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 October 31, 2009

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. 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

 

Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

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 registrant’s classes of common stock, as of November 30, 2009:

 

 

Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share:

24,745,079

 

 

Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share:

988,200

 

 

 

 



 

PART I.      FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

April 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2009

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,838

 

$

2,004

 

Restricted cash

 

508

 

76

 

Accounts receivable - trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,014 and $1,706

 

51,296

 

56,179

 

Notes receivable - officer/employees

 

136

 

137

 

Refundable income taxes

 

1,195

 

1,623

 

Prepaid expenses

 

6,679

 

5,923

 

Inventory

 

3,114

 

3,431

 

Deferred income taxes

 

4,392

 

4,618

 

Other current assets

 

7,577

 

4,913

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

76,735

 

78,904

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $549,952 and $580,646

 

490,360

 

487,003

 

Goodwill

 

125,709

 

125,709

 

Intangible assets, net

 

2,635

 

2,377

 

Restricted assets

 

127

 

211

 

Notes receivable - officer/employees

 

1,128

 

1,138

 

Deferred income taxes

 

428

 

763

 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

41,798

 

41,742

 

Other non-current assets

 

12,042

 

20,571

 

 

 

674,227

 

679,514

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

750,962

 

$

758,418

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited 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,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2009

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases

 

$

1,718

 

$

1,827

 

Current maturities of financing lease obligations

 

1,344

 

1,418

 

Accounts payable

 

34,623

 

34,270

 

Accrued payroll and related expenses

 

4,180

 

4,133

 

Accrued interest

 

6,407

 

11,984

 

Current accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs

 

6,426

 

1,009

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

22,337

 

22,778

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

77,035

 

77,419

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities

 

547,145

 

555,743

 

Financing lease obligations, less current maturities

 

12,281

 

11,570

 

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

 

35,464

 

40,578

 

Deferred income taxes

 

2,684

 

3,552

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

10,043

 

9,194

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock -

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized - 100,000,000 shares, $0.01 par value per share, issued and outstanding - 24,679,000 and 24,745,000 shares as of April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2009, respectively

 

247

 

247

 

Class B common stock -

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

10

 

10

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

3,828

 

1,099

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

279,444

 

280,554

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(217,219

)

(221,548

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

66,310

 

60,362

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

750,962

 

$

758,418

 

 

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

 

3



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
October 31,

 

Six Months Ended
October 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

157,538

 

$

133,733

 

$

315,442

 

$

266,833

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of operations

 

103,728

 

86,674

 

208,170

 

174,560

 

General and administration

 

18,299

 

14,818

 

36,739

 

31,106

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

19,505

 

18,347

 

38,975

 

37,876

 

 

 

141,532

 

119,839

 

283,884

 

243,542

 

Operating income

 

16,006

 

13,894

 

31,558

 

23,291

 

Other expense/(income), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(85

)

(28

)

(267

)

(61

)

Interest expense

 

10,338

 

15,006

 

20,494

 

24,851

 

Loss from equity method investments

 

1,045

 

159

 

2,173

 

1,378

 

Loss on debt modification

 

 

 

 

511

 

Other income

 

(64

)

(247

)

(152

)

(291

)

Other expense, net

 

11,234

 

14,890

 

22,248

 

26,388

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

4,772

 

(996

)

9,310

 

(3,097

)

Provision for income taxes

 

2,706

 

555

 

5,023

 

1,232

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations before discontinued operations

 

2,066

 

(1,551

)

4,287

 

(4,329

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations (net of income tax benefit of $8)

 

 

 

(11

)

 

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations (net of income tax provision of $262)

 

 

 

(34

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income (applicable) available to common stockholders

 

$

2,066

 

$

(1,551

)

$

4,242

 

$

(4,329

)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited 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
October 31,

 

Six Months Ended
October 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

Earnings Per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations before discontinued operations (applicable) available to common stockholders

 

$

0.08

 

$

(0.06

)

$

0.17

 

$

(0.17

)

Loss from discontinued operations, net

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income per common share (applicable) available to common stockholders

 

$

0.08

 

$

(0.06

)

$

0.17

 

$

(0.17

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

 

25,561

 

25,733

 

25,517

 

25,711

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations before discontinued operations (applicable) available to common stockholders

 

$

0.08

 

$

(0.06

)

$

0.17

 

$

(0.17

)

Loss from discontinued operations, net

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income per common share (applicable) available to common stockholders

 

$

0.08

 

$

(0.06

)

$

0.17

 

$

(0.17

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

 

25,745

 

25,733

 

25,720

 

25,711

 

 

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

 

5



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended October 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

4,242

 

$

(4,329

)

Loss from discontinued operations, net

 

11

 

 

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net

 

34

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities -

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on sale of equipment

 

(577

)

(916

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

38,975

 

37,876

 

Depletion of landfill operating lease obligations

 

3,520

 

3,165

 

Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities

 

1,603

 

1,738

 

Income from assets under contractual obligation

 

(114

)

(150

)

Amortization of premium on senior subordinated notes

 

(331

)

(356

)

Amortization of discount on term loan and second lien notes

 

 

626

 

Loss from equity method investments

 

2,173

 

1,378

 

Loss on debt modification

 

 

511

 

Stock-based compensation

 

954

 

1,040

 

Excess tax benefit on the exercise of stock options

 

(157

)

 

Deferred income taxes

 

4,647

 

1,088

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(3,978

)

(4,883

)

Accounts payable

 

(4,400

)

(353

)

Prepaid expenses, inventories and other assets

 

1,851

 

1,453

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

(9,236

)

2,664

 

 

 

34,930

 

44,881

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

 

39,217

 

40,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(458

)

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment - growth

 

(8,232

)

(2,643

)

- maintenance

 

(29,964

)

(29,757

)

Payments on landfill operating lease contracts

 

(1,825

)

(4,538

)

Proceeds from divestitures

 

670

 

 

Proceeds from sale of equipment

 

895

 

2,497

 

Investment in unconsolidated entities

 

(2,510

)

 

Proceeds from assets under contractual obligation

 

114

 

150

 

Net Cash Used In Investing Activities

 

(41,310

)

(34,291

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

 

60,000

 

413,144

 

Principal payments on long-term debt

 

(59,104

)

(405,344

)

Payment of financing costs

 

 

(13,980

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

1,289

 

85

 

Excess tax benefit on the exercise of stock options

 

157

 

 

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities

 

2,342

 

(6,095

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

 

47

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

296

 

166

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

2,814

 

1,838

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

3,110

 

$

2,004

 

 

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

 

6



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended October 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for -

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

20,463

 

$

17,212

 

Income taxes, net of refunds

 

$

258

 

$

550

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosures of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Summary of entities acquired in purchase business combinations -

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of assets acquired

 

$

458

 

$

 

Cash paid, net

 

$

(458

)

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment acquired through financing lease obligations

 

$

11,940

 

$

 

 

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

 

7



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except for per share data)

 

1.             BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (“the Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) is a regional, integrated solid waste services company which provides a full range of solid waste services including collection, transfer, recycling and disposal of non-hazardous solid waste.  The Company also generates electricity through its solid waste processing and markets recyclable paper, metals, aluminum, plastics and glass which have been processed at its facilities or purchased from third parties.

 

The consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of October 31, 2009, the consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended October 31, 2008 and 2009 and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended October 31, 2008 and 2009 are unaudited.  In the opinion of management, such financial statements, together with the consolidated balance sheet as of April 30, 2009, 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 preparation of the Company’s financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  The Company’s significant accounting policies are more fully discussed in Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended April 30, 2009 (the “Annual Report”), which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 24, 2009.  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, 2009 included in the Annual Report.  The results for the three and six month period ended October 31, 2009 may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or the fiscal year ending April 30, 2010.

 

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

 

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures

 

In February 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued fair value measurement guidance to allow filers to defer for one year the effective date of previously issued guidance as it relates to nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis.  This additional guidance 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.  Effective May 1, 2009, the Company adopted this guidance with respect to non-financial assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis.  The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Business Combinations

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued new guidance on business combinations, which revised previous guidance on accounting for business combinations and retains the fundamental concept of the purchase

 

8



 

method of accounting and introduces new requirements for the recognition and measurement of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests. This guidance also requires acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs to be expensed rather than treated as part of the cost of the acquisition.  This guidance applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the Company’s adoption date.  The Company adopted this guidance on May 1, 2009 (See Note 3).

 

Derivatives and Hedging Disclosures

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued guidance which amends and expands the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. This guidance requires entities to provide enhanced qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair values and amounts of gains and losses on derivative contracts, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements.  The Company adopted this guidance on May 1, 2009.  As this guidance relates specifically to disclosures, the adoption had no impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Intangible Assets

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued guidance on determining the useful life of intangible assets.  This guidance amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset.  This guidance is intended to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value.  The Company adopted this guidance on May 1, 2009.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Subsequent Events

 

In May 2009, the FASB issued guidance on subsequent events which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued.  This guidance addresses the period after the balance sheet date during which the management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements and the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date.  The Company adopted this guidance during the quarter ended July 31, 2009.  The Company evaluated subsequent events through December 3, 2009, which was the date the accompanying financial statements were available to be issued.  No material subsequent events have occurred since October 31, 2009 that require recognition or disclosure in the Company’s current period financial statements.

 

2.             NEW ACCOUNTING PROUNOUNCEMENTS PENDING ADOPTION

 

Variable Interest Entities

 

In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance  for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and requires an enterprise to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a VIE. Under this guidance, an enterprise has a controlling financial interest when it has (i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. This

 

9



 

guidance requires an enterprise to assess whether it has an implicit financial responsibility to ensure that a VIE operates as designed when determining whether it has power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. This guidance also requires ongoing assessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, requires enhanced disclosures and eliminates the scope exclusion for qualifying special-purpose entities.  This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company does not believe the impact of adopting this guidance will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

3.             BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

 

As disclosed in Note 1, the Company adopted new guidance on accounting for business combinations on May 1, 2009.  Assets and liabilities that arose from business combinations that preceded the application of this guidance were not adjusted upon application of the new standard.

 

For all acquisitions completed prior to the Company’s adoption of this guidance, acquisition purchase prices were allocated to the identified intangible assets and tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the dates of acquisition, with any residual amounts allocated to goodwill.  The time period for finalizing purchase price allocations did not exceed one year from the consummation of a business combination.  Any adjustments made during the one year allocation period were recorded prospectively as an adjustment to the acquired goodwill from the business combination.

 

For all acquisitions completed after the adoption of this guidance, as of the respective acquisition dates, the Company recognizes, separately from goodwill, the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated acquisition-date fair values.  The Company measures and recognizes goodwill as of the acquisition date as the excess of:  (a) the aggregate of the fair value of consideration transferred, the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree (if any) and the acquisition-date fair value of the Company’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree (if any), over (b) the fair value of net assets acquired and liabilities assumed.  If information about facts and circumstances existing as of the acquisition date is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which a business combination occurs, the Company will report provisional amounts for the items for which the accounting is incomplete.  The measurement period ends once the Company receives the information it was seeking; however, this period will not extend beyond one year from the acquisition date.  Any material adjustments recognized during the measurement period will be recognized retrospectively in the consolidated financial statements of the then current period.  All acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs are to be expensed as incurred rather than capitalized as part of the cost of the acquisition.

 

During the six months ended October 31, 2008, the Company acquired two solid waste hauling operations in exchange for total consideration of $458 in cash.  The operating results of these businesses are included in the consolidated statements of operations from the dates of acquisition.  The purchase price has been allocated to the net assets acquired based on their fair values at the dates of acquisition, including the value of non-compete agreements, with the residual amounts allocated to goodwill.  Fair value of tangible assets is determined by the Company based on fair market value of similar property using industry accepted sources.  The pro forma results, as if these acquisitions had been made on May 1, 2008, do not vary materially from actual reported results for the three and six months ended October 31, 2008 and 2009.

 

4.             GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The following table shows the balances related to goodwill at April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2009:

 

10



 

Eastern
Region

 

Central
Region

 

Western
Region

 

FCR
Recycling

 

Total

 

$

 —

 

$

32,951

 

$

55,302

 

$

37,456

 

$

125,709

 

 

Intangible assets at April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2009 consist of the following:

 

 

 

Covenants
not to
compete

 

Client Lists

 

Licensing Agreements

 

Contract Acquisition Costs

 

Total

 

Balance, April 30, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets

 

$

14,125

 

$

1,597

 

$

920

 

$

424

 

$

17,066

 

Less accumulated amortization

 

(13,308

)

(817

)

(235

)

(71

)

(14,431

)

 

 

$

817

 

$

780

 

$

685

 

$

353

 

$

2,635

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets

 

$

14,142

 

$

1,597

 

$

920

 

$

424

 

$

17,083

 

Less accumulated amortization

 

(13,481

)

(863

)

(268

)

(94

)

(14,706

)

 

 

$

661

 

$

734

 

$

652

 

$

330

 

$

2,377

 

 

Intangible amortization expense for the three and six months ended October 31, 2008 and 2009 was $154, $133, $301 and $285, respectively.  The intangible amortization expense estimated for the five fiscal years following fiscal year 2009 and thereafter is as follows:

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012

 

2013

 

2014

 

Thereafter

 

$

520

 

$

412

 

$

331

 

$

269

 

$

221

 

$

899

 

 

5.             LONG-TERM DEBT

 

On July 9, 2009, the Company successfully completed the refinancing of its existing senior credit facility with a senior secured first lien credit facility (the “Senior Secured Credit Facility”), consisting of a $177,500 revolving credit facility (the “New Revolver”) and a $130,000 aggregate principal term loan (the “New Term Loan”). In connection with the Senior Secured Credit Facility, the Company simultaneously completed the offering of $180,000 aggregate principal amount of 11% senior second lien notes due 2014 (the “Second Lien Notes”).  The net proceeds from the Senior Secured Credit Facility and from the Second Lien Notes offering were used to refinance the borrowings under the Company’s $525,000 senior credit facility due April 2010.

 

For the first two quarters after July 9, 2009, the interest rate for borrowings under the New Revolver will be LIBOR plus a margin of 4.50% per annum, and thereafter the applicable margin will be determined in accordance with the pricing grid as set forth in the Senior Secured Credit Facility Agreement dated July 9, 2009. The interest rate for the New Term Loan is LIBOR plus a margin of 5.00% per annum, provided that LIBOR shall not be less than 2.00% per annum. The New Term Loan was issued at an original issue price of 94.5% of the principal amount of the loan.

 

The Senior Secured Credit Facility is subject to customary affirmative, negative, and financial covenants, generally consistent with the Company’s prior credit agreement. The New Revolver is due December 31, 2012 and the New Term Loan is due April 9, 2014. If the Company fails to refinance the Company’s 9.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due February 2013 on or before October 31, 2012, the due date for the

 

11



 

New Term Loan shall be December 31, 2012. The Company has the right to increase the amount of the Senior Secured Credit Facility by an aggregate amount of $42,500, in its discretion, subject to certain conditions of the Senior Secured Credit Facility Agreement.

 

The Second Lien Notes were issued at an original issue price of 97.2% of the principal amount.  The Second Lien Notes will pay interest on a semi-annual basis and are due on July 15, 2014.

 

The Second Lien Notes were sold in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States under Regulation S under the Securities Act.

 

The Second Lien Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act, and unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and other applicable securities laws.

 

The Company recorded a charge of $511 as a loss on debt modification in the quarter ended July 31, 2009 relating to the unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the refinancing of its existing senior credit facility.

 

6.             COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

(a)           Legal Proceedings

 

North Country Landfill Expansion

 

The North Country Environmental Services, Inc. (“NCES”) landfill is located in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, and is currently permitted to accept municipal solid waste and construction and demolition (“C&D”) material from a wide geographic region.  NCES projects that its permitted and uncontested capacity will last into fiscal year 2010.

 

NCES and the Town of Bethlehem (the “Town”) have been in prolonged zoning litigation over NCES’s expansion of the landfill.  Currently, there are two court actions between NCES and the Town, a declaratory judgment action initiated by NCES on September 12, 2001, and a zoning enforcement action initiated by the Town on February 2, 2009.  In the declaratory judgment action, the New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled that NCES has all necessary local approvals to expand its landfill within a 51-acre area, but remanded to the Superior Court issues related to the validity of the Town’s zoning ordinance as it relates to a proposed landfill expansion outside that 51-acre area.  The remanded case remains pending and no trial date has been set.  In the enforcement action, the Town has requested an injunction requiring NCES to remove a leachate force main, a landfill gas line, stormwater drainage lines, catch basins and outfalls, a landfill liner anchor trench, and storm water detention ponds that are located outside the 51-acre area.  NCES and the Town filed cross-motions for summary judgment on the validity of the ordinance the Town is attempting to enforce, and the court denied both motions in October 2009.  The enforcement action is currently scheduled for a bench trial in March 2010.

 

On December 12, 2008, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (“NHDES”) denied a request by NCES to modify its standard permit to develop approximately eight years of capacity within the bounds of the 51-acre area.  NCES revised and resubmitted its request, and the NHDES denied the revised request on March 25, 2009.  NCES appealed each of these denials to the New Hampshire Waste Management Council (“WMC”).  NCES obtained a stay of both appeals pending the outcome of the action for declaratory and injunctive relief described below.

 

12



 

NCES filed a petition for declaratory and injunctive relief with the Superior Court on February 10, 2009, related to the NHDES’s December 12, 2008 denial.  NCES amended this petition following NHDES’s March 25, 2009 denial.  In its amended petition, NCES sought declarations that NHDES’s denials were unlawful on several grounds.  NCES also sought preliminary injunctive relief that would have required NHDES to immediately resume its consideration of NCES’s request to modify its standard permit.  In addition, NCES sought permanent injunctive relief that would require NHDES to review the permit modification application in conformity with the Superior Court’s declarations.  On June 11, 2009, the Superior Court denied NCES’s request for a preliminary injunction and also denied NHDES’s request to dismiss the petition.  Subsequently, NCES filed a motion for partial summary judgment on two of its claims for declaratory relief and NHDES filed a cross-motion for partial summary judgment.  In October 2009, NCES agreed to the dismissal of one of its claims without prejudice, and moved successfully — with NHDES’s concurrence — to stay the litigation so that NHDES may consider the results of certain remedial work NCES undertook during the 2009 construction season.  NCES sought the stay because the outcome of this review by NHDES could affect the scope of the litigation.

 

In the event that the Company is unsuccessful obtaining the permits, the Company will assess the need for a potential landfill impairment charge (the carrying value of the NCES landfill assets as of October 31, 2009 was approximately $6,896). The Company would also assess the need for additional closure and post-closure charges.

 

GR Technologies, Inc. Litigation

 

The Company, on behalf of itself, its subsidiary FCR, LLC (“FCR”), and as a Majority Managing Member of Green Mountain Glass, LLC (“GMG”), initiated a declaratory judgment action against GR Technologies, Inc. (“GRT”), Anthony C. Lane and Robert Cameron Billmyer (“the Defendants”) on June 8, 2007 to resolve issues raised by GRT as the minority member of GMG. The issues addressed in the action included exercise of management discretion, right to intellectual property, and other related disputes. The Defendants counterclaimed in May 2008, seeking unspecified damages on a variety of allegations including, among others, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, tortuous interference with business relations, induced infringement and other matters. Additionally, the Defendants filed a Derivative Action in Rutland Superior Court as a Managing Member of GMG on July 2, 2008 against several employees of the Company and its subsidiary, FCR, LLC, making similar allegations. On September 16, 2008, the Company filed a Motion for Summary Judgment, and a Proposed Order Decreeing Dissolution and Appointing a Special Master, alleging that the relationship of GRT and FCR in GMG is irretrievably broken. The Rutland Superior Court issued a decision on February 10, 2009 ordering that a suit for dissolution must be heard in the Delaware Chancery Court, as opposed to Rutland Superior Court, and the Company has brought such an action.  A hearing has been set by the Delaware Chancery Court for the first week in February 2010.

 

The above described litigation is in discovery and, accordingly, it is not possible at this time to evaluate the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or provide meaningful estimates as to amount or range of potential loss, but management currently believes that this litigation, regardless of its outcome, will not have a material adverse affect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

New York Department of Labor Prevailing Wage Dispute

 

The Company has been involved in an inquiry by the New York Department of Labor (“DOL”) regarding the applicability of certain state “Prevailing Wage” laws pertaining to work being undertaken by the Company at certain landfill sites operated by the Company in New York State that are owned by municipalities (Chemung, Ontario and Clinton Counties). On August 21, 2009, the DOL issued a letter opinion with regard to cell construction and capping work and other activities at these landfills, concluding that:  (1) the construction activity necessary for the recovery, use and sale of gases created by

 

13



 

the landfill is not a public work project to which the Prevailing Wage Law applies; (2) cell construction and capping activities are public work where that work takes place on publicly owned lands in the furtherance of the operation of a publicly accessible landfill facility; (3) construction on lands acquired by Casella which adjoin a County-owned landfill are akin to a privately owned and operated landfill and would not be subject to the Prevailing Wage Law.  The Company is negotiating with the DOL to resolve this matter and though a negotiated settlement appears more likely than not, the Company has not ruled out administrative or litigation relief.  Any charge, excluding interest or penalties, incurred by the Company related to these claims will be capitalized as part of the related landfill asset, and amortized prospectively over the remaining life of the landfill as tons of waste are placed at each landfill site. The Company does not believe that the outcome of this matter will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Southbridge Landfill Site Assignment Appeal

 

On June 9, 2008, the Southbridge Board of Health (“Southbridge BOH”) issued a Decision and Statement of Findings pursuant to M.G.L. ch.111, §§150A and 150 A1/2 and 310 CMR 16.00 (“2008 Site Assignment”) granting the Company’s subsidiary, Southbridge Recycling and Disposal Park, Inc. (“SRD”), a minor modification to the existing site assignment for the Southbridge Sanitary Landfill (the “Landfill”).  The 2008 Site Assignment allows SRD, subject to numerous conditions, to accept into the Landfill up to 405,000 tons of MSW per year without regard to geographic origin.

 

On or about July 14, 2008, the Sturbridge Board of Health (“Sturbridge BOH”), an abutting municipality to Southbridge, together with several 10-citizen groups, filed a complaint in Worcester County Superior Court contesting the 2008 Site Assignment (the “Appeal”). The Appeal names as defendants the Southbridge BOH and its individual members at the time of the 2008 Site Assignment, and SRD. On August 21, 2008, SRD reached a settlement with the Sturbridge BOH, pursuant to which SRD agreed to fund an escrow account to be controlled by the Sturbridge BOH, in the amount of $50. The Sturbridge BOH Appeal was formally withdrawn as to all parties on August 22, 2008, and only the 10-citizen groups remain as participants in the Appeal. A hearing on the merits occurred on August 18, 2009, and the court has not yet issued a decision. While it is too early to assess the outcome, SRD will continue to aggressively defend the Appeal.

 

Port of Albany, New York Project Development

 

Casella Albany Renewables, LLC (“CAR”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Casella Renewable Systems, LLC, entered into an Option Agreement with Albany Renewable Energy, LLC (“ARE”) in September, 2008 (“Option Agreement”).  In March 2008, ARE was the successful bidder to the Albany Port District Commission (“Port”) for the development of an ethanol facility to be located on a site owned by the Port (“Project”).  ARE has entered into a lease agreement with the Port, and CAR has the option pursuant to the Option Agreement of entering into a sublease with ARE should CAR elect to become involved in the development of the Project.

 

On or about September 18, 2009, Empire State Ethanol & Energy, LLC (“Empire”), a putative member of a non-selected bidder for the Project, filed litigation in Albany County Supreme Court against the Port and certain of its officers, ARE and certain of its affiliates, and CAR and certain of its affiliates, seeking a declaratory judgment that the bidding process for the Project was flawed and an order finding the selection of ARE was illegal and requiring the Port to rebid the Project.  Empire also moved on an expedited basis for a preliminary injunction in order to maintain the Project’s status quo until a hearing could be held on the merits of the declaratory judgment action.  Oral arguments were held on the preliminary injunction motion on October 30, 2009.  The court has not issued a decision.  The Company intends to vigorously defend against these claims and believes that regardless of its outcome, this matter

 

14



 

will not have a material adverse effect on the  Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations or cash flows.

 

CRMC Bethlehem, LLC Litigation

 

CRMC Bethlehem, LLC and Commonwealth Bethlehem Energy, LLC (collectively, “CRMC”), has filed claims in the US District Court for the District of New Hampshire against NCES.  CRMC seeks declaratory and injunctive relief and damages.  CRMC alleges that NCES has breached the terms of a Gas Lease and Easement Agreement by and between CRMC and NCES, entered into on September 10, 1998, as amended on March 1, 2000 (the “Gas Lease”).  CRMC alleges that NCES has inappropriately interfered with CRMC rights pursuant to the Gas Lease to develop a landfill gas-to-energy project to be sited on the Landfill.  NCES denies these allegations, and intends to vigorously defend against these claims.  The Company does not believe that this matter will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations or cash flows.

 

Other

 

The Company is a defendant in certain other 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.

 

The Company offers no prediction of the outcome of any of the proceedings or negotiations described above. The Company is vigorously defending each of these lawsuits and claims. However, there can be no guarantee the Company will prevail or that any judgments against the Company, if sustained on appeal, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations or cash flows.

 

(b)           Environmental Liability

 

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.

 

On December 20, 2000, the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation (“DEC”) issued an Order on Consent (“Order”) which named Waste- Stream, Inc. (“WSI”), a Casella subsidiary, General Motors Corporation (“GM”) and Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation (“NiMo”) as Respondents.  The Order required that the Respondents undertake certain work on a 25-acre scrap yard and solid waste transfer station owned by WSI, including the drafting of a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (the “Study”).  A draft of the Study was submitted to DEC in January 2009.  The Study estimates that the undiscounted costs associated with implementing the preferred remedies will be approximately $10,219 and it is unlikely that any costs relating to onsite remediation will be incurred until fiscal year 2011.  WSI is jointly and severally liable for the total cost to remediate but expected to be responsible for approximately 30% upon implementation of a cost-sharing agreement. Based on these estimates, the Company recorded an environmental remediation charge of $2,823 in third quarter of fiscal 2009.  In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009, the Company recognized an additional charge of $1,532, representing an additional 15% of the estimated costs, in recognition of the deteriorating financial condition and eventual bankruptcy filing of GM.  Such charges could be significantly higher if costs exceed estimates, one or more of the other responsible parties are not able to meet their obligation, or one or more of the

 

15



 

other responsible parties declared bankruptcy.  The Company inflates the cost in current dollars until the expected time of payment and discounts the cost to present value using an appropriate discount rate (average of 6.6%. in fiscal years 2009 and 2010).  As of October 31, 2009, the Company has recorded $4,116 related to this liability, including the recognition of $56 and $111 of accretion expense in the three and six months ended October 31, 2009.

 

7.             STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

In the six months ended October 31, 2009, the Company granted a combination of restricted stock units and performance stock units under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) to certain employees.  The stock units, each of which represents a share of Class A Common Stock, are subject to vesting, one half of which is based on the attainment by the Company of a targeted annual return on assets in fiscal year 2012 and the other half of which vests based on continued employment over a three year period starting on the first anniversary of the grant.  As of October 31, 2009, at the one hundred percent level of attainment, the grantee pool would be entitled to a total of 570 shares of Class A Common Stock based on the attainment of a targeted annual return on assets in fiscal 2012 and 570 shares of Class A Common Stock based on vesting over a three year period starting on the first anniversary of the grant.  The maximum payout of the performance stock units equals 200% of the established target.

 

The initial grant date of these awards was June 11, 2009.  Subsequent to the initial grant, the Company determined that due to a clerical error, the number of awards made on June 11, 2009 exceeded the number of shares that were available for issuance under the 2006 Plan.  As a result, the Company asked officers and certain employees who received a performance stock unit award on June 11, 2009 and July 28, 2008 to agree to a termination of the agreements evidencing such awards.  Upon stockholder approval on October 13, 2009 to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2006 Plan, the Company granted performance stock units under the 2006 Plan for the same number of shares and subject to the same terms as those awards that had been terminated.

 

The performance and restricted stock units were granted at an average grant date fair value of $2.73 per share.  As of October 31, 2009 there were 3,272 Class A Common Stock equivalents authorized for future grant under the 2006 Plan inclusive of additional Class A Common Stock equivalents which were previously issued under the Company’s terminated plans because such awards expired or otherwise resulted in shares not being issued.

 

On October 13, 2009, the Company granted 104 restricted stock units under the 2006 Plan to non-employee directors of the Company.  These shares were issued at a grant date fair value of $2.89 and will vest in equal amounts over a three year period starting on the first anniversary of the grant date.

 

Stock options granted 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 and restricted / performance stock unit activity for the six months ended October 31, 2009 is as follows:

 

16



 

 

 

Stock Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Restricted /
Performance
Stock Units -
Unvested (1)

 

Outstanding, April 30, 2009

 

3,522

 

$

11.88

 

275

 

Granted

 

 

 

1,304

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

Class A Common Stock Issued

 

 

 

(34

)

Forfeited

 

(602

)

12.58

 

(71

)

Outstanding, October 31, 2009

 

2,920

 

11.73

 

1,474

 

Exercisable, October 31, 2009

 

2,717

 

$

11.68

 

 

 

 


(1) Performance stock units are included at the 100% attainment level.  Attainment of performance metrics at maximum levels could result in the issuance of an additional 674 shares of Class A Common Stock.

 

The Company recorded $536, $446, $899 and $953 of stock-based compensation expense related to stock options, performance stock units and restricted stock units during the three and six months ended October 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively.  The Company also recorded $28, $64, $55 and $87 of stock-based compensation expense for the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan during the three and six months ended October 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively.

 

Stock-based compensation expense is included in general and administration expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.  The unrecognized stock-based compensation expense at October 31, 2009 related to unvested stock options and restricted stock units was $2,445, to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.  Maximum unrecognized stock-based compensation expense at October 31, 2009 related to performance stock units was $6,786, to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.4 years subject to the attainment of performance metrics.

 

The Company’s calculations of stock-based compensation expense associated with stock options and the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan for the three and six months ended October 31, 2008 and 2009 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 six months ended October 31, 2008 and 2009:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
October 31,

 

Six Months Ended
October 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

Stock Options:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected life

 

 

 

6 years

 

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

 

 

3.73

%

 

Expected volatility

 

 

 

36.80

%

 

Stock Purchase Plan:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected life

 

0.5 years

 

0.5 years

 

0.5 years

 

0.5 years

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

2.49

%

0.35

%

2.49

%

0.35

%

Expected volatility

 

36.44

%

243.78

%

36.44

%

243.78

%

 

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 six months ended October 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.

 

17



 

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.

 

8.             EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The following table sets forth the numerator and denominator used in the computation of earnings per share (“EPS”):

 

 

 

Three Months
Ended October 31,

 

Six Months
Ended October 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income (applicable) available to common stockholders

 

$

2,066

 

$

(1,551

)

$

4,242

 

$

(4,329

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of shares outstanding, end of period:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock

 

24,601

 

24,745

 

24,601

 

24,745

 

Class B common stock

 

988

 

988

 

988

 

988

 

Effect of weighted average shares outstanding during period

 

(28

)

 

(72

)

(22

)

Weighted average number of common shares used in basic EPS

 

25,561

 

25,733

 

25,517

 

25,711

 

Impact of potentially dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dilutive effect of options and restricted stock units

 

184

 

 

203

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares used in diluted EPS

 

25,745

 

25,733

 

25,720

 

25,711

 

 

For the three and six months ended October 31, 2008, 2,715 and 2,713 common stock equivalents related to options, warrants and restricted stock units, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of dilutive shares since the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive.

 

For the three and six months ended October 31, 2009, 4,267 common stock equivalents related to options and restricted stock units were excluded from the calculation of dilutive shares since the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive.

 

9.             COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

 

Comprehensive (loss) 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 income included in the accompanying balance sheets consists of changes in the fair value of the Company’s interest rate derivatives and commodity hedge agreements.  Also included in accumulated other comprehensive income 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”).

 

18



 

Comprehensive (loss) income for the three and six months ended October 31, 2008 and 2009 is as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

October 31,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

2,066

 

$

(1,551

)

$

4,242

 

$

(4,329

)

Other comprehensive (loss) income

 

4,805

 

(1,016

)

5,963

 

(2,729

)

Comprehensive (loss) income

 

$

6,871

 

$

(2,567

)

$

10,205

 

$

(7,058

)

 

The components of other comprehensive (loss) income for the three and six months ended October 31, 2008 and 2009 are shown as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended October 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

 

 

Gross

 

Tax
effect

 

Net of Tax

 

Gross

 

Tax
effect

 

Net of Tax

 

Changes in fair value of marketable securities during the period

 

$

(89

)

$

(32

)

$

(57

)

$

13

 

$

 

$

13

 

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

 

6,525

 

2,627

 

3,898

 

(592

)

 

(592

)

Reclassification to earnings for interest rate derivatives and commodity hedge contracts

 

1,614

 

650

 

964

 

(732

)

(295

)

(437

)

 

 

$

8,050

 

$

3,245

 

$

4,805

 

$

(1,311

)

$

(295

)

$

(1,016

)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended October 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

 

 

Gross

 

Tax
effect

 

Net of Tax

 

Gross

 

Tax
effect

 

Net of Tax

 

Changes in fair value of marketable securities during the period

 

$

(186

)

$

(65

)

$

(121

)

$

18

 

$

 

$

18

 

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

 

7,118

 

2,865

 

4,253

 

(1,589

)

 

(1,589

)

Reclassification to earnings for interest rate derivatives and commodity hedge contracts

 

3,081

 

1,250

 

1,831

 

(1,939

)

(781

)

(1,158

)

 

 

$

10,013

 

$

4,050

 

$

5,963

 

$

(3,510

)

$

(781

)

$

(2,729

)

 

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 has evaluated these hedges and believes that these instruments qualify for hedge accounting pursuant to derivative and hedging guidance.  Designated as effective cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income until the hedged item is settled and recognized as part of commodity revenue.  The Company recognizes all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value.

 

At October 31, 2009, the Company was party to twelve commodity hedge contracts for old corrugated cardboard (“OCC”) and twelve commodity hedge contracts for old newsprint (“ONP”) as follows:

 

19



 

Inception Date Range

 

Commodity
Type

 

Contract Date Range

 

Monthly
Notional Ton
Range

 

Fixed Price
Per Ton
Received
Range

 

December 2007 - September 2009

 

OCC

 

April 2008 - June 2011

 

75 - 750

 

$50 - $127

 

June 2007 - September 2009

 

ONP

 

February 2008 - December 2011

 

200 - 1500

 

$70 - $127

 

 

If the price per short ton of the underlying commodity as reported on the Official Board Market is less than the contract price per short ton, the Company receives the difference between the average price and the contract price (multiplied by the notional tons) from the respective counter-party.  If the price of the commodity exceeds the contract price per short ton, the Company pays the calculated difference to the counter-party.

 

The fair values of the commodity hedges are obtained or derived from third-party counter-parties and are determined using valuation models with assumptions about market prices for commodities being based on those in underlying active markets.  The gross carrying value of the Company’s commodity hedges was $4,053 at October 31, 2009 with $2,447 recorded in other current assets and $1,606 recorded in other non-current assets in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.  In accordance with derivative and hedging guidance, the offset to this, net of taxes of $2,557, is recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

10.          FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

On May 1, 2008, the Company adopted FASB guidance relating to financial assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

This guidance provides a framework for measuring fair value and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value, giving the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 inputs) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs).

 

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis include restricted assets derivative instruments.  The Company’s derivative instruments include commodity hedges.  As of October 31, 2009, the Company had no interest rate derivatives.  The Company uses commodity hedges to hedge against fluctuations in commodity pricing.  The fair value of these hedges is based on futures pricing in the underlying commodities.

 

The Company uses valuation techniques that maximize the use of market prices and observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. In measuring the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, the Company relies on market data or assumptions that the Company believes market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.  During the three and six months ended October 31, 2009 there were no nonrecurring fair value measurements of assets and liabilities subsequent to initial measurement.  As of October 31, 2009, the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis included the following:

 

20



 

 

 

Fair Value Measurement at October 31, 2009 Using:

 

 

 

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

 

Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted assets

 

$

211

 

$

 

$

 

Commodity derivatives

 

 

2,780

 

 

Total

 

$

211

 

$

2,780

 

$

 

 

The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, investments in closure trust funds and trade payables.  The carrying values of these financial instruments approximate their respective fair values.  At October 31, 2009, the fair market value of the Company’s fixed rate debt including the Second Lien Notes and the 9.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due February 2013 was approximately $377,025 and the carrying value was $372,902.  At October 31, 2009, the fair market value of the Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facility which includes the New Revolver and New Term Loan was approximately $165,623 and the carry value was $158,217.

 

11.          DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

The Company completed the divestiture of its FCR Greenville operation in the quarter ended July 31, 2008 for cash proceeds of $670.  The Company recorded a loss on disposal of discontinued operations (net of tax) of $34.

 

The operating results of this operation for the six months ended October 31, 2008 have been reclassified from continuing to discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  Revenues and loss before income taxes attributable to discontinued operations for the six months ended October 31, 2008 were $282 and $19, respectively.

 

The Company has recorded liabilities associated with previous divestitures amounting to approximately $434 at October 31, 2009.

 

The Company allocates interest to discontinued operations. The Company has also eliminated certain immaterial inter-company activity associated with discontinued operations.

 

12.          SEGMENT REPORTING

 

The Company manages and evaluates its solid waste operations on a geographic basis through three regions, designated as Eastern, Central, Western regions, which include a full range of solid waste services including collection, transfer, recycling and disposal of non-hazardous solid waste.  Solid waste operations also includes the Company’s power generation operations.  The Company’s revenues in the FCR recycling segment are derived primarily from the processing and recycling and sale of paper, metals, aluminum, plastics and glass.  Ancillary operations, major customer accounts, discontinued operations and earnings from equity method investments are included in Other.

 

21



 

Three Months Ended October 31, 2008 (1)

 

Segment

 

Outside
revenues

 

Inter-company
revenue

 

Depreciation and
amortization

 

Operating
income (loss)

 

Total assets

 

Eastern

 

$

54,643

 

$

12,544

 

$

9,557

 

$

1,105

 

$

303,433

 

Central

 

31,815

 

14,982

 

4,041

 

4,717

 

157,772

 

Western

 

30,355

 

6,661

 

3,966

 

5,806

 

183,159

 

FCR recycling

 

31,918

 

168

 

1,562

 

4,731

 

113,241

 

Other

 

8,807

 

 

379

 

(353

)

98,851

 

Eliminations

 

 

(34,355

)

 

 

 

Total

 

$

157,538

 

$

 

$

19,505

 

$

16,006

 

$

856,456

 

 

Three Months Ended October 31, 2009

 

Segment

 

Outside
revenues

 

Inter-company
revenue

 

Depreciation and
amortization

 

Operating
income (loss)

 

Total assets

 

Eastern

 

$

47,253

 

$

11,002

 

$

8,677

 

$

1,788

 

$

232,606

 

Central

 

28,775

 

10,993

 

3,530

 

5,028

 

158,868

 

Western

 

25,116

 

6,025

 

3,764

 

4,783

 

177,648

 

FCR recycling

 

22,894

 

113

 

1,969

 

2,690

 

106,630

 

Other

 

9,695

 

 

407

 

(395

)

82,666

 

Eliminations

 

 

(28,133

)

 

 

 

Total

 

$

133,733

 

$

 

$

18,347

 

$

13,894

 

$

758,418

 

 

Six Months Ended October 31, 2008

 

Segment

 

Outside
revenues

 

Inter-company
revenue

 

Depreciation and
amortization

 

Operating
income (loss)

 

Total assets

 

Eastern

 

$

108,221

 

$

26,638

 

$

18,409

 

$

1,438

 

$

303,433

 

Central

 

65,409

 

30,497

 

8,536

 

9,415

 

157,772

 

Western

 

60,928

 

13,202

 

8,089

 

11,734

 

183,159

 

FCR

 

63,265

 

385

 

3,138

 

9,805

 

113,241

 

Other

 

17,619

 

 

803

 

(834

)

98,851

 

Eliminations

 

 

(70,722

)

 

 

 

Total

 

$

315,442

 

$

 

$

38,975

 

$

31,558

 

$

856,456

 

 

Six Months Ended October 31, 2009

 

Segment

 

Outside
revenues

 

Inter-company
revenue

 

Depreciation and
amortization

 

Operating
income (loss)

 

Total assets

 

Eastern

 

$

93,245

 

$

22,194

 

$

18,413

 

$

(164

)

$

232,606

 

Central

 

58,622

 

22,877

 

7,164

 

9,772

 

158,868

 

Western

 

50,273

 

12,147

 

7,522

 

9,774

 

177,648

 

FCR

 

45,206

 

277

 

3,938

 

4,714

 

106,630

 

Other

 

19,487

 

 

839

 

(805

)

82,666

 

Eliminations

 

 

(57,495

)

 

 

 

Total

 

$

266,833

 

$

 

$

37,876

 

$

23,291

 

$

758,418

 

 


(1) Segment data as of and for the three and six months ended October 31, 2008 has been revised to reflect a change in the Company’s internal reporting structure and a realignment of certain operations between segments.

 

Sources of the Company’s total revenue are as follows:

 

22



 

 

 

Three Months Ended
October 31,

 

Six Months Ended
October 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

Collection

 

$

57,356

 

$

52,319

 

$

115,698

 

$

104,407

 

Disposal

 

33,691

 

28,633

 

66,051

 

58,375

 

Power generation

 

7,230

 

7,159

 

14,100

 

13,528

 

Processing and recycling

 

18,536

 

13,033

 

38,709

 

25,830

 

Solid waste operations

 

116,813

 

101,144

 

234,558

 

202,140

 

Major accounts

 

8,807

 

9,695

 

17,619

 

19,487

 

FCR recycling

 

31,918

 

22,894

 

63,265

 

45,206

 

Total revenues

 

$

157,538

 

$

133,733

 

$

315,442

 

$

266,833

 

 

The Company has revised its table of revenue by source to more closely align the types of revenue generated by its operating segments.  Amounts for the three and six months ended October 31, 2008 have been revised to conform to this presentation.

 

13.          INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES

 

The Company entered into an agreement in July 2000 with Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (“LP”) 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 $26,723 and $26,667 at April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2009, respectively.  The Company accounts for its 50% ownership in GreenFiber using the equity method of accounting.

 

On August 15, 2008, the Company and LP issued a joint and several guarantee of up to $2,000 to support the refinancing of a GreenFiber term loan that is due in August 2010.  The guarantee can be drawn only upon a default (as defined) by GreenFiber under this term loan.  As of October 31, 2009, the Company has recorded a liability of $75 related to the guarantee.

 

Summarized financial information for GreenFiber is as follows:

 

 

 

April 30,
2009

 

October
31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

$

22,326

 

$

23,772

 

 

 

 

 

Noncurrent assets

 

63,529

 

60,877

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

14,576

 

20,283

 

 

 

 

 

Noncurrent liabilities

 

$

16,324

 

$

10,249

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
October 31,

 

Six Months Ended
October 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

Revenues

 

$

35,496

 

$

28,897

 

$

65,729

 

$

50,016

 

Gross profit

 

4,628

 

6,931

 

9,074

 

11,691

 

Net loss

 

$

(2,090

)

$

(318

)

$

(4,347

)

$

(2,756

)

 

The Company also has a 12.8% interest in RecycleRewards, Inc., a company that markets an incentive based recycling service, and a 19.9% interest in Evergreen National Indemnity Company, a surety company which provides surety bonds to secure contractual performance for municipal solid waste collection contracts and landfill closure and post-closure obligations.  The Company’s investment in these interests amounted to $15,075 at April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2009.  The Company accounts for these investments under the cost method of accounting.

 

23



 

14.          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 were disclosed in the balance sheet as “net assets under contractual obligation”, and were being reduced as payments are made.  During the three and six months ended October 31, 2008 and 2009, the Company recognized income on the transactions in the amount of $25, $81, $114 and $150, respectively, as payments received on the notes receivable exceeded the balance of the net assets under contractual obligation.  Minimum amounts owed to the Company under these notes amounted to $1,884 and $1,730 at April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2009, respectively.

 

15.          CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

The Company’s Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 and Second Lien Notes are guaranteed jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally, by the Company’s significant wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Parent is the issuer and a non-guarantor of the senior subordinated notes. The information which follows presents the condensed consolidating financial position as of April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2009, and the condensed consolidating results of operations for the three and six months ended October 31, 2008 and 2009 and the condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the six months ended October 31, 2008 and 2009 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.

 

24



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF APRIL 30, 2009

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

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non-Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

873

 

$

965

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,838

 

Restricted cash

 

432

 

76

 

 

 

508

 

Accounts receivable - trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

 

3

 

51,293

 

 

 

51,296

 

Refundable income taxes

 

1,195

 

 

 

 

1,195

 

Deferred taxes

 

4,392

 

 

 

 

4,392

 

Other current assets

 

8,718

 

8,788

 

 

 

17,506

 

Total current assets

 

15,613

 

61,122

 

 

 

76,735

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

2,922

 

487,438

 

 

 

490,360

 

Goodwill

 

 

125,709

 

 

 

125,709

 

Restricted cash

 

 

127

 

 

 

127

 

Deferred income taxes

 

428

 

 

 

 

428

 

Investment in subsidiaries

 

(49,753

)

 

 

49,753

 

 

Other non-current assets

 

26,587

 

32,828

 

120

 

(1,932

)

57,603

 

 

 

(19,816

)

646,102

 

120

 

47,821

 

674,227

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany receivable

 

647,299

 

(641,415

)

(7,816

)

1,932

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

643,096

 

$

65,809

 

$

(7,696

)

$

49,753

 

$

750,962

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non - Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases

 

$

1,109

 

$

609

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,718

 

Current maturities of financing lease obligations

 

 

1,344

 

 

 

1,344

 

Accounts payable

 

3,070

 

31,542

 

11

 

 

34,623

 

Accrued payroll and related expenses

 

497

 

3,683

 

 

 

4,180

 

Accrued interest

 

6,402

 

5

 

 

 

6,407

 

Accrued closure and post-closure costs, current portion

 

 

6,426

 

 

 

6,426

 

Other current liabilities

 

13,126

 

9,209

 

2

 

 

22,337

 

Total current liabilities

 

24,204

 

52,818

 

13

 

 

77,035

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities

 

546,145

 

1,000

 

 

 

547,145

 

Financing lease obligations, less current maturities

 

 

12,281

 

 

 

12,281

 

Deferred income taxes

 

2,684

 

 

 

 

2,684

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

3,753

 

41,723

 

31

 

 

45,507

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized - 100,000,000 shares, $0.01 par value; issued and outstanding - 24,679,000 shares

 

247

 

100

 

 

(100

)

247

 

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 income (loss)

 

3,828

 

(1,494

)

 

1,494

 

3,828

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

279,444

 

46,392

 

1,679

 

(48,071

)

279,444

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(217,219

)

(87,011

)

(9,419

)

96,430

 

(217,219

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

66,310

 

(42,013

)

(7,740

)

49,753

 

66,310

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

643,096

 

$

65,809

 

$

(7,696

)

$

49,753

 

$

750,962

 

 

25



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

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

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non-Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

(239

)

$

2,243

 

$

 

$

 

$

2,004

 

Restricted cash

 

 

76

 

 

 

76

 

Accounts receivable - trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

 

102

 

56,077

 

 

 

56,179

 

Refundable income taxes

 

1,623

 

 

 

 

1,623

 

Other current assets

 

9,209

 

9,813

 

 

 

19,022

 

Total current assets

 

10,695

 

68,209

 

 

 

78,904

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

3,488

 

483,515

 

 

 

487,003

 

Goodwill

 

 

125,709

 

 

 

125,709

 

Restricted cash

 

 

211

 

 

 

211

 

Deferred income taxes

 

763

 

 

 

 

763

 

Investment in subsidiaries

 

(31,478

)

 

 

31,478

 

 

Other non-current assets

 

35,519

 

32,121

 

120

 

(1,932

)

65,828

 

 

 

8,292

 

641,556

 

120

 

29,546

 

679,514

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany receivable

 

638,408

 

(632,519

)

(7,821

)

1,932

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

657,395

 

$

77,246

 

$

(7,701

)

$

31,478

 

$

758,418

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non - Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

6,590

 

$

27,679

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

34,270

 

Accrued interest

 

11,944

 

40

 

 

 

11,984

 

Accrued closure and post-closure costs, current portion

 

 

1,007

 

2

 

 

1,009

 

Other current liabilities

 

16,311

 

13,832

 

13

 

 

30,156

 

Total current liabilities

 

34,845

 

42,558

 

16

 

 

77,419

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities

 

555,156

 

587

 

 

 

555,743

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

7,032

 

57,830

 

32

 

 

64,894

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized - 100,000,000 shares, $0.01 par value; issued and outstanding - 24,745,000 shares

 

247

 

100

 

 

(100

)

247

 

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 income (loss)

 

1,099

 

(397

)

 

397

 

1,099

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

280,554

 

46,392

 

1,679

 

(48,071

)

280,554

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(221,548

)

(69,824

)

(9,428

)

79,252

 

(221,548

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

60,362

 

(23,729

)

(7,749

)

31,478

 

60,362

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

657,395

 

$

77,246

 

$

(7,701

)

$

31,478

 

$

758,418

 

 

26



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

THREE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2008

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non - Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

157,538

 

$

1,694

 

$

(1,694

)

$

157,538

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of operations

 

 

103,556

 

1,866

 

(1,694

)

103,728

 

General and administration

 

(7

)

18,264

 

42

 

 

18,299

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

310

 

19,195

 

 

 

19,505

 

 

 

303

 

141,015

 

1,908

 

(1,694

)

141,532

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(303

)

16,523

 

(214

)

 

16,006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense/(income), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(7,708

)

(43

)

(24

)

7,690

 

(85

)

Interest expense

 

10,384

 

7,644

 

 

(7,690

)

10,338

 

Loss (income) from equity method investments

 

(7,788

)

1,045

 

 

7,788

 

1,045

 

Other income

 

(7

)

(57

)

 

 

(64

)

Other expense/(income), net

 

(5,119

)

8,589

 

(24

)

7,788

 

11,234

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

4,816

 

7,934

 

(190

)

(7,788

)

4,772

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

2,750

 

 

(44

)

 

2,706

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) available (applicable) to common stockholders

 

$

2,066

 

$

7,934

 

$

(146

)

$

(7,788

)

$

2,066

 

 

27



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

THREE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non - Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

133,733

 

$

 

$

 

$

133,733

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of operations

 

2

 

86,724

 

(52

)

 

86,674

 

General and administration

 

237

 

14,567

 

14

 

 

14,818

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

187

 

18,160

 

 

 

18,347

 

 

 

426

 

119,451

 

(38

)

 

119,839

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(426

)

14,282

 

38

 

 

13,894

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense/(income), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(7,785

)

(22

)

 

7,779

 

(28

)

Interest expense

 

14,738

 

8,047

 

 

(7,779

)

15,006

 

Loss (income) from equity method investments

 

(6,177

)

159

 

 

6,177

 

159

 

Other income

 

(206

)

(41

)

 

 

(247

)

Other expense/(income), net

 

570

 

8,143

 

 

6,177

 

14,890

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income before income taxes

 

(996

)

6,139

 

38

 

(6,177

)

(996

)

Provision for income taxes

 

555

 

 

 

 

555

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income (applicable) available to common stockholders

 

$

(1,551

)

$

6,139

 

$

38

 

$

(6,177

)

$

(1,551

)

 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2008

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non - Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

315,442

 

$

3,387

 

$

(3,387

)

$

315,442

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of operations

 

245

 

207,681

 

3,631

 

(3,387

)

208,170

 

General and administration

 

(133

)

36,762

 

110

 

 

36,739

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

650

 

38,325

 

 

 

38,975

 

 

 

762

 

282,768

 

3,741

 

(3,387

)

283,884

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(762

)

32,674

 

(354

)

 

31,558

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense/(income), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(15,461

)

(67

)

(163

)

15,424

 

(267

)

Interest expense

 

20,622

 

15,296

 

 

(15,424

)

20,494

 

Loss (income) from equity method investments

 

(15,121

)

2,173

 

 

15,121

 

2,173

 

Other income

 

(42

)

(110

)

 

 

(152

)

Other expense/(income), net

 

(10,002

)

17,292

 

(163

)

15,121

 

22,248

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

9,240

 

15,382

 

(191

)

(15,121

)

9,310

 

Provision for income taxes

 

4,998

 

 

25

 

 

5,023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations

 

4,242

 

15,382

 

(216

)

(15,121

)

4,287

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net

 

 

(11

)

 

 

(11

)

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net

 

 

(34

)

 

 

(34

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) available (applicable) to common stockholders

 

$

4,242

 

$

15,337

 

$

(216

)

$

(15,121

)

$

4,242

 

 

28



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non - Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

266,833

 

$

 

$

 

$

266,833

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of operations

 

5

 

174,585

 

(30

)

 

174,560

 

General and administration

 

271

 

30,799

 

36

 

 

31,106

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

398

 

37,478

 

 

 

37,876

 

 

 

674

 

242,862

 

6

 

 

243,542

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(674

)

23,971

 

(6

)

 

23,291

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense/(income), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(15,217

)

(49

)

 

15,205

 

(61

)

Interest expense

 

24,235

 

15,821

 

 

(15,205

)

24,851

 

Loss (income) from equity method investments

 

(6,895

)

1,378

 

 

6,895

 

1,378

 

Loss on debt modification

 

511

 

 

 

 

511

 

Other income

 

(211

)

(80

)

 

 

(291

)

Other expense/(income), net

 

2,423

 

17,070

 

 

6,895

 

26,388

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income before income taxes

 

(3,097

)

6,901

 

(6

)

(6,895

)

(3,097

)

Provision for income taxes

 

1,232

 

 

 

 

1,232

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income (applicable) available to common stockholders

 

$

(4,329

)

$

6,901

 

$

(6

)

$

(6,895

)

$

(4,329

)

 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2008

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non-Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

 

$

(10,466

)

$

49,915

 

$

(232

)

$

 

$

39,217

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

(458

)

 

 

(458

)

Additions to property, plant and equipment
- growth

 

 

(8,232

)

 

 

(8,232

)

- maintenance

 

(1,034

)

(28,930

)

 

 

(29,964

)

Payments on landfill operating lease contracts

 

 

(1,825

)

 

 

(1,825

)

Proceeds from divestitures

 

 

670

 

 

 

670

 

Other

 

(2,396

)

895

 

 

 

(1,501

)

Net Cash Used In Investing Activities

 

(3,430

)

(37,880

)

 

 

(41,310

)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

 

60,000

 

 

 

 

60,000

 

Principal payments on long-term debt

 

(58,660

)

(444

)

 

 

(59,104

)

Other

 

1,446

 

 

 

 

1,446

 

Intercompany borrowings

 

11,116

 

(11,441

)

325

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

 

13,902

 

(11,885

)

325

 

 

2,342

 

Cash Provided by Discontinued Operations

 

 

47

 

 

 

47

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

6

 

197

 

93

 

 

296

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

1,260

 

1,306

 

248

 

 

2,814

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

1,266

 

$

1,503

 

$

341

 

$

 

$

3,110

 

 

29



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non-Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

 

$

(2,645

)

$

43,155

 

$

42

 

$

 

$

40,552

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment
 - growth

 

 

(2,643

)

 

 

(2,643

)

 - maintenance

 

(1,456

)

(28,301

)

 

 

(29,757

)

Payments on landfill operating lease contracts

 

 

(4,538

)

 

 

(4,538

)

Other

 

150

 

2,497

 

 

 

2,647

 

Net Cash Used In Investing Activities

 

(1,306

)

(32,985

)

 

 

(34,291

)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

 

413,144

 

 

 

 

413,144

 

Principal payments on long-term debt

 

(404,229

)

(1,115

)

 

 

(405,344

)

Deferred financing costs

 

(13,980

)

 

 

 

(13,980

)

Other

 

85

 

 

 

 

85

 

Intercompany borrowings

 

7,819

 

(7,777

)

(42

)

 

 

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities

 

2,839

 

(8,892

)

(42

)

 

(6,095

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(1,112

)

1,278

 

 

 

166

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

873

 

965

 

 

 

1,838

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

(239

)

$

2,243

 

$

 

$

 

$

2,004

 

 

30



 

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 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended April 30, 2009.

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and, in particular, this Management’s Discussion and Analysis may 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:

 

·                                          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 Company’s ability to use its net operating losses and tax positions;

·                                          the projected development of additional disposal capacity or expectations regarding permits of existing capacity;

·                                          the recoverability or impairment of any of the Company’s assets or goodwill;

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

·                                          sales and marketing plans or price and volume assumptions;

·                                          the outcome of any legal or permitting matter;

·                                          potential business combinations or divestitures; 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.  Forward-looking statements can be identified 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 it will actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements made. The occurrence of the events described and the achievement of the expected results, depends on many events, some or all of which are not predictable or within the Company’s control. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in forward-looking statements.

 

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 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended April 30, 2009.  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.

 

31



 

Company Overview

 

Founded in 1975 with a single truck, Casella Waste Systems, Inc. is a vertically-integrated company. The Company provides resource management expertise and services to residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial customers, primarily in the areas of solid waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services. The Company operates in 14 states— including vertically integrated solid waste operations in Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts and Maine; and stand alone materials processing facilities in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Michigan and Wisconsin.

 

As of November 30, 2009, the Company owned and/or operated 32 solid waste collection operations, 31 transfer stations, 36 recycling facilities, nine Subtitle D landfills, one landfill permitted to accept construction and demolition materials, and one waste-to-energy facility.  In addition, the Company holds a 50% interest in US Green Fiber, LLC (“GreenFiber”), a joint venture that manufactures, markets and sells cellulose insulation made from recycled fiber.  The Company also holds a 12.8% interest in RecycleRewards, Inc. (“RecycleRewards”), a company that markets an incentive based recycling service, and a 19.9% interest in Evergreen National Indemnity Company (“Evergreen”), a surety company which provides surety bonds to secure contractual performance for municipal solid waste collection contracts and landfill closure and post-closure obligations.

 

Outlook

 

The continuing weak economy has had an impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations in the quarter ended October 31, 2009.  The Company experienced lower solid waste collection volumes in the quarter, compared to the same period in the prior year, particularly in the Company’s commercial and industrial collection lines.  Landfill volumes and prices have declined year over year with construction and demolition volume declines in the quarter attributable to a slowdown in construction activities.  Pricing initiatives in the solid waste collection operations contributed positively in the quarter while landfill prices declined year over year due to the effect of market pressure on pricing due to lower volumes in the market place.  Lower fuel costs resulted in lower fuel recovery fees year over year.  FCR recycling revenues declined year over year as a result of a sharp decline in commodity prices at the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2009, driven by a severe drop in demand for all of the Company’s commodity product line as a result of global economic conditions.  Beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009, and continuing in fiscal year 2010, prices in the recycling commodity markets have begun to improve, including fiber (newspapers, cardboard, and mixed papers) and plastic prices.  The continuing weak economy and lack of liquidity in the credit markets will likely result in continued negative pressure on consumer and business spending, which could result in lower future business volumes and resulting cash flows. The Company has reacted to these economic conditions by managing various expense categories and capital expenditures.

 

Refinancing

 

On July 9, 2009, the Company completed (i) the refinancing of its existing senior credit facility with a senior first lien credit facility (the “Senior Secured Credit Facility”), consisting of a $177.5 million revolving credit facility and a $130.0 million aggregate principal term loan and (ii) the placement of $180.0 million aggregate principal amount of 11% senior second lien notes due 2014 (the “Second Lien Notes”).  The net proceeds from the Senior Secured Credit Facility and from the Second Lien Notes offering were used to refinance the borrowings under the $525.0 million senior credit facility due April 2010.

 

32



 

Operating Results

 

For the quarter ended October 31, 2009, the Company reported revenues of $133.7 million, a decrease of $23.8 million, or 15.1%, from $157.5 million for the quarter ended October 31, 2008.  As a percentage of total solid waste revenues, including the Company’s major accounts program, solid waste revenues decreased 11.8%, with lower collection, disposal, processing and recycling volumes accounting for 8.2% of the decrease, 2.5% of the decrease from lower fuel recovery surcharges and 2.8% from lower commodity prices and volumes.  These decreases were partially offset by the positive effect of price increases of 0.8%, primarily from our collection operations, 0.6% from higher environmental impact fees and 0.3% from the rollover effect of tuck-in acquisitions. As a percentage of total FCR recycling revenues, FCR revenues decreased 28.3%, with 22.1% coming from lower commodity prices and 6.2% from lower volumes in the quarter. The total decrease in FCR recycling revenues was partially offset by increased tipping fee revenue, lower revenue share payments and the positive effect of commodity hedge contracts, which reduced the impact of pricing fluctuations on a portion of FCR’s fiber volumes.

 

Eastern region revenues for the quarter ended October 31, 2009 declined $7.4 million, or 13.5%, compared to the same period last year primarily due to lower volumes and prices from disposal facilities, lower volumes from collection operations and lower commodity volumes, partially offset by collection price increases.  Also contributing to revenue declines were lower fuel recovery fees.  Western region revenues for the quarter ended October 31, 2009 decreased $5.2 million, or 17.2%, compared to the same period last year, due to lower landfill prices and volumes as well as lower collection volumes and fuel recovery fees, partially offset by collection price increases.  In addition, the revenue declines were attributable to lower commodity price and volumes from its scrap metal operation.  Central region revenues for the quarter ended October 31, 2009 decreased $3.0 million, or 9.4%, compared to the same period last year, due to lower collection and landfill volumes and the effect of lower commodity prices and lower fuel recovery fees.  These decreases were partially offset by landfill and collection price increases, the positive effect of tuck-in acquisitions and the start-up of the landfill-gas-to-energy facility at the Clinton County landfill.

 

Operating income for the quarter ended October 31, 2009 was $13.9 million compared to $16.0 million in the prior year comparable period and increased slightly as a percentage of revenue at 10.4% from 10.2%.  Operating income declined primarily due to lower revenue levels, partially offset by lower operating and general and administration costs.  FCR recycling operating income decreased $2.0 million compared to the prior year period as lower net revenues, due to the impact of lower commodity prices and volumes, and higher depreciation expense, more than offset a decrease in purchased material costs.  Operating income for the Eastern region increased $0.7 million, due to lower general and administration costs as well as lower fuel and hauling costs which were lower relative to revenue reductions impacting the region.  Western region operating income decreased $1.0 million compared to the prior year period due to lower revenue, partially offset by lower operating costs and landfill amortization.  Central region operating income increased $0.3 million compared to the prior year period as lower revenues were more than offset by lower operating costs and lower landfill amortization expense.

 

The Company recorded a net loss of $1.6 million for the quarter ended October 31, 2009 compared to net income of $2.1 million in the prior year.  Interest costs increased $4.7 million year over year due to higher interest rates associated with the Company’s new capital structure as discussed above.  Loss from the Company’s unconsolidated subsidiary, GreenFiber, decreased in the quarter ended October 31, 2009 to $0.2 million from $1.0 million in the prior period.

 

33



 

Divestitures

 

The Company completed the divestiture of its FCR Greenville operation in the quarter ended July 31, 2008 for cash proceeds of $0.7 million.  The Company recorded a loss on disposal of discontinued operations (net of tax) of $0.03 million.  The operating results of this operation for the six months ended October 31, 2008 have been reclassified from continuing to discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  Revenues and loss before income taxes attributable to discontinued operations for the six months ended October 31, 2008 were $0.2 million and $0.02 million, respectively.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of the Company’s financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and assumptions which are based on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  The results of its evaluation form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and circumstances.  The Company’s significant accounting policies are more fully discussed in Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended April 30, 2009.

 

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

 

For a description of the new accounting standards adopted that affect the Company, see Note 1 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

General

 

Revenues

 

The Company’s revenues in our Eastern, Central and Western regions are attributable primarily to fees charged to customers for solid waste disposal and collection, landfill, landfill gas-to energy, waste-to-energy, transfer, as well as processing and recycling services. The Company derives a substantial portion of its collection 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 landfill facilities and transfer stations. Recycling revenues, which are included in FCR recycling 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.  The Company also generates and sells electricity under a contract at our waste-to-energy facility and at certain of its landfill facilities.

 

GreenFiber’s business is conducted through a 50/50 joint venture with Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, and accordingly, the Company recognizes half of the joint venture’s net income on the equity method in its results of operations.  The Company’s investments in RecycleRewards and Evergreen are accounted under the cost method of accounting.  Also, in the “Other” segment, the Company has ancillary revenues, including major customer accounts.

 

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,

 

34



 

for the periods indicated, the percentages and dollars (in millions) of revenue attributable to services provided.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended October 31,

 

Six Months Ended October 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

Collection

 

$

57.4

 

36.4

%

$

52.3

 

39.1

%

$

115.7

 

36.7

%

$

104.4

 

39.1

%

Disposal

 

33.7

 

21.4

%

28.6

 

21.4

%

66.1

 

20.9

%

58.4

 

21.9

%

Power generation

 

7.2

 

4.6

%

7.2

 

5.4

%

14.1

 

4.5

%

13.5

 

5.1

%

Processing and recycling

 

18.5

 

11.7

%

13.0

 

9.7

%

38.7

 

12.3

%

25.8

 

9.7

%

Solid waste operations

 

116.8

 

74.1

%

101.1

 

75.6

%

234.6

 

74.4

%

202.1

 

75.8

%

Major accounts

 

8.8

 

5.6

%

9.7

 

7.3

%

17.6

 

5.6

%

19.5

 

7.3

%

FCR recycling

 

31.9

 

20.3

%

22.9

 

17.1

%

63.2

 

20.0

%

45.2

 

16.9

%

Total revenues

 

$

157.5

 

100.0

%

$

133.7

 

100.0

%

$

315.4

 

100.0

%

$

266.8

 

100.0

%

 

Solid waste operations revenues increased as a percentage of total revenues in the three and six months ended October 31, 2009 compared to the same periods in the prior year, mainly because of the decrease in FCR recycling and other recycling revenues.  The dollar decrease in collection and disposal revenues in the three and six months ended October 31, 2009 compared to the prior year is primarily due to lower volumes, partially offset by collection price. Processing and recycling revenues were lower in the three and six months ended October 31, 2009 due to lower prices and volumes.  FCR recycling revenues were lower in the three and six months ended October 31, 2009 due to lower commodity prices and volumes.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 to revenues.

 

35



 

 

 

Three Months Ended
October 31,

 

Six Months Ended
October 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of operations

 

65.8

%

64.8

%

66.0

%

65.4

%

General and administration

 

11.6

%

11.1

%

11.6

%

11.7

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

12.4

%

13.7

%

12.4

%

14.2

%

Operating income

 

10.2

%

10.4

%

10.0

%

8.7

%

Interest expense, net

 

6.5

%

11.2

%

6.4

%

9.3

%

Loss from equity method investments

 

0.7

%

0.1

%

0.7

%

0.5

%

Other expense (income), net

 

0.0

%

-0.2

%

-0.1

%

0.1

%

Provision for income taxes

 

1.7

%

0.4

%

1.6

%

0.5

%

(Loss) income before discontinued operations

 

1.3

%

-1.1

%

1.4

%

-1.7

%

 

Three months ended October 31, 2009 versus October 31, 2008

 

Revenues - Revenues decreased $23.8 million, or 15.1%, to $133.7 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2009 from $157.5 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2008.  Solid waste revenues, including the Company’s major accounts program, decreased $14.8 million, with $10.3 million coming from volume decreases in the Company’s collection, disposal, processing and recycling operations, $3.2 million from lower fuel recovery fees, $1.2 million from lower disposal prices and $3.5 million from lower commodity prices and volumes within the solid waste group.  These decreases were partially offset by price increases in the Company’s collection, processing and recycling operations of $3.0 million and the rollover effect of acquisitions of $0.4 million.  FCR recycling revenues decreased $9.0 million mainly due to sharp declines in commodity prices and, to a lesser extent, lower volumes.

 

Cost of operations - Cost of operations decreased $17.0 million, or 16.4%, to $86.7 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2009 from $103.7 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2008 and decreased as a percentage of revenue between periods to 64.8% from 65.8%.  The dollar decrease in cost of operations is attributable to a decrease in the cost of purchased materials associated with lower FCR recycling revenues as well as lower fuel costs and direct labor costs in the solid waste segments.

 

General and administration - General and administration expenses decreased $3.5 million, or 19.1%, to $14.8 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2009 from $18.3 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2008.  The decrease in general and administration expenses is primarily from lower expense associated with reduced salary and incentive compensation costs, lower travel expenses and lower consulting expense.  General and administration expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased to 11.1% in the quarter ended October 31, 2009 from 11.6% million in the quarter ended October 31, 2008.

 

Depreciation and amortization - Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $1.2 million, or 6.2%, to $18.3 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2009 from $19.5 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2008.  Compared to the prior year period, higher landfill amortization expenses at the Pine Tree landfill, due to higher volumes, were more than offset by lower amortization associated with lower volumes at other landfill sites.  Depreciation expense was relatively flat between periods.  Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of revenue increased to 13.7% in the quarter ended October 31, 2009 from 12.4% in the quarter ended October 31, 2008.

 

Interest expense, net - Net interest expense increased $4.7 million, or 45.6%, to $15.0 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2009 from $10.3 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2008.  This increase

 

36



 

is primarily attributable to higher average interest rates associated with the Company’s new capital structure which was put in place on July 9, 2009.  Net interest expense, as a percentage of revenues, increased to 11.2% in the quarter ended October 31, 2009 from 6.5% in the quarter ended October 31, 2008.

 

Loss from equity method investments - The loss from equity method investments in the quarter ended October 31, 2009 is attributable to the Company’s 50% joint venture interest in GreenFiber.  GreenFiber reported a loss for the quarter ended October 31, 2009, of which the Company’s share was $0.2 million, compared to a loss in the quarter ended October 31, 2008, of which the Company’s share was $1.0 million.

 

Provision for income taxes – Provision for income taxes decreased $2.1 million to $0.6 million for the quarter ended October 31, 2009 from $2.7 million for the quarter ended October 31, 2008.  The effective tax rate changed to (55.7)% for the quarter ended October 31, 2009 from 56.7% in the quarter ended October 31, 2008.  The rate variance between the periods is due mainly to the Company changing its assessment of the realizability of deferred tax assets in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009.  The change in the effective tax rate between periods is primarily a result of an increase in the valuation allowance related to the book loss projected for the year and the provision of deferred tax liabilities related to indefinite lived intangible asset amortization for tax purposes.

 

Six Months Ended October 31, 2009 versus October 31, 2008

 

Revenues - Revenues decreased $48.6 million, or 15.4%, to $266.8 million in the six months ended October 31, 2009 from $315.4 million in the six months ended October 31, 2008.  Solid waste revenues, including the Company’s major accounts program, decreased $30.6 million, with $20.1 million coming from volume decreases in our collection, disposal, processing and recycling operations, $7.0 million from lower fuel recovery fees, $1.7 million from lower disposal prices and $8.4 million from lower commodity prices and volumes within the solid waste group.  These decreases were partially offset by price increases in the Company’s collection, processing and recycling operations of $5.8 million and the rollover effect of acquisitions of $0.8 million.  FCR recycling revenues decreased $18.1 million mainly due to sharp declines in commodity prices and to a lesser extent, lower volumes.

 

Cost of operations - Cost of operations decreased $33.6 million, or 16.1%, to $174.6 million in the six months ended October 31, 2009 from $208.2 million in the six months ended October 31, 2008 and decreased as a percentage of revenue between periods to 65.4% from 66.0%.  The dollar decrease in cost of operations is attributable to a decrease in the cost of purchased materials associated with lower FCR recycling revenues as well as lower fuel costs and direct labor in the solid waste segments partially offset by a benefit in the prior year period of $0.8 million related to the reimbursement from the Town of Southbridge for previously paid and expensed closure and post closure costs at the Southbridge landfill site in the Eastern region.

 

General and administration - General and administration expenses decreased $5.6 million, or 15.3%, to $31.1 million in the six months ended October 31, 2009 from $36.7 million in the six months ended October 31, 2008.  The decrease in general and administration expenses is primarily due to lower expense associated with reduced salary and incentive compensation costs, lower travel expenses and lower consulting expense.  General and administration expenses as a percentage of revenues remained relatively consistent between periods.

 

Depreciation and amortization - Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $1.1 million, or 2.8%, to $37.9 million in the six months ended October 31, 2009 from $39.0 million in the six months ended October 31, 2008.  Compared to the prior year period, higher landfill amortization expenses at the Pine

 

37



 

Tree landfill, due to higher amortization rates associated with the planned ramp-down of landfill volumes, were more than offset by lower amortization from the closure of the Colebrook facility as well as lower volumes at other landfill sites.  Depreciation expense increased between periods by $0.5 million, primarily due to the Company’s landfill energy projects and investments in FCR recycling single stream projects.  Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of revenue increased to 14.2% in the six months ended October 31, 2009 from 12.4% in the six months ended October 31, 2008 due to revenue declines.

 

Interest expense, net - Net interest expense increased $4.6 million, or 22.8%, to $24.8 million in the six months ended October 31, 2009 from $20.2 million in the six months ended October 31, 2008.  This increase is primarily attributable to higher average interest rates associated with the Company’s new capital structure which was put in place on July 9, 2009.  Net interest expense, as a percentage of revenues, increased to 9.3% in the six months ended October 31, 2009 from 6.4% in the six months ended October 31, 2008.

 

Loss from equity method investments - The loss from equity method investments in the six months ended October 31, 2009 is attributable to the Company’s 50% joint venture interest in GreenFiber.  GreenFiber reported a loss for the six months ended October 31, 2009, of which the Company’s share was $1.4 million, compared to a loss in the six months ended October 31, 2008, of which the Company’s share was $2.2 million.

 

Loss on debt modification - The loss in the six months ended October 31, 2009 of $0.5 million is due to the write-off of unamortized financing costs associated with the former senior credit facility, which was amended in the quarter ended July 31, 2009.

 

Provision for income taxes – Provision for income taxes decreased $3.8 million in the six months ended October 31, 2009 to $1.2 million from $5.0 million in the six months ended October 31, 2008.  The effective tax rate changed to (39.8)% for the six months ended October 31, 2009 from 54.0% in the six months ended October 31, 2008.  The rate variance between the periods is due mainly to the Company changing its assessment of the realizability of deferred tax assets in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009.  The change in the effective tax rate between periods is primarily a result of an increase in the valuation allowance related to the book loss projected for the year and the provision of deferred tax liabilities related to indefinite lived intangible asset amortization for tax purposes.

 

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 and 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.

 

38



 

The Company had a net working capital deficit of $0.5 million at October 31, 2009 compared to a deficit of $2.1 million at April 30, 2009.  Net working capital comprises current assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents, minus current liabilities.  The increase in net working capital at October 31, 2009 was primarily due to higher accrued interest and lower current assets offset by lower current accrued capping, closure and post closure costs along with higher trade receivables associated with higher revenues in the month of October 2009 versus the month of April 2009.

 

On July 9, 2009, the Company completed the refinancing of its existing senior credit facility with a Senior Secured Credit Facility, consisting of a $177.5 million revolving credit facility (the “New Revolver”), a $130.0 million aggregate principal term loan (the “New Term Loan”) and the offering of $180.0 million aggregate principal amount of Second Lien Notes.  The net proceeds from the Senior Secured Credit Facility and Second Lien Notes offering were used to refinance the borrowings under the Company’s $525.0 million existing senior credit facility due April 2010.

 

For the first two quarters after the closing date, the interest rate for borrowings under the New Revolver will be LIBOR plus a margin of 4.50% per annum, and thereafter the applicable margin will be determined in accordance with the pricing grid as set forth in the Senior Secured Credit Facility Agreement dated July 9, 2009. The interest rate for the New Term Loan will be LIBOR plus a margin of 5.00% per annum, provided that LIBOR shall not be less than 2.00% per annum. The New Term Loan was issued at an original issue price of 94.5% of the principal amount of the loan.

 

The Senior Secured Credit Facility is subject to customary affirmative, negative, and financial covenants, generally consistent with the Company’s prior credit agreement. The New Revolver is due December 31, 2012 and the New Term Loan is due April 9, 2014.  If the Company fails to refinance the Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 on or before October 31, 2012 the due date for the New Term Loan shall be December 31, 2012. The Company has the right to increase the amount of the Senior Secured Credit Facility by an aggregate amount of $42.5 million at its discretion, subject to certain conditions.

 

As of October 31, 2009, the Company was in compliance with all covenants as follows:

 

Senior Secured Credit Facility Covenant

 

Twelve months ended
October 31, 2009

 

Covenant
requirements -
October 31, 2009

 

Total funded debt / Bank-defined cash flow metric (1)

 

4.86

 

5.90 Max.

 

Senior funded debt / Bank-defined cash flow metric (1)

 

3.23

 

3.95 Max.

 

Interest coverage

 

2.86

 

2.20 Min.

 

 


(1) Bank-defined cash flow metric is based on operating results for the twelve months preceding the measurement date, October 31, 2009.  A reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to bank-defined cash flow metric is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

39



 

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
October 31, 2009

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

82,434

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

(2,787

)

Gain on sale of equipment

 

496

 

Stock based compensation, net of excess tax benefit on exercise of options

 

(1,689

)

Income from assets under contractual obligation

 

142

 

Goodwill Impairment, environmental remediation and development project charges

 

(59,997

)

Interest expense plus amortization of premium on senior notes and discount on term loan and second lien notes

 

40,022

 

Loss on debt modification

 

(511

)

Provision for income taxes, net of deferred taxes

 

488

 

Adjustments to income as allowed by Senior Secured Credit Facility Agreement

 

64,407

 

 

 

 

 

Bank - defined cash flow metric

 

$

123,005

 

 

Further advances were available under the New Revolver in the amount of $92.3 million as of October 31, 2009.  The available amount is net of outstanding irrevocable letters of credit totaling $50.0 million as of October 31, 2009, at which date no amount had been drawn.

 

The Second Lien Notes were issued at an original issue price of 97.2% of the principal amount. The Second Lien Notes will pay interest on a semi-annual basis and are due on July 15, 2014.

 

The Second Lien Notes were sold in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States under Regulation S under the Securities Act.

 

The Second Lien Notes indenture contains negative covenants that restrict dividends, stock repurchases and other payments, and also limits the incurrence of debt and issuance of preferred stock by requiring that the Company maintain a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio.  As of October 31, 2009, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Second Lien Notes.

 

As of October 31, 2009, the Company had outstanding $195.0 million of Senior Subordinated Notes which mature in February 2013.  The Senior Subordinated Notes are guaranteed jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally by the Company’s significant wholly-owned subsidiaries.   The Senior Subordinated Notes indenture contains negative covenants that restrict dividends, stock repurchases and other payments, and also limits the incurrence of debt and issuance of preferred stock by requiring that the Company maintain a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio.  As of October 31, 2009, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Senior Subordinated Notes.

 

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, subject to certain redemption rights. 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 July 31, 2008, the Company completed a financing transaction for the construction of two single-stream material recovery facilities as well as engines for a landfill gas to energy project with a third-party

 

40



 

leasing company.  The balance on the facility at October 31, 2009 was $13.0 million.  The financing has a seven year term at a fixed rate of interest (approximately 7.1%).

 

Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $40.6 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009 compared to $39.2 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year.  Net income decreased $8.6 million in the six months ended October 31, 2009 compared to the six months ended October 31, 2008.  Deferred taxes contributed $3.6 million less compared to the prior period due to projected utilization of net operating losses and increases to the valuation allowance.

 

Cash from changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures, increased $14.6 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009 compared to the six months ended October 31, 2008.  Changes in accounts receivable amounted to a $0.9 million decrease for the six months ended October 31, 2009 compared to the six months ended October 31, 2008.  Changes in accounts payable during the six months ended October 31, 2009 amounted to $0.4 million of cash used compared with $4.4 million of cash used in the prior year comparable period due to lower operating costs and lower capital expenditures in the period.

 

Changes in prepaid expenses, inventories and other assets amounted to cash provided of $1.5 million in the six months ended October 31, 2009 compared to cash provided of $1.9 million in the six months ended October 31, 2008.  The decrease in cash provided of $0.4 million from the prior year is due primarily to the following: (1) refundable income taxes resulting in a $1.5 decrease, offset by (2) lower restricted assets at October 31, 2009 resulting in a $0.4 increase and (3) higher inventory balances at October 31, 2008 amounting to a $0.4 million increase.

 

Changes in accrued expenses and other liabilities amounted to cash provided of $2.7 million in the six months ended October 31, 2009 compared to cash used of $9.2 million in the six months ended October 31, 2008.  The increase in cash provided of $11.9 million is due primarily to the following: (1) an increase associated with higher payroll accruals at April 30, 2008 amounting to $4.0 million, (2) higher accrued interest at October 31, 2009 associated with higher interest rates amounting to a $6.2 million increase and (3) changes in other current liabilities associated amounting to a $1.4 million increase.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $34.3 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009 compared to $41.3 million used in investing activities in the same period of the prior fiscal year.  The reduction of $7.0 million is due primarily to (1) lower capital expenditures in the six months ended October 31, 2009 compared to the six months ended October 31, 2008, (2) investments in unconsolidated entities in the six months ended October 31, 2008 amounting to $2.5 million of cash used, (3) higher proceeds from sale of equipment in the six months ended October 31, 2009 amounting to a $1.6 million increase, offset by (4) higher payments on landfill operating lease contracts in the six months ended October 31, 2009 amounting to a decrease of $2.7 million.

 

Net cash used in financing activities was $6.1 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009 compared to cash provided of $2.3 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year.  The increase in cash used relates primarily to deferred financing fees associated with the refinancing as discussed above offset by higher net borrowings.

 

The Company generally meets liquidity needs from operating cash flow and its Senior Secured 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.  The Company has reacted to recent economic conditions by managing various expense categories and capital expenditures.  Continuation of the weakness in the economy will likely result in continued negative

 

41



 

pressure on consumer and business spending, which could result in lower future business volumes and resulting cash flows.

 

The Company uses a variety of strategies to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in the commodity prices including entering into fixed price contracts and entering into hedges which 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.  As of October 31, 2009, to minimize the Company’s commodity exposure, the Company was party to twenty-four commodity hedging agreements.  For further discussion on commodity price volatility, see “Item 3 — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk — Commodity Price Volatility” below.

 

The Company has filed a universal shelf registration statement with the SEC.  The Company may from time to time issue securities thereunder in an amount of up to $250.0 million.  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.  Increases in fuel costs have been passed on through a fuel recovery program. The Company therefore believes it should be able to implement price increases sufficient to offset most cost increases resulting from inflation. However, competitive factors and economic conditions may require the Company to absorb at least a portion of these cost increases, particularly during periods of high inflation.

 

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.

 

Limitations on Ownership of Notes

 

Pursuant to the first paragraph of Section 2.17 of the Indenture (the “Indenture”) dated as of July 9, 2009, by and among the Company, its guarantor subsidiaries and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, relating to the Second Lien Notes , each person that is a beneficial holder of the Second Lien Notes shall not knowingly acquire the Second Lien Notes such that, after giving effect thereto, such person owns 10% or more of the consolidated debt of the Company for which relevant subsidiaries of the Company are obligated (and to dispose of Notes or other debt of the Company to the extent such person becomes aware of exceeding such threshold), if such ownership would require consent of any regulatory authority under applicable law or regulation governing solid waste operators and such consent has not been obtained. Pursuant to Section 4.18 of the Indenture, the Company has agreed that, for so long as any of the Second Lien Notes remain outstanding, the Company will furnish to the holders of the Second Lien Notes, in each quarterly and annual report, the dollar amount of debt of the Company that would serve as the threshold for evaluating a beneficial holder’s compliance with the first paragraph of Section 2.17 of the Indenture.  As of October 31, 2009, that dollar amount was $54.0 million.

 

42



 

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Interest rate volatility

 

The Company had interest rate risk relating to approximately $190.0 million of long-term debt at October 31, 2009.  The interest rate on the variable rate portion of long-term debt was approximately 6.4% at October 31, 2009.  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

 

Through its FCR recycling operation, the Company markets a variety of materials, including fibers such as OCC (cardboard) and ONP (newspaper), plastics, glass, ferrous and aluminum metals.  The Company uses a number of strategies to mitigate impacts from commodity price fluctuations such as indexed purchases, floor prices, fixed price agreements, and revenue share arrangements.  In addition, as of October 31, 2009 the Company was party to twenty-four commodity hedge contracts that manage pricing fluctuations on a portion of its OCC and ONP volumes.  These contracts expire between November 2009 and December 2011.  The Company does not use financial instruments for trading purposes and is not a party to any leveraged derivatives.  The Company expects to be able to replace its expiring hedges with existing or new counterparties; however, the availability and pricing terms at any given time will be subject to prevailing market conditions.

 

If commodity prices were to have changed by 10% in the quarter ended October 31, 2009, the impact on the Company’s operating income is estimated at between $0.1 million and $0.2 million based on the observed impact of commodity price changes on operating income margin during the quarters ended October 31, 2009 and October 31, 2008.  The Company’s sensitivity to changes in commodity prices is complex because each customer contract is unique relative to revenue sharing, tipping or processing fees and other arrangements.  The above estimated ranges of operating income impact may not be indicative of future operating results and actual results may vary materially.

 

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 principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of October 31, 2009.  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 October 31, 2009, the Company’s chief executive officer and principal 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 October 31, 2009 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

North Country Landfill Expansion

 

The North Country Environmental Services, Inc. (“NCES”) landfill is located in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, and is currently permitted to accept municipal solid waste and construction and demolition (“C&D”) material from a wide geographic region.  NCES projects that its permitted and uncontested capacity will last into fiscal year 2010.

 

NCES and the Town of Bethlehem (the “Town”) have been in prolonged zoning litigation over NCES’s expansion of the landfill.  Currently, there are two court actions between NCES and the Town, a declaratory judgment action initiated by NCES on September 12, 2001, and a zoning enforcement action initiated by the Town on February 2, 2009.  In the declaratory judgment action, the New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled that NCES has all necessary local approvals to expand its landfill within a 51-acre area, but remanded to the Superior Court issues related to the validity of the Town’s zoning ordinance as it relates to a proposed landfill expansion outside that 51-acre area.  The remanded case remains pending and no trial date has been set.  In the enforcement action, the Town has requested an injunction requiring NCES to remove a leachate force main, a landfill gas line, stormwater drainage lines, catch basins and outfalls, a landfill liner anchor trench, and storm water detention ponds that are located outside the 51-acre area.  NCES and the Town filed cross-motions for summary judgment on the validity of the ordinance the Town is attempting to enforce, and the court denied both motions in October 2009.  The enforcement action is currently scheduled for a bench trial in March 2010.

 

On December 12, 2008, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (“NHDES”) denied a request by NCES to modify its standard permit to develop approximately eight years of capacity within the bounds of the 51-acre area.  NCES revised and resubmitted its request, and the NHDES denied the revised request on March 25, 2009.  NCES appealed each of these denials to the New Hampshire Waste Management Council (“WMC”).  NCES obtained a stay of both appeals pending the outcome of the action for declaratory and injunctive relief described below.

 

NCES filed a petition for declaratory and injunctive relief with the Superior Court on February 10, 2009, related to the NHDES’s December 12, 2008 denial.  NCES amended this petition following NHDES’s March 25, 2009 denial.  In its amended petition, NCES sought declarations that NHDES’s denials were unlawful on several grounds.  NCES also sought preliminary injunctive relief that would have required NHDES to immediately resume its consideration of NCES’s request to modify its standard permit.  In addition, NCES sought permanent injunctive relief that would require NHDES to review the permit modification application in conformity with the Superior Court’s declarations.  On June 11, 2009, the Superior Court denied NCES’s request for a preliminary injunction and also denied NHDES’s request to dismiss the petition.  Subsequently, NCES filed a motion for partial summary judgment on two of its claims for declaratory relief and NHDES filed a cross-motion for partial summary judgment.  In October 2009, NCES agreed to the dismissal of one of its claims without prejudice, and moved successfully — with NHDES’s concurrence — to stay the litigation so that NHDES may consider the results of certain remedial work NCES undertook during the 2009 construction season.  NCES sought the stay because the outcome of this review by NHDES could affect the scope of the litigation.

 

In the event that the Company is unsuccessful obtaining the permits, the Company will assess the need for a potential landfill impairment charge (the carrying value of the NCES landfill assets as of October 31, 2009 was approximately $6,896). The Company would also assess the need for additional closure and post-closure charges.

 

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GR Technologies, Inc. Litigation

 

The Company, on behalf of itself, its subsidiary FCR, LLC (“FCR”), and as a Majority Managing Member of Green Mountain Glass, LLC (“GMG”), initiated a declaratory judgment action against GR Technologies, Inc. (“GRT”), Anthony C. Lane and Robert Cameron Billmyer (“the Defendants”) on June 8, 2007 to resolve issues raised by GRT as the minority member of GMG. The issues addressed in the action included exercise of management discretion, right to intellectual property, and other related disputes. The Defendants counterclaimed in May 2008, seeking unspecified damages on a variety of allegations including, among others, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, tortuous interference with business relations, induced infringement and other matters. Additionally, the Defendants filed a Derivative Action in Rutland Superior Court as a Managing Member of GMG on July 2, 2008 against several employees of the Company and its subsidiary, FCR, LLC, making similar allegations. On September 16, 2008, the Company filed a Motion for Summary Judgment, and a Proposed Order Decreeing Dissolution and Appointing a Special Master, alleging that the relationship of GRT and FCR in GMG is irretrievably broken. The Rutland Superior Court issued a decision on February 10, 2009 ordering that a suit for dissolution must be heard in the Delaware Chancery Court, as opposed to Rutland Superior Court, and the Company has brought such an action.  A hearing has been set by the Delaware Chancery Court for the first week in February 2010.

 

The above described litigation is in discovery and, accordingly, it is not possible at this time to evaluate the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or provide meaningful estimates as to amount or range of potential loss, but management currently believes that this litigation, regardless of its outcome, will not have a material adverse affect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

New York Department of Labor Prevailing Wage Dispute

 

The Company has been involved in an inquiry by the New York Department of Labor (“DOL”) regarding the applicability of certain state “Prevailing Wage” laws pertaining to work being undertaken by the Company at certain landfill sites operated by the Company in New York State that are owned by municipalities (Chemung, Ontario and Clinton Counties). On August 21, 2009, the DOL issued a letter opinion with regard to cell construction and capping work and other activities at these landfills, concluding that:  (1) the construction activity necessary for the recovery, use and sale of gases created by the landfill is not a public work project to which the Prevailing Wage Law applies; (2) cell construction and capping activities are public work where that work takes place on publicly owned lands in the furtherance of the operation of a publicly accessible landfill facility; (3) construction on lands acquired by Casella which adjoin a County-owned landfill are akin to a privately owned and operated landfill and would not be subject to the Prevailing Wage Law.  The Company is negotiating with the DOL to resolve this matter and though a negotiated settlement appears more likely than not, the Company has not ruled out administrative or litigation relief.  Any charge, excluding interest or penalties, incurred by the Company related to these claims will be capitalized as part of the related landfill asset, and amortized prospectively over the remaining life of the landfill as tons of waste are placed at each landfill site. The Company does not believe that the outcome of this matter will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Southbridge Landfill Site Assignment Appeal

 

On June 9, 2008, the Southbridge Board of Health (“Southbridge BOH”) issued a Decision and Statement of Findings pursuant to M.G.L. ch.111, §§150A and 150 A1/2 and 310 CMR 16.00 (“2008 Site Assignment”) granting the Company’s subsidiary, Southbridge Recycling and Disposal Park, Inc. (“SRD”), a minor modification to the existing site assignment for the Southbridge Sanitary Landfill (the

 

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“Landfill”).  The 2008 Site Assignment allows SRD, subject to numerous conditions, to accept into the Landfill up to 405,000 tons of MSW per year without regard to geographic origin.

 

On or about July 14, 2008, the Sturbridge Board of Health (“Sturbridge BOH”), an abutting municipality to Southbridge, together with several 10-citizen groups, filed a complaint in Worcester County Superior Court contesting the 2008 Site Assignment (the “Appeal”). The Appeal names as defendants the Southbridge BOH and its individual members at the time of the 2008 Site Assignment, and SRD. On August 21, 2008, SRD reached a settlement with the Sturbridge BOH, pursuant to which SRD agreed to fund an escrow account to be controlled by the Sturbridge BOH, in the amount of $0.05 million.  The Sturbridge BOH Appeal was formally withdrawn as to all parties on August 22, 2008, and only the 10-citizen groups remain as participants in the Appeal. A hearing on the merits occurred on August 18, 2009, and the court has not yet issued a decision. While it is too early to assess the outcome, SRD will continue to aggressively defend the Appeal.

 

Port of Albany, New York Project Development

 

Casella Albany Renewables, LLC (“CAR”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Casella Renewable Systems, LLC, entered into an Option Agreement with Albany Renewable Energy, LLC (“ARE”) in September, 2008 (“Option Agreement”).  In March 2008, ARE was the successful bidder to the Albany Port District Commission (“Port”) for the development of an ethanol facility to be located on a site owned by the Port (“Project”).  ARE has entered into a lease agreement with the Port, and CAR has the option pursuant to the Option Agreement of entering into a sublease with ARE should CAR elect to become involved in the development of the Project.

 

On or about September 18, 2009, Empire State Ethanol & Energy, LLC (“Empire”), a putative member of a non-selected bidder for the Project, filed litigation in Albany County Supreme Court against the Port and certain of its officers, ARE and certain of its affiliates, and CAR and certain of its affiliates, seeking a declaratory judgment that the bidding process for the Project was flawed and an order finding the selection of ARE was illegal and requiring the Port to rebid the Project.  Empire also moved on an expedited basis for a preliminary injunction in order to maintain the Project’s status quo until a hearing could be held on the merits of the declaratory judgment action.  Oral arguments were held on the preliminary injunction motion on October 30, 2009.  The court has not issued a decision.  The Company intends to vigorously defend against these claims and believes that regardless of its outcome, this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations or cash flows.

 

CRMC Bethlehem, LLC Litigation

 

CRMC Bethlehem, LLC and Commonwealth Bethlehem Energy, LLC (collectively, “CRMC”), has filed claims in the US District Court for the District of New Hampshire against NCES.  CRMC seeks declaratory and injunctive relief and damages.  CRMC alleges that NCES has breached the terms of a Gas Lease and Easement Agreement by and between CRMC and NCES, entered into on September 10, 1998, as amended on March 1, 2000 (the “Gas Lease”).  CRMC alleges that NCES has inappropriately interfered with CRMC rights pursuant to the Gas Lease to develop a landfill gas-to-energy project to be sited on the Landfill.  NCES denies these allegations, and intends to vigorously defend against these claims.  The Company does not believe that this matter will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations or cash flows.

 

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Other

 

The Company is a defendant in certain other 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.

 

The Company offers no prediction of the outcome of any of the proceedings or negotiations described above. The Company is vigorously defending each of these lawsuits and claims. However, there can be no guarantee the Company will prevail or that any judgments against the Company, if sustained on appeal, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations or cash flows.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

The Company’s business is subject to a number of risks, including those identified in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of its 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, that could have a material effect on its business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity and that could cause its operating results to vary significantly from period to period. As of October 31, 2009, there have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, although the Company may disclose changes to such factors or disclose additional factors from time to time in its future filings with the SEC.

 

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

 

At the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders held on October 13, 2009, three proposals were submitted to a vote of the Company’s stockholders.  The proposals and results of voting were as follows:

 

PROPOSAL I.

 

Proposal to elect, as Class III directors, Messrs. John W. Casella, John F. Chapple and James P. McManus.

 

John W. Casella:

 

Votes For:

28,625,032

 

 

 

Withheld:

3,653,296

 

 

 

 

 

 

John F. Chapple:

 

Votes For:

28,665,931

 

 

 

Withheld:

3,612,397

 

 

 

 

 

 

James P. McManus:

 

Votes For:

28,663,781

 

 

 

Withheld:

3,614,547

 

 

The terms of office of the following directors continued after the annual meeting: James W. Bohlig, Michael K. Burke, Douglas R. Casella, James F. Callahan, Jr., Joseph G. Doody and Gregory B. Peters.

 

PROPOSAL II.

 

To approve the amendment to the Company’s 2006 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

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Votes For:

 

20,523,690

 

Votes Against:

 

6,651,775

 

Abstentions:

 

30,012

 

Broker Non-Votes:

 

5,071,851

 

 

PROPOSAL III.

 

Proposal to ratify the selection of Caturano and Company, P.C. as the Company’s auditors for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2010.

 

Votes For:

 

29,067,246

 

Votes Against:

 

3,157,819

 

Abstentions:

 

52,263

 

 

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.

 

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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: December 3, 2009

By:

/s/ Paul J. Massaro

 

(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 Paul J. Massaro, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes — Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1 ++

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 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. Section 1350 of Paul J. Massaro, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes — Oxley Act of 2002.

 


+ - Filed Herewith

++ - Furnished Herewith

 

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