e10vq
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
Form 10-Q
 
     
þ
  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
     
    For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010
     
    or
     
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
     
    For the transition period from          to          
 
 
Commission file number 1-06732
 
COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
     
Delaware   95-6021257
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
     
40 Lane Road, Fairfield, NJ
(Address of Principal Executive Office)
  07004
(Zip Code)
 
 
(973) 882-9000
(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
   Large accelerated filer þ Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company o  
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o  No þ
 
Applicable Only to Corporate Issuers:
 
The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of the last practicable date.
 
     
Class   Outstanding at July 15, 2010
Common Stock, $0.10 par value
  155,726,094 shares
 


 

 
COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT
For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2010
 
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
                 
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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements     3  
Item 1. Financial Statements     4  
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Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     26  
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Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     43  
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures     43  
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings     44  
Item 1A.  Risk Factors     44  
Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds     44  
Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities     44  
Item 4.   Removed and Reserved     44  
Item 5.   Other Information     44  
Item 6.   Exhibits     44  
OTHER        
Signatures     45  
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32
 EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
 EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT


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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may constitute “forward-looking” statements as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”) or in releases made by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), all as may be amended from time to time. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Covanta Holding Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Covanta”) or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by, among other things, the use of forward-looking language, such as the words “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “seeks,” or “scheduled to,” or other similar words, or the negative of these terms or other variations of these terms or comparable language, or by discussion of strategy or intentions. These cautionary statements are being made pursuant to the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the PSLRA with the intention of obtaining the benefits of the “safe harbor” provisions of such laws. Covanta cautions investors that any forward-looking statements made by Covanta are not guarantees or indicative of future performance. Important assumptions and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements with respect to Covanta include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties affecting their businesses described in Item 1A. Risk Factors of Covanta’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and in other filings by Covanta with the SEC.
 
Although Covanta believes that its plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from a projection or assumption in any of its forward-looking statements. Covanta’s future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and inherent risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are made only as of the date hereof and Covanta does not have or undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise, unless otherwise required by law.


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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended
    Six Months Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)  
 
OPERATING REVENUES:
                               
Waste and service revenues
  $   268,555     $   227,842     $   510,555     $   434,111  
Electricity and steam sales
    140,708       136,540       289,954       278,409  
Other operating revenues
    25,948       11,404       51,497       22,026  
                                 
Total operating revenues
    435,211       375,786       852,006       734,546  
                                 
OPERATING EXPENSES:
                               
Plant operating expenses
    266,791       214,556       571,017       470,598  
Depreciation and amortization expense
    47,983       51,162       97,905       102,660  
Net interest expense on project debt
    10,409       12,108       21,386       24,877  
General and administrative expenses
    28,198       26,906       54,387       52,421  
Other operating expenses
    25,351       9,722       48,861       19,466  
                                 
Total operating expenses
    378,732       314,454       793,556       670,022  
                                 
Operating income
    56,479       61,332       58,450       64,524  
                                 
Other income (expense):
                               
Investment income
    509       1,156       1,095       2,184  
Interest expense
    (10,692 )     (8,532 )     (21,280 )     (16,448 )
Non-cash convertible debt related expense
    (11,734 )     (6,395 )     (19,981 )     (11,097 )
                                 
Total other expenses
    (21,917 )     (13,771 )     (40,166 )     (25,361 )
                                 
Income before income tax expense and equity in net income from unconsolidated investments
    34,562       47,561       18,284       39,163  
Income tax expense
    (14,809 )     (17,901 )     (6,934 )     (14,583 )
Equity in net income from unconsolidated investments
    7,521       5,671       11,191       11,480  
                                 
NET INCOME
    27,274       35,331       22,541       36,060  
                                 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
    (1,485 )     (2,164 )     (3,985 )     (3,544 )
                                 
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION
  $ 25,789     $ 33,167     $ 18,556     $ 32,516  
                                 
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
                               
Basic
    154,377       153,731       154,139       153,600  
                                 
Diluted
    155,026       154,953       154,802       154,846  
                                 
                                 
Earnings Per Share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.17     $ 0.22     $ 0.12     $ 0.21  
                                 
Diluted
  $ 0.17     $ 0.21     $ 0.12     $ 0.21  
                                 
                                 
Cash Dividend Declared Per Share:
  $ 1.50     $     $ 1.50     $  
                                 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                 
    As of  
    June 30,
    December 31,
 
    2010     2009  
    (Unaudited)        
    (In thousands, except per
 
    share amounts)  
 
ASSETS
       
Current:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 285,326     $ 433,683  
Restricted funds held in trust
    180,627       131,223  
Receivables (less allowances of $4,197 and $2,978)
    267,768       306,631  
Unbilled service receivables
    27,393       37,692  
Deferred income taxes
    17,079       9,509  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    137,166       126,139  
                 
Total Current Assets
    915,359       1,044,877  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    2,569,429       2,582,841  
Investments in fixed maturities at market (cost: $28,924 and $27,500, respectively)
    29,596       28,142  
Restricted funds held in trust
    107,653       146,529  
Unbilled service receivables
    33,408       37,389  
Waste, service and energy contracts, net
    489,781       380,359  
Other intangible assets, net
    82,093       84,610  
Goodwill
    228,020       202,996  
Investments in investees and joint ventures
    124,338       120,173  
Other assets
    275,481       306,366  
                 
Total Assets
  $ 4,855,158     $ 4,934,282  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
       
                 
Current:                
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 6,852     $ 7,027  
Current portion of project debt
    177,682       191,993  
Accounts payable
    31,836       27,831  
Deferred revenue
    65,027       60,256  
Dividends payable
    232,671        
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    194,753       217,721  
                 
Total Current Liabilities
    708,821       504,828  
Long-term debt
    1,403,625       1,430,679  
Project debt
    721,114       767,371  
Deferred income taxes
    583,588       571,122  
Waste and service contracts
    95,021       101,353  
Other liabilities
    143,272       141,760  
                 
Total Liabilities
    3,655,441       3,517,113  
                 
                 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)                
                 
Equity:                
Covanta Holding Corporation stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock ($0.10 par value; authorized 10,000 shares; none issued and outstanding)
           
Common stock ($0.10 par value; authorized 250,000 shares; issued 156,496 and 155,615 shares; outstanding 155,729 and 154,936 shares)
    15,650       15,562  
Additional paid-in capital
    917,967       909,205  
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    (2,490 )     7,443  
Accumulated earnings
    236,749       450,864  
Treasury stock, at par
    (77 )     (68 )
                 
Total Covanta Holding Corporation stockholders’ equity
    1,167,799       1,383,006  
                 
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
    31,918       34,163  
                 
Total Equity
    1,199,717       1,417,169  
                 
Total Liabilities and Equity
  $   4,855,158     $   4,934,282  
                 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                 
    For the Six Months Ended
 
    June 30,  
    2010     2009  
    (Unaudited)
 
    (In thousands)  
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net income
  $ 22,541     $ 36,060  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization expense
    97,905       102,660  
Amortization of long-term debt deferred financing costs
    3,364       2,074  
Amortization of debt premium and discount
    (3,724 )     (4,382 )
Non-cash convertible debt related expense
    19,981       11,097  
Stock-based compensation expense
    9,421       7,669  
Equity in net income from unconsolidated investments
    (11,191 )     (11,480 )
Dividends from unconsolidated investments
    8,246       2,566  
Deferred income taxes
    5,222       4,997  
Other, net
    4,385       2,332  
Decrease in restricted funds held in trust
    7,744       6,654  
Change in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions
    45,037       (22,925 )
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    208,931       137,322  
                 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from the sale of investment securities
    4,803       4,596  
Purchase of investment securities
    (8,241 )     (5,544 )
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
    (64,539 )     (42,098 )
Purchase of equity interest
          (8,938 )
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
    (2,000 )      
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
    (128,254 )     (17,517 )
Loan issued to client community to fund certain facility improvements, net of repayments
    (400 )     (7,646 )
Acquisition of land use rights
    (15,098 )      
Other, net
    (12,663 )     422  
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (226,392 )     (76,725 )
                 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from borrowings on long-term debt
          460,000  
Proceeds from issuance of warrants
          53,958  
Purchase of convertible note hedge
          (112,378 )
Payment of long-term debt deferred financing costs
          (12,650 )
Principal payments on long-term debt
    (3,268 )     (3,345 )
Principal payments on project debt
    (109,696 )     (115,458 )
Proceeds from borrowings on project debt
    7,720       2  
Change in restricted funds held in trust
    (11,801 )     39,856  
Proceeds from the exercise of options for common stock, net
    702       147  
Financings of insurance premiums, net
    (6,324 )     (6,259 )
Distributions to partners of noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
    (5,673 )     (6,085 )
                 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (128,340 )     297,788  
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (2,556 )     388  
                 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (148,357 )     358,773  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    433,683       192,393  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $   285,326     $   551,166  
                 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
 
                                                                         
    Covanta Holding Corporation Stockholders’ Equity              
                      Accumulated
                               
                Additional
    Other
                      Noncontrolling
       
    Common Stock     Paid-In
    Comprehensive
    Accumulated
    Treasury Stock     Interests in
       
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Loss     Earnings     Shares     Amount     Subsidiaries     Total  
                      (Unaudited, in thousands)                    
 
Balance as of December 31, 2009
     155,615     $   15,562     $ 909,205     $ 7,443     $ 450,864       679     $   (68 )   $ 34,163     $   1,417,169  
Stock-based compensation expense
                    9,421                                               9,421  
Cash dividend declared
                                      (232,671 )                             (232,671 )
Shares forfeited for terminated employees
                    9                       88       (9 )              
Exercise of options to purchase common stock
    95       10       694                                               704  
Shares issued in non-vested stock award
    786       78       (78 )                                              
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
                    (1,284 )                                     (716 )     (2,000 )
Distributions to partners of noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
                                                            (5,673 )     (5,673 )
Comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes:
                                                                       
Net income
                                    18,556                       3,985       22,541  
Foreign currency translation
                            (9,864 )                             159       (9,705 )
Pension and other postretirement plan unrecognized net loss, net of income tax benefit of $59
                            (147 )                                     (147 )
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of income tax expense of $31
                            78                                       78  
                                                                         
Total comprehensive (loss) income
                            (9,933 )     18,556                       4,144       12,767  
                                                                         
Balance as of June 30, 2010
    156,496     $ 15,650     $ 917,967     $ (2,490 )   $ 236,749       767     $ (77 )   $   31,918     $ 1,199,717  
                                                                         
 
                                                                         
    Covanta Holding Corporation Stockholders’ Equity              
                      Accumulated
                               
                Additional
    Other
                      Noncontrolling
       
    Common Stock     Paid-In
    Comprehensive
    Accumulated
    Treasury Stock     Interests in
       
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Loss     Earnings     Shares     Amount     Subsidiaries     Total  
                      (Unaudited, in thousands)                    
 
Balance as of December 31, 2008
    154,797     $ 15,480     $ 832,595     $ (8,205 )   $ 349,219       517     $ (52 )   $ 35,014     $ 1,224,051  
Stock-based compensation expense
                    7,669                                               7,669  
Issuance of warrants
                    53,846                                               53,846  
Shares forfeited for terminated employees
                    1                       15       (1 )              
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings for vested stock awards
                    (1,909 )                     140       (14 )             (1,923 )
Exercise of options to purchase common stock
    25       3       144                                               147  
Shares issued in non-vested stock award
    739       73       (73 )                                              
Distributions to partners of noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
                                                            (6,085 )     (6,085 )
Comprehensive income, net of income taxes:
                                                                       
Net income
                                    32,516                       3,544       36,060  
Foreign currency translation
                            4,348                               1,507       5,855  
Pension and other postretirement plan unrecognized net loss, net of income tax benefit of $34
                            (84 )                                     (84 )
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of income tax expense of $196
                            489                                       489  
                                                                         
Total comprehensive income
                            4,753       32,516                       5,051       42,320  
                                                                         
Balance as of June 30, 2009
     155,561     $   15,556     $  892,273     $ (3,452 )   $   381,735       672     $   (67 )   $   33,980     $   1,320,025  
                                                                         
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 1.  ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
The terms “we,” “our,” “ours,” “us” and “Company” refer to Covanta Holding Corporation and its subsidiaries; the term “Covanta Energy” refers to our subsidiary Covanta Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries.
 
 
Organization
 
We are a leading developer, owner and operator of infrastructure for the conversion of waste to energy (known as “energy-from-waste”), as well as other waste disposal and renewable energy production businesses in the Americas, Europe and Asia. We conduct all of our operations through subsidiaries which are engaged predominantly in the businesses of waste and energy services. We also engage in the independent power production business outside the Americas.
 
We own, have equity investments in, and/or operate 65 energy generation facilities, 57 of which are in the Americas and eight of which are located outside the Americas. Our energy generation facilities use a variety of fuels, including municipal solid waste, wood waste (biomass), landfill gas, water (hydroelectric), natural gas, coal, and heavy fuel-oil. We also own or operate several businesses that are associated with our energy-from-waste business, including a waste procurement business, four landfills, which we use primarily for ash disposal, and several waste transfer stations. We have two reportable segments, Americas and International. The Americas segment is comprised of waste and energy services operations primarily in the United States and Canada. The International segment is comprised of international waste and energy services.
 
 
Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included in our financial statements. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Operating results for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (“Form 10-K”).
 
We use the equity method to account for our investments for which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. Consolidated net income includes our proportionate share of the net income or loss of these companies. Such amounts are classified as “equity in net income from unconsolidated investments” in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Investments in companies in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence are carried at the lower of cost or estimated realizable value. We monitor investments for other than temporary declines in value and make reductions when appropriate.
 
 
NOTE 2.  RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standard related to multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements which we are required to adopt by January 1, 2011, although earlier application is permitted. The standard provides amendments to criteria for separating consideration in multiple element arrangements. As a result, multiple deliverable arrangements generally will be separated in more circumstances than under existing U.S. GAAP. We are currently evaluating the potential effects of this standard (which may be adopted either on a prospective or retrospective basis) on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
NOTE 3.  ACQUISITIONS, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND DISPOSITIONS
 
Our growth strategy includes the acquisition of waste and energy related businesses located in markets with significant growth opportunities and the development of new projects and expansion of existing projects. We will also consider acquiring or developing new technologies and businesses that are complementary with our existing renewable energy and waste services business. The results of operations reflect the period of ownership of the acquired businesses and business development projects. The acquisitions in the section below are not material to our condensed consolidated financial statements individually or in the aggregate and therefore, disclosures of pro forma financial information have not been presented.
 
Acquisitions and Business Development
 
Americas
 
Wallingford Energy-from-Waste Facility
 
We entered into new tip fee contracts for the delivery of waste to our Wallingford, Connecticut energy-from-waste facility, which commenced upon expiration of the existing service fee contract in June 2010. These contracts in total are expected to supply waste utilizing most or all of the facility’s capacity through 2020.


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
Covanta Huntington Limited Partnership
 
In March 2010, for cash consideration of $2.0 million, we acquired a nominal limited partnership interest held by a third party in Covanta Huntington Limited Partnership, our subsidiary which owns and operates an energy-from-waste facility in Huntington, New York.
 
Honolulu Energy-from-Waste Facility
 
We operate and maintain the energy-from-waste facility located in and owned by the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii. In December 2009, we entered into agreements with the City and County of Honolulu to expand the facility’s waste processing capacity from 2,160 tons per day (“tpd”) to 3,060 tpd and to increase gross electricity capacity from 57 megawatts (“MW”) to 90 MW. The agreements also extend the contract term by 20 years. The $302 million expansion project is a fixed-price construction contract which will be funded and owned by the City and County of Honolulu. Environmental and other project-related permits have been received and expansion construction has commenced.
 
Veolia Energy-from-Waste Businesses
 
We completed the following transactions with Veolia Environmental Services North America Corp. (collectively referred to as the “Veolia EfW Acquisition”). The acquired businesses have a combined capacity of 9,600 tpd. Each of the operations acquired includes a long-term operating contract with their respective municipal client.
 
  •  Between August 2009 and February 2010, we acquired one transfer station business and seven energy-from-waste businesses located in New York, Pennsylvania, California, Florida and British Columbia. Six of the energy-from-waste facilities and the transfer station are publicly-owned facilities. We paid cash consideration of $259.3 million in August 2009 for six energy-from-waste businesses and one transfer station, and in February 2010, we paid $128.3 million for the seventh energy-from-waste business.
 
  •  The businesses acquired in August 2009 included a majority ownership stake in one energy-from-waste facility and in November 2009, we acquired the remaining ownership stake in that facility for cash consideration of $23.7 million.
 
The cash consideration is subject to certain post-closing adjustments. The preliminary purchase price allocation included $139.8 million of property, plant and equipment, $329.2 million of intangible assets related to long-term operating contracts at each acquired Veolia business except for the facility which we own, $25.0 million related to goodwill and $113.9 million of assumed debt. The acquired intangible assets will be amortized over an average remaining useful facility life of 31 years. The preliminary purchase price allocation of the businesses acquired was based on estimates and assumptions, any changes to which could affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities resulting from this acquisition.
 
Philadelphia Transfer Stations
 
On May 1, 2009, we acquired two waste transfer stations with combined capacity of 4,500 tpd in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for cash consideration of $17.5 million, inclusive of final working capital adjustments. The final purchase price allocation included $5.9 million of identifiable intangible assets related primarily to customer relationships and goodwill of $1.3 million.
 
Alternative Energy Technology Development
 
We have entered into various agreements with multiple partners to invest in the development, testing or licensing of new technologies related to the transformation of waste materials into renewable fuels or the generation of energy. Licensing fees and demonstration unit purchases aggregated $3.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2010 and, $4.7 million and $6.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
Harrisburg Energy-from-Waste Facility
 
In 2008, we entered into a ten year agreement to maintain and operate an 800 tpd energy-from-waste facility located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Under the agreement, we have a right of first refusal to purchase the facility. We also agreed to provide construction management services and to advance up to $25.5 million in funding for certain facility improvements required to enhance facility performance, which improvements were substantially completed during 2010. The repayment of this funding is guaranteed by the City of Harrisburg, but is otherwise unsecured, and is junior to project bondholders’ rights. We have advanced $21.7 million, of which $19.8 million is outstanding as of June 30, 2010 under this funding arrangement. The first three repayment installments under this funding arrangement have been paid, but each of the repayment installments of $0.6 million which were due to us on April 1, 2010 and July 1, 2010 have not been paid, and the City of Harrisburg has requested a forbearance period. We are discussing the proposed terms of the forbearance period with representatives of the City and certain other stakeholders. The City of Harrisburg is in a precarious financial condition with substantial obligations, and it has reported consideration of various future options (including seeking bankruptcy protection). We intend to work with the City of Harrisburg and other stakeholders to maintain our position in the project and to protect the recovery of our advance.


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
Hillsborough Energy-from-Waste Facility
 
In 2005, we entered into agreements with Hillsborough County, Florida to implement a 600 tpd expansion of this energy-from-waste facility, and to extend the agreement under which we operate the facility through 2027. During the third quarter of 2009, construction of the expansion was successfully completed and commercial operation commenced.
 
International
 
China Joint Ventures and Energy-from-Waste Facilities
 
On March 24, 2009, Taixing Covanta Yanjiang Cogeneration Co., Ltd. of which we own 85%, entered into a 25 year concession agreement and waste supply agreements to build, own and operate a 350 metric tpd energy-from-waste facility for Taixing Municipality, in Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China. The project, which will be built on the site of our existing coal-fired facility in Taixing, will supply steam to an adjacent industrial park under short-term arrangements. We will continue to operate our existing coal-fired facility. The project company has obtained Rmb 165 million in project financing which, together with available cash from existing operations, will fund construction costs. The Taixing project commenced construction in late 2009.
 
On April 2, 2008, our project joint venture with Chongqing Iron & Steel Company (Group) Limited received an award to build, own, and operate an 1,800 metric tpd energy-from-waste facility for Chengdu Municipality, in Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China. On June 25, 2008, the project’s 25 year waste concession agreement was executed. In connection with this project, we invested $17.1 million for a 49% equity interest in the project company. Construction of the facility has commenced and the project company has obtained financing for Rmb 480 million for the project, of which 49% is guaranteed by us and 51% is guaranteed by Chongqing Iron & Steel Company (Group) Limited until the project has been constructed and for one year after operations commence.
 
Dublin Joint Venture
 
On September 6, 2007, we entered into agreements to build, own, and operate a 1,700 metric tpd energy-from-waste project serving the City of Dublin, Ireland and surrounding communities at an estimated cost of €350 million. The Dublin project is being developed and will be owned by Dublin Waste to Energy Limited, which we control and co-own with DONG Energy Generation A/S. Dublin Waste to Energy Limited has a 25 year tip fee type contract to provide disposal service for 320,000 metric tons of waste annually, representing approximately 50% of the facility’s processing capacity. The project is expected to sell electricity into the local electricity grid. A portion of the electricity is expected to be eligible for a preferential renewable tariff. The primary approvals and licenses for the project have been obtained and the parties are working to satisfy remaining conditions required to resume construction activity on the project, pending receipt of which we have curtailed project spending.
 
Dispositions
 
Americas
 
Detroit Energy-from-Waste Facility
 
On June 30, 2009, our long-term operating contract with the Greater Detroit Resource Recovery Authority (“GDRRA”) to operate the 2,832 tpd energy-from-waste facility located in Detroit, Michigan (the “Detroit Facility”) expired.
 
Effective June 30, 2009, we purchased an undivided 30% owner-participant interest in the Detroit Facility and entered into certain agreements for continued operation of the Detroit Facility for a term expiring June 30, 2010. During this one-year period, we were unable to secure an acceptable steam off-take arrangement.
 
Effective June 30, 2010, we have agreed to sell our entire interest in the Detroit Facility on or before September 30, 2010, subject to the buyer’s due diligence and any required regulatory approvals, and to continue operating the Detroit Facility under commercial arrangements until the earlier of the closing of the sale transaction or September 30, 2010.


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
 
NOTE 4.  EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
Per share data is based on the weighted average number of outstanding shares of our common stock, par value $0.10 per share, during the relevant period. Basic earnings per share are calculated using only the weighted average number of outstanding shares of common stock. Diluted earnings per share computations, as calculated under the treasury stock method, include the weighted average number of shares of additional outstanding common stock issuable for stock options, restricted stock, rights and warrants whether or not currently exercisable. Diluted earnings per share for all the periods presented does not include securities if their effect was anti-dilutive (in thousands, except per share amounts).
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended
    Six Months Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
 
Net income attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation
  $ 25,789     $ 33,167     $ 18,556     $ 32,516  
                                 
Basic earnings per share:
                               
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding
      154,377         153,731         154,139         153,600  
                                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.17     $ 0.22     $ 0.12     $ 0.21  
                                 
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding
    154,377       153,731       154,139       153,600  
Dilutive effect of stock options
    386       412       407       433  
Dilutive effect of restricted stock
    263       810       256       813  
Dilutive effect of convertible debentures
                       
Dilutive effect of warrants
                       
                                 
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding
    155,026       154,953       154,802       154,846  
                                 
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.17     $ 0.21     $ 0.12     $ 0.21  
                                 
Securities excluded from the weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding because their inclusion would have been antidilutive:
                               
Stock options
    1,886       1,981       1,916       1,981  
                                 
Restricted stock
                       
                                 
Warrants
    24,803       24,803       24,803       24,803  
                                 
 
On May 22, 2009, we entered into privately negotiated warrant transactions in connection with the issuance of 3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014. As of June 30, 2010, the warrants did not have a dilutive effect on earnings per share because the average market price during the periods presented was below the strike price. These warrants could have a dilutive effect to the extent that the price of our common stock exceeds the applicable strike price ($25.74 in any of the periods presented) of the warrants. In connection with the special cash dividend declared on June 17, 2010, the conversion rate for the warrants was adjusted to $23.45 effective on July 8, 2010. For additional information related to the special cash dividend, see Note 6. Changes in Capitalization - Equity.
 
On January 31, 2007, we issued 1.00% Senior Convertible Debentures due 2027 (“Debentures”). The Debentures are convertible under certain circumstances if the closing sale price of our common stock exceeds a specified conversion price ($28.20 in any of the periods presented) before February 1, 2025. As of June 30, 2010, the Debentures did not have a dilutive effect on earnings per share because the average market price during the periods presented exceeded the strike price.
 
NOTE 5.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENTS
 
Our reportable segments are Americas and International. The Americas segment is comprised of waste and energy services operations primarily in the United States and Canada. The International segment is comprised of waste and energy services operations in other markets, currently the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, China, the Philippines, India, and Bangladesh.


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
The results of our reportable segments are as follows (in thousands):
 
                                 
    Reportable Segments        
    Americas   International   All Other(1)   Total
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                               
Operating revenues
  $  382,637     $   47,737     $  4,837     $  435,211  
Operating income (loss)
    59,404       (2,449 )     (476 )     56,479  
Three Months Ended June 30, 2009:
                               
Operating revenues
  $ 329,455     $ 41,506     $ 4,825     $ 375,786  
Operating income (loss)
    59,804       2,039       (511 )     61,332  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                               
Operating revenues
  $ 739,924     $ 102,511     $ 9,571     $ 852,006  
Operating income (loss)
    61,131       (2,696 )     15       58,450  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2009:
                               
Operating revenues
  $ 642,628     $ 83,043     $ 8,875     $ 734,546  
Operating income (loss)
    64,239       1,180       (895 )     64,524  
 
(1) All other is comprised of our insurance subsidiaries’ operations.
 
NOTE 6.  CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION
 
Short-Term Liquidity
 
The credit facilities are comprised of a $300 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Loan Facility”), a $320 million funded letter of credit facility (the “Funded L/C Facility”), and a $650 million term loan (the “Term Loan Facility”) (collectively referred to as the “Credit Facilities”). As of June 30, 2010, we were in compliance with all required covenants and had available credit for liquidity as follows (in thousands):
 
                                 
    Total
          Outstanding Letters
       
    Available
          of Credit as of
    Available as of
 
    Under Facility     Maturing     June 30, 2010     June 30, 2010  
 
Revolving Loan Facility(1)
  $  300,000       2013     $     $  300,000  
Funded L/C Facility
  $ 320,000       2014     $  291,070     $ 28,930  
 
(1) Up to $200 million of which may be utilized for letters of credit.
 
Long-Term Debt
 
Long-term debt is as follows (in thousands):
 
                 
    As of  
    June 30,
    December 31,
 
    2010     2009  
 
3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014
  $ 460,000     $ 460,000  
Debt discount related to Cash Convertible Senior Notes
      (102,112 )       (112,475 )
Cash conversion option derivative at fair value
    84,081       128,603  
                 
3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes, net
    441,969       476,128  
                 
                 
1.00% Senior Convertible Debentures due 2027
    373,750       373,750  
Debt discount related to Convertible Debentures
    (34,843 )     (45,042 )
                 
1.00% Senior Convertible Debentures, net
    338,907       328,708  
                 
                 
Term Loan Facility due 2014
    628,875       632,125  
Other long-term debt
    726       745  
                 
Total
    1,410,477       1,437,706  
Less: current portion
    (6,852 )     (7,027 )
                 
Total long-term debt
  $ 1,403,625     $ 1,430,679  
                 
 
3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014 (“Notes”)
 
Under limited circumstances, the Notes are convertible by the holders thereof into cash only, based on an initial conversion rate of 53.9185 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $18.55 per share) subject to certain customary adjustments as provided in the indenture for the Notes. We will not deliver common stock (or any other securities) upon conversion under any circumstances.


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
In connection with the special cash dividend declared on June 17, 2010, the conversion rate for the Notes was adjusted to 59.1871 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes. The adjusted conversion rate is equivalent to an adjusted conversion price of $16.90 per share and became effective on July 8, 2010. For additional information related to the special cash dividend, see the Equity discussion below.
 
For specific criteria related to contingent interest, conversion or redemption features of the Notes and details related to the cash conversion option, cash convertible note hedge and warrants related to the Notes, refer to Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K.
 
For details related to the fair value for the contingent interest feature, cash conversion option, and cash convertible note hedge related to the Notes, see Note 12. Derivative Instruments.
 
1.00% Senior Convertible Debentures due 2027 (“Debentures”)
 
Under limited circumstances, prior to February 1, 2025, the Debentures are convertible by the holders into cash and shares of our common stock, if any, initially based on a conversion rate of 35.4610 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Debentures, (which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $28.20 per share) or 13,253,867 issuable shares. As of June 30, 2010, if the Debentures were converted, no shares would have been issued since the trading price of our common stock was below the conversion price of the Debentures.
 
In connection with the special cash dividend declared on June 17, 2010, the conversion rate for the Debentures was adjusted to 38.9883 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Debentures. The adjusted conversion rate is equivalent to an adjusted conversion price of $25.65 per share and became effective on July 13, 2010. For additional information related to the special cash dividend, see the Equity discussion below.
 
For specific criteria related to contingent interest, conversion or redemption features of the Debentures, refer to Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K.
 
For details related to the fair value for the contingent interest feature related to the Debentures, see Note 12. Derivative Instruments.
 
 
Debt Discount for the Debentures and the Notes
 
The debt discount related to the Debentures and the Notes is accreted over their respective terms and recognized as non-cash convertible debt related expense.
 
The following table details the amount of the accretion of debt discount as of June 30, 2010 included or expected to be included in our condensed consolidated financial statements for each of the periods indicated (in millions):
 
                                                 
    Six Months Ended
  Remainder of
  For the Years Ended
    June 30, 2010   2010   2011   2012   2013   2014
 
Non-cash convertible debt discount expense for the Notes
  $  10.4     $  10.9     $  23.5     $  26.0     $  28.8     $  12.9  
Non-cash convertible debt discount expense for
the Debentures (1)
  $ 10.2     $ 10.6     $ 22.3     $ 1.9     $     $  
 
(1) The Debentures mature on February 1, 2027. At our option, the Debentures are subject to redemption at any time on or after February 1, 2012, in whole or in part. In addition, holders may require us to repurchase their Debentures on February 1, 2012, February 1, 2017, and February 1, 2022, in whole or in part. For purposes of the accretion of the debt discount related to the Debentures, we have assumed that the Debentures will be repurchased pursuant to the holders’ option on February 1, 2012. For information detailing the redemption features of the Debentures, see Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K.
 
Equity
 
On June 17, 2010, the Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $1.50 per share and increased the authorization to repurchase shares of outstanding common stock to $150 million. The special cash dividend of $233 million was paid on July 20, 2010.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we granted 785,805 shares of restricted stock awards. For information related to stock-based award plans, see Note 10. Stock-Based Compensation.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we did not repurchase shares of our common stock. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, we repurchased 139,762 shares of our common stock in connection with tax withholdings for vested stock awards.


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
 
NOTE 7.  INCOME TAXES
 
We record our interim tax provision based upon our estimated annual effective tax rate and account for the tax effects of discrete events in the period in which they occur. We file a federal consolidated income tax return with our eligible subsidiaries. Our federal consolidated income tax return also includes the taxable results of certain grantor trusts described below.
 
We currently estimate our annual effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2010 to be approximately 42.4%. The increase in the estimated annual effective tax rate for 2010 was primarily a result of the sunset of eligibility for production tax credits at some of our biomass facilities. We review the annual effective tax rate on a quarterly basis as projections are revised and laws are enacted. The effective income tax rate was 37.9% and 37.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The liability for uncertain tax positions, exclusive of interest and penalties, was $130.5 million and $131.2 million as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Liabilities for uncertain tax positions decreased by approximately $0.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2010. Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits as of June 30, 2010 are potential benefits of $116.7 million that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate.
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, we recognized $0 and an expense of $0.4 million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, we recognized a benefit of $1.7 million and an expense of $0.4 million, respectively, of interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions. As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we had accrued interest and penalties associated with liabilities for unrecognized tax positions of $6.7 million and $8.4 million, respectively. We continue to reflect interest accrued on uncertain tax positions and penalties as part of the tax provision.
 
As issues are examined by the Internal Revenue Service and state auditors, we may decide to adjust the existing liability for uncertain tax positions for issues that were not deemed an exposure at the time we adopted accounting standards related to the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. Accordingly, we will continue to monitor the results of audits and adjust the liability as needed. Federal income tax returns for Covanta Energy are closed for the years through 2005. However, to the extent net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) are utilized from earlier years, federal income tax returns for Covanta Holding Corporation, formerly known as Danielson Holding Corporation, are still open. State income tax returns are generally subject to examination for a period of three to five years after the filing of the respective return. The state impact of any federal changes remains subject to examination by various states for a period of up to one year after formal notification to the states. We have various state income tax returns in the process of examination, administrative appeals or litigation.
 
Our NOLs predominantly arose from our predecessor insurance entities (which were subsidiaries of our predecessor, which was formerly named Mission Insurance Group, Inc., “Mission”). These Mission insurance entities have been in state insolvency proceedings in California and Missouri since the late 1980’s. The amount of NOLs available to us will be reduced by any taxable income or increased by any taxable losses generated by current members of our consolidated tax group, which include grantor trusts associated with the Mission insurance entities.
 
While we cannot predict with certainty what amounts, if any, may be includable in taxable income as a result of the final administration of these grantor trusts, substantial actions toward such final administration have been taken and we believe that neither arrangements with the California Commissioner nor the final administration by the Missouri Director will result in a material reduction in available NOLs.
 
We had consolidated federal NOLs estimated to be approximately $545 million for federal income tax purposes as of December 31, 2009, based on the tax returns as filed. The federal NOLs will expire in various amounts from December 31, 2011 through December 31, 2028, if not used. Current forecasts indicate we will utilize consolidated federal NOLs in 2010 which will otherwise expire in 2011. In addition to the consolidated federal NOLs, as of December 31, 2009, we had state NOL carryforwards of approximately $264.7 million, which expire between 2011 and 2027, capital loss carryforwards of $0.2 million expiring in 2013, and additional federal credit carryforwards of $47.5 million. These deferred tax assets are offset by a valuation allowance of $20.5 million.
 
In March 2010, U.S. Federal legislation enacted the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”) as well as a companion bill, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (“the Reconciliation Act”). As a result of enactment of the PPACA and the Reconciliation Act (collectively, the “Acts”), employers receiving the Medicare Part D subsidy will recognize a deferred tax charge for the reduction in deductibility of postretirement prescription drug coverage for eligible retirees. The resulting deferred tax charge from enactment of the Acts was recognized in the results for the six months ended June 30, 2010. This charge was not material to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
For further information, refer to Note 16. Income Taxes of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K.


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
 
NOTE 8.  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
 
Operating Revenues
 
The components of waste and service revenues are as follows (in thousands):
 
                                 
    For the Three Months
    For the Six Months
 
    Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
 
Waste and service revenues unrelated to project debt
  $  246,643     $  208,529     $  467,400     $  395,209  
Revenue earned explicitly to service project debt-principal
    17,092       13,720       33,484       27,439  
Revenue earned explicitly to service project debt-interest
    4,820       5,593       9,671       11,463  
                                 
Total waste and service revenues
  $ 268,555     $ 227,842     $ 510,555     $ 434,111  
                                 
 
Under some of our service agreements, we bill municipalities fees to service project debt (principal and interest). The amounts billed are based on the actual principal amortization schedule for the project bonds. Regardless of the amounts billed to client communities relating to project debt principal, we recognize revenue earned explicitly to service project debt principal on a levelized basis over the term of the applicable agreement. In the beginning of the agreement, principal billed is less than the amount of levelized revenue recognized related to principal and we record an unbilled service receivable asset. At some point during the agreement, the amount we bill will exceed the levelized revenue and the unbilled service receivable begins to reduce, and ultimately becomes nil at the end of the contract.
 
In the final year(s) of a contract, cash may be utilized from available debt service reserve accounts to pay remaining principal amounts due to project bondholders and such amounts are no longer billed to or paid by municipalities. Generally, therefore, in the last year of the applicable agreement, little or no cash is received from municipalities relating to project debt, while our levelized service revenue continues to be recognized until the expiration date of the term of the agreement.
 
Our independent power production facilities in India generate electricity and steam explicitly for specific purchasers and as such, these agreements are considered lease arrangements. Electricity and steam sales included lease income from our international business of $36.5 million and $31.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $80.0 million and $63.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
 
Operating Costs
 
Pass through costs
 
Pass through costs are costs for which we receive a direct contractually committed reimbursement from the municipal client which sponsors an energy-from-waste project. These costs generally include utility charges, insurance premiums, ash residue transportation and disposal and certain chemical costs. These costs are recorded net of municipal client reimbursements in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Total pass through costs were $23.0 million and $14.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $43.5 million and $29.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Other operating expenses
 
The components of other operating expenses are as follows (in thousands):
 
                                 
    Other Operating Expenses  
    For the Three Months
    For the Six Months
 
    Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
 
Construction expense
    $  20,654     $   5,979     $   41,139     $   11,325  
Insurance subsidiary operating expenses (1)
    4,472       4,689       8,542       8,502  
Foreign exchange loss (gain)
    199       (811 )     (809 )     (306 )
Other
    26       (135 )     (11 )     (55 )
                                 
Total other operating expenses
    $  25,351     $ 9,722     $ 48,861     $ 19,466  
                                 
 
(1) Insurance subsidiary operating expenses are primarily comprised of incurred but not reported loss reserves, loss adjustment expenses and policy acquisition costs.


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
 
Amortization of waste, service and energy contracts
 
Our waste, service and energy contracts are intangible assets and liabilities relating to long-term operating contracts at acquired facilities and are recorded upon acquisition at their estimated fair market values based upon discounted cash flows. Intangible assets and liabilities are amortized using the straight line method over their remaining useful lives. The following table details the amount of the actual/estimated amortization expense and contra-expense associated with these intangible assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2010 included or expected to be included in our condensed consolidated statement of income for each of the years indicated (in thousands):
 
                 
    Waste, Service and
    Waste and Service
 
    Energy Contracts
    Contracts
 
    (Amortization Expense)     (Contra-Expense)  
 
Six Months ended June 30, 2010
  $ 20,530     $ (6,332 )
                 
Remainder of 2010
  $ 19,964     $ (6,389 )
2011
    37,744       (12,408 )
2012
    35,650       (12,412 )
2013
    32,040       (12,390 )
2014
    29,148       (12,500 )
2015
    25,809       (8,188 )
Thereafter
    309,426       (30,734 )
                 
Total
  $  489,781     $  (95,021 )
                 
 
Non-Cash Convertible Debt Related Expense
 
The components of non-cash convertible debt related expense are as follows (in thousands):
 
                                 
    Non-Cash Convertible Debt Related Expense  
    For the Three Months
    For the Six Months
 
    Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
 
Debt discount accretion related to the Debentures
  $ 5,146     $ 4,787     $ 10,200     $ 9,489  
Debt discount accretion related to the Notes
    5,247       2,225       10,363       2,225  
Fair value changes related to the Note Hedge
    7,045       (7,137 )     43,941       (7,137 )
Fair value changes related to the Cash Conversion Option
    (5,704 )     6,520       (44,523 )     6,520  
                                 
Total non-cash convertible debt related expense
  $  11,734     $  6,395     $  19,981     $  11,097  
                                 
 
Comprehensive Income
 
The components of comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands):
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended
    Six Months Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
 
Comprehensive income, net of income taxes:
                               
Net income attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation
  $   25,789     $   33,167     $   18,556     $   32,516  
                                 
Foreign currency translation
    (8,473 )     6,149       (9,864 )     4,348  
Pension and other postretirement plan unrecognized net loss
    (73 )     (42 )     (147 )     (84 )
Net unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities
    (98 )     773       78       489  
                                 
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation
    (8,644 )     6,880       (9,933 )     4,753  
                                 
Comprehensive income attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation
  $ 17,145     $ 40,047     $ 8,623     $ 37,269  
                                 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
  $ 1,485     $ 2,164     $ 3,985     $ 3,544  
Other comprehensive (loss) income — Foreign currency translation
    (806 )     2,037       159       1,507  
                                 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
  $ 679     $ 4,201     $ 4,144     $ 5,051  
                                 


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
Goodwill
 
The following table details the changes in the carrying value of goodwill (in thousands):
 
         
    Total  
 
Balance as of December 31, 2009
  $  202,996  
Veolia EfW Acquisition (See Note 3)
    25,024  
         
Balance as of June 30, 2010
  $ 228,020  
         
 
NOTE 9.  BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
 
 Pension and Other Benefit Obligations
 
The components of net periodic benefit costs are as follows (in thousands):
 
                                                                 
    Pension Benefits     Other Post-Retirement Benefits  
    For the Three
    For the Six
    For the Three
    For the Six
 
    Months Ended
    Months Ended
    Months Ended
    Months Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,     June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009     2010     2009     2010     2009  
 
Service cost
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Interest cost
    1,055       1,197       2,111       2,394       119       123       238       245  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,237 )     (975 )     (2,474 )     (1,950 )                        
Amortization of net prior service
cost
    (82 )     19       (164 )     38                          
Amortization of actuarial gain
    (15 )     (46 )     (30 )     (92 )     (25 )     (38 )     (50 )     (75 )
                                                                 
Net periodic benefit cost
  $   (279 )   $     195     $     (557 )   $     390     $     94     $     85     $     188     $     170  
                                                                 
 
Defined Contribution Plans
 
Substantially all of our employees in the United States are eligible to participate in defined contribution plans we sponsor. Our costs related to defined contribution plans were $3.4 million and $3.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $8.3 million and $7.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
NOTE 10.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we awarded certain employees 749,805 shares of restricted stock (“RSAs”). The RSAs will be expensed over the requisite service period, subject to an assumed 10% forfeiture rate. The terms of the RSAs include vesting provisions based solely on continued service. If the service criteria are satisfied, the awards vest during March of 2011, 2012 and 2013.
 
On May 6, 2010, in accordance with our existing program for annual director compensation, we awarded 36,000 shares of restricted stock under the Directors Plan. We determined that the service vesting condition of these RSAs to be non-substantive and, in accordance with accounting principles for stock compensation, recorded the entire fair value of the award as compensation expense on the grant date.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we adopted a Growth Equity Plan, which is to be used for awards pursuant to our Equity Award Plan for Employees and Officers. The Growth Equity Plan provides for the award of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to certain employees in connection with specified growth-based acquisitions that have been completed or development projects that have commenced. We awarded certain employees 1,085,040 shares of restricted stock units under the Growth Equity Plan.
 
The Growth Equity Plan provides that as of the award date of the RSUs, the Compensation Committee shall determine the net present value of cash flows for the applicable acquisitions or development projects (“Projected NPV”). Vesting of RSUs will not occur until at least three years have passed following an acquisition and upon the later of three years from the grant date or one year following the commencement of commercial operations for development projects. Upon the vesting date, the Compensation Committee will re-calculate the net present values of the cash flows (“Bring Down NPV”). If the ratio of the Bring Down NPV to the Projected NPV is greater than 95% all of the RSUs related to the particular project will vest. If the ratio is less than 95%, the number of RSUs originally issued will be proportionately reduced.
 
Compensation expense related to our stock-based awards totaled $5.9 million and $9.4 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, and $3.8 million and $7.7 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively. Compensation expense for the three months ended June 30, 2010 includes additional expense of


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
$1.3 million resulting from the reduction of the exercise price of outstanding options as discussed below under Special Cash Dividend.
 
As of June 30, 2010, we had approximately $15.9 million, $10.5 million and $2.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to our unvested RSAs, RSUs, and unvested stock options, respectively. We expect this compensation expense to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2 years for our unvested RSAs, approximately 4 years for our unvested RSUs and approximately 2 years for our unvested stock options.
 
Special Cash Dividend
 
The special cash dividend described in Note 6. Changes in Capitalization was deemed an equity restructuring in accordance with accounting principles for stock compensation. The impact of the special cash dividend on the various share-based awards is as follows:
 
  •  We reduced the exercise price of options granted under the 2004 plan by $1.50 per share. We recorded additional expense of $1.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2010 and expect to record $0.2 million over the remaining vesting period.
  •  As contractually required by the RSA agreements, holders of unvested shares of RSAs will receive the dividend in the form of additional RSAs with the same vesting conditions as the underlying shares of RSAs to which they relate.
  •  As contractually required by the RSU agreements, dividends on the RSUs will be paid in cash and put into escrow, and will be subject to the same vesting criteria as the underlying shares of RSUs to which they relate.
 
NOTE 11.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:
 
  •  For cash and cash equivalents, restricted funds, and marketable securities, the carrying value of these amounts is a reasonable estimate of their fair value. The fair value of restricted funds held in trust is based on quoted market prices of the investments held by the trustee.
  •  Fair values for long-term debt and project debt are determined using quoted market prices.
  •  The fair value of the Note Hedge and the Cash Conversion Option are determined using an option pricing model based on observable inputs such as implied volatility, risk free rate, and other factors. The fair value of the Note Hedge is adjusted to reflect counterparty risk of non-performance, and is based on the counterparty’s credit spread in the credit derivatives market. The contingent interest features related to the Debentures and the Notes are valued quarterly using the present value of expected cash flow models incorporating the probabilities of the contingent events occurring.
 
The estimated fair value amounts have been determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is necessarily required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that we would realize in a current market exchange. The fair-value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to us as of June 30, 2010. However, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since June 30, 2010, and current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
The following table presents information about the fair value measurement of our assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2010:
 
                                         
                Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using  
                Quoted Prices in
          Significant
 
    As of June 30, 2010     Active Markets for
    Significant Other
    Unobservable
 
Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value
  Carrying
    Estimated
    Identical Assets
    Observable Inputs
    Inputs
 
on a Recurring Basis:   Amount     Fair Value     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
    (In thousands)  
 
Assets:
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents:
                                       
Bank deposits and certificates of deposit
  $      83,069     $      83,069     $      83,069     $           —     $           —  
Money market funds
    202,257       202,257       202,257              
                                         
Total cash and cash equivalents:
    285,326       285,326       285,326              
Restricted funds held in trust:
                                       
Bank deposits and certificates of deposit
    25,961       25,935       25,935              
Money market funds
    150,348       150,348       150,348              
U.S. Treasury/Agency obligations (a)
    45,834       46,103       46,103              
State and municipal obligations
    11,012       11,012       11,012              
Commercial paper/Guaranteed investment contracts/Repurchase agreements
    55,125       55,432       55,432              
                                         
Total restricted funds held in trust:
    288,280       288,830       288,830              
Restricted funds — other:
                                       
Bank deposits and certificates of deposit (b)
    20,263       20,254       20,254              
Money market funds (c)
    6,383       6,383       6,383              
U.S. Agency obligations (c)
    3,521       3,521       3,521              
                                         
Total restricted funds other:
    30,167       30,158       30,158              
Investments:
                                       
Mutual and bond funds (b)
    2,030       2,030       2,030              
Investments available for sale:
                                       
U.S. Treasury/Agency obligations (d)
    12,487       12,487       12,487              
Residential mortgage-backed Securities (d)
    2,964       2,964       2,964              
Corporate investments (d)
    12,903       12,903       12,903              
Other government obligations (d)
    1,242       1,242       1,242              
Equity securities (c)
    985       985       985              
                                         
Total investments:
    32,611       32,611       32,611              
Derivative Asset — Note Hedge
    79,602       79,602             79,602        
                                         
Total assets:
  $ 715,986     $ 716,527     $  636,925     $ 79,602     $  
                                         
Liabilities:
                                       
Derivative Liability — Cash Conversion Option
  $ 84,081     $ 84,081     $     $ 84,081     $  
Derivative Liabilities — Contingent interest
features of the Debentures and Notes
    0       0             0        
                                         
Total liabilities:
  $ 84,081     $ 84,081     $     $  84,081     $  
                                         
Financial Instruments Recorded at Carrying
Amount:
                                       
                                         
Assets:
                                       
Accounts receivables (e)
  $ 292,796     $ 292,796                          
Liabilities:
                                       
Long-term debt (excluding Cash Conversion
Option)
  $ 1,326,396     $ 1,291,352                          
Project debt
  $ 898,796     $ 920,813                          
 
 
(a) The U.S. Treasury/Agency obligations in restricted funds held in trust are primarily comprised of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation securities at fair value.
(b) Included in other noncurrent assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
(c) Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
(d) Included in investments in fixed maturities at market in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
(e) Includes $27.9 million of noncurrent receivables in other noncurrent assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
 
The following table presents information about the fair value measurement of our assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2009:
 
                                         
                Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using  
                Quoted Prices in
          Significant
 
    As of December 31, 2009     Active Markets for
    Significant Other
    Unobservable
 
Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value
  Carrying
    Estimated
    Identical Assets
    Observable Inputs
    Inputs
 
on a Recurring Basis:   Amount     Fair Value     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
          (In thousands)                        
 
Assets:
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents:
                                       
Bank deposits and certificates of deposit
  $      81,458     $      81,458     $      81,458     $           —     $           —  
Money market funds
    352,225       352,225       352,225              
                                         
Total cash and cash equivalents:
    433,683       433,683       433,683              
Restricted funds held in trust:
                                       
Bank deposits and certificates of deposit
    32,765       32,765       32,765              
Money market funds
    152,571       152,569       152,569              
U.S. Treasury/Agency obligations (a)
    35,382       35,388       35,388              
State and municipal obligations
    8,582       8,582       8,582              
Commercial paper/Guaranteed investment contracts/Repurchase agreements
    48,452       48,469       48,469              
                                         
Total restricted funds held in trust:
    277,752       277,773       277,773              
Restricted funds — other:
                                       
Bank deposits and certificates of deposit (b)
    20,243       20,243       20,243              
Money market funds (c)
    6,106       6,106       6,106              
                                         
Total restricted funds other:
    26,349       26,349       26,349              
Investments:
                                       
Marketable securities available for sale (c)
    300       300       300              
Mutual and bond funds (b)
    1,802       2,105       2,105              
Investments available for sale:
                                       
U.S. Treasury/Agency obligations (d)
    13,726       13,726       13,726              
Residential mortgage-backed securities (d)
    5,203       5,203       5,203              
Corporate investments (d)
    9,213       9,213       9,213              
Equity securities (c)
    871       871       871              
                                         
Total investments:
    31,115       31,418       31,418              
Derivative Asset — Note Hedge
    123,543       123,543             123,543        
                                         
Total assets:
  $ 892,442     $ 892,766     $   769,223     $ 123,543     $  
                                         
Liabilities:
                                       
Derivative Liability — Cash Conversion Option
  $ 128,603     $ 128,603     $     $ 128,603     $  
Derivative Liabilities — Contingent interest features of the Debentures and Notes
    0       0             0        
                                         
Total liabilities:
  $ 128,603     $ 128,603     $     $  128,603     $  
                                         
Financial Instruments Recorded at Carrying
Amount:
                                       
                                         
Assets:
                                       
Accounts receivables (e)
  $ 336,876     $ 336,876                          
Liabilities:
                                       
Long-term debt (excluding Cash Conversion
Option)
  $ 1,309,103     $ 1,314,264                          
Project debt
  $ 959,364     $ 983,474                          
 
 
(a) The U.S. Treasury/Agency obligations in restricted funds held in trust are primarily comprised of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation securities at fair value.
(b) Included in other noncurrent assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
(c) Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
(d) Included in investments in fixed maturities at market in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
(e) Includes $32.7 million of noncurrent receivables in other noncurrent assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
 
Investments
 
Our insurance subsidiaries’ fixed maturity debt and equity securities portfolio are classified as “available-for-sale” and are carried at fair value. Equity securities that are traded on a national securities exchange are stated at the last reported sales price on the day of valuation. Debt securities values are determined by third party matrix pricing based on the last days trading activity. Changes in fair values are credited or charged directly to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”) in the condensed consolidated statements of equity as unrealized gains or losses, respectively. Investment gains or losses realized on the sale of securities are determined using the specific identification method. Realized gains and losses are recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of income based on the amortized cost of fixed maturities and the cost basis for equity securities on the date of trade, subject to any previous adjustments for other-than-temporary declines. Other-than-temporary declines in fair value are recorded as realized losses in the condensed consolidated statements of income to the extent they relate to credit losses, and to AOCI to the extent they are related to other factors. The cost basis of the security is also reduced. We consider the following factors in determining whether declines in the fair value of securities are other-than-temporary:
 
  •     the significance of the decline in fair value compared to the cost basis;
  •     the time period during which there has been a significant decline in fair value;
  •     whether the unrealized loss is credit-driven or a result of changes in market interest rates;
  •     a fundamental analysis of the business prospects and financial condition of the issuer; and
  •     our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.
 
Other investments, such as investments in companies in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence, are carried at the lower of cost or estimated realizable value.
 
The cost or amortized cost, unrealized gains, unrealized losses and the fair value of our investments categorized by type of security, were as follows (in thousands):
 
                                                                 
    As of June 30, 2010     As of December 31, 2009  
    Cost or
                      Cost or
                   
    Amortized
    Unrealized
    Unrealized
    Fair
    Amortized
    Unrealized
    Unrealized
    Fair
 
    Cost     Gain     Loss     Value     Cost     Gain     Loss     Value  
 
Current investments:
                                                               
Fixed maturities
  $     $     $     $     $ 300     $     $     $ 300  
Equity securities — insurance business
    894       146       55       985       732       150       11       871  
                                                                 
Total current investments
  $ 894     $ 146     $ 55     $ 985     $ 1,032     $ 150     $ 11     $ 1,171  
                                                                 
Noncurrent investments:
                                                               
Fixed maturities — insurance business:
                                                               
U.S. government obligations
  $ 90     $     $     $ 90     $ 315     $ 6     $     $ 321  
U.S. government agencies
    12,203       195       1       12,397       13,157       257       9       13,405  
Residential mortgage-backed
    2,861       103             2,964       5,150       74       21       5,203  
Corporate
    12,425       482       4       12,903       8,878       337       2       9,213  
Other government obligations
    1,345             103       1,242                          
                                                                 
Total fixed maturities — insurance business
    28,924       780       108       29,596       27,500       674       32       28,142  
Mutual and bond funds
    2,030             53       1,977       1,802       303             2,105  
                                                                 
Total noncurrent investments
  $  30,954     $   780     $   161     $  31,573     $  29,302     $   977     $   32     $   30,247  
                                                                 
 
The following table sets forth a summary of temporarily impaired investments held by our insurance subsidiary (in thousands):
 
                                 
    As of June 30, 2010     As of December 31, 2009  
    Fair
    Unrealized
    Fair
    Unrealized
 
Description of Investments   Value     Losses     Value     Losses  
 
U.S. Treasury and other direct U.S. Government obligations
  $ 348     $ 1     $ 341     $ 9  
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities
                1,503       21  
Other government obligations
    1,242       103              
Corporate bonds
    604       4       100       2  
                                 
Total fixed maturities
    2,194       108       1,944       32  
Equity securities
    234       55       94       11  
                                 
Total temporarily impaired investments
  $  2,428     $  163     $  2,038     $  43  
                                 


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
The number of U.S. Treasury and federal agency obligations, mortgage-backed securities, other government obligations, and corporate bonds temporarily impaired are 1, 0, 2, and 2, respectively. As of June 30, 2010, all of the temporarily impaired fixed maturity investments had maturities greater than 12 months.
 
Our fixed maturities held by our insurance subsidiary include mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations, collectively (“MBS”) representing 10.0%, and 18.5% of the total fixed maturities as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Our MBS holdings are issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), or the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) all of which are rated “AAA” by Moody’s Investors Services. MBS and callable bonds, in contrast to other bonds, are more sensitive to market value declines in a rising interest rate environment than to market value increases in a declining interest rate environment.
 
The expected maturities of fixed maturity securities, by amortized cost and fair value are shown below (in thousands):
 
                 
    As of June 30, 2010  
    Amortized Cost     Fair Value  
 
Available-for-sale:
               
One year or less
  $  12,354     $  12,511  
Over one year to five years
    14,388       14,872  
Over five years to ten years
    1,181       1,206  
More than ten years
    1,001       1,007  
                 
Total fixed maturities
  $ 28,924     $ 29,596  
                 
 
The following reflects the change in net unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities included as a separate component of AOCI in the condensed consolidated statements of equity (in thousands):
 
                                 
    For the Three Months
    For the Six Months
 
    Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
 
Fixed maturities, net
  $  29     $  500     $ 51     $ 412  
Equity securities, net
    (74 )     160       (48 )     (20 )
Mutual and bond funds
    (53 )     113       75       97  
                                 
Change in net unrealized (loss) gain on investments
  $  (98 )   $   773     $   78     $   489  
                                 
 
The components of net unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities consist of the following (in thousands):
 
                                 
    For the Three
    For the Six
 
    Months
    Months
 
    Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
 
Net unrealized holding (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities arising during the period
  $  (106 )   $   744     $   70     $   460  
Reclassification adjustment for net realized losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income
    8       29       8       29  
                                 
Net unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities
  $ (98 )   $ 773     $ 78     $ 489  
                                 
 
NOTE 12.  DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
 
The following disclosures summarize the fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the effect of changes in fair value related to those derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on the condensed consolidated statements of income.
 
                     
Derivative Instruments Not Designated
      Fair Value as of
As Hedging Instruments   Balance Sheet Location   June 30, 2010   December 31, 2009
        (In thousands)
 
Asset Derivatives:
                   
Note Hedge
  Other noncurrent assets   $  79,602     $  123,543  
Liability Derivatives:
                   
Cash Conversion Option
  Long-term debt   $ 84,081     $ 128,603  
Contingent interest features of the Debentures and Notes
  Other noncurrent liabilities   $ 0     $ 0  


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
                                     
        Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative  
Effect on Income of Derivative
  Location of Gain or (Loss)
  For the Three
    For the Three
    For the Six
    For the Six
 
Instruments Not Designated
  Recognized in Income on
  Months Ended
    Months Ended
    Months Ended
    Months Ended
 
As Hedging Instruments   Derivatives   June 30, 2010     June 30, 2009     June 30, 2010     June 30, 2009  
              (In thousands)        
 
Note Hedge
 
Non-cash convertible debt related expense
  $      (7,045 )   $      7,137     $      (43,941 )   $      7,137  
Cash Conversion Option
 
Non-cash convertible debt related expense
    5,704       (6,520 )     44,522       (6,520 )
Contingent interest features of the Debentures and Notes
 
Non-cash convertible debt related expense
                       
                                     
Effect on income of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments
  $      (1,341 )   $      617     $      581     $ 617  
                                 
 
Cash Conversion Option, Note Hedge and Contingent Interest features related to the 3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes
 
The Cash Conversion Option is a derivative instrument which is recorded at fair value quarterly with any change in fair value being recognized in our condensed consolidated income statement as non-cash convertible debt related expense. The Note Hedge is accounted for as a derivative instrument and as such, is recorded at fair value quarterly with any change in fair value being recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of income as non-cash convertible debt related expense.
 
We expect the gain or loss associated with changes to the valuation of the Note Hedge to substantially offset the gain or loss associated with changes to the valuation of the Cash Conversion Option. However, they will not be completely offsetting as a result of changes in the credit valuation adjustment related to the Note Hedge. Our most significant credit exposure arises from the Note Hedge. The fair value of the Note Hedge reflects the maximum loss that would be incurred should the Option Counterparties fail to perform according to the terms of the Note Hedge agreement. For specific details related to the Cash Conversion Option, Note Hedge and contingent interest features of the Notes, refer to Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K.
 
Contingent Interest feature of the 1.00% Senior Convertible Debentures
 
The contingent interest feature in the Debentures is an embedded derivative instrument. The first contingent cash interest payment period would not commence until February 1, 2012. For specific criteria related to the contingent interest features of the Debentures, refer to Note 11 and Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K.
 
NOTE 13.  RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
We hold a 26% investment in Quezon Power, Inc. (“Quezon”). We are party to an agreement with Quezon in which we assumed responsibility for the operation and maintenance of Quezon’s coal-fired electricity generation facility. Accordingly, 26% of the net income of Quezon is reflected in our condensed consolidated statements of income and as such, 26% of the revenue earned under the terms of the operation and maintenance agreement is eliminated against Equity in Net Income from Unconsolidated Investments. For the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, we collected $7.1 million and $13.1 million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, we collected $14.7 million and $18.3 million, respectively, for the operation and maintenance of the facility. As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the net amount due to Quezon was $4.0 million and $5.0 million, respectively, which represents advance payments received from Quezon for operation and maintenance costs.
 
NOTE 14.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
We and/or our subsidiaries are party to a number of claims, lawsuits and pending actions, most of which are routine and all of which are incidental to our business. We assess the likelihood of potential losses on an ongoing basis and when losses are considered probable and reasonably estimable, record as a loss an estimate of the ultimate outcome. If we can only estimate the range of a possible loss, an amount representing the low end of the range of possible outcomes is recorded. The final consequences of these proceedings are not presently determinable with certainty.
 
Environmental Matters
 
Our operations are subject to environmental regulatory laws and environmental remediation laws. Although our operations are occasionally subject to proceedings and orders pertaining to emissions into the environment and other environmental violations, which may result in fines, penalties, damages or other sanctions, we believe that we are in substantial compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations.


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
We may be identified, along with other entities, as being among parties potentially responsible for contribution to costs associated with the correction and remediation of environmental conditions at disposal sites subject to federal and/or analogous state laws. In certain instances, we may be exposed to joint and several liabilities for remedial action or damages. Our ultimate liability in connection with such environmental claims will depend on many factors, including our volumetric share of waste, the total cost of remediation, and the financial viability of other companies that also sent waste to a given site and, in the case of divested operations, its contractual arrangement with the purchaser of such operations.
 
The potential costs related to the matters described below and the possible impact on future operations are uncertain due in part to the complexity of governmental laws and regulations and their interpretations, the varying costs and effectiveness of cleanup technologies, the uncertain level of insurance or other types of recovery and the questionable level of our responsibility. Although the ultimate outcome and expense of any litigation, including environmental remediation, is uncertain, we believe that the following proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
In August 2004, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) notified Covanta Essex Company (“Essex”) that it was a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) for Superfund response actions in the Lower Passaic River Study Area, referred to as “LPRSA,” a 17 mile stretch of river in northern New Jersey. Essex is one of at least 73 PRPs named thus far that have joined the LPRSA PRP group. On May 8, 2007, EPA and the PRP group entered into an Administrative Order on Consent by which the PRP group is undertaking a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (“Study”) of the LPRSA under EPA oversight. The cost to complete the Study is estimated at $52.5 million, in addition to EPA oversight costs. Essex’s share of the Study costs to date are not material to its financial position and results of operations; however, the Study costs are exclusive of any costs that may be required of PRPs to remediate the LPRSA or costs associated with natural resource damages to the LPRSA that may be assessed against PRPs. On February 4, 2009, Essex and over 300 other PRPs were named as third-party defendants in a suit brought by the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) in Superior Court of New Jersey, Essex County against Occidental Chemical Corporation and certain related entities (“Occidental”) with respect to alleged contamination of the LPRSA by Occidental. The Occidental third-party complaint seeks contribution from the third-party defendants with respect to any award to NJDEP of damages against Occidental in the matter. Considering the history of industrial and other discharges into the LPRSA from other sources, including named PRPs, Essex believes any releases to the LPRSA from its facility to be de minimis in comparison; however, it is not possible at this time to predict that outcome with certainty or to estimate Essex’s ultimate liability in the matter, including for LPRSA remedial costs and/or natural resource damages and/or contribution claims made by Occidental and/or other PRPs.
 
Other Matters
 
Other commitments as of June 30, 2010 were as follows (in thousands):
 
                         
    Commitments Expiring by Period  
          Less Than
    More Than
 
    Total     One Year     One Year  
 
Letters of credit
  $  297,741     $  29,112     $  268,629  
Surety bonds
    110,203             110,203  
                         
Total other commitments — net
  $ 407,944     $ 29,112     $ 378,832  
                         
 
The letters of credit were issued under various credit facilities (primarily the Funded L/C Facility) to secure our performance under various contractual undertakings related to our domestic and international projects or to secure obligations under our insurance program. Each letter of credit relating to a project is required to be maintained in effect for the period specified in related project contracts, and generally may be drawn if it is not renewed prior to expiration of that period.
 
We believe that we will be able to fully perform under our contracts to which these existing letters of credit relate, and that it is unlikely that letters of credit would be drawn because of a default of our performance obligations. If any of these letters of credit were to be drawn by the beneficiary, the amount drawn would be immediately repayable by us to the issuing bank. If we do not immediately repay such amounts drawn under these letters of credit, unreimbursed amounts would be treated under the Credit Facilities as additional term loans in the case of letters of credit issued under the Funded L/C Facility, or as revolving loans in the case of letters of credit issued under the Revolving Loan Facility.
 
The surety bonds listed on the table above relate primarily to performance obligations ($99.4 million) and support for closure obligations of various energy projects when such projects cease operating ($10.8 million). Were these bonds to be drawn upon, we would have a contractual obligation to indemnify the surety company.
 
We have certain contingent obligations related to the Notes. These are:
 
  •     holders may require us to repurchase their Notes, if a fundamental change occurs; and
  •     holders may exercise their conversion rights upon the occurrence of certain events, which would require us to pay the conversion settlement amount in cash.


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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Concluded)
 
For specific criteria related to contingent interest, conversion or redemption features of the Notes, see Note 6. Changes in Capitalization.
 
We have certain contingent obligations related to the Debentures. These are:
 
  •     holders may require us to repurchase their Debentures on February 1, 2012, February 1, 2017 and February 1, 2022;
  •     holders may require us to repurchase their Debentures, if a fundamental change occurs; and
  •     holders may exercise their conversion rights upon the occurrence of certain events, which would require us to pay the conversion settlement amount in cash and/or our common stock.
 
For specific criteria related to contingent interest, conversion or redemption features of the Debentures, refer to Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K.
 
We have issued or are party to guarantees and related contractual support obligations undertaken pursuant to agreements to construct and operate waste and energy facilities. For some projects, such performance guarantees include obligations to repay certain financial obligations if the project revenues are insufficient to do so, or to obtain or guarantee financing for a project. With respect to our businesses, we have issued guarantees to municipal clients and other parties that our subsidiaries will perform in accordance with contractual terms, including, where required, the payment of damages or other obligations. Additionally, damages payable under such guarantees for our energy-from-waste facilities could expose us to recourse liability on project debt. If we must perform under one or more of such guarantees, our liability for damages upon contract termination would be reduced by funds held in trust and proceeds from sales of the facilities securing the project debt and is presently not estimable. Depending upon the circumstances giving rise to such damages, the contractual terms of the applicable contracts, and the contract counterparty’s choice of remedy at the time a claim against a guarantee is made, the amounts owed pursuant to one or more of such guarantees could be greater than our then-available sources of funds. To date, we have not incurred material liabilities under such guarantees.
 
NOTE 15.  SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
On June 17, 2010, the Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $1.50 per share (approximately $233 million) which was paid on July 20, 2010. We utilized a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under the Revolving Loan Facility to fund the special cash dividend.


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Item 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The terms “we,” “our,” “ours,” “us,” “Covanta” and “Company” refer to Covanta Holding Corporation and its subsidiaries; the term “Covanta Energy” refers to our subsidiary Covanta Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries. The following discussion addresses our financial condition as of June 30, 2010 and our results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared with the same periods last year. It should be read in conjunction with our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2009 and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (“Form 10-K”), an in the interim unaudited financial statements and notes included in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2010, to which the reader is directed for additional information.
 
The preparation of interim financial statements necessarily relies heavily on estimates. Due to the use of estimates and certain other factors, such as the seasonal nature of our waste and energy services business, as well as competitive and other market conditions, we do not believe that interim results of operations are indicative of full year results of operations. The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and classification of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
 
OVERVIEW
 
We are a leading developer, owner and operator of infrastructure for the conversion of waste to energy (known as “energy-from-waste” or “EfW”), as well as other waste disposal and renewable energy production businesses in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Our reportable segments are Americas and International. We are organized as a holding company and conduct all of our operations through subsidiaries which are engaged predominantly in the businesses of waste and energy services. We also engage in the independent power production business outside the Americas.
 
As of June 30, 2010, we owned, had equity investments in, and/or operate 65 energy generation facilities, 57 of which were in the Americas and eight of which were located outside the Americas. Our energy generation facilities use a variety of fuels, including municipal solid waste, wood waste (biomass), landfill gas, water (hydroelectric), natural gas, coal, and heavy fuel-oil. We also own or operate several businesses that are associated with our energy-from-waste business, including a waste procurement business, two ash fills and two landfills, which we use primarily for ash disposal, and 13 waste transfer stations.
 
We have extensive experience in developing, constructing, operating, acquiring and integrating waste and energy services businesses. We are focusing our efforts on operating our existing business and pursuing strategic growth opportunities through development and acquisition with the goal of maximizing long-term shareholder return. We anticipate that a part of our future growth will come from investing in or acquiring additional energy-from-waste, waste disposal and renewable energy production businesses, primarily in the Americas and Europe. We are also exploring the sale of our fossil fuel independent power production facilities in the Philippines, India and Bangladesh. Our business is capital intensive because it is based upon building and operating municipal solid waste processing and energy generating projects. In order to provide meaningful growth, we must be able to invest our funds, obtain equity and/or debt financing, and provide support to our operating subsidiaries. The timing and scale of our investment activity in growth opportunities is often unpredictable and uneven. If we accumulate cash substantially in excess of our needs to support ongoing operations and near-term investment opportunities, we will consider appropriate capital allocation alternatives, including returning capital to shareholders.
 
The Energy-From-Waste Solution
 
We believe that our business offers solutions to public sector leaders around the world in two related elements of critical infrastructure: waste disposal and renewable energy generation. We believe that the environmental benefits of energy-from-waste, as an alternative to landfilling, are clear and compelling: by processing municipal solid waste in energy-from-waste facilities we reduce greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions, lower the risk of groundwater contamination, and conserve land. At the same time, energy-from-waste generates clean, reliable energy from a renewable fuel source, thus reducing dependence on fossil fuels, the combustion of which is itself a major contributor to GHG emissions. As public planners in the Americas, Europe and Asia address their needs for more environmentally sustainable waste disposal and energy generation in the years ahead, we believe that energy-from-waste will be an increasingly attractive alternative. We will also consider, for application in the Americas and International segments, acquiring or developing new technologies that complement our existing renewable energy and waste services businesses.
 
Our business offers sustainable solutions to energy and environmental problems, and our corporate culture is focused on themes of sustainability in all of its forms. We aspire to continuous improvement in environmental performance, beyond mere compliance with legally required standards. This ethos is embodied in our “Clean World Initiative,” an umbrella program under which we are:
 
  •     investing in research and development of new technologies to enhance existing operations and create new business opportunities in renewable energy and waste management;


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  •     exploring and implementing processes and technologies at our facilities to improve energy efficiency and lessen environmental impacts; and
  •     partnering with governments and non-governmental organizations to pursue sustainable programs, reduce the use of environmentally harmful materials in commerce and communicate the benefits of energy-from-waste.
 
Our Clean World Initiative is designed to be consistent with our mission to be the world’s leading energy-from-waste company by providing environmentally superior solutions, advancing our technical expertise and creating new business opportunities. It represents an investment in our future that we believe will enhance stockholder value.
 
In order to create new business opportunities and benefits and enhance stockholder value, we are actively engaged in the current discussion among policy makers in the United States regarding the benefits of energy-from-waste and the reduction of our dependence on landfilling for waste disposal and fossil fuels for energy. Given the ongoing global economic slowdown and related unemployment, policy makers are also expected to focus on economic stimulus, job creation, and energy security. We believe that the construction and permanent jobs created by additional energy-from-waste development represent the type of “green jobs” that are consistent with this focus. The extent to which we are successful in growing our business will depend in part on our ability to effectively communicate the benefits of energy-from-waste to public planners seeking waste disposal solutions and to policy makers seeking to encourage renewable energy technologies (and the associated jobs) as viable alternatives to reliance on fossil fuels as a source of energy.
 
The United States Congress is currently debating proposals designed to encourage two broad policy objectives: increased renewable energy generation, and reduction of fossil fuel usage and related GHG emissions. The United States House of Representatives passed a bill known as the America Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (“ACES”) which addresses both policy objectives, by means of a phased-in national renewable energy standard and a “cap-and-trade” system to reduce GHG emissions. Energy-from-waste and biomass have generally been included in the ACES bill to be among the technologies that help to achieve both policy objectives. Similar legislation has been introduced in the United States Senate. While legislation is far from final and a vigorous debate is expected when the House of Representatives and Senate bills are reconciled, the direction of Congressional efforts to date lead us to believe legislation might be passed that could create additional growth opportunities for our business and increase energy revenue from existing facilities.
 
Factors Affecting Business Conditions and Financial Results
 
Market Pricing for Waste, Energy and Metal — Global and regional economy activity, as well as technological advances, regulations and a variety of other factors, will affect market supply and demand and therefore prices for waste disposal services, energy (including electricity and steam) and other commodities such as scrap metal. As market prices for waste disposal, electricity, steam and recycled metal rise it benefits our existing business as well as our prospects for growth through expansions or new development. Conversely, market price declines for these services and commodities will adversely affect both our existing business and growth prospects.
 
Seasonal — Our quarterly operating income for the Americas and International segments, within the same fiscal year, typically differ substantially due to seasonal factors, primarily as a result of the timing of scheduled plant maintenance. We typically conduct scheduled maintenance periodically each year, which requires that individual boiler units temporarily cease operations. During these scheduled maintenance periods, we incur material repair and maintenance expenses and receive less revenue until the boiler units resume operations. This scheduled maintenance typically occurs during periods of off-peak electric demand in the spring and fall. The spring scheduled maintenance period is typically more extensive than scheduled maintenance conducted during the fall. As a result, we typically incur the highest maintenance expense in the first half of the year. Given these factors, we typically experience lower operating income from our projects during the first six months of each year and higher operating income during the second six months of each year.
 
In addition, at certain of our project subsidiaries, distributions of excess earnings (above and beyond monthly operation and maintenance service payments) are subject to periodic tests of project debt service coverage or requirements to maintain minimum working capital balances. While these distributions occur throughout the year based upon the specific terms of the relevant project debt arrangements, they are typically highest in the fourth quarter. Our net cash provided by operating activities exhibits seasonal fluctuations as a result of the timing of these distributions, including a benefit in the fourth quarter compared to the first nine months of the year.
 
Other Factors Affecting Performance — We have historically performed our operating obligations without experiencing material unexpected service interruptions or incurring material increases in costs. In addition, with respect to many of our contracts, we generally have limited our exposure for risks not within our control. For additional information about such risks and damages that we may owe for unexcused operating performance failures, see Item 1A. Risk Factors. In monitoring and assessing the ongoing operating and financial performance of our businesses, we focus on certain key factors: tons of waste processed, electricity and steam sold, and boiler availability.
 
Business Segments
 
Our reportable segments are Americas and International. The Americas segment is comprised of waste and energy services operations primarily in the United States and Canada. The International segment is comprised of waste and energy


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services operations in other countries, currently those of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, China, the Philippines, India and Bangladesh.
 
       
  Segment     Business Description
Americas
   
  Our business in the Americas is comprised primarily of energy-from-waste projects. For all of these projects, we earn revenue from two primary sources: fees charged for operating projects or processing waste received and payments for electricity and steam sales. We also operate, and in some cases have ownership interests in, transfer stations and landfills which generate revenue from waste and ash disposal fees or operating fees. In addition, we own and in some cases operate, other renewable energy projects primarily in the United States which generate electricity from wood waste (biomass), landfill gas, and hydroelectric resources. The electricity from these other renewable energy projects is sold to utilities. We may receive additional revenue from construction activity during periods when we are constructing new facilities or expanding existing facilities.
 
International
   
  We have ownership interests in and/or operate facilities internationally, including independent power production facilities in the Philippines, Bangladesh, China and India where we generate electricity by combusting coal, natural gas and heavy fuel-oil, and energy-from-waste facilities in China and Italy. We are constructing energy-from-waste facilities in Ireland and China. We earn revenue from operating fees, waste processing fees, electricity and steam sales, construction activities, and in some cases, we receive cash from equity distributions.
 
 
Contract Structures
 
Most of our energy-from-waste projects were developed and structured contractually as part of competitive procurement processes conducted by municipal entities. As a result, many of these projects have common features. However, each service agreement is different reflecting the specific needs and concerns of a client community, applicable regulatory requirements and other factors. Often, we design the facility, help to arrange for financing and then we either construct and equip the facility on a fixed price and schedule basis, or we undertake an alternative role, such as construction management, if that better meets the goals of our municipal client. Following construction and during operations, we earn revenue from two primary sources: fees we receive for operating projects or for processing waste received, and payments we earn for electricity and/or steam we sell. Typical features of these agreements are as follows:
 
                   
      Current
           
      number of
    Fees for operating projects or for
    Payments for electricity
  Contract types     projects     processing waste received     and/or steam we sell
Service Fee
    29     We charge a fixed fee (which adjusts over time pursuant to contractual indices that we believe are appropriate to reflect price inflation) for operation and maintenance services provided to these energy-from-waste projects. At projects that we own and where project debt is in place, a portion of our fee is dedicated to project debt service. Our contracts at Service Fee projects provide revenue that does not materially vary based on the amount of waste processed or energy generated and as such is relatively stable for the contract term. (29 Americas segment Service Fee projects).     At most of our Service Fee projects, the operating subsidiary retains only a fraction of the energy revenues generated, with the balance (generally 90%) used to provide a credit to the municipal client against its disposal costs. Therefore, in these projects, the municipal client derives most of the benefit and risk of energy production and changing energy prices.
 
Tip Fee
    16     We receive a per-ton fee under contracts for processing waste at Tip Fee projects. We generally enter into long-term waste disposal contracts for a substantial portion of the project’s disposal capacity. The waste disposal and energy revenue from these projects is more dependent upon operating performance and, as such, is subject to greater revenue fluctuation to the extent performance levels fluctuate. (13 Americas segment Tip Fee projects and 3 International segment Tip Fee projects).     Where Tip Fee structures exist, we generally retain 100% of the energy revenues as well as risk associated with energy production and changing energy pricing. The majority of Tip Fee structures are under long-term fixed-price energy contracts.
 


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Under both structures, our returns are expected to be stable if we do not incur material unexpected operation and maintenance costs or other expenses. In addition, most of our energy-from-waste project contracts are structured so that contract counterparties generally bear, or share in, the costs associated with events or circumstances not within our control, such as uninsured force majeure events and changes in legal requirements. The stability of our revenues and returns could be affected by our ability to continue to enforce these obligations. Also, at some of our energy-from-waste facilities, commodity price risk is mitigated by passing through commodity costs to contract counterparties. With respect to our other renewable energy projects and international independent power projects, such structural features generally do not exist because either we operate and maintain such facilities for our own account or we do so on a cost-plus basis rather than a fixed-fee basis.
 
We receive the majority of our revenue under short- and long-term contracts with little or no exposure to price volatility but with adjustments intended to reflect changes in our costs. Where our revenue is received under other arrangements and depending upon the revenue source, we have varying amounts of exposure to price volatility. The largest component of our revenue is waste revenue, which has generally been subject to less price volatility than our revenue derived from sales of energy and metals. During the second and third quarters of 2008, pricing for energy reached historically high levels and has subsequently declined materially.
 
At some of our renewable energy and international independent power projects, our operating subsidiaries purchase fuel in the open markets which exposes us to fuel price risk. At other projects, fuel costs are contractually included in our electricity revenues, or fuel is provided by our customers. In some of our international projects, the project entity (which in some cases is not our subsidiary) has entered into long-term fuel purchase contracts that protect the project from fuel shortages, provided counterparties to such contracts perform their commitments.
 
We generally sell the energy output from our projects to local utilities pursuant to long-term contracts. At several of our energy-from-waste projects, we sell energy output under short-term contracts or on a spot-basis to our customers.
 
Contracted and Merchant Capacity
 
We generally have long-term contracts to operate, or obtain waste supplies for, our energy-from-waste projects. For those projects we own, our contract to sell the project’s energy output (either electricity or steam) generally expires on or after the date when the initial term of our contract to operate or receive waste also expires. Expiration of both our operating agreements and our agreements to sell energy output will subject us to greater market risk in maintaining and enhancing revenues. As contracts expire at projects we own, we intend to enter into replacement or additional contracts for waste supplies and will sell our energy output either into the regional electricity grid or pursuant to new contracts. Because project debt on these facilities will be paid off at such time, we believe that we will be able to offer disposal services at rates that will attract sufficient quantities of waste and provide acceptable revenues. For those projects we operate but do not own, prior to the expiration of the initial term of our operating contract, we will seek to enter into renewal or replacement contracts to continue operating such projects.
 
Growth and Development
 
We are pursuing additional growth opportunities particularly in locations where the market demand, regulatory environment or other factors encourage technologies such as energy-from-waste to reduce dependence on landfilling for waste disposal and fossil fuels for energy production in order to reduce GHG emissions. We are focusing on the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada and the United States. Our growth opportunities include: new energy-from-waste and other renewable energy projects, existing project expansions, contract extensions, acquisitions, and businesses ancillary to our existing business, such as additional waste transfer, transportation, processing and disposal businesses. We also intend to maintain a focus on research and development of technologies that we believe will enhance our competitive position, and offer new technical solutions to waste and energy problems that augment and complement our business.
 
The following is a discussion of acquisitions and business development for 2010 and 2009. See Item 1. Financial Statements — Note 3. Acquisitions, Business Development and Dispositions for additional information.


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ACQUISITIONS, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND CONTRACT TRANSITIONS
 
                               
  Facility/Operating
                             
Contract     Location     Year     Transaction     Type     Summary
Wallingford
    CT     2010     Contract     EfW     We entered into new tip fee contracts which commenced upon expiration of the existing service fee contract in June 2010. These contracts in total are expected to supply waste utilizing most or all of the facility’s capacity through 2020.
 
Huntington
    NY     2010     Acquisition     EfW     We acquired a nominal limited partnership interest held by a third party in Covanta Huntington Limited Partnership, our subsidiary which owns and operates an energy-from-waste facility in Huntington, New York.
 
Dade
Long Beach
Hudson Valley
MacArthur
Plymouth
York
Burnaby
Abington
    FL
CA
NY
NY
PA
PA
Canada
PA
    2010
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
    Acquisition     EfW
EfW
EfW
EfW
EfW
EfW
EfW
Trans.St.
    We acquired seven energy-from-waste businesses and one transfer station business from Veolia Environmental Services North America Corp. (the “Veolia EfW Acquisition”). The acquired businesses have a combined capacity of 9,600 tons per day (“tpd”). Each of the operations acquired includes a long-term operating contract with the respective municipal client. Six of the energy-from-waste facilities and the transfer station are publicly-owned facilities. We acquired a majority ownership stake in one of the energy-from-waste facilities and subsequently purchased the remaining ownership stake in this facility.
 
Stanislaus County
    CA     2009     Contract     EfW     The service fee contract with Stanislaus County was extended from 2010 to 2016.
 
Philadelphia Transfer
Stations
    PA     2009     Acquisition     Transfer
Stations
    We acquired two waste transfer stations with combined capacity of 4,500 tpd in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
 
 
 
DISPOSITIONS
 
                               
  Facility/Operating
                             
Contract     Location     Year     Transaction     Type     Summary
Detroit
    MI     2009/2010     Contract     EfW     On June 30, 2009, our long-term operating contract with the Greater Detroit Resource Recovery Authority (“GDRRA”) to operate the 2,832 tpd energy-from-waste facility located in Detroit, Michigan (the “Detroit Facility”) expired. Effective June 30, 2009, we purchased an undivided 30% owner-participant interest in the Detroit Facility and entered into certain agreements for continued operation of the Detroit Facility for a term expiring June 30, 2010. During this one-year period, we were unable to secure an acceptable steam off-take arrangement. Effective June 30, 2010, we agreed to sell our entire interest in the Detroit Facility on or before September 30, 2010, subject to the buyer’s due diligence and any required regulatory approvals, and to continue operating the Detroit Facility under commercial arrangements until the earlier of the closing of the sale transaction or September 30, 2010.
 


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ENERGY-FROM-WASTE
PROJECTS UNDER ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT OR CONSTRUCTION
 
             
Project/Facility     Location     Summary
Technology Development
          We entered into various agreements with multiple partners to invest in the development, testing or licensing of new technologies related to the transformation of waste materials into renewable fuels or the generation of energy. Licensing fees and demonstration unit purchases aggregated $3.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2010 and, $4.7 million and $6.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
AMERICAS
           
 
Honolulu
    HI     We operate and maintain the energy-from-waste facility located in and owned by the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii. In December 2009, we entered into agreements with the City and County of Honolulu to expand the facility’s waste processing capacity from 2,160 tpd to 3,060 tpd and to increase the gross electricity capacity from 57 megawatts (“MW”) to 90 MW. The agreements also extend the service contract term by 20 years. The $302 million expansion project is a fixed-price construction project which will be funded and owned by the City and County of Honolulu. Environmental and other project related permits have been received and expansion construction has commenced.
 
Harrisburg
    PA     We have an agreement to provide construction management services and advance up to $25.5 million (of which $21.7 million has been advanced and $19.8 million is outstanding as of June 30, 2010) in funding for certain facility improvements required to enhance facility performance, which improvements were substantially completed during 2010. The repayment of this funding is guaranteed by the City of Harrisburg, but is otherwise unsecured, and is junior to project bondholders’ rights. The first three repayment installments under this funding arrangement have been paid, but each of the repayment installments of $0.6 million which were due to us on April 1, 2010 and July 1, 2010 have not been paid, and the City of Harrisburg has requested a forbearance period. We are discussing the proposed terms of the forbearance period with representatives of the City and certain other stakeholders. The City of Harrisburg is in a precarious financial condition with substantial obligations, and it has reported consideration of various future options (including seeking bankruptcy protection). We intend to work with the City of Harrisburg and other stakeholders to maintain our position in the project and to protect the recovery of our advance.
 
Hillsborough
    FL     During the third quarter of 2009, we completed the expansion and commenced the operations of the expanded energy-from-waste facility located in Hillsborough County, Florida. We expanded waste processing capacity from 1,200 tpd to 1,800 tpd and increased gross electricity capacity from 29.0 MW to 46.5 MW. As part of the agreement to implement this expansion, we received a long-term operating contract extension to 2027.
 
 


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Project/Facility     Location     Summary
INTERNATIONAL
           
 
Dublin
    Ireland     We are developing a 1,700 metric tpd energy-from-waste project serving the City of Dublin, Ireland and surrounding communities at an estimated cost of approximately €350 million. The Dublin project is being developed and will be owned by Dublin Waste to Energy Limited, which we control and co-own with DONG Energy Generation A/S. We are responsible for the design and construction of the project. We will operate and maintain the project for Dublin Waste to Energy Limited, which has a 25 year tip fee type contract with Dublin to provide disposal service for approximately 320,000 metric tons of waste annually, representing approximately 60% of the facility’s processing capacity. The project is structured on a build-own-operate-transfer model, where ownership will transfer to Dublin after the 25 year term, unless extended. The project is expected to sell electricity into the local grid. A portion of the electricity is expected to be eligible for a preferential renewable tariff. The primary approvals and licenses for the project have been obtained and the parties are working to satisfy remaining conditions required to resume construction activity on the project, pending receipt of which we have curtailed project spending.
 
Taixing
    China     Taixing Covanta Yanjiang Cogeneration Co., Ltd., of which we own 85%, entered into a 25 year concession agreement and waste supply agreements to build, own and operate a 350 metric tpd energy-from-waste facility for Taixing Municipality, in Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China. The project, which will be built on the site of our existing coal-fired facility in Taixing, will supply steam to an adjacent industrial park under short-term arrangements. We will continue to operate our existing coal-fired facility. The project company has obtained Rmb 165 million in project financing which, together with available cash from existing operations will fund construction costs. The Taixing project commenced construction in late 2009.
 
Chengdu
    China     We and Chongqing Iron & Steel Company (Group) Limited have entered into an award to build, own, and operate an 1,800 metric tpd energy-from-waste facility for Chengdu Municipality in Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China. We also executed a 25 year waste concession agreement for this project. In connection with this award, we acquired a 49% equity interest in the project company. Construction of the facility has commenced and the project company has obtained Rmb 480 million in project financing, of which 49% is guaranteed by us and 51% is guaranteed by Chongqing Iron & Steel Company (Group) Limited until the project has been constructed and for one year after operations commence.
 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The comparability of the information provided below with respect to our revenues, expenses and certain other items for the periods presented was affected by several factors. As outlined above under Overview — Growth and Development, our acquisition and business development initiatives resulted in various additional projects which increased comparative revenues and expenses. These factors must be taken into account in developing meaningful comparisons between the periods compared below.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 vs. Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2009
 
                                                 
    For the
    For the
    Variance
 
    Three Months Ended
    Six Months Ended
    Increase/(Decrease)  
    June 30,     June 30,     Three
    Six
 
    2010     2009     2010     2009     Month     Month  
                (Unaudited, in thousands)              
 
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS:
                                               
Total operating revenues
  $   435,211     $   375,786     $   852,006     $   734,546     $   59,425     $   117,460  
Total operating expenses
    378,732       314,454       793,556       670,022       64,278       123,534  
                                                 
Operating income
    56,479       61,332       58,450       64,524       (4,853 )     (6,074 )
                                                 
Other income (expense):
                                               
Investment income
    509       1,156       1,095       2,184       (647 )     (1,089 )
Interest expense
    (10,692 )     (8,532 )     (21,280 )     (16,448 )     2,160       4,832  
Non-cash convertible debt related expense
    (11,734 )     (6,395 )     (19,981 )     (11,097 )     5,339       8,884  
                                                 
Total other expenses
    (21,917 )     (13,771 )     (40,166 )     (25,361 )     8,146       14,805  
                                                 
Income before income tax expense and equity in net income from unconsolidated investments
    34,562       47,561       18,284       39,163       (12,999 )     (20,879 )
Income tax expense
    (14,809 )     (17,901 )     (6,934 )     (14,583 )     (3,092 )     (7,649 )
Equity in net income from unconsolidated investments
    7,521       5,671       11,191       11,480       1,850       (289 )
                                                 
NET INCOME
    27,274       35,331       22,541       36,060       (8,057 )     (13,519 )
                                                 
Less: Net income attributable to
noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
    (1,485 )     (2,164 )     (3,985 )     (3,544 )     (679 )     441  
                                                 
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO
COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION
  $ 25,789     $ 33,167     $ 18,556     $ 32,516       (7,378 )     (13,960 )
                                                 
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
                                               
Basic
    154,377       153,731       154,139       153,600       646       539  
                                                 
Diluted
    155,026       154,953       154,802       154,846       73       (44 )
                                                 
Earnings Per Share:
                                               
Basic
  $ 0.17     $ 0.22     $ 0.12     $ 0.21     $ (0.05 )   $ (0.09 )
                                                 
Diluted
  $ 0.17     $ 0.21     $ 0.12     $ 0.21     $ (0.04 )   $ (0.09 )
                                                 
Cash Dividend Declared Per Share:
  $ 1.50     $     $ 1.50     $     $ 1.50     $ 1.50  
                                                 
 
The following general discussions should be read in conjunction with the above table, the condensed consolidated financial statements and the Notes thereto and other financial information appearing and referred to elsewhere in this report. Additional detail relating to changes in operating revenues and operating expenses, and the quantification of specific factors affecting or causing such changes, is provided in the Americas and International segment discussions below.
 
Consolidated Results of Operations — Comparison of Results for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 vs. Results for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2009
 
Operating revenues increased by $59.4 million and $117.5 million for the three and six month comparative periods, respectively, primarily due to the following:
 
  •     increased waste and services revenues at our new businesses in our Americas segment, primarily due to the Veolia EfW Acquisition, and
  •     increased electricity and steam sales revenue due to higher fuel pass through costs at our Indian facilities, and
  •     increased recycled metal revenues in our Americas segment due primarily to higher market prices, and
  •     increased construction revenue due to the Honolulu expansion projects, offset by
  •     decreased waste and service revenues primarily due to the Detroit facility’s contract transition, and
  •     decreased electricity and steam pricing at our existing energy-from-waste facilities in our Americas segment, primarily due to the Hempstead and Union contract transitions.


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Operating expenses increased by $64.3 million and $123.5 million for the three and six month comparative periods, respectively, primarily due to the following:
 
  •     increased operating costs at our new businesses in our Americas segment, primarily due to the Veolia EfW Acquisition, and
  •     increased operating expenses at our Indian facilities resulting primarily from higher fuel costs, and
  •     increased construction expenses due to the Honolulu expansion projects.
 
Operating income decreased by $4.9 million and $6.1 million for the three and six month comparative periods, respectively. Operating income in our Americas segment was relatively flat for both the three and six month comparative periods primarily due to the benefit of the Veolia EfW Acquisition and higher market prices for recycled metals, which was offset by the timing and increased scope of scheduled maintenance, and contract transitions at our Hempstead, Union and Detroit facilities. In our International segment operating income declined for both the three and six month comparative periods primarily due to higher fuel costs at our coal-fired facility in China and costs associated with staff reductions in our Shanghai office. For the six month comparative period, the declines were partially offset by higher foreign currency exchange gains.
 
Investment income decreased by $0.6 million and $1.1 million for the three and six month comparative periods, respectively, primarily due to lower interest rates on invested funds and lower cash balances. Interest expense increased by $2.2 million and $4.8 million for the three and six month comparative periods, respectively, primarily due to the issuance of the 3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes (“Notes”) which were issued in 2009, offset by lower floating interest rates on the Term Loan Facility (as defined in the Liquidity section below). Non-cash convertible debt related expense increased by $5.3 million and $8.9 million for the three and six month comparative periods, respectively, primarily due to the amortization of the debt discount for the Notes which were issued in 2009, offset by the net changes to the valuation of the derivatives associated with the Notes.
 
Income tax expense decreased by $3.1 million and $7.6 million for the three and six month comparative periods, respectively, primarily due to lower pre-tax operating income, offset by lower production tax credits. See Item 1. Financial Statements — Note 7. Income Taxes for additional information.
 
Equity in net income from unconsolidated investments increased by $1.9 million for the three month comparative period primarily due to higher foreign currency exchange gains resulting from strengthening of the U.S. Dollar against the Philippine Peso and increased earnings resulting from timing differences in annual maintenance for the Quezon project. Equity in net income from unconsolidated investments decreased by $0.3 million for the six month comparative period primarily due to foreign currency exchange losses at our Chengdu joint venture and lower earnings at our Detroit equity investment, offset by increased earnings related to the Quezon project.
 
On June 17, 2010, the Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $1.50 per share (approximately $233 million) which was paid on July 20, 2010. For additional information, see Liquidity below.
 
Americas Segment Results of Operations — Comparison of Results for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 vs. Results for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2009
 
                                                 
    For the
    For the
       
    Three Months Ended
    Six Months Ended
    Variance
 
    June 30,     June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
    2010     2009     2010     2009     Three Month     Six Month  
                (Unaudited, in thousands)              
 
Waste and service revenues
  $   267,522     $   226,881     $   508,585     $   432,233     $   40,641     $   76,352  
Electricity and steam sales
    94,004       95,995       189,413       197,244       (1,991 )     (7,831 )
Other operating revenues
    21,111       6,579       41,926       13,151       14,532       28,775  
                                                 
Total operating revenues
    382,637       329,455       739,924       642,628       53,182       97,296  
                                                 
Plant operating expenses
    226,118       183,092       483,300       405,492       43,026       77,808  
Depreciation and amortization expense
    45,979       49,384       94,000       99,106       (3,405 )     (5,106 )
Net interest expense on project debt
    9,812       11,165       20,094       22,835       (1,353 )     (2,741 )
General and administrative expenses
    20,446       19,888       39,907       39,381       558       526  
Other operating expense
    20,878       6,122       41,492       11,575       14,756       29,917  
                                                 
Total operating expenses
    323,233       269,651       678,793       578,389       53,582       100,404  
                                                 
Operating income
  $ 59,404     $ 59,804     $ 61,131     $ 64,239       (400 )     (3,108 )
                                                 


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Operating Revenues
 
Operating revenues for the Americas segment increased by $53.2 million and $97.3 million for the three and six month comparative periods, respectively, as reflected in the comparison of existing business and new business in the table below (in millions) and the discussion of key variance drivers which follows:
 
                                                 
    Americas Segment Operating Revenue Variances  
    Three Months     Six Months  
    Existing
    New
          Existing
    New
       
    Business     Business (A)     Total     Business     Business (B)     Total  
 
Waste and service revenues
                                               
Service fee
  $  (7.3 )   $   40.2     $   32.9     $   (15.3 )   $   74.2     $   58.9  
Tip fee
    (1.9 )     0.6       (1.3 )     (2.8 )     3.9       1.1  
Recycled metal
    8.0       1.0       9.0       14.5       1.9       16.4  
                                                 
Total waste and service revenues
    (1.2 )     41.8       40.6       (3.6 )     80.0       76.4  
Electricity and steam sales
    (8.7 )     6.7       (2.0 )     (17.9 )     10.1       (7.8 )
Other operating revenues
    14.1       0.5       14.6       28.1       0.6       28.7  
                                                 
Total operating revenues
  $ 4.2     $ 49.0     $ 53.2     $ 6.6     $ 90.7     $ 97.3  
                                                 
 
  (A)  New business is defined as businesses acquired after June 30, 2009.
  (B)  This column represents the results of operations for six months ended June 30, 2010 for businesses acquired after June 30, 2009 plus the results of operations for three months ended March 31, 2010 for businesses acquired after March 31, 2009.
 
  •     Revenues from Service Fee arrangements for existing business decreased for the three and six month comparative periods primarily due to the Detroit facility’s contract transition and lower revenues earned explicitly to service project debt of $1.9 million and $3.9 million, respectively, partially offset by service fee contract escalations and the Hillsborough expansion.
  •     Revenues from Tip Fee arrangements for existing business decreased for the three and six month comparative periods primarily due to lower waste volumes, partially offset by higher tip fee pricing.
  •     Recycled metal revenues for existing business increased for the three and six month comparative periods primarily due to higher pricing. Historically, we have experienced volatile prices for recycled metal which has affected our recycled metal revenue as reflected in the table below (in millions):
 
                         
    For the
 
    Quarters Ended  
Total Recycled Metal Revenues   2010     2009     2008  
March 31,
  $   12.6     $   5.2     $   11.4  
June 30,
    14.8       5.8       19.0  
September 30,
          9.1       17.3  
December 31,
          9.1       5.9  
                         
Total for the Year Ended December 31,
  $ N/A     $ 29.2     $ 53.6  
                         
 
  •     Electricity and steam sales for existing business decreased for the three and six month comparative periods due to contract transitions at our Hempstead, Union and Detroit facilities and lower production primarily due to economically dispatching one of our biomass facilities.
 
  •     Other operating revenues for existing business increased primarily due to increased construction revenue for expansion projects.
 
Operating Expenses
 
Variances in plant operating expenses for the Americas segment are as follows (in millions):
 
                                                 
    Americas Segment Plant Operating Expense Variances  
    Three Months     Six Months  
    Existing
    New
          Existing
    New
       
    Business     Business (A)      Total       Business      Business (B)      Total   
 
Total plant operating expenses
  $  14.2     $  28.8     $  43.0     $  13.3     $  64.5     $  77.8  
                                                 
 
 
  (A)  New business is defined as businesses acquired after June 30, 2009.
  (B)  This column represents the results of operations for six months ended June 30, 2010 for businesses acquired after June 30, 2009 plus the results of operations for three months ended March 31, 2010 for businesses acquired after March 31, 2009.


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Existing business plant operating expenses increased for the three and six month comparative periods primarily due to the timing and increased scope of scheduled maintenance, cost escalations, higher costs relating to the Hempstead facility’s contract transition, and lower alternative fuel tax credits and renewable energy credits, partially offset by the Detroit facility’s contract transition, and the benefit of lower costs related to economically dispatching one of our biomass facilities.
 
Other operating expenses increased for the three and six month comparative periods primarily due to increased construction expense for expansion projects.
 
Operating Income
 
Operating income declined by $0.4 million and $3.1 million for the three and six month comparative periods, respectively, due to the impact of contract transitions at our Hempstead, Union and Detroit facilities, as well as the timing and increased scope of scheduled maintenance. These amounts were partially offset by higher recycled metal revenues, the benefit of the Veolia EfW Acquisition and improved performance at recently acquired facilities.
 
International Business Results of Operations — Comparison of Results for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 vs. Results for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2009
 
                                                 
    For the
    For the
       
    Three Months Ended
    Six Months Ended
    Variance
 
    June 30,     June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
    2010     2009     2010     2009     Three Month     Six Month  
                (Unaudited, in thousands)              
 
Waste and service revenues
  $ 1,033     $ 961     $ 1,970     $ 1,878     $      72     $      92  
Electricity and steam sales
    46,704       40,545       100,541       81,165       6,159       19,376  
                                                 
Total operating revenues
    47,737       41,506       102,511       83,043       6,231       19,468  
                                                 
Plant operating expenses
    40,673       31,464       87,717       65,106       9,209       22,611  
Depreciation and amortization expense
    1,978       1,760       3,853       3,509       218       344  
Net interest expense on project debt
    597       943       1,292       2,042       (346 )     (750 )
General and administrative expenses
    6,937       6,389       13,519       11,817       548       1,702  
Other operating expenses (income)
    1       (1,089 )     (1,174 )     (611 )     1,090       (563 )
                                                 
Total operating expenses
    50,186       39,467       105,207       81,863       10,719       23,344  
                                                 
Operating (loss) income
  $   (2,449 )   $   2,039     $   (2,696 )   $     1,180       (4,488 )     (3,876 )
                                                 
 
Revenues and plant operating expenses from our Indian facilities both increased by approximately $5 million and $17 million for the three and six month comparative periods, respectively, primarily from higher fuel costs, which are a pass through at both facilities, partially offset by lower demand from the electricity offtaker and resulting lower electricity generation. The remaining increase in plant operating expenses for both the three and six month comparative periods resulted primarily due to higher fuel costs at our coal-fired facility in China.
 
General and administrative expenses increased by $0.5 million for the three month comparative period with various cost reductions being more than offset by increased costs associated with staff reductions in our Shanghai office. General and administrative expenses increased by $1.7 million for the six month comparative period primarily due to costs associated with staff reductions in our Shanghai office, additional business development spending in the United Kingdom, and normal wage and benefit escalations.
 
Other operating expense increased by $1.1 million for the three month comparative period primarily due to lower foreign currency exchange gains. Other operating expense decreased by $0.6 million for the six month comparative period primarily due to higher foreign currency exchange gains.
 
Operating Income
 
Operating income declined by $4.5 million and $3.9 million for the three and six months comparative periods, respectively, primarily due to higher fuel costs at our coal-fired facility in China and costs associated with staff reductions in our Shanghai office. For the six month comparative period, the declines were partially offset by higher foreign currency exchange gains.
 
Quarterly Supplementary Financial Information — Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP Discussion)
 
To supplement our results prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), we use the measure of Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP measure as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This non-GAAP financial measure is described below, and used in the tables below, is not intended as a substitute and should not be considered in isolation from measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, our use of non-GAAP financial measures may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes. The presentation of Adjusted EBITDA is intended to enhance the usefulness of our financial information by providing a measure which management internally uses to assess and evaluate the overall performance of its business and those of possible acquisition candidates, and highlight trends in the overall business.


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We use Adjusted EBITDA to provide further information that is useful to an understanding of the financial covenants contained in the credit facilities of our most significant subsidiary, Covanta Energy, and as an additional way of viewing aspects of its operations that, when viewed with the GAAP results and the accompanying reconciliations to corresponding GAAP financial measures, provide a more complete understanding of our business. The calculation of Adjusted EBITDA is based on the definition in Covanta Energy’s credit facilities as described below under Liquidity and Capital Resources, which we have guaranteed. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted for additional items subtracted from or added to net income. Because our business is substantially comprised of that of Covanta Energy, our financial performance is substantially similar to that of Covanta Energy. For this reason, and in order to avoid use of multiple financial measures which are not all from the same entity, the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and other financial measures presented herein are measured on a consolidated basis. Under these credit facilities, Covanta Energy is required to satisfy certain financial covenants, including certain ratios of which Adjusted EBITDA is an important component. Compliance with such financial covenants is expected to be the principal limiting factor which will affect our ability to engage in a broad range of activities in furtherance of our business, including making certain investments, acquiring businesses and incurring additional debt. Covanta Energy was in compliance with these covenants as of June 30, 2010. Failure to comply with such financial covenants could result in a default under these credit facilities, which default would have a material adverse affect on our financial condition and liquidity.
 
Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income or cash flow provided by operating activities as indicators of our performance or liquidity or any other measures of performance or liquidity derived in accordance with GAAP.
 
In order to provide a meaningful basis for comparison, we are providing information with respect to our Adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, reconciled for each such period to net income and cash flow provided by operating activities, which are believed to be the most directly comparable measures under GAAP.
 
The following is a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands):
 
                                 
    For the
    For the
 
    Three Months Ended
    Six Months Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
 
Net Income Attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation
  $ 25,789     $ 33,167     $ 18,556     $ 32,516  
Depreciation and amortization expense
    47,983       51,162       97,905       102,660  
Debt service:
                               
Net interest expense on project debt
    10,409       12,108       21,386       24,877  
Interest expense
    10,692       8,532       21,280       16,448  
Non-cash convertible debt related expense
    11,734       6,395       19,981       11,097  
Investment income
    (509 )     (1,156 )     (1,095 )     (2,184 )
                                 
Subtotal debt service
    32,326       25,879       61,552       50,238  
Income tax expense
    14,809       17,901       6,934       14,583  
Other adjustments:
                               
Change in unbilled service receivables
    5,601       4,827       16,404       9,527  
Non-cash compensation expense
    5,921       3,762       9,421       7,669  
Other
    3,258       1,106       4,530       1,651  
                                 
Subtotal other adjustments
    14,780       9,695       30,355       18,847  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
    1,485       2,164       3,985       3,544  
                                 
Total adjustments
    111,383       106,801       200,731       189,872  
                                 
Adjusted EBITDA
  $  137,172     $  139,968     $  219,287     $  222,388  
                                 
 
The following is a reconciliation of cash flow provided by operating activities to Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands):
 
                                 
    For the
    For the
 
    Three Months Ended
    Six Months Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
 
Cash flow provided by operating activities
  $ 89,904     $ 85,927     $ 208,931     $ 137,322  
Debt service
    32,326       25,879       61,552       50,238  
Amortization of debt premium and deferred financing costs
    191       1,130       360       2,308  
Other (A)
    14,751       27,032       (51,556 )     32,520  
                                 
Adjusted EBITDA
  $  137,172     $  139,968     $  219,287     $  222,388  
                                 
 
  (A)   This amount relates primarily to changes in working capital.
 
For additional discussion related to management’s use of non-GAAP measures, see Liquidity and Capital Resources — Quarterly Supplementary Financial Information — Free Cash Flow (Non-GAAP Discussion) below.


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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
We generate substantial cash flow from our ongoing business, which we believe will allow us to meet our liquidity needs. As of June 30, 2010, in addition to our ongoing cash flow, we had access to several sources of liquidity, as discussed in Available Sources of Liquidity below, including our existing cash on hand of $285 million and the undrawn and available capacity of $300 million of our Revolving Credit Facility. In addition, we had restricted cash of $288 million, of which $172 million was designated for future payment of project debt principal.
 
We derive our cash flows principally from our operations from the projects in our Americas and International segments, which allow us to satisfy project debt covenants and payments and distribute cash. We typically receive cash distributions from our Americas segment projects on either a monthly or quarterly basis, whereas a material portion of cash from our international projects is received semi-annually, during the second and fourth quarters. The frequency and predictability of our receipt of cash from projects differs, depending upon various factors, including whether restrictions on distributions exist in applicable project debt arrangements, whether a project is domestic or international, and whether a project has been able to operate at historical levels of production.
 
Our primary future cash requirements will be to fund capital expenditures to maintain our existing businesses, make debt service payments and grow our business through acquisitions and business development. We will also seek to enhance our cash flow from renewals or replacement of existing contracts, from new contracts to expand existing facilities or operate additional facilities and by investing in new projects. Our business is capital intensive because it is based upon building and operating municipal solid waste processing and energy generating projects. In order to provide meaningful growth through development, we must be able to invest our funds, obtain equity and/or debt financing, and provide support to our operating subsidiaries. The timing and scale of our investment activity in growth opportunities is often unpredictable and uneven. If we accumulate cash substantially in excess of our needs to support ongoing operations and near-term investment opportunities, we will consider appropriate capital allocation alternatives, including returning capital to shareholders. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition — Overview — Growth and Development above.
 
On June 17, 2010, the Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $1.50 per share (approximately $233 million) which was paid on July 20, 2010.
 
Sources and Uses of Cash Flow for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:
 
                         
    For the Six Months
    Increase
 
    Ended June 30,     (Decrease)  
    2010     2009      2010 vs 2009   
    (Unaudited, in thousands)  
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 208,931     $ 137,322     $ 71,609  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (226,392 )     (76,725 )     149,667  
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (128,340 )     297,788       (426,128 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (2,556 )     388       (2,944 )
                         
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
  $   (148,357 )   $   358,773        (507,130 )
                         
 
Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $208.9 million, an increase of $71.6 million from the prior year period. The increase was primarily due to the timing of working capital and operations at our new businesses in our Americas segment.
 
Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $226.4 million, an increase of $150.0 million from the prior year period. The increase was primarily comprised of higher cash outflows of $110.8 million related to the acquisition of businesses, primarily the Dade, Florida energy-from-waste business in February 2010, $22.4 million of higher cash outflows for increased capital expenditures and $15.1 million related to the acquisition of land use rights in the United Kingdom.
 
Net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $128.3 million, a decrease of $426.1 million from the prior year period, of which $388.9 million related to the proceeds from the issuance of the Notes and related transactions received during the six months ended June 30, 2009.
 
The remaining net decrease in uses of cash of $37.2 million was primarily driven by an increase in restricted funds of $11.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, as compared to a decrease in restricted funds of $39.9 million in the prior year period, offset by lower net principal payments on project debt of $13.5 million.
 
Available Sources of Liquidity
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Cash and cash equivalents include all cash balances and highly liquid investments having maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. These short-term investments are stated at cost, which approximates market value. As of June 30, 2010, we had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $285 million (of which approximately $60 million was held by our insurance and international subsidiaries).


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Short-Term Liquidity
 
We have credit facilities which are comprised of a $300 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Loan Facility”), a $320 million funded letter of credit facility (the “Funded L/C Facility”), and a $650 million term loan (the “Term Loan Facility”) (collectively referred to as the “Credit Facilities”). As of June 30, 2010, we had available credit for liquidity as follows (in thousands):
 
                                 
    Total
      Outstanding Letters
   
    Available
      of Credit as of
  Available as of
    Under Facility   Maturing   June 30, 2010     June 30, 2010  
Revolving Loan Facility(1)
  $  300,000       2013     $     $  300,000  
Funded L/C Facility
  $ 320,000       2014     $  291,070     $  28,930  
 
(1)    Up to $200 million of which may be utilized for letters of credit.
 
On July 19, 2010, we utilized $50 million of the Revolving Loan Facility to help fund the special cash dividend.
 
Quarterly Supplementary Financial Information — Free Cash Flow (Non-GAAP Discussion)
 
To supplement our results prepared in accordance with GAAP, we use the measure of Free Cash Flow, which is a non-GAAP measure as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This non-GAAP financial measure is not intended as a substitute and should not be considered in isolation from measures of liquidity prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, our use of Free Cash Flow may be different from similarly identified non-GAAP measures used by other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes. The presentation of Free Cash Flow is intended to enhance the usefulness of our financial information by providing measures which management internally uses to assess and evaluate the overall performance of our business and those of possible acquisition candidates, and highlight trends in the overall business.
 
We use the non-GAAP measure of Free Cash Flow as a criterion of liquidity and performance-based components of employee compensation. Free Cash Flow is defined as cash flow provided by operating activities less maintenance capital expenditures, which are capital expenditures primarily to maintain our existing facilities. We use Free Cash Flow as a measure of liquidity to determine amounts we can reinvest in our businesses, such as amounts available to make acquisitions, invest in construction of new projects or make principal payments on debt. For additional discussion related to management’s use of non-GAAP measures, see Results of Operations — Quarterly Supplementary Financial Information — Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP Discussion) above.
 
In order to provide a meaningful basis for comparison, we are providing information with respect to our Free Cash Flow for the for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, reconciled for each such period to cash flow provided by operating activities.
 
The following is a summary of Free Cash Flow and its primary uses (in thousands):
 
                                 
    For the
    For the
 
    Three Months Ended
    Six Months Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
 
Cash flow provided by operating activities
  $   89,904     $   85,927     $   208,931     $   137,322  
Less: Maintenance capital expenditures (A)
    (16,033 )     (12,608 )     (48,637 )     (36,272 )
                                 
Free cash flow
  $ 73,871     $ 73,319     $ 160,294     $ 101,050  
                                 
Selected Uses of Free Cash Flow:
                               
Principal payments on long-term debt
  $ (1,411 )   $ (1,670 )   $ (3,268 )   $ (3,345 )
Principal payments on project debt, net of restricted funds used(B)
  $ (83,149 )   $ (29,165 )   $ (114,344 )   $ (67,658 )
Distributions to partners of noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
  $ (2,460 )   $ (2,369 )   $ (5,514 )   $ (6,085 )
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
  $     $ (17,517 )   $ (128,254 )   $ (17,517 )
Acquisition of land use rights
  $ (15,098 )   $     $ (15,098 )   $  
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests in subsidiary
  $     $     $ (2,000 )   $  
Purchase of equity interests
  $     $ (7,855 )   $     $ (8,938 )
Other investment activities, net
  $ (478 )   $ (1,368 )   $ (16,501 )   $ (8,172 )
Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment:
                               
Maintenance capital expenditures (A)
  $ (16,033 )   $ (12,608 )   $ (48,637 )   $ (36,272 )
Capital expenditures associated with development projects
    (7,102 )     (1,997 )     (9,964 )     (4,111 )
Capital expenditures associated with technology development
    (1,587 )     (497 )     (3,307 )     (943 )
Capital expenditures — other
    (1,835 )     (163 )     (2,631 )     (772 )
                                 
Total purchases of property, plant and equipment
  $ (26,557 )   $ (15,265 )   $ (64,539 )   $ (42,098 )
                                 
 
(A)   Capital Expenditures primarily to maintain existing facilities. Purchase of property, plant and equipment is also referred to as Capital Expenditures.
 
(B)   Principal payments on project debt are net of changes in restricted funds held in trust used to pay debt principal of $(27.3) million and $35.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $(11.8) million


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and $39.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Principal payments on project debt excludes principal repayments on working capital borrowings relating to the operations of our Indian facilities of $6.5 million and $5.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $7.2 million and $8.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Credit Agreement Financial Covenants
 
The loan documentation under the Credit Facilities contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and financial covenants as discussed in Note 11. Long-Term Debt of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Form 10-K. As of June 30, 2010, we were in compliance with the covenants under the Credit Facilities. The maximum Covanta Energy capital expenditures that can be incurred in 2010 to maintain existing operating businesses is approximately $220 million as of June 30, 2010.
 
Long-Term Debt
 
Long-term debt is as follows (in thousands):
 
                 
    As of  
    June 30,
    December 31,
 
    2010     2009  
 
3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014
  $ 460,000     $ 460,000  
Debt discount related to Cash Convertible Senior Notes
    (102,112 )     (112,475 )
Cash conversion option derivative at fair value
    84,081       128,603  
                 
3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes, net
    441,969       476,128  
                 
                 
1.00% Senior Convertible Debentures due 2027
    373,750       373,750  
Debt discount related to Convertible Debentures
    (34,843 )     (45,042 )
                 
1.00% Senior Convertible Debentures, net
    338,907       328,708  
                 
                 
Term Loan Facility due 2014
    628,875       632,125  
Other long-term debt
    726       745  
                 
Total
    1,410,477       1,437,706  
Less: current portion
    (6,852 )     (7,027 )
                 
Total long-term debt
  $  1,403,625     $  1,430,679  
                 
 
3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014 (“Notes”)
 
Under limited circumstances, the Notes are convertible by the holders thereof into cash only, based on an initial conversion rate of 53.9185 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $18.55 per share) subject to certain customary adjustments as provided in the indenture for the Notes. We will not deliver common stock (or any other securities) upon conversion under any circumstances.
 
In connection with the special cash dividend declared on June 17, 2010, the conversion rate for the Notes was adjusted to 59.1871 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes. The adjusted conversion rate is equivalent to an adjusted conversion price of $16.90 per share and became effective on July 8, 2010.
 
For specific criteria related to contingent interest, conversion or redemption features of the Notes and details related to the cash conversion option, cash convertible note hedge and warrants related to the Notes, refer to Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K.
 
For details related to the fair value for the contingent interest feature, cash conversion option, and cash convertible note hedge related to the Notes, see Note 12. Derivative Instruments.
 
1.00% Senior Convertible Debentures due 2027 (“Debentures”)
 
Under limited circumstances, prior to February 1, 2025, the Debentures are convertible by the holders into cash and shares of our common stock, if any, initially based on a conversion rate of 35.4610 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Debentures, (which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $28.20 per share) or 13,253,867 issuable shares. As of June 30, 2010, if the Debentures were converted, no shares would have been issued since the trading price of our common stock was below the conversion price of the Debentures.
 
In connection with the special cash dividend declared on June 17, 2010, the conversion rate for the Debentures was adjusted to 38.9883 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Debentures. The adjusted conversion rate is equivalent to an adjusted conversion price of $25.65 per share and became effective on July 13, 2010.
 
For specific criteria related to contingent interest, conversion or redemption features of the Debentures, refer to Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K.


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For details related to the fair value for the contingent interest feature related to the Debentures, see Note 12. Derivative Instruments.
 
Project Debt
 
Americas Project Debt
 
Financing for the energy-from-waste projects is generally accomplished through tax-exempt and taxable municipal revenue bonds issued by or on behalf of the municipal client. For such facilities that are owned by a subsidiary of ours, the municipal issuers of the bond loans the bond proceeds to our subsidiary to pay for facility construction. For such facilities, project-related debt is included as “Project debt” (short- and long-term) in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Generally, such project debt is secured by the revenues generated by the project and other project assets including the related facility. The only potential recourse to us with respect to project debt arises under the operating performance guarantees described below under Other Commitments. Certain subsidiaries had recourse liability for project debt which is recourse to our subsidiary Covanta ARC LLC, but is non-recourse to us, which as of June 30, 2010 aggregated to $208.5 million.
 
On June 1, 2010, we elected to repurchase $42.7 million of project bonds (issued in connection with our Hempstead facility) under a mandatory tender. The bonds were simultaneously amended to extend their final maturity from December 1, 2010 to June 1, 2015. As a result of this transaction, the bonds have been reflected as repaid in the condensed consolidated financial statements, but may be remarketed to third party investors at any time. In the event we effect such a remarketing, the aggregate amount of our project debt would be increased accordingly.
 
International Project Debt
 
Financing for projects in which we have an ownership or operating interest is generally accomplished through commercial loans from local lenders or financing arranged through international banks, bonds issued to institutional investors and from multilateral lending institutions based in the United States. Such debt is generally secured by the revenues generated by the project and other project assets and is without recourse to us. Project debt relating to two international projects in India is included as “Project debt (short- and long-term)” in our condensed consolidated financial statements. In most projects, the instruments defining the rights of debt holders generally provide that the project subsidiary may not make distributions to its parent until periodic debt service obligations are satisfied and other financial covenants are complied with.
 
Restricted Funds Held in Trust
 
Restricted funds held in trust are primarily amounts received by third-party trustees relating to certain projects we own which may be used only for specified purposes. We generally do not control these accounts. They primarily include debt service reserves for payment of principal and interest on project debt, and deposits of revenues received with respect to projects prior to their disbursement, as provided in the relevant indenture or other agreements. Such funds are invested principally in money market funds, bank deposits and certificates of deposit, United States treasury bills and notes, and United States government agency securities.
 
Restricted fund balances are as follows (in thousands):
 
                                 
    As of June 30, 2010     As of December 31, 2009  
    Current     Noncurrent     Current     Noncurrent  
 
Debt service funds
  $  113,606     $ 72,830     $ 73,406     $ 101,376  
Revenue funds
    27,223             13,061        
Other funds
    39,798       34,823       44,756       45,153  
                                 
Total
  $ 180,627     $  107,653     $  131,223     $  146,529  
                                 
 
Of the $288 million in total restricted funds as of June 30, 2010, approximately $172 million was designated for future payment of project debt principal.
 
 
Capital Requirements
 
Our projected contractual obligations are consistent with amounts disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. We believe that when combined with our other sources of liquidity, including our existing cash on hand and the Revolving Loan Facility, we will generate sufficient cash over at least the next twelve months to meet operational needs, make capital expenditures, invest in the business and service debt due.


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Other Commitments
 
Other commitments as of June 30, 2010 were as follows (in thousands):
 
                         
    Commitments Expiring by Period  
          Less Than
    More Than
 
    Total     One Year     One Year  
 
Letters of credit
  $  297,741     $  29,112     $  268,629  
Surety bonds
    110,203             110,203  
                         
Total other commitments — net
  $ 407,944     $ 29,112     $ 378,832  
                         
 
The letters of credit were issued under various credit facilities (primarily the Funded L/C Facility) to secure our performance under various contractual undertakings related to our domestic and international projects or to secure obligations under our insurance program. Each letter of credit relating to a project is required to be maintained in effect for the period specified in related project contracts, and generally may be drawn if it is not renewed prior to expiration of that period.
 
We believe that we will be able to fully perform under our contracts to which these existing letters of credit relate, and that it is unlikely that letters of credit would be drawn because of a default of our performance obligations. If any of these letters of credit were to be drawn by the beneficiary, the amount drawn would be immediately repayable by us to the issuing bank. If we do not immediately repay such amounts drawn under these letters of credit, unreimbursed amounts would be treated under the Credit Facilities as additional term loans in the case of letters of credit issued under the Funded L/C Facility, or as revolving loans in the case of letters of credit issued under the Revolving Loan Facility.
 
The surety bonds listed on the table above relate primarily to performance obligations ($99.4 million) and support for closure obligations of various energy projects when such projects cease operating ($10.8 million). Were these bonds to be drawn upon, we would have a contractual obligation to indemnify the surety company.
 
We have certain contingent obligations related to the Notes. These are:
 
  •     holders may require us to repurchase their Notes, if a fundamental change occurs; and
  •     holders may exercise their conversion rights upon the occurrence of certain events, which would require us to pay the conversion settlement amount in cash.
 
For specific criteria related to contingent interest, conversion or redemption features of the Notes, see Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
We have certain contingent obligations related to the Debentures. These are:
 
  •     holders may require us to repurchase their Debentures on February 1, 2012, February 1, 2017 and February 1, 2022;
  •     holders may require us to repurchase their Debentures, if a fundamental change occurs; and
  •     holders may exercise their conversion rights upon the occurrence of certain events, which would require us to pay the conversion settlement amount in cash and/or our common stock.
 
For specific criteria related to contingent interest, conversion or redemption features of the Debentures, refer to Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
We have issued or are party to guarantees and related contractual support obligations undertaken pursuant to agreements to construct and operate waste and energy facilities. For some projects, such performance guarantees include obligations to repay certain financial obligations if the project revenues are insufficient to do so, or to obtain or guarantee financing for a project. With respect to our businesses, we have issued guarantees to municipal clients and other parties that our subsidiaries will perform in accordance with contractual terms, including, where required, the payment of damages or other obligations. Additionally, damages payable under such guarantees for our energy-from-waste facilities could expose us to recourse liability on project debt. If we must perform under one or more of such guarantees, our liability for damages upon contract termination would be reduced by funds held in trust and proceeds from sales of the facilities securing the project debt and is presently not estimable. Depending upon the circumstances giving rise to such damages, the contractual terms of the applicable contracts, and the contract counterparty’s choice of remedy at the time a claim against a guarantee is made, the amounts owed pursuant to one or more of such guarantees could be greater than our then-available sources of funds. To date, we have not incurred material liabilities under such guarantees.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Note 2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to new accounting pronouncements.
 
Discussion of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
In preparing our condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, we are required to use judgment in making estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and related notes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates form the basis for making


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judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Many of our critical accounting policies are subject to significant judgments and uncertainties which could potentially result in materially different results under different conditions and assumptions. Future events rarely develop exactly as forecast, and the best estimates routinely require adjustment. Management believes there have been no material changes during the six months ended June 30, 2010 to the items discussed in Discussion of Critical Accounting Policies in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
Item 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
In the normal course of business, our subsidiaries are party to financial instruments that are subject to market risks arising from changes in commodity prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and derivative instruments. Our use of derivative instruments is very limited and we do not enter into derivative instruments for trading purposes.
 
There have been no material changes during the six months ended June 30, 2010 to the items discussed in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. For details related to fair value estimates for the Cash Conversion Option, Note Hedge and contingent interest as of June 30, 2010, refer to Item 1. Financial Statements — Note 11. Financial Instruments and Note 12. Derivative Instruments.
 
Item 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of Covanta’s disclosure controls and procedures, as required by Rule 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) as of June 30, 2010. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to reasonably assure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
 
Our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, based on their review, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide such reasonable assurance.
 
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, believes that any disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must consider the benefits of controls relative to their costs. Inherent limitations within a control system include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by unauthorized override of the control. While the design of any system of controls is to provide reasonable assurance of the effectiveness of disclosure controls, such design is also based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and such assumptions, while reasonable, may not take into account all potential future conditions. Accordingly, because of the inherent limitations in a cost effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and may not be prevented or detected.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
In August 2009, we completed the acquisition of six energy-from-waste businesses and one transfer station business located in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Canada and in February 2010, we completed this acquisition transaction with the purchase of an energy-from-waste business in Florida. We have excluded these businesses from Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting as of December 31, 2009, and we will include these businesses in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting as of December 31, 2010.
 
There has not been any change in our system of internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
See Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS
 
There have been no material changes during the six months ended June 30, 2010 to the risk factors discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
Item 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
None.
 
Item 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
None.
 
Item 4.  REMOVED AND RESERVED
 
None
 
Item 5.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
  (a)  None.
 
  (b)  Not applicable.
 
Item 6.  EXHIBITS
 
     
Exhibit
   
Number                       Description
31.1
 
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Chief Executive Officer.
31.2
 
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Interim Chief Financial Officer.
32
 
Certification of periodic financial report pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer.
Exhibit 101.INS:
 
XBRL Instance Document*
Exhibit 101.SCH:
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema*
Exhibit 101.CAL:
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase*
Exhibit 101.DEF:
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Document*
Exhibit 101.LAB:
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase*
Exhibit 101.PRE:
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase*
 
* XBRL information is furnished, not filed.


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION
(Registrant)
 
  By: 
/s/  Thomas E. Bucks
Thomas E. Bucks
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
and Interim Chief Financial Officer
 
Date: July 22, 2010


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