EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 861878
Filing Year: 2024
Filename: 861878_10-K_2024_0001628280-24-007388.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
Overview
Company Overview
Stericycle, Inc., is a U.S. based business-to-business services company and leading provider of compliance-based solutions that protect people and brands, promote health and well-being and safeguard the environment. Through our family of brands, Stericycle serves customers in North America and Europe with solutions to safely manage materials that could otherwise spread disease, contaminate the environment, or compromise one’s identity. To our customers, team members and the communities we serve, Stericycle is a company that protects what matters.
Segments
Our operating segments as of December 31, 2023, are North America and International.
Financial and other information related to our reporting segments is included in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 17 - Segment Reporting.
Services
Within our operating segments, our revenues are further broken down into these service categories:
Revenue Service Category Services Offered
Regulated Waste and
Compliance Services •Biohazardous Waste Disposal (including Regulated Medical Waste, Sharps Waste Management and Disposal, Pharmaceutical Waste Management and Disposal, Chemotherapy Waste and Disposal, Controlled Substance Waste Disposal, Healthcare Hazardous Waste, and Integrated Waste Stream Solutions)
•Compliance Solutions (including Steri-Safe® Compliance Solutions)
•Specialty Services (including MedDropTM Medication Collection Kiosks, Safe Community Solutions, SafeDropTM Sharps Mailback Solutions, and Airport and Maritime Waste Services)
•Medical Supply Store (including Sharps and disposable Biohazardous Waste Containers, Infection Control Supplies and Seal&Send Medication Mail Back)
Secure Information
Destruction Services •Secure information destruction and compliance solutions (including document, hard drive, and specialty destruction services) under the Shred-it® brand name which includes regular scheduled services (and processing onsite and offsite) and one-time services (including select, priority and express)
Revenues by service category for each of the operating segments were as follows:
In millions
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022
North America
Regulated Waste and Compliance Services $ 1,474.4 $ 1,468.8
Secure Information Destruction Services 781.4 794.3
Total North America Segment 2,255.8 2,263.1
International
Regulated Waste and Compliance Services 301.4 329.4
Secure Information Destruction Services 102.1 112.2
Total International Segment 403.5 441.6
Total Revenues $ 2,659.3 $ 2,704.7
See Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for further information on changes in revenues.
2023 10-K Annual Report
Stericycle, Inc. • 6
PART I
Portfolio Optimization
We evaluate our portfolio of services on an ongoing basis with a country-by-country and service line-by-service line approach to assess long-term potential and identify potential business candidates for divestiture. Divestitures resulting from this evaluation may cause us to record significant charges, including those related to goodwill, other intangible assets, long-lived assets, and cumulative translation adjustments.
During 2023, we divested eight businesses, demonstrating significant progress in executing our portfolio optimization priority. These divestitures included an International container manufacturer joint venture, our businesses in Brazil, Singapore, Australia, and Republic of Korea, dental recycling business in the Netherlands, SID joint venture in the UAE, and our business in Romania for aggregate net proceeds of approximately $85 million.
On January 31, 2024, we acquired a southeastern U.S. regulated waste business for total consideration of approximately $16 million in cash and a promissory note. This acquisition is considered to be complementary to existing operations and aligns with our portfolio optimization strategy. The acquired business is anticipated to contribute less than 1% to the RWCS revenue service category for 2024.
For additional information regarding acquisitions and Divestiture losses (gains), net, including significant impacts of foreign currency translation adjustments, net, see Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 3 - Acquisitions; Note 4 - Restructuring, Divestitures, and Asset Impairments in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Customers
Our service offerings appeal to a wide range of business customers. Our customers are primarily in the following industries: enterprise healthcare (i.e., hospitals, health systems, and non-affiliate hospitals; and national and corporate healthcare), practices and care providers (i.e., physician offices, surgery centers, veterinary clinics, nursing and long-term care facilities, dental clinics, clinics and urgent care, dialysis centers, and home health organizations), and pharmacy, lab and research centers. We also provide services to airports and seaports, education institutions, funeral homes and crematories, government and military, banks and professional services, and other businesses. While we manage large volumes of waste and other materials, the average volume per customer site is relatively small.
In 2023, no single customer accounted for more than 2% of our total revenues and our top ten customers collectively accounted for approximately 10% of total revenues. No single customer accounted for more than 2% of our total accounts receivable and our top ten outstanding customer balances accounted for approximately 8% of total accounts receivable. We have developed a strong and loyal customer base, with an estimated revenue retention rate of approximately 90% (based on our internal customer attrition analysis) and have been able to leverage these customer relationships to provide additional services.
As of December 31, 2023, Regulated Waste and Compliance Services are provided to customers in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and the U.K. Secure Information Destruction Services under the Shred-it® brand are provided in the U.S., Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the U.K.
In the U.S. and elsewhere, the healthcare industry is evolving to meet competing demands for increased healthcare coverage of a growing and aging population and economic pressures to reduce healthcare costs. As a result of these dynamics, hospital networks are consolidating physician practices into their networks, independent practices are consolidating, while other customers are leveraging GPOs and delivering care through alternative sites of care, such as in-home, to reduce healthcare costs.
Our International RWCS operations generate most of their revenues from large account customers, such as hospitals, publicly funded healthcare organizations and National Trusts versus smaller customers which tend to be more profitable.
2023 10-K Annual Report
Stericycle, Inc. • 7
PART I
Facilities and Fleet
Our worldwide network includes a global fleet of approximately 5,200 route trucks, tractors, collection vans, and small duty vehicles. We operate out of approximately 396 facilities worldwide with properties both leased and owned as described below:
Autoclave or Alternative Medical Waste Treatment Medical Waste Incinerator Facilities Secure Information Destruction Processing Transfer Stations
(RWCS and SID) Other Locations and/or Administrative Facilities Total Facilities
North America 49 9 90 139 10 297
International 22 9 15 38 15 99
Total 71 18 105 177 25 396
We are headquartered in Bannockburn, Illinois.
Our Key Business Priorities
Following its founding in 1989, Stericycle grew rapidly through acquisitions as the regulated waste industry developed. Growth from regulated waste acquisitions helped us achieve scale of infrastructure, route density and a leadership position in many of the markets we serve. We also leveraged acquisitions to enter new regional and international geographies and added additional services to our portfolio, including the Secure Information Destruction business in 2015. As we grew and evolved, we operated without centralization and the efficiencies that come from an integrated, modern structure and associated information systems until we shifted our focus to our five key business priorities in 2019.
•Quality of revenue - We have been executing against our foundational initiatives we launched to drive revenue quality and are executing on: (i) expanding service penetration, (ii) improving customer implementation velocity, and (iii) deepening customer partnerships by developing enhanced solutions.
•Operational efficiency, modernization, and innovation - We have been executing on our foundational initiatives we launched to drive operational efficiency, modernization and innovation and are executing on: (i) infrastructure and system modernization, (ii) fleet replacement and route and long-haul network improvements and (iii) SafeShield container rationalization and modernization.
•ERP implementation - We successfully deployed the North America ERP to the U.S. RWCS business in the third quarter of 2023. Almost all of our U.S. team members are now leveraging the new technology. We continue to observe improvement in our team members' performance as they leverage the technology and data flow. We commenced activities for the international system modernization in 2022.
•Portfolio optimization - We expect to continue evaluating opportunities to further optimize our portfolio through a combination of asset rationalizations and strategic accretive tuck-in acquisitions, which streamline our portfolio of businesses and allow us to focus more deeply on our core businesses. 2023 divestitures primarily included an International container manufacturer joint venture in Spain; our businesses in Brazil, Singapore, Australia, and Republic of Korea; dental recycling business in the Netherlands; SID joint venture in the UAE; and our business in Romania for net proceeds of approximately $85 million.
•Debt reduction and leverage improvement - We have reduced total net debt to $1.27 billion as of December 31, 2023. In the second quarter of last year, we successfully achieved our goal of reducing our debt leverage below 3 times and have continued to maintain our debt leverage target, finishing 2023 with a debt leverage ratio of 2.85 times.
For further details, refer to Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 3 - Acquisitions, Note 4 - Restructuring, Divestitures, and Asset Impairments, and Note 9 - Debt.
2023 10-K Annual Report
Stericycle, Inc. • 8
PART I
Regulated Waste and Compliance Services
Collection and Transportation
The collection process for regulated waste streams begins at the customer location with waste segregation. To assure regulatory compliance, we educate our customers and will not accept material from customers unless it complies with our waste acceptance protocols and is properly stored or packaged in containers that we have either supplied or approved and is appropriately labeled.
Our team members then collect containers at the customer location via our fleet of vehicles. The majority of collected waste is then transported directly to one of our processing facilities or to one of our transfer stations until it’s transported to a processing facility. Our use of transfer stations in a “hub and spoke” configuration improves the efficiency of our collection and transportation operations by expanding the geographic area that a particular processing facility can serve, thereby increasing the utilization of the facility and the volume of waste that it processes.
Processing and Disposal of Regulated Waste
Upon arrival at a processing facility, containers or boxes of regulated waste undergo a quality control process to verify that they do not contain any unacceptable substances. Any container or box that is discovered to contain unacceptable waste goes through a corrective action process which could include redirecting the waste, returning the waste to the customer and/or notifying the appropriate regulatory authorities. From there, regulated waste is processed using one of several treatments or processing technologies, predominantly at one of our facilities:
•Autoclaving: Autoclaving is the primary method of regulated waste treatment. This process relies on steam at high temperature and pressure to kill pathogens and render materials non-infectious.
•Alternative Technologies: We use several different non-incineration alternatives to autoclaves, predominantly outside of the U.S. The processes used by these technologies are similar, as the regulated waste is heated to a specified temperature for a required time to kill the pathogens and render materials non-infectious. This is not always under pressure. Depending on local requirements, the waste may be shredded before or after treatment to render it unrecognizable.
•Incineration: While Stericycle strives to use alternative, non-incineration methods for treating medical waste, incineration remains a regulatory requirement and/or a best practice in certain geographies or for certain types of medical waste that need to be chemically destroyed. Incineration burns regulated waste at elevated temperatures and reduces it to ash. Incineration reduces the volume of waste, and it is the recommended treatment and disposal option for some types of regulated waste such as anatomical waste, residues from chemotherapy procedures and non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste. Air emissions from incinerators can contain certain byproducts that are subject to federal, state and in some cases, local regulation. In some circumstances, the ash byproduct of incineration may be regulated.
Upon completion of the treatment process, the resulting waste or incinerator ash is transported for disposal in a landfill owned by unaffiliated third parties.
In several of our incineration facilities, we use different types of waste-to-energy solutions as part of our processes. Stericycle has four incinerators with steam turbines that can generate electricity and reduce the amount of power required from utilities at each site. In the U.K., several of our incinerators export steam to hospitals, where they are co-located, to be used for facility or hot water heating, steam sterilization, and/or laundry services. Similar to exported steam, two of our U.K. incinerators export hot water to nearby hospitals. In the U.K. and Ireland, after medical waste has gone through the alternative treatment process, it is sent for beneficial reuse. This treated waste is sent to cement producers and used as an alternative fuel for cement kilns.
2023 10-K Annual Report
Stericycle, Inc. • 9
PART I
Secure Information Destruction
We leverage a combination of off-site and on-site document destruction methods for one-time and recurring paper shredding. In North America in 2023, approximately 72% of collected documents for secure destruction were sent off-site to geographic consolidating shredding facilities for secure destruction. The remainder of collected documents are shredded on-site with shredding equipment in our vehicles. For both methods, our service offerings leverage cross-cut shredding technology to enhance the security level of destruction and can provide secure chain-of-custody and Proof of Service.
Shredded paper is then sold as SOP for recycling. SOP consists of paper typically generated by offices that contains primarily white paper. White paper is a higher value recyclable than mixed paper, which mainly consists of newspapers or magazines. In 2023, Stericycle collected approximately 462,000 tons of SOP for recycling, a decrease of 11.7% compared to 2022 of approximately 523,000 tons. After excluding the impact of divestitures, we collected approximately 453,000 tons and approximately 500,000 tons in 2023 and 2022, respectively. This resulted in a decline in SOP, excluding divestitures, of approximately 47,000 tons or 9%. During 2023, the average annual SOP price was $174 per ton, as reported by Fastmarkets, a decrease of 26.0% compared to 2022.
Our Business Model and Key Business Attributes
Regulated Business-to-Business Operations
We focus on providing business-to-business services in areas of operations that are highly regulated. By helping our customers maintain compliance with complex regulations, we protect people and brands, promote health and well-being and safeguard the environment. Governmental legislation and regulation require the proper handling and disposal of items such as regulated waste and personal confidential information. Regulated waste can be defined as any material subject to government-imposed guidelines for handling the material for transportation or disposal.
•Regulated Medical Waste: Regulated medical waste generated from procedures including any items saturated with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), such as bandages, gauze, or PPE, are considered regulated medical waste.
•Trace Chemotherapy Waste: Chemotherapy waste includes empty chemo drug vials, syringes and hypodermic needles, spill kits, IV tubing and bags, contaminated gloves and gowns, materials from spill cleanups, or bodily fluids/waste.
•Pathological Waste: Pathological waste such as human or animal tissues, body parts, and surgical specimens (decanted of formaldehyde, formalin, or other preservatives) are packaged separately.
•Sharps Waste: Sharps waste such as needles, scalpels, blades, and pipettes that have come in contact with blood, body fluids, or microorganisms.
•Pharmaceutical Waste: Pharmaceutical waste that may be hazardous or nonhazardous and consists of expired, recalled, or otherwise unused pharmaceuticals.
•Controlled Substances Waste: Controlled substances waste includes unused, unwanted, or expired pharmaceutical controlled substances.
•Healthcare Hazardous Waste: Healthcare hazardous waste includes prevalent and well-known waste streams and other wastes generated in smaller quantities that require proper attention, such as flammable liquids, xylene, formalin, aerosols, and universal waste.
•Solid Waste and Recycling: Solid waste and recycling services.
•Maritime Waste: Airport and seaport generated waste including gray water, black water, bilge water, sludge, solid waste, recyclable solid waste, RCRA hazardous waste, APHIS waste, and universal waste.
•Personal Confidential Information: Documents and e-media containing protected healthcare information, financial information, or other confidential information.
2023 10-K Annual Report
Stericycle, Inc. • 10
PART I
Growing Markets
The demand for our services, especially our core services of regulated waste and compliance and secure information destruction, are expected to grow or have historically grown. This growth is driven by multiple factors:
•Aging Population and Demographic Changes: The average age of the population in the countries in which we operate is rising, driving increases in healthcare demand and the quantity of regulated wastes generated.
•Enforcement of Waste Regulations: We operate in a highly regulated business where penalties for violations can be costly and high profile, thereby impacting our customers' overall reputation. We believe that many businesses are either unaware of the need for proper training of employees or of applicable regulatory requirements or understaffed or lack the expertise to comply with the regulations, and we seek to help businesses fill this gap.
•Regulation of Privacy and Information Security and Concerns over Data Breaches: The secure information destruction total addressable market has been driven, in part, by the need for compliance with increasing government regulation and increasing general concern with privacy and information security. Recent regulatory changes reflecting this increased regulatory focus include the European GDPR; California, Colorado, and Virginia’s comprehensive consumer privacy legislation; and Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. Moreover, the majority of states are working on comprehensive consumer privacy legislation.
•Increased Business Focus on Sustainability: Businesses continue to realize that a focus on sustainability is increasingly essential to operating efficiently and meeting the increasing demands and expectations of customers and stakeholders for environmental responsibility. Such pressures are driving proper disposal of pharmaceuticals, recycling efforts, shred-all policies for paper and other initiatives supported by our services.
Stable and Recurring Customer Needs Supported by Long-term Contracts
The services we provide most often require service on a routine and scheduled basis. The majority of our customer relationships include long-term contracts ranging from three to five years in length. We have developed a strong and loyal customer base, with a revenue retention rate of approximately 90% (based on our internal customer attrition analysis) in 2023.
Established Network of Processing and Transportation Locations
Our infrastructure network results in an expansive operational network with alternate transportation, treatment, destruction, and recycling options for our customers. The scale of our network also provides us the ability to be the single-source provider for customers with multiple locations across the country and gives us the flexibility to quickly redirect services or operations to another location if the need arises due to severe weather, power outages, or other disruptions.
Our goal is to optimize our facilities with a strategic and standardized operating model. We are analyzing processing capabilities, plant and transportation equipment needs, team member requirements, and potential customer implications or benefits. This planning process also provides opportunities to focus on reducing our environmental impact by optimizing our transportation network to reduce miles driven and overall greenhouse gas impact. We anticipate that modernizing our plant equipment with new efficient technology will also lessen our overall energy consumption per operating cycle. Over the past three years, we have opened several new greenfield autoclave facilities (New Jersey, California, Ireland, and United Kingdom) and completed over 20 upgrade projects, including improvements to autoclaves, shredders, washers and enhanced conveyance, and sharps processing. These new and improved facilities and upgrades represent the initial steps in modernizing our global facility network which we plan to expand in future periods. In 2022, we began constructing a commercial HMIWI in Nevada that we expect to complete in the first half of 2024 and begin testing.
2023 10-K Annual Report
Stericycle, Inc. • 11
PART I
Routing Logistics
While we manage large volumes of waste and secure information for destruction, the average volume per customer site is relatively small and the resulting revenue per stop is low. As such, route logistics and route efficiency are a core focus. Our transportation network provides us with an advantage compared to our competition in many of the markets we serve. Additionally, we have continued to focus on route density and optimization at both the individual truck and geographic market level. By optimizing locations of our new facilities and executing our transportation and long-haul plan, we are now driving fewer miles per month, on average. We expect that the North America ERP implementation will continue to provide greater visibility to data which will continue to enable additional routing and operational efficiencies.
Industry Leadership and Expertise
Based on our infrastructure and revenues, we maintain a leadership position across many of our services lines, including regulated waste and secure information destruction. We employ experienced team members who have a deep understanding of the industries they serve, the regulatory climate and the evolving needs of our customers. We collaborate regularly with a wide range of stakeholders and interest groups. Starting in 2020, the Company took a leadership position related to the management of COVID-19 pandemic waste, supporting our customers and providing industry expertise regarding the effective management of COVID-19 waste. In 2014, we were tasked by the DOT and CDC to dispose of waste from the Ebola outbreak. We proactively work with organizations like the CDC, DEA, EPA, OSHA and many other government and regulatory bodies, including law enforcement. Our experts are frequent speakers at hospital networks and industry trade associations and actively engage in numerous community meetings each year.
Human Capital Management
Workforce Overview
As of December 31, 2023, our workforce is over 13,500 team members, with 97% of them employed full-time. We engage approximately 1,300 global contingent workers, supplementing our team to fill temporary positions or as a part of a temporary-to-permanent recruiting program. The year over year decrease in team members was primarily attributed to divestitures and workforce management through careful hiring, attrition, and targeted workforce reduction.
Our 2023 voluntary turnover rate, excluding turnover due to divestitures, averaged approximately 22%. In 2022 our voluntary turnover rate, excluding turnover due to divestitures, averaged approximately 28%.
As of December 31, 2023, 10% of our total global workforce was covered by collective bargaining agreements or works councils. There are 19 collective agreements in the U.S. and Canada, covering approximately 720 team members or 7% of our North American workforce. Approximately 680 team members outside North America are covered by collective bargaining agreements or works councils. We engage in good faith bargaining with the works councils and unions that represent our team members.
Diversity and Inclusion
At Stericycle, embracing the diversity and inclusion of our workforce is one of our core values. In 2023, approximately 22% of our global workforce were women, including 33% in middle management and 29% in leadership positions (directors and above). The racial and ethnic diversity of our U.S. workforce was comprised of White, 45%; Black or African American, 27%; Hispanic/Latino, 22%; Multi-Ethnic or Other, 4%; and Asian, 2%; with 55% of our team members identifying as minorities.
During 2023, 67% of U.S. new hires and 51% of internal promotions were from federally designated racial or ethnic minority categories. We hired approximately 180 team members during 2023 who identified as U.S. veterans.
We believe our seven employee resource groups (ERGs) help drive engagement and representation and support team members who are Women, Black and African American, Latinx, Veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) community, young professionals, and team members and their family members who have disabilities. We routinely leverage our ERGs to address important social topics with our team members through “Let’s Talk About It” video discussion, "FIERCE Cafe", and other internal discussions. Additionally, during 2023, our ERGs provided educational communications to our team members; hosted speaker events; led company celebrations for Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Pride Month, Veterans Day, and other days of diversity awareness or celebration; and provided mentoring programs for Women, Black and African Americans, and Veterans. We also launched an Unconscious Bias training program in 2023.
2023 10-K Annual Report
Stericycle, Inc. • 12
PART I
Compensation
In 2023, we continued our market-based compensation analyses which included pay equity analysis and identification of potential pay gaps. We independently consulted with third-parties on our pay practices and policies to ensure equitable pay across employee groups. We remain committed to a routine review of the competitiveness and equity of our team members’ compensation, with the next detailed analysis occurring in 2025. Additionally, we continue to monitor and comply with state laws around pay transparency.
Safety
At Stericycle, a commitment to safety is one of our core values. We focus on a comprehensive safety program to protect our team and the communities in which we operate and drive our safety performance.
In 2023, our safety improvement journey included a comprehensive focus on developing centralized procedures, processes and monitoring as well as investment in new training programs to increase safety awareness. During 2023, our safety program included:
•a global expansion of our comprehensive defensive driving program;
•a continuation of our Corporate Integrated Audit Program, ensuring compliance with our policies and procedures as well as applicable laws and regulations;
•a monthly safety global coaching and communications program; and
•a weekly published Safety Exchange with themed procedures and best practices.
To further our safety objective and measure our progress, we track key safety metrics, Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR), which is calculated by multiplying the total number of recordable workplace injuries or illnesses by 200,000 and dividing by the total hours worked ((Injuries x 200,000) / Hours), and Severe Vehicle Incident Rate (SVIR), which is calculated by multiplying the total severe vehicle incidents by 200,000 and dividing by the total hours worked ((Injuries x 200,000) / Hours), which are components of team member total compensation.
Our Operating Environment
Competition
The industries and markets in which we operate are highly competitive on pricing and barriers to entry are low. Our competitors consist of many different types of service providers, including national, regional and local companies. Some of these companies provide only a portion of the services of Stericycle - for example, just collection and transportation, but not treatment of regulated waste.
In the regulated waste and secure information destruction industries, another source of competition is on-site management. For regulated waste, some large-quantity waste generators, particularly hospitals, may choose an onsite autoclave or other treatment process. For secure information destruction, many businesses may choose to use small, on-site shredders for their documents. In both regulated waste and secure information destruction, we believe there is no other competitor in North America with Stericycle’s overall scale, breadth of services, national transportation network and comprehensive treatment network in our two core businesses.
Governmental Regulation
Stericycle’s RWCS and SID services, are subject to numerous regulations, which may evolve over time. We are subject to substantial regulations enacted and enforced by governments within the U.S. and the international jurisdictions in which we conduct operations. In many countries, there are multiple regulatory agencies at the local and national level that oversee our customers and/or our services. The regulatory requirements with which we must comply vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The laws governing our domestic and international operations generally consist of statutes and regulations concerning environmental protection; employee and public health and safety; transportation; document destruction and management; data privacy; ethical business conduct; and the management of regulated waste streams, including regulations that govern the definition, generation, segregation, handling, packaging, transportation, treatment, storage and disposal of regulated waste.
2023 10-K Annual Report
Stericycle, Inc. • 13
PART I
This regulatory framework imposes a variety of compliance requirements, including requirements to obtain and maintain government permits or other authorizations. We maintain governmental permits, registrations and licenses to conduct our business throughout the jurisdictions in which we operate. Our permits vary by jurisdiction based upon our activities within that jurisdiction and on the applicable laws and regulations of that jurisdiction. These permits grant us the authority to, among other things, construct and operate transfer and processing facilities; transport regulated waste within and between relevant jurisdictions; and handle particular regulated substances. Our permits, registrations and licenses may be subject to modification or revocation by the issuing authority and, in some jurisdictions, are subject to periodic renewal. Permit issuance or renewal may also be subject to public participation.
Various U.S. and international laws and regulations related to data privacy and the protection of confidential information also apply to Stericycle’s RWCS and SID services, including HIPAA and the CCPA in the U.S. and the GDPR in Europe. In addition, laws governing ethical business practices apply to our business including, but not limited to, the FCPA, and the U.K. Bribery Act. These laws may apply to our business on both a global and local basis and ban unethical behavior such as the payment of bribes to government officials for the purpose of gaining an improper business advantage, improper maintenance of our books and records, as well as other financial transparency requirements.
Environmental Protection
Our business is subject to extensive and evolving environmental regulations in the geographies in which we operate. Generally, the environmental laws that we are subject to regulate the handling, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste, the release or potential release of hazardous substances into the environment, the discharge of pollutants into waterways and the emission of pollutants into the air. The principal environmental laws that govern our operations in the U.S. are the federal Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, in addition to state laws and regulations governing regulated waste. Examples of environmental laws applicable to our international operations include the Waste Framework Directive, Environmental Liabilities Directive, Industrial Emissions Directive and the Shipments of Waste Regulations in the EU, and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and related regulations in Canada.
Climate and Sustainability
Consistent with our Company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, we have published our 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility Report (CSRR), providing details on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. The information in this report can be found at https://investors.stericycle.com but it does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Employee Health and Welfare
We are subject to numerous regulations promulgated to protect and promote employee health and welfare through the implementation and enforcement of standards designed to prevent illness, injury and death in the workplace. The primary U.S. federal laws relating to employee health and welfare applicable to our business are overseen by OSHA, which establishes specific employer responsibilities including implementing engineering controls, administrative controls, training, policies and programs to comply with the regulations, and recordkeeping and reporting, all to ensure a safe workplace. Various OSHA standards apply to almost all aspects of our operations and govern such matters as exposure to bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication, and PPE.
Examples of employee health and welfare laws applicable to our international operations include the European Framework Directive on Safety and Health at Work (Directive 89/391 EEC) and various provisions of the Canada Labour Code and related occupational safety and health regulations in the provinces and territories of Canada.
Transportation
Various laws regulating the transportation of waste and other potentially hazardous materials also apply to the services we provide. In the U.S., the DOT has established regulations which deal with two different aspects of transportation: hazardous materials transport and safety in transportation. These regulations are defined within the PHMSA and the FMCSA. We are regularly subject to roadside inspections. These inspections have a cumulative effect on our compliance history and require us to remain in good standing so as not to jeopardize our permits.
Examples of transportation laws applicable to our international operations include the Directive on the Inland Transportation of Dangerous Goods in the EU, and the Transport of Dangerous Goods Act, and related regulations in Canada, and globally the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
2023 10-K Annual Report
Stericycle, Inc. • 14
PART I
Controlled Substances
Our service offerings for the collection, treatment, and disposal of controlled substance waste, from both the healthcare industry and individual consumers, are subject to numerous laws and regulations governed by various regulatory agencies, including the DEA. These regulations typically require our facilities to obtain licenses or registrations, and meet other certain requirements for approval to collect, transport, treat and dispose of controlled substances. These regulations have very prescriptive requirements for security, recordkeeping and reporting. Like other regulatory schemes, registrations/licenses must be kept current, and facilities may be subject to inspection or enforcement.
U.S. and Foreign Local Regulation for Waste Management
We conduct business in all 50 U.S. States and Puerto Rico. Because the U.S. EPA does not regulate medical waste at the federal level, each state has its own regulations related to the handling, treatment and storage of regulated medical waste. Many states have followed requirements similar to the Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988 or have placed regulated medical waste regulations within solid waste regulations. Regulated Garbage (i.e., international food waste) is another waste stream that is subject to unique regulatory requirements that are promulgated and enforced by the USDA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The USDA typically inspects our facilities receiving Regulated Garbage waste on a quarterly basis.
In each state where we operate a processing facility or a transfer station, we are required to comply with varying state and local laws and regulations, which may also require a specific operating plan. In addition, many local governments have ordinances and regulations, such as zoning or wastewater regulations, that affect our operations. Similarly, our international operations are subject to regulations enacted and enforced at the provincial, municipal, and local levels of government in addition to the national regulations with which we must comply.
Insurance and Self-Insurance
The regulated waste industry involves potentially significant risks of statutory, contractual, tort and common law liability claims. Potential liability claims could involve, for example: cleanup costs, personal injury, damage to the environment, employee matters, property damage including fleet vehicles, or alleged negligence or professional errors or omissions in the planning or performance of work. We also could be subject to fines or penalties in connection with violations of regulatory requirements.
We carry insurance that include property, workers compensation, general liability, employer’s liability, pollution liability, privacy and security liability, cyber-liability, directors and officers and miscellaneous professional services errors and omissions coverage. We also carry umbrella policies that cover general liability, automobile and employers' liability. We regularly evaluate other lines of coverage to respond to specific business needs but consider our current insurance coverage to be sufficient to meet regulatory as well as customer requirements and to protect our employees, assets and operations.
Patents, Trademarks and Proprietary Rights
Stericycle holds a number of patents or applications in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Europe for technologies related to its business, including our patented innovation, SMS Revolution, which modernizes our processing of sharps, and innovations for the recovery of reusable medical devices in a sharps container, various waste container assemblies, a lockable mounting bracket for use with a waste container assembly, and a three-stage shredder.
We own federal registrations for a number of trademarks/service marks including Stericycle®, Shred-it®, We Protect What Matters®, SafeShield®, Steri-Safe®, SafeDrop®, Artech®, Community Shred-it®, Making Sure it’s Secure®, Virtual Compliance Partner®, the Stericycle logo service mark consisting of a nine-circle design and the Shred-it logo. We also hold international registrations for Stericycle and the Stericycle and Shred-it logos, among others.
2023 10-K Annual Report
Stericycle, Inc. • 15
PART I
Information about Our Executive Officers
The following table contains certain information regarding our nine current executive officers:
Name Position Age
Cindy J. Miller President and Chief Executive Officer 61
Janet H. Zelenka Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Information Officer 65
S. Cory White Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer 51
Kurt M. Rogers Executive Vice President and General Counsel 52
Joseph A. Reuter Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer 62
Dominic Culotta Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer 60
Michael S. Weisman Executive Vice President and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer 65
Rich M. Moore Executive Vice President of North American Operations 62
Daniel V. Ginnetti Executive Vice President, International 55
Cindy J. Miller has served as a Director since February 2019 and became Stericycle's President and Chief Executive Officer in May 2019 after serving as President and Chief Operating Officer since October 2018. Prior to Stericycle, Ms. Miller served as President, Global Freight Forwarding for UPS. Ms. Miller had a 30-year career with UPS, starting as a driver and progressing to district manager for operating regions in the United States and then managing director for regions in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa before becoming President of the European region. Ms. Miller received a bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University and completed the Senior Executive Leadership Programme from the London School of Business.
Janet H. Zelenka was named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in June 2019. She assumed the additional duties and responsibilities of Chief Information Officer in June 2020. Before joining Stericycle, she spent 15 years with Essendant, Inc., most recently serving as Chief Financial Officer until the company’s acquisition by Sycamore Partners. While at Essendant, she also served in the roles of Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President of Business Integration during a transformational period for the company, and held leadership positions in finance, analytics, audit, and pricing. Prior to Essendant, she spent 16 years at SBC/Ameritech (AT&T) in a range of IT, financial, and operational roles. Ms. Zelenka has a bachelor’s degree from Rockford University and a master of business administration from Northern Illinois University.
S. Cory White joined Stericycle in April 2019 as Executive Vice President of Communication and Related Services (CRS) and was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer in October 2019. In this role Mr. White has oversight of all global commercial activity including sales, account management, sales operations, customer experience, marketing, product innovation, and strategy. Mr. White previously served as the Global Chief Commercial Officer for Startek, Inc. for nearly three years and as Vice President, Healthcare and Government Vertical Leader, with Convergys, Inc. for six years. Prior to those roles, he spent 11 years with ACS Healthcare, a Xerox Company, in a variety of sales and operational roles including Senior Vice President of ACS Healthcare Payment Integrity Solutions. Mr. White has a bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.
Kurt M. Rogers joined Stericycle as Executive Vice President and General Counsel in July 2017. Mr. Rogers previously served as Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of Vonage Holdings Corp., a software technology and communications company, for more than seven years. Earlier, Mr. Rogers was a partner with international law firms Bingham McCutchen LLP (now Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP) and Latham & Watkins LLP, and as an associate with Rogers & Wells LLP (now Clifford Chance LLP), where he represented clients in litigation, intellectual property and other matters. Mr. Rogers received his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and his juris doctor degree from Cornell Law School.
Joseph A. Reuter joined Stericycle as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer in January 2019. Mr. Reuter previously served as President, International Human Resources at United Parcel Service (UPS) since April 2016. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of the Europe Region human resources for three years and Vice President of human resources for the Global Freight Forwarding business for one year. He began his career as a parcel service provider and supervisor before moving into the human resources field and supporting UPS operating districts across the U.S. with increasingly larger areas of responsibility. Mr. Reuter received a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota.
Dominic Culotta joined Stericycle as Executive Vice President and Chief Engineer in April 2019. He was named Chief Transformation Officer in January 2021. Prior to joining Stericycle, Mr. Culotta spent 35 years with UPS, most recently serving six years as Vice President of Engineering for Global Freight Forwarding and eight years as Vice President of Engineering and Operations for UPS' Europe, Middle East and Africa region while living in Brussels, Belgium. In addition to his typical responsibilities in Europe, he spent extensive time integrating major acquisitions
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into the core business. Prior to his international roles, he had completed various assignments in operations and engineering while relocating multiple times throughout the United States. Mr. Culotta earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering sciences from Loyola College in Baltimore.
Michael S. Weisman joined Stericycle as Executive Vice President and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer in April 2018. Mr. Weisman previously served as Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer for The Kraft Heinz Company, a publicly listed packaged foods company, which he joined through Kraft Foods in July of 2015. Prior to the merger with Heinz Foods, he served as Chief Counsel, Compliance for Kraft Foods from July 2014; as Vice President, Ethics and Compliance for U.S. Foods from February 2013; and as Associate General Counsel, Compliance, at Career Education Corporation from 2010. He was also an associate and partner with the law firm Katten Muchin Rosenman, LLP for more than 10 years, serving as a member of the firm's White Collar Defense, Internal Investigations and Compliance Practice Group. Mr. Weisman received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and his juris doctor degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law.
Rich M. Moore joined Stericycle as Executive Vice President of North American Operations in January 2019. Prior to joining Stericycle, Mr. Moore spent 33 years with UPS, most recently as President of UPS' Illinois District since 2016. Previous experience includes three years as Vice President of European Operations, five years as President of the Northeast District, and three years as President Utah, Idaho, and Southern Nevada plus previous other operations and transportation staff roles. Mr. Moore has a bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College and a master of business administration from National Louis University.
Daniel V. Ginnetti became Executive Vice President, International in June 2019 after serving as Stericycle’s Chief Financial Officer for five years. Mr. Ginnetti joined Stericycle as Area Vice President of Finance in 2003. In 2004 he was promoted to Area Vice President of Operations for Stericycle’s Western, and later, Midwestern business units. Following that, he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations for the United States and Canada. He returned to financial management in 2013 becoming Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance and then named CFO in June 2014. Prior to joining Stericycle, Mr. Ginnetti held various finance and accounting positions with The Ralph M. Parsons Company, a worldwide engineering firm, and Ryan Herco Products Corp., a national industrial plastics distributor. Mr. Ginnetti has a bachelor’s degree with honors in business economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Available Information
We maintain an internet website, stericycle.com, which provides a variety of information about the Company and where the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Proxy Statements, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports are available free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable, following the time they are filed with or furnished to the SEC. We have included our website address throughout this filing as textual references only. The information contained on, or accessible through, our website is not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Reports and proxy and information statements that are filed electronically with the SEC are available on the SEC’s website, sec.gov.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Our consolidated results of operations, financial position, cash flows and reputation can be adversely affected by various risks. These risks include the principal factors listed below and the other matters set forth in this Form 10-K. There may be additional risks of which we are not presently aware or that we currently believe are immaterial that could have an adverse impact on our business.
BUSINESS, STRATEGY AND MARKET RISKS
Fluctuations in the commodity market related to the demand and price for recycled paper affects our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We sell nearly all of the shredded paper from our secure information destruction business to paper companies and recycled paper brokers. SOP is marketed as a commodity and is subject to significant demand and price fluctuations beyond our control. Additionally, the market demand for recycled paper can be volatile due to factors beyond our control. Historically, economic and market shifts, fluctuations in capacity and changes in foreign currency exchange rates have created cyclical changes in prices, volume, revenues, and margins for pulp and paper products. The length and magnitude of industry cycles have varied over time and by product, but generally reflect changes in macroeconomic conditions and levels of industry capacity. The overall levels of demand for the pulp and paper products reflect fluctuations in levels of end-user demand, which depend in part on general macroeconomic conditions in North America and worldwide. We have experienced a decline in paper tonnage collected over the past several years which we believe is a reduction in the consumption of paper due to an increase in the use of computers and digital technology and pandemic related impacts, such as a shift to remote work and virtual learning, and it remains unclear what the future long-term impact will be on the paper volume we collect. Lack of demand for our shredded paper material or increasing uses of substitutes for SOP could adversely affect our business, our results of operations and financial condition.
Unfavorable market conditions, including those driven by economic or social trends, may impact the volume of regulated wastes or personal and confidential information we collect from customers.
The compliance-based services we provide rely on the generation of regulated wastes or personal and confidential information by our customers. The volume of material collected from our customers may be impacted by macro-economic trends associated with manufacturing and industrial markets, healthcare market dynamics, and trends associated with an increase in work-from-home arrangements and electronic and digital record keeping. Some of our services are provided on a subscription basis with a monthly fee to minimize short-term or cyclical variability associated with these factors. However, certain of our services are provided on a transactional basis, and long-term trends resulting from these factors could reduce the demand for our services, whether we provide them on a subscription or transactional basis. It can also negatively impact our ability to adequately forecast the demand for our services, which can negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, an economic recession would likely impact the general business environment and the capital markets, which could, in turn, affect the Company.
Changing market conditions in the healthcare industry, healthcare consolidation and healthcare reform, could adversely affect our results of operations.
In the U.S. and elsewhere, the healthcare industry is evolving to meet competing demands for increased healthcare coverage of a growing and aging population and economic pressures to reduce healthcare costs. As a result of these dynamics, hospital networks are consolidating physician practices into their networks, independent practices are consolidating together, and healthcare providers are focused on cutting costs within their businesses. These changes exert downward pricing pressure, including the impact of GPO rebates and administrative fees, on services that we provide to healthcare customers, which could adversely affect our results of operations. The consolidation of this customer base also increases the competitive nature of the healthcare waste industry, which could significantly and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition
Aggressive pricing by existing competitors and the entrance of new competitors could significantly and adversely affect our results of operations.
The industries in which we participate are highly competitive. Some of our competitors may have lower financial expectations, allowing them to reduce their prices to expand sales volume or to win competitively bid contracts. Some of our competitors may also have large national accounts and/or exclusive waste franchise agreements with
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municipalities. This competition has required us in the past to reduce our prices to our customers, may require us to reduce our prices in the future or may affect our ability to increase prices in the future. We may also lose customers or be unable to execute our pricing strategy. We may elect to exit or not participate in certain markets or to disengage with low margin customer relationships. Price reductions or our inability to increase prices due to competition or regulation could significantly and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Some of our larger competitors in the markets that we serve are national companies with substantial resources, or companies funded by private equity firms. In addition to our larger competitors, there are many regional and local companies in the regulated waste and secure information destruction industries. We face direct competition from a large number of small, local competitors. Competition from regional or local companies is likely to exist in new locations to which we may expand in the future or may limit our ability to extend into those markets at all. We may also face competition from competitors employing new or alternative technologies which may include technologies intended to reduce the carbon emissions attributable to the services offered by the Company and its competitors. For example, competitors may outpace our ability to adopt alternative vehicle technology or alternative technology to treat medical waste.
Our business is subject to risks arising from infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics.
A significant outbreak, epidemic or pandemic of contagious diseases in any geographic area in which we operate could result in a health crisis adversely affecting the economies, financial markets and overall demand for our services in such areas. Increased needs for regulated waste collection, treatment and disposal can have a positive effect on our business and may increase the demand for our services. However, any preventative or protective actions that governments implement or that we take in response to a health crisis, such as travel restrictions, quarantines, or facility closures, may interfere with the ability of our employees and vendors to perform their responsibilities. Such results could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
The extent to which disease outbreaks, such as the coronavirus pandemic, mpox (formerly monkeypox), Ebola virus and Disease X, impacts our business, operations and financial results will depend on numerous evolving factors that we may not be able to accurately predict, including: the duration and scope of the outbreak; governmental, business and individuals’ actions, vaccination and quarantine requirements, waste treatment and disposal requirements, economic activity that effects our customers’ demand for our services; our ability to provide our services; the ability of our customers to pay for our services; any closures of our and our customers’ facilities; staffing levels at medical facilities; and the need for enhanced health and hygiene requirements or other measures taken in an attempt to counteract future outbreaks in our or our customers’ facilities.
OPERATIONAL RISKS
Complications could occur with the implementation of system modernization that could adversely impact our business and operations.
We rely on information systems and technology to manage our business and summarize operating results. We intend to continue to modernize our systems and associated infrastructure. Integrated systems are designed to accurately maintain the Company’s financial records, enhance operational functionality and provide timely information to the Company’s management team related to the operation of our business. The system modernization process has required, and will continue to require, the investment of personnel and financial resources. We may not be able to successfully complete any system modernization without experiencing increased costs and other difficulties and our planned timeline to implement the system modernization may be delayed. If we are unable to successfully implement system modernization as planned, our business, results of operations, and financial condition could be negatively impacted. The SID North America ERP deployment in 2021 impacted earnings in the third quarter of 2021 and the timing of billing and collections also impacted bad debt reserves in 2021 and 2022. The RWCS North America deployment in 2023 impacted timing of billing and collections in Q4 2023. These impacts were due to typical ERP start-up challenges, which included team members learning new processes and technology across every aspect of the business and onboarding and tuning the flow of data elements through the system. To the extent we experience billing and collections challenges, lower levels of revenue or higher levels of bad debt expense or customer concessions may result. Additionally, if we do not effectively implement systems modernization as planned or system modernizations do not operate as intended, we may experience higher levels of customer disputes and attrition, savings from systems may not be achieved, or the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting could be adversely affected or our ability to adequately assess and operate those controls could be delayed.
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We may not realize the expected financial benefits within the anticipated timeline from our continuous improvement efforts including operational efficiency, modernization and innovation actions, among others.
We remain focused on continuous improvements including operational efficiency, modernization, and innovation to control costs and improve performance and efficiencies. We analyze opportunities in areas such as facility footprint, processing capabilities, equipment needs, team member requirements, fleet replacement and route and long-haul network improvements, managed service opportunities, and container rationalization and modernization. We will continue to evaluate our operating needs and may prospectively adjust our workforce to align. Some of our infrastructure and facilities have been in service for many years, which may result in a higher level of future maintenance costs and unscheduled repairs. Further, a portion of our infrastructure and facilities may need to be improved or replaced to maintain or increase operational efficiency, sustain production capacity, or meet changing regulatory requirements. We may incur more charges and cash expenditures than estimated and may not realize the expected improvements or cost savings in the planned timeframe or at all. As we continue to consider each Operational Optimization activity, the amount, the timing and recognition of charges may be affected by the occurrence of commitments and triggering events as defined under U.S. GAAP, among other factors. We may incur more charges and cash expenditures than estimated and may not realize the expected improvement or cost savings on its planned time frame or at all.
Increases in transportation costs and technological transitions may adversely affect our business and reduce our earnings.
We maintain an extensive transportation network and fleet of vehicles. A significant increase in market prices for trucks or fuel could adversely affect our business through higher transportation costs and reduce our operating margins and reported earnings. Vehicle and parts shortages due to a reduction in the availability of raw materials, supply chain challenges, and manufacturing delays are expected to continue to drive higher prices for vehicles, parts and supplies. In addition, any increases in the prices of fossil fuels are expected to put pressure on our fuel expense, as well as parts and supplies derived from fossil fuels, such as engine oil, diesel exhaust fluid, tires and other rubber and plastic parts.
As an operator of an extensive fleet of vehicles, most of which are heavy-duty trucks that utilize fossil fuels, we will be impacted by emerging regulations that require the transition to different engine technologies, such as electric powered vehicles. Depending upon the scope and pace of such regulations, we may need to direct future capital investments toward alternative fuel and zero emission fleet assets to meet vehicle requirements and accelerated transition timelines. Our operational processes could be impacted, and we could experience increases to our operational costs as well as increased expenditures to acquire the vehicles and infrastructure.
We are subject to legislation and extensive governmental regulation, which is frequently difficult, expensive, and time-consuming with which to comply; noncompliance could adversely affect our operations and efforts to grow our business results.
The regulated waste management and secure information destruction industries are subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the collection, transportation, packaging, labeling, handling, documentation, reporting, treatment and disposal of regulated waste and the proper handling and protection of personal and confidential information. Our business requires us to obtain many permits, authorizations, approvals, certificates, and other types of governmental permissions and to comply with various regulations in every jurisdiction in which we operate. Federal, state and local laws and regulations change often, and new requirements are frequently adopted. Changes in applicable laws and regulations could require us to obtain new permits or to change the way in which we operate our business.
We might be unable to obtain or maintain the permits that we require, and/or the cost of compliance with new or changed regulations could be significant. Many of the permits that we require, especially those to build and operate waste processing and treatment plants and transfer facilities, are difficult and time-consuming to obtain and they may not be issued as quickly as we need them or be issued at all. For example, permitting availability and timelines may be impacted by emerging environmental justice regulation aimed at expanding opportunities for public participation in the process, and restricting or prohibiting industrial uses of certain locations. Even where permits are obtained, they may contain conditions or restrictions that limit our ability to operate efficiently. If we cannot obtain the permits, or if they contain unfavorable conditions, it could substantially impair our operations and reduce our revenues and/or profitability. For additional information, please see Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 19 - Legal Proceedings in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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If we encounter regulatory compliance issues in the course of operating our businesses, we may experience adverse publicity, which may intensify if such non-compliance results in legal liability. Any legal liability for non-compliance or adverse publicity from such non-compliance may harm our reputation, and result in difficulties in attracting new customers, or retaining existing customers which would impact our results of operations and financial condition.
The level of governmental enforcement of regulated waste and certain other regulations has an uncertain effect on our business and could reduce the demand for our services.
We believe that strict enforcement of laws and regulations relating to regulated waste collection, treatment and disposal and the handling and protection of personal and confidential information, can have a positive effect on our business, as these laws and regulations may increase the demand for our services. Relaxation of enforcement, government shutdowns, or other changes in governmental regulation of regulated waste and personal and confidential information could increase the number of competitors we face or reduce or delay the need for our services.
Cyber incidents or malicious attacks on our information technology systems could damage our reputation, negatively impact our businesses and expose us to litigation risk.
We use computers in substantially all aspects of our business operations. We also use mobile devices, social networking and other online activities to connect with our team members and our customers. We rely heavily on various proprietary and third-party information systems. Our reputation for the secure handling of customer and other sensitive information is critical to the success of our business. Like other large, global corporations, we are potentially subject to a range of cyber attacks, including but not limited to state-sponsored cyber-attacks, industrial espionage, insider threats, computer denial-of-service attacks, computer viruses, ransomware and other malware, data leakage and compromise, wire fraud, phishing incidents and other cyber incidents. Further, bad actors around the world use increasingly sophisticated methods, including the use of AI, to engage in illegal activities involving the theft and misuse of personal information, confidential information, and intellectual property. In any cyber incident that we may experience, our ability to detect an incident, incident response capabilities, business continuity procedures and disaster recovery planning may not be entirely effective as our information technology and network infrastructure may still be vulnerable to attacks or breaches due to employee error, malfeasance, computer viruses, power outages, natural disasters, acts of terrorism, breaches with respect to third-party systems or vendors or other disruptions. A cybersecurity incident and breach of our information systems could lead to theft, destruction, loss of life, damage to property, environmental issues, misappropriation or release of sensitive and/or confidential information or intellectual property, which could result in business disruption, negative publicity, violation of privacy laws, loss of customers, brand damage, adverse financial and operational results, and potential litigation. Although we maintain insurance coverage for various cybersecurity risks, there is no guarantee that all costs or losses incurred will be fully insured.
Our management depends on relevant and reliable information for decision-making purposes, including key performance indicators and financial reporting. Any significant loss of data, failure to maintain reliable data, disruptions affecting our information systems, or delays or difficulties in transitioning to new systems could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our ability to continue to operate our businesses without significant interruption in the event of a disaster or other disruption depends in part on the ability of our information systems to operate in accordance with our disaster recovery and business continuity plans. If our information systems fail and our redundant systems or disaster recovery plans are not adequate to address such failures, or if our business interruption insurance does not sufficiently compensate us for any losses that we may incur, our revenues and profits could be reduced and the reputation of our brands and our business could be adversely affected. In addition, remediation of such problems could result in significant, unplanned capital investments.
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Issues related to the development and use of AI present new risks and challenges and could adversely affect our business and operating results.
Issues in the development and use of AI, including generative AI tools and large language models, combined with an uncertain regulatory environment, may result in reputational harm, liability, or other adverse consequences to our business operations. AI presents risks, challenges, and unintended consequences that could affect our and our customers’ and vendors' adoption and use of this technology. If we, our customers or vendors, or our third-party partners experience an actual or perceived breach of privacy or security incident because of the use of AI, we may lose valuable intellectual property and confidential information and our reputation and the public perception of the effectiveness of our security measures could be harmed. AI-related issues, deficiencies and/or failures could (i) give rise to legal and/or regulatory actions, including with respect to proposed legislation regulating AI in jurisdictions such as the European Economic Area; (ii) damage our reputation; or (iii) otherwise adversely affect our business and operating results.
The handling of secure information for destruction exposes us to potential data security risks that could result in monetary damages against us and could otherwise damage our reputation, and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
The protection of customer, employee, and other company data is critical to our business. The regulatory environment regarding information security and privacy in the U.S. and other countries in which we operate is continuously evolving and becoming increasingly demanding, with the frequent imposition of new and regularly changing requirements. Certain legislation, including FACTA, HIPAA, the Economic Espionage Act in the U.S., the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act in Canada and the GDPR in the U.K. and EU, require documents to be securely destroyed to avoid identity theft and inadvertent disclosure of confidential and sensitive information. In addition, an increasing number of countries and states in the U.S. have introduced and/or increased enforcement of comprehensive privacy laws or are expected to do so. The continued emphasis on information security as well as increasing concerns about government surveillance may lead customers to request us to implement additional safeguards or controls to enhance our security and/or assume higher liability under our contracts. As a result of legislative initiatives and customer demands, we may have to modify our operations, as well as our internal compliance programs, to further improve data security. Any such modifications may result in increased expenses and operational complexity, and adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition and operations. A significant breach of customer, employee, or other company data could attract a substantial amount of media attention, damage our customer relationships and our reputation, and result in lost revenues, fines, expenses, or lawsuits.
We depend on third parties to provide a variety of services.
We depend on third parties to provide a variety of services including information technology, finance and accounting and transporting and processing a portion of the regulated waste we collect from our customers, among others. We may continue to increase our dependence on third-party providers for services. The failure of these service providers to meet their obligations or the development of significant disagreements or other factors may disrupt our ongoing relationship with these providers or the services they provide, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, failure by waste disposal vendors to properly handle or dispose of the regulated waste we collect from customers could expose us to liability, increase our costs, damage our reputation and generally have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
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Risks from our International operations could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We have operations in the U.S. and 10 other countries. Foreign operations carry specific risks including: (i) exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations; (ii) substantial inflation in certain markets; (iii) dependence in certain markets on government entities as customers; (iv) delays in the collection of accounts receivable related to certain government funding practices; (v) government controls; (vi) import and export license requirements; (vii) political or economic instability, social unrest, and public safety and security; (viii) changes in or compliance with U.S., local or other applicable laws and regulations, including laws and regulations concerning anti-corruption, anti-bribery (i.e. FCPA, U.K. Bribery Act and similar laws), global trade, trade sanctions, competition, privacy and data protection; (ix) trade restrictions; (x) changes in tariffs and taxes; (xi) tax and foreign investment policies; (xii) industry or macro-economic trends; (xiii) permitting and regulatory standards; (xiv) differences in local laws, regulations, practices, and business customs; (xv) restrictions on repatriating foreign profits back to the U.S. or movement of funds to other countries; (xvi) difficulties in staffing and managing international operations; (xvii) increases and volatility in labor costs; (xviii) property ownership restrictions in certain countries; and (xix) emerging trends or regulations related to reducing the impact of climate change. Any of the foregoing or other factors associated with doing business abroad could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
LEGAL, REGULATORY, AND COMPLIANCE RISKS
We are subject to pending legal proceedings that may result in material liability or otherwise harm our business.
We are a defendant in pending lawsuits and other legal proceedings involving private litigants and governmental authorities. See Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 19 - Legal Proceedings in the Consolidated Financial Statements. These current and future matters may result in significant liabilities and diversion of our management’s time, attention, and resources. Given the uncertain nature of litigation generally, we are not able in all cases to estimate the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome in these matters. In view of these uncertainties, the outcome of these matters may result in charges that materially exceed any accrued liabilities for contingent losses and, to the extent available, liability insurance. We engage an outside actuary twice a year to assist us in estimating these liabilities. Litigation outcomes may include civil, administrative or criminal penalties as well as other remedies that could materially harm our reputation, business, financial condition or results of operations, adversely affect our liquidity and ability to service our indebtedness, or require us to restructure or amend the terms of our indebtedness. While we generally carry liability insurance intended to cover these contingencies, instances may occur that are not insured against or that are inadequately insured against. An uninsured or underinsured loss could be substantial and could impair our profitability and reduce our liquidity.
We are subject to extensive government imposed requirements; noncompliance may result in significant liabilities.
Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations. The consequences of failure to comply with government-imposed regulations, other requirements and contractual terms, including uncapped liability provisions in government customer contracts, can impact our ability to service our customers, and thus our operational results. Compliance with government regulations can also be costly, which can negatively impact our overall financial condition.
We are involved in government investigations, enforcement proceedings, private lawsuits and other disputes alleging non-compliance with applicable regulations, including possible noncompliance with the Controlled Substances Act and other statutes involving our former Domestic Environmental Solutions business of collecting, transporting, and destroying controlled substances from retail customers. See Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 19 - Legal Proceedings in the Consolidated Financial Statements. These matters may result in material liability against us, including permit revocations or denials, civil, criminal and administrative penalties, and other adverse consequences .
Under previously reported settlements with governmental authorities relating to our compliance with the FCPA and other foreign or domestic anti-corruption laws with respect to operations in Latin America, we have engaged an independent compliance monitor through 2024 and will undertake compliance with self-reporting obligations through 2025. See Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 19 - Legal Proceedings in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Other matters may arise in the future involving alleged violations of the FCPA, other anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, or laws prohibiting doing business with sanctioned parties. These could subject us to enforcement actions by the SEC or the DOJ or other regulatory bodies, fines, penalties, further
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oversight by an independent compliance monitor and/or self-reporting obligations, litigation, or orders of suspension or debarment, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We face risk associated with regulated waste services and the potential regulation of emerging contaminants that may be present in materials historically and presently collected for treatment and disposal. We also face the risk of incurring significant environmental cleanup liabilities for our current operations, pre-existing conditions at the locations where we operate, and/or successor or predecessor liability associated with our portfolio optimization strategy.
Requirements of governments, customers and investors for net zero greenhouse gas emissions strategies, and the introduction of regulations restricting emissions of “greenhouse gases” aimed to limit climate change, could negatively impact our costs to operate.
Around the world, there are a wide range of legislative and regulatory efforts at the state, provincial, regional and federal levels focused on reducing greenhouse gas emission and minimizing the impact of climate change. These emerging legislative and regulatory efforts include, among other things, initiatives to reduce the use of fossil fuels, single use plastics, and waste volumes sent to landfills. We monitor the regulatory landscape and the potential impacts to our operations of such efforts. These evolving regulations and expectations could also affect certain management estimates, including long-lived asset useful lives and asset retirement obligations, which could adversely impact results of operations.
We monitor emerging climate-related regulations potentially impacting the Company on an ongoing basis. Specifically, the Company is monitoring regulations related to required emissions reporting, country mandates applied to industries that are related to carbon emissions reductions (for example, the U.K.’s sixth Carbon Budget, which expands the scope of industries covered by the U.K.’s carbon emission reduction goals), and regulations that limit the purchase or use of fossil fuel powered vehicles (for example, California’s Advanced Green Fleets regulation requiring medium- and heavy-duty vehicle fleets to transition to zero-emission vehicles and the UK’s policy that 80% of new cars and 70% of new light commercial vehicles must be zero emission by 2030, increasing to 100% by 2035).
The Company engages with customers to better understand their current approach and future strategies in response to climate-related regulation and business trends. Certain of the Company’s customers have established, or are in the process of establishing, goals for their organizations to be carbon neutral or reduce waste levels, especially wastes that go to landfills, and have extended such goals to their key vendors and business partners. For example, the National Health Service (“NHS”) in the U.K. established a goal for its suppliers to be net zero by 2045, and, in August 2022, introduced standard contract clauses relating to supplier sustainability which include incremental requirements such as undertaking ‘evergreen supplier’ assessments and the appointments by suppliers of ‘net zero champions’. This increased focus by customers on minimizing climate change impacts may require the Company to invest in incremental and higher-cost technologies for more efficient waste processing, collection services through our fleet of vehicles, or other operational impacts.
Increased focus on minimizing climate change from regulatory bodies, customers, and investors may impact our revenues as well as our cost of operations in the future.
Tax interpretations and changes in tax regulations and legislation could adversely affect us.
Tax interpretations, regulations and legislation in the various jurisdictions in which we operate are subject to measurement uncertainty and the interpretations can impact net income, income tax expense or recovery, and deferred income tax assets or liabilities. Tax rules and regulations, including those relating to foreign jurisdictions, are subject to interpretation and require judgment by us that may be challenged by the applicable taxation authorities upon audit. Furthermore, as a result of portfolio optimization efforts through which we may acquire new assets or businesses, sell existing assets or businesses, or exit particular markets, there may exist tax rules, regulations, or other matters that may be the focus of examination and challenge by applicable taxation authorities. Similarly, we may periodically restructure our legal entities and if taxing authorities were to disagree with our tax positions in connection with any such restructurings, our effective tax rate could be materially affected. In connection with such portfolio optimization, we could also incur additional charges associated with consulting fees and other charges.
Legislatures and taxing authorities in various jurisdictions in which we operate may propose changes to their tax rules. Furthermore, international tax norms that determine each country’s jurisdiction to tax are subject to change. In particular, a project undertaken by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) focuses on redefining jurisdictional taxation rights in market countries and establishing a global minimum tax. In December 2022, the European Union (“EU”) approved a directive requiring member states to incorporate a 15% global
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minimum tax into their respective domestic laws effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 31, 2023. Important details of these minimum tax developments are still to be determined and, in various countries, enactment and timing remain uncertain. These changes could include modifications that have temporary effect, and more permanent changes. The impact of these potential new rules on us, our long-term tax planning, and our effective tax rate could be significant. Although we believe our assumptions, judgments and estimates are reasonable, changes in tax laws or our interpretation of tax laws and the resolution of any tax audits could significantly impact the amounts provided for income taxes in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
We have accumulated NOLs arising from our operations and foreign and domestic acquisitions of approximately $115.6 million as of December 31, 2023. We have recognized valuation allowances to reduce these amounts to our current estimate for NOLs that will be recoverable against future taxable income prior to their expiration in accordance with the appropriate tax regulations. If our estimates change or we do not generate sufficient taxable income prior to the expiration of these NOLs, we may have to record additional valuation allowances resulting in higher income tax expense. For additional information, please see Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 10 - Income Taxes.
Our amended and restated bylaws provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.
Our amended and restated bylaws, which were adopted in December 2022, provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty, any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law or any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. The exclusive forum provision does not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Our amended and restated bylaws also provide that the U.S. federal district courts are the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any security of the Company shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of our amended and restated bylaws described above. Under the Securities Act, federal and state courts have concurrent jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act, and investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Accordingly, there is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such a forum selection provision as written in connection with claims arising under the Securities Act. We believe these provisions may benefit us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law and federal securities laws by chancellors and judges, as applicable, particularly experienced in resolving corporate disputes, efficient administration of cases on a more expedited schedule relative to other forums and protection against the burdens of multi-forum litigation. However, these provisions may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors, officers, employees and agents, as it may limit any stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such stockholder finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our amended and restated bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
FINANCIAL AND CONTROL RISKS
Market conditions could adversely change and our earnings could decline resulting in charges to impair intangible assets, such as goodwill.
As a result of our various acquisitions, the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2023, contains goodwill of $2.76 billion and other intangible assets, net of $686.5 million. We evaluate on an ongoing basis whether facts and circumstances indicate any impairment to the carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets such as goodwill. As circumstances after an acquisition can change, we may not realize the value of these intangible assets. Historically, we have recognized non-cash impairment charges related to our reporting units. The Company has historically recognized aggregate non-cash goodwill impairments of approximately $650 million, of which, approximately $550 million was related to divested reporting units. During 2023, 2022, and 2021 we recognized non-cash impairment charges of $3.1 million, $0, and $4.6 million, respectively, of operating permits, tradenames, and customer relationships. We recognized these impairments due to a reduction of forecasted future cash flows in each reporting unit, as discussed in the Impairment section of Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
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Condition and Results of Operations and Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 7 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The recognition of any potential future impairments could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting, including increased risk associated with our ERP and system modernization, we may not be able to report our financial results timely and accurately or prevent fraud, which could adversely affect investor confidence in our company, our results of operations and our stock price.
Internal controls related to the operation of technology systems are critical to maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. We are implementing remedial measures and new systems and there can be no assurance that our efforts will be successful. These efforts and measures will result in additional technology and other expenses. If we are unable to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures, our ability to record, process and report financial information accurately, and to prepare financial statements within required time periods, could be adversely affected, which could subject us to litigation or investigations requiring management resources and payment of legal and other expenses, negatively affect investor confidence in our financial statements and adversely impact our stock price.
Some of our customers have suffered or may suffer financial difficulties affecting their credit risk, which could negatively impact our operating results.
We provide service to a number of customers, including governmental entities and municipalities, some of which have suffered or may suffer significant financial difficulties. Some of these entities could be unable to pay amounts owed to us, resulting in increased bad debt expense, or renew contracts with us at previous or increased rates. The inability of our customers to pay us in a timely manner or to pay increased prices could negatively affect our operating results.
We may incur significant charges as a result of portfolio optimization; portfolio optimization may not achieve the desired results.
We continue to evaluate the performance of our portfolio of assets and businesses. Based on this evaluation, we may acquire new assets or businesses and may sell certain existing assets or businesses or exit particular markets. Acquisitions and divestitures may not yield the targeted improvements in our business. Divestitures involve risks, including difficulties in the separation of operations, services, products and personnel, disruption in our operations or businesses, finding a suitable purchaser, the diversion of management’s attention from our other businesses, the potential loss of key team members, the erosion of employee morale or customer confidence, and the retention of contingent liabilities, including pursuant to indemnification provisions related to the divested business. Any charges, including those arising from indemnification provisions, that we are required to record or the failure to achieve the intended financial results associated with divestitures of businesses or assets could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Any impairments and losses on divestiture resulting from this process may cause us to record significant charges, including those related to goodwill, other intangible assets, and accumulated currency translation adjustment losses. See Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 4 - Restructuring, Divestitures, and Asset Impairments in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Acquisitions also involve certain risks, including our ability to realize operating efficiencies, synergies and other benefits expected from an acquisition, diversion of management’s time and attention from other business concerns, difficulties in retaining key employees, customers and suppliers of the acquired business, difficulties in maintaining uniform standards, controls, policies and procedures throughout acquired companies, and adverse effects on existing business relationships with customers and suppliers. We may also face liability with respect to acquired businesses for violations of environmental laws occurring prior to the date of acquisition, and some or all of these liabilities may not be covered by environmental insurance secured to mitigate the risk or by indemnification from the sellers from which we acquired these businesses. See Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 3 - Acquisitions in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Restrictions in our Credit Agreement and our Senior Notes could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, ability to make distributions and the value of our securities.
Our Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative covenants, including, among others, covenants pertaining to the delivery of financial statements; certain financial covenants; notices of default and certain other material events; payment of obligations; preservation of corporate existence, rights, privileges, permits, licenses, franchises and intellectual property; maintenance of property and insurance and compliance with laws, as well as customary negative covenants, including, among others, limitations on the incurrence of liens and entering into capital leases, investments and indebtedness; mergers and certain other fundamental changes; dispositions of assets; restricted
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payments; changes in our line of business; transactions with affiliates and burdensome agreements. These covenants could affect our ability to operate our business, increase the amount of interest expense we ultimately pay pursuant to the Credit Agreement, and may limit our ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise. Our Senior Notes also contain certain covenants that could have a similar effect on our ability to operate our business. Our Credit Agreement also includes a springing maturity provision whereby it springs to maturity 91 days prior to the maturity of the Senior Notes. As a result, if our $600.0 million Senior Notes due on July 15, 2024 are still outstanding on April 25, 2024, then the maturity date under our credit facility will spring to that date. The Company has the ability and intent to refinance the 2019 Senior Notes on a long-term basis through available capacity under its Revolving Credit Facility. Therefore, as of December 31, 2023, the 2019 Senior Notes remain classified as long-term debt in the Consolidated Financial Statements. On February 1, 2024, the Company issued a redemption notice to 2019 Senior Notes holders for redemption of all of the $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2019 Senior Notes with a redemption date of March 14, 2024. See Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 9 - Debt in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our ability to comply with the covenants and restrictions contained in our Credit Agreement, along with certain of the covenants and restrictions contained in our Senior Notes, may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial, and industry conditions. If market or other economic conditions deteriorate, our ability to comply with these covenants may be impaired. A failure to comply with these provisions could result in a default or an event of default. Upon an event of default, unless waived, the lenders could elect to terminate their commitments, cease making further loans, require cash collateralization of letters of credit, cause their loans to become due and payable in full, foreclose against any assets securing the debt under our Credit Agreement and force us and our subsidiaries into bankruptcy or liquidation. If the payment of our debt is accelerated, our assets may be insufficient to repay such debt in full, and the holders of our stock could experience a partial or total loss of their investment. See Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 9 - Debt in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Servicing debt and funding other obligations requires a significant amount of cash, and our ability to generate sufficient cash depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control.
Our ability to make payments on and refinance our indebtedness and to fund our operations and capital expenditures depends on our ability to generate cash flow and secure financing in the future. Our ability to generate future cash flow depends, among other things, on future operating performance, general economic conditions, competition, and litigation, legislative and regulatory factors affecting our operations and business.
Some of these factors are beyond our control. There is no assurance that our business will generate cash flow from operations or that future debt or equity financings will be available to us to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund other needs. As a result, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. There is no assurance that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on favorable terms, or at all. Any inability to generate sufficient cash flow or refinance our indebtedness on favorable terms could have an adverse effect on our financial condition.
The amount of our indebtedness could adversely affect our business.
As of December 31, 2023, we had a total of $1.31 billion of outstanding indebtedness, including long-term debt and short-term debt and excluding unamortized debt issuance costs. We also have the ability to incur additional indebtedness subject to our financial covenants.
Our outstanding indebtedness could have adverse consequences on our business, including the following: (i) we may be required to dedicate a substantial portion of our available cash to payments of principal and interest on our indebtedness, (ii) our ability to access credit markets on terms we deem acceptable may be impaired, and (iii) we may be limited in our flexibility to adjust to changing market conditions.
Our participation in multi-employer pension plans may subject us to liabilities that could materially adversely affect our liquidity, cash flows and results of operations.
We participate in multi-employer pension plans administered by employer and union trustees. To the extent that those plans are underfunded, ERISA may subject us to substantial liabilities in the event we, whether partially or totally, cease to have obligations to contribute to the plans. Under current law regarding multi-employer defined benefit plans, circumstances such as a plan’s termination, an employer’s partial or complete withdrawal from, or the mass withdrawal of all contributing employers from, an underfunded multi-employer defined benefit plan can trigger our obligation to make payments to the plan for our proportionate share of the multi-employer plan’s unfunded vested liabilities. Furthermore, the Pension Protection Act added new funding rules generally applicable to plan years beginning after 2007 for multi-employer plans that are classified as “endangered”, “seriously endangered”, or
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“critical” status. If plans in which we participate are in critical status or underfunded, we could be required to make additional contributions.
Based upon the information available to us from plan administrators, one of the multi-employer pension plans in which we participate is underfunded. The Pension Protection Act requires that underfunded pension plans improve their funding ratios within prescribed intervals based on the level of their underfunding. We have been notified that one plan is in "critical" status and this plan may require additional contributions. The amount of additional funds we may be obligated to contribute in the future cannot be estimated, as such amounts will be based on future levels of employee work that require the specific use of the union team members covered by these plans, investment returns and the level of underfunding of such plans. Additional funding could adversely affect our liquidity, cash flows, and results of operations. For more information, see Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 13 - Retirement and Other Employee Benefit Programs in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
RISKS RELATED TO HUMAN CAPITAL
An inability to retain our executive officers or other key personnel or difficulties in recruiting qualified personnel may adversely affect our business.
Our future success depends to a significant degree on the skills, experience and efforts of our executive officers and key personnel. The unexpected loss of the services of any of our executive officers or other key personnel through retirement or otherwise could have an adverse effect on our operations. In addition, like many other route-based businesses, we are being impacted by our industry’s driver and facility team member shortages.
We depend on the skills, working relationships, and continued services of key personnel, including our experienced management team. We must hire, train and develop effective drivers and other team members. We compete with other companies both within and outside of our industry for talented personnel. In addition, employee turnover increases our cost of operations and makes it more difficult to operate our business. A significant number of our executive officers are currently retirement eligible or will soon become retirement eligible. Upon becoming retirement eligible, time-based RSU and time and performance-based PSU awards held by such employees will no longer be at risk of forfeiture and, therefore, the Company must recognize the expense of these RSU and PSU awards at the time our employees become eligible for retirement, and such expense may be substantial. There can be no assurance that our executive succession planning, retention, or hiring efforts will be successful. Difficulty in replacing or adding personnel and increased compensation costs could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
A change or deterioration in our relations with our team members or an increase in labor and employment costs could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Labor and employment is one of our highest costs and increases in employment costs could materially affect our cost structure and our profitability. We compete with other businesses in our markets for qualified team members and the labor supply is sometimes tight in our markets. A shortage of qualified team members or further unionization would require us to incur additional costs related to wages and benefits; inefficiencies in operations; unanticipated costs in sourcing temporary or third-party labor; legal fees and interference with customer relationships. Due primarily to increased demand for truck drivers and competition from other employers, we have experienced difficulties hiring a sufficient number of qualified truck drivers. If this condition persists, it could affect our ability to service our customers and affect our results of operations.
As of December 31, 2023, 10% of our total global workforce was covered by collective bargaining agreements. There are 19 collective bargaining agreements in the U.S. and Canada, covering approximately 720 team members, or 7% of our North American workforce. An additional approximate 680 team members of the workforce outside of North America are covered by collective bargaining agreements or work councils. Collective Bargaining agreements expire on a scheduled basis depending upon the negotiated length of the contract’s term. Collective bargaining agreement negotiations occur every year depending upon which agreements expire and whether one or both parties seek the modification of terms.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to negotiate the terms of future agreements with unions in a manner acceptable to us. There is also no guarantee that current non-union team members will not seek union representation resulting in additional collective bargaining agreements with associated increased costs to us. Potential work disruptions from labor disputes may disrupt our businesses and adversely affect our brand, customer relations, financial condition, and results of operations.
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The handling, transportation, and treatment of regulated waste carries with it the risk of personal injury to team members and others.
Our business requires our team members to handle regulated waste which may still be infectious or hazardous to life and property. While we try to handle such materials with care and in accordance with accepted and safe methods, the possibility of accidents, leaks, and spills (including those caused by natural disasters) always exists. Examples of incidents that may present possible exposure to contaminated or infectious waste or other hazardous materials include truck accidents, damaged or leaking containers, improper storage of regulated waste, placement of prohibited materials into the waste stream, or malfunctioning plant equipment, such as power outages, or ineffective backup systems.
Human beings or animals could be injured or sickened, or property could be damaged by exposure to regulated waste. This in turn could result in lawsuits in which we are found liable for such injuries, and substantial damages could be awarded against us. We engage an outside actuary twice a year to assist us in estimating these liabilities.
While we generally carry liability insurance intended to cover these contingencies, instances may occur that are not insured against or that are inadequately insured against. An uninsured or underinsured loss could be substantial and could impair our profitability and reduce our liquidity.
GENERAL RISK FACTORS
Increasing occurrences of natural disasters or other catastrophic events caused by climate change or otherwise could negatively affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Natural disasters such as hurricanes, typhoons or earthquakes could negatively affect our operations and financial performance. Such events could result in physical damage to one or more of our facilities or equipment, the temporary lack of an adequate work force in a market, and the temporary disruption in transportation services which we rely on to deliver waste to our facilities. These events could prevent or delay deliveries and reduce both volumes and revenue. Weather conditions and other event driven special projects may also cause variations in our results of operations. We may be required to suspend operations in some of our locations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. While we have protocols in place for operating regions frequently impacted by severe weather changes, continued climate change may require additional protocols, processes, physical equipment, and training to minimize risks to team members, physical property, and operations, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Inflationary cost environment and supply chain disruption.
For the last several years we have experienced inflationary cost increases in our underlying expenses, including labor, supply chain related, and other expenses. We may continue to experience inflationary cost increases in labor, commodities, vehicle procurement, facility and vehicle leases, third party expenditures, plant equipment and construction expenditures, and other expenses. We may not be able to pass all of these cost increases on to our customers. We may also experience delays in completing certain capital projects and have additional challenges due to macroeconomic supply chain disruptions. Should these conditions persist, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be negatively impacted.
Geopolitical tensions, military conflict and the global community’s response may create substantial political and economic disruption, uncertainty and risk.
U.S. and global markets may experience volatility and disruption following the escalation of geopolitical tensions and the military conflicts, such as those between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East. Although the length and impact of the ongoing military conflict is highly unpredictable, such conflicts could lead to market disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices, credit and capital markets, as well as supply chain interruptions, increased cyber-attacks and social unrest in certain regions in which we operate.
We are subject to risks associated with the current interest rate environment.
Changing interest rates may have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from our performance to the extent we are exposed to such interest rates and/or volatility. An adjustment in rates would impact our variable rate debt. If interest rates increase or remain elevated, we could face higher debt service requirements, which would adversely affect our cash flow and could adversely impact our results of operations. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow to service our debt or to fund our other liquidity needs, we could need to restructure or refinance all or a portion of our debt. Any refinancing of indebtedness could be at higher interest rates, thereby resulting in an overall increase in interest expense.
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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
Information regarding our worldwide properties can be found under Part I, Item 1. Business and is incorporated herein by reference. We believe that our operating properties, vehicles and equipment are adequately maintained and sufficient for our current operations and anticipated future needs; however, we have and will continue to use our planned capital investments to modernize our properties, equipment, and fleet as we deem appropriate.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Information regarding certain legal proceedings in which we are involved can be found in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 19 - Legal Proceedings in the Consolidated Financial Statements and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.
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PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “SRCL”. There were 78 shareholders of record as of February 23, 2024.
We did not declare or pay any cash dividends on our common stock during 2023, 2022, or 2021.
We did not purchase any shares of our common stock during 2023, 2022, or 2021.
Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative total returns of Stericycle, the Nasdaq Global Select Market Composite Index, the S&P Mid Cap 400 Index and the Dow Jones U.S. Waste & Disposal Services Index for the five-year period ended December 31, 2023.
The graph assumes that the value for the investment in Stericycle and in each of the indices was $100 on December 31, 2018, and that all dividends were reinvested.
The stock price performance of our common stock reflected in the following graph is not necessarily indicative of future performance.
Company/Index 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Stericycle, Inc. $ 100.00 $ 173.92 $ 188.96 $ 162.55 $ 135.98 $ 135.08
Nasdaq Global Select Market Composite Index $ 100.00 $ 135.60 $ 193.97 $ 238.80 $ 240.27 $ 233.41
S&P Mid Cap 400 Index $ 100.00 $ 124.05 $ 138.70 $ 170.89 $ 146.14 $ 167.26
Dow Jones U.S. Waste & Disposal Services Index $ 100.00 $ 132.84 $ 139.23 $ 192.09 $ 181.41 $ 208.16

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. [Reserved]
[Reserved]
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this 2023 Form 10-K. For further discussion regarding operating and financial data for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, refer to Part II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
Overview
Stericycle, Inc., is a U.S. based business-to-business services company and leading provider of compliance-based solutions that protect people and brands, promote health and well-being and safeguard the environment. Through our family of brands, Stericycle serves customers in North America and Europe with solutions to safely manage materials that could otherwise spread disease, contaminate the environment, or compromise one’s identity. To our customers, team members and the communities we serve, Stericycle is a company that protects what matters.
Our service offerings appeal to a wide range of business customers. Our customers are primarily in the following industries: enterprise healthcare (i.e., hospitals, health systems, and non-affiliate hospitals; national and corporate healthcare), practices and care providers (i.e., physician offices, surgery centers, veterinary clinics, nursing and long-term care facilities, dental clinics, clinics and urgent care, dialysis centers, home health organizations), and pharmacy, lab and research centers. We also provide services to airports and seaports, education institutions, funeral homes and crematories, government and military, banks and professional services, and other businesses. While we manage large volumes of waste and other materials, the average volume per customer site is relatively small.
Highlights for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the prior year include:
•Grew organic revenues1 2.2%, driven by increases in RWCS of 4.2% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the prior year;
•Improved Gross Profit as a percentage of revenues 30 basis points compared to the prior year;
•Improved cash flow from operations by $43.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to prior year.
(1) See Results of Operations, Revenues for a reconciliation between total U.S. GAAP Revenues and Organic Revenues.
For additional information, see Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 4 - Restructuring, Divestitures, and Asset Impairments, Note 9 - Debt, and Note 19 - Legal Proceedings in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other Developments
In 2023, within RWCS, we saw evolving dynamics among our national accounts, which includes customers like retail pharmacies and nationwide healthcare service providers. Our national account customer base generally remained consistent, despite the economic headwinds they're facing. As some of these customers reduce their footprint, our service stops in this segment have also contracted, mainly in the third quarter of 2023. Similar to RWCS, our national SID customers are experiencing a reset in their post-COVID pandemic office footprint. Across the SID business, we believe we remain an essential service and are retaining these customer relationships, but have seen service stops decline, mainly driven by customer site closures and reduced service frequencies.
Key Business Priorities
In 2023, our five key business priorities were the following:
•Quality of revenue - We have been executing against our foundational initiatives we launched to drive revenue quality and are executing on: (i) expanding service penetration, (ii) improving customer implementation velocity, and (iii) deepening customer partnerships by developing enhanced solutions.
•Operational efficiency, modernization, and innovation - We have been executing on our foundational initiatives we launched to drive operational efficiency, modernization and innovation and are executing on: (i) infrastructure and system modernization, (ii) fleet replacement and route and long-haul network improvements and (iii) SafeShield container rationalization and modernization.
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•ERP implementation - We successfully deployed the North America ERP to the U.S. RWCS business in the third quarter of 2023. Almost all of our U.S. team members are now leveraging the new technology. We continue to observe improvement in our team members' performance as they leverage the technology and data flow. We commenced activities for the international system modernization in 2022.
•Portfolio optimization - We expect to continue evaluating opportunities to further optimize our portfolio through a combination of asset rationalizations and strategic accretive tuck-in acquisitions, which streamline our portfolio of businesses and allow us to focus more deeply on our core businesses. 2023 divestitures primarily included an International container manufacturer joint venture in Spain; our businesses in Brazil, Singapore, Australia, and Republic of Korea; dental recycling business in the Netherlands; SID joint venture in the UAE; and our business in Romania for net proceeds of approximately $85 million.
•Debt reduction and leverage improvement - We have reduced total net debt to $1.27 billion as of December 31, 2023. In the second quarter of last year, we successfully achieved our goal of reducing our debt leverage below 3 times and have continued to maintain our debt leverage target, finishing 2023 with a debt leverage ratio of 2.85 times.
Certain Key Priorities and Other Significant Matters
The following table identifies key priorities and other significant matters impacting our business and how they are classified in the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income (amounts are stated pre-tax except when noted):
In millions
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022
Pre-tax items:
Included in COR
Operational Optimization $ 2.4 $ -
Asset Impairments 3.4 -
Total included in COR 5.8 -
Included in SG&A
ERP and System Modernization 19.2 19.2
Intangible Amortization 112.0 124.0
Operational Optimization 1.7 -
Portfolio Optimization 2.2 6.9
Litigation, Settlements and Regulatory Compliance 30.8 30.0
Asset Impairments 3.1 5.5
Total included in SG&A 169.0 185.6
Divestiture losses (gains), net 63.4 (15.6)
Total included in income from operations $ 238.2 $ 170.0
After-tax items:
Other Tax Matter $ (2.0) $ -
Total after-tax $ (2.0) $ -
The Key Priorities and Other Significant Matters include the following types of activities:
Cash Charges
Consulting and Professional Fees Other (1)
Non-Cash Charges (2)
ERP and System Modernization ü ü ü
Operational Optimization ü ü ü
Portfolio Optimization ü ü ü
Litigation, Settlements and Regulatory Compliance ü ü
(1)Includes other costs related to each priority (e.g., software maintenance fees, litigation, settlement and regulatory compliance charges, changes in contingent consideration and environmental provisions).
(2)Includes impairments, accelerated depreciation and/or amortization, gain/loss on disposal and changes in deferred consideration.
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ERP and System Modernization
For the years presented of the ERP and System Modernization, we have recognized the following, reported in Other Costs:
In millions
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022
North America
Operating expenditures $ 16.6 $ 18.4
Capital expenditures 18.0 13.6
Total North America $ 34.6 $ 32.0
International
Operating expenditures $ 2.6 $ 0.8
Capital expenditures - -
Total International $ 2.6 $ 0.8
Total operating expenditures $ 19.2 $ 19.2
Total capital expenditures 18.0 13.6
Total ERP and System Modernization $ 37.2 $ 32.8
Upon the deployment of the ERP in our U.S. RWCS business in the third quarter of 2023, certain costs became incremental information technology ongoing costs for running the new system, including maintenance, licensing, and depreciation expenses. Our international ERP system modernization commenced in 2022, which includes enhancements and upgrades associated with European based RWCS and SID operations. We will continue to incur the current level of costs to maintain the legacy suite of applications also used by our European businesses during the system modernization.
Intangible Amortization
See table above of certain key priorities and other significant matters for intangible amortization expense from acquisitions for the years presented and how they are classified in the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income. The decrease in amortization expense is a result of divestitures and certain intangible assets that have reached the end of their useful lives.
For intangible amortization by segment see Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 17 - Segment Reporting in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Operational Optimization
See table above of certain key priorities and other significant matters for operational optimization for the years presented and how they are classified in the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income.
In February 2024, the Company recognized approximately $6 million of Operational Optimization severance charges, primarily within our North America and International segments, related to workforce reduction. These measures are expected to provide annual savings of approximately $21 million to $24 million beginning in the first half of 2024. We have also reduced our overall workforce in our retained businesses through careful hiring and managing attrition which will provide annual savings of approximately $11 million to $13 million beginning in 2024.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company recognized Operational Optimization charges of $4.1 million primarily related to severance associated with workforce reduction, split between North America and International segments, and closure of an International facility, which is expected to provide annual savings of approximately $8 million.
We will continue to evaluate our operating needs and prospectively adjust our work force to align with our needs. As we continue to consider each Operational Optimization activity, the amount, timing and recognition of charges will be affected by the occurrence of commitments and triggering events as defined under U.S. GAAP, among other factors. We may incur more charges and cash expenditures than estimated and may not realize the expected improvement or cost savings on its planned time frame or at all.
For additional information, see Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 4 - Restructuring, Divestitures, and Asset Impairments in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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PART II
Portfolio Optimization
See table above of certain key priorities and other significant matters for portfolio optimization (including Divestiture losses (gains), net) for the years presented, and how they are classified in the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income. Consulting and professional fees and acquisition related charges are reported in Other Costs, while the various Divestiture losses (gains), net are included in the respective segment.
Acquisitions
As part of our portfolio optimization business priority, we regularly evaluate the competitive environment and consider opportunistic acquisitions that strengthen our core businesses. We believe acquisitions, when appropriately valued and constructively integrated, may be an efficient way to gain customers, scale treatment operations, and build customer density for transportation. We expect to focus on smaller accretive tuck-in acquisitions. Details of the acquisitions completed, can be found in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 3 - Acquisitions in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Divestitures
We evaluate our portfolio of services on an ongoing basis with a country-by-country and service line-by-service line approach to assess long-term potential and identify potential business candidates for divestiture. Divestitures resulting from this evaluation may cause us to record significant charges, including those related to goodwill, other intangible assets, long-lived assets, and cumulative translation adjustments.
For additional information regarding Divestiture losses (gains), net, including significant impacts of foreign currency translation adjustments, net, see Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 4 - Restructuring, Divestitures, and Asset Impairments in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Litigation, Settlements and Regulatory Compliance
We operate in highly regulated industries and must address regulatory inquiries or respond to investigations from time to time. We have also been involved in a variety of civil litigation from time to time. Certain of these matters are detailed in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 19 - Legal Proceedings, in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Our financial results may also include considerations of non-recurring matters including settlements, environmental remediation, and legal related consulting and professional fees.
See table above of certain key priorities and other significant matters for litigation, settlements and regulatory compliance charges. Among other things, the table reflects consulting and professional fees (including FCPA monitoring fees which commenced in late 2022), contingent liability provisions and settlements, net of insurance recoveries, impacting our business for the years presented, primarily in Other Costs. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we accrued an additional $9.6 million for the FCPA Settlement, bringing the total cumulative charge to approximately $90 million. For the year ended December 31, 2022 we paid $81 million due to the DOJ, the SEC, and Brazil authorities in accordance with the FCPA Settlement. In the year ended December 31, 2023 the Company paid substantially all of the remaining settlement amounts due to the DOJ and Brazil authorities.
See Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 19 - Legal Proceedings, in the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details.
Asset Impairments
See table above of certain key priorities and other significant matters for asset impairments for the years presented and how they are classified in the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income. Impairment charges may be recognized in future periods to the extent changes in factors or circumstances occur, including deterioration in the macroeconomic environment or in the equity markets, including the market value of our common shares, deterioration in our performance or our future projections, or changes in our plans for one or more reporting units or specified long-lived assets, among other factors.
For additional information on asset impairments, see Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 4 - Restructuring, Divestitures, and Asset Impairments and Note 7 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Other Tax Matter
In 2023, we recognized a $2.0 million tax benefit associated with the conclusion of an examination of pre-acquisition tax years of an acquired business.
For further discussion, see Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 10 - Income Taxes in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Results of Operations
Revenues (including Segment Revenues)
Year Ended December 31,
In millions Components of Change (%) (1)
2023 2022 Change ($) Change (%) Organic Growth (2)
Divestitures Foreign Exchange (3)
Revenue by Service
Regulated Waste and Compliance Services $ 1,775.8 $ 1,798.2 $ (22.4) (1.2 %) 4.2 % (5.3 %) 0.1 %
Secure Information Destruction Services 883.5 906.5 (23.0) (2.5 %) (1.7) % (0.6 %) (0.2 %)
Total Revenues $ 2,659.3 $ 2,704.7 $ (45.4) (1.7 %) 2.2 % (3.8 %) - %
North America
Regulated Waste and Compliance Services $ 1,474.4 $ 1,468.8 $ 5.6 0.4 % 4.5 % (3.8 %) (0.1 %)
Secure Information Destruction Services 781.4 794.3 (12.9) (1.6 %) (1.3) % - % (0.3 %)
Total North America Segment $ 2,255.8 $ 2,263.1 $ (7.3) (0.3 %) 2.4 % (2.4 %) (0.2 %)
International
Regulated Waste and Compliance Services $ 301.4 $ 329.4 $ (28.0) (8.5 %) 3.1 % (12.3 %) 1.1 %
Secure Information Destruction Services 102.1 112.2 (10.1) (9.0 %) (4.9) % (5.1 %) 0.7 %
Total International Segment $ 403.5 $ 441.6 $ (38.1) (8.6 %) 0.9 % (10.5 %) 1.0 %
(1)Components of Change % in summation may not crossfoot to the total Change % due to rounding.
(2)Organic growth is change in Revenues which includes SOP pricing and volume and excludes the impact of divestitures and foreign exchange.
(3)The comparisons at constant currency rates (foreign exchange) reflect comparative local currency balances at prior period’s foreign exchange rates. We calculated these percentages by taking current period reported Revenues less the respective prior period reported Revenues, divided by the prior period reported Revenues, all at the respective prior period’s foreign exchange rates. This measure provides information on the change in Revenues assuming that foreign currency exchange rates have not changed between the prior and the current period. Management believes the use of this measure aids in the understanding of changes in Revenues without the impact of foreign currency.
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023, were $2.66 billion, a decrease of $45.4 million, or 1.7% compared to $2.70 billion in the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to impacts of divestitures of $101.6 million or 3.8%, which includes the divestiture of CRS in the fourth quarter of 2022 and International businesses in 2023, and unfavorable foreign exchange rates of $0.1 million. Organic revenues increased $56.3 million, or 2.2%. RWCS organic revenues growth was mainly driven by our pricing actions, which include pricing in existing contracts, new customer pricing, surcharges and fees. SID organic revenues decreased primarily due to lower commodity indexed revenues, including lower recycling revenues and lower SID fuel and environmental surcharges.
North America revenues decreased $7.3 million, or 0.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2023, to $2.26 billion from $2.26 billion in the prior year. The decrease was primarily driven by the impact of the CRS divestiture of $55.4 million, or 2.4%, and unfavorable foreign exchange rates of $4.7 million, or 0.2%. Organic revenues increased $52.6 million, or 2.4%, primarily due to RWCS organic revenue increases which were mainly driven by our pricing actions, which include pricing in existing contracts, new customer pricing, surcharges and fees. SID organic revenues decreased due to lower recycling revenues and lower SID fuel and environmental surcharges.
International revenues decreased $38.1 million, or 8.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2023, to $403.5 million from $441.6 million in the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to the impact of divestitures of $46.2 million or 10.5%, and decreased organic SID revenues due to lower recycled paper rates and volume. These decreases were partially offset by higher organic RWCS revenues due to pricing levers, which include pricing in existing contracts, new customer pricing, surcharges and fees.
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PART II
Gross Profit
In millions
Year Ended December 31, Change 2023 versus 2022
2023 2022
$ % of Revenues $ % of Revenues $ %
Gross profit $ 1,014.6 38.2 % $ 1,025.6 37.9 % $ (11.0) (1.1 %)
The decrease in gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to 2022, was primarily due to lower SID commodity indexed revenues and the corresponding margin flow through, the impacts of divestitures, and higher fleet costs, partially offset by margin flow-through, including cost savings from productivity initiatives.
SG&A
In millions
Year Ended December 31, Change 2023 versus 2022
2023 2022
$ % of Revenues $ % of Revenues $ %
SG&A $ 873.9 32.9 % $ 887.5 32.8 % $ (13.6) (1.5 %)
For the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the prior year, we incurred lower SG&A charges associated with certain key priorities and other significant matters discussed above. Additionally, the remaining change in SG&A was due to the impacts of divestitures and lower bad debt expense related to higher bad debt expense in 2022 as a result of continued elevated past-due SID accounts receivable balances in 2022, due to the timing of North America SID billing and collection efforts primarily related to the SID ERP deployment. These decreases were partially offset by increased annual incentive and stock based compensation expense.
Divestitures Losses (Gains), Net
In millions
Year Ended December 31, Change 2023 versus 2022
2023 2022
$ % of Revenues $ % of Revenues $ %
Divestiture losses (gains), net $ 63.4 2.4 % $ (15.6) (0.6 %) $ (79.0) nm
nm - percentage change not meaningful
For additional information regarding Divestiture losses (gains), net, including significant impacts of foreign currency translation adjustments, see Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 4 - Restructuring Divestitures, and Asset Impairments in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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PART II
Segment Profitability
The Company uses Adjusted Income from Operations as its measure of segment profitability - see Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 17 - Segment Reporting in the Consolidated Financial Statements for an explanation of this measure. Segment profitability and a reconciliation of the total for segment profitability to income from operations was as follows:
In millions
Year Ended December 31, Change 2023 versus 2022
2023 2022
$ % of Segment Revenues $ % of Segment Revenues $ %
Adjusted Income from Operations
North America $ 619.0 27.4 % $ 607.1 26.8 % $ 11.9 2.0 %
International 38.2 9.5 % 34.1 7.7 % 4.1 12.0 %
Other Costs (341.7) nm (317.5) nm (24.2) 7.6 %
Total $ 315.5 11.9 % $ 323.7 12.0 % $ (8.2) (2.5 %)
Reconciliation to Income from operations:
Adjusted Income from Operations $ 315.5 $ 323.7
Adjusting Items Total (1)
(238.2) (170.0)
Income from Operations $ 77.3 $ 153.7
nm - percentage change not meaningful
(1)See table above of certain key priorities and other significant matters and Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 17 - Segment Reporting in the Consolidated Financial Statements for more detail.
Adjusted Income from Operations for North America increased compared to the prior year primarily due to our pricing levers, lower bad debt expense and cost savings. These increases were partially offset by lower SID commodity indexed revenues and the corresponding margin flow-through impact, and higher fleet costs and the impact of the CRS divestiture.
Adjusted Income from Operations for International increased compared to the prior year primarily due to favorable RWCS pricing levers and foreign exchange rates, which were partially offset by lower SID revenues due to lower recycled paper rates and volume, and higher supply chain and other inflationary costs.
Adjusted Loss from Operations for Other Costs increased compared to the prior year primarily driven by higher incentive compensation and timing of stock-based compensation expense.
Interest Expense, Net
In millions
Year Ended December 31, Change 2023 versus 2022
2023 2022
$ % of Revenues $ % of Revenues $ %
Interest expense, net $ 73.9 2.8 % $ 75.5 2.8 % $ (1.6) (2.1 %)
Interest expense, net decreased for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in net debt; partially offset by higher weighted-average interest rates on the variable portion of debt. The year ended December 31, 2022 also included $1.1 million in interest income associated with income tax refunds. For further information see Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 9 - Debt in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other (Expense) Income, Net
In millions
Year Ended December 31, Change 2023 versus 2022
2023 2022
$ % of Revenues $ % of Revenues $ %
Other (expense) income, net $ (0.1) - % $ 0.7 - % $ (0.8) (114.3 %)
Other (expense) income, net is primarily comprised of foreign exchange (losses) gains.
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PART II
Income Tax Expense
In millions
Year Ended December 31, Change 2023 versus 2022
2023 2022
$ Effective Rate $ Effective Rate $ %
Income tax expense $ 24.6 745.5 % $ 22.4 28.4 % $ 2.2 9.8 %
For further information, see Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 10 - Income Taxes in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company believes that it has sufficient liquidity to support its ongoing operations and to invest in future growth to create value for its shareholders. Operating cash flows and the Company’s $1.2 billion Credit Facility are the Company’s primary sources of liquidity and are expected to be used for, among other things, payment of interest and principal on the Company’s long-term debt obligations, and capital expenditures necessary to support growth and productivity improvements. As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $1,110.0 million of available capacity in the $1.2 billion Credit Facility. The Company has the ability and intent to refinance the 2019 Senior Notes on a long-term basis through available capacity under its Revolving Credit Facility. Therefore, as of December 31, 2023, the 2019 Senior Notes remain classified as long-term debt in the Consolidated Financial Statements. On February 1, 2024, the Company issued a redemption notice to 2019 Senior Notes holders for redemption of all of the $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2019 Senior Notes with a redemption date of March 14, 2024. The refinancing of the Senior Notes using the Revolving Credit Facility will convert the debt from fixed rate to variable rate. If the Company's 2019 Senior Notes were to remain outstanding 91 days (April 15, 2024) prior to their maturity date (the “Springing Maturity Date”), then the Credit Agreement maturity date will be the Springing Maturity Date. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company paid $81.0 million due to the DOJ, the SEC, and Brazil authorities in accordance with the FCPA Settlement. As of December 31, 2023 the Company has paid substantially all of the remaining settlement amounts due to the DOJ and Brazil authorities. For further details concerning these matters, see Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 9 - Debt and Note 19 - Legal Proceedings, in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Working Capital
At December 31, 2023, our working capital increased $16.7 million to a negative working capital of $46.5 million compared to a negative working capital of $63.2 million at December 31, 2022. This change is primarily driven by increased accounts receivable, net of higher deferred revenues, partially offset by lower cash and cash equivalents, and increased accrued liabilities, operating lease liabilities, and other current liabilities.
Current assets increased $112.8 million in 2023, to $671.5 million from $558.7 million in 2022, primarily driven by an increase in accounts receivable (excluding deferred revenues), partially offset by lower cash and cash equivalents.
Current liabilities increased $96.1 million in 2023, to $718.0 million from $621.9 million in 2022, primarily driven by higher deferred revenues, increased accrued liabilities, operating lease liabilities, and other current liabilities, partially offset by lower current portion of long-term debt and decreased accounts payable.
Cash Flow Summary:
The following table shows cash flow information for the Company by activity:
In millions
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022
Net cash from operating activities $ 243.3 $ 200.2
Net cash from investing activities (43.8) (84.6)
Net cash from financing activities (220.4) (111.0)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 0.2 (4.2)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents $ (20.7) $ 0.4
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PART II
Operating Cash Flows: Net cash provided from operating activities increased $43.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, to $243.3 million, compared to $200.2 million in 2022. The year-over-year increase of $43.1 million was primarily driven by lower FCPA settlement payments of $72.8 million and lower annual incentive compensation payments of $22.3 million, partially offset by increased accounts receivable, net of deferred revenues of $68.5 million.
DSO as reported for December 31, 2023 was 76 days or 66 days, net of deferred revenues. During the third quarter of 2023, Stericycle advanced billing for certain U.S. RWCS subscription services, which contributed to the higher as reported DSO for December 31, 2023. DSO as reported for December 31, 2022 was 56 days or 55 days, net of deferred revenues. The December 31, 2023 DSO, net of deferred revenues, was higher as compared to 2022, mainly driven by the timing of U.S. RWCS customer billing and subsequent collections associated with the ERP implementation. Stericycle continues to identify and enhance North America billing and collections processes certain of which are associated with the ERP implementation.
Investing Cash Flows: Net cash used from investing activities decreased $40.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, to net cash used of $43.8 million from $84.6 million in the prior year. This decrease was primarily driven by cash proceeds from divestitures of $84.6 million in 2023, compared to $46.7 million in 2022. Cash paid for capital expenditures decreased by $0.9 million to $131.3 million from $132.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Financing Cash Flows: Net cash used from financing activities increased $109.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2023, to a use of funds of $220.4 million from $111.0 million in the prior year. Net repayments on our Credit Facility and Term Loan were $208.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $103.0 million in the prior year.
Contractual Obligations
The Company’s contractual obligations and cash commitments at December 31, 2023, consisted of long term debt, finance and operating lease liabilities, and estimated purchase obligations.
Long term debt: For details regarding long term obligations, see Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 9 - Debt in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Lease liabilities: For details regarding short and long term finance and operating lease liabilities, see Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 6 - Leases in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Estimated purchase obligations: The Company’s estimated purchase obligations consist of agreements to purchase goods and services that are entered into in the ordinary course of business. As of December 31, 2023, the Company's short and long term estimated purchase obligations were $63.7 million and $61.0 million, respectively.
The Company establishes asset retirement obligations for the present value of estimated future costs to retire long-lived assets at the termination or expiration of a lease. Most of these obligations are not expected to be paid until many years in the future and are expected to be funded from general company resources at the time of removal. For further details concerning asset retirement obligations, see Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Based on the uncertain nature of our liability for unrecognized tax benefits, we are unable to make an estimate of the period of potential settlement, if any, with the applicable taxing authorities.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $59.0 million of stand-by letters of credit outstanding against our credit facility, $32.8 million of surety bonds and $16.5 million of bank guarantees. The bank guarantees are issued mostly by our international subsidiaries for various purposes, including leases, seller notes, contracts and permits. The surety bonds are used for performance guarantees. Neither the bank guarantees nor the surety bonds affect our ability to use our various lines of credit.
We anticipate that our operating cash flows, together with additional borrowings available under our Credit Facility, will be sufficient to meet our anticipated future operating expenses, key business priorities, other capital expenditures and debt service obligations as they become due during the next 12 months and the foreseeable future.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts
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PART II
of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Although management believes that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, they are based upon information available when they are made and therefore, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Our most critical accounting policies are those that may be material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to change and those policies that have a material impact on the financial condition or operating performance of the Company. Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Polices in the Consolidated Financial Statements provides a detailed description of all of our material accounting policies; however, we have identified the following as our most critical accounting policies and estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for these good or services. Revenue is recognized net of revenue-based taxes assessed by governmental authorities.
The Company provides RWCS, which provide collection and processing of regulated and specialized waste, including medical, pharmaceutical and hazardous waste, for disposal and compliance programs; and SID services, which provide for the collection of personal and confidential information for secure destruction and recycling of shredded paper. The associated activities for each of these are a series of distinct services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer over time; therefore, the respective services are treated as a single performance obligation.
We recognize revenue by applying the right to invoice practical expedient as our right to consideration corresponds directly to the value provided to the customer for performance to date. Revenues for our Regulated Waste and Secure Information Destruction Services are recognized upon waste collection. Our compliance services are recognized over the contractual service period.
The Company records estimated reserves for credits based on customer accommodations, changes in customer circumstances, credit conditions, and historical trends.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company reports accounts receivable at their net realizable value, which is management’s best estimate of the cash that will ultimately be received. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect the expected uncollectability of accounts receivable based on past collection history and specific risks identified among uncollected accounts, as well as management’s expectation of future economic conditions. If current or expected future economic trends, events, or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are generally written off when the Company's collection efforts have been exhausted. The adequacy of allowances for uncollectible accounts is reviewed quarterly and adjusted as necessary based on such reviews. Management’s judgment is required to assess the collectability of an account, based on detailed analysis of the aging of the receivables, existing customer account set up and remediation efforts, the creditworthiness of the Company’s customers, historical collection trends, and current and future expected economic trends.
Allowance for doubtful accounts was $44.7 million and $53.3 million as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Determining the extent of impairment, if any, typically requires various estimates and assumptions including using management's judgment, cash flows directly attributable to the asset, the useful life of the asset and residual value, if any. When necessary, the Company uses internal cash flow estimates, quoted market prices and appraisals as appropriate to determine fair value. Actual results could vary from these estimates. In addition, the remaining useful life of the impaired asset is revised, if necessary.
For additional information, see Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 7 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Intangible Assets (indefinite-lived): Indefinite-lived intangibles consist primarily of permits and tradenames. Indefinite-lived intangibles are assessed for impairment annually, as of October 1, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change and are not subject to amortization but are assessed for impairment in the same manner as goodwill. Indefinite lived intangibles may be assessed using either a qualitative or quantitative approach. The qualitative approach first determines if it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than the carrying value. If no such determination is made, then the impairment test is complete. If, however, it is determined that there is a likely impairment, a quantitative assessment is performed. In the fourth quarter of 2023, we performed our annual impairment test on indefinite-lived intangibles, other than goodwill, using the qualitative approach for certain assets and the quantitative approach for the remaining assets. The calculated fair value of our indefinite-lived intangibles is based upon, among other things, certain assumptions about expected future operating performance, internal and external processing costs and an appropriate discount rate determined by management.
Future changes in our assumptions or the interrelationship of the assumptions described above may negatively impact future valuations that would require non-cash charges and may have a material effect on our financial condition and operating results.
We have determined that certain of our operating permits and certain tradenames have indefinite lives due to our ability to renew them with minimal additional cost and therefore they are not amortized.
Goodwill: Goodwill is assessed for impairment annually as of October 1, of each year, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that could reduce the value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. We used a quantitative and qualitative approach to assess goodwill for impairment.
As of October 1, 2023, the Company performed a qualitative assessment of its RWCS U.S. reporting unit goodwill, assessing economic, industry and market considerations in addition to the reporting unit's overall financial performance. Key factors used in the qualitative assessment included: macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, expense factors, overall financial performance of the reporting unit, and other relevant reporting unit-specific events. It was determined that the fair value of the RWCS U.S. reporting unit was, more likely than not, greater than the carrying value and a quantitative analysis was not necessary.
As of October 1, 2023 the Company performed a quantitative assessment of its Domestic SID and Europe reporting units. The Canadian reporting unit's accumulated goodwill impairment balances equals the goodwill gross balance, or net zero goodwill carrying value). Latin America and Asia Pacific were fully exited in April 2023 and June 2023, respectively, due to divestitures. The fair value of each reporting unit is calculated using the income approach (including DCF) and validated using a market approach with the involvement of a third-party valuation specialist. The income approach uses expected future cash flows of each reporting unit and discounts those cash flows to present value. Expected future cash flows are calculated using management assumptions of revenue growth rates, including long-term revenue growth rates, EBITDA margins, capital expenditures and cost efficiencies. Future acquisitions or divestitures are not included in the expected future cash flows. We use a discount rate based on a calculated weighted average cost of capital which is adjusted for each of our reporting units based on size, country and company specific risk premiums. The market approach compares the valuation multiples of similar companies to that of the associated reporting unit. In addition, we analyze differences between the sum of the fair value of the reporting units and our total market capitalization for reasonableness, taking into account certain factors including control premiums.
The fair value is then compared to its carrying value including goodwill. If the fair value is in excess of its carrying value, the related goodwill is not impaired. If the fair value is less than its carrying value, we recognize an impairment charge in the amount that the carrying value exceeds the fair value but not to exceed the carrying value of any goodwill.
We performed our annual goodwill assessment as of October 1, 2023. As a result of this assessment, no goodwill impairment charges were recognized in 2023.
A measure of sensitivity of the amount of goodwill impairment charges to key assumptions is the amount by which each reporting unit's fair value exceeds its respective carrying value. As of the October 1, 2023 assessment, the estimated fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by at least 40%. We performed sensitivity analysis on our estimated fair values, noting that a 50 basis point increase in the discount rate or a 50 basis point reduction in the long-term growth rate would not result in impairments for any of our reporting units.
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PART II
Assets and Liabilities Held-for-Sale
We classify Long-lived assets or disposal groups as held-for-sale when management having the appropriate authority, generally our Board of Directors or certain of our executive officers, commits to a plan of sale, the disposal group is ready for immediate sale, an active program to locate a buyer has been initiated and the sale is probable and expected to be completed within one year. Once classified as held-for-sale disposal groups are valued at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling costs. Where the disposal group constitutes substantially all, generally more than 90% of the assets and liabilities of our operations in a foreign country, the balance in the cumulative currency translation adjustment associated with that country is included in the carrying value of the disposal group. If the carrying value, including any amount associated with the cumulative currency translation adjustment, exceeds the fair value less estimated selling costs, a held-for-sale impairment charge is recorded to reduce the carrying value.
The estimate for fair value is reviewed at the end of every reporting period that the disposal group is classified as held-for-sale and the carrying value is adjusted whenever the estimated fair value less costs to sell is less than the carrying value.
Contingencies and Litigation
We are subject to various legal proceedings, claims and regulatory matters, the outcomes of which are subject to significant uncertainty. We determine whether to disclose or accrue for loss contingencies based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote, reasonably possible or probable, and whether it can be reasonably estimated. We analyze our litigation and regulatory matters based on available information to assess the potential liabilities. Management’s assessment is developed based on an analysis of possible outcomes under various strategies. We record and disclose loss contingencies pursuant to the applicable accounting guidance for such matters. For additional information, see Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 19 - Legal Proceedings in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Taxes
We record a provision for income taxes for the anticipated tax consequences of our reported results of operations using the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis as well as net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The measurement of deferred tax assets is reduced, if necessary, by a valuation allowance for any tax benefits for which future realization is uncertain.
Although we believe our assumptions, judgments and estimates are reasonable, changes in tax laws or our interpretation of tax laws and the resolution of any tax audits could significantly impact the amounts provided for income taxes in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, in full or in part, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including our past operating results, and our forecast of future earnings, future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. The assumptions utilized in determining future taxable income require significant judgment and are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses. Actual operating results in future years could differ from our current assumptions, judgments and estimates. However, we believe that it is more likely than not that most of the deferred tax assets recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets will ultimately be realized. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the net amount that we believe is more likely than not to be realized. At December 31, 2023, and 2022, our valuation allowances were $36.8 million and $67.2 million, respectively.
We did not recognize certain tax benefits from uncertain tax positions within the provision for income taxes. We may recognize a tax benefit only if it is more likely than not the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. At December 31, 2023, our estimated gross unrecognized tax benefits were $5.6 million, of which $4.3 million, if recognized, would favorably impact our future earnings. Due to uncertainties in any tax audit outcome, our estimates of the ultimate settlement of our unrecognized tax positions may change and the actual tax benefits may differ significantly from the estimates.
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PART II
The Tax Act established GILTI provisions that impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on intangible assets of foreign corporations. We recognize the taxes on GILTI as a period expense rather than recognizing deferred taxes for basis differences that are expected to affect the amount of GILTI inclusion upon reversal.
For further information see Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 10 - Income Taxes in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Insured and Self-Insured Claims
The Company’s insurance for workers’ compensation, auto/fleet, general liability, property and employee-related health care benefits is obtained using high deductible insurance policies, if any, meaning that the Company has retained a significant portion of the risks related to the claims associated with these programs. The estimated exposure for unpaid claims and associated expenses, including incurred but not reported losses, is based on a calculation performed by a third-party actuarial specialist. We use a third party to track and evaluate actual claims experience and supply the data used in the semi-annual actuarial valuation. The actuarial-determined liability is calculated using the Company’s historical claims experience. The accruals for these liabilities could be revised if future occurrences or loss developments significantly differ from the assumptions used. Estimated recoveries associated with insured claims are recognized as assets when the receipt of such amounts is probable. At December 31, 2023, and 2022, we accrued $80.2 million and $78.8 million, respectively, for self-insurance claims.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risks, including changes in interest rates, certain commodity prices, including SOP and diesel fuel, utilities, and foreign currency rates. We do not specifically hedge our exposure to these risks.
We are subject to market risks arising from changes in interest rates which relate primarily to our financing activities. We performed a sensitivity analysis to determine how market rate changes might affect the fair value of our market risk-sensitive debt instruments (variable rate debt) which in aggregate as of December 31, 2023, are 12% of total aggregate debt (including fixed- and variable-rate debt instruments). Our potential additional interest expense over one year that would result from a hypothetical, instantaneous and unfavorable change of 100 basis points in the interest rate on all of our variable rate obligations would be approximately $3.5 million on a pre-tax basis.
We are subject to market risks arising from changes in the prices for commodities such as SOP pricing, diesel fuel and utilities. As the market prices for these commodities increase or decrease, our revenues, operating costs and margins may also increase or decrease. Variability in commodity prices can also impact the margins of our business which we attempt to mitigate through pricing levers and operating efficiencies.
We have exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. We have subsidiaries in 10 foreign countries whose revenues and expenses are denominated in local currency and who use local currency denominated lines of credit for their funding needs. We translate results of operations of our international operations using an average exchange rate. We have quantified and described the impact of foreign currency translation on our revenues. We estimate, that based upon the amounts reported by individual countries during the year ended December 31, 2023, and prevailing exchange rates at that date, a 1% devaluation of all the functional currencies of each of our foreign businesses would result in an immaterial change to Net (loss) income attributable to Stericycle, Inc. reported in our Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income.
We have cumulative currency translation adjustment losses as of December 31, 2023, of approximately $184.5 million which are subject to continued fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency rates. In addition, to the extent that we sell substantially all of the operations within one country, similar to the transactions undertaken in Brazil in 2023 and Japan in 2021, we would be required to recognize, in the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income, the accumulated currency translation losses or gains associated with that country's operations.
The U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced in 2017 that it intends to phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. In 2022, the Federal Reserve announced that LIBOR will be phased out by December 31, 2024. The company has already adopted the replacement for LIBOR in all its borrowings.
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PART II

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Stericycle, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Stericycle, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of (loss) income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 28, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the account or disclosure to which it relates.
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PART II
Valuation of Goodwill
Description of the Matter At December 31, 2023, the Company’s goodwill was $2,755.6 million. As disclosed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level annually as of October 1, or more frequently, if a triggering event occurs. The Company performed a quantitative impairment test for the Domestic SID and Europe reporting units.
Auditing management’s goodwill impairment assessment was complex and judgmental due to the significant estimation required in determining the fair value of the Domestic SID and Europe reporting units. In particular, the fair value estimates were sensitive to significant assumptions, such as discount rates, projections of revenue growth and EBITDA margins, which are affected by expectations about future market or economic conditions and the economic performance of the Domestic SID and Europe reporting units.
How We Addressed the Matter in
Our Audit We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s goodwill impairment review process. For example, we tested controls over management's review of the significant assumptions discussed above used to develop the fair value estimates. We also tested management's controls over the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used in the valuation. To test the estimated fair value of the Company’s Domestic SID and Europe reporting units, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing methodologies and testing the significant assumptions discussed above and the underlying data used by the Company in its analysis. We involved our valuation specialists to review the Company’s model, methods and the more sensitive assumptions utilized such as the discount rate. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to historical results and current industry and economic trends. In addition, we assessed the historical accuracy of management’s estimates and performed sensitivity analyses of significant assumptions to evaluate the changes in the fair value of the reporting units that would result from changes in the assumptions.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1991.
Chicago, Illinois
February 28, 2024
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PART II
STERICYCLE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF (LOSS) INCOME
In millions, except per share data
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Revenues $ 2,659.3 $ 2,704.7 $ 2,646.9
Cost of revenues 1,644.7 1,679.1 1,629.7
Gross profit 1,014.6 1,025.6 1,017.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses 873.9 887.5 946.6
Divestiture losses (gains), net (Note 4) 63.4 (15.6) (1.7)
Income from operations 77.3 153.7 72.3
Interest expense, net (73.9) (75.5) (71.9)
Other (expense) income, net (0.1) 0.7 0.3
Income before income taxes 3.3 78.9 0.7
Income tax expense (24.6) (22.4) (27.5)
Net (loss) income (21.3) 56.5 (26.8)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (0.1) (0.5) (1.0)
Net (loss) income attributable to Stericycle, Inc. common shareholders $ (21.4) $ 56.0 $ (27.8)
(Loss) earnings per common share attributable to Stericycle, Inc. common shareholders:
Basic $ (0.23) $ 0.61 $ (0.30)
Diluted $ (0.23) $ 0.61 $ (0.30)
Weighted average number of common shares
Outstanding:
Basic 92.4 92.1 91.8
Diluted 92.4 92.4 91.8
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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PART II
STERICYCLE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME (LOSS)
In millions
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Net (loss) income $ (21.3) $ 56.5 $ (26.8)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Currency translation adjustments 19.3 (58.1) (35.5)
Cumulative currency translation loss realized from divestitures 70.6 - 3.8
Total other comprehensive income (loss) 89.9 (58.1) (31.7)
Comprehensive income (loss) 68.6 (1.6) (58.5)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests (2.4) 0.5 0.7
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Stericycle, Inc. common shareholders $ 71.0 $ (2.1) $ (59.2)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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STERICYCLE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
In millions, except per share data
December 31,
2023 2022
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 35.3 $ 56.0
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $44.7 in 2023 and $53.3 in 2022
553.9 414.5
Prepaid expenses 31.6 33.2
Other current assets 50.7 55.0
Total Current Assets 671.5 558.7
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation of $675.4 in 2023 and $657.7 in 2022
708.3 715.7
Operating lease right-of-use assets 464.3 398.9
Goodwill 2,755.6 2,784.9
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $925.8 in 2023 and $823.3 in 2022
686.5 811.1
Other assets 66.4 64.8
Total Assets $ 5,352.6 $ 5,334.1
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt $ 19.6 $ 22.3
Bank overdraft 1.0 2.9
Accounts payable 212.1 213.5
Accrued liabilities 259.5 244.1
Operating lease liabilities 105.4 91.2
Deferred revenues 72.6 7.9
Other current liabilities 47.8 40.0
Total Current Liabilities 718.0 621.9
Long-term debt, net 1,277.8 1,484.0
Long-term operating lease liabilities 378.9 329.0
Deferred income taxes 420.5 427.0
Long-term tax payable 6.4 11.8
Other liabilities 28.1 35.9
Total Liabilities 2,829.7 2,909.6
Commitments and contingencies
EQUITY
Preferred stock (par value $0.01 per share, 1.0 shares authorized), mandatory convertible preferred stock, Series A, none issued and outstanding in 2023 and 2022
- -
Common stock (par value $0.01 per share, 120.0 shares authorized, 92.6 and 92.2 issued and outstanding in 2023 and 2022, respectively)
0.9 0.9
Additional paid-in capital 1,316.7 1,285.4
Retained earnings 1,389.4 1,410.8
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (184.5) (276.9)
Total Stericycle, Inc.’s Equity 2,522.5 2,420.2
Noncontrolling interests 0.4 4.3
Total Equity 2,522.9 2,424.5
Total Liabilities and Equity $ 5,352.6 $ 5,334.1
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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PART II
STERICYCLE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
In millions
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net (loss) income $ (21.3) $ 56.5 $ (26.8)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation 104.5 108.5 106.0
Intangible amortization 112.0 124.0 117.9
Stock-based compensation expense 33.4 25.1 27.1
Deferred income taxes (2.5) 20.6 29.7
Divestiture losses (gains), net 63.4 (15.6) (1.7)
Asset impairments, loss on disposal of property plant and equipment and other charges 6.8 5.7 6.7
Other, net 3.6 7.5 5.1
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (146.8) (12.9) (57.2)
Prepaid expenses 0.2 12.0 17.0
Accounts payable 4.9 (2.6) 29.7
Accrued liabilities 25.6 (92.7) 85.2
Deferred revenues 64.9 (0.5) 0.4
Other assets and liabilities (5.4) (35.4) (36.0)
Net cash from operating activities 243.3 200.2 303.1
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures (131.3) (132.2) (116.9)
Payment for acquisition - - (10.5)
Proceeds from divestitures of businesses, net 84.6 46.7 35.0
Other, net 2.9 0.9 2.3
Net cash from investing activities (43.8) (84.6) (90.1)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of long-term debt and other obligations (11.8) (12.0) (20.4)
Proceeds from foreign bank debt 1.2 1.6 -
Repayments of foreign bank debt (0.3) (1.8) (29.6)
Repayments of term loan (75.0) - (222.5)
Proceeds from credit facility 1,068.3 1,368.8 1,495.0
Repayments of credit facility (1,191.3) (1,459.6) (1,420.2)
(Repayments) proceeds from bank overdrafts, net (2.1) 1.4 1.9
Payments of finance lease obligations (2.7) (3.1) (3.9)
Payments of debt issuance costs - (0.4) (3.9)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of (payments of) taxes from withheld shares (5.2) (5.6) (3.4)
Payments to noncontrolling interests (1.5) (0.3) (0.9)
Net cash from financing activities (220.4) (111.0) (207.9)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 0.2 (4.2) (2.8)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (20.7) 0.4 2.3
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 56.0 55.6 53.3
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 35.3 $ 56.0 $ 55.6
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Net issuances of obligations for acquisition $ - $ - $ 32.9
Capital expenditures in accounts payable $ 24.0 $ 30.2 $ 22.2
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest $ 70.1 $ 72.6 $ 57.0
Income taxes paid (refunded) $ 19.5 $ (1.1) $ (7.8)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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PART II
STERICYCLE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
In millions
Stericycle, Inc. Equity
Common Stock Additional Paid-In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity
Shares Amount
Balance as of January 1, 2021 91.6 $ 0.9 $ 1,234.0 $ 1,382.6 $ (187.4) $ 4.3 $ 2,434.4
Net loss - - - (27.8) - 1.0 (26.8)
Currency translation adjustment - - - - (35.2) (0.3) (35.5)
Cumulative currency translation loss realized through divestitures - - - - 3.8 - 3.8
Issuance of common stock for incentive stock programs, net of (payments of) taxes from withheld shares 0.3 - 0.7 - - - 0.7
Stock-based compensation expense - - 27.1 - - - 27.1
Changes to noncontrolling interest - - - - - (0.9) (0.9)
Balance as of December 31, 2021 91.9 0.9 1,261.8 1,354.8 (218.8) 4.1 2,402.8
Net Income - - - 56.0 - 0.5 56.5
Currency translation adjustment - - - - (58.1) - (58.1)
Issuance of common stock for incentive stock programs, net of (payments of) taxes from withheld shares 0.3 - (1.5) - - - (1.5)
Stock-based compensation expense - - 25.1 - - - 25.1
Changes to noncontrolling interest - - - - - (0.3) (0.3)
Balance as of December 31, 2022 92.2 0.9 1,285.4 1,410.8 (276.9) 4.3 2,424.5
Net Loss - - - (21.4) - 0.1 (21.3)
Currency translation adjustment - - - - 21.8 (2.5) 19.3
Cumulative currency translation loss realized through divestitures - - - - 70.6 - 70.6
Issuance of common stock for incentive stock programs, net of (payments of) taxes from withheld shares 0.4 - (2.1) - - - (2.1)
Stock-based compensation expense - - 33.4 - - - 33.4
Changes to noncontrolling interest - - - - - (1.5) (1.5)
Balance as of December 31, 2023 92.6 $ 0.9 $ 1,316.7 $ 1,389.4 $ (184.5) $ 0.4 $ 2,522.9
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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PART II
STERICYCLE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except per share data and unless otherwise indicated)
Unless the context requires otherwise, “Company”, “Stericycle”, “we”, “us”, or “our” refers to Stericycle, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Description of Business
Incorporated in 1989, Stericycle protects people and brands, promotes health and well-being, safeguards the environment and communities, and reduces risk through highly specialized Regulated Waste and Compliance Services and Secure Information Destruction Services. The Company serves customers in the U.S. and 10 other countries with a concentration on the growing healthcare industry.
The Company’s segments (see Note 17 - Segment Reporting) core focus is on Regulated Waste and Compliance Services and Secure Information Destruction Services, and it is a leading provider of these services in terms of both revenue and operational infrastructure.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Stericycle, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company's consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and include the assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses of all wholly-owned subsidiaries and majority-owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control. Outside stockholders' interests in subsidiaries are shown on the consolidated financial statements as “Noncontrolling interests”.
Additionally, certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current year presentation. The reclassification of the prior period amounts were not material to the previously reported consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Some areas where the Company makes estimates include allowance for doubtful accounts, credit memo reserves, contingent liabilities, asset retirement obligations, stock compensation expense, income tax assets and liabilities, accrued employee health and welfare benefits, accrued auto and workers’ compensation self-insured claims, leases, acquisition related long-lived assets, goodwill and held for sale impairment valuations. Such estimates are based on historical trends and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for these goods or services. Revenue is recognized net of revenue-based taxes assessed by governmental authorities.
The Company provides RWCS, which provide collection and processing of regulated and specialized waste, including medical, pharmaceutical and hazardous waste, for disposal and compliance programs and SID services, which provide for the collection of personal and confidential information for secure destruction and recycling of shredded paper. The associated activities for each of these are a series of distinct services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer over time; therefore, the respective services are treated as a single performance obligation.
The Company recognizes revenue by applying the right to invoice practical expedient as the Company’s right to consideration corresponds directly to the value provided to the customer for performance to date. Revenues for the Company’s Regulated Waste and Secure Information Destruction Services are recognized upon waste collection. The Company’s compliance services revenues are recognized over the contractual service period.
The Company records estimated reserves for credits based on customer accommodations, changes in customer circumstances, credit conditions, and historical trends.
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PART II
In 2023, no single customer accounted for more than 1.6% of the Company’s accounts receivable or approximately 2.1% of total revenues.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: Accounts receivable is recorded when billed or when goods or services are provided. The carrying value of the Company’s receivables is presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company estimates its allowance for doubtful accounts based on past collection history and specific risks identified among uncollected amounts, as well as management’s expectation of future economic conditions. If current or expected future economic trends, events, or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when the Company’s collection efforts have been exhausted.
The changes in allowance for doubtful accounts were reported as follows:
In millions
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Balances at beginning of year $ 53.3 $ 43.3 $ 56.2
Bad debt expense, net of recoveries 17.2 24.4 9.0
Write-offs (22.7) (15.3) (20.2)
Other changes (1)
(3.1) 0.9 (1.7)
Balances at end of year $ 44.7 $ 53.3 $ 43.3
(1)Amounts consist primarily of currency translation adjustments, and $6.9 million and $0.7 million relating to divestitures undertaken during 2023 and 2021, respectively.
Deferred Revenues: The Company recognizes deferred revenues when cash payments are received or when the Company bills for services in advance of performance and classifies them as current liabilities since the revenues are earned within 12 months and there are no significant financing components.
Contract Acquisition Costs: Incremental direct costs of obtaining a contract, which primarily represent sales incentives, are deferred and amortized to SG&A over the estimated period of benefit to be derived from the cost taking into consideration our standard contract terms and conditions and other factors.
Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of less than three months when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at cost.
Financial Instruments: The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and payable, and long-term debt. Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of accounts receivable. Credit risk on trade receivables is minimized as a result of the large size of the Company’s customer base, low concentration, and the performance of ongoing credit evaluations of its customers. The Company also maintains allowances for potential credit losses.
Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Expenditures for software purchases and software developed for internal use are capitalized and included in Software. For software developed for internal use, external direct costs for materials and services are capitalized.
Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Building and improvements 2 to 40 years
Machinery and equipment 2 to 30 years
Containers 2 to 20 years
Vehicles 2 to 10 years
Office equipment and furniture 2 to 20 years
Software and Enterprise Resource Planning system 2 to 10 years
Capitalized Interest: The Company capitalizes interest incurred associated with projects under construction for the duration of the asset construction period. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company capitalized interest of $3.7 million, $1.3 million, and $1.3 million, respectively, within property, plant and equipment, net, in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets: Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value assigned the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired.
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PART II
The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets include operating permits and certain tradenames. The Company has determined that certain of our operating permits and certain tradenames have indefinite lives due to our ability to renew them with minimal additional cost and therefore they are not amortized. Certain indefinite-lived permits may become subject to amortization to the extent events and circumstances warrant.
Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method with each category having weighted average remaining useful lives as follows:
In years
Estimated Useful Lives Weighted Average Remaining Useful Lives
Customer relationships 10-25
5.2
Covenants not-to-compete 5 0
Operating permits 1-5
2.0
Tradenames 20-40
19.0
Landfill air rights 5-10
0.5
The useful life of intangible assets is assessed annually, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change, to determine whether a revision to their remaining useful life is warranted. If required, changes are reflected prospectively as the intangible asset is amortized over the revised remaining useful life. In the fourth quarter of 2023, we performed the annual assessment of the useful life of our finite-lived intangibles and made no changes.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:
Property, Plant, and Equipment and Intangible Assets (definite-lives), Net: Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and amortizing intangible assets are reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Impairment of assets with definite-lives is generally determined by comparing projected undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset, or asset groups, to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent fair value exceeds carrying value. Determining the extent of impairment, if any, typically requires various estimates and assumptions including cash flows directly attributable to the asset, the useful life of the asset and residual value, if any. When necessary, the Company uses internal cash flow estimates, quoted market prices and appraisals, as appropriate, to determine fair value. Actual results could vary from these estimates. In addition, the remaining useful life of the impaired asset is revised, if necessary.
Intangible Assets (indefinite-lived): Indefinite-lived intangibles consist primarily of permits and tradenames. Indefinite-lived intangibles are assessed for impairment annually as of October 1, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change, using either a qualitative or quantitative approach. The qualitative approach first determines if it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than the carrying value. If no such determination is made, then the impairment test is complete. If, however, it is determined that there is a likely impairment, a quantitative assessment is performed. The Company performs its annual impairment test on indefinite-lived intangibles, using the qualitative approach for certain assets and the quantitative approach for the remaining assets.
Goodwill: Goodwill is assessed for impairment annually as of October 1, of each year, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that could reduce the value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. We used a quantitative and qualitative approach to assess goodwill for impairment.
As of October 1, 2023, the Company performed a qualitative assessment of its RWCS U.S. reporting unit goodwill, assessing economic, industry and market considerations in addition to the reporting unit's overall financial performance. Key factors used in the qualitative assessment included: macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, expense factors, overall financial performance of the reporting unit, and other relevant reporting unit-specific events. It was determined that the fair value of the RWCS U.S. reporting unit was, more likely than not, greater than the carrying value and a quantitative analysis was not necessary.
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As of October 1, 2023 the Company performed a quantitative assessment of its Domestic SID and Europe reporting units. The Canadian reporting unit's accumulated goodwill impairment balances equals the goodwill gross balance, or net zero goodwill carrying value). Latin America and Asia Pacific were fully exited in April 2023 and June 2023, respectively, due to divestitures. The fair value of each reporting unit is calculated using the income approach (including DCF) and validated using a market approach with the involvement of a third-party valuation specialist. The income approach uses expected future cash flows of each reporting unit and discounts those cash flows to present value. Expected future cash flows are calculated using management assumptions of revenue growth rates, including long-term revenue growth rates, EBITDA margins, capital expenditures and cost efficiencies. Future acquisitions or divestitures are not included in the expected future cash flows. We use a discount rate based on a calculated weighted average cost of capital which is adjusted for each of our reporting units based on size, country and company specific risk premiums. The market approach compares the valuation multiples of similar companies to that of the associated reporting unit. In addition, we analyze differences between the sum of the fair value of the reporting units and our total market capitalization for reasonableness, taking into account certain factors including control premiums.
The use of different assumptions, estimates or judgments in the goodwill impairment testing process may significantly increase or decrease the estimated fair value of a reporting unit. Generally, changes in DCF estimates would have a similar effect on the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. The Company believes that the estimated fair value used in measuring the impairment was based on reasonable assumptions but future changes in the underlying assumptions could differ due to the inherent judgment in making such estimates.
Goodwill impairment charges may be recognized in future periods to the extent changes in factors or circumstances occur, including deterioration in the macro-economic environment or in the equity markets, including the market value of the Company’s common shares, deterioration in its performance or its future projections, or changes in its plans for one or more reporting units.
Assets and Liabilities Held-for-Sale: Long-lived assets or disposal groups are classified as held-for-sale when management having the appropriate authority, generally the Company’s Board of Directors or certain of its executive officers, commits to a plan of sale, the disposal group is ready for immediate sale, an active program to locate a buyer has been initiated and the sale is probable and expected to be completed within one year. Once classified as held-for-sale, disposal groups are valued at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling costs. Where the disposal group constitutes substantially all of our operations of a foreign country, the balance in the cumulative translation adjustment associated with that country is included in the carrying value of the disposal group. If the carrying value, including any amount associated with the cumulative translation adjustment, exceeds the fair value less estimated selling costs a held-for-sale impairment charge is recorded to reduce the carrying value.
The estimate for fair value is reviewed at the end of every reporting period that the disposal group is classified as held-for-sale and the carrying value adjusted whenever the estimated fair value less costs to sell is less than the carrying value.
Acquisitions: The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded on the date of acquisition at their respective estimated fair values, with any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. We typically use an income method to estimate the fair value of intangible assets, which is based on forecasts of the expected future cash flows attributable to the respective assets. Assumptions inherent in the valuations reflect a consideration of other marketplace participants and include the amount and timing of future cash flows (including expected growth rates and related customer attrition and profitability) and the discount rate applied to the cash flows. The majority of current assets acquired, and liabilities assumed were recorded at their carrying values as of the date of acquisition, as their carrying values approximated their fair values due to their short-term nature. Assigning intangible assets useful lives is based on the period of substantial expected benefit derived from the asset.
Insurance and Self-Insurance: The Company’s insurance for workers’ compensation, auto/fleet, general liability, property, and employee-related health care benefits is obtained using high deductible insurance policies, meaning that the Company has retained a significant portion of the risks related to the claims associated with these programs. The estimated exposure for unpaid claims and associated expenses, including incurred but not reported losses, is based on a calculation performed by a third-party actuarial specialist using the Company’s historical claims experience. The accruals for these liabilities could be revised if future occurrences or loss developments significantly differ from the assumptions used. Estimated recoveries associated with insured claims are recognized as assets when the receipt of such amounts is probable.
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Restructuring Charges: Involuntary termination benefits are accrued upon the commitment to a termination plan and when the benefit arrangement is communicated to affected employees, or when liabilities are determined to be probable and estimable, depending on the existence of a substantive plan for severance or termination. Costs for one-time termination benefits in which the employee is required to render service beyond a minimum retention period in order to receive the benefits are recognized ratably over the future service period. Contract termination costs are recognized when contracts are terminated or when the Company ceases to use the leased facility and no longer derive economic benefit from the contract. All other exit costs are expensed as incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation: The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense based on the estimated grant-date fair value. Expense is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the period during which awards are expected to vest, however, for certain awards expense may be accelerated. Certain awards provide for accelerated or continued vesting in certain circumstances as defined in the 2021 plan and related grant agreements, including upon death, disability, a change in control, termination in connection with a change in control and the retirement of employees who meet certain service and/or age requirements. The Company presents stock-based compensation expense within SG&A based on the classification of the respective employees' cash compensation. The Company records forfeitures as they occur.
Income Taxes: The Company is subject to income taxes in both the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. The Company computes its provision for income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and for operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income for the years in which those tax assets and liabilities are expected to reverse. Significant judgments are required in order to determine the realizability of these deferred tax assets. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company evaluates all significant available positive and negative evidence, including historical operating results, estimates of future taxable income and the existence of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Changes in the expectations regarding the realization of deferred tax assets could materially impact income tax expense in future periods. Tax liabilities are recognized when, in management’s judgment, an uncertain tax position does not meet the more likely than not (i.e. a likelihood of more than fifty percent) threshold for recognition. For tax positions that meet the more likely than not threshold, a tax liability may still be recognized depending on management’s assessment of how the tax position will ultimately be settled. The Company records interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes.
The Tax Act established GILTI provisions that impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on intangible assets of foreign corporations. We recognize the taxes on GILTI as a period expense rather than recognizing deferred taxes for basis differences that are expected to affect the amount of GILTI inclusion upon reversal.
Leases: Operating leases are included in Operating lease ROU assets, Operating lease liabilities and Long-term operating lease liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Finance leases are included in Property, plant and equipment, Current portion of long-term debt and Long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Operating lease ROU assets, Operating lease liabilities and Long-term operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. Nearly all of the Company’s lease contracts do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate. For these contracts, the Company uses an estimated incremental borrowing rate, which is based on information available at lease commencement.
The Company’s leases generally do not contain material variable lease payments and generally do not contain options to purchase the leased property, any material residual value guarantees, or material restrictive covenants. At commencement, the Operating lease ROU asset is equal to the lease liability and is adjusted for lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. The Company reviews all options to extend, terminate, or purchase its ROU assets at the commencement of the lease and on an ongoing basis and accounts for these options when they are reasonably certain of being exercised. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, including payments for common area maintenance and vehicle maintenance costs, which are accounted for separately, based on their underlying nature, for each class of underlying assets. In addition, the Company applies the short-term lease recognition exemption for leases with terms at commencement of not greater than 12 months.
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Asset Retirement Obligations: The Company establishes assets and liabilities for the present value of estimated future costs to retire long-lived assets at the termination or expiration of a lease. Such assets are amortized over the lease term and the recognized liabilities are accreted to the future value of the estimated retirement costs. The related amortization and accretion expenses are presented within COR if the leased asset is used in the delivery of the Company’s services and the remaining expenses are presented within SG&A on the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income.
Foreign Currency: Assets and liabilities of foreign affiliates that use the local currency as their functional currency are translated at the exchange rate on the last day of the accounting period and income statement accounts are translated at the average rates during the period. Related translation adjustments are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Foreign currency gains and losses resulting from transactions that are denominated in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency, including foreign currency gains and losses on intercompany balances that are not of a long-term investment nature, are included within Other (expense) income, net, on the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASU 2019-12”). ASU 2019-12 simplifies aspects of accounting for franchise taxes and enacted changes in tax laws or rates and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. ASU 2019-12 was effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within that fiscal year. The Company adopted ASU 2019-12 on January 1, 2021, and there was no material impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.
Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted
Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-07”). ASU 2023-07 requires disclosure of incremental segment information on an annual and interim basis for all public entities to enable investors to develop more decision-useful financial analyses. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on disclosures in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-09”). ASU 2023-09 requires greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and the disclosure of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on disclosures in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
NOTE 2 - REVENUES FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
The Company provides RWCS, which provide collection and processing of regulated and specialized waste, including medical, pharmaceutical and hazardous waste, for disposal and compliance programs and SID services, which provide for the collection of personal and confidential information for secure destruction and recycling of shredded paper.
The Company’s customers typically enter into a contract for the provision of services on a regular and scheduled basis, e.g., weekly, monthly or on an as needed basis over the contract term, e.g., one-time service. Under the contract terms, the Company receives fees based on a monthly, quarterly or annual rate and/or fees based on contractual rates depending upon measures including the volume, weight, and type of waste.
Amounts are invoiced based on the terms of the underlying contract either on a regular basis, e.g., monthly or quarterly, or as services are performed and are generally due within a short period of time after invoicing based upon normal terms and conditions for our business type and the geography of the services performed.
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Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table presents revenues disaggregated by service and reportable segments:
In millions
Year Ended Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Revenue by Service
Regulated Waste and Compliance Services $ 1,775.8 $ 1,798.2 $ 1,854.0
Secure Information Destruction Services 883.5 906.5 792.9
Total Revenues $ 2,659.3 $ 2,704.7 $ 2,646.9
North America
Regulated Waste and Compliance Services $ 1,474.4 $ 1,468.8 $ 1,457.5
Secure Information Destruction Services 781.4 794.3 679.0
Total North America Segment $ 2,255.8 $ 2,263.1 $ 2,136.5
International
Regulated Waste and Compliance Services $ 301.4 $ 329.4 $ 396.5
Secure Information Destruction Services 102.1 112.2 113.9
Total International Segment $ 403.5 $ 441.6 $ 510.4
Deferred Revenues
Deferred revenues are recognized when cash payments are received or when the Company bills for services in advance of performance. Deferred revenues as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, were $72.6 million and $7.9 million, respectively. Beginning in the third quarter of 2023, the Company advanced billings for certain Regulated Waste services. Deferred revenues are classified within current liabilities since the revenues are earned within 12 months and there are no significant financing components.
Contract Acquisition Costs
The Company’s incremental direct costs of obtaining a contract, which consist primarily of sales incentives, are deferred and amortized to SG&A over a weighted average estimated period of benefit of 6.5 years.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 the Company amortized to SG&A $16.7 million, $13.9 million, and $12.7 million, respectively.
Total contract acquisition costs, net of accumulated amortization, were classified as follows:
In millions
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022
Other current assets $ 16.1 $ 14.2
Other assets 46.1 40.5
Total contract acquisition costs $ 62.2 $ 54.7
NOTE 3 - ACQUISITIONS
On January 31, 2024, the Company completed an acquisition of a southeastern U.S. regulated waste business for total consideration of approximately $16 million in cash and a promissory note. This acquisition is considered to be complementary to existing operations and aligns with the Company’s portfolio optimization strategy.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company acquired a midwest-based regulated waste business in North America. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination under the applicable guidance. There were no acquisitions in the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022.
For the acquisition in 2021, the purchase price consideration of $42.8 million and the purchase price allocation was finalized in the second quarter of 2022. The final acquisition date fair value of the total consideration transferred included $10.5 million in cash, $21.3 million in promissory notes, and $11.0 million in deferred consideration. The purchase price consideration was allocated to the assets and liabilities based on fair value as of the acquisition date, with the excess of the purchase price consideration over the net assets acquired of $23.7 million recorded as goodwill based on the strategic benefits to be achieved and is deductible for tax purposes. The Company used a third party specialist to determine the fair value of tangible and intangible assets, which primarily consisted of
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customer relationships of $17.5 million. The Company recorded final fair value measurement adjustments in the second quarter of 2022, which included a decrease of $2.5 million in intangible assets, a $0.2 million increase in fixed assets, and a $1.7 million increase in goodwill.
NOTE 4 - RESTRUCTURING, DIVESTITURES, AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS
Restructuring - Operational Optimization
In February 2024, the Company recognized Operational Optimization severance charges of approximately $6 million, primarily within our North America and International segments, related to workforce reduction.
In 2023, the Company recognized Operational Optimization charges of approximately $4.1 million, $2.4 million in COR and $1.7 million in SG&A. The charges were primarily related to severance associated with workforce reduction, split between North America and International segments, and closure of an International facility.
Divestitures
We evaluate our portfolio of services on an ongoing basis with a country-by-country and service line-by-service line approach to assess long-term potential and identify potential business candidates for divestiture. Divestitures resulting from this evaluation may cause us to record significant charges, including those related to goodwill, other intangible assets, long-lived assets, and cumulative currency translation adjustments.
In connection with the divestitures detailed below, the Company provides for indemnifications to the acquirer against certain liabilities, representations, and warranties and enters into certain additional ancillary agreements, including a TSA, for up to 12 months.
North America Segment Divestitures:
On December 1, 2022, we exited our Communication Solutions business for cash proceeds of approximately $45.0 million. The transaction resulted in a divestiture pre-tax gain of $15.6 million.
On December 1, 2021, the Company exited its Environmental Solutions operations in Canada for cash proceeds of $24.4 million. The transaction resulted in a divestiture pre-tax gain of $12.6 million.
International Segment Divestitures:
On October 6, 2023, the Company exited its operations in Romania for nominal consideration.
On July 25, 2023 and August 10, 2023, respectively, the Company exited its dental recycling business in the Netherlands and its SID joint venture in the UAE for nominal consideration.
On June 1, 2023, the Company exited its operations in the Republic of Korea, for cash proceeds of approximately $109.3 million.
On May 24, 2023, the Company exited its operations in Australia and Singapore, for cash proceeds of approximately $2.9 million.
On April 20, 2023, the Company exited its operations in Brazil for cash consideration to the acquirer of approximately $28 million.
On January 19, 2023, the Company exited its International container manufacturing joint venture in Spain, for cash proceeds of approximately $2.2 million.
On September 1, 2021, the Company exited its operations in Japan for cash proceeds of approximately $11.3 million. The transaction resulted in a divestiture pre-tax loss of $10.9 million, of which $3.8 million related to the reclassification of accumulated currency translation adjustments to earnings.
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For divestitures in the year ended December 31, 2023, Stericycle recognized the following Divestiture losses (gains), net in the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income:
In millions
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Loss (gain) - pre-cumulative currency translation Cumulative currency translation loss (gain) realized Total loss (gain)
International Segment
Romania Operations $ 3.2 $ 1.0 $ 4.2
UAE Joint Venture 0.5 - 0.5
Netherlands Dental Operations 1.0 - 1.0
Republic of Korea Operations (48.1) (2.7) (50.8)
Australia and Singapore Operations 5.1 2.2 7.3
Brazil Operations 26.1 70.1 96.2
International Container Manufacturing Operations 5.0 - 5.0
Divestiture losses (gains), net $ (7.2) $ 70.6 $ 63.4
Revenues of the completed divestiture transactions in 2023, each individually contributed less than 1% or in aggregate approximately 3.5% of consolidated revenues in the year ended December 31, 2022.
Asset Impairments
Stericycle recognized the following asset impairment charges in the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income:
In millions
Year Ended December 31,
2023 (1)
2022 (2)
2021 (3)
North America
Asset Impairment - SG&A $ - $ 5.5 $ 2.1
Total North America Segment $ - $ 5.5 $ 2.1
International
Asset Impairment - COR $ 3.4 $ - $ -
Asset Impairment - SG&A 3.1 - 4.6
Total International Segment $ 6.5 $ - $ 4.6
(1)The Company recognized an impairment in COR in International associated with certain long-lived assets, primarily property, plant and equipment in Romania and an impairment in SG&A in International associated with certain intangible assets in Spain.
(2)The Company recognized an impairment in SG&A in North America associated with exiting certain North America office facilities in the U.S.
(3)The Company recognized impairments in SG&A in North America associated with a Canada site exit and in International associated with certain customer relationship intangibles in Romania.
NOTE 5 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
In millions
December 31,
2023 2022
Land and improvements $ 43.5 $ 50.7
Building and improvements 243.3 235.7
Machinery and equipment 320.6 325.9
Fleet vehicles 81.5 119.3
Containers 278.3 276.4
Office equipment and furniture 41.7 41.0
Software and Enterprise Resource Planning system 274.9 253.1
Construction in progress 99.9 71.3
Total property, plant and equipment 1,383.7 1,373.4
Less: accumulated depreciation (675.4) (657.7)
Property, plant and equipment, net $ 708.3 $ 715.7
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NOTE 6 - LEASES
The Company has operating leases for fleet vehicles, transfer sites, processing facilities, corporate and regional offices, and certain equipment.
The components of net lease cost were as follows:
In millions
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Operating lease cost $ 128.0 $ 110.8 $ 108.2
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of leased assets 2.6 3.2 3.4
Interest on lease liabilities 0.9 1.0 1.1
Net lease cost $ 131.5 $ 115.0 $ 112.7
Short-term lease costs were $20.4 million, $25.6 million, and $11.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Variable lease cost and sublease income were not material during the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022.
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
In millions
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 126.9 $ 109.7 $ 107.1
Operating cash flows from finance leases (interest) 1.8 1.1 1.1
Financing cash flows from finance leases (principal) 2.7 3.1 3.9
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases 178.2 165.2 96.8
Finance leases 0.7 - 0.5
Finance lease assets, net of accumulated amortization, were $12.8 million and $14.0 million as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, and are included in Property, Plant and Equipment, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Information regarding lease terms and discount rates were as follows:
In millions
December 31,
2023 2022
Weighted average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases 5.6 5.7
Finance leases 16.2 15.6
Weighted average discount rate:
Operating leases 6.1 % 5.5 %
Finance leases 4.8 % 5.3 %
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Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023, were as follows:
In millions
Operating Leases Finance Leases
2024 $ 129.4 $ 3.3
2025 110.8 3.0
2026 89.6 2.3
2027 76.1 1.9
2028 62.5 0.7
Thereafter 100.9 17.3
Total lease payments 569.3 28.5
Less: Interest 85.0 12.2
Present value of lease liabilities $ 484.3 $ 16.3
NOTE 7 - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows:
In millions
North America International Total
Balance as of December 31, 2021 $ 2,470.8 $ 344.9 $ 2,815.7
Acquisition 1.7 - 1.7
Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations and other - (32.5) (32.5)
Balance as of December 31, 2022 2,472.5 312.4 2,784.9
Divestitures - (43.6) (43.6)
Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations and other - 14.3 14.3
Balance as of December 31, 2023 $ 2,472.5 $ 283.1 $ 2,755.6
Accumulated non-cash impairment charges by segment were as follows:
In millions
December 31,
2023 2022
North America $ 134.8 $ 134.8
International (1)
- 175.6
Total $ 134.8 $ 310.4
(1)Change due to International divestitures in 2023. See Note 4 - Restructuring, Divestitures, and Asset Impairments for further information
Goodwill Impairment Assessment
The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment assessment as of October 1, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, and determined no reporting units' carrying values were in excess of their estimated fair value.
The fair value of reporting units, used in both the annual and any interim goodwill impairment assessments in 2023, 2022, and 2021, are classified as Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy due to significant unobservable inputs such as discount rates, projections of revenue, cost of revenue and operating expense growth rates, long-term growth rates and income tax rates. The fair value methodology is described further in Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
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Other Intangible Assets
The values of other intangible assets were as follows:
In millions
December 31,
2023 2022
Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Value Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Value
Amortizable intangibles:
Customer relationships $ 1,230.4 $ 911.9 $ 318.5 $ 1,242.2 $ 807.6 $ 434.6
Covenants not-to-compete 2.6 2.6 - 2.6 2.6 -
Operating permits 10.3 10.1 0.2 12.3 11.9 0.4
Tradenames 1.1 0.6 0.5 1.1 0.6 0.5
Other 1.8 0.6 1.2 1.8 0.6 1.2
Indefinite-lived intangibles:
Operating permits 58.6 - 58.6 67.2 - 67.2
Tradenames 307.5 - 307.5 307.2 - 307.2
Total $ 1,612.3 $ 925.8 $ 686.5 $ 1,634.4 $ 823.3 $ 811.1
The changes in the carrying amount of intangible assets were as follows:
In millions
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2021 $ 964.5
Acquisition 1.2
Divestitures (12.6)
Amortization (124.0)
Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations (15.5)
Balance as of December 31, 2022 811.1
Divestitures (16.3)
Impairments (3.1)
Amortization (112.0)
Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations 6.8
Balance as of December 31, 2023 $ 686.5
Our estimated intangible asset amortization expense for each of the next five years is as follows for the years ending December 31:
In millions
2024 $ 110.3
2025 89.5
2026 28.1
2027 22.7
2028 17.5
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NOTE 8 - ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following at December 31:
In millions
2023 2022
Compensation $ 81.9 $ 65.0
Self-insurance 80.2 78.8
Taxes 37.1 30.2
Interest 27.2 27.7
Professional fees 7.9 8.3
Disposal and landfill liabilities 2.8 2.0
Contingent liability 9.6 15.7
Other 12.8 16.4
Total accrued liabilities $ 259.5 $ 244.1
NOTE 9 - DEBT
Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31:
In millions
2023 2022
$1.2 billion Credit Facility, due in 2026
$ 31.0 $ 154.1
$125 million term loan, due in 2026
125.0 200.0
$600 million Senior Notes, due in 2024
600.0 600.0
$500 million Senior Notes, due in 2029
500.0 500.0
Promissory notes and deferred consideration, weighted average maturity of 2.6 years and 3.4 years for 2023 and 2022, respectively
32.9 44.7
Foreign bank debt, weighted average maturity of 5.0 years for 2022
- 0.4
Obligations under finance leases (Note 6) 16.3 18.2
Total debt 1,305.2 1,517.4
Less: current portion of total debt 19.6 22.3
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs 7.8 11.1
Long-term portion of total debt $ 1,277.8 $ 1,484.0
Credit Agreement
The Company renewed its Credit Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2021, that amended and extended its previous credit agreement dated November 17, 2017. The Credit Agreement provides for a term loan facility under which the Company has outstanding term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $125 million and a revolving credit facility of $1.2 billion. The Term Loan and the Credit Facility will mature on September 30, 2026.
The obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and all of its material domestic subsidiaries and are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company, excluding certain excluded subsidiaries pursuant to the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement contains a financial covenant requiring maintenance of a minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of 3.00 to 1.00 and a maximum Credit Agreement defined Consolidated Leverage Ratio of 4.00 to 1.00 for any fiscal quarter ending on or after September 30, 2022, which includes, among other provisions, $50.0 million cash add backs to EBITDA with respect to any four fiscal quarter period ending on or before December 31, 2023. The Credit Agreement contains a financial covenant with a leverage holiday if a permitted acquisition or series of related permitted acquisitions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $200 million (a “Material Acquisition”) occurs during a fiscal quarter. If a Material Acquisition occurs, the Company shall have the right to increase the maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio covenant to 4.50 to 1.00 during such fiscal quarter and the subsequent three fiscal quarters.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with its covenants. The Credit Agreement Defined Debt Leverage Ratio was 2.85 to 1.00, which was below the allowed maximum ratio of 4.00 to 1.00 as set forth in the Credit Agreement.
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PART II
Second Amendment
On June 15, 2023, we entered into a Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement. Among other provisions, the Second Amendment modifies the pricing reference from the Eurocurrency Rate Loans (LIBOR) to Term SOFR Loans as defined in the Credit Agreement and allows for higher capital leases now capped at $200 million in the aggregate.
Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at Term SOFR for Term SOFR Loans or the Base Rate, as defined in the Second Amendment, for Base Rate Loans, plus the Applicable Interest Rate, which depends on the Consolidated Leverage Ratio for the Company. The tiered pricing is based on the leverage grid provided in the Credit Agreement. Based on the then current Consolidated Leverage Ratio, the pricing under the Credit Agreement was set at an Applicable Rate of between 1.1% to 1.3% for Eurocurrency Rate/SONIA/SOFR Daily Rate Loans, between 0.1% to 0.3% for Base Rate Loans. The Credit Agreement includes a facility fee set at a rate of between 0.15% to 0.25% times the actual daily amount of the Revolving Credit Facility regardless of usage.
The weighted average interest rates on long-term debt, excluding finance leases were as follows:
December 31,
2023 2022
$1.2 billion Credit Facility, due in 2026 (variable rate)
6.85 % 5.92 %
$125 million term loan, due in 2026 (variable rate)
6.66 % 5.88 %
$600 million Senior Notes, due in 2024 (fixed rate)
5.38 % 5.38 %
$500 Senior Notes, due in 2029 (fixed rate)
3.88 % 3.88 %
Promissory notes and deferred consideration (fixed rate) 3.54 % 3.49 %
Foreign bank debt (fixed rate) - % 9.80 %
Senior Notes
On November 24, 2020, the Company issued $500.0 million at par of aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes, due January 2029, which are unsecured and bear interest at 3.88% per annum, payable on January 15 and July 15 of each year (the “2020 Senior Notes”). The 2020 Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by each of the issuer’s current and, subject to certain exceptions, future domestic subsidiaries that guarantee the issuer’s senior credit facility, term loan facility, or certain other debt of the issuer or the subsidiary guarantors.
The 2020 Senior Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time, and from time to time, on or after November 15, 2023, at the redemption prices specified under “Description of Notes-Optional Redemption”, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, such redemption date. At any time and from time to time prior to November 15, 2023, the notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus a “make-whole” premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. In addition, the issuer may redeem up to 40% of the notes at any time and from time to time before November 15, 2023, with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 103.88%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. In connection with the issuance of the 2020 Senior Notes, the Company incurred $5.8 million of direct issuance costs, which have been capitalized in unamortized debt issuance costs and are being amortized to Interest expense, net over the term of the 2020 Senior Notes.
During 2019, the Company issued $600.0 million at par of aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes, due July 2024, which are unsecured and bear interest at 5.38% per annum, payable on January 15 and July 15 of each year (the “2019 Senior Notes”). The 2019 Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by each of the Company’s current domestic subsidiaries that guarantee the Company’s senior credit facility. The Indenture limits the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur certain liens, enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions, and consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of their assets.
The Company has the ability and intent to refinance the 2019 Senior Notes on a long-term basis through available capacity under its Revolving Credit Facility. Therefore, as of December 31, 2023, the 2019 Senior Notes remain classified as long-term debt in the Consolidated Financial Statements. On February 1, 2024, the Company issued a redemption notice to 2019 Senior Notes holders for redemption of all of the $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2019 Senior Notes with a redemption date of March 14, 2024. The refinancing of the Senior Notes using the Revolving Credit Facility will convert the debt from fixed rate to variable rate. If the Company's 2019 Senior Notes were to remain outstanding 91 days (April 15, 2024) prior to their maturity date (the “Springing Maturity Date”), then the Credit Agreement maturity date will be the Springing Maturity Date.
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PART II
In the event of both a change of control of the Company and a rating downgrade by the rating agencies, the Company will be required to offer to repurchase all outstanding 2020 and 2019 Senior Notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
The Indentures contains customary events of default, which include (subject in certain cases to customary grace and cure periods), nonpayment of principal or interest; breach of other agreements in the Indenture; failure to pay certain other indebtedness; certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency; failure to pay certain final judgments; and failure of certain guarantees to be enforceable.
Other Matters
Amounts committed to outstanding letters of credit and the unused portion of our Senior Credit Facility were as follows:
In millions
December 31,
2023 2022
Outstanding stand-by letters of credit under Senior Credit Facility $ 59.0 $ 60.1
Unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility 1,110.0 985.7
Payments due on long-term debt, excluding finance lease obligations, during each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2023, are as follows:
In millions
2024 $ 617.1
2025 7.9
2026 163.3
2027 0.6
2028 -
Thereafter 500.0
Total $ 1,288.9
NOTE 10 - INCOME TAXES
The U.S. and International components of income (loss) before income taxes consisted of the following:
In millions
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
U.S. $ 64.1 $ 84.6 $ (14.0)
International (60.8) (5.7) 14.7
Total income before income taxes $ 3.3 $ 78.9 $ 0.7
Significant components of the Company’s income tax (expense) benefit are as follows:
In millions
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Current
U.S. - federal $ (18.6) $ 8.1 $ 4.9
U.S. - state and local (3.8) (2.3) (1.4)
International (2.7) (4.6) (6.4)
(25.1) 1.2 (2.9)
Deferred
U.S. - federal 2.4 (23.7) (17.0)
U.S. - state and local (3.4) (1.9) (4.6)
International 1.5 2.0 (3.0)
0.5 (23.6) (24.6)
Total expense $ (24.6) $ (22.4) $ (27.5)
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PART II
A reconciliation of the income tax provision computed at the U.S. federal statutory rate to the effective tax rate is as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 %
Effect of:
State and local taxes, net of federal tax effect 154.5 % 1.9 % 204.2 %
International tax rates (63.6 %) (4.2 %) (864.4 %)
FCPA Settlement accrual and other penalty matters 15.2 % 3.2 % 3,118.2 %
Other Tax Matter (60.6 %) - % (268.4 %)
Valuation allowance 163.6 % 11.0 % 1,727.9 %
Divestitures 384.8 % (0.8 %) (708.4 %)
Stock-based compensation and executive compensation disallowance 221.2 % 9.4 % 908.6 %
Statute of limitations lapses (51.5 %) (13.0 %) (584.7 %)
Other (39.1 %) (0.1 %) 275.0 %
Effective tax rate 745.5 % 28.4 % 3,829.0 %
In 2023, the Other Tax Matter refers to the recognition of a $2.0 million tax benefit associated with the conclusion of an examination of pre-acquisition tax years of an acquired business.
The comparability of the Company’s current year effective tax rate to the effective tax rates from previous years was impacted by the Company’s low income before taxes in 2023, resulting in a magnification of the percentage point impact for each rate reconciling item, rendering the 2023 effective tax rate not meaningful. Accordingly, the Company has included a reconciliation in both dollars and percentages below. Both the Company’s low income before taxes and the Company’s magnified effective tax rate are driven by net non-deductible losses from divestitures.
Year Ended December 31, 2023
2023 Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Rate
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate $ 0.7 21.0 %
Effect of:
State and local taxes, net of federal tax effect 5.1 154.5 %
International tax rates (2.1) (63.6 %)
FCPA Settlement accrual and other penalty matters 0.5 15.2 %
Other Tax Matter (2.0) (60.6 %)
Valuation allowance 5.4 163.6 %
Divestitures 12.7 384.8 %
Stock-based compensation and executive compensation disallowance 7.3 221.2 %
Statute of limitations lapses (1.7) (51.5 %)
Other (1.3) (39.1 %)
Effective tax rate $ 24.6 745.5 %
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PART II
Deferred tax liabilities and assets were as follows:
In millions
December 31,
2023 2022
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment $ (93.2) $ (94.4)
Goodwill and intangibles (393.9) (400.6)
Leases - right of use asset (117.3) (94.8)
Other (17.5) (17.3)
Total deferred tax liabilities (621.9) (607.1)
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued liabilities 57.2 59.5
Leases - right of use liability 122.3 100.2
Net operating tax loss carry-forwards 32.0 63.4
Interest expense carry-forward 22.8 23.4
Other 15.5 14.0
Less: valuation allowance (36.8) (67.2)
Total deferred tax assets 213.0 193.3
Net deferred tax liabilities $ (408.9) $ (413.8)
The valuation allowance decreased $30.4 million, during the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to the divestiture of operations with historical non-benefited international losses.
The Company filed a PFA with the IRS related to a claim under Internal Revenue Code Section 1341 concerning the tax rate to be applied to the SQ Settlement on the Company’s 2018 tax return. As a result of the enactment of the CARES Act, the Company was able to realize a benefit at the higher tax rate in prior years on a portion of the SQ Settlement. In 2020, the Company amended the 2018 tax return to reduce the Section 1341 benefit as a result of discussions with the IRS as part of the PFA program. In 2021, the Company was advised that the IRS completed its review of the 2018 tax return and took no exception to the originally recorded Section 1341 benefit. Consequently, the Company recorded a tax benefit of approximately $5.5 million in 2021, associated with the Section 1341 claim and received the related refund in 2021.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company plans to repatriate any undistributed earnings of its first-tier international subsidiaries back to the U.S. only to the extent that they were previously taxed under the Tax Act, and future repatriations may take the form of distributions from previously taxed earnings and profits and/or return of capital distributions. All other undistributed earnings, to the extent there are any, will remain permanently reinvested to support existing working capital needs in the international subsidiaries. A withholding tax, unrealized foreign exchange gain, and state income tax accrual has been recorded, as applicable. The Company has not provided for deferred taxes on outside basis differences for investments in its international subsidiaries that are unrelated to unremitted earnings as these basis differences will be indefinitely reinvested. A determination of the unrecognized deferred taxes related to these other components of outstanding basis difference is not practicable to calculate.
At December 31, 2023, the NOL carry-forwards from both international and U.S. operations are approximately $115.6 million and certain of these NOL carry-forwards begin to expire in 2024. The tax benefits of these NOLs are approximately $32.0 million at December 31, 2023, on which valuation allowances of $21.7 million were recognized offsetting such tax benefits.
The changes in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets is as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Balances at beginning of period $ 67.2 $ 61.4 $ 52.0
Additions Charged to Income Tax Expense (1)
1.8 6.8 10.5
Reductions Due to Divestitures (2)
(34.0) - (2.1)
Other Changes to Reserves (3)
1.8 (1.0) 1.0
Balances at end of period $ 36.8 $ 67.2 $ 61.4
(1)2023 amounts include valuation allowances on business operations (including Spain). 2022 and 2021 amounts include valuation allowances on business operations (including the U.K., Brazil, and Spain).
(2)Amounts consist primarily of historical valuation allowances removed upon divestiture of corresponding business operations.
(3)Amounts consist primarily of currency translation adjustments.
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PART II
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S., in various states and in certain international jurisdictions. We generally are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, local, or international income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2015.
The Company has recognized liabilities to cover certain uncertain tax positions. Such uncertain tax positions relate to additional taxes that the Company may be required to pay in various tax jurisdictions. During the course of examinations by various taxing authorities, proposed adjustments may be asserted. The Company evaluates such items on a case-by-case basis and adjusts the accrual for uncertain tax positions as deemed necessary, including presenting the accrual as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a tax loss or tax credit carryforward, when such carryforward is available and permitted to be utilized to settle the tax liability.
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefit at December 31, 2023, is $5.6 million. The amount of uncertain tax positions that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is approximately $4.3 million. We recognized interest and penalties related to income tax reserves as a benefit in the amount of $0.6 million, a benefit of $1.8 million, and a charge of $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, as a component of income tax expense. It is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by as much as $2.0 million to $4.0 million in the next 12 months primarily due to statute lapses and the progress of U.S. federal, state, and international audits.
The following table summarizes the aggregate changes in unrecognized tax benefits:
In millions
Unrecognized tax positions as of December 31, 2021 $ 19.7
Gross decreases - tax positions in prior periods (0.6)
Gross increases - current period tax positions 0.6
Settlements (1.4)
Lapse of statute of limitations (8.3)
Unrecognized tax positions as of December 31, 2022 10.0
Gross decreases - tax positions in prior periods (0.5)
Gross increases - current period tax positions -
Settlements (0.8)
Lapse of statute of limitations (3.1)
Unrecognized tax positions as of December 31, 2023 $ 5.6
NOTE 11 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity's own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels as described below:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (highest priority).
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 - Inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimate of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (lowest priority).
Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The impact of our creditworthiness and non-performance risk has been considered in the fair value measurements noted below. There were no movements of items between fair value hierarchies in the years presented. The carrying values of certain financial instruments, primarily including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term borrowings, approximate their estimated fair values due to their short-term nature, and are within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
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PART II
Contingent consideration represents amounts expected to be paid as part of acquisition consideration only if certain future events occur. The Company arrives at the fair value of contingent consideration by applying a weighted probability of potential payment outcomes. Our contingent consideration liabilities are reassessed at the end of every reporting period and are recorded using Level 3 inputs. The amount of $5.3 million is classified as other liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company is required to record certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, generally as result of acquisitions, the classification of disposal groups as held-for-sale, or the re-measurement of assets resulting in impairment charges. See Note 3 - Acquisitions, Note 4 - Restructuring, Divestitures, and Asset Impairments for further discussion. These nonrecurring fair values are generated principally using Level 3 inputs.
Fair Value of Debt: The estimated fair value of the Company’s debt obligations, using Level 2 inputs, compared to the carrying amount was as follows:
In billions
December 31,
2023 2022
Fair value of debt obligations $ 1.26 $ 1.43
Carrying value of debt obligations 1.31 1.52
The fair values were estimated using an income approach by applying market interest rates for comparable instruments.
NOTE 12 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company has asset retirement obligations that it is required to perform under law or contract once an asset is permanently taken out of service. Most of these obligations are not expected to be paid until many years in the future and are expected to be funded from general company resources at the time of removal.
At December 31, 2023, and 2022, the total asset retirement obligation liabilities recognized were $19.0 million and $18.8 million, respectively and were included in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Letters of Credit, Surety Bonds and Bank Guarantees
As of December 31, 2023, and 2022, the Company had $59.0 million and $60.1 million, respectively, of stand-by letters of credit outstanding against our senior credit facility (see Note 9 - Debt). In addition, at December 31, 2023, and 2022, we had, $32.8 million and $32.3 million, respectively, of surety bonds and $16.5 million and $18.5 million, respectively, of bank guarantees. The bank guarantees are issued mostly by the Company’s international subsidiaries for various purposes, including leases, seller notes, contracts and permits. The surety bonds are used for performance and financial guarantees. Neither the bank guarantees nor the surety bonds affect the Company’s ability to use its various lines of credit.
Indemnifications
In the ordinary course of business and in connection with the sale of assets and businesses and other transactions, we often indemnify our counterparties against certain liabilities that may arise in connection with the transaction or that are related to events and activities prior to or following a transaction (see Note 4 - Restructuring, Divestitures, and Asset Impairments). If the indemnified party were to make a successful claim pursuant to the terms of the indemnification, we may be required to reimburse the loss. These indemnifications are generally subject to various restrictions and limitations. Historically, we have not paid material amounts under these provisions and, as of December 31, 2023, these indemnifications obligations were not material.
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PART II
NOTE 13 - RETIREMENT AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PROGRAMS
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company has a 401(k) defined contribution retirement savings plan (the “Plan”) covering substantially all domestic employees. Each participant may elect to defer a portion of his or her compensation subject to certain limitations. The Company may contribute up to 50% of compensation contributed to the Plan by each employee up to a maximum of $3,000 per annum. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company's contributions were $9.9 million, $10.0 million and $9.2 million, respectively.
The Company also has several foreign defined contribution plans, which require the Company to contribute a percentage of the participating employee’s salary according to local regulations. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company's total contributions were $3.9 million, $4.4 million and $4.7 million, respectively.
Multiemployer Defined Benefit Pension Plans
The Company participates in two trustee-managed multiemployer defined benefit pension plans (“Multiemployer Pension Plans”) for employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements. The risks of participating in these Multiemployer Pension Plans are different from single-employer plans in that (i) assets contributed to the Multiemployer Pension Plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees or former employees of other participating employers; (ii) if a participating employer stops contributing to the Multiemployer Pension Plans, the unfunded obligations of the Multiemployer Pension Plan may be required to be assumed by the remaining participating employers and (iii) if the Company chooses to stop participating in any of its Multiemployer Pension Plans or if any event should significantly reduce or eliminate the need to participate (such as employee layoffs or closure of a location), the Company may be required to pay those Multiemployer Pension Plans a withdrawal amount based on the underfunded status of the Multiemployer Pension Plan. Based upon the most recent information available, one of the Multiemployer Pension Plans the Company participates in is in “critical” status due to an accumulated funding deficiency and has adopted a rehabilitation plan to address the funding deficiency position.
The following table outlines the Company’s participation in Multiemployer Pension Plans:
Pension Protection Act Zone Status(1)(3)
FIP/RP Status(2)
Company Contributions(4)
(in millions)
Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreements
Plan Employer ID Number Plan # 2023 2022 2023 2022
Pension Plan Private Sanitation Union, Local 813 IBT 13-1975659 1 Red/
Critical Red/
Critical Implemented $ 0.7 $ 0.6 various dates
Nurses And Local 813 IBT Retirement Plan 13-3628926 1 Green Green N/A $ 0.1 $ 0.1 various dates
(1)Zone status is defined by the Department of Labor and the Pension Protection Act and represents the level at which the plan is funded. Plans in the red zone are less than 65% funded, while plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. Status is based on information received from the Multiemployer Pension Plans and is certified by a Multiemployer Pension Plan actuary.
(2)The “FIP/RP Status” column indicates Multiemployer Pension Plans for which a Funding Improvement Plan (“FIP”) or a Rehabilitation Plan (“RP”) has been implemented or is pending. The most recent Pension Protection Act zone status available in 2023 and 2022, is for the plans’ year-end December 31, 2022.
(3)A Multiemployer Pension Plan that has been certified as endangered, seriously endangered or critical may begin to levy a statutory surcharge on contribution rates. Once authorized, the surcharge is at the rate of 5% for the first 12 months and 10% for any periods thereafter, until certain conditions are met. Contributing employers, however, may eliminate the surcharge by entering into a collective bargaining agreement that meets the requirements of the applicable FIP or RP.
(4)The Company was listed in the Form 5500 for the Pension Plan Private Sanitation Union Local 813 IBT as individually significant for contributing more than 0% of total contributions to such plan during the plan years ended December 31, 2022. At the date these financial statements were issued, Forms 5500 were not available for the Multiemployer Pension Plans for the year ended December 31, 2023.
NOTE 14 - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The 2021 Plan provides for the grant of ISOs, RSUs and PSUs intended to qualify under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. The 2021 Plan authorizes awards to the Company’s officers, employees and consultants and to the Company’s directors. At December 31, 2023, the Company had reserved a total of 5,320,789 shares for issuance under its 2021 Plan.
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The exercise price per share of an option granted under the 2021 Plan may not be less than the closing price of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The maximum term of an option granted under the 2021 Plan may not exceed 8 or 10 years. New shares are issued upon exercise of stock options.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The ESPP was made effective as of July 1, 2001, and authorizes 1,799,999 shares of our common stock, which substantially all U.S. employees may purchase through payroll deductions at a price equal to 85% of the fair market values of the stock as of the end of the 6 months offering period. An employee's payroll deductions and stock purchase, may not exceed $5,000 during any offering period. During 2023, 2022, and 2021, 87,617 shares, 98,521 shares and 73,471 shares, respectively, were issued through the ESPP. At December 31, 2023, we had 328,096 shares available for issuance under the ESPP.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
During 2023, there were no changes to our stock compensation plan or modifications to outstanding stock-based awards which would change the value of any awards outstanding.
The following table presents the total stock-based compensation expense classified in SG&A resulting from stock option awards, RSUs, PSUs and ESPP included in the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income:
In millions
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Stock options $ 0.3 $ 0.8 $ 2.0
RSUs 19.7 17.1 14.8
PSUs 12.7 6.5 9.6
ESPP 0.7 0.7 0.7
Total $ 33.4 $ 25.1 $ 27.1
During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the impact of forfeitures was a reduction to expense of $1.6 million, $2.4 million, and $3.3 million, respectively.
Stock Options
Options granted to non-employee directors vest in one year and options granted to officers and employees generally vest over five years. Expense related to options with graded vesting is recognized using the straight-line method over the vesting period. Stock option activity was summarized as follows:
Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Total Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(in years) (in millions)
Outstanding as of January 1, 2023 1,168,670 $ 94.61
Granted - $ -
Exercised (1,242) $ 48.59
Forfeited (434) $ 62.04
Cancelled or expired (441,449) $ 113.58
Outstanding as of December 31, 2023 725,545 $ 84.20 1.74 $ 0.3
Exercisable as of December 31, 2023 717,262 $ 84.61 1.72 $ 0.3
The following table sets forth the intrinsic value of options exercised:
In millions
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Total exercise intrinsic value of options exercised $ - $ - $ 1.1
The exercise intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the fair value on the trading day the option was exercised and the exercise price associated with the respective option).
There were no stock options granted in the years ended December 31, 2023 or 2022.
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Restricted Stock Units
The fair value of RSUs is based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant and is amortized to expense over the service period. RSUs vest at the end of three or five years. RSUs activity was as follows:
Number of Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Total Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(in years) (in millions)
Non-vested as of January 1, 2021 547,235 $ 54.96
Granted 253,860 $ 68.71
Vested and Released (186,342) $ 55.26
Forfeited (58,431) $ 28.23
Non-vested as of December 31, 2021 556,322 $ 60.79
Granted 330,920 $ 56.15
Vested and Released (250,064) $ 59.49
Forfeited (53,417) $ 59.26
Non-vested as of December 31, 2022 583,761 $ 58.85
Granted 427,278 $ 42.83
Vested and Released (270,166) $ 58.03
Forfeited (72,199) $ 50.10
Non-vested as of December 31, 2023 668,674 $ 49.68 0.92 $ 33.1
At December 31, 2023, there was $11.8 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.39 years.
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
Our executive officers PSU program was introduced in 2017. PSUs issued to executive officers through 2019 vest, or not, in three equal annual installments based on the achievement of pre-determined annual earnings per share performance goals as approved by the Compensation Committee. Each of the PSU’s granted represents the right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock at a specified future date.
Our PSU program was expanded in 2020 to include employees in additional levels below executive officer. PSUs issued in 2020 and 2021 vest, or not, at the end of the three-year period following the grant date based on the achievement of pre-determined annual earnings per share and annual return on invested capital performance goals as approved by the Compensation Committee. At the end of the three-year period, the results from each of the three years are averaged to calculate one achievement percentage number, and then a relative total shareholder return (rTSR) modifier is applied to that number in order to determine the final share amount, based on Stericycle’s stock’s market performance relative to performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Index. The modifier can adjust the final shares issued by applying a multiplier of 75% - 125%. We use the Monte Carlo simulation model to determine the fair value of PSU's, including the effect of the rTSR modifier, once the related performance criteria have been established.
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Compensation cost for the PSUs during the performance period is recognized based on the estimated achievement of the performance criteria, which is evaluated on a quarterly basis. Each of the PSU’s granted represent the right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock at a specified future date. PSU activity was as follows:
Number of Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested as of January 1, 2021 316,059 $ 57.79
Granted 116,720 $ 57.66
Vested and Released (88,269) $ 57.61
Forfeited (22,168) $ 60.60
Non-vested as of December 31, 2021 322,342 $ 57.79
Granted 151,123 $ 56.30
Vested and Released (74,651) $ 57.08
Forfeited (15,574) $ 57.08
Non-vested as of December 31, 2022 383,240 $ 56.76
Granted 205,009 $ 43.35
Vested and Released (100,250) $ 56.32
Forfeited (1)
(37,224) $ 54.98
Non-vested as of December 31, 2023 450,775 $ 50.91
(1)Includes 26,319 shares cancelled in connection with the vesting of awards in 2023 due to above-target and below target performance, respectively, in accordance with the terms of the award.
The table above reflects the number of shares at target which could be earned upon vesting of the PSU’s for which performance goals have been established.
The fair value of units (RSUs and PSUs) that vested during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $16.2 million, $18.0 million, and $18.9 million, respectively.
NOTE 15 - (LOSS) EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic (loss) earnings per share is computed by dividing Net (loss) income by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted (loss) earnings per share is calculated to give effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the reporting period, only in the periods in which such effect is dilutive.
The following table shows the effect of stock-based awards on the weighted average number of shares outstanding used in calculating diluted earnings per share:
In millions, except per share data
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 92.4 92.1 91.8
Incremental shares outstanding related to stock-based awards (1)
- 0.3 -
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 92.4 92.4 91.8
(1)In periods of net loss, stock-based awards are anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the (loss) earnings per share calculation.
Anti-dilutive stock-based awards excluded from the computation of diluted (loss) earnings per share using the treasury stock method includes the following:
In thousands
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 44561
Option awards 760 1,241 1,897
RSU awards 0 45 63
PSUs are offered to key employees and are subject to achievement of specified performance conditions. Contingently issuable shares are excluded from the computation of diluted (loss) earnings per share based on current period results. The shares would not be issuable if the end of the year were the end of the contingency period. If such goals are not met, no compensation expense is recognized, and any previously recognized compensation expense is reversed.
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PART II
NOTE 16 - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
The following table sets forth the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss:
In millions
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance as of January 1, 2021 $ (187.4)
Cumulative currency translation loss realized through divestitures 3.8
Year change - Cumulative currency translation (35.2)
Balance as of December 31, 2021 (218.8)
Year change - Cumulative currency translation (58.1)
Balance as of December 31, 2022 (276.9)
Cumulative currency translation loss realized through divestitures 70.6
Year change - Cumulative currency translation 21.8
Balance as of December 31, 2023 $ (184.5)
NOTE 17 - SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company evaluates, oversees and manages the financial performance of two operating and reportable segments - North America and International. Other Costs includes costs (and associated assets and capital expenditures) related to corporate enabling and shared services functions, annual incentive compensation, and stock-based compensation.
The North America and International segments offer the following services: RWCS, which provide collection and processing of biohazardous waste, including regulated and specialized waste, sharps waste management and disposal, pharmaceutical waste management and disposal, chemotherapy waste and disposal controlled substance waste and disposal, healthcare hazardous waste, and integrated waste stream solutions (under the Integrated Waste Stream Solutions, Steri-Safe®, MedDropTM Medication Collection Kiosks, Safe Community Solutions, SafeDropTM Sharps Mailback Solutions, and Airport and Maritime Waste Services brand names) and SID Services, which provide for the secure information destruction and compliance solutions (including document, hard drive, and specialty destruction services) under the Shred-it® brand name which includes regular scheduled services (and processing onsite and offsite) and one-time services (including select, priority and express).
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PART II
The following table summarizes financial information for the Company's reportable segments:
In millions
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Revenues
North America $ 2,255.8 $ 2,263.1 $ 2,136.5
International 403.5 441.6 510.4
Total $ 2,659.3 $ 2,704.7 $ 2,646.9
Depreciation (1)
North America $ 64.7 $ 68.9 $ 73.5
International 15.2 17.2 19.2
Other Costs 24.6 22.4 12.7
Total $ 104.5 $ 108.5 $ 105.4
Intangible Amortization
North America $ 97.1 $ 107.6 $ 95.8
International 14.9 16.4 22.1
Total $ 112.0 $ 124.0 $ 117.9
Adjusted Income from Operations
North America $ 619.0 $ 607.1 $ 587.6
International 38.2 34.1 53.6
Other Costs (341.7) (317.5) (288.8)
Total $ 315.5 $ 323.7 $ 352.4
Total Assets (2)
North America $ 4,462.9 $ 4,300.8 $ 4,364.6
International 652.1 785.0 876.4
Other Costs 237.6 248.3 232.1
Total $ 5,352.6 $ 5,334.1 $ 5,473.1
(1)Excludes depreciation of $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, which is included as part of ERP and system modernization.
(2)Includes capital expenditures which are evaluated on a consolidated basis.
The following table reconciles the Company's primary measure of segment profitability, Adjusted Income from Operations, to Income from operations:
In millions
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Total Reportable Segment Adjusted Income from Operations $ 315.5 $ 323.7 $ 352.4
ERP and System Modernization (19.2) (19.2) (59.0)
Intangible Amortization (112.0) (124.0) (117.9)
Operational Optimization (4.1) - -
Portfolio Optimization (65.6) 8.7 (3.3)
Litigation, Settlements and Regulatory Compliance (30.8) (30.0) (93.2)
Asset Impairments (6.5) (5.5) (6.7)
Income from operations $ 77.3 $ 153.7 $ 72.3
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PART II
NOTE 18 - GEOGRAPHIC AREA
The following table presents consolidated revenues and long-lived assets by geographic region:
In millions
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Revenues
U.S. $ 2,116.1 $ 2,122.2 $ 1,995.2
Europe 384.0 385.9 427.0
Other countries 159.2 196.6 224.7
Total $ 2,659.3 $ 2,704.7 $ 2,646.9
Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets
U.S. $ 3,985.2 $ 3,996.8 $ 4,052.0
Europe 526.0 523.5 589.2
Other countries 103.5 190.3 194.8
Total $ 4,614.7 $ 4,710.6 $ 4,836.0
NOTE 19 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company operates in highly regulated industries and responds to regulatory inquiries or investigations from time to time that may be initiated for a variety of reasons. At any given time, the Company has matters at various stages of resolution with the applicable government authorities. The Company is also routinely involved in actual or threatened legal actions, including those involving alleged personal injuries and commercial, employment, environmental, tax, and other issues. The outcomes of these matters are not within the Company’s complete control and may not be known for prolonged periods of time. In some actions, claimants seek damages, as well as other relief, including injunctive relief, that could require significant expenditures or result in lost revenue.
In accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Company establishes an accrued liability for loss contingencies related to legal and regulatory matters when the loss is both probable and reasonably estimable. If the reasonable estimate of a probable loss is a range, and no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other, the minimum amount of the range is accrued. If a loss is not probable or a probable loss is not reasonably estimable, no liability is recorded. When determining the estimated loss or range of loss, significant judgment is required to estimate the amount and timing of a loss to be recorded. These accruals represent management’s best estimate of probable losses and, in such cases, there may be an exposure to loss in excess of the amounts accrued. Estimates of probable losses resulting from litigation and regulatory proceedings are difficult to predict. Legal and regulatory matters inherently involve significant uncertainties based on, among other factors, the jurisdiction and stage of the proceedings, developments in the applicable facts or law, and the unpredictability of the ultimate determination of the merits of any claim, any defenses the Company may assert against that claim, and the amount of any damages that may be awarded. The Company’s accrued liabilities for loss contingencies related to legal and regulatory matters may change in the future as a result of new developments, including, but not limited to, the occurrence of new legal matters, changes in the law or regulatory environment, adverse or favorable rulings, newly discovered facts relevant to the matter, or changes in the strategy for the matter. Regardless of the outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on the Company because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.
Contract Class Action and Opt Out Lawsuits. Beginning on March 12, 2013, the Company was served with several class action complaints filed in federal and state courts in several jurisdictions. These complaints asserted, among other things, that the Company had imposed unauthorized or excessive price increases and other charges on its customers in breach of its contracts and in violation of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. The complaints sought certification of the lawsuit as a class action and the award to class members of appropriate damages and injunctive relief. These related actions were ultimately transferred to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois for centralized pretrial proceedings.
The parties reached a settlement agreement, as previously disclosed, which obtained court approval on March 8, 2018. Under the terms of the SQ Settlement, the Company admitted no fault or wrongdoing whatsoever, and it entered into the SQ Settlement to avoid the cost and uncertainty of litigation.
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PART II
Certain class members who have opted out of the SQ Settlement have filed lawsuits against the Company, and the Company has entered into a settlement agreement to resolve the remaining opt out actions. The Company has made an accrual in respect of this settlement consistent with its accrual policies described above, which is not material.
Government Investigations. As previously reported, the Company entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (“DPA”) with the DOJ in 2022 in connection with its resolution of investigations by the DOJ, SEC, and various authorities in Brazil relating to the Company’s compliance with the FCPA or other anti-corruption laws with respect to operations in Latin America. Under the DPA, the DOJ agreed to defer criminal prosecution of the Company for a period of three years for charges of conspiring to violate the anti-bribery and books and records provisions of the FCPA. If the Company remains in compliance with the DPA during its three-year term, the deferred charge against the Company will be dismissed with prejudice. In the second quarter of 2023, the Company substantially completed its payment obligations under the settlements. In addition, under the settlements with the DOJ and with the SEC, the Company has engaged an independent compliance monitor for two years and will undertake compliance with self-reporting obligations for an additional year.
The Company is cooperating with an investigation by the office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York (“SDNY”) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency into the Company’s historical compliance with federal environmental statutes, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, in connection with the collection, transportation and disposal of hazardous waste by the Company’s former Domestic Environmental Solutions business unit. The Company has made an accrual in respect of this matter consistent with its accrual policies described above, which is not material.
The Company understands that the SDNY investigation discussed above also concerned allegations of False Claims Act (“FCA”) violations made in a qui tam action filed under seal in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, purportedly on behalf of the United States, California and several other states. On January 26, 2024, before the Company was served with the Complaint, the plaintiff-relator voluntarily dismissed the action with the consent of the United States and the states named in the qui tam action.
Environmental and Regulatory and Indemnity Matters. The Company is subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations. In the ordinary course of business, we are routinely involved in government enforcement proceedings, private lawsuits, and other matters alleging non-compliance by the Company with applicable law. The issues involved in these proceedings generally relate to alleged violations of existing permits or other requirements, or alleged liability due to our current operations, pre-existing conditions at the locations where we operate, and/or successor or predecessor liability associated with our portfolio optimization strategy. From time to time, the Company may be subject to fines or penalties in regulatory proceedings relating primarily to waste treatment, storage or disposal facilities..
Enviri Indemnification. Effective April 6, 2020, the Company completed the divestiture of its Domestic Environmental Solutions business to Enviri Corporation. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company may have liability under certain indemnification claims for matters relating to the Domestic Environmental Solutions business, including potentially with respect to the SDNY investigation described above, the DEA Investigation matter discussed below, and other matters. Consistent with its accrual policies described previously, the Company has made accruals on various of these matters, which are neither individually nor collectively material.
Rancho Cordova, California, NOVs. On June 25 and 26, 2018, the California DTSC conducted a Compliance Enforcement Inspection of the Company’s former Domestic Environmental Solutions facility in Rancho Cordova, California. On February 14, 2020, DTSC filed an action in the Superior Court for the State of California, Sacramento County Division, alleging violations of California’s Hazardous Waste Control Law and the facility’s hazardous waste permit arising from the inspection. The Company has reached a settlement in principle with the DTSC, subject to final documentation, with respect to these claims and any potential claims stemming from the search warrant executed in conjunction with the DEA inspection of the Rancho Cordova facility described below. The Company has made an accrual in respect of the settlement consistent with its accrual policies described above, which is not material.
Rancho Cordova, California, Permit Revocation. Separately, on August 15, 2019, the Company received from DTSC a written Intent to Deny Hazardous Waste Facility Permit Application for the Rancho Cordova facility. Following legal challenges, that DTSC action became final as of April 8, 2022, triggering an obligation to execute the closure plan set forth in the facility's permit. Consistent with its accrual policies described previously, the Company has made an accrual in the amount of its estimate of closure costs reasonably likely to be incurred and indemnified to Enviri under the Purchase Agreement, which is not material.
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PART II
DEA Investigation. On February 11, 2020, the Company received an administrative subpoena from the DEA, which executed a search warrant at the Company’s former Domestic Environmental Solutions facility at Rancho Cordova, California and an administrative inspection warrant at the Company’s former facility in Indianapolis, Indiana for materials related to the former Domestic Environmental Solutions business of collecting, transporting, and destroying controlled substances from retail customers (the “ESOL Retail Controlled Substances Business”). On that same day, agents from the DTSC executed a separate search warrant at the Rancho Cordova facility. Since that time, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California (“USAO EDCA”) has been overseeing criminal and civil investigations of the ESOL Retail Controlled Substances Business. The USAO EDCA has informed the Company that the investigations relate to the Company’s operation and sale of its former ESOL Retail Controlled Substances Business, that the Company and some of its current or former employees may have civil and criminal liability under the Controlled Substances Act and other federal statutes related to that business. The Company is cooperating with the civil and criminal investigations, which are ongoing.
The Company has not accrued any amounts in respect of these investigations and cannot estimate the reasonably possible loss or any range of reasonably possible losses that the Company may incur. The Company is unable to make such an estimate because, based on what the Company knows now, in the Company’s judgment, the factual and legal issues presented in this matter are sufficiently unique that the Company is unable to identify other circumstances sufficiently comparable to provide guidance in making estimates.
European Retrovirus Investigations. During the Covid-19 pandemic and in conjunction with Europol, governmental authorities of Spain conducted coordinated inspections at a large number of medical waste management facilities, including Stericycle facilities, relating to the transportation, management and disposal of waste that may have been infected with the virus, and related matters. The inspections have resulted in proceedings, in which the Company is vigorously defending itself.
The Company has not accrued any amounts in respect of these investigations, as it cannot estimate the reasonably possible loss or any range of reasonably possible losses that the Company may incur. The Company is unable to make such an estimate because, based on what the Company knows now, in the Company’s judgment, the factual and legal issues presented in this matter are sufficiently unique that the Company is unable to identify other circumstances sufficiently comparable to provide guidance in making estimates.
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PART II

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that material information relating to us and our consolidated subsidiaries is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding our required disclosures.
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act are effective as of December 31, 2023, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) of the Exchange Act.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, effective internal control over financial reporting provides only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance with respect to the preparation and presentation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, using the criteria set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, (included elsewhere herein).
Changes in Internal Controls
During the fourth quarter of 2023, there were no changes that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Stericycle, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Stericycle, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Stericycle, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of (loss) income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and our report dated February 28, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 28, 2024
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PART II

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, none of our directors or officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Exchange Act) adopted or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of our securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) of the Exchange Act or any non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (as defined in the SEC’s rules).

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this Item regarding our directors is incorporated by reference to the information contained under the caption “Election of Directors” in our definitive proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.
The information required by this Item regarding our executive officers is contained under the caption “Information about our Executive Officers” in Item 1 of Part I of this Report.
The information required by this Item regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is incorporated by reference to the information contained under the caption “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” in our definitive proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.
We have adopted a code of business conduct that applies to all of our employees. The Code of Conduct is available on our website, www.stericycle.com, under “About Us/Investors/Investor Relations/Corporate Governance/Governance Documents”. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding any amendments to, or waiver from, a provision of our Code of Conduct by posting such information on our website.
The information required by this Item regarding certain corporate governance matters is incorporated by reference to the information contained under the caption “Election of Directors” in our definitive proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the information contained under the caption “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and following sections in our definitive proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the information contained under the captions “Stock Ownership” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and following sections in our definitive proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.
Equity Compensation Plans
The following table summarizes information relating to our equity compensation plans pursuant to which stock option grants, RSUs, PSUs or other rights to acquire shares of our common stock may be made or issued:
Equity Compensation Plan Information
In millions, except per share data
December 31, 2023
Plan Category Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants, and Rights Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants, and Rights Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a))
Equity compensation plans approved by our security holders (1)
1.8 $ 64.88 5.6
(1)These plans consist of our 2021 Plan and the ESPP.
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PART III

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
The information required by this Item regarding our policies and procedures for the review, approval or ratification of transactions with related persons is incorporated by reference to the information contained under the caption “Policy on Related Party Transactions” in Item 1 of our definitive proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.
The information required by this Item regarding director independence is incorporated by reference to the information contained in Item 1 of our definitive proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the information contained under the caption “Ratification of the Appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2024” in our definitive proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.
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PART IV
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) List of Financial Statements and Exhibits
We have filed the following financial statements as part of this report:
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 42)
Consolidated Financial Statements of Stericycle, Inc. and Subsidiaries:
Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity 52
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
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PART IV
All other financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable to us or the required information is shown on the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.
We have filed the following exhibits with this report:
Exhibit Index Description Filed with Electronic Submission
2.1*
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 6, 2020, by and among Stericycle, Inc., Harsco Corporation and CEI Holding, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 7, 2020)
3(i).1* Amended and restated certificate of incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our registration statement on Form S-1 declared effective on August 22, 1996)
3(i).2* First certificate of amendment to amended and restated certificate of incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed November 29, 1999)
3(i).3* Second certificate of amendment to amended and restated certificate of incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to our annual report on Form 10-K for 2002)
3(i).4* Third certificate of amendment to amended and restated certificate of incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to our registration statement on Form S-4 declared effective on October 10, 2007)
3(i).5* Fourth certificate of amendment to amended and restated certificate of incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i).1 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed August 7, 2014)
3(i).6* Certificate of Designation setting forth the specific rights, preferences, limitations, restrictions and other terms and conditions of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 29, 1999)
3(i).7*and 4.2* Certificate of Elimination of the Certificate of Designations relating to Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value 0.01 per share (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 and 4.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed September 15, 2015)
3(i).8* and 4.3* Certificate of Designations setting forth the specific rights, preferences, limitations, restrictions and other terms and conditions of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed September 15, 2015)
3(i).9* and 4.4* Certificate of Elimination of the Certificate of Designations relating to 5.25% Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.9 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 11, 2018)
3(ii).1* Amended and restated bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our current report on Form 8-K filed December 15, 2022)
4.1* Specimen certificate for shares of our common stock, par value $.01 per share (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our registration statement on Form S-1 declared effective on August 22, 1996 (Registration No. 333-05665))
4.5 Description of the Company's Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2020)
4.6* Indenture dated as of June 14, 2019 between Stericycle, the named guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed June 14, 2019
4.7* Form of 5.375% Senior Notes due July 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed June 14, 2019)
4.8* Indenture, dated as of November 24, 2020, between Stericycle, Inc., the name guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 24, 2020)
4.9*
Form of 3.875% Senior Notes due January 2029 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 24, 2020)
10.1* Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2021, among Stericycle, Inc. and certain subsidiaries as borrowers, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender, a lender and a letter of credit issuer, and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 4, 2021)
10.2*† First amendment to 2005 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to our annual report on Form 10-K for 2008)
10.3*† 2008 Incentive Stock Plan (“2008 Plan”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our registration statement on Form S-8 filed August 8, 2008 (Registration No. 333-152877))
10.4*† First amendment to 2008 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to our annual report on Form 10-K for 2009)
10.5*† Amendment to 2000 Plan, 2005 Plan and 2008 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to our annual report on Form 10-K for 2012)
10.6*† 2011 Incentive Stock Plan (“2011 Plan”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our registration statement on Form S-8 filed August 9, 2011 (Registration No. 333-176165))
10.7*† 2014 Incentive Stock Plan (“2014 Plan”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our registration statement on Form S-8 filed December 23, 2014 (Registration No. 333-201236))
10.8*† Stericycle, Inc. 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2017 Plan”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed April 14, 2017)
10.9*† Form of Stock Option Agreement under 2005 Plan, 2008 Plan, 2011 Plan, and 2014 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2012)
10.10*† Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award under 2008 Plan, 2011 Plan, and 2014 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2012)
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10.11*† Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award under 2011 Plan and 2014 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 15, 2017)
10.12*† Form of Agreement for Stock Option Grant under 2008 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 15, 2018)
10.13*† Form of Agreement for Stock Option Grant under 2011 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2020)
10.14*† Form of Agreement for Restricted Stock Unit Award under the 2011 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed April 29, 2021)
10.15*† Form of Agreement for Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award under the 2011 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed April 29, 2021)
10.16*† Form of Agreement for Stock Option Grant under 2014 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2020)
10.17*† Form of Agreement for Stock Option Grant under 2017 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2020)
10.18*† Form of Agreement for Restricted Stock Unit Award under 2017 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 15, 2018)
10.19*† Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award under 2017 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2020)
10.20*† Form of Agreement for Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award (Digital Transformation) under 2017 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 15, 2018)
10.21*† Form of Agreement of Stock Option Grant under 2017 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to our annual report on Form 10-K for 2018)
10.22*† Form of Agreement of Stock Option Grant under 2017 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2020)
10.23*† Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan effective May 24, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed April 14, 2017)
10.24*† Canadian Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed April 15, 2016)
10.25*† Plan of Compensation for Outside Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed August 9, 2016)
10.26*† Form of Director Restricted Stock Unit Award under 2017 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 26, 2018)
10.27* Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 15, 2017)
10.28*† Executive Severance and Change in Control Plan (as amended) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2020)
10.29*† Supplemental Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed December 30, 2016)
10.30*† Form of Agreement for Stock Option Grant under 2011 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2020)
10.31*† Form of Agreement for Stock Option Grant under 2014 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2020)
10.32*† Form of Agreement for Stock Option Grant under 2017 Plan (related to Spain) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2020)
10.33*† Form of Agreement for Stock Option Grant under 2017 Plan (related to U.K. Executive) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2020)
10.34*† Form of Agreement for Stock Option Grant under 2017 Plan (related to U.K. Non-Executive) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2020)
10.35*† Form of Agreement for Stock Option Grant under 2017 Plan (related to Ireland Non-Executive) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2020)
10.36*† Form of Agreement for Stock Option Grant under 2017 Plan (related to Canada Non-Executive) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2020)
10.37*† Form of Agreement for Stock Option Grant under 2017 Plan (related to Singapore Non-Executive) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2020)
10.38*† Form of Agreement for Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award (Digital Transformation) under 2017 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2020)
10.39*† Form of Agreement for Stock Option Grant under 2017 Plan (related to Chile Non-Executive) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2020)
10.40*† Stock Option Award Agreement under 2017 Plan (Participants Not Eligible for Executive Severance and CIC Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2019)
10.41* Cooperation Agreement, dated as of March 26, 2020, between Stericycle, Inc. and Saddle Point Management, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 30, 2020)
10.42*† Stericycle, Inc. 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed April 14, 2021)
10.43*† Form of Agreement for Director Restricted Stock Unit Award under the 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed August 6, 2021)
10.44*† Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed April 28, 2022)
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10.45*† Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed April 28, 2022)
10.46* Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed April 27, 2023
10.47*† Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed April 27, 2023
10.48* First Amendment, dated as of April 26, 2022, to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2021, among Stericycle, Inc. and certain subsidiaries as borrowers, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender, a lender and a letter of credit issuer, and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed April 28, 2022)
10.49* Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2023, among Stericycle, Inc. and certain subsidiaries as borrowers, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender, a lender and a letter of credit issue, and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed July 27, 2023)
10.50*† Stericycle, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan, as amended, effective January 1, 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 2, 2023)
14* Code of ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to our annual report on Form 10-K file March 15, 2004
21 Subsidiaries
x
23 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
x
31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
x
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
x
32 Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
x
97 Stericycle, Inc. Amended and Restated Clawback Policy x
101 The following financial information from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, formatted in iXBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Cover Page, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iv) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (vi) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, (vii) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and detail, and (viii) the information set forth under Part II, Item 9B.
x
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) x
x Filed herewith
* Previously filed
† Management contract or compensatory plan required to be filed pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K