March 31,


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 June 30, 2009 or

[  ]      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 0-21229

Stericycle, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


 Delaware

36-3640402

 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 

(IRS Employer Identification Number)


28161 North Keith Drive
Lake Forest, Illinois    60045
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(847) 367-5910
(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 reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  YES [X] NO [  ]


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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   YES [  ] NO [  ]


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 definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.


Large accelerated filer [X]

Accelerated filer [  ]  

Non-accelerated filer [  ]

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 [  ] NO [X]


As of July 31, 2009 there were 85,050,980 shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding.



[form10q001.jpg]


Stericycle, Inc.

Table of Contents


 

 

 

Page No.

PART I.  Financial Information

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of

 

 

 

June 30, 2009 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2008 (Audited)

1

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

 

 

 

for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 (Unaudited)

2

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

 

for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 (Unaudited)

3

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

4

 

 

 

 

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

16

 

 

 

 

Item 3.  Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk

22

 

 

 

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

22

 

 

 

 

PART II.  Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

24

 

 

 

 

Item 2.  Changes in Securities, Uses of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

24


Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

24

 

 

 

 

Item 6.  Exhibits

25

 

 

 

 

Signatures

26

 

 

 

 

Certifications

27










PART I. – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

STERICYCLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


In thousands, except share and per share data

 

 

June 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

(Audited)

 ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

     Cash and cash equivalents

$

2,682

 

$

9,095

     Short-term investments

 

977

 

 

1,408

     Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful

         accounts of $7,357 in 2009 and $6,616 in 2008

 

163,263

 

 

168,598

     Deferred income taxes

 

11,121

 

 

16,821

     Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

30,660

 

 

28,508

         Total Current Assets

 

208,703

 

 

224,430

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

 

216,971

 

 

207,144

Other Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

     Goodwill

 

1,188,946

 

 

1,135,778

     Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of

         $15,633 in 2009 and $14,116 in 2008

 

203,995

 

 

170,624

     Other

 

23,067

 

 

21,322

         Total Other Assets

 

1,416,008

 

 

1,327,724

Total Assets

$

1,841,682

 

$

1,759,298

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

     Current portion of long-term debt

$

43,917

 

$

38,880

     Accounts payable

 

29,821

 

 

33,612

     Accrued liabilities

 

77,788

 

 

93,487

     Deferred revenues

 

14,165

 

 

13,663

         Total Current Liabilities

 

165,691

 

 

179,642

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

741,641

 

 

753,846

Deferred income taxes

 

161,698

 

 

147,287

Other liabilities

 

6,033

 

 

8,043

Shareholders' Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

  

Common stock (par value $.01 per share, 120,000,000

     

shares authorized, 85,033,935 issued and outstanding

    

 in 2009, 85,252,879 issued and outstanding in 2008)

 

850

 

 

852

  

Additional paid-in capital

 

58,092

 

 

67,776

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(10,807)

 

 

(32,075)

  

Retained earnings

 

718,484

 

 

633,927

         Total Shareholders' Equity

 

766,619

 

 

670,480

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

$

1,841,682

 

$

1,759,298


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



1



STERICYCLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)


In thousands, except share and per share data

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

Revenues

$

289,268

 

277,786

 

566,358

 

532,570

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Cost of revenues

 

145,618

 

 

148,394

 

 

288,212

 

 

283,515

     Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

53,047

 

 

49,711

 

 

103,778

 

 

95,476

     Depreciation and amortization

 

9,660

 

 

8,292

 

 

18,504

 

 

16,637

     Transactional expenses related to acquisitions

 

1,330

 

 

--

 

 

1,940

 

 

--

     Arbitration settlement and related costs

 

--

 

 

147

 

 

--

 

 

5,499

     Acquisition integration expenses

 

73

 

 

316

 

 

184

 

 

1,029

         Total Costs and Expenses

 

209,728

 

 

206,860

 

 

412,618

 

 

402,156

Income from Operations

 

79,540

 

 

70,926

 

 

153,740

 

 

130,414

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income (Expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Interest income

 

49

 

 

157

 

 

223

 

 

559

     Interest expense

 

(8,200)

 

 

(8,139)

 

 

(16,299)

 

 

(16,267)

     Other expense, net

 

(920)

 

 

(518)

 

 

(1,729)

 

 

(961)

         Total Other Expense

 

(9,071)

 

 

(8,500)

 

 

(17,805)

 

 

(16,669)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Before Income Taxes

 

70,469

 

 

62,426

 

 

135,935

 

 

113,745

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Tax Expense

 

26,567

 

 

23,741

 

 

51,378

 

 

43,396

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

$

43,902

 

38,685

 

84,557

 

70,349

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings Per Common Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Basic

$

0.52

 

0.45

 

1.00

 

0.81

     Diluted

$

0.51

 

0.44

 

0.97

 

0.79

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Number of

     Common Shares Outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Basic

 

84,919,498

 

 

86,093,711 

 

 

84,914,145

 

 

86,469,432

     Diluted

 

86,843,260

 

 

88,484,943 

 

 

86,843,043

 

 

88,944,593


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



2



STERICYCLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)


In thousands

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

84,557

 

70,349

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided

   by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

     Loss on sale of assets

 

     62

 

 

                              --

     Write-off of note receivable related to joint venture

 

--

 

 

798

     Stock compensation expense

 

7,092

 

 

5,987

     Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised

 

(551)

 

 

(4,523)

     Depreciation

 

16,118

 

 

14,793

     Amortization

 

2,386

 

 

1,844

     Deferred income taxes

 

11,976

 

 

11,222

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of

   acquisitions and divestitures:

 

 

 

 

 

     Accounts receivable

 

12,302

 

 

(9,304)

     Accounts payable

 

(7,806)

 

 

(9,575)

     Accrued liabilities

 

(1,620)

 

 

10,748

     Deferred revenues

 

181

 

 

2,982

     Other assets

 

1,505

 

 

(686)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

126,202

 

 

94,635

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

     Payments for acquisitions,

         net of cash acquired

 

(60,519)

 

 

(33,399)

     Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments

 

513

 

 

129

     Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 

448

 

 

-- 

     Capital expenditures

 

(17,904)

 

 

(22,977)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(77,462)

 

 

(56,247)

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

     Repayment of long-term debt

 

(11,383)

 

 

(3,760)

     Net repayments on senior credit facility

 

(71,762)

 

 

(29,700)

     Proceeds from term loan

 

50,000

 

 

--

     Proceeds from private placement of long-term note

 

--

 

 

100,000

     Payments of deferred financing costs

 

(888)

 

 

(236)

     Principal payments on capital lease obligations

 

(122)

 

 

(199)

     Purchase/ cancellation of treasury stock

 

(29,975)

 

 

(121,195)

     Proceeds from other issuance of common stock

 

9,163

 

 

9,737

     Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised

 

551

 

 

4,523

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(54,416)

 

 

(40,830)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

(737)

 

 

(2,271)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(6,413)

 

 

(4,713)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

9,095

 

 

17,108

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

2,682

 

12,395

 

 

 

 

 

 

NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net issuance of notes payable for certain acquisitions

$

20,756

 

30,544


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



3



STERICYCLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)


Unless the context requires otherwise, “we”, “us” or “our” refers to Stericycle, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.



NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION


The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations; but the Company believes the disclosures in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  In our opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation for the periods presented have been reflected and are of a normal recurring nature.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2008, as filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.  The results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the entire year ending December 31, 2009.



NOTE 2 – ACQUISITIONS


During the quarter ended March 31, 2009, we acquired selected assets of three domestic regulated waste businesses and completed the funding on a 2008 acquisition.


During the quarter ended June 30, 2009, we completed seven acquisitions.  Domestically, we acquired five regulated waste businesses four of which were selected assets and one was a stock purchase.  Internationally, we acquired all of the stock of two regulated waste businesses one located in the United Kingdom and the other located in Romania.  

  

The aggregate purchase price of our acquisitions during the six months ended June 30, 2009 was approximately $81.3 million, of which approximately $14.2 million in cash payments related to transactions that closed in 2008 and were disbursed in 2009.  The purchase price of our 2009 acquisitions was approximately $67.1 million, of which $46.3 million was paid in cash and $20.8 million was paid by the issuance of promissory notes.  For financial reporting purposes, our 2009 acquisitions were accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting.  The purchase prices of these acquisitions, in excess of acquired tangible assets, have been primarily allocated to goodwill and are preliminary pending completion of certain intangible asset valuations.  The results of operations of these acquired businesses have been included in the consolidated statements



4



of income from the dates of acquisition.  These acquisitions resulted in recognition of goodwill in our financial statements reflecting the complementary strategic fit that the acquired businesses brought to us.


On May 9, 2009, we and our wholly-owned subsidiary, ATMW Acquisition Corp., entered into an agreement and plan of merger with MedServe, Inc. a Delaware corporation, and Avista Capital Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, as the stockholders’ representative. Pursuant to the merger agreement and upon completion of the merger, our subsidiary will be merged with and into MedServe and MedServe will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours.  MedServe is privately held. It is engaged in the collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of medical waste, hazardous waste, universal waste and other regulated wastes, sharps management services, safety and compliance training services, and other related businesses.


The total merger consideration payable by us is $185 million in cash, subject to reduction for MedServe’s indebtedness as of the closing date, MedServe’s expenses in connection with the transaction, and other expenses related to the transaction. In addition, $27.8 million of the merger consideration will be deposited in escrow to cover indemnification obligations of the MedServe stockholders under the merger agreement.


Concurrently with the parties’ execution of the merger agreement, MedServe stockholders holding a majority of its outstanding shares entitled to vote delivered their written consent approving the merger agreement and the merger.


The merger is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory reviews, including clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (See Note 10 – Legal Proceedings).



NOTE 3 – INCOME TAXES


We and our subsidiaries file U.S. federal income tax returns and income tax returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions.  With a few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2002.  The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) concluded an examination of the Company's U.S. income tax return for 2004; subsequent tax years remain open and subject to examination by the IRS. Our subsidiaries in foreign countries have tax years open ranging from 2002 through 2008.


The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of June 30, 2009 and 2008 was $8.2 million and $3.7 million, respectively, which included immaterial amounts of interest and penalties reflected as a liability on the balance sheet. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is approximately $8.2 million. We recognize interest and penalties accrued related to income tax reserves in income tax expense.  This method of accounting is consistent with prior years.




5



The following table summarizes the changes in unrecognized tax positions during the six months ended June 30, 2009:


In thousands

Unrecognized tax positions, January 1, 2009

$

    5,318

Gross increases- tax positions in prior period

 

    1,830

Gross increases- tax positions in current period

 

      1,042

Unrecognized tax positions, June 30, 2009

$

    8,190



NOTE 4 – STOCK BASED COMPENSATION


At June 30, 2009, we had stock options outstanding under the following plans:


·

the 2008 Incentive Stock Plan, which our stockholders approved in May 2008;

·

the 2005 Incentive Stock Plan, which our stockholders approved in April 2005;

·

the 2000 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan, which our Board of Directors adopted in February 2000;

·

the 1997 Stock Option Plan, which expired in January 2007;

·

the Directors Stock Option Plan, which expired in May 2006;

·

the 1995 Incentive Compensation Plan, which expired in July 2005;

·

and our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which our stockholders approved in May 2001.


The following table sets forth the expense related to stock compensation:


In thousands

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

Stock options

$

3,464

 

2,789

 

6,758

 

5,718

Employee Stock Purchase Program

 

166

 

 

134

 

 

333

 

 

269

Total pre-tax expense

$

3,630

 

2,923

 

7,091

 

5,987


The following table sets forth the tax benefits related to stock compensation:


In thousands

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

Tax benefit recognized in income

   statement

$

1,452

 

1,158

 

2,754

 

2,369

Excess tax benefit realized

 

287

 

 

4,546

 

 

551

 

 

4,523


The Black-Scholes option-pricing model is used in determining the fair value of each option grant using the assumptions noted in the table below.  The expected term of options granted is based on historical experience and represents the period of time that awards granted are expected to be outstanding.  Expected volatility is based upon historical volatility of the company’s stock.  The expected dividend yield is zero.  The risk-free interest rate is based upon the U.S. Treasury yield rates of a comparable period.



6



The assumptions that we used in the Black-Scholes model are as follows:


 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

2009

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

 

2008

Expected term (in years)

5.5

 

 

5.5

 

5.5

 

 

5.5

Expected volatility

28.90%

 

 

25.41%

 

28.28%

 

 

26.29%

Expected dividend yield

0.00%

 

 

0.00%

 

0.00%

 

 

0.00%

Risk free interest rate

2.34%

 

 

3.76%

 

2.12%

 

 

2.76%


The weighted average grant date fair value of the stock options granted during the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, was $13.87 and $16.33, and $11.89 and $13.51, respectively.


Stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2009, was as follows:


 

Number of Options

 

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share

 

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life

 

 

Aggregate Intrinsic Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in years)

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2008

7,297,399

 

$

30.97

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

1,290,631

 

 

47.14

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

(352,091)

 

 

23.86

 

 

 

 

 

Cancelled or expired

(165,677)

 

 

41.81

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2009

8,070,262

 

$

33.64

 

6.63

 

$

147,128,775

Exercisable at June 30, 2009

4,530,129

 

$

26.53

 

5.35

 

$

114,240,479

Vested and expected to vest in the future

    at June 30, 2009

7,257,425

 

$

32.38

 

6.41

 

$

141,326,380


The total intrinsic value of options exercised for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 was $4.7 million and $14.7 million, and $8.9 million and $21.2 million, respectively.  Intrinsic value is measured using the fair market value at the date of the exercise (for options exercised) or at June 30, 2009 (for outstanding options), less the applicable exercise price.


As of June 30, 2009, there was $26.7 million of total unrecognized compensation expense, related to non-vested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.93 years.



NOTE 5 – COMMON STOCK


During the quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, we repurchased on the open market, and subsequently cancelled, 536,346 and 1,482,185 shares of common stock, respectively.  The weighted average repurchase price was $47.59 and $53.56 per share, respectively.




7



During the quarters ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, we repurchased on the open market, and subsequently cancelled, 40,162 and 984,533 shares of common stock, respectively.  The weighted average repurchase price was $48.51 and $52.49 per share, respectively.  


During the quarter ended March 31, 2009, we settled in cash $2.5 million of share repurchases that were executed in December 2008.  



NOTE 6 – NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE


The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share:


In thousands, except share and per share data

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator for basic earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Net income

$

43,902

 

38,685

 

84,557

 

70,349

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for basic earnings per

     share weighted average shares

 

84,919,498

 

 

86,093,711

 

 

84,914,145

 

 

86,469,432

Effect of diluted securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee stock options

 

1,923,762

 

 

2,390,096

 

 

1,928,898

 

 

2,466,859

Warrants

 

--

 

 

1,136

 

 

--

 

 

8,302

Dilutive potential share

 

1,923,762

 

 

2,391,232

 

 

1,928,898

 

 

2,475,161

Denominator for diluted earnings per

     share-adjusted weighted average

     shares and after assumed conversions

 

86,843,260

 

 

88,484,943

 

 

86,843,043

 

 

88,944,593

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share – Basic

$

0.52

 

0.45

 

1.00

 

0.81

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share – Diluted

$

0.51

 

0.44

 

0.97

 

0.79



NOTE 7 – COMPREHENSIVE INCOME


The components of total comprehensive income are net income, the change in cumulative currency translation adjustments and gains and losses on derivative instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges.  The following table sets forth the components of total comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008:


In thousands

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

Net income

$

43,902

 

38,685

 

84,557

 

70,349

Other comprehensive income/ (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



8






     Currency translation adjustments

 

25,604

 

 

1,718

 

 

20,261

 

 

(391)

     Net gain/ (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax

 

634

 

 

(128)

 

 

1,007

 

 

111

         Other comprehensive income/ (loss)

 

26,238

 

 

1,590

 

 

21,268

 

 

(280)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

$

70,140

 

40,275

 

105,825

 

70,069



NOTE 8 – GUARANTEE


We have guaranteed a loan to JPMorganChase Bank N.A. on behalf of Shiraishi-Sogyo Co. Ltd (“Shiraishi”).  Shiraishi is a customer in Japan that is expanding their medical waste management business and has a one year loan with a current balance of $5.1 million with JPMorganChase Bank N.A. that expires in May 2010.  



NOTE 9 – GOODWILL


We have two geographical reporting segments, United States and Foreign Countries, both of which have goodwill.  The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, for the six months ended June 30, 2009 were as follows:


In thousands

 

 

United States

 

 

Foreign Countries

 

 

Total

Balance as of January 1, 2009

$

972,475

 

163,303

 

1,135,778

Changes due to currency fluctuation

 

--

 

 

15,357

 

 

15,357

Changes in goodwill on 2008 acquisitions

 

(6,108)

 

 

1,492

 

 

(4,616)

Goodwill on 2009 acquisitions

 

32,145

 

 

10,282

 

 

42,427

Balance as of June 30, 2009

$

998,512

 

190,434

 

1,188,946


During the quarter ended June 30, 2009 we performed our annual goodwill impairment evaluation for our three reporting units, Domestic Regulated Waste, Domestic Regulated Returns Management, and Foreign Countries, and determined that none of our recorded goodwill was impaired.  During this evaluation we calculated the fair value of the reporting units by multiplying their Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) for the prior twelve months times by a valuation multiple.  The valuation multiple is the average market price of our stock for the prior twelve month period times the outstanding shares at June 30, 2009, divided by the trailing twelve month EBITDA.  This EBITDA multiple is an indication of the fair value of the company, per the marketplace.  The fair value was then compared to the reporting units’ book value and determined to be in excess of the book value by a considerable margin.  The book value was determined by subtracting their total liabilities from their total assets.  We complete our annual impairment analysis of our indefinite lived intangibles (facility permits) during the quarter ended December 31 of each year.





9



NOTE 10 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


We operate in a highly regulated industry and must deal with regulatory inquiries or investigations from time to time that may be instituted for a variety of reasons.  We are also involved in a variety of civil litigation from time to time.


 

We received a request from the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) on June 22, 2009 for additional information in connection with their review pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (“HSR”) of our proposed acquisition of MedServe, Inc.  We are in the process of complying with the DOJ’s request.  The effect of the DOJ’s request for additional information is to extend the waiting period imposed by HSR until 30 days after we have submitted the requested information, unless the 30-day period is extended voluntarily by the parties or is terminated earlier by the DOJ.



NOTE 11 – NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS


Effective January 1, 2009 we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141(R)”). SFAS No. 141(R) replaces SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations. SFAS No. 141(R) requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize the full fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction; requires certain contingent assets and liabilities acquired to be recognized at their fair values on the acquisition date; requires contingent consideration to be recognized at its fair value on the acquisition date and changes in the fair value to be recognized in earnings until settled; requires the expensing of most transaction and restructuring costs; and generally requires the reversals of valuation allowances related to acquired deferred tax assets and changes to acquired income tax uncertainties to also be recognized in earnings.  This new accounting standard requires the company to recognize expenses to the income statement that were previously accounted for as acquisition accounting and reflected on the balance sheet.  Net income for the first six months of 2009 included the effect of $0.7 million of charges related to the adoption of SFAS No. 141(R).  Because of the inherent uncertainty of the number, structure and complexity of the acquisitions that we may complete in the future and the magnitude of the transaction expenses that we may incur in completing these acquisitions, the future impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) is not reasonably estimable.


Effective January 1, 2009 we adopted SFAS Statement No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS No. 160”).  The objective of SFAS No. 160 is to improve the relevance, comparability, and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity provides in its consolidated financial statements.  SFAS No. 160 requires that minority interests be identified and presented on the consolidated statements of income in the equity section, but separate from the parent’s equity;  that changes in the parent’s ownership interest be accounted for consistently and similarly as equity transactions; in a deconsolidation situation, any remaining noncontrolling equity investment and gain or loss on the deconsolidation is to be measured at fair value; that entities provide sufficient disclosures that clearly



10



distinguish between the ownership interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owner.  For the six months ended June 30, 2009, the adoption of SFAS No. 160 did not result in a material impact to our financial statements.


Effective January 1, 2009 we adopted SFAS Statement No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS No. 161”), to enhance the disclosure regarding the Company’s derivative and hedging activities to improve the transparency of financial reporting.  The adoption of SFAS No. 161 did not have a material impact to our financial statements.


In April 2009, FASB issued FSP No. FAS 141(R)-1, “Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies” (“FSP FAS 141(R)-1”). The Company adopted FSP FAS 141(R)-1 on January 1, 2009, as required, and it did not have a material impact on our financial statements.


In April 2009, FASB issued FSP No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (“FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1”). FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 amends FASB Statement No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Values of Financial Instruments”, and requires a publicly traded entity to include disclosures about the fair value of its financial instruments for its interim reporting periods as well as its annual financial statements. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 is effective for interim periods ending after June 15, 2009. We adopted FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 on June 30, 2009, as required, and it did not have a material impact on our financial statements; however, it did result in enhanced disclosure about the fair value of financial instruments in the Company’s interim financial statements.


In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, "Subsequent Events." SFAS No. 165 establishes authoritative accounting and disclosure guidance for recognized and non-recognized subsequent events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. SFAS No. 165 also requires disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date. SFAS No. 165 was effective for our Company beginning with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, and will be applied prospectively. The adoption of SFAS No. 165 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.


In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162” (“SFAS No. 168”). SFAS No. 168 replaces FASB Statement No. 162 to allow the FASB Accounting Standards Codification to become the single source of authoritative U.S. accounting and reporting standards, other than guidance issued by the SEC. The Company adopted SFAS No. 168 on July 1, 2009, as required, and it did not have a material impact on our financial statements.





11



NOTE 12 – GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION


Management has determined that we have two reportable segments, United States and Foreign Countries based on our consideration of the criteria detailed in SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.”  Revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of customers.  Inter-company revenues recorded by the United States for work performed in Canada, which are immaterial, are eliminated prior to reporting United States revenues.  The same accounting principles and critical accounting policies are used in the preparation of the financial statements for both reporting segments.


Detailed information for our United States reporting segment is as follows:


In thousands 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

Regulated waste management

   services 

207,276

 

184,976

 

409,627

 

362,814

Regulated returns management services 

 

18,309

 

 

25,999

 

 

37,998

 

 

42,451

Total revenue 

 

225,585

 

 

210,975

 

 

447,625

 

 

405,265

Net interest expense 

 

6,744

 

 

6,084

 

 

13,304

 

 

12,586

Income before income taxes 

 

61,086

 

 

50,794

 

 

118,081

 

 

99,750

Income taxes 

 

23,647

 

 

21,288

 

 

45,849

 

 

39,260

Net income 

37,439

 

29,506

 

72,232

 

60,490

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization 

7,205

 

5,679

 

13,901

 

11,482



Detailed information for our Foreign Countries reporting segment is as follows:


In thousands

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

Regulated waste management

   Services

$

63,683

 

66,811

 

118,733

 

127,305

Net interest expense

 

1,407

 

 

1,898

 

 

2,772

 

 

3,122

Income before income taxes

 

9,383

 

 

11,632

 

 

17,854

 

 

13,995

Income taxes

 

2,920

 

 

2,453

 

 

5,529

 

 

4,136

Net income

$

6,463

 

9,179

 

12,325

 

9,859

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

$

2,455

 

2,613

 

4,603

 

5,155



NOTE 13 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS


We adopted SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”) on January 1, 2008, which clarifies that fair value refers to the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts. Under SFAS No. 157,



12



fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of our company. Unobservable inputs are those that reflect the company’s assumptions about what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy defined by SFAS No. 157 are as follows:

 

 

 

Level 1 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access.

 

 

 

Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

 

 

 

Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.


As required by SFAS No. 157, financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The impact of our creditworthiness has been considered in the fair value measurements noted below. In addition, under SFAS No. 157, the fair value measurement of a liability must reflect the nonperformance risk of an entity.


At June 30, 2009, we have $2.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $1.0 million of short-term investments that we carry on our books at fair value using Level 1 inputs.  At December 31, 2008, we had $9.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.4 million of short-term investments on our books at fair value using Level 1 inputs.


At June 30, 2009, the fair value of the Company’s debt obligations was estimated at $768.4 million, compared to a carrying amount of $785.6 million.  At December 31, 2008, the fair value of the Company’s debt obligations was estimated at $771.5 million, compared to a carrying amount of $792.7 million.  This fair value was estimated using market interest rates for comparable instruments.  The Company has no current plans to retire a significant amount of its debt prior to maturity.


We have a cash flow hedge with an objective to offset foreign currency exchange risk to the U.S. dollar equivalent cash inflows on the settlement of a GBP denominated intercompany loan.  The fair value of the hedge was calculated using Level 2 inputs and was recorded as a current asset of $0.7 million as of June 30, 2009 and as a current asset of $2.3 million at December 31, 2008.




13



In October 2008, we entered into three interest rate swap contracts, covering $225 million of our borrowings outstanding under our senior credit facility.  The objective of the swap is to reduce the risk of volatile interest expense by fixing the rate.  The fair value of the hedge is calculated using Level 2 inputs and is recorded as a liability of $3.1 million at June 30, 2009, of which $2.4 million is current. At December 31, 2008 the fair value of the hedge was recorded as a liability of $4.8 million, of which $2.1 million was current.  The fair value was determined using market data inputs to calculate expected future interest rates.  The cash streams attributable to the difference between expected future rates and the fixed rate payable is discounted to arrive at the fair value of the three hedges.


There were no movements of items between fair value hierarchies.



NOTE 14 – DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS


In July 2004, we entered into four forward contracts, of which three have settled as of the balance sheet date and the fourth settled in July 2009, to hedge a GBP Sterling-based intercompany loan between our US-based subsidiary, Stericycle International L.L.C. and our subsidiary in the United Kingdom, Stericycle International Ltd.  The subsidiary borrowed the funds for the purchase of White Rose Environmental Ltd.  The remaining forward contract settled in July 2009.  Initially, we did not elect hedge accounting on the forward contracts and had recognized the change in value of the hedges through other income (expense).  This amount was generally offset by the currency adjustment to the intercompany receivable.


On October 1, 2005, we prospectively designated these existing forward contracts as cash flow hedges and are using hedge accounting.  The objective of our cash flow hedges is to offset the foreign exchange risk to the U.S. dollar equivalent cash inflows on the settlement of the GBP denominated intercompany loan.  At June 30, 2009, the fair market value of the hedge was recorded as a current asset of $0.7 million.  As of June 30, 2009, the total notional amount of hedges outstanding is GBP 8.0 million.  At June 30, 2009, the hedges were determined to be 100% effective.


In October 2008, Stericycle entered into three interest rate swap contracts covering $225 million of our borrowings outstanding under our senior credit facility.  The objective of the swap is to reduce the risk of volatile interest expense by fixing the rate.  The contracts are as follows:


In thousands

Notional

Fixed

Variable

Expiration

Amount

Interest Rate

Interest Rate

Date

 $     125,000

2.79%

1 Month Libor

October 2009

 $       75,000

2.79%

1 Month Libor

April 2010

 $       25,000

2.94%

1 Month Libor

October 2010


We entered into the interest rate swaps in order to manage the risk of interest rate changes to our interest expense.  The interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges; the notional amounts and all other significant terms of the swap agreement are



14



matched to the provisions and terms of the variable rate debt hedged.  The fair market of the three hedges is recorded as a liability of $3.1 million at June 30, 2009, of which $2.4 million is current.  At June 30, 2009, the hedges were determined to be 100% effective.  Gains or losses on hedges are reclassified into interest expense when the effect of the hedged item is recognized in earnings.  The fair market value was determined using market data inputs to calculate expected future interest rates.  The cash streams attributable to the difference between expected future rates and the fixed rate payable is discounted to arrive at the fair value of the three hedges.



NOTE 15 – NEW BORROWINGS


On June 24, 2009, we entered into a term loan with Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and lender.  The initial term loan under the term loan credit agreement was $50 million.  During the six-month period following closing, we may request additional term loans up to an aggregate amount of $150 million.


Term loans under the term loan credit agreement bear interest at fluctuating interest rates determined, for any one-month or other applicable interest period, by reference to the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, plus the applicable margin provided in the credit agreement.  The applicable margin is based on our consolidated leverage ratio and ranges from 2.75% to 3.50%.  As of June 30, 2009, the applicable margin was 3.25%.  The term loan duration is three years and it matures on June 24, 2012.  After the first year, we are required to make quarterly payments not more than 2.5% of the principal amount.


On July 23, 2009 we received under the accordion feature of the term loan an additional $145 million from several lenders and commitments from three additional lenders of another $20 million.  This brings the total of the term loan to be $215 million (see Note 16 – Subsequent Event, for additional details).



NOTE 16 – SUBSEQUENT EVENT


On July 23, 2009, we entered into a first amendment and increase agreement (the “first amendment”) with respect to the three-year term loan credit agreement dated as of June 24, 2009 that we entered into with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and a lender, other lenders from time to time party to the credit agreement, and a syndication agent to be determined.  


The first amendment amends the term loan credit agreement to reflect additional lenders becoming party to the agreement.  It also increases the aggregate amount for which we may request additional term loans prior to December 25, 2009 from $150 million to $175 million.


On July 23 and July 30, 2009, we obtained an additional term loan of $165 million concurrently with entering into the first and second amendments.  This additional term loan increased our aggregate borrowings under the term loan credit agreement from



15



$50 million to $215 million and reduced the aggregate amount for which we may request additional term loans from $175 million to $10 million.  After the first year, we are required to make quarterly payments not more than 2.5% of the principal amount.


 The Company evaluated subsequent events through August 7, 2009, the date of filing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.



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


We were incorporated in 1989 and presently serve a very diverse customer base of approximately 430,000 customers throughout the United States, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Ireland, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Romania and the United Kingdom.  We have fully integrated networks including processing centers and transfer and collection sites.  We use these networks to provide a broad range of services to our customers including regulated waste management services and regulated return management services.  Regulated waste management services include regulated medical waste removal services, sharps management services, products and services for infection control, and safety and compliance programs. Regulated return management services are physical services provided to companies and individual businesses that assist with the handling of products that are being removed from the supply chain due to recalls and expiration.  These services also include advanced notification technology that is used to communicate specific instructions to the users of the product.  Our waste treatment technologies include autoclaving, incineration, chemical treatment and our proprietary electro-thermal-deactivation system.  In addition, we have technology licensing agreements with companies located in Japan, Brazil, and South Africa.


Other than the adoption of SFAS No. 141 (R) Business Combinations, (see Note 11 – New Accounting Standards, for the impact on the financial statements), there were no material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies since the filing of its 2008 Form 10-K.  As discussed in the 2008 Form 10-K, the preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amount of reported assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported.  Actual results may differ from those estimates.


During the quarter ending June 30, 2009, we completed our annual goodwill impairment test.  The results of that test did not indicate any impairment to our goodwill (see Note 9 - Goodwill, in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Item 1 of Part I)).





16



THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2009 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008


The following summarizes the Company’s operations:


In thousands, except per share data

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

 

$

 

 

%

Revenues

$

289,268

 

 

100.0

 

277,786

 

 

100.0

Cost of revenues

 

152,734

 

 

52.8

 

 

154,632

 

 

55.7

Gross profit

 

136,534

 

 

47.2

 

 

123,154

 

 

44.3

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

55,664

 

 

19.2

 

 

52,081

 

 

18.7

Arbitration settlement and related expenses

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

               147

 

 

           0.1

Acquisition related transaction expenses

 

1,330

 

 

0.5

 

 

--

 

 

--

Income from operations

 

79,540

 

 

27.5

 

 

70,926

 

 

25.5

Net interest expense

 

8,151

 

 

2.8

 

 

7,982

 

 

2.9

Income tax expense

 

26,567

 

 

9.2

 

 

23,741

 

 

8.5

Net income

$

43,902

 

 

15.2

 

38,685

 

 

13.9

Earnings per share- diluted

$

0.51

 

 

 

 

0.44

 

 

 


Revenues:  Our revenues increased $11.5 million, or 4.1%, to $289.3 million in 2009 from $277.8 million in 2008.  Domestic revenues increased $14.6 million, or 6.9%, to $225.6 million from $211.0 million in 2009 as internal revenue growth for domestic small account customers increased by approximately $10.2 million, or approximately 9%, and internal revenue growth for large quantity customers increased by approximately $3.9 million, or approximately 6%.  Internal revenue for returns management decreased by $13.0 million, and domestic acquisitions less than one year old contributed approximately $13.5 million to the increase in domestic revenues.  The decrease in returns management revenues is due to fewer large volume recalls managed in 2009.  The nature of the returns management business results in uneven revenue patterns as recalls are unpredictable.


International revenues decreased $3.1 million to $63.7 million, or 4.7%, from $66.8 million in 2008.  Internal growth in the international segment contributed $4.3 million, or over 6% in increased revenues, excluding the effect of exchange rates and acquisitions.  The effect of exchange rate fluctuations unfavorably impacted international revenues approximately $14.3 million while acquisitions less than one year old contributed an additional $6.9 million in international revenues.


Cost of Revenues:  Our cost of revenues decreased $1.9 million, or 1.2%, to $152.7 million during 2009 from $154.6 million during 2008.  Our domestic cost of revenues slightly increased $0.3 million, or 0.2%, to $111.6 million from $111.3 million in 2008 as a result of costs related to a proportional increase in revenues.  Our international cost of revenues decreased $2.2 million, or 5.0% to $41.1 million from $43.3 million in 2008 as a result of costs related to proportional decrease in revenues primarily driven by the impact of exchange rate.  Our company wide gross margin



17



percentage increased to 47.2% during 2009 from 44.3% during 2008 due to a decrease in fuel and energy costs in 2009 and lower than average domestic employee medical benefit costs.  We do not believe that the lower benefit costs indicate a trend.  


Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $3.6 million, or 6.9%, to $55.7 million, for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 from $52.1 million for the comparable quarter in 2008.  As a percentage of revenue, these costs increased by 0.5% for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008 primarily due to higher expensing of stock options.


Income from Operations:  Income from operations increased to $79.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $70.9 million for the comparable quarter in 2008, an increase of 12.1%.  During the three months ended June 30, 2009, we recognized $1.3 million in transactional expenses related to acquisitions as result of SFAS No 141(R) (see Note 11 – New Accounting Standards) which unfavorably impacted diluted earnings per share by $0.01.  During the quarter ended June 30, 2008, we recognized additional business dispute settlement and related costs of $0.1 million which had a negligible effect on earnings per share.


Net Interest Expense:  Net interest expense slightly increased to $8.2 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2009 from $8.0 million during the comparable quarter in 2008 due to increased borrowings related acquisitions partially offset by lower interest rates.  


Income Tax Expense:  Income tax expense increased to $26.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 from $23.7 million for the comparable quarter in 2008.  The increase was due to higher taxable income.  The effective tax rates for the quarters ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 were 37.7% and 38.0%, respectively.



SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2009 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008


The following summarizes the Company’s operations:


In thousands, except per share data

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

 

$

 

 

%

Revenues

$

566,358

 

 

100.0

 

532,570

 

 

100.0

Cost of revenues

 

302,021

 

 

53.3

 

 

295,826

 

 

55.5

Gross profit

 

264,337

 

 

46.7

 

 

236,744

 

 

44.5

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

108,657

 

 

19.2

 

 

100,831

 

 

18.9

Arbitration settlement and related expenses

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

               5,499

 

 

1.0

Acquisition related transaction expenses

 

1,940

 

 

0.3

 

 

               --

 

 

--

Income from operations

 

153,740

 

 

27.1

 

 

130,414

 

 

24.5

Net interest expense

 

16,076

 

 

2.8

 

 

15,708

 

 

2.9

Income tax expense

 

51,378

 

 

9.1

 

 

43,396

 

 

8.1



18






Net income

$

84,557

 

 

14.9

 

     70,349

 

 

13.2

Earnings per share- diluted

$

0.97

 

 

 

 

0.79

 

 

 


Revenues:  Our revenues increased $33.8 million, or 6.3%, to $566.4 million in 2009 from $532.6 million in 2008.  Domestic revenues increased $42.4 million, or 10.5%, to $447.6 million from $405.3 million in 2008 as internal revenue growth for domestic small account customers increased by approximately $21.1 million, or over 9%, and internal revenue growth for large quantity customers increased by approximately $7.9 million, or approximately 6%.  Internal revenue for returns management decreased by $15.0 million, and domestic acquisitions less than one year old contributed approximately $28.4 million to the increase in domestic revenues.  The decrease in returns management revenues is due to fewer large volume recalls managed in 2009.  The nature of the returns management business results in uneven revenue patterns as recalls are unpredictable.


International revenues decreased $8.6 million to $118.7 million, or 6.7%, from $127.3 million in 2008.  Internal growth in the international segment contributed $11.1 million, or approximately 9% in increased revenues, excluding the effect of exchange rates and acquisitions.  The effect of exchange rate fluctuations unfavorably impacted international revenues approximately $30.5 million while acquisitions less than one year old contributed an additional $10.8 million in international revenues.


Cost of Revenues:  Our cost of revenues increased $6.2 million, or 2.1%, to $302.0 million during 2009 from $295.8 million during 2008.  Our domestic cost of revenues increased $12.7 million, or 6.0%, to $225.3 million from $212.6 million in 2008 as a result of costs related to a proportional increase in revenues from acquisitions and internal growth.  Our international cost of revenues decreased $6.5 million, or 7.8% to $76.7 million from $83.2 million in 2008 as a result of costs related to proportional decrease in revenues primarily driven by the impact of exchange rates.  Our gross margin percentage increased to 46.7% during 2009 from 44.5% during 2008 due to a decrease in fuel and energy costs in 2009 and lower than average domestic employee medical benefit costs.  We do not believe that the lower benefit costs indicate a trend.  


Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $7.8 million, or 7.8%, to $108.7 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $100.8 million for the comparable period in 2008.  As a percentage of revenue, these costs increased by 0.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008 primarily due to higher expensing of stock options.


Income from Operations:  Income from operations increased to $153.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $130.4 million for the comparable period in 2008, an increase of 17.9%.  During the six months ended June 30, 2009, we recognized $1.9 million in transactional expenses related to acquisitions as result of adoption SFAS No 141(R) (see Note 11 – New Accounting Standards), which unfavorably impacted diluted earnings per share by $0.02.  During 2008, we recognized a business dispute settlement and related costs of $5.5 million, which unfavorably impacted diluted earnings per share by $0.04



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Net Interest Expense:  Net interest expense slightly increased to $16.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $15.7 million during the comparable period in 2008 due to increased borrowings partially offset by lower interest rates.  


Income Tax Expense:  Income tax expense increased to $51.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $43.4 million for the comparable period in 2008.  The increase was due to higher taxable income.  The effective tax rates for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 were 37.8% and 38.2%, respectively.



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES


Our senior credit facility of $850.0 million maturing in August 2012, and our term loan maturing in June 2012, require us to comply with various financial, reporting and other covenants and restrictions, including a restriction on dividend payments.  The financial debt covenants are the same for both the senior credit facility and the term loan.  At June 30, 2009, we were in compliance with all of our financial debt covenants.   


As of June 30, 2009, we had $369.5 million of borrowings outstanding under our senior unsecured credit facility, which includes foreign currency borrowings of $2.5 million.  Our senior credit facility allows us to borrow on a short term basis at a rate equal to the higher of (i) the prime rate or (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, or we can borrow at one-month London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, plus 0.75%. In addition, we had $231.7 million committed to outstanding letters of credit.  The weighted average rate of interest on the unsecured revolving credit facility was 2.43% per annum.  At June 30, 2009 we had $416.0 million in other debt outstanding, which includes promissory notes issued in connection with acquisitions during 2004 through 2009, other foreign subsidiary bank debt and capital leases.


On June 24, 2009, we entered into a term loan with Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and lender.  The initial term loan under the term loan credit agreement was $50 million.  During the six-month period following closing, we may request additional term loans up to an aggregate amount of $175 million.


Term loans under the term loan credit agreement bear interest at fluctuating interest rates determined, for any one-month or other applicable interest period, by reference to the LIBOR plus the applicable margin provided in the credit agreement.  The applicable margin is based on our consolidated leverage ratio and ranges from 2.75% to 3.50%.  As of June 30, 2009, the applicable margin was 3.25%.


On July 23 and July 30, 2009 we received under the accordion feature of the term loan an additional $165 million.  This brings the total of the term loan to be $215 million (see Note 16 – Subsequent Event, for additional details).


On April 15, 2008, we entered into a note purchase agreement (the “note purchase agreement”) with nine institutional purchasers pursuant to which we issued and sold to the purchasers $100 million of our 5.64% senior notes due April 15, 2015 (the “Notes”).  The Notes bear interest at the fixed rate of 5.64% per annum. Interest is payable in arrears



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semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 beginning on October 15, 2009, and principal is payable at the maturity of the notes on April 15, 2015.


The Notes are unsecured obligations and rank pari passu with our obligations under our senior unsecured credit facility pursuant to our credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A. and the other lenders party to the credit agreement. We applied the proceeds from the sale of the Notes to reduce our borrowings under our revolving credit facility under our senior unsecured credit facility.  The Notes contain customary events of default, including our failure to pay any principal, interest or other amount when due, our violation of our affirmative or negative covenants or a breach of our representations and warranties. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, payment of the Notes may be accelerated by the holders of the Notes.


Working Capital:  At June 30, 2009, our working capital decreased slightly by $1.8 million to $43.0 million compared to $44.8 million at December 31, 2008.  Of the decrease in working capital, $5.3 million relates to a decrease in accounts receivable due to increased collections, $5.7 million decrease in deferred tax assets due to utilization of acquired foreign net operating losses, as well as an increase in our accrued miscellaneous tax liability of $5.2 million.  Offsetting these working capital decreases was a reduction of accrued liabilities related to a $12.0 million payment of an acquisition purchase accrual and a $2.5 million accrual for 2008 stock repurchases that settled in 2009.


Net Cash Provided or Used:  Net cash provided by operating activities increased $31.6 million, or 33.4%, to $126.2 million during the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to $94.6 million for the comparable period in 2008.  The increase in operating cash was primarily due to higher earnings and increased collections on receivables.


Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $77.5 million compared to $56.2 million in the comparable period in 2008.  The difference is mainly due to $60.5 million paid for acquisitions and international investments in 2009, compared to $33.4 million for the same period in the prior year, partially offset by lower capital expenditures which decreased during the current period by $5.1 million when compared to same period of the prior year.


Net cash used in financing activities was $54.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to $40.8 million for the comparable period in 2008.  A decrease of $91.2 million for the repurchase and cancellation of common stock over the prior year period was partially offset by a $49.7 million increase for repayment of long-term debt.  We had new private placement debt in 2008 of $100.0 million compared to a new term loan in 2009 of $50.0 million.


Guarantees:  We have guaranteed a loan to JPMorganChase Bank N.A. on behalf of Shiraishi-Sogyo Co. Ltd (“Shiraishi”).  Shiraishi is a customer in Japan that is expanding their medical waste management business and has a one year loan with a current balance of $5.1 million with JPMorganChase Bank N.A. that expires in May 2010.




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ITEM 3.  QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


We are subject to market risks arising from changes in interest rates.  In 2008, we entered into three interest rate derivative transactions that effectively fix the interest rate on the applicable notional amounts of our variable rate debt as follows:


In thousands

Notional

Fixed

Variable

Expiration

Amount

Interest Rate

Interest Rate

Date

 $     125,000

2.79%

1 Month Libor

October 2009

 $       75,000

2.79%

1 Month Libor

April 2010

 $       25,000

2.94%

1 Month Libor

October 2010


The interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges; the notional amounts and all other significant terms of the swap agreement are matched to the provisions and terms of the variable rate debt hedged.  We apply hedge accounting to account for these instruments.


Our potential additional interest expense over one year that would result from a hypothetical, instantaneous and unfavorable change of 100 basis points in the interest rate on all of our variable rate obligations would be approximately $2.4 million on a pre-tax basis.


We have exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and U.K. pound sterling (“GBP”) related to an eight million GBP intercompany loan to Stericycle International, Ltd., the parent company of White Rose Environmental Ltd.  We use cash flow hedge accounting treatment on our forward contracts.  Both the intercompany loan balance and the forward contracts are marked to market at the end of each reporting period and the impact on the balances is recorded on the balance sheet to accumulated other comprehensive income.  The forward contract settled in July 2009.  


We have exposure to commodity pricing for gas and diesel fuel for our trucks and for the purchase of containers and boxes.  We do not hedge these items to manage the exposure.  



ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


Disclosure Controls and Procedures


Our management, with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the fiscal quarter covered by this Report.  On the basis of this evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer each concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.




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The term “disclosure controls and procedures” is defined in Rule 13a-14(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as “controls and other procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports, files or submits under the Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.”  Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that material information relating to us and our consolidated subsidiaries is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding our required disclosures.


Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


During the quarter ended June 30, 2009, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely materially to affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.


FROM TIME TO TIME WE ISSUE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS RELATING TO SUCH THINGS AS ANTICIPATED FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE, BUSINESS PROSPECTS, ACQUISITION ACTIVITIES AND SIMILAR MATTERS.


THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS MAY INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES, SOME OF WHICH ARE BEYOND OUR CONTROL (FOR EXAMPLE, GENERAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS).  OUR ACTUAL RESULTS COULD DIFFER SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THE RESULTS DESCRIBED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.  FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE SUCH DIFFERENCES INCLUDE DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE INTEGRATION OF ACQUIRED BUSINESSES, CHANGES IN GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION OF MEDICAL WASTE COLLECTION AND TREATMENT, AND INCREASES IN TRANSPORTATION AND OTHER OPERATING COSTS, AS WELL AS VARIOUS OTHER FACTORS.





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PART II. – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


See Note 10 - Legal Proceedings, in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Item 1 of Part I).



ITEM 2.  CHANGES IN SECURITIES, USES OF PROCEEDS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES


Under resolutions that our Board of Directors adopted in May 2002, February 2005, February 2007, May 2007 and May 2008, we have been authorized to purchase a cumulative total of 16,224,578 shares of our common stock on the open market.  As of June 30, 2009, we had purchased a cumulative total of 12,244,178 shares.


The following table provides information about our purchases during the six months ended June 30, 2009 of shares of our common stock:


Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities


Period 

 

Total Number of Share (or Units) Purchased

 

 

Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)

 

Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

 

Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs

January 1- January 31, 2009

 

340,965

 

48.11

 

340,965

 

4,215,843

February 1- February 28, 2009

 

143,998

 

 

46.59

 

143,998

 

4,071,845

March 1- March 31, 2009

 

51,383

 

 

46.90

 

51,383

 

4,020,462

April 1- April 30, 2009

 

39,862

 

 

48.52

 

39,862

 

3,980,600

May 1- May 31, 2009

 

300

 

 

46.53

 

300

 

3,980,300

June 1- June 30, 2009

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

3,980,300



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


We held our 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 29, 2009 in Rosemont, Illinois.  At the meeting, all nine nominees for election as directors were elected by the stockholders, by the following votes:

Nominee

 

Votes For

 

 

Votes Against/ Withheld

Jack W. Schuler

71,821,874

 

3,107,521

Mark C. Miller

73,467,301

 

1,465,094

Thomas D. Brown

73,640,096

 

1,289,299

Rod F. Dammeyer

71,818,143

 

3,111,252

William K. Hall

72,272,305

 

2,657,090



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Jonathan T. Lord, M.D.

74,779,330

 

150,065

John Patience

72,979,069

 

1,950,326

Ronald G. Spaeth

74,896,638

 

32,757


The stockholders also voted to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent public accountants for 2009 by the following vote:


For

 

Against

 

Abstain

 

Broker Non-Vote

72,061,593

 

3,163,942

 

64,775

 

--



ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS


2.1

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 9, 2009, by and among Stericycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation, ATMW Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation, MedServe, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Avista Capital Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, as shareholders’ rep


The exhibits and schedules to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, which are listed following the table of contents, have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S−K. We agree to furnish supplementally copies of any omitted exhibits or schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.


2.2

Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 6, 2009, by and among Stericycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation, ATMW Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation, MedServe, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Avista Capital Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, as shareholders’ rep


31.1

Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Mark C. Miller, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer


31.2

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Frank J.M. ten Brink, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


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Section 1350 Certification of Mark C. Miller, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Frank J.M. ten Brink, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer




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SIGNATURES


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.


Dated: August 7, 2009


 

STERICYCLE, INC.

 

(Registrant)

 

By: 

/s/ Frank J.M. ten Brink

 

Frank J.M. ten Brink

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)






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