usecology_10q-033111.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

_______________________________

FORM 10-Q
_______________________________

 
x  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Quarterly Period Ended: March 31, 2011
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:  0-11688
             
   
US ECOLOGY, INC.
   
   
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
   
                   
 
Delaware
   
95-3889638
 
 
(State of Incorporation)
   
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
                   
 
Lakepointe Centre I,
300 E. Mallard, Suite 300
Boise, Idaho
   
 
 
83706
 
 
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
   
(Zip Code)
 
                   
                   
     
(208) 331-8400
     
     
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
     
                   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
  Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer x
     
  Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if smaller reporting company)   Smaller Reporting Company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o  No x
 
The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding as of May 2, 2011 was 18,310,614.


 
 

 
 
US ECOLOGY, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
         
         
PART I.
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
         
Item 1.
 
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
   
         
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010
 
1
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
 
2
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
 
3
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
 
4
         
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
5
         
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
12
         
Item 2.
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
13
         
Item 3.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
18
         
Item 4.
 
Controls and Procedures
 
19
         
PART II.
 
OTHER INFORMATION
   
         
Cautionary Statement
 
19
         
Item 1.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
20
         
Item 1A.
 
Risk Factors
 
20
         
Item 2.
 
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
20
         
Item 3.
 
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
20
         
Item 4.
 
Removed and Reserved
 
20
         
Item 5.
 
Other Information
 
20
         
Item 6.
 
Exhibits
 
21
         
SIGNATURE
 
22
 
 
 

 
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements
US ECOLOGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
 
   
March 31, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
Assets
           
             
Current Assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 3,709     $ 6,342  
Receivables, net
    24,913       33,553  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    2,943       2,635  
Income taxes receivable
    258       -  
Deferred income taxes
    906       455  
Total current assets
    32,729       42,985  
                 
Property and equipment, net
    106,705       105,822  
Restricted cash
    4,115       4,115  
Intangible assets, net
    42,403       41,740  
Goodwill
    22,325       21,790  
Other assets
    892       897  
Total assets
  $ 209,169     $ 217,349  
                 
Liabilities And Stockholders’ Equity
               
                 
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 5,755     $ 5,033  
Deferred revenue
    4,198       3,620  
Accrued liabilities
    5,511       8,188  
Accrued salaries and benefits
    2,926       4,051  
Income taxes payable
    1,833       2,615  
Current portion of closure and post-closure obligations
    1,350       778  
Current portion of capital lease obligations
    5       7  
Total current liabilities
    21,578       24,292  
                 
Long-term closure and post-closure obligations
    15,702       15,995  
Long-term capital lease obligations
    2       3  
Reducing revolving line of credit
    55,500       63,000  
Other long-term liabilities
    206       201  
Deferred income taxes
    20,599       19,146  
Total liabilities
    113,587       122,637  
                 
Contingencies and commitments
               
                 
Stockholders’ Equity:
               
Common stock $0.01 par value, 50,000 authorized; 18,311 and 18,311 shares issued, respectively
    183       183  
Additional paid-in capital
    61,796       61,892  
Retained earnings
    33,925       33,940  
Treasury stock, at cost, 101 and 119 shares, respectively
    (1,680 )     (1,979 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    1,358       676  
Total stockholders’ equity
    95,582       94,712  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 209,169     $ 217,349  
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
1

 
 
US ECOLOGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Revenue
  $ 34,143     $ 19,540  
Other direct operating costs
    17,690       10,285  
Transportation costs
    6,984       2,680  
                 
Gross profit
    9,469       6,575  
                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    4,828       3,567  
                 
Operating income
    4,641       3,008  
                 
Other income (expense):
               
Interest income
    10       14  
Interest expense
    (446 )     (1 )
Foreign currency gain (loss)
    1,250       (17 )
Other
    99       58  
                 
Total other income
    913       54  
                 
Income before income taxes
    5,554       3,062  
Income tax expense
    2,294       1,272  
                 
Net income
  $ 3,260     $ 1,790  
                 
Earnings per share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.18     $ 0.10  
Diluted
  $ 0.18     $ 0.10  
                 
Shares used in earnings per share calculation:
               
Basic
    18,186       18,163  
Diluted
    18,210       18,185  
                 
Dividends paid per share
  $ 0.18     $ 0.18  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
2

 

US ECOLOGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
           
Net income
  $ 3,260     $ 1,790  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
    3,758       1,792  
Unrealized foreign currency gain
    (1,303 )     -  
Deferred income taxes
    670       169  
Stock-based compensation expense
    203       393  
Net loss on sale of property and equipment
    2       48  
Investment premium amortization
    -       12  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Receivables
    8,789       2,563  
Income tax receivable
    (252 )     -  
Other assets
    (294 )     583  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (1,149 )     (1,236 )
Deferred revenue
    537       136  
Accrued salaries and benefits
    (1,147 )     (339 )
Income tax payable
    (784 )     898  
Closure and post-closure obligations
    (81 )     (83 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    12,209       6,726  
                 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (4,087 )     (2,114 )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    11       16  
Restricted cash
    -       4  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (4,076 )     (2,094 )
                 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
               
Payments on reducing revolving line of credit
    (12,500 )     -  
Proceeds from reducing revolving line of credit
    5,000       -  
Dividends paid
    (3,275 )     (3,270 )
Payment of capital lease obligations
    (3 )     (3 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (10,778 )     (3,273 )
                 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash
    12       -  
                 
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (2,633 )     1,359  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    6,342       31,347  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 3,709     $ 32,706  
                 
Supplemental Disclosures
               
Income taxes paid, net of receipts
  $ 2,692     $ 206  
Interest paid
    258       1  
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Capital expenditures in accounts payable
    947       328  
   Restricted stock issued from treasury shares
  $ 299     $ 551  
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
3

 
 
US ECOLOGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
($s in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
   
Common Shares Issued
   
Par Value Common Stock
   
Additional Paid-In Capital
   
Comprehensive Income
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
   
Retained Earnings
   
Treasury Stock
   
Total
 
Balance 12-31-2009
    18,305,614     $ 183     $ 61,459           $ -     $ 34,446     $ (2,590 )   $ 93,498  
Net income
    -       -       -     $ 1,790       -       1,790       -       1,790  
Comprehensive income
    -       -       -     $ 1,790       -       -       -       -  
Dividend paid
    -       -       -               -       (3,270 )     -       (3,270 )
Stock-based compensation
    -       -       393               -       -       -       393  
Issuance of restricted common stock from treasury shares
    -       -       (551 )             -       -       551       -  
Balance 3-31-2010
    18,305,614     $ 183     $ 61,301             $ -     $ 32,966     $ (2,039 )   $ 92,411  
                                                                 
                                                                 
                                                                 
Balance 12-31-2010
    18,310,614     $ 183     $ 61,892             $ 676     $ 33,940     $ (1,979 )   $ 94,712  
Net income
    -       -       -     $ 3,260       -       3,260       -       3,260  
Foreign currency translation
    -       -       -       682       682       -       -       682  
Comprehensive income
    -       -       -     $ 3,942       -       -       -       -  
Dividend paid
    -       -       -               -       (3,275 )     -       (3,275 )
Stock-based compensation
    -       -       203               -       -       -       203  
Issuance of restricted common stock from treasury shares
    -       -       (299 )             -       -       299       -  
Balance 3-31-2011
    18,310,614     $ 183     $ 61,796             $ 1,358     $ 33,925     $ (1,680 )   $ 95,582  
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
4

 
 
US ECOLOGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

NOTE 1 – GENERAL

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of US Ecology, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “US Ecology” or “the Company”). All material intercompany balances have been eliminated.
 
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary to present fairly, in all material respects, the results of the Company for the periods presented. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2011. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the entire fiscal year.
 
The Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2010 has been derived from the Company’s audited Consolidated Balance Sheet as of that date.
 
Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, requires management to make estimates and assumptions. Some of these estimates require difficult, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates, in some cases materially. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.

NOTE 2 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows (in thousands):

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Cumulative adjustment of foreign currency statements
  $ 1,358     $ 676  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
  $ 1,358     $ 676  

NOTE 3 CONCENTRATION AND CREDIT RISK

Major Customers. The Company has a multiple year disposal contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“USACE”). Revenue under this contract represented 11% and 19% of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. No other customer represented more than 10% of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.

The following customers accounted for more than 10% of total trade receivables as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
 
 
5

 

   
Percent of Receivables
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
Customer
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
    11 %     12 %
Honeywell International, Inc.
    10 %     10 %
PPG Industries
    10 %     0 %
General Electric, Inc.
    0 %     10 %
 
Credit Risk Concentration. We maintain most of our cash and short-term investments with nationally recognized financial institutions like Wells Fargo National Association (“Wells Fargo”). Substantially all balances are uninsured and are not used as collateral for other obligations. Concentrations of credit risk on accounts receivable are believed to be limited due to the number, diversification and character of the obligors and our credit evaluation process.

NOTE 4 – RECEIVABLES

Receivables were as follows:

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Trade
  $ 23,705     $ 32,221  
Unbilled revenue
    1,023       1,463  
Other
    461       207  
      25,189       33,891  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (276 )     (338 )
    $ 24,913     $ 33,553  

NOTE 5 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Cell development costs
  $ 59,066     $ 58,944  
Land and improvements
    13,249       13,016  
Buildings and improvements
    51,136       44,228  
Railcars
    17,375       17,375  
Vehicles and other equipment
    31,935       31,252  
Construction in progress
    6,202       10,556  
      178,963       175,371  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (72,258 )     (69,549 )
    $ 106,705     $ 105,822  
 
Depreciation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $3.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

NOTE 6 – BUSINESS COMBINATION

On October 31, 2010, the Company through a wholly-owned subsidiary, acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Seaway TLC Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Stablex Canada Inc. and Gulfstream TLC, Inc. (collectively “Stablex”). The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations as if Stablex had been combined with us beginning on January 1, 2010. The pro forma financial information includes the accounting impact of the business combination, including the amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of property, plant and equipment and interest expense.   The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of the period presented, nor should it be taken as indication of our future consolidated results of operations.

 
 
6

 
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
     
   
(unaudited)
 
   
Three months ended
March 31, 2010
 
Pro forma combined revenues
  $ 26,747  
Pro forma combined net income
  $ 976  
Earnings per share
       
   Basic
  $ 0.05  
   Dilutive
  $ 0.05  
 
NOTE 7 – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill and intangible assets as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were the result of our acquisition of Stablex on October 31, 2010 (see Note 6). Prior to the acquisition of Stablex, the Company had no goodwill or intangible assets. The goodwill has been assigned to the Operating Disposal Facilities reporting segment.  The changes in goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were as follows:
 
(in thousands)
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 21,790  
Foreign currency translation
    535  
Balance, end of period
  $ 22,325  

Below is a summary of amortizable and other intangible assets:
 
(in thousands)
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Amortized intangible assets
           
Developed software
  $ 360     $ 352  
Database
    103       100  
Customer relationships
    4,203       4,102  
Technology - Formulae and processes
    9,374       9,149  
Permits, licenses and lease
    28,791       28,101  
      42,831       41,804  
                 
Accumulated amortization
    (603 )     (235 )
                 
Unamortized intangible assets
               
Tradename
    175       171  
    $ 42,403     $ 41,740  

Amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $355,000. There was no amortization of intangibles in the three months ended March 31, 2010.

NOTE 8 DEBT

We have a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo which provides for borrowings in an aggregate of $95 million.  The Credit Agreement provides for a $20 million revolving line of credit (the “Revolving Line of Credit”) with a maturity date of June 15, 2013 and a $75 million reducing revolving line of credit (the “Reducing Revolving Line of Credit”) with a maturity date of November 1, 2015.
 
 
7

 
 
Revolving Line of Credit
The Revolving Line of Credit provides up to $20 million in revolving credit loans or letters of credit for working capital needs (the “Commitment Amount”).  Under the Revolving Line of Credit, revolving loans are available based on the Prime Rate or LIBOR, at the Company’s option, plus an applicable margin, which is determined according to a pricing grid under which the interest rate decreases or increases based on our ratio of funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). At March 31, 2011, the effective interest rate of the Revolving Line of Credit was 2.14%. Interest only payments are due either monthly or on the last day of any interest period, as applicable. At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 there were no amounts outstanding under the Revolving Line of Credit. At March 31, 2011, the availability under the Revolving Line of Credit was $16.0 million with $4.0 million of the line of credit issued in the form of a standby letter of credit utilized as collateral for closure and post-closure financial assurance.

Reducing Revolving Line of Credit
The Reducing Revolving Line of Credit provides an initial commitment amount of $75 million, the proceeds of which were used to acquire all of the shares of Stablex, and thereafter will be used to provide financing for working capital needs (the “Reducing Revolving Commitment Amount”). The initial Reducing Revolving Commitment Amount is reduced by $2.8 million on the last day of each June, September, December and March beginning June 30, 2011, and continuing through November 1, 2015. Under the Reducing Revolving Line of Credit revolving loans are available based on the Prime Rate or LIBOR, at the Company’s option, plus an applicable margin, which is determined according to a pricing grid under which the interest rate decreases or increases based on our ratio of funded debt to EBITDA. At March 31, 2011, the effective interest rate of the Reducing Revolving Line of Credit was 2.69%.  Interest only payments are due either monthly or on the last day of any interest period, as applicable. There was $55.5 million and $63.0 million outstanding on the Reducing Revolving Line of Credit at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.  At March 31, 2011, the availability for additional borrowings under the Reducing Revolving Line of Credit was $19.5 million.

In addition to standard fees, there are origination fees and commitment fees based on the average daily unused portion of the Commitment Amount and the Reducing Revolving Commitment Amount. The Credit Agreement contains certain quarterly financial covenants, including a maximum funded debt ratio, a maximum fixed charge coverage ratio, a minimum required tangible net worth and a minimum current ratio. In addition, we may only declare quarterly or annual dividends if on the date of declaration, no event of default has occurred, or no other event or condition has occurred that would constitute an event of default after giving effect to the payment of the dividend. Obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by US Ecology and all of its subsidiaries.

At March 31, 2011, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants in the Credit Agreement.

NOTE 9 – CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS

Closure and post-closure obligations are recorded when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. We perform periodic reviews of both non-operating and operating facilities and revise accruals for estimated post-closure, remediation and other costs when necessary. Our recorded liabilities are based on estimates of future costs and are updated periodically to reflect existing environmental conditions, current technology, laws and regulations, permit conditions, inflation and other factors.
 
 
8

 

 
Changes to reported closure and post-closure obligations were as follows:
 
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2011
 
       
Beginning obligation
  $ 16,773  
Accretion expense
    323  
Payments
    (81 )
Currency translation
    37  
Ending obligation
    17,052  
Less current portion
    (1,350 )
Long-term portion
  $ 15,702  
 
NOTE 10 INCOME TAXES

As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we had no significant unrecognized tax benefits. We recognize interest assessed by taxing authorities as a component of interest expense. We recognize any penalties assessed by taxing authorities as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. Interest and penalties for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were not material.

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was 41.3% compared to 41.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2010.
 
We file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) as well as income tax returns in various states and Canada. We may be subject to examination by taxing authorities in the U.S. and Canada for tax years 2006 through 2010. Additionally, we may be subject to examinations by various state and local taxing jurisdictions for tax years 2005 through 2010. We are currently not aware of any examinations by taxing authorities.

NOTE 11 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In the ordinary course of business, we are periodically involved in judicial and administrative proceedings involving federal, state or local governmental authorities. Actions may also be brought by individuals or groups in connection with permit modifications at existing facilities, proposed new facilities, alleged violations of existing permits, or alleged damages suffered from exposure to hazardous substances purportedly released from our operating sites or non-operating sites, as well as other litigation. We maintain insurance intended to cover property and damage claims asserted as a result of our operations. Periodically, management reviews and may establish reserves for legal, environmental and administrative matters, or fees expected to be incurred in connection therewith.

NOTE 12 – COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Basic
   
Diluted
   
Basic
   
Diluted
 
Net income
  $ 3,260     $ 3,260     $ 1,790     $ 1,790  
                                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    18,186       18,186       18,163       18,163  
                                 
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock
            24               22  
Weighted average shares outstanding
            18,210               18,185  
                                 
Earnings per share
  $ 0.18     $ 0.18     $ 0.10     $ 0.10  
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation
            336               313  

 
9

 
 
NOTE 13 – TREASURY STOCK

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company granted 17,900 shares of restricted stock from our treasury stock position at an average cost of $16.68 per share.

NOTE 14 – OPERATING SEGMENTS

We operate within two segments, Operating Disposal Facilities and Non-Operating Disposal Facilities. The Operating Disposal Facilities segment represents facilities currently accepting waste. The Non-Operating Disposal Facilities segment represents facilities that are no longer accepting waste.

Income taxes are assigned to Corporate. All other items are included in the segment of origin. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated from the segment information and are not significant between segments.

Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments is shown in the following tables:

(in thousands)
 
Operating
Disposal
Facilities
   
Non-Operating
Disposal
Facilities
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Three months ended March 31, 2011
                       
Revenue - Treatment and disposal
  $ 27,678     $ 4     $ -     $ 27,682  
Revenue - Transportation services
    6,461       -       -       6,461  
Total revenue
    34,139       4       -       34,143  
Other direct operating costs
    17,635       55       -       17,690  
Transportation costs
    6,984       -       -       6,984  
Gross profit (loss)
    9,520       (51 )     -       9,469  
Selling, general & administration
    2,363       -       2,465       4,828  
Operating income (loss)
    7,157       (51 )     (2,465 )     4,641  
Interest income (expense), net
    8       -       (444 )     (436 )
Foreign currency gain (loss)
    (71 )     -       1,321       1,250  
Other income
    98       1       -       99  
Income (loss) before tax
    7,192       (50 )     (1,588 )     5,554  
Income tax expense
    -       -       2,294       2,294  
Net income (loss)
  $ 7,192     $ (50 )   $ (3,882 )   $ 3,260  
Depreciation, amortization & accretion
  $ 3,693     $ 55     $ 10     $ 3,758  
Capital expenditures
  $ 4,014     $ 12     $ 61     $ 4,087  
Total assets
  $ 201,253     $ 90     $ 7,826     $ 209,169  
 
 
 
10

 

(in thousands)
 
Operating
Disposal
Facilities
   
Non-Operating
Disposal
Facilities
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Three months ended March 31, 2010
                       
Revenue - Treatment and disposal
  $ 17,133     $ 4     $ -     $ 17,137  
Revenue - Transportation services
    2,403       -       -       2,403  
Total revenue
    19,536       4       -       19,540  
Other direct operating costs
    10,189       96       -       10,285  
Transportation costs
    2,680       -       -       2,680  
Gross profit (loss)
    6,667       (92 )     -       6,575  
Selling, general & administration
    1,517       -       2,050       3,567  
Operating income (loss)
    5,150       (92 )     (2,050 )     3,008  
Interest income (expense), net
    -       -       13       13  
Foreign currency gain (loss)
    (17 )     -       -       (17 )
Other income
    56       2       -       58  
Income (loss) before tax
    5,189       (90 )     (2,037 )     3,062  
Income tax expense
    -       -       1,272       1,272  
Net income (loss)
  $ 5,189     $ (90 )   $ (3,309 )   $ 1,790  
Depreciation, amortization & accretion
  $ 1,729     $ 51     $ 12     $ 1,792  
Capital expenditures
  $ 2,106     $ -     $ 8     $ 2,114  
Total assets
  $ 82,884     $ 39     $ 40,003     $ 122,926  

 
Revenue, Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets Outside of the United States
We provide services in the United States and Canada. The table below summarizes revenues by geographic area where the underlying services were performed for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:

(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
United States
  $ 25,123     $ 19,540  
Canada
    9,020       -  
    $ 34,143     $ 19,540  

Long-lived assets by geographic location, consisting of property and equipment and intangible assets net of accumulated depreciation and amortization as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were as follows:

(in thousands)
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
United States
  $ 75,707     $ 74,734  
Canada
    73,401       72,828  
    $ 149,108     $ 147,562  

 
NOTE 15 – SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On April 1, 2011, we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per common share to stockholders of record on April 15, 2011. The dividend was paid using cash on hand on April 22, 2011 in an aggregate amount of $3.3 million.
 
 
 
11

 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
US Ecology, Inc.
Boise, Idaho

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of US Ecology, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholder's equity and of cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of US Ecology, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 15, 2011, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2010 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/s/ Deloitte and Touche LLP

Boise, Idaho
May 4, 2011


 
12

 
 
US ECOLOGY, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

US Ecology, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a hazardous, Polychlorinated biphenyl (“PCB”), non-hazardous and radioactive waste services company providing treatment, disposal, recycling and transportation services to commercial and government entities including, but not limited to, oil refineries, chemical production facilities, manufacturers, electric utilities, steel mills, biotechnology companies, military installations, waste broker aggregators and medical and academic institutions. We generate revenue from fees charged to treat and dispose of waste at our five fixed disposal facilities located near Beatty, Nevada; Grand View, Idaho; Richland, Washington; Robstown, Texas; and Blainville, Quebec, Canada. We manage a dedicated fleet of railcars and arrange for the transportation of waste to our facilities. Transportation services have contributed significant revenue in recent years. We also utilize our railcar fleet to provide transportation services for disposal at facilities operated by other companies on a less frequent basis. We, or our predecessor companies, have been in the waste business since 1952.

On October 31, 2010, the Company acquired Stablex Canada Inc (“Stablex”). Stablex is a provider of hazardous waste services that operates a permitted hazardous waste processing and disposal facility in Blainville, Québec, Canada about 30 miles northwest of Montreal, Canada. The net purchase price of $79.0 million Canadian dollars (“CAD”) or $77.5 million in U.S. dollars (“USD”), was funded through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under a $75.0 million Reducing Revolving Line of credit facility.

Our customers may be divided into categories to better evaluate period-to-period changes in our treatment and disposal revenue based on service mix and type of business (recurring “Base” or “Event” clean-up business).  Each of these categories is described in the table below with information on the percentage of total treatment and disposal revenues for each category for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.

Customer Category
 
Description
 
% of Treatment and
Disposal Revenue (1)
for the Three Months ended
March 31, 2011
 
% of Treatment and
Disposal Revenue (1)
for the Three Months ended
March 31, 2010
Broker
 
Companies that collect and aggregate waste from their direct customers, comprised of both Base and Event clean-up business.
 
48%
 
43%
             
Other industry
 
Electric utilities, chemical manufacturers, steel mill and other industrial customers not included in other categories, comprised of both recurring Base Business and Event clean-up business.
 
17%
 
12%
             
Government
 
Federal and State government clean-up project waste, comprised of both Base Business and Event clean-up business.
 
12%
 
16%
             
Refinery
 
Petroleum refinery customers, comprised of both Base and Event clean-up business.
 
10%
 
15%
             
Private Clean-up
 
Private sector clean-up project waste, typically Event Business.
 
8%
 
6%
             
Rate regulated
 
Northwest and Rocky Mountain Compact customers paying rate-regulated disposal fees set by the State of Washington, predominantly Base Business.
 
5%
 
8%
             
(1) Excludes all transportation service revenue
       
 
A significant portion of our disposal revenue is attributable to discrete Event Business projects which vary widely in size, duration and unit pricing. Approximately 33% of our treatment and disposal revenue was derived from Event Business projects for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The one-time nature of Event Business, diverse spectrum of waste types received and widely varying unit pricing necessarily creates variability in revenue and earnings. This variability may be influenced by general economic conditions, funding availability, changes in laws and regulations, government enforcement actions or court orders, public controversy, litigation, weather, real estate redevelopment project timing, government appropriation and funding commitment cycles and other factors. The types and amounts of waste received from Base Business also vary quarter to quarter. As a result of this variability, we can experience significant quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year fluctuations in revenue, gross profit, gross margin, operating income and net income. Also, while many large projects are pursued months or years in advance of work performance, both large and small clean-up project opportunities routinely arise with little prior notice.
 
 
13

 

 
Depending on project-specific customer needs and competitive economics, transportation services may be offered at or near our cost to help secure additional business. For waste transported by rail from the eastern United States and other locations distant from our Grand View, Idaho facility, transportation-related revenue can account for as much as three-fourths (75%) of total project revenue. While bundling transportation and disposal services reduces overall gross profit as a percentage of total revenue (“gross margin”), this value-added service approach has allowed us to win multiple projects that management believes we could not have otherwise competed for successfully. Our Company-owned railcar fleet, which supplements railcars obtained under operating leases, has reduced our reliance on short-term rentals and ultimately has reduced transportation expenses.

The increased waste volumes resulting from projects won through this bundling strategy drive operating leverage and increased profitability. While waste treatment and other variable costs are project-specific, the earnings contribution from the individual projects generally increases as overall disposal volumes increase. Management believes that maximizing cash flow, operating income and earnings per share is a higher priority than maintaining or increasing gross margin. We plan to continue aggressively bidding bundled transportation and disposal services based on this strategy.

To maximize utilization of our railcar fleet, we periodically deploy available railcars to transport waste from clean-up sites to disposal facilities operated by other companies. Such transportation services may be bundled with for-profit logistics and field services support work.

We serve oil refineries, chemical production plants, steel mills, waste broker-aggregators serving small manufacturers and other industrial customers that are generally affected by adverse economic conditions and a tight credit environment. Such conditions may cause our customers as well as those they serve to curtail operations, resulting in lower waste production and/or delayed spending on off-site waste shipments, maintenance, waste clean-up projects and other work. Factors that can impact general economic conditions and the level of spending by our customers include, but are not limited to, government programs and regulatory changes, consumer and industrial spending, increases in fuel and energy costs, conditions in the real estate and mortgage markets, labor and healthcare costs, access to credit, consumer confidence and other global economic factors affecting spending behavior. Market forces may also induce customers to reduce or cease operations, declare bankruptcy, liquidate or relocate to other countries, any of which could adversely affect our business. To the extent our business is either government funded or driven by government regulations or enforcement actions, we believe it is less susceptible to general economic conditions. However, spending by government agencies may also be reduced due to declining tax revenues resulting from a weak economy or changes in policy. Disbursement of funds appropriated by Congress may also be delayed for administrative or other reasons.
 
 
14

 

 
Results of Operations
 
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 in dollars and as a percentage of total revenue.

(in thousands, except per
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
share amounts)
 
2011
   
%
   
2010
   
%
 
                         
Revenue
  $ 34,143       100.0 %   $ 19,540       100.0 %
Direct operating costs
    17,690       51.8 %     10,285       52.6 %
Transportation costs
    6,984       20.5 %     2,680       13.8 %
                                 
Gross profit
    9,469       27.7 %     6,575       33.6 %
                                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    4,828       14.1 %     3,567       18.2 %
Operating income
    4,641       13.6 %     3,008       15.4 %
                                 
                                 
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest income
    10       0.0 %     14       0.1 %
Interest expense
    (446 )     -1.3 %     (1 )     0.0 %
Foreign currency gain (loss)
    1,250       3.7 %     (17 )     -0.1 %
Other
    99       0.3 %     58       0.3 %
Total other income
    913       2.7 %     54       0.3 %
                                 
                                 
Income before income taxes
    5,554       16.3 %     3,062       15.7 %
Income taxes
    2,294       6.8 %     1,272       6.5 %
Net income
  $ 3,260       9.5 %   $ 1,790       9.2 %
                                 
Earnings per share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.18             $ 0.10          
Dilutive
  $ 0.18             $ 0.10          
                                 
Shares used in earnings per share calculation:
                               
Basic
    18,186               18,163          
Dilutive
    18,210               18,185          
                                 
Dividends paid per share
  $ 0.18             $ 0.18          

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2010

Revenue - Revenue increased 75% to $34.1 million for the first quarter of 2011, up from $19.5 million in the first quarter of 2010. This increase reflects 62% growth in treatment and disposal revenue and 169% growth in transportation service revenue compared to the first quarter of 2010. Total revenue growth in the first quarter of 2011 reflects $9.0 million from Stablex which was acquired on October 31, 2010. Excluding Stablex, treatment and disposal revenue during the first quarter of 2011 grew 17% as compared with the first quarter of 2010, and transportation service revenue grew 108% as compared to the same time period in 2010.

During the first quarter of 2011 we disposed of a total of 199,000 tons of waste, or 67% more than the 119,000 tons disposed of in the first quarter of 2010. Excluding Stablex, volumes increased 28% in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2010. Average selling price increased 2% during the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the same quarter last year on normal service mix.

During the first quarter of 2011, treatment and disposal revenue from recurring Base Business customers was 69% higher than the first quarter of 2010 and comprised 67% of non-transportation revenue. This compared to 64% of non-transportation Base Business revenue in the first quarter of 2010. Excluding Stablex, treatment and disposal revenue from recurring Base Business was 19% higher than the first quarter of 2010 and comprised 65% of non-transportation revenue. This increase primarily reflects higher revenue from broker and refinery customers.
 
 
15

 

 
Event Business revenue in the first quarter of 2011 increased 48% compared to the same quarter in 2010 and was 33% of non-transportation revenue for the quarter. This compares to 36% of non-transportation Event Business in the first quarter of 2010.  Excluding Stablex, treatment and disposal revenue from Event Business increased 15% in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2010 and comprised 35% of non-transportation revenue. As discussed further below, this reflects increased treatment and disposal revenue from broker and government customer categories.

The following table summarizes our first quarter 2011 revenue growth (both Base and Event Business) by customer type as compared with the first quarter of 2010.
 
   
Treatment and Disposal Revenue Growth
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 vs. 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
     
Other industry
 
123%
Private
 
121%
Broker
 
78%
Government
 
22%
Refinery
 
14%
Rate regulated
 
3%

 
Our other industry revenue category increased 123% in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2010. This increase primarily reflects the addition of Stablex. Excluding Stablex, other industry revenue increased 4% in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2010.

Treatment and disposal revenue from private clean-up customers increased 121% in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2010 primarily reflecting the addition of Stablex. Excluding Stablex, revenue from private clean-up customers increased 18% in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. This increase was due to a remediation project from an electric utility that began late in 2010 and is expected to be completed in 2011.

Our broker business increased 78% in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same quarter in 2010. This increase primarily reflects the addition of the Stablex facility in the current year. Excluding Stablex, broker business increased 25% in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2010. This increase was the result of higher shipments across a broad range of customers and industries.

Government clean-up business revenue increased 22% in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2010. This increase was primarily attributable to a remedial clean-up project from the Department of Energy and increased shipments from the USACE. Event Business under our USACE contract contributed $3.7 million, or 11% of total revenue in the first quarter of 2011 compared to $3.7 million, or 19%, of total revenue in the first quarter of 2010. Excluding transportation service revenue, treatment and disposal revenue with the USACE increased 10% in the first quarter of 2011 compared with the first quarter of 2010.

Treatment and disposal revenue from our refinery customers increased 14% in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same quarter in 2010. This increase primarily reflects the addition of the Stablex facility in the current year. Excluding Stablex, treatment and disposal revenue from our refinery customers increased 8% reflecting higher volumes and slightly improved pricing of thermal recycling projects.

Rate-regulated business at our Richland, Washington low-level radioactive waste disposal facility increased 3% in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2010. Our Richland facility operates under a State-approved annual revenue requirement. The increase is due to the timing of revenue recognition for the rate-regulated portion of the business.
 
 
16

 

 
Gross Profit. Gross profit for the first quarter of 2011 increased 44% to $9.5 million, up from $6.6 million in the first quarter of 2010. This increase primarily reflects increased volumes of waste disposed in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.

Gross margin was 27.7% in the first quarter of 2011, down from 33.6% in the first quarter of 2010. Our treatment disposal gross margin (excluding transportation revenue and costs) was 36.1% in the first quarter of 2011 compared to 40.0% in the first quarter of 2010. This decrease primarily reflects the addition of Stablex operations which have a lower gross margin than our other operations.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”). As a percentage of total revenue, SG&A expenses for the first quarters of 2011 and 2010 were 14.1% and 18.3%, respectively. SG&A expenses were $4.8 million in the first quarter of 2011 and $3.6 million in the same quarter of 2010. The increase reflects $1.0 million in SG&A expenses related to the Stablex facility in the first quarter of 2011. Also contributing to the higher SG&A expenses during the first quarter of 2011 were increased sales commissions and incentive compensation.  The increase in SG&A in the first quarter of 2011 was partially offset by $423,000 in regulatory fines recorded in the first quarter of 2010.

Interest income and expense. During the first quarter of 2011, we earned $10,000 of interest income, down from $14,000 in the first quarter of 2010. This decrease reflects a lower average rate of interest earned on cash and short-term investments and lower average balances of cash equivalents and short-term investments in the first quarter of 2011. Interest expense is incurred on borrowings on our Credit Agreement.  Interest expense in the first quarter of 2011 was $446,000 compared to $1,000 in the first quarter of 2010. The increase in interest expense reflects higher borrowings on our Credit Agreement which were incurred in part to acquire Stablex.

Foreign Currency Gain (Loss). In the first quarter of 2011, we recognized $1.3 million in foreign currency gains compared to a foreign currency loss of $17,000 in the first quarter of 2010. Foreign currency gain (loss) reflects changes in business activity conducted in a currency other than the USD, our functional currency. In 2010, we acquired Stablex, a Canadian company, whose functional currency is the CAD. As part of our treasury management strategy we established intercompany loans of $49.4 million between our parent company US Ecology and Stablex. These intercompany loans are payable by Stablex to US Ecology in CAD requiring us to revalue the outstanding loan balance through our statements of operations, based on the USD/CAD currency movements from period to period. During the first quarter of 2011, the CAD continued to strengthen relative to the USD resulting in a $1.3 million foreign currency translation gain in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Other income (expense). Other income (expense) includes non-operating business activities and usual revenue and expenses. In the first quarter of 2011 and 2010, we recognized $99,000 and $58,000, respectively, in other income primarily for royalty income from a previously sold municipal waste landfill in Texas.

Income tax expense. Our effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2011 was 41.3% compared to 41.5% in the first quarter of 2010. At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we had no significant unrecognized tax benefits. We recognize interest assessed by taxing authorities as interest expense. We recognize any penalties assessed by taxing authorities as SG&A expense. Interest and penalties for each of the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were not material.

Critical Accounting Policies

Financial statement preparation requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect reported assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared using the same critical accounting policies discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations and borrowings under the Credit Agreement. At March 31, 2011, we had $3.7 million in cash and cash equivalents immediately available for operations. We assess our liquidity in terms of our ability to generate cash to fund our operating, investing and financing activities. Our primary ongoing cash requirements will be to fund operations, capital expenditures, interest and principal payments and continue paying dividends pursuant to our dividend policy. We believe our future operating cash flows will be sufficient to meet our future operating and investing cash needs for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, the existing cash balances and the availability of additional borrowings under our revolving Credit Agreement provide additional potential sources of liquidity should they be required.
 
 
17

 

 
Operating Activities - For the three months ended March 31, 2011, net cash provided by operating activities was $12.2 million. This primarily reflects net income of $3.3 million, decreases in accounts receivable of $8.8 million and depreciation and amortization and accretion of $3.8 million. Partially offsetting these sources of cash were decreases in accrued salaries and benefits of $1.1 million, decreases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $1.1 million and decreases in income tax payable of $784,000. Impacts on net income are due to the factors discussed above under Results of Operations. The decrease in accounts receivable is primarily attributable to the timing of significant customer payments received in the first quarter of 2011. Days sales outstanding were 64 days as of March 31, 2011, compared to 65 days at December 31, 2010 and 63 days at March 31, 2010. Decreases in accrued salaries and benefits reflect incentive compensation payments in the first quarter of 2011. There were no such payments in the first quarter of 2010. The decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities is primarily attributable to the timing of payments made during the first quarter of 2011.

For the three months ended March 31, 2010, net cash provided by operating activities was $6.7 million. This reflects net income of $1.8 million, decreases in receivables of $2.6 million, an increase in income taxes payable of $898,000 and depreciation and amortization and accretion of $1.8 million. Partially offsetting these sources of cash were decreases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $1.2 million.

Investing Activities - For the three months ended March 31, 2011, net cash used in investing activities was $4.1 million primarily related to capital expenditures of $4.1 million. Significant capital projects included construction of additional disposal capacity and treatment facility upgrades at our Beatty, Nevada location, new catalyst handling equipment in Robstown, Texas and equipment purchases at all five operating disposal facilities.

For the three months ended March 31, 2010, net cash used in investing activities was $2.1 million primarily for capital projects. Significant capital projects included equipment purchases at all four operating disposal facilities as well as construction of additional disposal capacity at our Robstown, Texas site.

Financing Activities - For the three months ended March 31, 2011, net cash used in financing activities was $10.8 million and included repayments, net of borrowings, on our credit facility of $7.5 million and the payment of dividends to our stockholders of $3.3 million.

For the three months ended March 31, 2010, net cash used in financing activities was $3.3 million which primarily reflects payment of dividends to our stockholders.

Contractual Obligations and Guarantees

For information on contractual obligations and guarantees, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 filed on March 15, 2011. There were no material changes in the amounts of our contractual obligations and guarantees during the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We have minimal interest rate risk on investments or other assets due to our general preservation of capital approach to investments. At March 31, 2011, approximately $3.7 million was held in cash and cash equivalents.

We are exposed to changes in interest rates as a result of our borrowings under the Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo. Under the Credit Agreement, revolving loans are available based on the Prime Rate or LIBOR, at the Company’s option, plus an applicable margin, which is determined according to a pricing grid under which the interest rate decreases or increases based on our ratio of funded debt to EBITDA. At March 31, 2011, we had $55.5 million of borrowings on the Reducing Revolving Line of Credit bearing an interest rate of 2.69% and no amount borrowed on the Revolving Line of Credit bearing an interest rate of 2.14%.  If interest rates were to rise we would be subject to higher interest payments if outstanding balances remain unchanged. Based on the outstanding indebtedness of $55.5 million under our credit facility at March 31, 2011, if market rates used to calculate interest expense were to average 1% higher in the next twelve months, our net-of-tax interest expense would increase by approximately $555,000.
 
 
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Foreign Currency Risk

We are subject to currency exposures and volatility because of currency fluctuations. The majority of our transactions are in USD; however, our Stablex subsidiary conducts business in Canada and the United States. In addition, contracts for services Stablex provides to US customers are generally denominated in USD. During the first quarter of 2011, Stablex transacted approximately 45% of its revenue in USD. We maintain cash on deposit in USD and outstanding USD trade receivables and payables related to these transactions. These USD cash, receivable and payable accounts are vulnerable to foreign currency translation gains or losses. Exchange rate fluctuations also affect the translation of Canadian generated profits and losses into USD.

We established intercompany loans totaling $49.4 million between Stablex and US Ecology, Inc. as part of a tax and treasury management strategy allowing for repayment of third-party bank debt used to complete the acquisition.  These intercompany loans are payable using CAD and are subject to mark-to-market adjustments with fluctuations in the CAD. During the first quarter of 2011, the CAD strengthened as compared to the USD resulting in a $1.3 million foreign currency translation gain being recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations related to the intercompany loans. Based on intercompany balances as of March 31, 2011 a $0.01 CAD increase or decrease in currency rate compared to the USD at March 31, 2011 would have generated approximately $500,000 of gains or losses for the quarterp ended March 31, 2011.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Management of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of March 31, 2011. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, including the accumulation and communication of disclosures to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the rules and forms of the SEC.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Cautionary Statement for Purposes of “Safe Harbor Provisions” of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words "may," "could," "would," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "estimate," "target," "project," "intend" and similar expressions. These statements include, among others, statements regarding our financial and operating results, strategic objectives and means to achieve those objectives, the amount and timing of capital expenditures, repurchases of its stock under approved stock repurchase plans, the amount and timing of interest expense, the likelihood of our success in expanding our business, financing plans, budgets, working capital needs and sources of liquidity.

Forward-looking statements are only predictions and are not guarantees of performance. These statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions, which in turn are based on currently available information. Important assumptions include, among others, those regarding demand for Company services, expansion of service offerings geographically or through new or expanded service lines, the timing and cost of planned capital expenditures, competitive conditions and general economic conditions. These assumptions could prove inaccurate. Forward-looking statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Such factors include, a loss of a major customer, successful integration of Stablex Canada Inc., exposure to unknown liabilities resulting from the Stablex Canada Inc. acquisition, compliance with and changes to applicable laws, rules, or regulations, access to cost effective transportation services, access to insurance, surety bonds and other financial assurances, loss of key personnel, lawsuits, labor disputes, adverse economic conditions, government funding or competitive pressures, incidents or adverse weather conditions that could limit or suspend specific operations, implementation of new technologies, market conditions, average selling prices for recycled materials, our ability to replace business from recently completed large projects, our ability to perform under required contracts, our ability to permit and contract for timely construction of new or expanded disposal cells, our willingness or ability to pay dividends and our ability to effectively close and  integrate future acquisitions.
 
 
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Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we are under no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results or performance. Before you invest in our common stock, you should be aware that the occurrence of the events described in the "Risk Factors" section in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2011 could harm our business, prospects, operating results, and financial condition.

Investors should also be aware that while we do, from time to time, communicate with securities analysts, it is against our policy to disclose to them any material non-public information or other confidential commercial information. Accordingly, stockholders should not assume that we agree with any statement or report issued by any analyst irrespective of the content of the statement or report. Furthermore, we have a policy against issuing or confirming financial forecasts or projections issued by others. Thus, to the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain any projections, forecasts or opinions, such reports are not the responsibility of US Ecology, Inc.

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We are not currently a party to any material pending legal proceedings and are not aware of any other claims that could have a materially adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Removed and Reserved


Item 5. Other Information

None.
 
 
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Item 6. Exhibits 

 
10.59
*Management Incentive Plan Effective January 1, 2011
     
 
10.82
*Amended and Restated 2005 Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan
     
 
15
Letter re: Unaudited Interim Financial Statements
     
 
31.1
Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
 
31.2
Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
 
32
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
* Identifies management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed as an exhibit 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.


 
US Ecology, Inc.
 
(Registrant)
 
 
Date:  May 4, 2011
/s/ Jeffrey R. Feeler
 
Jeffrey R. Feeler
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer


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