US Ecology Announces Record Full Year 2012 Results

BOISE, ID--(Marketwire - Feb 14, 2013) - US Ecology, Inc. (NASDAQ: ECOL)

• Record Operating Income of $40.6 Million
• Record Adjusted EBITDA of $58.4 Million

US Ecology, Inc. (NASDAQ: ECOL) ("the Company") today reported financial results for the quarter and full year ended December 31, 2012.

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $6.1 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, compared to $6.7 million, or $0.37 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2011. Excluding foreign currency translation and business development expenses, adjusted earnings per diluted share grew 6% to $0.36 in the fourth quarter of 2012 from $0.34 in the fourth quarter of 2011. Operating income for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $10.8 million, up 4% from $10.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. 

Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $15.6 million, up 2% from $15.3 million posted in the same quarter last year. A reconciliation of earnings per diluted share to adjusted earnings per diluted share and net income to adjusted EBITDA is attached as Exhibit A to this release. 

Total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $50.4 million, up 21% from $41.6 million in the same quarter last year. Treatment and disposal ("T&D") revenue increased 18% quarter over quarter and transportation related revenue increased 39%. US Ecology Michigan (formerly known as Dynecol, Inc.), acquired on May, 31, 2012, contributed $2.7 million of total revenue in the fourth quarter of 2012. Excluding US Ecology Michigan, T&D revenue growth in the fourth quarter of 2012 reflected a 14% increase in Base Business (recurring waste streams) revenue and a 9% increase in Event business (discrete projects) revenue compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. 

Total quarterly waste volume disposed or processed at our Idaho, Michigan, Nevada, Texas and Quebec waste facilities was 291,000 tons in the fourth quarter of 2012, down 27% from 398,000 tons disposed or processed in the fourth quarter of 2011. Average selling price ("ASP") for the fourth quarter of 2012, however, increased 61% compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. The decline in volume and improvement in ASP primarily reflects waste received in the prior year period from the GE Hudson River cleanup project.

For the fourth quarter of 2012, gross profit was $18.3 million, up 14% from $16.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. Total gross margin was 36% for the fourth quarter of 2012, down from 39% in the same quarter last year. T&D gross margin for the fourth quarter of 2012 was 44%, down from 46% in the fourth quarter of 2011. The year-over-year decrease in T&D gross margin reflects the addition of US Ecology Michigan.

Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expense for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $7.5 million, or 15% of revenue, compared to $5.6 million, or 14% of revenue in the same quarter last year. This $1.9 million increase in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to the fourth quarter of 2011 primarily reflects higher payroll related costs including variable incentive compensation, severance related costs associated with the October management reorganization, business development costs, and other general administrative costs associated with higher levels of business activity.

The Company's effective income tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2012 was 39.4% for both the fourth quarter of 2012 and the fourth quarter of 2011. 

At December 31, 2012, cash on hand was $2.1 million. Total borrowings on our lines of credit were $45.0 million, up from $40.6 million at December 31, 2011. This increase reflects the purchase of US Ecology Michigan for $10.8 million (net of adjustments) on May 31, 2012. At December 31, 2012, $26.5 million was available for future borrowings. 

"We were pleased with the strong performance across our facilities during the fourth quarter," commented Vice President, Acting Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, Eric Gerratt. "Continued double digit Base Business revenue growth and strong project based Event Business more than replaced GE Hudson River cleanup project contributions in 2011." 

Year-To-Date Results

Revenue for the year ending December 31, 2012 was $169.1 million, up 9% from $154.9 million for the year ending December 31, 2011. US Ecology Michigan contributed $6.7 million of total revenue since we acquired the business. T&D revenue grew 13% in 2012 compared to 2011. Excluding US Ecology Michigan, growth in T&D revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012 reflected a 17% increase in Base Business revenue partially offset by a 2% decline in Event Business revenue. Transportation revenue declined by 9% over the same time period reflecting lower revenue on the Company's clean-up project transportation and logistics services. 

Total volume disposed or processed at our Idaho, Michigan, Nevada, Texas and Quebec waste facilities for the year ended December 31, 2012 was 1.0 million tons, down 6% from the 1.1 million tons disposed or processed for the year ended December 31, 2011. ASP increased 21% compared to 2011 as a result of a more favorable service mix in 2012.

Gross profit was $66.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, up 23% from $53.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Gross margin was 39% for the year ended December 31, 2012, up from 35% for the same period last year. T&D margin for 2012 was 46%, up from 43% for 2011. This higher gross profit and margin reflects a more favorable service mix in 2012 than 2011, partially offset by the addition of US Ecology Michigan in 2012.

SG&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $25.7 million, or 15% of revenue, compared to $21.5 million, or 14% of revenue, for year ended December 31, 2011. This $4.2 million increase is primarily attributable to higher payroll related costs including variable incentive compensation, business development costs, severance related costs associated with the October management reorganization and other general administrative costs associated with higher levels of business activity.

Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2012 was a record $40.6 million, up 26% from $32.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. 

Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2012 was a record $58.4 million, 17% above the $49.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. A reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA is attached as Exhibit A to this release. 

Our effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2012 was 38.5%, up slightly from 38.4% for the year ended December 31, 2011. This slight increase is primarily the result of an increase in our estimated state income tax. 

Net income was a record $25.7 million, or $1.40 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2012, up 40% from $18.4 million, or $1.01 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2011. As reconciled in Exhibit A to this release, adjusted earnings per share were $1.39 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2012, up 31% from the $1.06 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2011.

2013 Outlook

"Delivering record operating income, net income and record Adjusted EBITDA in 2012 on the heels of strong 2011 performance is a true testament to the value of US Ecology's fixed facility assets and continued operational excellence by our entire team," commented Jeff Feeler, Acting President and Chief Operating Officer. "Moving into 2013, market conditions look improved over a year ago. Industrial activity is strong in the markets we serve and our Event Business pipeline looks better than it has in several years. Our environmentally protective facilities and broad permits covering both the hazardous and radioactive markets position us to compete for a uniquely diverse array of services throughout the United States and Canada. While we are mindful of economic risks and continued uncertainty in government spending, we remain confident in our ability to continue to drive growth and increase profitability, both organically and through select acquisitions to broaden our service offerings or expand our geographical presence."

Based on continued strong market conditions, management is projecting 2013 Adjusted EBITDA of between $62 and $65 million and earnings per diluted share of between $1.45 and $1.55, excluding any foreign currency gains or losses.

Capital spending for 2013 is estimated to range from $22 to $23 million. This includes approximately $3.4 million of carryover from 2012 projects that are ongoing. In 2012 the Company invested $15.8 million in capital projects. Capital expenditures for 2013 will be devoted primarily to constructing additional disposal space at multiple facilities, acquiring land for future expansion and ongoing infrastructure upgrades and equipment replacement at our operating facilities. 

Dividend

On December 12, 2012, the Company declared and accelerated the record and payment date of the quarterly dividend of $0.18 per common share to stockholders of record on December 20, 2012. The dividend was paid using cash on hand on December 27, 2012 in an aggregate amount of $3.3 million.

Conference Call

US Ecology, Inc. will hold an investor conference call on Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 10 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (8:00 a.m. Mountain Standard Time) to discuss these results and its current financial position and business outlook. Questions will be invited after management's presentation. Interested parties can join the conference call by dialing 866-713-8563 or 617-597-5311 and using the passcode 96536035. The conference call will also be broadcast live on our website at www.usecology.com. An audio replay will be available through February 21, 2013 by calling 888-286-8010 or 617-801-6888 and using the passcode 72063631. The replay will also be accessible on our website at www.usecology.com.

About US Ecology, Inc.

US Ecology, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides radioactive, hazardous, PCB and non-hazardous industrial waste management and recycling services to commercial and government entities, such as refineries and chemical production facilities, manufacturers, electric utilities, steel mills, medical and academic institutions and waste brokers. Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, the Company is one of the oldest radioactive and hazardous waste services companies in North America.

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are based on our current expectations, beliefs and assumptions about the industry and markets in which US Ecology, Inc. and its subsidiaries operate. Because such statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from what is expressed herein and no assurance can be given that the Company will achieve its 2013 earnings estimates, successfully execute its growth strategy, increase market share, or declare or pay future dividends. For information on other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, please refer to US Ecology, Inc.'s December 31, 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Many of the factors that will determine the Company's future results are beyond the ability of management to control or predict. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management's views only as of the date such statements are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Important assumptions and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking information include a loss of a major customer or contract, compliance with and changes to applicable laws, rules, or regulations, access to cost effective transportation services, access to insurance, surety bonds and other financial assurances, loss of key personnel, lawsuits, labor disputes, adverse economic conditions, government funding or competitive pressures, incidents or adverse weather conditions that could limit or suspend specific operations, implementation of new technologies, market conditions, average selling prices for recycled materials, our ability to replace business from recently completed large projects, our ability to perform under required contracts, our ability to permit and contract for timely construction of new or expanded disposal cells, our willingness or ability to pay dividends and our ability to effectively close and integrate future acquisitions.

Investors should also be aware that while we do, from time to time, communicate with securities analysts, it is against our policy to disclose to them any material non-public information or other confidential commercial information. Accordingly, stockholders should not assume that we agree with any statement or report issued by any analyst irrespective of the content of the statement or report. Furthermore, we have a policy against issuing or confirming financial forecasts or projections issued by others. Thus, to the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain any projections, forecasts or opinions, such reports are not the responsibility of US Ecology, Inc.

US ECOLOGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
				Three Months Ended December 31,								For the Year Ended December 31,
				2012				2011				2012				2011
Revenue				$	50,406			$	41,567			$	169,138			$	154,917
Direct operating costs					23,013				18,933				79,177				73,758
Transportation costs					9,087				6,603				23,664				27,292
Gross profit					18,306				16,031				66,297				53,867
Selling, general and administrative expenses					7,492				5,628				25,659				21,502
Operating income					10,814				10,403				40,638				32,365
Other income (expense):
	Interest income				4				5				17				26
	Interest expense				(219	)			(327	)			(878	)			(1,604	)
	Foreign currency gain (loss)				(562	)			872				1,213				(1,321	)
	Other				56				96				728				341
		Total other income (expense)			(721	)			646				1,080				(2,558	)
Income before income taxes					10,093				11,049				41,718				29,807
Income tax expense					3,981				4,350				16,059				11,437
Net income				$	6,112			$	6,699			$	25,659			$	18,370
Earnings per share:
		Basic		$	0.33			$	0.37			$	1.41			$	1.01
		Diluted		$	0.33			$	0.37			$	1.40			$	1.01
Shares used in earnings per share calculation:
		Basic			18,269				18,211				18,238				18,198
		Diluted			18,332				18,237				18,281				18,223
Dividends paid per share				$	0.36			$	0.18			$	0.90			$	0.72

US ECOLOGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
				December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
Assets
Current Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents			$	2,120			$	4,289
	Receivables, net				33,947				29,818
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets				3,161				2,185
	Income tax receivable				-				181
	Deferred income taxes				1,276				964
		Total current assets			40,504				37,437
Property and equipment, net					109,792				99,975
Restricted cash					4,111				4,115
Intangible assets, net					40,771				39,238
Goodwill					23,105				21,200
Other assets					411				623
Total assets				$	218,694			$	202,588
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
	Accounts payable			$	6,333			$	4,669
	Deferred revenue				3,919				3,574
	Accrued liabilities				7,322				10,569
	Accrued salaries and benefits				7,570				5,382
	Income tax payable				426				1,510
	Current portion of closure and post-closure obligations				1,913				2,890
	Current portion of long-term debt				-				71
		Total current liabilities			27,483				28,665
Long-term closure and post-closure obligations					15,449				14,448
Reducing revolving line of credit					45,000				40,500
Other long-term liabilities					114				150
Unrecognized tax benefits					467				454
Deferred income taxes					18,159				18,208
	Total liabilities				106,672				102,425
Contingencies and commitments
Stockholders' Equity
	Common stock				184				183
	Additional paid-in capital				63,969				62,455
	Retained earnings				48,424				39,197
	Treasury stock				(1,183	)			(1,555	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)				628				(117	)
		Total stockholders' equity			112,022				100,163
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity				$	218,694			$	202,588

US ECOLOGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
						For the Year Ended December 31,
						2012				2011
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
	Net income					$	25,659			$	18,370
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
		Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment					13,916				13,933
		Amortization of intangible assets					1,469				1,419
		Accretion of closure and post-closure obligations					1,483				1,292
		Unrealized foreign currency (gain) loss					(1,400	)			1,324
		Deferred income taxes					(711	)			(1,095	)
		Stock-based compensation expense					846				837
		Unrecognized tax benefits					13				454
		Net loss on sale of property and equipment					13				187
		Changes in assets and liabilities (net of effect of business acquisition):
			Receivables, net				(1,850	)			3,593
			Income tax receivable				187				(188	)
			Other assets				(677	)			715
			Accounts payable and accrued liabilities				(2,172	)			2,880
			Deferred revenue				(50	)			(21	)
			Accrued salaries and benefits				1,929				1,389
			Income tax payable				(1,083	)			(1,106	)
			Closure and post-closure obligations				(2,398	)			(792	)
				Net cash provided by operating activities			35,174				43,191
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
		Purchases of property and equipment					(15,766	)			(10,096	)
		Business acquisition, net of cash acquired					(10,743	)			-
		Proceeds from sale of property and equipment					198				98
		Restricted cash					5				-
				Net cash used in investing activities			(26,306	)			(9,998	)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
		Proceeds from reducing revolving line of credit					26,000				16,900
		Proceeds from stock option exercises					1,035				142
		Payments on reducing revolving line of credit					(21,500	)			(39,400	)
		Dividends paid					(16,432	)			(13,113	)
		Other					(303	)			307
				Net cash used in financing activities			(11,200	)			(35,164	)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash							163				(82	)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents							(2,169	)			(2,053	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year							4,289				6,342
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year						$	2,120			$	4,289

EXHIBIT A

Non-GAAP Results and Reconciliation

US Ecology reports adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings per diluted share results, which are non-GAAP financial measures, as a complement to results provided in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP) and believes that such information provides analysts, shareholders, and other users information to better understand the Company's operating performance. Because adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings per diluted share are not measurements determined in accordance with GAAP and are thus susceptible to varying calculations they may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Items excluded from adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings per diluted share are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance. 

Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings per diluted share should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to, or substitute for, net income, cash flows generated by operations, investing or financing activities, or other financial statement data presented in the consolidated financial statements as indicators of financial performance or liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings per diluted share have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or a substitute for analyzing our results as reported under GAAP. Some of the limitations are:

• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;
• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our interest expense, or the requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt;
• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our income tax expenses or the cash requirements to pay our taxes;
• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our cash expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; and
• although depreciation and amortization charges are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect cash requirements for such replacements.

Adjusted EBITDA
The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income before interest expense, interest income, income tax expense, depreciation, amortization, stock based compensation, accretion of closure and post-closure liabilities, foreign currency gain/loss and other income/expense, which are not considered part of usual business operations. The following reconciliation itemizes the differences between reported net income and Adjusted EBITDA for the three months and year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:

(in thousands)			Three Months Ended December 31,								For the Year Ended December 31,
			2012				2011				2012				2011
Net Income			$	6,112			$	6,699			$	25,659			$	18,370
	Income tax expense			3,981				4,350				16,059				11,437
	Interest expense			219				327				878				1,604
	Interest income			(4	)			(5	)			(17	)			(26	)
	Foreign currency (gain)/loss			562				(872	)			(1,213	)			1,321
	Other income			(56	)			(96	)			(728	)			(341	)
	Depreciation and amortization of plant and equipment			3,695				4,022				13,916				13,933
	Amortization of intangibles			373				343				1,469				1,419
	Stock-based compensation			282				215				846				837
	Accretion and non-cash adjustments of closure & post-closure liabilities			464				325				1,483				1,295
Adjusted EBITDA			$	15,628			$	15,308			$	58,352			$	49,849

EXHIBIT A

Non-GAAP Results and Reconciliation, continued

Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share
The Company defines adjusted earnings per diluted share as net income plus the after tax impact of non-cash, non-operational foreign currency gains or losses ("Foreign Currency Gain/Loss") plus the after tax impact of business development cost divided by the diluted shares used in the earnings per share calculation. The Foreign Currency Gain/Loss excluded from the earnings per diluted share calculation are related to intercompany loans between our Canadian subsidiary and the U.S. parent which have been established as part of our tax and treasury management strategy. These intercompany loans are payable in CAD requiring us to revalue the outstanding loan balance through our consolidated income statement based on the CAD/USD currency movements from period to period. We believe excluding the currency movements for these intercompany financial instruments provides meaningful information to investors regarding the operational and financial performance of the Company.

Business development costs relate to expenses incurred to evaluate businesses for potential acquisition or costs related to closing and integrating successfully acquired businesses. Business development costs in 2012 include the acquisition of Dynecol, Inc. which closed on May 31, 2012 and other business development and strategic planning activities. Business development costs in 2011 primarily relate to the acquisition of Stablex on October 31, 2010. We believe excluding these business development costs provides meaningful information to investors regarding the operational and financial performance of the Company.

The following reconciliation itemizes the differences between reported net income and earnings per diluted share to adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per diluted share for the three months and the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:

(in thousands, except per share data)		Three Months Ended December 31,												For the Year Ended December 31,
		2012						2011						2012						2011
					per share						per share						per share						per share
Net income / earnings per diluted share		$	6,112		$	0.33		$	6,699		$	0.37		$	25,659		$	1.40		$	18,370		$	1.01
Business development costs, net of tax		$	150			0.01			-			-			628			0.03			193			0.01
Non-cash foreign currency (gain)/loss, net of tax		$	418			0.02			(568	)		(0.03	)		(713	)		(0.04	)		816			0.04
Adjusted net income / adjusted earnings per diluted share		$	6,680			0.36		$	6,131		$	0.34		$	25,574			1.39		$	19,379		$	1.06
Shares used in earnings per diluted share calculation			18,332						18,237						18,281						18,223