REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC. You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements that anticipate results that are subject to uncertainty. We discuss in more detail various factors that could cause actual results to differ from expectations in Item 1A, Risk Factors in this Form 10-K. For further discussion regarding our results of operations for the year endedDecember 31, 2019 as compared to the year endedDecember 31, 2018 , refer to Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2019 . Recent Developments InMarch 2020 , theWorld Health Organization declared the outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global economy, disrupted global supply chains and created significant volatility and disruption of financial markets. The full extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and financial performance will depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the pandemic, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time. Both national and local government agencies have implemented steps to slow the spread of the virus, including shelter-in-place orders and the mandatory shutdown of certain businesses. During this time, we continued to provide essential services to our customers. Inmid-March 2020 , certain customers in our small- and large-container businesses began adjusting their service levels, which included a decrease in the frequency of pickups or a temporary pause in service. In addition, we experienced a decline in volumes disposed at certain of our landfills and transfer stations. As service levels decreased, we also experienced a decrease in certain costs of our operations which are variable in nature. This decline in service activity peaked in the first half of April and gradually recovered thereafter as local economies began to gradually reopen and customers began to resume service. Large outbreaks and resurgences of COVID-19 in various regions may result in a reinstitution of certain restrictions and further adjustments in our service levels, which would negatively impact our business. 31 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents The demand for our environmental solutions business depends on the continued demand for, and production of, oil and natural gas in certain shale basins located inthe United States . During the year endedDecember 31, 2020 , the price of crude oil and natural gas reached historic lows, resulting in a decrease in rig counts and drilling activity that led to a year-over-year decrease in revenue from our environmental solutions business. During the three months endedDecember 31, 2020 , we recognized a$42.6 million charge as a loss on business divestitures and impairments, net in our consolidated income statement resulting from management's decision to exit certain product offerings and geographic basins in our upstream environmental solutions business. As the carrying value of the assets associated with these operations was no longer recoverable, we impaired the entire net book value of certain assets, comprised mainly of equipment, vehicles, and containers. On at least a quarterly basis, we will continue to monitor the effect of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic on our business and review our estimates for recoverability of assets. InApril 2020 , we launched our Committed to Serve initiative to help our employees, customers and communities acrossthe United States . We committed$20 million to support frontline employees and their families, as well as small business customers in the local communities where we serve. In addition to this initiative, we have experienced an increase in certain costs of doing business as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including costs for additional safety equipment and hygiene products and increased facility and equipment cleaning. These costs are intended to assist in protecting the safety of our frontline employees as we continue to provide an essential service to our customers. We also incurred incremental costs for guaranteeing certain frontline employees a minimum hourly work week regardless of service decreases. In the fourth quarter, we recognized our frontline employees for their commitment and contributions to their communities during the pandemic with a$500 award that was paid inJanuary 2021 . In 2020, we incurred costs of$68.4 million as a direct and incremental result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we incurred incremental costs associated with expanding certain aspects of our existing healthcare programs. We expect to incur similar costs throughout 2021, and potentially into future years, although we expect the annual amount of such costs to be less than those incurred in 2020. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business are described in more detail in the Results of Operations discussion in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 2021 Financial Guidance In 2021, we will focus on driving profitable growth, making disciplined acquisition investments, maintaining an inclusive and engaging culture for our people, and advancing technology to empower our employees, increase connectivity with our customers and drive operational excellence. Our team remains focused on executing our strategy to deliver consistent earnings and free cash flow growth, and improving return on invested capital. We are committed to maintaining an efficient capital structure, preserving our investment grade credit ratings and increasing cash returned to our shareholders. Our guidance is based on current economic conditions and does not assume any significant changes in the overall economy in 2021. Specific guidance follows: Revenue We expect an increase in average yield of approximately 2.5% and volume growth to be in a range of 1.5% to 2.0%. Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share The following is a summary of anticipated adjusted diluted earnings per share for the year endingDecember 31, 2021 compared to the actual adjusted diluted earnings per share for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . Adjusted diluted earnings per share is not a measure determined in accordance withU.S. GAAP: (Anticipated) (Actual) Year Ending Year Ended December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Diluted earnings per share$ 3.61 to 3.68 $ 3.02 Loss on extinguishment of debt and other related costs - 0.23 Withdrawal costs - multiemployer pension funds - 0.08 Restructuring charges 0.04 to 0.05 0.05 Loss on business divestitures and impairments, net - 0.21 Bridgeton insurance recovery - (0.03) Adjusted diluted earnings per share$ 3.65 to 3.73 $ 3.56 We believe that the presentation of adjusted diluted earnings per share, which excludes loss on extinguishment of debt and other related costs, multiemployer pension fund withdrawal costs, restructuring charges, loss on business divestitures and impairments, net, andBridgeton insurance recoveries provides an understanding of operational activities before the financial 32 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents effect of certain items. We use this measure, and believe investors will find it helpful, in understanding the ongoing performance of our operations separate from items that have a disproportionate effect on our results for a particular period. We have incurred comparable charges and costs in prior periods, and similar types of adjustments can reasonably be expected to be recorded in future periods. Our definition of adjusted diluted earnings per share may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Overview Republic is one of the largest providers of environmental services inthe United States , as measured by revenue. As ofDecember 31, 2020 , we operated facilities in 41 states through 345 collection operations, 220 transfer stations, 186 active landfills, 76 recycling processing centers, 6 treatment, recovery and disposal facilities, 9 salt water disposal wells, and 7 deep injection wells. We are engaged in 75 landfill gas-to-energy and renewable energy projects and had post-closure responsibility for 128 closed landfills. Revenue for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 decreased by (1.4)% to$10,153.6 million compared to$10,299.4 million for the same period in 2019. This change in revenue is due to decreased volumes of (3.1)%, fuel recovery fees of (0.7)%, and environmental solutions of (0.9)%, partially offset by increases in average yield of 2.6%, acquisitions, net of divestitures of 0.4%, recycling processing and commodity sales of 0.3%, and one additional workday as compared to 2019. The following table summarizes our revenue, costs and expenses for the years endedDecember 31, 2020 and 2019 (in millions of dollars and as a percentage of revenue): 2020 2019 Revenue$ 10,153.6 100.0 %$ 10,299.4 100.0 % Expenses: Cost of operations 6,100.5 60.1 6,298.4 61.2
Depreciation, amortization and depletion of property and equipment
1,015.9 10.0 985.8 9.6
Amortization of other intangible assets 21.2 0.2 20.4 0.2
Amortization of other assets 38.8 0.4 34.3 0.3
Accretion 82.9 0.8 81.9 0.8
Selling, general and administrative 1,053.0 10.4 1,091.9 10.6
Withdrawal costs - multiemployer pension funds 34.5 0.3 - -
Loss (gain) on business divestitures and impairments, net
77.7 0.8 (14.7) (0.1)
Restructuring charges 20.0 0.2 14.2 0.1
Operating income $ 1,709.1 16.8 % $ 1,787.2 17.3 %
Our pre-tax income was $1,142.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 ,
compared to $1,295.8 million in 2019. Our net income attributable to Republic
Services, Inc. was $967.2 million , or $3.02 per diluted share for 2020, compared
to $1,073.3 million , or $3.33 per diluted share, for 2019.
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During 2020 and 2019, we recorded a number of charges, other expenses and
benefits that impacted our pre-tax income, net income attributable to Republic
Services, Inc. (net income - Republic) and diluted earnings per share as noted
in the following table (in millions, except per share data). Additionally, see
our Results of Operations section of this Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for a discussion of other items
that impacted our earnings during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
For comparative purposes, prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform
to current year presentation.
Year Ended December 31, 2020 Year Ended December 31, 2019
Diluted Diluted
Net Earnings Net Earnings
Pre-tax Income - per Pre-tax Income - per
Income Republic Share Income Republic Share
As reported $ 1,142.7 $ 967.2 $ 3.02 $ 1,295.8 $ 1,073.3 $ 3.33
Loss on extinguishment of debt and other related
costs 99.1 73.0 0.23 - - -
Restructuring charges 20.0 14.8 0.05 14.2 10.4 0.04
Loss (gain) on business divestitures and
impairments, net 77.7 65.5 0.21 (14.7) (8.7) (0.03)
Withdrawal costs - multiemployer pension funds 34.5 25.5 0.08 - - - Fire-damage related costs - - - 7.7 5.7 0.02 Bridgeton insurance recovery (10.8) (8.2) (0.03) (24.0) (18.3) (0.06) Incremental contract startup costs - large municipal contract (1) - - - 0.7 0.5 - Total adjustments 220.5 170.6 0.54 (16.1) (10.4) (0.03) As adjusted$ 1,363.2 $ 1,137.8 $ 3.56 $ 1,279.7 $ 1,062.9 $ 3.30 (1) The aggregate impact to adjusted diluted earnings per share totals to less than$0.01 for the year endedDecember 31, 2019 . We believe that presenting adjusted pre-tax income, adjusted net income - Republic, and adjusted diluted earnings per share, which are not measures determined in accordance withU.S. GAAP, 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 and costs in prior periods, and similar types of adjustments can reasonably be expected to be recorded in future periods. Our definitions of adjusted pre-tax income, adjusted net income - Republic, and adjusted diluted earnings per share may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Further information on each of these adjustments is included below. Loss on extinguishment of debt and other related costs. During 2020, we incurred a loss on the early extinguishment of debt and other related costs related to the early extinguishment of our$600.0 million 5.250% senior notes dueNovember 2021 (the 2021 Notes) and our$850.0 million 3.550% senior notes dueJune 2022 (the 2022 Notes), and to redeem$250.0 million of the$550.0 million outstanding 4.750% senior notes dueMay 2023 (the 2023 Notes). We paid total cash premiums of$99.1 million and incurred non-cash charges related to the proportional share of unamortized discounts and deferred issuance costs of$2.8 million . The unamortized proportional share of certain cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings as non-cash interest expense was$1.8 million , and the proportional share of our fair value hedges (related to the 2023 Notes) that were dedesignated and recognized in earnings as a reduction to non-cash interest expense was$4.7 million . During 2019, we did not incur any losses on the early extinguishment of certain financing arrangements. Restructuring charges. In 2019, we incurred costs related to the redesign of certain back-office software systems, which continued into 2020. In addition, inJuly 2020 , we eliminated certain back-office support positions in response to a decline in the underlying demand for services resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. During 2020, we incurred restructuring charges of$20.0 million which primarily related to these restructuring efforts. During 2019, we incurred restructuring charges of$14.2 million , which primarily related to the redesign of certain of our back-office software systems. We paid$15.5 million and$10.6 million during 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to these restructuring efforts. In 2021, we expect to incur additional restructuring charges of approximately$15 million to$20 million primarily related to the redesign of certain of our back-office software systems. Substantially all of these restructuring charges will be recorded in our corporate segment. Loss (gain) on business divestitures and impairments, net. During 2020, we recorded a net loss on business divestitures and impairments of$77.7 million which was due to business divestitures and asset impairments in certain markets, including$42.6 million resulting from management's decision to exit certain product offerings and geographic basins in our upstream environmental solutions business. During 2019, we recorded a net gain on business divestitures and impairments of$(14.7) million . 34 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents Withdrawal costs - multiemployer pension funds. During 2020, we recorded charges to earnings of$34.5 million for withdrawal events at multiemployer pension funds to which we contribute. As we obtain updated information regarding multiemployer pension funds, the factors used in deriving our estimated withdrawal liabilities will be subject to change, which may adversely impact our reserves for withdrawal costs. Fire-damage related costs. During the three months endedDecember 31, 2019 , certain of our owned and operated facilities in our Group 1 segment were impacted by separate fire-related events. Although our business may incur fire-related damage to our leased or owned property, plant and equipment from time to time, we specifically identify in the table above fire-damage related costs of$7.7 million incurred during 2019, due to its magnitude.Bridgeton insurance recovery. During 2020 and 2019, we recognized insurance recoveries of$10.8 million and$24.0 million , respectively, related to our closedBridgeton Landfill inMissouri , which we recognized as a reduction of remediation expenses in our cost of operations. Incremental contract start-up costs - large municipal contract. Although our business regularly incurs startup costs under municipal contracts, we specifically identify in the table above the startup costs with respect to an individual municipal contract (and do not adjust for other startup costs under other contracts in 2020 or 2019). We do this because of the magnitude of the costs involved with this particular municipal contract and the unusual nature for the time period in which they were incurred. During 2019, we incurred costs of$0.7 million related to the implementation of this large municipal contract. These costs did not meet the capitalization criteria prescribed by Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs-Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40). Results of Operations Revenue We generate revenue by providing environmental services to our customers, including the collection and processing of recyclable materials, collection, transfer and disposal of non-hazardous solid waste, and other environmental solutions. Our residential, small-container and large-container collection operations in some markets are based on long-term contracts with municipalities. Certain of our municipal contracts have annual price escalation clauses that are tied to changes in an underlying base index such as a consumer price index. We generally provide small-container and large-container collection services to customers under contracts with terms up to three years. Our transfer stations and landfills generate revenue from disposal or tipping fees charged to third parties. Our recycling processing centers generate revenue from tipping fees charged to third parties and the sale of recycled commodities. Our revenue from environmental solutions consists mainly of fees we charge for disposal of non-hazardous solid and liquid material and in-plant services, such as transportation and logistics. Environmental solutions waste is generated from the by-product of oil and natural gas exploration and production activity. Additionally, it is generated by the daily operations of industrial, petrochemical and refining facilities, including maintenance, plant turnarounds and capital projects. Other non-core revenue consists primarily of revenue from National Accounts, which represents the portion of revenue generated from nationwide or regional contracts in markets outside our operating areas where the associated material handling is subcontracted to local operators. Consequently, substantially all of this revenue is offset with related subcontract costs, which are recorded in cost of operations. 35 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents The following table reflects our revenue by service line for the years endedDecember 31, 2020 and 2019 (in millions of dollars and as a percentage of revenue): 2020 2019 Collection: Residential$ 2,309.0 22.7 %$ 2,271.9 22.1 % Small-container 3,106.8 30.6 3,170.0 30.8 Large-container 2,148.9 21.2 2,249.6 21.8 Other 51.5 0.5 46.1 0.4 Total collection 7,616.2 75.0 7,737.6 75.1 Transfer 1,349.4 1,318.7 Less: intercompany (745.9) (748.1) Transfer, net 603.5 5.9 570.6 5.5 Landfill 2,298.1 2,324.2 Less: intercompany (1,018.5) (1,024.1) Landfill, net 1,279.6 12.6 1,300.1 12.6 Environmental solutions 127.7 1.3 191.7 1.9 Other: Recycling processing and commodity sales 297.1 2.9 273.3 2.7 Other non-core 229.5 2.3 226.1 2.2 Total other 526.6 5.2 499.4 4.9 Total revenue$ 10,153.6 100.0 %$ 10,299.4 100.0 % The following table reflects changes in components of our revenue, as a percentage of total revenue, for the years endedDecember 31, 2020 and 2019: 2020 2019 Average yield 2.6 % 2.8 % Fuel recovery fees (0.7) - Total price 1.9 2.8 Volume (3.1) (0.4)
Recycling processing and commodity sales 0.3 (0.3) Environmental solutions
(0.9) (0.3)
Total internal growth (1.8) 1.8
Acquisitions / divestitures, net 0.4 0.8
Total (1.4) % 2.6 %
Core price 4.8 % 4.7 %
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, net of price
decreases to retain customers. We also measure changes in average yield and core
price as a percentage of related-business revenue, defined as total revenue
excluding recycled commodities and fuel recovery fees, to determine the
effectiveness of our pricing strategies. Average yield as a percentage of
related-business revenue was 2.8% and 2.9% for 2020 and 2019, respectively. Core
price as a percentage of related-business revenue was 5.0% for both 2020 and
2019.
During 2020, we experienced the following changes in our revenue as compared to
2019:
•Average yield increased revenue by 2.6% due to positive pricing changes in all
lines of business.
•The fuel recovery fee program, which mitigates our exposure to increases in
fuel prices, decreased revenue by (0.7)%, primarily due to a decrease in fuel
prices compared to the same period in 2019 and a decrease in the total revenue
subject to the fuel recovery fees.
•Volume decreased revenue by (3.1)% primarily due to a reduction in service
levels attributable to the COVID-19
36
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pandemic. We experienced volume declines in our small- and large-container lines
of business as a result of a reduction in the frequency of pickups or a
temporary pause in service for certain of our customers. In addition, we
experienced declines in special waste volumes disposed at certain of our
landfills and a decrease in volumes at our transfer stations. These decreases
were partially offset by an increase in construction and demolition volumes in
our landfill line of business along with one additional workday as compared to
2019.
•Recycling processing and commodity sales increased revenue by 0.3% primarily
due to an increase in overall commodity prices as compared to 2019. The average
price for recycled commodities, excluding glass and organics for 2020 was $96
per ton compared to $77 per ton for 2019.
Changing market demand for recycled commodities causes volatility in commodity
prices. At current volumes and mix of materials, we believe a $10 per ton change
in the price of recycled commodities will change both annual revenue and
operating income by approximately $12 million .
•Environmental solutions revenue decreased by (0.9)% primarily due to a decrease
in rig counts, drilling activity, and the delay of in-plant project work as a
result of lower demand for crude oil.
•Acquisitions, net of divestitures, increased revenue by 0.4% due to our
continued growth strategy of acquiring privately held environmental services
companies that complement our existing business platform. This was partially
offset by a decrease in revenue due to the divestiture of certain non-strategic
assets during the year.
Cost of Operations
Cost of operations includes labor and related benefits, which consists of
salaries and wages, health and welfare benefits, incentive compensation and
payroll taxes. It also includes transfer and disposal costs representing tipping
fees paid to third party disposal facilities and transfer stations; maintenance
and repairs relating to our vehicles, equipment and containers, including
related labor and benefit costs; transportation and subcontractor costs, which
include costs for independent haulers that transport our material to disposal
facilities and costs for local operators who provide environmental services
associated with our National Accounts in markets outside our standard operating
areas; fuel, which includes the direct cost of fuel used by our vehicles, net of
fuel tax credits; disposal fees and taxes, consisting of landfill taxes, host
community fees and royalties; landfill operating costs, which includes financial
assurance, leachate disposal, remediation charges and other landfill maintenance
costs; risk management costs, which include insurance premiums and claims; cost
of goods sold, which includes material costs paid to suppliers; and other, which
includes expenses such as facility operating costs, equipment rent and gains or
losses on sale of assets used in our operations.
The following table summarizes the major components of our cost of operations
for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in millions of dollars and as a
percentage of revenue):
2020 2019
Labor and related benefits$ 2,153.4 21.2 %$ 2,202.4 21.4 % Transfer and disposal costs 796.9 7.9 841.7 8.2 Maintenance and repairs 969.6 9.6 1,006.2 9.8 Transportation and subcontract costs 674.1 6.6 674.9 6.5 Fuel 271.7 2.7 347.9 3.4 Disposal fees and taxes 313.5 3.1 325.7 3.2 Landfill operating costs 258.2 2.5 244.7 2.4 Risk management 213.9 2.1 230.7 2.2 Other 460.0 4.5 440.6 4.2 Subtotal 6,111.3 60.2 6,314.8 61.3 Fire-damage related costs (1) - - 7.6 0.1 Bridgeton insurance recovery (10.8) (0.1) (24.0) (0.2) Total cost of operations$ 6,100.5 60.1 %$ 6,298.4 61.2 % (1) During the three months and year endedDecember 31, 2019 , we incurred an additional$0.1 million of fire-damage related costs, which are reflected in other selling, general, and administrative expense. These cost categories may change from time to time and may not be comparable to similarly titled categories presented by other companies. As such, you should take care when comparing our cost of operations by component to that of other companies and of ours for prior periods. 37 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents Our cost of operations decreased for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 as a result of the following: •Labor and related benefits decreased due to a decline in service levels attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by higher hourly and salaried wages as a result of annual merit increases, and one additional workday during 2020 as compared to 2019. •Transfer and disposal costs decreased as a result of lower collection volumes, partially offset by an increase in third party disposal rates. During both 2020 and 2019, approximately 68% of the total solid waste volume we collected was disposed at landfill sites that we own or operate (internalization). •Maintenance and repairs expense decreased due to a decrease in service levels attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. •Transportation and subcontract costs decreased slightly primarily due to a decline in demand for our environmental solutions business as well as a decrease in transfer station volumes, partially offset by increases due to acquisition-related activity along with one additional workday during 2020 as compared to 2019. •Fuel costs decreased due to a decline in fuel prices and service levels attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. The national average cost per gallon for diesel fuel in 2020 was$2.55 compared to$3.06 for 2019. At current consumption levels, we believe atwenty-cent per gallon change in the price of diesel fuel would change our fuel costs by approximately$25 million per year. Offsetting these changes in fuel expense would be changes in our fuel recovery fee charged to our customers. At current participation rates, we believe atwenty-cent per gallon change in the price of diesel fuel would change our fuel recovery fee by approximately$25 million per year. •Disposal fees and taxes decreased due to a decrease in service levels attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. •Landfill operating expenses increased due to the recognition of certain favorable remediation adjustments in 2019 that did not recur in 2020. •Risk management expenses decreased primarily due to favorable actuarial development in our auto liability and workers compensation prior year programs, coupled with a decline in exposure in our current year program. •Other costs of operations increased during 2020 as a result of incremental costs incurred related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including costs for additional safety equipment and hygiene products, increased facility and equipment cleaning, and costs associated with our Committed to Serve initiative, partially offset by a decline in necessary facility repairs as well as decreased third party equipment rentals as a result of a decline in service levels attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. •During 2019, we incurred$7.6 million of fire-related damage costs in our cost of operations that resulted from damage to our leased or owned property, plant and equipment in our Group 1 segment. •During 2020 and 2019, we recognized favorable insurance recoveries of$10.8 million and$24.0 million , respectively, related to our closedBridgeton Landfill as a reduction of remediation expenses in our consolidated statement of income for the applicable period. Depreciation, Amortization and Depletion of Property and Equipment The following table summarizes depreciation, amortization and depletion of property and equipment for the years endedDecember 31, 2020 and 2019 (in millions of dollars and as a percentage of revenue): 2020 2019
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment
6.8 %$ 652.8 6.4 % Landfill depletion and amortization 323.0 3.2 333.0 3.2 Depreciation, amortization and depletion expense$ 1,015.9 10.0 %$ 985.8 9.6 % Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment increased primarily due to additional assets acquired with our acquisitions. Landfill depletion and amortization decreased in aggregate dollars due to lower landfill disposal volumes primarily driven by decreased special waste volumes, partially offset by an increase in our overall average depletion rate. Amortization of Other Intangible Assets Expenses for amortization of other intangible assets were$21.2 million and$20.4 million for the years endedDecember 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, or 0.2% of revenue for both 2020 and 2019. Our other intangible assets primarily relate to 38 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents customer relationships and, to a lesser extent, non-compete agreements. Amortization expense increased due to additional assets acquired with our acquisitions. Amortization of Other Assets Expenses for amortization of other assets were$38.8 million , or 0.4% of revenue, for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 , compared to$34.3 million , or 0.3% of revenue, for 2019. Our other assets primarily relate to the prepayment of fees and capitalized implementation costs associated with cloud-based hosting arrangements. Accretion Expense Accretion expense was$82.9 million and$81.9 million , or 0.8% of revenue, for the years endedDecember 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Accretion expense has remained relatively unchanged as our asset retirement obligations remained relatively consistent period over period. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, health and welfare benefits, and incentive compensation for corporate and field general management, field support functions, sales force, accounting and finance, legal, management information systems, and clerical and administrative departments. Other expenses include rent and office costs, fees for professional services provided by third parties, legal settlements, marketing, investor and community relations services, directors' and officers' insurance, general employee relocation, travel, entertainment and bank charges. Restructuring charges are excluded from selling, general and administrative expenses and are discussed separately. The following table summarizes our selling, general and administrative expenses for the years endedDecember 31, 2020 and 2019 (in millions of dollars and as a percentage of revenue): 2020 2019 Salaries and related benefits$ 740.5 7.3 %$ 751.9 7.3 % Provision for doubtful accounts 27.8 0.3 34.0 0.3 Other 284.7 2.8 306.0 3.0
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
10.4 %$ 1,091.9 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. The most significant items affecting our selling, general and administrative expenses during 2020 as compared to 2019 are summarized below: •In 2020, salaries and related benefits decreased in aggregate dollars primarily due to a decrease in compensation expense related to our performance shares and continued efficiencies at our customer resource centers attributable to our investments in enhanced technology platforms. This decrease was partially offset by higher wages, benefits and other payroll related items resulting from annual merit increases. •Provision for doubtful accounts decreased in aggregate dollars during 2020, primarily due to improved collections during the period as demonstrated by the reduction in our days sales outstanding to 38.6, or 26.4 days net of deferred revenue, as ofDecember 31, 2020 compared to 39.8, or 27.9 days net of deferred revenue, as ofDecember 31, 2019 . •Other selling, general and administrative expenses decreased during 2020, primarily due to a decrease in travel and advertising costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in facility and equipment cleaning expenses attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic, professional fees, certain charitable donations associated with our Committed to Serve initiative, and acquisition deal costs. Withdrawal Costs - Multiemployer Pension Funds During 2020, we recorded charges to earnings of$34.5 million for withdrawal events at multiemployer pension funds to which we contribute. We paid$34.4 million during 2020 relative to these withdrawal events. As we obtain updated information regarding multiemployer pension funds, the factors used in deriving our estimated withdrawal liabilities will be subject to change, which may adversely impact our reserves for withdrawal costs. Loss (Gain) on Business Divestitures and Impairments, Net We strive to have a number one or number two market position in each of the markets we serve, or have a clear path on how we 39 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents will achieve a leading market position over time. Where we cannot establish a leading market position, or where operations are not generating acceptable returns, we may decide to divest certain assets and reallocate resources to other markets. Business divestitures could result in gains, losses or impairment charges that may be material to our results of operations in a given period. During 2020, we recorded a net loss on business divestitures and impairments of$77.7 million , which was due to business divestitures and asset impairments in certain markets, including$42.6 million resulting from management's decision to exit certain product offerings and geographic basins in our upstream environmental solutions business. During 2019, we recorded a net gain on business divestitures and impairments of$(14.7) million . Restructuring Charges In 2019, we incurred costs related to the redesign of certain back-office software systems, which continued into 2020. In addition, inJuly 2020 , we eliminated certain back-office support positions in response to a decline in the underlying demand for services resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. During 2020, we incurred restructuring charges of$20.0 million which primarily related to these restructuring efforts. During 2019, we incurred restructuring charges of$14.2 million , which primarily related to the redesign of certain of our back-office software systems. We paid$15.5 million and$10.6 million during 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to these restructuring efforts. Interest Expense The following table provides the components of interest expense, including accretion of debt discounts and accretion of discounts primarily associated with environmental and risk insurance liabilities assumed in acquisitions (in millions of dollars): 2020 2019 Interest expense on debt$ 300.1 $ 350.4 Non-cash interest 61.7 48.8 Less: capitalized interest (6.2) (7.2) Total interest expense$ 355.6 $ 392.0 Total interest expense for 2020 decreased compared to 2019 primarily due to lower interest rates on our floating and fixed rate debt. The decrease attributable to our fixed rate debt is primarily due to the issuance of$350.0 million of 0.875% senior notes and$750.0 million of 1.750% senior notes inNovember 2020 ,$650.0 million of 1.450% senior notes inAugust 2020 ,$600.0 million of 2.300% senior notes and$400.0 million of 3.050% senior notes inFebruary 2020 , as well as the issuance of$900.0 million of 2.500% senior notes inAugust 2019 , the proceeds of which were used to repay outstanding senior notes with coupons ranging from 3.550% to 5.500%. During 2020 and 2019, cash paid for interest, excluding net swap settlements for our fixed to floating interest rate swaps, was$325.1 million and$346.8 million , respectively. Loss on Extinguishment of Debt During 2020, we incurred a$101.9 million loss on the early extinguishment of debt . We paid total cash premiums during the year totaling$99.1 million and incurred non-cash charges related to the proportional share of unamortized discounts and deferred issuance costs of$2.8 million . Income Taxes Our provision for income taxes was$173.1 million and$222.0 million for 2020 and 2019, respectively. Our effective income tax rate was 15.2% and 17.1% for 2020 and 2019, respectively. We made income tax payments (net of refunds) of approximately$124 million and$31 million for 2020 and 2019, respectively. Income taxes paid in 2020 and 2019 reflect benefits from 100% bonus depreciation on qualified assets as well as tax credits from our continuing investments in solar energy. During 2020, we acquired non-controlling interests in limited liability companies established to own solar energy assets that qualified for investment tax credits under Section 48 of the Internal Revenue Code. We account for these investments using the equity method of accounting and recognize our share of income or loss and other reductions in the value of our investments in loss from unconsolidated equity method investments within our consolidated statements of income. For further discussion regarding our equity method accounting, see Note 3, Business Acquisitions, Investments and Restructuring Charges, of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Our 2020 tax provision reflects a benefit of approximately$100 million due to the tax credits related to these investments. In addition, our 2020 tax provision was reduced by$17.2 million for adjustments to our valuation allowance due to the realizability of certain state loss carryforwards. Lastly, our provision was further reduced by$8.2 million due to the realization of additional federal and state benefits as well as 40 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents adjustments to deferred taxes due to the completion of our 2019 tax returns and$11.6 million from excess tax benefits related to stock compensation. Our 2019 tax provision was reduced by$12.3 million from excess tax benefits related to stock compensation, approximately$84 million related to the tax credits from our non-controlling interests in limited liability companies established to own solar energy assets, and approximately$13 million due to the realization of tax credits and lower state rates due to changes in estimates following the completion of our 2018 tax returns. During the three months endedDecember 31, 2020 , we determined that it is more likely than not that we will realize a portion of our deferred tax assets related to certain state loss carryforwards. Most of these loss carryforwards are attributable to a specific subsidiary for which we have historically provided a partial valuation allowance due to the uncertainty surrounding the future utilization of these carryforwards in the tax jurisdictions where the loss carryforwards exist. The realization of these deferred tax assets depends upon the existence of sufficient taxable income in future periods. As a result of recent changes inU.S. tax law, the current macroeconomic environment and our ongoing efforts to streamline and maximize the efficiency of our tax footprint, we completed our restructuring plan which optimized our tax structure to better align with our overall operational footprint. This resulted in a reduction to our valuation allowance of$17.2 million for the year and three months endedDecember 31, 2020 . We have deferred tax assets related to state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately$99 million available as ofDecember 31, 2020 . These state net operating loss carryforwards expire at various times between 2021 and 2040. We believe that it is more likely than not that the benefit from some of our state net operating loss carryforwards will not be realized due to limitations on these loss carryforwards in certain states. In recognition of this risk, as ofDecember 31, 2020 , we have provided a valuation allowance of approximately$44 million . Reportable Segments InDecember 2020 , our senior management began evaluating, overseeing and managing the financial performance of our operations through three operating segments. Group 1 primarily consists of geographic areas located in the westernUnited States , and Group 2 primarily consists of geographic areas located in the southeastern and mid-westernUnited States , and the eastern seaboard ofthe United States . Our environmental solutions operating segment, which provides waste management solutions for daily operations of industrial, petrochemical and refining facilities, is aggregated with Corporate entities and other as it only represents approximately 1% of our consolidated revenue. Each of our reportable segments provides integrated environmental services, including collection, transfer, recycling, and disposal services. Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments for the years endedDecember 31, 2020 and 2019 is shown in the following table (in millions of dollars and as a percentage of revenue in the case of operating margin): Depreciation, Amortization, Depletion Adjustments to and Amortization Accretion Before Expense Depreciation, Loss (Gain) on Adjustments for for Asset Amortization, Business Operating Net Asset Retirement Retirement Depletion and Divestitures and Income Operating Revenue Obligations Obligations Accretion Impairments, Net (Loss) Margin 2020: Group 1$ 5,057.5 $ 522.1 $ (20.0)$ 502.1 $ -$ 1,343.3 26.6 % Group 2 4,791.9 506.4 (17.5) 488.9 - 966.4 20.2 % Corporate entities and other 304.2 142.8 25.0 167.8 77.7 (600.6) - Total$ 10,153.6 $ 1,171.3 $ (12.5)$ 1,158.8 $ 77.7$ 1,709.1 16.8 % 2019: Group 1$ 5,001.9 $ 505.9 $ (12.2)$ 493.7 $ -$ 1,231.7 24.6 % Group 2 4,944.4 496.6 (21.5) 475.1 - 926.5 18.7 % Corporate entities and other 353.1 130.8 22.8 153.6 (14.7) (371.0) - Total$ 10,299.4 $ 1,133.3 $ (10.9)$ 1,122.4 $ (14.7)$ 1,787.2 17.4 % Financial information for the year endedDecember 31, 2019 reflects the transfer of our environmental solutions operating segment from Group 2 to Corporate entities and other. Corporate entities and other include legal, tax, treasury, information technology, risk management, human resources, closed landfills, environmental solutions, and other administrative functions. National Accounts revenue included in corporate entities represents the portion of revenue generated from nationwide and regional contracts in markets outside our operating areas where the associated material handling is subcontracted to local 41 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents operators. Consequently, substantially all of this revenue is offset with related subcontract costs, which are recorded in cost of operations. Significant changes in the revenue and operating margins of our reportable segments for 2020 compared to 2019 are discussed below. Group 1 Revenue for 2020 increased 1.1% from 2019 primarily due to an increase in average yield in all lines of business and one additional workday during 2020. This increase was partially offset by volume declines in our small- and large-container collection, transfer station, and landfill lines of business. Operating income for Group 1 increased from$1,231.7 million for 2019, or a 24.6% operating margin, to$1,343.3 million for 2020, or a 26.6% operating margin. The following cost categories impacted our operating income margin: •Cost of operations favorably impacted operating income margin during 2020, primarily due to a decrease in labor and related benefits, maintenance and repairs expenses, disposal fees and taxes, and fuel costs as a result of decreased service levels attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fuel costs further decreased due to CNG tax credits that were enacted inDecember 2019 and recognized during 2020. •Landfill depletion and amortization favorably impacted operating income margin during 2020, primarily due to lower landfill disposal volumes primarily driven by decreased special waste volumes, and by favorable amortization adjustments to our asset retirement obligations during 2020 compared to the adjustments recognized in 2019. Depreciation unfavorably impacted operating margin, primarily due to additional assets acquired with our acquisitions. Group 2 Revenue for 2020 decreased (3.1)% from 2019 due to volume declines in our collection lines of business as well as a decrease in special waste volumes in our landfill line of business. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in average yield in all lines of business, increases in construction and demolition and municipal solid waste volumes in our landfill line of business, and one additional workday during 2020. Operating income for Group 2 increased from$926.5 million for 2019, or an 18.7% operating margin, to$966.4 million for 2020, or a 20.2% operating margin. The following cost categories impacted our operating income margin: •Cost of operations favorably impacted operating income margin during 2020, primarily due to a decrease in labor and related benefits, transfer and disposal costs, maintenance and repairs expenses and fuel costs as a result of decreased service levels attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fuel costs further decreased due to CNG tax credits that were enacted inDecember 2019 and recognized during 2020. •Landfill depletion and amortization unfavorably impacted operating income margin during 2020, primarily due to an increase in our overall average depletion rate, and by decreased favorable amortization adjustments to our asset retirement obligations during 2020 compared to the adjustments recognized in 2019. Depreciation unfavorably impacted operating income margin, primarily due to additional assets acquired with our acquisitions. Corporate Entities and Other Operating loss in our Corporate entities and other segment increased from$371.0 million for 2019 to$600.6 million for 2020. During 2020, we recorded a net loss on business divestitures and impairments of$77.7 million which was due to business divestitures and asset impairments in certain markets, including$42.6 million resulting from management's decision to exit certain product offerings and geographic basins in our upstream environmental solutions business. During 2019, we recorded a net gain on business divestitures and impairments of$(14.7) million . Additionally, we recognized an insurance recovery of$10.8 million related to our closedBridgeton Landfill during 2020, as compared to an insurance recovery of$24.0 million recognized in the same period in 2019. During 2020, we recognized certain direct and incremental costs attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic, including costs for additional safety equipment and hygiene products, increased facility and equipment cleaning, and costs associated with our Committed to Serve initiative. Landfill and Environmental Matters Our landfill costs include daily operating expenses, costs of capital for cell development, costs for final capping, closure and post-closure, and the legal and administrative costs of ongoing environmental compliance. Daily operating expenses include leachate treatment, transportation and disposal costs, methane gas and groundwater monitoring and system maintenance costs, interim cap maintenance costs, and costs associated with applying daily cover materials. We expense all indirect landfill development costs as they are incurred. We use life cycle accounting and the units-of-consumption method to recognize certain direct landfill costs related to landfill development. In life cycle accounting, certain direct costs are capitalized and charged to 42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents depletion expense based on the consumption of cubic yards of available airspace. These costs include all costs to acquire and construct a site, including excavation, natural and synthetic liners, construction of leachate collection systems, installation of methane gas collection and monitoring systems, installation of groundwater monitoring wells, and other costs associated with acquiring and developing the site. Obligations associated with final capping, closure and post-closure are capitalized and amortized on a units-of-consumption basis as airspace is consumed. Cost and airspace estimates are developed at least annually by engineers. Our operating and accounting personnel use these estimates to adjust the rates we use to expense capitalized costs. Changes in these estimates primarily relate to changes in costs, available airspace, inflation and applicable regulations. Changes in available airspace include changes in engineering estimates, changes in design and changes due to the addition of airspace lying in expansion areas that we believe have a probable likelihood of being permitted. Changes in engineering estimates typically include modifications to the available disposal capacity of a landfill based on a refinement of the capacity calculations resulting from updated information. Available Airspace As ofDecember 31, 2020 and 2019, we owned or operated 186 and 189 active solid waste landfills, respectively, with total available disposal capacity estimated to be 5.0 billion in-place cubic yards. For these landfills, the following table reflects changes in capacity and remaining capacity, as measured in cubic yards of airspace: Landfills New Acquired, Permits Granted / Changes in Balance as of Expansions Net of New Sites, Airspace Engineering Balance as ofDecember 31, 2019 Undertaken Divestitures Net of Closures Consumed EstimatesDecember 31, 2020 Cubic yards (in millions): Permitted airspace 4,673.0 - (5.1) 205.8 (76.1) (5.1) 4,792.5 Probable expansion airspace 321.7 32.9 - (158.2) - - 196.4 Total cubic yards (in millions) 4,994.7 32.9 (5.1) 47.6 (76.1) (5.1) 4,988.9 Number of sites: Permitted airspace 189 (2) (1) 186 Probable expansion airspace 12 2 (3) 11 Landfills New Acquired, Permits Granted / Changes in Balance as of Expansions Net of New Sites, Airspace Engineering Balance as ofDecember 31, 2018 Undertaken Divestitures Net of Closures Consumed EstimatesDecember 31, 2019 Cubic yards (in millions): Permitted airspace 4,736.8 - - 35.0 (81.5) (17.3) 4,673.0 Probable expansion airspace 341.2 6.7 - (18.1) - (8.1) 321.7 Total cubic yards (in millions) 5,078.0 6.7 - 16.9 (81.5) (25.4) 4,994.7 Number of sites: Permitted airspace 190 - (1) 189 Probable expansion airspace 12 2 (2) 12 Total available disposal capacity represents the sum of estimated permitted airspace plus an estimate of probable expansion airspace. Engineers develop these estimates at least annually using information provided by annual aerial surveys. Before airspace included in an expansion area is determined to be probable expansion airspace and, therefore, included in our calculation of total available disposal capacity, it must meet all of our expansion criteria. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 8, Landfill and Environmental Costs, of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information. Also see our Critical Accounting Judgments and Estimates section of this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. As ofDecember 31, 2020 , 11 of our landfills met all of our criteria for including their probable expansion airspace in their total available disposal capacity. At projected annual volumes, these 11 landfills have an estimated remaining average site life of 123 years, including probable expansion airspace. The average estimated remaining life of all of our landfills is 63 years. We have other expansion opportunities that are not included in our total available airspace because they do not meet all of our criteria for treatment as probable expansion airspace. 43 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents The following table reflects the estimated operating lives of our active landfill sites based on available and probable disposal capacity using current annual volumes as ofDecember 31, 2020 : Number Number of Sites of Sites without with Probable Probable Percent Expansion Expansion Total of Airspace Airspace Sites Total 0 to 5 years 15 - 15 8.1 % 6 to 10 years 15 1 16 8.6 11 to 20 years 27 2 29 15.6 21 to 40 years 49 3 52 28.0 41+ years 69 5 74 39.7 Total 175 11 186 100.0 % Final Capping, Closure and Post-Closure Costs As ofDecember 31, 2020 , accrued final capping, closure and post-closure costs were$1,346.4 million , of which$57.5 million were current and$1,288.9 million were long-term as reflected in our consolidated balance sheets in accrued landfill and environmental costs included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Remediation and Other Charges for Landfill Matters It is reasonably possible that we will need to adjust our accrued landfill and environmental liabilities to reflect the effects of new or additional information, to the extent that such information impacts the costs, timing or duration of the required actions. Future changes in our estimates of the costs, timing or duration of the required actions could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. During 2020 and 2019, we recognized insurance recoveries of$10.8 million and$24.0 million , respectively, related to our closedBridgeton Landfill inMissouri . As such, we recorded a reduction of remediation expenses included in our cost of operations during the years endedDecember 31, 2020 and 2019. For a description of our significant remediation matters, see Note 8, Landfill and Environmental Costs, of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Investment in Landfills As ofDecember 31, 2020 , we expect to spend an estimated additional$9.5 billion on existing landfills, primarily related to cell construction and environmental structures, over their remaining lives. Our total expected investment, excluding non-depletable land, estimated to be$13.6 billion , or$2.72 per cubic yard, is used in determining our depletion and amortization expense based on airspace consumed using the units-of-consumption method. The following table reflects our future expected investment as ofDecember 31, 2020 (in millions): Balance as of Expected Total December 31, Future Expected 2020 Investment Investment Non-depletable landfill land$ 166.3 $ -$ 166.3 Landfill development costs 7,991.7 9,519.9 17,511.6 Construction-in-progress - landfill 303.8 - 303.8 Accumulated depletion and amortization (4,249.5) - (4,249.5) Net investment in landfill land and development costs $
4,212.3
44
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The following table reflects our net investment in our landfills, excluding
non-depletable land, and our depletion, amortization and accretion expense for
the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
2020 2019
Number of landfills owned or operated 186 189
Net investment, excluding non-depletable land (in millions)
4,988.9 4,994.7
Net investment per cubic yard $ 0.81 $ 0.78
Landfill depletion and amortization expense (in millions) $ 323.0 $ 333.0
Accretion expense (in millions) 82.9 81.9
405.9 414.9
Airspace consumed (in millions of cubic yards) 76.1 81.5
Depletion, amortization and accretion expense per cubic yard of airspace consumed
$
5.33
During 2020 and 2019, our average compaction rate was approximately 2,000 pounds per cubic yard based primarily on a three-year historical moving average. Property and Equipment The following tables reflect the activity in our property and equipment accounts for the years endedDecember 31, 2020 and 2019 (in millions of dollars): Gross Property and Equipment Non-Cash Adjustments Impairments, Additions for Transfers Balance as of Acquisitions, for Asset Asset and Balance as ofDecember 31 , Capital Net of Retirement Retirement OtherDecember 31, 2019 Additions Retirements Divestitures Obligations Obligations Adjustments 2020 Land$ 448.3 $ 9.6 $ (1.8) $ 13.2 $ - $ -$ (2.2) $ 467.1 Non-depletable landfill land 170.5 0.3 (6.3) (2.8) - - 4.6 166.3 Landfill development costs 7,474.7 2.6 (15.5) 62.3 40.6 (45.5) 472.5 7,991.7 Vehicles and equipment 7,766.0 654.4 (336.3) 3.9 - - 31.0 8,119.0 Buildings and improvements 1,342.6 4.4 (6.1) 24.0 1.7 - 35.9 1,402.5 Construction-in-progress - landfill 366.8 406.9 - (3.6) - - (466.3) 303.8 Construction-in-progress - other 87.7 164.1 - - - - (144.4) 107.4 Total$ 17,656.6 $ 1,242.3 $ (366.0) $ 97.0$ 42.3 $ (45.5) $ (68.9) $ 18,557.8 Accumulated Depreciation, Amortization and Depletion Adjustments Impairments, Additions for Transfers Balance as of Charged Acquisitions, Asset and Balance as of December 31, to Net of Retirement Other December 31, 2019 Expense Retirements Divestitures Obligations Adjustments 2020 Landfill development costs$ (3,968.6) $
(335.6)
$ -$ (4,249.5) Vehicles and equipment (4,728.2) (628.7) 322.7 44.4 - 36.4 (4,953.4) Buildings and improvements (576.3) (65.5) 4.7 6.8 - 1.6 (628.7) Total$ (9,273.1) $ (1,029.8) $ 342.9 $ 77.4$ 13.0 $ 38.0 $ (9,831.6) 45
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Gross Property and Equipment
Non-Cash Adjustments Impairments,
Additions for Transfers
Balance as of Acquisitions, for Asset Asset and Balance as of
December 31 , Capital Net of Retirement Retirement Other December 31,
2018 Additions Retirements Divestitures Obligations Obligations Adjustments 2019
Land $ 443.6 $ 2.6 $ (1.9) $ 3.8 $ - $ - $ 0.2 $ 448.3
Non-depletable landfill land 167.5 5.0 (2.1) 0.4 - - (0.3) 170.5
Landfill development costs 7,106.0 2.9 (0.1) 8.6 43.5 (4.9) 318.7 7,474.7
Vehicles and equipment 7,377.3 679.2 (400.2) 109.9 - - (0.2) 7,766.0
Buildings and improvements 1,279.8 15.1 (10.1) 1.1 1.3 - 55.4 1,342.6
Construction-in-progress -
landfill 287.9 399.2 - - - - (320.3) 366.8
Construction-in-progress - other 89.9 113.6 - - - - (115.8) 87.7
Total $ 16,752.0 $ 1,217.6 $ (414.4) $ 123.8 $ 44.8 $ (4.9) $ (62.3) $ 17,656.6
Accumulated Depreciation, Amortization and Depletion
Adjustments Impairments,
Additions for Transfers
Balance as of Charged Acquisitions, Asset and Balance as of
December 31, to Net of Retirement Other December 31,
2018 Expense Retirements Divestitures Obligations Adjustments 2019
Landfill development costs $ (3,635.9) $ (343.9) $ - $ - $ 11.2 $ - $ (3,968.6)
Vehicles and equipment (4,571.1) (592.9) 390.7 18.2 - 26.9 (4,728.2)
Buildings and improvements (524.9) (62.3) 7.7 3.6 - (0.4) (576.3)
Total $ (8,731.9) $ (999.1) $ 398.4 $ 21.8 $ 11.2 $ 26.5 $ (9,273.1)
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The following is a summary of our cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
and marketable securities balances as of December 31 :
2020 2019
Cash and cash equivalents $ 38.2 $ 47.1
Restricted cash and marketable securities 149.1 179.4
Less: restricted marketable securities (73.1) (49.1)
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents
$
114.2
Our restricted cash and marketable securities include, among other things, restricted cash and marketable securities pledged to regulatory agencies and governmental entities as financial guarantees of our performance under certain collection, landfill and transfer station contracts and permits, and relating to our final capping, closure and post-closure obligations at our landfills, restricted cash and marketable securities related to our insurance obligations, and restricted cash related to a payment for a certain maturing tax-exempt financing. The following table summarizes our restricted cash and marketable securities as ofDecember 31 : 2020 2019
Payment for maturing tax-exempt financing $ -
Capping, closure and post-closure obligations 31.5 30.6 Insurance
117.6 99.4
Total restricted cash and marketable securities
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Intended Uses of Cash
We intend to use excess cash on hand and cash from operating activities to fund
capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividend payments, share repurchases and
debt repayments. Debt repayments may include purchases of our outstanding
indebtedness in the secondary market or otherwise. We believe that our excess
cash, cash from operating activities and our availability to draw on our credit
facilities provide us with sufficient financial resources to meet our
anticipated capital requirements and maturing obligations as they come due.
We may choose to voluntarily retire certain portions of our outstanding debt
before their maturity dates using cash from operations or additional borrowings.
We may also explore opportunities in the capital markets to fund redemptions
should market conditions be favorable. Early extinguishment of debt will result
in an impairment charge in the period in which the debt is repaid. The loss on
early extinguishment of debt relates to premiums paid to effectuate the
repurchase and the relative portion of unamortized note discounts and debt issue
costs.
Summary of Cash Flow Activity
The major components of changes in cash flows for 2020 and 2019 are discussed in
the following paragraphs. The following table summarizes our cash flow from
operating activities, investing activities and financing activities for the
years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in millions of dollars):
2020 2019
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities The most significant items affecting the comparison of our operating cash flows for 2020 and 2019 are summarized below. Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from business acquisitions and divestitures, decreased our cash flow from operations by$129.9 million in 2020, compared to a decrease of$213.4 million in 2019, primarily as a result of the following: •Our accounts receivable, exclusive of the change in allowance for doubtful accounts and customer credits, decreased$13.8 million during 2020, compared to a$38.3 million increase in 2019. As ofDecember 31, 2020 , our days sales outstanding were 38.6, or 26.4 days net of deferred revenue, compared to 39.8, or 27.9 days net of deferred revenue, as ofDecember 31, 2019 . •Our prepaid expenses and other assets decreased$6.5 million in 2020 compared to an increase of$109.7 million in 2019, primarily due to the receipt of theBridgeton landfill settlement in the first quarter of 2020, and an increase in alternative fuel tax credit receipts during 2020 compared to 2019, partially offset by an increase of prepaid taxes due to the timing of our estimated tax payments. •Our accounts payable decreased$46.7 million during 2020 compared to an increase of$6.4 million during 2019, due to the timing of payments. •Cash paid for capping, closure and post-closure obligations was$19.6 million lower during 2020 compared to 2019. The decrease in cash paid for capping, closure and post-closure obligations is primarily due to the timing of capping and post-closure payments at certain of our landfill sites. •Cash paid for remediation obligations was$14.4 million higher during 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to$25.6 million in payments related to management and monitoring of the remediation area of our closedBridgeton Landfill inMissouri during 2020 as compared to$16.6 million of payments during 2019. In addition, cash paid for interest was$325.1 million and$346.8 million , excluding net swap settlements for our fixed to floating interest rate swaps, for 2020 and 2019, respectively. We use cash flows from operations to fund capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividend payments, share repurchases and debt repayments. Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities The most significant items affecting the comparison of our cash flows used in investing activities for 2020 and 2019 are summarized below: •Capital expenditures during 2020 were$1,194.6 million as compared to$1,207.1 million for 2019. 47 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents •Proceeds from sales of property and equipment during 2020 were$30.1 million as compared to$21.7 million for 2019. •During 2020 and 2019, we used$769.5 million and$575.1 million , respectively, for acquisitions and investments, net of cash acquired. During 2020 and 2019, we received$32.9 million and$42.8 million for business divestitures, respectively. We intend to finance capital expenditures and acquisitions through cash on hand, restricted cash held for capital expenditures, cash flows from operations, our revolving credit facilities, and tax-exempt bonds and other financings. We expect to primarily use cash and borrowings under our revolving credit facilities to pay for future business acquisitions. Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities The most significant items affecting the comparison of our cash flows used in financing activities for 2020 and 2019 are summarized below: •During 2020, we issued$2,750.0 million of senior notes for cash proceeds, net of discounts and fees of$2,716.1 million . During 2019, we issued$900.0 million of senior notes for cash proceeds, net of discounts and fees of$891.1 million . Net payments of notes payable and long-term debt were$2,595.9 million during 2020, compared to net payments of$581.4 million in 2019. For a more detailed discussion, see the Financial Condition section of this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. •During 2020, we paid$99.1 million in cash premiums on the redemption of senior notes. •During 2020, we repurchased 1.2 million shares of our stock for$98.8 million . During 2019, we repurchased 4.9 million shares of our stock for$399.4 million . •InJuly 2020 , our Board of Directors approved an increase in our quarterly dividend to$0.425 per share. Dividends paid were$522.5 million and$491.2 million for 2020 and 2019, respectively. •During 2020 and 2019, cash paid for purchase price holdback releases and contingent purchase price related to acquisitions was$15.5 million and$17.2 million , respectively. InSeptember 2020 , we entered into an agreement to extend the term of one of our landfill finance leases by 43 years, or through the end of the landfill's site life. Accordingly, we recognized an incremental finance lease obligation of$90.4 million . Financial Condition Debt Obligations As ofDecember 31, 2020 , we had$168.1 million of principal debt maturing within the next 12 months, which includes certain variable rate tax-exempt financings, finance lease obligations and debentures. All of our tax-exempt financings are remarketed either quarterly or semiannually by remarketing agents to effectively maintain a variable yield. The holders of the bonds can put them back to the remarketing agents at the end of each interest period. If the remarketing agent is unable to remarket our bonds, the remarketing agent can put the bonds to us. In the event of a failed remarketing, we currently have availability under our$2.25 billion unsecured revolving credit facility to fund these bonds until they are remarketed successfully. Accordingly, we have classified these borrowings as long-term in our consolidated balance sheet as ofDecember 31, 2020 . An extended period of economic disruption associated with the COVID-19 pandemic could further disrupt the global supply chain, negatively impact demand for our services, and disrupt financial markets. These effects could materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition, including our access to sources of liquidity. We will continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 pandemic along with the effect on our business and access to capital markets. Refer to Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of certain risk factors related to this pandemic. For further discussion of the components of our overall debt, see Note 9, Debt, of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Credit Facilities The 364-Day Credit Facility InAugust 2020 , we entered into a$1.0 billion 364-day unsecured revolving credit facility (the 364-Day Credit Facility), which matures inAugust 2021 . At our option, borrowings under the 364-Day Credit Facility bear interest at a Base Rate, or a Eurodollar Rate, plus an applicable margin based on our Debt Ratings (all as defined in the 364-Day Credit Facility agreement). The 364-Day Credit Facility is subject to facility fees based on applicable rates defined in the 364-Day Credit Facility agreement and the aggregate commitment, regardless of usage. Availability under our 364-Day Credit Facility totaled$1.0 billion as ofDecember 31, 2020 . The 364-Day Credit Facility can be used for working capital, capital expenditures, 48 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents acquisitions, and other general corporate purposes. The 364-Day Credit Facility agreement requires us to comply with financial and other covenants, which are consistent with the financial and other covenants included in our Credit Facility. We may pay dividends and repurchase common stock if we are in compliance with these covenants. As ofDecember 31, 2020 , we had no borrowings outstanding under our 364-Day Credit Facility. The Credit Facility In 2018, we entered into a$2.25 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (as amended, the Credit Facility) , which matures inJune 2023 . As permitted by the Credit Facility, we have the right to request two one-year extensions of the maturity date but none of the lenders are committed to participate in such extension. The Credit Facility also includes a feature that allows us to increase availability, at our option, by an aggregate amount of up to$1.0 billion through increased commitments from existing lenders or the addition of new lenders. At our option, borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a Base Rate, or a Eurodollar Rate, plus an applicable margin based on our Debt Ratings (all as defined in the Credit Facility agreement). The Credit Facility is subject to facility fees based on applicable rates defined in the Credit Facility agreement and the aggregate commitment, regardless of usage. Availability under our Credit Facility totaled$1,671.8 million and$1,696.9 million as ofDecember 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Credit Facility can be used for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, letters of credit and other general corporate purposes. The Credit Facility agreement requires us to comply with financial and other covenants. We may pay dividends and repurchase common stock if we are in compliance with these covenants. As ofDecember 31, 2020 and 2019, we had$186.0 million and$184.4 million of borrowings outstanding under our Credit Facility, respectively. We had$376.5 million and$351.4 million of letters of credit outstanding under our Credit Facility as ofDecember 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. InJuly 2020 , we executed an amendment to the Credit Facility agreement to increase flexibility and reduce restrictions, in particular, for future acquisitions. EffectiveJune 30, 2020 , the amendment eliminated the consolidated interest coverage ratio and revised the sole remaining financial covenant, total debt to EBITDA ratio. Uncommitted Credit Facility We also have an Uncommitted Credit Facility, which bears interest at a LIBOR Rate or a Cost of Funds rate (both as defined in the Uncommitted Credit Facility Agreement), plus an applicable margin. We can use borrowings under the Uncommitted Credit Facility for working capital and other general corporate purposes. The agreement governing our Uncommitted Credit Facility requires us to comply with certain covenants. The Uncommitted Credit Facility may be terminated by either party at any time. As ofDecember 31, 2020 , we had no borrowings outstanding under our Uncommitted Credit Facility. As ofDecember 31, 2019 , we had$11.6 million of borrowings outstanding under our Uncommitted Credit Facility. Financial and Other Covenants The Credit Facility and 364-Day Credit Facility (collectively, the Credit Facilities) require us to comply with financial and other covenants. To the extent we are not in compliance with these covenants, we cannot pay dividends or repurchase common stock. Compliance with covenants also is a condition for any incremental borrowings under the Credit Facilities, and failure to meet these covenants would enable the lenders to require repayment of any outstanding loans (which would adversely affect our liquidity). InJuly 2020 , we executed an amendment to the Credit Facility agreement to increase flexibility and reduce restrictions, in particular, for future acquisitions. EffectiveJune 30, 2020 , the amendment eliminated the consolidated interest coverage ratio and revised the sole remaining financial covenant, total debt to EBITDA ratio. The 364-Day Credit Facility and the Credit Facility, as amended, provide that our total debt to EBITDA ratio may not exceed 3.75 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter. In the case of an "elevated ratio period", which may be elected by us if one or more acquisitions during a fiscal quarter involve aggregate consideration in excess of$200.0 million (theTrigger Quarter ), the total debt to EBITDA ratio may not exceed 4.25 to 1.00 during theTrigger Quarter and for the three fiscal quarters thereafter. The 364-Day Credit Facility and the Credit Facility, as amended, also provide that there may not be more than two elevated ratio periods during the respective terms of the Credit Facility and 364-Day Credit Facility agreements. As ofDecember 31, 2020 , our total debt to EBITDA ratio was 3.07 compared to the 3.75 maximum allowed by the covenants. As ofDecember 31, 2020 , we were in compliance with the covenants under the Credit Facilities, and we expect to be in compliance throughout 2021. EBITDA, which is a non-U.S. GAAP measure, is calculated as defined in our Credit Facility and 364-Day Credit Facility agreements. In this context, EBITDA is used solely to provide information regarding the extent to which we are in compliance with debt covenants and is not comparable to EBITDA used by other companies or used by us for other purposes. Failure to comply with the financial and other covenants under the Credit Facilities, as well as the occurrence of certain material adverse events, would constitute defaults and would allow the lenders under the Credit Facilities to accelerate the maturity of all indebtedness under the Credit Facilities agreements. This could have an adverse effect on the availability of financial assurances. In addition, maturity acceleration on the Credit Facilities constitutes an event of default under our other debt 49 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents instruments, including our senior notes, and, therefore, our senior notes would also be subject to acceleration of maturity. If such acceleration were to occur, we would not have sufficient liquidity available to repay the indebtedness. We would likely have to seek an amendment under the Credit Facilities for relief from the financial covenant or repay the debt with proceeds from the issuance of new debt or equity, or asset sales, if necessary. We may be unable to amend the Credit Facilities or raise sufficient capital to repay such obligations in the event the maturity is accelerated. Senior Notes and Debentures As ofDecember 31, 2020 , we had$7,437.0 million of unsecured senior notes and debentures outstanding with maturities ranging from 2021 to 2050. As ofDecember 31, 2019 , we had$7,257.0 million of unsecured senior notes and debentures outstanding with maturities ranging from 2020 to 2041. InNovember 2020 , we issued$350.0 million of 0.875% senior notes due 2025 (the 0.875% Notes) and$750.0 million of 1.750% senior notes due 2032 (the 1.750% Notes). We used the net proceeds from the 0.875% Notes and 1.750% Notes to redeem all$850.0 million of the outstanding 3.550% senior notes dueJune 2022 and$250.0 million of the$550.0 million outstanding 4.750% senior notes dueMay 2023 . InAugust 2020 , we issued$650.0 million of 1.450% senior notes due 2031 (the 1.450% Notes). We used the net proceeds to redeem all$600.0 million of the outstanding 5.250% senior notes dueNovember 2021 plus a make-whole premium of$34.0 million . The remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. InFebruary 2020 , we issued$600.0 million of 2.300% senior notes due 2030 (the 2.300% Notes) and$400.0 million of 3.050% senior notes due 2050 (the 3.050% Notes). We used the net proceeds from the 2.300% Notes and 3.050% Notes to repay$850.0 million of 5.000% senior notes that matured inMarch 2020 . The remaining proceeds were used to repay amounts outstanding under our unsecured credit facilities as well as for general corporate purposes. Our senior notes are general senior unsecured obligations. Interest is payable semi-annually. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Relationships Our ability to obtain financing through the capital markets is a key component of our financial strategy. Historically, we have managed risk associated with executing this strategy, particularly as it relates to fluctuations in interest rates, by using a combination of fixed and floating rate debt. From time to time, we also have entered into interest rate swap and lock agreements to manage risk associated with interest rates, either to effectively convert specific fixed rate debt to a floating rate (fair value hedges), or to lock interest rates in anticipation of future debt issuances (cash flow hedges). Additionally, we amended certain interest rate lock agreements, extending the mandatory maturity date and dedesignated them as cash flow hedges (the Extended Interest Rate Locks). In addition, we entered into offsetting interest rate swaps to offset future exposures to fair value fluctuations of the Extended Interest Rate Locks. For a description of our derivative contracts and hedge accounting, see Note 9, Debt, to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Tax-Exempt Financings As ofDecember 31, 2020 , we had$1,104.7 million of certain variable rate tax-exempt financings outstanding with maturities ranging from 2021 to 2050. As ofDecember 31, 2019 , we had$1,116.2 million of certain variable rate tax-exempt financings outstanding with maturities ranging from 2020 to 2049. During the year endedDecember 31, 2020 , we issued$60.0 million of new tax-exempt financings. During the year endedDecember 31, 2019 , we refinanced$35.0 million and issued$30.0 million of tax-exempt financings. Finance Leases We had finance lease liabilities of$206.5 million and$119.3 million as ofDecember 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, with maturities ranging from 2021 to 2063 and 2020 to 2049, respectively. InSeptember 2020 , we entered into an agreement to extend the term of one of our landfill finance leases by 43 years, or through the end of the landfill's site life. Accordingly, we recognized an incremental finance lease obligation of$90.4 million . 50 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes our estimated contractual obligations as ofDecember 31, 2020 (in millions): Maturities of Notes Payable, Finance Leases Scheduled Interest Final Capping, Unconditional Year Ending Operating and Other Long- Payment Closure and Purchase December 31, Leases Term Debt Obligations Post-Closure Remediation Commitments Total 2021$ 41.5 $ 168.1 $ 267.7 $ 57.5$ 57.0 $ 163.6 $ 755.4 2022 37.9 6.4 265.0 61.1 64.7 97.0 532.1 2023 35.6 659.4 251.0 76.0 67.8 61.0 1,150.8 2024 30.9 924.9 224.6 75.6 59.8 53.4 1,369.2 2025 29.4 854.6 203.5 82.2 41.0 29.4 1,240.1 Thereafter 105.8 6,441.2 1,694.7 6,348.8 352.4 252.9 15,195.8 Total$ 281.1 $ 9,054.6 $ 2,906.5 $ 6,701.2 $ 642.7 $ 657.3 $ 20,243.4 Scheduled interest payment obligations in the above table were calculated using stated coupon rates for fixed rate debt and interest rates applicable as ofDecember 31, 2020 for variable rate debt. The effect of our outstanding interest rate swaps on the interest payments of our 4.750% fixed rate senior notes due inMay 2023 is also included based on the floating rates in effect as ofDecember 31, 2020 . The estimated remaining final capping, closure and post-closure and remediation expenditures presented above are not inflated or discounted and reflect the estimated future payments for liabilities incurred and recorded as ofDecember 31, 2020 and for liabilities yet to be incurred over the remaining life of our landfills. Unconditional purchase commitments consist primarily of (1) disposal related agreements that include fixed or minimum royalty payments, host agreements and take-or-pay and put-or-pay agreements and (2) other obligations including committed capital expenditures and consulting service agreements. Financial Assurance We must provide financial assurance to governmental agencies and a variety of other entities under applicable environmental regulations relating to our landfill operations for capping, closure and post-closure costs, and related to our performance under certain collection, landfill and transfer station contracts. We satisfy these financial assurance requirements by providing surety bonds, letters of credit, or insurance policies (Financial Assurance Instruments), or trust deposits, which are included in restricted cash and marketable securities and other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. The amount of the financial assurance requirements for capping, closure and post-closure costs is determined by applicable state environmental regulations. The financial assurance requirements for capping, closure and post-closure costs may be associated with a portion of the landfill or the entire landfill. Generally, states require a third-party engineering specialist to determine the estimated capping, closure and post-closure costs that are used to determine the required amount of financial assurance for a landfill. The amount of financial assurance required can, and generally will, differ from the obligation determined and recorded underU.S. GAAP. The amount of the financial assurance requirements related to contract performance varies by contract. Additionally, we must provide financial assurance for our insurance program and collateral for certain performance obligations. We do not expect a material increase in financial assurance requirements during 2021, although the mix of Financial Assurance Instruments may change. These Financial Assurance Instruments are issued in the normal course of business and are not classified as indebtedness. Because we currently have no liability for the Financial Assurance Instruments, they are not reflected in our consolidated balance sheets; however, we record capping, closure and post-closure liabilities and insurance liabilities as they are incurred. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements We have no off-balance sheet debt or similar obligations, other than short-term operating leases and financial assurances, which are not classified as debt. We have no transactions or obligations with related parties that are not disclosed, consolidated into or reflected in our reported financial position or results of operations. We have not guaranteed any third-party debt. Contingencies For a description of our commitments and contingencies, see Note 8, Landfill and Environmental Costs, Note 11, Income Taxes, and Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies, of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. 51 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents Critical Accounting Judgments and Estimates Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance withU.S. GAAP and necessarily include certain estimates and judgments made by management. The following is a list of accounting policies that we believe are the most critical in understanding our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows and that may require management to make subjective or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. Such critical accounting policies, estimates and judgments are applicable to all of our operating segments. We have noted examples of the residual accounting and business risks inherent in the accounting for these areas. Residual accounting and business risks are defined as the inherent risks that we face after the application of our policies and processes that are generally outside of our control or ability to forecast. Landfill Accounting Landfill operating costs are treated as period expenses and are not discussed further in this section. Our landfill assets and liabilities fall into the following two categories, each of which requires accounting judgments and estimates: •Landfill development costs that are capitalized as an asset. •Landfill retirement obligations relating to our capping, closure and post-closure liabilities that result in a corresponding landfill retirement asset. We use life-cycle accounting and the units-of-consumption method to recognize landfill development costs over the life of the site. In life-cycle accounting, all current and future capitalized costs to acquire and construct a site are calculated, and charged to expense based on the consumption of cubic yards of available airspace. Obligations associated with final capping, closure and post-closure are also capitalized, and amortized on a units-of-consumption basis as airspace is consumed. Cost and airspace estimates are developed at least annually by engineers. Landfill Development Costs Site permits. To develop, construct and operate a landfill, we must obtain permits from various regulatory agencies at the local, state and federal levels. The permitting process requires an initial site study to determine whether the location is feasible for landfill operations. The initial studies are reviewed by our environmental management group and then submitted to the regulatory agencies for approval. During the development stage we capitalize certain costs that we incur after site selection but before the receipt of all required permits if we believe that it is probable that the site will be permitted. Residual risks: •Changes in legislative or regulatory requirements may cause changes to the landfill site permitting process. These changes could make it more difficult and costly to obtain and maintain a landfill permit. •Studies performed could be inaccurate, which could result in the denial or revocation of a permit and changes to accounting assumptions. Conditions could exist that were not identified in the study, which may make the location not feasible for a landfill and could result in the denial of a permit. Denial or revocation of a permit could impair the recorded value of the landfill asset. •Actions by neighboring parties, private citizen groups or others to oppose our efforts to obtain, maintain or expand permits could result in denial, revocation or suspension of a permit, which could adversely impact the economic viability of the landfill and could impair the recorded value of the landfill. As a result of opposition to our obtaining a permit, improved technical information as a project progresses, or changes in the anticipated economics associated with a project, we may decide to reduce the scope of, or abandon, a project, which could result in an asset impairment. Technical landfill design. Upon receipt of initial regulatory approval, technical landfill designs are prepared. The technical designs, which include the detailed specifications to develop and construct all components of the landfill including the types and quantities of materials that will be required, are reviewed by our environmental management group. The technical designs are submitted to the regulatory agencies for approval. Upon approval of the technical designs, the regulatory agencies issue permits to develop and operate the landfill. Residual risks: •Changes in legislative or regulatory requirements may require changes in the landfill technical designs. These changes could make it more difficult and costly to meet new design standards. •Technical design requirements, as approved, may need modifications at some future point in time. 52 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents •Technical designs could be inaccurate and could result in increased construction costs, difficulty in obtaining a permit or the use of rates to recognize the amortization of landfill development costs and asset retirement obligations that are not appropriate. Permitted and probable landfill disposal capacity. Included in the technical designs are factors that determine the ultimate disposal capacity of the landfill. These factors include the area over which the landfill will be developed, such as the depth of excavation, the height of the landfill elevation and the angle of the side-slope construction. The disposal capacity of the landfill is calculated in cubic yards. This measurement of volume is then converted to a disposal capacity expressed in tons based on a site-specific expected density to be achieved over the remaining operating life of the landfill. Residual risks: •Estimates of future disposal capacity may change as a result of changes in legislative or regulatory design requirements. •The density of waste may vary due to variations in operating conditions, including waste compaction practices, site design, climate and the nature of the waste. •Capacity is defined in cubic yards but waste received is measured in tons. The number of tons per cubic yard varies by type of waste and our rate of compaction. Development costs. The types of costs that are detailed in the technical design specifications generally include excavation, natural and synthetic liners, construction of leachate collection systems, installation of methane gas collection systems and monitoring probes, installation of groundwater monitoring wells, construction of leachate management facilities and other costs associated with the development of the site. We review the adequacy of our cost estimates on an annual basis by comparing estimated costs with third-party bids or contractual arrangements, reviewing the changes in year-over-year cost estimates for reasonableness, and comparing our resulting development cost per acre with prior period costs. These development costs, together with any costs incurred to acquire, design and permit the landfill, including capitalized interest, are recorded to the landfill asset on the balance sheet as incurred. Residual risk: •Actual future costs of construction materials and third-party labor could differ from the costs we have estimated because of the level of demand and the availability of the required materials and labor. Technical designs could be altered due to unexpected operating conditions, regulatory changes or legislative changes. Landfill development asset amortization. To match the expense related to the landfill asset with the revenue generated by the landfill operations, we amortize the landfill development asset over its operating life on a per-ton basis as waste is accepted at the landfill. The landfill asset is fully amortized at the end of a landfill's operating life. The per-ton rate is calculated by dividing the sum of the landfill development asset net book value plus estimated future development costs (as described above) for the landfill, by the landfill's estimated remaining disposal capacity. The expected future development costs are not inflated or discounted, but rather expressed in nominal dollars. This rate is applied to each ton accepted at the landfill to arrive at amortization expense for the period. Amortization rates are influenced by the original cost basis of the landfill, including acquisition costs, which in turn is determined by geographic location and market values. We secure significant landfill assets through business acquisitions and value them at the time of acquisition based on fair value. Amortization rates are also influenced by site-specific engineering and cost factors. Residual risk: •Changes in our future development cost estimates or our disposal capacity will normally result in a change in our amortization rates and will impact amortization expense prospectively. An unexpected significant increase in estimated costs or reduction in disposal capacity could affect the ongoing economic viability of the landfill and result in asset impairment. On at least an annual basis, we update the estimates of future development costs and remaining disposal capacity for each landfill. These costs and disposal capacity estimates are reviewed and approved by senior operations management annually. Changes in cost estimates and disposal capacity are reflected prospectively in the landfill amortization rates that are updated annually. See our Results of Operations section in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for discussion on changes to our landfill depletion and amortization. Landfill Asset Retirement Obligations We have two types of retirement obligations related to landfills: (1) capping and (2) closure and post-closure. 53 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents Obligations associated with final capping activities that occur during the operating life of the landfill are recognized on a units-of-consumption basis as airspace is consumed within each discrete capping event. Obligations related to closure and post-closure activities that occur after the landfill has ceased operations are recognized on a units-of-consumption basis as airspace is consumed throughout the entire life of the landfill. Landfill retirement obligations are capitalized as the related liabilities are recognized and amortized using the units-of-consumption method over the airspace consumed within the capping event or the airspace consumed within the entire landfill, depending on the nature of the obligation. All obligations are initially measured at estimated fair value. Fair value is calculated on a present value basis using an inflation rate and our credit-adjusted, risk-free rate in effect at the time the liabilities were incurred. Future costs for final capping, closure and post-closure are developed at least annually by engineers, and are inflated to future value using estimated future payment dates and inflation rate projections. Landfill capping. As individual areas within each landfill reach capacity, we must cap and close the areas in accordance with the landfill site permit. These requirements are detailed in the technical design of the landfill site process previously described. Closure and post-closure. Closure costs are costs incurred after a landfill stops receiving waste, but prior to being certified as closed. After the entire landfill has reached capacity and is certified closed, we must continue to maintain and monitor the site for a post-closure period, which generally extends for 30 years. Costs associated with closure and post-closure requirements generally include maintenance of the site, the monitoring of methane gas collection systems and groundwater systems, and other activities that occur after the site has ceased accepting waste. Costs associated with post-closure monitoring generally include groundwater sampling, analysis and statistical reports, third-party labor associated with gas system operations and maintenance, transportation and disposal of leachate, and erosion control costs related to the final cap. Landfill retirement obligation liabilities and assets. Estimates of the total future costs required to cap, close and monitor each landfill as specified by the landfill permit are updated annually. The estimates include inflation, the specific timing of future cash outflows, and the anticipated waste flow into the capping events. Our cost estimates are inflated to the period of performance using an estimate of inflation, which is updated annually and is based upon the ten year average consumer price index (1.7% in 2020 and 2019). The present value of the remaining capping costs for specific capping events and the remaining closure and post-closure costs for each landfill are recorded as incurred on a per-ton basis. These liabilities are incurred as disposal capacity is consumed at the landfill. Capping, closure and post-closure liabilities are recorded in layers and discounted using our credit-adjusted risk-free rate in effect at the time the obligation is incurred (3.4% and 4.3% in 2020 and 2019). Retirement obligations are increased each year to reflect the passage of time by accreting the balance at the weighted average credit-adjusted risk-free rate that was used to calculate each layer of the recorded liabilities. This accretion is charged to operating expenses. Actual cash expenditures reduce the asset retirement obligation liabilities as they are made. Corresponding retirement obligation assets are recorded for the same value as the additions to the capping, closure and post-closure liabilities. The retirement obligation assets are amortized to expense on a per-ton basis as disposal capacity is consumed. The per-ton rate is calculated by dividing the sum of each of the recorded retirement obligation asset's net book value and expected future additions to the retirement obligation asset by the remaining disposal capacity. A per-ton rate is determined for each separate capping event based on the disposal capacity relating to that event. Closure and post-closure per-ton rates are based on the total disposal capacity of the landfill. Residual risks: •Changes in legislative or regulatory requirements, including changes in capping, closure activities or post-closure monitoring activities, types and quantities of materials used, or term of post-closure care, could cause changes in our cost estimates. •Changes in the landfill retirement obligation due to changes in the anticipated waste flow, changes in airspace compaction estimates or changes in the timing of expenditures for closed landfills and fully incurred but unpaid capping events are recorded in results of operations prospectively. This could result in unanticipated increases or decreases in expense. •Actual timing of disposal capacity utilization could differ from projected timing, causing differences in timing of when amortization and accretion expense is recognized for capping, closure and post-closure liabilities. •Changes in inflation rates could impact our actual future costs and our total liabilities. •Changes in our capital structure or market conditions could result in changes to the credit-adjusted risk-free rate used to discount the liabilities, which could cause changes in future recorded liabilities, assets and expense. •Amortization rates could change in the future based on the evaluation of new facts and circumstances relating to landfill capping design, post-closure monitoring requirements, or the inflation or discount rate. 54 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents On an annual basis, we update our estimates of future capping, closure and post-closure costs and of future disposal capacity for each landfill. Revisions in estimates of our costs or timing of expenditures are recognized immediately as increases or decreases to the capping, closure and post-closure liabilities and the corresponding retirement obligation assets. Changes in the assets result in changes to the amortization rates which are applied prospectively, except for fully incurred capping events and closed landfills, where the changes are recorded immediately in results of operations since the associated disposal capacity has already been consumed. See our Results of Operations section in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for discussion on changes to our landfill depletion and amortization. Permitted and probable disposal capacity. Disposal capacity is determined by the specifications detailed in the landfill permit. We classify this disposal capacity as permitted. We also include probable expansion disposal capacity in our remaining disposal capacity estimates, thus including additional disposal capacity being sought through means of a permit expansion. Probable expansion disposal capacity has not yet received final approval from the applicable regulatory agencies, but we have determined that certain critical criteria have been met and that the successful completion of the expansion is probable. We have developed six criteria that must be met before an expansion area is designated as probable expansion airspace. We believe that satisfying all of these criteria demonstrates a high likelihood that expansion airspace that is incorporated in our landfill costing will be permitted. However, because some of these criteria are judgmental, they may exclude expansion airspace that will eventually be permitted or include expansion airspace that will not be permitted. In either of these scenarios, our amortization, depletion and accretion expense could change significantly. Our internal criteria to classify disposal capacity as probable expansion airspace are as follows: •We own the land associated with the expansion airspace or control it pursuant to an option agreement; •We are committed to supporting the expansion project financially and with appropriate resources; •There are no identified fatal flaws or impediments associated with the project, including political impediments; •Progress is being made on the project; •The expansion is attainable within a reasonable time frame; and •We believe it is likely we will receive the expansion permit. After successfully meeting these criteria, the disposal capacity that will result from the planned expansion is included in our remaining disposal capacity estimates. Additionally, for purposes of calculating landfill amortization and capping, closure and post-closure rates, we include the incremental costs to develop, construct, close and monitor the related probable expansion disposal capacity. Residual risk: •We may be unsuccessful in obtaining permits for probable expansion disposal capacity because of the failure to obtain the final local, state or federal permits or due to other unknown reasons. If we are unsuccessful in obtaining permits for probable expansion disposal capacity, or the disposal capacity for which we obtain approvals is less than what was estimated, both our estimated total costs and disposal capacity will be reduced, which generally increases the rates we charge for landfill amortization and capping, closure and post-closure accruals. An unexpected decrease in disposal capacity could also cause an asset impairment. Environmental Liabilities We are subject to an array of laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, and we remediate sites in the ordinary course of our business. Under current laws and regulations, we may be responsible for environmental remediation at sites that we either own or operate, including sites that we have acquired, or sites where we have (or a company that we have acquired has) delivered waste. Our environmental remediation liabilities primarily include costs associated with remediating groundwater, surface water and soil contamination, as well as controlling and containing methane gas migration and the related legal costs. To estimate our ultimate liability at these sites, we evaluate several factors, including the nature and extent of contamination at each identified site, the required remediation methods, timing of expenditures, the apportionment of responsibility among the potentially responsible parties and the financial viability of those parties. We accrue for costs associated with environmental remediation obligations when such costs are probable and reasonably estimable in accordance with accounting for loss contingencies. We periodically review the status of all environmental matters and update our estimates of the likelihood of and future expenditures for remediation as necessary. Changes in the liabilities resulting from these reviews are recognized currently in earnings in the period in which the adjustment is known. Adjustments to estimates are reasonably possible in the near term and may result in changes to recorded amounts. With the exception of those obligations assumed in certain business combinations, environmental obligations are recorded on an undiscounted basis. Environmental obligations assumed in certain business combinations are initially estimated on a discounted basis, and accreted to full value over time through charges to interest expense. Adjustments arising from changes in amounts and timing of estimated costs and 55
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Table of Contents settlements may result in increases or decreases in these obligations and are calculated on a discounted basis as they were initially estimated on a discounted basis. These adjustments are charged to operating income when they are known. We perform a comprehensive review of our environmental obligations annually and also review changes in facts and circumstances associated with these obligations at least quarterly. See our Results of Operations section in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for discussion on our remediation adjustments. We have not reduced the liabilities we have recorded for recoveries from other potentially responsible parties or insurance companies. Residual risks: •We cannot determine with precision the ultimate amounts of our environmental remediation liabilities. Our estimates of these liabilities require assumptions about uncertain future events. Thus, our estimates could change substantially as additional information becomes available regarding the nature or extent of contamination, the required remediation methods, timing of expenditures, the final apportionment of responsibility among the potentially responsible parties identified, the financial viability of those parties, and the actions of governmental agencies or private parties with interests in the matter. The actual environmental costs may exceed our current and future accruals for these costs, and any adjustments could be material. •Actual amounts could differ from the estimated liabilities as a result of changes in estimated future litigation costs to pursue the matter to ultimate resolution. •An unanticipated environmental liability that arises could result in a material charge to our consolidated statements of income. Insurance Reserves and Related Costs Our insurance policies for workers' compensation, commercial general liability, commercial auto liability and environmental liability are high deductible, or retention programs. The deductibles, or retentions, range from$3 million to$10 million . The employee-related health benefits are also subject to a high deductible insurance policy. Accruals for deductibles or retentions are based on claims filed and actuarial estimates of claims development and claims incurred but not reported. Residual risks: •Incident rates, including frequency and severity, and other actuarial assumptions could change causing our current and future actuarially determined obligations to change, which would be reflected in our consolidated statements of income in the period in which such adjustment is known. •Recorded reserves may not be adequate to cover the future payment of claims. Adjustments, if any, to estimates recorded resulting from ultimate claim payments would be reflected in the consolidated statements of income in the periods in which such adjustments are known. •The settlement costs to discharge our obligations, including legal and health care costs, could increase or decrease causing current estimates of our insurance reserves to change. New Accounting Standards For a description of new accounting standards that may affect us, see Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
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