Republic Services, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Republic Services, Inc. reported strong first quarter 2024 results with an 8% total revenue growth, $1.45 adjusted earnings per share, and a 110 basis points increase in net income margin. The company generated $812 million in cash flow from operations and $535 million in adjusted free cash flow. Republic was named to Barron's 2024 100 Most Sustainable Companies List.

Positive

• 8% total revenue growth in the first quarter 2024.

• Adjusted earnings per share of $1.45.

• 110 basis points increase in net income margin.

• $812 million in cash flow from operations.

• $535 million in adjusted free cash flow.

• Named to Barron's 2024 100 Most Sustainable Companies List.

Negative

• Volume decrease impacting revenue by 0.9%.

• Net income margin of 11.8%.

• Decrease in related business revenue volume by 1.1%.

• Core price on related business revenue increased by 8.5%.

• Company's average recycled commodity price per ton increased by $48 over the prior year.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The reported 19% increase in EPS indicates robust profit growth, reflecting well on management's ability to leverage pricing strategies over cost inflation. The margin expansion, with 110 basis points in net income and 120 basis points in adjusted EBITDA, suggests improved operational efficiency. The balance sheet also portrays a healthy cash flow scenario, with $812 million generated from operations. This financial health is important for sustaining the $0.535 per share dividend and future capital investments.

Market Research Analyst

The mix of organic growth and strategic acquisitions contributing to the 7.8% total revenue growth showcases Republic Services' capacity to expand within a mature industry. Notably, their core pricing strategy has outpaced inflation, which is a testament to their market positioning and customer value proposition. This pricing power, alongside a favorable recycled commodity pricing environment, up $48 per ton, reinforces the potential for continued revenue growth.

Sustainability Expert

Recognition on Barron's 2024 100 Most Sustainable Companies List underscores the company's commitment to sustainability, a factor increasingly important to investors. Their investment in renewable natural gas projects may provide long-term cost savings and revenue opportunities, as the market for sustainable energy solutions grows. However, the true impact of these initiatives on financials will unfold over time and it's necessary to monitor project scalability and regulatory incentives.

• First Quarter Total Revenue Growth of 8 Percent
• Reported Earnings Per Share of $1.44 and Adjusted Earnings Per Share of $1.45
• Expanded First Quarter Net Income Margin 110 Basis Points and Adjusted EBITDA Margin 120 Basis Points
• Generated Cash Flow from Operations of $812 Million and Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $535 Million
• Named to Barron's 2024 100 Most Sustainable Companies List

PHOENIX, April 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) today reported net income of $453.8 million, or $1.44 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2024, versus $383.9 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, for the comparable 2023 period. Excluding certain expenses and other items, on an adjusted basis, net income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $458.1 million, or $1.45 per diluted share, versus $393.7 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, for the comparable 2023 period.

"We are off to a strong start to the year and well-positioned to achieve our full-year goals," said Jon Vander Ark, president and chief executive officer. "Continued pricing in excess of cost inflation generated double-digit growth in EBITDA and EPS, and expanded EBITDA margin by more than 100 basis points. Solid execution by our 42,000 team members and investments in our differentiating capabilities — Customer Zeal, Digital and Sustainability — continue to produce positive results, and support our ability to deliver ongoing profitable growth."

First-Quarter 2024 Highlights:

• Total revenue growth of 7.8 percent includes 4.1 percent organic growth and 3.7 percent growth from acquisitions.
• Core price on total revenue increased revenue by 7.0 percent. Core price on related business revenue increased revenue by 8.5 percent, which consisted of 10.2 percent in the open market and 5.7 percent in the restricted portion of the business.
• Revenue growth from average yield on total revenue was 6.0 percent, and volume decreased revenue by 0.9 percent. Revenue growth from average yield on related business revenue was 7.3 percent, and volume decreased related business revenue by 1.1 percent.
• Net income was $453.8 million, or a margin of 11.8 percent.
• EPS was $1.44 per share, an increase of 19.0 percent over the prior year.
• Adjusted EPS, a non-GAAP measure, was $1.45 per share, an increase of 16.9 percent over the prior year.
• Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, was $1,164.5 million, and adjusted EBITDA margin, a non-GAAP measure, was 30.2 percent of revenue, an increase of 120 basis points over the prior year.
• Cash invested in acquisitions was $41.0 million.
• Cash returned to shareholders through dividends was $168.3 million.
• The Company's average recycled commodity price per ton sold at our recycling centers during the first quarter was $153. This represents an increase of $48 per ton over the prior year.
• The Company completed and commenced operations on one renewable natural gas project.
• Republic was recognized by several leading organizations during the quarter, including:
  • Barron's 2024 100 Most Sustainable Companies List
  • Ethisphere's 2024 World's Most Ethical Companies^® List
  • Fortune's 2024 Most Innovative Companies List

Company Declared Quarterly Dividend

Republic previously announced that its Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.535 per share for shareholders of record on July 2, 2024. The dividend will be paid on July 15, 2024.

Presentation of Certain Performance Metrics and Non-GAAP Measures

Adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted net income - Republic, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA by business type, adjusted EBITDA margin by business type and adjusted free cash flow are described in the Performance Metrics and Reconciliations of Certain Non-GAAP Measures section of this document.

About Republic Services

Republic Services, Inc. is a leader in the environmental services industry. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides customers with the most complete set of products and services, including recycling, solid waste, special waste, hazardous waste and field services. Republic's industry-leading commitments to advance circularity and support decarbonization are helping deliver on its vision to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world. For more information, please visit RepublicServices.com.

For more information, contact:
Media Inquiries	Investor Inquiries
Roman Blahoski (480) 718-0328	Aaron Evans (480) 718-0309
media@RepublicServices.com	investor@RepublicServices.com

 

SUPPLEMENTAL UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
AND OPERATING DATA
REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except per share amounts)
	March 31,		December 31,
	2024		2023
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$                 91.6		$               140.0
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts and other of $82.6 and $83.2, respectively	1,763.0		1,768.4
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	419.0		472.6
Total current assets	2,273.6		2,381.0
Restricted cash and marketable securities	143.3		163.6
Property and equipment, net	11,310.5		11,350.9
Goodwill	15,852.3		15,834.5
Other intangible assets, net	482.6		496.2
Other assets	1,319.4		1,183.9
Total assets	$          31,381.7		$          31,410.1
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$            1,179.2		$            1,411.5
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	1,431.9		932.3
Deferred revenue	472.2		467.3
Accrued landfill and environmental costs, current portion	141.2		141.6
Accrued interest	106.2		104.1
Other accrued liabilities	995.2		1,171.5
Total current liabilities	4,325.9		4,228.3
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	11,400.1		11,887.1
Accrued landfill and environmental costs, net of current portion	2,306.5		2,281.0
Deferred income taxes and other long-term tax liabilities, net	1,577.6		1,526.8
Insurance reserves, net of current portion	348.4		348.8
Other long-term liabilities	602.6		594.6
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; 321.2 and 320.7 issued including shares held in treasury, respectively	3.2		3.2
Additional paid-in capital	2,916.0		2,900.8
Retained earnings	8,717.9		8,433.9
Treasury stock, at cost; 6.3 and 6.1 shares, respectively	(812.0)		(783.5)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(5.3)		(12.1)
Total Republic Services, Inc. stockholders' equity	10,819.8		10,542.3
Non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiary	0.8		1.2
Total stockholders' equity	10,820.6		10,543.5
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$          31,381.7		$          31,410.1

 

REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions, except per share data)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Revenue	$              3,861.7		$                3,581.1
Expenses:
Cost of operations	2,283.2		2,169.5
Depreciation, amortization and depletion	399.2		358.7
Accretion	26.6		24.1
Selling, general and administrative	414.0		379.2
Restructuring charges	5.9		5.5
Operating income	732.8		644.1
Interest expense	(139.3)		(126.7)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—		(0.2)
(Loss) income from unconsolidated equity method investments	(8.7)		1.0
Interest income	1.5		1.4
Other income, net	12.6		2.5
Income before income taxes	598.9		522.1
Provision for income taxes	145.2		138.2
Net income	453.7		383.9
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiary	0.1		—
Net income attributable to Republic Services, Inc.	$                 453.8		$                   383.9
Basic earnings per share attributable to Republic Services, Inc. stockholders:
Basic earnings per share	$                   1.44		$                     1.21
Weighted average common shares outstanding	315.3		316.7
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Republic Services, Inc. stockholders:
Diluted earnings per share	$                   1.44		$                     1.21
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding	315.7		317.1
Cash dividends per common share	$                 0.535		$                   0.495

 

REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Cash provided by operating activities:
Net income	$                453.7		$                  383.9
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization, depletion and accretion	425.8		382.8
Non-cash interest expense	22.0		24.7
Stock-based compensation	11.2		11.6
Deferred tax provision	47.5		14.5
Provision for doubtful accounts, net of adjustments	7.3		7.8
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—		0.2
Gain on disposition of assets and asset impairments, net	(0.1)		(3.8)
(Gain) loss from unconsolidated equity method investments	8.7		(1.0)
Other non-cash items	(0.1)		(1.6)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from business acquisitions and divestitures:
Accounts receivable	(1.1)		(3.3)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	18.1		87.2
Accounts payable	(1.2)		(71.1)
Capping, closure and post-closure expenditures	(8.9)		(8.8)
Remediation expenditures	(9.8)		(11.6)
Other liabilities	(161.6)		(126.2)
Proceeds for retirement of certain hedging relationships	—		2.4
Cash provided by operating activities	811.5		687.7
Cash used in investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(514.5)		(378.6)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	2.4		6.0
Cash used in acquisitions and investments, net of cash and restricted cash acquired	(166.3)		(290.9)
Cash received from business divestitures	—		(0.7)
Purchases of restricted marketable securities	(12.0)		(4.5)
Sales of restricted marketable securities	11.5		4.4
Other	—		11.0
Cash used in investing activities	(678.9)		(653.3)
Cash used in financing activities:
Proceeds from credit facilities and notes payable, net of fees	6,436.8		6,675.5
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of discount and fees	—		1,183.6
Payments of credit facilities and notes payable	(6,440.8)		(7,729.5)
Issuances of common stock, net	(25.3)		(11.0)
Cash dividends paid	(168.3)		(156.4)
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiary	(0.3)		—
Contingent consideration payments	(3.3)		(4.2)
Cash used in financing activities	(201.2)		(42.0)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	(0.5)		—
Increase in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	(69.1)		(7.6)
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of period	227.5		214.3
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period	$                158.4		$                  206.7

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, 2023. 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 months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024				2023
Collection:
Residential	$   723.3		18.7 %		$   685.1		19.1 %
Small-container	1,189.0		30.8		1,056.3		29.5
Large-container	732.8		19.0		701.9		19.6
Other	17.7		0.5		15.1		0.4
Total collection	2,662.8		69.0		2,458.4		68.6
Transfer	419.3				401.0
Less: intercompany	(236.5)				(227.3)
Transfer, net	182.8		4.7		173.7		4.8
Landfill	704.8				688.7
Less: intercompany	(300.4)				(296.1)
Landfill, net	404.4		10.4		392.6		11.0
Environmental solutions	439.2				430.3
Less: intercompany	(15.9)				(22.0)
Environmental solutions, net	423.3		11.0		408.3		11.4
Other:
Recycling processing and commodity sales	95.5		2.5		70.7		2.0
Other non-core	92.9		2.4		77.4		2.2
Total other	188.4		4.9		148.1		4.2
Total revenue	$ 3,861.7		100.0 %		$ 3,581.1		100.0 %

The following table reflects changes in components of our revenue, as a percentage of total revenue, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Average yield	6.0 %		6.5 %
Fuel recovery fees	(0.4)		1.5
Total price	5.6		8.0
Volume	(0.9)		1.6
Change in workdays	0.1		0.4
Recycling processing and commodity sales	0.4		(0.9)
Environmental solutions	(1.1)		0.5
Total internal growth	4.1		9.6
Acquisitions / divestitures, net	3.7		11.0
Total	7.8 %		20.6 %
Core price	7.0 %		8.2 %

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 core price, average yield and volume as a percentage of related-business revenue, defined as total revenue excluding recycled commodities, fuel recovery fees and environmental solutions revenue, to determine the effectiveness of our pricing and organic growth strategies. The following table reflects core price, average yield and volume as a percentage of related-business revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
	As a % of Related Business
Core price	8.5 %		9.3 %
Average yield	7.3 %		7.4 %
Volume	(1.1) %		1.8 %

The following table reflects changes in average yield and volume, as a percentage of related business revenue by line of business, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024				2023
	Yield		Volume		Yield		Volume
Collection:
Residential	6.7 %		(2.6) %		4.6 %		1.4 %
Small-container	10.7 %		0.3 %		10.2 %		1.6 %
Large-container	7.0 %		(4.4) %		9.4 %		0.8 %
Landfill:
Municipal solid waste	5.7 %		1.6 %		5.6 %		1.2 %
Construction and demolition waste	6.2 %		(2.9) %		5.2 %		0.6 %
Special waste	— %		(2.5) %		— %		21.7 %

COST OF OPERATIONS

The following table summarizes the major components of our cost of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in millions of dollars and as a percentage of revenue):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024				2023
Labor and related benefits	$     789.4		20.4 %		$       738.1		20.6 %
Transfer and disposal costs	263.7		6.8		249.6		7.0
Maintenance and repairs	356.1		9.2		326.6		9.1
Transportation and subcontract costs	279.8		7.3		285.2		8.0
Fuel	125.6		3.3		144.4		4.0
Disposal fees and taxes	84.2		2.2		83.7		2.3
Landfill operating costs	90.7		2.3		81.6		2.3
Risk management	95.9		2.5		93.1		2.6
Other	197.8		5.1		167.2		4.7
Total cost of operations	$  2,283.2		59.1 %		$    2,169.5		60.6 %

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 and of ours for prior periods.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

The following table summarizes our selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in millions of dollars and as a percentage of revenue):

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024				2023
Salaries		$   279.6		7.2 %		$   252.5		7.1 %
Provision for doubtful accounts		7.3		0.2		7.8		0.2
Other		127.1		3.3		111.3		3.1
Subtotal		414.0		10.7		371.6		10.4
US Ecology acquisition integration and deal costs		—		—		7.6		0.2
Total selling, general and administrative expenses		$   414.0		10.7 %		$   379.2		10.6 %

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 selling, general and administrative expenses by cost component to those of other companies and of ours for prior periods.

PERFORMANCE METRICS AND RECONCILIATIONS OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES

The following tables calculate EBITDA, EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA margin by business type, adjusted pre-tax income, adjusted tax impact, adjusted net income - Republic, adjusted diluted earnings per share, and adjusted free cash flow, which are not measures determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP), for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. Our definitions of the foregoing non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

Also presented below is adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin by business type for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin

The following table calculates adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in millions of dollars and as a percentage of revenue):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024				2023
Net income attributable to Republic Services, Inc. and net income margin	$     453.8		11.8 %		$     383.9		10.7 %
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(0.1)				—
Provision for income taxes	145.2				138.2
Other income, net	(12.6)				(2.5)
Interest income	(1.5)				(1.4)
Interest expense	139.3				126.7
Depreciation, amortization and depletion	399.2				358.7
Accretion	26.6				24.1
EBITDA and EBITDA margin	$  1,149.9		29.8 %		$ 1,027.7		28.7 %
Loss (gain) from unconsolidated equity method investment	8.7				(1.0)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and other related costs	—				0.2
Restructuring charges	5.9				5.5
US Ecology acquisition integration and deal costs	—				7.6
Total adjustments	$       14.6				$       12.3
Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin	$  1,164.5		30.2 %		$ 1,040.0		29.0 %

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin by Business Type

The following table summarizes revenue, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin by business type for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in millions of dollars and adjusted EBITDA margin as a percentage of revenue):

		Three Months Ended March 31, 2024						Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
		Recycling & Waste		Environmental Solutions		Total		Recycling & Waste		Environmental Solutions		Total
Revenue		$      3,438.4		$            423.3		$        3,861.7		$      3,172.8		$            408.3		$        3,581.1
Adjusted EBITDA(a)		$      1,077.8		$              86.7		$        1,164.5		$         954.3		$              85.7		$        1,040.0
Adjusted EBITDA Margin		31.3 %		20.5 %		30.2 %		30.1 %		21.0 %		29.0 %

(a)	Certain corporate expenses, including selling, general and administrative expenses, and National Accounts revenue are allocated to the two business types.

The amounts shown for Recycling & Waste represent the sum of our Group 1 and Group 2 reportable segments, and Environmental Solutions represents our Group 3 reportable segment.

Adjusted Earnings Per Share

The following table calculates adjusted pre-tax income, adjusted tax impact, adjusted net income - Republic, and adjusted diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:

		Three Months Ended March 31, 2024								Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
								Diluted								Diluted
						Net		Earnings						Net		Earnings
		Pre-tax		Tax		Income -		per		Pre-tax		Tax		Income -		per
		Income		Impact(1)		Republic		Share		Income		Impact(1)		Republic		Share
As reported		$  598.9		145.1		$   453.8		$     1.44		$  522.1		138.2		$   383.9		$     1.21
Loss on extinguishment of debt and other related costs (2)		—		—		—		—		0.2		—		0.2		—
Restructuring charges		5.9		1.6		4.3		0.01		5.5		1.5		4.0		0.01
US Ecology acquisition integration and deal costs		—		—		—		—		7.6		2.0		5.6		0.02
Total adjustments		5.9		1.6		4.3		0.01		13.3		3.5		9.8		0.03
As adjusted		$  604.8		$     146.7		$   458.1		$     1.45		$  535.4		$     141.7		$   393.7		$     1.24

(1)	The income tax effect related to our adjustments includes both the current and deferred income tax impact and is individually calculated based on the statutory rates applicable to each adjustment.
(2)	The aggregate impact to adjusted diluted earnings per share totals to less than $0.01 for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

We believe that presenting EBITDA and EBITDA margin is useful to investors because they provide important information concerning our operating performance exclusive of certain non-cash and other costs. EBITDA and EBITDA margin demonstrate 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. 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. 

We believe that presenting adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA margin by business type, adjusted pre-tax income, adjusted tax impact, adjusted net income - Republic, and adjusted diluted earnings per share provide 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, costs and recoveries in prior periods, and similar types of adjustments can reasonably be expected to be recorded in future periods.

Loss on extinguishment of debt and other related costs. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we incurred a loss on the early extinguishment of debt related to the early repayment of a portion of our term loan facility. We incurred non-cash charges related to the proportional share of unamortized deferred issuance costs.

Restructuring charges. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, we incurred $5.9 million and $5.5 million, respectively, of restructuring charges primarily related to the redesign of our asset management, and customer and order management software systems.

US Ecology acquisition integration and deal costs. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we incurred $7.6 million of acquisition integration and deal costs in connection with the acquisition of US Ecology, Inc. (US Ecology). The acquisition closed on May 2, 2022. The costs are primarily related to the integration of certain software systems as well as rebranding the business.

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 months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
Cash provided by operating activities		$               811.5		$               687.7
Property and equipment received		(283.6)		(206.8)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment		2.4		6.0
Cash paid related to adjustments to withdrawal liabilities for a multiemployer pension fund, net of tax		0.1		—
Restructuring payments, net of tax		4.2		3.7
US Ecology acquisition integration and deal costs, net of tax		—		4.9
Adjusted free cash flow		$               534.6		$               495.5

We believe that presenting adjusted free cash flow provides useful information regarding our recurring cash provided by operating activities after certain expenditures or recoveries. 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.

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 months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024	2023
Purchases of property and equipment per the unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows	$               514.5	$               378.6
Adjustments for property and equipment received in a different period	(230.9)	(171.8)
Property and equipment received during the period	$               283.6	$               206.8

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

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, accounts receivable were $1,763.0 million and $1,768.4 million, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $82.6 million and $83.2 million, respectively, resulting in days sales outstanding of 41.5, or 30.4 days net of deferred revenue, compared to 42.0, or 30.9 days net of deferred revenue, respectively.

CASH DIVIDENDS

In January 2024, we paid a cash dividend of $168.3 million to shareholders of record as of January 3, 2024. As of March 31, 2024, we recorded a quarterly dividend payable of $168.5 million to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 2, 2024, which was paid on April 15, 2024.

SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, there were no shares of common stock repurchased. As of March 31, 2024, the remaining authorized purchase capacity under our October 2023 repurchase program was $3.0 billion.

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 the impacts of the overall global economy and increasing interest rates, our ability to effectively integrate and manage companies we acquire, and to realize the anticipated benefits of any such acquisitions, the amount of the financial contribution of our sustainability initiatives, 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. 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, 2023, 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.

 

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SOURCE Republic Services, Inc.

FAQ

What was Republic Services, Inc.'s total revenue growth in the first quarter 2024?

Republic Services, Inc. reported an 8% total revenue growth in the first quarter 2024.

What was the adjusted earnings per share for Republic Services, Inc. in the first quarter 2024?

Republic Services, Inc. had an adjusted earnings per share of $1.45 in the first quarter 2024.

What was the company's cash flow from operations in the first quarter 2024?

Republic Services, Inc. generated $812 million in cash flow from operations in the first quarter 2024.

Did Republic Services, Inc. make it to Barron's 2024 100 Most Sustainable Companies List?

Yes, Republic Services, Inc. was named to Barron's 2024 100 Most Sustainable Companies List.

What was the impact of volume decrease on Republic Services, Inc.'s revenue in the first quarter 2024?

Volume decrease impacted Republic Services, Inc.'s revenue by 0.9% in the first quarter 2024.

What was the change in related business revenue volume for Republic Services, Inc. in the first quarter 2024?

Related business revenue volume decreased by 1.1% for Republic Services, Inc. in the first quarter 2024.