UNITED STATES
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
 
ý        QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended January 31, 2003
 
OR
 
o        TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from to

Commission file number 000-23211
 
CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware	 	03-0338873	
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)	 	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)	
 	 	 	
25 Greens Hill Lane, Rutland, Vermont	 	05701	
(Address of principal executive offices)	 	(Zip Code)	

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (802) 775-0325
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý  No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in rule 126-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes ý No o
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of March 3, 2003:
Class A Common Stock	22,769,484	
Class B Common Stock	988,200	

 
PART I.	 	FINANCIAL INFORMATION	
ITEM 1.	 	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	
 
CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
 	 	April 30,	 	January 31,	 	
ASSETS	 	2002	 	2003	 	
 	 	 	 	(Unaudited)	 	
CURRENT ASSETS	 	 	 	 	 	
Cash and cash equivalents	 	$	4,298	 	$	18,922	 	
Restricted cash	 	10,286	 	10,609	 	
Accounts receivable - trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $786 and $1,032	 	43,130	 	46,185	 	
Notes receivable - officers/employees	 	1,105	 	1,141	 	
Prepaid expenses	 	3,156	 	5,770	 	
Inventory	 	2,410	 	1,940	 	
Investments	 	62	 	22	 	
Deferred income taxes	 	8,767	 	6,637	 	
Assets held for sale	 	2,447	 	2,510	 	
Other current assets	 	2,267	 	1,616	 	
Total current assets	 	77,928	 	95,352	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $163,521 and $191,084	 	287,115	 	284,567	 	
Intangible assets, net	 	223,379	 	161,415	 	
Deferred income taxes	 	648	 	—	 	
Investments in unconsolidated entities	 	26,865	 	29,222	 	
Net assets under contractual obligation	 	—	 	3,814	 	
Other non-current assets	 	5,934	 	13,559	 	
 	 	543,941	 	492,577	 	
 	 	$	621,869	 	$	587,929	 	
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
 
2

 
CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
 	 	April 30,	 	January 31,	 	 	
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	 	2002	 	2003	 	 	
 	 	 	 	(Unaudited)	 	 	
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Current maturities of long-term debt	 	$	6,436	 	$	5,519	 	 	
Current maturities of capital lease obligations	 	1,816	 	1,409	 	 	
Accounts payable	 	23,690	 	26,686	 	 	
Accrued payroll and related expenses	 	5,813	 	6,182	 	 	
Accrued interest	 	1,481	 	539	 	 	
Accrued income taxes	 	3,676	 	3,788	 	 	
Accrued closure and post-closure costs, current portion	 	6,465	 	1,654	 	 	
Liabilities of operations held for sale	 	828	 	1,136	 	 	
Other accrued liabilities	 	23,706	 	14,300	 	 	
Total current liabilities	 	73,911	 	61,213	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Long-term debt, less current maturities	 	277,545	 	301,730	 	 	
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities	 	3,051	 	2,163	 	 	
Accrued closure and post-closure costs, less current maturities	 	18,307	 	21,766	 	 	
Minority interest	 	523	 	—	 	 	
Deferred income taxes	 	—	 	4,369	 	 	
Other long-term liabilities	 	11,006	 	10,695	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	 	 	 	 	 	 	

Series A redeemable, convertible preferred stock, 55,750 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of April 30, 2002 and January 31, 2003, liquidation preference of $1,000 per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends	 	60,730	 	63,036	 	 	

 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Class A common stock -	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Authorized- 100,000,000 shares, $0.01 par value issued and outstanding - 22,667,000 and 22,739,000 shares as of April 30, 2002 and January 31, 2003, respectively	 	227	 	227	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Class B common stock -	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Authorized - 1,000,000 shares, $0.01 par value 10 votes per share, issued and outstanding - 988,000 shares	 	10	 	10	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	 	 (4,250	)  	146	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Additional paid-in capital	 	272,697	 	270,838	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Accumulated deficit	 	(91,888	)	(148,264	)	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total stockholders' equity	 	176,796	 	122,957	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	$	621,869	 	$	587,929	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
 
3

 
CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
 	 	Three Months Ended	 	Nine Months Ended	 	
 	 	January 31,	 	January 31,	 	
 	 	2002	 	2003	 	2002	 	2003	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Revenues	 	$	101,189	 	$	95,749	 	$	323,315	 	$	326,146	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Operating expenses:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cost of operations	 	66,142	 	62,009	 	211,549	 	214,434	 	
General and administration	 	13,994	 	13,554	 	41,188	 	42,108	 	
Depreciation and amortization	 	12,825	 	11,622	 	38,390	 	35,900	 	
 	 	92,961	 	87,185	 	291,127	 	292,442	 	
Operating income	 	8,228	 	8,564	 	32,188	 	33,704	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Other expense/(income), net:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Interest income	 	(110	)	(72	)	(801	)	(229	)	
Interest expense	 	7,740	 	6,578	 	24,580	 	20,665	 	
Income from equity method investments	 	(1,857	)	(607	)	(1,349	)	(2,357	)	
Minority interest	 	29	 	—	 	(2	)	(152	)	
Other expense/(income), net:	 	1,543	 	655	 	(4,960	)	907	 	
Other expense, net	 	7,345	 	6,554	 	17,468	 	18,834	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, discontinued operations, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle	 	883	 	2,010	 	14,720	 	14,870	 	
Provision for income taxes	 	233	 	623	 	5,524	 	6,251	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Income from continuing operations before discontinued operations, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle	 	650	 	1,387	 	9,196	 	8,619	 	
Estimated loss on disposal of discontinued operations (net of income tax benefit of $350 and $924)	 	(521	)	—	 	(2,146	)	—	 	
Extraordinary item - early extinguishment of debt (net of income tax benefit of $1,479)	 	—	 	(2,170	)	—	 	(2,170	)	
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (net of income tax benefit of $170 and $189)	 	—	 	—	 	(250	)	(62,825	)	
Net (loss) income	 	129	 	(783	)	6,800	 	(56,376	)	
Preferred stock dividend	 	861	 	778	 	2,267	 	2,306	 	
Net (loss) income available to common stockholder	 	$	(732	)	$	(1,561	)	$	4,533	 	$	(58,682	)	
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
4

 
CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except for per share data)
 
 	 	Three Months Ended	 	Nine Months Ended	 	
 	 	January 31,	 	January 31,	 	
 	 	2002	 	2003	 	2002	 	2003	 	
Earnings Per Share:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Basic:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle	 	$	(0.01	)	$	0.02	 	$	0.30	 	$	0.26	 	
Estimated loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net	 	(0.02	)	—	 	(0.09	)	—	 	
Extraordinary item - early extinguishment of debt, net	 	—	 	(0.09	)	—	 	(0.09	)	
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net	 	—	 	—	 	(0.01	)	(2.65	)	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net (loss) income per common share	 	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.07	)	$	0.20	 	$	(2.48	)	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	 	23,565	 	23,717	 	23,414	 	23,704	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Diluted:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle	 	$	(0.01	)	$	0.02	 	$	0.29	 	$	0.26	 	
Estimated loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net	 	(0.02	)	—	 	(0.09	)	—	 	
Extraordinary item - early extinguishment of debt, net	 	—	 	(0.09	)	—	 	(0.09	)	
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net	 	—	 	—	 	(0.01	)	(2.62	)	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net (loss) income per common share	 	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.07	)	$	0.19	 	$	(2.45	)	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	 	23,565	 	23,964	 	24,091	 	23,966	 	
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
5

 
CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 	 	Nine Months Ended	 	
 	 	January 31,	 	
 	 	2002	 	2003	 	
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	 	 	 	 	 	
Net (loss) income	 	$	6,800	 	$	(56,376	)	
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities -	 	 	 	 	 	
Depreciation and amortization	 	38,390	 	35,900	 	
Estimated loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net	 	2,146	 	—	 	
Extraordinary item - early extinguishment of debt, net	 	—	 	2,170	 	
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net	 	250	 	62,825	 	
Income from equity method investments	 	(1,349	)	(2,357	)	
Loss from commodity hedge contracts, net	 	1,289	 	—	 	
Gain on investments, net	 	(1,654	)	—	 	
Gain on sale of equipment	 	(296	)	(57	)	
Gain on sale of assets	 	(4,698	)	—	 	
Non cash directors compensation	 	20	 	20	 	
Minority interest	 	(2	)	(152	)	
Deferred income taxes	 	1,847	 	8,815	 	
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures -	 	 	 	 	 	
Accounts receivable	 	7,879	 	(8,365	)	
Accounts payable	 	(1,727	)	5,468	 	
Other assets and liabilities	 	3,863	 	(11,358	)	
 	 	45,958	 	92,909	 	
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	 	52,758	 	36,533	 	
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	 	 	 	 	 	
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	 	(1,505	)	(2,489	)	
Proceeds from divestitures, net of cash divested	 	28,646	 	—	 	
Additions to property, plant and equipment	 	(28,395	)	(32,162	)	
Proceeds from sale of equipment	 	1,186	 	1,194	 	
Proceeds from sale of investments	 	3,530	 	—	 	
Distributions from (advances to) unconsolidated entities	 	(4,388	)	500	 	
Proceeds from assets under contractual obligation	 	—	 	101	 	
Other	 	2,985	 	—	 	
Net Cash (Used In) Provided by Investing Activities	 	2,059	 	(32,856	)	
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:	 	 	 	 	 	
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	 	53,290	 	375,471	 	
Principal payments on long-term debt	 	(117,230	)	(354,077	)	
Deferred financing costs	 	—	 	(11,119	)	
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	 	217	 	—	 	
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	 	3,173	 	427	 	
Net Cash Provided by (Used In) Financing Activities	 	(60,550	)	10,702	 	
Cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations	 	(6,863	)	245	 	
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	 	(12,596	)	14,624	 	
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	 	22,001	 	4,298	 	
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	 	$	9,405	 	$	18,922	 	
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
6

 
CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
 	 	Nine Months Ended	 	
 	 	January 31,	 	
 	 	2002	 	2003	 	
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:	 	 	 	 	 	
Cash paid during the period for -	 	 	 	 	 	
Interest	 	$	26,346	 	$	20,140	 	
Income taxes, net of refunds	 	$	312	 	$	414	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Supplemental Disclosures of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:	 	 	 	 	 	
Summary of entities acquired in purchase business combinations	 	 	 	 	 	
Fair market value of assets acquired	 	$	1,749	 	$	2,705	 	
Notes receivable exchanged for assets	 	(25	)	—	 	
Cash paid, net	 	(1,505	)	(2,489	)	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Liabilities assumed	 	$	219	 	$	216	 	
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
7

 
CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except for per share data)
 
1.             ORGANIZATION
 
The consolidated balance sheets of Casella Waste Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company” or the “Parent”) as of April 30, 2002 and January 31, 2003, the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2002 and 2003 and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended January 31, 2002 and 2003 are unaudited.  In the opinion of management, such financial statements include all adjustments (which include normal recurring and nonrecurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented.  Certain reclassifications have been made to the April 30, 2002 balance sheet to conform to the January 31, 2003 balance sheet presentation.  The consolidated financial statements presented herein should be read in connection with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the twelve months ended April 30, 2002.  These were included as part of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2002 (the “Annual Report”).  The results of the nine months ended January 31, 2003 may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2003.
 
2.             BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
 
During the nine months ended January 31, 2003, the Company acquired five solid waste hauling operations in transactions accounted for as purchases.  These transactions were in exchange for consideration of $2,489 in cash to the sellers.  During the nine months ended January 31, 2002, the Company acquired three solid waste hauling operations in transactions accounted for as purchases.  These transactions were in exchange for consideration of $1,505 in cash to the sellers. The operating results of these businesses are included in the consolidated statements of operations from the dates of acquisition.  The purchase prices have been allocated to the net assets acquired based on their fair values at the dates of acquisition with the residual amounts allocated to goodwill.
 
The following unaudited pro forma combined information shows the results of the Company’s operations as though each of the acquisitions had been completed as of May 1, 2001. 
 
 	 	Nine Months Ended
January 31, 2002	 	Nine Months Ended
January 31, 2003	 	
Revenues	 	$	325,149	 	$	327,027	 	
Operating income	 	$	32,640	 	$	33,912	 	
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders	 	$	4,688	 	$	(58,619	)	
Diluted net (loss) income per common share	 	$	0.19	 	$	(2.45	)	
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	 	24,091	 	23,966	 	
 
The foregoing pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations had the acquisitions taken place as of May 1, 2001 or the results of future operations of the Company.  Furthermore, such pro forma results do not give effect to all cost savings or incremental costs that may occur as a result of the integration and consolidation of the completed acquisitions.
 
8

 
3.             ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. These new standards significantly modified the accounting rules related to accounting for business acquisitions, amortization of intangible assets and the method of accounting for impairments of existing goodwill. The effective date for SFAS No. 142 was fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001.
 
SFAS No. 142, among other things, eliminates the amortization of goodwill and requires an annual assessment of goodwill impairment by applying a fair value based test.  SFAS No. 142 requires that any goodwill recorded in connection with an acquisition consummated on or after July 1, 2001 not be amortized.  The Company performed an impairment test as of May 1, 2002 and goodwill was determined to be impaired and the amount of $62,825 (net of tax benefit of $189) was charged to earnings as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.  The goodwill impairment is associated with the assets acquired by the Company in connection with its acquisition of KTI.  Remaining goodwill will be tested for impairment on an annual basis and further impairment charges may result. In accordance with the non-amortization provisions of SFAS No. 142, remaining goodwill will not be amortized going forward.  The following schedule reflects net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2002 and 2003 adjusted to exclude goodwill amortization and impairment charges.
 
 	 	Three Months Ended	 	Nine Months Ended	 	
 	 	January 31,	 	January 31,	 	
 	 	2002	 	2003	 	2002	 	2003	 	
Reported net (loss) income available to common stockholders	 	$	(732	)	$	(1,561	)	$	4,533	 	$	(58,682	)	
Goodwill impairment charge (net of income taxes of $189)	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	62,825	 	
Goodwill amortization (net of income taxes of $359 and $994)	 	1,338	 	—	 	3,707	 	—	 	
Adjusted net income (loss) available to common stockholders	 	$	606	 	$	(1,561	)	$	8,240	 	$	4,143	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Basic earnings per common share:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Reported net (loss) income available to common stockholders	 	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.07	)	$	0.20	 	$	(2.48	)	
Goodwill impairment charge, net	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	2.65	 	
Goodwill amortization, net	 	0.06	 	—	 	0.16	 	—	 	
Adjusted basic earnings (loss) per share available to common stockholders	 	$	0.03	 	$	(0.07	)	$	0.36	 	$	0.17	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Diluted earnings per common share:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Reported net (loss) income available to common stockholders	 	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.07	)	$	0.19	 	$	(2.45	)	
Goodwill impairment charge, net	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	2.62	 	
Goodwill amortization, net	 	0.06	 	—	 	0.15	 	—	 	
Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share available to common stockholders	 	$	0.03	 	$	(0.07	)	$	0.34	 	$	0.17	 	
 
The Company adopted SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets as of May 1, 2002.  Among other things, this standard requires that the assets and liabilities of a disposal group held for sale (including those of discontinued operations) be presented separately in the asset and liability sections, respectively, of the balance sheet.  The standard also requires reclassification of such items in prior periods if such financial statements are presented for comparative purposes.  The table below shows the April 30, 2002 balance sheet as previously reported, and also as reclassified pursuant to SFAS No. 144.
 
9

 
 	 	April 30, 2002	 	
 	 	As previously
 reported	 	Reclassified pursuant
to SFAS 144	 	
Net assets of discontinued operations	 	$	1,619	 	$	—	 	
Assets held for sale	 	—	 	2,447	 	
Other current assets	 	75,481	 	75,481	 	
Total current assets	 	77,100	 	77,928	 	
Non-current assets	 	543,941	 	543,941	 	
Total assets	 	$	621,041	 	$	621,869	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Liabilities of operations held for sale	 	$	—	 	$	828	 	
Other current liabilities	 	73,083	 	73,083	 	
Total current liabilities	 	73,083	 	73,911	 	
Non-current liabilities	 	310,432	 	310,432	 	
Total liabilities	 	$	383,515	 	$	384,343	 	
 
In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others  ("FIN 45").  FIN 45 clarifies the requirement of FASB No. 5, Accounting for Contigencies , relating to a guarantor's accounting for, and disclosure of, the issuance of certain types of guarantees.  It requires a guarantor to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee.  The initial recognition and initial measurement provisions of FIN 45 are effective on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002.  The Company will record the fair value of future material guarantees, if any.
 
4.             LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
In the normal course of its business and as a result of the extensive governmental regulation of the waste industry, the Company may periodically become subject to various judicial and administrative proceedings involving Federal, state or local agencies.  In these proceedings, an agency may seek to impose fines on the Company or to revoke, or to deny renewal of, an operating permit held by the Company.  In addition, the Company may become party to various claims and suits for alleged damages to persons and property, alleged violation of certain laws and for alleged liabilities arising out of matters occurring during the normal operation of the waste management business.
 
The Company is a defendant in certain other lawsuits alleging various claims, none of which, either individually or in the aggregate, the Company believes are material to its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
5.             ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES
 
The Company is subject to liability for any environmental damage, including personal injury and property damage, that its solid waste, recycling and power generation facilities may cause to neighboring property owners, particularly as a result of the contamination of drinking water sources or soil, possibly including damage resulting from conditions existing before the Company acquired the facilities. The Company may also be subject to liability for similar claims arising from off-site environmental contamination caused by pollutants or hazardous substances if the Company or its predecessors arrange to transport, treat or dispose of those materials. Any substantial liability incurred by the Company arising from environmental damage could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company is not presently aware of any situations that it expects would have a material adverse impact.
 
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6.             LONG - TERM DEBT
 
Long-term debt as of April 30, 2002 and January 31, 2003 consists of the following: 
 	 	April 30,	 	January 31,	 	
 	 	2002	 	2003	 	
Advances on senior secured revolving credit facility (the "old revolver") which provided for advances of up to $280,000, bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.50%, collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Company	 	$	156,800	 	$	—	 	
Advances on senior secured delayed draw term "B" Loan (the "old term loan") bearing interest at LIBOR plus 3.75%.  This loan was collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Company	 	119,300	 	—	 	
Senior subordinated notes, due February 1, 2013, 9.75%, interest payable semiannually, unsecured and unconditionally guaranteed	 	—	 	150,000	 	
Senior secured term loan (the "new term loan") due January 24, 2010, bearing interest at LIBOR plus 3.25% (approximately 4.625% at January 31, 2003 based on three month LIBOR), with principal payments of $1,500 per year, beginning in fiscal 2004 with the remaining principal balance due at maturity. This loan is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Company	 	—	 	150,000	 	
Senior secured revolving credit facility (the "new revolver"), which provides for advances of up to $175,000, due January 24, 2008, bearing interest at LIBOR plus 3.00%, (approximately 4.375% at January 31, 2003 based on three month LIBOR).  This loan is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Company	 	—	 	—	 	
Notes payable in connection with businesses acquired, bearing interest at rates of 0% – 12.5%, due in monthly or annual installments varying to $22, expiring December 2003 through May 2009	 	1,797	 	2,404	 	
Subordinated, convertible notes payable in connection with business acquired, bearing interest at 7.5%, due in monthly installments varying to $48, expiring on March 15, 2003. Convertible into Class A common stock of the Company, at the note holder's election, at the rate of one share of common stock for each $15.375 of the principal amount surrendered for conversion	 	2,419	 	1,585	 	
Notes payable in connection with businesses acquired, bearing interest at 0%, discounted at 4.74% to 5.5%, due in monthly and quarterly installments varying to $375 through April 2005	 	3,665	 	3,260	 	
 	 	283,981	 	307,249	 	
Less—Current maturities	 	6,436	 	5,519	 	
 	 	$	277,545	 	$	301,730	 	
 
On January 24, 2003, the Company issued $150,000 of 9.75% senior subordinated notes (the “notes”), due 2013.  The senior subordinated note agreement contains covenants that restrict dividends, stock repurchases and other payments, and limits the incurrence of debt and issuance of preferred stock subject to the Company meeting a minimum consolidated fixed charge ratio.  The notes are guaranteed jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally by the Company and its significant subsidiaries.  The Parent has no independent assets or operations and the non guarantor subsidiaries are minor.
 
On February 11, 2003, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to an exchange offer pursuant to which senior subordinated notes (the "exchange notes") identical in terms and in principal amount to the notes issued on January 24, 2003 (the "old notes") would be issued in exchange for the old notes.  The exchange notes, when issued, would be
 
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freely transferable under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  The Securities and Exchange Commission is reviewing the registration statement.  Following the effectiveness of the registration statement, the Company will conduct an exchange offer whereby each holder of the old notes would be given an opportunity to exchange the old notes held by it for exchange notes which are equal in principal amount to the old notes surrendered.
 
Concurrently with the issuance of the notes, the Company entered into a new senior credit facility consisting of the new term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $150,000 and the new revolver in the aggregate principal amount of $175,000.  The Company, under certain circumstances, has the option of increasing the new term loan or the new revolver by an additional $50,000.
 
The new term loan and new revolver  credit facility agreement contains covenants that restrict dividends and stock repurchases, limit capital expenditures, set minimum net worth requirements, interest coverage and leverage ratios and positive quarterly profitable operations.  The gross proceeds of the notes offering and initial borrowings under the Company’s new term loan were used to repay all outstanding indebtedness under the old term loan and the old revolver.
 
The Company recorded an extraordinary loss of $2,170 (net of income tax benefit of $1,479) as a result of the write-off of deferred financing costs related to the old term loan and the old revolver.
 
As of January 31, 2003, debt matures as follows:

January 31,	 	 	
2004	$	5,519	
2005	 	3,646	
2006	 	2,147	
2007	 	1,775	
2008	 	1,576	
Thereafter	 	292,586	
 	$	307,249	
 
7.             EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
The following table sets forth the numerator and denominator used in the computation of earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations before discontinued operations, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle on a basic and diluted basis for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2002 and 2003.
 
 	 	Three Months Ended	 	Nine Months Ended	 	
 	 	January 31,	 	January 31,	 	
 	 	2002	 	2003	 	2002	 	2003	 	
Numerator:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Income from continuing operations before discontinued operations, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle	 	$	650	 	$	1,387	 	$	9,196	 	$	8,619	 	
Less: Preferred stock dividends	 	(861	)	(778	)	(2,267	)	(2,306	)	
Income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle available to common stockholders	 	$	(211	)	$	609	 	$	6,929	 	$	6,313	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Denominator:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Number of shares outstanding, end of period:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Class A common stock	 	22,790	 	22,739	 	22,790	 	22,739	 	
Class B common stock	 	988	 	988	 	988	 	988	 	
Effect of weighted average shares outstanding during period	 	(213	)	(10	)	(364	)	(23	)	
Weighted average number of common shares used in basic EPS	 	23,565	 	23,717	 	23,414	 	23,704	 	
Impact of potentially dilutive securities:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Dilutive effect of options, warrants and contingent stock	 	—	 	247	 	677	 	262	 	
Weighted average number of common shares used in diluted EPS	 	23,565	 	23,964	 	24,091	 	23,966	 	

For the three and nine months ended January 31, 2002, 9,187 and 7,038 common stock equivalents related to
 
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options, convertible debt, and redeemable convertible preferred stock, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of dilutive shares since the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive.
 
For the three and nine months ended January 31, 2003, 8,659 and 8,454 common stock equivalents related to options, convertible debt, and redeemable convertible preferred stock, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of dilutive shares since the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive.
 
8.             COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME  
 
Comprehensive (loss) income represents the change in the Company’s equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources and includes all changes in equity except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.  Comprehensive (loss) income for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2002 and 2003 is as follows: 
 
 	 	Three Months Ended	 	Nine Months Ended	 	
 	 	January 31,	 	January 31,	 	
 	 	2002	 	2003	 	2002	 	2003	 	
Net (loss) income	 	$	129	 	$	(783	)	$	6,800	 	$	(56,376	)	
Other comprehensive income (loss)	 	1,267	 	2,673	 	(6,035	)	4,396	 	
Comprehensive (loss) income	 	$	1,396	 	$	1,890	 	$	765	 	$	(51,980	)	

The components of other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended in Janurary 31, 2002 and 2003 are shown as follows:
 
 	 	Three Months Ended	 	Nine Months Ended	 	
 	 	January 31, 2002	 	January 31, 2002	 	
 	 	Gross	 	Tax effect	 	Net of Tax	 	Gross	 	Tax effect	 	Net of Tax	 	
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, beginning of period	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	(4,650	)	$	(1,885	)	$	(2,765	)	
Changes in fair value of marketable securities during the period, net	 	(25	)	(10	)	(15	)	(1,704	)	(691	)	(1,013	)	
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps and commodity hedges during period, net	 	2,311	 	1,029	 	1,282	 	(3,637	)	(1,380	)	(2,257	)	
 	 	$	2,286	 	$	1,019	 	$	1,267	 	$	(9,991	)	$	(3,956	)	$	(6,035	)	
 
 	 	Three Months Ended	 	Nine Months Ended	 	
 	 	January 31, 2003	 	January 31, 2003	 	
 	 	Gross	 	Tax effect	 	Net of Tax	 	Gross	 	Tax effect	 	Net of Tax	 	
Changes in fair value of marketable securities during the period, net	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	(40	)	$	—	 	$	(40	)	
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps and commodity hedges during period, net	 	4,494	 	1,821	 	2,673	 	7,459	 	3,023	 	4,396	 	
 	 	$	4,494	 	$	1,821	 	$	2,673	 	$	7,419	 	$	3,023	 	$	4,396	 	

The change in fair value of interest rate swaps for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2003 amounted to $4,389 and $8,225 ($2,631 and $4,912 net of tax), respectively.  The Company terminated these swaps effective January 24, 2003 (Note 9).
 
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9.             DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
 
The Company’s strategy to hedge against fluctuations in the commodity prices of recycled paper is to enter into hedges to mitigate the variability in cash flows generated from the sales of recycled paper at floating prices, resulting in a fixed price being received from these sales.  The Company has twelve commodity hedge contracts outstanding.  These contracts expire between August 2003 and November 2005.  The Company has evaluated these hedges and believes that these instruments qualify for hedge accounting pursuant to SFAS No. 133,  Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities .  As of January 31, 2003 the fair value of these hedges was $273, with the net amount (net of taxes of $131) recorded as an unrealized gain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
 
During fiscal 2002, the Company was a party to certain hedging contracts with respect to which Enron Corporation (“Enron”) was the counterparty.  On December 2, 2001, Enron filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.  As a result of the filing, the Company executed the early termination provisions provided under the forward contracts for which Enron was the counterparty, and the Company filed a claim with the bankruptcy court.  Deferred gains of approximately $44, net of tax, related to the Company’s terminated contracts with Enron were included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), and are being reclassified into earnings as the original hedged transactions settle.  Additionally, the Company agreed with its equity method investee, US GreenFiber LLC (“GreenFiber”), to include GreenFiber in its claim (as allowed under the applicable affiliate provisions) in exchange for entering into commodity contracts between GreenFiber and the Company on terms identical to those with Enron.  Subsequent changes in the fair value of these commodity contracts ($348 as of January 31, 2003) are being reflected in earnings until their March 2003 termination.
 
The Company terminated five interest rate swaps on January 24, 2003 concurrent with the issuance of the notes and entering into its new senior credit facility.  These hedges were accounted for as cash flow hedges pursuant to SFAS 133 and were designated to interest payments under the previous credit facility.  The early termination costs associated with the unwind of these swaps amounted to $1,296 which is included in other expense / (income), net in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
10.          SEGMENT REPORTING
 
SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments in financial statements.  In general, SFAS No. 131 requires that business entities report selected information about operating segments in a manner consistent with that used for internal management reporting. 
 
The Company classifies its operations into Eastern, Central, Western and FCR Recycling.  The Company’s revenues in the Eastern, Central and Western segments are derived mainly from one industry segment, which includes the collection, transfer, recycling and disposal of non-hazardous solid waste.  The Eastern Region also includes Maine Energy, which generates electricity from non-hazardous solid waste. The Company’s revenues in the FCR Recycling segment are derived from integrated waste handling services, including processing and recycling of wood, paper, metals, aluminum, plastics and glass and brokerage of recycled materials.  Ancillary operations, mainly residue recycling, major customer accounts and investments in unconsolidated entities, are included in Other.
 
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 	 	Eastern	 	Central	 	Western	 	FCR	 	 	 	
Three Months Ended January 31, 2002:	 	Region	 	Region	 	Region	 	Recycling	 	Other	 	
Outside revenues	 	$	35,899	 	$	22,669	 	$	15,651	 	$	23,449	 	$	3,521	 	
Inter-segment revenues	 	6,754	 	10,752	 	3,118	 	701	 	—	 	
Net income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle	 	(482	)	3,729	 	57	 	(3,427	)	773	 	
Total assets	 	$	262,405	 	$	115,397	 	$	107,963	 	$	74,149	 	$	75,454	 	
 
 	 	Eliminations	 	Total	 	
Outside revenues	 	$	—	 	$	101,189	 	
Inter-segment revenues	 	(21,325	)	—	 	
Net income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle	 	—	 	650	 	
Total assets	 	$	—	 	$	635,368	 	
 
 	 	Eastern	 	Central	 	Western	 	FCR	 	 	 	
Three Months Ended January 31, 2003:	 	Region	 	Region	 	Region	 	Recycling	 	Other	 	
Outside revenues	 	$	35,839	 	$	21,686	 	$	15,931	 	$	18,767	 	$	3,526	 	
Inter-segment revenues	 	8,675	 	10,501	 	2,781	 	1,590	 	—	 	
Net income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle	 	(1,660	)	3,785	 	182	 	(335	)	(585	)	
Total assets	 	$	215,127	 	$	113,262	 	$	108,747	 	$	62,693	 	$	88,100	 	
 
 	 	Eliminations	 	Total	 	
Outside revenues	 	$	—	 	$	95,749	 	
Inter-segment revenues	 	(23,547	)	—	 	
Net income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle	 	—	 	1,387	 	
Total assets	 	$	—	 	$	587,929	 	
 
 	 	Eastern	 	Central	 	Western	 	FCR	 	 	 	
Nine Months Ended January 31, 2002:	 	Region	 	Region	 	Region	 	Recycling	 	Other	 	
Outside revenues	 	$	114,490	 	$	73,843	 	$	50,736	 	$	70,272	 	$	13,974	 	
Inter-segment revenues	 	23,583	 	35,160	 	11,302	 	5,691	 	58	 	
Net income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle	 	1,836	 	14,107	 	1,835	 	(7,377	)	(1,205	)	
Total assets	 	$	262,405	 	$	115,397	 	$	107,963	 	$	74,149	 	$	75,454	 	
 
 	 	Eliminations	 	Total	 	
Outside revenues	 	$	—	 	$	323,315	 	
Inter-segment revenues	 	(75,794	)	—	 	
Net income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle	 	—	 	9,196	 	
Total assets	 	$	—	 	$	635,368	 	
 
 	 	Eastern	 	Central	 	Western	 	FCR	 	 	 	
Nine Months Ended January 31, 2003:	 	Region	 	Region	 	Region	 	Recycling	 	Other	 	
Outside revenues	 	$	115,872	 	$	72,441	 	$	51,465	 	$	75,490	 	$	10,878	 	
Inter-segment revenues	 	29,126	 	34,880	 	10,506	 	7,391	 	—	 	
Net income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle	 	(2,025	)	15,163	 	2,714	 	(276	)	(6,957	)	
Total assets	 	$	215,127	 	$	113,262	 	$	108,747	 	$	62,693	 	$	88,100	 	
 
 	 	Eliminations	 	Total	 	
Outside revenues	 	$	—	 	$	326,146	 	
Inter-segment revenues	 	(81,903	)	—	 	
Net income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle	 	—	 	8,619	 	
Total assets	 	$	—	 	$	587,929	 	

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11.          DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 
 
At the end of fiscal year 2001, the Company adopted a formal plan to dispose of its Tire Processing, Commercial Recycling and Mulch Recycling businesses (herein “discontinued businesses”).  The Company has accounted for planned dispositions in accordance with APB Opinion No. 30,  Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business , and accordingly, discontinued businesses are carried at estimated net realizable value less costs to be incurred through the date of disposition. 
 
Net assets of discontinued operations atJanuary 31, 2003 represent a commercial recycling facility that the company expects to sell in fiscal year 2003. Net assets of discontinued operations are stated at their expected net realizable value and have been separately classified in the accompanying balance sheets at April 30, 2002 and January 31, 2003 and consist of the following:
 
 	 	April 30,
2002	 	January 31,
2003	 	
Current assets	 	$	243	 	$	295	 	
Non-current assets	 	2,204	 	2,215	 	
Assets held for sale	 	$	2,447	 	$	2,510	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Current liabilities	 	$	828	 	$	1,136	 	
Liabilities of operations held for sale	 	$	828	 	$	1,136	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net assets of discontinued operations	 	$	1,619	 	$	1,374	 	
 
12.          NET ASSETS UNDER CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION 
 
Effective September 30, 2002, the Company transferred its export brokerage operations to former employees, who had been responsible for managing that business.  Consideration for the transaction was in the form of two notes receivable amounting up to  $5,463.  These notes are payable within five years of the anniversary date of the transaction from free cash flow generated from the operations.  The Company has not accounted for this transaction as a sale based on an assessment that the risks and other incidents of ownership have not sufficiently transferred to the buyer. The net assets of the operation are disclosed in the balance sheet as “net assets under contractual obligation”, and will be reduced as payments are made.
 
13.          NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS 
 
In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No.143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.  SFAS No. 143 requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred.  When the liability is initially recorded, the entity capitalizes the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset.  The liability is accreted to its present value each period and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset.  Upon settlement of the liability, the entity either settles the obligation for the amount recorded or incurs a gain or loss.  SFAS No. 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002.  The Company will adopt SFAS No. 143 beginning May 1, 2003.  Management is evaluating the effect of this statement on the Company’s results of operations and financial position as well as related disclosures.  
 
In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, Rescission of FASB Statements No., 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections .  SFAS No. 145, among other things, restricts the classification of gains and losses from extinguishment of debt as extraordinary such that most debt extinguishment gains and losses will no longer be classified as extraordinary.  SFAS No. 145 is effective for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002. Upon adoption, gains and losses on future
 
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debt extinguishment, if any, will be recorded in pre-tax income.  Management is evaluating the effect of this statement on the Company’s results of operations and financial position as well as related disclosures. 
 
In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.  SFAS No. 146 addresses costs such as restructuring, involuntary termination of employees and consolidating facilities but excludes from its scope exit and disposal activities that are in connection with a business combination and those activities to which SFAS No. 143 and No. 144 are applicable.  SFAS No. 146 is effective for exit and disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002.  Management is evaluating the effect of this statement on the Company’s results of operations and financial position as well as related disclosures. 
 
In December, 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure — an amendment of  FAS 123 .  This statement amends FASB Statement No. 123,  Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,  to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation.  In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used in reporting results.  SFAS No. 148 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2002.  Management is evaluating the effect of this statement on the Company’s results of operations and financial position as well as related disclosures.
 
In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of APB No. 51  ("FIN 46") .   FIN 46 requires that unconsolidated variable interest entities be consolidated by their primary beneficiary who absorbs a majority of the entities expected losses or residual benefits.  FIN 46 applies immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003 and to existing variable interest entities in the periods beginning after June 15, 2003.  Management is evaluating the effect of this statement on the Company's results of operations and financial position as well as related disclosures.
 
14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
On Febuary 24, 2003, the Company entered into two, three year interest swap agreements with two banks effectively fixing the interest index rate on a notional $53.0 million at approximately 2.4%.  These hedges are specifically designated to existing interest payments under the term loan and will be accounted for as effective cash flow hedges pursuant to SFAS No. 133.
 
On March 5, 2003, the Company announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Hardwick Sanitary Landfill, Inc., which includes a construction and demolition materials landfill located in Hardwick, Massachusetts.  The Company will pay total consideration of $12,000 comprised of $10,000 in cash at closing and $1,000 on successive anniversary dates.
 
ITEM 2.      MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS   
 
Casella Waste Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) is a vertically integrated regional solid waste services company that provides collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services to residential, industrial and commercial customers, primarily throughout the eastern region of the United States.  As of March 3, 2003, the Company owned and/or operated five Subtitle D landfills, one landfill permitted to accept construction and demolition materials, 36 solid waste collection operations, 31 transfer stations, 41 recycling facilities and one waste-to-energy facility, as well as a 50% interest in a joint venture that manufactures, markets and sells cellulose insulation made from recycled fiber. 
 
The Company’s revenues decreased from $101.2 million for the three months ended January 31, 2002 to $95.7 million for the three months ended January 31, 2003.  From May 1, 2001 through April 30, 2002, the Company acquired four solid waste collection, transfer and disposal operations all of which were accounted for under the purchase method of accounting for business combinations.  Between May 1, 2002 and January 31, 2003 the Company acquired five such businesses.  Under the rules of purchase accounting, the acquired companies’ revenues and results of operations have been included together with those of the Company’s from the actual dates of the acquisitions and affect the period-to-period comparisons of the Company’s historical results of operations.  Effective September 30, 2002, the Company transferred its export brokerage operations to former employees, who had been responsible for managing that business.   
 
Forward Looking Statements 
 
This Form 10-Q and other reports, proxy statements, and other communications to stockholders, as well as oral statements by the Company’s officers or its agents, may contain forward–looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, with respect to, among other things, the Company’s future revenues, operating income, or earnings per share.  Without limiting the foregoing, any statements contained in this Form 10–Q that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward–looking statements, and the words “believes”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “expects”, and
 
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similar expressions are intended to identify forward–looking statements.  There are a number of important factors of which the Company is aware that may cause the Company’s actual results to vary materially from those forecasted or projected in any such forward–looking statement, certain of which are beyond the Company’s control.  These factors include, without limitation, those outlined below in the section entitled “Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results”.  The Company’s failure to successfully address any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.  
 
General 
 
Revenues 
 
The Company’s revenues in the Eastern, Central and Western regions are attributable primarily to fees charged to customers for solid waste disposal and collection, landfill, waste-to-energy, transfer and recycling services.  The Company derives a substantial portion of its collection revenues from commercial, industrial and municipal services that are generally performed under service agreements or pursuant to contracts with municipalities.  The majority of residential collection services are performed on a subscription basis with individual households.  Landfill, waste-to-energy facility and transfer customers are charged a tipping fee on a per ton basis for disposing of their solid waste at disposal facilities and transfer stations.  The majority of the Company’s disposal and transfer customers are under one to ten year disposal contracts, with most having clauses for annual cost of living increases.  Recycling revenues, which are included in FCR Recycling and in the Eastern, Central and Western regions consist of revenues from the sale of recyclable commodities and operations and maintenance contracts of recycling facilities for municipal customers.  FCR Recycling revenues include revenues from commercial brokerage operations.  
 
Effective August 1, 2000, the Company contributed its cellulose insulation assets to a joint venture with Louisiana–Pacific, and accordingly, since that date has recognized half of the joint venture’s net income/(loss) on the equity method in its results of operations.  Also in the “Other” segment, the Company has ancillary revenues including residue recycling, major customer accounts and investments in unconsolidated entities.  
 
The Company’s revenues are shown net of inter-company eliminations.  The Company typically establishes its inter-company transfer pricing based upon prevailing market rates.  The table below shows, for the periods indicated, the percentage of the Company’s revenues attributable to services provided.  In the quarter, the Company’s collection revenues as a percentage of total revenues increased due to the transfer of the export brokerage business, which was effective September 30, 2002.  The decrease in the Company’s collection revenues as a percentage of revenue during the current fiscal year is primarily due to volume decreases, as well as the increase during the current fiscal year in the Company’s recycling revenues as a percentage of revenue. This is due to higher average recyclable commodity prices and volumes.  In the quarter and during the current fiscal year, brokerage revenues as a percentage of revenues decreased due to lower volumes and prices as well as the transfer of the export brokerage business.  The decrease in the Company’s other revenues as a percentage of revenues during the current fiscal year is attributable to the divestiture or termination of those projects during the period.

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 	 	% of Revenues (1)	 	
 	 	Three Months Ended
January 31,	 	Nine Months Ended
January 31,	 	
 	 	2002	 	2003	 	2002	 	2003	 	
Collection	 	46.8	%	49.0	%	46.6	%	45.8	%	
Landfill/disposal facilities	 	14.1	 	14.6	 	13.8	 	14.4	 	
Transfer	 	10.1	 	10.8	 	11.1	 	11.3	 	
Recycling	 	17.3	 	21.5	 	15.5	 	18.4	 	
Brokerage	 	11.1	 	4.1	 	11.7	 	10.1	 	
Other	 	0.6	 	0.0	 	1.3	 	0.0	 	
Total revenues	 	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	

(1)  Percentages of total revenues for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2002 have been restated to conform with classification of revenues attributable to services provided in the current fiscal year. 
 
Operating Expenses 
 
Cost of operations includes labor, tipping fees paid to third party disposal facilities, fuel, maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment, worker’s compensation and vehicle insurance, the cost of purchasing materials to be recycled, third party transportation expense, district and state taxes, host community fees and royalties.  Cost of operations also includes a provision for closure and post-closure expenditures anticipated to be incurred in the future, and leachate treatment and disposal costs.  
 
General and administration expenses include management, clerical and administrative compensation and overhead, professional services and costs associated with marketing, sales force and community relations efforts.  
 
Depreciation and amortization expense includes depreciation of fixed assets over the estimated useful life of the assets using the straight-line method, amortization of landfill airspace assets under the units-of-production method, and the amortization of intangible assets (other than goodwill) using the straight-line method.  The amount of landfill amortization expense related to airspace consumption can vary materially from landfill to landfill depending upon the purchase price and landfill site and cell development costs.  The Company depreciates all fixed and intangible assets, excluding non-depreciable land, down to a zero net book value, and does not apply a salvage value to any fixed assets.  
 
The Company capitalizes certain direct landfill development costs, such as engineering, permitting, legal, construction and other costs associated directly with the expansion of existing landfills. Additionally, the Company also capitalizes certain third party expenditures related to pending acquisitions, such as legal and engineering costs.  The Company routinely evaluates all such capitalized costs, and expenses those costs related to projects not likely to be successful.  Internal and indirect landfill development and acquisition costs, such as executive and corporate overhead, public relations and other corporate services, are expensed as incurred.  The Company will have material financial obligations relating to closure and post-closure costs of its existing landfills and any disposal facilities which it may own or operate in the future.  The Company has provided and will in the future provide accruals for these future financial obligations (generally for a term of 30 years after final closure) based on engineering estimates of consumption of permitted landfill airspace over the useful life of any such landfill.  There can be no assurance that the Company’s financial obligations for closure or post-closure costs will not exceed the amount accrued and reserved or amounts otherwise receivable pursuant to trust funds.
 
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Results of Operations 
 
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the percentage relationship that certain items from the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements bear in relation to revenues.
 
 	 	Three Months Ended
January 31,	 	Nine Months Ended
January 31,	 	
 	 	2002	 	2003	 	2002	 	2003	 	
Revenues	 	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	
Cost of operations	 	65.4	 	64.8	 	65.4	 	65.8	 	
General and administration	 	13.8	 	14.2	 	12.7	 	12.9	 	
Depreciation and amortization	 	12.7	 	12.1	 	11.9	 	11.0	 	
Operating income	 	8.1	 	8.9	 	10.0	 	10.3	 	
Interest expense, net	 	7.5	 	6.8	 	7.4	 	6.3	 	
Income from equity method investments,	 	(1.8	)	(0.6	)	(0.4	)	(0.7	)	
Other expense/(income), net	 	1.6	 	0.6	 	(1.5	)	0.3	 	
Provision for income taxes	 	0.2	 	0.7	 	1.7	 	1.9	 	
Income from continuing operations before discontinued operations, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle	 	0.6	%	1.4	%	2.8	%	2.5	%	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
EBITDA (1)	 	20.8	%	21.1	%	21.8	%	21.3	%	

(1) See discussion and computation of EBITDA below. 
 
Three Months Ended January 31, 2003 
 
Revenues. Revenues decreased $5.4 million, or (5.3%) to $95.8 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2003 from $101.2 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2002.  The revenue decrease in the quarter is mainly attributable to divested businesses amounting to $9.5 million, of which the transfer of the export brokerage business accounted for $8.3 million.  Offsetting this decrease were higher average recyclable commodity prices and volumes, which  accounted for an increase of $3.9 million and revenues from the rollover effect of acquired businesses, which accounted for $0.4 million in the quarter.  The core solid waste business reflected a net decrease of $0.2 million as price increases were offset by lower volumes. 
 
Cost of operations. Cost of operations decreased $4.1 million or (6.2%) to $62.0 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2003 from $66.1 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2002.  Cost of operations as a percentage of revenues decreased to 64.8% in the quarter ended January 31, 2003 from 65.4% in the prior year.  The decrease mainly arose from reduced material purchases and other direct costs of operations as a result of the transfer of the export brokerage business.  
 
General and administration. General and administration expenses decreased $0.4 million, or (2.9%) to $13.6 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2003 from $14.0 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2002, and increased as a percentage of revenues to 14.2% in the quarter ended January 31, 2003 from 13.8% in the quarter ended January 31, 2002.  The decrease in general and administration expenses was primarily due to lower legal costs.  The increase in general administration expenses as a percentage of revenue was primarily the result of lower revenues in the quarter. 
 
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Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $1.2 million, or (9.4)%, to $11.6 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2003 from $12.8 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2002.  While depreciation expense remained relatively constant between periods, the decrease was primarily attributable to the reduction in goodwill amortization of $1.7 million as a result of adopting SFAS No. 142, offset by an increase in landfill amortization of $0.5 million.  Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of revenue decreased to 12.1% in the quarter ended January 31, 2003 from 12.7% in the quarter ended January 31, 2002 which resulted from the decrease in goodwill amortization expense. 
 
Interest expense, net. Net interest expense decreased $1.1 million, or (14.5)% to $6.5 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2003 from $7.6 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2002.  This decrease is primarily attributable to lower average debt balances and lower interest rates on variable rate debt in the current fiscal quarter, versus last year.  Interest expense, as a percentage of revenues, decreased to 6.8% in the quarter ended January 31, 2003 from 7.5% in the quarter ended January 31, 2002. 
 
Income from equity method investments. Income from equity method investments is primarily due to income from U.S. GreenFiber LLC (“GreenFiber”), the Company’s 50% owned joint venture.  Equity method investment income from GreenFiber decreased $1.3 million to $0.6 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2003 compared to $1.9 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2002.  The lower equity income compared to the prior quarter was primarily to due to higher prices paid for raw materials and increased marketing expenses. 
 
Minority interest. Minority interest in the quarter ended January 31, 2003 and 2002 reflects minority owners’ interest in the Company’s majority owned subsidiary American Ash Recycling of Tennessee, Ltd (“AART”).  AART has completed its ash operation contract and closed its operations in the quarter ended January 31, 2003. 
 
Other expense/(income), net. Other expense decreased $0.8 million to $0.7 million in quarter ended January 31, 2003 compared to other expense of $1.5 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2002.  In connection with the placement of the new senior secured credit facility, the Company incurred a charge of $1.3 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2003 to unwind certain interest rate swap arrangements associated with the old senior secured credit facility.  Offsetting this charge was a gain on the sale of other assets of $0.3 million and a gain on the conclusion of the AART contract of $0.3 million.  In the quarter ended January 31, 2002, the Company wrote-off $1.7 million associated with commodity hedges as a result of the Enron bankruptcy.  This charge was offset by income associated with the sale of other assets of $0.2 million. 
 
Provision for income taxes. Provision for income taxes increased $0.4 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2003 to $0.6 million from $0.2 million in the quarter ended January 31, 2002.  The effective tax rate increased to 30.9% in the quarter ending January 31, 2003 from 26.3% in the quarter ended January 31, 2002 primarily due to the sale of a significant portion of the Company’s interest in New Heights in the prior year. 
 
Extraordinary item — early extinguishment of debt, net.  In the quarter ended January 31, 2003, the Company entered into a new senior secured credit facility resulting in the extinguishment of $2.2 million (net of tax benefit of $1.5 million) in debt financing costs associated with the old senior secured credit facility. 
 
Nine Months Ended January 31, 2003 
 
Revenues. Revenues increased $2.8 million, or 1.0% to $326.1 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2003 from $323.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2002.  The revenue increase is mainly attributable to higher average recyclable commodity prices and volumes, which accounted for an increase of $17.5 million and the core solid waste business reflected a net increase of $1.8 million, as the successful price increase program more than offset the decrease in volume.  Revenues from the rollover effect of acquired businesses, accounted for an increase in revenues of $1.4 million.  Offsetting these increases was a decrease in revenues from divested businesses amounting to $17.9 million, of which the transfer of the export brokerage business accounted for $11.3 million.
 
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Cost of operations. Cost of operations increased $2.9 million or 1.4% to $214.4 million in thenine months ended January 31, 2003 from $211.5 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2002.  Cost of operations as a percentage of revenues increased to 65.8% in the nine months ended January 31, 2003 from 65.4% in the prior year.  The increase mainly arose from higher volumes of recyclable material purchases, partially offset by lower costs of operations as a result of the transfer of the export brokerage business. 
 
General and administration. General and administration expenses increased $0.9 million, or 2.2% to $42.1 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2003 from $41.2 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2002, and increased as a percentage of revenues to 12.9% in the nine months ended January 31, 2003 from 12.7% in the nine months ended January 31, 2002.  The increase in general and administration expenses was primarily the result of increased legal costs associated with ongoing lawsuits. 
 
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $2.5 million, or (6.5)%, to $35.9 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2003 from $38.4 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2002.  While depreciation expense remained relatively constant between periods, the decrease was primarily attributable to the reduction in goodwill amortization of $4.7 million as a result of adopting SFAS No. 142, offset by increased landfill amortization of $2.2 million.  Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of revenue decreased to 11.0% in the nine months ended January 31, 2003 from 11.9% in the nine months ended January 31, 2002 which resulted from the decrease in goodwill amortization expense and higher levels of revenue.  
 
Interest expense, net. Net interest expense decreased $3.4 million, or (14.3)%, to $20.4 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2003 from $23.8 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2002.  This decrease is primarily attributable to lower average debt balances and lower interest rates on variable rate debt in the current period, versus last year.  Interest expense as a percentage of revenues decreased to 6.3% in the nine months ended January 31, 2003 from 7.4% in the nine months ended January 31, 2002.  
 
Income from equity method investments. Income from equity method investments increased $1.0 million to $2.4 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2003 compared to $1.4 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2002.  Income from GreenFiber decreased $1.4 million to $2.4 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2003 from $3.8 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2002.  GreenFiber’s equity income in the nine months ended January 31, 2003 included a $1.0 million gain associated with an eminent domain settlement received from a state department of transportation on the involuntary conversion of a portion of a GreenFiber leased manufacturing facility.  Excluding the eminent domain gain, the lower GreenFiber equity income in the nine months ended January 31, 2003 was primarily due to higher prices paid for raw materials and increased marketing expenses.  In the nine months ended January 31, 2002, the Company also recorded a $2.4 million loss related to the Company’s further investment in the New Heights tire processing business. 
 
Minority interest.Minority interest in the nine months ended January 31, 2003 and 2002 reflects minority owners’ interest in the Company’s majority owned subsidiary AART.  AART has completed its ash operation contract and closed its operations in the nine months ended January 31, 2003. 
 
Other expense/(income), net. Other expense in the nine months ended January 31, 2003 was $0.9 million compared to other income of $5.0 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2002.  In connection with the placement of the new senior secured credit facility, the Company incurred a charge of $1.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2003 to unwind certain interest rate swap arrangements associated with the
 
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old senior secured credit facility.  Offsetting this charge was a gain on the sale of other assets of $0.1 million and a gain on the conclusion of the AART contract of $0.3 million.  Other income of $5.0 million in the prior year was attributable to the gain recognized on the sale of Multitrade of $4.0 million as well as the sale of Bangor Hydro warrants which realized a gain of $1.7 million and gains of $1.0 million associated with the sale of S&S Commercial and other assets.  These gains were offset by a write-off of $1.7 million associated with commodity hedges as a result of the Enron bankruptcy. 
 
Provision for income taxes. Provision for income taxes increased $0.7 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2003 to $6.2 million from $5.5 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2002.  The effective tax rate increased to 42.0% in the nine months ended January 31, 2003 from 37.5% in the nine months ended January 31, 2002 primarily due to the loss on the sale of a significant portion of the Company’s interest in New Heights in the nine months ended January 31, 2002, partially offset by the decrease in nondeductible goodwill amortization and utilization of capital loss carryforwards on the transfer of the export brokerage business.  
 
Extraordinary item — early extinguishment of debt, net.  In the nine months ended January 31, 2003, the Company entered into a new senior secured credit facility resulting in the extinguishment of $2.2 million (net of tax benefit of $1.5 million) in debt financing costs associated with the old senior secured credit facility.  
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle. The Company adopted SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,  which among other things, eliminates the amortization of goodwill and requires an annual assessment of goodwill impairment by applying a fair value based test.  The Company performed an impairment test as of May 1, 2002.  Goodwill was determined to be impaired and the amount of $62.8 million (net of tax benefit of $0.2 million) was charged to earnings in the nine months ended January 31, 2003 as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle.  In the nine months ended January 31, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133,  Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,  which resulted in a charge to earnings as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle in the amount of $0.3 million (net of tax benefit of $0.1 million) for the portion of interest rate swap hedges determined to be ineffective.
 
EBITDA 
 
Earnings before interest, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and should not be viewed as an alternative to, or a separate measure of GAAP, but is provided because the Company believes that EBITDA, in a capital -and long lived asset- intensive industry, such as solid waste, is a useful indicator of operating performance, in a manner that is not influenced by past capital expenditures, a company's capital structure or taxes. Additionally, the Company understands that certain investors use this information to gauge a company’s operating performance, apart from such non-operating factors such as the cost of debt, tax rates and tax liabilities, depreciation policies and amortization schedules. Historically, EBITDA has been the key measure for comparison of operating efficiency between public companies within the solid waste industry, and has been used by investors as a key ratio in correlating the market price of a company’s equity and in determining the total enterprise value of each company. For these reasons, management calculates EBITDA internally as a key measurement to determine the efficiency of its operations and shares this measurement with investors.
 
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 	 	Three Months Ended
January 31,	 	Nine Months Ended
January 31,	 	
 	 	2002	 	2003	 	2002	 	2003	 	
Operating income	 	$	8,228	 	$	8,564	 	$	32,188	 	$	33,704	 	
Depreciation and amortization	 	12,825	 	11,622	 	38,390	 	35,900	 	
EBITDA	 	$	21,053	 	$	20,186	 	$	70,578	 	$	69,604	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
EBITDA as a percentage of revenues	 	20.8	%	21.1	%	21.8	%	21.3	%	
 
Analysis of the factors contributing to the change in EBITDA is included in the discussions above. 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources 
 
The Company’s business is capital intensive. The Company’s capital requirements include acquisitions, fixed asset purchases and capital expenditures for landfill development and cell construction, as well as site and cell closure. The Company had a net working capital deficit of $0.3 million at April 30, 2002 compared to net working capital of $15.2 million at January 31, 2003.  Net working capital comprises current assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents, minus current liabilities.  The main factors accounting for the increase were higher trade receivable balances, lower current closure/post-closure accruals and the elimination of the unwound interest rate swap obligations from other accrued liabilities, partially offset by higher trade payable balances.  
 
On January 24, 2003, the Company issued $150.0 million of 9.75% senior subordinated notes (the “notes”), due 2013.  Concurrently with the issuance of the notes, the Company entered into a new senior credit facility consisting of a new term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $150.0 million and a new revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of $175.0 million.  The Company, under certain circumstances, has the option of increasing the new term loan or the new revolving credit facility by an additional $50.0 million.  The new term loan and the new revolving credit facility are substantially secured by all of the assets of the Company.  The gross proceeds of the notes offering and initial borrowings under the Company’s new term loan were used to repay all outstanding indebtedness under the old term loan and the old revolver, pay transaction costs related to the notes offering and the new senior secured credit facility and the balance of the proceeds is expected to be used for general corporate purposes.  
 
Funds available to the Company under the new revolving credit facility were approximately $129.8 million at January 31, 2003, subject to the Company’s ability to meet certain borrowing conditions. 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $36.5 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2003 compared to $52.8 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year.  The decrease is primarily due to higher trade accounts receivable balances and a reduction in accrued liabilities, offset by an increase in trade accounts payable. 
 
Net cash used in investing activities was $32.9 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2003 compared to $2.1 million provided by investing activities in the same period of the prior fiscal year.  The increase in net cash used in investing activities is primarily due to proceeds received from divestitures in the nine months ended January 31, 2002. 
 
Net cash provided by financing activities was $10.7 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2003 compared to $60.6 million used by financing activities in the same period of the prior fiscal year.  This increase is primarily due to the excess cash provided by the Company’s debt restructuring in the current fiscal year as well as the Company, in the prior fiscal year, paying down long-term debt primarily from the
 
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proceeds received from divestitures. 
 
Inflation and Prevailing Economic Conditions  
 
To date, inflation has not had a significant impact on the Company’s operations. Consistent with industry practice, most of the Company’s contracts provide for a pass-through of certain costs, including increases in landfill tipping fees and, in some cases, fuel costs.  The Company therefore believes it should be able to implement price increases sufficient to offset most cost increases resulting from inflation. However, competitive factors may require the Company to absorb at least a portion of these cost increases, particularly during periods of high inflation. 
 
The Company’s business is located mainly in the eastern United States.  Therefore, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations are susceptible to downturns in the general economy in this geographic region and other factors affecting the region, such as state regulations and severe weather conditions.  The Company is unable to forecast or determine the timing and /or the future impact of a sustained economic slowdown.    
 
New Accounting Pronouncements 
 
In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No.143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.  SFAS No. 143 requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred.  When the liability is initially recorded, the entity capitalizes the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset.  The liability is accreted to its present value each period and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset.  Upon settlement of the liability, the entity either settles the obligation for the amount recorded or incurs a gain or loss.  SFAS No. 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 143 beginning May 1, 2003.  Management is evaluating the effect of this statement on the Company’s results of operations and financial position as well as related disclosures. 
 
In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, Rescission of FASB Statements No., 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections .  SFAS No. 145, among other things, restricts the classification of gains and losses from extinguishment of debt as extraordinary such that most  debt extinguishment gains and losses will no longer be classified as extraordinary.  SFAS No. 145 was effective January 1, 2003.  As a result, gains and losses on future debt extinguishment, if any, will be  recorded in pre-tax income.  Management is evaluating the effect of this statement on the Company’s results of operations and financial position as well as related disclosures. 
 
In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.  SFAS No. 146 addresses costs such as restructuring, involuntary termination of employees and consolidating facilities but excludes from its scope exit and disposal activities that are in connection with a business combination and those activities to which SFAS No. 143 and No. 144 are applicable.  SFAS No. 146 is effective for exit and disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002.  Management is evaluating the effect of this statement on the Company’s results of operations and financial position as well as related disclosures. 
 
In December, 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure — an amendment of  FAS 123 .  This statement amends FASB Statement No. 123,  Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,  to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation.  In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee
 
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compensation and the effect of the method used in reporting results.  SFAS No. 148 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2002.  Management is evaluating the effect of this statement on the Company’s results of operations and financial position as well as related disclosures. 
 
In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of APB No. 51  ("FIN 46") .   FIN 46 requires that unconsolidated variable interest entities be consolidated by their primary beneficiary who absorbs a majority of the entities expected losses or residual benefits.  FIN 46 applies immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003 and to existing variable interest entities in the periods beginning after June 15, 2003.  Management is evaluating the effect of this statement on the Company's results of operations and financial position as well as related disclosures.
 
Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results 
 
The following important factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by forward–looking statements made in this Form 10-Q and presented elsewhere by management from time to time. 
 
The Company’s increased leverage may restrict its future operations and impact its ability to make future acquisitions.  
 
As a result of the acquisition of KTI and the increase in the Company’s credit facilities, the Company’s indebtedness increased substantially. This increased indebtedness has resulted in increased borrowing costs, which have adversely impacted the Company’s operating results and may adversely affect the Company’s operating results in the future. The payment of interest and principal due under this indebtedness has reduced, and may continue to reduce, funds available for other business purposes, including capital expenditures and acquisitions. In addition, the aggregate amount of indebtedness has limited and may continue to limit the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, and thereby may limit its acquisition program. 
 
The Company may not be successful in making acquisitions of solid waste assets, including developing additional disposal capacity, or in integrating acquired businesses or assets, which could limit its future growth.   
 
The Company strategy envisions that a substantial part of its future growth will come from making acquisitions of traditional solid waste assets or operations and acquiring or developing additional disposal capacity. These acquisitions may include tuck-in acquisitions within existing markets, assets that are adjacent to or outside existing markets, or larger, more strategic acquisitions. In addition, from time to time the Company may acquire businesses that are complementary to its core business strategy. The Company cannot assure that it will be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates and, once identified, to negotiate successfully their acquisition at a price or on terms and conditions favorable to the Company. Furthermore, the Company may be unable to obtain the necessary regulatory approval to complete potential acquisitions.  
 
The Company’s ability to achieve the benefits it anticipates from acquisitions, including cost savings and operating efficiencies, depends in part on its ability to successfully integrate the operations of such acquired businesses with its operations. The integration of acquired businesses and other assets may require significant management time and Company resources. If the Company is unable to efficiently manage the integration process, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. 
 
In addition, the process of acquiring or developing additional disposal capacity is lengthy, expensive and uncertain. The disposal capacity at the Company’s existing landfills is limited by the remaining available volume and annual and/or daily disposal limits imposed by the various governmental authorities with jurisdiction over the Company’s landfills. The Company typically reaches or approximates its daily and annual maximum permitted disposal capacity at all of its landfills. If the Company is unable to develop or acquire additional disposal capacity, the Company’s ability to achieve economies from the internalization of its waste stream will be limited and it will be required to utilize the disposal facilities of its competitors. 

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The Company’s ability to make acquisitions is dependent on the availability of adequate cash and the attractiveness of its stock price.  
 
The Company anticipates that any future business acquisitions will be financed through cash from operations, borrowings under credit facilities, the issuance of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock and/or seller financing. The Company cannot assure you that it will have sufficient existing capital resources or that it will be able to raise sufficient additional capital resources on terms satisfactory, if at all, in order to meet its capital requirements for such acquisitions.   
 
The Company also believes that a significant factor in its ability to close acquisitions will be the attractiveness of the Company’s Class A common stock as consideration for potential acquisition candidates. This attractiveness may, in large part, be dependent upon the relative market price and capital appreciation prospects of the Company’s Class A common stock compared to the equity securities of the Company’s competitors. The trading price of the Company’s Class A common stock on the Nasdaq National Market has affected and could in the future materially adversely affect its acquisition program. 
 
Environmental regulations and litigation could subject the Company to fines, penalties, judgments and limitations on its ability to expand.   
 
The Company is subject to potential liability and restrictions under environmental laws, including those relating to transport, recycling, treatment, storage and disposal of wastes, discharges to air and water, and the remediation of contaminated soil, surface water and groundwater. The waste management industry has been and likely will continue to be subject to regulation, including permitting and related financial assurance requirements, as well as to attempts to further regulate the industry through new legislation. For example, the Company’s waste-to-energy and manufacturing facilities are subject to regulations limiting discharges of pollution into the air and water, and its solid waste operations are subject to a wide range of federal, state and, in some cases, local environmental, odor and noise and land use restrictions. If the Company is not able to comply with the requirements that apply to a particular facility or if it operates without necessary approvals, it could be subject to civil, and possibly criminal, fines and penalties, and may be required to spend substantial capital to bring an operation into compliance or to temporarily or permanently discontinue, and/or take corrective actions, possibly including removal of landfilled materials, regarding an operation that is not permitted under the law. The Company may not have sufficient insurance coverage for its environmental liabilities. Those costs or actions could have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. 
 
Environmental and land use laws may also impact the Company’s ability to expand and, in the case of its solid waste operations, may dictate those geographic areas from which it must, or, from which it may not, accept waste. Those laws and regulations may also limit the overall size and daily waste volume that may be accepted by a solid waste operation. If the Company is not able to expand or otherwise operate one or more of its facilities profitably because of limits imposed under environmental laws, the Company may be required to increase its utilization of disposal facilities owned by third parties or reduce overall operations, and if so, its business, financial condition and results of operations could suffer a material adverse effect. 
 
The Company has historically grown and intends to continue to grow through acquisitions, and has tried and will continue to try to evaluate and address environmental risks and liabilities presented by newly acquired businesses. It is possible that some liabilities, including ones that may exist only because of the past operations of an acquired business, may prove to be more difficult or costly to address than the Company anticipates. It is also possible that government officials responsible for enforcing environmental laws may believe an issue is more serious than the Company expects, or that the Company will fail to identify or fully appreciate an existing liability before it becomes legally responsible to address it. Some of the legal sanctions to which the Company could become subject could cause it to lose a needed permit, or prevent it from or delay it in obtaining or renewing permits to operate its facilities. The number, size and nature of those liabilities could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. 
 
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The Company’s operating program depends on its ability to operate and expand the landfills it owns and leases and to develop new landfill sites. Localities where the Company operates generally seek to regulate some or all landfill operations, including siting and expansion of operations. The Company cannot assure that the laws adopted by municipalities in which landfills are located will not have a material adverse effect on the utilization of its landfills or that the Company will be successful in obtaining new landfill sites or expanding the permitted capacity of any of its current landfills once their remaining disposal capacity has been consumed. If the Company is unable to develop additional disposal capacity, its ability to achieve economies from the internalization of its waste stream will be limited and it will be required to utilize the disposal facilities of its competitors. 
 
In addition to the costs of complying with environmental laws and regulations, the Company incurs costs defending against environmental litigation brought by governmental agencies and private parties. The Company is, and also may be in the future, defendants in lawsuits brought by parties alleging environmental damage, personal injury, and/or property damage. A significant judgment against the Company could have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. 
 
The Company’s operations would be adversely affected if it does not have access to sufficient capital.  
 
The Company’s ability to remain competitive and sustain its operations depends in part on cash flow from operations and access to capital. The Company intends to fund its cash needs primarily through cash from operations and borrowings under credit facilities. However, the Company may require additional equity and/or debt financing for debt repayment obligations and to fund the Company’s growth and operations. In addition, if the Company undertakes more acquisitions or further expands its operations, the Company’s capital requirements may increase.  The Company cannot assure you that it will have access to the amount of capital that it requires from time to time, on favorable terms or at all.   
 
The Company’s results of operations could continue to be adversely affected by changing prices or market requirements for recyclable materials.  
 
The Company’s results of operations have been and may continue to be materially adversely affected by changing purchase or resale prices or market requirements for recyclable materials. The Company’s recycling business involves the purchase and sale of recyclable materials, some of which are priced on a commodity basis. The resale and purchase prices of, and market demand for, recyclable materials, particularly waste paper, plastic and ferrous and aluminum metals, can be volatile due to numerous factors beyond the Company’s control. These changes have in the past contributed, and may continue to contribute, to significant variability in the Company’s period-to-period results of operations.  
 
Some of the Company’s subsidiaries involved in the recycling business use long-term supply contracts with customers with floor price arrangements to minimize the commodity risk for recyclable materials, particularly waste paper and aluminum metals. Under these contracts, the Company’s subsidiaries obtain a guaranteed minimum floor price for the recyclable materials along with a commitment to receive additional amounts if the current market price rises above the minimum price. These contracts are generally with large domestic companies, which use the recyclable materials in their manufacturing processes. Any failure to continue to secure long-term supply contracts with minimum price arrangements, or a breach by customers of one or more of these contracts could reduce recycling revenues and have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. 
 
The Company’s business is geographically concentrated and is therefore subject to regional economic downturns. 
 
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The Company’s operations and customers are principally located in the eastern United States. Therefore, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations are susceptible to regional economic downturns and other regional factors, including state regulations and severe weather conditions. In addition, as the Company expands its existing markets, opportunities for growth within these regions will become more limited and the geographic concentration of the Company’s business will increase. The costs and time involved in permitting and the scarcity of available landfills will make it difficult for the Company to expand vertically in these markets. The Company cannot assure you that it will lessen its regional geographic concentration through any other acquisitions. 
 
Maine Energy may be required to make a payment in connection with the payoff of the Maine Energy bonds and limited partner loans earlier than the Company has anticipated and which may exceed the amount of the liability the Company recorded in connection with the KTI acquisition.  
 
Under the terms of waste handling agreements among the Biddeford-Saco Waste Handling Committee, the cities of Biddeford and Saco, Maine, 13 other municipalities and the Company’s subsidiary Maine Energy, Maine Energy will be required, following the date on which the bonds financing Maine Energy and certain limited partner loans to Maine Energy are paid in full, to pay a residual cancellation payment to the respective municipalities party to those agreements equal to an aggregate of 18% of the fair market value of the equity of the partners in Maine Energy. In connection with the Company’s merger with KTI, the Company estimated the fair market value of Maine Energy as of the date the limited partner loans are anticipated to be paid in full, and recorded a liability equal to 18% of such amount. The Company cannot assure you that its estimate of the fair market value of Maine Energy will prove to be accurate, and in the event the Company has underestimated the value of Maine Energy, it could be required to recognize unanticipated charges, in which case the Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.  
 
In connection with these waste handling agreements, the cities of Biddeford and Saco and the additional 13 municipalities that were parties to the agreements have filed lawsuits in the State of Maine seeking the residual cancellation payments and alleging, among other things, the Company’s breach of the waste handling agreement for the Company’s failure to pay the residual cancellation payments in connection with the KTI merger, failure to pay off limited partner loans in accordance with the terms of the agreement and processing amounts of waste above contractual limits without issuance of proper notice. The complaint seeks damages for breach of contract and a court order requiring the Company to provide an accounting of all relevant transactions since May 3, 1996. If the plaintiffs are successful in their claims against the Company and damages are awarded, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. (See Part II — Item 1. Legal Proceedings) 
 
The Company may not be able to effectively compete in the highly competitive solid waste services industry. 
 
The solid waste services industry is highly competitive, has undergone a period of rapid consolidation and requires substantial labor and capital resources. Some of the markets in which the Company competes or will likely compete are served by one or more of the large national or multinational solid waste companies, as well as numerous regional and local solid waste companies. Intense competition exists not only to provide services to customers, but also to acquire other businesses within each market. Some of the Company’s competitors have significantly greater financial and other resources than the Company does. From time to time, competitors may reduce the price of their services in an effort to expand market share or to win a competitively bid contract. These practices may either require the Company to reduce the pricing of its services or result in the Company’s loss of business. 
 
As is generally the case in the industry, some municipal contracts are subject to periodic competitive bidding. The Company cannot assure you that it will be the successful bidder to obtain or retain these contracts. If the
 
29

 
Company is unable to compete with larger and better capitalized companies, or to replace municipal contracts lost through the competitive bidding process with comparable contracts or other revenue sources within a reasonable time period, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.  
 
In the Company’s solid waste disposal markets it also competes with operators of alternative disposal and recycling facilities and with counties, municipalities and solid waste districts that maintain their own waste collection, recycling and disposal operations. These entities may have financial advantages because user fees or similar charges, tax revenues and tax-exempt financing may be more available to them than to the Company. 
 
The Company’s GreenFiber insulation manufacturing joint venture with Louisiana-Pacific Corporation competes with other parties, some of which have substantially greater resources than GreenFiber does, which they could use for product development, marketing or other purposes to the Company’s detriment. 
 
The Company’s results of operations and financial condition may be negatively affected if it inadequately accrues for closure and post-closure costs.  
 
The Company has material financial obligations relating to closure and post-closure costs of its existing landfills and will have material financial obligations with respect to any disposal facilities which it may own or operate in the future. Once the permitted capacity of a particular landfill is reached and additional capacity is not authorized, the landfill must be closed and capped, and post-closure maintenance started. The Company establishes reserves for the estimated costs associated with such closure and post-closure obligations over the anticipated useful life of each landfill on a per ton basis. In addition to the landfills the Company currently operates, it owns four unlined landfills, which are not currently in operation. The Company has provided and will in the future provide accruals for financial obligations relating to closure and post-closure costs of its owned or operated landfills, generally for a term of 30 years after final closure of a landfill. The Company cannot assure you that its financial obligations for closure or post-closure costs will not exceed the amount accrued and reserved or amounts otherwise receivable pursuant to trust funds established for this purpose. Such a circumstance could result in unanticipated charges and have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. 
 
Fluctuations in fuel costs could affect the Company’s operating expenses and results. 
 
The price and supply of fuel is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events beyond the Company’s control, including among others, geopolitical developments, supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by OPEC and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries and regional production patterns. Because fuel is needed to run the Company’s fleet of trucks, price escalations for fuel may increase its operating expenses and have a material adverse effect upon its business, financial condition and results of operations.  
 
The Company could be precluded from entering into contracts or obtaining permits if it is unable to obtain third party financial assurance to secure its contractual obligations.  
 
Municipal solid waste collection and recycling contracts, obligations associated with landfill closure and the operation and closure of waste-to-energy facilities may require performance or surety bonds, letters of credit or other means of financial assurance to secure the Company’s contractual performance. If the Company is unable to obtain the necessary financial assurance in sufficient amounts or at acceptable rates, it could be precluded from entering into additional municipal solid waste collection contracts or from obtaining or retaining landfill operating permits. Any future difficulty in obtaining insurance could also impair its ability to secure future contracts conditioned upon the contractor having adequate insurance coverage. Accordingly, the Company’s failure to obtain financial assurance bonds, letters of credit or other means of financial assurance or to maintain
 
30

 
adequate insurance could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.  
 
The Company may be required to write-off capitalized charges in the future, which could adversely affect its earnings. 
 
Any charge against earnings could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s earnings and the market price of its Class A common stock. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Company capitalizes certain expenditures and advances relating to its acquisitions, pending acquisitions, landfills and development projects. From time to time in future periods, the Company may be required to incur a charge against earnings in an amount equal to any unamortized capitalized expenditures and advances, net of any portion thereof that the Company estimates will be recoverable, through sale or otherwise, relating to (1) any operation that is permanently shut down or has not generated or is not expected to generate sufficient cash flow, (2) any pending acquisition that is not consummated, (3) any landfill or development project that is not expected to be successfully completed, and (4) any goodwill or other intangible assets that are determined to be impaired. The Company has incurred such charges in the past. 
 
The seasonality of the Company’s revenues could adversely impact its financial condition. 
 
The Company’s transfer and disposal revenues have historically been lower during the months of November through March. This seasonality reflects the lower volume of waste during the late fall, winter and early spring months primarily because: (1) the volume of waste relating to construction and demolition activities decreases substantially during the winter months in the northeastern United States; and (2) decreased tourism in Vermont, Maine and eastern New York during the winter months tends to lower the volume of waste generated by commercial and restaurant customers, which is partially offset by increased volume from the winter ski industry. Since certain of the Company’s operating and fixed costs remain constant throughout the fiscal year, operating income is therefore impacted by a similar seasonality. In addition, particularly harsh weather conditions typically result in increased operating costs to the Company’s operations. 
 
The Company’s recycling business experiences increased volumes of newspaper in November and December due to increased newspaper advertising and retail activity during the holiday season. The Company’s cellulose insulation joint venture experiences lower sales in November and December because of lower production of manufactured housing due to holiday plant shutdowns. 
 
The Company’s Class B common stock has ten votes per share and is held exclusively by John W. Casella and Douglas R. Casella.  
 
The holders of Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes per share and the holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share. At March 3, 2003, an aggregate of 988,200 shares of Class B common stock, representing 9,882,000 votes, were outstanding, all of which were beneficially owned by John W. Casella, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, or by his brother, Douglas R. Casella, a member of the Board of Directors. Based on the number of shares of common stock and Series A redeemable convertible preferred stock outstanding on March 3, 2003, the shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock beneficially owned by John W. Casella and Douglas R. Casella represent approximately 31.0% of the aggregate voting power of the Company’s stockholders. Consequently, John W. Casella and Douglas R. Casella are able to substantially influence all matters for stockholder consideration.
 
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ITEM 3.     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 
 
Interest rate volatility 
 
The Company has interest rate risk relating to approximately $150.0 million of long-term debt at January 31, 2003.  The interest rate on the variable rate portion of long-term debt was 4.625%.  Should the average interest rate on the variable rate portion of long-term debt change by 100 basis points; it would have an approximate interest expense change of $0.4 million for the quarter reported. 
 
The remainder of the Company’s long-term debt is at fixed rates and not subject to interest rate risk. 
 
On February 24, 2003, the Company entered into two interest swap agreements with two banks effectively fixing the interest index rate on a notional $53.0 million at approximately 2.4%.  These hedges are specifically designated to existing interest payments under the term loan and will be accounted for as effective cash flow hedges pursuant to SFAS No. 133.    
 
Commodity price volatility 
 
The Company is subject to commodity price fluctuations related to the portion of its sales of recyclable commodities that are not under floor or flat pricing arrangements. To minimize the Company’s commodity exposure, the Company has entered into twelve commodity hedging agreements that have been authorized pursuant to the Company’s policies and procedures.  The Company does not use financial instruments for trading purposes and is not a party to any leveraged derivatives.  If commodity prices were to change by 10%, the impact on the Company’s operating margin is estimated at $0.8 million for the quarter reported. 
 
On December 2, 2001, Enron Corporation (“Enron”) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. As a result of the filing, the Company executed the early termination provisions provided under the forward contracts for which Enron was the counterparty, and the Company filed a claim with the bankruptcy court.  Deferred gains of approximately $0.1 million, net of tax, related to the Company’s terminated contracts with Enron are included in accumulated other comprehensive income, and will be reclassified into earnings as the original hedged transactions settle.  Additionally, the Company agreed with its equity method investee, GreenFiber, to include GreenFiber in its claim (as allowed under the applicable affiliate provisions) in exchange for entering into commodity contracts between GreenFiber and the Company on terms identical to those with Enron.  Subsequent changes in the fair value of these commodity contracts ($0.3 million as of January 31, 2003) will be reflected in earnings until their March 2003 termination. 
 
ITEM 4.     CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES  
 
a)             Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on their evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and are operating in an effective manner.
 
b)            Changes in internal controls.  Not applicable.
 
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PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS  
 
The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, North Country Environmental Services, Inc. (“NCES”), was a party to an appeal against the Town of Bethlehem, New Hampshire (“Town”) before the New Hampshire Supreme Court. The appeal arose from cross actions for declaratory and injunctive relief filed by NCES and the Town to determine the permitted extent of NCES’s landfill in the Town. The New Hampshire Superior Court in Grafton ruled on February 1, 1999 that the Town could not enforce an ordinance purportedly prohibiting expansion of the landfill, at least with respect to 51 acres of NCES’s 87-acre parcel, based upon certain existing land-use approvals. As a result, NCES was able to construct and operate “Stage II, Phase II” of the landfill. In May 2001, the Supreme Court denied the Town’s appeal. Notwithstanding the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Town has continued to assert jurisdiction to conduct unqualified site plan review with respect to Stage II, Phase II. Additionally, the Town has asserted such jurisdiction with respect to Stage III and has further stated that the Town’s height ordinance and building permit process may apply to Stage III. On September 12, 2001, NCES filed a petition for, among other things, declaratory relief. On December 4, 2001, the Town filed an answer to NCES’s petition asserting counterclaims seeking, among other things, authorization to assert site plan review over Stage III, which commenced operation in December 2000 following approval by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (“DHES”), as well as the methane gas utilization/ leachate handling facility operating in Stage III, and also an order declaring that an ordinance prohibiting landfills applies to Stage IV expansion for which NCES has filed an application with DHES. On October 8, 2002, the judge ruled on NCES’s motion to dismiss five of the Town’s counterclaims. The judge dismissed two of the counterclaims (attorney fees and injunctive relief), but denied NCES’s motion to dismiss the other three counterclaims (the Town’s claim that landfill construction subsequent to Stage II, Phase II is subject to the 21 conditions of the 1986 special exception; the Town’s claim for a declaration that NCES must apply for site-plan review and a building permit for construction subsequent to Stage II, Phase II, or in the alternative, that the Town may commence an enforcement action for NCES’s failure to make such application; and the Town’s request for declaratory relief to allow it to apply its zoning ordinances to Stage IV). A mediation conference took place on October 18, 2002, but no settlement was reached. The trial was held in December 2002. Post-trial briefs were filed on January 31, 2003.  NCES believes that the State Supreme Court’s denial of the town’s appeal last year and DHES’ approval of NCES landfill operations provide adequate authority for NCES to operate. However, there can be no guarantee NCES will prevail, or will be able to continue, or to expand, current operations in accordance with NCES’s plans, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position or results of operations.  
 
During the period of November 21, 1996 to October 9, 1997, the Company performed certain closure activities and installed a cut-off wall at the Clinton County landfill, located in Clinton County, New York. On or about April 1999, the New York State Department of Labor alleged that the Company should have paid prevailing wages in connection with the labor associated with such activities. The Company has disputed the allegations and a hearing on the liability issue was held on September 16, 2002. In November 2002, both sides submitted proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law. The hearing officer is expected to make a recommendation to the Department of Labor commissioner by the end of the Company's fiscal year.  The Company continues to explore settlement possibilities with the State. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to these claims.  
 
On or about November 7, 2001, The Company’s subsidiary New England Waste Services of Maine, Inc. (“NEWS of ME”) was served with a complaint filed in Massachusetts Superior Court on behalf of Daniel J. Quirk, Inc. and 14 citizens against The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (“MADEP”), Quarry Hill Associates, Inc. and New England Waste Services of Maine Inc. dba New England Organics, et
 
33

 
al. The complaint seeks injunctive relief related to the use of MADEP-approved wastewater treatment sludge in place of naturally occurring topsoil as final landfill cover material at the site of the Quarry Hills Recreation Complex Project in Quincy, Massachusetts (the “Project”), including removal of the material, or placement of an additional “clean” cover. On February 21, 2002, the MADEP filed a motion for stay pending a litigation control schedule. Plaintiffs have filed a cross-motion to consolidate the case with 11 other cases they filed related to the Project. Additionally, NEWS of ME filed a cross-claim against other named defendants seeking indemnification and contribution. In September 2002, the court granted a stay of all proceedings pending the filing of summary judgment motions by all defendants on the issue of whether plaintiff is barred from suing the defendants as a result of a covenant not to sue that was signed by plaintiff in 1998. On December 17, 2002, the court granted certain summary judgment motions filed by the defendants, the effect of which was the dismissal of all claims against all defendants in all cases where NEWS of ME was a defendant. Accordingly, subject to plaintiff’s right to appeal the court’s decision, NEWS of ME is dismissed from the litigation. In the event of an appeal, the Company believes it has meritorious defenses to these claims. 
 
On or about December 11, 2001, the Company was served with a bill in equity in aid of discovery filed in the Strafford Superior Court in New Hampshire by Nancy Hager. The bill in equity seeks an accounting related to non-compete tip fee payments from the Company to Ms. Hager pursuant to a 1993 release and settlement agreement. The bill in equity is a request for pre-litigation discovery for the purpose of investigating a potential claim for failure to pay appropriate non-compete tip fee amounts. In light of an arbitration clause in the 1993 release and settlement agreement, the Company filed a motion to stay the proceedings under the bill in equity pending completion of the arbitration process. On March 18, 2002, the court granted the motion to stay. On August 5, 2002, the court extended the stay pending the arbitration process. On October 17, 2002, Ms. Hager voluntarily withdrew her bill in equity without prejudice. On January 15, 2003, Ms. Hager filed a written request for arbitration with the American Arbitration Association alleging that she is owed between $150,000 and $300,000.   The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to these claims.  
 
The Company offers no prediction of the outcome of any of the proceedings described above. The Company is vigorously defending each of these lawsuits. However, there can be no guarantee that the Company will prevail or that any judgments against the Company, if sustained on appeal, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.  
 
The Company is a defendant in certain other lawsuits alleging various claims incurred in the ordinary course of business, none of which, either individually or in the aggregate, the Company believes are material to the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.   
 
ITEM 2.   CHANGES IN SECURITIES 
 
None  
 
ITEM 3.   DEFAULTS ON SENIOR SECURITIES 
 
None.  
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS 
 
None.
 
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ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION 
 
None. 
 
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K 

(a)           Exhibits: 
 
The Exhibits that are filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or that are incorporated by reference herein are set forth in the Exhibit Index hereto. 
 
(b)           Reports on Form 8-K: 
 
(1)           Form 8-K, dated and filed January 14, 2003 in which the Company announced its renewed intention to offer $150.0 million of senior subordinated notes due 2013 and to obtain a new credit facility of $325.0 million.   
 
(2)           Form 8-K dated and filed January 21, 2003 in which the Company announced the pricing of its 9.75% senior subordinated notes in the aggregate principal amount of $150.0 million (the “Notes”) to be issued in a previously announced institutional private placement.  
 
(3)           Form 8-K dated and filed January 24, 2003 in which the Company announced completion of its previously announced offering of $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 9.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013.  The Notes were sold in a private placement to qualified institutional investors pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Net proceeds to the Company were approximately $144.0 million.  
 
SIGNATURE 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 	Casella Waste Systems, Inc.	

Date: March 10, 2003	By: /s/ Richard A Norris	
 	Richard A Norris
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)	

35

CERTIFICATIONS
 
I, John W. Casella, certify that:
 
1.	 	I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Casella Waste Systems, Inc.;	
 	 	 	
2.	 	Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;	
 	 	 	
3.	 	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;	
 	 	 	
4.	 	The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:	
 	 	 	
 	a)	designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;	
 	 	 	
 	b)	evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and	
 	 	 	
 	c)	presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;	
 	 	 	
5.	 	The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):	
 	 	 	
 	a)	all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and	
 	 	 	
 	b)	any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and	
 	 	 	
6.	 	The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.	

 
Date: March 10, 2003	 	
 	By: /s/ John W. Casella	
 	John W. Casella
Chief Executive Officer	
 
36

 
 
CERTIFICATIONS
 
I, Richard A. Norris, certify that:	
 	 	 	
1.	 	I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Casella Waste Systems, Inc.;	
 	 	 	
2.	 	Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;	
 	 	 	
3.	 	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;	
 	 	 	
4.	 	The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:	
 	 	 	
 	a.	designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;	
 	 	 	
 	b.	evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and	
 	 	 	
 	c.	presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;	
 	 	 	
5.	 	The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):	
 	 	 	
 	a.	all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and	
 	 	 	
 	b.	any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and	
 	 	 	
6.	 	The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.	

 
Date: March 10, 2003	 	
 	By: /s/ Richard A. Norris	
 	Richard A. Norris
Chief Financial Officer	
 
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