Republic Services, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2019 Results

October 30, 2019

- Generated Earnings of $0.93 Per Share and Adjusted Earnings of $0.91 Per Share, an 11% Increase Over the Prior Year

- Revenue Growth Driven by Strong Pricing, Including Core Price of 4.7% and Average Yield of 2.8%

- Underlying Adjusted EBITDA Margin Expansion of 60 Basis Points

- Invested $275 Million in Acquisitions

- Raised 2019 Adjusted Earnings Per Share Guidance and Reaffirmed Adjusted Free Cash Flow Guidance

- Provided Preliminary 2020 Financial Outlook

- Certified as a Great Place to Work® for the Third Consecutive Year

PHOENIX, Oct. 30, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) today reported net income of $298.3 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2019, versus $263.4 million, or $0.81 per diluted share, for the comparable 2018 period. Excluding certain gains and expenses, on an adjusted basis, net income for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was $291.7 million, or $0.91 per diluted share, versus $269.0 million, or $0.82 per diluted share, for the comparable 2018 period.

"We are pleased with our third quarter results. The team's continued ability to tightly manage costs and capitalize on favorable solid waste trends enabled us to price in excess of cost inflation and expand underlying EBITDA margin by 60 basis points. During the quarter we invested $275 million in acquisitions, further strengthening our leading market position and increasing the scale of our operations," said Donald W. Slager, chief executive officer. "We now expect to outperform our original 2019 full-year adjusted EPS guidance and achieve the upper-end of our adjusted free cash flow guidance range. The momentum in our business and stable economic backdrop position us well for continued growth in 2020."

Third-Quarter Highlights:

  • EPS was $0.93 per share. Adjusted EPS, a non-GAAP measure, was $0.91 per share, an increase of 11 percent over the prior year.
  • Cash provided by operating activities was $651 million and adjusted free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure, was $372 million. Year-to-date cash provided by operating activities was $1.8 billion and adjusted free cash flow was $1.0 billion.
  • Cash flow invested in acquisitions was $275 million, or $228 million net of divestitures. This brings the Company's year-to-date acquisition investment to $490 million, or $441 million net of divestitures. The annual revenue acquired, net of divestitures, in the third quarter was approximately $55 million. Year-to-date annual revenue acquired, net of divestitures, was approximately $161 million.
  • Total cash returned to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases was $271 million.
  • Core price increased revenue by 4.7 percent. Core price consisted of 5.7 percent in the open market and 3.1 percent in the restricted portion of the business. This is the highest level of core price the Company has achieved in over a decade.
  • Average yield was 2.8 percent.
  • Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, was $742 million and adjusted EBITDA margin was 28.0 percent of revenue, a decrease of 40 basis points versus the prior year. Underlying margin expanded 60 basis points during the quarter but was more than offset by a 50 basis point headwind from lower recycled commodity prices and a 50 basis point headwind from an additional workday in the quarter relative to the prior year.
  • SG&A expense as a percentage of revenue was 10.4 percent.
  • The Company continued to convert CPI-based contracts to more favorable pricing mechanisms for the annual price adjustment. The Company now has approximately $775 million in annual revenue, or 31 percent of its approximately $2.5 billion CPI-based book of business, tied to either a waste-related index or a fixed-rate increase of 3 percent or greater.
  • The Company continued to reprice and de-risk its recycling collection and processing businesses. Through the end of the third quarter, the Company repriced approximately 35 percent of its recycling collection contracts and 55 percent of its contracted recycling processing volume.
  • To help reduce recycling contamination rates and ensure local recycling programs remain sustainable for future generations, Republic introduced a free, downloadable curriculum for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The curriculum is designed to support students' real-world learning about sustainability and how to recycle properly.
  • The Company was certified as a Great Place to Work® for the third consecutive year.
  • Republic was named to both the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America Indices for the fourth consecutive year. Additionally, the Company was the first U.S. recycling and solid waste services provider to have its 2030 emissions reduction target of 35 percent approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)¹ as consistent with levels required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. The rankings and emission reduction target highlight Republic's continued leadership in corporate governance, environmental, social and financial sustainability.

 

1 SBTi is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). SBTi defines and promotes best practices in science-based target setting and independently assesses companies' targets.

Raised Full-Year 2019 EPS Guidance and Reaffirmed 2019 Free Cash Flow Guidance

Republic raised its full-year adjusted diluted EPS guidance to $3.28 to $3.30 and reaffirmed its full-year adjusted free cash flow guidance of $1,125 million to $1,175 million. The Company now expects to achieve the upper-end of its adjusted free cash flow guidance range.

The Company provided additional details as follows:

  • Cash Utilization: Republic expects to invest approximately $550 million in acquisitions and $150 million in solar energy investments that qualify for tax credits. Additionally, the Company expects to return approximately $900 million total cash to shareholders, through approximately $500 million of dividends and $400 million in share repurchases.

Please refer to the Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements section of this document.

2020 Preliminary Financial Outlook

Republic is providing a preliminary financial outlook for 2020. It should be noted that the preliminary outlook does not represent full detailed guidance, but rather a point-in-time estimate based on its current projection of 2019 performance, early indicators from the 2020 budget process and current business and economic conditions. Consistent with prior practice, the Company will provide financial guidance in February 2020.

2020 Preliminary Financial Outlook:

  • Expect adjusted diluted earnings per share to be in a range of $3.46 to $3.51. This outlook assumes:
    • An effective tax rate of 21 percent and a non-cash charge of approximately $110 million related to solar energy investments that qualify for tax credits.
  • Expect adjusted free cash flow to be in a range of $1,150 million to $1,200 million.
    • In 2020, the Company expects to reinvest approximately $100 million of its tax-reform savings into its fleet and front-line employee facilities, which represents a $25 million increase from the $75 million investment in 2019.

Adjusted free cash flow consists of cash provided by operating activities, less property and equipment received, plus proceeds from the sale of property and equipment, and is exclusive of cash paid for restructuring, net of tax.

Mr. Slager further commented, "We expect current business and economic conditions to continue into 2020, positioning us well for another year of strong pricing, positive volume growth and continued EBITDA margin expansion.  Additionally, our acquisition pipeline remains robust and we believe 2020 could be another strong year of investment, similar to 2019."

Company Declares Quarterly Dividend

Republic announced today that its Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.405 per share for shareholders of record on January 2, 2020, which will be paid on January 15, 2020.

Presentation of Certain Non-GAAP Measures

Adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted net income, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, and adjusted free cash flow are described in the Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Measures section of this document. The adjusted diluted earnings per share and adjusted free cash flow related to the full-year guidance and preliminary outlook are described in the 2019 Financial Guidance and 2020 Preliminary Financial Outlook sections of this press release.

About Republic Services
Republic Services, Inc. is an industry leader in U.S. recycling and non-hazardous solid waste disposal. Through its subsidiaries, Republic's collection operations, transfer stations, recycling processing centers, landfills, and environmental services provide effective solutions to make responsible recycling and waste disposal effortless for its 14 million customers. More than 36,000 employees are committed to providing a superior experience while fostering a sustainable Blue Planet® for future generations to enjoy a cleaner, safer and healthier world. For more information, visit RepublicServices.com, or follow us at Facebook.com/RepublicServices, @RepublicService on Twitter and @republic_services on Instagram.

SUPPLEMENTAL UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

AND OPERATING DATA

       

REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 (in millions, except per share amounts)

       
 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

2019

 

2018

 

(Unaudited)

   

ASSETS

         

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

$

55.6

 

$

70.5

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts and other of $35.7 and $34.3, respectively

1,162.9

 

1,102.7

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

255.4

 

391.2

  Total current assets

1,473.9

 

1,564.4

Restricted cash and marketable securities

121.3

 

108.1

Property and equipment, net

8,257.6

 

8,020.1

Goodwill

11,650.5

 

11,400.1

Other intangible assets, net

124.1

 

106.5

Other assets

701.7

 

417.8

  Total assets

$

22,329.1

 

$

21,617.0

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

         

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts payable

$

697.2

 

$

761.5

Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt

912.8

 

690.7

Deferred revenue

341.1

 

338.7

Accrued landfill and environmental costs, current portion

153.2

 

130.6

Accrued interest

79.7

 

68.5

Other accrued liabilities

813.4

 

728.6

  Total current liabilities

2,997.4

 

2,718.6

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

7,705.8

 

7,646.8

Accrued landfill and environmental costs, net of current portion

1,702.0

 

1,701.6

Deferred income taxes and other long-term tax liabilities, net

1,074.6

 

1,028.3

Insurance reserves, net of current portion

279.3

 

270.8

Other long-term liabilities

591.5

 

321.4

Commitments and contingencies

     

Stockholders' equity:

     

Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 50 shares authorized; none issued

 

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 750 shares authorized; 353.3 and 351.9 issued and outstanding, respectively

3.5

 

3.5

Additional paid-in capital

4,979.5

 

4,924.9

Retained earnings

5,155.9

 

4,750.5

Treasury stock, at cost; 33.9 and 29.4 shares, respectively

(2,153.9)

 

(1,782.6)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

(8.5)

 

30.8

  Total Republic Services, Inc. stockholders' equity

7,976.5

 

7,927.1

  Non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiary

2.0

 

2.4

  Total stockholders' equity

7,978.5

 

7,929.5

  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

22,329.1

 

$

21,617.0

 

REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC.

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 (in millions, except per share data)

               
 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Revenue

$

2,646.9

 

$

2,565.7

 

$

7,722.7

 

$

7,510.9

Expenses:

             

Cost of operations

1,631.4

 

1,577.4

 

4,754.4

 

4,624.4

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

267.3

 

262.4

 

783.1

 

781.0

Accretion

20.5

 

20.1

 

61.4

 

60.7

Selling, general and administrative

275.4

 

260.9

 

806.3

 

775.0

Gain on disposition of assets and asset impairments, net

(24.0)

 

(4.6)

 

(23.5)

 

(5.3)

Restructuring charges

8.5

 

9.2

 

13.0

 

22.5

Operating income

467.8

 

440.3

 

1,328.0

 

1,252.6

Interest expense

(98.0)

 

(96.0)

 

(296.9)

 

(287.3)

Loss from unconsolidated equity method investment

(4.0)

 

(5.6)

 

(27.2)

 

(5.7)

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

(0.3)

Interest income

2.0

 

0.5

 

5.4

 

1.0

Other income, net

1.7

 

1.1

 

1.6

 

3.3

Income before income taxes

369.5

 

340.3

 

1,010.9

 

963.6

Provision for income taxes

71.5

 

77.4

 

227.1

 

227.1

Net income

298.0

 

262.9

 

783.8

 

736.5

Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiary

0.3

 

0.5

 

0.2

 

(0.5)

Net income attributable to Republic Services, Inc.

$

298.3

 

$

263.4

 

$

784.0

 

$

736.0

Basic earnings per share attributable to Republic Services, Inc. stockholders:

             

Basic earnings per share

$

0.93

 

$

0.81

 

$

2.44

 

$

2.25

Weighted average common shares outstanding

320.6

 

325.5

 

321.5

 

327.8

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Republic Services, Inc. stockholders:

             

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.93

 

$

0.81

 

$

2.43

 

$

2.23

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

321.7

 

326.9

 

322.6

 

329.3

Cash dividends per common share

$

0.405

 

$

0.375

 

$

1.155

 

$

1.065

 

REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC.

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 (in millions)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2019

 

2018

Cash provided by operating activities:

     

Net income

$

783.8

 

$

736.5

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

     

Depreciation, amortization, depletion and accretion

844.5

 

841.7

Non-cash interest expense

34.9

 

31.4

Restructuring related charges

13.0

 

22.5

Stock-based compensation

29.2

 

29.4

Deferred tax provision

72.9

 

113.7

Provision for doubtful accounts, net of adjustments

23.4

 

24.4

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

0.3

Gain on disposition of assets and asset impairments, net

(22.4)

 

(1.7)

Environmental adjustments

(9.6)

 

3.3

Loss from unconsolidated equity method investment

27.2

 

5.7

Other non-cash items

(0.9)

 

0.6

Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from business acquisitions and divestitures:

     

Accounts receivable

(65.3)

 

(72.1)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

98.3

 

(13.5)

Accounts payable

(9.3)

 

58.6

Restructuring expenditures

(7.9)

 

(18.7)

Capping, closure and post-closure expenditures

(47.7)

 

(42.5)

Remediation expenditures

(29.4)

 

(30.2)

Other liabilities

52.2

 

26.4

Proceeds from retirement of certain hedging relationships

 

31.1

Cash provided by operating activities

1,786.9

 

1,746.9

Cash used in investing activities:

     

Purchases of property and equipment

(908.3)

 

(820.5)

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

11.7

 

7.9

Cash used in acquisitions and investments, net of cash and restricted cash acquired

(455.9)

 

(130.5)

Cash received from business divestitures

41.6

 

10.6

Purchases of restricted marketable securities

(9.1)

 

(35.4)

Sales of restricted marketable securities

8.6

 

36.2

Other

(5.2)

 

Cash used in investing activities

(1,316.6)

 

(931.7)

Cash used in financing activities:

     

Proceeds from notes payable and long-term debt, net of fees

3,504.8

 

3,296.7

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of discount and fees

891.9

 

782.0

Payments of notes payable and long-term debt and senior notes

(4,145.9)

 

(4,032.6)

Issuances of common stock, net

5.3

 

19.9

Purchases of common stock for treasury

(353.8)

 

(574.9)

Cash dividends paid

(361.9)

 

(340.0)

Distributions paid to non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiary

(0.2)

 

(0.6)

Other

(15.2)

 

(7.9)

Cash used in financing activities

(475.0)

 

(857.4)

Decrease in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents

(4.7)

 

(42.2)

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of year

133.3

 

179.1

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period

$

128.6

 

$

136.9

You should read the following information in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018. All amounts below are in millions and as a percentage of our revenue, except per share data.

REVENUE

The following table reflects our total revenue by line of business for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
 

2019

   

2018

   

2019

   

2018

 

Collection:

                                     

Residential

$

574.4

 

21.7

 

%

 

$

563.2

 

22.0

 

%

 

$

1,701.8

 

22.0

 

%

 

$

1,672.4

 

22.3

 

%

Small-container

799.1

 

30.2

     

772.5

 

30.1

     

2,369.0

 

30.7

     

2,286.0

 

30.4

   

Large-container

583.6

 

22.1

     

561.3

 

21.9

     

1,688.2

 

21.9

     

1,633.5

 

21.8

   

Other

11.7

 

0.4

     

11.0

 

0.4

     

34.2

 

0.4

     

32.6

 

0.4

   

Total collection

1,968.8

 

74.4

     

1,908.0

 

74.4

     

5,793.2

 

75.0

     

5,624.5

 

74.9

   

Transfer

347.1

       

322.9

       

985.8

       

932.5

     

Less: intercompany

(192.2)

       

(180.6)

       

(556.8)

       

(534.6)

     

Transfer, net

154.9

 

5.8

     

142.3

 

5.5

     

429.0

 

5.6

     

397.9

 

5.3

   

Landfill

605.3

       

590.2

       

1,750.7

       

1,720.7

     

Less: intercompany

(265.5)

       

(258.8)

       

(776.6)

       

(767.5)

     

Landfill, net

339.8

 

12.8

     

331.4

 

12.9

     

974.1

 

12.6

     

953.2

 

12.7

   

Environmental services

57.8

 

2.2

     

51.5

 

2.0

     

143.6

 

1.8

     

149.6

 

2.0

   

Other:

                                     

Recycling processing and commodity sales

68.6

 

2.6

     

76.0

 

3.0

     

213.2

 

2.8

     

219.9

 

2.9

   

Other non-core

57.0

 

2.2

     

56.5

 

2.2

     

169.6

 

2.2

     

165.8

 

2.2

   

Total other

125.6

 

4.8

     

132.5

 

5.2

     

382.8

 

5.0

     

385.7

 

5.1

   

Total revenue

$

2,646.9

 

100.0

 

%

 

$

2,565.7

 

100.0

 

%

 

$

7,722.7

 

100.0

 

%

 

$

7,510.9

 

100.0

 

%

The following table reflects changes in components of our revenue, as a percentage of total revenue, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

   

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Average yield

 

2.8

%

 

2.4

%

 

2.8

%

 

2.2

%

Fuel recovery fees

 

(0.2)

   

0.8

   

0.1

   

0.7

 

Total price

 

2.6

   

3.2

   

2.9

   

2.9

 

Volume (1)

 

0.1

   

(0.1)

   

(0.4)

   

0.8

 

Recycling processing and commodity sales

 

(0.3)

   

(1.0)

   

(0.1)

   

(1.2)

 

Environmental services

 

(0.4)

   

0.1

   

(0.3)

   

0.2

 

Total internal growth

 

2.0

   

2.2

   

2.1

   

2.7

 

Acquisitions / divestitures, net

 

1.2

   

1.9

   

0.7

   

1.8

 

Subtotal

 

3.2

%

 

4.1

%

 

2.8

%

 

4.5

%

Adoption of the new revenue recognition standard

 

%

 

(4.0)

%

 

%

 

(4.1)

%

Total

 

3.2

%

 

0.1

%

 

2.8

%

 

0.4

%

                 

Core price

 

4.7

%

 

3.9

%

 

4.7

%

 

3.8

%

 

(1) The increase in volume of 0.1% during the three months ended September 30, 2019 includes an increase of 0.5% due to one additional work day as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2018.

Average yield is defined as revenue growth from the change in average price per unit of service, expressed as a percentage. Core price is defined as price increases to our customers and fees, excluding fuel recovery fees, net of price decreases to retain customers. We also measure changes in average yield and core price as a percentage of related-business revenue, defined as total revenue excluding recycled commodities and fuel recovery fees, to determine the effectiveness of our pricing strategies. Average yield as a percentage of related-business revenue was 2.9% and 3.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and 2.5% and 2.4% for the same respective periods in 2018. Core price as a percentage of related-business revenue was 5.0% for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, and 4.2% and 4.0% for the same respective periods in 2018.

The following table reflects changes in average yield and volume, as a percentage of total revenue by line of business, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
 

2019

 

2018

   

2019

 

2018

 
 

Yield

 

Volume

 

Yield

 

Volume

   

Yield

 

Volume

 

Yield

 

Volume

 

Collection:

                                 

Residential

2.5

 

%

(1.4)

 

%

2.3

 

%

(2.9)

 

%

 

2.7

 

%

(1.8)

 

%

2.1

 

%

(2.8)

 

%

Small-container

4.1

 

%

(0.8)

 

%

3.0

 

%

(0.3)

 

%

 

3.8

 

%

(0.8)

 

%

2.8

 

%

(0.2)

 

%

Large-container

2.5

 

%

0.4

 

%

3.0

 

%

0.6

 

%

 

3.2

 

%

 

%

2.7

 

%

1.7

 

%

Landfill:

                                 

Municipal solid waste

3.3

 

%

1.8

 

%

2.2

 

%

3.0

 

%

 

3.3

 

%

4.1

 

%

2.1

 

%

1.3

 

%

Construction and demolition waste

2.3

 

%

15.8

 

%

2.0

 

%

(0.6)

 

%

 

2.2

 

%

8.7

 

%

2.2

 

%

4.2

 

%

Special waste

 

%

(6.6)

 

%

 

%

3.9

 

%

 

 

%

(5.1)

 

%

 

%

10.6

 

%

COST OF OPERATIONS

The following table summarizes the major components of our cost of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2019

   

2018

   

2019

   

2018

 

Labor and related benefits

 

$

558.9

 

21.1

 

%

 

$

536.1

 

20.9

 

%

 

$

1,647.7

 

21.3

 

%

 

$

1,604.2

 

21.4

 

%

Transfer and disposal costs

 

216.5

 

8.2

     

214.9

 

8.4

     

634.8

 

8.2

     

617.8

 

8.2

   

Maintenance and repairs

 

265.0

 

10.0

     

250.8

 

9.8

     

757.8

 

9.8

     

742.3

 

9.9

   

Transportation and subcontract costs

 

179.1

 

6.8

     

166.5

 

6.5

     

504.7

 

6.6

     

482.3

 

6.4

   

Fuel

 

94.2

 

3.6

     

103.9

 

4.0

     

283.1

 

3.7

     

289.7

 

3.9

   

Disposal fees and taxes

 

84.7

 

3.2

     

82.9

 

3.2

     

242.9

 

3.1

     

240.4

 

3.2

   

Landfill operating costs

 

63.5

 

2.4

     

60.7

 

2.4

     

184.4

 

2.4

     

169.4

 

2.3

   

Risk management

 

54.4

 

2.0

     

52.4

 

2.0

     

170.5

 

2.2

     

160.5

 

2.1

   

Other

 

115.1

 

4.3

     

109.2

 

4.3

     

328.5

 

4.3

     

317.8

 

4.2

   

Total cost of operations

 

$

1,631.4

 

61.6

 

%

 

$

1,577.4

 

61.5

 

%

 

$

4,754.4

 

61.6

 

%

 

$

4,624.4

 

61.6

 

%

These cost categories may change from time to time and may not be comparable to similarly titled categories used by other companies. As such, you should take care when comparing our cost of operations by cost component to that of other companies.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

The following table summarizes our selling, general and administrative expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2019

   

2018

   

2019

   

2018

 

Salaries and related benefits

 

$

186.0

 

7.0

 

%

 

$

173.9

 

6.8

 

%

 

$

552.7

 

7.2

 

%

 

$

520.8

 

6.9

 

%

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

7.5

 

0.3

     

10.8

 

0.4

     

23.4

 

0.3

     

24.4

 

0.3

   

Other

 

81.9

 

3.1

     

76.2

 

3.0

     

230.2

 

2.9

     

229.8

 

3.1

   

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

 

$

275.4

 

10.4

 

%

 

$

260.9

 

10.2

 

%

 

$

806.3

 

10.4

 

%

 

$

775.0

 

10.3

 

%

These cost categories may change from time to time and may not be comparable to similarly titled categories used by other companies. As such, you should take care when comparing our selling, general and administrative expenses by cost component to those of other companies.

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES

EBITDA

The following table calculates EBITDA, which is not a measure determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP), for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Net income attributable to Republic Services, Inc.

$

298.3

 

$

263.4

 

$

784.0

 

$

736.0

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

(0.3)

 

(0.5)

 

(0.2)

 

0.5

Provision for income taxes

71.5

 

77.4

 

227.1

 

227.1

Other income, net

(1.7)

 

(1.1)

 

(1.6)

 

(3.3)

Interest income

(2.0)

 

(0.5)

 

(5.4)

 

(1.0)

Interest expense

98.0

 

96.0

 

296.9

 

287.3

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

267.3

 

262.4

 

783.1

 

781.0

Accretion

20.5

 

20.1

 

61.4

 

60.7

EBITDA

$

751.6

 

$

717.2

 

$

2,145.3

 

$

2,088.3

We believe that presenting EBITDA is useful to investors because it provides important information concerning our operating performance exclusive of certain non-cash and other costs. EBITDA demonstrates our ability to execute our financial strategy, which includes reinvesting in existing capital assets to ensure a high level of customer service, investing in capital assets to facilitate growth in our customer base and services provided, maintaining our investment grade credit ratings and minimizing debt, paying cash dividends, repurchasing our common stock, and maintaining and improving our market position through business optimization. This measure has limitations. Although depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion are considered operating costs in accordance with U.S. GAAP, they represent the allocation of non-cash costs generally associated with long-lived assets acquired or constructed in prior years. Our definition of EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

Adjusted Earnings

Reported diluted earnings per share was $0.93 and $2.43 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, as compared to $0.81 and $2.23 for the same periods in 2018. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, we recorded a number of charges and other expenses and gains that impacted our EBITDA, pre-tax income, net income attributable to Republic Services, Inc. (Net Income – Republic) and diluted earnings per share. The tables below sets forth such measures on an adjusted basis to exclude such charges, other expenses and gains:

   

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

           

Net

 

Diluted

         

Net

 

Diluted

       

Pre-tax

 

Income -

 

Earnings

     

Pre-tax

 

Income -

 

Earnings

   

EBITDA

 

Income

 

Republic

 

per Share

 

EBITDA

 

Income

 

Republic

 

per Share

As reported

 

$

751.6

 

$

369.5

 

$

298.3

 

$

0.93

 

$

717.2

 

$

340.3

 

$

263.4

 

$

0.81

Gain on disposition of assets and asset impairments, net

 

(24.0)

 

(24.0)

 

(14.3)

 

(0.04)

 

(4.6)

 

(4.6)

 

(2.1)

 

(0.01)

Restructuring charges

 

8.5

 

8.5

 

6.3

 

0.02

 

9.2

 

9.2

 

7.4

 

0.02

Incremental contract startup costs - large municipal contract (2)

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

 

Acquisition integration and deal costs (1)

 

1.9

 

1.9

 

1.4

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from unconsolidated equity method investment

 

4.0

 

 

 

 

5.6

 

 

 

Adoption of the Tax Act (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.3

 

  Total adjustments

 

(9.6)

 

(13.6)

 

(6.6)

 

(0.02)

 

10.3

 

4.7

 

5.6

 

0.01

As adjusted

 

$

742.0

 

$

355.9

 

$

291.7

 

$

0.91

 

$

727.5

 

$

345.0

 

$

269.0

 

$

0.82

 

(1) The aggregate impact to adjusted diluted earnings per share totals to less than $0.01 for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

(2) The aggregate impact to adjusted diluted earnings per share totals to less than $0.01 for the three months ended September 30, 2018.

 

   

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

           

Net

 

Diluted

         

Net

 

Diluted

       

Pre-tax

 

Income -

 

Earnings

     

Pre-tax

 

Income -

 

Earnings

   

EBITDA

 

Income

 

Republic

 

per Share

 

EBITDA

 

Income

 

Republic

 

per Share

As reported

 

$

2,145.3

 

$

1,010.9

 

$

784.0

 

$

2.43

 

$

2,088.3

 

$

963.6

 

$

736.0

 

$

2.23

Loss on extinguishment of debt and other related costs (2)

 

 

 

 

 

0.3

 

0.3

 

0.2

 

Gain on disposition of assets and asset impairments, net

 

(23.5)

 

(23.5)

 

(13.9)

 

(0.04)

 

(5.3)

 

(5.3)

 

(2.7)

 

(0.01)

Restructuring charges

 

13.0

 

13.0

 

9.6

 

0.03

 

22.5

 

22.5

 

17.1

 

0.06

Incremental contract startup costs - large municipal contract (1)

 

0.7

 

0.7

 

0.5

 

 

5.4

 

5.4

 

4.1

 

0.01

Acquisition integration and deal costs

 

4.4

 

4.4

 

3.2

 

0.01

 

 

 

 

Loss from unconsolidated equity method investment

 

27.2

 

 

 

 

5.7

 

 

 

Adoption of the Tax Act (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.3

 

  Total adjustments

 

21.8

 

(5.4)

 

(0.6)

 

 

28.6

 

22.9

 

19.0

 

0.06

As adjusted

 

$

2,167.1

 

$

1,005.5

 

$

783.4

 

$

2.43

 

$

2,116.9

 

$

986.5

 

$

755.0

 

$

2.29

 

(1) The aggregate impact to adjusted diluted earnings per share totals to less than $0.01 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

(2) The aggregate impact to adjusted diluted earnings per share totals to less than $0.01 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

We believe that presenting adjusted EBITDA, adjusted pre-tax income, adjusted net income – Republic, and adjusted diluted earnings per share, which are not measures determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, provides an understanding of operational activities before the financial impact of certain items. We use these measures, and believe investors will find them helpful, in understanding the ongoing performance of our operations separate from items that have a disproportionate impact on our results for a particular period. We have incurred comparable charges and costs in prior periods, and similar types of adjustments can reasonably be expected to be recorded in future periods. Although our business regularly incurs startup costs under municipal contracts, we specifically identify in the tables above the startup costs with respect to an individual municipal contract (and do not adjust for other startup costs under other contracts). We do this because of the magnitude of the costs involved with this particular municipal contract and the unusual nature for the time period in which they are incurred. Although our business regularly incurs integration and deal costs related to acquisitions, we specifically identify in the tables above the costs incurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. We do this because of the magnitude of the costs associated with the particular acquisition activity during this time period. Our definition of adjusted EBITDA, adjusted pre-tax income, adjusted net income – Republic, and adjusted diluted earnings per share may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

Adjusted Free Cash Flow

The following table calculates our adjusted free cash flow, which is not a measure determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Cash provided by operating activities

$

651.3

 

$

555.9

 

$

1,786.9

 

$

1,746.9

Property and equipment received

(294.1)

 

(277.8)

 

(821.5)

 

(803.8)

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

3.8

 

3.6

 

11.7

 

7.9

Restructuring payments, net of tax

1.0

 

4.9

 

5.8

 

14.2

Divestiture related tax payments

9.7

 

2.4

 

9.6

 

2.6

Adjusted free cash flow

$

371.7

 

$

289.0

 

$

992.5

 

$

967.8

We believe that presenting adjusted free cash flow provides useful information regarding our recurring cash provided by operating activities after certain payments. It also demonstrates our ability to execute our financial strategy and is a key metric we use to determine compensation. The presentation of adjusted free cash flow has material limitations. Adjusted free cash flow does not represent our cash flow available for discretionary payments because it excludes certain payments that are required or to which we have committed, such as debt service requirements and dividend payments. Our definition of adjusted free cash flow may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

Purchases of property and equipment as reflected on our consolidated statements of cash flows represent amounts paid during the period for such expenditures. A reconciliation of property and equipment expenditures reflected on our consolidated statements of cash flows to property and equipment received during the period follows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

   

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Purchases of property and equipment per the unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows

 

$

319.6

 

$

278.4

 

$

908.3

 

$

820.5

Adjustments to exclude first year purchases of property and equipment associated with acquisitions

 

(14.3)

 

(13.0)

 

(17.9)

 

(29.8)

Adjustments for property and equipment received during the prior period but paid for in the following period, net

 

(11.2)

 

12.4

 

(68.9)

 

13.1

Property and equipment received during the period

 

$

294.1

 

$

277.8

 

$

821.5

 

$

803.8

The adjustments noted above do not affect our net change in cash and cash equivalents as reflected in our consolidated statements of cash flows.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, accounts receivable were $1,162.9 million and $1,102.7 million, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $35.7 million and $34.3 million, respectively, resulting in days sales outstanding of 39.9, or 28.2 days net of deferred revenue, compared to 39.7, or 27.5 days net of deferred revenue, respectively.

CASH DIVIDENDS

In July 2019, we paid a cash dividend of $120.2 million to shareholders of record as of July 1, 2019. As of September 30, 2019, we recorded a quarterly dividend payable of $129.3 million to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 1, 2019, which was paid on October 15, 2019.

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

During the three months ended September 30, 2019, we repurchased 1.7 million shares of our stock for $150.5 million at a weighted average cost per share of $86.88. As of September 30, 2019, the remaining authorized purchase capacity under our October 2017 repurchase program was $750.2 million.

2019 FINANCIAL GUIDANCE

Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share

The following is a summary of adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance for the year ending December 31, 2019, which is not a measure determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP:

 

(Anticipated)
Year Ending
December 31, 2019

Diluted earnings per share

$         3.27 - 3.29

Restructuring charges

0.04

Incremental contract startup costs - large municipal contract

Gain on disposition of assets and asset impairments, net

(0.04)

Acquisition deal costs

0.01

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

$        3.28 - 3.30

We believe that presenting adjusted diluted earnings per share provides an understanding of operational activities before the financial impact of certain items. We use this measure, and believe investors will find it helpful, in understanding the ongoing performance of our operations separate from items that have a disproportionate impact on our results for a particular period. We have incurred comparable charges in prior periods, and similar types of adjustments can reasonably be expected to be recorded in future periods. Although our business regularly incurs startup costs under municipal contracts, we specifically identify in the tables above the startup costs with respect to an individual municipal contract (and do not adjust for other startup costs under other contracts). We do this because of the magnitude of the costs involved with this particular municipal contract and the unusual nature for the time period in which they are incurred. Although our business regularly incurs deal costs related to acquisitions, we specifically identify in the table above the costs we expect to incur in 2019. We do this because of the magnitude of the costs associated with the particular acquisition activity during this time period. Our definition of adjusted diluted earnings per share may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

Adjusted Free Cash Flow

Our anticipated adjusted free cash flow for the year ending December 31, 2019, which is not a measure determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, is calculated as follows:

 

(Anticipated)
Year Ending
December 31, 2019

Cash provided by operating activities

$                             2,276 - 2,326

Property and equipment received

(1,185)

Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment

15

Restructuring payments, net of tax

9

Divestiture related tax payments

10

Adjusted free cash flow

$                             1,125 - 1,175

Purchases of property and equipment as reflected on our consolidated statements of cash flows represent amounts paid during the period for such expenditures. A reconciliation of property and equipment reflected on our consolidated statements of cash flows to property and equipment received during the period is as follows:

 

(Anticipated)
Year Ending
December 31, 2019

Purchases of property and equipment per the unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows

$

1,275

Adjustments to exclude first year purchases of property and equipment associated with acquisitions

(40)

Adjustments for property and equipment received during the prior period but paid for in the following period, net

(50)

Property and equipment received during the period

$

1,185

We believe that presenting adjusted free cash flow provides useful information regarding our recurring cash provided by operating activities after certain expenditures. It also demonstrates our ability to execute our financial strategy and is a key metric we use to determine compensation. The presentation of adjusted free cash flow has material limitations. Adjusted free cash flow does not represent our cash flow available for discretionary payments because it excludes certain payments that are required or to which we have committed, such as debt service requirements and dividend payments. Our definition of adjusted free cash flow may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

2020 PRELIMINARY FINANCIAL OUTLOOK

Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share

We are providing our preliminary outlook for 2020. This does not represent full detailed guidance, but rather a point-in-time estimate based on current projections of 2019 performance, early indicators from the 2020 budget process and current economic conditions. Consistent with prior practice, we will provide formal guidance in February 2020 once the budget process is complete and full year 2019 results are reported. The following is a summary of anticipated diluted earnings per share preliminary outlook for the year ending December 31, 2020, which is not a measure determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP:

 

(Preliminary Outlook)
Year Ending
December 31, 2020

Diluted earnings per share

$ 3.44 - 3.49

Restructuring charges

0.02

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

$ 3.46 - 3.51

We believe that the presentation of an adjusted diluted earnings per share preliminary outlook, which excludes restructuring charges, provides an understanding of operational activities before the financial impact of certain items. We use this measure, and believe investors will find it helpful, in understanding the ongoing performance of our operations separate from items that have a disproportionate impact on our results for a particular period. We have incurred comparable charges and costs in prior periods, and similar types of adjustments can reasonably be expected to be recorded in future periods. Our definition of adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

Adjusted Free Cash Flow

With respect to the Company's preliminary outlook for adjusted free cash flow, a reconciliation to the closest corresponding GAAP financial measure, which would be cash flow from operations, is not available without unreasonable effort. On a forward-looking basis, we have limited ability to make accurate projections and estimates related to certain measures such as the purchase and sale of property and equipment, which could vary significantly, either individually or in the aggregate.

We believe that presenting an adjusted free cash flow preliminary outlook provides useful information regarding our recurring cash provided by operating activities after certain expenditures. It also demonstrates our ability to execute our financial strategy and is a key metric we use to determine compensation. The presentation of adjusted free cash flow has material limitations. Adjusted free cash flow does not represent our cash flow available for discretionary expenditures because it excludes certain expenditures that are required or to which we have committed such as debt service requirements and dividend payments. Our definition of adjusted free cash flow guidance may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

INFORMATION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains certain forward-looking information about us that is intended to be covered by the safe harbor for "forward-looking statements" provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Words such as "guidance," "expect," "will," "may," "anticipate," "plan," "estimate," "project," "intend," "should," "can," "likely," "could," "outlook" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include information about our plans, strategies and prospects. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are subject to risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that the expectations will prove to be correct. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements are acts of war, riots or terrorism, and the impact of these acts on economic, financial and social conditions in the United States as well as our dependence on large, long-term collection, transfer and disposal contracts and the prices of recycled commodities. More information on factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated is included from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, particularly under Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors. Additionally, new risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all such risk factors, or to assess the impact such risk factors might have on our business. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE Republic Services, Inc.

Media Inquiries, Donna Egan, (480) 757-9748, media@RepublicServices.com, Investor Inquiries, Nicole Giandinoto, (480) 627-7098, investor@RepublicServices.com