UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

 

 

x

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

 

 

For the quarterly period ended October 31, 2008

 

 

OR

 

 

o

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

 

 

For the transition period from to

 

 

Commission file number 000-23211

 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

03-0338873

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

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

 

 

 

25 Greens Hill Lane, Rutland, Vermont

 

05701

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, 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 o

Accelerated filer x

Non-accelerated filer o

Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of November 28, 2008:

 

Class A Common Stock

 

24,628,702

 

Class B Common Stock

 

988,200

 

 

 

 



 

PART I.      FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

April 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2008

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

2,814

 

$

3,110

 

Restricted cash

 

95

 

96

 

Accounts receivable - trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,752 and $1,263

 

62,233

 

66,222

 

Notes receivable - officer/employees

 

132

 

134

 

Refundable income taxes

 

2,020

 

885

 

Prepaid expenses

 

6,930

 

6,048

 

Inventory

 

3,876

 

4,582

 

Deferred income taxes

 

15,433

 

12,368

 

Other current assets

 

1,692

 

8,189

 

Current assets of discontinued operations

 

260

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

95,485

 

101,634

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $484,620 and $519,206

 

488,028

 

501,263

 

Goodwill

 

179,716

 

179,930

 

Intangible assets, net

 

2,608

 

2,680

 

Restricted assets

 

13,563

 

13,602

 

Notes receivable - officer/employees

 

1,101

 

1,117

 

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

44,617

 

41,832

 

Other non-current assets

 

10,487

 

14,398

 

Non-current assets of discontinued operations

 

482

 

 

 

 

740,602

 

754,822

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

836,087

 

$

856,456

 

 

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

 

2



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

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

 

 

 

April 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2008

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

$

2,758

 

$

1,736

 

Current maturities of financing lease obligations

 

 

266

 

Accounts payable

 

51,731

 

47,340

 

Accrued payroll and related expenses

 

11,251

 

7,176

 

Accrued interest

 

8,668

 

8,005

 

Current accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs

 

9,265

 

5,507

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

28,202

 

26,824

 

Current liabilities of discontinued operations

 

949

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

112,824

 

96,854

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, less current maturities

 

559,227

 

562,280

 

Financing lease obligations, less current maturities

 

 

11,674

 

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

 

32,864

 

36,219

 

Deferred income taxes

 

313

 

5,043

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

6,007

 

7,144

 

Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations

 

170

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock -

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized - 100,000,000 shares, $0.01 par value; issued and outstanding - 24,466,000 and 24,601,000 shares as of April 30, 2008 and October 31, 2008, respectively

 

245

 

246

 

Class B common stock -

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

10

 

10

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(2,568

)

3,395

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

276,189

 

278,543

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(149,194

)

(144,952

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

124,682

 

137,242

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

836,087

 

$

856,456

 

 

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

 

3



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
October 31,

 

Six Months Ended
October 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

150,483

 

$

157,538

 

$

299,009

 

$

315,442

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of operations

 

95,621

 

103,728

 

192,525

 

208,170

 

General and administration

 

18,898

 

18,299

 

36,766

 

36,739

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

20,136

 

19,505

 

40,044

 

38,975

 

 

 

134,655

 

141,532

 

269,335

 

283,884

 

Operating income

 

15,828

 

16,006

 

29,674

 

31,558

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense/(income), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(246

)

(85

)

(674

)

(267

)

Interest expense

 

11,031

 

10,338

 

22,073

 

20,494

 

Loss from equity method investments

 

1,487

 

1,045

 

3,638

 

2,173

 

Other (income)/expense

 

35

 

(64

)

(2,360

)

(152

)

Other expense, net

 

12,307

 

11,234

 

22,677

 

22,248

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations

 

3,521

 

4,772

 

6,997

 

9,310

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(416

)

2,706

 

714

 

5,023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before discontinued operations

 

3,937

 

2,066

 

6,283

 

4,287

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations (net of income tax benefit of $384, $0, $734 and $8)

 

(670

)

 

(1,274

)

(11

)

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations (net of income tax benefit (provision) of $122, $0, $122 and ($262))

 

(437

)

 

(437

)

(34

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available to common stockholders

 

$

2,830

 

$

2,066

 

$

4,572

 

$

4,242

 

 

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

 

4



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except for per share data)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
October 31,

 

Six Months Ended
October 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

Earnings Per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before discontinued operations available to common stockholders

 

$

0.16

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.25

 

$

0.17

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net

 

(0.03

)

 

(0.05

)

 

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.02

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share available to common stockholders

 

$

0.11

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.18

 

$

0.17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

 

25,343

 

25,561

 

25,335

 

25,517

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before discontinued operations available to common stockholders

 

$

0.16

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.25

 

$

0.17

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net

 

(0.03

)

 

(0.05

)

 

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.02

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share available to common stockholders

 

$

0.11

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.18

 

$

0.17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

 

25,652

 

25,745

 

25,592

 

25,720

 

 

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

 

5



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
October 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

4,572

 

$

4,242

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net

 

1,274

 

11

 

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net

 

437

 

34

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on sale of equipment

 

(418

)

(577

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

40,045

 

38,975

 

Depletion of landfill operating lease obligations

 

3,348

 

3,520

 

Income from assets under contractual obligation

 

(1,367

)

(114

)

Preferred stock dividend (included in interest expense)

 

1,038

 

 

Amortization of premium on senior notes

 

(307

)

(331

)

Maine Energy settlement

 

(2,142

)

 

Loss from equity method investments

 

3,638

 

2,173

 

Stock-based compensation

 

505

 

954

 

Excess tax benefit on the exercise of stock options

 

(16

)

(157

)

Deferred income taxes

 

691

 

4,647

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(4,620

)

(3,978

)

Accounts payable

 

(4,247

)

(4,400

)

Other assets and liabilities

 

(7,121

)

(5,782

)

 

 

29,027

 

34,930

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

 

35,310

 

39,217

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(93

)

(458

)

Additions to property, plant and equipment - growth

 

(7,965

)

(8,232

)

                                                                          - maintenance

 

(35,025

)

(29,964

)

Payments on landfill operating lease contracts

 

(2,413

)

(1,825

)

Proceeds from divestitures

 

 

670

 

Proceeds from sale of equipment

 

1,217

 

895

 

Investment in unconsolidated entities

 

(85

)

(2,510

)

Proceeds from assets under contractual obligation

 

1,422

 

114

 

Net Cash Used In Investing Activities

 

(42,942

)

(41,310

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

 

221,605

 

60,000

 

Principal payments on long-term debt

 

(149,468

)

(59,104

)

Redemption of Series A redeemable, convertible preferred stock

 

(75,056

)

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

286

 

1,289

 

Excess tax benefit on the exercise of stock options

 

16

 

157

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

 

(2,617

)

2,342

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

 

(211

)

47

 

Provided by Investing Activities

 

262

 

 

Cash Provided by Discontinued Operations

 

51

 

47

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(10,198

)

296

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

12,366

 

2,814

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

2,168

 

$

3,110

 

 

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

 

6



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
October 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for -

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

19,154

 

$

20,463

 

Income taxes, net of refunds

 

$

1,770

 

$

258

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosures of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Summary of entities acquired in purchase business combinations -

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of assets acquired

 

$

93

 

$

458

 

Cash paid, net

 

(93

)

(458

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable, liabilities assumed and holdbacks to sellers

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note receivable recorded upon divestiture

 

$

4,836

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment acquired through financing arrangement

 

$

 

$

11,940

 

 

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

 

7



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except for per share data)

 

1.             ORGANIZATION

 

The consolidated balance sheet of Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (the “Parent”) and Subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of October 31, 2008, the consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended October 31, 2007 and 2008 and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended October 31, 2007 and 2008 are unaudited.  In the opinion of management, such financial statements together with the consolidated balance sheet as of April 30, 2008 include all adjustments (which include normal recurring and nonrecurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented.  The consolidated financial statements presented herein should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the twelve months ended April 30, 2008  included as part of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2008 (the “Annual Report”).  The results for the three and six month periods ended October 31, 2008 may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2009.

 

2.             BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

 

During the six months ended October 31, 2008, the Company acquired two solid waste hauling operations.  The transactions were in exchange for total consideration of $458 in cash.  During the six months ended October 31, 2007, the Company acquired three solid waste hauling operations.  These transactions were in exchange for total consideration of $93 in cash.  The operating results of these businesses are included in the consolidated statements of operations from the dates of acquisition.  The purchase prices have been allocated to the net assets acquired based on their fair values at the dates of acquisition, including the value of non-compete agreements and client lists, with the residual amounts allocated to goodwill.  The pro forma effect, as if each of the acquisitions had been made on May 1, 2007, do not vary materially from actual reported results for the three and six months ended October 31, 2007 and 2008.

 

3.             GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

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

 

 

 

North
Eastern
Region

 

South
Eastern
Region

 

Central
Region

 

Western
Region

 

FCR
Recycling

 

Total

 

Balance, April 30, 2008

 

$

23,655

 

$

31,645

 

$

31,960

 

$

54,804

 

$

37,652

 

$

179,716

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions

 

 

18

 

 

196

 

 

214

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, October 31, 2008

 

$

23,655

 

$

31,663

 

$

31,960

 

$

55,000

 

$

37,652

 

$

179,930

 

 

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

 

8



 

 

 

Covenants
not to
compete

 

Client Lists

 

Licensing
Agreements

 

Contract
Acquisition
Costs

 

Total

 

Balance, April 30, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets

 

$

15,125

 

$

1,597

 

$

920

 

$

58

 

$

17,700

 

Less accumulated amortization

 

(14,189

)

(726

)

(167

)

(10

)

(15,092

)

 

 

$

936

 

$

871

 

$

753

 

$

48

 

$

2,608

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, October 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets

 

$

13,870

 

$

1,597

 

$

920

 

$

389

 

$

16,776

 

Less accumulated amortization

 

(13,097

)

(772

)

(201

)

(26

)

(14,096

)

 

 

$

773

 

$

825

 

$

719

 

$

363

 

$

2,680

 

 

Intangible amortization expense for the three and six months ended October 31, 2007 and 2008 was $151, $154, $301 and $301, respectively.  The intangible amortization expense estimated as of October 31, 2008 for the five fiscal years following fiscal year 2008 is as follows:

 

2009

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012

 

2013

 

Thereafter

 

$

588

 

$

444

 

$

347

 

$

268

 

$

211

 

$

822

 

 

4.             NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No.159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 155 (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. A company shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date.  Upfront costs and fees related to items for which the fair value option is elected are recognized in earnings as incurred and not deferred.  SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007.  The Company adopted this statement on May 1, 2008, but it did not have any impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations as the Company did not make any fair value elections under this standard.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations (revised - 2007) (“SFAS No. 141(R)”). SFAS No. 141(R) is a revision to previously existing guidance on accounting for business combinations. The statement retains the fundamental concept of the purchase method of accounting, and introduces new requirements for the recognition and measurement of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests. SFAS No. 141(R) also requires acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs to be expensed rather than treated as part of the cost of the acquisition.  SFAS No. 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The impact of adoption of this statement on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements is dependent on the nature and volume of future acquisitions, and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (“SFAS No. 161”).  SFAS No. 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, and requires entities to provide enhanced qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair values and amounts of gains and losses on derivative contracts, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements.  This statement applies to all entities and all derivative instruments.  SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008.  As SFAS No. 161 relates specifically to

 

9



 

disclosures, the adoption will have no impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“FSP FAS No. 142-3”).  FSP FAS No. 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS No. 142”). FSP FAS No. 142-3 is intended to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS No. 141(R) and other U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. FSP FAS No. 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company does not expect the adoption of FSP FAS No. 142-3 to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

 

5.             LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On September 12, 2001, the Company’s subsidiary, North Country Environmental Services, Inc. (“NCES”), petitioned the New Hampshire Superior Court (“Superior Court”) for a declaratory judgment concerning the extent to which the Town of Bethlehem, New Hampshire (“Town”) could lawfully prohibit NCES’s expansion of its landfill in Bethlehem.  The Town filed counterclaims seeking contrary declarations and other relief.  The parties appealed the Superior Court’s decision to the New Hampshire Supreme Court (“Supreme Court”).  On March 1, 2004, the Supreme Court ruled that NCES had all necessary local approvals to landfill within a 51-acre portion of its 105-acre parcel and the Town could not prevent expansion in that area.  A significant portion of NCES’s Stage IV expansion as originally designed and approved by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (“NHDES”), however, was to lie outside the 51 acres.  With respect to expansion outside the 51 acres, the Supreme Court remanded four issues to the Superior Court for further proceedings.  On April 25, 2005, the Superior Court rendered summary judgment in NCES’s favor on two of the four issues, leaving the other two issues for trial.  The two issues that were decided on summary judgment remain subject to appeal by the Town.  In March of 2005, the Town adopted a new zoning ordinance that prohibited landfilling outside of a new “District V,” which corresponded to the 51 acres.  The Town then amended its pleadings to seek a declaration that the new ordinance was valid.  The parties each filed motions for partial summary judgment.  Following the court’s decisions on those motions, the validity of the new ordinance remained subject to trial based on two defenses raised by NCES.  On March 30, 2007, NCES applied to the NHDES for a permit modification under which all Stage IV capacity (denominated “Stage IV, Phase II”) would be relocated within the 51 acres.  That application was superseded by a new application, filed on November 30, 2007, that would bring all berms along the perimeter of the landfill’s footprint within the 51 acres as well.  NCES sought a stay of the litigation on the ground that, if NHDES were to grant the permit modification, there would be no need for NCES to expand beyond the 51 acres for eight or more years, and the case could be dismissed as moot or unripe.  The Superior Court granted the stay pending a decision by NHDES.  The permit modification application currently remains pending before NHDES. The NHDES conducted public hearings in July and September 2008.  The NHDES decision to grant the permit modification is expected to be made during the fourth quarter of calendar year 2008.

 

The Company, on behalf of itself, its subsidiary FCR, LLC (“FCR”), and as a Majority Managing Member of Green Mountain Glass, LLC (“GMG”), initiated a declaratory judgment action against GR Technologies, Inc. (“GRT”), Anthony C. Lane and Robert Cameron Billmyer (“the Defendants”) on June 8, 2007, to resolve issues raised by GRT as the minority shareholder of GMG.  The issues addressed in the action included exercise of management discretion, right to intellectual property, and other related disputes.  The Defendants counterclaimed in May 2008 seeking unspecified damages on a variety of bases including, among others, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, tortious interference with business relations, induced infringement and other matters.  Management intends to vigorously contest

 

10



 

those allegations, and it believes that the claims have no merit substantively or as a matter of law.  Additionally, the Defendants filed a Derivative Action in Rutland Superior Court as a Managing Member of GMG on July 2, 2008 against several employees of the Company and its subsidiary FCR, LLC, making similar allegations.  On September 16, 2008, the Company filed a Motion for Summary Judgment, and a Proposed Order Decreeing Dissolution and Appointing a Special Master, alleging that the relationship of GRT and FCR in GMG is irretrievably broken.  All litigation is in its early stages and, accordingly, it is not possible at this time to evaluate the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or provide meaningful estimates as to amount or range of potential loss, but management currently believes that the litigation, regardless of its outcome, will not have a material adverse affect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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

 

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

 

6.                                      ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES

 

The Company is subject to liability for environmental damage, including personal injury and property damage, that its solid waste, recycling and power generation facilities may cause to neighboring property owners, particularly as a result of the contamination of drinking water sources or soil, possibly including damage resulting from conditions existing before the Company acquired the facilities. The Company may also be subject to liability for similar claims arising from off-site environmental contamination caused by pollutants or hazardous substances if the Company or its predecessors arrange or arranged to transport, treat or dispose of those materials.

 

On December 20, 2000, the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation (“DEC”) issued an Order on Consent (“Order”) which named Waste Stream, Inc. (“WSI”), a Casella subsidiary, General Motors Corporation (“GM”) and Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation (“NiMo”) as Respondents.  The Order required that the Respondents undertake certain work on a 25-acre scrap yard and solid waste transfer station owned by WSI, including a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (“the Study”), and permitted the Respondents to propose and implement, if approved by DEC, interim remedial measures for the site.  It is anticipated that the Study will be submitted to the DEC in the next ninety days.  It is presently impossible to meaningfully determine a range of the dollar cost of our potential participation in the remediation, principally because (i) there is a wide range of remediation options under consideration, and (ii) other Respondents will be required to contribute to the remediation.

 

Any substantial liability incurred by the Company arising from environmental damage could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.  The Company is not presently aware of any situations that it expects would have a material adverse impact on its business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

7.                                      STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

On July 28, 2008, the Company granted restricted stock units under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) in the form of performance shares to certain employees.  Receipt of these shares is contingent upon the Company’s attainment of certain performance metrics on an average basis over a

 

11



 

three fiscal year period.  At the one hundred percent level of attainment the grantee pool would be entitled to a total of 212 shares of Class A Common Stock.  These units were granted at a value of $12.14 per share and are unvested and unissued at October 31, 2008.

 

On October 14, 2008, the Company granted 27 restricted stock units under the 2006 plan to non-employee directors of the Company.  These shares will vest in equal amounts over a three year period starting on the first anniversary of the grant date.

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

Total
Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Outstanding, April 30, 2008

 

3,782

 

$

12.82

 

Granted

 

5

 

12.62

 

Exercised

 

(111

)

9.98

 

Forfeited

 

(279

)

21.27

 

Outstanding, October 31, 2008

 

3,397

 

12.22

 

Exercisable, October 31, 2008

 

2,961

 

$

12.21

 

 

The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted was $5.09 and $5.49 per option for the six months ended October 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively.  There are 1,841 Class A Common Stock equivalents available for future grant under the 2006 plan.

 

The Company recorded $259, $536, $452 and $899 of stock based compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock units during the three and six months ended October 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively.  The Company also recorded $29, $28, $53 and $55 of stock based expense for the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan during the three and six months ended October 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively.

 

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

 

12



 

 

 

Three Months Ended
October 31,

 

Six Months Ended
October 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

Stock Options:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected life

 

6 years

 

 

6 years

 

6 years

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

4.71%

 

 

4.82%

 

3.73%

 

Expected volatility

 

37.83%

 

 

37.83%

 

36.80%

 

Stock Purchase Plan:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected life

 

0.5 years

 

 

0.5 years

 

0.5 years

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

5.02%

 

 

5.07%

 

2.49%

 

Expected volatility

 

37.22%

 

 

35.10%

 

36.44%

 

 

Expected life is calculated based on the weighted average historical life of the vested stock options, giving consideration to vesting schedules and historical exercise patterns. Risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. treasury yield curve for the period of the expected life of the stock option. For stock options granted during the three and six months ended October 31, 2007 and 2008, expected volatility is calculated using the average of weekly historical volatility of the Company’s Class A Common Stock over the last six years.

 

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

 

8.                                      EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

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

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
October 31,

 

Six Months Ended
October 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available to common stockholders

 

$

2,830

 

$

2,066

 

$

4,572

 

$

4,242

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of shares outstanding, end of period:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock

 

24,363

 

24,601

 

24,363

 

24,601

 

Class B common stock

 

988

 

988

 

988

 

988

 

Effect of weighted average shares outstanding during period

 

(8

)

(28

)

(16

)

(72

)

Weighted average number of common shares used in basic EPS

 

25,343

 

25,561

 

25,335

 

25,517

 

Impact of potentially dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dilutive effect of options and restricted stock

 

309

 

184

 

257

 

203

 

Weighted average number of common shares used in diluted EPS

 

25,652

 

25,745

 

25,592

 

25,720

 

 

For the three and six months ended October 31, 2007, 2,373 and 2,933 common stock equivalents related to options and warrants were excluded from the calculation of dilutive shares since the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive.

 

For the three and six months ended October 31, 2008, 2,715 and 2,713 common stock equivalents related to options, warrants and restricted stock units were excluded from the calculation of dilutive shares since

 

13



 

the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive.

 

9.                                      COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

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

 

Comprehensive income for the three and six months ended October 31, 2007 and 2008 is as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

October 31,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

Net income

 

$

2,830

 

$

2,066

 

$

4,572

 

$

4,242

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(101

)

4,805

 

(285

)

5,963

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

2,729

 

$

6,871

 

$

4,287

 

$

10,205

 

 

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

 

 

 

Three Months Ended October 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

 

 

Gross

 

Tax
effect

 

Net of Tax

 

Gross

 

Tax
effect

 

Net of Tax

 

Changes in fair value of marketable securities during the period

 

$

91

 

$

32

 

$

59

 

$

(89

)

$

(32

)

$

(57

)

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

 

(840

)

(340

)

(500

)

6,525

 

2,627

 

3,898

 

Reclassification to earnings for interest rate derivatives and commodity hedge contracts

 

571

 

231

 

340

 

1,614

 

650

 

964

 

 

 

$

(178

)

$

(77

)

$

(101

)

$

8,050

 

$

3,245

 

$

4,805

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended October 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

 

 

Gross

 

Tax
effect

 

Net of Tax

 

Gross

 

Tax
effect

 

Net of Tax

 

Changes in fair value of marketable securities during the period

 

$

60

 

$

21

 

$

39

 

$

(186

)

$

(65

)

$

(121

)

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

 

(1,539

)

(612

)

(927

)

7,118

 

2,865

 

4,253

 

Reclassification to earnings for interest rate derivatives and commodity hedge contracts

 

999

 

396

 

603

 

3,081

 

1,250

 

1,831

 

 

 

$

(480

)

$

(195

)

$

(285

)

$

10,013

 

$

4,050

 

$

5,963

 

 

14



 

10.                               FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

Effective May 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”) as it relates to financial assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

SFAS No. 157 provides a framework for measuring fair value and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value, giving the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 inputs) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs).

 

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis include derivative instruments as well as certain investments included in restricted assets.  The Company’s restricted assets measured at fair value include investments in fixed-maturity securities which serve as collateral for the Company’s self-insurance claims liability, self insurance reserves and landfill post closure obligations.

 

The Company’s derivative instruments include interest rate swaps and collars along with commodity hedges.  The Company uses interest rate derivatives to hedge the risk of adverse movements in interest rates.  The fair value of these cash flow hedges are based primarily on the LIBOR index.  The Company uses commodity hedges to hedge the risk of adverse movements in commodity pricing.  The fair value of these hedges is based on futures pricing in the underlying commodities.

 

The Company uses valuation techniques that maximize the use of market prices and observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. In measuring the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, the Company relies on market data or assumptions that the Company believes market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.  As of October 31, 2008, our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the following:

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurement at October 31, 2008 Using:

 

 

 

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

 

Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted assets - available for sale securities

 

$

13,602

 

$

 

$

 

Commodity derivatives

 

 

 

9,414

 

 

Total

 

$

13,602

 

$

9,414

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate derivatives

 

$

 

$

1,390

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

 

$

1,390

 

$

 

 

11.                               DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

 

The Company’s strategy to hedge against fluctuations in the commodity prices of recycled paper is to enter into hedges to mitigate the variability in cash flows generated from the sales of recycled paper at floating prices, resulting in a fixed price being received from these sales.  The Company was party to thirty-three commodity hedge contracts as of October 31, 2008.  These contracts expire between

 

15



 

December 2008 and December 2011.  The Company has evaluated these hedges and believes that these instruments qualify for hedge accounting pursuant to SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended (“SFAS No. 133”).  As of October 31, 2008 the fair value of these hedges was an asset of $9,414, with the net amount (net of taxes of $3,791) recorded as an unrealized gain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

 

The Company is party to three separate interest rate swap agreements with three banks for a notional amount of $105,000.  One agreement for a notional amount of $30,000 effectively fixes the interest rate index at 4.74% from November 4, 2007 through May 7, 2009.  Two agreements, for a notional amount of $75,000, effectively fix the interest index rate on the entire notional amount at approximately 4.68% from May 6, 2008 through May 6, 2009.  These agreements are specifically designated to interest payments under the Company’s term B loan and are accounted for as effective cash flow hedges pursuant to SFAS No. 133.  As of October 31, 2008, the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps was an obligation of $1,090, with the net amount (net of taxes of $440) recorded as an unrealized loss in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

 

The Company is party to two separate interest rate zero-cost collars with two banks for a notional amount of $60,000.  The collars have an interest index rate cap of 6.00% and an interest index rate floor of approximately 4.48% and are effective from November 6, 2006 through May 5, 2009.  These agreements are specifically designated to interest payments under the revolving credit facility and are accounted for as effective cash flow hedges pursuant to SFAS No. 133.  As of October 31, 2008, the fair value of these collars was an obligation of $300, with the net amount (net of taxes of $119) recorded as an unrealized loss in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

 

12.                               DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

During the second quarter of fiscal year 2008, the Company completed the sale of the Company’s Buffalo, N.Y. transfer station, hauling operation and related equipment in the Western region for proceeds of $4,873 including a note receivable for $2,500 and net cash proceeds of $2,373.  The company recorded a loss on disposal of discontinued operations (net of tax) of $437.

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008, the Company terminated its operation of MTS Environmental, a soils processing operation in the North Eastern region.

 

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

 

The operating results of these operations for the three and six months ended October 31, 2007 and 2008 have been reclassified from continuing to discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

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

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

October 31,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

Revenues

 

$

3,368

 

$

 

$

7,275

 

$

282

 

Loss before income taxes

 

$

(1,054

)

$

 

$

(2,008

)

$

(19

)

 

The Company has recorded contingent liabilities associated with these divestitures amounting to

 

16



 

approximately $1,396 at October 31, 2008.

 

In accordance with EITF Issue No. 87-24, Allocation of Interest to Discontinued Operations, the Company allocates interest to discontinued operations. The Company has also eliminated certain immaterial inter-company activity associated with discontinued operations.

 

13.                               SEGMENT REPORTING

 

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

 

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

 

17



 

 

 

North Eastern

 

South Eastern

 

Central

 

Western

 

FCR

 

 

 

Region

 

Region

 

Region

 

Region

 

Recycling

 

Three Months Ended October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside revenues

 

$

30,637

 

$

17,830

 

$

34,834

 

$

28,126

 

$

31,471

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

6,095

 

2,586

 

5,133

 

4,213

 

1,643

 

Operating income

 

1,699

 

(987

)

5,646

 

4,118

 

5,163

 

Total assets

 

$

175,691

 

$

128,754

 

$

154,093

 

$

179,205

 

$

97,045

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside revenues

 

$

7,585

 

$

150,483

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

466

 

20,136

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

189

 

15,828

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

97,258

 

$

832,046

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North Eastern

 

South Eastern

 

Central

 

Western

 

FCR

 

 

 

Region

 

Region

 

Region

 

Region

 

Recycling

 

Three Months Ended October 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside revenues

 

$

33,143

 

$

17,465

 

$

32,447

 

$

29,723

 

$

35,953

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

6,499

 

3,021

 

4,083

 

3,924

 

1,599

 

Operating income

 

1,553

 

(502

)

4,809

 

5,713

 

4,786

 

Total assets

 

$

174,521

 

$

123,559

 

$

159,327

 

$

181,603

 

$

119,322

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended October 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside revenues

 

$

8,807

 

$

157,538

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

379

 

19,505

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

(353

)

16,006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

98,124

 

$

856,456

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18



 

 

 

North Eastern

 

South Eastern

 

Central

 

Western

 

FCR

 

 

 

Region

 

Region

 

Region

 

Region

 

Recycling

 

Six Months Ended October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside revenues

 

$

61,652

 

$

34,975

 

$

69,748

 

$

56,480

 

$

60,742

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

12,086

 

4,731

 

10,321

 

8,577

 

3,348

 

Operating income

 

2,299

 

(2,137

)

11,219

 

8,441

 

9,325

 

Total assets

 

$

175,691

 

$

128,754

 

$

154,093

 

$

179,205

 

$

97,045

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside revenues

 

$

15,412

 

$

299,009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

981

 

40,044

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

527

 

29,674

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

97,258

 

$

832,046

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North Eastern

 

South Eastern

 

Central

 

Western

 

FCR

 

 

 

Region

 

Region

 

Region

 

Region

 

Recycling

 

Six Months Ended October 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside revenues

 

$

65,478

 

$

34,836

 

$

66,727

 

$

59,610

 

$

71,172

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

12,678

 

5,658

 

8,620

 

8,005

 

3,211

 

Operating income

 

2,074

 

(652

)

9,624

 

11,524

 

9,822

 

Total assets

 

$

174,521

 

$

123,559

 

$

159,327

 

$

181,603

 

$

119,322

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended October 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside revenues

 

$

17,619

 

$

315,442

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

803

 

38,975

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

(834

)

31,558

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

98,124

 

$

856,456

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
October 31,

 

Six Months Ended
October 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

Collection

 

$

69,178

 

$

70,094

 

$

138,331

 

$

141,422

 

Landfill / disposal facilities

 

28,966

 

30,866

 

58,169

 

59,909

 

Transfer

 

7,691

 

8,717

 

15,038

 

17,920

 

Recycling

 

44,648

 

47,861

 

87,471

 

96,191

 

Total revenues

 

$

150,483

 

$

157,538

 

$

299,009

 

$

315,442

 

 

14.                               INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES

 

The Company entered into an agreement in July 2000 with Louisiana-Pacific Corporation to combine their respective cellulose insulation businesses into a single operating entity, GreenFiber, under a joint venture agreement effective August 1, 2000. The Company’s investment in GreenFiber amounted to $29,571 and $26,776 at April 30, 2008 and October 31, 2008, respectively.

 

19



 

On August 15, 2008, the Company made a $2,500 equity contribution to GreenFiber to support a refinancing of GreenFiber’s existing revolving credit facility.  In addition, the other member of GreenFiber, Louisiana-Pacific (“LP”), made the same equity contribution resulting in no change to the Company’s ownership in GreenFiber.  The Company will continue to account for its 50% ownership in GreenFiber using the equity method of accounting.

 

In addition, the Company and LP issued a joint and several guarantee of up to $2,000 to support the refinancing of a GreenFiber term loan.  The guarantee can be drawn only upon a default (as defined) by GreenFiber under this term loan.  As of October 31, 2008, the Company has recorded $75 as the carrying amount of the guarantee.

 

Summarized financial information for GreenFiber is as follows:

 

 

 

April 30,
2008

 

October 31,
2008

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

$

23,095

 

$

26,741

 

 

 

 

 

Noncurrent assets

 

69,681

 

67,344

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

16,229

 

17,274

 

 

 

 

 

Noncurrent liabilities

 

$

17,365

 

$

23,231

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
October 31,

 

Six Months Ended
October 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

Revenue

 

$

41,995

 

$

35,496

 

$

75,494

 

$

65,729

 

Gross profit

 

7,002

 

4,628

 

12,433

 

9,074

 

Net loss

 

$

(1,816

)

$

(2,090

)

$

(5,409

)

$

(4,347

)

 

15.          NET ASSETS UNDER CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION

 

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

 

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

 

The Company has not accounted for these transactions as sales based on an assessment that the risks and other incidents of ownership have not sufficiently transferred to the buyers. The net assets of the operations were disclosed in the balance sheet as “net assets under contractual obligation”, and were being reduced as payments are made.  During the three and six months ended October 31, 2007 and 2008, the Company recognized income on the transactions in the amount of $629, $25, $1,367 and $114, respectively, as payments received on the notes receivable exceeded the balance of the net assets under contractual obligation.  Minimum amounts owed to the Company under these notes amounted to $2,076 and $1,932 at April 30, 2008 and October 31, 2008, respectively.

 

20



 

16.          CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

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

 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF APRIL 30, 2008

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

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non-Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,260

 

$

1,306

 

$

248

 

$

 

$

2,814

 

Restricted cash

 

 

95

 

 

 

95

 

Accounts receivable - trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

 

80

 

61,969

 

184

 

 

62,233

 

Notes receivable - officers/employees

 

132

 

 

 

 

132

 

Refundable income taxes

 

2,020

 

 

 

 

2,020

 

Prepaid expenses

 

2,541

 

4,389

 

 

 

6,930

 

Deferred taxes

 

14,639

 

 

794

 

 

15,433

 

Other current assets

 

501

 

5,327

 

 

 

5,828

 

Total current assets

 

21,173

 

73,086

 

1,226

 

 

95,485

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

2,557

 

485,471

 

 

 

488,028

 

Goodwill

 

 

179,716

 

 

 

179,716

 

Investment in subsidiaries

 

2,898

 

 

 

(2,898

)

 

Other non-current assets

 

26,370

 

37,254

 

13,613

 

(4,379

)

72,858

 

 

 

31,825

 

702,441

 

13,613

 

(7,277

)

740,602

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany receivable

 

652,849

 

(649,823

)

(7,405

)

4,379

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

705,847

 

$

125,704

 

$

7,434

 

$

(2,898

)

$

836,087

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non - Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long term debt

 

$

1,858

 

$

900

 

$

 

$

 

$

2,758

 

Accounts payable

 

4,084

 

47,503

 

144

 

 

51,731

 

Accrued payroll and related expenses

 

2,834

 

8,417

 

 

 

11,251

 

Other current liabilities

 

20,754

 

20,079

 

6,251

 

 

47,084

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

29,530

 

76,899

 

6,395

 

 

112,824

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, less current maturities

 

550,078

 

9,149

 

 

 

559,227

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

1,557

 

35,881

 

1,916

 

 

39,354

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock -
Authorized - 100,000,000 shares, $0.01 par value; issued and outstanding - 24,466,000 shares

 

245

 

100

 

100

 

(200

)

245

 

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

 

10

 

 

 

 

10

 

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

 

(2,568

)

502

 

143

 

(645

)

(2,568

)

Additional paid-in capital

 

276,189

 

46,430

 

3,988

 

(50,418

)

276,189

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(149,194

)

(43,257

)

(5,108

)

48,365

 

(149,194

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

124,682

 

3,775

 

(877

)

(2,898

)

124,682

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

705,847

 

$

125,704

 

$

7,434

 

$

(2,898

)

$

836,087

 

 

21



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2008

(Unaudited)

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

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non-Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,266

 

$

1,503

 

$

341

 

$

 

$

3,110

 

Accounts receivable - trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

 

 

66,043

 

179

 

 

66,222

 

Refundable income taxes

 

885

 

 

 

 

885

 

Other current assets

 

19,771

 

10,846

 

800

 

 

31,417

 

Total current assets

 

21,922

 

78,392

 

1,320

 

 

101,634

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

2,917

 

498,346

 

 

 

501,263

 

Goodwill

 

 

179,930

 

 

 

179,930

 

Investment in subsidiaries

 

20,541

 

 

 

(20,541

)

 

Other non-current assets

 

30,790

 

33,629

 

13,589

 

(4,379

)

73,629

 

 

 

54,248

 

711,905

 

13,589

 

(24,920

)

754,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany receivable

 

652,988

 

(649,637

)

(7,730

)

4,379

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

729,158

 

$

140,660

 

$

7,179

 

$

(20,541

)

$

856,456

 

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non - Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long term debt

 

$

1,009

 

$

727

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,736

 

Accounts payable

 

3,452

 

43,740

 

148

 

 

47,340

 

Accrued payroll and related expenses

 

1,613

 

5,563

 

 

 

7,176

 

Accrued closure and post-closure costs, current portion

 

 

5,503

 

4

 

 

5,507

 

Other current liabilities

 

17,334

 

11,461

 

6,300

 

 

35,095

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

23,408

 

66,994

 

6,452

 

 

96,854

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, less current maturities

 

560,942

 

1,338

 

 

 

562,280

 

Financing lease obligations, less current maturities

 

 

11,674

 

 

 

11,674

 

Deferred income taxes

 

5,043

 

 

 

 

5,043

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

2,523

 

38,904

 

1,936

 

 

43,363

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock -
Authorized - 100,000,000 shares, $0.01 par value; issued and outstanding - 24,601,000 shares

 

246

 

100

 

100

 

(200

)

246

 

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

 

10

 

 

 

 

10

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

3,395

 

(1,423

)

27

 

1,396

 

3,395

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

278,543

 

46,430

 

3,988

 

(50,418

)

278,543

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(144,952

)

(23,357

)

(5,324

)

28,681

 

(144,952

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

137,242

 

21,750

 

(1,209

)

(20,541

)

137,242

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

729,158

 

$

140,660

 

$

7,179

 

$

(20,541

)

$

856,456

 

 

22



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

THREE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2007

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non - Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

150,483

 

$

1,702

 

$

(1,702

)

$

150,483

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of operations

 

 

95,538

 

1,785

 

(1,702

)

95,621

 

General and administration

 

463

 

18,199

 

236

 

 

18,898

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

403

 

19,733

 

 

 

20,136

 

 

 

866

 

133,470

 

2,021

 

(1,702

)

134,655

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(866

)

17,013

 

(319

)

 

15,828

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense/(income), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(8,244

)

(167

)

(150

)

8,315

 

(246

)

Interest expense

 

11,744

 

7,602

 

 

(8,315

)

11,031

 

Loss (income) from equity method investments

 

(6,856

)

1,487

 

 

6,856

 

1,487

 

Other expense (income)

 

87

 

(52

)

 

 

35

 

Other expense/(income), net

 

(3,269

)

8,870

 

(150

)

6,856

 

12,307

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

2,403

 

8,143

 

(169

)

(6,856

)

3,521

 

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

 

(427

)

 

11

 

 

(416

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations

 

2,830

 

8,143

 

(180

)

(6,856

)

3,937

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net

 

 

(670

)

 

 

(670

)

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net

 

 

(437

)

 

 

(437

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders

 

$

2,830

 

$

7,036

 

$

(180

)

$

(6,856

)

$

2,830

 

 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

THREE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2008

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non - Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

157,538

 

$

1,694

 

$

(1,694

)

$

157,538

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of operations

 

 

103,556

 

1,866

 

(1,694

)

103,728

 

General and administration

 

(7

)

18,264

 

42

 

 

18,299

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

310

 

19,195

 

 

 

19,505

 

 

 

303

 

141,015

 

1,908

 

(1,694

)

141,532

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(303

)

16,523

 

(214

)

 

16,006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense/(income), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(7,708

)

(43

)

(24

)

7,690

 

(85

)

Interest expense

 

10,384

 

7,644

 

 

(7,690

)

10,338

 

Loss (income) from equity method investments

 

(7,788

)

1,045

 

 

7,788

 

1,045

 

Other income

 

(7

)

(57

)

 

 

(64

)

Other expense/(income), net

 

(5,119

)

8,589

 

(24

)

7,788

 

11,234

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

4,816

 

7,934

 

(190

)

(7,788

)

4,772

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

2,750

 

 

(44

)

 

2,706

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

 

$

2,066

 

$

7,934

 

$

(146

)

$

(7,788

)

$

2,066

 

 

23



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2007

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non - Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

299,009

 

$

3,404

 

$

(3,404

)

$

299,009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of operations

 

2

 

192,041

 

3,886

 

(3,404

)

192,525

 

General and administration

 

428

 

36,261

 

77

 

 

36,766

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

853

 

39,191

 

 

 

40,044

 

 

 

1,283

 

267,493

 

3,963

 

(3,404

)

269,335

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(1,283

)

31,516

 

(559

)

 

29,674

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense/(income), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(17,222

)

(120

)

(310

)

16,978

 

(674

)

Interest expense

 

23,657

 

15,394

 

 

(16,978

)

22,073

 

Loss (income) from equity method investments

 

(12,858

)

3,638

 

 

12,858

 

3,638

 

Other income

 

(120

)

(2,240

)

 

 

(2,360

)

Other expense/(income), net

 

(6,543

)

16,672

 

(310

)

12,858

 

22,677

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

5,260

 

14,844

 

(249

)

(12,858

)

6,997

 

Provision for income taxes

 

688

 

 

26

 

 

714

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations

 

4,572

 

14,844

 

(275

)

(12,858

)

6,283

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net

 

 

(1,274

)

 

 

(1,274

)

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net

 

 

(437

)

 

 

(437

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders

 

$

4,572

 

$

13,133

 

$

(275

)

$

(12,858

)

$

4,572

 

 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2008

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non - Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

 

$

315,442

 

$

3,387

 

$

(3,387

)

$

315,442

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of operations

 

245

 

207,681

 

3,631

 

(3,387

)

208,170

 

General and administration

 

(133

)

36,762

 

110

 

 

36,739

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

650

 

38,325

 

 

 

38,975

 

 

 

762

 

282,768

 

3,741

 

(3,387

)

283,884

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(762

)

32,674

 

(354

)

 

31,558

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense/(income), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(15,461

)

(67

)

(163

)

15,424

 

(267

)

Interest expense

 

20,622

 

15,296

 

 

(15,424

)

20,494

 

Loss (income) from equity method investments

 

(15,121

)

2,173

 

 

15,121

 

2,173

 

Other income

 

(42

)

(110

)

 

 

(152

)

Other expense/(income), net

 

(10,002

)

17,292

 

(163

)

15,121

 

22,248

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

9,240

 

15,382

 

(191

)

(15,121

)

9,310

 

Provision for income taxes

 

4,998

 

 

25

 

 

5,023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations

 

4,242

 

15,382

 

(216

)

(15,121

)

4,287

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net

 

 

(11

)

 

 

(11

)

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net

 

 

(34

)

 

 

(34

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

 

$

4,242

 

$

15,337

 

$

(216

)

$

(15,121

)

$

4,242

 

 

24



 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2007

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non-Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

 

$

(3,434

)

$

39,576

 

$

(832

)

$

 

$

35,310

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

(93

)

 

 

(93

)

Additions to property, plant and equipment - growth

 

 

(7,965

)

 

 

(7,965

)

                          - maintenance

 

(583

)

(34,442

)

 

 

(35,025

)

Payments on landfill operating lease contracts

 

 

(2,413

)

 

 

(2,413

)

Investment in unconsolidated entities

 

(85

)

 

 

 

(85

)

Other

 

 

2,639

 

 

 

2,639

 

Net Cash Used In Investing Activities

 

(668

)

(42,274

)

 

 

(42,942

)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

 

221,605

 

 

 

 

221,605

 

Principal payments on long-term debt

 

(149,176

)

(292

)

 

 

(149,468

)

Redemption of Series A redeemable, convertible preferred stock

 

(75,057

)

1

 

 

 

(75,056

)

Other

 

302

 

 

 

 

302

 

Intercompany borrowings

 

8,785

 

(8,656

)

(129

)

 

 

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities

 

6,459

 

(8,947

)

(129

)

 

(2,617

)

Cash Provided by Discontinued Operations

 

 

51

 

 

 

51

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

2,357

 

(11,594

)

(961

)

 

(10,198

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

(1,967

)

13,015

 

1,318

 

 

12,366

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

390

 

$

1,421

 

$

357

 

$

 

$

2,168

 

 

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2008

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantors

 

Non-Guarantors

 

Elimination

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

 

$

(10,466

)

$

49,915

 

$

(232

)

$

 

$

39,217

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

(458

)

 

 

(458

)

Additions to property, plant and equipment - growth

 

 

(8,232

)

 

 

(8,232

)

                          - maintenance

 

(1,034

)

(28,930

)

 

 

(29,964

)

Payments on landfill operating lease contracts

 

 

(1,825

)

 

 

(1,825

)

Proceeds from divestitures

 

 

670

 

 

 

670

 

Other

 

(2,396

)

895

 

 

 

(1,501

)

Net Cash Used In Investing Activities

 

(3,430

)

(37,880

)

 

 

(41,310

)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

 

60,000

 

 

 

 

60,000

 

Principal payments on long-term debt

 

(58,660

)

(444

)

 

 

(59,104

)

Other

 

1,446

 

 

 

 

1,446

 

Intercompany borrowings

 

11,116

 

(11,441

)

325

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

 

13,902

 

(11,885

)

325

 

 

2,342

 

Cash Provided by Discontinued Operations

 

 

47

 

 

 

47

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

6

 

197

 

93

 

 

296

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

1,260

 

1,306

 

248

 

 

2,814

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

1,266

 

$

1,503

 

$

341

 

$

 

$

3,110

 

 

25



 

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

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included under Item 1. In addition, reference should be made to the Company’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto and related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations appearing in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2008.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

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

 

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

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

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

·                  the projected development of additional disposal capacity;

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

·                  sales and marketing plans;

·                  potential business combinations; and

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

 

In addition, any statements contained in or incorporated by reference into this report that are not statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements.  You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “intends”, “estimates” and other similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative.  These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry and markets in which the Company operates as well as management’s beliefs and assumptions, and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements included in this report.  The Company cannot guarantee that the Company actually will achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements made.  There are a number of important risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements.  These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those detailed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2008.  The Company does not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

 

Company Overview

 

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. is a vertically-integrated regional solid waste services company that provides collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services to residential, industrial and commercial customers, primarily in the eastern United States. Our Company was founded in 1975 as a single truck operation in Rutland, Vermont and the business now operates in fifteen states. We operate vertically integrated solid

 

26



 

waste operations in Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, and Maine; and stand alone materials processing facilities in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

 

As of November 28, 2008, the Company owned and/or operated 32 solid waste collection operations, 31 transfer stations, 37 recycling facilities, eight Subtitle D landfills, two landfills permitted to accept construction and demolition materials, and one waste-to-energy facility, as well as a 50% interest in a joint venture that manufactures, markets and sells cellulose insulation made from recycled fiber and a 16.2% interest in a company that markets an incentive based recycling service.

 

Operating Results

 

For the three months ended October 31, 2008, the Company reported revenues of $157.5 million, an increase of $7.0 million, or 4.7%, from $150.5 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2007.  Solid waste revenues, including the Company’s major accounts program, increased 2.2%, with 3.3% coming from higher prices, primarily from our collection operations, 1.0% from the rollover effect of a major accounts tuck-in acquisition and the balance from higher landfill volumes, all partially offset by lower collection volumes.  FCR recycling revenues increased 14.2%, with 13.0% coming from commodity price increases and 1.2% from higher volumes in the quarterOperating income for the three months ended October 31, 2008 increased to $16.0 million from $15.8 million for the quarter ended October 31, 2007.  Operating income was favorably impacted by higher revenue levels and lower general and administration and depreciation and amortization expenses, which were largely offset by higher cost of operations.

 

FCR recycling revenues reflect higher commodity prices in the current quarter compared to a year ago.  However, beginning in the month of October 2008, average commodity prices began to decline which decreased FCR recycling operating income for the current quarter by approximately $0.4 million.  In November 2008, commodity prices declined sharply driven by a severe drop in demand as a result of global economic conditions.

 

During the second quarter of fiscal year 2008, the Company completed the sale of the Company’s Buffalo, N.Y. transfer station, hauling operation and related equipment in the Western region for proceeds of $4.9 million including a note receivable for $2.5 million and net cash proceeds of $2.4 million.The company recorded a loss on disposal of discontinued operations (net of tax) of $0.4 million.

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008, the Company terminated its operation of MTS Environmental, a soils processing operation in the North Eastern region.

 

The Company completed its divestiture of its FCR Greenville operation in the quarter ended July 31, 2008 for cash proceeds of $0.7 million.  For the six months ended October 31, 2008, the company recorded a loss on disposal of discontinued operations (net of tax) of $0.03 million.

 

The operating results of these operations for the three and six months ended October 31, 2007 and 2008 have been reclassified from continuing to discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

General

 

Revenues

 

The Company’s revenues in our North Eastern, South Eastern, Central and Western regions are attributable primarily to fees charged to customers for solid waste disposal and collection, landfill, waste-to-energy, transfer and recycling services.  The Company derives a substantial portion of its collection revenues from commercial, industrial and municipal services that are generally performed under service agreements or pursuant to contracts with municipalities.  The majority of the Company’s residential

 

27



 

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

 

The Company’s cellulose insulation business is conducted through a 50/50 joint venture with Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (“GreenFiber”), and accordingly, the Company recognizes half of the joint venture’s net income on the equity method in our results of operations.  The Company also has a cost method investment in the common stock of RecycleRewards, Inc. (“RecycleRewards”), a company that markets an incentive based recycling service.  In April 2008, the Company’s voting interest was reduced to 16.2%.  Effective April 2008, the Company accounts for its investment in RecycleRewards under the cost method of accounting.  Prior to April 2008 the Company accounted for this investment under the equity method of accounting.  Also, in the “Other” segment, we have ancillary revenues including major customer accounts.

 

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

 

 

 

Three Months Ended October 31,

 

Six Months Ended October 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collection

 

$

69.2

 

46.0

%

$

70.0

 

44.5

%

$

138.3

 

46.3

%

$

141.4

 

44.8

%

Landfill / disposal facilities

 

$

29.0

 

19.2

%

$

30.9

 

19.6

%

$

58.2

 

19.5

%

$

59.9

 

19.0

%

Transfer

 

$

7.7

 

5.1

%

$

8.7

 

5.5

%

$

15.0

 

5.0

%

$

17.9

 

5.7

%

Recycling

 

$

44.6

 

29.7

%

$

47.9

 

30.4

%

$

87.5

 

29.2

%

$

96.2

 

30.5

%

Total revenues

 

$

150.5

 

100.0

%

$

157.5

 

100.0

%

$

299.0

 

100.0

%

$

315.4

 

100.0

%

 

Collection revenues decreased as a percentage of total revenues in the three and six months ended October 31, 2008 compared to the prior year primarily due to lower volumes, partially offset by price increases and the effect of a major accounts tuck-in acquisition.  Landfill/disposal facilities revenues increased as a percentage of total revenues in the quarter ended October 31, 2008 primarily due to volume growth.  Landfill/disposal revenues increased in the six months ended October 31, 2008 due to higher volumes and decreased as a percentage of total revenue mainly because of the increase in recycling revenues.  Transfer revenues increased as a percentage of total revenues in the three and six months ended October 31, 2008 due to volume growth.  Recycling revenues are primarily from recycling facilities in the FCR region.  The increase in recycling revenue dollars for the three and six months ended October 31, 2008 is primarily attributable to higher commodity prices and to a lesser extent an increase in commodity volumes.  As noted above, beginning in the month of October 2008, FCR recycling revenues were impacted due to lower average commodity prices.

 

Operating Expenses

 

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

 

28



 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Results of Operations

 

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

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

October 31,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of operations

 

63.5

%

65.8

%

64.4

%

66.0

%

General and administration

 

12.6

%

11.6

%

12.3

%

11.6

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

13.4

%

12.4

%

13.4

%

12.4

%

Operating income

 

10.5

%

10.2

%

9.9

%

10.0

%

Interest expense, net

 

7.2

%

6.5

%

7.2

%

6.4

%

Loss from equity method investments

 

1.0

%

0.7

%

1.2

%

0.7

%

Other income, net

 

0.0

%

0.0

%

-0.8

%

0.0

%

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

-0.3

%

1.7

%

0.2

%

1.6

%

Income before discontinued operations

 

2.6

%

1.3

%

2.1

%

1.3

%

 

29



 

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

 

Revenues - Revenues increased $7.0 million, or 4.7%, to $157.5 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2008 from $150.5 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2007.  Solid waste revenues, including the Company’s major accounts program, increased $2.6 million, with $3.5 million coming from price increases in our collection operations.  Revenues from the rollover effect of acquisitions, primarily from a major accounts tuck-in acquisition, accounted for $1.2 million of the increase.  Although landfill volumes increased year over year, these increases were more than offset by lower collection volumes, which negatively impacted revenue by $2.1 million.  FCR recycling revenues increased $4.4 million mainly due to higher commodity prices and volumes.

 

Cost of operations - Cost of operations increased $8.1 million, or 8.5%, to $103.7 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2008 from $95.6 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2007.  Cost of operations as a percentage of revenues increased to 65.8% in the quarter ended October 31, 2008 compared to 63.5% in the quarter ended October 31, 2007.  The cost of operations increase is due to an increase in the cost of purchased materials associated with higher FCR recycling revenues, higher fuel costs and property tax expense, due to a property tax refund recognized in the prior year quarter, partially offset by lower direct labor and third party disposal costs.  Also included in prior year results was a reduction in cost of operations in the amount of $0.6 million from transactions involving the domestic brokerage and Canadian recycling operations as payments received on the notes receivable in the three months ended October 31, 2007 exceeded the balance of the net assets under contractual obligation.

 

General and administration - General and administration expenses decreased $0.6 million, or 3.2%, to $18.3 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2008 from $18.9 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2007.  General and administration expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased to 11.6% in the quarter ended October 31, 2008 from 12.6% in the quarter ended October 31, 2007.  The dollar decrease in general administration expenses year over year is primarily due to lower bad debt expense, due to a recovery in the quarter.

 

Depreciation and amortization - Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $0.6 million, or 3.0%, to $19.5 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2008 from $20.1 million in the quarter ended October, 31, 2007.  Landfill amortization expense decreased by $0.8 million primarily due to lower amortization volumes and rates at our Colebrook closure facility, which closed in the quarter ended October 31, 2008, partially offset by an increase in amortization at our Worcester closure facility due to increased volumes.  Depreciation expense increased between periods by $0.2 million.  Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of revenue decreased to 12.4% for the three months ended October 31, 2008 from 13.4% for the three months ended October 31, 2007.

 

Operating income - Operating income was $16.0 million for the quarter ended October 31, 2008 compared to $15.8 million for the quarter ended October 31, 2007.  As a percentage of revenue, operating income decreased to 10.2% in the quarter ended October 31, 2008 compared to 10.5% for the quarter ended October 31, 2007.  Total operating income was favorably impacted by higher revenue levels and lower general and administration and depreciation and amortization expenses, which were largely offset by higher cost of operations as discussed above.  Western region operating income increased year over year due to higher landfill volumes, increased collection prices, and lower operating costs.  Central region operating income declined year over year due to lower revenues primarily from lower landfill volumes, including the impact of the closure of Colebrook.  FCR’s recycling operating income decreased year over year as increased revenues from higher commodity prices and volumes were more than offset by an increase in the costs of purchased materials, direct labor and operating costs.  Also, included in operating income for the three months ended October 31, 2007 was $0.6 million of income from the transactions involving the domestic brokerage and Canadian recycling operations as discussed above.

 

30



 

Interest expense, net - Net interest expense decreased $0.5 million, or 4.6%, to $10.3 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2008 from $10.8 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2007.  This decrease is attributable to lower interest rates on the Company’s senior credit facility partially offset by higher net debt levels.  Net interest expense, as a percentage of revenues, decreased to 6.5% in the quarter ended October 31, 2008 from 7.2% in the quarter ended October 31, 2007.

 

Loss from equity method investments - The loss from equity method investments in the quarter ended October 31, 2008 relates to the Company’s 50% joint venture interest in GreenFiber, and for the quarter ended October 31, 2007 also included losses from the Company’s interest in RecycleRewards.  GreenFiber reported a loss for the quarter ended October 31, 2008 of which the Company’s share was $1.0 million, compared to a loss of $0.9 million in the quarter ended October 31, 2007.  GreenFiber continues to be negatively impacted by the overall slowdown in the housing market.  The Company also has an investment in the common stock of RecycleRewards, a company that markets an incentive based recycling service.  In April 2008, the Company’s voting interest was reduced to 16.2% from 20.5%.  Effective April 2008, the Company accounts for its investment in RecycleRewards under the cost method of accounting.  Prior to April 2008 the Company accounted for this investment under the equity method of accounting.  RecycleRewards reported a loss for the quarter ended October 31, 2007, of which the Company’s share was $0.6 million.

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes – Provision (benefit) for income taxes increased $3.1 million to $2.7 million for the quarter ended October 31, 2008 from ($0.4) million for the quarter ended October 31, 2007.  The effective tax rate increased to 56.7% in the quarter ended October 31, 2008 from (11.8)% in the quarter ended October 31, 2007.  The rate variance between the periods is due mainly to the book loss projected for the prior year and the add back of non-deductible items.  The high rate for the current quarter results from lower pre-tax income projected for the year and the add back of non-deductible items.

 

Six Months Ended October 31, 2008 versus October 31, 2007

 

Revenues - Revenues increased $16.4 million, or 5.5% to $315.4 million in the six months ended October 31, 2008 from $299.0 million in the six months ended October 31, 2007.  Solid waste revenues, including the Company’s major accounts program, increased $6.0 million, with $6.8 million coming from price increases in our collection operations.  Revenues from the rollover effect of acquisitions, primarily from a major accounts tuck-in acquisition, accounted for $2.3 million of the increase.  Although landfill volumes increased year over year, these increases were more than offset by lower collection volumes, which negatively impacted revenue by $3.1 million.  FCR recycling revenues increased $10.4 million mainly due to higher commodity prices and volumes.

 

Cost of operations - Cost of operations increased $15.7 million, or 8.2% to $208.2 million in the six months ended October 31, 2008 from $192.5 million in the six months ended October 31, 2007.  Cost of operations as a percentage of revenues increased to 66.0% in the six months ended October 31, 2008 from 64.4% in the prior year.  Despite lower third party disposal, direct operating and direct labor costs year over year, the cost of operations was up due to an increase in the cost of purchased materials associated with higher FCR recycling revenues, higher fuel costs and property tax expense, due to a property tax refund recognized in the prior year period.  Also, included in the prior year was as a reduction in the amount of $1.4 million from transactions involving the domestic brokerage and Canadian recycling operations as payments received on the notes receivable in the six months ended October 31, 2007 exceeded the balance of the net assets under contractual obligation.

 

General and administration - General and administration expenses were $36.7 million in the six months ended October 31, 2008 compared to $36.8 million in the six months ended October 31, 2007, and decreased as a percentage of revenues to 11.6% in the six months ended October 31, 2008 from 12.3% in

 

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the six months ended October 31, 2007.  Higher compensation costs in the six months ended October 31, 2008 were more than offset by lower costs in most other general and administration categories.

 

Depreciation and amortization - Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $1.0 million, or 2.5%, to $39.0 million in the six months ended October 31, 2008 from $40.0 million in the six months ended October 31, 2007.  Landfill amortization expense decreased by $1.0 million primarily due to lower amortization volumes and rates at our Colebrook closure facility, which closed in the quarter ended October 31, 2008, partially offset by an increase in amortization at our Worcester closure facility due to increased volumes.  Depreciation expense was relatively consistent between periods.  Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of revenue decreased to 12.4% for the six months ended October 31, 2008 from 13.4% for the six months ended October 31, 2007.

 

Operating income - Operating income increased $1.9 million, or 6.4%, to $31.6 million in the six months ended October 31, 2008 from $29.7 million in the six months ended October 31, 2007 and increased slightly as a percentage of revenues to 10.0% in the six months ended October 31, 2008 from 9.9% in the six months ended October 31, 2007.  Operating income increased year over year due to higher revenue levels and lower general and administration expenses as a percentage of revenues and lower depreciation and amortization expenses as discussed above.  Operating income for the South Eastern region was favorably impacted by $0.8 million from the benefit of a reimbursement from the Town of Southbridge for previously paid and expensed closure and post closure costs at the Southbridge landfill site.  Western region operating income increased year over year due to higher landfill volumes, increases in collection revenues, primarily from increased prices, and lower operating costs.  Central region operating income declined year over year due to lower revenues primarily due to lower landfill volumes, including the impact of the closure of Colebrook.  FCR recycling operating income decreased year over year as increased revenues from higher commodity prices and volumes were more than offset by an increase in the costs of purchased materials, direct labor and operational costs.  Also, included in prior year operating income was $1.4 million of income from transactions involving the domestic brokerage and Canadian recycling operations as discussed above.

 

Interest expense, net - Net interest expense decreased $1.2 million, or 5.6% to $20.2 million in the six months ended October 31, 2008 from $21.4 million in the six months ended October 31, 2007.  This decrease is attributable to lower interest rates on the Company’s senior credit facility partially offset by higher net debt levels.  Net interest expense, as a percentage of revenues, decreased to 6.4% in the six months ended October 31, 2008 from 7.2% in the six months ended October 31, 2007.

 

Loss from equity method investments - The loss from equity method investments in the six months ended October 31, 2008 relates to the Company’s 50% joint venture interest in GreenFiber and for the six months ended October 31, 2007 also included losses from Company’s interest in RecycleRewards.  GreenFiber reported a loss for the six months ended October 31, 2008 of which the Company’s share was $2.2 million compared to a loss of $2.7 million in the six months ended October 31, 2007.  GreenFiber continues to be negatively impacted by the overall slowdown in the housing market.  As discussed above, effective April 2008, the Company had a voting interest of 16.2% from its common stock investment in RecycleRewards and accordingly accounts for this investment under the cost method of accounting.  Prior to April 2008 the Company accounted for this investment under the equity method of accounting.  RecycleRewards reported a loss for the six months ended October 31, 2007, of which the Company’s share was $0.9 million.

 

Other (income)/expense - Other income for the six months ended October 31, 2008 amounted to $0.2 million compared to $2.4 million in the six months ended October 31, 2007.  Other income in the six months ended October 31, 2007 included $2.1 million related to the reversal of residual accruals originally established in connection with waste handling agreement disputes between the Company’s Maine Energy subsidiary and fifteen municipalities which were party to the agreements.  On June 18,

 

32



 

2007, the Company settled the last of these disputes with the City of Saco and the city agreed to release the Company from any further residual cancellation payment obligations

 

Provision for income taxes – Provision for income taxes increased $4.3 million in the six months ended October 31, 2008 to $5.0 million from $0.7 million in the six months ended October 31, 2007.  The effective tax rate increased to 54.0% in the six months ended October 31, 2008 from 10.2% in the six months ended October 31, 2007.  The rate variance between the periods is due mainly to the book loss projected for the prior year and the add back of non-deductible items.  The high rate for the current quarter results from lower pre-tax income projected for the year and the add back of non-deductible items.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

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

 

The Company had net working capital of $1.7 million at October 31, 2008 compared to a deficit of $20.2 million at April 30, 2008.  Net working capital comprises current assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents, minus current liabilities.  The increase in net working capital at October 31, 2008 was primarily due to higher trade receivables associated with higher revenues, higher other current assets associated with commodity hedge contract valuations along with lower trade payables, and lower payroll accruals.

 

On April 28, 2005, the Company entered into a senior credit facility with a group of banks for which Bank of America is acting as agent. The facility originally consisted of a senior secured revolving credit facility in the amount of $350.0 million. On July 25, 2006, the Company amended the facility to increase the amount of the facility per the original agreement to $450.0 million, and on May 9, 2007, the Company further amended the facility to increase the amount to $525.0 million, including a $175.0 million term B loan and a revolver of $350.0 million.  This credit facility is secured by all of the Company’s assets, including the Company’s interest in the equity securities of our subsidiaries.

 

The credit facility matures on April 28, 2010. There are required annual principal payments on the term B loan of $0.9 million for three years, which began July 25, 2007, with the remaining principal due at maturity.  The Company was in compliance with all covenants at October 31, 2008.  The Company expects to seek to refinance the facility in the first or second quarter of calendar year 2009.

 

Further advances were available under the revolver in the amount of $146.5 million and $156.0 million as of October 31, 2008 and April 30, 2008, respectively.  These available amounts are net of outstanding irrevocable letters of credit totaling $38.7 million and $40.4 million as of October 31, 2008 and April 30, 2008, respectively, at which dates no amounts had been drawn.

 

The Company is party to three separate interest rate swap agreements with three banks for a notional amount of $105.0 million.  One agreement for a notional amount of $30.0 million effectively fixes the

 

33



 

interest rate index at 4.47% from November 4, 2007 through May 7, 2009.  Two agreements, for a notional amount of $75.0 million, effectively fix the interest index rate on the entire notional amount at approximately 4.68% from May 6, 2008 through May 6, 2009.  These agreements are specifically designated to interest payments under the Company’s term B loan and are accounted for as effective cash flow hedges pursuant to SFAS No. 133.

 

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

 

As of October 31, 2008, the Company had outstanding $195.0 million of Senior Notes which mature in January 2013.  The Senior Notes contain covenants that restrict dividends, stock repurchases and other payments, and limit the incurrence of debt and issuance of preferred stock.  The Senior Notes are guaranteed jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally by the Company’s significant wholly-owned subsidiaries.

 

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

 

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

 

On July 31, 2008, the Company completed a financing for the construction of two single-stream material recovery facilities as well as engines for a landfill gas to energy project with a third-party leasing company.  The balance on the facility at October 31, 2008 was $11.9 million.  The financing has a seven year term at a fixed rate of interest (approximately 7.1%).

 

Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $39.2 million for the six months ended October 31, 2008 compared to $35.3 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year.  Net income decreased $0.3 million in the six months ended October 31, 2008 compared to the six months ended October 31, 2007.  Losses associated with discontinued operations decreased by $1.7 million during the same period.  Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $1.1 million primarily due to lower amortization volumes and rates at our Colebrook closure facility, which closed in the quarter ended October 31, 2008, partially offset by an increase in landfill amortization at our Worcester closure facility due to increased volumes.  Depreciation expense was relatively consistent between periods.  Also contributing to a slight decrease is the accrual of the Series A Preferred dividend for $1.0 million which was included in interest expense for the six months ended October 31, 2007 as well as a loss from equity method investments amounting to a $1.5 decrease in the six months ended October 31, 2008 compared to the six months

 

34



 

ended October 31, 2007.  These amounts were offset by income from assets under contractual obligations which decreased $1.3 million in the six months ended October 31, 2008 compared to the six months ended October 31, 2007 and other income of $2.1 associated with the favorable settlement at Maine Energy resulting in the reversal of residual accruals in the six months ended October 31, 2007.  Deferred taxes also contributed to an increase of $4.0 million in the same period due to projected utilization of net operating losses.

 

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures, increased $1.8 million for the six months ended October 31, 2008 compared to the six months ended October 31, 2007.  Changes in accounts receivable were relatively consistent with a $0.6 million increase for the six months ended October 31, 2008 compared to the six months ended October 31, 2007.  Accounts payable during the six months ended October 31, 2008 amounted to $4.4 million of cash used compared with $4.2 million used in the prior year comparable period.  Other assets and liabilities amounted to a $5.8 million use of cash for the six months ended October 31, 2008 compared to a $7.1 million use of cash for the six months ended October 31, 2007.  The decrease of $1.3 million from the prior year is due primarily to the following: (1) higher payments for landfill capping, closure and post-closure in the six months ended October 31, 2008 versus the prior period amounting to $1.3 million, (2) reductions associated with higher payroll accruals at April 30, 2008 amounting to $3.7 million, (3) lower accrued interest at October 31, 2008 associated with lower interest rates partially offset by higher debt levels amounting to a $1.6 million decrease, offset by (4) higher other long-term liabilities at April 30, 2007 associated with the Maine Energy settlement which took place in the six months ended October 31, 2007 resulting in a $3.1 million increase, (5) higher net refundable income taxes at October 31, 2007, amounting to a $4.0 million increase, and (6) higher prepaid expenses at April 30, 2008 associated with the timing of insurance payments, amounting to a $1.0 million decrease.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $41.3 million for the six months ended October 31, 2008 compared to $42.9 million used in investing activities in the same period of the prior fiscal year.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $2.3 million for the six months ended October 31, 2008 compared to net cash used of $2.6 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year.  The increase in cash provided by financing activities is primarily due to lower net borrowings to fund investing activities.

 

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

 

The Company uses a variety of strategies to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in the commodity prices including entering into fixed price contracts and entering into hedges which mitigate the variability in cash flows generated from the sales of recycled paper at floating prices, resulting in a fixed price being received from these sales.  As of October 31, 2008, to minimize the Company’s commodity exposure, the Company was party to thirty-three commodity hedging agreements.  Beginning in the month of October 2008, average commodity prices began to decline which impacted FCR recycling operating income by approximately $0.4 million compared to the quarter ended October 31, 2007.  In November 2008, commodity prices declined sharply driven by a severe drop in demand as a result of global economic conditions.  The Company does not expect a significant negative impact to liquidity as a result of lower operating income due to commodity price declines.  See “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk – Commodity Price Volatility” below.

 

Effective October 15, 2008, the Company has filed a universal shelf registration statement with the SEC.  The purpose of the filing is to renew and replace an existing universal shelf registration statement set to expire on December 1, 2008.  The Company may from time to time issue securities thereunder in an amount of up to $250.0 million.  However, the Company’s ability and willingness to issue securities

 

35



 

pursuant to this registration statement will depend on market conditions at the time of any such desired offering and therefore the Company may not be able to issue such securities on favorable terms, if at all.

 

Inflation and Prevailing Economic Conditions

 

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

 

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

 

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Interest rate volatility

 

The Company had interest rate risk relating to approximately $198.0 million of long-term debt at October 31, 2008.  The interest rate on the variable rate portion of long-term debt was approximately 4.35% at October 31, 2008.  Should the average interest rate on the variable rate portion of long-term debt change by 100 basis points, it would have an approximate interest expense change of $0.5 million for the quarter reported.

 

The remainder of the Company’s long-term debt is at fixed rates and not subject to interest rate risk.  This includes $165.0 million of long term debt at fixed rates due to interest rate swaps and collars.

 

Commodity price volatility

 

Through its FCR recycling operation, the Company is subject to commodity price fluctuations.  For the quarter ended October 31, 2008, fibers (newspapers, cardboard, and mixed papers) made up approximately 67% of the Company’s commodity revenue stream.  A portion of these materials are exposed to minimal commodity volatility impact because we purchase the materials based off an index price less a processing fee, and then resell the materials off the same index within a short period of time.  For other tons that may be exposed to market volatility, the Company uses a number of risk mitigation strategies such as floor prices, fixed price agreements, and revenue share arrangements.  In addition, as of October 31, 2008 the Company is party to thirty-three commodity hedge contracts that manage pricing fluctuations on a portion of its OCC and ONP volumes not protected by the strategies mentioned above.  These contracts expire between December 2008 and December 2011, with approximately 67% expiring by December 2009.  The Company does not use financial instruments for trading purposes and is not a party to any leveraged derivatives.  The Company expects to be able to replace its expiring hedges with existing or new counterparties; however, the pricing terms at any given time will be subject to prevailing market conditions.

 

Aluminum made up 8% of the Company’s commodity revenue stream for the quarter ended October 31, 2008.  The Company sells the majority of its aluminum domestically under fixed price contracts, with current contracts extending through April 2009.

 

Plastics (PET and HDPE) made up 22% of the Company’s commodity revenue stream for the quarter ended October 31, 2008.  The Company currently sells the majority of its plastics domestically under long term contracts at pricing tied to market rates.  It has floor prices in place on most PET contracts and is working to add fixed price contracts to help manage plastic pricing fluctuations in the future.  There are limited hedging instruments available for stabilizing the pricing for recovered plastics.  However, the Company does not utilize these types of contracts because historically recovered plastics pricing has not been highly correlated with market indices for virgin plastic resin sales prices.

 

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Ferrous metals made up 3% of the Company’s commodity revenue stream for the quarter ended October 31, 2008.  The Company currently sells the majority of its ferrous metals domestically at spot market rates.

 

FCR recycling uses the above strategies to mitigate the impact of commodity price volatility.  This approach results in a non-linear relationship between changes in commodity prices and underlying operating performance.

 

In November 2008, commodity prices declined sharply driven by a severe drop in demand as a result of global economic conditions, including Chinese and domestic mills taking unforeseen downtime to work off inventories.  Based on weighted average prices and volumes for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 and considering the effect of the hedges in place at the end of October, if all commodity prices were to change proportionally by the stated ranges below, the impact on the Company’s revenues and operating income for the quarter ended October 31, 2008 is estimated as follows:

 

Commodity Price

 

 

 

Operating income

 

Change

 

Revenues

 

(loss)

 

-50%

 

$

(7.4

)

$

(3.5

)

-20%

 

$

(3.1

)

$

(1.6

)

-10%

 

$

(1.7

)

$

(0.9

)

10%

 

$

1.2

 

$

0.5

 

20%

 

$

2.7

 

$

1.2

 

50%

 

$

7.0

 

$

3.2

 

 

When reviewing these statistics, it should be noted that commodity prices typically do not move by the same percentage across all the commodities the Company handles, and that, as noted above, the commodity mix may vary from month to month, therefore the above sensitivity analysis may not be indicative of future operating results.

 

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

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

 

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

 

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On September 12, 2001, the Company’s subsidiary, North Country Environmental Services, Inc. (“NCES”), petitioned the New Hampshire Superior Court (“Superior Court”) for a declaratory judgment concerning the extent to which the Town of Bethlehem, New Hampshire (“Town”) could lawfully prohibit NCES’s expansion of its landfill in Bethlehem.  The Town filed counterclaims seeking contrary

 

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declarations and other relief.  The parties appealed the Superior Court’s decision to the New Hampshire Supreme Court (“Supreme Court”).  On March 1, 2004, the Supreme Court ruled that NCES had all necessary local approvals to landfill within a 51-acre portion of its 105-acre parcel and the Town could not prevent expansion in that area.  A significant portion of NCES’s Stage IV expansion as originally designed and approved by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (“NHDES”), however, was to lie outside the 51 acres.  With respect to expansion outside the 51 acres, the Supreme Court remanded four issues to the Superior Court for further proceedings.  On April 25, 2005, the Superior Court rendered summary judgment in NCES’s favor on two of the four issues, leaving the other two issues for trial.  The two issues that were decided on summary judgment remain subject to appeal by the Town.  In March of 2005, the Town adopted a new zoning ordinance that prohibited landfilling outside of a new “District V,” which corresponded to the 51 acres.  The Town then amended its pleadings to seek a declaration that the new ordinance was valid.  The parties each filed motions for partial summary judgment.  Following the court’s decisions on those motions, the validity of the new ordinance remained subject to trial based on two defenses raised by NCES.  On March 30, 2007, NCES applied to the NHDES for a permit modification under which all Stage IV capacity (denominated “Stage IV, Phase II”) would be relocated within the 51 acres.  That application was superseded by a new application, filed on November 30, 2007, that would bring all berms along the perimeter of the landfill’s footprint within the 51 acres as well.  NCES sought a stay of the litigation on the ground that, if NHDES were to grant the permit modification, there would be no need for NCES to expand beyond the 51 acres for eight or more years, and the case could be dismissed as moot or unripe.  The Superior Court granted the stay pending a decision by NHDES.  The permit modification application currently remains pending before NHDES. The NHDES conducted public hearings in July and September 2008.  The NHDES decision to grant the permit modification is expected to be made during the fourth quarter of calendar year 2008.

 

The Company, on behalf of itself, its subsidiary FCR, LLC (“FCR”), and as a Majority Managing Member of Green Mountain Glass, LLC (“GMG”), initiated a declaratory judgment action against GR Technologies, Inc. (“GRT”), Anthony C. Lane and Robert Cameron Billmyer (“the Defendants”) on June 8, 2007, to resolve issues raised by GRT as the minority shareholder of GMG.  The issues addressed in the action included exercise of management discretion, right to intellectual property, and other related disputes.  The Defendants counterclaimed in May 2008 seeking unspecified damages on a variety of bases including, among others, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, tortious interference with business relations, induced infringement and other matters.  Management intends to vigorously contest those allegations, and it believes that the claims have no merit substantively or as a matter of law.  Additionally, the Defendants filed a Derivative Action in Rutland Superior Court as a Managing Member of GMG on July 2, 2008 against several employees of the Company and its subsidiary FCR, LLC, making similar allegations.  On September 16, 2008, the Company filed a Motion for Summary Judgment, and a Proposed Order Decreeing Dissolution and Appointing a Special Master, alleging that the relationship of GRT and FCR in GMG is irretrievably broken.  All litigation is in its early stages and, accordingly, it is not possible at this time to evaluate the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or provide meaningful estimates as to amount or range of potential loss, but management currently believes that the litigation, regardless of its outcome, will not have a material adverse affect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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

 

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

 

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

See the Company’s risk factors as previously disclosed in its Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2008.

 

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

 

None.

 

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

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

 

At the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders held on October 14, 2008, three proposals were submitted to a vote of the Company’s stockholders.  The proposals and results of voting were as follows:

 

PROPOSAL I.

 

Proposal to elect, as Class II directors, Messrs. James W. Bohlig, Gregory B. Peters and Joseph G. Doody.  Proposal to elect, as Class I director, Michael K.Burke.

 

James W. Bohlig:

 

Votes For: 28,542,738

 

 

 

Withheld:    3,982,683

 

 

Gregory B. Peters:

 

Votes For: 18,894,252

*

 

 

Withheld:    3,749,169

*

 

Joseph G. Doody:

 

Votes For: 28,880,992

 

 

 

Withheld:    3,644,429

 

 

Michael K. Burke:

 

Votes For: 32,460,388

 

 

 

Withheld:         65,033

 

 


* In accordance with the Company’s by-laws, Mr. Peters, who is the designee of the holders of Class A Common stock, requires only the affirmative vote representing a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of Class A common stock.

 

Other directors whose terms of office continued in effect after the annual meeting are John W. Casella, Douglas R. Casella, James F. Callahan, Jr., John F. Chapple III, Jr. and James P. McManus.

 

PROPOSAL II.

 

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

 

Votes For:

 

29,516,407

 

Votes Against:

 

840,526

 

Abstentions:

 

206,872

 

 

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PROPOSAL III.

 

Proposal to ratify the selection of Vitale, Caturano & Company, Ltd. as the Company’s auditors for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2009.

 

Votes For:

 

32,499,295

 

Votes Against:

 

        16,180

 

Abstentions:

 

          9,946

 

 

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

 

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

 

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SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

Casella Waste Systems, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: December 4, 2008

 

By:

/s/ Paul J. Massaro

 

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting

 

 

Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

 

41



 

Exhibit Index

 

10.1 +

2006 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended.

31.1 +

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

31.2 +

Certification of Paul J. Massaro, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1 ++

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

32.2 ++

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

 


+ - Filed herewith

++ - Furnished herewith

 

42