March 31,

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


[X]      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010 or

[  ]      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ________to _________

Commission File Number 0-21229

Stericycle, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


 Delaware

36-3640402

 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 

(IRS Employer Identification Number)


28161 North Keith Drive
Lake Forest, Illinois    60045
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(847) 367-5910
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  YES [X] NO [  ]


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   YES [  ] NO [  ]


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.


Large accelerated filer [X]

Accelerated filer [  ]  

Non-accelerated filer [  ]

Smaller reporting company [  ]  


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  

YES [  ] NO [X]


As of April 30, 2010 there were 84,628,499 shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding.



[form10q001.jpg]


Stericycle, Inc.

Table of Contents


 

 

 

Page No.

PART I.  Financial Information

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of

 

 

 

March 31, 2010 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2009 (Audited)

1

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

 

 

 

for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)

2

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

 

for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)

3

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

 

 

 

for the three months ended March 31, 2010 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2009 (Audited)

4

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

5

 

 

 

 

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

16

 

 

 

 

Item 3.  Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk

21

 

 

 

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

21

 

 

 

 

PART II.  Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

23

 

 

 

 

Item 2.  Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

23

 

 

 

 

Item 6.  Exhibits

24

 

 

 

 

Signature

24

 

 

 

 

Certifications

25










PART I. – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

STERICYCLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


In thousands, except share and per share data

 

 

March 31,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2010

 

 

2009

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

(Audited)

 ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

     Cash and cash equivalents

$

22,886

 

$

15,767 

     Short-term investments

 

1,786

 

 

1,131 

     Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful

         accounts of $9,370 in 2010 and $8,709 in 2009

 

192,296

 

 

179,770 

     Deferred income taxes

 

9,746

 

 

14,087 

     Prepaid expenses

 

19,296

 

 

12,421 

     Other current assets

 

25,804

 

 

23,364 

         Total Current Assets

 

271,814

 

 

246,540 

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

 

253,830

 

 

246,154 

Other Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

     Goodwill

 

1,428,348

 

 

1,394,091 

     Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of

         $20,364 in 2010 and $18,546 in 2009

 

304,783

 

 

269,454 

     Other

 

28,236

 

 

26,564 

         Total Other Assets

 

1,761,367

 

 

1,690,109 

Total Assets

$

2,287,011

 

$

2,182,803 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

     Current portion of long-term debt

$

67,680

 

$

65,932 

     Accounts payable

 

45,922

 

 

47,608 

     Accrued liabilities

 

113,824

 

 

92,226 

     Deferred revenues

 

16,377

 

 

14,954 

         Total Current Liabilities

 

243,803

 

 

220,720 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

929,039

 

 

922,919 

Deferred income taxes

 

187,797

 

 

171,744 

Other liabilities

 

14,482

 

 

10,247 

Shareholders' Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

  

Common stock (par value $.01 per share, 120,000,000

     

shares authorized, 84,652,064 issued and outstanding

    

 in 2010 and 84,715,005 issued and outstanding in 2009)

 

847

 

 

847 

  

Additional paid-in capital

 

46,290

 

 

47,522 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

(22,562)

 

 

(12,292) 

  

Retained earnings

 

857,737

 

 

809,618 

         Total Stericycle, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity

 

882,312

 

 

845,695

  

Noncontrolling interest

 

29,578

 

 

11,478

         Total Shareholders' Equity

 

911,890

 

 

857,173

     Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

$

2,287,011

 

$

2,182,803



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



1



STERICYCLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)


In thousands

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2010

 

 

2009

Revenues

$

335,177 

 

$

277,090

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

     Cost of revenues

 

170,570 

 

 

142,594

     Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

62,470 

 

 

50,731

     Depreciation and amortization

 

12,389 

 

 

8,844

     Restructuring costs

 

     667 

 

 

     -- 

     Acquisition related transaction expenses

 

800 

 

 

610

     Acquisition integration expenses

 

1,149 

 

 

111

         Total Costs and Expenses

 

248,045 

 

 

202,890

Income from Operations

 

87,132 

 

 

74,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income (Expense):

 

 

 

 

 

     Interest income

 

80 

 

 

174

     Interest expense

 

(8,963) 

 

 

(8,099)

     Other expense, net

 

(1,003) 

 

 

(790)

         Total Other Expense

 

(9,886)

 

 

(8,715)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Before Income Taxes

 

77,246 

 

 

65,485

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Tax Expense

 

28,612 

 

 

24,811

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

$

48,634 

 

$

40,674

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

515

 

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.

$

48,119

 

$

40,655

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings Per Common Share:

 

 

 

 

 

     Basic

$

0.57 

 

$

0.48

     Diluted

$

0.56 

 

$

0.47

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares

   Outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

     Basic

 

84,766,721 

 

 

84,908,733

     Diluted

 

86,573,237 

 

 

86,841,903



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



2



STERICYCLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)


In thousands

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2010

 

 

2009

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

48,634 

 

$

40,674

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided

   by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

     Stock compensation expense

 

3,874 

 

 

3,461

     Excess tax benefit stock options exercised

 

(1,163) 

 

 

(264)

     Depreciation

 

10,414 

 

 

7,834

     Amortization

 

1,975 

 

 

1,010

     Deferred income taxes

 

13,784 

 

 

7,858

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of

   acquisitions and divestitures:

 

 

 

 

 

     Accounts receivable

 

(7,932) 

 

 

7,882

     Accounts payable

 

(3,522) 

 

 

(3,715)

     Accrued liabilities

 

15,601

 

 

13,527

     Deferred revenue

 

1,611 

 

 

1,096

     Other assets and liabilities

 

(2,221) 

 

 

(3,087)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

81,055 

 

 

76,276

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

     Payments for acquisitions and international investments,

         net of cash acquired

 

(50,459) 

 

 

(16,296)

     Purchase of short-term investments

 

(423) 

 

 

(1,664)

     Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 

--  

 

 

244

     Capital expenditures

 

(12,804) 

 

 

(8,389)

Net cash used in by investing activities

 

(63,686)

 

 

(26,105)

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

     Repayment of long-term debt

 

(27,533) 

 

 

(2,908)

     Net borrowings / (repayments) on senior credit facility

 

24,873 

 

 

(25,112)

     Purchase / cancellation of treasury stock

 

(10,616) 

 

 

(27,482)

     Proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

4,195 

 

 

3,229

     Excess tax benefit stock options exercised

 

1,163 

 

 

264

Net cash used in by financing activities

 

(7,918) 

 

 

(52,009)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

(2,332) 

 

 

1,839

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

7,119

 

 

1

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

15,767 

 

 

9,095

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

22,886 

 

$

9,096

 

 

 

 

 

 

NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net issuance of notes payable for certain acquisitions

$

10,038 

 

$

1,900



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



3



STERICYCLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

March 31, 2010 (Unaudited) and

Year Ended December 31, 2009 (Audited)


 

 

In thousands

 

Stericycle, Inc. Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Issued

and Outstanding Shares

 

Common Stock

 

Additional Paid-In Capital

 

Retained Earnings

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 




Non-Controlling Interest

 

Total Equity

Balance at December 31, 2008

85,253

 

$ 852

 

$ 67,776

 

$ 633,927

 

$ (32,075)

 

$ 158

 

$ 670,638

Issuance of common stock for

  exercise of options

  and employee stock purchases

1,132

 

12

 

15,889

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

15,901

Purchase/ Cancellation of treasury stock

(1,670)

 

(17)

 

(73,164)

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

(73,181)

Stock compensation expense

--

 

--

 

14,638

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

14,638

Excess tax benefit of disqualifying

  dispositions of stock options and

  exercise of  non-qualified stock options

--

 

--

 

22,383

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

22,383

Change in noncontrolling interest

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

9,787

 

9,787

Currency translation adjustment

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

17,595

 

835

 

18,430

Change in fair value of cash flow hedge,

  net of tax of $454

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

2,188

 

--

 

2,188

Net income

--

 

--

 

--

 

175,691

 

--

 

698

 

176,389

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

197,007

Balance at December 31, 2009

84,715

 

$ 847

 

$ 47,522

 

$ 809,618

 

$ (12,292)

 

$ 11,478

 

$ 857,173

Issuance of common stock for

  exercise of options

  and employee stock purchases

155

 

2

 

5,541

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

5,543

Purchase/ Cancellation of treasury stock

(218)

 

(2)

 

(11,810)

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

(11,812)

Stock compensation expense

--

 

--

 

3,874

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

3,874

Excess tax benefit of disqualifying

  dispositions of stock options and

  exercise of  non-qualified stock options

--

 

--

 

1,163

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

1,163

Noncontrolling interest in equity acquired

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

17,349

 

17,349

Currency translation adjustment

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

(10,641)

 

236

 

(10,405)

Change in fair value of cash flow hedge,

  net of tax of $217

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

371

 

--

 

371

Net income

--

 

--

 

--

 

48,119

 

--

 

515

 

48,634

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

38,600

Balance at March 31, 2010

84,652

 

$ 847

 

$ 46,290

 

$ 857,737

 

$ (22,562)

 

$ 29,578

 

$ 911,890


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




4



STERICYCLE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)


Unless the context requires otherwise, “we”, “us” or “our” refers to Stericycle, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.



NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION


The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations; but the Company believes the disclosures in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  In our opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation for the periods presented have been reflected and are of a normal recurring nature.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2009, as filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the entire year ending December 31, 2010.



NOTE 2 – ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES


During the quarter ended March 31, 2010, we acquired selected assets of two domestic regulated waste businesses, 100% of the stock of two regulated waste businesses in the UK, 70% of the stock of a regulated waste business in Brazil, and 100% of the stock of a regulated waste business in Chile.  We also increased our majority share in a previous acquisition in Chile.


The aggregate purchase price of our acquisitions during the quarter ended March 31, 2010, was approximately $66.9 million, of which approximately $50.4 million was paid in cash, $10.0 million was paid by the issuance of promissory notes, and $6.5 million was recorded as part of contingent consideration.  For financial reporting purposes, our 2010 acquisitions were accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting.  The purchase prices of these acquisitions, in excess of acquired tangible assets, have been primarily allocated to goodwill and other intangibles and are preliminary pending completion of certain intangible asset valuations. 



5




In thousands

 

 

Acquired During 2010

 

 

Prior

Period Adjustments

 

 

Total Allocations

Fixed assets

$

8,125

 

$

(1,312)

 

$

6,813

Intangibles

 

39,701

 

 

384

 

 

40,085

Goodwill

 

46,250

 

 

(2,461)

 

 

43,789

Net other assets

 

3,573

 

 

224

 

 

3,797

Debt

 

(4,079)

 

 

1,514

 

 

(2,565)

Net deferred tax liabilities

 

(9,366)

 

 

1,757

 

 

(7,609)

Noncontrolling interests

 

(17,349)

 

 

--

 

 

(17,349)

 

$

66,855

 

$

106

 

$

66,961


The results of operations of these acquired businesses have been included in the consolidated statements of income from the dates of acquisition.  These acquisitions resulted in recognition of goodwill in our financial statements reflecting the complementary strategic fit that the acquired businesses brought to us.


Our acquisition of MedServe in December of 2009 required us to divest of certain acquired assets.  We have assigned a value of $4.2 million to these assets, made up primarily of fixed assets and goodwill, which are recorded as part of current assets.



NOTE 3 – NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS


Accounting Standards Recently Adopted


Consolidation

On January 1, 2010, Stericycle adopted changes issued by the FASB related to amendments to previous guidance on the consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIE”).  This standard clarifies the characteristics that identify a VIE and changes how a reporting entity identifies a primary beneficiary that would consolidate the VIE from a quantitative risk and rewards calculation to a qualitative approach based on which variable interest holder has controlling financial interest and the ability to direct the most significant activities that impact the VIE’s economic performance.  This statement requires the primary beneficiary assessment to be performed on a continuous basis.  It also requires additional disclosures about an entity’s involvement with a VIE, restrictions on the VIE’s assets and liabilities that are included in the reporting entity’s consolidated balance sheet, significant risk exposures due to the entity’s involvement with the VIE, and how its involvement with a VIE impacts the reporting entity’s consolidated financial statements.  Our adoption of the standard did not have an impact to our financial statements.


Accounting Standards not yet adopted


Revenue Recognition

In October 2009, the FASB issued an update to existing guidance on revenue recognition for arrangements with multiple deliverables.  This update will allow



6



companies to allocate consideration received for qualified separate deliverables using estimated selling price for both delivered and undelivered items when vendor-specific objective evidence or third-party evidence is unavailable.  Additional disclosures discussing the nature of multiple element arrangements, the types of deliverables under the arrangements, the general timing of their delivery, and significant factors and estimates used to determine estimated selling prices are required.  We will adopt this update for new revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified beginning January 1, 2011.  We do not generally have arrangements with multiple deliverables and therefore do not expect any material impact to our financial statements upon adoption.



NOTE 4 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS


Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs).  The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

 

 

Level 1 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access.

 

 

 

Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

 

 

 

Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.


Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.  The impact of our creditworthiness has been considered in the fair value measurements noted below.  In addition, the fair value measurement of a liability must reflect the nonperformance risk of an entity.



7




In thousands

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

Total as of

March 31, 2010

 

 

Level 1

Inputs

 

 

Level 2

Inputs

 

 

Level 3

Inputs

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Cash and cash equivalents

 

 $  22,886

 

 

$   22,886

 

 

$       --

 

 

$           --

   Short-term investments

 

1,786

 

 

1,786

 

 

--

 

 

--

   Intangible assets

 

40,149

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

40,149

Total assets

 

$   64,821

 

 

$   24,672

 

 

$       --

 

 

$  40,149

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Interest rate swaps (other accrued liabilities)

 

$          557

 

 

$            --

 

 

$   557

 

 

$           --

Total liabilities

 

$        557

 

 

$            --

 

 

$   557

 

 

$           --


In thousands

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

Total as of

December 31, 2009

 

 

Level 1

Inputs

 

 

Level 2

Inputs

 

 

Level 3

Inputs

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Cash and cash equivalents

 

 $     15,767

 

 

$   15,767

 

 

$          --

 

 

$           --

   Short-term investments

 

1,131

 

 

1,131

 

 

--

 

 

--

   Intangible assets

 

91,006

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

91,006

Total assets

 

$   107,904

 

 

$   16,898

 

 

$          --

 

 

$  91,006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Interest rate swaps (other accrued liabilities)

 

$        1,165

 

 

$            --

 

 

$   1,165

 

 

$           --

Total liabilities

 

$        1,165

 

 

$            --

 

 

$   1,165

 

 

$           --


Level 1: At March 31, 2010, we have $22.9 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $1.8 million of short-term investments that we carry on our books at fair value using Level 1 inputs.  At December 31, 2009, we had $15.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.1 million of short-term investments on our books at fair value using market price inputs.


Level 2: In October 2008, we entered into three interest rate swap contracts, covering $225 million of our borrowings outstanding under our senior credit facility.  The objective of the swaps is to reduce the risk of volatile interest expense by fixing the rate.  The interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges; the notional amounts and all other significant terms of the swap agreement are matched to the provisions and terms of the variable rate debt hedged.  We apply hedge accounting to these instruments with changes in the fair value of the swap agreements recorded as a component of other comprehensive income.  The fair value was determined using market data inputs to calculate expected future interest rates.  The cash streams attributable to the difference between expected future rates and the fixed rate payable is discounted to arrive at the fair value of the two hedges.


Level 3: As part of our acquisition accounting, we assign fair values to identifiable intangible assets; primarily customer relationships and operating permits.  We use a discounted income approach whereby the expected after tax cash flows of the acquired entity are present valued.  We use the financial information provided by the



8



acquired company, and management assumptions related to future growth to determine expected future cash flows.  We use data provided by unaffiliated external parties as well as internal financial information to calculate a weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) for the acquired company.  The expected cash flows and the calculated WACC are significant inputs in determining the fair value of our intangibles. 


At March 31, 2010, the fair value of the Company’s debt obligations was estimated at $1.0 billion, compared to a carrying amount of $996.7 million.  At December 31, 2009, the fair value of the Company’s debt obligations was estimated at $985.0 million, compared to a carrying amount of $988.9 million.  This fair value was estimated using market interest rates for comparable instruments.  The Company has no current plans to retire a significant amount of its debt prior to maturity.

 

There were no movements of items between fair value hierarchies.



NOTE 5 – DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS


As of March 31, 2010 we have two interest rate swap contracts covering $100 million of our borrowings outstanding under our senior credit facility.  The objective of the swap is to reduce the risk of volatile interest expense by fixing the rate.  The details of these two contracts are as follows:


In thousands

Notional

Fixed

Variable

Expiration

Amount

Interest Rate

Interest Rate

Date

 $       75,000

2.79%

1 Month Libor

April 2010

 $       25,000

2.94%

1 Month Libor

October 2010


We entered into the interest rate swaps in order to manage the risk of interest rate changes to our interest expense.  The interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges; the notional amounts and all other significant terms of the swap agreement are matched to the provisions and terms of the variable rate debt hedged.  The fair market of the two hedges is recorded as a current liability of $0.6 million at March 31, 2010.  At March 31, 2010, the hedges were determined to be 100% effective.  Gains or losses on hedges are reclassified into interest expense when the effect of the hedged item is recognized in earnings.  The fair market value was determined using market data inputs to calculate expected future interest rates.  The cash streams attributable to the difference between expected future rates and the fixed rate payable is discounted to arrive at the fair value of the two hedges.



NOTE 6 – INCOME TAXES


We and our subsidiaries file U.S. federal income tax returns and income tax returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions.  With a few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2003.  The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) concluded an examination of the Company's U.S. income tax return for 2004.  Tax years after 2005



9



remain open and subject to examination by the IRS.  In addition, our subsidiaries in foreign countries have tax years open ranging from 2003 through 2009.


The Company has recorded accruals to cover certain unresolved tax issues.  Such contingent liabilities relate to additional taxes and interest the Company may be required to pay in various tax jurisdictions.  During the course of examinations by various taxing authorities, proposed adjustments may be asserted.  The Company evaluates such items on a case-by-case basis and adjusts the accrual for contingent liabilities as deemed necessary.


The total amount of unrecognized tax benefit reserve as of March 31, 2010 is $9.0 million, which includes immaterial amounts of interest and penalties and is reflected as a liability on the balance sheet.  The amount of income tax contingency reserve that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is approximately $9.0 million.  We recognize interest and penalties accrued related to income tax reserves in income tax expense.


The following table summarizes the changes in unrecognized tax positions during the quarter ended March 31, 2010:


In thousands

Unrecognized tax positions, January 1, 2010

$

    7,622

Gross increases- current period tax positions

 

    1,400

Unrecognized tax positions, March 31, 2010

$

    9,022



NOTE 7 – STOCK BASED COMPENSATION


At March 31, 2010 we had stock options outstanding under the following plans:

(i)

The 2008 Incentive Stock Plan, which our stockholders approved in May 2008;

(ii)

the 2005 Incentive Stock Plan, which our stockholders approved in April 2005;

(iii)

the 2000 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan, which our Board of Directors adopted in February 2000;

(iv)

the 1997 Stock Option Plan, which expired in January 2008;

(v)

the Directors Stock Option Plan, which expired in May 2006;

(vi)

the 1995 Incentive Compensation Plan, which expired in July 2005;

(vii)

our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which our stockholders approved in May 2001.


The following table sets forth the expense related to stock compensation:


In thousands

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2010

 

 

2009

Stock options

$

3,650

 

$

3,294

Employee stock purchase program

 

224

 

 

167

Total pre-tax expense

$

3,874

 

$

3,461



10





The following table sets forth the tax benefits related to stock compensation:


In thousands

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2010

 

 

2009

Tax benefit recognized in income statement

$

1,528

 

$

1,302

Excess tax benefit realized

 

1,163

 

 

264


The Black-Scholes option-pricing model is used in determining the fair value of each option grant using the assumptions noted in the table below.  The expected term of options granted is based on historical experience and represents the period of time that awards granted are expected to be outstanding.  Expected volatility is based upon historical volatility of the company’s stock.  The expected dividend yield is zero.  The risk-free interest rate is based upon the U.S. Treasury yield rates of a comparable period.  


The assumptions that we used in the Black-Scholes model are as follows:


 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

2010

 

 

2009

Expected term (in years)

                      5.75

 

 

                       5.5

Expected volatility

28.32%

 

 

28.22%

Expected dividend yield

0.00%

 

 

0.00%

Risk free interest rate

2.46%

 

 

2.10%


The weighted average grant date fair value of the stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 was $13.13 and $11.70, respectively.


Stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2010, was as follows:


 

Number of Options

 

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share

 

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life

 

 

Aggregate Intrinsic Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in years)

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2009

7,387,753

 

$

35.43

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

1,152,721

 

 

51.80

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

(155,535)

 

 

26.85

 

 

 

 

 

Cancelled or expired

(30,160)

 

 

47.36

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2010

8,354,779

 

$

37.80

 

6.71

 

$

140,165,279

Exercisable at March 31, 2010

4,808,719

 

$

31.03

 

5.47

 

$

113,255,013

Vested and expected to vest in the future

    at March 31, 2010

7,606,086

 

$

36.75

 

6.51

 

$

135,600,695


The total intrinsic value of options exercised for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 was $4.3 million and $4.2 million, respectively.  Intrinsic value is measured using the fair market value at the date of the exercise (for options exercised) or at March 31, 2010 (for outstanding options), less the applicable exercise price.




11



As of March 31, 2010, there was $28.8 million of total unrecognized compensation expense, related to non-vested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.09 years.



NOTE 8 – COMMON STOCK


During the quarters ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, we repurchased on the open market, and subsequently cancelled, 207,114 and 536,346 shares of common stock, respectively.  The weighted average repurchase price was $54.36 and $47.59 per share, respectively.


There was $0.6 million of current quarter share repurchases that were not settled as of March 31, 2010.



NOTE 9 – NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE


The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share:


In thousands, except share and per share data

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2010

 

 

2009

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator for basic earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

     Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.

$

48,119 

 

$

40,655

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for basic earnings per

     share-weighted average shares

 

84,766,721 

 

 

84,908,733

Effect of diluted securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Employee stock options

 

1,806,516 

 

 

1,933,170

Dilutive potential shares

 

1,806,516 

 

 

1,933,170

Denominator for diluted earnings per

     share-adjusted weighted average

     shares and after assumed exercises

 

86,573,237 

 

 

86,841,903

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share – Basic

$

0.57 

 

$

0.48

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share – Diluted

$

0.56 

 

$

0.47



NOTE 10 – COMPREHENSIVE INCOME


The components of total comprehensive income are net income, net income attributable to non-controlling interests, the change in cumulative currency translation adjustments, and gains and losses on derivative instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges.  The following table sets forth the components of total comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009:




12






In thousands

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2010

 

 

2009

Net income

$

48,634 

 

$

40,674

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income/ (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

     Currency translation adjustments

 

(10,405)

 

 

(5,343)

     Net gain on derivative instruments

 

371 

 

 

373

         Other comprehensive loss

 

(10,034)

 

 

(4,970)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

38,600 

 

 

35,704

     Less: Comprehensive income attributable to

     non-controlling interests

 

515

 

 

19

Comprehensive income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.

$

38,085 

 

$

35,685



NOTE 11 – GOODWILL


We have two geographical reporting segments, United States and Foreign Countries, both of which have goodwill.  The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, net of amortization, for the three months ended March 31, 2010 were as follows:


In thousands

 

 

United States

 

 

Foreign Countries

 

 

Total

Balance as of January 1, 2010

$

1,153,149

 

240,942

 

1,394,091

Changes due to currency fluctuation

 

--

 

 

(7,157)

 

 

(7,157)

Changes in goodwill on 2009 acquisitions

 

(4,257)

 

 

(579)

 

 

(4,836)

Goodwill on 2010 acquisitions

 

6,538

 

 

39,712

 

 

46,250

Balance as of March 31, 2010

$

1,155,430

 

272,918

 

1,428,348


The changes to goodwill for 2009 acquisitions are primarily due to the finalization of intangible valuations and allocation of goodwill to the asset group held for sale.



NOTE 12 – GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION


Management has determined that we have two reportable segments, United States (includes Puerto Rico) and Foreign.  Revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of customers.  Inter-company revenues recorded by the United States for work performed in Canada, which are immaterial, are eliminated prior to reporting United States revenues.  The same accounting principles and critical accounting policies are used in the preparation of the financial statements for both reporting segments.



13



Detailed information for our United States reporting segment is as follows:


In thousands

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2010

 

 

2009

Regulated waste management services

$

229,090 

 

202,351

Regulated returns management services

 

26,288 

 

 

19,689

Total revenue

 

255,378 

 

 

222,040

Net interest expense

 

7,613 

 

 

6,560

Income before income taxes

 

64,760 

 

 

56,995

Income taxes

 

23,943 

 

 

22,202

Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.

$

40,817 

 

34,793

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

$

8,696 

 

6,696


Detailed information for our Foreign Countries reporting segment is as follows:


In thousands

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2010

 

 

2009

Regulated waste management services

$

79,799 

 

55,050

Net interest expense

 

1,270 

 

 

1,365

Income before income taxes

 

12,486 

 

 

8,490

Income taxes

 

4,669 

 

 

2,609

Net income

 

                     7,817

 

 

5,881

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

                       515

 

 

19

Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.

$

7,302 

 

5,862

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

$

3,693 

 

2,148



NOTE 13 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


We operate in a highly regulated industry and must deal with regulatory inquiries or investigations from time to time that may be instituted for a variety of reasons.  We are also involved in a variety of civil litigation from time to time.


On November 30, 2009, we entered into an agreement with the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and the States of Missouri and Nebraska providing clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 that allowed us to complete our pending acquisition of MedServe, Inc., which we closed on December 4, 2009.


Our agreement with the DOJ and the States of Missouri and Nebraska agreement requires us to divest certain assets that we acquired from MedServe consisting of an autoclave treatment facility in Newton, Kansas, four transfer stations in Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Missouri and certain large customer accounts and associated assets related to these facilities. We have completed this required divestiture (see Note 16 – Subsequent Events).  In addition, our agreement requires us for a period of ten years to notify the DOJ and the States of Missouri and Nebraska before acquiring any business



14



that is engaged in both the collection and treatment of infectious waste in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska or Oklahoma.



NOTE 14 – GUARANTEE


We have guaranteed a loan to JPMorganChase Bank N.A. on behalf of Shiraishi-Sogyo Co. Ltd (“Shiraishi”).  Shiraishi is a customer in Japan that is expanding their medical waste management business and has a one year loan with a current balance of $5.4 million with JPMorganChase Bank N.A. that expires in May 2010.  The loan with JPMorganChase and our associated guarantee is in the process of being extended beyond May 2011.  We also have notes receivable to Shiraishi for approximately $14.9 million in support of their medical waste business.  These amounts are collateralized with the assets of Shiraishi and related companies.  



NOTE 15 – RESTRUCTURING CHARGES


In December of 2009, we announced the consolidation of operations within our Returns Management Services business.  This consolidation will result in the closure of our facilities in Boynton Beach, Florida and Conyers, Georgia.  The operations of those facilities will be moved to our Indianapolis, Indiana location.  We have recognized $1.6 million in expense during the fourth quarter of 2009 and $0.7 million in expense during the first quarter of 2010 related to this restructuring.  We have an accrual balance of $0.8 million related to the restructuring at March 31, 2010.  We estimate an additional $0.9 million in expense during the remainder of 2010.  We expect that our restructuring will be completed by the end of 2010.  We believe this restructuring will allow us to maximize the efficiency of our Returns Management Services business at a single location and management infrastructure.



NOTE 16 – SUBSEQUENT EVENT


On April 23, 2010, an interest rate swap contract with a notional amount of $75 million expired.


On April 30, 2010, we completed the required divestiture of selected assets related to the MedServe acquisition for $8.0 million (see Note 13 – Legal Proceedings).


The Company evaluated subsequent events through the date of filing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.





15



ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


We were incorporated in 1989 and presently serve a very diverse customer base of approximately 465,000 customers throughout the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ireland, Mexico, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, and the United Kingdom.  We have fully integrated networks including processing centers, and transfer and collection sites.  We use these networks to provide a broad range of services to our customers including regulated waste management services, and regulated return management services.  Regulated waste management services include regulated waste removal services, sharps management services, products and services for infection control, and safety and compliance programs. Regulated return management services are physical services provided to companies and individual businesses that assist with the handling of products that are being removed from the supply chain due to recalls and expiration.  These services also include advanced notification technology that is used to communicate specific instructions to the users of the product.  Our waste treatment technologies include autoclaving, incineration, chemical treatment, and our proprietary electro-thermal-deactivation system.  In addition, we have technology licensing agreements with companies located in Japan, Brazil, and South Africa.


There were no material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies since the filing of its 2009 Form 10-K.  As discussed in the 2009 Form 10-K, the preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amount of reported assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported.  Actual results may differ from those estimates.  


Highlights of our first quarter results for 2010 include the following:

·

revenues for the first quarter 2010 grew to $335.2 million, a 21.0% increase over $277.1 million for the first quarter 2009

·

gross margins improved to 46.3% in 2010 from 46.1% in 2009

·

operating income before acquisition-related costs and restructuring charges increased 19.8% to $89.7 million for the first quarter 2010 from $74.9 million in the first quarter 2009

·

cash flow from operations was $81.1 million





16



THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2010 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009


The following summarizes the Company’s operations:


In thousands, except per share data

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2010

 

 

2009

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

 

$

 

 

%

Revenues

$

335,177

 

 

100.0

 

$

277,090

 

 

100.0

Cost of revenues

 

170,570

 

 

50.9

 

 

142,594

 

 

51.5

Restructuring costs

 

428

 

 

0.1

 

 

--

 

 

--

Depreciation

 

8,862

 

 

2.6

 

 

6,693

 

 

2.4

Total cost of revenues

 

179,860

 

 

53.7

 

 

149,287

 

 

53.9

Gross profit

 

155,317

 

 

46.3

 

 

127,803

 

 

46.1

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

62,470

 

 

18.6

 

 

50,731

 

 

18.3

Depreciation

 

1,552

 

 

0.5

 

 

1,141

 

 

0.4

Amortization

 

1,975

 

 

0.6

 

 

1,010

 

 

0.4

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

 

65,997

 

 

19.7

 

 

52,882

 

 

19.1

Restructuring costs

 

239

 

 

0.1

 

 

--

 

 

--

Transactional expenses related to acquisitions     

 

800

 

 

0.2

 

 

610

 

 

0.2

Acquisition integration expenses     

 

1,149

 

 

0.3

 

 

111

 

 

0.0

Income from operations

 

87,132

 

 

26.0

 

 

74,200

 

 

26.8

Net interest expense

 

8,883

 

 

2.7

 

 

7,925

 

 

2.9

Income tax expense

 

28,612

 

 

8.5

 

 

24,811

 

 

9.0

Net income

 

48,634

 

 

14.5

 

 

40,674

 

 

14.7

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

515

 

 

0.2

 

 

19

 

 

0.0

Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.

$

48,119

 

 

14.4

 

$

40,655

 

 

14.7

Earnings per share- diluted

$

0.56

 

 

 

 

$

0.47

 

 

 


Revenues:  Our revenues increased $58.1 million, or 21.0%, to $335.2 million in 2010 from $277.1 million in 2009.  Domestic revenues increased $33.3 million or 15.0% to $255.4 million from $222.0 million in 2009 as internal revenue growth for domestic small account customers increased by approximately $9.8 million, or 8%, and internal revenue growth for large quantity customers increased by approximately $3.8 million, or 5%. Internal revenue growth for returns management increased by $6.6 million, and domestic acquisitions less than one year old contributed approximately $13.1 million to the increase in domestic revenues.


International revenues increased $24.7 million to $79.8 million, or 45.0%, from $55.1 million in 2009.  Internal growth in the international segment contributed $4.0 million, or 7% to the increase in international revenues, before taking into consideration the effect of exchange rates and acquisitions.  The effect of exchange rate fluctuations favorably impacted international revenues approximately $5.0 million while acquisitions less than one year old contributed $15.7 million in international revenues.  




17



Cost of Revenues:  Our cost of revenues increased $30.6 million, or 20.5%, to $179.9 million during 2010 from $149.3 million during 2009.  Our domestic cost of revenues increased $15.2 million, or 13.3%, to $129.0 million from $113.8 million in 2009 as a result of costs related to a proportional increase in revenues from acquisitions and internal growth.  Our international cost of revenues increased $15.4 million, or 43.3% to $50.9 million from $35.5 million in 2009 as a result of costs related to proportional increase in revenues from acquisitions and impact of exchange rates.  Our company wide gross margin percentage increased to 46.3% during 2010 from 46.1% during 2009 due to lower relative treatments costs, partially offset by slightly higher relative fuel and energy costs and restructuring costs.


Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:  Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased $13.1 million, or 24.8%, to $66.0 million, for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 from $52.9 million for the comparable quarter in 2009.  As a percentage of revenue, these costs increased 0.6% for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.  


Domestically, first quarter 2010 SG&A increased $7.8 million, or 17.9%, to $51.4 million from $43.6 million in the same period last year.  The increase was primarily due to higher amortization and stock option expenses, integration spending related to acquisitions, market penetration for our Bio Systems® sharps management and pharma waste programs and investments in the Steri-Safe services.


Internationally, our SG&A increased $5.3 million, during the quarter ended March 31, 2010 to $14.6 million from $9.3 million during the same period in 2009, mostly due to acquisitions and related higher expenses.


Income from Operations:  Income from operations increased $12.9 million to $87.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 from $74.2 million for the comparable quarter in 2009, an increase of 17.4%.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2010, we recognized $0.8 million in transactional expenses related to acquisition as result of adopting changes issued by FASB to accounting rules related to business combinations and $0.7 million of restructuring costs for our regulated returns management service business.  We believe this restructuring will allow us to maximize the efficiency of our Returns Management Services business at a single location and management infrastructure.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2009, we recognized $0.6 million in transactional expenses described above.


Domestically, our income from operations increased $8.9 million, or 13.8%, to $73.5 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2010 from $64.6 million during the same period in 2009.  Internationally, our income from operations increased $4.0 million, or 41.7%, to $13.6 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2010 from $9.6 million during the same period in 2009.


Net Interest Expense:  Net interest expense increased to $8.9 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2010 from $7.9 million during the comparable quarter in 2009 due to increased borrowings.  




18



Income Tax Expense:  Income tax expense increased to $28.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 from $24.8 million for the comparable quarter in 2009.  The increase was due to higher taxable income.  The effective tax rates for the quarters ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 were 37.0% and 37.9%, respectively.



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES


Our $850 million senior credit facility maturing in August 2012, our $215 million term loan maturing in June 2012, and our $100 million private placement notes maturing April 2015, all require us to comply with various financial, reporting and other covenants and restrictions, including a restriction on dividend payments.  The financial debt covenants are the same for the senior credit facility, the term loan credit agreement and the private placement notes.  At March 31, 2010, we were in compliance with all of our financial debt covenants.  


As of March 31, 2010, we had $405.0 million of borrowings outstanding under our $850 million senior unsecured credit facility, which includes foreign currency borrowings of $36.5 million.  We also had $194.2 million committed to outstanding letters of credit under this facility.  The unused portion of the revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2010 was $250.8 million.  At March 1, 2010, our interest rates on borrowings under our revolving credit facility were


·

For short-term borrowing (less than one month): Federal funds rate plus 0.5% or prime rate, whichever is higher; and

·

For borrowing greater than one month: LIBOR plus 0.875%.


The weighted average rate of interest on the unsecured revolving credit facility was 1.14% per annum.


As of March 31, 2010, we had $215 million term loan debt outstanding which was entered into during 2009 with several lenders maturing in June 2012.  Term loans under the term loan credit agreement bear interest at fluctuating interest rates determined, for any one-month or other applicable interest period, by reference to the LIBOR plus the applicable margin provided in the term loan agreement.  The applicable margin is based on our consolidated leverage ratio and ranges from 2.75% to 3.50%.  As of March 31, 2010, the applicable margin was 3.25%.  The weighted average rate of interest on the term loan was 4.43% per annum which includes the amounts under our interest rate hedge.  After the first year, we are required to make quarterly principal payments of 2.5% of the principal amount of the outstanding term loans, and the remainder at maturity.


As of March 31, 2010, we had $100 million outstanding 5.64% private placement notes which we entered into on April 15, 2008 with nine institutional purchasers.  The notes bear interest at the fixed rate of 5.64% per annum.  Interest is payable in arrears semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 beginning on October 15, 2009, and principal is payable at the maturity of the notes on April 15, 2015.




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At March 31, 2010, we had $276.7 million in other debt outstanding, which includes promissory notes issued in connection with acquisitions during 2004 through 2010, other foreign subsidiary bank debt, and capital leases.


Working Capital:  At March 31, 2010, our working capital increased $2.2 million to $28.0 million compared to $25.8 million at December 31, 2009.  Increases to working capital were mainly related to an increase of net accounts receivable of $12.5 million primarily due to higher sales, and prepaid expenses of $6.9 million primarily due to the timing of payroll funding.  Various other increases to current assets accounted for $5.9 million.  Decreases to working capital were mainly related to an increase in accrued liabilities of $21.6 million primarily related to the timing of income tax payments and liabilities related to acquisitions.  Other decreases to working capital related to current liabilities accounted for $1.5 million.  


Net Cash Provided or Used:  Net cash provided by operating activities increased $4.8 million, or 6.3%, to $81.1 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2010 compared to $76.3 million for the comparable period in 2009.  The increase in operating cash was primarily due to higher earnings.


Net cash used in investing activities for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 was $63.7 million compared to net cash used of $26.1 million in the comparable period in 2009.  The difference is mainly due to an increase of $34.2 million on acquisitions and international investments in the first quarter of 2010 than for the same period in the prior year.  Capital expenditures also increased during the current period by $4.4 million when compared to same period of the prior year.


Net cash used in financing activities was $7.9 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2010 compared to $52.0 million for the comparable period in 2009.  We had a decrease of $25.4 million in debt repayments and a $16.9 million decrease in repurchase and cancelation of common stock in the first quarter of 2010 compare to the same period last year.


Guarantees:  We have guaranteed a loan to JPMorganChase Bank N.A. on behalf of Shiraishi-Sogyo Co. Ltd (“Shiraishi”).  Shiraishi is a customer in Japan that is expanding their medical waste management business and has a one year loan with a current balance of $5.4 million with JPMorganChase Bank N.A. that expires in May 2010.  The loan with JPMorganChase and our associated guarantee is in the process of being extended beyond May 2011.  We also have notes receivable to Shiraishi for approximately $14.9 million in support of their medical waste business.  These amounts are collateralized with the assets of Shiraishi and related companies.  





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ITEM 3.  QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


We are subject to market risks arising from changes in interest rates.  As of March 31, 2010, we have two interest rate swap contracts covering $100 million of our borrowings outstanding under our senior credit facility.  The objective of the swap is to reduce the risk of volatile interest expense by fixing the rate.  The details of these two contracts are as follows:


In thousands

Notional

Fixed

Variable

Expiration

Amount

Interest Rate

Interest Rate

Date

 $       75,000

2.79%

1 Month Libor

April 2010

 $       25,000

2.94%

1 Month Libor

October 2010


The interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges; the notional amounts and all other significant terms of the swap agreement are matched to the provisions and terms of the variable rate debt hedged.  We apply hedge accounting to account for these instruments.


Our potential additional interest expense over one year that would result from a hypothetical, instantaneous and unfavorable change of 100 basis points in the interest rate on all of our variable rate obligations would be approximately $5.7 million on a pre-tax basis.

We have exposure to foreign currency fluctuations.  We have subsidiaries in nine foreign countries whose functional currency is the local currency.  Changes in foreign currency exchange rates could unfavorably impact our consolidated results of operations.   


We have exposure to commodity pricing for gas and diesel fuel for our trucks and for the purchase of containers and boxes.  We do not hedge these items to manage the exposure.  



ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


Disclosure Controls and Procedures


Our management, with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the fiscal quarter covered by this Report.  On the basis of this evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer each concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.


The term “disclosure controls and procedures” is defined in Rule 13a-14(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as “controls and other procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports, files or submits under the Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.”  Our disclosure



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controls and procedures are designed to ensure that material information relating to us and our consolidated subsidiaries is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding our required disclosures.


Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


The term internal control over financial reporting is defined as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the issuers’ principal executive and principal financial officers, and effected by the issuer’s Board of Directors, management, and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (added this).  During the quarter ended March 31, 2010, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.


FROM TIME TO TIME WE ISSUE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS RELATING TO SUCH THINGS AS ANTICIPATED FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE, BUSINESS PROSPECTS, ACQUISITION ACTIVITIES AND SIMILAR MATTERS.


THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS MAY INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES, SOME OF WHICH ARE BEYOND OUR CONTROL (FOR EXAMPLE, GENERAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS).  OUR ACTUAL RESULTS COULD DIFFER SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THE RESULTS DESCRIBED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.  FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE SUCH DIFFERENCES INCLUDE DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE INTEGRATION OF ACQUIRED BUSINESSES, CHANGES IN GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION OF MEDICAL WASTE COLLECTION AND TREATMENT, AND INCREASES IN TRANSPORTATION AND OTHER OPERATING COSTS, AS WELL AS VARIOUS OTHER FACTORS.



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PART II. – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


See Note 13, Legal Proceedings, in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Item 1 of Part I).



ITEM 2.  CHANGES IN SECURITIES, USES OF PROCEEDS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES


Under resolutions that our Board of Directors adopted in May 2002, February 2005, February 2007, May 2007 and May 2008, we have been authorized to purchase a cumulative total of 16,224,578 shares of our common stock on the open market.  As of March 31, 2010, we had purchased a cumulative total of 13,393,231 shares.


The following table provides information about our purchases during the three months ended March 31, 2010 of shares of our common stock.


Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities


Period 

 

Total Number of Share (or Units) Purchased

 

 

Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)

 

Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

 

Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs

January 1- January 31, 2010

 

                                --   

 

--

 

--

 

3,038,461

February 1- February 28, 2010

 

                          8,609

 

 

50.91

 

8,609

 

3,029,852

March 1- March 31, 2010

 

                      198,505

 

 

54.51

 

198,505

 

2,831,347



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ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS


31.1

Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Mark C. Miller, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer


31.2

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Frank J.M. ten Brink, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


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Section 1350 Certification of Mark C. Miller, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Frank J.M. ten Brink, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer



SIGNATURE


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


Dated: May 7, 2009


 

STERICYCLE, INC.

 

(Registrant)

 

By: 

/s/ Frank J.M. ten Brink

 

Frank J.M. ten Brink

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)






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