UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

 

 

 

 

x

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended January 31, 2008

 

OR

 

o

 

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

 

For the transition period from to

 

Commission file number 000-23211

 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

03-0338873

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

25 Greens Hill Lane, Rutland, Vermont

 

05701

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (802) 775-0325

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer x

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

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

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of  February 29, 2008:

 

Class A Common Stock

24,448,193

 

 

Class B Common Stock

988,200

 

 

 

 



 

PART I.      FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

April 30,
2007

 

January 31,
2008

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

12,366

 

$

2,898

 

Restricted cash

 

73

 

95

 

Accounts receivable - trade, net of allowance
for doubtful accounts of $1,587 and $1,955

 

61,246

 

61,652

 

Notes receivable - officers/employees

 

87

 

118

 

Refundable income taxes

 

1,340

 

3,072

 

Prepaid expenses

 

5,477

 

6,885

 

Inventory

 

3,454

 

3,692

 

Deferred income taxes

 

8,215

 

13,618

 

Other current assets

 

1,631

 

1,628

 

Current assets of discontinued operations

 

911

 

430

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

94,800

 

94,088

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
and amortization of $415,996 and $472,212

 

483,277

 

488,845

 

Goodwill

 

171,735

 

171,385

 

Intangible assets, net

 

2,217

 

2,778

 

Restricted cash

 

12,734

 

13,587

 

Notes receivable - officers/employees

 

916

 

1,192

 

Deferred income taxes

 

1,546

 

747

 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

49,969

 

46,060

 

Net assets under contractual obligation

 

55

 

 

Other non-current assets

 

10,885

 

11,459

 

Non-current assets of discontinued operations

 

5,959

 

 

 

 

739,293

 

736,053

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

834,093

 

$

830,141

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

2



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

 

 

April 30,
2007

 

January 31,
2008

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

$

1,215

 

$

2,156

 

Current maturities of capital lease obligations

 

1,104

 

633

 

Series A redeemable, convertible preferred stock

 

74,018

 

 

Accounts payable

 

51,440

 

43,783

 

Accrued payroll and related expenses

 

8,489

 

9,258

 

Accrued interest

 

9,275

 

12,894

 

Current accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs

 

8,921

 

5,964

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

32,285

 

31,676

 

Current liabilities of discontinued operations

 

1,405

 

268

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

188,152

 

106,632

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, less current maturities

 

476,225

 

546,188

 

Capital lease obligations, less current maturities

 

650

 

4,789

 

Accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs, less current portion

 

29,451

 

34,313

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

10,119

 

7,146

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock -

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized - 100,000,000 shares, $0.01 par value; issued
and outstanding - 24,332,000 and 24,448,000 shares
as of April 30, 2007 and January 31, 2008, respectively

 

243

 

244

 

Class B common stock -

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized - 1,000,000 shares, $0.01 par value, 10 votes per
share, issued and outstanding - 988,000 shares

 

10

 

10

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(1,001

)

(2,960

)

Additional paid-in capital

 

273,345

 

275,709

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(143,101

)

(141,930

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

129,496

 

131,073

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

834,093

 

$

830,141

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

3



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
January 31,

 

Nine Months Ended
January 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

128,839

 

$

141,359

 

$

409,637

 

$

442,799

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of operations

 

85,879

 

96,663

 

267,078

 

291,738

 

General and administration

 

16,862

 

18,362

 

56,223

 

55,472

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

16,960

 

19,055

 

53,702

 

59,178

 

 

 

119,701

 

134,080

 

377,003

 

406,388

 

Operating income

 

9,138

 

7,279

 

32,634

 

36,411

 

Other expense/(income), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(313

)

(291

)

(910

)

(965

)

Interest expense

 

9,768

 

10,827

 

28,632

 

33,072

 

Loss (income) from equity method investments

 

(988

)

907

 

(1,978

)

4,545

 

Other income

 

(49

)

(56

)

(350

)

(2,417

)

Other expense, net

 

8,418

 

11,387

 

25,394

 

34,235

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations

 

720

 

(4,108

)

7,240

 

2,176

 

Provision for income taxes

 

1,026

 

496

 

4,420

 

960

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations

 

(306

)

(4,604

)

2,820

 

1,216

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations (net of income tax benefit of $337, $830 and $484)

 

(539

)

 

(1,329

)

(811

)

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations (net of  income tax benefit of $122)

 

 

 

 

(437

)

Net (loss) income

 

(845

)

(4,604

)

1,491

 

(32

)

Preferred stock dividend

 

902

 

 

2,674

 

 

Net loss applicable to common stockholders

 

$

(1,747

)

$

(4,604

)

$

(1,183

)

$

(32

)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

4



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except for per share data)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
January 31,

 

Nine Months Ended
January 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

Earnings Per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations applicable to common stockholders

 

$

(0.05

)

$

(0.18

)

$

0.01

 

$

0.05

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.06

)

(0.03

)

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net

 

 

 

 

(0.02

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss per common share applicable to common stockholders

 

$

(0.07

)

$

(0.18

)

$

(0.05

)

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

 

25,273

 

25,415

 

25,257

 

25,362

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

5



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended January 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

1,491

 

$

(32

)

Loss from discontinued operations, net

 

1,329

 

811

 

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net

 

 

437

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities -

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

53,702

 

59,178

 

Depletion of landfill operating lease obligations

 

5,543

 

4,815

 

Income from assets under contractual obligation

 

 

(1,463

)

Preferred stock dividend (included in interest expense)

 

 

1,038

 

Maine Energy settlement

 

 

(2,142

)

Loss (income) from equity method investments

 

(1,978

)

4,545

 

Gain on sale of equipment

 

(591

)

(54

)

Stock-based compensation

 

511

 

1,022

 

Excess tax benefit on the exercise of stock options

 

(145

)

(111

)

Deferred income taxes

 

464

 

(1,311

)

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures -

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(1,587

)

7

 

Accounts payable

 

(4,911

)

(8,723

)

Other assets and liabilities

 

2,620

 

(6,339

)

 

 

53,628

 

50,462

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

 

56,448

 

51,678

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(2,087

)

(745

)

Additions to property, plant and equipment - growth

 

(25,757

)

(14,281

)

                                                                      - maintenance

 

(50,939

)

(44,834

)

Payments on landfill operating lease contracts

 

(4,500

)

(6,735

)

Proceeds from divestitures

 

 

2,154

 

Proceeds from sale of equipment

 

1,369

 

1,932

 

Restricted cash from revenue bond issuance

 

5,535

 

 

Investment in unconsolidated entities

 

(2,328

)

(107

)

Proceeds from assets under contractual obligation

 

849

 

1,518

 

Net Cash Used In Investing Activities

 

(77,858

)

(61,098

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

 

239,950

 

260,700

 

Principal payments on long-term debt

 

(213,459

)

(187,049

)

Redemption of Series A redeemable, convertible preferred stock

 

 

(75,057

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

1,572

 

1,216

 

Excess tax benefit on the exercise of stock options

 

145

 

111

 

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities

 

28,208

 

(79

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Used in Operating Activities

 

(645

)

(231

)

Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

 

(1,653

)

262

 

Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations

 

(2,298

)

31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

4,500

 

(9,468

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

7,429

 

12,366

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

11,929

 

$

2,898

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

6



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended January 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for -

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

20,094

 

$

27,129

 

Income taxes, net of refunds

 

$

2,241

 

$

1,851

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosures of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Summary of entities acquired in purchase business combinations -

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of assets acquired

 

$

2,332

 

$

1,169

 

Cash paid, net

 

(2,087

)

(745

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable, liabilities assumed and holdbacks to sellers

 

$

245

 

$

424

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note receivable recorded upon divestiture

 

$

 

$

2,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment acquired through financing arrangement

 

$

 

$

497

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

7



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except for per share data)

 

1.             ORGANIZATION

 

The consolidated balance sheet of Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (the “Parent”) and Subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of January 31, 2008, the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007 and 2008 and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended January 31, 2007 and 2008 are unaudited.  In the opinion of management, such financial statements along with the consolidated balance sheet as of April 30, 2007 include all adjustments (which include normal recurring and nonrecurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented.  The consolidated financial statements presented herein should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the twelve months ended April 30, 2007  included as part of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2007 (the “Annual Report”).  The results for the three and nine month periods ended January 31, 2008 may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2008.

 

2.             RECLASSIFICATIONS

 

The Company has made reclassifications in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations to conform information for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007 to the Company’s current period presentation. The supplementary financial information included in this section has also been updated to reflect these changes.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007, the Company began recording personnel costs associated with engineering and permitting activities as a cost of operations where previously these costs had been recorded as general and administration.  This resulted in costs reclassified amounting to $460 and $1,385 for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007, respectively.

 

3.             BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

 

During the nine months ended January 31, 2008, the Company acquired five solid waste hauling operations.  These transactions were in exchange for total consideration of $1,169 including $745 in cash and $424 in liabilities assumed.  During the nine months ended January 31, 2007, the Company acquired eleven solid waste hauling operations.  These transactions were in exchange for total consideration of $2,332 including $2,087 in cash and $245 in liabilities assumed.  The operating results of these businesses are included in the consolidated statements of operations from the dates of acquisition.  The purchase prices have been allocated to the net assets acquired based on their fair values at the dates of acquisition, including the value of non-compete agreements and client lists, with the residual amounts allocated to goodwill.

 

The following unaudited pro forma combined information shows the results of the Company’s operations as though each of the acquisitions made in the nine months ended January 31, 2007 and 2008 had been completed as of May 1, 2006.

 

8



 

 

 

Three Months Ended
January 31,

 

Nine Months Ended
January 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

Revenue

 

$

129,837

 

$

141,668

 

$

413,495

 

$

445,025

 

Net income (loss)

 

(802

)

(4,592

)

1,698

 

54

 

Diluted net income (loss) per common share

 

$

(0.03

)

$

(0.18

)

$

(0.03

)

$

 

 

The foregoing pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations had the acquisitions taken place as of May 1, 2006 or the results of future operations of the Company.  Furthermore, such pro forma results do not give effect to all cost savings or incremental costs that may occur as a result of the integration and consolidation of the completed acquisitions.

 

4.             GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The following table shows the activity and balances related to goodwill from April 30, 2007 through January 31, 2008:

 

 

 

North

 

South

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eastern

 

Eastern

 

Central

 

Western

 

FCR

 

 

 

 

 

Region

 

Region

 

Region

 

Region

 

Recycling

 

Total

 

Balance, April 30, 2007

 

$

26,025

 

$

31,645

 

$

31,960

 

$

54,716

 

$

27,389

 

$

171,735

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions

 

 

 

 

119

 

 

119

 

Other (1)

 

(65

)

 

(1

)

 

(403

)

(469

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, January 31, 2008

 

$

25,960

 

$

31,645

 

$

31,959

 

$

54,835

 

$

26,986

 

$

171,385

 

 


(1)  Consists primarily of a reduction associated with the adoption of FIN No. 48. See Note 5.

 

Intangible assets at April 30, 2007 and January 31, 2008 consist of the following:

 

 

 

Covenants 
not to 
compete

 

Client Lists

 

Licensing
Agreements

 

Contract 
Acquisition
Costs

 

Total

 

Balance, April 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets

 

$

15,224

 

$

688

 

$

920

 

$

58

 

$

16,890

 

Less accumulated amortization

 

(13,881

)

(688

)

(100

)

(4

)

(14,673

)

 

 

$

1,343

 

$

 

$

820

 

$

54

 

$

2,217

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, January 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets

 

$

15,259

 

$

1,597

 

$

920

 

$

58

 

$

17,834

 

Less accumulated amortization

 

(14,193

)

(704

)

(151

)

(8

)

(15,056

)

 

 

$

1,066

 

$

893

 

$

769

 

$

50

 

$

2,778

 

 

Intangible amortization expense for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007 and 2008 was $151, $171, $689 and $472, respectively.  The intangible amortization expense estimated as of January 31, 2008 for the five fiscal years following fiscal year 2007 is as follows:

 

9



 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012

 

$

643

 

$

530

 

$

417

 

$

326

 

$

248

 

 

5.             NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

Effective May 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN No. 48”).  FIN No. 48 prescribes the minimum recognition threshold that a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements.  Additionally, FIN No. 48 provides guidance on de—recognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.  Under FIN No. 48, an entity may only recognize or continue to recognize tax positions that meet a “more likely than not” threshold.

 

As a result of the adoption of FIN No. 48, the cumulative effect of the changes to the Company’s reserve for uncertain tax positions was accounted for as a $1,202 adjustment to increase the beginning balance of retained earnings and a $468 decrease to goodwill on the Company’s balance sheet.  As of May 1, 2007, the Company had approximately $5,879 of total gross unrecognized tax benefits.  Of this total, approximately $3,488 (net of the federal benefit on state issues) represented the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in any future periods.  The Company does not anticipate that total unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change within the next 12 months due to the settlement of audits and the expiration of statute of limitations.

 

The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.  As of May 1, 2007 and January 31, 2008, the Company had accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions of $813 and $941, respectively.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax, as well as income tax of multiple state jurisdictions.  Due to federal and state net operating loss carryforwards, income tax returns from 1998 through 2007 remain open for examination, with limited exceptions.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to other existing accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. However, the application of this statement may change the current practice for fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  However, in February 2008, the FASB issued a final Staff Position to allow filers to defer the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for one year for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis.  The FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) does not defer recognition and disclosure requirements for financial assets and financial liabilities or for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are remeasured at least annually.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact this statement will have on its financial position and results of operations.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No.159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 155 (‘SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact this statement will have on its financial position and results of operations.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations (revised - 2007) (“SFAS No. 141(R)”). SFAS No.
141(R) is a revision to previously existing guidance on accounting for business

 

10



 

combinations. The statement retains the fundamental concept of the purchase method of accounting, and introduces new requirements for the recognition and measurement of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests. SFAS No. 141(R) also requires acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs to be expensed rather than treated as part of the cost of the acquisition.  SFAS No. 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact this statement will have on its financial position and results of operations.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (“SFAS No. 160”). The Statement requires that noncontrolling interests be reported as stockholders equity, a change that will affect the Company’s financial statement presentation of minority interests in its consolidated subsidiaries. The Statement also establishes a single method of accounting for changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary as long as that ownership change does not result in deconsolidation.  The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 160 and does not expect this statement to have a material impact on its financial position and results of operations.

 

6.             LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company is a defendant in certain lawsuits alleging various claims incurred in the ordinary course of business, none of which, either individually or in the aggregate, the Company believes are material to its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

7.             ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES

 

The Company is subject to liability for environmental damage, including personal injury and property damage, that its solid waste, recycling and power generation facilities may cause to neighboring property owners, particularly as a result of the contamination of drinking water sources or soil, possibly including damage resulting from conditions existing before the Company acquired the facilities. The Company may also be subject to liability for similar claims arising from off-site environmental contamination caused by pollutants or hazardous substances if the Company or its predecessors arrange or arranged to transport, treat or dispose of those materials. Any substantial liability incurred by the Company arising from environmental damage could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company is not presently aware of any situations that it expects would have a material adverse impact on its business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

8.             STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

On July 31, 1997, the Company adopted the 1997 Stock Option Plan (the “1997 Plan”) a stock option plan for employees, officers and directors of, and consultants and advisors to the Company.  As of April 30, 2007, options to purchase 3,403 shares of Class A Common Stock at a weighted average exercise price of $13.19 were outstanding under the 1997 Plan.  As of January 31, 2008, options to purchase 3,538 shares of Class A Common Stock at a weighted average exercise price of $13.08 were outstanding under the 1997 Plan.  The 1997 Plan terminated as of July 31, 2007 and as a result no additional awards may be made pursuant to the 1997 Plan.

 

On July 31, 1997, the Company adopted a stock option plan for non-employee directors of the Company. The 1997 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the “Non-Employee Director Plan”) provides for the issuance of a maximum of 200 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the grant of non-statutory options. As of April 30, 2007 and January 31, 2008, options to purchase 189 shares of Class A

 

11



 

Common Stock at a weighted average exercise price of $11.87 were outstanding. The Non-Employee Director Plan terminated as of July 31, 2007.

 

On October 10, 2006, the Company adopted the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”).  Up to an aggregate amount equal to the sum of: (i) 1,275 shares of Class A Common Stock (subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits and other similar events), of which 275 are reserved for issuance to non-employee directors pursuant to the formula grants described below, plus (ii) such additional number of shares of Class A Common Stock as are currently subject to options granted under the Company’s 1993 Incentive Stock Option Plan, 1994 Non-statutory Stock Option Plan, 1996 Option Plan, and 1997 Plan (the “Prior Plans”) which are not actually issued under the Prior Plans because such options expire or otherwise result in shares not being issued, may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2006 Plan.  As of April 30, 2007, options to purchase 45 shares of Class A Common Stock at a weighted average exercise price of $10.22 were outstanding under the 2006 plan.  As of January 31, 2008, options to purchase 190 shares of Class A Common Stock at a weighted average exercise price of $12.87 were outstanding under the 2006 Plan and awards for 1,500 options were available for future grant which includes 423 options which were available for future grant under the 1997 Plan upon termination.

 

Options granted under the plans described above generally vest over a one to four year period from the date of grant and are granted at prices at least equal to the prevailing fair market value at the issue date. In general, options are issued with a life not to exceed ten years. Shares issued by the Company upon exercise of stock options are issued from the pool of authorized shares of Class A Common Stock.

 

A summary of stock option activity for the nine months ended January 31, 2008 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Total

 

Exercise

 

 

 

Shares

 

Price

 

Outstanding, April 30, 2007

 

3,737

 

$

13.17

 

Granted

 

371

 

12.00

 

Exercised

 

(77

)

11.33

 

Forfeited

 

(114

)

16.07

 

Outstanding, January 31, 2008

 

3,917

 

13.01

 

Exercisable, January 31, 2008

 

3,244

 

$

13.15

 

 

Stock options exercisable as of January 31, 2008 have a weighted-average contractual term remaining of 4.0 years and an aggregate intrinsic value of $3,281 based on the market value of the Company’s Class A common stock as of January 31, 2008.

 

As a result of adopting SFAS No. 123(R) effective May 1, 2006, the Company recorded $166, $489, $436 and $942 of stock based compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock units during the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively.   The Company also recorded $24, $28, $74 and $80 of stock based expense for the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan during the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively.  The total unrecognized compensation cost at January 31, 2008 related to unvested stock option and restricted stock unit awards was $2,931 and that future expense will be recognized over the remaining vesting period of the stock option and restricted stock unit awards which currently extends to fiscal year 2011.  The weighted average remaining vesting period of those awards is 1.79 years.

 

12



 

The Company’s calculations of stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007 and 2008 were made using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The fair value of the Company’s stock option grants was estimated assuming no expected dividend yield and the following weighted average assumptions were used for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007 and 2008:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

January 31,

 

January 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

Stock Options:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected life

 

 

6 years

 

6 years

 

6 years

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

 

3.32%

 

5.10%

 

4.41%

 

Expected volatility

 

 

37.83%

 

31.02%

 

37.83%

 

Stock Purchase Plan:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected life

 

0.5 years

 

0.5 years

 

0.5 years

 

0.5 years

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

5.11%

 

3.32%

 

5.10%

 

4.81%

 

Expected volatility

 

33.50%

 

37.22%

 

32.87%

 

36.59%

 

 

Expected life is calculated based on the weighted average historical life of the vested stock options, giving consideration to vesting schedules and historical exercise patterns. Risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. treasury yield curve for the period of the expected life of the stock option. For stock options granted during the three and nine months ended January 31, 2008, expected volatility is calculated using the average of weekly historical volatility of the Company’s Class A Common Stock over the last six years.

 

The Black-Scholes valuation model requires extensive use of accounting judgment and financial estimation, including estimates of the expected term option holders will retain their vested stock options before exercising them, the estimated volatility of the Company’s Class A Common Stock price over the expected term, and the number of options that will be forfeited prior to the completion of their vesting requirements. Application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different estimates of the fair value of stock-based compensation and consequently, the related amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

9.             EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The following table sets forth the numerator and denominator used in the computation of earnings per share:

 

 

 

Three Months
Ended January 31,

 

Nine Months
Ended January 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(845

)

$

(4,604

)

$

1,491

 

$

(32

)

Less: preferred stock dividends

 

(902

)

 

(2,674

)

 

Net loss applicable to common stockholders

 

$

(1,747

)

$

(4,604

)

$

(1,183

)

$

(32

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of shares outstanding, end of period:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock

 

24,329

 

24,448

 

24,329

 

24,448

 

Class B common stock

 

988

 

988

 

988

 

988

 

Effect of weighted average shares outstanding during period

 

(44

)

(21

)

(60

)

(74

)

Weighted average number of common shares used in basic EPS

 

25,273

 

25,415

 

25,257

 

25,362

 

Impact of potentially dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dilutive effect of options and contingent stock

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares used in diluted EPS

 

25,273

 

25,415

 

25,257

 

25,362

 

 

13



 

For the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007, 7,957 and 7,312 common stock equivalents related to options, warrants and redeemable convertible preferred stock, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of dilutive shares since the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive.

 

For the three and nine months ended January 31, 2008, 4,006 common stock equivalents related to options and warrants were excluded from the calculation of dilutive shares since the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive.

 

10.          COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

 

Comprehensive income is defined as the change in net assets of a business enterprise during a period from transactions generated from non-owner sources. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Accumulated other comprehensive loss included in the accompanying balance sheets consists of changes in the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap and commodity hedge agreements.  Also included in accumulated other comprehensive loss is the change in fair value of certain securities classified as available for sale as well as the Company’s portion of the change in the fair value of commodity hedge agreements of the Company’s equity method investment, US GreenFiber, LLC (“GreenFiber”).

 

Comprehensive (loss) income for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007 and 2008 is as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
January31,

 

Nine Months Ended
January 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(845

)

$

(4,604

)

$

1,491

 

$

(32

)

Other comprehensive loss

 

(708

)

(1,673

)

(506

)

(1,959

)

Comprehensive (loss) income

 

$

(1,553

)

$

(6,277

)

$

985

 

$

(1,991

)

 

The components of other comprehensive (loss) income for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007 and 2008 are shown as follows:

 

14



 

 

 

Three Months Ended January 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

 

 

Gross

 

Tax
effect

 

Net of Tax

 

Gross

 

Tax
effect

 

Net of Tax

 

Changes in fair value of marketable securities during the period

 

$

(28

)

$

(10

)

$

(18

)

$

272

 

$

95

 

$

177

 

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives and commodity hedges during period

 

(800

)

(324

)

(476

)

(3,623

)

(1,466

)

(2,157

)

Reclassification to earnings for interest rate derivatives and commodity hedge contracts

 

(360

)

(146

)

(214

)

515

 

208

 

307

 

 

 

$

(1,188

)

$

(480

)

$

(708

)

$

(2,836

)

$

(1,163

)

$

(1,673

)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended January 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

 

 

Gross

 

Tax
effect

 

Net of Tax

 

Gross

 

Tax
effect

 

Net of Tax

 

Changes in fair value of marketable securities during the period

 

$

108

 

$

38

 

$

70

 

$

332

 

$

116

 

$

216

 

Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives and commodity hedges during period

 

50

 

21

 

29

 

(5,163

)

(2,078

)

(3,085

)

Reclassification to earnings for interest rate derivatives and commodity hedge contracts

 

(1,019

)

(414

)

(605

)

1,514

 

604

 

910

 

 

 

$

(861

)

$

(355

)

$

(506

)

$

(3,317

)

$

(1,358

)

$

(1,959

)

 

11.          DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

 

The Company’s strategy to hedge against fluctuations in the commodity prices of recycled paper is to enter into hedges to mitigate the variability in cash flows generated from the sales of recycled paper at floating prices, resulting in a fixed price being received from these sales.  The Company was party to thirty-two commodity hedge contracts as of January 31, 2008.  These contracts expire between February 2008 and December 2009.  The Company has evaluated these hedges and believes that these instruments qualify for hedge accounting pursuant to SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, (“SFAS No. 133”) as amended.  As of January 31, 2008 the fair value of these hedges was an obligation of $2,179, with the net amount (net of taxes of $882) recorded as an unrealized loss in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

 

The Company is party to four separate interest rate swap agreements with four banks for a notional amount of $105,000.  Three agreements, for a notional amount of $75,000, effectively fix the interest index rate on the entire notional amount at 4.4% from May 4, 2006 through May 5, 2008.  The remaining agreement for a notional amount of $30,000 effectively fixes the interest rate index at 4.47% from November 4, 2007 through May 7, 2009.  These agreements are specifically designated to interest payments under the Company’s term B loan and are accounted for as effective cash flow hedges pursuant to SFAS No. 133.

 

On August 22, 2007, the Company entered into two separate interest rate swap agreements for a notional amount of $75,000, which effectively fix the interest rate index at 4.68% from May 6, 2008 through May 6, 2009.   These agreements will be specifically designated to interest payments under the Company’s term B loan and will be accounted for as effective cash flow hedges pursuant to SFAS No. 133.

 

15



 

As of January 31, 2008, the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps was an obligation of $2,570, with the net amount (net of taxes of $1,040) recorded as an unrealized loss in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

 

The Company is party to two separate interest rate zero-cost collars with two banks for a notional amount of $60,000.  The collars have an interest index rate cap of 6.00% and an interest index rate floor of approximately 4.48% and are effective from November 6, 2006 through May 5, 2009.  These agreements are specifically designated to interest payments under the revolving credit facility and are accounted for as effective cash flow hedges pursuant to SFAS No. 133.  As of January 31, 2008, the fair value of these collars was an obligation of $1,381, with the net amount (net of taxes of $558) recorded as an unrealized loss in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

 

The Company terminated an interest rate collar in the notional amount of $20,000 during the three months ended July 31, 2007.  The Company paid net proceeds of $18, which was recorded to accumulated other comprehensive loss and is being amortized against interest expense over the remaining original term of the contract.

 

12.          DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007, the Company completed the sale of the assets of the Holliston Transfer Station in the South Eastern region.  The transaction required discontinued operations treatment under SFAS No. 144, Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS No.144); therefore the operating results of the Holliston Transfer Station have been reclassified from continuing to discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007.

 

During the quarter ended October 31, 2007, the Company completed the sale of the Company’s Buffalo, N.Y. transfer station, hauling operation and related equipment in the Western region for proceeds of $4,836 including a note receivable for $2,500 and expected net cash proceeds of $2,336 subject to a true up of working capital.  The transaction required discontinued operations treatment under SFAS No. 144; therefore the operating results have been reclassified from continuing to discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007.  Also in connection with the discontinued operations treatment, the loss (net of tax) from the sale amounting to $437 has been classified as a loss on disposal of discontinued operations.

 

Revenues and loss before income taxes attributable to discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007 and 2008 were as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
January 31,

 

Nine Months Ended
January  31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

Revenue

 

$

4,654

 

$

 

$

15,192

 

$

4,845

 

Loss before income tax benefit

 

$

(876

)

$

 

$

(2,159

)

$

(1,855

)

 

The Company has recorded contingent liabilities associated with these divestitures amounting to approximately $1,183 at January 31, 2008.  A summary of discontinued operations on the consolidated balance sheets at April 30, 2007 and January 31, 2008 is as follows:

 

16



 

 

 

April 30,
2007

 

January 31,
2008

 

Accounts receivable - trade, net

 

$

798

 

$

 

Prepaid expenses

 

41

 

 

Inventory

 

70

 

 

Other current assets

 

2

 

430

 

Current assets of discontinued operations

 

$

911

 

$

430

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

$

4,344

 

$

 

Goodwill

 

1,615

 

 

Other non - current assets

 

 

 

Non - current assets of discontinued operations

 

$

5,959

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

931

 

$

268

 

Accrued payroll and related expenses

 

66

 

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

408

 

 

Current liabilities of discontinued operations

 

$

1,405

 

$

268

 

 

13.          SEGMENT REPORTING

 

SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information (“SFAS No. 131”), establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments in financial statements.  In general, SFAS No. 131 requires that business entities report selected information about operating segments in a manner consistent with that used for internal management reporting.

 

The Company classifies its operations into North Eastern, South Eastern, Central, Western, FCR Recycling and Other.  The Company’s revenues in the North Eastern, South Eastern, Central and Western segments are derived mainly from one industry segment, which includes the collection, transfer, recycling and disposal of non-hazardous solid waste.  The North Eastern region also includes Maine Energy, which generates electricity from non-hazardous solid waste. The Company’s revenues in the FCR Recycling segment are derived from integrated waste handling services, including processing and recycling of paper, metals, aluminum, plastics and glass.  Ancillary operations, major customer accounts, discontinued operations and earnings from equity method investees, are included in Other.

 

17



 

 

 

North Eastern

 

South Eastern

 

Central

 

Western

 

FCR

 

 

 

Region

 

Region

 

Region

 

Region

 

Recycling

 

Three Months Ended January 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside revenues

 

$

28,458

 

$

15,341

 

$

29,018

 

$

23,987

 

$

25,896

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4,882

 

2,127

 

4,544

 

3,490

 

1,408

 

Operating income

 

777

 

(1,001

)

2,747

 

3,360

 

3,956

 

Total assets

 

$

190,855

 

$

146,378

 

$

150,442

 

$

162,733

 

$

94,289

 

 

 

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended January 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside revenues

 

$

6,139

 

$

128,839

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

509

 

16,960

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

(701

)

9,138

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

106,489

 

$

851,186

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North Eastern

 

South Eastern

 

Central

 

Western

 

FCR

 

 

 

Region

 

Region

 

Region

 

Region

 

Recycling

 

Three Months Ended January 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside revenues

 

$

28,327

 

$

16,357

 

$

28,938

 

$

25,172

 

$

34,210

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

5,903

 

2,740

 

4,159

 

4,018

 

1,755

 

Operating income

 

(366

)

(1,292

)

1,703

 

1,636

 

6,096

 

Total assets

 

$

176,535

 

$

128,603

 

$

151,080

 

$

178,643

 

$

98,458

 

 

 

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended January 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside revenues

 

$

8,355

 

$

141,359

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

480

 

19,055

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

(498

)

7,279

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

96,822

 

$

830,141

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18



 

 

 

North Eastern

 

South Eastern

 

Central

 

Western

 

FCR

 

 

 

Region

 

Region

 

Region

 

Region

 

Recycling

 

Nine Months Ended January 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside revenues

 

$

89,501

 

$

54,170

 

$

97,275

 

$

76,513

 

$

74,081

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

14,325

 

7,622

 

14,889

 

11,123

 

4,209

 

Operating income

 

5,584

 

(2,070

)

11,317

 

9,858

 

10,250

 

Total assets

 

$

190,855

 

$

146,378

 

$

150,442

 

$

162,733

 

$

94,289

 

 

 

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended January 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside revenues

 

$

18,097

 

$

409,637

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,534

 

53,702

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

(2,305

)

32,634

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

106,489

 

$

851,186

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North Eastern

 

South Eastern

 

Central

 

Western

 

FCR

 

 

 

Region

 

Region

 

Region

 

Region

 

Recycling

 

Nine Months Ended January 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside revenues

 

$

91,328

 

$

51,332

 

$

98,686

 

$

81,651

 

$

96,034

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

18,051

 

7,471

 

14,480

 

12,594

 

5,121

 

Operating income

 

1,038

 

(3,429

)

12,922

 

10,076

 

17,032

 

Total assets

 

$

176,535

 

$

128,603

 

$

151,080

 

$

178,643

 

$

98,458

 

 

 

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended January 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside revenues

 

$

23,768

 

$

442,799

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,461

 

59,178

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

(1,228

)

36,411

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

96,822

 

$

830,141

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts of the Company’s total revenue attributable to services provided are as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
January 31,

 

Nine Months Ended
January 31,

 

 

 

2007 (1)

 

2008

 

2007 (1)

 

2008

 

Collection

 

$

62,132

 

$

64,649

 

$

198,983

 

$

202,981

 

Landfill / disposal facilities

 

24,183

 

23,979

 

82,590

 

82,147

 

Transfer

 

4,948

 

5,606

 

18,774

 

20,644

 

Recycling

 

37,576

 

47,125

 

109,290

 

137,027

 

Total revenues

 

$

128,839

 

$

141,359

 

$

409,637

 

$

442,799

 

 


(1) Revenue attributable to services provided for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007 has been revised to conform with the classification of revenue attributable to services provided in the current fiscal year.

 

14.          INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES

 

The Company entered into an agreement in July 2000 with Louisiana-Pacific Corporation to combine their respective cellulose insulation businesses into a single operating entity, GreenFiber, under a joint venture agreement effective August 1, 2000. The Company’s investment in GreenFiber amounted to $33,054 and $30,570 at April 30, 2007 and January 31, 2008, respectively. The Company accounts for its 50% ownership in GreenFiber under the equity method of accounting.

 

19



 

Summarized financial information for GreenFiber is as follows:

 

 

 

April 30,
2007

 

January 31,
2008

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

$

25,432

 

$

26,595

 

 

 

 

 

Noncurrent assets

 

70,955

 

70,451

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

18,371

 

17,546

 

 

 

 

 

Noncurrent liabilities

 

$

11,833

 

$

18,141

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
January 31,

 

Nine Months Ended
January 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

Revenue

 

$

48,999

 

$

44,432

 

$

145,525

 

$

119,926

 

Gross profit

 

12,134

 

7,531

 

36,184

 

19,964

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

2,634

 

$

(618

)

$

5,418

 

$

(6,027

)

 

The Company owns a 20.5% interest in the common stock of RecycleRewards, Inc. (“RecycleRewards”), a company which markets an incentive-based recycling service that gives homeowners credits for recycling which can be used with participating merchants. This investment is accounted for as an equity method investment.

 

15.          NET ASSETS UNDER CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION

 

Effective June 30, 2003, the Company transferred its domestic brokerage operations, as well as a commercial recycling business to former employees who had been responsible for managing those businesses.  Consideration for the transaction was in the form of two notes receivable amounting up to $6,925.  These notes are payable within twelve years of the anniversary date of the transaction, to the extent of free cash flow generated from the operations.

 

Effective August 1, 2005, the Company transferred a certain Canadian recycling operation to a former employee who had been responsible for managing that business.  Consideration for this transaction was in the form of a note receivable amounting up to $1,313, which is payable within six years of the anniversary date of the transaction to the extent of free cash flow generated from the operations.

 

The Company has not accounted for these transactions as sales based on an assessment that the risks and other incidents of ownership have not sufficiently transferred to the buyers. The net assets of the operations are disclosed in the balance sheet as “net assets under contractual obligation”, and were being reduced as payments are made.  During the three and nine months ended January 31, 2008, the Company recognized income on the transactions in the amount of $96 and $1,463, respectively, as payments received on the notes receivable exceeded the balance of the net assets under contractual obligation.

 

Net assets under contractual obligation amounted to $55 and $0 at April 30, 2007 and January 31, 2008, respectively.  Minimum amounts owed to the Company under these notes amounted to $3,736 and $2,217 at April 30, 2007 and January 31, 2008, respectively.

 

16.          PREFERRED STOCK

 

The Company is authorized to issue up to 944 shares of preferred stock in one or more series. As of April 30, 2007 the Company had 56 shares of Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”) authorized, issued and outstanding, at $1,000 per share, and as of January 31, 2008,

 

20



 

the Company had zero shares authorized and issued. These shares of Series A Preferred were convertible into Class A common stock, at the option of the holders, at $14 per share. Dividends were cumulative at a rate of 5%, compounded quarterly from the issuance date of August 11, 2000.  The Company was required to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock on the seventh anniversary date of August 11, 2007, at liquidation value, which equals original cost, plus accrued but unpaid dividends, if any. Pursuant to the stock agreement, acceleration of the liquidation provisions would occur upon a change in control of the Company.

 

On April 30, 2007, since the Company did not anticipate that the shares would be converted to Class A common stock by the redemption date, the Company reflected the redemption value of the shares as a current liability. The value included the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends.  The redemption value amounted to $74,018 at April 30, 2007.  Consistent with this classification, the Company has recorded the accrued dividends for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2008 in the amount of $0 and $1,038, respectively, as interest expense.

 

The Series A Preferred Stock was redeemed effective August 11, 2007 in the amount of $75,057, which was the liquidation value equal to the original price plus accrued but unpaid dividends through the date of redemption.  As a result of the redemption, the rights of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock to receive cumulative dividends at a rate of 5%, compounded quarterly from the issuance date of August 11, 2000, and to elect one director to the Company’s Board of Directors, among other rights, have terminated.  The Company borrowed against the senior credit facility to fund this redemption.

 

17.          CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

The Company’s senior subordinated notes due 2013 are guaranteed jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally, by the Company’s significant wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Parent is the issuer and non-guarantor of the senior subordinated notes. The information which follows presents the condensed consolidating financial position as of April 30, 2007 and January 31, 2008, and the condensed consolidating results of operations for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007 and 2008 and the condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the nine months ended January 31, 2007 and 2008 of (a) the Parent company only, (b) the combined guarantors (“the Guarantors”), each of which is 100% wholly-owned by the Parent, (c) the combined non-guarantors (“the Non-Guarantors”), (d) eliminating entries and (e) the Company on a consolidated basis.

 

21



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF APRIL 30, 2007

(in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

ASSETS

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non-Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

(1,967

)

$

13,015

 

$

1,318

 

$

 

$

12,366

 

Accounts receivable - trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

 

31

 

61,076

 

166

 

(27

)

61,246

 

Refundable income taxes

 

1,340

 

 

 

 

1,340

 

Deferred taxes

 

7,306

 

 

909

 

 

8,215

 

Other current assets

 

1,679

 

9,043

 

 

 

10,722

 

Current assets of discontinued operations

 

 

911

 

 

 

911

 

Total current assets

 

8,389

 

84,045

 

2,393

 

(27

)

94,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

2,587

 

481,165

 

(475

)

 

483,277

 

Goodwill

 

 

171,735

 

 

 

171,735

 

Restricted cash

 

 

4

 

12,730

 

 

12,734

 

Deferred income taxes

 

1,546

 

 

 

 

1,546

 

Investment in subsidiaries

 

(12,170

)

 

 

12,170

 

 

Assets under contractual obligation

 

 

55

 

 

 

55

 

Other non-current assets

 

29,589

 

38,657

 

120

 

(4,379

)

63,987

 

Non-current assets of discontinued operations

 

 

5,959

 

 

 

5,959

 

 

 

21,552

 

697,575

 

12,375

 

7,791

 

739,293

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany receivable

 

670,919

 

(669,191

)

(6,107

)

4,379

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

700,860

 

$

112,429

 

$

8,661

 

$

12,143

 

$

834,093

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non - Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long term debt

 

$

900

 

$

315

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,215

 

Series Aredeemable, convertible preferred stock

 

74,018

 

 

 

 

74,018

 

Accounts payable

 

1,580

 

49,791

 

96

 

(27

)

51,440

 

Accrued payroll and related expenses

 

1,795

 

6,694

 

 

 

8,489

 

Accrued interest

 

9,268

 

7

 

 

 

9,275

 

Accrued closure and post-closure costs, current portion

 

 

8,386

 

535

 

 

8,921

 

Other current liabilities

 

6,811

 

18,164

 

8,414

 

 

33,389

 

Current liabilities of discontinued operations

 

 

1,405

 

 

 

1,405

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

94,372

 

84,762

 

9,045

 

(27

)

188,152

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, less current maturities

 

475,445

 

780

 

 

 

476,225

 

Capital lease obligations, less current maturities

 

 

650

 

 

 

650

 

Accrued closure and post closure costs, less     current portion

 

 

29,408

 

43

 

 

29,451

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

1,547

 

6,526

 

2,046

 

 

10,119

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized - 100,000,000 shares, $0.01 par value; issued and outstanding - 24,332,000 shares

 

243

 

101

 

100

 

(201

)

243

 

Class B common stock -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized - 1,000,000 shares, $0.01 par value, 10 votes per share, issued and outstanding - 988,000 shares

 

10

 

 

 

 

10

 

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)     income

 

(1,001

)

120

 

(4

)

(116

)

(1,001

)

Additional paid-in capital

 

273,345

 

46,704

 

3,813

 

(50,517

)

273,345

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(143,101

)

(56,622

)

(6,382

)

63,004

 

(143,101

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

129,496

 

(9,697

)

(2,473

)

12,170

 

129,496

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

700,860

 

$

112,429

 

$

8,661

 

$

12,143

 

$

834,093

 

 

22



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF JANUARY 31, 2008

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

ASSETS

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non-Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

503

 

$

1,480

 

$

915

 

$

 

$

2,898

 

Restricted cash

 

 

95

 

 

 

95

 

Accounts receivable - trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

 

8

 

61,393

 

251

 

 

61,652

 

Refundable income taxes

 

3,072

 

 

 

 

3,072

 

Prepaid expenses

 

2,054

 

4,831

 

 

 

6,885

 

Deferred taxes

 

12,833

 

 

785

 

 

13,618

 

Other current assets

 

649

 

5,219

 

 

 

5,868

 

Total current assets

 

19,119

 

73,018

 

1,951

 

 

94,088

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

2,211

 

486,634

 

 

 

488,845

 

Goodwill

 

 

171,385

 

 

 

171,385

 

Intangible assets

 

250

 

2,528

 

 

 

2,778

 

Notes receivable - officers / employees

 

1,192

 

 

 

 

1,192

 

Deferred income taxes

 

747

 

 

 

 

747

 

Investment in subsidiaries

 

6,413

 

 

 

(6,413

)

 

Other non-current assets

 

26,208

 

35,638

 

13,639

 

(4,379

)

71,106

 

 

 

37,021

 

696,185

 

13,639

 

(10,792

)

736,053

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany receivable

 

653,083

 

(650,562

)

(6,900

)

4,379

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

709,223

 

$

118,641

 

$

8,690

 

$

(6,413

)

$

830,141

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non - Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long term debt

 

$

1,750

 

$

406

 

$

 

$

 

$

2,156

 

Current maturities of capital lease obligations

 

32

 

601

 

 

 

633

 

Accounts payable

 

1,165

 

41,984

 

634

 

 

43,783

 

Accrued interest

 

12,873

 

21

 

 

 

12,894

 

Accrued closure and post-closure costs, current portion

 

 

5,781

 

183

 

 

5,964

 

Other current liabilities

 

14,999

 

18,979

 

7,224

 

 

41,202

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

30,819

 

67,772

 

8,041

 

 

106,632

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, less current maturities

 

545,230

 

958

 

 

 

546,188

 

Capital lease obligations, less current maturities

 

 

4,789

 

 

 

4,789

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

2,101

 

37,054

 

2,304

 

 

41,459

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized - 100,000,000 shares, $0.01 par value; issued and outstanding - 24,448,000 shares

 

244

 

99

 

100

 

(199

)

244

 

Class B common stock -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized - 1,000,000 shares, $0.01 par value, 10 votes per share, issued and outstanding - 988,000 shares

 

10

 

 

 

 

10

 

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

 

(2,960

)

478

 

212

 

(690

)

(2,960

)

Additional paid-in capital

 

275,709

 

46,484

 

3,934

 

(50,418

)

275,709

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(141,930

)

(38,993

)

(5,901

)

44,894

 

(141,930

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

131,073

 

8,068

 

(1,655

)

(6,413

)

131,073

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

709,223

 

$

118,641

 

$

8,690

 

$

(6,413

)

$

830,141

 

 

23



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2007

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non - Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

128,839

 

$

2,878

 

$

(2,878

)

$

128,839

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of operations

 

957

 

85,721

 

2,079

 

(2,878

)

85,879

 

General and administration

 

(76

)

16,908

 

30

 

 

16,862

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

442

 

16,518

 

 

 

16,960

 

 

 

1,323

 

119,147

 

2,109

 

(2,878

)

119,701

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(1,323

)

9,692

 

769

 

 

9,138

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense/(income), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(9,453

)

(136

)

(150

)

9,426

 

(313

)

Interest expense

 

11,009

 

8,114

 

71

 

(9,426

)

9,768

 

(Income) loss from equity method investments

 

(2,700

)

(1,311

)

 

3,023

 

(988

)

Other income

 

(13

)

(36

)

 

 

(49

)

Other expense/(income), net

 

(1,157

)

6,631

 

(79

)

3,023

 

8,418

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(166

)

3,061

 

848

 

(3,023

)

720

 

Provision for income taxes

 

679

 

 

347

 

 

1,026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations before discontinued operations

 

(845

)

3,061

 

501

 

(3,023

)

(306

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net

 

 

(539

)

 

 

(539

)

Net (loss) income

 

(845

)

2,522

 

501

 

(3,023

)

(845

)

Preferred stock dividend

 

902

 

 

 

 

902

 

Net (loss) income applicable to common     stockholders

 

$

(1,747

)

$

2,522

 

$

501

 

$

(3,023

)

$

(1,747

)

 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2008

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non - Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

141,359

 

$

3,002

 

$

(3,002

)

$

141,359

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of operations

 

1,400

 

96,393

 

1,872

 

(3,002

)

96,663

 

General and administration

 

48

 

18,240

 

74

 

 

18,362

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

398

 

18,657

 

 

 

19,055

 

 

 

1,846

 

133,290

 

1,946

 

(3,002

)

134,080

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(1,846

)

8,069

 

1,056

 

 

7,279

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense/(income), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(7,883

)

(57

)

(165

)

7,814

 

(291

)

Interest expense

 

11,168

 

7,473

 

 

(7,814

)

10,827

 

Loss (income) from equity method investments

 

(547

)

308

 

 

1,146

 

907

 

Other income

 

(7

)

(49

)

 

 

(56

)

Other expense/(income), net

 

2,731

 

7,675

 

(165

)

1,146

 

11,387

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations

 

(4,577

)

394

 

1,221

 

(1,146

)

(4,108

)

Provision for income taxes

 

27

 

 

469

 

 

496

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income applicable to common     stockholders

 

$

(4,604

)

$

394

 

$

752

 

$

(1,146

)

$

(4,604

)

 

24



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

NINE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2007

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non - Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

407,558

 

$

8,811

 

$

(6,732

)

$

409,637

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of operations

 

970

 

266,305

 

6,535

 

(6,732

)

267,078

 

General and administration

 

65

 

55,735

 

423

 

 

56,223

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,338

 

51,440

 

924

 

 

53,702

 

 

 

2,373

 

373,480

 

7,882

 

(6,732

)

377,003

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(2,373

)

34,078

 

929

 

 

32,634

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense/(income), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(27,676

)

(365

)

(427

)

27,558

 

(910

)

Interest expense

 

32,168

 

23,886

 

136

 

(27,558

)

28,632

 

(Income) loss from equity method investments

 

(12,169

)

(2,702

)

 

12,893

 

(1,978

)

Other income

 

(247

)

(103

)

 

 

(350

)

Other expense/(income), net

 

(7,924

)

20,716

 

(291

)

12,893

 

25,394

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

5,551

 

13,362

 

1,220

 

(12,893

)

7,240

 

Provision for income taxes

 

4,060

 

 

360

 

 

4,420

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations

 

1,491

 

13,362

 

860

 

(12,893

)

2,820

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net

 

 

(1,329

)

 

 

(1,329

)

Net income (loss)

 

1,491

 

12,033

 

860

 

(12,893

)

1,491

 

Preferred stock dividend

 

2,674

 

 

 

 

2,674

 

Net (loss) income applicable to common stockholders

 

$

(1,183

)

$

12,033

 

$

860

 

$

(12,893

)

$

(1,183

)

 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

NINE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2008

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non - Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

442,799

 

$

6,406

 

$

(6,406

)

$

442,799

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of operations

 

1,402

 

290,984

 

5,758

 

(6,406

)

291,738

 

General and administration

 

476

 

54,844

 

152

 

 

55,472

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,251

 

57,927

 

 

 

59,178

 

 

 

3,129

 

403,755

 

5,910

 

(6,406

)

406,388

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(3,129

)

39,044

 

496

 

 

36,411

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense/(income), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(25,103

)

(179

)

(474

)

24,791

 

(965

)

Interest expense

 

34,825

 

23,038

 

 

(24,791

)

33,072

 

(Income) loss from equity method investments

 

(13,157

)

3,013

 

 

14,689

 

4,545

 

Other income

 

(127

)

(2,290

)

 

 

(2,417

)

Other expense/(income), net

 

(3,562

)

23,582

 

(474

)

14,689

 

34,235

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations

 

433

 

15,462

 

970

 

(14,689

)

2,176

 

Provision for income taxes

 

465

 

 

495

 

 

960

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations

 

(32

)

15,462

 

475

 

(14,689

)

1,216

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net

 

 

(811

)

 

 

(811

)

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net

 

 

(437

)

 

 

(437

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income applicable to common stockholders

 

$

(32

)

$

14,214

 

$

475

 

$

(14,689

)

$

(32

)

 

25



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

NINE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2007

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non-Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

 

$

2,402

 

$

55,004

 

$

(958

)

$

 

$

56,448

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

(2,087

)

 

 

(2,087

)

Additions to property, plant and equipment
 - growth

 

 

(25,757

)

 

 

(25,757

)

 - maintenance

 

(910

)

(48,892

)

(1,137

)

 

(50,939

)

Payments on landfill operating lease contracts

 

 

(4,500

)

 

 

(4,500

)

Restricted cash from revenue bond issuance

 

5,535

 

 

 

 

5,535

 

Other

 

(2,328

)

2,218

 

 

 

(110

)

Net Cash (Used In) Provided by Investing Activities

 

2,297

 

(79,018

)

(1,137

)

 

(77,858

)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

 

239,950

 

 

 

 

239,950

 

Principal payments on long-term debt

 

(212,160

)

(1,299

)

 

 

(213,459

)

Other

 

1,717

 

 

 

 

1,717

 

Intercompany borrowings

 

(32,210

)

29,241

 

2,969

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

 

(2,703

)

27,942

 

2,969

 

 

28,208

 

Cash Used in by Discontinued Operations

 

 

(2,298

)

 

 

(2,298

)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

1,996

 

1,630

 

874

 

 

4,500

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

(3,840

)

10,747

 

522

 

 

7,429

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

(1,844

)

$

12,377

 

$

1,396

 

$

 

$

11,929

 

 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

NINE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2008

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non-Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

 

$

(4,970

)

$

57,496

 

$

(848

)

$

 

$

51,678

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

(745

)

 

 

(745

)

Additions to property, plant and equipment
 - growth

 

 

(14,281

)

 

 

(14,281

)

 - maintenance

 

(884

)

(43,950

)

 

 

(44,834

)

Payments on landfill operating lease contracts

 

 

(6,735

)

 

 

(6,735

)

Proceeds from divestitures

 

 

2,154

 

 

 

2,154

 

Investment in unconsolidated entities

 

(107

)

 

 

 

(107

)

Other

 

 

3,450

 

 

 

3,450

 

Net Cash Used In Investing Activities

 

(991

)

(60,107

)

 

 

(61,098

)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

 

252,213

 

4,492

 

 

 

256,705

 

Principal payments on long-term debt

 

(182,170

)

(884

)

 

 

(183,054

)

Redemption of Series A redeemable, convertible preferred stock

 

(75,057

)

 

 

 

(75,057

)

Other

 

1,327

 

 

 

 

1,327

 

Intercompany borrowings

 

12,118

 

(12,563

)

445

 

 

 

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities

 

8,431

 

(8,955

)

445

 

 

(79

)

Cash Provided by Discontinued Operations

 

 

31

 

 

 

31

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

2,470

 

(11,535

)

(403

)

 

(9,468

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

(1,967

)

13,015

 

1,318

 

 

12,366

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

503

 

$

1,480

 

$

915

 

$

 

$

2,898

 

 

26



 

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

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included under Item 1. In addition, reference should be made to the Company’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto and related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations appearing in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2007.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and, in particular, this management discussion and analysis contain or incorporate a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), including statements regarding:

 

·      expected future revenues, operations, expenditures and cash needs;

 

·      fluctuations in the commodity pricing of the Company’s recyclables, increases in landfill tipping fees and fuel costs, and general economic and weather conditions;

 

·      projected future obligations related to capping, closure and post-closure costs of the Company’s existing landfills and any disposal facilities which the Company may own or operate in the future;

 

·      the projected development of additional disposal capacity;

 

·      estimates of the potential markets for the Company’s products and services, including the anticipated drivers for future growth;

 

·      sales and marketing plans;

 

·      potential business combinations; and

 

·      projected improvements to the Company’s infrastructure and impact of such improvements on the Company’s business and operations.

 

In addition, any statements contained in or incorporated by reference into this report that are not statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements.  You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “intends”, “estimates” and other similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative.  These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry and markets in which the Company operates as well as management’s beliefs and assumptions, and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements included in this report.  The Company cannot guarantee that the Company actually will achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements made.  There are a number of important risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements.  These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those detailed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2007.  The Company does not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

 

27



 

Company Overview

 

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. is a vertically-integrated regional solid waste services company that provides collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services to residential, industrial and commercial customers, primarily in the eastern United States. Our Company was founded in 1975 as a single truck operation in Rutland, Vermont and the business now operates in fourteen states. We operate vertically integrated solid waste operations in Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, and Maine; and stand alone materials processing facilities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

 

As of February 29, 2008 the Company owned and/or operated 34 solid waste collection operations, 30 transfer stations, 38 recycling facilities, eight Subtitle D landfills, two landfills permitted to accept construction and demolition materials, and one waste-to-energy facility, as well as a 50% interest in a joint venture that manufactures, markets and sells cellulose insulation made from recycled fiber and a 20.5% common stock interest in a company that markets an incentive based recycling service.

 

Operating Results

 

For the three months ended January 31, 2008, the Company reported revenues of $141.4 million, an increase of $12.6 million, or 9.8%, from $128.8 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2007.  As a percentage of segment revenues, solid waste revenues, including the Company’s major accounts program, increased 4.1%, with 0.7% coming from higher prices, primarily from our collection and transfer operations, and the balance from landfill and major accounts volume increases, the effect of tuck-in acquisitions and increases in solid waste recycling commodity prices.  FCR Recycling revenue growth was 32.1% with 26.9% coming from commodity price increases and 5.2% from higher volumesOperating income for the three months ended January 31, 2008 decreased to $7.3 million from $9.1 million for the quarter ended January 31, 2007 as higher revenues were more than offset by increases in the cost of purchased materials associated with higher FCR commodity prices and higher fuel costs, partially offset by lower direct labor costs.  Operating income was also impacted by an increase in general and administration expenses, primarily due to a $1.2 million non-recurring charge for recruiting, equity compensation and termination costs associated with the Company’s management reorganization, as well as increased landfill amortization expense at our Pinetree site where amortization rates have been revised upward to reflect the shorter life of the site as agreed upon with the State of Maine.

 

Between May 1, 2007 and January 31, 2008 the Company acquired 5 solid waste hauling operations. Under the rules of purchase accounting, the acquired company’s revenues and results of operations have been included from the date of acquisition and affect the period-to-period comparisons of the Company’s historical results of operations.

 

During the second quarter of fiscal year 2008, the Company sold its Buffalo, New York transfer station, hauling operation and related equipment for approximately $4.8 million in net proceeds.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007, the Company completed the sale of the assets of the Holliston transfer station for cash sale proceeds of $7.4 million.  Both of these transactions required discontinued operations treatment under SFAS No. 144; therefore the operating results have been reclassified from continuing to discontinued operations for the nine months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007.

 

General

 

Revenues

 

The Company’s revenues in the North Eastern, South Eastern, Central and Western regions are attributable primarily to fees charged to customers for solid waste disposal and collection, landfill, waste-to-energy, transfer and recycling services. The Company derives a substantial portion of its collection

 

28



 

revenues from commercial, industrial and municipal services that are generally performed under service agreements or pursuant to contracts with municipalities. The majority of the Company’s residential collection services are performed on a subscription basis with individual households. Landfill, waste-to-energy facility and transfer customers are charged a tipping fee on a per ton basis for disposing of their solid waste at the Company’s disposal facilities and transfer stations. The majority of the Company’s disposal and transfer customers are under one to ten year disposal contracts, with most having clauses for annual cost of living increases. Recycling revenues, which are included in FCR and the Central and Western regions, consist of revenues from the sale of recyclable commodities and operations and maintenance contracts of recycling facilities for municipal customers.

 

In the “Other” segment, the Company has ancillary revenues comprising major customer accounts and earnings from equity method investees. The Company’s cellulose insulation business is conducted through a 50/50 joint venture with Louisiana-Pacific, US GreenFiber LLC (“GreenFiber”).  The Company also owns a 20.5% interest in the common stock of RecycleRewards, Inc. (“RecycleRewards”), a company which markets an incentive-based recycling service that gives homeowners credits for recycling which can be used with participating merchants.

 

The Company’s revenues are shown net of inter-company eliminations.  The Company typically establishes its inter-company transfer pricing based upon prevailing market rates.  The table below shows, for the periods indicated, the percentages and dollars of revenue attributable to services provided.

 

Collection and Landfill/disposal facilities’ revenues each decreased as a percentage of total revenues in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2008 compared to the prior year, mainly because of the increase in recycling revenues.  Collection revenue dollars increased in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2008 due to the positive impact of price increases and the effect of tuck-in acquisitions in the Central, Western and North Eastern regions, partially offset by lower volumes.

 

Recycling revenues are primarily from recycling facilities in the FCR region.  The increase in recycling revenue dollars for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2008 is primarily attributable to higher commodity prices and to a lesser extent an increase in volumes.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended January 31,

 

Nine Months Ended January 31,

 

 

 

2007 (1)

 

2008

 

2007 (1)

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collection

 

$

62,132

 

48.2

%

$

64,649

 

45.7

%

$

198,983

 

48.6

%

$

202,981

 

45.8

%

Landfill / disposal facilities

 

24,183

 

18.8

%

23,979

 

17.0

%

82,590

 

20.2

%

82,147

 

18.6

%

Transfer

 

4,948

 

3.8

%

5,606

 

4.0

%

18,774

 

4.6

%

20,644

 

4.7

%

Recycling

 

37,576

 

29.2

%

47,125

 

33.3

%

109,290

 

26.6

%

137,027

 

30.9

%

Total revenues

 

$

128,839

 

100.0

%

$

141,359

 

100.0

%

$

409,637

 

100.0

%

$

442,799

 

100.0

%

 


(1) Revenue attributable to services provided for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007 has been revised to conform with the classification of revenue attributable to services provided in the current fiscal year.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Cost of operations includes labor, tipping fees paid to third-party disposal facilities, fuel, maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment, worker’s compensation and vehicle insurance, the cost of purchasing materials to be recycled, third party transportation expense, district and state taxes, host community fees and royalties. Cost of operations also includes accretion expense related to landfill capping, closure and post closure, leachate treatment and disposal costs and depletion of landfill operating lease obligations.

 

General and administration expenses include management, clerical and administrative compensation and overhead, professional services and costs associated with marketing, sales force and community relations efforts.

 

29



 

Depreciation and amortization expense includes depreciation of fixed assets over the estimated useful life of the assets using the straight-line method, amortization of landfill airspace assets under the units-of-consumption method, and the amortization of intangible assets (other than goodwill) using the straight-line method. In accordance with SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, except for accretion expense, the Company amortizes landfill retirement assets through a charge to cost of operations using a straight-line rate per ton as landfill airspace is utilized. The amount of landfill amortization expense related to airspace consumption can vary materially from landfill to landfill depending upon the purchase price and landfill site and cell development costs. The Company depreciates all fixed and intangible assets, other than goodwill, to a zero net book value, and does not apply a salvage value to any fixed assets.

 

The Company capitalizes certain direct landfill development costs, such as engineering, permitting, legal, construction and other costs associated directly with the expansion of existing landfills. Additionally, the Company also capitalizes certain third party expenditures related to pending acquisitions, such as legal and engineering costs. The Company routinely evaluates all such capitalized costs, and expenses those costs related to projects not likely to be successful. Internal and indirect landfill development and acquisition costs, such as executive and corporate overhead, public relations and other corporate services, are expensed as incurred.

 

The Company will have material financial obligations relating to capping, closure and post-closure costs of its existing landfills and any disposal facilities which it may own or operate in the future. The Company has provided, and will in the future provide, accruals for these future financial obligations based on engineering estimates of consumption of permitted landfill airspace over the useful life of any such landfill. There can be no assurance that the Company’s financial obligations for capping, closure or post-closure costs will not exceed the amount accrued and reserved or amounts otherwise receivable pursuant to trust funds.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the percentage relationship that certain items from the Company’s consolidated financial statements bear in relation to revenues.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
January 31,

 

Nine Months Ended
January, 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

Revenues

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of operations

 

66.7

 

68.4

 

65.2

 

65.9

 

General and administration

 

13.1

 

13.0

 

13.7

 

12.5

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

13.1

 

13.5

 

13.1

 

13.4

 

Operating income

 

7.1

 

5.1

 

8.0

 

8.2

 

Interest expense, net

 

7.3

 

7.4

 

6.8

 

7.3

 

Loss (income) from equity method investments

 

(0.8

)

0.6

 

(0.5

)

1.0

 

Other income, net

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

(0.1

)

(0.6

)

Provision for income taxes

 

0.8

 

0.4

 

1.1

 

0.2

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations

 

(0.2

)%

(3.3

)%

0.7

%

0.3

%

 

30



 

Three months ended January 31, 2008 versus January 31, 2007

 

Revenues - Revenues increased $12.6 million, or 9.8% to $141.4 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2008 from $128.8 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2007.  Solid waste revenues, including the Company’s major accounts program, increased $4.2 million, with $0.7 million in price increases, primarily from our collection and transfer operations, and $2.6 million coming mainly from landfill and major accounts volume increases and increases in solid waste recycling commodity prices.  Revenues from the rollover effect of acquired businesses, including tuck-in hauling acquisitions in the Central, Western, North Eastern regions and the major accounts program, accounted for $0.9 million of the increase.  FCR recycling revenue increased $8.4 million mainly due to higher commodity prices.

 

Cost of operations - Cost of operations increased $10.8 million or 12.6% to $96.7 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2008 from $85.9 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2007.  Cost of operations as a percentage of revenues increased to 68.4% in the quarter ended January 31, 2008 compared to 66.7% in the quarter ended January 31, 2007 primarily due to an increase in the cost of purchased materials associated with higher FCR commodity prices and higher fuel costs, partially offset by lower direct labor costs.

 

General and administration - General and administration expenses increased $1.5 million or 8.9% to $18.4 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2008 from $16.9 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2007.  General and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased to 13.0% in the quarter ended January 31, 2008 from 13.1% in the quarter ended January 31, 2007.  The dollar increase in general and administration expenses was primarily due to a $1.2 million non-recurring charge for recruiting, equity compensation and termination costs associated with the Company’s management reorganization.

 

Depreciation and amortization - Depreciation and amortization expense increased $2.1 million, or 12.4%, to $19.0 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2008 from $16.9 million in the quarter ended January, 31, 2007.  Landfill amortization expense increased by $1.9 million primarily due to higher expense at Pinetree, where the rates have been revised to reflect the shorter life of the site as agreed with the State of Maine.  Closure of the site is now expected in December 2009.  Depreciation expense increased between periods by $0.2 million due to capital additions.  Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of revenue increased to 13.5% for the three months ended January 31, 2008 from 13.2% for the three months ended January 31, 2007.

 

Operating income - Operating income decreased by $1.8 million, or 19.8%, to $7.3 million for the quarter ended January 31, 2008 compared to $9.1 million for the quarter ended January 31, 2007. As a percentage of revenue, operating income decreased to 5.1% from 7.1% for the quarter ended January 31, 2007.  Operating income decreased year over year in the North Eastern region as revenue was relatively flat and landfill amortization increased at Pinetree as discussed above.  South Eastern region revenues increased due primarily to higher volumes at the Worcester closure site, however, the increase in revenues was more than offset by higher cost of operations.  Central region revenues were relatively flat, however, increased cost of operations resulted in a decrease in operating income year over year.  Western region revenues increased year over year due to increased landfill revenues, primarily due to higher volumes, and increases in other solid waste revenues primarily from increased prices.  Revenue increases for the Western region were more than offset by higher cost of operations.  The FCR region operating income increased as a result of higher revenues, driven primarily by higher commodity prices and lower operating costs as a percentage of revenue year over year.

 

Interest expense, net - Net interest expense increased $1.0 million, or 10.5% to $10.5 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2008 from $9.5 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2007.  This increase is attributable to higher debt levels, partially offset by lower interest rates.  Net interest expense, as a

 

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percentage of revenues, increased to 7.5% in the quarter ended January 31, 2008 from 7.3% in the quarter ended January 31, 2007.

 

Loss (income) from equity method investments - The loss from equity method investments in the quarter ended January 31, 2008 relates to the Company’s 50% joint venture interest in GreenFiber and the Company’s 20.5% interest in RecycleRewards.  GreenFiber reported a loss for the quarter ended January 31, 2008 of which the Company’s share was $0.3 million, compared to income of $1.3 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2007.  GreenFiber’s revenue and income were down in the quarter ended January 31, 2008 due to a slowdown in new home construction and higher fiber prices.  RecycleRewards reported a loss for the quarter ended January 31, 2008, of which the Company’s share was $0.6 million compared to a loss of $0.3 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2007.

 

Provision for income taxes - Provision for income taxes decreased $0.5 million to $0.5 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2008 from $1.0 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2007.  The effective tax rate decreased to (12.1)% in the quarter ended January 31, 2008 from 142.5% in the quarter ended January 31, 2007.  The rate variance between the periods is due mainly to the low level of book income in the current period from operations and the add back of non-deductible items, including non-deductible preferred stock dividend expense. The tax rate for the remainder of the year is likely to be volatile, since it is sensitive to changes in pre-tax book income.

 

Nine Months Ended January 31, 2008 versus January 31, 2007

 

Revenues - Revenues increased $33.2 million, or 8.1% to $442.8 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 from $409.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007.  Solid waste revenues, including the Company’s major accounts program, increased $11.2 million, with $2.3 million coming from price increases, primarily from our collection and transfer operations, and $6.8 million coming mainly from landfill and major accounts volume increases and increases in solid waste recycling commodity prices.  Revenues from the rollover effect of acquired businesses, including tuck-in hauling acquisitions in the Central, Western, North Eastern regions and major accounts accounted for $2.1 million of the increase.  FCR recycling revenue increased $22.0 million mainly due to higher commodity prices.

 

Cost of operations - Cost of operations increased $24.6 million, or 9.2% to $291.7 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 from $267.1 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007.  Cost of operations as a percentage of revenues increased to 65.9% in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 from 65.2% in the prior year, primarily due to an increase in the cost of purchased materials associated with higher FCR commodity prices, partially offset by lower direct labor and direct operating costs as well as property tax refunds.

 

General and administration - General and administration expenses decreased $0.7 million or 1.2% to $55.5 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 from $56.2 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007.  General and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of revenues to 12.5% in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 from 13.7% in the nine months ended January 31, 2007 due to higher levels of revenue in fiscal year 2008.  The dollar decrease in general and administrative costs was due to lower communication and marketing expenses, bad debt allowances and legal and audit costs, partially offset by higher compensation costs.

 

Depreciation and amortization - Depreciation and amortization expense increased $5.5 million, or 10.2%, to $59.2 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 from $53.7 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007.  Landfill amortization expense increased by $5.2 million primarily due to higher expense at Pinetree, to reflect the shorter life of the site as agreed with the State of Maine.  Depreciation expense increased between periods by $0.3 million due to capital additions.  Depreciation and

 

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amortization expense as a percentage of revenue increased to 13.4% for the nine months ended January 31, 2008 from 13.1% for the nine months ended January 31, 2007.

 

Operating income - Operating income increased $3.8 million, or 11.7%, to $36.4 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 from $32.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007 and increased as a percentage of revenues to 8.2% in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 from 8.0% in the nine months ended January 31, 2007.  The North Eastern region operating income declined as revenues were relatively flat and landfill amortization expense at Pinetree increased year over year as discussed above.  The South Eastern region operating income decreased due to the impact of an increase in prior year revenue as a result of the true-up of the Brockton closure project as well as higher operating costs.  Central region operating income increased year over year as result of higher non-landfill prices and the effect of acquisitions as well as lower operating costs as a percentage of revenues.  FCR’s operating income increased in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 compared to the prior year mainly due to higher prices and lower operating costs as a percentage of revenue year over year.  Included in FCR operating income is $1.4 million of income from the transactions involving the domestic brokerage and Canadian recycling operations, as payments received on the notes receivable in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 exceeded the balance of the net assets under contractual obligation.

 

Interest expense, net - Net interest expense increased $4.4 million, or 15.9% to $32.1 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 from $27.7 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007.  This increase is attributable to higher debt levels, including the redemption of the preferred shares, in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 compared to the prior year comparable period.  In conjunction with the redemption, the Company recorded accrued dividends for the nine months ended January 31, 2008, in the amount of $1.0 million, as interest expense.  Net interest expense, as a percentage of revenues, increased to 7.3% in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 from 6.8% in the nine months ended January 31, 2007.

 

Loss (income) from equity method investments - The loss from equity method investments in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 relates to the Company’s 50% joint venture interest in GreenFiber and the Company’s 20.5% interest in RecycleRewards.  GreenFiber reported a loss for the nine months ended January 31, 2008 of which the Company’s share was $3.0 million, compared to income of $2.7 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007.  GreenFiber’s revenue and income were down in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 due to a slowdown in new home construction and higher fiber prices.  RecycleRewards reported a loss for the nine months ended January 31, 2008, of which the Company’s share was $1.5 million compared to a loss of $0.7 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007.

 

Other income, net - Other income for the nine months ended January 31, 2008 amounted to $2.4 million compared to $0.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007.  Other income in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 includes $2.1 million related to the reversal of residual accruals originally established in connection with waste handling agreement disputes between the Company’s Maine Energy subsidiary and fifteen municipalities which were party to the agreements.  On June 18, 2007, the Company settled the last of these disputes with the City of Saco and the city agreed to release the Company from any further residual cancellation payment obligations.  Other income in both periods includes dividends of $0.2 million from our investment in Evergreen National Indemnity Company (“Evergreen”).

 

Provision for income taxes - Provision for income taxes decreased $3.4 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 to $1.0 million from $4.4 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007.  The effective tax rate decreased to 44.1% in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 from 61.0% in the nine months ended January 31, 2007.  The rate variance between the periods is due mainly to the low level of book income in the current period from operations and the add back of non-deductible items, including non-deductible

 

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preferred stock dividend expense. The tax rate for the remainder of the year is likely to be volatile, since it is sensitive to changes in pre-tax book income.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company’s business is capital intensive.  The Company’s capital requirements include acquisitions, fixed asset purchases and capital expenditures for landfill development and cell construction, as well as site and cell closure.  The Company’s capital expenditures are broadly defined as pertaining to either growth or maintenance activities.  Growth capital expenditures are defined as costs related to development of new airspace, permit expansions, new recycling contracts along with incremental costs of equipment and infrastructure added to further such activities.  Growth capital expenditures include the cost of equipment added directly as a result of new business, as well as expenditures associated with increasing infrastructure to increase throughput at transfer stations and recycling facilities.  Growth capital expenditures also include those outlays associated with acquiring landfill operating leases, which do not meet the operating lease payment definition, but which were included as a commitment in the successful bid.  Maintenance capital expenditures are defined as landfill cell construction costs not related to expansion airspace, costs for normal permit renewals and replacement costs for equipment due to age or obsolescence.

 

The Company had a net working capital deficit of $15.4 million and $105.7 million at January 31, 2008 and April 30, 2007, respectively.  Net working capital comprises current assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents, minus current liabilities.  The increase in net working capital at January 31, 2008 was primarily due to the redemption of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock for $75.1 million along with higher current deferred income taxes due to projected utilization of net operating losses, higher refundable income taxes associated with payments made net of current tax provision and lower trade accounts payable, partially offset by higher accrued interest associated primarily with the Company’s Senior Notes.

 

On April 29, 2005, the Company entered into a senior credit facility with a group of banks for which Bank of America is acting as agent. The facility originally consisted of a senior secured revolving credit facility in the amount of $350.0 million. On July 25, 2006, the Company amended the facility to increase the amount of the facility per the original agreement to $450.0 million, and on May 9, 2007, the Company further amended the facility to increase the amount to $525.0 million, including a $175.0 million term B loan and a revolver of $350.0 million.  This credit facility is secured by all of the Company’s assets, including the Company’s interest in the equity securities of our subsidiaries.

 

The credit facility matures on April 28, 2010. There are required annual principal payments on the term B loan of $1.8 million for three years, which began July 25, 2007, with the remaining principal due at maturity.  The Company was in compliance with all covenants at January 31, 2008.

 

Further advances were available under the revolver in the amount of $157.0 million and $145.5 million as of January 31, 2008 and April 30, 2007, respectively.  These available amounts are net of outstanding irrevocable letters of credit totaling $44.0 million and $52.5 million as of January 31, 2008 and April 30, 2007, respectively, at which dates no amounts had been drawn.

 

The Company is party to four separate interest rate swap agreements with four banks for a notional amount of $105.0 million.  Three agreements for a notional amount of $75.0 million effectively fix the interest index rate on the entire notional amount at 4.4% from May 4, 2006 through May 5, 2008.  The remaining agreement for a notional amount of $30.0 million effectively fixes the interest rate index at 4.47% from November 4, 2007 through May 7, 2009.  These agreements are specifically designated to interest payments under the Company’s term B loan and are accounted for as effective cash flow hedges pursuant to SFAS No. 133.

 

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The Company is party to two separate interest rate zero-cost collars (“Collars”) for a notional amount of $60.0 million.  The Collars have an interest index rate cap of 6.00% and an interest index rate floor of approximately 4.48% and are effective from November 6, 2006 through May 5, 2009.  These agreements are specifically designated to interest payments under the revolving credit facility and are accounted for as effective cash flow hedges pursuant to SFAS No. 133.

 

On August 22, 2007, the Company entered into two separate interest rate swap agreements for a notional amount of $75.0 million, which effectively fix the interest rate index at 4.68% from May 6, 2008 through May 6, 2009.   These agreements will be specifically designated to interest payments under the Company’s term B loan and will be accounted for as effective cash flow hedges pursuant to SFAS No. 133.

 

As of October 31, 2007, the Company had outstanding $195.0 million of 9.75% senior subordinated notes (the “Notes”) which mature in January 2013.  The Notes contain covenants that restrict dividends, stock repurchases and other payments, and limit the incurrence of debt and issuance of preferred stock.  The Notes are guaranteed jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally by the Company’s significant wholly-owned subsidiaries.

 

On December 28, 2005, the Company completed a $25.0 million financing transaction involving the issuance by the Finance Authority of Maine of $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of its Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2005 (the “Bonds”) which mature in January 2025. The Bonds are issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of December 1, 2005 and are enhanced by an irrevocable, transferable direct-pay letter of credit issued by Bank of America, N.A. Pursuant to a Financing Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2005, the Company has borrowed the proceeds of the Bonds to pay for certain costs relating to equipment acquisition for solid waste collection and transportation services, all located in Maine.

 

On August 13, 2007, the Company redeemed all of the outstanding shares of its Series A Preferred Stock, pursuant to the mandatory redemption requirements set forth in the Certificate of Designation for the Series A Preferred Stock.  The shares were redeemed at an aggregate redemption price of $75.1 million, which was the liquidation value equal to the original price plus accrued but unpaid dividends through the date of redemption.  The redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock was effected through cash payouts by the Company of the redemption price upon receipt of stock certificates and other related documentation from the holders thereof.  The Company borrowed against the senior credit facility to fund this redemption.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $51.7 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2008 compared to $56.4 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year.  Net income decreased $1.5 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 compared to the nine months ended January 31, 2007.  Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $5.5 million in the same period.  Landfill amortization expense accounted for $5.2 million of this increase primarily due to higher expense at Pinetree landfill to reflect the shorter life of the site as agreed upon with the State of Maine.  The landfill amortization expense increase at Pinetree landfill was partially offset by lower amortization in the South Eastern region due to the true-up of the Brockton closure project and the closing of the Hardwick facility in fiscal year 2007.  Also contributing to the increase is the accrual of the Series A Preferred dividend for $1.0 million which was included in interest expense for the nine months ended January 31, 2008 along with loss (income) from equity method investments amounting to a $6.5 increase in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 compared to the nine months ended January 31, 2007.  These amounts were offset by income from assets under contractual obligation amounting to $1.5 million and other income of $2.1 associated with the favorable settlement at Maine Energy resulting in the reversal of residual accruals in the nine months ended January 31, 2008.  Deferred taxes also contributed to a decrease of $1.8 million in the same period.

 

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Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures, decreased $11.2 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2008 compared to the nine months ended January 31, 2007.  Changes in accounts receivable amounted to a $1.6 million increase for the nine months ended January 31, 2008 compared to the nine months ended January 31, 2007.  The change in accounts payable during the nine months ended January 31, 2008 amounted to an $8.7 million use of cash compared with $4.9 million used in the prior year comparable period.  The decrease from the prior year period is due to the timing of capital and other expenditures.  Changes in other assets and liabilities amounted to a $6.3 million use of cash for the nine months ended January 31, 2008 compared to cash provided of $2.6 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2007.  The decrease of  $8.9 million from the prior year is due primarily to the following: (1) reductions associated with higher net refundable income taxes, amounting to a $1.4 million decrease, (2) higher accrued interest at April 30, 2007 associated with higher debt levels and the timing of borrowings under the senior credit facility, amounting to a $3.8 million decrease, (3) lower other long-term liabilities at January 31, 2008 associated primarily with the Maine Energy settlement resulting in a $3.1 million decrease and (4) higher prepaid expenses at January 31, 2008 associated with the timing of insurance payments, amounting to a $0.6 million decrease.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $61.1 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2008 compared to $77.9 million used in investing activities in the same period of the prior fiscal year.  The decrease in cash used in investing activities was due primarily to (1) lower acquisition activity in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 amounting to a $1.3 million decrease, (2) lower capital expenditures in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 amounting to a $17.6 million decrease, (3) net cash proceeds of $2.2 million received in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 associated with the Company’s Buffalo, N.Y. transfer station, hauling operation and related equipment in the Western region, partially offset by (4) $5.5 million in funds becoming available from escrow associated with the Company’s revenue bonds during the nine months ended January 31, 2007.

 

Net cash used in financing activities was $0.1 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2008 compared to net cash provided of $28.2 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year.  The decrease in cash provided by financing activities is primarily due to lower net borrowings to fund investing activities.

 

The Company generally meets liquidity needs from operating cash flow and its senior credit facility.  These liquidity needs are primarily for capital expenditures for vehicles, containers and landfill development, debt service costs and capping, closure and post-closure expenditures and acquisitions.  It is the Company’s intention to continue to grow organically and through acquisitions.

 

The Company has filed a universal shelf registration statement with the SEC.  The Company could from time to time issue securities thereunder in an amount of up to $250.0 million.  However, the Company’s ability and willingness to issue securities pursuant to this registration statement will depend on market conditions at the time of any such desired offering and therefore the Company may not be able to issue such securities on favorable terms, if at all.

 

Inflation and Prevailing Economic Conditions

 

To date, inflation has not had a significant impact on the Company’s operations. Consistent with industry practice, most of the Company’s contracts provide for a pass-through of certain costs, including increases in landfill tipping fees and, in some cases, fuel costs.  The Company therefore believes it should be able to implement price increases sufficient to offset most cost increases resulting from inflation. However, competitive factors may require the Company to absorb at least a portion of these cost increases, particularly during periods of high inflation.

 

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The Company’s business is located mainly in the eastern United States.  Therefore, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations are susceptible to downturns in the general economy in this geographic region and other factors affecting the region, such as state regulations and severe weather conditions.  The Company is unable to forecast or determine the timing and /or the future impact of a sustained economic slowdown.

 

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Interest rate volatility

 

The Company had interest rate risk relating to approximately $183.1 million of long-term debt at January 31, 2008.  The interest rate on the variable rate portion of long-term debt was approximately 6.28% at January 31, 2008.  Should the average interest rate on the variable rate portion of long-term debt change by 100 basis points, it would have an approximate interest expense change of $0.5 million for the quarter reported.

 

The remainder of the Company’s long-term debt is at fixed rates and not subject to interest rate risk.

 

Commodity price volatility

 

The Company is subject to commodity price fluctuations related to the portion of its sales of recyclable commodities that are not under floor or flat pricing arrangements. As of January 31, 2008, to minimize the Company’s commodity exposure, the Company was party to thirty-two commodity hedging agreements.  If commodity prices were to have changed by 10% in the quarter ended January 31, 2008, the impact on the Company’s operating income is estimated at $2.0 million, without considering the Company’s hedging agreements. The effect of the hedge position would reduce the impact by approximately $0.2 million.  The Company does not use financial instruments for trading purposes and is not a party to any leveraged derivatives.

 

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

a)             Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.  The Company’s management, with the participation of its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of January 31, 2008.  The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.  Based on the evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of January 31, 2008, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that, as of such date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

 

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b)            Changes in internal controls.  No change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company is a defendant in certain lawsuits alleging various claims incurred in the ordinary course of business, none of which, either individually or in the aggregate, the Company believes are material to its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

See the Company’s risk factors as previously disclosed in its Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2007.

 

ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

None.

 

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

None.

 

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

 

The exhibits that are filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or that are incorporated by reference herein are set forth in the Exhibit Index hereto.

 

SIGNATURE

 

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.

 

 

Casella Waste Systems, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Date: March 7, 2008

By:

/s/ Richard A. Norris

 

Richard A. Norris
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

 

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Exhibit Index

 

31.1 +

Certification of John W. Casella, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2 +

Certification of Richard A. Norris, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1 ++

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. S 1350 of  John W. Casella, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2 ++

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. S 1350 of  Richard A. Norris, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.

 


+ - Filed herewith

++ - Furnished herewith

 

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