EX-99.1 2 exh99_1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1

Exhibit 99.1



 
 
PROGRESSIVE WASTE SOLUTIONS LTD. REPORTS RESULTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

Performance in line with outlook;
Fourth quarter volume growth of 2.3% and higher price of 1.4%;
Well-positioned to enter into previously announced proposed combination with Waste Connections, Inc.

Toronto, Ontario – February 24, 2016 – Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. (the "Company") (NYSE, TSX: BIN) today reported its financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2015.

Fourth quarter highlights
- Consolidated revenues of $483.9 million, up 1.6% on a constant currency basis.
- Organic revenue up 2.3%, including price up 1.4% and volume up 2.3%.
- Adjusted operating EBIT(A) of $67.0 million up 1.9% on a constant currency basis.
- Adjusted EBITDA(A) of $125.6 million, down 2.6% on a constant currency basis.  Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin of 26.0%.
- Free cash flow(B) of $38.2 million, down 10.1% on a constant currency basis.
- Adjusted net income(A) per share of $0.36, or $0.39 in constant currency.

Fiscal year 2015 highlights
- Consolidated revenues of $1.925 billion, up 1.1% on a constant currency basis.
- Adjusted operating EBIT(A) of $232.8 million, down 3.7% on a constant currency basis.
- Adjusted EBITDA(A) of $479.9 million, down 2.1% on a constant currency basis.  Adjusted EBITDA(A) margin of 24.9%.
- Free cash flow(B) of $150.0 million, down 20.4% on a constant currency basis.
- Adjusted net income(A) per share of $1.25, or $1.33 in constant currency.
- Returned approximately $150.0 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.
 Management Commentary
(All amounts are in United States ("U.S.") dollars, unless otherwise stated)

"Our performance in the fourth quarter is in line with the outlook that we provided on October 30, 2015, and reflects continued organic revenue growth in the U.S. and Canada," said Dan Pio, Chief Executive Officer.  "In the quarter, we completed two acquisitions including a platform acquisition in South Carolina, improved operating margins on a sequential basis in our West region, delivered continued strong results in our North region, and undertook the start-up of several municipal waste collection contracts in our East region.  We note that operating expenses in our East region in the quarter include a charge related to a discontinued property development and, as previously announced, costs associated with our municipal contract start-ups."

Mr. Pio continued, "We expect these municipal contracts combined with our recent acquisitions to contribute to a solid revenue and EBITDA(A)  performance in the first quarter of 2016.  We also expect to benefit from the mild winter weather, which is resulting in unseasonably strong disposal volumes at our landfills, as well as lower fuel costs which will more than offset the impact of lower recycled commodity prices."
 
"We are well-positioned to enter into the previously announced business combination with Waste Connections," Mr. Pio added. "As noted in the January 19th announcement, we are looking forward to the value that will be created with Waste Connections through an expanded operational footprint, diversified revenue streams and their proven corporate culture, safety focus and operational excellence. I am confident that the business combination will secure a strong future for our customers, employees and shareholders."
 
Three months ended December 31, 2015
Reported revenues decreased ($20.7) million or (4.1)% from $504.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 to $483.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2015. Expressed on a reportable basis, and assuming a FX rate of parity between the Canadian and U.S. dollar, revenues increased 1.6%. This increase was due in large part to a 1.4% increase in overall pricing and higher volumes of 2.3%, partially offset by divestitures, net of acquisitions, (0.7%), lower fuel surcharges (1.1%) and recycling and other pricing (0.3%).


Operating income was $65.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 versus $56.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.  Net income was $45.7 million versus $18.9 million in the fourth quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Adjusted amounts
Adjusted EBITDA(A) was $125.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 versus $138.8 million posted in the same quarter a year ago.  Adjusted operating EBIT(A) was $67.0 million or (7.6)% lower in the quarter compared to $72.5 million in the same period last year.  Adjusted net income(A) was $39.9 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, compared to $39.9 million, or $0.35 per diluted share in the comparative period.

Year ended December 31, 2015
For the year ended December 31, 2015, reported revenues decreased ($83.4) million or (4.2)% from $2,009.0 million in 2014 to $1,925.6 million in 2015.  Expressed on a reportable basis and at FX parity, revenues increased 1.1% on a comparative basis.  The increase is due in large part to a 1.7% increase in overall pricing and higher volumes of 2.1%, partially offset by declines in fuel surcharges (1.2%), divestitures, net of acquisitions, (1.0%) and recycling and other pricing (0.5%).

For the year ended December 31, operating income was $222.7 million in 2015 versus $241.1 million in 2014.  Net income was $123.9 million versus $126.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Adjusted amounts
For the year ended December 31, adjusted EBITDA(A) was $479.9 million or (8.3)% lower in 2015 versus the $523.4 million posted in 2014.  Adjusted operating EBIT(A) was $232.8 million compared to the $263.2 million recorded last year.  Adjusted net income(A) was $137.9 million, or $1.25 per diluted share, compared to $153.1 million, or $1.33 per diluted share last year.

Pending Business Combination with Waste Connections, Inc.
On January 18, 2016, the Company entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger (the "Merger Agreement") with and among Waste Connections, Inc. ("Waste Connections"), and Water Merger Sub LLC ("Merger Sub"), a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.  The transaction is structured as a merger pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into Waste Connections, with each share of Waste Connections stock automatically converting into the right to receive 2.076843 common shares of the Company (the "Merger").
Additionally, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Company will assume certain equity incentive awards of Waste Connections outstanding immediately prior to the Merger.  Each Waste Connections equity incentive award that the Company assumes will entitle its holder to receive common shares of the Company in lieu of shares of Waste Connections common stock (adjusted in accordance with the 1:2.076843 exchange ratio noted above). It is anticipated that shareholders of the Company and Waste Connections stockholders, in each case as of immediately prior to the Merger, will hold approximately 30% and 70%, respectively, of the outstanding common shares of the Company immediately after completion of the Merger.  The Merger and the related transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement were unanimously approved by both companies' Boards of Directors.
Subject to applicable shareholder approval and approval by the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"), immediately following completion of the Merger, the Company expects to consolidate its common shares on the basis of 0.4815 (1 divided by the 1:2.076843 exchange ratio noted above) of a common share on a post-consolidation basis for each common share outstanding on a pre-consolidation basis.  If the share consolidation is implemented, Waste Connections stockholders will instead receive one common share of the Company for every one share of Waste Connections common stock held (and holders of Waste Connections equity incentive awards assumed by the Company will similarly have the right to receive one common share of the Company for every one share of Waste Connections common stock underlying the assumed equity incentive awards).  Following the consolidation, there will be approximately 175 million common shares of the Company outstanding and on a fully diluted basis.
Following completion of the Merger, the Company will change its name to "Waste Connections, Inc." and it is anticipated that the Company's common shares will trade on both the NYSE and TSX under the symbol WCN. 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 the Company's current Board.
The Merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of both companies' shareholders, U.S. antitrust approval and approval from the TSX (it is not conditional on the Company's shareholders approving the share consolidation). The Merger is expected to close in the second quarter of 2016.
 
A copy of the Merger Agreement has been filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and the Canadian provincial securities commissions. You may access a copy of the Merger Agreement by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov or SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

 

Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income or Loss ("Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income or Loss")
For the three months (unaudited) and years ended December 31, 2015  and 2014 (stated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S.")  and in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and net income per share amounts)
   
Three months ended
   
Year ended
 
   
2015
   
2014(C)
   
2015
   
2014(C)
 
                 
REVENUES
 
$
483,894
   
$
504,569
   
$
1,925,592
   
$
2,008,997
 
EXPENSES
                               
OPERATING
   
305,766
     
316,960
     
1,231,377
     
1,281,704
 
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATION
   
54,106
     
57,637
     
220,693
     
218,494
 
RESTRUCTURING
   
-
     
-
     
3,682
     
-
 
AMORTIZATION
   
57,912
     
74,073
     
258,403
     
285,605
 
NET LOSS (GAIN) ON SALE OF CAPITAL AND LANDFILL ASSETS
   
667
     
(306
)
   
(11,279
)
   
(17,905
)
OPERATING INCOME
   
65,443
     
56,205
     
222,716
     
241,099
 
INTEREST ON LONG-TERM DEBT
   
13,111
     
15,483
     
57,216
     
61,917
 
NET FOREIGN EXCHANGE (GAIN) LOSS
   
(768
)
   
19
     
(1,012
)
   
(150
)
NET (GAIN) LOSS ON FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
   
(9,155
)
   
16,419
     
6,992
     
24,214
 
LOSS ON EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT
   
-
     
-
     
2,723
     
-
 
RE-MEASUREMENT GAIN ON PREVIOUSLY HELD EQUITY INVESTMENT
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(5,156
)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE   AND NET
                               
LOSS FROM EQUITY ACCOUNTED INVESTEE
   
62,255
     
24,284
     
156,797
     
160,274
 
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
                               
Current
   
8,103
     
11,721
     
27,306
     
34,026
 
Deferred
   
8,433
     
(6,368
)
   
5,615
     
(350
)
     
16,536
     
5,353
     
32,921
     
33,676
 
NET LOSS FROM EQUITY ACCOUNTED INVESTEE
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
82
 
NET INCOME
   
45,719
     
18,931
     
123,876
     
126,516
 
                                 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustment
   
(13,316
)
   
(14,776
)
   
(73,426
)
   
(41,773
)
                                 
Settlement of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges,
                               
  net of income tax $nil and $nil (2014 - $nil and ($225))
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
418
 
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
418
 
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
   
(13,316
)
   
(14,776
)
   
(73,426
)
   
(41,355
)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
$
32,403
   
$
4,155
   
$
50,450
   
$
85,161
 
                                 
                                 
Net income per weighted average share, basic and diluted
 
$
0.42
   
$
0.17
   
$
1.12
   
$
1.10
 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
                               
(thousands), basic and diluted
   
109,303
     
114,346
     
110,480
     
114,822
 

Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd.
Consolidated Balance Sheets ("Balance Sheet")
December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (stated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S.") and in thousands of U.S. dollars except for issued and outstanding share amounts)
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
ASSETS
       
CURRENT
       
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
35,780
   
$
41,636
 
Accounts receivable
   
207,636
     
216,201
 
Other receivables
   
118
     
47
 
Prepaid expenses
   
31,164
     
35,589
 
Income taxes recoverable
   
-
     
1,646
 
Restricted cash
   
542
     
521
 
     
275,240
     
295,640
 
                 
NET ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
   
-
     
61,016
 
OTHER RECEIVABLES
   
2,343
     
5,460
 
FUNDED LANDFILL POST-CLOSURE COSTS
   
10,145
     
11,365
 
INTANGIBLES
   
176,973
     
165,929
 
GOODWILL
   
886,911
     
937,294
 
LANDFILL DEVELOPMENT ASSETS
   
15,067
     
14,463
 
DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS
   
15,017
     
14,417
 
CAPITAL ASSETS
   
929,111
     
928,550
 
LANDFILL ASSETS
   
932,595
     
936,095
 
INVESTMENTS
   
748
     
892
 
OTHER ASSETS
   
759
     
5,315
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
3,244,909
   
$
3,376,436
 
                 
LIABILITIES
               
CURRENT
               
Accounts payable
 
$
98,614
   
$
86,825
 
Accrued charges
   
139,988
     
174,331
 
Dividends payable
   
13,425
     
15,517
 
Income taxes payable
   
3,175
     
5,933
 
Deferred revenues
   
16,340
     
16,323
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
494
     
5,428
 
Landfill closure and post-closure costs
   
10,717
     
9,519
 
Other liabilities
   
17,394
     
16,558
 
     
300,147
     
330,434
 
                 
LONG-TERM DEBT
   
1,550,226
     
1,552,617
 
LANDFILL CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE COSTS
   
115,195
     
120,626
 
OTHER LIABILITIES
   
20,474
     
17,118
 
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
   
129,970
     
126,848
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
   
2,116,012
     
2,147,643
 
                 
                 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Common shares (authorized - unlimited, issued
               
  and outstanding - 108,806,684 (December 31, 2014 - 112,106,839))
   
1,691,963
     
1,734,372
 
Restricted shares (issued and outstanding - 496,672 (December 31, 2014 - 399,228))
   
(12,461
)
   
(9,184
)
Additional paid in capital
   
7,015
     
4,023
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(360,948
)
   
(377,172
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(196,672
)
   
(123,246
)
Total shareholders' equity
   
1,128,897
     
1,228,793
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
$
3,244,909
   
$
3,376,436
 

Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ("Statement of Cash Flows")
For the three months (unaudited) and years ended  December 31, 2015 and 2014 (stated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. and in thousands of U.S. dollars)
   
Three months ended
   
Year ended
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
                 
NET INFLOW (OUTFLOW) OF CASH RELATED TO THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
             
OPERATING
               
Net income
 
$
45,719
   
$
18,931
   
$
123,876
   
$
126,516
 
Items not affecting cash
                               
Restricted share expense
   
860
     
728
     
3,739
     
2,759
 
Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
-
     
-
     
2,723
     
-
 
Accretion of landfill closure and post-closure costs
   
1,573
     
1,518
     
6,349
     
6,132
 
Amortization of intangibles
   
10,996
     
14,969
     
43,115
     
56,421
 
Amortization of capital assets
   
36,605
     
40,698
     
145,928
     
152,895
 
Amortization of landfill assets
   
10,311
     
18,406
     
69,360
     
76,289
 
Interest on long-term debt (amortization of deferred
  financing costs)
   
784
     
831
     
3,101
     
3,418
 
Non-cash interest income
   
(24
)
   
(72
)
   
(194
)
   
(216
)
Net loss (gain) on sale of capital and landfill assets
   
667
     
(306
)
   
(11,279
)
   
(17,905
)
Net (gain) loss on financial instruments
   
(9,155
)
   
16,419
     
6,992
     
24,214
 
Re-measurement gain on previously held equity investment
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(5,156
)
Deferred income taxes
   
8,433
     
(6,368
)
   
5,615
     
(350
)
Net loss from equity accounted investee
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
82
 
Landfill closure and post-closure expenditures
   
(3,291
)
   
(1,293
)
   
(6,809
)
   
(4,696
)
Changes in non-cash working capital items
   
(3,699
)
   
12,056
     
22,499
     
(20,677
)
Cash generated from operating activities
   
99,779
     
116,517
     
415,015
     
399,726
 
INVESTING
                               
Acquisitions
   
(104,908
)
   
(67,781
)
   
(139,001
)
   
(77,698
)
Restricted cash deposits
   
-
     
(1
)
   
(21
)
   
(23
)
Investment in other receivables
   
(138
)
   
(164
)
   
(511
)
   
(253
)
Proceeds from other receivables
   
(44
)
   
19
     
4,766
     
76
 
Funded landfill post-closure costs
   
(157
)
   
(409
)
   
(620
)
   
(1,569
)
Purchase of capital assets
   
(36,355
)
   
(50,236
)
   
(197,897
)
   
(182,834
)
Purchase of landfill assets
   
(16,777
)
   
(12,074
)
   
(57,545
)
   
(54,579
)
Proceeds from the sale of capital and landfill assets
   
3,579
     
3,467
     
6,355
     
28,528
 
Proceeds from asset divestiture
   
-
     
-
     
76,190
     
-
 
Investment in landfill development assets
   
(87
)
   
(463
)
   
(2,844
)
   
(1,103
)
Cash utilized in investing activities
   
(154,887
)
   
(127,642
)
   
(311,128
)
   
(289,455
)
FINANCING
                               
Payment of deferred financing costs
   
-
     
-
     
(7,397
)
   
(48
)
Proceeds from long-term debt
   
167,421
     
196,480
     
946,133
     
358,682
 
Repayment of long-term debt
   
(96,790
)
   
(84,559
)
   
(883,292
)
   
(305,339
)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options, net of related costs
   
-
     
24
     
(51
)
   
123
 
Repurchase of common shares and related costs
   
-
     
(69,827
)
   
(93,310
)
   
(80,770
)
Purchase of, net of proceeds from, restricted shares
   
-
     
-
     
(4,534
)
   
(3,920
)
Dividends paid to shareholders
   
(13,907
)
   
(16,176
)
   
(56,296
)
   
(63,475
)
Cash generated from (utilized in) financing activities
   
56,724
     
25,942
     
(98,747
)
   
(94,747
)
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash equivalents
   
(460
)
   
(3,009
)
   
(10,996
)
   
(5,868
)
NET CASH INFLOW (OUTFLOW)
   
1,156
     
11,808
     
(5,856
)
   
9,656
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD OR YEAR
   
34,624
     
29,828
     
41,636
     
31,980
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR
 
$
35,780
   
$
41,636
   
$
35,780
   
$
41,636
 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                               
Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of:
                               
Cash
 
$
35,779
   
$
37,324
   
$
35,779
   
$
37,324
 
Cash equivalents
   
1
     
4,312
     
1
     
4,312
 
   
$
35,780
   
$
41,636
   
$
35,780
   
$
41,636
 
Cash paid during the period or year for:
                               
Income taxes
 
$
5,363
   
$
6,085
   
$
33,506
   
$
35,333
 
Interest
 
$
13,486
   
$
14,674
   
$
56,870
   
$
60,358
 


FX Impact on Consolidated Results
The following tables have been prepared to assist readers in assessing the FX impact on selected results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2015.
           
Three months ended
 
   
December 31, 2014
   
December 31,
2015
   
December 31,
2015
   
December 31,
2015
   
December 31,
2015
 
   
(as reported)(C)(E)
   
(organic,
acquisition
and other
non-operating
changes)
   
(holding FX
constant with
the
comparative
period)
   
(FX impact)
   
(as reported)
 
                     
Consolidated Statement of Operations
                 
Revenues
 
$
504,569
   
$
8,081
   
$
512,650
   
$
(28,756
)
 
$
483,894
 
Operating expenses
   
316,960
     
4,815
     
321,775
     
(16,009
)
   
305,766
 
Selling, general and administration
   
57,637
     
(265
)
   
57,372
     
(3,266
)
   
54,106
 
Amortization
   
74,073
     
(13,412
)
   
60,661
     
(2,749
)
   
57,912
 
Net (gain) loss on sale of capital and landfill assets
   
(306
)
   
942
     
636
     
31
     
667
 
Operating income
   
56,205
     
16,001
     
72,206
     
(6,763
)
   
65,443
 
Interest on long-term debt
   
15,483
     
36
     
15,519
     
(2,408
)
   
13,111
 
Net foreign exchange loss (gain)
   
19
     
(909
)
   
(890
)
   
122
     
(768
)
Net loss (gain) on financial instruments
   
16,419
     
(27,203
)
   
(10,784
)
   
1,629
     
(9,155
)
Income before net income tax expense
   
24,284
     
44,077
     
68,361
     
(6,106
)
   
62,255
 
Net income tax expense
   
5,353
     
13,133
     
18,486
     
(1,950
)
   
16,536
 
Net income
 
$
18,931
   
$
30,944
   
$
49,875
   
$
(4,156
)
 
$
45,719
 
                                         
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
 
$
138,784
   
$
(3,562
)
 
$
135,222
   
$
(9,633
)
 
$
125,589
 
Adjusted EBITA(A)
 
$
79,680
   
$
6,217
   
$
85,897
   
$
(7,224
)
 
$
78,673
 
Adjusted operating
  income or adjusted
  operating EBIT(A)
 
$
72,546
   
$
1,379
   
$
73,925
   
$
(6,915
)
 
$
67,010
 
Adjusted net income(A)
 
$
39,857
   
$
3,059
   
$
42,916
   
$
(3,053
)
 
$
39,863
 
Free cash flow(B)
 
$
45,779
   
$
(4,638
)
 
$
41,141
   
$
(2,983
)
 
$
38,158
 


               
Year ended
 
   
December 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2015
 
   
(as reported)(C)(E)
   
(organic,
acquisition and
other
non-operating
changes)
   
(holding FX
constant with
the
comparative
year)
   
(FX impact)
   
(as reported)
 
                     
Consolidated Statement of Operations
             
Revenues
 
$
2,008,997
   
$
21,332
   
$
2,030,329
   
$
(104,737
)
 
$
1,925,592
 
Operating expenses
   
1,281,704
     
9,558
     
1,291,262
     
(59,885
)
   
1,231,377
 
Selling, general and administration
   
218,494
     
14,922
     
233,416
     
(12,723
)
   
220,693
 
Restructuring expenses
   
-
     
3,894
     
3,894
     
(212
)
   
3,682
 
Amortization
   
285,605
     
(14,866
)
   
270,739
     
(12,336
)
   
258,403
 
Net gain on sale of capital and landfill assets
   
(17,905
)
   
6,274
     
(11,631
)
   
352
     
(11,279
)
Operating income
   
241,099
     
1,550
     
242,649
     
(19,933
)
   
222,716
 
Interest on long-term debt
   
61,917
     
4,443
     
66,360
     
(9,144
)
   
57,216
 
Net foreign exchange gain
   
(150
)
   
(1,021
)
   
(1,171
)
   
159
     
(1,012
)
Net loss on financial instruments
   
24,214
     
(16,338
)
   
7,876
     
(884
)
   
6,992
 
Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
-
     
3,067
     
3,067
     
(344
)
   
2,723
 
Re-measurement gain on previously held
                                       
  equity investment
   
(5,156
)
   
5,156
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Income before net income tax expense and
                                       
  net loss from equity accounted investee
   
160,274
     
6,243
     
166,517
     
(9,720
)
   
156,797
 
Net income tax expense
   
33,676
     
2,077
     
35,753
     
(2,832
)
   
32,921
 
Net loss from equity accounted investee
   
82
     
(82
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Net income
 
$
126,516
   
$
4,248
   
$
130,764
   
$
(6,888
)
 
$
123,876
 
                                         
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
 
$
523,371
   
$
(10,793
)
 
$
512,578
   
$
(32,647
)
 
$
479,931
 
Adjusted EBITA(A)
 
$
294,187
   
$
(7,839
)
 
$
286,348
   
$
(21,705
)
 
$
264,643
 
Adjusted operating
  income or adjusted
  operating EBIT(A)
 
$
263,200
   
$
(9,731
)
 
$
253,469
   
$
(20,662
)
 
$
232,807
 
Adjusted net income(A)
 
$
153,076
   
$
(6,887
)
 
$
146,189
   
$
(8,305
)
 
$
137,884
 
Free cash flow(B)
 
$
198,700
   
$
(40,540
)
 
$
158,160
   
$
(8,156
)
 
$
150,004
 

Other Financial Highlights
(all amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, excluding per share amounts)
   
Three months ended
   
Year ended
 
       
December 31
       
December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
                 
Net income
 
$
45,719
   
$
18,931
   
$
123,876
   
$
126,516
 
Add back the following:
                               
 Net loss from equity accounted investee
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
82
 
 Income tax expense
   
16,536
     
5,353
     
32,921
     
33,676
 
 Re-measurement gain on previously held equity investment
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(5,156
)
 Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
-
     
-
     
2,723
     
-
 
 Net foreign exchange (gain) loss
   
(768
)
   
19
     
(1,012
)
   
(150
)
 Net (gain) loss on financial instruments
   
(9,155
)
   
16,419
     
6,992
     
24,214
 
 Interest on long-term debt
   
13,111
     
15,483
     
57,216
     
61,917
 
 Net loss (gain) on sale of capital and landfill assets
   
667
     
(306
)
   
(11,279
)
   
(17,905
)
 Amortization
   
57,912
     
74,073
     
258,403
     
285,605
 
 Transaction and related costs (recoveries) - SG&A
   
566
     
322
     
1,100
     
(591
)
 Fair value movements in stock options - SG&A(*)
   
(235
)
   
6,398
     
97
     
9,695
 
 Restricted share expense - SG&A(*)
   
235
     
395
     
1,373
     
1,401
 
 Non-operating or non-recurring expenses - SG&A
   
1,001
     
1,697
     
3,839
     
4,067
 
 Restructuring expenses
   
-
     
-
     
3,682
     
-
 
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
   
125,589
     
138,784
     
479,931
     
523,371
 
Less the following:
                               
Amortization of capital and landfill assets
   
46,916
     
59,104
     
215,288
     
229,184
 
Adjusted EBITA(A)
   
78,673
     
79,680
     
264,643
     
294,187
 
Less the following:
                               
 Net loss (gain) on sale of capital and landfill assets
   
667
     
(306
)
   
(11,279
)
   
(17,905
)
 Amortization of intangibles
   
10,996
     
14,969
     
43,115
     
56,421
 
 Impairment of capital and intangible assets - Amortization
   
-
     
(7,529
)
   
-
     
(7,529
)
Adjusted operating income or adjusted operating EBIT(A)
 
$
67,010
   
$
72,546
   
$
232,807
   
$
263,200
 
                                 
Net income
 
$
45,719
   
$
18,931
   
$
123,876
   
$
126,516
 
 Transaction and related costs (recoveries) - SG&A
   
566
     
322
     
1,100
     
(591
)
 Fair value movements in stock options - SG&A(*)
   
(235
)
   
6,398
     
97
     
9,695
 
 Restricted share expense - SG&A(*)
   
235
     
395
     
1,373
     
1,401
 
 Non-operating or non-recurring expenses - SG&A
   
1,001
     
1,697
     
3,839
     
4,067
 
 Restructuring expenses
   
-
     
-
     
3,682
     
-
 
 Impairment of capital and intangible assets - Amortization
   
-
     
7,529
     
-
     
7,529
 
 Net (gain) loss on financial instruments
   
(9,155
)
   
16,419
     
6,992
     
24,214
 
 Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
-
     
-
     
2,723
     
-
 
 Re-measurement gain on previously held equity investment
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(5,156
)
 Net income tax expense (recovery)
   
1,732
     
(11,834
)
   
(5,798
)
   
(14,599
)
Adjusted net income(A)
 
$
39,863
   
$
39,857
   
$
137,884
   
$
153,076
 
Note:
                               
(*)Amounts exclude long-term incentive plan ("LTIP") compensation.
 


Adjusted net income (A)
               
  per weighted average share, basic
 
$
0.36
   
$
0.35
   
$
1.25
   
$
1.33
 
Adjusted net income (A)
                               
  per weighted average share, diluted
 
$
0.36
   
$
0.35
   
$
1.25
   
$
1.33
 
                                 
Replacement and growth expenditures (E)
                               
Replacement expenditures
 
$
46,245
   
$
44,295
   
$
158,058
   
$
151,892
 
Growth expenditures
   
22,593
     
25,957
     
95,851
     
107,907
 
Total replacement and growth expenditures
 
$
68,838
   
$
70,252
   
$
253,909
   
$
259,799
 
                                 
Cash flow
                               
Cash generated from operating activities (statement of cash flows)
 
$
99,779
   
$
116,517
   
$
415,015
   
$
399,726
 
Free cash flow(B)
 
$
38,158
   
$
45,779
   
$
150,004
   
$
198,700
 
Free cash flow (B)
                               
  per weighted average share, diluted
 
$
0.35
   
$
0.40
   
$
1.36
   
$
1.73
 
                                 
Dividends
                               
Dividends paid (common shares)
 
$
13,907
   
$
16,176
   
$
56,296
   
$
63,475
 


Segment Highlights –
Additional details regarding the FX impact on our comparative results can be found in the Foreign Currency section of this report.
(all amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
           
Three months ended
 
                   
December 31
 
   
2014
   
2015
       
2015
     
   
(as reported)(C)(D)
   
(holding FX
constant with
the
comparative
period)
   
Change
   
(as reported)
   
Change
 
                     
Revenues
 
$
504,569
   
$
512,650
   
$
8,081
   
$
483,894
   
$
(20,675
)
North
 
$
186,867
   
$
191,259
   
$
4,392
   
$
162,503
   
$
(24,364
)
West
 
$
153,112
   
$
166,487
   
$
13,375
   
$
166,487
   
$
13,375
 
East
 
$
164,590
   
$
154,904
   
$
(9,686
)
 
$
154,904
   
$
(9,686
)
                                         
Operating expenses
 
$
316,960
   
$
321,775
   
$
4,815
   
$
305,766
   
$
(11,194
)
North
 
$
105,500
   
$
106,069
   
$
569
   
$
90,060
   
$
(15,440
)
West
 
$
97,988
   
$
108,975
   
$
10,987
   
$
108,975
   
$
10,987
 
East
 
$
113,472
   
$
106,731
   
$
(6,741
)
 
$
106,731
   
$
(6,741
)
                                         
SG&A (as reported)
 
$
57,637
   
$
57,372
   
$
(265
)
 
$
54,106
   
$
(3,531
)
North
 
$
12,015
   
$
12,598
   
$
583
   
$
10,685
   
$
(1,330
)
West
 
$
13,004
   
$
16,130
   
$
3,126
   
$
16,130
   
$
3,126
 
East
 
$
11,907
   
$
14,949
   
$
3,042
   
$
14,949
   
$
3,042
 
Corporate
 
$
20,711
   
$
13,695
   
$
(7,016
)
 
$
12,342
   
$
(8,369
)
                                         
EBITDA(A) (as reported)
 
$
129,972
   
$
133,503
   
$
3,531
   
$
124,022
   
$
(5,950
)
North
 
$
69,352
   
$
72,592
   
$
3,240
   
$
61,758
   
$
(7,594
)
West
 
$
42,120
   
$
41,382
   
$
(738
)
 
$
41,382
   
$
(738
)
East
 
$
39,211
   
$
33,224
   
$
(5,987
)
 
$
33,224
   
$
(5,987
)
Corporate
 
$
(20,711
)
 
$
(13,695
)
 
$
7,016
   
$
(12,342
)
 
$
8,369
 
                                         
Adjusted SG&A
 
$
48,825
   
$
55,653
   
$
6,828
   
$
52,539
   
$
3,714
 
North
 
$
12,015
   
$
12,598
   
$
583
   
$
10,685
   
$
(1,330
)
West
 
$
13,004
   
$
16,130
   
$
3,126
   
$
16,130
   
$
3,126
 
East
 
$
11,907
   
$
14,949
   
$
3,042
   
$
14,949
   
$
3,042
 
Corporate
 
$
11,899
   
$
11,976
   
$
77
   
$
10,775
   
$
(1,124
)
                                         
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
 
$
138,784
   
$
135,222
   
$
(3,562
)
 
$
125,589
   
$
(13,195
)
North
 
$
69,352
   
$
72,592
   
$
3,240
   
$
61,758
   
$
(7,594
)
West
 
$
42,120
   
$
41,382
   
$
(738
)
 
$
41,382
   
$
(738
)
East
 
$
39,211
   
$
33,224
   
$
(5,987
)
 
$
33,224
   
$
(5,987
)
Corporate
 
$
(11,899
)
 
$
(11,976
)
 
$
(77
)
 
$
(10,775
)
 
$
1,124
 


           
Year ended
 
                   
December 31
 
   
2014
   
2015
       
2015
     
   
(as reported)(C)(D)
   
(holding FX
constant with
the
comparative
year)
   
Change
   
(as reported)
   
Change
 
                     
Revenues
 
$
2,008,997
   
$
2,030,329
   
$
21,332
   
$
1,925,592
   
$
(83,405
)
North
 
$
745,800
   
$
769,575
   
$
23,775
   
$
664,838
   
$
(80,962
)
West
 
$
602,379
   
$
662,069
   
$
59,690
   
$
662,069
   
$
59,690
 
East
 
$
660,818
   
$
598,685
   
$
(62,133
)
 
$
598,685
   
$
(62,133
)
                                         
Operating expenses
 
$
1,281,704
   
$
1,291,262
   
$
9,558
   
$
1,231,377
   
$
(50,327
)
North
 
$
433,390
   
$
440,017
   
$
6,627
   
$
380,132
   
$
(53,258
)
West
 
$
387,352
   
$
442,316
   
$
54,964
   
$
442,316
   
$
54,964
 
East
 
$
460,962
   
$
408,929
   
$
(52,033
)
 
$
408,929
   
$
(52,033
)
                                         
SG&A (as reported)
 
$
218,494
   
$
233,416
   
$
14,922
   
$
220,693
   
$
2,199
 
North
 
$
51,163
   
$
57,918
   
$
6,755
   
$
50,036
   
$
(1,127
)
West
 
$
51,654
   
$
61,804
   
$
10,150
   
$
61,804
   
$
10,150
 
East
 
$
51,664
   
$
58,843
   
$
7,179
   
$
58,843
   
$
7,179
 
Corporate
 
$
64,013
   
$
54,851
   
$
(9,162
)
 
$
50,010
   
$
(14,003
)
                                         
EBITDA(A) (as reported)
 
$
508,799
   
$
505,651
   
$
(3,148
)
 
$
473,522
   
$
(35,277
)
North
 
$
261,247
   
$
271,640
   
$
10,393
   
$
234,670
   
$
(26,577
)
West
 
$
163,373
   
$
157,949
   
$
(5,424
)
 
$
157,949
   
$
(5,424
)
East
 
$
148,192
   
$
130,913
   
$
(17,279
)
 
$
130,913
   
$
(17,279
)
Corporate
 
$
(64,013
)
 
$
(54,851
)
 
$
9,162
   
$
(50,010
)
 
$
14,003
 
                                         
Adjusted SG&A
 
$
203,922
   
$
226,489
   
$
22,567
   
$
214,284
   
$
10,362
 
North
 
$
51,163
   
$
56,661
   
$
5,498
   
$
48,779
   
$
(2,384
)
West
 
$
51,654
   
$
61,804
   
$
10,150
   
$
61,804
   
$
10,150
 
East
 
$
51,664
   
$
58,843
   
$
7,179
   
$
58,843
   
$
7,179
 
Corporate
 
$
49,441
   
$
49,181
   
$
(260
)
 
$
44,858
   
$
(4,583
)
                                         
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
 
$
523,371
   
$
512,578
   
$
(10,793
)
 
$
479,931
   
$
(43,440
)
North
 
$
261,247
   
$
272,897
   
$
11,650
   
$
235,927
   
$
(25,320
)
West
 
$
163,373
   
$
157,949
   
$
(5,424
)
 
$
157,949
   
$
(5,424
)
East
 
$
148,192
   
$
130,913
   
$
(17,279
)
 
$
130,913
   
$
(17,279
)
Corporate
 
$
(49,441
)
 
$
(49,181
)
 
$
260
   
$
(44,858
)
 
$
4,583
 
 

Revenues
Gross revenue by service type
The table below outlines gross revenue by service type prepared on a consolidated basis and includes the impact of FX.
   
Three months ended
           
Year ended
 
           
December 31
           
December 31
 
   
2015
   
%
   
2014
   
%
   
2015
   
%
   
2014
   
%
 
                                 
Commercial
 
$
166,695
     
34.4
   
$
176,188
     
34.9
   
$
668,530
     
34.7
   
$
704,016
     
35.0
 
Industrial
   
88,288
     
18.2
     
89,476
     
17.7
     
350,236
     
18.2
     
362,305
     
18.0
 
Residential
   
111,190
     
23.0
     
114,556
     
22.7
     
443,348
     
23.0
     
456,007
     
22.7
 
Transfer and
  disposal
   
159,711
     
33.0
     
170,607
     
33.8
     
635,495
     
33.0
     
691,005
     
34.4
 
Recycling
   
12,285
     
2.5
     
14,647
     
2.9
     
50,372
     
2.6
     
63,645
     
3.2
 
Other
   
15,669
     
3.2
     
13,013
     
2.6
     
55,726
     
2.9
     
42,050
     
2.1
 
Gross revenues
   
553,838
     
114.3
     
578,487
     
114.6
     
2,203,707
     
114.4
     
2,319,028
     
115.4
 
                                                                 
Intercompany
   
(69,944
)
   
(14.3
)
   
(73,918
)
   
(14.6
)
   
(278,115
)
   
(14.4
)
   
(310,031
)
   
(15.4
)
Revenues
 
$
483,894
     
100.0
   
$
504,569
     
100.0
   
$
1,925,592
     
100.0
   
$
2,008,997
     
100.0
 

Revenue growth or decline components – expressed in percentages and excluding FX
   
Three months ended December 31, 2015
   
Three months ended December 31, 2014
 
   
Canada
   
U.S.
   
Consolidated
   
Canada
   
U.S.
   
Consolidated
 
                         
Price
                       
  Price
   
2.1
     
0.9
     
1.4
     
3.0
     
1.8
     
2.3
 
  Fuel surcharges
   
(1.9
)
   
(0.6
)
   
(1.1
)
   
0.1
     
(0.2
)
   
(0.1
)
  Recycling and other
   
0.1
     
(0.6
)
   
(0.3
)
   
(0.3
)
   
(0.5
)
   
(0.4
)
  Total price growth (decline)
   
0.3
     
(0.3
)
   
-
     
2.8
     
1.1
     
1.8
 
                                                 
Volume
   
2.1
     
2.5
     
2.3
     
2.2
     
1.2
     
1.6
 
Total organic revenue growth
   
2.4
     
2.2
     
2.3
     
5.0
     
2.3
     
3.4
 
                                                 
Net acquisitions
   
-
     
(1.0
)
   
(0.7
)
   
0.2
     
0.2
     
0.2
 
Total revenue growth
   
2.4
     
1.2
     
1.6
     
5.2
     
2.5
     
3.6
 

   
Year ended December 31, 2015
   
Year ended December 31, 2014
 
   
Canada
   
U.S.
   
Consolidated
   
Canada
   
U.S.
   
Consolidated
 
                         
Price
                       
  Price
   
2.3
     
1.3
     
1.7
     
2.7
     
1.7
     
2.1
 
  Fuel surcharges
   
(1.5
)
   
(1.0
)
   
(1.2
)
   
-
     
(0.1
)
   
(0.1
)
  Recycling and other
   
(0.1
)
   
(0.8
)
   
(0.5
)
   
0.2
     
(0.2
)
   
-
 
  Total price growth (decline)
   
0.7
     
(0.5
)
   
-
     
2.9
     
1.4
     
2.0
 
                                                 
Volume
   
2.5
     
1.9
     
2.1
     
0.9
     
(0.6
)
   
(0.1
)
Total organic revenue growth
   
3.2
     
1.4
     
2.1
     
3.8
     
0.8
     
1.9
 
                                                 
Net acquisitions
   
-
     
(1.6
)
   
(1.0
)
   
0.2
     
(0.3
)
   
(0.1
)
Total revenue growth (decline)
   
3.2
     
(0.2
)
   
1.1
     
4.0
     
0.5
     
1.8
 




Free cash flow(B)

Purpose and objective
The purpose of presenting this non-GAAP measure is to provide readers with an additional measure of our value and liquidity.  We use this non-GAAP measure to assess our performance relative to our peers and to assess the availability of funds for growth investment, share repurchases, debt repayment or dividend increases.

Free cash flow(B) - cash flow approach
   
Three months ended
   
Year ended
 
           
December 31
           
December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014(E)
   
Change
   
2015
   
2014(E)
   
Change
 
                         
Cash generated from
  operating activities
 
$
99,779
   
$
116,517
   
$
(16,738
)
 
$
415,015
   
$
399,726
   
$
15,289
 
                                                 
Operating and investing
                                               
Stock  option expense(*)
   
(235
)
   
6,398
     
(6,633
)
   
97
     
9,695
     
(9,598
)
LTIP portion of restricted
  share expense
   
(625
)
   
(333
)
   
(292
)
   
(2,366
)
   
(1,358
)
   
(1,008
)
Acquisition and related
                                               
  costs (recoveries)
   
566
     
322
     
244
     
1,100
     
(591
)
   
1,691
 
Non-operating or non-recurring
  expenses
   
1,001
     
1,697
     
(696
)
   
3,839
     
4,067
     
(228
)
Restructuring expenses
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,682
     
-
     
3,682
 
Changes in non-cash working
  capital items
   
3,699
     
(12,056
)
   
15,755
     
(22,499
)
   
20,677
     
(43,176
)
Capital and landfill asset purchases
   
(53,132
)
   
(62,310
)
   
9,178
     
(255,442
)
   
(237,413
)
   
(18,029
)
Capital and landfill asset
 change in non-cash working
  capital
   
(15,706
)
   
(7,942
)
   
(7,764
)
   
1,533
     
(22,386
)
   
23,919
 
Proceeds from the sale of
  capital and landfill assets
   
3,579
     
3,467
     
112
     
6,355
     
28,528
     
(22,173
)
                                                 
Financing
                                               
Purchase of restricted
  shares(*)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(298
)
   
(2,095
)
   
1,797
 
Net realized foreign
                                               
  exchange (gain) loss
   
(768
)
   
19
     
(787
)
   
(1,012
)
   
(150
)
   
(862
)
Free cash flow(B)
 
$
38,158
   
$
45,779
   
$
(7,621
)
 
$
150,004
   
$
198,700
   
$
(48,696
)
                                                 
 Note:
                                               
(*)Amounts exclude LTIP compensation.
 
 

Free cash flow(B) – adjusted EBITDA(A)  approach
We typically calculate free cash flow(B) using an operations approach because it best reflects how we manage the business and our free cash flow(B).

   
Three months ended
   
Year ended
 
           
December 31
           
December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014(E)
   
Change
   
2015
   
2014(E)
   
Change
 
                         
Adjusted EBITDA(A)
 
$
125,589
   
$
138,784
   
$
(13,195
)
 
$
479,931
   
$
523,371
   
$
(43,440
)
                                                 
Purchase of restricted
  shares(*)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(298
)
   
(2,095
)
   
1,797
 
Capital and landfill asset
  purchases
   
(53,132
)
   
(62,310
)
   
9,178
     
(255,442
)
   
(237,413
)
   
(18,029
)
Capital and landfill asset
 change in non-cash working
  capital
   
(15,706
)
   
(7,942
)
   
(7,764
)
   
1,533
     
(22,386
)
   
23,919
 
Proceeds from the sale of
  capital and landfill assets
   
3,579
     
3,467
     
112
     
6,355
     
28,528
     
(22,173
)
Landfill closure and post-
  closure expenditures
   
(3,291
)
   
(1,293
)
   
(1,998
)
   
(6,809
)
   
(4,696
)
   
(2,113
)
Landfill closure and post-
  closure cost accretion
  expense
   
1,573
     
1,518
     
55
     
6,349
     
6,132
     
217
 
Interest on long-term debt
   
(13,111
)
   
(15,483
)
   
2,372
     
(57,216
)
   
(61,917
)
   
4,701
 
Non-cash interest expense, net
   
760
     
759
     
1
     
2,907
     
3,202
     
(295
)
Current income tax expense
   
(8,103
)
   
(11,721
)
   
3,618
     
(27,306
)
   
(34,026
)
   
6,720
 
Free cash flow(B)
 
$
38,158
   
$
45,779
   
$
(7,621
)
 
$
150,004
   
$
198,700
   
$
(48,696
)
                                                 
Note:
                                               
(*)Amounts exclude LTIP compensation.
 
 
Funded debt to EBITDA (as defined and calculated in accordance with our consolidated facility)
At December 31, 2015, the ratio of funded debt to EBITDA is 3.22 times.

Foreign Currency
(in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated)
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Consolidated
Balance
Sheet
 
Consolidated
Statement of Operations and
Comprehensive Income or Loss
 
Consolidated
Balance
Sheet
 
Consolidated
Statement of Operations and
Comprehensive Income or Loss
 
 
Current
 
Average
 
Cumulative Average
 
Current
 
Average
 
Cumulative Average
 
             
March 31
 
$
0.7885
   
$
0.8057
   
$
0.8057
   
$
0.9047
   
$
0.9062
   
$
0.9062
 
June 30
 
$
0.8017
   
$
0.8134
   
$
0.8095
   
$
0.9367
   
$
0.9170
   
$
0.9116
 
September 30
 
$
0.7466
   
$
0.7637
   
$
0.7937
   
$
0.8922
   
$
0.9180
   
$
0.9137
 
December 31
 
$
0.7225
   
$
0.7489
   
$
0.7820
   
$
0.8620
   
$
0.8805
   
$
0.9052
 


Quarterly dividend declared
The Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.17 Canadian per share payable to shareholders of record on March 31, 2016.  The dividend will be paid on April 15, 2016.  The Company has designated these dividends as eligible dividends for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

Definitions and Notes

(A) All references to "Adjusted EBITDA" in this document are to revenues less operating expense and SG&A, excluding certain SG&A expenses, on the statement of operations and comprehensive income or loss.  Adjusted EBITDA excludes some or all of the following: certain SG&A expenses, restructuring expenses, goodwill impairment, amortization, net gain or loss on sale of capital and landfill assets, interest on long-term debt, net foreign exchange gain or loss, net gain or loss on financial instruments, loss on extinguishment of debt, re-measurement gain on previously held equity investment, income taxes and income or loss from equity accounted investee.  Adjusted EBITDA is a term used by us that does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by U.S. GAAP and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures used by other companies.  Adjusted EBITDA is a measure of our operating profitability, and by definition, excludes certain items as detailed above.  These items are viewed by us as either non-cash (in the case of goodwill impairment, amortization, net gain or loss on sale of capital and landfill assets, net foreign exchange gain or loss, net gain or loss on financial instruments, loss on extinguishment of debt, re-measurement gain on previously held equity investment, deferred income taxes and net income or loss from equity accounted investee) or non-operating (in the case of certain SG&A expenses, restructuring expenses, interest on long-term debt and current income taxes).  Adjusted EBITDA is a useful financial and operating metric for us, our Board of Directors, and our lenders, as it represents a starting point in the determination of free cash flow(B).  The underlying reasons for the exclusion of each item are as follows:

Certain SG&A expenses – SG&A expense includes certain non-operating or non-recurring expenses.  Non-operating expenses include transaction costs or recoveries related to acquisitions, fair value adjustments attributable to stock options and restricted share expense.  Non-recurring expenses include certain equity based compensation amounts, payments made to certain senior management on their departure and other non-recurring expenses from time-to-time, including branding costs.  These expenses are not considered an expense indicative of continuing operations.  Certain SG&A costs represent a different class of expense than those included in adjusted EBITDA.

Restructuring expenses – restructuring expenses includes costs to integrate certain operating locations with our own, exiting certain property and building and office leases, employee severance, including legal costs related thereto, and employee relocation.  These expenses are not considered an expense indicative of continuing operations.  Accordingly, restructuring expenses represent a different class of expense than those included in adjusted EBITDA.

Goodwill impairment – as a non-cash item goodwill impairment has no impact on the determination of free cash flow(B) and is not indicative of our operating profitability.

Amortization – as a non-cash item, amortization has no impact on the determination of free cash flow(B) and is not indicative of our operating profitability.

Net gain or loss on sale of capital and landfill assets – as a non-cash item, the net gain or loss on sale of capital and landfill assets has no impact on the determination of free cash flow(B).  In addition, the sale of capital and landfill assets does not reflect a primary operating activity and therefore represents a different class of income or expense than those included in adjusted EBITDA.

Interest on long-term debt – interest on long-term debt reflects our debt/equity mix, interest rates and borrowing position from time to time.  Accordingly, interest on long-term debt reflects our treasury/financing activities and represents a different class of expense than those included in adjusted EBITDA.

Net foreign exchange gain or loss – as non-cash items, foreign exchange gains or losses have no impact on the determination of free cash flow(B) and is not indicative of our operating profitability.

Net gain or loss on financial instruments – as non-cash items, gains or losses on financial instruments have no impact on the determination of free cash flow(B) and is not indicative of our operating profitability.

Loss on extinguishment of debt – as a non-cash item, loss on debt extinguishment is not indicative of our operating profitability and reflects a resulting charge from a change in our debt financing.  Accordingly, it reflects our treasury/financing activities and represents a different class of expense than those included in adjusted EBITDA.

Re-measurement gain on previously held equity investment – as a non-cash item, the re-measurement gain on previously held equity investment has no impact on the determination of free cash flow(B) and is not indicative of our operating profitability.

Income taxes – income taxes are a function of tax laws and rates and are affected by matters which are separate from our daily operations.

Net income or loss from equity accounted investee – as a non-cash item, net income or loss from our equity accounted investee has no impact on the determination of free cash flow(B) and is not indicative of our operating profitability.

All references to "Adjusted EBITA" in this document represent Adjusted EBITDA after deducting amortization attributable to capital and landfill assets.  All references to "Adjusted operating income or adjusted operating EBIT" in this document represent Adjusted EBITDA after adjusting for goodwill impairment, net gain or loss on the sale of capital and landfill assets and all amortization expense, including amortization expense recognized on the impairment of intangible assets.  All references to "Adjusted net income" are to adjusted operating income after adjusting for, as applicable, net gain or loss on financial instruments, re-measurement gain on previously held equity investment, loss on extinguishment of debt and net income tax expense or recovery.

Adjusted EBITA, Adjusted operating income or adjusted operating EBIT and Adjusted net income should not be construed as measures of income or of cash flows.  Collectively, these terms do not have standardized meanings prescribed by U.S. GAAP and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures used by other companies.  Each of these measures is important for investors and is used by management to manage its business.  Adjusted operating income or adjusted operating EBIT removes the impact of a company's capital structure and its tax rates when comparing the results of companies within or across industry sectors.  Management uses Adjusted operating EBIT as a measure of how its operations are performing and to focus attention on amortization and depreciation expense to drive higher returns on invested capital.  In addition, Adjusted operating EBIT is used by management as a means to measure the performance of its operating locations and is a significant metric in the determination of compensation for certain employees.  Adjusted EBITA accomplishes a similar comparative result as Adjusted operating EBIT, but further removes amortization attributable to intangible assets.  Intangible assets are measured at fair value when we complete an acquisition and are amortized over their estimated useful lives.  We view capital and landfill asset amortization as a proxy for the amount of capital reinvestment required to continue operating our business steady state.  We believe that the replacement of intangible assets is not required to continue our operations as the costs associated with continuing operations are already captured in operating or selling, general and administration expenses.  Accordingly, we view Adjusted EBITA as a measure that eliminates the impact of a company's acquisitive nature and permits a higher degree of comparability across companies within our industry or across different sectors from an operating performance perspective.  Finally, adjusted net income is a measure of our overall earnings and profits and is further used to calculate our adjusted net income per share.  Adjusted net income reflects what we believe is our "operating" net income which excludes certain non-operating income or expenses.  Adjusted net income is an important measure of a company's ability to generate profit and earnings for its shareholders which is used to compare company performance both amongst and between industry sectors.
 (B) We have adopted a measure called "free cash flow" to supplement net income or loss as a measure of our operating performance.  Free cash flow is a term which does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by U.S. GAAP, is prepared before dividends declared and shares repurchased, and may not be comparable to similar measures prepared by other companies.  The purpose of presenting this non-GAAP measure is to provide disclosure similar to the disclosure provided by other U.S. publicly listed companies in our industry and to provide investors and analysts with an additional measure of our value and liquidity.  We use this non-GAAP measure to assess our performance relative to other U.S. publicly listed companies and to assess the availability of funds for growth investment, debt repayment, share repurchases or dividend increases.  All references to "free cash flow" in this document have the meaning set out in this note.

(C) Rent, property taxes, insurance, utility, building maintenance and repair costs and other facility costs, collectively "facility costs", incurred at our operating locations have been reclassified from SG&A expense to operating expenses.  Facility costs incurred by our corporate, region and area offices remain in SG&A expense.  The reclassification better reflects these costs as costs of operations and aligns the classification of these costs on a basis consistent with our peers.  Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation and the reclassification had no impact on operating income and our results.

(D) Effective with the release of our first quarter 2015 results, we announced the reorganization of our regional management structure.  Our previously reported U.S. northeast segment was joined by a portion of our previously reported U.S. south segment, and combined became our East segment.  The remainder of our previously reported U.S. south segment was renamed our West segment.  Our previously reported Canadian segment was renamed the North segment.  These segment changes were made to align with our reorganized management structure.  The objective of the reorganization was to satisfy our profitability and shareholder return goals outlined in our five year plan, which includes the optimization of our area management teams and the streamlining of certain corporate office functions.  In connection with this reorganization, all previously reported segment amounts and discussions have been adjusted to conform to the current period segment information, comprising the North, East and West.

(E) We manage our capital and landfill spending based on the goods and services we receive in a particular period or year and our outlook is presented on a similar basis.  Accordingly, to align our reporting of free cash flow(B) with our management of capital and landfill spending, we have adjusted our reported amounts of free cash flow(B) to include the working capital adjustment for both expenditures, thereby reflecting our receipt of capital and landfill assets in a reporting period.  The prior period presentation of free cash flow(B) reflects this change and conforms with the current period presentation.


Caution regarding forward looking statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" of Progressive Waste Solutions within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements").  Forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the proposed transactions between Progressive Waste Solutions and Waste Connections, Inc. ("Waste Connections"), including any statements regarding the expected combination of Progressive Waste Solutions with Waste Connections and the integration efforts in connection therewith, and the Chief Executive Officer stepping down, and any other statements regarding Progressive Waste Solutions' future expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, financial conditions, assumptions or future events or performance that are not historical facts and constitute "forward-looking" statements made within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead reflect Progressive Waste Solutions management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events.  These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "budget," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goals," "intend," "intent," "belief," "may," "plan," "foresee," "likely," "potential," "project," "seek," "strategy," "synergies," "targets," "opportunity," "will," "should," "would," or variations of such words and other similar words.  Forwardlooking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to future financial and operating results and Progressive Waste Solutions' plans, objectives, prospects, expectations and intentions.  These statements represent Progressive Waste Solutions' intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors.  All such forward-looking statements involve estimates and assumptions that are subject to risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements are the following: the ability to consummate the proposed transactions; the ability to obtain requisite regulatory and shareholder approvals and the satisfaction of other conditions to the consummation of the proposed combination of Progressive Waste Solutions and Waste Connections on the proposed terms and schedule; the ability of Progressive Waste Solutions and Waste Connections 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 Progressive Waste Solutions and Waste Connections face; compliance with extensive government regulation; the combined company's ability to make acquisitions and its ability to integrate or manage such acquired businesses; and the diversion of management time on the proposed transactions.   Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in Progressive Waste Solutions' filings with the SEC and applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including (i) Progressive Waste Solutions' most recent Annual Report on Form 40-F and Current Reports on Form 6-K, and (ii) Progressive Waste Solutions' current and annual Management's Discussion and Analysis and the Annual Information Form filed with the securities regulatory authorities in all provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com.

All forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty.  All forward-looking statements in this document are qualified by these cautionary statements.  The forward-looking statements in this document are made as of the date of this document and Progressive Waste Solutions disclaims any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law. Although Progressive Waste Solutions has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated or implied in such statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Progressive Waste Solutions does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as may be required by law. The forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding Progressive Waste Solutions' expected plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes.

About Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd.
As one of North America's largest full-service waste management companies, we provide non-hazardous solid waste collection, recycling and disposal services to commercial, industrial, municipal and residential customers in 14 U.S. states and the District of Columbia and six Canadian provinces.  We serve our customers with vertically integrated collection and disposal assets.  Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd.'s shares are listed on the New York and Toronto Stock Exchanges under the symbol BIN. 

To find out more about Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd., visit our website at www.progressivewaste.com.

Further Information
Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd.
Chaya Cooperberg
VP, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
Tel:  (905) 532-7517
Email: chaya.cooperberg@progressivewaste.com


Given the Company's pending merger with Waste Connections, Inc. (NYSE: WCN), Progressive Waste Solutions will not be hosting an earnings conference call or webcast.