News Releases

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Feb. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Waste Connections, Inc. (NYSE: WCN) today announced its results for the fourth quarter of 2015.  Revenue totaled $531.9 million, up from $526.2 million in the year ago period.  Operating income was $101.7 million compared to $114.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.  Adjusted EBITDA* in the fourth quarter was $175.6 million, or 33.0% of revenue, compared to $178.2 million, or 33.9% of revenue, in the prior year period.  Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, excludes the impact of items such as acquisition-related costs, as shown in the detailed reconciliation in the attached table.

Net income attributable to Waste Connections in the quarter was $52.1 million, or $0.42 per share on a diluted basis of 123.1 million shares.  In the year ago period, Waste Connections reported net income attributable to Waste Connections of $60.8 million, or $0.49 per share on a diluted basis of 124.8 million shares.

Adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections* in the quarter was $59.8 million, or $0.49 per share, versus $63.3 million, or $0.51 per share, in the prior year period.  Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share, both non-GAAP measures, exclude certain items net of tax, as shown in the detailed reconciliation in the attached table, that affect comparability of results between periods.

"Favorable revenue trends and an approximate 180 basis points year-over-year margin expansion in solid waste drove exceptional results in 2015 and provide strong momentum into 2016.  Industry-leading organic growth, margins, and an almost 50% conversion of EBITDA to free cash flow remain hallmarks of our differentiated market model and, together with disciplined capital deployment, are key drivers to delivering superior stockholder value creation," said Ronald J. Mittelstaedt, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. 

Mr. Mittelstaedt added, "We look forward to completing the previously announced combination with Progressive Waste.  As noted in the January 19^th transaction announcement, we believe we can instill the corporate culture, safety focus, operational excellence and accountability that have served us so well and which we believe are necessary for long-term success within Progressive Waste's complementary markets. These improvements, together with expected immediate synergies and other cash flow benefits, should accelerate value creation for both companies' shareholders.  The stock-for-stock transaction structure also enables us to maintain the strength and flexibility of our balance sheet necessary to fund additional growth opportunities and further increase the return of capital to our shareholders."

* A non-GAAP measure; see accompanying Non-GAAP Reconciliation Schedule.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, revenue was $2.12 billion, up from $2.08 billion in 2014.  Operating loss was $61.5 million, compared to operating income of $449.3 million in the prior year.  In 2015, Waste Connections recorded net impairment charges of approximately $497.1 million against its E&P segment.   Adjusted EBITDA in 2015 was $710.6 million, or 33.6% of revenue, compared to $717.1 million, or 34.5% of revenue, in the prior year.

Net loss attributable to Waste Connections in 2015 was $95.8 million, or $0.78 per share on a diluted basis of 123.5 million shares.  In 2014, Waste Connections reported net income attributable to Waste Connections of $232.5 million, or $1.86 per share on a diluted basis of 124.8 million shares.  Adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections in 2015 was $244.9 million, or $1.98 per share, compared to $254.2 million, or $2.04 per share, in the prior year.

2016 OUTLOOK

Waste Connections also announced its outlook for 2016, which assumes no change in the current economic environment.  Waste Connections' outlook excludes any impact from the pending combination with Progressive Waste.  This outlook also excludes the impact of any additional acquisitions and expensing of acquisition-related transaction costs.  The outlook provided below is forward looking, and actual results may differ materially depending on risks and uncertainties detailed at the end of this release and in our periodic SEC filings.  Certain components of the outlook for 2016 are subject to quarterly fluctuations.

• Revenue is estimated to be between $2.20 billion and $2.22 billion, of which approximately $150 million is expected to be E&P waste-related.
• Adjusted EBITDA is estimated to be approximately $750 million, or 33.9% of revenue, the components of which as a percentage of revenue are as follows:
  • Operating income is estimated to be approximately 21.0% of revenue;
  • Depreciation and depletion expense is estimated to be approximately 11.5% of revenue;
  • Amortization of intangibles expense is estimated to be approximately 1.25% of revenue; and
  • Closure and post-closure accretion expense is estimated to be approximately 0.20% of revenue.
• Net interest expense is estimated to be approximately $66 million.
• Effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 39.2%.
• Noncontrolling interests is estimated to reduce net income by approximately $0.8 million.
• Net cash provided by operating activities is estimated to be approximately 27.0% of revenue.
• Capital expenditures are estimated to be approximately $230 million.

PENDING COMBINATION WITH PROGRESSIVE WASTE SOLUTIONS LTD.

On January 18, 2016, Waste Connections entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd., a corporation organized under the laws of Ontario ("Progressive Waste") and Water Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Progressive Waste ("Merger Sub").  Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into Waste Connections (the "Merger"), with Waste Connections surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Progressive Waste.

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2016.  Upon closing, the combined company will use the Waste Connections name and it is anticipated that its shares will trade on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange.  Upon completion of the transaction, the combined company will be led by Waste Connections' current management team. The Board of Directors for the combined company will include the five current members of Waste Connections' Board and two members from Progressive Waste's current Board.

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Waste Connections' stockholders will receive 2.076843 Progressive Waste shares for each Waste Connections share they own. Subject to the approval of Progressive Waste's shareholders, Progressive Waste expects to implement, immediately following the Merger, a share consolidation whereby every 2.076843 shares will be consolidated into one Progressive Waste share on the basis of 0.4815 (1 divided by the 2.076843 ratio above) of a share on a post-consolidation basis for each one share outstanding on a pre-consolidation basis. If the share consolidation is approved by Progressive Waste's shareholders and effected, Waste Connections' stockholders will receive one share of the combined company for each existing Waste Connections share. Upon the completion of the transaction and regardless of whether or not the share consolidation occurs, Waste Connections' stockholders will own approximately 70% of the combined company, and Progressive Waste shareholders will own approximately 30%.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of both companies' shareholders, U.S. antitrust approval and the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange.

CONFERENCE CALL

Waste Connections will be hosting a conference call related to fourth quarter earnings and 2016 outlook on February 9^th at 8:30 A.M. Eastern Time.  The call will be broadcast live over the Internet at www.streetevents.com or through a link on our website at www.wasteconnections.com.  A playback of the call will be available at both of these websites.

About Waste Connections

Waste Connections, Inc. is an integrated solid waste services company that provides waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services in mostly exclusive and secondary markets.  Through its R360 Environmental Solutions subsidiary, Waste Connections is also a leading provider of non-hazardous oilfield waste treatment, recovery and disposal services in several of the most active natural resource producing areas in the United States, including the Permian, Bakken and Eagle Ford Basins.  Waste Connections serves more than two million residential, commercial, industrial, and exploration and production customers from a network of operations in 32 states.  Waste Connections also provides intermodal services for the movement of cargo and solid waste containers in the Pacific Northwest.  Waste Connections, Inc. was founded in September 1997 and is headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas.

For more information, visit the Waste Connections web site at www.wasteconnections.com.  Copies of financial literature, including this release, are available on the Waste Connections website or through contacting us directly at (832) 442-2200.

Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this release are forward-looking in nature, including statements related to the following: Waste Connections' expected 2016 financial results, capital expenditures, outlook and related assumptions, and Waste Connections' ability to generate adjusted free cash flow; trends in our business; the expected contribution from recently announced acquisitions and the timing to complete acquisitions; expected acquisition activity; Waste Connections' ability to finance additional acquisitions; Waste Connections' ability to grow and expand margins; and the expected return of capital to stockholders.  These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," or "anticipates," or the negative thereof or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those projected include, but are not limited to, the following:  (1) negative trends or volatility in crude oil prices may adversely affect the level of exploration, development and production activity of E&P companies and the demand for our E&P waste services; (2) our results are vulnerable to economic conditions; (3) our financial and operating performance may be affected by the inability to renew landfill operating permits, obtain new landfills and expand existing ones; (4) a portion of our growth and future financial performance depends on our ability to integrate acquired businesses, and the success of our acquisitions; (5)  each business that we acquire or have acquired may have liabilities or risks that we fail or are unable to discover, or that become more adverse to our business than we anticipated at the time of acquisition; (6) competition for acquisition candidates, consolidation within the waste industry and economic and market conditions may limit our ability to grow through acquisitions; (7) our industry is highly competitive and includes larger and better capitalized companies, companies with lower prices, return expectations or other advantages, and governmental service providers, which could adversely affect our ability to compete and our operating results; (8) our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and limit our financial flexibility; (9) price increases may not be adequate to offset the impact of increased costs, or may cause us to lose volume; (10) fluctuations in prices for recycled commodities that we sell and rebates we offer to customers may cause our revenues and operating results to decline; (11) the seasonal nature of our business and "event-driven" waste projects cause our results to fluctuate; (12) we may lose contracts through competitive bidding, early termination or governmental action; (13) alternatives to landfill disposal may cause our revenues and operating results to decline; (14) increases in labor costs could impact our financial results; (15) increases in the price of diesel or compressed natural gas fuel may adversely affect our collection business and reduce our operating margins; (16) labor union activity could divert management attention and adversely affect our operating results; (17) we could face significant withdrawal liability if we withdraw from participation in one or more multiemployer pension plans in which we participate and the accrued pension benefits are not fully funded; (18) pending or future litigation or governmental proceedings could result in material adverse consequences, including judgments or settlements; (19) we may be subject in the normal course of business to judicial, administrative or other third-party proceedings that could interrupt or limit our operations, require expensive remediation, result in adverse judgments, settlements or fines and create negative publicity; (20) our financial results could be adversely affected by impairments of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangibles or property and equipment; (21) increases in insurance costs and the amount that we self-insure for various risks could reduce our operating margins and reported earnings; (22) we rely on computer systems to run our business and disruptions or privacy breaches in these systems could impact our ability to service our customers and adversely affect our financial results, damage our reputation, and expose us to litigation risk; (23) extensive and evolving environmental, health and safety laws and regulations may restrict our operations and growth and increase our costs; (24) our E&P waste business could be adversely affected by changes in laws regulating E&P waste; (25) our E&P waste business depends on the willingness of E&P companies to outsource their waste services activities; (26) changes in laws or government regulations regarding hydraulic fracturing could increase our customers' costs of doing business and reduce oil and gas production by our customers, which could adversely impact our business; (27) future changes in laws regulating the flow of solid waste in interstate commerce could adversely affect our operating results; (28) extensive regulations that govern the design, operation, expansion and closure of landfills may restrict our landfill operations or increase our costs of operating landfills; (29) our financial results are based upon estimates and assumptions that may differ from actual results; (30) our accruals for our landfill site closure and post-closure costs may be inadequate; (31) we depend significantly on the services of the members of our senior and regional management team, and the departure of any of those persons could cause our operating results to suffer; (32) our decentralized decision-making structure could allow local managers to make decisions that may adversely affect our operating results; (33) liabilities for environmental damage may adversely affect our financial condition, business and earnings; and (34) if we are not able to develop and protect intellectual property, or if a competitor develops or obtains exclusive rights to a breakthrough technology, our financial results may suffer.  These risks and uncertainties, as well as others, are discussed in greater detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.  There may be additional risks of which we are not presently aware or that we currently believe are immaterial which could have an adverse impact on our business.  We make no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may change.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the pending combination between Waste Connections and Progressive Waste, Progressive Waste, as the parent company resulting from the combination, intends to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-4 that will include the joint proxy statement/prospectus of Waste Connections and Progressive Waste, Progressive Waste's information circular in respect of the meeting of its shareholders to approve the issuance of the merger consideration, and other relevant documents to be mailed by Waste Connections and Progressive Waste to their respective security holders in connection with the proposed transaction of Waste Connections and Progressive Waste. Progressive Waste's information circular will also be filed with the Canadian securities regulators. WE URGE INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, INCLUDING THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND THE INFORMATION CIRCULAR AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION about Waste Connections, Progressive Waste and the proposed transaction. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain these materials (when they are available) and other documents filed with the SEC and the Canadian securities regulators free of charge at the SEC's website, www.sec.gov and at the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) maintained by the Canadian Securities Administrators at www.sedar.com. In addition, a copy of the registration statement on Form F-4 and joint proxy statement/prospectus and information circular (when it becomes available) may be obtained free of charge from Progressive Waste's internet website for investors at http://investor.progressivewaste.com, and from Waste Connections' investor relations website at http://wasteconnections.investorroom.com. Investors and security holders may also read and copy any reports, statements and other information filed by Waste Connections or Progressive Waste, with the SEC, at the SEC public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 or visit the SEC's website for further information on its public reference room.

Participants in the Solicitation of Votes

Waste Connections and its directors, executive officers and certain other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies for its security holder approvals to be obtained for the proposed transaction. Information regarding Waste Connections' directors and executive officers is available in its proxy statement filed with the SEC by Waste Connections on April 2, 2015 in connection with its 2015 annual meeting of stockholders. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the joint proxy statement/prospectus, Progressive Waste's registration statement and information circular and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC and the Canadian securities regulators when they become available.

Safe Harbor and Forward-Looking Information

In addition to the forward-looking statements described above, this document includes forward-looking statements regarding our proposed merger with Progressive Waste (which includes "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws). These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead reflect Progressive Waste's or Waste Connections' respective management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events. These forward-looking statements are often identified by the words "may," "might," "believes," "thinks," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends" or similar expressions and include statements regarding (1) expectations regarding whether the transaction, including the merger, the issuance of the merger consideration and the proposed share consolidation of Progressive Waste, will be consummated, including whether conditions to the consummation of the transaction will be satisfied, or the timing for completing the transaction, (2) expectations for the effects of the transaction or the ability of the combined company to successfully achieve business objectives, including integrating the companies or the effects of unexpected costs, liabilities or delays, (3) the potential benefits and synergies of the transaction, including expected cost savings and tax benefits and (4) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Although Waste Connections and Progressive Waste believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the combined company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements include the following: the ability to consummate the proposed transaction; the ability to obtain requisite regulatory and shareholder approvals and the satisfaction of other conditions to the consummation of the proposed transactions on the proposed terms and schedule; the ability of Waste Connections and Progressive Waste to successfully integrate their respective operations and employees and realize synergies and cost savings at the times, and to the extent, anticipated; the potential impact of the announcement or consummation of the proposed transactions on relationships, including with employees, suppliers, customers and competitors; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws; significant competition that Waste Connections and Progressive Waste face; compliance with extensive government regulation; and the diversion of management time on the proposed transactions. These forward-looking statements may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of Waste Connections and Progressive Waste and market conditions. This information is qualified in its entirety by cautionary statements and risk factor disclosure contained in filings made by Waste Connections and Progressive Waste with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including Waste Connections' quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and Progressive Waste's quarterly reports on Form 6-K and its year-end report for the year ended December 31, 2014, as well as in Progressive Waste's filings with the Canadian securities regulators. Waste Connections and Progressive Waste wish to caution readers that certain important factors may have affected and could in the future affect their actual results and could cause their actual results for subsequent periods to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by or on behalf of Waste Connections or Progressive Waste. Neither Waste Connections nor Progressive Waste undertakes any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as may be specifically required by applicable securities laws.

– financial tables attached –

ADDITIONAL STATISTICS
(Dollars in thousands)

Solid Waste Internal Growth:  The following table reflects a breakdown of the components of our solid waste internal growth for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015:

Revenue Breakdown: The following table reflects a breakdown of our revenue for the three month periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2015:

Contribution from Acquisitions: The following table reflects revenues from acquisitions, net of divestitures, for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2015:

ADDITIONAL STATISTICS (continued)

Other Cash Flow Items: The following table reflects cash interest and cash taxes for the three and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2015:

Debt to Book Capitalization as of December 31, 2015:  52%

Internalization for the three months ended December 31, 2015:  56%

Days Sales Outstanding for the three months ended December 31, 2015:  44 (29 net of deferred revenue)

Share Information for the three months ended December 31, 2015:

NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION SCHEDULE
(in thousands)

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA:
Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, is provided supplementally because it is widely used by investors as a performance and valuation measure in the solid waste industry.  Management uses adjusted EBITDA as one of the principal measures to evaluate and monitor the ongoing financial performance of Waste Connections' operations.  Waste Connections defines adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss), plus or minus income tax provision (benefit), plus interest expense, plus depreciation and amortization expense, plus closure and post-closure accretion expense, plus or minus any loss or gain on impairments and other operating items, plus other expense, less other income.  Waste Connections further adjusts this calculation to exclude the effects of other items management believes impact the ability to assess the operating performance of its business.  This measure is not a substitute for, and should be used in conjunction with, GAAP financial measures.  Other companies may calculate adjusted EBITDA differently.  

NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION SCHEDULE (continued)
(in thousands)

Reconciliation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow:
Adjusted free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, is provided supplementally because it is widely used by investors as a valuation and liquidity measure in the solid waste industry.  Management uses adjusted free cash flow as one of the principal measures to evaluate and monitor the ongoing financial performance of Waste Connections' operations.  Waste Connections defines adjusted free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities, plus proceeds from disposal of assets, plus or minus change in book overdraft, plus excess tax benefit associated with equity-based compensation, less capital expenditures for property and equipment and distributions to noncontrolling interests.  Waste Connections further adjusts this calculation to exclude the effects of items management believes impact the ability to assess the operating performance of its business.  This measure is not a substitute for, and should be used in conjunction with, GAAP liquidity or financial measures.  Other companies may calculate adjusted free cash flow differently. 

NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION SCHEDULE (continued)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per Diluted Share:
Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share, both non-GAAP financial measures, are provided supplementally because they are widely used by investors as a valuation measure in the solid waste industry.  Management uses adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share as one of the principal measures to evaluate and monitor the ongoing financial performance of Waste Connections' operations.  Waste Connections provides adjusted net income to exclude the effects of items management believes impact the comparability of operating results between periods.  Adjusted net income has limitations due to the fact that it excludes items that have an impact on Waste Connections' financial condition and results of operations.  Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share are not a substitute for, and should be used in conjunction with, GAAP financial measures.  Other companies may calculate adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share differently. 

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SOURCE Waste Connections, Inc.