News Releases

Waste Connections Reports Second Quarter 2012 Results

Jul 23, 2012 (Marketwire via COMTEX) -- Waste Connections, Inc. (NYSEWCN)

 

  • Revenue of $410.7 million, up 5.3%
  • GAAP EPS and adjusted EPS* of $0.34 and $0.36, respectively
  • YTD net cash provided by operating activities of $204.9 million
  • YTD adjusted free cash flow* of $148.3 million, or 18.8% of revenue
  • Completes $30 million revenue new market acquisition in Minnesota on July 1st
  • Resumes share repurchase program

 

Waste Connections, Inc. (NYSEWCN) today announced its results for the second quarter of 2012. Revenue totaled $410.7 million, a 5.3% increase over revenue of $390.2 million in the year ago period. Operating income was $81.7 million compared to $84.8 million in the second quarter of 2011. Operating income in the current year period included approximately $3.4 million ($2.1 million net of taxes) associated with costs incurred in connection with the relocation of our corporate headquarters from California to Texas, and acquisition-related transaction costs. Net income attributable to Waste Connections in the quarter was $42.4 million, or $0.34 per share on a diluted basis of 124.0 million shares. In the year ago period, the Company reported net income attributable to Waste Connections of $44.4 million, or $0.39 per share on a diluted basis of 114.3 million shares.

Adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections in the quarter was $44.4 million*, or $0.36 per share*, adjusting primarily for the items noted above. Adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections in the prior year period was $44.8 million*, or $0.39 per share*, adjusting primarily for acquisition-related transaction costs.

"The first half of 2012 played out about as expected with revenue, adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization*, and adjusted free cash flow* at or above our expectations. However, the tepid economy and potential near-term decreases in recycled commodity values could provide additional headwinds in the second half of the year," said Ronald J. Mittelstaedt, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We are pleased to announce the acquisition of SKB Environmental, Inc., a leading provider of solid and industrial waste transfer and disposal services primarily in Minnesota's Twin Cities region, with annual revenue of approximately $30 million. We believe SKB provides an attractive platform for additional acquisitions in this new market."

Mr. Mittelstaedt added, "Although the amount of potential acquisition revenue under active dialogue remains high, our disciplined approach to market selection and valuation remains unchanged. While we expect the pace of acquisition activity could remain strong over the next 18-24 months, the strength of our free cash flow* and balance sheet enables us to fund our growth strategy and increase the return of capital to stockholders. As such, we have resumed our share repurchase program targeting to buyback between four and five percent of outstanding shares annually."

For the six months ended June 30, 2012, revenue was $787.2 million, a 9.1% increase over revenue of $721.7 million in the year ago period. Operating income was $146.8 million compared to $153.4 million for the same period in 2011. Operating income in the current year period included approximately $10.5 million ($7.6 million net of taxes) associated with costs incurred in connection with the relocation of our corporate headquarters from California to Texas, acquisition-related transaction costs, and one-time equity compensation expense related to awards made at the time of the modification of our named executive officers' employment contracts. 

* A non-GAAP measure; see accompanying Non-GAAP Reconciliation Schedule.

Net income attributable to Waste Connections for the six months ended June 30, 2012, was $73.7 million, or $0.61 per share on a diluted basis of 120.0 million shares. In the year ago period, the Company reported net income attributable to Waste Connections of $81.0 million, or $0.71 per share on a diluted basis of 114.4 million shares. Adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections for the six months ended June 30, 2012, was $81.6 million*, or $0.68 per share*, compared to $81.7 million*, or $0.71 per share*, in the year ago period.

Waste Connections, Inc. is an integrated solid waste services company that provides solid waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services in mostly exclusive and secondary markets. The Company serves more than two million residential, commercial and industrial customers from a network of operations in 30 states. The Company also provides intermodal services for the movement of cargo and solid waste containers in the Pacific Northwest. Waste Connections, Inc. was founded in September 1997 and is headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas.

Waste Connections will be hosting a conference call related to second quarter earnings and third quarter outlook on July 24th at 8:30 A.M. Eastern Time. The call will be broadcast live over the Internet at www.streetevents.com or through a link on our website at www.wasteconnections.com. A playback of the call will be available at both of these websites.

For more information, visit the Waste Connections web site at www.wasteconnections.com. Copies of financial literature, including this release, are available on the Waste Connections website or through contacting us directly at (832) 442-2200.

* A non-GAAP measure; see accompanying Non-GAAP Reconciliation Schedule.

Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this release are forward-looking in nature, including statements related to: expected revenues, adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization, and adjusted free cash flow; expected pricing growth, waste volumes and recycled commodity prices; expected levels of acquisition activity in the industry and the drivers of such activity; the Company's anticipated acquisition activity and ability to finance such activity; the Company's focus on exclusive and secondary markets; the Company's deployment of capital; the amount and timing of purchases under the Company's stock repurchase program; and the impact of the relocation of the Company's corporate headquarters from Folsom, California to The Woodlands, Texas. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," or "anticipates," or the negative thereof or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those projected include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) our acquisitions may not be successful, resulting in changes in strategy, operating losses or a loss on sale of the business acquired; (2) a portion of our growth and future financial performance depends on our ability to integrate acquired businesses into our organization and operations; (3) competition for acquisition candidates, consolidation within the waste industry and economic and market conditions may limit our ability to grow through acquisitions; (4) we may be unable to compete effectively with larger and better capitalized companies, companies with lower return expectations, and governmental service providers; (5) we may lose contracts through competitive bidding, early termination or governmental action; (6) price increases may not be adequate to offset the impact of increased costs or may cause us to lose volume; (7) economic downturns adversely affect operating results; (8) our results are vulnerable to economic conditions and seasonal factors affecting the regions in which we operate; (9) we may be subject in the normal course of business to judicial, administrative or other third party proceedings that could interrupt or limit our operations, require expensive remediation, result in adverse judgments, settlements or fines and create negative publicity; (10) increases in the price of fuel may adversely affect our business and reduce our operating margins; (11) increases in labor and disposal and related transportation costs could impact our financial results; (12) efforts by labor unions could divert management attention and adversely affect operating results; (13) we could face significant withdrawal liability if we withdraw from participation in one or more underfunded multiemployer pension plans in which we participate; (14) increases in insurance costs and the amount that we self-insure for various risks could reduce our operating margins and reported earnings; (15) our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition; we may incur substantially more debt in the future; (16) each business that we acquire or have acquired may have liabilities or risks that we fail or are unable to discover, including environmental liabilities; (17) liabilities for environmental damage may adversely affect our financial condition, business and earnings; (18) our accruals for our landfill site closure and post-closure costs may be inadequate; (19) the financial soundness of our customers could affect our business and operating results; (20) we depend significantly on the services of the members of our senior, regional and district management team, and the departure of any of those persons could cause our operating results to suffer; (21) our decentralized decision-making structure could allow local managers to make decisions that adversely affect our operating results; (22) we may incur charges related to capitalized expenditures of landfill development projects, which would decrease our earnings; (23)because we depend on railroads for our intermodal operations, our operating results and financial condition are likely to be adversely affected by any reduction or deterioration in rail service; (24) our financial results are based upon estimates and assumptions that may differ from actual results; (25) the adoption of new accounting standards or interpretations could adversely affect our financial results; (26) pending or future litigation or governmental proceedings could result in material adverse consequences, including judgments or settlements; and (27) if we are not able to develop and protect intellectual property, or if a competitor develops or obtains exclusive rights to a breakthrough technology, our financial results may suffer. These risks and uncertainties, as well as others, are discussed in greater detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. There may be additional risks of which we are not presently aware or that we currently believe are immaterial which could have an adverse impact on our business. We make no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may change.

- financial tables attached -

   
   
WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.  
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME  
THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2012  
(Unaudited)  
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)  
   
    Three months ended
June 30,
    Six months ended
June 30,
 
    2011     2012     2011     2012  
                                 
Revenues   $ 390,184     $ 410,731     $ 721,652     $ 787,161  
Operating expenses:                                
  Cost of operations     221,872       238,427       408,938       455,107  
  Selling, general and administrative     41,169       44,747       80,007       95,922  
  Depreciation     36,939       39,846       69,975       77,018  
  Amortization of intangibles     5,673       6,217       9,650       11,849  
  Loss (gain) on disposal of assets     (267 )     (243 )     (292 )     472  
Operating income     84,798       81,737       153,374       146,793  
                                 
Interest expense     (11,087 )     (11,829 )     (19,920 )     (24,114 )
Interest income     143       165       276       297  
Other income (expense), net     (245 )     (145 )     149       541  
Income before income tax provision     73,609       69,928       133,879       123,517  
                                 
Income tax provision     (29,004 )     (27,413 )     (52,481 )     (49,564 )
Net income     44,605       42,515       81,398       73,953  
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests    
(192
)    
(100
)    
(446
)    
(234
)
Net income attributable to Waste Connections   $ 44,413     $ 42,415     $ 80,952     $ 73,719  
                                 
Earnings per common share attributable to Waste Connections' common stockholders:                                
  Basic   $ 0.39     $ 0.34     $ 0.71     $ 0.62  
                                 
  Diluted   $ 0.39     $ 0.34     $ 0.71     $ 0.61  
                                 
Shares used in the per share calculations:                                
  Basic     113,509,668       123,466,890       113,514,439       119,327,512  
  Diluted     114,308,710       124,027,617       114,354,979       119,952,039  
Cash dividends per common share   $

0.075
    $

0.09
    $

0.15
    $

0.18
 
                                 
                                 
                                 
WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.  
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  
(Unaudited)  
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)  
   
    December 31,     June 30,  
    2011     2012  
ASSETS                
Current assets:                
  Cash and equivalents   $ 12,643     $ 136,145  
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,617 and $6,557 at December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2012, respectively     176,277       185,460  
  Deferred income taxes     20,630       17,975  
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets     39,708       31,151  
    Total current assets     249,258       370,731  
                 
Property and equipment, net     1,450,469       1,460,756  
Goodwill     1,116,888       1,182,101  
Intangible assets, net     449,581       499,787  
Restricted assets     30,544       31,332  
Other assets, net     31,265       35,049  
    $ 3,328,005     $ 3,579,756  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY                
Current liabilities:                
  Accounts payable   $ 95,097     $ 87,476  
  Book overdraft     12,169       12,306  
  Accrued liabilities     106,243       114,218  
  Deferred revenue     64,694       70,222  
  Current portion of long-term debt and notes payable     5,899       4,581  
    Total current liabilities     284,102       288,803  
                 
Long-term debt and notes payable     1,172,758       977,524  
Other long-term liabilities     74,324       84,449  
Deferred income taxes     397,134       405,646  
    Total liabilities     1,928,318       1,756,422  
                 
Commitments and contingencies                
                 
Equity:                
Preferred stock: $0.01 par value; 7,500,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding    
-
     
-
 
Common stock: $0.01 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 110,907,782 and 123,204,543 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2012, respectively    

1,109
     

1,232
 
Additional paid-in capital     408,721       781,894  
Retained earnings     988,560       1,041,157  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (3,480 )     (5,866 )
  Total Waste Connections' equity     1,394,910       1,818,417  
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries     4,777       4,917  
  Total equity     1,399,687       1,823,334  
    $ 3,328,005     $ 3,579,756  
                 
                 
                 
WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.  
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS  
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2012  
(Unaudited)  
(Dollars in thousands)  
   
    Six months ended  
    June 30,  
    2011     2012  
             
                 
Cash flows from operating activities:                
Net income   $ 81,398     $ 73,953  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                
  Loss (gain) on disposal of assets     (292 )     472  
  Depreciation     69,975       77,018  
  Amortization of intangibles     9,650       11,849  
  Deferred income taxes, net of acquisitions     23,106       12,629  
  Amortization of debt issuance costs     540       831  
  Equity-based compensation     5,962       10,821  
  Interest income on restricted assets     (245 )     (212 )
  Closure and post-closure accretion     967       1,225  
  Excess tax benefit associated with equity-based compensation     (2,829 )     (3,283 )
  Net change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions     1,744       19,637  
Net cash provided by operating activities     189,976       204,940  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:                
  Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired     (215,962 )     (150,222 )
  Capital expenditures for property and equipment     (46,562 )     (67,445 )
  Proceeds from disposal of assets     1,862       1,497  
  Decrease (increase) in restricted assets, net of interest income     2,501       (577 )
  Other     (2,764 )     (5,666 )
Net cash used in investing activities     (260,925 )     (222,413 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:                
  Proceeds from long-term debt     427,500       334,000  
  Principal payments on notes payable and long-term debt     (286,202 )     (530,551 )
  Payment of contingent consideration     (100 )     (3,849 )
  Change in book overdraft     (1,918 )     136  
  Proceeds from option and warrant exercises     2,776       851  
  Excess tax benefit associated with equity-based compensation     2,829       3,283  
  Payments for repurchase of common stock     (42,381 )     (5,233 )
  Payments for cash dividends     (17,041 )     (21,122 )
  Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of restricted stock units    
 (5,271
)    
 (6,010
)
  Distributions to noncontrolling interests     (675 )     (94 )
  Proceeds from common stock offering, net     -       369,584  
  Debt issuance costs     (1,490 )     (20 )
Net cash provided by financing activities     78,027       140,975  
                 
Net increase in cash and equivalents     7,078       123,502  
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period     9,873       12,643  
Cash and equivalents at end of period   $ 16,951     $ 136,145  
                 
                 
                 
ADDITIONAL STATISTICS  
THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2012  
(Dollars in thousands)  
   
Internal Growth: The following table reflects revenue growth for operations owned for at least 12 months:  
  Three months ended
June 30, 2012
 
  Core Price 3.0 %
  Surcharges 0.0 %
  Volume (2.2 %)
  Intermodal, Recycling and Other (1.0 %)
  Total (0.2 %)
       
       
Revenue Breakdown:  
    Three months ended
June 30, 2012
    Six months ended
June 30, 2012
 
  Collection   $ 299,666     63.6 %   $ 576,754     63.9 %
  Disposal and Transfer     135,922     28.9 %     257,917     28.6 %
  Intermodal, Recycling and Other     35,152     7.5 %     67,725     7.5 %
  Total before inter-company elimination     470,740     100.0 %     902,396     100.0 %
                               
  Inter-company elimination     (60,009 )           (115,235 )      
    Reported Revenue   $ 410,731           $ 787,161        
                             
                             

Days Sales Outstanding for the three months ended June 30, 2012: 41 (26 net of deferred revenue)

Internalization for the three months ended June 30, 2012: 56% 

         
Other Cash Flow Items:
         
    Three months ended
June 30, 2012
  Six months ended
June 30, 2012
  Cash Interest Paid   $ 18,150   $ 22,612
  Cash Taxes Paid   $ 13,366   $ 13,701
               

Debt to Book Capitalization as of June 30, 2012: 35%

 
Share Information for the three months ended June 30, 2012:
 
  Basic shares outstanding 123,466,890
  Dilutive effect of options and warrants 315,329
  Dilutive effect of restricted stock 245,398
  Diluted shares outstanding 124,027,617
     
     
NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION SCHEDULE
(in thousands)
 

Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Income before Depreciation and Amortization:

Adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization, a non-GAAP financial measure, is provided supplementally because it is widely used by investors as a performance and valuation measure in the solid waste industry. Waste Connections defines adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization as operating income, plus depreciation and amortization expense, plus closure and post-closure accretion expense, plus or minus any gain or loss on disposal of assets. The Company further adjusts this calculation to exclude the effects of items management believes impact the ability to assess the operating performance of our business. This measure is not a substitute for, and should be used in conjunction with, GAAP financial measures. Management uses adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization as one of the principal measures to evaluate and monitor the ongoing financial performance of the Company's operations. Other companies may calculate adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization differently. 

             
             
    Three months ended
June 30, 2011
    Three months ended
June 30, 2012
 
  Operating income   $ 84,798     $ 81,737  
  Plus: Depreciation and amortization     42,612       46,063  
  Plus: Closure and post-closure accretion     484       612  
  Plus/less: Loss (gain) on disposal of assets     (267 )     (243 )
  Adjustments:                
    Plus: Acquisition-related transaction costs (a)     423       382  
    Plus: Corporate relocation expenses (b)     -       2,990  
  Adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization   $ 128,050     $ 131,541  
  As % of revenues     32.8 %     32.0 %
                   
                   
    Six months ended
June 30, 2011
    Six months ended
June 30, 2012
 
  Operating income   $ 153,374     $ 146,793  
  Plus: Depreciation and amortization     79,625       88,867  
  Plus: Closure and post-closure accretion     967       1,225  
  Plus/less: Loss (gain) on disposal of assets     (292 )     472  
  Adjustments:                
    Plus: Acquisition-related transaction costs (a)     1,094       2,159  
    Plus: Corporate relocation expenses (b)     -       4,717  
    Plus: NEO one-time equity grants (c)     -       3,585  
  Adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization   $ 234,768     $ 247,818  
  As % of revenues     32.5 %     31.5 %
   
(a) Reflects the addback of acquisition-related costs.
(b) Reflects the addback of costs associated with the relocation of the Company's corporate headquarters from California to Texas.
(c) Reflects the addback of one-time equity compensation expense incurred at the time the Company's NEOs' employment contracts were modified.
   
   
   
NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION SCHEDULE (continued)
 (in thousands, except per share amounts)
 

Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per diluted share:

Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share, both non-GAAP financial measures, are provided supplementally because they are widely used by investors as a valuation measure in the solid waste industry. Waste Connections provides adjusted net income to exclude the effects of items management believes impact the comparability of operating results between periods. Adjusted net income has limitations due to the fact that it may exclude items that have an impact on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share are not a substitute for, and should be used in conjunction with, GAAP financial measures. Management uses adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share as one of the principal measures to evaluate and monitor ongoing financial performance of the Company's operations. Other companies may calculate adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share differently. 

           
    Three months ended
June 30,
    Six months ended
June 30,
    2011     2012     2011     2012
                               
Reported net income attributable to Waste Connections   $ 44,413     $ 42,415     $ 80,952     $ 73,719
Adjustments:                              
  Acquisition-related transaction costs, net of taxes (a)     507       237       923       1,338
  Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net of taxes (b)     (166 )     (151 )     (181 )     292
  Corporate relocation expenses, net of taxes (c)     -       1,854       -       2,924
  NEO one-time equity grants, net of taxes (d)     -       -       -       3,315
Adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections   $ 44,754     $ 44,355     $ 81,694     $ 81,588
                               
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Waste Connections common stockholders:                              
  Reported net income   $ 0.39     $ 0.34     $ 0.71     $ 0.61
  Adjusted net income   $ 0.39     $ 0.36     $ 0.71     $ 0.68
   
(a) Reflects the elimination of acquisition-related costs.
(b) Reflects the elimination of a loss (gain) on disposal of assets.
(c) Reflects the addback of costs associated with the relocation of the Company's corporate headquarters from California to Texas.
(d) Reflects the addback of one-time equity compensation expense incurred at the time our NEOs' employment contracts were modified.
   
   
NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION SCHEDULE (continued)
(in thousands)
 

Reconciliation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow:

Adjusted free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, is provided supplementally because it is widely used by investors as a valuation and liquidity measure in the solid waste industry. Waste Connections defines adjusted free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities, plus proceeds from disposal of assets, plus or minus change in book overdraft, plus excess tax benefit associated with equity-based compensation, less capital expenditures for property and equipment and distributions to noncontrolling interests. The Company further adjusts this calculation to exclude the effects of items management believes impact the ability to assess the operating performance of its business. This measure is not a substitute for, and should be used in conjunction with, GAAP liquidity or financial measures. Management uses adjusted free cash flow as one of the principal measures to evaluate and monitor the ongoing financial performance of the Company's operations. Other companies may calculate adjusted free cash flow differently. 

             
    Three months ended
June 30, 2011
    Three months ended
June 30, 2012
 
  Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 101,597     $ 104,359  
  Plus/less: Change in book overdraft     (1,903 )     (184 )
  Plus: Proceeds from disposal of assets     1,074       744  
  Plus: Excess tax benefit associated with equity-based compensation     991       278  
  Less: Capital expenditures for property and equipment     (27,034 )     (39,492 )
  Less: Distributions to noncontrolling interests     -       -  
  Adjustment:                
    Corporate office relocation, net of taxes (a)     -       4,240  
  Adjusted free cash flow   $ 74,725     $ 69,945  
  As % of revenues    
19.2
%    
17.0
%
                   
                   
    Six months ended
June 30, 2011
    Six months ended
June 30, 2012
 
  Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 189,976     $ 204,940  
  Plus: Change in book overdraft     (1,918 )     136  
  Plus: Proceeds from disposal of assets     1,862       1,497  
  Plus: Excess tax benefit associated with equity-based compensation     2,829       3,283  
  Less: Capital expenditures for property and equipment     (46,562 )     (67,445 )
  Less: Distributions to noncontrolling interests     (675 )     (94 )
  Adjustment:                
    Corporate office relocation, net of taxes (a)     -       6,024  
  Adjusted free cash flow   $ 145,512     $ 148,341  
  As % of revenues    
20.2
%    
18.8
%
                   
(a) Reflects the addback of outlays associated with the relocation of the Company's corporate headquarters from California to Texas.
   
CONTACT: 
        Worthing Jackman 
        (832) 442-2266 
        Email Contact 
        
        Mary Anne Whitney 
        (832) 442-2253
        Email Contact