10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2001

REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2001

Filed August 13, 2001For Securities:RSG

Summary

Republic Services, Inc. (RSG) reported its second-quarter and year-to-date results for the period ending June 30, 2001. The company demonstrated steady revenue growth, with a 8.0% increase in the second quarter and 7.4% for the first six months compared to the prior year. This growth was driven by a combination of internal price and volume increases, along with strategic acquisitions. Despite slight increases in operating costs as a percentage of revenue, the company maintained a strong operating income margin. Overall net income saw a marginal decrease in the second quarter and year-to-date compared to the previous year, but earnings per share remained stable or slightly improved due to a reduced number of outstanding shares, reflecting the company's ongoing share repurchase program. The balance sheet shows growth in assets, particularly property and equipment and intangible assets, reflecting ongoing investments and acquisitions. Debt levels have increased, primarily due to borrowings under the revolving credit facility, but the company maintains a solid liquidity position with significant availability under its credit lines and an investment-grade credit rating. The company continues to actively manage its landfill capacity and environmental liabilities, with substantial future investments planned for landfill development. A subsequent event highlights the company's proactive capital management, with plans to issue $450 million in unsecured notes to repay a portion of its revolving credit facility.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue increased by 8.0% to $576.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2001, and by 7.4% to $1,111.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2001, compared to the prior year periods, driven by both internal growth and acquisitions.
  • 2Net income for the second quarter decreased slightly to $58.1 million from $59.2 million in the prior year, while year-to-date net income was $107.7 million compared to $109.4 million.
  • 3Earnings per share remained stable at $0.34 for the second quarter, and increased to $0.63 from $0.62 for the six-month period, benefiting from a reduction in weighted average shares outstanding due to share repurchases.
  • 4The company made significant investments in business acquisitions, with $266.4 million in cash spent during the first six months of 2001.
  • 5Total available landfill disposal capacity stands at approximately 1.8 billion cubic yards as of June 30, 2001, with plans for significant future investment in landfill development.
  • 6Long-term debt increased to $1,163.2 million as of June 30, 2001, mainly due to higher utilization of the revolving credit facility.
  • 7Republic Services has an investment-grade credit rating (Baa3/BBB/BBB+) and maintains significant availability under its revolving credit facility, indicating a strong liquidity position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Republic Services' growth strategy is primarily driven by acquisitions and internal growth from price and volume increases in its collection and disposal services. The financial statements show significant cash outflows for business acquisitions ($266.4 million in the first six months of 2001) and increases in Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets, reflecting the integration of these acquired businesses. Revenue growth of 8.0% in Q2 and 7.4% year-to-date demonstrates the effectiveness of this dual-pronged growth approach.

The company's long-term debt has increased to $1,163.2 million as of June 30, 2001, largely due to increased borrowings under its $1 billion revolving credit facility, which it uses for capital expenditures and acquisitions. Despite the higher debt, Republic Services maintains a strong liquidity position, evidenced by approximately $271.1 million in availability under its credit facility and an investment-grade credit rating. A subsequent event confirms this proactive approach, with plans to issue $450 million in new notes to repay a portion of the credit facility, demonstrating ongoing capital structure management.

Landfills represent a significant asset and long-term liability for Republic Services. As of June 30, 2001, the company had 55 landfills with 1.8 billion cubic yards of disposal capacity, including 'likely to be permitted' expansion airspace. The company employs life cycle accounting for landfill costs and accrues for closure and post-closure liabilities, which totaled $230.2 million. Investors should note the substantial future investment planned for landfill development (estimated $1.1 billion for existing sites) and the ongoing monitoring of environmental regulations and permits, as these factors can significantly impact future costs and operations.