UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the quarterly period endedMarch, 21, 202027, 2021
 OR
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the transition period from _________________to _________________

Commission File Number 001-33987

hcci-20210327_g1.jpg

HERITAGE-CRYSTAL CLEAN, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 26-0351454
State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation Identification No.)

2175 Point Boulevard
Suite 375
Elgin, IL 60123
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)  

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (847) 836-5670
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each ClassTrading SymbolName of Exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per shareHCCINASDAQ

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 x No o

1


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” "smaller reporting company," and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company   ☐
Emerging growth company   ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No x

On April 28, 2020,30, 2021, there were outstanding 23,257,943 shares24,197,966 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, of Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc.



2



Table of Contents

 
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

3



PART I

    ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In Thousands, Except Share and Par Value Amounts)
March 21,
2020
December 28,
2019
March 27,
2021
January 2,
2021
(unaudited)(unaudited)
ASSETSASSETS ASSETS 
Current assets:Current assets: Current assets: 
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$56,938  $60,694  Cash and cash equivalents$46,669 $67,575 
Accounts receivable - netAccounts receivable - net55,122  55,586  Accounts receivable - net52,614 48,479 
Inventory - netInventory - net29,112  29,373  Inventory - net25,530 24,978 
Assets held for saleAssets held for sale2,446 2,446 
Other current assetsOther current assets6,062  7,104  Other current assets5,574 8,005 
Total current assetsTotal current assets147,234  152,757  Total current assets132,833 151,483 
Property, plant and equipment - netProperty, plant and equipment - net157,931  154,911  Property, plant and equipment - net154,747 153,016 
Right of use assetsRight of use assets88,006  89,525  Right of use assets76,089 78,942 
Equipment at customers - netEquipment at customers - net24,374  24,232  Equipment at customers - net23,930 23,111 
Software and intangible assets - netSoftware and intangible assets - net16,123  16,892  Software and intangible assets - net18,484 19,576 
GoodwillGoodwill32,990  32,997  Goodwill35,541 35,541 
Other assetsOther assets677 
Total assetsTotal assets$466,658  $471,314  Total assets$442,301 $461,669 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITYLIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 
Current liabilities:Current liabilities: Current liabilities: 
Accounts payableAccounts payable$30,607  $38,058  Accounts payable$31,017 $29,663 
Current portion of lease liabilitiesCurrent portion of lease liabilities22,087  20,407  Current portion of lease liabilities18,988 19,198 
Contract liabilities - netContract liabilities - net2,428  2,252  Contract liabilities - net2,235 1,983 
Accrued salaries, wages, and benefitsAccrued salaries, wages, and benefits5,110  6,771  Accrued salaries, wages, and benefits5,201 6,647 
Taxes payableTaxes payable7,048  6,538  Taxes payable10,136 10,592 
Other current liabilitiesOther current liabilities16,121  16,418  Other current liabilities5,306 4,918 
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities83,401  90,444  Total current liabilities72,883 73,001 
Lease liabilities, net of current portion Lease liabilities, net of current portion67,212  68,734   Lease liabilities, net of current portion57,584 60,294 
Long-term debt, less current maturities Long-term debt, less current maturities29,418  29,348   Long-term debt, less current maturities29,656 
Deferred income taxesDeferred income taxes18,617  17,157  Deferred income taxes24,517 21,218 
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities$198,648  $205,683  Total liabilities$154,984 $184,169 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: 
Common stock - 26,000,000 shares authorized at $0.01 par value, 23,247,912 and 23,191,498 shares issued and outstanding at March 21, 2020 and December 28, 2019, respectively$232  $232  
Common stock - 26,000,000 shares authorized at $0.01 par value, 23,390,434 and 23,340,700 shares issued and outstanding at March 27, 2021 and January 2, 2021, respectivelyCommon stock - 26,000,000 shares authorized at $0.01 par value, 23,390,434 and 23,340,700 shares issued and outstanding at March 27, 2021 and January 2, 2021, respectively$234 $233 
Additional paid-in capitalAdditional paid-in capital198,305  200,583  Additional paid-in capital201,758 201,148 
Retained earningsRetained earnings69,473  64,182  Retained earnings85,325 76,119 
Total Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. stockholders' equity268,010  264,997  
Noncontrolling interest—  634  
Total equity268,010  265,631  
Total stockholders' equityTotal stockholders' equity$287,317 $277,500 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equityTotal liabilities and stockholders' equity$466,658  $471,314  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$442,301 $461,669 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
4




Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income/(Loss)Income
(In Thousands, Except per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


 First Quarter Ended,
 March 21,
2020
March 23,
2019
Revenues
Service revenues$63,757  $56,366  
Product revenues37,722  35,858  
Rental income5,785  3,548  
Total revenues$107,264  $95,772  
Operating expenses
Operating costs$83,250  $82,483  
Selling, general, and administrative expenses11,522  12,396  
Depreciation and amortization5,268  4,136  
Other expense (income) - net272  (58) 
Operating income (loss)6,952  (3,185) 
Interest expense – net214  230  
Income (loss) before income taxes6,738  (3,415) 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes1,447  (986) 
Net income (loss)5,291  (2,429) 
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest—  83  
Net income (loss) attributable to Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. common stockholders$5,291  $(2,512) 
Net income (loss) per share: basic$0.23  $(0.11) 
Net income (loss) per share: diluted$0.23  $(0.11) 
Number of weighted average shares outstanding: basic23,239  23,117  
Number of weighted average shares outstanding: diluted23,422  23,117  
 First Quarter Ended,
 March 27,
2021
March 21,
2020
Revenues
Service revenues$57,700 $63,757 
Product revenues42,266 37,722 
Rental income5,416 5,785 
Total revenues$105,382 $107,264 
Operating expenses
Operating costs$76,771 $83,250 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses12,188 11,522 
Depreciation and amortization3,782 5,268 
Other (income) expense - net(108)272 
Operating income12,749 6,952 
Interest expense – net324 214 
Income before income taxes12,425 6,738 
Provision for income taxes3,219 1,447 
Net income$9,206 $5,291 
Net income per share: basic$0.39 $0.23 
Net income per share: diluted$0.39 $0.23 
Number of weighted average shares outstanding: basic$23,373 23,239 
Number of weighted average shares outstanding: diluted$23,509 23,422 

 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.


5



Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
(In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
For the First Quarter Ended March 21, 202027, 2021 and March 23, 201921, 2020
(Unaudited)

First Quarter Ended,First Quarter Ended,
March 27, 2021March 27, 2021
SharesPar
Value
Common
Additional Paidin
Capital
Retained EarningsTotal Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. Stockholders' EquityNon-controlling InterestTotal Equity
Balance at January 2, 2021Balance at January 2, 202123,340,700 $233 $201,148 $76,119 $277,500 $$277,500 
Net income Net income— — — 9,206 9,206 — 9,206 
Distribution Distribution— — — — — — 
Issuance of common stock – ESPPIssuance of common stock – ESPP6,072 — 122 — 122 — 122 
Share-based compensationShare-based compensation43,662 1,217 — 1,218 — 1,218 
Share repurchases to satisfy tax withholding obligationsShare repurchases to satisfy tax withholding obligations— — (729)— (729)— (729)
Balance at March 27, 2021Balance at March 27, 202123,390,434 $234 $201,758 $85,325 $287,317 $$287,317 
First Quarter Ended,First Quarter Ended,First Quarter Ended,
March 21, 2020March 21, 2020March 21, 2020
SharesPar
Value
Common
Additional Paidin
Capital
Retained EarningsTotal Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. Stockholders' EquityNon-controlling InterestTotal EquitySharesPar
Value
Common
Additional Paidin
Capital
Retained EarningsTotal Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. Stockholders' EquityNon-controlling InterestTotal Equity
Balance at December 28, 2019Balance at December 28, 201923,191,498  $232  $200,583  $64,182  $264,997  $634  $265,631  Balance at December 28, 201923,191,498 $232 $200,583 $64,182 $264,997 $634 $265,631 
Net income Net income—  —  —  5,291  5,291  —  5,291  Net income— — — 5,291 5,291 — 5,291 
Non-controlling interest acquisition Non-controlling interest acquisition—  —  (2,678) —  (2,678) —  (2,678)  Non-controlling interest acquisition— — (2,678)— (2,678)— (2,678)
Distribution Distribution—  —  —  —  —  (634) (634)  Distribution— — — — — (634)(634)
Issuance of common stock – ESPP Issuance of common stock – ESPP4,102  —  122  —  122  —  122   Issuance of common stock – ESPP4,102 — 122 — 122 — 122 
Share-based compensation Share-based compensation52,312  —  1,069  —  1,069  —  1,069   Share-based compensation52,312 — 1,069 — 1,069 — 1,069 
Share repurchases to satisfy tax withholding obligationsShare repurchases to satisfy tax withholding obligations—  —  (791) —  (791) —  (791) Share repurchases to satisfy tax withholding obligations— — (791)— (791)— (791)
Balance at March 21, 2020Balance at March 21, 202023,247,912  $232  $198,305  $69,473  $268,010  $—  $268,010  Balance at March 21, 202023,247,912 $232 $198,305 $69,473 $268,010 $$268,010 
First Quarter Ended,
March 23, 2019
SharesPar
Value
Common
Additional Paidin
Capital
Retained EarningsTotal Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. Stockholders' EquityNon-controlling InterestTotal Equity
Balance at December 29, 201823,058,584  $231  $197,533  $55,819  $253,583  $648  $254,231  
Net (loss) income—  —  —  (2,512) (2,512) 83  (2,429) 
Issuance of common stock – ESPP4,975  —  111  —  111  —  111  
Exercise of stock options2,760  —  20  —  20  —  20  
Share-based compensation54,679  —  889  —  889  —  889  
Share repurchases to satisfy tax withholding obligations—  —  (644) —  (644) —  (644) 
Balance at March 23, 201923,120,998  $231  $197,909  $53,307  $251,447  $731  $252,178  
 


















See accompanying notes to financial statements.
6



.Heritage-CrystalHeritage-Crystal Clean, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)

For the First Quarter Ended, First Quarters Ended,
March 21,
2020
March 23,
2019
March 27,
2021
March 21,
2020
Cash flows from Operating Activities:Cash flows from Operating Activities:  Cash flows from Operating Activities:  
Net income (loss)$5,291  $(2,429) 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net incomeNet income$9,206 $5,291 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization5,268  4,136  Depreciation and amortization3,782 5,268 
Bad debt provision189  249  
Uncollectible provisionUncollectible provision474 189 
Share-based compensationShare-based compensation1,069  889  Share-based compensation1,218 1,069 
Deferred taxesDeferred taxes1,459  (972) Deferred taxes3,299 1,459 
Other, netOther, net(424) (171) Other, net376 (424)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:Changes in operating assets and liabilities:Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable275  (1,473) 
Decrease in inventory262  3,716  
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable(4,609)275 
(Increase) decrease in inventory (Increase) decrease in inventory(552)262 
Decrease in other current assets Decrease in other current assets1,040  1,921   Decrease in other current assets2,557 1,040 
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable(5,273) 1,531  
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable Increase (decrease) in accounts payable1,345 (5,273)
Increase in accrued liabilities1,110  1,781  
(Decrease) increase in accrued liabilities (Decrease) increase in accrued liabilities(893)1,320 
Cash provided by operating activitiesCash provided by operating activities$10,266  $9,178  Cash provided by operating activities$16,203 $10,476 
Cash flows from Investing Activities:Cash flows from Investing Activities:  Cash flows from Investing Activities:  
Capital expendituresCapital expenditures$(9,842) $(7,579) Capital expenditures$(5,411)$(9,842)
Proceeds from sale of assetsProceeds from sale of assets149
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired—  (1,973) 
Cash used in investing activitiesCash used in investing activities$(9,842) $(9,552) Cash used in investing activities$(5,262)$(9,842)
Cash flows from Financing Activities:Cash flows from Financing Activities:  Cash flows from Financing Activities:  
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options$—  $20  
Payment of Term LoanPayment of Term Loan(30,000)
Debt Issuance CostsDebt Issuance Costs(804)
Repayment of principal on finance leasesRepayment of principal on finance leases(436)(210)
Share repurchases to satisfy tax withholding obligationsShare repurchases to satisfy tax withholding obligations(791) (644) Share repurchases to satisfy tax withholding obligations(729)(791)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stockProceeds from the issuance of common stock122  111  Proceeds from the issuance of common stock122 122 
Payments of deferred and contingent considerationPayments of deferred and contingent consideration(199) —  Payments of deferred and contingent consideration(199)
Distributions to noncontrolling interestDistributions to noncontrolling interest(3,312) —  Distributions to noncontrolling interest(3,312)
Cash used in financing activitiesCash used in financing activities$(4,180) $(513) Cash used in financing activities$(31,847)$(4,390)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalentsNet decrease in cash and cash equivalents(3,756) (887) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents(20,906)(3,756)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of periodCash and cash equivalents, beginning of period60,694  43,579  Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period67,575 60,694 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of periodCash and cash equivalents, end of period$56,938  $42,692  Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$46,669 $56,938 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:  Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:  
Income taxes paidIncome taxes paid$31  $—  Income taxes paid$947 $31 
Cash paid for interestCash paid for interest92  334  Cash paid for interest108 92 
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash information:Supplemental disclosure of non-cash information:  Supplemental disclosure of non-cash information: 
Payables for construction in progressPayables for construction in progress465  1,933  Payables for construction in progress754 465 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.




7





HERITAGE-CRYSTAL CLEAN, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

March 21, 202027, 2021


(1)    ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc., a Delaware corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”), provide parts cleaning, hazardous and non-hazardous containerized waste, used oil collection, wastewater and vacuum, antifreeze recycling and field services primarily to small and mid-sized industrial and vehicle maintenance customers. The Company owns and operates a used oil re-refinery where it re-refines used oils and sells high quality base oil for lubricants as well as other re-refinery products. The Company also has multiple locations where it dehydrates used oil. The oil processed at these locations is primarily sold as recycled fuel oil. The Company also operates multiple wastewater treatment plants and antifreeze recycling facilities at which it produces virgin-quality antifreeze. The Company's locations are in the United States and Ontario, Canada. The Company conducts its primary business operations through Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC, its wholly owned subsidiary, and all intercompany balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company has 2 reportable segments: "Environmental Services" and "Oil Business." The Environmental Services segment consists of the Company's parts cleaning, containerized waste management, wastewater and vacuum truck services, antifreeze recycling activities, and field services. The Oil Business segment consists of the Company's used oil collection, recycled fuel oil sales, used oil re-refining activities, and used oil filter removal and disposal services. No customer represented greater than 10% of consolidated revenues for any of the periods presented. There were no intersegment revenues. Both segments operate in the United States and, to an immaterial degree, in Ontario, Canada. As such, the Company is not disclosing operating results by geographic segment.

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to December 31. The most recent fiscal year ended on December 28, 2019.January 2, 2021. Each of the Company's first three fiscal quarters consists of twelve weeks while the last fiscal quarter consists of sixteen or seventeen weeks.  

In the Company's Environmental Services segment, product revenues include sales of solvent, machines, absorbent, accessories, and antifreeze; service revenues include servicing of parts cleaning machines, drumcontainerized waste removal services, wastewater and vacuum truck services, field services, and other services; rental income includes embedded lease income from certain of our parts cleaning contracts. In the Company's Oil Business segment, product revenues primarily consist of sales of re-refined base oil, re-refinery co-products and recycled fuel oil; service revenues include revenues from used oil collection activities, collecting and disposing of waste water and removal and disposal of used oil filters. Due to the Company's integrated business model, it is impracticable to separately present costs of tangible products and costs of services.

COVID-19 Pandemic

We are closely monitoring the spread and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and are continually assessing its potential effects on our business and our financial performance as well as the businesses of our customers and vendors. The Company cannot predict the duration or severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we cannot reasonably estimate the financial impact the COVID-19 outbreak will have on our results and significant estimates going forward.


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(2)    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

    The Company's significant accounting policies are described in Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019.January 2, 2021. There have been no material changes in these policies or their application during the firstthird quarter of fiscal 2020.2021.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Adopted
StandardIssuance DateDescriptionEffective DateEffect on the Financial Statements
ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses2020-04: Reference Rate Reform (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.”848)March 12, 2020June 2016This update modifiesIn March 2020, the impairment modelFASB issued ASU 2020-04: Reference Rate Reform which provides optional expedients and exceptions for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For tradeapplying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loanstransactions affected by the discontinuance of LIBOR or another referenced rate. The guidance may be applied to any applicable contract entered into before December 31, 2022.The Company plans on applying the accounting standard to contracts, hedging relationships, and other instruments, entities will be required to utilizetransactions affected by the discontinuance of LIBOR on a new forward-looking “expected loss” methodology that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowance for losses.prospective basis.December 29, 2019The Company adopted ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) on December 29, 2019 and determined there was no materialis currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the consolidated financial statements with no adjustment to retained earnings.statements.



















9



(3)    BUSINESS COMBINATIONS


On January 28,March 31, 2020, the Company completed the acquisition of certain assets of Gro America (“Gro”), which has expanded our network of wastewater processing facilities and augmented our field services capabilities to better serve our customers throughout the Midwestern United States. The purchase price was $10.0 million subject to certain adjustments, including a working capital adjustment, and was allocated based on our estimates and assumptions of the approximate fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition date. Goodwill recognized from the acquisition of Gro America represents the excess of the estimated purchase consideration transferred over the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Factors leading to goodwill being recognized consist of the Company's expectations of synergies from combining operations of Gro America and the Company as well as the value of intangible assets that are not separately recognized, such as assembled workforce. Transaction costs incurred in conjunction with the acquisition of Gro America were immaterial. The results of Gro America are consolidated into the Company’s Environmental Services segment.

On December 27, 2019, the Company acquired the remaining ownership interest in one of our subsidiaries in the amount of $2.7 million.

On October 8, 2019, Heritage-Crystal Cleanthe Company completed the acquisition of certain assets of California Environmental & Litho, Inc., which provideprovided regulated waste disposal, transportation, manifesting, labeling and profiling services to printing, photographic, automotive and body shop industries in the Bay Area, Central Valley & Northern California. The acquisition represents an expansion of HCC’s Environmental Services business in this geographic area while potentially providing new services and products for this market. No facilities were acquired in the transaction and all service employees and activity will behave been consolidated in existing branch territories. Total consideration for the acquisition was approximately $0.5 million. Factors leading to goodwill being recognized are the Company's expectations of synergies from combining operations of California Environmental & Litho, Inc., and the Company as well as the value of intangible assets that are not separately recognized, such as an assembled workforce.

On March 25, 2019, the Company completed the acquisition of certain assets of All Valley Disposal, Inc., an environmental services provider based in Fresno, California. Consideration for the acquisition paid at closing was $0.6 million. Contingent upon the achievement of certain business performance metrics, total consideration for the acquisition could reach a maximum of approximately $1.3$1.0 million. Factors leading to goodwill being recognized are the Company's expectations of synergies from combining operations of All Valley Disposal, Inc., and the Company as well as the value of intangible assets that are not separately recognized, such as an assembled workforce. The results of All Valley Disposal are consolidated into the Company’s Environmental Services segment.

On February 1, 2019, the Company purchased the assets of W.S. Supplies, Inc. ("WSS") pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement. The Company purchased the assets of WSS to expand the Company’s Environmental Services segment in the mid-west. The purchase price was set at $0.5 million subject to certain adjustments, including a contingent consideration provision, and is allocated based on our estimates and assumptions of the approximate fair values of assets acquired on the acquisition date. The results of WSS are consolidated into the Company’s Environmental Services segment.

On January 11, 2019, the Company purchased the assets of the consumer division of GlyEco, Inc. ("GlyEco") pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement. The Company purchased the assets of GlyEco's consumer division to expand the Company’s antifreeze line of business while expanding geographically. The purchase price was set at $1.6 million subject to certain adjustments, including working capital adjustments, and is allocated based on our estimates and assumptions of the approximate fair values of assets acquired on the acquisition date. Factors leading to goodwill being recognized are the Company's expectations of synergies from combining operations of GlyEco and the Company as well as the value of intangible assets that are not separately recognized, such as an assembled workforce. The results of GlyEco are consolidated into the Company’s Environmental Services segment.











10


The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net of cash acquired, related to each acquisition:

As of March 21, 2020As of March 27, 2021
(thousands)
(thousands)
California Environmental & LithoAll Valley DisposalGlyEcoWSS(thousands)Gro AmericaCalifornia Environmental & LithoAll Valley DisposalGlyEcoWSS
Accounts receivableAccounts receivable$67  $36  $107  $—  Accounts receivable$752 $67 $36 $107 $
InventoryInventory 18  291  28  Inventory18 291 28 
Property, plant, & equipmentProperty, plant, & equipment15  252  746  154  Property, plant, & equipment1,490 15 252 746 154 
Equipment at customersEquipment at customers—  —  —  24  Equipment at customers24 
Intangible assetsIntangible assets445  310  251  298  Intangible assets5,300 445 310 251 298 
GoodwillGoodwill 384  251  —  Goodwill2,541 384 251 
Accounts payableAccounts payable(78)
Total purchase price, net of cash acquiredTotal purchase price, net of cash acquired$533  $1,000  $1,646  $504  Total purchase price, net of cash acquired$10,005 $533 $1,000 $1,646 $504 
Less: working capital adjustmentLess: working capital adjustment—  —  23  —  Less: working capital adjustment23 
Less: contingent considerationLess: contingent consideration120  250  —  —  Less: contingent consideration120 250 
Less: to be placed in escrowLess: to be placed in escrow—  100  —  —  Less: to be placed in escrow100 
Net cash paidNet cash paid$413  $650  $1,623  $504  Net cash paid$10,005 $413 $650 $1,623 $504 

10




(4) REVENUE

We account for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable. Revenue is recognized when our performance obligations under the terms of a contract with our customers are satisfied. Recognition occurs when the Company transfers control by completing the specified services at the point in time the customer benefits from the services performed or once our products are delivered. The Company measures progress toward complete satisfaction of a performance obligation satisfied over time using a cost-based input method. This method of measuring progress provides a faithful depiction of the transfer of goods or services because the costs incurred are expected to be substantially proportionate to the Company’s satisfaction of the performance obligation. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for completing our performance obligations. Sales tax and other taxes we collect with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. In the case of contracts with multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation based on the relative stand-alone selling prices of the various goods and/or services encompassed by the contract. We do not have any material significant payment terms as payment is generally due within 30 days after the performance obligation has been satisfactorily completed. The Company has elected the practical expedient to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that we otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. In applying the guidance in Topic 606, there were no judgments or estimates made that the Company deems significant.

Contract Balances — Contract assets primarily relate to the Company’s rights to consideration for work completed in relation to its services performed but not billed at the reporting date. Contract liabilities primarily consist of advance payments of performance obligations yet to be fully satisfied in the period reported. Our contract liabilities and contract assets are reported in a net position at the end of each reporting period.

We disaggregate our revenue from contracts with customers by major lines of business for each of our segments, as we believe it best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of our revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.




11


The following table disaggregates our revenue by major lines:
For the First Quarter Ended,For the First Quarter Ended,
March 21, 2020March 23, 2019March 27, 2021March 21, 2020
Total Net Sales by Major Lines of Business (thousands)
Total Net Sales by Major Lines of Business (thousands)
Environmental ServicesOil BusinessTotalEnvironmental ServicesOil BusinessTotal
Total Net Sales by Major Lines of Business (thousands)
Environmental ServicesOil BusinessTotalEnvironmental ServicesOil BusinessTotal
Parts cleaning, containerized waste, & related products/servicesParts cleaning, containerized waste, & related products/services$40,290  $—  $40,290  $38,134  $—  $38,134  Parts cleaning, containerized waste, & related products/services$38,833 $$38,833 $40,290 $$40,290 
Vacuum Services & Wastewater TreatmentVacuum Services & Wastewater Treatment14,618  —  14,618  13,976  —  13,976  Vacuum Services & Wastewater Treatment13,692 13,692 14,618 14,618 
Field ServicesField Services9,623  —  9,623  3,841  —  3,841  Field Services4,096 4,096 9,623 9,623 
Antifreeze BusinessAntifreeze Business6,677  —  6,677  6,658  —  6,658  Antifreeze Business6,988 6,988 6,677 6,677 
Environmental Services - OtherEnvironmental Services - Other480  —  480  403  —  403  Environmental Services - Other441 441 480 480 
Re-refinery Product SalesRe-refinery Product Sales—  25,436  25,436  —  24,035  24,035  Re-refinery Product Sales30,054 30,054 25,436 25,436 
Oil Collection Services & RFOOil Collection Services & RFO—  3,289  3,289  —  3,962  3,962  Oil Collection Services & RFO4,617 4,617 3,289 3,289 
Oil Filter BusinessOil Filter Business—  1,066  1,066  —  1,215  1,215  Oil Filter Business1,245 1,245 1,066 1,066 
Revenues from Contracts with CustomersRevenues from Contracts with Customers71,688  29,791  101,479  63,012  29,212  92,224  Revenues from Contracts with Customers64,050 35,916 99,966 71,688 29,791 101,479 
Rental incomeRental income5,765  20  5,785  3,484  64  3,548  Rental income5,407 5,416 5,765 20 5,785 
Total RevenuesTotal Revenues$77,453  $29,811  $107,264  $66,496  $29,276  $95,772  Total Revenues$69,457 $35,925 $105,382 $77,453 $29,811 $107,264 


The following table provides information about contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers:
(thousands)March 21, 2020December 28, 2019
Contract assets$68  $64  
Contract liabilities2,496  2,316  
Contract liabilities - net$2,428  $2,252  
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(thousands)March 27, 2021January 2, 2021
Contract assets$80 $72 
Contract liabilities2,315 2,054 
Contract liabilities - net$2,235 $1,982 

During the fiscal quarter ended March 21, 2020,27, 2021, the Company recognized $2.3$2.1 million of revenue that was included in the contract liabilities balance as of December 28, 2019.January 2, 2021. The Company has no assets recognized from costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer. We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected length of one year or less.


(5)    ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE


Accounts Receivable — Net, includes amounts billed to and currently due from customers. The amounts due are stated at their net estimated realizable value. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable lifetime-expected credit losses in existing accounts receivable and is determined based on our historical collections experience, age of the receivable, knowledge of the customer and the condition of the general economy and industry as a whole. The Company does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its customers.


    Accounts receivable for the first quarter ended March 21, 2020,27, 2021, and the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019January 2, 2021 consisted of the following:
(thousands)(thousands)March 21,
2020
December 28,
2019
(thousands)March 27,
2021
January 2,
2021
TradeTrade$53,901  $54,420  Trade$52,396 $47,191 
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts1,644  2,221  
Less: allowance for uncollectible accountsLess: allowance for uncollectible accounts2,553 2,502 
Trade - netTrade - net52,257  52,199  Trade - net49,843 44,689 
Related partiesRelated parties2,309  1,560  Related parties2,771 3,276 
OtherOther556  1,827  Other514 
Total accounts receivable - netTotal accounts receivable - net$55,122  $55,586  Total accounts receivable - net$52,614 $48,479 

12


The following table provides the changes in the Company’s allowance for doubtfuluncollectible accounts for the first quarter ended March 21, 2020,27, 2021, and the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019:January 2, 2021:
(thousands)(thousands)March 21,
2020
December 28,
2019
(thousands)March 27,
2021
January 2,
2021
Balance at beginning of periodBalance at beginning of period$2,221  $1,816  Balance at beginning of period$2,502 $2,221 
Provision for bad debts189  1,486  
Provision for uncollectible accountsProvision for uncollectible accounts474 1,919 
Accounts written off, net of recoveriesAccounts written off, net of recoveries(766) (1,081) Accounts written off, net of recoveries(423)(1,638)
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period$1,644  $2,221  Balance at end of period$2,553 $2,502 


(6)    INVENTORY

The carrying value of inventory consisted of the following:
(thousands) (thousands)March 21,
2020
December 28,
2019
(thousands)March 27,
2021
January 2,
2021
Solvents and solutionsSolvents and solutions$6,740 $6,672 
Used oil and processed oilUsed oil and processed oil$9,797  $8,349  Used oil and processed oil7,500 6,345 
Solvents and solutions8,443  8,694  
MachinesMachines4,619  5,440  Machines5,364 5,704 
Drums and suppliesDrums and supplies4,238  4,697  Drums and supplies4,269 4,423 
OtherOther2,441  2,632  Other2,012 2,221 
Total inventoryTotal inventory29,538  29,812  Total inventory25,885 25,365 
Less: machine refurbishing reserveLess: machine refurbishing reserve426  439  Less: machine refurbishing reserve355 387 
Total inventory - netTotal inventory - net$29,112  $29,373  Total inventory - net$25,530 $24,978 
 
12


Inventory consists primarily of used oil, processed oil, solvents and solutions, new and refurbished parts cleaning machines, drums and supplies, and other items. Inventories are valued at the lower of first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost or net realizable value, net of any reserves for excess, obsolete, or unsalable inventory. The Company routinelycontinually monitors its inventory levels at each of its locations and evaluates inventories for excess or slow-moving items. If circumstances indicate the cost of inventories exceed their recoverable value, inventories are reduced to net realizable value. The Company had 0 inventory write downs during the first quarter of fiscal 20202021 or fiscal 2019.2020.


(7)   PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant, and equipment consisted of the following:
(thousands) (thousands)March 21,
2020
December 28,
2019
(thousands)March 27,
2021
January 2,
2021
Machinery, vehicles, and equipmentMachinery, vehicles, and equipment$127,502  $127,242  Machinery, vehicles, and equipment$139,642 $138,496 
Buildings and storage tanksBuildings and storage tanks71,607  71,616  Buildings and storage tanks72,939 72,938 
LandLand9,647  9,664  Land5,911 5,909 
Leasehold improvementsLeasehold improvements6,523  6,523  Leasehold improvements6,930 6,929 
Construction in progressConstruction in progress13,275  7,958  Construction in progress9,775 8,023 
Assets held for sale—   
Total property, plant and equipmentTotal property, plant and equipment228,554  223,007  Total property, plant and equipment235,197 232,295 
Less: accumulated depreciationLess: accumulated depreciation70,623  68,096  Less: accumulated depreciation80,450 79,279 
Property, plant and equipment - netProperty, plant and equipment - net$157,931  $154,911  Property, plant and equipment - net$154,747 $153,016 
(thousands) (thousands)March 21,
2020
December 28,
2019
(thousands)March 27,
2021
January 2,
2021
Equipment at customersEquipment at customers$79,201  $77,914  Equipment at customers$83,091 $81,881 
Less: accumulated depreciationLess: accumulated depreciation54,827  53,682  Less: accumulated depreciation59,161 58,770 
Equipment at customers - netEquipment at customers - net$24,374  $24,232  Equipment at customers - net$23,930 $23,111 

    Depreciation expense for the first quarter ended March 27, 2021 and March 21, 2020 and March 23, 2019 was $4.4$2.5 million and $3.1$4.4 million, respectively.
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(8) GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill is measured as a residual amount as of the acquisition date, which in most cases results in measuring goodwill as an excess of the purchase consideration transferred plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the net assets acquired, including any contingent consideration. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter and in interim periods if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The Company's determination of fair value requires certain assumptions and estimates, such as margin expectations, market conditions, growth expectations, expected changes in working capital, etc., regarding expected future profitability and expected future cash flows. The Company tests goodwill for impairment at each of its 2 reporting units, Environmental Services and Oil Business.

The following table shows changes to our goodwill balances by segment from December 28, 2019January 2, 2021 to March 21, 2020:27, 2021:
(thousands)
(thousands)
Oil BusinessEnvironmental ServicesTotal(thousands)Oil BusinessEnvironmental ServicesTotal
Goodwill at December 28, 2019
Goodwill at January 2, 2021Goodwill at January 2, 2021
Gross carrying amount Gross carrying amount$3,952  $32,997  $36,949   Gross carrying amount$3,952 $35,541 $39,493 
Accumulated impairment loss Accumulated impairment loss(3,952) —  (3,952)  Accumulated impairment loss(3,952)(3,952)
Net book value at December 28, 2019$—  $32,997  $32,997  
Net book value at January 2, 2021Net book value at January 2, 2021$$35,541 $35,541 
Measurement period and other adjustments—  (7) (7) 
Goodwill at March 21, 2020
Goodwill at March 27, 2021Goodwill at March 27, 2021
Gross carrying amount Gross carrying amount3,952  32,990  36,942   Gross carrying amount$3,952 35,541 $39,493 
Accumulated impairment loss Accumulated impairment loss(3,952) —  (3,952)  Accumulated impairment loss(3,952)(3,952)
Net book value at March 21, 2020$—  $32,990  $32,990  
Net book value at March 27, 2021Net book value at March 27, 2021$$35,541 $35,541 


The following is a summary of software and other intangible assets:
March 21, 2020December 28, 2019March 27, 2021January 2, 2021
(thousands)
(thousands)
Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying AmountGross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying Amount(thousands)Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying AmountGross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying Amount
Customer & supplier relationshipsCustomer & supplier relationships$25,531  $14,545  $10,986  $25,551  $13,886  $11,665  Customer & supplier relationships$30,860 $18,068 $12,792 $30,857 $16,934 $13,923 
SoftwareSoftware8,229  5,033  3,196  8,093  4,887  3,206  Software9,739 5,718 4,021 9,592 5,645 3,947 
Non-compete agreementsNon-compete agreements3,590  3,087  503  3,603  3,068  535  Non-compete agreements3,609 3,240 369 3,607 3,212 395 
Patents, formulae, and licensesPatents, formulae, and licenses1,769  791  978  1,769  774  995  Patents, formulae, and licenses1,769 856 913 1,769 850 919 
OtherOther1,701  1,241  460  1,702  1,211  491  Other1,738 1,349 389 1,738 1,346 392 
Total software and intangible assets - netTotal software and intangible assets - net$40,820  $24,697  $16,123  $40,718  $23,826  $16,892  Total software and intangible assets - net$47,715 $29,231 $18,484 $47,563 $27,987 $19,576 

Amortization expense was $1.2 million for the first quarter ended March 27, 2021, and $0.9 million for the first quarter ended March 21, 2020, and $1.0 million for the first quarter ended March 23, 2019.2020.

The weighted average useful lives of software and other intangibles are as follows:
Weighted Average Useful Life (years)
Patents, formulae, & licenses15
Customer and supplier relationships1110
Software9
Non-compete agreements54
Other intangibles7

14


    The estimated amortization expense for the remainder of fiscal 20202021 and each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows:
(millions)
(millions)
(millions)
Fiscal YearFiscal YearAmortization ExpenseFiscal YearAmortization Expense
2020$2.6
202120213.22021$3.7
202220223.020224.3
202320232.420233.8
202420240.920242.1
202520250.720251.1
202620260.5

The preceding expected amortization expense is an estimate. Actual amounts of amortization expense may differ from estimated amounts due to additional intangible asset acquisitions, the finalization of the fair value of intangible assets that have been acquired from business combinations, disposal of intangible assets, accelerated amortization of intangible assets, and other events.

(9)   ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Accounts payable consisted of the following:
(thousands)
(thousands)
March 21,
2020
December 28,
2019
(thousands)March 27,
2021
January 2,
2021
Accounts payableAccounts payable$30,196  $37,690  Accounts payable$30,705 $29,263 
Accounts payable - related partiesAccounts payable - related parties411  368  Accounts payable - related parties312 400 
Total accounts payableTotal accounts payable$30,607  $38,058  Total accounts payable$31,017 $29,663 




(10)   DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
Bank Credit Facility

        The Company'sOn March 18, 2021, Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC, (the “Company”), entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement ("Credit Agreement"(the "Agreement"), by and among the Company, its parent, Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc., and the Company’s subsidiaries identified therein and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. The Agreement replaces the Company's previous Credit Agreement dated as of February 21, 2017,2017. During the first quarter the Company paid down its previous term loan, in full, of $30.0 million. The new Agreement provides for borrowings of up to $95.0$100.0 million, subject toin the satisfaction of certain terms and conditions, comprisedform of a term loanrevolving facility, of $30.0which $15 million and up to $65.0 millioncan be used in the form of borrowings under a revolvingSwing Line loan. The actual amount of borrowings available under the revolving loan portion of the Credit Agreement is limited by the Company's total leverage ratio. The amount available to draw at any point in time would be further reduced by any standby letters of credit issued.

Loans made under the Credit Agreement, as amended, may be Base Rate Loans or LIBOR Rate Loans, at the election of the CompanyBorrower subject to certain exceptions. Base Rate Loans have an interest rate equal to (i) the higher of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, (b) the London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1%, or (c) Bank of America's prime rate, plus (ii) a variable margin of between 0.75%0.50% and 1.75%1.25% depending on the Company's total leverage ratio, calculated on a consolidated basis. LIBOR rate loans have an interest rate equal to (i) the LIBOR rate plus (ii) a variable margin of between 1.75%1.50% and 2.75%2.25% depending on the Company's total leverage ratio. Amounts borrowed under the Credit Agreement are secured by a security interest in substantially all of the Company's tangible and intangible assets. The Company incurred $0.8 million of debt issuance costs related to the amended credit agreement.

On July 27, 2017,As of the Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to phase outEffective date of March 18, 2021, the London Interbank Offered Rate by the end of 2021. We expect that widespread use of LIBOR will transition to alternative interest rates in the near future. Since loans made undereffective rate on our Credit Agreement may be based on LIBOR based loans, the phasing out of LIBOR may adversely affect interest rates that could result in higher borrowing costs and higher interest expense. The Company is currently evaluating its options under our Credit Agreement, but at this time we cannot reasonably estimate the impact to our financial statements.term loan was 1.90%.

The Credit Agreement contains customary terms and provisions (including representations, covenants, and conditions) for transactions of this type. Certain covenants, among other things, restrict the Company's and its subsidiaries' ability to incur indebtedness, grant liens, make investments and sell assets. The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default, covenants and representations and warranties. Financial covenants include:
15



An interest coverage ratio (based on interest expense and EBITDA) of at least 3.5 to 1.0;

A total leverage ratio no greater than 3.003.0 to 1.00,1.0, provided that in the event of a permitted acquisition having an aggregate consideration equal to $10.0 million or more, at the Borrower’s election, the total leverage ratioforegoing 3.00 to 1.00 shall be deemed to be 3.253.50 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter in which such permitted acquisition occurs and the three immediately following fiscal quarters and will thereafter will revert to 3.00 to 1.00; and

A capital expenditures covenant limiting capital expenditures to $100.0 million plus, if the capital expenditures permitted have been fully utilized, an additional amount for the remaining term of the Credit Agreement equal to 35% of EBITDA for the thirteen “four-week” periods most recently ended immediately prior to the full utilization of such $100.0 million basket.1.00.

The Credit Agreement places certain limitations on acquisitions and the payment of dividends.
On July 27, 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to phase out the London Interbank Offered Rate by the end of 2021. We expect that widespread use of LIBOR will transition to alternative interest rates in the near future. Since loans made under our Credit Agreement may be LIBOR based loans, the phasing out of LIBOR may adversely affect interest rates that could result in higher borrowing costs and higher interest expense. The Company is currently evaluating its options under our Credit Agreement, but at this time we cannot reasonably estimate the impact to our financial statements.

Debt at March 21, 202027, 2021 and December 28, 2019January 2, 2021 consisted of the following:
(thousands)March 21, 2020December 28, 2019
Principal amount$30,000  $30,000  
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs582  652  
Long-term debt, less current maturities$29,418  $29,348  

(thousands)March 27, 2021January 2, 2021
Principal amount$$30,000 
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs344 
Long-term debt, less current maturities$$29,656 

For the first fiscal quartersquarter ended March 27, 2021, the Company recorded interest expense of $0.3 million with respect to our term loan and credit line, and related amortization of debt issuance costs. For the first quarter ended March 21, 2020, and March 23, 2019, the Company recorded interest expense of $0.4 million of which $0.3 million iswas with respect to our term loan, and $0.1 million related to amortization of debt issuance costs.

The Company's weighted average interest rate for all debt asthrough the first fiscal quarters of March 21,2021, and 2020, was 2.04% and March 23, 2019 was 3.7% and 4.5%, respectively.


As of March 21, 202027, 2021 and December 28, 2019,January 2, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under its Credit Agreement. As of March 21, 202027, 2021 and December 28, 2019,January 2, 2021, the Company, had $1.7$3.9 million, and $1.1 millionfor both periods of standby letters of credit issued, respectively, and $63.3$96.1 million and $63.9$61.0 million was available for borrowing under the bank credit facility, respectively. We believe that the carrying value of our debt balance at March 21, 2020 approximates fair value.


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(11)   SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has 2 reportable segments: "Environmental Services" and "Oil Business." The Environmental Services segment consists primarily of the Company's parts cleaning, containerized waste management, wastewater and vacuum truck service, antifreeze recycling activities, and field services. The Oil Business segment consists primarily of the Company's used oil collection, used oil re-refining activities, and the dehydration of used oil to be sold as recycled fuel oil.

No single customer in either segment accounted for more than 10.0% of consolidated revenues in any of the periods presented. There were no intersegment revenues. Both the Environmental Services and Oil Business segments operate in the United States and, to an immaterial degree, in Ontario, Canada. As such, the Company is not disclosing operating results by geographic segment.

Segment results for the first quarters ended March 21, 2020,27, 2021, and March 23, 201921, 2020 were as follows:
First Quarter Ended,First Quarter Ended,First Quarter Ended,
March 21, 2020
(thousands)

Environmental
Services
Oil BusinessCorporate and
Eliminations
Consolidated
March 27, 2021March 27, 2021
(thousands)(thousands)

Environmental
Services
Oil BusinessCorporate and
Eliminations
Consolidated
RevenuesRevenuesRevenues
Service revenues$60,960  $2,797  $—  $63,757  Service revenues$53,303 $4,397 $$57,700 
Product revenues10,728  26,994  —  37,722  Product revenues10,747 31,519 42,266 
Rental income5,765  20  —  5,785  Rental income5,407 5,416 
Total revenuesTotal revenues$77,453  $29,811  $—  $107,264  Total revenues$69,457 $35,925 $$105,382 
Operating expensesOperating expensesOperating expenses
Operating costs56,40426,846—  83,250Operating costs51,88024,89176,771
Operating depreciation and amortization2,2712,055—  4,326Operating depreciation and amortization1,5799482,527
Profit before corporate selling, general, and administrative expensesProfit before corporate selling, general, and administrative expenses$18,778  $910  $—  $19,688  Profit before corporate selling, general, and administrative expenses$15,998 $10,086 $$26,084 
Selling, general, and administrative expensesSelling, general, and administrative expenses11,52211,522Selling, general, and administrative expenses12,18812,188
Depreciation and amortization from SG&ADepreciation and amortization from SG&A942942Depreciation and amortization from SG&A1,2551,255
Total selling, general, and administrative expensesTotal selling, general, and administrative expenses$12,464  $12,464  Total selling, general, and administrative expenses$13,443 $13,443 
Other expense - net272  272
Other (income) - netOther (income) - net(108)(108)
Operating incomeOperating income6,952Operating income12,749
Interest expense – netInterest expense – net214214Interest expense – net324324
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes$6,738  Income before income taxes$12,425 










17


First Quarter Ended,First Quarter Ended,First Quarter Ended,
March 23, 2019
(thousands)

Environmental
Services
Oil BusinessCorporate and
Eliminations
Consolidated
March 21, 2020March 21, 2020
(thousands)(thousands)

Environmental
Services
Oil BusinessCorporate and
Eliminations
Consolidated
RevenuesRevenuesRevenues
Service revenues$52,875  $3,491  $—  $56,366  Service revenues$60,960 $2,797 $$63,757 
Product revenues10,137  25,721  —  35,858  Product revenues10,728 26,994 37,722 
Rental income3,484  64  —  3,548  Rental income5,765 20 5,785 
Total revenuesTotal revenues$66,496  $29,276  $—  $95,772  Total revenues$77,453 $29,811 $$107,264 
Operating expensesOperating expensesOperating expenses
Operating costs50,16332,320—  82,483Operating costs56,40426,84683,250
Operating depreciation and amortization1,6361,434—  3,070Operating depreciation and amortization2,2712,0554,326
Profit (loss) before corporate selling, general, and administrative expenses$14,697  $(4,478) $—  $10,219  
Profit before corporate selling, general, and administrative expensesProfit before corporate selling, general, and administrative expenses$18,778 $910 $$19,688 
Selling, general, and administrative expensesSelling, general, and administrative expenses12,39612,396Selling, general, and administrative expenses11,52211,522
Depreciation and amortization from SG&ADepreciation and amortization from SG&A1,0661,066Depreciation and amortization from SG&A942942
Total selling, general, and administrative expensesTotal selling, general, and administrative expenses$13,462  $13,462  Total selling, general, and administrative expenses$12,464 $12,464 
Other income - net(58)(58)
Operating loss(3,185)
Other expense - netOther expense - net272 272
Operating incomeOperating income6,952
Interest expense – netInterest expense – net230230Interest expense – net214214
Loss before income taxes$(3,415) 
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes$6,738 

Total assets by segment as of March 21, 2020,27, 2021 and December 28, 2019January 2, 2021 were as follows:
(thousands)March 21, 2020December 28, 2019
Total Assets:
Environmental Services$225,308  $224,657  
Oil Business170,688  171,104  
Unallocated Corporate Assets70,662  75,553  
Total$466,658  $471,314  

(thousands)March 27, 2021January 2, 2021
Total Assets:
Environmental Services$218,214 $217,297 
Oil Business165,066 160,165 
Unallocated Corporate Assets59,021 84,207 
Total$442,301 $461,669 

Segment assets for the Environmental Services and Oil Business segments consist of property, plant, and equipment, right-of-use assets, intangible assets, accounts receivable, goodwill, and inventories. Assets for the corporate unallocated amounts consist of property, plant, and equipment used at the corporate headquarters as well as cash and net deferred tax assets.

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(12)    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

LEASES

Lessee

The Company leases buildings and property, railcars, machinery and equipment, trailers and various types of vehicles for use in our operations. Each arrangement is evaluated individually to determine if the arrangement is or contains a lease at inception. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components and we have elected to not separate lease and non-lease components for all classes of underlying assets. In addition, our lease agreements do not contain any material residual guarantees or restrictive covenants.

Leases may include variable lease payments for common area maintenance, real estate taxes, and truck lease mileage. No leases are tied to a market index rate or CPI. Variable lease payments are not included in the initial measurement of the right-of-use assets or lease liabilities, and are recorded as lease expense in the period incurred. Options to extend or terminate a lease are included in the lease term when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. We have elected not to record leases with an initial term of 12 months or less on the balance sheet and instead recognize those lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Leases with initial terms in excess of 12 months are recorded as either operating or financing leases in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Right-of-use assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset during the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Our leasedlease right-of-use assets are measured at the initial measurement of the lease liability, adjusted for any lease payments made prior to the lease commencement date, less any lease incentives received and other initial direct costs incurred. Our lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date, including lease term, in determining the present value of future payments.

Our leases have remaining terms ranging from less than one month to approximately 11 years and may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Our finance leases include a fleet of mobile equipment.




























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The components of lease expense were as follows:
For the First Quarter EndedFor the First Quarter Ended
(thousands)(thousands)March 21,
2020
March 23,
2019
(thousands)March 27,
2021
March 21,
2020
Finance lease cost:Finance lease cost:Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets Amortization of right-of-use assets$322  $—   Amortization of right-of-use assets$578 $322 
Interest on lease liabilities Interest on lease liabilities74  —   Interest on lease liabilities112 74 
Total finance lease costTotal finance lease cost$396  $—  Total finance lease cost$690 $396 
Operating lease costOperating lease cost$6,051  $6,031  Operating lease cost$5,405 $6,051 
Short-term lease costShort-term lease cost1,360  1,404  Short-term lease cost995 1,360 
Variable lease costVariable lease cost1,033  1,093  Variable lease cost702 1,033 
Total lease costTotal lease cost$8,444  $8,528  Total lease cost$7,102 $8,444 
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from financing leases Operating cash flows from financing leases$66  $—   Operating cash flows from financing leases$112 $66 
Operating cash flows from operating leases Operating cash flows from operating leases$6,523  $6,341   Operating cash flows from operating leases$5,760 $6,523 
Financing cash flows from financing leases Financing cash flows from financing leases$210  $—   Financing cash flows from financing leases$436 $210 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilitiesRight-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities$3,264  $—  Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities$250 $3,264 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilitiesRight-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities$588  $67,593  Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities$1,820 $588 
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)
Finance leases Finance leases6.6—   Finance leases5.96.6
Operating leases Operating leases4.94.9 Operating leases4.44.9
Weighted-average discount rateWeighted-average discount rateWeighted-average discount rate
Finance leases Finance leases3.4 %— % Finance leases3.2 %3.4 %
Operating leases Operating leases5.8 %5.5 % Operating leases5.6 %5.8 %


Future annual minimum lease payment commitments as of March 21, 202027, 2021 were as follows:
(thousands)
Year 1$26,29922,826 
Year 221,00719,275 
Year 317,20415,078 
Year 413,12510,827 
Year 59,3987,325 
 thereafter15,77811,308 
Total minimum lease payments$102,81186,639 
Less: imputed interest13,51210,067 
Lease liability$89,29976,572 


Lessor



Lessor
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The Company is a lessor of portions of a buildingbuildings and property, railcars, and equipment such as embedded leases of parts cleaning machines. Each of the Company’s leases is classified as an operating lease, and the vast majority are short-term leases. Variable lease payments include real and personal property taxes, which are based on the lessee’s pro rata portion of such amounts, and excess mileage charges which are computed as the actual miles traveled in a calendar year minus the maximum average mileage allowance as specified per the contract. Options to extend the lease beyond the original terms range from day-to-dayday-
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to-day renewals to increments of five-yearfive-year extensions. Options to terminate the lease range from immediate termination upon return of the asset to various written notification periods following a minimum lease term. Options for a lessee to purchase the underlying asset are not contractually specified but may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Significant judgments made in determining whether a contract contains a lease include assessments as to whether or not the contract conveys the right to direct the use of an identified asset. Significant judgments made in allocating consideration between lease and non-lease components include techniques applied in estimating the relative stand-alone selling prices of the lease and non-lease components of the contract in cases where a stand-alone selling price is not directly observable. As of March 21, 2020, the Company is party to a contract under which it leases railcars to the related party Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P. No leased assets are covered by residual value guarantees. The Company manages the risk associated with the residual value of leased assets through such means as performing periodic maintenance and upkeep activities and the inclusion of contractual terms that hold the lessee responsible for damage incurred to leased assets. Contained in Note 7, “Property, plant, and equipment,” are disclosures concerning the Company’s underlying assets under operating leases. The Company has made an accounting policy election to exclude from the consideration in the contract, and from variable payments not included in the consideration in the contract, all taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific lease revenue-producing transaction and collected by the lessor from a lessee.

The Company recognizes rental income on a straight-line basis for that portion of the consideration allocated to the embedded lease component of certain of our parts cleaning contracts. We also recognize rental income on certain subleases of railcars and portions of a buildingbuildings and property.

Rental income was as follows:
For the First Quarter EndedFirst Quarter Ended,
March 21, 2020March 23, 2019March 27, 2021March 21, 2020
(thousands)(thousands)Environmental ServicesOil BusinessTotalEnvironmental ServicesOil BusinessTotal(thousands)Environmental ServicesOil BusinessTotalEnvironmental ServicesOil BusinessTotal
Parts CleaningParts Cleaning$5,765  $—  $5,765  $3,484  $—  $3,484  Parts Cleaning$5,407 $$5,407 $5,765 $$5,765 
RailcarsRailcars—  16  16  —  57  57  Railcars16 16 
PropertyProperty—    —    Property
Total rental incomeTotal rental income$5,765  $20  $5,785  $3,484  $64  $3,548  Total rental income$5,407 $$5,416 $5,765 $20 $5,785 


Purchase Obligations

The Company may enter into purchase obligations with certain vendors. They represent expected payments to third party service providers and other commitments entered into during the normal course of our business. These purchase obligations are generally cancelablecancellable with or without notice, without penalty, although certain vendor agreements provide for cancellation fees or penalties depending on the terms of the contract.

The Company has purchase obligations in the form of open purchase orders of $25.8of $16.5 million as of March 21, 2020,27, 2021, and $28.3$20.0 million as of December 28, 2019,January 2, 2021, primarily for used oil, solvent, machine purchases, disposal and transportation expenses, and capital expenditures.

The Company may be subject to investigations, claims or lawsuits as a result of operating its business, including matters governed by environmental laws and regulations. The Company may also be subject to tax audits in a variety of jurisdictions. When claims are asserted, the Company evaluates the likelihood that a loss will occur and records a liability for those instances when the likelihood is deemed probable and the exposure is reasonably estimable. The Company carries insurance at levels it believes are adequate to cover loss contingencies based on historical claims activity. When the potential loss exposure is limited to the insurance deductible and the likelihood of loss is determined to be probable, the Company accrues for the amount of the required deductible, unless a lower amount of exposure is estimated. As of March 21, 202027, 2021 and December 28, 2019,January 2, 2021, the Company had accruedaccrued $3.2 millionand $3.9 million and $4.0 million related to loss contingencies and other contingent liabilities, respectively.


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(13)    INCOME TAXES

The Company deducted for federal income tax purposes accelerated "bonus" depreciation on the majority of its capital expenditures for assets placed in service in fiscal 2011 through the first quarter of 2020.2021. Therefore, the Company recorded a noncurrent deferred tax liability as to the difference between the book basis and the tax basis of those assets. As of the first quarter of fiscal 2020,2021, the Company's remaining Federal Net Operating Loss ("NOL") was $19.4$14.4 million, which will begin to
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expire in 2031. The unexpired balance on the federal NOL generated in 2011 is $0.4 million as of March 21, 2020. The Company's remaining balance of Federal NOLs recorded during 2012 - 2019 was $19.1 million as of March 21, 2020.2034. There are also state NOLs of varying amounts, dependent on each state’s conformity with bonus depreciation. The remaining deferred tax asset related to the Company's state and federal NOLNOLs was a tax effected balance of $4.7$3.6 million.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. ASU 2019-12 intends to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application of Topic 740. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods therein. The adoption of ASU 2019-12 does not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

The Company's effective tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 20202021 was 21.5%25.9% compared to 28.9%21.5% in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.2020. The rate decreaseincrease is principally attributable to the opposing effect on the tax rate from equity compensationof non-deductible expenses in an income quartera projected loss year as compared to a loss quarter.projected income year.

The Company establishes reserves when it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize the full tax benefit of a position. The Company had a reserve of $2.7$2.8 million for uncertain tax positions as of March 21, 2020.27, 2021. The gross unrecognized tax benefits would, if recognized, decrease the Company's effective tax rate.


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(14)    SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

On February 20, 2019, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the 2019 Incentive Award Plan (the “2019 Plan”), to replace the Company’s 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“2008 Plan”), which expired in March 2018. The 2019 Plan was approved during the second quarter of 2019 and authorizes 1,500,000 shares to be available for award grants.

 Restricted Stock Compensation/Awards

Annually, the Company grants restricted shares to its Board of Directors. The shares become fully vested one year from their grant date. The fair value of each restricted stock grant is based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The Company amortizes the expense over the service period, which is the fiscal year in which the award is granted. In addition, the Company may grant restricted shares to certain members of management based on their services and contingent upon continued service with the Company. The restricted shares vest over a period of approximately three years from the grant date. The fair value of each restricted stock grant is based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant.

The following table shows a summary of restricted share grants and expense resulting from the awards:
    
Compensation ExpenseCompensation Expense
(thousands, except share amounts)(thousands, except share amounts)First Quarters Ended,Unrecognized Expense as of,(thousands, except share amounts)First Quarters Ended,Unrecognized Expense as of,
Recipient of GrantRecipient of GrantGrant DateRestricted SharesMarch 21, 2020March 23, 2019March 21, 2020March 23, 2019Recipient of GrantGrant DateRestricted SharesMarch 27, 2021March 21, 2020March 27, 2021March 21, 2020
Members of ManagementFebruary, 2017146,564  $—  $89  $—  $296  
Chief Executive OfficerChief Executive OfficerFebruary, 2017500,000  106  205  400  1,025  Chief Executive OfficerFebruary, 2017500,000$$89 $$296 
Members of ManagementMembers of ManagementFebruary, 2018116,958  142  136  472  1,040  Members of ManagementFebruary, 2018116,958142 472 
Special Incentive GrantSpecial Incentive GrantApril, 2018350,000  344  163  3,084  5,192  Special Incentive GrantApril, 2018350,000298 344 1,354 3,084 
Board of DirectorsMay, 201910,590  —  66  —  219  
Members of ManagementMembers of ManagementMay, 201923,560  50  —  408  —  Members of ManagementMay, 201923,56059 50 203 408 
Members of ManagementMembers of ManagementFebruary, 202041,138  165  —  705  —  Members of ManagementFebruary, 202041,13838 165 355 705 
Board of DirectorsBoard of DirectorsApril, 202014,98866 219 
Chief Executive OfficerChief Executive OfficerFebruary, 2021500,000394 5,923 
Members of ManagementMembers of ManagementFebruary, 202135,89822 184 635 

In February 2017, as part of Mr. Recatto's employment agreement,On January 8, 2021, the Company grantedand Mr. Brian Recatto entered into an amended Executive Employment Agreement (the “Amended Agreement”) which was effective on February 1, 2021. Pursuant to the Amended Agreement, we replaced in its entirety section 4.3 of the First Amendment to the Executive Employment Agreement relating to equity compensation that was effective February 1, 2017. As of February 1, 2021, Mr. Recatto received a restricted stockone-time award of 500,000 shares of commonrestricted stock, which vests throughsubject to the achievement of performance criteria established by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors pursuant to the Company's 2019 Incentive Plan.

The award date for such Performance-Based Restricted Stock was on February 1, 2021. Such award was granted pursuant to and governed by the terms of the 2019 Incentive Plan and an award agreement in a form provided by the Company. The Performance-Based Restricted Stock one-time award of 500,000 shares received on February 1, 2021, shall vest on January 202131, 2025 if Mr. Recatto is employed by the Company on that date, in an amount based ondetermined by applying the vesting tableapplicable percentages from the chart below, with the common stock price increaseincreases to be determined based on the increase in the price of the Company’s common stock (if any) from the closing price of the common stock as reported by Nasdaq on the employmentamended agreement commencement date ($15.00)21.77) and the common stock price on the potential vesting date (determined by using the weighted average closing price of a share of the Company's common stock for the 90-day period ending on the vesting date). If the stock price does not increase by $5.00, then 0 shares shall vest.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2020,2021, the Company recorded approximately $0.1$0.4 million of compensation expense related to this award. In the future, the Company expects to recognize compensation expense of approximately $0.4$5.9 million over the remaining requisite service period, which ends January 31, 2021.2025. The fair value of this restricted stock award as of the grant date was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Key assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the grant date fair value of this award are a risk-free rate of 1.70%0.29%, expected dividend yield of 0, and an expected volatility assumption of 41.73%53.07%.


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Vesting Table
Increase in Stock Price From the EmploymentAmended Agreement Commencement Date to the Vesting DateTotal Percentage of Restricted Stock
Shares to Be Vested
Less than $5 per share increase—%0%
$5 per share increase25% (vest in 125,000 shares)
$10 per share increase50% (vest in 125,000 shares)
$15 per share increase75% (vest in 125,000 shares)
$20 or more per share increase100% (vest in 125,000 shares)
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Provision for possible accelerated vesting of award

If the average closing price of the Company's common stock increases by the marginal levels set forth in the above vesting table for any consecutive 180 day period between the award date and final vesting date, Mr. Recatto shall become vested in 50% of the corresponding total percentage of restricted shares earned on the last day of the 180 day period.

Accelerated vestings achievedIn addition, on each of December 31, 2021, December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2023, to the extent Mr. Recatto remains employed by the Company under the Amended Agreement on such date, includeMr. Recatto shall receive a grant of restricted stock as of such date valued at Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000), with the following:

Vesting DateMarginal Level TargetShares Fully Vested
March 14, 201825%62,500
June 10, 201950%62,500

number of shares of restricted stock constituting such grant determined by applying the average closing price for a share of the Company’s common stock for the 90-day period ending on such date. Such awards of Time-Based Restricted Stock shall be granted pursuant to and governed by the terms of the 2019 Incentive Plan and an award agreement in a form provided by the Company. The Time-Based Restricted Stock shall vest only if Mr. Recatto remains employed by the Company under the Amended Agreement through December 31, 2023; provided, that, upon a Change of Control of the Company (as such term is defined in the Amended Agreement), all shares of the Time-Based Restricted Stock awarded up through the date of closing of the Change in Control shall become vested, and no further award of Time-Based Restricted Stock shall be awarded. During the first quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company recorded approximately $0.1 million of compensation expense related to this award.

The following table summarizes the restricted stock activity for the first quarter ended March 21, 2020:27, 2021:
Restricted Stock (Nonvested Shares)Restricted Stock (Nonvested Shares)Number of SharesWeighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per ShareRestricted Stock (Nonvested Shares)Number of SharesWeighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share
Nonvested shares outstanding at December 28, 2019784,579  $18.39  
Nonvested shares outstanding at January 2, 2021Nonvested shares outstanding at January 2, 2021646,634 $18.28 
GrantedGranted41,138  28.16  Granted535,898 22.02 
VestedVested(64,408) 19.15  Vested(35,497)15.00 
ForfeitedForfeited(8,088) 15.42  Forfeited(340,754)15.05 
Nonvested shares outstanding at March 21, 2020753,221  $17.34  
Nonvested shares outstanding at March 27, 2021Nonvested shares outstanding at March 27, 2021806,281 $22.28 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

As of March 21, 2020,27, 2021, the Company had reserved 105,48373,562 shares of common stock available for purchase under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. In the first quarter of fiscal 2020,2021, employees purchased 4,1026,072 shares of the Company’s common stock with a weighted average fair market value of $31.21$21.11 per share.

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(15)  EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table reconciles the number of shares outstanding for the first quarters of fiscal 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively, to the number of weighted average basic shares outstanding and the number of weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the purposes of calculating basic and diluted earnings per share:
 First Quarter Ended,
 (thousands, except per share amounts)March 21, 2020March 23, 2019
Net income (loss)$5,291  $(2,429) 
Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interest—  83  
Net income (loss) attributable to Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. available to common stockholders$5,291  $(2,512) 
Weighted average basic shares outstanding23,239  23,117  
Dilutive shares for share–based compensation plans183  —  
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding23,422  23,117  
Number of anti–dilutive potentially issuable shares excluded from diluted shares outstanding—  248  
Net income (loss) per share: basic$0.23  $(0.11) 
Net income (loss) per share: diluted$0.23  $(0.11) 
 First Quarter Ended,
 (thousands, except per share amounts)March 27, 2021March 21, 2020
Net income$9,206 $5,291 
Weighted average basic shares outstanding23,373 23,239 
Dilutive shares for share–based compensation plans136 183 
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding23,509 23,422 
Net income per share: basic$0.39 $0.23 
Net income per share: diluted$0.39 $0.23 


(16)  OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE (INCOME) - NET

Other (income) expense (income) - net was $0.3$0.1 million of expenseincome for the first quarter of fiscal 2020,2021, compared to a net $0.1$0.3 million of other incomeexpense in the first quarter of 2019.2020.






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(17) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On March 31, 2020, Heritage-Crystal Clean completed the acquisition of certain assets of Gro America (“Gro”), which has expanded our network of wastewater processing facilities and augmented our field services capabilities to better serve our customers throughout the Midwestern United States. This acquisition provides the Company with a first-class centralized wastewater treatment operation in Wyoming, Michigan just outside of Grand Rapids, and adds a robust field services business with expanded service capabilities which will allow us to reduce the use of subcontractors required to complete field services projects in certain geographies. Total consideration for the acquisition was approximately $10.0 million.

COVID-19 Pandemic

We are closely monitoring the spread and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and are continually assessing its potential effects on our business and our financial performance as well as the businesses of our customers and vendors. The Company cannot predict the duration or severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we cannot reasonably estimate the financial impact the COVID-19 outbreak will have on our results and significant estimates going forward.



ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 3, 2020.2, 2021. In addition to historical information, this discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "should," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," "would" and other words and terms of similar meaning in conjunction with a discussion of future or estimated operating or financial performance. You should read statements that contain these words carefully, because they discuss our future expectations, contain projections of our future results of operations or of our financial position or state other “forward-looking” information. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this quarterly report. Factors that could cause such differences include those described in the section titled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 20192020 filed with the SEC on March 3, 2020.2, 2021. Except as required under federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not have any intention, and do not undertake, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date of this quarterly report, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements included in this quarterly report or that may be made elsewhere from time to time by, or on behalf of, us. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements. Certain tabular information may not foot due to rounding. Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to December 31. Interim results are presented for the twelve weeks ("first quarter" or "quarter") ended March 27, 2021 and March 21, 2020, and March 23, 2019, respectively. "Fiscal 2019"2020" represents the 53-week period ended January 2, 2021 and "Fiscal 2021" represents the 52-week period ended December 28, 2019 and "Fiscal 2020" represents the period beginning December 29, 2019,January 3, 2021, and ending on December 31, 2020.January 1, 2022.

Overview

We provide parts cleaning, containerized waste management, used oil collection, wastewater and vacuum, truck services, antifreeze recycling, and field services primarily to small and medium sized industrial customers as well as vehicle maintenance customers. We own and operate a used oil re-refinery, several wastewater treatment plants and multiple antifreeze recycling facilities. We believe we are the second largest provider of industrial and hazardous waste services to small and mid-sized customers in both the vehicle maintenance and industrial services sector in North America, and we have the second largest used oil re-refining capacity in North America. Our services help our customers manage their used chemicals and liquid and solid wastes while also helping to minimize their regulatory burdens. We operate from a network of 89 branch facilities providing services to customers in 45 states and parts of Canada. We conduct business through two segments: Environmental Services and Oil Business.

Our Environmental Services segment revenues are generated primarily from providing parts cleaning, services, containerized waste management, wastewater and vacuum, truck services, antifreeze recycling, and field services. Revenues from this segment accounted for approximately 72%66% of our total Company revenues for the first quarter of fiscal 2020.2021. In the Environmental
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Services segment, we define and measure same-branch revenues for a given period as the subset of all our branches that have been open and operating throughout and between the periods being compared, and we refer to these as established branches. We calculate average revenues per working day by dividing our revenues by the number of non-holiday weekdays in the applicable fiscal year or fiscal quarter.

Our Oil Business segment consists primarily of our used oil collection, used oil re-refining activities, and recycled fuel oil ("RFO") sales which together accounted for approximately 28%34% of our total Company revenues in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.2021.

    Our operating costs include the costs of obtaining the materials we use in our products and services, such as used oil collected from customers or purchased from third party collectors, solvent, and other chemicals. The used solvent that we retrieve from customers in our product reuse program is accounted for as a reduction in our net cost of solvent under operating costs, whether placed in inventory or sold to a purchaser for reuse. Changes in the price of crude oil can impact operating costs indirectly as it may impact the price we pay for solvent or used oil, although we attempt to offset volatility in the oil markets by managing the spread between the costs we pay forincur to obtain our materials and the prices we charge for our products and services. Operating costs also include transportation of solvents and waste, payments to third parties to recycle or dispose of the waste materials that we collect, and the costs of operating our re-refinery, recycling centers, waste waterwastewater treatment facilities, hubs, and
26


branch system including personnel costs (including commissions), facility rent, truck leases, fuel, and maintenance. Our operating costs as a percentage of salesrevenues generally increase in relation to the number of new branch openings. As new branches achieve route density and scale efficiencies, our operating costs as a percentage of salesrevenues generally decrease.

We use profit before corporate selling, general, and administrative expenses ("SG&A") as a key measure of segment profitability. We define profit before corporate SG&A expense as revenue less operating costs and depreciation and amortization from operations.

    Our corporate selling, general, and administrative expenses include the costs of performing centralized business functions, including sales management at or above the regional level, business management and marketing, billing, receivables management, accounting and finance, procurement, real estate management, information technology, environmental health and safety, human resources and legal.

We operate a used oil re-refinery located in Indianapolis, Indiana, through which we recycle used oil into high quality lubricant base oil and other products. We supply the base oil to firms that produce and market finished lubricants. Our re-refinery has an annual nameplate capacity of approximately 75 million gallons of used oil feedstock, allowing it to produce approximately 49 million gallons of lubricating base oil per year when operating at full capacity.

    
Critical Accounting Policies

Critical accounting policies are those that are both important to the accurate portrayal of a company’s financial condition and results and require subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.

In order to prepare financial statements that conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, commonly referred to as GAAP, we make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and accompanying notes. Certain estimates are particularly sensitive due to their significance to the financial statements and the possibility that future events may be significantly different from our expectations.

There were no material changes during the first quarter of fiscal 20202021 to the information provided under the heading "Critical Accounting Policies" included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019.January 2, 2021.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Our Business

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption and volatility on a global scale resulting in,
among other things, an economic slowdown. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, national and local governments around the world have instituted certain measures, including travel bans, prohibitions on group events and gatherings, shutdowns of certain businesses, curfews, shelter-in-place orders and recommendations to practice social distancing. As our operations have been deemed essential, we have taken several measures to combat the COVID-19 downturn which have resulted in attenuating activity and, in some cases, required temporary closures of certain of our facilities, among other impacts.facilities. In addition, we have taken steps to minimize the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through-out our business and to protect the safety of our employees and customers. The duration of these measures is unknown and may be extended, and additional measures may be necessary. Our fiscal first quarter financial results
27


do not fully reflect the adverse impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our business as our business first experienced the impact of the COVID-19 economic slowdown at the end of our first fiscal quarter.

As a result of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, some of our customers have temporarily closed their businesses, limited our access to their businesses or have a decreased demand for our products and services due to a slowdown in the demand for their own products and or services. We believe that we will experience a material decrease in activity in both our Environmental Services and our Oil Business segments during the second quarter of fiscal 2020, but cannot determine the full extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will impact our business and operating results at this time. The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows is highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted and is dependent on future developments, including the duration of the pandemic and the related length of its impact on the global economy, and any new information that may emerge concerning the COVID-19 outbreak and the actions to contain it or treat its impact. The continued impact on our business as a result of COVID-19 pandemic could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, prospects and the trading prices of our securities in the near-term and beyond 2020.

During the second quarter we have taken several actions to combat the COVID-19 outbreak induced downturn in our business including, but not limited to, the following:through-out 2021.

Implementation of the Company's pandemic response plan;
Implementation of salary reductions for all levels of management;
Planned implementation of furlough and workshare programs;
Suspension of all material, non-essential capital expenditures;
Suspension of mergers & acquisitions (after the acquisition we closed on March 31, 2020);
Implementation of a hiring freeze;
Launched a COVID-19 cleaning service; and
Moved into a material charge position for our used oil collection service.

In addition to the above actions, we have taken steps to minimize the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and to protect the safety of our employees and customers. Entering this economic downturn, we had a strong balance sheet and were in a net-cash position which we expect will position us to take advantage of some of the opportunities that we believe will be in front of us once we emerge from this challenging time.






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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

General

    The following table sets forth certain operating data as a percentage of revenues for the periods indicated:
For the First Quarter Ended,For the First Quarter Ended,
(thousands)(thousands)March 21,
2020
March 23,
2019
(thousands)March 27,
2021
March 21,
2020
RevenuesRevenuesRevenues
Service revenuesService revenues$63,757  59.4 %$56,366  58.9 %Service revenues$57,700 54.8 %$63,757 59.4 %
Product revenuesProduct revenues37,722  35.2 %35,858  37.4 %Product revenues42,266 40.1 %37,722 35.2 %
Rental incomeRental income5,785  5.4 %3,548  3.7 %Rental income5,416 5.1 %5,785 5.4 %
Total revenuesTotal revenues$107,264  100.0 %$95,772  100.0 %Total revenues$105,382 100.0 %$107,264 100.0 %
Operating expensesOperating expensesOperating expenses
Operating costsOperating costs$83,250  77.6 %$82,483  86.1 %Operating costs$76,771 72.9 %$83,250 77.6 %
Selling, general, and administrative expensesSelling, general, and administrative expenses11,522  10.7 %12,396  12.9 %Selling, general, and administrative expenses12,188 11.6 %11,522 10.7 %
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization5,268  4.9 %4,136  4.3 %Depreciation and amortization3,782 3.6 %5,268 4.9 %
Other expense (income) - net272  0.3 %(58) (0.1)%
Operating income (loss)6,952  6.5 %(3,185) (3.3)%
Other (income) expense - netOther (income) expense - net(108)(0.1)%272 0.3 %
Operating incomeOperating income12,749 12.1 %6,952 6.5 %
Interest expense – netInterest expense – net214  0.2 %230  0.2 %Interest expense – net324 0.3 %214 0.2 %
Income (loss) before income taxes6,738  6.3 %(3,415) (3.6)%
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes1,447  1.3 %(986) (1.0)%
Net income (loss)5,291  4.9 %(2,429) (2.5)%
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest—  — %83  0.1 %
Net income (loss) attributable to Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. common stockholders$5,291  4.9 %$(2,512) (2.6)%
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes12,425 11.8 %6,738 6.3 %
Provision for income taxesProvision for income taxes3,219 3.1 %1,447 1.3 %
Net incomeNet income$9,206 8.7 %$5,291 4.9 %

Revenues

Revenue for the first quarter of 20202021 was $107.3$105.4 million compared to $95.8$107.3 million for the same quarter of 2019, an increase2020, a decrease of $11.5$1.9 million, or 12.0%1.8.%. The $11.5$1.9 million increasedecrease in revenue was mainly driven by 16.5% revenue growth ina large field services project that occurred during the Environmental Services segment,first quarter of 2020, but did not reoccur during the first quarter of fiscal 2021, along with a 1.8% increase in revenue from our Oil Business segment. The increase in revenue was driven mainly by growthvolume declines in most of our Environmental Services segment product and service lines.lines of business due to the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by 21% revenue growth in the Oil Business segment.

Operating costs

    Operating costs increased $0.8decreased $6.5 million, or 0.9%7.7%, during the first quarter of 20202021 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The increase was2020 mainly due to higherlower field services related disposal cost from increased volumecosts, and lower fleet repairs,repair costs, partially offset by lower maintenancehigher disposal expense in our containerized waste and vacuum services businesses health care costs compared to the year-ago quarter.and welfare costs.

We expect that in the future our operating costs in both the Environmental Services and Oil Business segments may increase or decrease depending on our product and service volumes, changes in commodity pricing, along with other factors.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses

    Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased $0.9increased $0.7 million, or 7.1%5.9%, from the first quarter of fiscal 20192021 to the first quarter of fiscal 2020 mainly driven by lower severance, professional services,higher bad debt expense and legal fees, partially offset by higher non-management salaries and share-based compensation.bank fees.

Other (income) expense (income) - net

Other (income) expense (income) - net was $0.3$0.1 million of expenseincome for the first quarter of fiscal 2020,2021, compared to a net $0.1$0.3 million of other incomeexpense in the first quarter of 2019.

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Interest expense - net2020.

Interest expense - net
28



Interest expense - net for the first quartersquarter of fiscal 20202021 and fiscal 20192020 was $0.3 million and $0.2 million.million, respectively.

Provision for income taxes

The Company's effective income tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 20202021 was 21.5%25.9% compared to 28.9%21.5% in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.2020. The rate decreaseincrease is principally attributable to the opposing effect on the tax rate from equity compensationof non-deductible expenses in an income quartera projected loss year as compared to a loss quarter.projected income year.

Segment Information

The following table presents revenues by reportable segment:
For the First Quarter Ended,ChangeFor the First Quarter Ended,Change
(thousands)(thousands)March 21, 2020March 23, 2019$%(thousands)March 27, 2021March 21, 2020$%
Revenues:Revenues:Revenues:
Environmental Services$77,453  $66,496  $10,957  16.5 %Environmental Services$69,457 $77,453 $(7,996)(10.3)%
Oil Business29,811  29,276  535  1.8 %Oil Business35,925 29,811 6,114 20.5 %
Total$107,264  $95,772  $11,492  12.0 %Total$105,382 $107,264 $(1,882)(1.8)%

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020,2021, Environmental Services revenue increased by $11.0was $69.5 million or 16.5%, from $66.5compared to $77.5 million induring the first quarter of fiscal 20192020. The 10.3% decrease in revenue was mainly due to $77.5lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as a large field services project which occurred during the first quarter of 2020, but did not reoccur during the first quarter of fiscal 2021. In addition, we saw volume declines in our parts cleaning and vacuum services lines of business that were partially offset by gains in our antifreeze and containerized waste lines compared to the first quarter of 2020.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2021, Oil Business revenues were a first quarter record of $35.9 million, an increase of $6.1 million, or 20.5%, compared to $29.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The 16.5% increase in revenue was driven primarily by growth in our field services, parts cleaning, and containerized waste businesses. Our field services business accounted for 8.7 percentage points of the revenue growth for the quarter mainly due a large project that continued from the fourth quarter of 2019. Excluding the field services project, our first quarter revenue growth in the segment was 7.8%.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, Oil Business revenues were up $0.5 million, or 1.8%, to $29.8 million compared to $29.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The increase in revenue was mainly due to an 11% increase in gallons sold and an increase in our selling price offor base oil, partially offset by a decrease in the volume of base oil gallons sold. During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we produced 10.8 million gallons of base oil at a 95.2% rate of nameplate capacity, compared to 9.4 million gallons at a 86.9% rate of nameplate capacity during the first quarter of fiscal of 2019.oil.

Segment Profit (Loss) Before Corporate Selling, General and Administrative Expenses ("SG&A")

The following table presents profit (loss) by reportable segment before corporate SG&A expense:
For the First Quarter Ended,ChangeFor the First Quarter Ended,Change
(thousands)(thousands)March 21, 2020March 23, 2019$%(thousands)March 27, 2021March 21, 2020$%
Profit (loss) before corporate SG&A*
Profit before corporate SG&A*Profit before corporate SG&A*
Environmental Services$18,778  $14,697  $4,081  27.8%Environmental Services$15,998 $18,778 $(2,780)(14.8)%
Oil Business910  (4,478) 5,388  (120.3)%Oil Business10,086 910 9,176 1,008.4%
Total$19,688  $10,219  $9,469  92.7%Total$26,084 $19,688 $6,396 32.5%
*Includes depreciation and amortization related to operating activity but not depreciation and amortization related to corporate
selling, general, and administrative activity. For further discussion see Note 11 in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this document.

Environmental Services profit before corporate SG&A expense increased $4.1decreased $2.8 million, or 27.8%14.8%, in the first quarter of fiscal 20202021 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019 driven2020. The decrease was mainly by higherdue to lower revenues, and lower healthcare expenses, partially offset by higher disposal fleet repair,costs for our containerized waste and depreciation expense.wastewater and vacuum services businesses as well as higher labor and health and welfare costs. Operating margin for first quarter of 2021 was 23.0% compared to 24.2% in the first quarter of 2020.

Oil Business profit before corporate SG&A expense increased $5.4$9.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 20202021 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019.2020. The increase in profit before corporate SG&A expense was mainly duehigher operating margin compared to better operating efficiency during the first quarter of 2020 while we experienced unscheduled downtime duringwas mainly due to higher base oil selling price and sales volumes, the shift from a net pay-for-oil position to a net charge-for-oil position as well as a lower third party used oil feedstock cost per gallon. Oil Business segment operating margin sharply increased to a record 28.1% in the first quarter of 2019 which hampered production.2021 compared to 3.1% in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.

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FINANCIAL CONDITION
Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and Cash Equivalents

As of March 21, 202027, 2021 and December 28, 2019,January 2, 2021, cash and cash equivalents were $56.9$46.7 million and $60.7$67.6 million, respectively. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and funds available to borrow under our term loan and revolving bank credit facility.
    
Debt and Financing Arrangements    

The Company'sOn March 18, 2021, Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC, (the “Company”), entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Agreement"), by and among the Company, its parent, Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc., and the Company’s subsidiaries identified therein and Bank of America, N.A., as amended ("administrative agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. The Agreement replaces the Company's previous Credit Agreement")Agreement dated as of February 21, 2017. During the first quarter the Company paid down its previous term loan, in full, of $30.0 million. The new Agreement provides for borrowings of up to $95.0$100.0 million, subject toin the satisfaction of certain terms and conditions, comprisedform of a term loanrevolving facility, of $30.0which $15 million and up to $65.0 millioncan be used in the form of borrowings under the revolving loan portion. The actual amount available under the revolving loan portion of the Credit Agreement is limited by the Company's total leverage ratio. The amount available to draw at any point in time would be further reduced by any standby letters of credit issued.a Swing Line loan.

Loans made under the Credit Agreement, as amended, may be Base Rate Loans or LIBOR Rate Loans, at the election of the CompanyBorrower subject to certain exceptions. Base Rate Loans have an interest rate equal to (i) the higher of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, (b) the London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1%, or (c) Bank of America's prime rate, plus (ii) a variable margin of between 0.75%0.50% and 1.75%1.25% depending on the Company's total leverage ratio, calculated on a consolidated basis. LIBOR rate loans have an interest rate equal to (i) the LIBOR rate plus (ii) a variable margin of between 1.75%1.50% and 2.75%2.25% depending on the Company's total leverage ratio. Amounts borrowed under the Credit Agreement are secured by a security interest in substantially all of the Company's tangible and intangible assets. The Company incurred $0.8 million of debt issuance costs related to the amended credit agreement.

As of the Effective date of March 18, 2021, the effective rate on our revolving loan was 1.90%.

The Credit Agreement contains customary terms and provisions (including representations, covenants, and conditions) for transactions of this type. Certain covenants, among other things, restrict the Company's and its subsidiaries' ability to incur indebtedness, grant liens, make investments and sell assets. The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default, covenants and representations and warranties. Financial covenants include:

An interest coverage ratio (based on interest expense and EBITDA) of at least 3.5 to 1.0;

A total leverage ratio no greater than 3.0 to 1.0, provided that in the event of a permitted acquisition having an aggregate consideration equal to $10.0 million or more, at the Borrower’s election, the foregoing 3.00 to 1.00 shall be deemed to be 3.50 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter in which such permitted acquisition occurs and the three immediately following fiscal quarters and will thereafter revert to 3.00 to 1.00.

The Credit Agreement places certain limitations on acquisitions and the payment of dividends.
On July 27, 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to phase out the London Interbank Offered Rate by the end of 2021. We expect that widespread use of LIBOR will transition to alternative interest rates in the near future. Since loans made under our Credit Agreement may be based on LIBOR based loans, the phasing out of LIBOR may adversely affect interest rates that could result in higher borrowing costs and higher interest expense. The Company is currently evaluating its options under our Credit Agreement, but at this time we cannot reasonably estimate the impact to our financial statements.

The Credit Agreement contains customary terms and provisions (including representations, covenants, and conditions)Company's weighted average interest rate for transactions of this type. Certain covenants, among other things, restrictall debt through the Company's and its subsidiaries' ability to incur indebtedness, grant liens, make investments and sell assets. The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, covenants and representations and warranties. Financial covenants include:

An interest coverage ratio (based on interest expense and EBITDA) of at least 3.5 to 1.0;

A total leverage ratio no greater than 3.00 to 1.00, provided that in the event of a permitted acquisition having an aggregate consideration equal to $10.0 million or more, at the Borrower’s election, the total leverage ratio shall be deemed to be 3.25 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter in which such permitted acquisition occurs and the three immediately followingfirst fiscal quarters of 2021, and thereafter will revert to 3.00 to 1.00;

A capital expenditures covenant limiting capital expenditures to $100.0 million plus, if the capital expenditures permitted have been fully utilized, an additional amount for the remaining term of the Agreement equal to 35% of EBITDA for the thirteen “four-week” periods most recently ended immediately prior to the full utilization of such $100.0 million basket.2020, was 2.04% and 3.7%, respectively.

As of March 21, 202027, 2021 and December 28, 2019,January 2, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under its Credit Agreement. As of March 21, 202027, 2021 and December 28, 2019,January 2, 2021, the Company, had $1.7$3.9 million, and $1.1 millionfor both periods of standby letters of credit issued, respectively, and $63.3$96.1 million and $63.9$61.0 million was available for borrowing under the bank credit facility, respectively. We believe that the carrying value of our debt balance at March 21, 2020 approximates fair value.

        The Company's weighted average interest rate for all debt as of March 21, 2020, and March 23, 2019 was 3.7% and 4.5%, respectively.

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We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, available borrowings, and other sources of financings will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures for at least the next 12 months. We cannot assure you that this will be the case or that our assumptions regarding revenues and expenses underlying this belief will be accurate. If, in the future, we require more liquidity than is available to us under our credit facility, we may need to raise additional funds through debt or equity offerings. Adequate funds may not be available when needed or may not be available on terms favorable to us. If additional funds are raised by issuing equity securities, dilution to existing stockholders may result. If we raise additional funds by obtaining loans from third parties, the terms of those financing arrangements may include negative covenants or other restrictions on our business that could impair our operational flexibility, and would also require us to fund additional interest expense. If funding is insufficient at any time in the future, we may be unable to develop or enhance our products or services, take advantage of business opportunities, or respond to competitive pressures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
    
Summary of Cash Flow Activity
For the First Quarter Ended,For the First Quarter Ended,
(thousands)(thousands)March 21,
2020
March 23,
2019
(thousands)March 27,
2021
March 21,
2020
Net cash provided by (used in):Net cash provided by (used in):  Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activitiesOperating activities$10,266  $9,178  Operating activities$16,203 $10,476 
Investing activitiesInvesting activities(9,842) (9,552) Investing activities(5,262)(9,842)
Financing activitiesFinancing activities(4,180) (513) Financing activities(31,847)(4,390)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalentsNet decrease in cash and cash equivalents$(3,756) $(887) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents$(20,906)$(3,756)

The most significant items affecting the comparison of our operating activities for the first quarter of fiscal 20202021 and the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 are summarized below:

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

Earnings — Our increase in net income during the first quarter of 20202021 favorably impacted our net cash provided by operating activities by $7.8by $3.9 million comparedcompared to the first quarter of 2019.2020.

Accounts Receivable The increase in accounts receivable had an unfavorable impact on cash provided by operating activities of $4.9 million compared to the decrease in accounts receivable during in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.

Accounts Payable The decreaseincrease in accounts payable had an unfavorablea favorable impact on cash provided by operating activities of $6.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.2021.

 Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

Capital expenditures — We made capital expenditures as follows:

For the Fiscal Years Ended,For the First Quarters Ended,
(thousands)(thousands)March 21,
2020
March 23,
2019
(thousands)March 27,
2021
March 21,
2020
Re-refinery capital improvementsRe-refinery capital improvements$3.1  $0.9  Re-refinery capital improvements$1.1 $3.1 
Trucks and trailersTrucks and trailers1.51.4
Parts cleaning machinesParts cleaning machines1.41.0Parts cleaning machines1.20.2
Trucks and trailers0.22.4
IT projects0.10.4
Various other projectsVarious other projects5.12.9Various other projects1.65.2
TotalTotal$9.9  $7.6  Total$5.4 $9.9 


Net Cash Used in Financing Activities — TheDuring the first quarter the Company dispersed $2.8 million to acquire the remaining ownership interestpaid down its previous term loan, in onefull, of our subsidiaries.$30.0 million.
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ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to interest rate risks primarily through borrowings under our bank Credit Facility. Interest on this facility is based upon variable interest rates. Our weighted average borrowings under our Credit Facility during the first quarter of fiscal 20202021 was $30.0$28.9 million, and the annual effective interest rate for the Credit Facility for the first quarter of fiscal 20202021 was 2.043.7%%. We currently do not hedge against interest rate risk. Based on the foregoing, a hypothetical 1% increase or decrease in interest rates would have resulted in a change of $0.3 million to our interest expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.2021.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

    The Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding financial disclosures.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controlcontrols over financial reporting during the first quarter ended March 21, 202027, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.








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PART II
ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
No change since the filing of our 10-K on March 3, 2020.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no changes in the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019, with the exception of the risk factor mentioned below.

Pandemics, epidemics or other disease outbreaks may negatively impact our business operations, financial condition, liquidity, and consolidated results of operations.

A widespread outbreak of disease, can adversely affect the operation of our customers' businesses which could lead to a significant decline in demand for our products and services and our customers' ability to pay us for the products and services we have provided to them. A pandemic could also have significant negative impact on the operation of our vendors' and suppliers' businesses and effect their ability to provide us the products and services we rely on to conduct our business and provide products and services to our customers. A widespread outbreak could potentially result in the infection of the company's employees and diminish our ability to operate our business, service our customers or produce and sell our products. These potential negative impacts to our business could negatively impact our financial results and thereby reduce our borrowing capacity which could limit our ability to operate our business. These situations can also lead to a general downturn in the equity markets which could negatively impact the value of the company's shares as well as increase the cost to the company to raise equity capital. Any and all of the above situations could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial results of operations, and cash flows.





34



ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101.INS*XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
*In accordance with Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information in Exhibits 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall be deemed to be "furnished" and 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.
  
HERITAGE-CRYSTAL CLEAN, INC.

Date:April 29, 2020May 4, 2021By:/s/ Mark DeVita
  Mark DeVita
  Chief Financial Officer

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