sep0910q.htm


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, 2009

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

2855 Campus Drive, Suite 300, San Mateo, California  94403
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  o    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, $.625 par value,
outstanding as of October 31, 2009:  49,224,764


 
 

 


CON-WAY INC.
FORM 10-Q
Quarter Ended September 30, 2009
           
           
Table of Contents
           
         
Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
           
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
           
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets -
 
       
September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008
3
           
     
Statements of Consolidated Operations -
 
       
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008
5
           
     
Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows -
 
       
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008
6
           
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
7
           
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
20
           
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
32
           
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
34
           
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
           
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
35
           
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
35
           
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
36
           
 
Signatures
37
           
           
           


 
- 2 -

 


 
             
             
             
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
           
             
             
CON-WAY INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
             
             
             
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
ASSETS
 
2009
   
2008
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Current Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 417,145     $ 278,253  
Marketable securities
    20,407       -  
Trade accounts receivable, net
    534,685       516,910  
Other accounts receivable
    36,046       51,576  
Operating supplies, at lower of average cost or market
    20,387       24,102  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    34,867       42,278  
Deferred income taxes
    33,931       37,963  
      1,097,468       951,082  
                 
                 
Property, Plant and Equipment
               
  Land
    194,963       194,330  
Buildings and leasehold improvements
    807,966       803,511  
Revenue equipment
    1,335,955       1,350,514  
Other equipment
    286,886       292,761  
      2,625,770       2,641,116  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (1,260,198 )     (1,169,160 )
      1,365,572       1,471,956  
                 
Other Assets
               
Deferred charges and other assets
    39,228       43,012  
Capitalized software, net
    23,610       29,345  
Marketable securities
    7,045       6,712  
Intangible assets, net
    24,119       27,336  
Goodwill
    353,449       487,956  
Deferred income taxes
    -       54,308  
      447,451       648,669  
                 
Total Assets
  $ 2,910,491     $ 3,071,707  
                 
                 
                 
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 


 
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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
 
             
             
             
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
2009
   
2008
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Current Liabilities
           
Accounts payable
  $ 290,278     $ 273,784  
Accrued liabilities
    234,674       258,350  
Self-insurance accruals
    89,399       94,663  
Short-term borrowings
    10,599       7,480  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    204,767       23,800  
Total Current Liabilities
    829,717       658,077  
                 
Long-Term Liabilities
               
Long-term debt and guarantees
    718,074       926,224  
Self-insurance accruals
    158,151       152,435  
Employee benefits
    351,309       659,508  
Other liabilities and deferred credits
    46,578       49,871  
Deferred income taxes
    72,321       -  
Total Liabilities
    2,176,150       2,446,115  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)
               
                 
Shareholders' Equity
               
Preferred stock, no par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares:
               
Series B, 8.5% cumulative, convertible, $.01 stated value; designated
               
1,100,000 shares; issued zero and 523,911 shares, respectively
    -       5  
Additional paid-in capital, preferred stock
    -       79,681  
Deferred compensation, defined contribution retirement plan
    -       (10,435 )
Total Preferred Shareholders' Equity
    -       69,251  
Common stock, $.625 par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares;
               
issued 62,512,456 and 62,379,868 shares, respectively
    38,971       38,851  
Additional paid-in capital, common stock
    565,516       584,229  
Retained earnings
    892,845       1,020,930  
Cost of repurchased common stock
               
(13,411,080 and 16,522,563 shares, respectively)
    (580,475 )     (713,095 )
Total Common Shareholders' Equity
    916,857       930,915  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
    (182,516 )     (374,574 )
Total Shareholders' Equity
    734,341       625,592  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
  $ 2,910,491     $ 3,071,707  
                 
                 
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 


 
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CON-WAY INC.
 
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
 
                         
                         
                         
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
Revenues
  $ 1,133,441     $ 1,370,169     $ 3,152,706     $ 3,911,435  
                                 
Costs and Expenses
                               
Salaries, wages and other employee benefits
    490,337       533,810       1,420,018       1,580,424  
Purchased transportation
    271,842       348,899       717,892       921,996  
Fuel and fuel-related taxes
    95,786       163,350       252,821       467,728  
Other operating expenses
    111,517       115,576       312,443       330,572  
Depreciation and amortization
    47,390       52,808       146,352       156,016  
Maintenance
    34,698       33,712       95,498       101,679  
Rents and leases
    24,497       24,477       70,451       71,007  
Purchased labor
    16,240       18,620       45,630       54,228  
Loss from impairment of goodwill
    -       -       134,813       -  
      1,092,307       1,291,252       3,195,918       3,683,650  
                                 
Operating Income (Loss)
    41,134       78,917       (43,212 )     227,785  
                                 
Other Income (Expense)
                               
Investment income
    509       1,344       2,001       4,014  
Interest expense
    (15,864 )     (15,646 )     (48,463 )     (47,789 )
Miscellaneous, net
    (755 )     (867 )     (1,742 )     528  
      (16,110 )     (15,169 )     (48,204 )     (43,247 )
                                 
Income (Loss) before Income Tax Provision
    25,024       63,748       (91,416 )     184,538  
Income Tax Provision
    11,532       23,264       14,402       71,136  
                                 
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
    13,492       40,484       (105,818 )     113,402  
                                 
Discontinued Operations, net of tax
                               
Gain from Disposal
    -       -       -       1,609  
      -       -       -       1,609  
                                 
Net Income (Loss)
    13,492       40,484       (105,818 )     115,011  
Preferred Stock Dividends
    -       1,655       3,189       5,028  
                                 
Net Income (Loss) Applicable to Common Shareholders
  $ 13,492     $ 38,829     $ (109,007 )   $ 109,983  
                                 
Net Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations
                               
Applicable to Common Shareholders
  $ 13,492     $ 38,829     $ (109,007 )   $ 108,374  
                                 
Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding
                               
Basic
    48,862,692       45,499,208       47,009,642       45,367,459  
Diluted
    49,497,740       48,336,200       47,009,642       48,256,429  
                                 
Earnings (Loss) per Common Share
                               
Basic
                               
  Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
  $ 0.28     $ 0.85     $ (2.32 )   $ 2.39  
  Gain from Disposal
    -       -       -       0.03  
  Net Income (Loss) Applicable to Common Shareholders
  $ 0.28     $ 0.85     $ (2.32 )   $ 2.42  
                                 
Diluted
                               
  Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
  $ 0.27     $ 0.81     $ (2.32 )   $ 2.26  
  Gain from Disposal
    -       -       -       0.04  
  Net Income (Loss) Applicable to Common Shareholders
  $ 0.27     $ 0.81     $ (2.32 )   $ 2.30  
                                 
                                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 


 
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CON-WAY INC.
 
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
             
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
  $ 278,253     $ 176,298  
                 
Operating Activities
               
Net income (Loss)
    (105,818 )     115,011  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided
               
by operating activities:
               
Discontinued operations, net of tax
    -       (1,609 )
Depreciation and amortization, net of accretion
    141,162       151,901  
Non-cash compensation and employee benefits
    30,965       16,022  
Increase in deferred income taxes
    8,787       35,504  
Provision for uncollectible accounts
    5,593       4,769  
Loss from impairment of goodwill
    134,813       -  
Loss from sales of property and equipment, net
    7,647       2,110  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Receivables
    (27,958 )     (133,324 )
Prepaid expenses
    7,397       9,087  
Accounts payable
    15,080       10,582  
Accrued incentive compensation
    1,358       (867 )
Accrued liabilities, excluding accrued incentive compensation
               
     and employee benefits
    (6,890 )     55,478  
Self-insurance accruals
    452       12,201  
Accrued income taxes
    17,375       (15,120 )
Employee benefits
    (7,800 )     (20,242 )
Deferred charges and credits
    3,814       (7,021 )
Other
    3,719       (10,652 )
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    229,696       223,830  
                 
Investing Activities
               
Capital expenditures
    (46,648 )     (197,079 )
Software expenditures
    (4,230 )     (8,334 )
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
    13,491       6,554  
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transaction
    -       40,380  
Net decrease (increase) in marketable securities
    (20,393 )     22,501  
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
    (57,780 )     (135,978 )
                 
Financing Activities
               
Repayment of debt and guarantees
    (22,700 )     (22,704 )
Net proceeds from (repayments of) short-term borrowings
    3,107       (3,802 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    4,171       9,569  
Excess tax benefit from stock-option exercises
    165       755  
Payments of common dividends
    (14,157 )     (13,688 )
Payments of preferred dividends
    (3,507 )     (7,373 )
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
    (32,921 )     (37,243 )
                 
Net Cash Provided by Continuing Operations
    138,995       50,609  
                 
Discontinued Operations
               
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
    (103 )     (1,204 )
Net Cash Used in Discontinued Operations
    (103 )     (1,204 )
                 
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    138,892       49,405  
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
  $ 417,145     $ 225,703  
                 
Supplemental Disclosure
               
Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes, net
  $ (8,865 )   $ 48,381  
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized
  $ 50,303     $ 36,999  
                 
Non-cash Financing Activities
               
Repurchased common stock issued under defined contribution plan
  $ 18,671     $ -  
Repurchased common stock issued for payment of preferred dividends
  $ 3,189     $ -  
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 

 
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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 5, “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 2008 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.

New Accounting Standards

In June 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2009-01, “The FASB Codification and Hierarchy of GAAP.”  This statement establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”) as the single source of authoritative, nongovernmental U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), along with rules and interpretive releases of the SEC as authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. Although the Codification does not change GAAP, it substantially reorganizes the literature, which will require enterprises to revise GAAP references contained in financial-statement disclosures. Con-way’s adoption of ASU 2009-01, effective July 1, 2009, did not have a material effect on its financial statements.

Also in June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets – an amendment of SFAS 140” and SFAS 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation 46R.”  SFAS 166 and SFAS 167 were codified in the “Transfers and Servicing” and “Consolidations” topics of the Codification, respectively. SFAS 166 modifies the accounting for transfers of financial assets, eliminates the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity and creates more stringent conditions for reporting a transfer of a portion of a financial asset as a sale. SFAS 167 changes the accounting rules to improve financial reporting by enterprises involved with a variable-interest entity (“VIE”). Primarily, the statement eliminates an existing provision that excludes certain special-purpose entities from consolidation requirements and also establishes principles-based criteria for determining whether a VIE should be consolidated. Both statements are effective for the first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2009 and for interim periods within that annual reporting period, which for Con-way is the first quarter of 2010. Con-way does not expect the adoption of SFAS 166 or SFAS 167 to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In August 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-05, “Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value.”  This ASU provides guidance on the measurement of a liability under the “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” topic of the Codification for circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available. Under the guidance, the fair value of a liability will be based on the quoted price for an identical (or similar) liability when traded as an asset. An entity may use another valuation technique that is consistent with the principles of the “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” topic, such as an income- or market-based approach. ASU 2009-05 also clarifies that when estimating the fair value of a liability, a reporting entity is not permitted to make adjustments to include inputs relating to the existence of transfer restrictions on that liability. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after August 27, 2009, which for Con-way is the fourth quarter of 2009. Con-way does not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-13, “Multi-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements- a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force.” ASU 2009-13 was codified in the “Revenue Recognition” topic of the Codification, which details the

 
- 7 -

 

requirements that must be met for an entity to recognize revenue from the sale of a delivered item that is part of a multiple-element arrangement when other items have not yet been delivered. ASU 2009-13 addresses how to determine whether an arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting and how the arrangement consideration should be allocated among separate units of accounting. One of the current requirements is that there be objective and reliable evidence of the standalone selling price of the undelivered items, which must be supported by either vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) or third-party evidence. ASU 2009-13 modifies the current GAAP by amending the objective and reliable evidence threshold to allow use of estimated selling price when VSOE does not exist. Under ASU 2009-13, deliverables would be expected to meet the separation criteria more frequently. ASU 2009-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. Con-way will apply the guidance prospectively to revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified on or after January 1, 2011.

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
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Numerator:
                       
Continuing operations (after preferred stock
                       
dividends), as reported
  $ 13,492     $ 38,829     $ (109,007 )   $ 108,374  
Add-backs:
                               
Dividends on Series B preferred stock, net
                               
of replacement funding
    --       256       --       780  
Continuing operations
    13,492       39,085       (109,007 )     109,154  
Discontinued operations
    --       --       --       1,609  
Applicable to common shareholders
  $ 13,492     $ 39,085     $ (109,007 )   $ 110,763  
                                 
Denominator:
                               
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
    48,862,692       45,499,208       47,009,642       45,367,459  
Stock options and nonvested stock
    635,048       322,040       --       374,018  
Series B preferred stock
    --       2,514,952       --       2,514,952  
      49,497,740       48,336,200       47,009,642       48,256,429  
                                 
Anti-dilutive securities not included in
                               
denominator
    1,588,526       871,330       5,025,354       871,330  
                                 
Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share:
                               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.27     $ 0.81     $ (2.32 )   $ 2.26  
Discontinued operations
    --       --       --       0.04  
Applicable to common shareholders
  $ 0.27     $ 0.81     $ (2.32 )   $ 2.30  

In the computation of diluted EPS, only potential common shares that are dilutive are included. Potential common shares are dilutive if they reduce earnings per share or increase loss per share. Options, nonvested stock and convertible preferred stock are not included in the computation if the result is anti-dilutive, such as when a loss applicable to common shareholders is reported.

Revenue Recognition

Generally, the pricing assessed by Con-way is subject to subsequent adjustment due to several factors, including weight and freight classification verifications, or pricing discounts. Estimates for future billing adjustments are recognized at the time of shipment and are based on revenue levels and historical experience. In September 2009, Con-way Freight obtained more precise and previously unavailable correction-activity data and, accordingly, revised its assumptions about the time period between the recognition of revenue and the subsequent revenue adjustments. As a result of this change in accounting estimate at the Freight segment, the allowance for revenue adjustments increased while both revenue and operating income decreased by $5.4 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009. The change in estimate adversely affected net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders by $3.4 million ($0.07 per diluted share) in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009. The future-period effect of the change in accounting estimate is immaterial.

 
- 8 -

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

Con-way periodically evaluates whether changes to estimated useful lives or salvage values are necessary to ensure that these estimates accurately reflect the economic use of the assets. In January 2009, Con-way Freight increased the estimated useful life of most of its tractors to 8 years from 7 years. As a result of this change, net income available to common shareholders in the third quarter of 2009 increased by $1.9 million ($0.04 per diluted share), and in the first nine months of 2009, the net loss applicable to common shareholders decreased by $5.4 million ($0.12 per diluted share).

Reclassifications and Revisions

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

Subsequent Events

Con-way has evaluated subsequent events for disclosure and recognition after the balance sheet date of September 30, 2009 through November 5, 2009, the date the financial statements were issued, and no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure were identified.

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.

Con-way evaluated its goodwill for impairment prior to its annual measurement date due primarily to worsening truckload market conditions, lower profit projections for Con-way Truckload and a decline in Con-way’s market capitalization during the first quarter of 2009. As of March 31, 2009, Con-way determined that the goodwill associated with Con-way Truckload was impaired and, as a result, Con-way Truckload recognized a $134.8 million impairment charge to reduce the carrying amount of the goodwill to its implied fair value. The first-quarter impairment was primarily due to lower projected revenues and operating income and a discount rate that reflected the economic and market conditions.

For the valuation of Con-way Truckload, Con-way applied two equally weighted methods:  public-company multiples and a discounted cash flow model. The key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow model were cash flow projections involving forecasted revenues and expenses, capital expenditures and working capital changes. In addition, other key assumptions included the discount rate and terminal growth rate applied to projected future cash flows. The discount rate was equal to the estimated weighted-average cost of capital for the reporting unit. The terminal growth rate was based on inflation assumptions adjusted for factors that may impact future growth such as industry-specific expectations.


 
- 9 -

 

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

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Logistics
   
Truckload
   
Other
   
Total
 
                         
Balances at December 31, 2007
  $ 55,146     $ 471,573     $ 727     $ 527,446  
Adjustments to fair value
    (11,020 )     (8,814 )     --       (19,834 )
Liabilities assumed
    7,537       --       --       7,537  
Adjustments to deferred taxes
    2,755       1,839       --       4,594  
Impairment charge
    (31,822 )     --       --       (31,822 )
Direct transition costs
    282       --       --       282  
Change in foreign-currency exchange rates
    (247 )     --       --       (247 )
Balances at December 31, 2008
  $ 22,631     $ 464,598     $ 727     $ 487,956  
Impairment charge
    --       (134,813 )     --       (134,813 )
Change in foreign-currency exchange rates
    306       --       --       306  
Balances at September 30, 2009
  $ 22,937     $ 329,785     $ 727     $ 353,449  

Intangible Assets

The fair value of intangible assets is amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. In the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, amortization expense related to intangible assets was $1.1 million and $3.3 million, respectively, compared to $1.3 million and $3.5 million in the same respective periods in 2008. Intangible assets consisted of the following:

         
September 30, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Weighted-Average Life (Years)
   
Gross Carrying Amount
   
Accumulated Amortization
   
Gross Carrying Amount
   
Accumulated Amortization
 
                               
Customer relationships
    9.4     $ 31,343     $ 7,406     $ 31,152     $ 4,714  
Trademarks
    2.0       2,550       2,368       2,550       1,652  
            $ 33,893     $ 9,774     $ 33,702     $ 6,366  

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 2009
  $ 1,000  
2010
    3,500  
2011
    3,500  
2012
    3,100  
2013
    2,700  
2014
    2,700  

3. Restructuring Activities

During 2007 and 2008, Con-way Freight initiated three restructuring activities:  an operational restructuring, a network re-engineering and an economic workforce reduction. In connection with these restructuring activities, Con-way Freight recognized $0.5 million of net adjustments that reduced expense in the first nine months of 2009, due primarily to reductions in lease-related liabilities. In the first nine months of 2008, Con-way Freight recognized first-quarter restructuring charges of $2.6 million. Con-way reported the employee-separation costs in salaries, wages and other employee benefits, facility costs primarily in rents and leases, and asset-impairment charges in other operating expenses in the statements of consolidated operations. In addition to the restructuring charges, Con-way Freight recognized an additional $2.6 million in the first quarter of 2008 for other related costs, consisting primarily of consulting fees, which are reported as other operating expenses.

The remaining liability for amounts expensed but not yet paid was $5.5 million at September 30, 2009. The remaining liability relates primarily to operating lease commitments that are expected to be payable over several years.

 
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Operational Restructuring

In August 2007, Con-way Freight began an operational restructuring to combine its three regional operating companies into one centralized operation to improve the customer experience and streamline its processes. The reorganization into a centralized entity was intended to improve customer service and efficiency through the development of uniform pricing and operational processes, and implementation of best practices. Con-way Freight completed the initiative in the first quarter of 2008.

The following table summarizes the effect of Con-way Freight’s operational restructuring:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Employee-Separation Costs
   
Facility and Lease- Termination Costs
   
Asset-Impairment Charges
   
Other
   
Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ --     $ 3,162     $ --     $ 40     $ 3,202  
Cash payments
    --       (793 )     --       (40 )     (833 )
Balance at September  30, 2009
  $ --     $ 2,369     $ --     $ --     $ 2,369  
                                         
Total expense recognized to date
  $ 7,119     $ 4,336     $ 2,401     $ 2,786     $ 16,642  

Network Re-Engineering

In November 2008, Con-way Freight completed a major network re-engineering to reduce service exceptions, improve on-time delivery and bring faster transit times while deploying a lower-cost, more efficient service center network better aligned to customer needs and business volumes. The re-engineering did not change Con-way Freight’s service coverage, but did involve the closure of 40 service centers, with shipment volumes from closing locations redistributed and balanced among more than 100 nearby service centers.

The following table summarizes the effect of the network re-engineering:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Employee-Separation Costs
   
Facility and Lease- Termination Costs
   
Asset-Impairment Charges
   
Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 259     $ 7,213     $ --     $ 7,472  
2009 restructuring charges and net adjustments
    324       (1,967 )     22       (1,621 )
Cash payments
    (583 )     (2,076 )     --       (2,659 )
Write-offs
    --       --       (22 )     (22 )
Balance at September 30, 2009
  $ --     $ 3,170     $ --     $ 3,170  
                                 
Total expense recognized to date
  $ 5,968     $ 5,781     $ 1,656     $ 13,405  

Economic Workforce Reduction

In response to a decline in year-over-year business volumes that accelerated during the fourth quarter of 2008, Con-way Freight reduced its workforce by 1,450 positions in December 2008. In addition to reducing the workforce at operating locations, the reduction also eliminated positions at Con-way Freight’s general office and administrative center, and included a realignment of its area and regional division structure to streamline management.


 
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The following table summarizes the effect of the workforce reduction:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Employee-Separation Costs
 
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 1,742  
2009 restructuring charges
    1,114  
Cash payments
    (2,856 )
Balance at September 30, 2009
  $ --  
         
Total expense recognized to date
  $ 6,567  

4. Discontinued Operations

Results of discontinued operations in the periods presented relate to the shut-down of Emery Worldwide Airlines, Inc. (“EWA”) in December 2001. The results of operations and cash flows of discontinued operations have been segregated from continuing operations. In the second quarter of 2008, Con-way recognized a $1.6 million gain (net of tax of $1.0 million) to eliminate a previously recorded accrued liability associated with a legal contingency. See Note 4, “Discontinued Operations,” of Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” in Con-way’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional discussion of results of operations and cash flows of discontinued operations in prior periods.

5. 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.
 

 
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Financial Data
 
Management evaluates segment performance primarily based on revenue and operating income (loss). Accordingly, interest expense, investment income 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
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Revenues from External Customers
                       
Freight
  $ 692,750     $ 808,326     $ 1,890,434     $ 2,375,654  
Logistics
    344,361       419,896       987,793       1,138,494  
Truckload
    95,681       140,932       271,490       394,264  
Other
    649       1,015       2,989       3,023  
    $ 1,133,441     $ 1,370,169     $ 3,152,706     $ 3,911,435  
                                 
Inter-segment Revenues
                               
Freight
  $ 11,709     $ 16,622     $ 37,189     $ 41,161  
Logistics
    1,991       332       2,658       355  
Truckload
    50,570       42,730       152,842       122,073  
Other
    3,209       11,573       11,395       35,120  
    $ 67,479     $ 71,257     $ 204,084     $ 198,709  
                                 
Revenues before Inter-segment Eliminations
                               
Freight
  $ 704,459     $ 824,948     $ 1,927,623     $ 2,416,815  
Logistics
    346,352       420,228       990,451       1,138,849  
Truckload
    146,251       183,662       424,332       516,337  
Other
    3,858       12,588       14,384       38,143  
Inter-segment Revenue Eliminations
    (67,479 )     (71,257 )     (204,084 )     (198,709 )
    $ 1,133,441     $ 1,370,169     $ 3,152,706     $ 3,911,435  
Operating Income (Loss)
                               
Freight
  $ 22,816     $ 61,107     $ 48,423     $ 174,559  
Logistics
    9,532       3,678       22,305       14,895  
Truckload
    10,620       15,195       (115,179 )     37,907  
Other
    (1,834 )     (1,063 )     1,239       424  
    $ 41,134     $ 78,917     $ (43,212 )   $ 227,785  
                                 

(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Assets
           
Freight
  $ 1,275,257     $ 1,297,197  
Logistics
    306,770       331,419  
Truckload
    726,430       911,835  
Other
    602,034       531,256  
    $ 2,910,491     $ 3,071,707  



 
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6. 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

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

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

   
September 30, 2009
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                         
Cash equivalents
  $ 396,953     $ 154,693     $ 242,260     $ --  
Current marketable securities
    20,407       --       20,407       --  
Other marketable securities
    7,045       --       --       7,045  

   
December 31, 2008
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                         
Cash equivalents
  $ 264,946     $ 125,160     $ 139,786     $ --  
Other marketable securities
    6,712       --       --       6,712  

Cash equivalents consist of short-term interest-bearing instruments (primarily money-market funds, commercial paper, and certificates of deposit) with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. Current marketable securities consist of interest-bearing instruments (primarily variable-rate demand notes and banker’s acceptances) with maturities greater than three months at the date of purchase. At September 30, 2009, the weighted-average remaining maturity of the current marketable securities was less than one month.

Money-market funds reflect their net asset value and are classified as Level 1 instruments within the fair-value hierarchy. Due to the lack of quoted market prices for identical instruments, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, variable-rate demand notes and banker’s acceptances are generally valued using published interest rates for instruments with similar terms and maturities, and accordingly, classified as Level 2 instruments within the fair-value hierarchy. Based on their short maturities, the carrying amount of the cash equivalents and marketable securities approximates their fair value.

Con-way’s other marketable security consists of one auction-rate security, which was valued with an income approach that utilized 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, 2007
  $ --  
Transfer in from Level 2
    7,500  
Unrealized loss
    (788 )
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 6,712  
Unrealized gain
    533  
Partial redemption
    (200 )
Balance at September 30, 2009
  $ 7,045  

Due primarily to changes in interest-rate benchmarks, the fair value of Con-way’s auction-rate security increased $0.5 million in the first nine months of 2009. Con-way has recorded the cumulative $0.3 million decline in the carrying value of marketable

 
- 14 -

 

securities with an equal and offsetting unrealized loss in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Con-way has evaluated the unrealized loss and concluded that the decline in fair value is temporary.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

In March 2009, Con-way measured the fair value of the Con-way Truckload reporting unit as part of a goodwill impairment test. The inputs used to measure the fair value of Con-way Truckload were within Level 3 of the fair-value hierarchy. The fair-value methods Con-way applied in the valuation of Con-way Truckload and the resulting goodwill impairment charge are more fully discussed in Note 2, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets.”

Assets and Liabilities Disclosed at Fair Value, but Not Recognized at Fair Value

Con-way’s long-term debt (including current maturities) of $922.8 million and $950.0 million at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, had estimated fair values of $960 million and $900 million, respectively. Fair values were estimated based on current rates offered for debt with similar terms and maturities.

7. 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. Con-way’s defined benefit pension plans include “qualified” plans that are eligible for certain beneficial treatment under the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”), as well as “non-qualified” plans that do not meet IRC criteria. See Note 12, “Employee Benefit Plans,” of Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” in Con-way’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information concerning its retirement benefit plans. See “– Cost-Reduction Actions” below for a discussion of employee benefits changes that were effective in April 2009.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The following tables summarize 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)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
Service cost – benefits earned during the period
  $ 22     $ 18     $ 67     $ 72  
Interest cost on benefit obligation
    17,131       18,175       52,637       52,890  
Expected return on plan assets
    (14,938 )     (24,229 )     (45,588 )     (72,722 )
Net amortization and deferral
    1,816       (793 )     15,419       (2,380 )
Net periodic benefit expense (income)
  $ 4,031     $ (6,829 )   $ 22,535     $ (22,140 )
                                 

   
Non-Qualified Pension Plans
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
Interest cost on benefit obligation
  $ 1,069     $ 1,148     $ 3,107     $ 3,070  
Net amortization and deferral
    18       670       (2,395 )     1,311  
Net periodic benefit expense
  $ 1,087     $ 1,818     $ 712     $ 4,381  
                                 

In the first nine months of 2009, Con-way contributed $17.3 million to its qualified pension plans and does not currently anticipate making any further contributions to the plans in 2009.


 
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Defined Contribution Retirement Plans

Con-way’s defined contribution retirement plans consist mostly of the primary defined contribution retirement plan (the “Primary DC Plan”), which covers non-contractual U.S. employees. The Primary DC Plan is a voluntary defined contribution plan with a leveraged employee stock ownership plan feature with salary deferral qualified under Section 401(k) of the IRC, as more fully discussed in Note 12, “Employee Benefit Plans,” of Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” in Con-way’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Prior to the implementation of Con-way’s cost-reduction actions, as more fully discussed below, Con-way made “matching” contributions equal to 50% of the first six percent of employees’ eligible compensation and made additional discretionary contributions to employees’ 401(k) accounts. The additional contributions, which were based on employees’ years of service, consisted of a “basic” contribution that ranged from 3% to 5% of eligible compensation and a “transition” contribution that ranged from 1% to 3% of eligible compensation.

Con-way’s expense under the Primary DC Plan was $8.5 million and $36.4 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, respectively, compared to $23.1 million and $70.0 million in the same respective periods of 2008. At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, Con-way had recognized accrued liabilities of $6.6 million and $21.8 million, respectively, for its contributions related to the Primary DC Plan. In the periods presented, Con-way’s contributions to the Primary DC Plan included allocations of Con-way preferred stock and contributions of cash and Con-way common stock. Effective in January 2009, contributions in the form of Con-way common stock were made with repurchased common stock (also referred to as treasury stock), rather than from open-market purchases from cash contributed by Con-way. During the first nine months of 2009, Con-way used 610,176 shares of repurchased common stock to fund $18.7 million of contributions to the Primary DC Plan.

In the second quarter of 2009, Con-way exercised its right to redeem all shares of its preferred stock that were outstanding on June 30, 2009. Each share of preferred stock was converted into common stock at a rate equal to the number of shares of common stock that could be purchased for $152.10. Accordingly, $93.8 million or 2,202,937 shares of repurchased common stock were issued to convert and redeem $75.0 million or 493,220 shares of outstanding preferred stock. The $18.8 million difference between the historical cost of the repurchased common stock and the converted preferred stock was recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital in common shareholder’s equity. Also on the redemption date, $4.0 million or 93,636 shares of repurchased common stock were used to pay the common-stock equivalent of the then-accrued $3.2 million cash dividend on preferred stock, with the $0.8 million difference recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital in common shareholders’ equity.

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)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
Service cost – benefits earned during the period
  $ 374     $ 571     $ 1,154     $ 1,712  
Interest cost on benefit obligation
    1,406       1,692       4,184       5,078  
Net amortization and deferral
    (306 )     (12 )     (917 )     (36 )
Net periodic benefit expense
  $ 1,474     $ 2,251     $ 4,421     $ 6,754  

Long-term Disability Plan

Con-way’s expense associated with the long-term disability plan was $2.5 million and $8.0 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, respectively, compared to $2.9 million and $7.6 million in the same respective periods of 2008. 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 September 30, 2009, the long-term and current portions of the obligation were $30.9 million and $11.4 million, respectively, and at December 31, 2008, were $32.1 million and $13.6 million, respectively.
 
Cost-Reduction Actions

In response to economic conditions, in March 2009 Con-way announced several measures to reduce costs and conserve cash. These cost-reduction measures are in addition to the actions Con-way took in the fourth quarter of 2008. Actions in 2008 included workforce reductions, network re-engineering, suspension of merit-based pay increases, reductions in capital expenditures and

 
- 16 -

 

other spending cuts. The measures announced in March 2009 substantially consist of the suspension or curtailment of employee benefits and a reduction in salaries and wages, as detailed below.

Salaries and Wages

Effective March 29, 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. Since April 1, 2009, this reduction has resulted in estimated quarterly savings of approximately $13 million.
 
Compensated Absences

Effective April 1, 2009, a compensated-absences benefit was suspended at Con-way Freight. Prior to the suspension, employees’ current-year service earned a compensated-absences benefit eligible for use in the subsequent year. During the period of suspension, no compensated-absences benefits will be earned for current-year service; however, employees may use previously vested benefits. Since April 1, 2009, this reduction has resulted in estimated quarterly savings of approximately $14 million. On April 1, 2010, the accrual for Freight’s compensated-absences benefit will resume, as employees will begin to earn a compensated-absences benefit eligible for use in the year earned.

Also, effective March 8, 2009, Menlo Worldwide Logistics reduced its compensated-absences benefit by 25%. Since April 1, 2009, this reduction has resulted in estimated quarterly savings of approximately $1 million.

Defined Contribution Plan

Effective April 26, 2009, employer contributions to Con-way’s Primary DC Plan, as more fully discussed above, 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. Since April 1, 2009, this suspension and/or limitation resulted in estimated quarterly savings of approximately $7 million associated with the matching contribution and $5 million associated with the basic and transition contributions. Effective in July 2009, basic contributions were made with repurchased Con-way common stock.

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Effective April 30, 2009, Con-way amended its primary defined benefit pension plan to permanently curtail benefits associated with future increases in employee compensation. Prior to the amendment, future retirement benefits considered participants’ eligible compensation increases through 2016. In connection with the curtailment, Con-way re-measured its plan-related assets and liabilities as of April 30, 2009. Accordingly, as of the re-measurement date, Con-way recorded a $299.9 million decrease to employee benefits, a $116.9 million decrease in long-term deferred tax assets, and a $182.9 million net of tax increase to shareholders' equity (to reflect a reduction in the accumulated other comprehensive loss). The decline in Con-way’s accrued pension liability was due primarily to an increase in the discount rate used to measure the present value of the pension obligation. The discount rate used at April 30, 2009 was 7.85% compared to a discount rate of 6.10% at December 31, 2008. The curtailment does not have a material effect on Con-way’s 2009 net periodic benefit expense.


 
- 17 -

 

8. Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income, 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
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
Net income (loss)
  $ 13,492     $ 40,484     $ (105,818 )   $ 115,011  
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    260       (560 )     1,430       1,134  
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale security,
                               
net of deferred tax of $15 and $208,
                               
respectively
    23       --       325       --  
Amortization of employee benefit plan
                               
amounts, net of deferred tax of $595 and
                               
$4,721, respectively
    933       --       7,386       --  
Employee benefit plan adjustments, net
                               
of deferred tax of $116,946
    --       --       182,917       --  
Comprehensive income
  $ 14,708     $ 39,924     $ 86,240     $ 116,145  

9. Share-Based Compensation

Under terms of the 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), and performance-share plan units. See Note 13, “Share-Based Compensation,” of Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” in Con-way’s 2008 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
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
Salaries, wages and other employee benefits
  $ 2,801     $ 2,737     $ 8,422     $ 8,245  
Deferred income tax benefit
    (1,077 )     (1,058 )     (3,237 )     (3,178 )
     Net share-based compensation expense
  $ 1,724     $ 1,679     $ 5,185     $ 5,067  

10. Income Taxes

Con-way’s third-quarter and year-to-date effective tax rates in 2009 were 46.1% and -15.8%, respectively. In the third quarter and first nine months of 2008, the effective tax rates were 36.5% and 38.5%, respectively. Excluding the effect of various tax adjustments, Con-way’s third-quarter and year-to-date effective tax rates in 2009 were 37.0% and 37.4%, respectively, and in 2008 were 39.6% and 39.4%, respectively. The effective tax rate in 2009 primarily reflects the non-deductible goodwill impairment charge in the first quarter, as discussed more fully in Note 2, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” and discrete tax items, including the reversal of a portion of Con-way’s accrued liability for uncertain tax positions and the establishment of a valuation allowance related to an operating-loss carryforward. The effective tax rate in 2008 also reflects less material discrete tax adjustments. Excluding the effect of various tax adjustments described above, the effective tax rates in 2009 were lower compared to 2008 due primarily to lower income before income taxes, which increases the percentage effect of tax credits and other permanent items.

Other accounts receivable in the consolidated balance sheets include income tax receivables of $6.5 million and $24.0 million at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.


 
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11. Commitments and Contingencies

Purchase Commitments

At September 30, 2009, Con-way had entered into a purchase commitment to acquire $17.3 million of revenue equipment for delivery in 2009.

CFC

The cessation by Consolidated Freightways Corporation (“CFC”) of its U.S. operations in connection with the filing of bankruptcy in 2002 was deemed to have resulted in CFC's “complete withdrawal” (within the meaning of applicable federal law) from certain multiemployer plans to which CFC was a party at the time Con-way completed the 100% spin-off of CFC to Con-way’s shareholders in December 1996. These plans subsequently assessed claims for such “withdrawal liabilities” against CFC, demanding that CFC pay them for the approximately $400 million that they determined to be CFC’s share of unfunded vested benefits obligations under those plans.

In 2008, Con-way was approached by the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund and the New York States Teamsters Conference Pension and Retirement Fund, seeking to impose withdrawal liability against Con-way for CFC’s unpaid pension liabilities. Both matters have been settled as previously disclosed in Note 14, “Commitments and Contingencies,” of Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” in Con-way’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Con-way continues to believe that its actions in connection with the CFC spin-off were proper and will continue to vigorously defend itself from any claims brought against it by multiemployer pension funds seeking to hold Con-way responsible for CFC’s withdrawal liabilities. However, there can be no assurance as to the outcome of any such litigation, given uncertainties inherent in such proceedings, including the possible application of adverse judicial decisions rendered in unrelated matters not involving Con-way.

EWA

In February 2002, a lawsuit was filed against 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 estimated range for potential loss on this matter is zero to approximately $9 million, plus accrued interest. The lawsuit was tried in early January 2009, and on September 28, 2009, the court issued its decision in favor of EWA. Plaintiffs have appealed the judgment.

MWF

In 2004, Con-way and Menlo Worldwide, LLC sold to United Parcel Service, Inc. (“UPS”) all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Menlo Worldwide Forwarding, Inc. and its subsidiaries and Menlo Worldwide Expedite!, Inc. Con-way agreed to indemnify UPS against certain losses that UPS may incur after the closing of the sale with certain limitations. Any losses related to these indemnification obligations will be recognized in future periods as an additional loss from disposal when and if incurred.

Other

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 Share Purchase Agreement. The ultimate outcome of this matter is uncertain and any resulting award will not be recognized until received.

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.


 
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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
 
·
New Accounting Standards
 
·
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 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.
 
The results of Con-way’s primary business units 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 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. Con-way Truckload transports shipments using a fleet of long-haul 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.
 

 

 

 
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Results of Operations


The overview below provides a high-level summary of Con-way’s results 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.

Continuing Operations

(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
Revenues
  $ 1,133,441     $ 1,370,169     $ 3,152,706     $ 3,911,435  
Costs and expenses
                               
Loss from impairment of goodwill
    --       --       134,813       --  
Other operating expenses
    1,092,307       1,291,252       3,061,105       3,683,650  
      1,092,307       1,291,252       3,195,918       3,683,650  
Operating income (loss)
    41,134       78,917       (43,212 )     227,785  
Other expense
    16,110       15,169       48,204       43,247  
Income (loss) before income tax
                               
provision
    25,024       63,748       (91,416 )     184,538  
Income tax provision
    11,532       23,264       14,402       71,136  
Net income (loss)
    13,492       40,484       (105,818 )     113,402  
Preferred stock dividends
    --       1,655       3,189       5,028  
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
                               
applicable to common shareholders
  $ 13,492     $ 38,829     $ (109,007 )   $ 108,374  
                                 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.27     $ 0.81     $ (2.32 )   $ 2.26  
Effective tax rate
    46.1 %     36.5 %     (15.8 %)     38.5 %

Overview

Con-way’s consolidated revenue for the third quarter of 2009 decreased 17.3% from the third quarter of 2008 and, in the first nine months of 2009, decreased 19.4% from the same prior-year period, reflecting competitive industry pricing and difficult economic conditions.

Con-way’s third-quarter consolidated operating income decreased 47.9% to $41.1 million in 2009 from $78.9 million in 2008. In the year-to-date periods, Con-way’s operating results consisted of an operating loss of $43.2 million in 2009 and operating income of $227.8 million in 2008, primarily reflecting Truckload’s $134.8 million first-quarter goodwill-impairment charge in 2009. Excluding the impairment loss more fully discussed in Note 2, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” of Item 1, “Financial Statements,” consolidated third-quarter and year-to-date operating income in 2009 declined due primarily to the net effect of lower operating income at the Freight and Truckload segments partially offset by higher operating income at the Logistics segment. For the comparative periods presented, the effects of adverse industry and economic conditions were partially mitigated by cost-reduction measures.

In the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, non-operating expense increased $0.9 million and $5.0 million, respectively, due primarily to lower investment income and higher interest expense. Non-operating expense also reflects variations in foreign exchange transactions, which improved comparative operating results by $0.6 million in the third quarter, but lowered comparative operating results by $1.8 million in the year-to-date period.

Con-way’s third-quarter and year-to-date effective tax rates in 2009 were 46.1% and -15.8%, respectively. In the third quarter and first nine months of 2008, the effective tax rates were 36.5% and 38.5%, respectively. Excluding the effect of various tax adjustments, Con-way’s third-quarter and year-to-date effective tax rates in 2009 were 37.0% and 37.4%, respectively, and in 2008 were 39.6% and 39.4%, respectively. The effective tax rate in 2009 primarily reflects the non-deductible goodwill impairment charge in the first quarter, and discrete tax items, including the reversal of a portion of Con-way’s accrued liability for uncertain tax positions and the establishment of a valuation allowance related to an operating-loss carryforward. The effective tax rate in 2008 also reflects less material discrete tax adjustments. Excluding the effect of various tax adjustments described above,

 
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the effective tax rates in 2009 are lower compared to 2008 due primarily to lower income before income taxes, which increases the percentage effect of tax credits and other permanent items.

In response to economic conditions, in March 2009 Con-way announced several measures to reduce costs and conserve cash. These measures substantially consist of the suspension or curtailment of employee benefits and a reduction in certain employees’ salaries and wages, as detailed in Note 7, “Employee Benefit Plans,” of Item 1, “Financial Statements.”  The measures were projected to save between $100 million to $130 million during 2009. Since April 1, 2009, approximately $40 million of estimated quarterly savings have been realized. The cost-reduction measures announced in March 2009 are in addition to the actions Con-way took in the fourth quarter of 2008, which included workforce reductions, network re-engineering, suspension of merit-based pay increases, reduction in capital expenditures and other spending cuts.

Savings associated with the cost-reduction measures are expected to be lower in periods beyond 2009, reflecting the reinstatement of certain of the suspended benefits and the reversal of salary and wage reductions. Effective January 3, 2010, Con-way plans to reverse one-half of the salary and wage reductions that were implemented for corporate and shared-service employees and those at the Con-way Freight and Road Systems business units. Additionally, one-half of the reductions implemented for Con-way Inc. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Stephen L Bruffett and Con-way Freight President John G. Labrie will be reversed effective January 3, 2010. The reversal of the remaining one-half of the salary and wage reductions is contingent upon the achievement of specified financial metrics. Con-way Freight and Menlo Worldwide Logistics currently plan to reinstate their compensated-absences benefits effective in April 2010. The reinstatement of Con-way’s basic and transition contributions to the defined contribution plan to their prior levels is contingent upon the achievement of specified financial metrics.

Reporting Segment Review

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,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Summary of Segment Operating Results
                       
                         
Revenues
  $ 692,750     $ 808,326     $ 1,890,434     $ 2,375,654  
Operating Income
    22,816       61,107       48,423       174,559  
Operating Margin
    3.3 %     7.6 %     2.6 %     7.3 %
                                 
   
2009 vs. 2008
           
2009 vs. 2008
         
Selected Operating Statistics
                               
Revenue per day
    -15.2 %             -20.3 %        
Weight per day
    +5.1 %             -4.5 %        
Revenue per hundredweight (“yield”)
    -19.4 %             -16.6 %        
    Shipments per day (“volume”)
    +4.5 %             -4.4 %        
Weight per shipment
    +0.7 %             -0.1 %        

Freight’s revenue in the third quarter of 2009 decreased 14.3% from the third quarter of 2008. Revenue per day decreased 15.2% in the third quarter due to a 19.4% decrease in yield, partially offset by a 5.1% increase in weight per day. The 5.1% increase in weight per day reflects a 4.5% increase in shipments per day and a 0.7% increase in weight per shipment. In the first nine months of 2009, Freight’s revenue declined 20.4% from the prior-year period due to lower revenue per day and a 1.5-day decline in the number of working days. In the first nine months of 2009, revenue per day decreased 20.3% due to a 16.6% decrease in yield and a 4.5% decline in weight per day. The 4.5% decline in weight per day reflects a 4.4% decrease in shipments per day and a 0.1% decline in weight per shipment.

In the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, the decline in yield was due primarily to decreases in fuel surcharges and base freight rates. Freight volumes and yield reflect a competitive pricing environment that is primarily the result of excess capacity in the less-than-truckload market and adverse economic conditions. The sequential monthly increases in weight per day experienced in the first six months of 2009 continued in the third quarter. Higher weight per day in the third quarter of 2009 reflects efforts to

 
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improve asset utilization and increase market share by utilizing competitive pricing and Freight’s relative position in the less-than-truckload market in terms of service reliability, transit times and scope of operations.

Yields were also adversely affected by declines in fuel prices, which contributed to lower fuel-surcharge revenue. Excluding fuel surcharges, yields in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009 decreased 10.5% and 7.5%, respectively. In the third quarter, Freight’s fuel-surcharge revenue decreased to 11.3% of revenue in 2009 from 20.6% in 2008, and in the first nine months, decreased to 10.0% of revenue in 2009 from 19.4% in 2008. Due to the market conditions noted above, the declines in fuel-surcharge revenue have not been offset by equivalent increases in base freight-rate revenue. Since its fuel-surcharge program has historically enabled Freight to more than recover increases in fuel costs and fuel-related increases in purchased transportation, these declines in fuel-surcharge revenue have had an adverse effect on operating results.

Freight’s operating income in the third quarter of 2009 decreased 62.7% over the same period of 2008 and, in the first nine months of 2009, decreased 72.3% from the same prior-year period. The decline in operating income resulted from revenue that declined at a faster rate than operating expenses, due in part to the high level of fixed costs in Freight’s network, which is designed to provide geographic coverage and consistent on-time performance. However, 2009 results benefited from cost-reduction measures implemented in April. Since April 1, 2009, approximately $37 million of estimated quarterly savings related to salaries, wages and other employee benefits have been realized. The cost-reduction measures are more fully discussed above in “– Overview.”

In the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, expenses for salaries, wages and other employee benefits decreased 9.6% and 13.3%, from the same periods in 2008. Base compensation in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009 decreased 1.2% and 7.1%, respectively, due to lower average employee counts and the cost-reduction measures. In the third quarter of 2009, incentive compensation expense decreased $6.7 million and, in the first nine months of 2009, decreased $17.6 million due to no incentive compensation being earned during 2009. Employee benefits expense decreased 23.0% and 22.1% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, respectively, due to lower expense for compensated absences, employer contributions to the defined contribution plan and workers’ compensation claims, partially offset by increased pension expense for defined benefit pension plan. In 2009, lower expense for compensated absences and employer contributions to the defined contribution plan reflect Con-way’s cost-reduction measures. In the first nine months of 2008, higher expenses for compensated absences were also due in part to a non-recurring adjustment for a benefit plan change associated with a restructuring initiative. Expenses for salaries, wages and other employee benefits were adversely affected in 2009 due to lower productivity associated with new employees. Although average employee counts declined in 2009, accelerating shipment volumes during 2009 resulted in additional hiring throughout the year.

Expenses for fuel and fuel-related taxes decreased 39.6% in the third quarter of 2009 due primarily to the decline in the cost of diesel fuel, partially offset by an increase in miles driven. In the first nine months of 2009, expenses for fuel and fuel-related taxes decreased 46.5% due primarily to declines in the cost of diesel fuel and miles driven. Expense for purchased transportation increased 5.5 % in the third quarter of 2009 and decreased 5.6% in the first nine months of 2009. Purchased transportation expense benefited from fuel-related rate decreases and lower negotiated base rates, but was adversely affected by an increase in freight transported by third-party providers.

Other operating expenses decreased 8.2% and 11.8% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, respectively, reflecting decreased administrative corporate allocations and decreases in cargo-loss and damage expense. Lower corporate allocations in 2009 were due in part to cost-reduction measures. Depreciation and amortization expense declined 8.5% and 8.0% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, respectively, due primarily to a change in the estimated useful life for most of Freight’s tractor fleet.

Comparative operating results in the periods presented were affected by costs incurred for Freight’s re-branding initiative and restructuring activities. Under the re-branding initiative, which was completed in the second quarter of 2008, Freight incurred $4.9 million of costs in the first nine months of 2008. In connection with its restructuring activities, Freight recognized $0.5 million of net adjustments that reduced expense in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $5.2 million of first-quarter charges in the first nine months of 2008. For additional information concerning Freight’s restructuring activities see Note 3, “Restructuring Activities,” of Item 1, “Financial Statements.”

In 2009, Freight’s third-quarter and year-to-date results were adversely affected by a change in the accounting estimate for revenue adjustments, as more fully discussed in Note 1, “Principal Accounting Policies,” of Item 1, “Financial Statements.”  The change in accounting estimate lowered Freight’s revenue and operating income by $5.4 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009.



 
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Logistics

The table below compares operating results and operating margins of the Logistics reporting segment. The table summarizes the segment’s 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 movement 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.

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Summary of Segment Operating Results
                       
                         
Revenue
  $ 344,361     $ 419,896     $ 987,793     $ 1,138,494  
Purchased transportation
    (215,048 )     (291,964 )     (606,544 )     (757,923 )
Net revenue
    129,313       127,932       381,249       380,571  
                                 
Operating income
    9,532       3,678       22,305       14,895  
Operating margin on revenue
    2.8 %     0.9 %     2.3 %     1.3 %
Operating margin on net revenue
    7.4 %     2.9 %     5.9 %     3.9 %

Logistics’ revenue in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009 decreased 18.0% and 13.2%, respectively, due to decreases in carrier-management services that were partially offset by increases in warehouse-management services. In 2009, revenue from carrier-management services in the third quarter and first nine months decreased 24.4% and 17.9%, respectively, while revenue from warehouse-management services increased 3.5% and 0.3%, respectively. Lower revenue from carrier-management services was due primarily to lower fuel-surcharge revenue due to lower fuel prices and changes to certain carrier and customer contracts, which resulted in revenue being recorded on a net basis under generally accepted accounting principles. Lower revenue was partially offset by revenue from new customers, including the Defense Transportation Coordination Initiative (“DTCI”), which contributed revenue of $59.9 million and $143.6 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, respectively, and $21.1 million and $26.0 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2008, respectively.

Logistics’ net revenue in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009 increased 1.1% and 0.2%, respectively, when compared to the prior-year periods. Higher net revenue was due to an increase in revenue derived from warehouse-management services. Purchased transportation expense declined 26.3% and 20.0% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, respectively, due primarily to lower carrier-management volumes and fuel-related rate decreases. Lower purchased transportation expense also reflects the changes to certain carrier and customer contracts discussed above.

Logistics’ operating income in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009 increased 159.2% and 49.7%, respectively, reflecting improved margins on both warehouse-management and carrier-management services. Improved margins on warehouse-management services were due primarily to lower purchased labor expense, which decreased 15.8% and 16.4%, respectively, due primarily to efficiency initiatives at Logistics-managed warehouses. Improved margins on carrier-management services were due largely to the recognition of revenue under gain-sharing arrangements. Under gain-sharing arrangements, revenue is recognized upon the achievement of contractually specified performance measures typically without an associated increase in operating expenses. Margins on carrier-management services were adversely affected by the DTCI contract, which did not have a significant effect on Logistics’ operating income during the periods presented. Additionally, comparative operating results in 2009 benefited from cost-reduction measures, discussed more fully above under “– Overview.”

Salaries, wages and other employee benefits increased 8.0% and 2.8% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, reflecting increases in incentive compensation and higher costs for employee benefits, partially offset by lower expenses for other employee-related costs. In the third quarter, incentive compensation increased $4.8 million and, in the first nine months of 2009, increased $6.3 million based on variations in performance measures relative to incentive-plan targets. Employee benefits expense increased 2.9% and 7.4% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, respectively, due primarily to increased expenses related to Con-way’s defined benefit pension plan and share-based compensation awards. Since April 1, 2009, Logistics has realized estimated quarterly savings of approximately $1.5 million for cost-reduction measures related to the defined contribution plan and compensated absences. Other employee-related costs decreased 34.6% and 34.7% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, respectively, due primarily to lower travel costs.

 
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Expenses for rents and leases increased 5.5% and 14.2% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, respectively, due primarily to the addition of new warehouse-management services customers and a transaction in which two of Logistics’ warehouses were sold and leased back in June 2008.

In the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, other operating expenses declined 11.7% and 5.1%, respectively. Lower other operating expenses were due primarily to lower administrative corporate allocations and a decrease in cargo-loss claims expense. Lower corporate allocations in 2009 were due in part to cost-reduction measures. In the first nine months of 2008, cargo-loss claims expense included adverse customer-specific issues. In the first nine months of 2009, lower other operating expenses were partially offset by an increase in expenses for outside services relating primarily to legal matters and the DTCI contract.

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 as well as freight revenue, which represents revenue excluding fuel surcharges, inter-segment eliminations, and other non-freight revenue. Truckload’s management places emphasis on freight revenue as a meaningful measure to evaluate results from the core truckload freight operation. The table also includes operating income and operating margin excluding the loss from impairment of goodwill. Truckload’s management believes these measures are relevant to evaluate its on-going operations.

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Summary of Segment Operating Results
                       
                         
Freight revenue
  $ 122,801     $ 129,934     $ 369,651     $ 374,481  
Fuel-surcharge revenue
    17,986       50,664       43,672       131,709  
Other revenue
    5,464       3,064       11,009       10,147  
Revenue before inter-segment eliminations
    146,251       183,662       424,332       516,337  
Inter-segment eliminations
    (50,570 )     (42,730 )     (152,842 )     (122,073 )
Revenue from external customers
    95,681       140,932       271,490       394,264  
                                 
Operating income (loss)
    10,620       15,195       (115,179 )     37,907  
Loss from impairment of goodwill
    --       --       134,813       --  
Operating income excluding impairment
    10,620       15,195       19,634       37,907  
Operating margin excluding impairment
    11.1 %     10.8 %     7.2 %     9.6 %
                                 
   
2009 vs. 2008
           
2009 vs. 2008
         
Change in Selected Operating Statistics
                               
Total Miles
    -3.8 %             +0.6 %        
Freight Revenue per Total Mile
    -1.7 %             -1.9 %        

Truckload’s revenue from external customers in the third quarter of 2009 decreased 32.1% from the same period of 2008, reflecting a 20.4% decline in revenue before inter-segment eliminations and an 18.3% increase in inter-segment eliminations. The 20.4% third-quarter decline in revenue before inter-segment eliminations was due primarily to a 64.5% decline in fuel-surcharge revenue and a 5.5% decline in freight revenue. The 5.5% decline in freight revenue reflects a 3.8% decline in total miles and a 1.7% decline in revenue per mile.

In the first nine months of 2009, Truckload’s revenue from external customers decreased 31.1% from the same prior-year period, reflecting a 17.8% decline in revenue before inter-segment eliminations and a 25.2% increase in inter-segment eliminations. The 17.8% decline in revenue before inter-segment eliminations was due primarily to a 66.8% decline in fuel-surcharge revenue and a 1.3% decline in freight revenue. The 1.3% decline in freight revenue reflects a 0.6% increase in total miles and a 1.9 % decline in revenue per mile.

Lower fuel-surcharge revenue was due primarily to lower fuel prices in 2009 compared to 2008. The declines in revenue per mile were the result of difficult industry and economic conditions characterized by decreased demand for truckload services and excess capacity in the truckload market. The decline in miles in the third quarter of 2009 reflects a reduction in fleet capacity.

 
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Truckload’s operating loss of $115.2 million in the first nine months of 2009 was due to a $134.8 million charge for goodwill impairment. The impairment charge assumed lower projected revenue and operating income and a discount rate that reflected economic and market conditions, and is more fully discussed in Note 2, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” of Item 1, “Financial Statements.” Excluding the impairment charge, Truckload’s operating income in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009 declined 30.1% and 48.2%, respectively, from the same prior-year periods due primarily to declines in revenue.
 
In the third quarter of 2009, expenses for salaries, wages and other employee benefits decreased 6.6% from the prior-year period, due primarily to a 4.5% decrease in base compensation and a 51.6% decrease in other employee costs. Lower base compensation in the third quarter of 2009 was due primarily to a decline in driver miles, while the decline in other employee costs reflects lower costs for driver recruitment due to a reduction in fleet capacity and an improved driver retention rate.

In the first nine months of 2009, expenses for salaries, wages and other employee benefits increased 0.8%, reflecting a 1.5% increase in base compensation and a 12.5% increase in employee benefits expense, partially offset by a 36.0% decline in other employee costs and a 20.2% decline in incentive compensation. Higher base compensation was due primarily to increased driver miles and increased mileage rates, which reflect an increase in driver tenure. Increased employee benefits expense was due primarily to higher costs for workers’ compensation claims, partially offset by lower costs for employee medical care. The decline in other employee costs reflects lower costs for driver recruitment.

In the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, other operating expenses increased 6.5% and 19.0% due primarily to losses on the disposition of equipment, higher administrative corporate allocations and adjustments to a tax-related receivable, partially offset by declines in vehicular insurance expense. Losses on the disposition of equipment include a $2.5 million second-quarter loss on 195 tractors and a $2.3 million third-quarter loss on 150 tractors. Higher corporate allocations were due in part to increased services provided by Con-way’s shared-service center.

Maintenance expenses increased 13.8% and 17.3% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, respectively, due primarily to an increase in the average age of the tractor fleet, which resulted in additional maintenance expense as fewer repairs were covered by warranty agreements.

Expenses for fuel and fuel-related taxes declined 44.3% and 45.2% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, respectively, due primarily to lower fuel prices in 2009 compared to 2008. Purchased transportation decreased 18.2% and 26.3% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, respectively, due to lower utilization of contract drivers and fuel-related rate declines.

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. Results in 2008 included expenses related to a variable-executive compensation plan to promote synergistic inter-segment activities. 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,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
Revenues
                       
Road Systems
  $ 649     $ 1,015     $ 2,989     $ 3,023  
                                 
Operating Income (Loss)
                               
Road Systems
  $ (371 )   $ (97 )   $ (1,232 )   $ 732  
Con-way re-insurance activities
    (1,374 )     376       2,641       2,347  
Con-way corporate properties
    (85 )     (183 )     (411 )     (490 )
Variable-executive compensation
    --       (964 )     --       (2,105 )
Other
    (4 )     (195 )     241       (60 )
    $ (1,834 )   $ (1,063 )   $ 1,239     $ 424  

Discontinued Operations

Net income applicable to common shareholders includes the results of discontinued operations, which, in the periods presented, related to the shut-down of EWA, as more fully discussed in Note 4, “Discontinued Operations,” of Item 1, “Financial Statements.”

 
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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents increased to $417.1 million at September 30, 2009 from $278.3 million at December 31, 2008, as $229.7 million provided by operating activities exceeded $57.8 million used in investing activities and $32.9 million used in financing activities. Cash provided by operating activities came primarily from net income before non-cash items while cash used in investing and financing activities primarily reflects capital expenditures and the repayment of debt, respectively.

 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Operating Activities
           
Net income (loss)
  $ (105,818 )   $ 115,011  
Non-cash adjustments
               
   Loss from impairment of goodwill
    134,813       --  
   Other non-cash adjustments (1)
    194,154       208,697  
Net income before non-cash items
    223,149       323,708  
 
               
Changes in assets and liabilities
    6,547       (99,878 )
                 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    229,696       223,830  
                 
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
    (57,780 )     (135,978 )
                 
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
    (32,921 )     (37,243 )
                 
Net Cash Provided by Continuing Operations
    138,995       50,609  
Net Cash Used in Discontinued Operations
    (103 )     (1,204 )
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
  $ 138,892     $ 49,405  
                 
(1) “ Other non-cash adjustments” refer to depreciation, amortization, deferred income taxes,
              provision for uncollectible accounts, and other non-cash income and expenses.

Operating Activities

Cash flow from operating activities in the first nine months of 2009 was $229.7 million, a $5.9 million increase from the first nine months of 2008, as a decrease in net income before non-cash items was more than offset by the change in cash provided from changes in assets and liabilities. In the first nine months of 2009, the decrease in net income before non-cash items reflects an $86.0 million decrease in net income after excluding a $134.8 million non-cash loss from the impairment of goodwill. In the first nine months of 2009, changes in receivables, accrued income taxes, employee benefits and self-insurance accruals increased operating cash flow when compared to the same prior-year period, while changes in accrued liabilities (excluding employee benefits and incentive compensation) decreased operating cash flow.

In the first nine months of 2009, receivables used $28.0 million due primarily to increased trade accounts receivable at the Freight segment partially offset by decreased trade accounts receivable at the Logistics segment. In the first nine months of 2008, receivables used $133.3 million due primarily to increased trade accounts receivable at the Freight and Logistics segments.

Accrued income taxes provided $17.4 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $15.1 million used in the same prior-year period, reflecting a $15.0 million refund of federal income taxes received in the first quarter of 2009, a lower-level of payments and variations in Con-way’s current income tax provision.

Employee benefits used $7.8 million in the first nine months of 2009 compared to $20.2 million used in the first nine months of 2008. The variation in cash used by employee benefits reflects the recognition of net periodic benefit expense for qualified pension plans in the first nine months of 2009, compared to net periodic benefit income earned in the same prior-year period. The decrease in cash used in 2009 was partially offset by Con-way’s $17.3 million funding contribution to the qualified pension plans.


 
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In the first nine months of 2009, accrued liabilities used $6.9 million compared to $55.5 million provided in the same prior-year period, due primarily to changes in accrued interest on the 7.25% Senior Notes issued in December 2007 and changes in the liability for compensated absences. In the first nine months of 2009, the liability for compensated absences decreased as a result of the reductions in compensated-absences benefits and salary and wage reductions in connection with cost-reduction measures. In the first nine months of 2008, the liability for compensated absences increased due to adjustments resulting from a benefit plan change intended to align the benefits as part of a restructuring initiative at the Freight segment.

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities decreased to $57.8 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $136.0 million used in the first nine months of 2008 due primarily to a decrease in capital expenditures, partially offset by purchases of marketable securities. Capital expenditures in the first nine months of 2009 decreased $150.4 million from the prior-year period due primarily to a lower 2009 capital-expenditure plan in connection with Con-way’s cash-conservation efforts. The first nine months of 2008 included $40.4 million of proceeds received from a transaction in which two of Logistics’ warehouses were sold and leased back.

Financing Activities

Financing activities used cash of $32.9 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $37.2 million used in the same period of 2008. Significant financing activities in the periods presented primarily include repayment of debt obligations, dividend payments and proceeds from the exercise of options.

Con-way has a $400 million revolving credit facility that matures on September 30, 2011. The revolving credit facility is available for cash borrowings and for the issuance of letters of credit up to $400 million. At September 30, 2009, no borrowings were outstanding under Con-way’s revolving credit facility; however, $201.8 million of letters of credit were outstanding, with $198.2 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 September 30, 2009, Con-way was in compliance with the revolving credit facility’s financial covenants and expects to remain in compliance through December 31, 2009 and thereafter.

Con-way had other uncommitted unsecured credit facilities totaling $45.0 million at September 30, 2009, which are available to support borrowings, letters of credit, bank guarantees, and overdraft facilities. A total of $34.8 million was outstanding under these facilities at September 30, 2009, leaving $10.2 million of available capacity.

As detailed in Note 7, “Employee Benefit Plans,” of Item 1, “Financial Statements,” Con-way used repurchased common stock to fund $18.7 million in contributions to the defined contribution retirement plan and $3.2 million of preferred dividends.

At September 30, 2009, Con-way’s $200 million 8 7/8% Notes due in May 2010 were classified as current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Consistent with Con-way’s objective to reduce its total debt balance, Con-way will retire these notes upon maturity with internally generated cash.

See “– Forward-Looking Statements” below and Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and Note 8, “Debt and Other Financing Arrangements,” of Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” in Con-way’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information concerning Con-way’s $400 million credit facility and its other debt instruments.

Contractual Cash Obligations

Con-way’s contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2008 are summarized in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Contractual Cash Obligations,” of Con-way’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the first nine months of 2009, there have been no material changes in Con-way’s contractual obligations outside the ordinary course of business, except for entry into a purchase commitment, as more fully discussed in Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies,” of Item 1, “Financial Statements.”

Other

In 2009, Con-way estimates capital and software expenditures between $40 million and $45 million, net of asset dispositions, primarily for the acquisition of tractor and trailer equipment. The decline from previously disclosed estimates is the result of a planned capital lease transaction totaling $50 million for the acquisition of 540 tractor units consisting of approximately 390 units for Freight and 150 units for Truckload to replace existing equipment in the fourth quarter of 2009.

 
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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 actions. In April 2009, Con-way implemented several measures to reduce costs and conserve cash. These measures are detailed in Note 7, “Employee Benefit Plans,” of Item 1, “Financial Statements.”

At September 30, 2009, Con-way’s senior unsecured debt was rated as investment grade by Standard and Poor’s (BBB-), Fitch Ratings (BBB-), and Moody’s (Baa3), with each agency assigning an outlook of “negative.”









 
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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 involve the most judgment and are the most material to the financial statements are those related to the following:

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

There have been no significant changes to the critical accounting policies and estimates disclosed in Con-way’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, excepted as noted below.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Effective April 30, 2009, Con-way amended its primary defined benefit pension plan to permanently curtail benefits associated with future increases in employee compensation. Prior to the amendment, future retirement benefits considered participants’ eligible compensation increases through 2016. In connection with the curtailment, Con-way re-measured its plan-related assets and liabilities as of April 30, 2009. Accordingly, as of the re-measurement date, Con-way recorded a $299.9 million decrease to employee benefits, a $116.9 million decrease in long-term deferred tax assets, and a $182.9 million net of tax increase to shareholders' equity (to reflect a reduction in the accumulated other comprehensive loss). The decline in Con-way’s accrued pension liability was due primarily to an increase in the discount rate used to measure the present value of the pension obligation. The discount rate used at April 30, 2009 was 7.85% compared to a discount rate of 6.10% at December 31, 2008.

Con-way estimates that its defined benefit pension plans will result in annual expense of $28 million in 2009.

New Accounting Standards

Refer to Note 1, “Principal Accounting Policies,” of Item 1, “Financial Statements,” for a discussion of recently issued accounting standards for which the required adoption dates are in future periods.

 
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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 2008 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 material derivative financial instruments at September 30, 2009.

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 2008 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.

Although Con-way Freight’s competitors in the less-than-truckload (“LTL”) market also impose fuel surcharges, there is no LTL industry-standard fuel-surcharge formula. Con-way Freight’s fuel-surcharge program, which is based on a published national index, constitutes only part of Con-way Freight’s overall rate structure. Con-way Freight generally refers to “base freight rates” as the collective pricing elements that exclude fuel surcharges. Accordingly, changes to base freight rates reflect numerous factors such as length of haul, freight class and weight per shipment, as well as customer-negotiated adjustments. Ultimately, the total amount that Con-way Freight can charge for its services is determined by competitive pricing pressures and market factors.

Historically, its fuel-surcharge program has enabled Con-way Freight 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 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 the increase in its cost of fuel. In part, this is due to fuel costs that cannot be billed to customers, including costs such as those incurred in connection with empty and out-of-route miles or when engines are being idled during cold or warm weather. As with the LTL industry, there is no truckload industry-standard fuel-surcharge formula.

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 the programs and/or mechanisms utilized by Con-way Freight and Menlo Worldwide Logistics, as currently maintained or as modified in the future,

 
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will be sufficiently effective to offset increases in the price of fuel, or that the programs maintained by Con-way Truckload will enable Con-way Truckload to sufficiently minimize its exposure to fuel-related cost increases.

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.


 
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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 11, “Commitments and Contingencies,” of Item 1, “Financial Statements.”

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There are no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in Part 1 Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of Con-way’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except as noted below.

Employee Benefit Costs

Con-way amended its primary defined benefit pension plan in April 2009 to permanently curtail benefits associated with future increases in employee compensation. The resulting plan change is generally expected to decrease the future financial-statement effect associated with the defined benefit pension plans. Despite the changes to the primary defined benefit pension plan, Con-way remains subject to volatility associated with interest rates, returns on plan assets, and funding requirements. As a result, Con-way is unable to predict the effect of continuing to provide retirement benefits to employees.


 
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

 Exhibit No.    
   
(3)
Articles of incorporation and by-laws:
     
 
3.2
Con-way Inc. By-Laws, as amended September 20, 2009. *
   
(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
     




* Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporated herein by reference.




 
- 36 -

 

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 5, 2009
/s/ Stephen L. Bruffett
 
Stephen L. Bruffett
 
Executive Vice President and
 
Chief Financial Officer


 
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