UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010

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

CORRECTIONS CORPORATION OF AMERICA

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

MARYLAND		62-1763875
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

10 BURTON HILLS BLVD., NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37215
(Address and zip code of principal executive office)

Title of each class		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.01 par value per share		New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15 (d) of the Act. Yes o No þ

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 þ 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 preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

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

Large accelerated filer þ		Accelerated filer o		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 Act.). Yes o No þ

The aggregate market value of the shares of the registrant’s Common Stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $2,085,120,098 as of June 30, 2010, based on the closing price of such shares on the New York Stock Exchange on that day. The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding on February 17, 2011 was 109,169,428.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, currently scheduled to be held on May 12, 2011, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

CORRECTIONS CORPORATION OF AMERICA
FORM 10-K
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item No.		Page
PART I
1. Business
Overview			5
Operations			5
Facility Portfolio			7
Business Development			13
Competitive Strengths			14
Business Strategy			15
Capital Strategy			16
The Corrections and Detention Industry			17
Government Regulation			18
Insurance			19
Employees			20
Competition			20
1A. Risk Factors			21
1B. Unresolved Staff Comments			31
2. Properties			31
3. Legal Proceedings			31
4. (Removed and Reserved)			31
PART II
5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities			32
Market Price of and Distributions on Capital Stock			32
Dividend Policy			32
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities			33
6. Selected Financial Data			34
7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			36
Overview			36
Critical Accounting Policies			38
Results of Operations			39
Liquidity and Capital Resources			57
Inflation			62
Seasonality and Quarterly Results			62
7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk			62
8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data			63
9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure			63
9A. Controls and Procedures			63
9B. Other Information			67
PART III
10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance			67
11. Executive Compensation			67
12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters			67
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence			68
14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services			68
PART IV
15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules			69
SIGNATURES
Exhibit 10.29
Exhibit 10.37
Exhibit 21
Exhibit 23.1
Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32.1
Exhibit 32.2
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains statements that are forward-looking statements as defined within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations of forecasts of future events. All statements other than statements of current or historical fact contained in this Annual Report, including statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy, budgets, projected costs, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “projects,” “will,” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our current plans and actual future activities, and our results of operations may be materially different from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. In particular these include, among other things, statements relating to:

•

general economic and market conditions, including the impact governmental budgets can have on our per diem rates and occupancy;

•

fluctuations in our operating results because of, among other things, changes in occupancy levels, competition, increases in costs of operations, fluctuations in interest rates, and risks of operations;

•

changes in the privatization of the corrections and detention industry and the public acceptance of our services;

•

our ability to obtain and maintain correctional facility management contracts, including as the result of sufficient governmental appropriations, inmate disturbances, and the timing of the opening of new facilities and the commencement of new management contracts as well as our ability to utilize current available beds and new capacity as development and expansion projects are completed;

•

increases in costs to develop or expand correctional facilities that exceed original estimates, or the inability to complete such projects on schedule as a result of various factors, many of which are beyond our control, such as weather, labor conditions, and material shortages, resulting in increased construction costs;

•

changes in government policy and in legislation and regulation of the corrections and detention industry that adversely affect our business including, but not limited to, judicial challenges regarding the transfer of California inmates to out-of-state private correctional facilities; and

•

the availability of debt and equity financing on terms that are favorable to us.

Any or all of our forward-looking statements in this Annual Report may turn out to be inaccurate. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks, uncertainties and assumptions described in “Risk Factors.”

In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this Annual Report may not occur and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. When you consider these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in this Annual Report, including in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business.”

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this Annual Report.

PART I.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

Overview

We are the nation’s largest owner and operator of privatized correctional and detention facilities and one of the largest prison operators in the United States behind only the federal government and three states. We currently operate 66 correctional and detention facilities, including 45 facilities that we own, with a total design capacity of approximately 90,000 beds in 19 states and the District of Columbia. We are also constructing an additional 1,124-bed correctional facility in Millen, Georgia under a contract awarded by the Georgia Department of Corrections. The facility, which we will own, is currently expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2012. We also own two additional correctional facilities that we lease to third-party operators.

We specialize in owning, operating, and managing prisons and other correctional facilities and providing inmate residential and prisoner transportation services for governmental agencies. In addition to providing the fundamental residential services relating to inmates, our facilities offer a variety of rehabilitation and educational programs, including basic education, religious services, life skills and employment training and substance abuse treatment. These services are intended to help reduce recidivism and to prepare inmates for their successful reentry into society upon their release. We also provide health care (including medical, dental, and psychiatric services), food services, and work and recreational programs.

Our website address is www.cca.com. We make our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), available on our website, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after these reports are filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Information contained on our website is not part of this Annual Report.

Operations

Management and Operation of Correctional and Detention Facilities

Our customers consist of federal, state, and local correctional and detention authorities. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, federal correctional and detention authorities represented 43%, 40%, and 41%, respectively, of our total revenue. Federal correctional and detention authorities primarily consist of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, or the BOP, the United States Marshals Service, or the USMS, and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.

Our management services contracts typically have terms of three to five years and contain multiple renewal options. Most of our facility contracts also contain clauses that allow the government agency to terminate the contract at any time without cause, and our contracts are generally subject to annual or bi-annual legislative appropriations of funds.

We are compensated for operating and managing facilities at an inmate per diem rate based upon actual or minimum guaranteed occupancy levels. Occupancy rates for a particular facility are typically low when first opened or immediately following an expansion. However, beyond the start-up period, which typically ranges from 90 to 180 days, the occupancy rate tends to stabilize. For the years 2010, 2009, and 2008, the average compensated occupancy of our facilities, based on rated capacity, was 90.2%, 90.6%, and 95.5%, respectively, for all of the facilities we owned or managed, exclusive of facilities where operations have been discontinued.

As of December 31, 2010, we had approximately 11,700 unoccupied beds in inventory at facilities that had availability of 100 or more beds, and an additional 1,124 beds under development. Of those, 1,200 beds are under guaranteed contracts with existing customers, leaving us with 11,600 beds available. We have staff throughout the organization actively engaged in marketing this available capacity to existing and prospective customers. Historically, we have been successful in substantially filling our inventory of available beds and the beds that we have constructed. Filling these available beds would provide substantial growth in revenues, cash flow, and earnings per share. However, we can provide no assurance that we will be able to fill our available beds.

Operating Procedures

Pursuant to the terms of our management contracts, we are responsible for the overall operations of our facilities, including staff recruitment, general administration of the facilities, facility maintenance, security, and supervision of the offenders. We are required by our contracts to maintain certain levels of insurance coverage for general liability, workers’ compensation, vehicle liability, and property loss or damage. We are also required to indemnify the contracting agencies for claims and costs arising out of our operations and, in certain cases, to maintain performance bonds and other collateral requirements. Approximately 85% of the facilities we operated at December 31, 2010 were accredited by the American Correctional Association Commission on Accreditation. The American Correctional Association, or ACA, is an independent organization comprised of corrections professionals that establish accreditation standards for correctional and detention institutions.

We provide a variety of rehabilitative and educational programs at our facilities. Inmates at most facilities we manage may receive basic education through academic programs designed to improve literacy levels and the opportunity to acquire GED certificates. We also offer vocational training to inmates who lack marketable job skills. Our craft vocational training programs are accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research. This organization provides training curriculum and establishes industry standards for over 4,000 construction and trade organizations in the United States and several foreign countries. In addition, we offer life skills transition-planning programs that provide inmates with job search skills, health education, financial responsibility training, parenting training, and other skills associated with becoming productive citizens. At many of our facilities, we also offer counseling, education and/or treatment to inmates with alcohol and drug abuse problems through our “Strategies for Change” and Residential Drug Addictions Treatment Program, or RDAP. Equally significant, we offer cognitive behavioral programs aimed at changing the anti-social attitudes and behaviors of offenders, and faith-based and religious programs that offer all offenders the opportunity to practice their spiritual beliefs. These programs incorporate the use of thousands of volunteers, along with our staff, that assist in providing guidance, direction, and post-incarceration services to offenders. We believe these programs help reduce recidivism.

We operate our facilities in accordance with both company and facility-specific policies and procedures. The policies and procedures reflect the high standards generated by a number of sources, including the ACA, The Joint Commission, the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, federal, state, and local government guidelines, established correctional procedures, and company-wide policies and procedures that may exceed these guidelines. Outside agency standards, such as those established by the ACA, provide us with the industry’s most widely accepted operational guidelines. Our facilities not only operate under these established standards (we have sought and received accreditation for 56 of the facilities we operated as of December 31, 2010) but are consistently challenged by management to exceed these standards. This challenge is presented, in large part, through an extensive, comprehensive Quality Assurance Program. We intend to apply for ACA accreditation for all of our eligible facilities that are not currently accredited where it is economically feasible to complete the 18-24 month accreditation process.

Our Quality Assurance Department independently operates under the auspices of, and reports directly to, the Company’s Office of General Counsel. The Quality Assurance Department consists of two major sections. The first is the Research and Analysis Section, which collects and analyzes performance metrics across multiple databases. Through rigorous reporting and analyses of comprehensive, comparative statistics across disciplines, divisions, business units and the Company as a whole, the Research and Analysis Section provides timely, independently generated performance and trend data to senior management. The second major section within the Quality Assurance Department is the Operational Audit Section. This section consists of two full time audit teams comprised of subject matter experts from all the major discipline areas within institutional operations. Routinely, these two audit teams conduct rigorous, on site annual evaluations of each facility we operate with no advance notice. Highly specialized, discipline specific audit tools, containing over 1,600 audited items across eleven major operational areas, are employed in this detailed, comprehensive process. The results of these on site evaluations are used to discern areas of strength and areas in need of management attention. The audit findings also comprise a major part of our continuous operational risk assessment and management process. The Company has devoted significant resources to the Quality Assurance Department, enabling us to monitor compliance with contractual requirements, outside agency and accrediting organization standards. Quality Assurance closely monitors all efforts by our facilities to deliver the exceptional quality of services and operations expected.

Prisoner Transportation Services

We currently provide transportation services to governmental agencies through our wholly-owned subsidiary, TransCor America, LLC, or TransCor. During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, TransCor generated total consolidated revenue of $4.0 million, $4.0 million, and $6.9 million, respectively, comprising 0.2%, 0.2%, and 0.4% of our total consolidated revenue in each respective year. We believe TransCor provides a complementary service to our core business that enables us to respond quickly to our customers’ transportation needs.

Facility Portfolio

General

Our facilities can generally be classified according to the level(s) of security at such facility. Minimum security facilities have open housing within an appropriately designed and patrolled institutional perimeter. Medium security facilities have either cells, rooms or dormitories, a secure perimeter, and some form of external patrol. Maximum security facilities have cells, a secure perimeter, and external patrol. Multi-security facilities have various areas encompassing minimum, medium or maximum security. Non-secure facilities are facilities having open housing that inhibit movement by their design. Secure facilities are facilities having cells, rooms, or dormitories, a secure perimeter, and some form of external patrol.

Our facilities can also be classified according to their primary function. The primary functional categories are:

•

Correctional Facilities. Correctional facilities house and provide contractually agreed upon programs and services to sentenced adult prisoners, typically prisoners on whom a sentence in excess of one year has been imposed.

	•		Detention Facilities. Detention facilities house and provide contractually agreed upon programs and services to (i) prisoners being detained by ICE, (ii) prisoners who are awaiting trial who have been charged with violations of federal criminal law (and are therefore in the custody of the USMS) or state criminal law, and (iii) prisoners who have been convicted of crimes and on whom a sentence of one year or less has been imposed.
	•		Leased Facilities. Leased facilities are facilities that we own but do not manage, that are leased to third-party operators.

Facilities and Facility Management Contracts

We own 47 correctional and detention facilities in 14 states and the District of Columbia, two of which we lease to third-party operators. We also own two corporate office buildings. Additionally, we currently manage 21 correctional and detention facilities owned by government agencies. The segment disclosures are included in Note 17 of the Notes to the Financial Statements. The following table sets forth all of the facilities that we currently (i) own and manage, (ii) own, but are leased to another operator, and (iii) manage but are owned by a government authority. The table includes certain information regarding each facility, including the term of the primary management contract related to such facility, or, in the case of facilities we own but lease to a third-party operator, the term of such lease. We have a number of management contracts and leases that expire in 2011 (or have expired) with no remaining renewal options. We continue to operate, and, unless otherwise noted, expect to continue to manage or lease these facilities, although we can provide no assurance that we will maintain our contracts to manage or lease these facilities or when new contracts will be renewed.

Remaining

Primary

Design

Security

Facility

Renewal

Facility Name

Customer

Capacity (A)

Level

Type (B)

Term

Options (C)

Owned and Managed Facilities:

Central Arizona Detention Center Florence, Arizona

USMS

2,304

Multi

Detention

September 2013

(3) 5 year

Eloy Detention Center Eloy, Arizona

ICE

1,500

Medium

Detention

Indefinite

—

Florence Correctional Center Florence, Arizona

USMS

1,824

Multi

Detention

September 2013

(3) 5 year

La Palma Correctional Center Eloy, Arizona

State of California

3,060

Medium

Correctional

June 2013

Indefinite

Red Rock Correctional Center Eloy, Arizona

State of California

1,596

Medium

Correctional

June 2013

Indefinite

Saguaro Correctional Facility Eloy, Arizona

State of Hawaii

1,896

Medium

Correctional

June 2011

—

California City Correctional Center California City, California

Office of the Federal Detention Trustee

2,304

Medium

Correctional

September 2025

—

San Diego Correctional Facility (D) San Diego, California

ICE

1,154

Minimum/ Medium

Detention

June 2011

(4) 3 year

Bent County Correctional Facility Las Animas, Colorado

State of Colorado

1,420

Medium

Correctional

June 2011

—

Crowley County Correctional Facility Olney Springs, Colorado

State of Colorado

1,794

Medium

Correctional

June 2011

—

Huerfano County Correctional Center (E) Walsenburg, Colorado

—

752

Medium

Correctional

—

—

Remaining

Primary

Design

Security

Facility

Renewal

Facility Name

Customer

Capacity (A)

Level

Type (B)

Term

Options (C)

Kit Carson Correctional Center Burlington, Colorado

State of Colorado

1,488

Medium

Correctional

June 2011

—

Coffee Correctional Facility (F) Nicholls, Georgia

State of Georgia

2,312

Medium

Correctional

June 2011

(23) 1 year

McRae Correctional Facility McRae, Georgia

BOP

1,524

Medium

Correctional

November 2011

(1) 1 year

Stewart Detention Center Lumpkin, Georgia

ICE

1,752

Medium

Detention

Indefinite

—

Wheeler Correctional Facility (F) Alamo, Georgia

State of Georgia

2,312

Medium

Correctional

June 2011

(23) 1 year

Leavenworth Detention Center Leavenworth, Kansas

USMS

1,033

Maximum

Detention

December 2011

(3) 5 year

Lee Adjustment Center Beattyville, Kentucky

State of Vermont

816

Minimum/ Medium

Correctional

June 2011

—

Marion Adjustment Center St. Mary, Kentucky

Commonwealth of Kentucky

826

Minimum/ Medium

Correctional

June 2011

(1) 2 year

Otter Creek Correctional Center (G) Wheelwright, Kentucky

Commonwealth of Kentucky

656

Minimum/ Medium

Correctional

June 2012

(1) 1 year (1) 2 year

Prairie Correctional Facility (H) Appleton, Minnesota

—

1,600

Medium

Correctional

—

—

Adams County Correctional Center Adams County, Mississippi

BOP

2,232

Medium

Correctional

July 2013

(3) 2 year

Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility (I) Tutwiler, Mississippi

State of California

2,672

Medium

Correctional

June 2013

Indefinite

Crossroads Correctional Center (J) Shelby, Montana

State of Montana

664

Multi

Correctional

August 2011

(4) 2 year

Nevada Southern Detention Center Pahrump, Nevada

Office of the Federal Detention Trustee

1,072

Medium

Detention

September 2015

(3) 5 year

Cibola County Corrections Center Milan, New Mexico

BOP

1,129

Medium

Correctional

September 2014

(3) 2 year

New Mexico Women’s Correctional Facility Grants, New Mexico

State of New Mexico

596

Multi

Correctional

June 2013

—

Torrance County Detention Facility Estancia, New Mexico

USMS

910

Multi

Detention

Indefinite

—

Northeast Ohio Correctional Center Youngstown, Ohio

BOP

2,016

Medium

Correctional

May 2011

(2) 2 year

Queensgate Correctional Facility (K) Cincinnati, Ohio

—

850

Medium

—

—

—

Cimarron Correctional Facility (L) Cushing, Oklahoma

State of Oklahoma

1,692

Medium

Correctional

June 2011

(3) 1 year

Remaining

Primary

Design

Security

Facility

Renewal

Facility Name

Customer

Capacity (A)

Level

Type (B)

Term

Options (C)

Davis Correctional Facility (L) Holdenville, Oklahoma

State of Oklahoma

1,670

Medium

Correctional

June 2011

(3) 1 year

Diamondback Correctional Facility (E) Watonga, Oklahoma

—

2,160

Medium

Correctional

—

—

North Fork Correctional Facility Sayre, Oklahoma

State of California

2,400

Medium

Correctional

June 2013

Indefinite

West Tennessee Detention Facility Mason, Tennessee

USMS

600

Multi

Detention

September 2011

(9) 2 year

Shelby Training Center Memphis, Tennessee

—

200

Secure

—

—

—

Whiteville Correctional Facility (M) Whiteville, Tennessee

State of Tennessee

1,536

Medium

Correctional

June 2011

(1) 1 year

Bridgeport Pre-Parole Transfer Facility Bridgeport, Texas

State of Texas

200

Medium

Correctional

August 2011

—

Eden Detention Center Eden, Texas

BOP

1,422

Medium

Correctional

April 2011

(3) 2 year

Houston Processing Center Houston, Texas

ICE

1,000

Medium

Detention

March 2011

(3) 1 year

Laredo Processing Center Laredo, Texas

ICE

258

Minimum/ Medium

Detention

June 2011

—

Webb County Detention Center Laredo, Texas

USMS

480

Medium

Detention

November 2012

(1) 5 year

Mineral Wells Pre-Parole Transfer Facility Mineral Wells, Texas

State of Texas

2,103

Minimum

Correctional

August 2011

—

T. Don Hutto Residential Center Taylor, Texas

ICE

512

Non-Secure

Detention

January 2015

Indefinite

D.C. Correctional Treatment Facility (N) Washington, D.C.

District of Columbia

1,500

Medium

Detention

March 2017

—

Managed Only Facilities:

Bay Correctional Facility Panama City, Florida

State of Florida

985

Medium

Correctional

July 2013

(2) 2 year

Citrus County Detention Facility Lecanto, Florida

Citrus County, Florida

760

Multi

Detention

September 2015

Indefinite

Graceville Correctional Facility Graceville, Florida

State of Florida

1,884

Minimum/ Medium

Correctional

September 2013

(2) 2 year

Lake City Correctional Facility Lake City, Florida

State of Florida

893

Secure

Correctional

June 2012

Indefinite

Moore Haven Correctional Facility Moore Haven, Florida

State of Florida

985

Minimum/Medium

Correctional

July 2013

(2) 2 year

North Georgia Detention Center Hall County, Georgia

ICE

502

Medium

Detention

March 2014

Indefinite

Remaining

Primary

Design

Security

Facility

Renewal

Facility Name

Customer

Capacity (A)

Level

Type (B)

Term

Options (C)

Idaho Correctional Center Boise, Idaho

State of Idaho

2,016

Multi

Correctional

June 2014

(2) 2 year

Marion County Jail Indianapolis, Indiana

Marion County, Indiana

1,030

Multi

Detention

December 2017

(1) 10 year

Winn Correctional Center Winnfield, Louisiana

State of Louisiana

1,538

Medium/ Maximum

Correctional

June 2020

—

Delta Correctional Facility Greenwood, Mississippi

State of Mississippi

1,172

Minimum/Medium

Correctional

July 2011

—

Wilkinson County Correctional Facility Woodville, Mississippi

State of Mississippi

1,000

Medium

Correctional

June 2011

(4) 1 year

Elizabeth Detention Center Elizabeth, New Jersey

ICE

300

Minimum

Detention

September 2011

(4) 3 year

Silverdale Facilities Chattanooga, Tennessee

Hamilton County, Tennessee

1,046

Multi

Detention

December 2010

—

South Central Correctional Center Clifton, Tennessee

State of Tennessee

1,676

Medium

Correctional

June 2012

Metro-Davidson County Detention Facility Nashville, Tennessee

Davidson County, Tennessee

1,092

Multi

Detention

July 2014

—

Hardeman County Correctional Facility Whiteville, Tennessee

State of Tennessee

2,016

Medium

Correctional

May 2012

(2) 3 year

Bartlett State Jail Bartlett, Texas

State of Texas

1,049

Minimum/ Medium

Correctional

August 2013

(2) 2 year

Bradshaw State Jail Henderson, Texas

State of Texas

1,980

Minimum/ Medium

Correctional

August 2013

(2) 2 year

Dawson State Jail Dallas, Texas

State of Texas

2,216

Minimum/ Medium

Correctional

August 2013

(2) 2 year

Lindsey State Jail Jacksboro, Texas

State of Texas

1,031

Minimum/ Medium

Correctional

August 2013

(2) 2 year

Willacy State Jail Raymondville, Texas

State of Texas

1,069

Minimum/ Medium

Correctional

August 2013

(2) 2 year

Leased Facilities:

Leo Chesney Correctional Center Live Oak, California

Cornell Corrections

240

Minimum

Owned/Leased

September 2015

—

Community Education Partners (O) Houston, Texas

Community Education Partners

—

Non-secure

Owned/Leased

June 2014

—

Facilities Under Construction or Development

In September 2010, we announced that we were awarded a contract by the Georgia Department of Corrections to manage up to 1,150 male inmates in the Jenkins Correctional Center, which will be constructed, owned and operated by us in Millen, Georgia. We commenced development of the new Jenkins Correctional Center during the third quarter of 2010, with an estimated total construction cost of approximately $57.0 million. Construction is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2012. The contract has an initial one-year base term with 24 one-year renewal options. Additionally the contract provides for a population guarantee of 90% following a 120-day ramp-up period.

In early 2008, we also announced our intention to construct a new 2,040-bed correctional facility in Trousdale County, Tennessee. However, during the first quarter of 2009, we temporarily suspended the construction of this facility until we have greater clarity around the timing of future bed absorption by our customers. We will continue to monitor our customers’ needs, and could promptly resume construction of the facility.

Business Development

We are currently the nation’s largest provider of outsourced correctional management services. We believe we manage approximately 45% of all beds under contract with private operators of correctional and detention facilities in the United States. Under the direction of our business development department and our senior management and with the aid, where appropriate, of certain independent consultants, we market our services to government agencies responsible for federal, state, and local correctional facilities in the United States.

Business from our federal customers, including primarily the BOP, USMS, and ICE, continues to be a significant component of our business accounting for 43%, 40%, and 41% of total revenue in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. The BOP, USMS, and ICE, along with the State of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (“CDCR”), were our only customers that accounted for 10% or more of our total revenue during these years. The BOP accounted for 15%, 13%, and 13% of total revenue for 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. The USMS accounted for 16%, 15%, and 14% of total revenue for 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. ICE accounted for 12%, 12%, and 13% of total revenue for 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. Certain federal contracts contain “take-or-pay” clauses that guarantee us a certain amount of management revenue, regardless of occupancy levels.

Business from our state customers, which constituted 50%, 52%, and 51% of total revenue during 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively, decreased 1.3% from $849.3 million during 2009 to $838.5 million during 2010, as certain states, such as the states of Arizona, Washington, and Minnesota, added additional bed capacity within their respective states and reduced the number of inmates housed in facilities we operate, while other states have reduced inmate populations in an effort to control their costs and alleviate their extraordinary budget challenges. Partially offsetting these reductions in state revenues, we continued to receive additional inmates from the state of California throughout 2009 and 2010 as they have turned to the private sector to help alleviate their overcrowded correctional system. The CDCR accounted for 13%, 11%, and 6% of total revenue for 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

We believe that we can further develop our business by, among other things:

	•		Maintaining and expanding our existing customer relationships and continuing to fill existing beds within our facilities, while maintaining an adequate inventory of available beds through new facility construction and expansion opportunities that we believe provides us with flexibility and a competitive advantage when bidding for new management contracts;
	•		Enhancing the terms of our existing contracts; and
	•		Establishing relationships with new customers who have either previously not outsourced their correctional management needs or have utilized other private enterprises.

We generally receive inquiries from or on behalf of government agencies that are considering outsourcing the management of certain facilities or that have already decided to contract with a private enterprise. When we receive such an inquiry, we determine whether there is an existing need for our services and whether the legal and political climate in which the inquiring party operates is conducive to serious consideration of outsourcing. Based on the findings, an initial cost analysis is conducted to further determine project feasibility.

Frequently, government agencies responsible for correctional and detention services procure goods and services through solicitations or competitive procurements. As part of our process of responding to such requests, members of our management team meet with the appropriate personnel from the agency making the request to best determine the agency’s needs. If the project fits within our strategy, we submit a written response. A typical solicitation or competitive procurement requires bidders to provide detailed information, including, but not limited to, the service to be provided by the bidder, its experience and qualifications, and the price at which the bidder is willing to provide the services (which services may include the renovation, improvement or expansion of an existing facility or the planning, design and construction of a new facility). The requesting agency selects a firm believed to be most qualified to provide the requested services and then negotiates the terms of the contract with that firm, which terms include the price at which its services are to be provided.

Competitive Strengths

We believe that we benefit from the following competitive strengths:

The Largest and Most Recognized Private Prison Operator. Our recognition as the industry’s leading private prison operator provides us with significant credibility with our current and prospective clients. We believe we manage approximately 45% of all privately managed prison beds in the United States. We pioneered modern-day private prisons with a list of notable accomplishments, such as being the first company to design, build, and operate a private prison and the first company to manage a private maximum-security facility under a direct contract with the federal government. In addition to providing us with extensive experience and institutional knowledge, our size also helps us deliver value to our customers by providing purchasing power and allowing us to achieve certain economies of scale.

Available Beds within Our Existing Facilities. As of December 31, 2010, we had approximately 11,700 unoccupied beds in facilities that had availability of 100 or more beds, and an additional 1,124 beds under construction. Of these, approximately 1,200 beds are under guaranteed contracts with existing customers, leaving us with 11,600 beds available. We have staff throughout the organization actively engaged in marketing this available capacity to existing and prospective customers. Historically, we have been successful in substantially filling our inventory of available beds and the beds that we have constructed. Filling these available beds would provide substantial growth in revenues, cash flow, and earnings per share. However, we can provide no assurance that we will be able to fill our available beds.

Development and Expansion Opportunities. Although the demand for prison beds in the short term has been and could continue to be affected by the severe budget challenges many of our customers currently face, these challenges put further pressure on our customers’ ability to construct new prison beds of their own, which we believe could result in further reliance on the private sector for providing the capacity we believe our customers will need in the long term. We will continue to pursue build-to-suit opportunities like the aforementioned 1,124-bed Jenkins Correctional Center that we are constructing for the state of Georgia. In the long-term, we would like to see continued and meaningful utilization of our remaining capacity and better visibility from our customers before we add any additional capacity on a speculative basis.

Diverse, High Quality Customer Base. We provide services under management contracts with federal, state, and local agencies that generally have credit ratings of single-A or better. In addition, a majority of our contracts have terms between one and five years which contribute to our relatively predictable and stable revenue base.

Proven Senior Management Team. Our senior management team has applied their prior experience and diverse industry expertise to improve our operations, related financial results, and capital structure. Under our senior management team’s leadership, we have created new business opportunities with customers that have not previously utilized the private corrections sector, expanded relationships with existing customers, including all three federal correctional and detention agencies, and successfully completed numerous recapitalization and refinancing transactions, resulting in increases in revenues, operating income, facility operating margins, and profitability.

Financial Flexibility. As of December 31, 2010, we had cash on hand of $25.5 million and $228.2 million available (net of $13.9 million of unfunded borrowings and $1.1 million of letters of credit issued by Lehman Brothers Commercial Bank, which committed $15.0 million under our revolving credit facility, declared bankruptcy in 2008, and is no longer funding borrowing requests) under our $450.0 million revolving credit facility, and no debt maturities until December 2012. During the year ended December 31, 2010, we generated $255.5 million in cash through operating activities, and as of December 31, 2010, we had net working capital of $172.4 million. As a “well-known seasoned issuer”, as currently defined by the SEC, we have the ability to file a “shelf” registration statement that automatically becomes effective enabling us to issue debt and equity securities from time to time when we determine that market conditions and the opportunity to utilize the proceeds from the issuance of such securities are favorable.

At December 31, 2010, the interest rates on all our outstanding indebtedness were fixed, with the exception of the interest rate applicable to $178.0 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility, with a total weighted average effective interest rate of 6.5%, while our total weighted average debt maturity was 3.9 years. Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services currently rates our unsecured debt and corporate credit as “BB”, while Moody’s Investors Service currently rates our unsecured debt as “Ba2”. On September 17, 2009, Moody’s improved its outlook on our debt rating to positive from stable.

Business Strategy

Our primary business strategy is to provide quality corrections services, offer a compelling value, and increase occupancy and revenue, while maintaining our position as the leading owner, operator, and manager of privatized correctional and detention facilities. We will also consider opportunities for growth, including potential acquisitions of businesses within our line of business and those that provide complementary services, provided we believe such opportunities will broaden our market and/or increase the services we can provide to our government partners.

Own and Operate High Quality Correctional and Detention Facilities. We believe that our government partners choose an outsourced correctional service provider based primarily on availability of beds, price, and the quality services provided. Approximately 85% of the facilities we operated as of December 31, 2010 are accredited by the ACA, an independent organization of corrections industry professionals that establishes standards by which a correctional facility may gain accreditation. We believe that this percentage compares favorably to the percentage of government-operated adult prisons that are accredited by the ACA. We have experienced wardens managing our facilities, with an average of 25 years of corrections experience and an average tenure of 14 years with us.

Offer Compelling Value. We believe that our government partners also seek a compelling value and service offering when selecting an outsourced correctional services provider. We believe that we offer a cost-effective alternative to our government partners by reducing their correctional services costs while allowing them to avoid long-term pension obligations for their employees and large capital investments in new prison beds. We attempt to improve operating performance and efficiency through the following key operating initiatives: (1) standardizing supply and service purchasing practices and usage; (2) implementing a standard approach to staffing and business practices in an effort to reduce our fixed expenses; (3) improving inmate management, resource consumption, and reporting procedures through the utilization of numerous technological initiatives; and (4) improving productivity and reducing employee turnover. Recognizing the challenges we faced as a result of the economic downturn, our efforts to contain costs were intensified during 2009 and 2010, as we implemented a company-wide initiative to improve operating efficiencies, and established a framework for accelerating the process and ensuring continuous delivery over the long-term. Further, certain states have requested, and additional state customers could request, reductions in per diem rates or request that we forego prospective rate increases in the future as methods of addressing the budget shortfalls they may be experiencing. Accordingly, we established a customer response team to create unique solutions for our government partners to help them manage their correctional costs while minimizing the financial impact to us.

We also intend to continue to implement a wide variety of specialized services that address the unique needs of various segments of the inmate population. Because the facilities we operate differ with respect to security levels, ages, genders, and cultures of inmates, we focus on the particular needs of an inmate population and tailor our services based on local conditions and our ability to provide services on a cost-effective basis.

Increase Occupancy and Revenue. Our industry benefits from significant economies of scale, resulting in lower operating costs per inmate as occupancy rates increase. We believe we have been successful in increasing the number of residents in our care and continue to pursue a number of initiatives intended to further increase our occupancy and revenue. Our competitive cost structure offers prospective customers a compelling option for incarceration. The unique budgetary challenges states are facing may cause states to further rely on us to help reduce their costs, and also cause those states that have not previously utilized the private sector to turn to the private sector to help reduce their overall costs of incarceration. We are actively pursuing these opportunities. We are also focused on renewing and enhancing the terms of our existing contracts. However, we recognize that the budgetary constraints our state customers are experiencing will present challenges in obtaining per diem increases and additional inmate populations in the short-term. Nonetheless, we believe the long-term growth opportunities of our business remain very attractive as insufficient bed development by our customers should result in a return to the supply and demand imbalance that has been benefiting the private prison industry.

Capital Strategy

We believe the successes of our business and financing strategies have provided us with the financial flexibility to take advantage of various opportunities as they arise. During 2010, 2009, and 2008, we generated operating income of $323.1 million, $307.4 million, and $293.5 million, respectively.

During June 2009, we completed the sale and issuance of $465.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.75% unsecured senior notes pursuant to a prospectus supplement under an automatically effective shelf registration statement that we filed with the SEC on May 19, 2009. The 7.75% unsecured senior notes were issued at a price of 97.116%, resulting in a yield to maturity of 8.25%. We used the net proceeds from the sale of the 7.75% unsecured senior notes to purchase, redeem, or otherwise acquire our 7.5% unsecured senior notes, to pay fees and expenses, and for general corporate purposes. Replacing the 7.5% unsecured senior notes, which were scheduled to mature on May 1, 2011, with the 7.75% unsecured senior notes, which are scheduled to mature on June 1, 2017, extended our nearest debt maturity to December 2012.

As of December 31, 2010, we had $55.1 million in estimated costs remaining to complete the aforementioned 1,124-bed Jenkins Correctional Center. Further, certain of our customers have expressed an interest in pursuing additional bed capacity from third parties despite their budgetary challenges. We believe our debt refinancing provides us with more financial flexibility to take advantage of opportunities that may require additional capital.

As of December 31, 2010, we had cash on hand of $25.5 million and $228.2 million available under a $450 million senior secured revolving credit facility, which, based on our current leverage ratio, currently bears interest at a base rate or LIBOR plus a margin of 0.75%. None of our outstanding debt requires scheduled principal payments, and we have no debt maturities until December 2012. We believe we have ample access to additional capital and may issue debt or equity securities from time to time when we determine that market conditions and the opportunity to utilize the proceeds from the issuance of such securities are favorable. Such opportunities could include, but are not limited to, refinancing existing indebtedness, extending our average debt maturities in a favorable interest rate environment or taking advantage of build-to-suit opportunities that generate favorable investment returns.

In November 2008, our Board of Directors approved a program valid through December 31, 2009 to repurchase up to $150.0 million of our common stock through purchases from time to time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with SEC requirements. During 2008 and 2009, we purchased 10.7 million shares of common stock under the repurchase program for $125.0 million at an average price of $11.72 per share.

During February 2010, our Board of Directors approved another program to repurchase up to $250.0 million of our common stock through June 30, 2011. The program is essentially the same as the previous repurchase program, where purchases are made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with SEC requirements. Given current market conditions and available bed capacity within our portfolio, we believe that it is appropriate to use our capital resources to repurchase common stock at prices that would equal or exceed the rates of return we require when we invest in new beds. Through December 31, 2010, we completed the purchase of 7.1 million shares under the $250.0 million stock repurchase plan at a total cost of $145.7 million, or an average price of $20.41 per share. We believe we have the ability to fund the stock repurchase program as well as our capital expenditure requirements, including the construction projects under development, maintenance and information technology capital expenditures, working capital, and debt service requirements with cash on hand, cash from operating activities, and borrowings available under our revolving credit facility, while maintaining sufficient liquidity.

The Corrections and Detention Industry

We believe we are well-positioned to capitalize on government outsourcing of correctional management services because of our competitive strengths, business strategy, and financial flexibility. Notwithstanding the effects the current economy could have on our government partners’ demand for prison beds in the short term, we believe the long-term trends favor an increase in the outsourcing of correctional management services. The key reasons for this outsourcing trend include (unless otherwise noted, statistical references were obtained from the “Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin” issued by the U.S. Department of Justice in December 2010):

Growing United States Prison Population. At year-end 2009, federal and state correctional authorities had jurisdiction over 1.6 million prisoners. The annual growth rate of the federal and state prison population increased 0.2% for the year ended December 31, 2009, which was less than the average annual growth rate of 1.8% from 2000 to 2009. During 2009, the total number of prisoners under federal jurisdiction increased 3.4%, while state prison populations declined 0.2%. Federal agencies are collectively our largest customer and accounted for 43% of our total revenues (when aggregating all of our federal contracts) for the year ended December 31, 2010. The imprisonment rate—the number of sentenced prisoners per 100,000 residents—decreased slightly from 504 prisoners per 100,000 U.S. residents in 2008 to 502 prisoners per 100,000 U.S. residents in 2009.

Prison Overcrowding. The growth of the prison population in the United States over the past decade, combined with a lack of new prison capacity constructed by the public sector, has led to overcrowding in the state and federal prison systems. In 2009, at least 19 states and the federal prison system reported operating at or above their highest capacity measure. The federal prison system was operating at 36% above capacity at December 31, 2009.

Acceptance of Privatization. The prisoner population housed in privately managed facilities in the United States as of December 31, 2009 was approximately 129,000. At December 31, 2009, 16.4% of federal inmates and 6.8% of state inmates were held in private facilities. Since December 31, 2000, the number of federal inmates held in private facilities has increased approximately 120%, while the number of state inmates held in private facilities has increased approximately 33%. Nineteen states had at least 5% of their prison population held in private facilities at December 31, 2009. Six states housed at least 25% of their prison population in private facilities as of December 31, 2009 — New Mexico (43%), Montana (40%), Alaska (31%), Vermont (30%), Hawaii (28%), and Idaho (28%).

Governmental Budgeting Constraints. We believe the outsourcing of prison management services to private operators allows governments to manage increasing inmate populations while simultaneously controlling correctional costs and improving correctional services. The use of facilities owned and managed by private operators allows governments to expand prison capacity without incurring large capital commitments or debt required to increase correctional capacity. Outsourcing correctional services to private operators also enables government agencies to avoid costly long-term pension obligations. We believe these advantages translate into significant cost savings for government agencies.

Government Regulation

Business Regulations

The industry in which we operate is subject to extensive federal, state, and local regulations, including educational, health care, and safety regulations, which are administered by many governmental and regulatory authorities. Some of the regulations are unique to the corrections industry. Facility management contracts typically include reporting requirements, supervision, and on-site monitoring by representatives of the contracting governmental agencies. Corrections officers are customarily required to meet certain training standards and, in some instances, facility personnel are required to be licensed and subject to background investigation. Certain jurisdictions also require us to award subcontracts on a competitive basis or to subcontract with businesses owned by members of minority groups. Our facilities are also subject to operational and financial audits by the governmental agencies with which we have contracts. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in material penalties or non-renewal or termination of facility management contracts.

In addition, private prison managers are increasingly subject to government legislation and regulation attempting to restrict the ability of private prison managers to house certain types of inmates. Legislation has been enacted in several states, and has previously been proposed in the United States Congress, containing such restrictions. Although we do not believe that existing legislation will have a material adverse effect on us, there can be no assurance that future legislation would not have such an effect.

Environmental Matters

Under various federal, state, and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous or toxic substances on, under, or in such property. Such laws often impose liability whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. As an owner of correctional and detention facilities, we have been subject to these laws, ordinances, and regulations as the result of our operation and management of correctional and detention facilities. Phase I environmental assessments have been obtained on substantially all of the properties we currently own. We are not aware of any environmental matters that are expected to materially affect our financial condition or results of operations; however, if such matters are detected in the future, the costs of complying with environmental laws may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and Privacy and Security Requirements

In 1996, Congress enacted the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA. HIPAA was designed to improve the portability and continuity of health insurance coverage, simplify the administration of health insurance, and protect the privacy and security of health-related information.

Privacy regulations promulgated under HIPAA regulate the use and disclosure of individually identifiable health-related information, whether communicated electronically, on paper, or orally. The regulations also provide patients with significant rights related to understanding and controlling how their health information is used or disclosed. Security regulations promulgated under HIPAA require that health care providers implement administrative, physical, and technical practices to protect the security of individually identifiable health information that is maintained or transmitted electronically. These privacy and security regulations require the implementation of compliance training and awareness programs for our health care service providers associated with healthcare we provide to inmates and selected other employees primarily associated with our employee medical plans. Further, as required by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “ARRA”), the Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) issued interim breach notification regulations requiring HIPAA covered entities and their business associates to provide notification to affected individuals without unreasonable delay but not to exceed 60 days of discovery of a breach of unsecured protected health information. Notification must also be made to DHHS and, in certain situations involving large breaches, to the media.

Violations of the HIPAA regulations could result in significant civil and criminal penalties. Further, the ARRA provides for minimum penalties as well as increased maximum penalties and authorizes state attorneys general to bring civil actions for injunctions or damages in response to violations that threaten the privacy of state residents.

In addition, there are numerous legislative and regulatory initiatives at the federal and state levels addressing the privacy and security of patient health information and other identifying information. For example, federal and various state laws and regulations strictly regulate the disclosure of patient identifiable information related to substance abuse treatment. Further, various state laws and regulations require providers and other entities to notify affected individuals in the event of a data breach involving certain types of individually identifiable health or financial information, and these requirements may be more restrictive than the regulations issued under HIPAA and the ARRA. These statutes vary and could impose additional penalties.

Insurance

We maintain general liability insurance for all the facilities we operate, as well as insurance in amounts we deem adequate to cover property and casualty risks, workers’ compensation, and directors and officers liability. In addition, each of our leases with third parties provides that the lessee will maintain insurance on each leased property under the lessee’s insurance policies providing for the following coverages: (i) fire, vandalism, and malicious mischief, extended coverage perils, and all physical loss perils; (ii) comprehensive general public liability (including personal injury and property damage); and (iii) workers’ compensation. Under each of these leases, we have the right to periodically review our lessees’ insurance coverage and provide input with respect thereto.

Each of our management contracts and the statutes of certain states require the maintenance of insurance. We maintain various insurance policies including employee health, workers’ compensation, automobile liability, and general liability insurance. Because we are significantly self-insured for employee health, workers’ compensation, and automobile liability insurance, the amount of our insurance expense is dependent on claims experience, and our ability to control our claims experience. Our insurance policies contain various deductibles and stop-loss amounts intended to limit our exposure for individually significant occurrences. However, the nature of our self-insurance policies provides little protection for deterioration in overall claims experience or an increase in medical costs. We are continually developing strategies to improve the management of our future loss claims but can provide no assurance that these strategies will be successful. However, unanticipated additional insurance expenses resulting from adverse claims experience or an increasing cost environment for general liability and other types of insurance could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows.

Employees

As of December 31, 2010, we employed approximately 17,000 employees. Of such employees, approximately 370 were employed at our corporate offices and approximately 16,630 were employed at our facilities and in our inmate transportation business. We employ personnel in the following areas: clerical and administrative, facility administrators/wardens, security, medical, quality assurance, transportation and scheduling, maintenance, teachers, counselors, and other support services.

Each of the correctional and detention facilities we currently operate is managed as a separate operational unit by the facility administrator or warden. All of these facilities follow a standardized code of policies and procedures.

We have not experienced a strike or work stoppage at any of our facilities. Approximately 770 employees at three of our facilities are represented by labor unions. In the opinion of management, overall employee relations are good.

Competition

The correctional and detention facilities we operate and manage, as well as those facilities we own but are managed by other operators, are subject to competition for inmates from other private prison managers. We compete primarily on the basis of bed availability, cost, the quality and range of services offered, our experience in the operation and management of correctional and detention facilities, and our reputation. We compete with government agencies that are responsible for correctional facilities and a number of privatized correctional service companies, including, but not limited to, the GEO Group, Inc. and Management and Training Corporation. We also compete in some markets with small local companies that may have a better knowledge of the local conditions and may be better able to gain political and public acceptance. Other potential competitors may in the future enter into businesses competitive with us without a substantial capital investment or prior experience. We may also compete in the future for new development projects with companies that have more financial resources than we have. Competition by other companies may adversely affect the number of inmates at our facilities, which could have a material adverse effect on the operating revenue of our facilities. In addition, revenue derived from our facilities will be affected by a number of factors, including the demand for inmate beds, general economic conditions, and the age of the general population.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

As the owner and operator of correctional and detention facilities, we are subject to certain risks and uncertainties associated with, among other things, the corrections and detention industry and pending or threatened litigation in which we are involved. In addition, we are also currently subject to risks associated with our indebtedness. The risks and uncertainties set forth below could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements contained herein and elsewhere. The risks described below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or those we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business operations. Any of the following risks could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

Our results of operations are dependent on revenues generated by our jails, prisons, and detention facilities, which are subject to the following risks associated with the corrections and detention industry.

We are subject to fluctuations in occupancy levels. While a substantial portion of our cost structure is fixed, a substantial portion of our revenue is generated under facility management contracts that specify per diem payments based upon occupancy. Under a per diem rate structure, a decrease in our occupancy rates could cause a decrease in revenue and profitability. Average compensated occupancy for our facilities in operation for 2010, 2009, and 2008 was 90.2%, 90.6%, and 95.5%, respectively. Occupancy rates may, however, decrease below these levels in the future.

We are dependent on government appropriations and our results of operations may be negatively affected by governmental budgetary challenges. Our cash flow is subject to the receipt of sufficient funding of and timely payment by contracting governmental entities. If the appropriate governmental agency does not receive sufficient appropriations to cover its contractual obligations, it may terminate our contract or delay or reduce payment to us. Any delays in payment, or the termination of a contract, could have an adverse effect on our cash flow and financial condition. During 2009 and 2010, the state of California delayed payments of cash to us and in 2009 issued interest bearing warrants, also known as IOU’s. Although the state of California ultimately redeemed the warrants issued in 2009 for cash, if California were to resume issuing warrants or if several additional major customers substantially delayed their cash payments to us, our liquidity could be materially affected. In addition, federal, state and local governments are constantly under pressure to control additional spending or reduce current levels of spending. These pressures have been compounded by the current economic downturn. Accordingly, we have been requested and may be requested in the future to reduce our existing per diem contract rates or forego prospective increases to those rates. Further, our customers could reduce inmate population levels in facilities we manage to contain their correctional costs. In addition, it may become more difficult to renew our existing contracts on favorable terms or otherwise.

Competition for inmates may adversely affect the profitability of our business. We compete with government entities and other private operators on the basis of bed availability, cost, quality, and range of services offered, experience in managing facilities and reputation of management and personnel. While there are barriers to entering the market for the management of correctional and detention facilities, these barriers may not be sufficient to limit additional competition. In addition, our government customers may assume the management of a facility that they own and we currently manage for them upon the termination of the corresponding management contract or, if such customers have capacity at their facilities, may take inmates currently housed in our facilities and transfer them to government-run facilities. Since we are paid on a per diem basis with no minimum guaranteed occupancy under most of our contracts, the loss of such inmates and resulting decrease in occupancy would cause a decrease in our revenues and profitability.

Escapes, inmate disturbances, and public resistance to privatization of correctional and detention facilities could result in our inability to obtain new contracts or the loss of existing contracts. The operation of correctional and detention facilities by private entities has not achieved complete acceptance by either governments or the public. The movement toward privatization of correctional and detention facilities has also encountered resistance from certain groups, such as labor unions and others that believe that correctional and detention facilities should only be operated by governmental agencies.

Moreover, negative publicity about an escape, riot or other disturbance or perceived poor conditions at a privately managed facility may result in adverse publicity to us and the private corrections industry in general. Any of these occurrences or continued trends may make it more difficult for us to renew or maintain existing contracts or to obtain new contracts, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We are subject to termination or non-renewal of our government contracts. We typically enter into facility management contracts with governmental entities for terms of up to five years, with additional renewal periods at the option of the contracting governmental agency. Notwithstanding any contractual renewal option of a contracting governmental agency, 26 of our facility management contracts with the customers listed under “Business — Facility Portfolio — Facilities and Facility Management Contracts” have expired (1) or are currently scheduled to expire (25) on or before December 31, 2011. Although we generally expect these customers to exercise renewal options or negotiate new contracts with us, one or more of these contracts may not be renewed by the corresponding governmental agency. In addition, these and any other contracting agencies may determine not to exercise renewal options with respect to any of our contracts in the future.

We own and manage two facilities in Texas pursuant to management contracts that expire in August 2011, which are currently subject to a competitive procurement process. We have competitively bid on the continued management of these two facilities but cannot provide assurance that we will be successful in maintaining contracts at these two facilities. Total revenues at these two facilities represented less than 2% of our total revenue for 2010. Other than these specific contracts which we believe are reasonably possible to terminate, we believe we will renew all contracts that have expired or are scheduled to expire within the next twelve months. We believe our renewal rate on existing contracts remains high as a result of a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, the constrained supply of available beds within the U.S. correctional system, our ownership of the majority of the beds we operate, and the quality of our operations.

Governmental agencies typically may terminate a facility contract at any time without cause or use the possibility of termination to negotiate a lower per diem rate. In the event any of our management contracts are terminated or are not renewed on favorable terms or otherwise, we may not be able to obtain additional replacement contracts. The non-renewal or termination of any of our contracts with governmental agencies could materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity, including our ability to secure new facility management contracts from others.

Our ability to secure new contracts to develop and manage correctional and detention facilities depends on many factors outside our control. Our growth is generally dependent upon our ability to obtain new contracts to develop and manage new correctional and detention facilities. This possible growth depends on a number of factors we cannot control, including crime rates and sentencing patterns in various jurisdictions and acceptance of privatization. The demand for our facilities and services could be adversely affected by the relaxation of enforcement efforts, leniency in conviction or parole standards and sentencing practices or through the decriminalization of certain activities that are currently proscribed by our criminal laws. For instance, any changes with respect to drugs and controlled substances or illegal immigration could affect the number of persons arrested, convicted, and sentenced, thereby potentially reducing demand for correctional facilities to house them. Legislation has been proposed in numerous jurisdictions that could lower minimum sentences for some non-violent crimes and make more inmates eligible for early release based on good behavior. Also, sentencing alternatives under consideration could put some offenders on probation with electronic monitoring who would otherwise be incarcerated. Similarly, reductions in crime rates or resources dedicated to prevent and enforce crime could lead to reductions in arrests, convictions and sentences requiring incarceration at correctional facilities.

Moreover, certain jurisdictions recently have required successful bidders to make a significant capital investment in connection with the financing of a particular project, a trend that will require us to have sufficient capital resources to compete effectively. We may compete for such projects with companies that have more financial resources than we have. Further, we may not be able to obtain the capital resources when needed. A prolonged downturn in the financial credit markets could make it more difficult to obtain capital resources at favorable rates of return or obtain capital resources at all.

We may face community opposition to facility location, which may adversely affect our ability to obtain new contracts. Our success in obtaining new awards and contracts sometimes depends, in part, upon our ability to locate land that can be leased or acquired, on economically favorable terms, by us or other entities working with us in conjunction with our proposal to construct and/or manage a facility. Some locations may be in or near populous areas and, therefore, may generate legal action or other forms of opposition from residents in areas surrounding a proposed site. When we select the intended project site, we attempt to conduct business in communities where local leaders and residents generally support the establishment of a privatized correctional or detention facility. Future efforts to find suitable host communities may not be successful. We may incur substantial costs in evaluating the feasibility of the development of a correctional or detention facility. As a result, we may report significant charges if we decide to abandon efforts to develop a correctional or detention facility on a particular site. In many cases, the site selection is made by the contracting governmental entity. In such cases, site selection may be made for reasons related to political and/or economic development interests and may lead to the selection of sites that have less favorable environments.

We may incur significant start-up and operating costs on new contracts before receiving related revenues, which may impact our cash flows and not be recouped. When we are awarded a contract to manage a facility, we may incur significant start-up and operating expenses, including the cost of constructing the facility, purchasing equipment and staffing the facility, before we receive any payments under the contract. These expenditures could result in a significant reduction in our cash reserves and may make it more difficult for us to meet other cash obligations. In addition, a contract may be terminated prior to its scheduled expiration and as a result we may not recover these expenditures or realize any return on our investment.

Failure to comply with unique and increased governmental regulation could result in material penalties or non-renewal or termination of our contracts to manage correctional and detention facilities. The industry in which we operate is subject to extensive federal, state, and local regulations, including educational, health care, and safety regulations, which are administered by many regulatory authorities. Some of the regulations are unique to the corrections industry, some are unique to government contractors and the combination of regulations we face is unique. Facility management contracts typically include reporting requirements, supervision, and on-site monitoring by representatives of the contracting governmental agencies. Corrections officers are customarily required to meet certain training standards and, in some instances, facility personnel are required to be licensed and subject to background investigation. Certain jurisdictions also require us to award subcontracts on a competitive basis or to subcontract with certain types of businesses, such as small businesses and businesses owned by members of minority groups. Our facilities are also subject to operational and financial audits by the governmental agencies with whom we have contracts. New federal regulations also require federal government contractors like us to self-report evidence of certain forms of misconduct. We may not always successfully comply with these regulations, and failure to comply can result in material penalties, including financial penalties, non-renewal or termination of facility management contracts, and suspension or debarment from contracting with certain government entities.

In addition, private prison managers are increasingly subject to government legislation and regulation attempting to restrict the ability of private prison managers to house certain types of inmates, such as inmates from other jurisdictions or inmates at medium or higher security levels. Legislation has been enacted in several states, and has previously been proposed in the United States Congress, containing such restrictions. Such legislation may have an adverse effect on us.

Our inmate transportation subsidiary, TransCor, is subject to regulations promulgated by the Departments of Transportation and Justice. TransCor must also comply with the Interstate Transportation of Dangerous Criminals Act of 2000, which covers operational aspects of transporting prisoners, including, but not limited to, background checks and drug testing of employees; employee training; employee hours; staff-to-inmate ratios; prisoner restraints; communication with local law enforcement; and standards to help ensure the safety of prisoners during transport. We are subject to changes in such regulations, which could result in an increase in the cost of our transportation operations.

Moreover, the Federal Communications Commission, or the FCC, has published for comment a petition for rulemaking, filed on behalf of an inmate family, which would prevent private prison managers from collecting commissions from the operations of inmate telephone systems. We believe that there are sound reasons for the collection of such commissions by all operators of prisons, whether public or private. The FCC has traditionally deferred from rulemaking in this area; however, there is the risk that the FCC could act to prohibit private prison managers, like us, from collecting such revenues. Such an outcome could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Government agencies may investigate and audit our contracts and, if any improprieties are found, we may be required to refund revenues we have received, to forego anticipated revenues, and we may be subject to penalties and sanctions, including prohibitions on our bidding in response to RFPs. Certain of the governmental agencies with which we contract have the authority to audit and investigate our contracts with them. As part of that process, government agencies may review our performance of the contract, our pricing practices, our cost structure and our compliance with applicable laws, regulations and standards. For contracts that actually or effectively provide for certain reimbursement of expenses, if an agency determines that we have improperly allocated costs to a specific contract, we may not be reimbursed for those costs, and we could be required to refund the amount of any such costs that have been reimbursed. If a government audit asserts improper or illegal activities by us, we may be subject to civil and criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, including termination of contracts, forfeitures of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspension or disqualification from doing business with certain government entities. Any adverse determination could adversely impact our ability to bid in response to RFPs in one or more jurisdictions.

We depend on a limited number of governmental customers for a significant portion of our revenues. We currently derive, and expect to continue to derive, a significant portion of our revenues from a limited number of governmental agencies. The loss of, or a significant decrease in, business from the BOP, ICE, USMS, or various state agencies could seriously harm our financial condition and results of operations. The three primary federal governmental agencies with correctional and detention responsibilities, the BOP, ICE, and USMS, accounted for 43% of our total revenues for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 ($717.8 million). The USMS accounted for 16% of our total revenues for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 ($271.6 million), BOP accounted for 15% of our total revenues for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 ($249.6 million), and ICE accounted for 12% of our total revenues for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 ($196.6 million). Although the revenue generated from each of these agencies is derived from numerous management contracts, the loss of one or more of such contracts could have a material adverse impact in our financial condition and results of operations. We expect to continue to depend upon the federal agencies and a relatively small group of other governmental customers for a significant percentage of our revenues.

The CDCR accounted for 13% of our total revenues for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 ($214.0 million). In November 2010, the CDCR extended the agreement with us to manage up to 9,588 inmates at four of the five facilities we currently manage for them, and notified us of its Intent to Award an additional contract to manage up to 3,256 offenders. As of December 31, 2010, we housed approximately 10,250 inmates from the state of California. Legislative enactments or legal proceedings, including a proceeding under federal jurisdiction that could potentially reduce the number of inmates in the California prison system, may impact the out-of-state transfer of inmates or could result in the return of inmates we currently house for the CDCR. The expiration on June 30, 2011 of the statutory authority established by the state legislature to transfer California inmates to out-of-state private correctional facilities precedes the expiration of our management contract on June 30, 2013. If expiration of the statutory authority is not extended, we believe the authority to utilize out-of-state beds will continue under the existing executive order of the Governor.

In January 2011, newly elected California Governor Jerry Brown proposed a state budget which calls for a significant reallocation of responsibilities between the state government and local jurisdictions, including transferring some number of inmates from state custody to the custody of cities and counties. At this point in time it is too early to reasonably assess the likelihood the budget passes as proposed or the opportunities or challenges that could develop as a result of this proposal. However, if the budget is implemented as proposed, there could ultimately be a reduction in demand for our services because a large number of inmates may be transferred to city and county government facilities, and the state may then seek the return of inmates we currently house to space that is freed up in California state facilities. A significant reduction in demand from California would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

A decrease in occupancy levels could cause a decrease in revenues and profitability. While a substantial portion of our cost structure is generally fixed, a significant portion of our revenues are generated under facility management contracts which provide for per diem payments based upon daily occupancy. We are dependent upon the governmental agencies with which we have contracts to provide inmates for our managed facilities. We cannot control occupancy levels at our managed facilities. Under a per diem rate structure, a decrease in our occupancy rates could cause a decrease in revenues and profitability. When combined with relatively fixed costs for operating each facility, regardless of the occupancy level, a decrease in occupancy levels could have a material adverse effect on our profitability.

We are dependent upon our senior management and our ability to attract and retain sufficient qualified personnel.

The success of our business depends in large part on the ability and experience of our senior management. The unexpected loss of any of these persons could materially adversely affect our business and operations.

In addition, the services we provide are labor-intensive. When we are awarded a facility management contract or open a new facility, we must hire operating management, correctional officers, and other personnel. The success of our business requires that we attract, develop, and retain these personnel. Our inability to hire sufficient qualified personnel on a timely basis or the loss of significant numbers of personnel at existing facilities could adversely affect our business and operations.

Adverse developments in our relationship with our employees could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

As of December 31, 2010, we employed approximately 17,000 employees. Approximately 770 of our employees at three of our facilities, or less than 5% of our workforce, are represented by labor unions. We have not experienced a strike or work stoppage at any of our facilities and in the opinion of management overall employee relations are good. New and anticipated executive orders, administrative rules and changes in National Labor Relations could increase organizational activity at locations where employees are currently not represented by a labor organization. Increases in organizational activity or any future work stoppages could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

We are subject to necessary insurance costs.

Workers’ compensation, employee health, and general liability insurance represent significant costs to us. Because we are significantly self-insured for workers’ compensation, employee health, and general liability risks, the amount of our insurance expense is dependent on claims experience, our ability to control our claims experience, and in the case of workers’ compensation and employee health, rising health care costs in general. Unanticipated additional insurance costs could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows, and the failure to obtain or maintain any necessary insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on us.

We may be adversely affected by inflation.

Many of our facility management contracts provide for fixed management fees or fees that increase by only small amounts during their terms. If, due to inflation or other causes, our operating expenses, such as wages and salaries of our employees, insurance, medical, and food costs, increase at rates faster than increases, if any, in our management fees, then our profitability would be adversely affected. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Inflation.”

We are subject to legal proceedings associated with owning and managing correctional and detention facilities.

Our ownership and management of correctional and detention facilities, and the provision of inmate transportation services by a subsidiary, expose us to potential third-party claims or litigation by prisoners or other persons relating to personal injury or other damages resulting from contact with a facility, its managers, personnel or other prisoners, including damages arising from a prisoner’s escape from, or a disturbance or riot at, a facility we own or manage, or from the misconduct of our employees. To the extent the events serving as a basis for any potential claims are alleged or determined to constitute illegal or criminal activity, we could also be subject to criminal liability. Such liability could result in significant monetary fines and could affect our ability to bid on future contracts and retain our existing contracts. In addition, as an owner of real property, we may be subject to a variety of proceedings relating to personal injuries of persons at such facilities. The claims against our facilities may be significant and may not be covered by insurance. Even in cases covered by insurance, our deductible (or self-insured retention) may be significant.

We are subject to risks associated with ownership of real estate.

Our ownership of correctional and detention facilities subjects us to risks typically associated with investments in real estate. Investments in real estate and, in particular, correctional and detention facilities have limited or no alternative use and thus, are relatively illiquid, and therefore, our ability to divest ourselves of one or more of our facilities promptly in response to changed conditions is limited. Investments in correctional and detention facilities, in particular, subject us to risks involving potential exposure to environmental liability and uninsured loss. Our operating costs may be affected by the obligation to pay for the cost of complying with existing environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, as well as the cost of complying with future legislation. In addition, although we maintain insurance for many types of losses, there are certain types of losses, such as losses from earthquakes and acts of terrorism, which may be either uninsurable or for which it may not be economically feasible to obtain insurance coverage, in light of the substantial costs associated with such insurance. As a result, we could lose both our capital invested in, and anticipated profits from, one or more of the facilities we own. Further, it is possible to experience losses that may exceed the limits of insurance coverage.

In addition, our focus on facility development and expansion poses additional risks, including cost overruns caused by various factors, many of which are beyond our control, such as weather, labor conditions, and material shortages, resulting in increased construction costs. Further, if we are unable to utilize this new bed capacity, our financial results could deteriorate.

Certain of our facilities are subject to options to purchase and reversions. Ten of our facilities, including the facility under construction in Millen, Georgia, are or will be subject to an option to purchase by certain governmental agencies. Such options are exercisable by the corresponding contracting governmental entity generally at any time during the term of the respective facility management contract. Certain of these purchase options are based on the depreciated book value of the facility, which essentially results in the transfer of ownership of the facility to the governmental agency at the end of the life used for accounting purposes. See “Business — Facility Portfolio — Facilities and Facility Management Contracts.” If any of these options are exercised, there exists the risk that we will be unable to invest the proceeds from the sale of the facility in one or more properties that yield as much cash flow as the property acquired by the government entity. In addition, in the event any of these options are exercised, there exists the risk that the contracting governmental agency will terminate the management contract associated with such facility. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the facilities subject to these options generated $290.1 million in revenue (17.3% of total revenue) and incurred $198.3 million in operating expenses. Certain of the options to purchase are exercisable at prices below fair market value. See “Business — Facility Portfolio — Facilities and Facility Management Contracts.”

In addition, the ownership of two of our facilities (that are also subject to options to purchase) will, upon the expiration of certain ground leases with remaining terms generally ranging from 5 to 7 years, revert to the respective governmental agency contracting with us. See “Business — Facility Portfolio — Facilities and Facility Management Contracts.” At the time of such reversion, there exists the risk that the contracting governmental agency will terminate the management contract associated with such facility. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the facilities subject to reversion generated $73.6 million in revenue (4.4% of total revenue) and incurred $54.4 million in operating expenses.

Risks related to facility construction and development activities may increase our costs related to such activities.

When we are engaged to perform construction and design services for a facility, we typically act as the primary contractor and subcontract with other companies who act as the general contractors. As primary contractor, we are subject to the various risks associated with construction (including, without limitation, shortages of labor and materials, work stoppages, labor disputes, and weather interference) which could cause construction delays. In addition, we are subject to the risk that the general contractor will be unable to complete construction at the budgeted costs or be unable to fund any excess construction costs, even though we require general contractors to post construction bonds and insurance. Under such contracts, we are ultimately liable for all late delivery penalties and cost overruns.

We may be adversely affected by the rising cost and increasing difficulty of obtaining adequate levels of surety credit on favorable terms.

We are often required to post bid or performance bonds issued by a surety company as a condition to bidding on or being awarded a contract. Availability and pricing of these surety commitments are subject to general market and industry conditions, among other factors. Increases in surety costs could adversely affect our operating results if we are unable to effectively pass along such increases to our customers. We cannot assure you that we will have continued access to surety credit or that we will be able to secure bonds economically, without additional collateral, or at the levels required for any potential facility development or contract bids. If we are unable to obtain adequate levels of surety credit on favorable terms, we would have to rely upon letters of credit under our revolving credit facility, which could entail higher costs even if such borrowing capacity was available when desired at the time, and our ability to bid for or obtain new contracts could be impaired.

Our issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect holders of our common stock and discourage a takeover.

Our board of directors has the power to issue up to 50.0 million shares of preferred stock without any action on the part of our stockholders. Our board of directors also has the power, without stockholder approval, to set the terms of any new series of preferred stock that may be issued, including voting rights, dividend rights, preferences over our common stock with respect to dividends or in the event of a dissolution, liquidation or winding up, and other terms. In the event that we issue additional shares of preferred stock in the future that has preference over our common stock, with respect to payment of dividends or upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or if we issue preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of our common stock, the rights of the holders of our common stock or the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected. In addition, the ability of our board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock without any action on the part of our stockholders may impede a takeover of us and prevent a transaction favorable to our stockholders.

Our charter and bylaws and Maryland law could make it difficult for a third party to acquire our company.

The Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter and bylaws contain provisions that could delay, deter, or prevent a change in control of our company or our management. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for our stockholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions. These provisions:

	•		authorize us to issue “blank check” preferred stock, which is preferred stock that can be created and issued by our board of directors, without stockholder approval, with rights senior to those of common stock;
	•		provide that directors may be removed with or without cause only by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes of shares entitled to vote thereon; and
	•		establish advance notice requirements for submitting nominations for election to the board of directors and for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at a meeting.

We are also subject to anti-takeover provisions under Maryland law, which could delay or prevent a change of control. Together, these provisions of our charter and bylaws and Maryland law may discourage transactions that otherwise could provide for the payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our common stock, and also could limit the price that investors are willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock.

Risks Related to Our Leveraged Capital Structure

Our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under our debt securities.

As of December 31, 2010, we had total indebtedness of $1,156.6 million. Our indebtedness could have important consequences. For example, it could:

	•		make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness;
	•		increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
	•		require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, and other general corporate purposes;
	•		limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;
	•		place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and
	•		limit our ability to borrow additional funds or refinance existing indebtedness on favorable terms.

Our revolving credit facility and other debt instruments have restrictive covenants that could affect our financial condition.

The indenture related to our aggregate principal amount of $375.0 million 6.25% senior notes due 2013, the indenture related to our aggregate principal amount of $150.0 million 6.75% senior notes due 2014, and the indenture related to our aggregate principal amount of $465.0 million 7.75% senior notes due 2017, collectively referred to herein as our senior notes, and our revolving credit facility contain financial and other restrictive covenants that limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interests. Our ability to borrow under our revolving credit facility is subject to compliance with certain financial covenants, including leverage and interest coverage ratios. Our revolving credit facility includes other restrictions that, among other things, limit our ability to incur indebtedness; grant liens; engage in mergers, consolidations and liquidations; make asset dispositions, restricted payments and investments; enter into transactions with affiliates; and amend, modify or prepay certain indebtedness. The indentures related to our senior notes contain limitations on our ability to effect mergers and change of control events, as well as other limitations, including:

	•		limitations on incurring additional indebtedness;
	•		limitations on the sale of assets;
	•		limitations on the declaration and payment of dividends or other restricted payments;
	•		limitations on transactions with affiliates; and
	•		limitations on liens.

Our failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default that, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our debts. We do not have sufficient working capital to satisfy our debt obligations in the event of an acceleration of all or a significant portion of our outstanding indebtedness.

Servicing our indebtedness will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.

Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness, to refinance our indebtedness, and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, and other factors that are beyond our control.

The risk exists that our business will be unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will not be available to us under our revolving credit facility in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness, including our existing senior notes, or new debt securities, or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness, including our senior notes, or new debt securities, on or before maturity. We may not, however, be able to refinance any of our indebtedness, including our revolving credit facility and including our senior notes, or new debt securities on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

We are required to repurchase all or a portion of our senior notes upon a change of control.

Upon certain change of control events, as that term is defined in the indentures for our senior notes, including a change of control caused by an unsolicited third party, we are required to make an offer in cash to repurchase all or any part of each holder’s notes at a repurchase price equal to 101% of the principal thereof, plus accrued interest. The source of funds for any such repurchase would be our available cash or cash generated from operations or other sources, including borrowings, sales of equity or funds provided by a new controlling person or entity. Sufficient funds may not be available to us, however, at the time of any change of control event to repurchase all or a portion of the tendered notes pursuant to this requirement. Our failure to offer to repurchase notes, or to repurchase notes tendered, following a change of control will result in a default under the respective indentures, which could lead to a cross-default under our revolving credit facility and under the terms of our other indebtedness. In addition, our revolving credit facility prohibits us from making any such required repurchases. Prior to repurchasing the notes upon a change of control event, we must either repay outstanding indebtedness under our revolving credit facility or obtain the consent of the lenders under our revolving credit facility. If we do not obtain the required consents or repay our outstanding indebtedness under our revolving credit facility, we would remain effectively prohibited from offering to purchase the notes.

Despite current indebtedness levels, we may still incur more debt.

The terms of the indentures for our senior notes and our revolving credit facility restrict our ability to incur significant additional indebtedness in the future. However, in the future, we may refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness, including our revolving credit facility, and may incur additional indebtedness as a result. As of December 31, 2010, we had $228.2 million of additional borrowing capacity available under our $450.0 million revolving credit facility. In addition, we may issue an indeterminate amount of securities from time to time when we determine that market conditions and the opportunity to utilize the proceeds from the issuance of such securities are favorable. If new debt is added to our and our subsidiaries’ current debt levels, the related risks that we and they now face could intensify.

Our access to capital may be affected by general macroeconomic conditions.

During the financial crisis in 2008 and 2009, several large financial institutions failed while others became dependent on the assistance of the federal government to continue to operate as a going concern. Lehman Brothers Commercial Bank, which holds a $15.0 million share in our revolving credit facility, is a defaulting lender under the terms of the credit agreement.

We can provide no assurance that the remaining banks that have made commitments under our revolving credit facility will continue to operate as a going concern in the future. If any of the remaining banks in the lending group were to fail, it is possible that the capacity under the revolving credit facility would be further reduced. In the event that the availability under the revolving credit facility was reduced significantly, we could be required to obtain capital from alternate sources in order to continue with our business and capital strategies. Our options for addressing such capital constraints would include, but not be limited to (i) delaying certain capital expenditure projects, (ii) obtaining commitments from the remaining banks in the lending group or from new banks to fund increased amounts under the terms of the revolving credit facility, or (iii) accessing the public capital markets. Such alternatives would likely be on terms less favorable than under existing terms, which could have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

The properties we owned at December 31, 2010 are described under Item 1 and in Note 4 of the Notes to the Financial Statements contained in this Annual Report.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

The nature of our business results in claims and litigation alleging that we are liable for damages arising from the conduct of our employees, inmates or others. The nature of such claims includes, but is not limited to, claims arising from employee or inmate misconduct, medical malpractice, employment matters, property loss, contractual claims, and personal injury or other damages resulting from contact with our facilities, personnel, or inmates, including damages arising from an inmate’s escape or from a disturbance or riot at a facility. We maintain insurance to cover many of these claims which may mitigate the risk that any single claim would have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows, provided the claim is one for which coverage is available. The combination of self-insured retentions and deductible amounts means that, in the aggregate, we are subject to substantial self-insurance risk.

We record litigation reserves related to certain matters for which it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the range of such loss can be estimated. Based upon management’s review of the potential claims and outstanding litigation and based upon management’s experience and history of estimating losses, management believes a loss in excess of amounts already recognized would not be material to our financial statements. In the opinion of management, there are no pending legal proceedings that would have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Any receivable for insurance recoveries is recorded separately from the corresponding litigation reserve, and only if recovery is determined to be probable. Adversarial proceedings and litigation are, however, subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable decisions and rulings could occur which could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows for the period in which such decisions or rulings occur, or future periods. Expenses associated with legal proceedings may also fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on changes in our assumptions, new developments, or the effectiveness of our litigation and settlement strategies.

ITEM 4. (REMOVED AND RESERVED).

PART II.

ITEM 5.		MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

Market Price of and Distributions on Capital Stock

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the symbol “CXW.” On February 18, 2011 the last reported sale price of our common stock was $24.95 per share and there were approximately 4,500 registered holders and approximately 30,000 beneficial holders, respectively, of our common stock.

The following table sets forth, for the fiscal quarters indicated, the range of high and low sales prices of the common stock.

Common Stock

		SALES PRICE
		HIGH				LOW
FISCAL YEAR 2010
First Quarter		$	25.17			$	17.49
Second Quarter		$	21.75			$	19.07
Third Quarter		$	25.37			$	18.19
Fourth Quarter		$	26.89			$	23.94

		SALES PRICE
		HIGH				LOW
FISCAL YEAR 2009
First Quarter		$	17.66			$	9.50
Second Quarter		$	17.30			$	12.64
Third Quarter		$	23.15			$	15.74
Fourth Quarter		$	26.25			$	22.48

Dividend Policy

During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, we did not pay any dividends on our common stock. Pursuant to the terms of the indentures governing our senior notes and our senior secured revolving credit agreement, we are limited in the amount of dividends we can declare or pay on our outstanding shares of common stock. Taking into consideration these limitations, management and our board of directors regularly evaluate the merits of declaring and paying a dividend. Future dividends, if any, will depend on our future earnings, our capital requirements, our financial condition, alternative uses of capital, and on such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

										Total Number of
										Shares
										Purchased as
		Total								Part of Publicly				Approximate Dollar Value
		Number of								Announced				of Shares that May Yet Be
		Shares				Average Price				Plans or				Purchased Under the
Period		Purchased				Paid per Share				Programs				Plans or Programs(1)
October 1, 2010 – October 31, 2010			—			$	—				—			$	121,596,501
November 1, 2010 – November 30, 2010			458,000			$	24.49				458,000			$	110,381,379
December 1, 2010 – December 31, 2010			246,166			$	24.88				246,166			$	104,257,485
Total			704,166			$	19.40				704,166			$	104,257,485

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

The following selected financial data for the five years ended December 31, 2010, was derived from our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto. This data should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Our audited consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 are included in this Annual Report.

CORRECTIONS CORPORATION OF AMERICA AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(in thousands, except per share data)

		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2010				2009				2008				2007				2006
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS:
Revenue:
Management and other		$	1,672,474			$	1,626,728			$	1,538,618			$	1,400,853			$	1,253,400
Rental			2,557				2,165				2,576				2,399				2,218
Total revenue			1,675,031				1,628,893				1,541,194				1,403,252				1,255,618
Expenses:
Operating			1,163,771				1,135,055				1,077,656				993,671				909,784
General and administrative			84,148				86,537				80,308				74,399				63,593
Depreciation and amortization			104,051				99,939				89,773				77,867				66,801
Goodwill impairment			—				—				—				554				—
Total expenses			1,351,970				1,321,531				1,247,737				1,146,491				1,040,178
Operating income			323,061				307,362				293,457				256,761				215,440
Other (income) expense:
Interest expense, net			71,127				72,780				59,404				53,776				58,783
Expenses associated with debt refinancing transactions			—				3,838				—				—				982
Other (income) expense			40				(139	)			294				(312	)			(260	)
			71,167				76,479				59,698				53,464				59,505
Income from continuing operations before income taxes			251,894				230,883				233,759				203,297				155,935
Income tax expense			(94,297	)			(79,541	)			(88,227	)			(76,698	)			(57,308	)
Income from continuing operations			157,597				151,342				145,532				126,599				98,627
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes			(404	)			3,612				5,409				6,774				6,612
Net income		$	157,193			$	154,954			$	150,941			$	133,373			$	105,239

(continued)

CORRECTIONS CORPORATION OF AMERICA AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(in thousands, except per share data)
(continued)

		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2010				2009				2008				2007				2006
Basic earnings per share:
Income from continuing operations		$	1.41			$	1.30			$	1.17			$	1.03			$	0.82
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes			(0.01	)			0.03				0.04				0.06				0.06
Net income		$	1.40			$	1.33			$	1.21			$	1.09			$	0.88
Diluted earnings per share:
Income from continuing operations		$	1.39			$	1.29			$	1.16			$	1.01			$	0.81
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes			—				0.03				0.04				0.05				0.05
Net income		$	1.39			$	1.32			$	1.20			$	1.06			$	0.86
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic			112,015				116,088				124,464				122,553				119,714
Diluted			112,977				117,290				126,250				125,381				123,058

		December 31,
		2010				2009				2008				2007				2006
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets		$	2,983,228			$	2,905,743			$	2,871,374			$	2,485,740			$	2,250,860
Total debt		$	1,156,568			$	1,149,099			$	1,192,922			$	975,967			$	976,258
Total liabilities		$	1,512,357			$	1,463,197			$	1,491,015			$	1,263,765			$	1,201,179
Stockholders’ equity		$	1,470,871			$	1,442,546			$	1,380,359			$	1,221,975			$	1,049,681

ITEM 7.		MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, those described under “Risk Factors” and included in other portions of this report.

OVERVIEW

We currently operate 66 facilities, including 45 facilities that we own, with a total design capacity of approximately 90,000 beds in 19 states and the District of Columbia. We also own two additional correctional facilities that we lease to third-party operators. We are the nation’s largest owner and operator of privatized correctional and detention facilities and one of the largest prison operators in the United States behind only the federal government and three states. Our size and experience provide us with significant credibility with our current and prospective customers, and enable us to generate economies of scale in purchasing power for food services, health care and other supplies and services we offer to our government partners.

We are compensated for operating and managing prisons and correctional facilities at an inmate per diem rate based upon actual or minimum guaranteed occupancy levels. The significant expansion of the prison population in the United States has led to overcrowding in the federal and state prison systems, providing us with opportunities for growth. Federal, state, and local governments are constantly under budgetary constraints putting pressure on governments to control correctional budgets, including per diem rates our customers pay to us. These pressures have been compounded by the recent economic downturn. Economic conditions remain very challenging, putting continued pressure on state budgets. Although all of our state partners have passed balanced budgets for their 2011 fiscal years, some states may be forced to further reduce their expenses if their tax revenues, which typically lag the overall economy, do not meet their expectations. Actions to control their expenses could include reductions in inmate populations through early release programs, alternative sentencing, or inmate transfers from facilities managed by private operators to facilities operated by the state or other local jurisdictions. Further, certain states have requested, and additional state customers could request, reductions in per diem rates or request that we forego prospective rate increases in the future as methods of addressing the budget shortfalls they may be experiencing. We believe we have been successful in working with our government partners to help them manage their correctional costs while minimizing the financial impact to us, and will continue to provide unique solutions to their correctional needs. We believe the long-term growth opportunities of our business remain very attractive as insufficient bed development by our partners should result in a return to the supply and demand imbalance that has been benefiting the private prison industry.

Governments continue to experience many significant spending demands which have constrained correctional budgets limiting their ability to expand existing facilities or construct new facilities. We believe the outsourcing of prison management services to private operators allows governments to manage increasing inmate populations while simultaneously controlling correctional costs and improving correctional services. We believe our customers discover that partnering with private operators to provide residential services to their inmates introduces competition to their prison system, resulting in improvements to the quality and cost of corrections services throughout their correctional system. Further, the use of facilities owned and managed by private operators allows governments to expand correctional capacity without incurring large capital commitments and allows them to avoid long-term pension obligations for their employees.

We also believe that having beds immediately available to our partners provides us with a distinct competitive advantage when bidding on new contracts. While we have been successful in winning contract awards to provide management services for facilities we do not own, and will continue to pursue such management contracts, we believe the most significant opportunities for growth are in providing our government partners with available beds within facilities we currently own or that we develop. We also believe that owning the facilities in which we provide management services enables us to more rapidly replace business lost compared with managed-only facilities, since we can offer the same beds to new and existing customers and, with customer consent, may have more flexibility in moving our existing inmate populations to facilities with available capacity. Our management contracts generally provide our customers with the right to terminate our management contracts at any time without cause.

As of December 31, 2010, we had approximately 11,700 unoccupied beds in inventory at facilities that had availability of 100 or more beds, and an additional 1,124 beds under development. Of those, 1,200 beds are under guaranteed contracts with existing customers, leaving us with approximately 11,600 beds available. We have staff throughout the organization actively engaged in marketing this available capacity to existing and prospective customers. Historically, we have been successful in substantially filling our inventory of available beds and the beds that we have constructed. Filling these available beds would provide substantial growth in revenues, cash flow, and earnings per share. However, we can provide no assurance that we will be able to fill our available beds.

Although the demand for prison beds in the short term has been affected by the severe budget challenges many of our customers currently face, these challenges put further pressure on our customers’ ability to construct new prison beds of their own, which we believe could result in further reliance on the private sector for providing the capacity we believe our customers will need in the long term. We will continue to pursue build-to-suit opportunities like the aforementioned 1,124-bed Jenkins Correctional Center we are constructing for the state of Georgia, where the availability of our bed capacity is not in a location acceptable to a customer and where the returns meet our minimum threshold for new investment. In the long-term, we would like to see continued and meaningful utilization of our remaining capacity and better visibility from our customers before we add any additional capacity on a speculative basis.

We also remain steadfast in our efforts to contain costs. Approximately 65% of our operating expenses consist of salaries and benefits. The turnover rate for correctional officers for our company, and for the corrections industry in general, remains high. Although we have been successful in containing workers’ compensation and medical benefits costs for our employees, such costs continue to increase primarily as a result of continued rising healthcare costs throughout the country. Reducing these staffing costs requires a long-term strategy to control such costs, and we continue to dedicate resources to enhance our benefits, provide training and career development opportunities to our staff and attract and retain quality personnel. Recognizing the challenges we faced as a result of the economic downturn, our efforts to contain costs have been intensified recently, as we implemented a company-wide initiative to improve operating efficiencies, and established a framework for accelerating the process and ensuring continuous delivery over the long-term. We continue to generate favorable results from this initiative.

Through the combination of our initiatives to increase our revenues by taking advantage of our available beds as well as delivering new bed capacity through new facility construction and expansion opportunities, and our strategies to contain our operating expenses, we believe we will be able to maintain our competitive advantage and continue to improve the quality services we provide to our customers at an economical price, thereby producing value to our stockholders.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. As such, we are required to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that we believe are reasonable based upon the information available. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. A summary of our significant accounting policies is described in Note 2 to our audited financial statements. The significant accounting policies and estimates which we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include the following:

Asset impairments. As of December 31, 2010, we had $2.5 billion in long-lived assets, including $107.5 million in long-lived assets, excluding equipment, at five currently idled facilities. We evaluate the recoverability of the carrying values of our long-lived assets, other than goodwill, when events suggest that an impairment may have occurred. Such events primarily include, but are not limited to, the termination of a management contract or a significant decrease in inmate populations within a correctional facility we own or manage. In these circumstances, we utilize estimates of undiscounted cash flows to determine if an impairment exists. If an impairment exists, it is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset.

Goodwill impairments. Goodwill attributable to each of our reporting units is tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying value. Fair value is determined using a collaboration of various common valuation techniques, including market multiples and discounted cash flows. Each of these techniques requires considerable judgment and estimations that could change in the future. These impairment tests are required to be performed at least annually. We perform our impairment tests during the fourth quarter, in connection with our annual budgeting process, and whenever circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable.

Income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the available net operating losses and the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Realization of the future tax benefits related to deferred tax assets is dependent on many factors, including our past earnings history, expected future earnings, the character and jurisdiction of such earnings, unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect utilization of our deferred tax assets, carryback and carryforward periods, and tax planning strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of a deferred tax asset.

We have approximately $4.8 million in net operating losses applicable to various states that we expect to carry forward in future years to offset taxable income in such states. We have a valuation allowance of $0.9 million for the estimated amount of the net operating losses that will expire unused. In addition, we have $6.5 million of state tax credits applicable to various states that we expect to carry forward in future years to offset taxable income in such states. We have a $2.9 million valuation allowance related to state tax credits that are expected to expire unused. Although our estimate of future taxable income is based on current assumptions we believe to be reasonable, our assumptions may prove inaccurate and could change in the future, which could result in the expiration of additional net operating losses or credits. We would be required to establish a valuation allowance at such time that we no longer expected to utilize these net operating losses or credits, which could result in a material impact on our results of operations in the future.

Self-funded insurance reserves. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had $33.9 million and $34.0 million, respectively, in accrued liabilities for employee health, workers’ compensation, and automobile insurance claims. We are significantly self-insured for employee health, workers’ compensation, and automobile liability insurance claims. As such, our insurance expense is largely dependent on claims experience and our ability to control our claims. We have consistently accrued the estimated liability for employee health insurance claims based on our history of claims experience and the time lag between the incident date and the date the cost is paid by us. We have accrued the estimated liability for workers’ compensation and automobile insurance claims based on an actuarial valuation of the outstanding liabilities, discounted to the net present value of the outstanding liabilities, using a combination of actuarial methods used to project ultimate losses. The liability for employee health, workers’ compensation, and automobile insurance includes estimates for both claims incurred and for claims incurred but not reported. These estimates could change in the future. It is possible that future cash flows and results of operations could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions, new developments, or by the effectiveness of our strategies.

Legal reserves. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had $19.2 million and $10.9 million, respectively, in accrued liabilities related to certain legal proceedings in which we are involved. We have accrued our estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of these claims based on a range of potential outcomes. In addition, we are subject to current and potential future legal proceedings for which little or no accrual has been reflected because our current assessment of the potential exposure is nominal. These estimates have been developed in consultation with our General Counsel’s office and, as appropriate, outside counsel handling these matters, and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible that future cash flows and results of operations could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions, new developments, or by the effectiveness of our strategies.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, the number of facilities we owned and managed, the number of facilities we managed but did not own, and the number of facilities we leased to other operators.

				Owned
		Effective		and				Managed
		Date		Managed				Only				Leased				Total
Facilities as of December 31, 2008					43				22				3				68
Termination of the lease at our owned Queensgate Correctional Facility		January 2009			1				—				(1	)			—
Expiration of the management contract for the B.M. Moore Correctional Center		January 2009			—				(1	)			—				(1	)
Expiration of the management contract for the Diboll Correctional Center		January 2009			—				(1	)			—				(1	)
Activation of the North Georgia Detention Center		July 2009			—				1				—				1
Facilities as of December 31, 2009					44				21				2				67
Expiration of the management contract for the Gadsden Correctional Institution		July 2010			—				(1	)			—				(1	)
Commencement of the management contract for the Moore Haven Correctional Facility		July 2010			—				1				—				1
Termination of the management contract for the Hernando County Jail		August 2010			—				(1	)			—				(1	)
Activation of the Nevada Southern Detention Center		September 2010			1				—				—				1
Commencement of the management contract for the Graceville Correctional Facility		September 2010			—				1				—				1
Facilities as of December 31, 2010					45				21				2				68

Year Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2009

During the year ended December 31, 2010, we generated net income of $157.2 million, or $1.39 per diluted share, compared with net income of $155.0 million, or $1.32 per diluted share, for the previous year. Contributing to the increase in net income for 2010 compared to the previous year was an increase in operating income of $15.7 million, from $307.4 million during 2009 to $323.1 million during 2010 as a result of an increase in average daily inmate populations and new management contracts, partially offset by an increase in depreciation and amortization.

Net income during 2010 was negatively impacted by approximately $3.2 million of non-cash charges for the write-off of goodwill and other costs associated with the termination of the management contracts at the Gadsden and Hernando County facilities as further described hereafter. Net income during 2010 also included $4.1 million of bonuses paid to non-management level staff in-lieu of wage increases. During 2010, these charges amounted to $0.05 per diluted share, after taxes. Net income per diluted share was also favorably impacted by our stock repurchase programs as further described hereafter.

Net income during 2009 was favorably impacted by an income tax benefit of $5.7 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, reflecting the reversal of an estimated liability for uncertain tax positions that were effectively settled during the third quarter of 2009 upon completion of an audit performed by the Internal Revenue Service of our 2006 and 2007 federal income tax returns. Net income during 2009 was negatively impacted by a $3.8 million charge, or $0.02 per diluted share after taxes, associated with debt refinancing transactions completed during the second quarter of 2009, as further described hereafter, which consisted of a tender premium paid to the holders of the 7.5% senior notes who tendered their notes to us at par pursuant to our tender offer, estimated fees and expenses associated with the tender offer, and the write-off of the debt premium and existing deferred loan costs associated with the purchase of the 7.5% senior notes. Additionally, net income during 2009 was negatively impacted by $4.2 million, or $0.02 per diluted share after taxes, of general and administrative expenses associated with a company-wide initiative to improve operating efficiency.

Facility Operations

A key performance indicator we use to measure the revenue and expenses associated with the operation of the facilities we own or manage is expressed in terms of a compensated man-day, which represents the revenue we generate and expenses we incur for one inmate for one calendar day. Revenue and expenses per compensated man-day are computed by dividing facility revenue and expenses by the total number of compensated man-days during the period. We believe the measurement is useful because we are compensated for operating and managing facilities at an inmate per-diem rate based upon actual or minimum guaranteed occupancy levels. We also measure our ability to contain costs on a per-compensated man-day basis, which is largely dependent upon the number of inmates we accommodate. Further, per compensated man-day measurements are also used to estimate our potential profitability based on certain occupancy levels relative to design capacity. Revenue and expenses per compensated man-day for all of the facilities placed into service that we owned or managed, exclusive of those discontinued (see further discussion below regarding discontinued operations), were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:

		For the Years Ended
		December 31,
		2010				2009
Revenue per compensated man-day		$	58.36			$	58.55
Operating expenses per compensated man-day:
Fixed expense			30.55				30.55
Variable expense			9.61				9.91
Total			40.16				40.46
Operating margin per compensated man-day		$	18.20			$	18.09
Operating margin			31.2	%			30.9	%
Average compensated occupancy			90.2	%			90.6	%
Average available beds			86,803				83,756
Average compensated population			78,319				75,911

Revenue

Average compensated population increased 2,408 from 75,911 during the year ended December 31, 2009 to 78,319 during the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in average compensated population resulted primarily from increases in average compensated population from the 2,232-bed Adams County Correctional Center which began receiving inmates during the third quarter of 2009 pursuant to a new management contract with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”) as well as increases in average compensated populations from the state of California. These increases in average compensated populations were partially offset by declines in compensated population resulting from the loss during the first half of 2010 of Arizona inmates at our Diamondback Correctional Facility and Huerfano County Correctional Center.

Our total facility management revenue increased by $46.0 million, or 2.8%, during 2010 compared with 2009 resulting primarily from an increase in revenue of approximately $51.5 million generated by an increase in the average daily compensated population during 2010. Partially offsetting the increase in facility management revenue resulting from the increase in compensated population was a slight decrease of 0.3% in the average revenue per compensated man-day.

Business from our federal customers, including the BOP, the United States Marshals Service, or the USMS, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, continues to be a significant component of our business, with federal revenues increasing $61.6 million, or 9.4% from $656.2 million in 2009 to $717.8 million in 2010. Our federal customers generated 43% and 40% of our total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

State revenue decreased $10.8 million, or 1.3%, from $849.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 to $838.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. State revenue declined as certain states, such as the states of Arizona, Washington, and Minnesota, added additional bed capacity within their respective states and reduced the number of inmates housed in facilities we operate, while other states reduced inmate populations in an effort to control their costs and alleviate their extraordinary budget challenges. Additionally, we were notified by the Alaska Department of Corrections during the third quarter of 2009 that we were not selected in Alaska’s competitive solicitation to house up to 1,000 inmates from the state of Alaska. The state of Alaska completed the transfer of their inmate population out of our Red Rock facility during the fourth quarter of 2009. Partially offsetting these reductions in state revenue, we continued to receive additional inmates from the state of California throughout 2009 and 2010 as they have turned to the private sector to help alleviate their overcrowded correctional system. We housed approximately 10,250 inmates from the state of California as of December 31, 2010, compared with approximately 8,000 California inmates as of December 31, 2009.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses totaled $1,163.8 million and $1,135.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Operating expenses consist of those expenses incurred in the operation and management of adult correctional and detention facilities, and for our inmate transportation subsidiary.

Operating expenses per compensated man-day during the year ended December 31, 2010 decreased 0.7% from $40.46 in 2009 to $40.16 in 2010. These reductions were attributable to the following facility activities, each as further described in our discussion of segment results hereafter:

•

a change in mission at our T. Don Hutto facility with lower operating requirements,

•

the favorable impact of continuing to generate compensated man-days guaranteed at our California City facility during the ramp-down phase of a contract with the BOP which terminated September 30, 2010,

•

the staffing expenses incurred in the prior year in anticipation of receiving inmates at our North Georgia, Adams County, La Palma, and Tallahatchie facilities, as well as

•

the ongoing company-wide initiative to reduce operating expenses.

These favorable events were partially offset by $2.6 million of start-up expenses incurred during the third quarter of 2010 at our newly constructed Nevada Southern Detention Center, which began receiving inmates in October 2010.

Salaries and benefits represent the most significant component of fixed operating expenses, representing approximately 65% of our operating expenses. During 2010, salaries and benefits expense at our correctional and detention facilities increased $17.8 million from 2009. Although we did not provide annual wage increases during 2009 to the majority of our employees, our salaries expense during 2010 included $4.1 million, or $0.14 per compensated man-day, of bonuses paid to non-management level staff in-lieu of wage increases. We will continue to monitor compensation levels very closely along with overall economic conditions to help ensure our compensation strategy results in competitive wages that contribute to the long-term success of our business. Notwithstanding these bonus payments, salaries and benefits increased during 2010 compared with 2009 most notably at our Adams County facility that opened in the third quarter of 2009 and at our North Fork facility as a result of an increase in beds utilized from the state of California. Additionally, the activation of three facilities, during the third quarter of 2010, also resulted in increases in salaries and benefits at our newly activated Nevada Southern Detention Facility, Graceville Correctional Facility, and Moore Haven Correctional Facility. These increases were partially offset by decreases in salaries and benefits at our Prairie Correctional Facility and at our California City facility resulting from decreases in inmate populations at these facilities.

Facility Management Contracts

We typically enter into facility management contracts with governmental agencies for terms ranging from three to five years, with additional renewal periods at the option of the contracting governmental agency. Accordingly, a substantial portion of our facility management contracts are scheduled to expire each year, notwithstanding contractual renewal options that a government agency may exercise. Although we generally expect these customers to exercise renewal options or negotiate new contracts with us, one or more of these contracts may not be renewed by the corresponding governmental agency.

We own and manage two facilities in Texas pursuant to management contracts that expire in August 2011, which are currently subject to a competitive procurement process. We have competitively bid on the continued management of these two facilities but cannot provide assurance that we will be successful in maintaining contracts at these two facilities. Total revenues at these two facilities represented less than 2% of our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2010. Other than these specific contracts which we believe are reasonably possible to terminate, we believe we will renew all contracts that have expired or are scheduled to expire within the next twelve months. We believe our renewal rate on existing contracts remains high as a result of a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, the constrained supply of available beds within the U.S. correctional system, our ownership of the majority of the beds we operate, and the quality of our operations.

The operation of the facilities we own carries a higher degree of risk associated with a management contract than the operation of the facilities we manage but do not own because we incur significant capital expenditures to construct or acquire facilities we own. Additionally, correctional and detention facilities have a limited or no alternative use. Therefore, if a management contract is terminated at a facility we own, we continue to incur certain operating expenses, such as real estate taxes, utilities, and insurance, that we would not incur if a management contract was terminated for a managed-only facility. As a result, revenue per compensated man-day is typically higher for facilities we own and manage than for managed-only facilities. Because we incur higher expenses, such as repairs and maintenance, real estate taxes, and insurance, on the facilities we own and manage, our cost structure for facilities we own and manage is also higher than the cost structure for the managed-only facilities. The following tables display the revenue and expenses per compensated man-day for the facilities placed into service that we own and manage and for the facilities we manage but do not own:

		For the Years Ended
		December 31,
		2010				2009
Owned and Managed Facilities:
Revenue per compensated man-day		$	66.30			$	66.79
Operating expenses per compensated man-day:
Fixed expense			32.40				32.79
Variable expense			10.08				10.46
Total			42.48				43.25
Operating margin per compensated man-day		$	23.82			$	23.54
Operating margin			35.9	%			35.2	%
Average compensated occupancy			88.0	%			88.3	%
Average available beds			62,518				61,051
Average compensated population			55,033				53,893
Managed Only Facilities:
Revenue per compensated man-day		$	39.60			$	38.39
Operating expenses per compensated man-day:
Fixed expense			26.19				25.07
Variable expense			8.50				8.56
Total			34.69				33.63
Operating margin per compensated man-day		$	4.91			$	4.76
Operating margin			12.4	%			12.4	%
Average compensated occupancy			95.9	%			97.0	%
Average available beds			24,285				22,705
Average compensated population			23,286				22,018