EX-99.1 2 dex991.htm PRESS RELEASE Press Release

Exhibit 99.1

LOGO

 

CONTACT:      Liz Merritt, Rural/Metro Corporation
     (480) 606-3337
     Sharrifah Al-Salem, FD
     (415) 293-4414

RURAL/METRO REPORTS FISCAL 2010 FIRST QUARTER RESULTS

First-Quarter Highlights:

 

   

Net revenue increased 6.8% to $132.0 million, compared to $123.6 million in the prior year.

 

   

Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) from continuing operations increased 24.0% to $17.8 million, compared to $14.4 million in the prior year.

 

   

Average Patient Charge (APC) increased $27 per transport to $389, compared to $362 in the prior year.

 

   

Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) improved by 10 days, from 59 in the prior year to 49 in the fiscal 2010 first quarter.

 

   

Cash flow from operations was $17.6 million in the quarter, up 39.3% compared to the fiscal 2009 first quarter.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Nov. 9, 2009) – Rural/Metro Corporation (NASDAQ: RURL), a leading provider of ambulance and private fire protection services, announced results today for its fiscal 2010 first quarter, reporting continued growth in net revenue, strong cash flows, and further improvements in key operating statistics.

“First-quarter results demonstrated the continued effectiveness of our ongoing efforts to increase revenue and profitability by gaining market share in existing communities, selectively targeting new contract opportunities and proactively managing our exposure to uncompensated care, said Jack Brucker, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We were very pleased to generate further improvements in key operating statistics, including both sequential and year-over-year improvements in APC and DSO, and to sustain strong cash-flow momentum throughout the quarter.”

Results of Operations for the Fiscal 2010 First Quarter Ended September 30, 2009

Consolidated net revenue for the first quarter increased 6.8 percent, or $8.4 million, to $132.0 million, compared to $123.6 million in fiscal 2009. Ambulance services revenue increased 8.1 percent, or $8.5 million, to $113.3 million, compared to $104.8 million in the prior year. Other services revenue, which includes fire protection services was $18.7 million compared to $18.8 million for the prior year. Consolidated quarterly net revenue growth was driven primarily by increases in same-service-area APC and transport volume, as well as new ambulance contracts in Colorado, Tennessee and Oregon.


Payroll and employee benefits for the first quarter were $81.9 million, or 62.1 percent of net revenue, compared to $75.8 million, or 61.3 percent of net revenue, in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The year-over-year increase in payroll dollars was driven by increases in employee health insurance and workers’ compensation insurance expenses, as well as additional labor hours related to higher transport volume.

Mr. Brucker explained, “We have experienced a rise in employee health insurance expense due to an increase in the frequency of high-cost claims, which were driven primarily by advanced specialty care. We anticipate employee health insurance expense will continue to be influenced by this trend.”

Other operating expenses for the first quarter were $28.3 million, or 21.4 percent of net revenue, compared to $29.7 million, or 24.0 percent of net revenue, in fiscal 2009. The difference was driven primarily by a reduction in fuel expenses in the first quarter compared to the same quarter of the prior year.

Income from continuing operations for the first quarter was $3.6 million, compared to $1.6 million for the same period in fiscal 2009. Net income attributable to Rural/Metro, excluding net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, was $2.9 million, or diluted EPS of $0.12, compared to $0.8 million, or diluted EPS of $0.03 for same period in fiscal 2009.

EBITDA from continuing operations for the first quarter increased 24.0 percent, or $3.4 million, to $17.8 million compared to $14.4 million for the same period in fiscal 2009.

EBITDA from continuing operations is a key indicator management uses to evaluate operating performance. While EBITDA from continuing operations is not intended to replace presentations included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and should not be considered an alternative to operating performance or an alternative to cash flow as a measure of liquidity, the Company believes this measure is useful to investors in assessing its ability to meet future debt service, capital expenditure and working capital requirements. This calculation may differ in the method of calculation from similarly titled measures used by other companies. A reconciliation of EBITDA to income/(loss) from continuing operations and discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 is included with this press release and the related current report on Form 8-K.

Net cash provided by operating activities remained strong in the first quarter, increasing 39.3 percent to $17.6 million, compared to $12.6 million for the same period in fiscal 2009. Capital expenditures for the first quarter were $2.2 million.

First-Quarter Operating Statistics

The following table provides results for medical transports, APC, and DSO during each of the five most recent quarters.

 

   

Increases in first-quarter transport volume were related primarily to new contracts and expansion in existing markets, offset partly by a discontinued contract in unincorporated Orange County, Florida.

 

   

APC continued to increase on a year-over-year and sequential quarterly comparison, with the improvement primarily due to increases in rates and reductions in uncompensated care. APC represents average cash collected per ambulance transport for the period.

 

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The 10-day improvement in DSO was driven by continued efficiencies within the billing and collections process, as well as the continued implementation of the Company’s electronic patient care record (ePCR) system.

 

     Q1 ’09
(9/30/08)
   Q2 ’09
(12/31/08)
   Q3 ’09
(3/31/09)
   Q4 ’09
(6/30/09)
   Q1 ’10
(9/30/09)

Medical Transports (1)

     269,044      261,041      268,515      269,597      272,025

Average Patient Charge (APC) (2)

   $ 362    $ 364    $ 374    $ 380    $ 389

Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) (3)

     59      57      55      52      49

 

(1) Defined as emergency and non-emergency medical patient transports from continuing operations.
(2) Net medical transport APC is defined as gross ambulance transport revenue less provisions for contractual allowances applicable to Medicare, Medicaid and other third-party payers and uncompensated care divided by medical transports from continuing operations.
(3) DSO is calculated using the average accounts receivable balance on a rolling 13-month basis and net revenue on a rolling 12-month basis and has not been adjusted to eliminate discontinued operations.

Fiscal 2010 Financial Guidance Reiterated

The Company reiterated financial guidance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, with EBITDA from continuing operations expected to be in the range of $60.0 million to $63.0 million and capital expenditures expected to be in the range of $16.0 million to $19.0 million.

Refinancing Activities

On November 6, 2009, the Company launched a tender offer and consent solicitation for its outstanding 9.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015 (the “Notes”). The tender offer will expire at midnight, New York City time, on December 7, 2009, unless extended. A consent payment will be paid to holders who tender Notes and deliver consents on or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York city time, on November 20, 2009, unless extended.

Conference Call to Discuss Results

The Company will discuss results in a conference call today beginning at 8 a.m. Pacific/11 a.m. Eastern. To access the conference call, dial 800-263-8506 (domestic) or 719-457-2640 (international). The call also will be broadcast and archived on the Company’s web site at www.ruralmetro.com. A telephone replay will be available from approximately 1 p.m. Eastern today through 11:59 p.m. Eastern November 12, 2009. To access the replay, dial 888-203-1112. From international locations, dial 719-457-0820. The required pass code is 4524714.

About Rural/Metro

Rural/Metro Corporation provides emergency and non-emergency ambulance services and private fire protection services in 22 states and approximately 400 communities throughout the United States. For more information, visit the Company’s web site at www.ruralmetro.com.

SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The foregoing reflects the Company's views about its future financial condition, performance and other matters that constitute "forward-looking" statements as such term is defined by the federal securities laws. Many of these statements can be found by looking for words such as “believe”, “anticipate,” “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “may”, “should”, “will likely result”, “continue”,

 

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“estimate”, “project”, “goals”, or similar words used herein in connection with any discussions of future operating or financial performance or business prospects. We may also make forward-looking statements in our earnings reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), earnings calls and other investor communications. These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor protection provided by federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those relating to the Company’s future business prospects, uncompensated care, working capital, accounts receivable collection, liquidity, cash flow, EBITDA, capital expenditures, insurance coverage and claim reserves, capital needs, key operating metrics, future growth plans, future operating results, future compliance with covenants in our debt facilities or instrument, and the ability to successfully complete its refinancing transaction. In addition, the Company may face risks and uncertainties related to other factors that are listed in its periodic reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, because the statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, the Company can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained or that actual developments and results will not materially differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

(RURL/F)

###

 

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RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)

 

     September 30,
2009
    June 30,
2009
 

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 42,013      $ 37,108   

Accounts receivable, net

     63,420        64,355   

Inventories

     8,219        8,535   

Deferred income taxes

     25,621        25,032   

Prepaid expenses and other

     20,868        19,895   
                

Total current assets

     160,141        154,925   

Property and equipment, net

     47,413        49,096   

Goodwill

     37,700        37,700   

Deferred income taxes

     38,671        41,678   

Insurance deposits

     637        716   

Other assets

     10,160        10,840   
                

Total assets

   $ 294,722      $ 294,955   
                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 11,752      $ 14,883   

Accrued liabilities

     64,294        57,588   

Deferred revenue

     21,709        21,585   

Current portion of long-term debt

     109        199   
                

Total current liabilities

     97,864        94,255   

Long-term debt, net of current portion

     269,747        277,110   

Other liabilities

     28,639        28,497   
                

Total liabilities

     396,250        399,862   
                

Rural/Metro Stockholders’ deficit:

    

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized, 24,884,001 and 24,852,726 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2009 and June 30, 2009, respectively

     249        248   

Additional paid-in capital

     155,292        155,187   

Treasury stock, 96,246 shares at both September 30, 2009 and June 30, 2009

     (1,239     (1,239

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (2,548     (2,597

Accumulated deficit

     (255,412     (258,331
                

Total Rural/Metro stockholders’ deficit

     (103,658     (106,732

Noncontrolling interest

     2,130        1,825   
                

Total stockholders’ deficit

     (101,528     (104,907
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

   $ 294,722      $ 294,955   
                


RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2009     2008  

Net revenue

   $ 131,981      $ 123,573   
                

Operating expenses:

    

Payroll and employee benefits

     81,938        75,808   

Depreciation and amortization

     3,879        3,390   

Other operating expenses

     28,268        29,661   

General/auto liability insurance expense

     3,442        3,418   

Gain on sale of assets

     (167     (195
                

Total operating expenses

     117,360        112,082   
                

Operating income

     14,621        11,491   

Interest expense

     (7,470     (7,813

Interest income

     82        115   
                

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     7,233        3,793   

Income tax provision

     (3,657     (2,222

Income from continuing operations

     3,576        1,571   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

     48        (272
                

Net income

   $ 3,624      $ 1,299   
                

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (705     (527
                

Net income attributable to Rural/Metro

   $ 2,919      $ 772   
                

Income (loss) per share:

    

Basic -

    

Income from continuing operations attributable to Rural/Metro

   $ 0.12      $ 0.04   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Rural/Metro

   $ 0.00        (0.01
                

Net income attributable to Rural/Metro

   $ 0.12      $ 0.03   
                

Diluted -

    

Income from continuing operations attributable to Rural/Metro

   $ 0.12      $ 0.04   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Rural/Metro

   $ 0.00        (0.01
                

Net income attributable to Rural/Metro

   $ 0.12      $ 0.03   
                

Average number of common shares outstanding - Basic

     24,858        24,823   
                

Average number of common shares outstanding - Diluted

     25,204        24,915   
                


RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008

(in thousands)

 

     2009     2008  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 3,624      $ 1,299   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities -

    

Depreciation and amortization

     3,879        3,396   

Non-cash adjustments to insurance claims reserves

     798        —     

Accretion of 12.75% Senior Discount Notes

     2,664        2,328   

Deferred income taxes

     2,425        565   

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

     (36     —     

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     570        614   

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

     7        1   

Share-based compensation expense

     136        45   

Change in assets and liabilities -

    

Accounts receivable

     935        439   

Inventories

     316        (15

Prepaid expenses and other

     (799     694   

Insurance deposits

     79        48   

Other assets

     56        (248

Accounts payable

     (3,104     (2,009

Accrued liabilities

     6,465        5,741   

Deferred revenue

     124        352   

Other liabilities

     (578     (639
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     17,561        12,611   
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (2,180     (4,071

Proceeds from the sale/disposal of property and equipment

     4        —     
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,176     (4,071
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Repayment of debt

     (10,117     (7,098

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

     36        —     

Issuance of common stock

     1        —     

Distributions to noncontrolling interest

     (400     —     
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (10,480     (7,098
                

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

     4,905        1,442   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     37,108        15,907   
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 42,013      $ 17,349   
                

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash operating activities:

    

Increase in other current assets and accrued liabilities for general liability insurance claim

     174        986   

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:

    

Property and equipment funded by liabilities

   $ 473      $ 1,368   

Supplemental cash flow information:

    

Cash paid for interest

   $ 7,242      $ 7,951   

Cash paid for income taxes, net

   $ 311      $ 170   


RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

RECONCILIATION OF INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS TO EBITDA

(in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2009     2008  

Income from continuing operations

   $ 3,576      $ 1,571   

Add (deduct):

    

Depreciation and amortization

     3,879        3,390   

Interest expense

     7,470        7,813   

Interest income

     (82     (115

Income tax provision

     3,657        2,222   

Noncontrolling interest

     (705     (527
                

EBITDA from continuing operations

     17,795        14,354   
                

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     48        (272

Add (deduct):

    

Depreciation and amortization

     —          5   

Income tax provision (benefit)

     37        (283
                

EBITDA from discontinued operations

     85        (550
                

Total EBITDA

   $ 17,880      $ 13,804