con-way’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Funding

Con-way periodically reviews the funded status of its qualified defined benefit pension plans and makes contributions from time to time as necessary to increase the funded status of the plans and to comply with the funding requirements of the Pension Projection Act (“PPA”). In determining the amount and timing of its pension contributions, Con-way considers its cash position, both the PPA- and GAAP-based measurements of funded status, and the tax deductibility of contributions, among other factors. In 2011, Con-way contributed $62.6 million to its qualified defined benefit pension plans, and through October 31, Con-way contributed $51.4 million to its qualified defined benefit pension plans in 2012. Con-way does not anticipate making any further contributions to the plans in 2012. In July 2012, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (“MAP-21”) became law. Among other things, this legislation alters how PPA minimum funding requirements are determined. Although MAP-21 reduces Con-way's PPA minimum funding requirements, Con-way estimates that its 2013 contributions to its qualified defined benefit pension plans will be comparable to the amount contributed in 2012. The level of Con-way's annual contributions to its qualified pension plans is subject to change based on variations in interest rates, asset returns, PPA requirements and other factors.




25
 



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 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statement is made, and Con-way does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise  required by law.




26
 



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. For the periods presented, Con-way held no material derivative financial instruments.

Interest Rates

Con-way’s exposure to interest-rate fluctuations is more fully discussed in Item 7, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” of Con-way’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Fuel

Con-way is subject to risks associated with the price and availability 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. 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. 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.





27
 



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. However, the market risk related to foreign currency exchange rates is not material to Con-way’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. For the periods presented, Con-way used no material 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.


28
 



PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Certain legal proceedings of Con-way are discussed in Note 8, “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 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


29
 



ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 Exhibit No.
(10)
 
Material Contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
10.1

Compliance Amendment 2012-1 to the Con-way Inc. 2005 Supplemental Excess Retirement Plan (Amended and Restated December 2008)#.
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.2

Form of Amendment No. 2 to Severance Agreement (Change in Control)#.
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.3

Form of Severance Agreement (Change in Control) for Saul Gonzalez#.
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.4

Form of Severance Agreement (Change in Control) for Stephen K. Krull#.
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.5

Form of Severance Agreement (Change in Control) for W. Gregory Lehmkuhl#.
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.6

Form of Severance Agreement (Change in Control) for C. Randal Mullett#.
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.7

Form of Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Severance Agreement (Non-Change in Control)#.
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.8

Form of Severance Agreement (Non-Change in Control) for Saul Gonzalez#.
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.9

Form of Severance Agreement (Non-Change in Control) for Stephen K. Krull#.
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.10

Form of Severance Agreement (Non-Change in Control) for W. Gregory Lehmkuhl#.
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.11

Form of Non-Change in Control Severance Policy (Con-way Inc. and Con-way Enterprise Services, Inc.) #.
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.12

Form of Non-Change in Control Severance Policy (Con-way Affiliates)#.
 
 
 
 
(31)
 
Certification of Officers pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002:
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer 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 September 30, 2012, filed on November 2, 2012, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):  (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Statements of Consolidated Income, (iii) Statement of Consolidated Comprehensive Income, (iv) Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
# Designates a contract or compensation plan for Management or Directors.
 


30
 



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)
 
 
November 2, 2012
/s/ Stephen L. Bruffett
 
Stephen L. Bruffett
 
Executive Vice President and
 
Chief Financial Officer


31