Casella Waste Systems, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Results and Provides Fiscal Year 2024 Guidance
- Revenue growth of $179.5 million in fiscal year 2023, marking a 16.5% increase from 2022.
- Adjusted EBITDA reached $294.6 million in 2023, showing a 20.1% growth compared to the previous year.
- Net income for 2023 was $25.4 million, down from $53.1 million in 2022.
- Acquired seven businesses in 2023 with $315 million in annualized revenues.
- Guidance for fiscal year 2024 includes revenue growth between $1.480 billion and $1.510 billion, and net income between $35 million and $45 million.
- Expectations for significant revenue growth in 2024 driven by acquisitions and margin expansion through operating and pricing strategies.
- Provided outlook for fiscal year 2024 with revenue growth expectations of 17-19% and capital expenditures of approximately $180 million.
- Conference call scheduled to discuss results on February 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
- Net loss of $(1.8) million for the quarter in 2023, compared to net income of $8.4 million in the same period in 2022.
- Operating income decreased by $(15.0) million in fiscal year 2023 compared to 2022.
- Adjusted Net Income for the quarter in 2023 was $7.5 million, down from $9.5 million in the same period in 2022.
- Capital expenditures for fiscal year 2024 are estimated at approximately $180 million, including non-recurring capital associated with acquisitions.
Insights
The reported financial results from Casella Waste Systems, Inc. indicate a robust year-over-year revenue growth of 16.5% for the fiscal year 2023, which is a substantial increase and likely a positive signal to investors regarding the company's sales performance and market expansion. The revenue growth primarily driven by acquisitions and pricing strategies is noteworthy, as it suggests a proactive approach to business growth and an ability to pass on costs to customers in a competitive industry.
The solid waste pricing increase of 7.5% reflects the company's pricing power in the face of operational challenges, which is crucial for maintaining profit margins. However, the net loss reported for the quarter, contrasted with net income in the same period of the previous year, raises questions about the sustainability of profits amidst aggressive growth strategies. Investors might be concerned about the short-term profitability, particularly in light of the landfill capping veneer failure and its associated costs.
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow both showed significant increases, which are important indicators of the company's operational efficiency and liquidity. These metrics, often scrutinized by investors, suggest that despite the net loss, the company is generating healthy cash flows and maintaining operational control. The forward-looking guidance for fiscal year 2024 is ambitious, projecting further revenue growth and margin expansion, which could be a sign of management's confidence in their business model and strategic initiatives.
The solid waste and recycling industry is experiencing a period of consolidation, with larger firms like Casella Waste Systems, Inc. acquiring smaller players to expand their market share and operational capabilities. Casella's aggressive acquisition strategy, resulting in $315 million of annualized revenues from seven businesses, significantly contributes to its revenue growth and is a clear indicator of industry consolidation trends.
However, the integration of these acquisitions and the capital investments required to bring them up to company standards are critical factors that could affect future profitability and operational efficiency. The expansion into the Mid-Atlantic region represents strategic market diversification, which could mitigate geographical risks and offer new revenue streams.
The company's emphasis on route automation and optimization to mitigate costs reflects an industry-wide trend towards operational efficiency and technological integration. The ability to leverage technology for cost savings is a competitive advantage in an industry with traditionally high operational costs. The cautious outlook for construction and demolition volumes, as mentioned in the guidance for fiscal year 2024, suggests that the company is aware of potential macroeconomic headwinds that could impact waste volumes and, consequently, revenues.
From an environmental management perspective, Casella Waste Systems, Inc.'s landfill capping veneer failure is a significant event that reflects the operational risks associated with waste management. The root cause analysis and responsibility determination are critical for environmental compliance and can have financial implications due to potential remediation costs and regulatory fines.
The company's growth through acquisitions also raises questions about environmental due diligence and the integration of environmental management systems across new assets. Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and maintaining high operational standards across all facilities are essential for long-term sustainability and risk management. Casella's investments in recently acquired businesses to achieve targeted synergies could include environmental management improvements, which would be beneficial for risk mitigation and could potentially lead to cost savings through more efficient resource management.
Moreover, the mention of capital expenditures associated with the McKean Landfill rail project indicates an investment in infrastructure that could improve waste transport efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Such capital projects are aligned with industry trends towards sustainable waste management practices and could enhance the company's environmental and corporate responsibility profile.
- Caps milestone year of growth in 2023.
RUTLAND, Vt., Feb. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CWST), a regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, today reported its financial results for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2023. The Company also provided guidance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024 ("fiscal year 2024").
Highlights for the Three Months and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023:
- Revenues were
$359.6 million for the quarter, up$87.4 million , or up32.1% , from the same period in 2022. Revenues were$1.26 5 billion for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 ("fiscal year 2023"), up$179.5 million , or up16.5% , from the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 ("fiscal year 2022"). - Overall solid waste pricing for fiscal year 2023 was up
7.5% from fiscal year 2022, driven by7.9% collection price growth and6.9% disposal price growth. - Net loss was
$(1.8) million for the quarter, as compared to net income of$8.4 million for the same period in 2022. Net income was$25.4 million for fiscal year 2023, as compared to net income of$53.1 million in fiscal year 2022. Net (loss) income was impacted by several items in the quarter and fiscal year 2023. Please refer to the "Unaudited Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Measures" section for additional information regarding these items. - Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, was
$82.2 million for the quarter, up$25.9 million , or up46.1% , from the same period in 2022. Adjusted EBITDA was$294.6 million for fiscal year 2023, up$49.4 million , or up20.1% , from fiscal year 2022. - Net cash provided by operating activities was
$233.1 million for fiscal year 2023, up$15.8 million , or up7.3% , from fiscal year 2022. - Adjusted Free Cash Flow, a non-GAAP measure, was
$128.3 million for fiscal year 2023, up$17.1 million , or up15.4% , from fiscal year 2022. - Acquired seven businesses in fiscal year 2023 with approximately
$315 million of annualized revenues.
“We had a strong quarter to close out a banner year, as we executed well against our long-term strategic plan and achieved double digit revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow growth in 2023," said John W. Casella, Chairman and CEO of Casella Waste Systems, Inc. “These results reflect the success of our operating initiatives paired with meaningful growth through acquisitions. This would not have been attainable without the steadfast commitment of our team, including over 1,000 new employees we welcomed to the company in 2023, whose impressive efforts have positioned us well for the future.”
"In 2023, we acquired seven businesses with approximately
"A continued focus on our operating plans and return-driven investments has enabled us to mitigate costs through route automation and optimization. In addition to our operating initiatives, our flexible pricing programs resulted in
For the quarter, revenues were
Net loss was
Operating income was
For fiscal year 2023, revenues were
Net income was
Operating income was
Please refer to "Non-GAAP Performance Measures" included in "Unaudited Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Measures" below for additional information and reconciliations of Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share, Adjusted EBITDA and other non-GAAP performance measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures.
Net cash provided by operating activities was
Please refer to "Non-GAAP Liquidity Measures" included in "Unaudited Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Measures" below for additional information and reconciliation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow to its most directly comparable GAAP measure.
Fiscal Year 2024 Outlook
"Our strong finish to 2023 positions us well for another year of significant growth in 2024. Our guidance ranges assume a stable economic environment through 2024 but reflect a cautious outlook for construction and demolition volumes," Casella said. "We expect approximately
The Company provided guidance for fiscal year 2024 by estimating results in the following ranges:
- Revenues between
$1.48 0 billion and$1.51 0 billion (as compared to$1.26 5 billion in fiscal year 2023); - Net income between
$35 million and$45 million (as compared to$25.4 million in fiscal year 2023); - Adjusted EBITDA between
$350 million and$360 million (as compared to$294.6 million in fiscal year 2023); - Net cash provided by operating activities between
$260 million and$270 million (as compared to$233.1 million in fiscal year 2023); and - Adjusted Free Cash Flow between
$140 million and$150 million (as compared to$128.3 million in fiscal year 2023).
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow related to fiscal year 2024 are described in the Unaudited Reconciliation of Fiscal Year 2024 Outlook Non-GAAP Measures section of this press release. Net income and Net cash provided by operating activities are provided as the most directly comparable GAAP measures to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow, respectively, however these forward-looking estimates for fiscal year 2024 do not contemplate any unanticipated impacts.
The Company provided the following assumptions that are built into its outlook.
- Overall, the Company expects revenue growth of between approximately
17% and19% in fiscal year 2024, including approximately14% (or$175 million ) of revenue growth from the roll-over impact of acquisitions completed during fiscal year 2023. - Does not include the impact of any acquisitions that have not yet been completed.
- In the Solid Waste business, revenue growth of between
21% and23% , driven by roughly17% growth from acquisitions completed during fiscal year 2023, price growth of5.0% to6.0% , and volume growth of0.0% to down (1.0)%. - In the Resource Solutions business, revenue growth of between
4% and8% , driven by roughly3% growth from acquisition rollover, higher recycling commodity prices, and positive price and volumes. - Capital expenditures of approximately
$180 million , which includes approximately$40 million of non-recurring capital associated with acquisitions and approximately$5 million of capital associated with the McKean Landfill rail project.
Conference Call to Discuss Quarter
The Company will host a conference call to discuss these results on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Individuals interested in participating in the call should register for the call by clicking here to obtain a dial in number and unique passcode. Alternatively, upon registration, the website linked above provides an option for the conference provider to call the registrant's phone line, enabling participation on the call.
The call will also be webcast; to listen, participants should visit the company’s website at http://ir.casella.com and follow the appropriate link to the webcast. A replay of the call will be available on the Company's website and accessible using the same link.
About Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
Casella Waste Systems, Inc., headquartered in Rutland, Vermont, provides resource management expertise and services to residential, commercial, municipal, institutional and industrial customers, primarily in the areas of solid waste collection and disposal, transfer, recycling and organics services in the eastern United States. For further information, investors may contact Charlie Wohlhuter, Director of Investor Relations at (802) 772-2230; media may contact Jeff Weld, Director of Communications at (802) 772-2234; or visit the Company’s website at http://www.casella.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Certain matters discussed in this press release, including, but not limited to, the statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, our financial performance; financial condition; operations and services; prospects; growth; strategies; anticipated impacts from future or completed acquisitions; and guidance for fiscal year 2024, are “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such by the context of the statements, including words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “may,” “would,” “intend,” “estimate,” "will," “guidance” and other similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry and markets in which the Company operates and management’s beliefs and assumptions. The Company cannot guarantee that it actually will achieve the financial results, plans, intentions, expectations or guidance disclosed in the forward-looking statements made. Such forward-looking statements, and all phases of the Company's operations, involve a number of risks and uncertainties, any one or more of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in its forward-looking statements.
Such risks and uncertainties include or relate to, among other things, the following: the Company may be unable to adequately increase prices or drive operating efficiencies to adequately offset increased costs and inflationary pressures, including increased fuel prices and wages; it is difficult to determine the timing or future impact of a sustained economic slowdown that could negatively affect our operations and financial results; the closure of the Subtitle D landfill located in Southbridge, Massachusetts ("Southbridge Landfill") could result in material unexpected costs; the increasing focus on PFAS and other emerging contaminants may lead to increased compliance and remediation costs and litigation risks; adverse weather conditions may negatively impact the Company's revenues and its operating margin; the Company may be unable to increase volumes at its landfills or improve its route profitability; the Company may be unable to reduce costs or increase pricing or volumes sufficiently to achieve estimated Adjusted EBITDA and other targets; landfill operations and permit status may be affected by factors outside the Company's control; the Company may be required to incur capital expenditures in excess of its estimates; the Company's insurance coverage and self-insurance reserves may be inadequate to cover all of its risk exposures; fluctuations in energy pricing or the commodity pricing of its recyclables may make it more difficult for the Company to predict its results of operations or meet its estimates; the Company may be unable to achieve its acquisition or development targets on favorable pricing or at all, including due to the failure to satisfy all closing conditions and to receive required regulatory approvals that may prevent closing of any announced transaction; the Company may not be able to successfully integrate and recognize the expected financial benefits from acquired businesses; and the Company may incur environmental charges or asset impairments in the future.
There are a number of other important risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These additional risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those detailed in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in the Company's most recently filed Form 10-K and in other filings that the Company may make with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the future.
The Company undertakes 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.
Investors:
Charlie Wohlhuter
Director of Investor Relations
(802) 772-2230
Media:
Jeff Weld
Director of Communications
(802) 772-2234
http://www.casella.com
| CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except for per share data) | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| Unaudited | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 359,567 | $ | 272,127 | $ | 1,264,542 | $ | 1,085,089 | |||||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Cost of operations | 239,173 | 184,339 | 832,038 | 723,117 | |||||||||||
| General and administration | 43,127 | 35,717 | 155,847 | 133,419 | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 54,610 | 33,245 | 170,705 | 126,351 | |||||||||||
| Expense from acquisition activities | 5,237 | 735 | 15,038 | 4,613 | |||||||||||
| Landfill capping charge - veneer failure | 3,870 | — | 3,870 | — | |||||||||||
| Southbridge Landfill closure charge | 191 | 872 | 467 | 1,436 | |||||||||||
| Legal settlement | — | — | 6,150 | — | |||||||||||
| Environmental remediation charge | — | — | — | 759 | |||||||||||
| 346,208 | 254,908 | 1,184,115 | 989,695 | ||||||||||||
| Operating income | 13,359 | 17,219 | 80,427 | 95,394 | |||||||||||
| Other expense (income): | |||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 12,950 | 6,195 | 36,837 | 23,013 | |||||||||||
| Loss from termination of bridge financing | — | — | 8,191 | — | |||||||||||
| Other income | (629 | ) | (607 | ) | (1,646 | ) | (2,585 | ) | |||||||
| Other expense, net | 12,321 | 5,588 | 43,382 | 20,428 | |||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 1,038 | 11,631 | 37,045 | 74,966 | |||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 2,849 | 3,210 | 11,646 | 21,887 | |||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | (1,811 | ) | $ | 8,421 | $ | 25,399 | $ | 53,079 | ||||||
| Basic weighted average common shares outstanding | 57,981 | 51,678 | 55,174 | 51,623 | |||||||||||
| Basic (loss) earnings per common share | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | 0.16 | $ | 0.46 | $ | 1.03 | ||||||
| Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding | 57,981 | 51,825 | 55,274 | 51,767 | |||||||||||
| Diluted (loss) earnings per common share | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | 0.16 | $ | 0.46 | $ | 1.03 | ||||||
| CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands) | |||||||
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS: | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 220,912 | $ | 71,152 | |||
| Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses | 157,324 | 100,886 | |||||
| Other current assets | 48,089 | 35,441 | |||||
| Total current assets | 426,325 | 207,479 | |||||
| Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization | 980,553 | 720,550 | |||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 100,844 | 92,063 | |||||
| Goodwill | 735,670 | 274,458 | |||||
| Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization | 241,429 | 91,783 | |||||
| Other non-current assets | 50,649 | 62,882 | |||||
| Total assets | $ | 2,535,470 | $ | 1,449,215 | |||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES: | |||||||
| Current maturities of debt | $ | 35,781 | $ | 8,968 | |||
| Current operating lease liabilities | 9,039 | 7,000 | |||||
| Accounts payable | 116,794 | 74,203 | |||||
| Current accrued final capping, closure and post-closure costs | 10,773 | 11,036 | |||||
| Other accrued liabilities | 106,471 | 76,393 | |||||
| Total current liabilities | 278,858 | 177,600 | |||||
| Debt, less current portion | 1,007,662 | 585,015 | |||||
| Operating lease liabilities, less current portion | 66,074 | 57,345 | |||||
| Accrued final capping, closure and post-closure costs, less current portion | 123,131 | 102,642 | |||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 37,954 | 28,713 | |||||
| Total stockholders' equity | 1,021,791 | 497,900 | |||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 2,535,470 | $ | 1,449,215 | |||
| CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) | |||||||
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | |||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | |||||||
| Net income | $ | 25,399 | $ | 53,079 | |||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 170,705 | 126,351 | |||||
| Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities | 9,885 | 8,008 | |||||
| Amortization of debt issuance costs | 2,962 | 1,903 | |||||
| Stock-based compensation | 9,084 | 8,155 | |||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets expense | 15,318 | 13,804 | |||||
| Disposition of assets, other items and charges, net | 708 | 737 | |||||
| Loss from termination of bridge financing | 8,191 | — | |||||
| Landfill capping charge - veneer failure | 3,021 | — | |||||
| Deferred income taxes | 7,392 | 16,527 | |||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures | (19,573 | ) | (11,250 | ) | |||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 233,092 | 217,314 | |||||
| Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | |||||||
| Acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (851,839 | ) | (78,197 | ) | |||
| Additions to property and equipment | (154,907 | ) | (130,960 | ) | |||
| Proceeds from sale of cost method investments | — | 1,637 | |||||
| Proceeds from sale of property and equipment | 1,110 | 600 | |||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (1,005,636 | ) | (206,920 | ) | |||
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | |||||||
| Proceeds from debt borrowings | 465,000 | 88,200 | |||||
| Principal payments on debt | (26,257 | ) | (59,211 | ) | |||
| Payments of debt issuance costs | (12,759 | ) | (1,232 | ) | |||
| Payments of contingent consideration | — | (1,000 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from the exercise of share based awards | 89 | 192 | |||||
| Proceeds from the public offering of Class A common stock | 496,231 | — | |||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 922,304 | 26,949 | |||||
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 149,760 | 37,343 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 71,152 | 33,809 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 220,912 | $ | 71,152 | |||
| Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: | |||||||
| Cash interest payments | $ | 43,588 | $ | 21,003 | |||
| Cash income tax payments | $ | 10,109 | $ | 2,798 | |||
| Non-current assets obtained through long-term financing obligations | $ | 12,322 | $ | 11,919 | |||
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations | $ | 19,796 | $ | 9,835 | |||
CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES
(In thousands)
Non-GAAP Performance Measures
In addition to disclosing financial results prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"), the Company also presents non-GAAP performance measures such as Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues, Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Income as a percentage of revenues, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share that provide an understanding of operational performance because it considers them important supplemental measures of the Company's performance that are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of the Company's results. The Company also believes that identifying the impact of certain items as adjustments provides more transparency and comparability across periods. Management uses these non-GAAP performance measures to further understand its “core operating performance” and believes its “core operating performance” is helpful in understanding its ongoing performance in the ordinary course of operations. The Company believes that providing such non-GAAP performance measures to investors, in addition to corresponding income statement measures, affords investors the benefit of viewing the Company’s performance using the same financial metrics that the management team uses in making many key decisions and understanding how the core business and its results of operations has performed. The tables below set forth such performance measures on an adjusted basis to exclude such items:
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | (1,811 | ) | $ | 8,421 | $ | 25,399 | $ | 53,079 | ||||||
| Net (loss) income as a percentage of revenues | (0.5 | )% | 3.1 | % | 2.0 | % | 4.9 | % | |||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 2,849 | 3,210 | 11,646 | 21,887 | |||||||||||
| Other income | (629 | ) | (607 | ) | (1,646 | ) | (2,585 | ) | |||||||
| Loss from termination of bridge financing (i) | — | — | 8,191 | — | |||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 12,950 | 6,195 | 36,837 | 23,013 | |||||||||||
| Expense from acquisition activities (ii) | 5,237 | 735 | 15,038 | 4,613 | |||||||||||
| Southbridge Landfill closure charge (iii) | 191 | 872 | 467 | 1,436 | |||||||||||
| Legal settlement (iv) | — | — | 6,150 | — | |||||||||||
| Landfill capping charge - veneer failure (v) | 3,870 | — | 3,870 | — | |||||||||||
| Gain on resolution of acquisition-related contingent consideration (vi) | — | — | (965 | ) | — | ||||||||||
| Environmental remediation charge (vii) | — | — | — | 759 | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 54,610 | 33,245 | 170,705 | 126,351 | |||||||||||
| Depletion of landfill operating lease obligations | 2,468 | 2,150 | 9,026 | 8,674 | |||||||||||
| Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities | 2,415 | 1,991 | 9,885 | 8,008 | |||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 82,150 | $ | 56,212 | $ | 294,603 | $ | 245,235 | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues | 22.8 | % | 20.7 | % | 23.3 | % | 22.6 | % | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | (54,610 | ) | (33,245 | ) | (170,705 | ) | (126,351 | ) | |||||||
| Depletion of landfill operating lease obligations | (2,468 | ) | (2,150 | ) | (9,026 | ) | (8,674 | ) | |||||||
| Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities | (2,415 | ) | (1,991 | ) | (9,885 | ) | (8,008 | ) | |||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income | $ | 22,657 | $ | 18,826 | $ | 104,987 | $ | 102,202 | |||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income as a percentage of revenues | 6.3 | % | 6.9 | % | 8.3 | % | 9.4 | % | |||||||
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | (1,811 | ) | $ | 8,421 | $ | 25,399 | $ | 53,079 | ||||||
| Loss from termination of bridge financing (i) | — | — | 8,191 | — | |||||||||||
| Expense from acquisition activities (ii) | 5,237 | 735 | 15,038 | 4,613 | |||||||||||
| Southbridge Landfill closure charge (iii) | 191 | 872 | 467 | 1,436 | |||||||||||
| Legal settlement (iv) | — | — | 6,150 | — | |||||||||||
| Landfill capping charge - veneer failure (v) | 3,870 | — | 3,870 | — | |||||||||||
| Gain on resolution of acquisition-related contingent consideration (vi) | — | — | (965 | ) | — | ||||||||||
| Environmental remediation charge (vii) | — | — | — | 759 | |||||||||||
| Interest expense from acquisition activities (viii) | — | — | 496 | — | |||||||||||
| Gain on sale of cost method investment (ix) | — | — | — | (1,340 | ) | ||||||||||
| Tax effect (x) | 9 | (569 | ) | (6,911 | ) | (1,640 | ) | ||||||||
| Adjusted Net Income | $ | 7,496 | $ | 9,459 | $ | 51,735 | $ | 56,907 | |||||||
| Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding | 57,981 | 51,825 | 55,274 | 51,767 | |||||||||||
| Dilutive effect of options and other stock awards | 109 | — | — | — | |||||||||||
| Adjusted Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding | 58,090 | 51,825 | 55,274 | 51,767 | |||||||||||
| Diluted (loss) earnings per common share | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | 0.16 | $ | 0.46 | $ | 1.03 | ||||||
| Loss from termination of bridge financing (i) | — | — | 0.15 | — | |||||||||||
| Expense from acquisition activities (ii) | 0.09 | 0.01 | 0.27 | 0.09 | |||||||||||
| Southbridge Landfill closure charge (iii) | — | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.03 | |||||||||||
| Legal settlement (iv) | — | — | 0.11 | — | |||||||||||
| Landfill capping charge - veneer failure (v) | 0.07 | — | 0.07 | — | |||||||||||
| Gain on resolution of acquisition-related contingent consideration (vi) | — | — | (0.02 | ) | — | ||||||||||
| Environmental remediation charge (vii) | — | — | — | 0.01 | |||||||||||
| Interest expense from acquisition activities (viii) | — | — | 0.01 | — | |||||||||||
| Gain on sale of cost method investment (ix) | — | — | — | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||||
| Tax effect (x) | — | (0.01 | ) | (0.12 | ) | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||
| Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.18 | $ | 0.94 | $ | 1.10 | |||||||
(i) Loss from termination of bridge financing is related to the write-off of the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the extinguishment of bridge financing agreements associated with acquisitions, including the acquisition of the equity interests of four wholly owned subsidiaries of GFL Environmental Inc. (the "GFL Acquisition") and the acquisition of the assets of Consolidated Waste Services, LLC and its affiliates (dba Twin Bridges) (the "Twin Bridges Acquisition").
(ii) Expense from acquisition activities is primarily legal, consulting or other similar costs incurred during the period associated with the due diligence, acquisition and integration of acquired businesses, including the GFL Acquisition and the Twin Bridges Acquisition, in the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, or select development projects as part of the Company’s strategic growth initiative.
(iii) Southbridge Landfill closure charge are expenses related to the unplanned early closure of the Southbridge Landfill along with associated legal activities. The Company initiated the unplanned, premature closure of the Southbridge Landfill in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 due to the significant capital investment required to obtain expansion permits and for future development coupled with an uncertain regulatory environment. The unplanned closure of the Southbridge Landfill reduced the economic useful life of the assets from prior estimates by approximately ten years. The Company expects to incur certain costs through completion of the closure process.
(iv) Legal settlement is related to reaching an agreement in June 2023 with the collective class members of a class action lawsuit relating to certain claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 ("FLSA") as well as state wage and hours laws.
(v) Landfill capping charge - veneer failure consists of both (i) the write-off of historical payments associated with capping work that has been deemed no longer viable due to a veneer failure and (ii) the related operating expenses incurred to clean up the affected capping material at the Company's landfill in Seneca, New York. Engineering analysis is currently underway to determine root causes and responsibility for the event.
(vi) Gain on resolution of acquisition-related contingent consideration is associated with the reversal of a contingency for a transfer station permit expansion that is no longer deemed viable.
(vii) Environment remediation charge is associated with the investigation of potential remediation at an inactive waste disposal site that adjoins one of the landfills we operate.
(viii) Interest expense from acquisition activities is the amortization of debt issuance costs comprising transaction, legal, and other similar costs associated with bridge financing activities related to the GFL Acquisition and the Twin Bridges Acquisition.
(ix) Gain on sale of cost method investment is associated with the sale of the Company's minority ownership interest in a subsidiary of Vanguard Renewables.
(x) Tax effect of the adjustments is an aggregate of the current and deferred tax impact of each adjustment, including the impact to the effective tax rate, current provision and deferred provision. The computation considers all relevant impacts of the adjustments, including available net operating loss carryforwards and the impact on the remaining valuation allowance.
Non-GAAP Liquidity Measures
In addition to disclosing financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP, the Company also presents non-GAAP liquidity measures such as Adjusted Free Cash Flow that provide an understanding of the Company's liquidity because it considers them important supplemental measures of its liquidity that are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of the Company's cash flow generation from its core operations that are then available to be deployed for strategic acquisitions, growth investments, development projects, unusual landfill closures, site improvement and remediation, and strengthening the Company’s balance sheet through paying down debt. The Company also believes that identifying the impact of certain items as adjustments provides more transparency and comparability across periods. Management uses non-GAAP liquidity measures to understand the Company’s cash flow provided by operating activities after certain expenditures along with its consolidated net leverage and believes that these measures demonstrate the Company’s ability to execute on its strategic initiatives. The Company believes that providing such non-GAAP liquidity measures to investors, in addition to corresponding cash flow statement measures, affords investors the benefit of viewing the Company’s liquidity using the same financial metrics that the management team uses in making many key decisions and understanding how the core business and cash flow generation has performed. The table below, on an adjusted basis to exclude certain items, sets forth such liquidity measures:
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 75,267 | $ | 64,883 | $ | 233,092 | $ | 217,314 | |||||||
| Capital expenditures | (64,543 | ) | (43,293 | ) | (154,907 | ) | (130,960 | ) | |||||||
| Proceeds from sale of property and equipment | 139 | 29 | 1,110 | 600 | |||||||||||
| Southbridge Landfill closure and Potsdam environmental remediation (i) | 1,084 | 494 | 4,308 | 3,766 | |||||||||||
| Cash outlays from acquisition activities (ii) | 4,813 | 705 | 13,105 | 4,284 | |||||||||||
| Post acquisition and development project capital expenditures (iii) | 9,812 | 6,710 | 20,866 | 16,209 | |||||||||||
| McKean Landfill rail capital expenditures (iv) | 7,419 | — | 10,725 | — | |||||||||||
| Adjusted Free Cash Flow | $ | 33,991 | $ | 29,528 | $ | 128,299 | $ | 111,213 | |||||||
(i) Southbridge Landfill closure and Potsdam environmental remediation are cash outlays associated with the unplanned closure of the Southbridge Landfill and the Company's portion of costs associated with environmental remediation at Potsdam, which are added back when calculating Adjusted Free Cash Flow due to their non-recurring nature and the significance of the related cash flows. The Company initiated the unplanned closure of the Southbridge Landfill in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 and expects to incur cash outlays through completion of the closure and environmental remediation process. The Potsdam site was deemed a Superfund site in 2000 and is not associated with current operations.
(ii) Cash outlays from acquisition activities are cash outlays for transaction and integration costs relating to specific acquisition transactions, including the GFL Acquisition and the Twin Bridges Acquisition, in the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, and include legal, environmental, valuation and consulting as well as asset, workforce and system integration costs as part of the Company’s strategic growth initiative.
(iii) Post acquisition and development project capital expenditures are (x) acquisition related capital expenditures that are necessary to optimize strategic synergies associated with integrating newly acquired operations as contemplated by the discounted cash flow return analysis conducted by management as part of the acquisition investment decision; and (y) non-routine development investments that are expected to provide long-term returns. Acquisition related capital expenditures include costs required to achieve initial operating synergies and integrate operations.
(iv) McKean Landfill rail capital expenditures are related to the Company's landfill in Mount Jewett, PA ("McKean Landfill") rail side development that are added back when calculating Adjusted Free Cash Flow due to the specific nature of this investment in the development of long-term infrastructure which is different from the landfill construction investments in the normal course of operations.
Non-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with or an alternative for GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues, Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Income as a percentage of revenues, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP, and may be different from Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues, Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Income as a percentage of revenues, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow presented by other companies.
CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2024 OUTLOOK NON-GAAP MEASURES
(In thousands)
Following is a reconciliation of the Company's estimated Adjusted EBITDA(i) from estimated Net income for fiscal year 2024:
| (Estimated) Twelve Months Ending December 31, 2024 | |
| Net income | |
| Provision for income taxes | 16,000 |
| Interest expense, net | 52,000 |
| Southbridge Landfill closure charge | 1,000 |
| Expense from acquisition activities | 5,000 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 221,000 |
| Depletion of landfill operating lease obligations | 10,000 |
| Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities | 10,000 |
| Adjusted EBITDA |
Following is a reconciliation of the Company's estimated Adjusted Free Cash Flow(i) from estimated Net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal year 2024:
| (Estimated) Twelve Months Ending December 31, 2024 | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | |
| Capital expenditures | (180,000) |
| FLSA legal settlement payment | 6,000 |
| Southbridge Landfill closure and Potsdam environmental remediation | 4,000 |
| Post acquisition and development project capital expenditures | 40,000 |
| Cash outlays from acquisition activities | 5,000 |
| McKean Landfill rail capital expenditures | 5,000 |
| Adjusted Free Cash Flow |
(i) See footnotes for Non-GAAP Performance Measures and Non-GAAP Liquidity Measures included in the Unaudited Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Measures for further disclosure over the nature of the various adjustments to estimated Adjusted EBITDA and estimated Adjusted Free Cash Flow.
CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL DATA TABLES
(In thousands)
Amounts of total revenues attributable to services provided for the three and twelve months ended months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
| Three Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||
| 2023 | % of Total Revenues | 2022 | % of Total Revenues | ||||||||||
| Collection | $ | 214,672 | 59.7 | % | $ | 138,677 | 51.0 | % | |||||
| Disposal | 63,149 | 17.6 | % | 58,468 | 21.5 | % | |||||||
| Power generation | 1,575 | 0.4 | % | 1,469 | 0.5 | % | |||||||
| Processing | 2,604 | 0.7 | % | 2,252 | 0.8 | % | |||||||
| Solid waste operations | 282,000 | 78.4 | % | 200,866 | 73.8 | % | |||||||
| Processing | 30,026 | 8.4 | % | 25,623 | 9.4 | % | |||||||
| National Accounts | 47,541 | 13.2 | % | 45,638 | 16.8 | % | |||||||
| Resource Solutions operations | 77,567 | 21.6 | % | 71,261 | 26.2 | % | |||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 359,567 | 100.0 | % | $ | 272,127 | 100.0 | % | |||||
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||
| 2023 | % of Total Revenues | 2022 | % of Total Revenues | ||||||||||
| Collection | $ | 710,590 | 56.2 | % | $ | 539,587 | 49.7 | % | |||||
| Disposal | 244,582 | 19.3 | % | 227,971 | 21.0 | % | |||||||
| Power generation | 6,617 | 0.5 | % | 7,519 | 0.7 | % | |||||||
| Processing | 9,954 | 0.8 | % | 10,134 | 1.0 | % | |||||||
| Solid waste operations | 971,743 | 76.8 | % | 785,211 | 72.4 | % | |||||||
| Processing | 105,997 | 8.4 | % | 119,045 | 10.9 | % | |||||||
| National Accounts | 186,802 | 14.8 | % | 180,833 | 16.7 | % | |||||||
| Resource Solutions operations | 292,799 | 23.2 | % | 299,878 | 27.6 | % | |||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 1,264,542 | 100.0 | % | $ | 1,085,089 | 100.0 | % | |||||
Components of revenue growth for the three months ended December 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2022 are as follows:
| Amount | % of Related Business | % of Operations | % of Total Company | |||||||||
| Solid waste operations: | ||||||||||||
| Collection | $ | 9,975 | 7.2 | % | 5.0 | % | 3.7 | % | ||||
| Disposal | 3,488 | 6.0 | % | 1.7 | % | 1.2 | % | |||||
| Processing | (2 | ) | (0.1 | )% | — | % | — | % | ||||
| Solid waste price | 13,461 | 6.7 | % | 4.9 | % | |||||||
| Collection | (2,756 | ) | (1.4 | )% | (1.0 | )% | ||||||
| Disposal | (394 | ) | (0.2 | )% | (0.1 | )% | ||||||
| Processing | 328 | 0.2 | % | 0.1 | % | |||||||
| Solid waste volume | (2,822 | ) | (1.4 | )% | (1.0 | )% | ||||||
| Surcharges and other fees | 1,376 | 0.7 | % | 0.5 | % | |||||||
| Commodity price and volume | 131 | 0.1 | % | — | % | |||||||
| Acquisitions | 68,988 | 34.3 | % | 25.4 | % | |||||||
| Total solid waste operations | 81,134 | 40.4 | % | 29.8 | % | |||||||
| Resource Solutions operations: | ||||||||||||
| Price | 3,706 | 5.2 | % | 1.4 | % | |||||||
| Volume | 395 | 0.5 | % | 0.1 | % | |||||||
| Surcharges and other fees | (494 | ) | (0.7 | )% | (0.2 | )% | ||||||
| Acquisitions | 2,699 | 3.8 | % | 1.0 | % | |||||||
| Total Resource Solutions operations | 6,306 | 8.8 | % | 2.3 | % | |||||||
| Total Company | $ | 87,440 | 32.1 | % | ||||||||
Components of capital expenditures(i) for the three and twelve months ended months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Growth capital expenditures: | |||||||||||||||
| Post acquisition and development project | $ | 9,812 | $ | 6,710 | $ | 20,866 | $ | 16,209 | |||||||
| McKean Landfill rail capital expenditures | 7,419 | — | 10,725 | — | |||||||||||
| Other | 3,779 | 2,135 | 9,894 | 5,636 | |||||||||||
| Growth capital expenditures | 21,010 | 8,845 | 41,485 | 21,845 | |||||||||||
| Replacement capital expenditures: | |||||||||||||||
| Landfill development | 10,575 | 6,158 | 37,928 | 30,684 | |||||||||||
| Vehicles, machinery, equipment and containers | 22,922 | 19,561 | 53,819 | 60,936 | |||||||||||
| Facilities | 7,685 | 6,855 | 16,263 | 12,494 | |||||||||||
| Other | 2,351 | 1,874 | 5,412 | 5,001 | |||||||||||
| Replacement capital expenditures | 43,533 | 34,448 | 113,422 | 109,115 | |||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | $ | 64,543 | $ | 43,293 | $ | 154,907 | $ | 130,960 | |||||||
(i) The Company's capital expenditures are broadly defined as pertaining to either growth or replacement activities. Growth capital expenditures are defined as costs related to development projects, organic business growth, and the integration of newly acquired operations. Growth capital expenditures include costs related to the following: 1) post acquisition and development projects that are necessary to optimize strategic synergies associated with integrating newly acquired operations as contemplated by the discounted cash flow return analysis conducted by management as part of the acquisition investment decision as well as non-routine development investments that are expected to provide long-term returns and includes the capital expenditures required to achieve initial operating synergies and integrate operations; 2) McKean Landfill rail capital expenditures, which is unique and different from landfill construction investments in the normal course of operations because the Company is investing in long-term infrastructure; and 3) development of new airspace, permit expansions, and new recycling contracts, equipment added directly as a result of organic business growth and infrastructure added to increase throughput at transfer stations and recycling facilities. Replacement capital expenditures are defined as landfill cell construction costs not related to expansion airspace, costs for normal permit renewals, replacement costs for equipment and other capital expenditures due to age or obsolescence, and capital items not defined as growth capital expenditures.
FAQ
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