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Republic Services, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter Results and Provides 2011 Outlook

February 10, 2011
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PHOENIX, Feb. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) today reported net income of $147.6 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2010, versus $35.6 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, for the comparable period last year.

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Republic’s net income for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 includes a number of charges and other expenses that impacted its results. A detail of these charges and other expenses is contained in the Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Measures section of this document. Excluding these items, net income for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 would have been $160.8 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, and $126.0 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, respectively.

Excluding certain charges and other expenses recorded during 2010 and 2009 as described in the Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Measures section of this document, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion (adjusted EBITDA) for the three months ended December 31, 2010 would have been $616.8 million, or 30.5% as a percentage of revenue, compared to $588.2 million, or 29.4% as a percentage of revenue, for the comparable 2009 period.

Revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2010 increased to $2,020.8 million compared to $1,999.0 million for the same period in 2009. Core price for the three months ended December 31, 2010 increased 1.0%, fuel surcharges increased 0.3% and commodities pricing increased 1.4%. Offsetting this revenue growth of 2.7% were decreases of 1.1% from core volume and 0.5% related to divestitures.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, net income was $506.5 million, or $1.32 per diluted share, compared to $495.0 million, or $1.30 per diluted share, for the comparable period last year. Republic’s net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 includes a number of charges and other (gains) expenses that impacted our results. A detail of these charges and other (gains) expenses is contained in the Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Measures section of this document. Excluding these items, net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 would have been $657.8 million, or $1.71 per diluted share, and $564.6 million, or $1.48 per diluted share, respectively.

Excluding certain charges and other (gains) expenses recorded during 2010 and 2009 as described in the Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Measures section of this document, adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 would have been $2,517.1 million, or 31.1% as a percentage of revenue, compared to $2,509.5 million, or 30.6% as a percentage of revenue, for the comparable 2009 period.

Revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 decreased to $8,106.6 million compared to $8,199.1 million for the same period in 2009. Core price for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 increased 1.6%, fuel surcharges increased 0.5% and commodities pricing increased 1.4%. Offsetting this revenue growth of 3.5% were decreases of 3.5% from core volume and 1.1% related to divestitures.

“In 2010, Republic Services exceeded our original financial goals and continued to expand margins,” said Donald W. Slager, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our strong, sustainable cash flows allowed us to pay off approximately $400 million of debt, increase our dividend, and initiate a $400 million stock repurchase program. Our objectives for 2011 are to grow the business both internally and through selective acquisitions, control costs, and expand margins and free cash flow while enhancing stockholder value with dividends and share repurchases. We remain committed to continuing our broad-based pricing program across all lines of business to recover increasing costs and to earn an appropriate return on our invested capital.”

Quarterly Dividend

Republic’s Board of Directors has approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share to be paid on April 15, 2011 to stockholders of record on April 1, 2011.

Fiscal Year 2011 Outlook

Republic’s guidance is based on current economic conditions and does not assume any improvement or deterioration in the overall economy in 2011.

Specific guidance is as follows:

  • Adjusted Free Cash Flow: We expect adjusted free cash flow for 2011 to be $875 million to $900 million. Adjusted free cash flow consists of cash provided by operating activities, less property and equipment received, plus proceeds from the sales of property and equipment. Adjusted free cash flow guidance excludes certain legacy tax settlement payments.
  • Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share: We expect 2011 adjusted diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $1.86 to $1.89. Adjusted diluted earnings per share exclude loss on extinguishment of debt.
  • Revenue: We expect 2011 revenue to increase up to 1.5 percent. This consists of an increase of 1.0 to 1.5 percent resulting from core price increases, unchanged to a 0.5 percent increase in volume and a 1.0 percent increase resulting from fuel surcharges and commodities pricing, partially offset by a decline of 1.5 percent due to significant lost contracts, as shown below:


                                          Increase
                                          --------
                                         (Decrease)
                                         ----------
    Core price                            1.0 to 1.5%
    Volume                                0.0 to 0.5%
    San Mateo and Toronto contract
     losses                                     (1.5)%
    Fuel surcharges                               0.5%
    Commodities                                   0.5%
                                                  ---
         Total change                     0.5 to 1.5%
                                          ===========

Our San Mateo County collection contract ended effective December 31, 2010 and the new contract was awarded in 2008 to a regional service provider. Our ten-year landfill disposal contract with the City of Toronto also ended on December 31, 2010.

Our guidance for fuel surcharges and commodities assumes pricing at December 2010 levels.

  • Property and Equipment: In 2011, we anticipate receiving $750 million of property and equipment. Purchases of property and equipment as reflected on our consolidated statement of cash flows for 2011 are expected to be $870 million and represents amounts paid during 2011 for such expenditures. The difference between property and equipment received and purchases of property and equipment is adjustments for $120 million of property and equipment received during 2010 but paid for in 2011.
  • Margins: We expect EBITDA margins for 2011 to be 31.6%, an increase of 50 basis points as compared to our 2010 performance.
  • Taxes: We expect our provision for income taxes, excluding loss on extinguishment of debt, to be 41.5%.

About Republic

Republic Services, Inc. provides recycling and solid waste collection, transfer and disposal services in the United States. The Company’s various operating units, including collection companies, transfer stations, recycling centers and landfills, are focused on providing reliable environmental services and solutions for commercial, industrial, municipal and residential customers. For more information, visit the Republic Services website at www.republicservices.com. The Company participates in investor presentations and conferences throughout the year. Interested parties can find a schedule of these conferences at www.republicservices.com by selecting “Calendar” under the Investor Relations tab. Live audio presentations from earnings calls and investor conferences are webcast on the Republic website.

                  SUPPLEMENTAL UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                               AND OPERATING DATA

                            REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC.
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                     (in millions, except per share amounts)
                                                        December   December
                                                           31,        31,
                                                             2010       2009
                                                             ----       ----

                                         ASSETS
    Current assets:
      Cash and cash equivalents                             $88.3      $48.0
      Accounts receivable, less allowance for
       doubtful accounts of $50.9 and $55.2,
       respectively                                         828.9      865.1
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets             207.4      156.5
      Deferred tax assets                                   121.5      195.3
                                                            -----      -----
        Total current assets                              1,246.1    1,264.9
    Restricted cash and marketable securities               172.8      240.5
    Property and equipment, net                           6,698.5    6,657.7
    Goodwill, net                                        10,655.3   10,667.1
    Other intangible assets, net                            451.3      500.0
    Other assets                                            237.9      210.1
                                                            -----      -----
        Total assets                                    $19,461.9  $19,540.3
                                                        =========  =========

                        LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Current liabilities:
      Accounts payable                                      606.5      592.8
      Notes payable and current maturities of long-
       term debt                                            878.5      543.0
      Deferred revenue                                      295.1      331.1
      Accrued landfill and environmental costs,
       current portion                                      182.0      245.4
      Accrued interest                                       93.1       96.2
      Other accrued liabilities                             621.3      740.2
                                                            -----      -----
        Total current liabilities                         2,676.5    2,548.7
    Long-term debt, net of current maturities             5,865.1    6,419.6
    Accrued landfill and environmental costs, net
     of current portion                                   1,416.6    1,383.2
    Deferred income taxes and other long-term
     liabilities                                          1,044.8    1,040.5
    Self-insurance reserves, net of current portion         304.5      302.0
    Other long-term liabilities                             305.5      279.2
    Commitments and contingencies
    Stockholders' equity:
      Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 50
       shares authorized; none issued                           -          -
      Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 750
       shares authorized; 400.2 and 395.7 issued
       including shares held in treasury,
       respectively                                           4.0        4.0
      Additional paid-in capital                          6,431.1    6,316.1
      Retained earnings                                   1,890.3    1,683.1
      Treasury stock, at cost (16.5 and 14.9 shares,
       respectively)                                       (500.8)    (457.7)
      Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of
       tax                                                   21.9       19.0
                                                             ----       ----
        Total Republic Services, Inc. stockholders'
         equity                                           7,846.5    7,564.5
        Noncontrolling interests                              2.4        2.6
                                                              ---        ---
        Total stockholders' equity                        7,848.9    7,567.1
                                                          -------    -------
        Total liabilities and stockholders' equity      $19,461.9  $19,540.3
                                                        =========  =========


                                          REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC.
                                UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                    (in millions, except per share data)
                                Three Months Ended     Years Ended December
                                   December 31,                 31,
                               ------------------ ---------------------
                                 2010           2009      2010       2009
                                 ----           ----      ----       ----
    Revenue                  $2,020.8       $1,999.0  $8,106.6   $8,199.1
    Expenses:
        Cost of operations    1,184.8        1,201.1   4,764.8    4,844.2
        Depreciation,
         amortization and
         depletion              205.3          211.0     833.7      869.7
        Accretion                20.0           21.4      80.5       88.8
        Selling, general
         and administrative     227.5          221.7     858.0      880.4
        Loss (gain) on
         disposition of
         assets and
         impairments, net        (8.0)           7.3      19.1     (137.0)
        Restructuring
         charges                  1.8            7.3      11.4       63.2
                                  ---            ---      ----       ----
        Operating income        389.4          329.2   1,539.1    1,589.8
    Interest expense           (120.4)        (147.1)   (507.4)    (595.9)
    Loss on
     extinguishment of
     debt                        (9.1)        (102.3)   (160.8)    (134.1)
    Interest income               0.2            0.3       0.7        2.0
    Other income, net             0.7            0.4       5.4        3.2
                                  ---            ---       ---        ---
         Income before
          income taxes          260.8           80.5     877.0      865.0
    Provision for
     income taxes               112.9           44.6     369.5      368.5
                                -----           ----     -----      -----
    Net income                  147.9           35.9     507.5      496.5
         Less: Net income
          attributable to
          noncontrolling
          interests              (0.3)          (0.3)     (1.0)      (1.5)
                                 ----           ----      ----       ----
         Net income
          attributable to
          Republic Services,
          Inc.                 $147.6          $35.6    $506.5     $495.0
                               ======          =====    ======     ======
    Basic earnings per
     share attributable
     to Republic
     Services, Inc.
     stockholders:
         Basic earnings per
          share                 $0.38          $0.09     $1.32      $1.30
                                =====          =====     =====      =====
         Weighted average
          common shares
          outstanding           384.0          380.8     383.0      379.7
                                =====          =====     =====      =====
    Diluted earnings
     per share
     attributable to
     Republic Services,
     Inc. stockholders:
         Diluted earnings
          per share             $0.38          $0.09     $1.32      $1.30
                                =====          =====     =====      =====
         Weighted average
          common and common
          equivalent shares
          outstanding           386.0          382.6     385.1      381.0
                                =====          =====     =====      =====

    Cash dividends per
     common share               $0.20          $0.19     $0.78      $0.76
                                =====          =====     =====      =====

                                  REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC.
                      UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                       (in millions)
                                                            Years Ended
                                                           December 31,
                                                           ------------
                                                          2010           2009
                                                          ----           ----
    Cash provided by operating activities:
    Net income                                          $507.5         $496.5
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
     provided by operating activities:
        Depreciation and amortization of property and
         equipment                                       511.6          520.6
        Landfill depletion and amortization              250.6          278.5
        Amortization of intangible and other assets       71.5           70.6
        Accretion                                         80.5           88.8
        Non-cash interest expense - debt                  52.4           92.1
        Non-cash interest expense - other                 48.1           58.1
        Restructuring related charges                     (2.0)          34.0
        Stock-based compensation                          24.5           15.0
        Deferred tax (benefit) provision                  61.3          (24.6)
        Provision for doubtful accounts, net of
         adjustments                                      23.6           27.3
        Excess income tax benefit from stock option
         exercises                                        (3.5)          (2.5)
        Asset impairments                                 15.1            7.1
        Loss on extinguishment of debt                   160.8          134.1
        Gain on disposition of assets, net               (11.2)        (147.1)
        Other non-cash items                               3.8           (0.1)
        Change in assets and liabilities, net of
         effects from business acquisitions and
         divestitures:
           Accounts receivable                             8.8           53.1
           Prepaid expenses and other assets             (76.6)         (11.9)
           Accounts payable                              (34.9)          (6.9)
           Restructuring and synergy related
            expenditures                                 (20.0)         (66.5)
           Capping, closure and post-closure
            expenditures                                (111.3)        (100.9)
           Remediation expenditures                      (50.5)         (56.2)
           Other liabilities                             (76.4)         (62.6)
           Cash provided by operating activities       1,433.7        1,396.5
                                                       -------        -------

    Cash used in investing activities:
        Purchases of property and equipment             (794.7)        (826.3)
        Proceeds from sales of property and equipment     37.4           31.8
        Cash used in acquisitions, net of cash
         acquired                                        (58.9)          (0.1)
        Cash proceeds from divestitures, net of cash
         divested                                         60.0          511.1
        Change in restricted cash and marketable
         securities                                       66.3           41.6
        Other                                             (0.6)          (0.6)
           Cash used in investing activities            (690.5)        (242.5)
                                                        ------         ------

    Cash used in financing activities:
        Proceeds from notes payable and long-term
         debt                                          1,193.5        1,472.6
        Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net
         of discount                                   1,499.4        1,245.4
        Payments of notes payable and long-term debt  (3,090.3)     (3,583.9)
        Premiums paid on extinguishment of debt          (30.4)         (47.3)
        Fees paid to issue and retire senior notes
         and certain hedging relationships               (26.2)         (14.3)
        Issuances of common stock                         86.5           39.6
        Excess income tax benefit from stock option
         exercises                                         3.5            2.5
        Purchases of common stock for treasury           (43.1)          (1.0)
        Cash dividends paid                             (294.6)        (288.3)
        Distributions paid to noncontrolling
         interests                                        (1.2)             -
           Cash used in financing activities            (702.9)     (1,174.7)
                                                        ------       --------

    Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
     equivalents                                          40.3          (20.7)
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
     period                                               48.0           68.7
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period           $88.3          $48.0
                                                         =====          =====

You should read the following information in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010. All amounts below are in millions and as a percentage of our revenue, except per share data.

REVENUE

The following table reflects our total revenue by line of business for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:


                                      Three Months Ended December 31,
                                      -------------------------------
                                             2010                      2009
                                             ----                      ----
    Collection:
        Residential           $544.7         27.0%            $542.4   27.1%
        Commercial             618.0         30.6              626.6   31.3
        Industrial             364.2         18.0              368.0   18.4
        Other                    8.6          0.4                6.8    0.4
                                 ---          ---                ---    ---
           Total collection  1,535.5         76.0            1,543.8   77.2

    Transfer and disposal      736.9                           738.6
    Less: Intercompany        (369.3)                         (372.8)
                              ------                          ------
        Transfer and
         disposal, net         367.6         18.2              365.8   18.3

        Sale of materials       86.0          4.3               54.9    2.7
        Other non-core          31.7          1.5               34.5    1.8
        Other                  117.7          5.8               89.4    4.5
                               -----          ---               ----    ---

    Total revenue           $2,020.8        100.0%          $1,999.0  100.0%
                            ========        =====           ========  =====


                                      Years Ended December 31,
                                      ------------------------
                                           2010                        2009
                                           ----                        ----
    Collection:
        Residential         $2,173.9       26.8%            $2,187.0   26.7%
        Commercial           2,486.8       30.7              2,553.4   31.1
        Industrial           1,482.9       18.3              1,541.4   18.8
        Other                   29.6        0.4                 26.9    0.3
                                ----        ---                 ----    ---
           Total collection  6,173.2       76.2              6,308.7   76.9

    Transfer and disposal    2,998.9                         3,113.5
    Less: Intercompany      (1,521.6)                       (1,564.1)
                            --------                        --------
        Transfer and
         disposal, net       1,477.3       18.2              1,549.4   18.9

        Sale of materials      307.1        3.8                181.2    2.2
        Other non-core         149.0        1.8                159.8    2.0
        Other                  456.1        5.6                341.0    4.2
                               -----        ---                -----    ---

    Total revenue           $8,106.6      100.0%            $8,199.1  100.0%
                            ========      =====             ========  =====

The following table reflects changes in our core adjusted revenue for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. For comparative purposes, we have presented the components of our revenue changes for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2009 assuming our merger with Allied occurred on January 1, 2008.


                       Three Months Ended        Years Ended December
                          December 31,                    31,
                       ------------------
                       2010            2009   2010         2009
                       ----            ----   ----         ----
    Core price          1.0%            2.5%   1.6%         3.0%
    Fuel surcharges     0.3            (2.2)   0.5         (2.5)
    Commodities         1.4             0.7    1.4         (1.7)
                        ---             ---    ---         ----
        Total price     2.7             1.0    3.5         (1.2)

    Volume             (1.1)           (9.7)  (3.5)        (9.5)
                       ----            ----   ----         ----
    Total internal
     growth             1.6            (8.7)     -        (10.7)

    Acquisitions /
     divestitures, net (0.5)           (2.2)  (1.1)        (1.4)
    Intercompany
     eliminations         -            (0.2)     -         (0.3)
                        ---            ----    ---         ----
    Total               1.1%         (11.1)% (1.1)%      (12.4)%
                        ===          ======  =====       ======

COST OF OPERATIONS

Cost of operations includes labor and related benefits, which consists of salaries and wages, health and welfare benefits, incentive compensation and payroll taxes. It also includes transfer and disposal costs representing tipping fees paid to third party disposal facilities and transfer stations; maintenance and repairs relating to our vehicles, equipment and containers, including related labor and benefit costs; transportation and subcontractor costs, which include costs for independent haulers who transport our waste to disposal facilities and costs for local operators who provide waste handling services associated with our national accounts in markets outside our standard operating areas; fuel, which includes the direct cost of fuel used by our vehicles, net of fuel credits; disposal franchise fees and taxes consisting of landfill taxes, municipal franchise fees, host community fees and royalties; landfill operating costs, which includes landfill accretion, financial assurance, leachate disposal and other landfill maintenance costs; risk management, which includes casualty insurance premiums and claims; cost of goods sold, which includes material costs paid to suppliers associated with recycling commodities; and other, which includes expenses such as facility operating costs, equipment rent and gains or losses on sale of assets used in our operations.

The following table summarizes the major components of our cost of operations for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:


                                 Three Months Ended December 31,
                                 -------------------------------
                                          2010                     2009
                                          ----                     ----
    Labor and related
     benefits               $382.1        18.9%             $370.5 18.5%
    Transfer and disposal
     costs                   162.0         8.0               174.3  8.7
    Maintenance and
     repairs                 149.9         7.4               156.1  7.8
    Transportation and
     subcontract costs       111.3         5.5               116.6  5.8
    Fuel                     107.8         5.3                96.1  4.8
    Franchise fees and
     taxes                    99.4         4.9                98.3  4.9
    Landfill operating
     costs                    40.1         2.0                33.7  1.7
    Risk management           36.0         1.8                68.0  3.4
    Cost of goods sold        28.3         1.4                17.0  0.9
    Other                     67.9         3.4                70.5  3.6
                                           ---                      ---
        Total cost of
         operations       $1,184.8        58.6%           $1,201.1 60.1%
                          ========        ====            ======== ====


                                   Years Ended December 31,
                                   ------------------------
                                        2010                     2009
                                        ----                     ----
    Labor and related
     benefits             $1,534.4      18.9%           $1,561.0 19.0%
    Transfer and disposal
     costs                   665.7       8.2               707.3  8.6
    Maintenance and
     repairs                 609.7       7.5               649.2  7.9
    Transportation and
     subcontract costs       465.4       5.7               490.5  6.0
    Fuel                     407.6       5.0               349.8  4.3
    Franchise fees and
     taxes                   395.8       4.9               403.7  4.9
    Landfill operating
     costs                   136.2       1.7               117.8  1.4
    Risk management          171.6       2.1               212.0  2.6
    Cost of goods sold       103.9       1.3                63.3  0.8
    Other                    274.5       3.5               289.6  3.6
                                         ---                      ---
        Total cost of
         operations       $4,764.8      58.8%           $4,844.2 59.1%
                          ========      ====            ======== ====

The cost categories shown above may change from time to time and may not be comparable to similarly titled categories used by other companies. As such, you should take care when comparing our cost of operations by cost component to that of other companies.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, health and welfare benefits and incentive compensation for corporate and field general management, field support functions, sales force, accounting and finance, legal, management information systems and clerical and administrative departments. Other expenses include rent and office costs, fees for professional services provided by third parties, marketing, investor and community relations, directors’ and officers’ insurance, general employee relocation, travel, entertainment and bank charges, but excludes any such amounts recorded as restructuring charges.

The following table provides the components of our selling, general and administrative costs for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:


                                      Three Months Ended December 31,
                                      -------------------------------
                                            2010                       2009
                                            ----                       ----
    Salaries                   $136.4        6.7%          $133.8       6.7%
    Provision for
     doubtful accounts            9.2        0.5             10.5       0.5
    Costs to achieve
     synergies                    8.3        0.4              9.9       0.5
    Other                        73.6        3.7             67.5       3.4
        Total selling,
         general and
         administrative
         expenses              $227.5       11.3%          $221.7      11.1%
                               ======       ====           ======      ====


                                             Years Ended December 31,
                                            2010                        2009
                                            ----                        ----
    Salaries                    $538.6       6.6%           $548.1       6.7%
    Provision for
     doubtful accounts            23.6       0.3              27.3       0.3
    Costs to achieve
     synergies                    33.3       0.4              41.6       0.5
    Other                        262.5       3.3             263.4       3.2
        Total selling,
         general and
         administrative
         expenses               $858.0      10.6%           $880.4      10.7%
                                ======      ====            ======      ====

The cost categories shown above may change from time to time and may not be comparable to similarly titled categories used by other companies. As such, you should take care when comparing our selling, general and administrative expenses by cost component to that of other companies.

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES

Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Accretion

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion (EBITDA), which is not a measure determined in accordance with GAAP, for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 is calculated as follows:


                                Three Months Ended      Years Ended December
                                   December 31,                  31,
                                ------------------ ---------------------
                                2010             2009      2010       2009
                                ----             ----      ----       ----
    Net income attributable
     to Republic Services,
     Inc.                     $147.6            $35.6    $506.5     $495.0
    Net income attributable
     to noncontrolling
     interests                   0.3              0.3       1.0        1.5
    Provision for income
     taxes                     112.9             44.6     369.5      368.5
    Other income, net           (0.7)            (0.4)     (5.4)      (3.2)
    Interest income             (0.2)            (0.3)     (0.7)      (2.0)
    Loss on extinguishment of
     debt                        9.1            102.3     160.8      134.1
    Interest expense           120.4            147.1     507.4      595.9
    Depreciation,
     amortization and
     depletion                 205.3            211.0     833.7      869.7
    Accretion                   20.0             21.4      80.5       88.8
                                ----             ----      ----       ----
        EBITDA                $614.7           $561.6  $2,453.3   $2,548.3
                              ======           ======  ========   ========

We believe that the presentation of EBITDA is useful to investors because it provides important information concerning our operating performance exclusive of certain non-cash costs. EBITDA demonstrates our ability to execute our financial strategy, which includes reinvesting in existing capital assets to ensure a high level of customer service, investing in capital assets to facilitate growth in our customer base and services provided, maintaining our investment grade credit rating and minimizing debt, paying cash dividends, repurchasing our common stock, and maintaining and improving our market position through business optimization. This measure has limitations. Although depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion are considered operating costs in accordance with GAAP, they represent the allocation of non-cash costs generally associated with long-lived assets acquired or constructed in prior years. Our definition of EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

Adjusted Earnings

Reported diluted earnings per share were $0.38 and $1.32 for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2010, respectively, compared to $0.09 and $1.30 for the comparable 2009 periods. During the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, we recorded a number of charges (recoveries), other expenses and net (gain) loss on disposition of assets that impacted our EBITDA, pre-tax income, net income attributable to Republic Services, Inc., (Net Income – Republic) and diluted earnings per share. These items primarily consist of the following:


                                Three Months Ended December 31, 2010
                                ------------------------------------
                                                        Net          Diluted
                                       Pre-tax        Income -       Earnings
                                                                        per
                          EBITDA        Income        Republic        Share
                          ------        ------        --------       ------
    As
     reported              $614.7        $260.8         $147.6          $0.38
    Loss on
     extinguishment
     of debt                    -           9.1            6.1           0.02
    Costs to
     achieve
     synergies                8.3           8.3            5.0           0.01
     Restructuring
     charges                  1.8           1.8            1.1           0.01
     Remediation
     charges                    -             -              -              -
    (Gain)
     loss on
     disposition
     of assets
     and
     impairments,
     net                  (8.0)      (8.0)        1.0           -
    Adjusted               $616.8        $272.0         $160.8          $0.42
                           ======        ======         ======          =====


                                 Three Months Ended December 31,
                                                    2009
                                     --------------------------------
                                                      Net         Diluted
                                       Pre-
                                        tax        Income -       Earnings
                                                                     per
                         EBITDA       Income       Republic        Share
                         ------       ------       --------       ------
    As
     reported             $561.6       $80.5          $35.6          $0.09
    Loss on
     extinguishment
     of debt                   -       102.3           63.7           0.17
    Costs to
     achieve
     synergies               9.9         9.9            6.1           0.02
     Restructuring
     charges                 7.3         7.3            4.5           0.01
     Remediation
     charges                 2.1         2.1            1.3              -
    (Gain)
     loss on
     disposition
     of assets
     and
     impairments,
     net                  7.3      7.3        14.8        0.04
    Adjusted              $588.2      $209.4         $126.0          $0.33
                          ======      ======         ======          =====


                                    Years Ended December 31, 2010
                                    -----------------------------
                                                        Net          Diluted
                                       Pre-tax        Income -       Earnings
                                                                        per
                          EBITDA        Income        Republic        Share
                          ------        ------        --------       ------
    As
     reported            $2,453.3        $877.0         $506.5          $1.32
    Loss on
     extinguishment
     of debt                    -         160.8           98.6           0.26
    Costs to
     achieve
     synergies               33.3          33.3           20.3           0.05
     Restructuring
     charges                 11.4          11.4            7.0           0.02
     Remediation
     recoveries                 -             -              -              -
    Loss
     (gain) on
     disposition
     of assets
     and
     impairments,
     net                  19.1       19.1        25.4        0.06
    Adjusted             $2,517.1      $1,101.6         $657.8          $1.71
                         ========      ========         ======          =====


                             Years Ended December 31, 2009
                             -----------------------------
                                                     Net       Diluted
                                     Pre-
                                      tax         Income -     Earnings
                                                                  per
                     EBITDA         Income        Republic      Share
                     ------         ------        --------     ------
    As
     reported        $2,548.3        $865.0         $495.0        $1.30
    Loss on
     extinguishment
     of debt                -         134.1           83.3         0.22
    Costs to
     achieve
     synergies           41.8          41.8           25.6         0.06
     Restructuring
     charges             63.2          63.2           38.6         0.10
     Remediation
     recoveries          (6.8)         (6.8)          (4.1)       (0.01)
    Loss
     (gain) on
     disposition
     of assets
     and
     impairments,
     net            (137.0)    (137.0)      (73.8)      (0.19)
    Adjusted         $2,509.5        $960.3         $564.6        $1.48
                     ========        ======         ======        =====

We believe that the presentation of adjusted EBITDA, adjusted pre-tax income, adjusted net income attributable to Republic Services Inc., and adjusted diluted earnings per share, which are not measures determined in accordance with GAAP, provide an understanding of operational activities before the financial impact of certain items. We use these measures, and believe investors will find them helpful, in understanding the ongoing performance of our operations separate from items that have a disproportionate impact on our results for a particular period. Comparable charges and costs have been incurred in prior periods, and similar types of adjustments can reasonably be expected to be recorded in future periods. Our definition of adjusted EBITDA, adjusted pre-tax income, adjusted net income attributable to Republic Services Inc., and adjusted diluted earnings per share may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

Cash Flow

We define free cash flow, which is not a measure determined in accordance with GAAP, as cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property and equipment plus proceeds from sales of property and equipment as presented in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Our free cash flow for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 is calculated as follows:


                                Three Months Ended      Years Ended December
                                   December 31,                  31,
                                ------------------ ---------------------
                                2010             2009      2010       2009
                                ----             ----      ----       ----
    Cash provided by
     operating activities     $470.0           $384.1  $1,433.7   $1,396.5
    Purchases of property and
     equipment                (223.3)          (283.8)   (794.7)    (826.3)
    Proceeds from sales of
     property and equipment     20.0              9.0      37.4       31.8
    Free cash flow            $266.7           $109.3    $676.4     $602.0
                              ======           ======    ======     ======

We define adjusted free cash flow, which is not a measure determined in accordance with GAAP, as cash provided by operating activities, less property and equipment received, plus proceeds from sales of property and equipment, plus merger related expenditures, net of tax, plus tax settlement payments related to BFI risk management companies. Our adjusted free cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2010 is calculated as follows:


                                                         Year
                                                        Ended
                                                       December
                                                          31,
                                                           2010
                                                           ----

    Cash provided by operating activities              $1,433.7
    Property and equipment received                      (848.6)
    Proceeds from sales of property and
     equipment                                             37.4
    Merger related expenditures, net of tax                20.2
    Tax settlement related to BFI risk
     management companies                                 110.6
    Divestiture related tax payments                       23.0
    Adjusted free cash flow                              $776.3
                                                         ======

We believe that the presentation of adjusted free cash flow provides useful information regarding our recurring cash provided by operating activities after expenditures for property and equipment received, plus proceeds from sales of property and equipment, plus merger related expenditures, net of tax, plus tax settlement payments related to BFI risk management companies. It also demonstrates our ability to execute our financial strategy and is a key metric we use to determine compensation. The presentation of adjusted free cash flow has material limitations. Adjusted free cash flow does not represent our cash flow available for discretionary expenditures because it excludes certain expenditures that are required or to which we have committed such as debt service requirements and dividend payments. Our definition of adjusted free cash flow may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

Purchases of property and equipment as reflected on our consolidated statements of cash flows and the free cash flow presented above represent amounts paid during the period for such expenditures. A reconciliation of property and equipment reflected on our consolidated statements of cash flows to property and equipment received during the period is as follows:


                                 Three Months Ended               Years Ended
                                    December 31,                 December 31,
                                 ------------------          ------------
                                 2010            2009       2010          2009
                                 ----            ----       ----          ----
    Purchases of property and
     equipment per the
     unaudited consolidated
     statements of cash flows  $223.3          $283.8     $794.7        $826.3
    Adjustments for property
     and equipment received
     during the prior period
     but paid for in the
     following period, net    89.9         77.8      53.9     36.3
    Property and equipment
     received during the
     period                    $313.2          $361.6     $848.6        $862.6
                               ======          ======     ======        ======

The adjustments noted above do not affect our net change in cash and cash equivalents as reflected in our consolidated statements of cash flows.

As of December 31, 2010, accounts receivable was $828.9 million, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $50.9 million, resulting in days sales outstanding of approximately 37 (or 24 net of deferred revenue).

CASH DIVIDENDS

In October 2010, we paid a cash dividend of $76.9 million to stockholders of record as of October 1, 2010. As of December 31, 2010, we recorded a dividend payable of $76.7 million to stockholders of record at the close of business on January 3, 2011, which was paid on January 18, 2011. In February 2011, our board of directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share payable to stockholders of record as of April 1, 2011, which will be paid on April 15, 2011.

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

In November 2010, our board of directors approved a share repurchase program pursuant to which we may repurchase up to $400.0 million of our outstanding shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2010, we used $41.1 million under the program to repurchase 1.4 million shares at an average cost per share of $28.46. We expect to use the remaining funds in this program to repurchase shares during 2011.

2011 FINANCIAL GUIDANCE

Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share

The following is a summary of anticipated adjusted diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to the actual adjusted diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2010 excluding loss on extinguishment of debt, restructuring charges and costs to achieve synergies and loss on the disposition of assets and impairments, net:


                                        (Anticipated)    (Actual)
                                             Year          Year
                                            Ended          Ended
                                         December 31,  December 31,
                                                  2011         2010
                                                  ----         ----

                                                1.73 -
    Diluted earnings per share            $       1.76        $1.32
    Loss on extinguishment of debt                0.13         0.26
    Restructuring charges and cost to
     achieve synergies                               -         0.07
    Loss on disposition of assets and
     impairments, net                                -         0.06
                                                   ---         ----
                                                1.86 -
    Adjusted diluted earnings per share   $       1.89        $1.71
                                        ===    =======        =====

We believe that the presentation of adjusted diluted earnings per share, which excludes loss on extinguishment of debt, restructuring charges and costs to achieve synergies and loss on the disposition of assets and impairments, net provides an understanding of operational activities before the financial impact of certain items. We use this measure, and believe investors will find it helpful, in understanding the ongoing performance of our operations separate from items that have a disproportionate impact on our results for a particular period. Comparable charges and costs have been incurred in prior periods, and similar types of adjustments can reasonably be expected to be recorded in future periods. Our definition of adjusted diluted earnings per share may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

Adjusted Free Cash Flow

We define adjusted free cash flow, which is not a measure determined in accordance with GAAP, as cash provided by operating activities, less property and equipment received, plus proceeds from sales of property and equipment, plus merger related expenditures, net of tax, plus tax settlement payments related to BFI risk management companies, plus divestiture related tax payments. Our anticipated adjusted free cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2011 and our actual adjusted free cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2010 are calculated as follows:


                                           (Anticipated)      (Actual)
                                                Year            Year
                                               Ended           Ended
                                            December 31,    December 31,
                                                      2011          2010
                                                      ----          ----

                                                   1,595 -
    Cash provided by operating activities   $        1,620      $1,433.7
    Property and equipment received                   (750)       (848.6)
    Proceeds from sales of property and
     equipment                                          15          37.4
    Merger related expenditures, net of
     tax                                                 -          20.2
    Tax settlement related to BFI risk
     management companies                               15         110.6
    Divestiture related tax payments                     -          23.0

    Adjusted free cash flow                 $    875 - 900        $776.3
                                          ===    =========        ======

Purchases of property and equipment as reflected on our consolidated statements of cash flows represent amounts paid during the period for such expenditures. A reconciliation of property and equipment reflected on our consolidated statements of cash flows to property and equipment received during the period is as follows:


                                               (Anticipated)    (Actual)
                                                    Year          Year
                                                   Ended         Ended
                                                December 31,  December 31,
                                                        2011        2010
                                                        ----        ----

    Purchases of property and equipment
     per the unaudited                                  $870      $794.7
         consolidated statements of cash flows
    Adjustments for property and equipment
     received during the                                (120)       53.9
         prior period but paid for in the
          following period, net                         ----        ----
    Property and equipment received during
     the period                                         $750      $848.6
                                                        ====      ======

We believe that the presentation of adjusted free cash flow provides useful information regarding our recurring cash provided by operating activities after expenditures for property and equipment received, plus proceeds from sales of property and equipment, plus merger related expenditures, net of tax, plus tax settlement payments related to BFI risk management companies, plus divestiture related tax payments. It also demonstrates our ability to execute our financial strategy and is a key metric we use to determine compensation. The presentation of adjusted free cash flow has material limitations. Adjusted free cash flow does not represent our cash flow available for discretionary expenditures because it excludes certain expenditures that are required or that we have committed such as debt service requirements and dividend payments. Our definition of adjusted free cash flow may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

INFORMATION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This document contains certain forward-looking information about us that is intended to be covered by the safe harbor for “forward-looking statements” provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Words such as “guidance,” “expect,” “will,” “may,” “anticipate,” “could,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include statements about our plans, strategies and prospects. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that the expectations will prove to be correct. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements are:

  • the impact on us of our substantial post-merger indebtedness, including on our ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms to finance our operations and growth strategy and to operate within the limitations imposed by financing arrangements;
  • general economic and market conditions, including the current global economic and financial market crisis, inflation and changes in commodity pricing, fuel, labor, risk and health insurance and other variable costs that are generally not within our control, and our exposure to credit and counterparty risk;
  • whether our estimates and assumptions concerning our selected balance sheet accounts, income tax accounts, final capping, closure, post-closure and remediation costs, available airspace, and projected costs and expenses related to our landfills and property and equipment (including our estimates of the fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired in our acquisition of Allied), and labor, fuel rates and economic and inflationary trends, turn out to be correct or appropriate;
  • competition and demand for services in the solid waste industry;
  • the fact that price increases to our customers may not be adequate to offset the impact of increased costs, including labor, third-party disposal and fuel, and may cause us to lose volume;
  • our ability to manage growth and execute our growth strategy;
  • our compliance with, and future changes in, environmental and flow control regulations and our ability to obtain approvals from regulatory agencies in connection with operating and expanding our landfills;
  • our ability to retain our investment grade ratings for our debt;
  • our dependence on key personnel;
  • our dependence on large, long-term collection, transfer and disposal contracts;
  • our business is capital intensive and may consume cash in excess of cash flow from operations;
  • any exposure to environmental liabilities, to the extent not adequately covered by insurance, could result in substantial expenses;
  • risks associated with undisclosed liabilities of acquired businesses;
  • risks associated with pending and future legal proceedings, including litigation, audits or investigations brought by or before any governmental body;
  • severe weather conditions, which could impair our financial results by causing increased costs, loss of revenue, reduced operational efficiency or disruptions to our operations;
  • compliance with existing and future legal and regulatory requirements, including limitations or bans on disposal of certain types of wastes or on the transportation of waste, which could limit our ability to conduct or grow our business, increase our costs to operate or require additional capital expenditures;
  • workforce factors, including potential increases in our costs if we are required to provide additional funding to any multi-employer pension plan to which we contribute and the negative impact on our operations of union organizing campaigns, work stoppages or labor shortages;
  • the negative effect that trends toward requiring recycling, waste reduction at the source and prohibiting the disposal of certain types of wastes could have on volumes of waste going to landfills;
  • changes by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other accounting regulatory bodies to generally accepted accounting principles or policies; and
  • acts of war, riots or terrorism, including the events taking place in the Middle East and the continuing war on terrorism, as well as actions taken or to be taken by the United States or other governments as a result of further acts or threats of terrorism, and the impact of these acts on economic, financial and social conditions in the United States.

The risks included here are not exhaustive. Refer to “Part I, Item 1A — Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 for further discussion regarding our exposure to risks. Additionally, new risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all such risk factors, or to assess the impact such risk factors might have on our business or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except to the extent required by applicable law or regulation, we undertake no obligation to update or publish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

SOURCE Republic Services, Inc.


Source: newswire