The GEO Group Announces Discontinuation of Lawton Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility Contract in Oklahoma

Rhea-AI Summary

The GEO Group announced the end of its contract with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections for the 2,600-bed Lawton Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility, effective June 30, 2024, unless extended for three months. GEO cited challenges due to wage inflation and staffing shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the veto of approved funding by the Oklahoma State Legislature.

Despite long-standing partnerships since 1998 and significant investments in reducing prison overcrowding and lowering recidivism, GEO stated it could no longer manage the facility without revised financial terms. The discontinuation is not expected to impact GEO's financial guidance.

Additionally, GEO issued a default notice to Oklahoma for $3 million in damages to the Great Plains Correctional Facility, seeking repairs within 30 days.

Positive

• Discontinuation of Lawton contract will not impact GEO's financial guidance.
• GEO has made significant capital investments since 1998.
• Partnership efforts helped reduce prison overcrowding and lower recidivism in Oklahoma.

Negative

• Discontinuation of Lawton contract due to wage inflation and staffing shortages.
• Oklahoma State Legislature vetoed necessary funding, exacerbating operational challenges.
• Damage to Great Plains Correctional Facility estimated at $3 million.

Financial Analyst

The discontinuation of the contract for the Lawton Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility might appear concerning at first glance, but it's important to note that this will not have a material impact on GEO's financial guidance. This means that while the facility represents a large-capacity asset, its operational influence on the company's revenue and profitability is relatively minor. This is a critical point for investors as it signals the company’s diversified asset base, not over-reliant on any single contract.
Financial stability is a key takeaway here.

Moreover, the mention of wage inflation and staffing shortages, exacerbated by the COVID pandemic, reflects wider industry trends. Investors should be aware that even large operators like GEO are not immune to macroeconomic pressures. However, the proactive measures GEO is taking—such as proposing a three-month transition period—illustrate effective risk management and strategic planning, ensuring continuity and minimizing disruption.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, the announcement highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the private correctional industry. The discontinuation of the Lawton facility contract due to financial constraints underscores how external factors, like wage inflation and legislative decisions, can impact operational agreements. For retail investors, it's important to understand that such dynamics are part of the industry’s volatility and can affect stock performance.

Additionally, the issued default notice to the State of Oklahoma concerning the Great Plains facility reflects GEO's assertive stance on maintaining operational standards. This move is aimed at prompting necessary repairs and ensuring asset integrity, which is vital for long-term value preservation. Investors should perceive this as a positive sign of the company’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards despite financial and infrastructural challenges.

BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The GEO Group, Inc. (NYSE: GEO) (“GEO” or the “Company”) announced today the discontinuation of its contract with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections for the company-owned, 2,600-bed Lawton Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility, which is set to expire on June 30, 2024, unless extended for an additional three months under terms proposed by GEO.

We are proud of our long-standing public-private partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, which dates to 1998. Over the last 26 years, we have made significant capital investments to provide needed correctional bedspace to help reduce Oklahoma prison overcrowding. We have implemented a world class rehabilitation program through our GEO Continuum of Care to help lower recidivism in the State of Oklahoma. Throughout this time, the health and safety of all those in our care and of our employees has always been our number one priority. All funding increases we have received from the State of Oklahoma in prior years have been directly allocated to increase wages for staff at the Lawton Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility.

In recent years, wage inflation and staffing shortages, following the COVID pandemic, have negatively impacted staff recruitment and retention at all state correctional facilities. Unfortunately, the recent veto of funding that was approved by the Oklahoma State Legislature will only exacerbate our significant challenges. Upon extensive consideration of the current funding levels and resources relative to the present service requirements, we have determined that we are no longer willing to manage the 2,600-bed Lawton Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility without changes to financial and operational terms. We have proposed a new three-month transition agreement starting July 1, 2024, allowing for an orderly relocation of inmates if new funding and contract terms cannot be mutually agreed upon.

The discontinuation of the Lawton Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility contract will not have a material impact on GEO’s financial guidance.

Additionally, as has been reported in the media, as a result of recent significant damage caused to the physical plant and equipment at our company-owned, 1,940-bed Great Plains Correctional Facility, we have issued a default notice to the State of Oklahoma under our lease agreement for the Great Plains Correctional Facility, which is currently operated and maintained by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. The default notice provides for a cure period of 30 days for the State of Oklahoma to carry out all necessary physical plant and equipment repairs at an estimated cost of $3 million.

About The GEO Group

The GEO Group, Inc. (NYSE: GEO) is a leading diversified government service provider, specializing in design, financing, development, and support services for secure facilities, processing centers, and community reentry centers in the United States, Australia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. GEO’s diversified services include enhanced in-custody rehabilitation and post-release support through the award-winning GEO Continuum of Care®, secure transportation, electronic monitoring, community-based programs, and correctional health and mental health care. GEO’s worldwide operations include the ownership and/or delivery of support services for 100 facilities totaling approximately 81,000 beds, including idle facilities and projects under development, with a workforce of up to approximately 18,000 employees.

Use of forward-looking statements

This news release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and any such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the following cautionary statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and are based on current expectations and involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary from current expectations and forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, risk factors contained in GEO’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports. GEO disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240620963065/en/

Pablo E. Paez (866) 301 4436

Executive Vice President, Corporate Relations

Source: The GEO Group, Inc.

FAQ

What is the GEO Group's stock symbol?

The GEO Group's stock symbol is GEO.

When will the GEO Group's Lawton Correctional Facility contract end?

The contract will end on June 30, 2024, unless extended for three months.

What challenges did the GEO Group face with the Lawton facility?

The GEO Group faced wage inflation, staffing shortages, and funding veto by the Oklahoma State Legislature.

How much is the estimated damage to the Great Plains Correctional Facility?

The estimated damage is $3 million.

Will the discontinuation of the Lawton contract affect GEO's financial guidance?

No, the discontinuation will not have a material impact on GEO's financial guidance.