Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

(Mark One)

þ

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020

Or

Or
¨

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                  to

Commission file number 1-34370

Graphic

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ontario, Canada

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

98-1202763

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

610 Applewood Crescent, 2nd Floor

Vaughan

OntarioL4K 0E3

Canada

(Address of principal executive offices)

(905) (905) 532-7510

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Shares, no par value

WCN

New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”)
Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”)

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.

Yesþ No¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yesþ No¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

þLarge accelerated

filerAccelerated
Filer

Accelerated
Filer

¨ Accelerated

filer Non-accelerated
Filer

Smaller Reporting
Company

¨ Non-accelerated

filer (Do not check if a

smaller reporting

company)

¨ Smaller reporting

company

¨ Emerging growth

companyGrowth
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.¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes¨ Noþ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer'sissuer’s classes of common shares:

As of October 18, 2017:      263,641,021April 30, 2020: 262,891,992 common shares

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Page

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (unaudited)

Item 1.

Financial Statements

Item 1.

Financial Statements

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income

2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity

4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

6

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

7

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

42

35

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

70

55

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

72

57

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

58

Item 1.1A.

Legal Proceedings

73Risk Factors

58

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

73

Item 6.

Exhibits

73Exhibits

74

Signatures

Signatures73

75

Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts)

  

September 30,

2017

  December 31,
2016
 
ASSETS        
Current assets:        
Cash and equivalents $495,254  $154,382 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $16,245 and $13,160 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively  588,534   485,138 
Current assets held for sale  2,021   6,339 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  107,134   97,533 
Total current assets  1,192,943   743,392 
         
Property and equipment, net  4,783,928   4,738,055 
Goodwill  4,688,348   4,390,261 
Intangible assets, net  1,108,961   1,067,158 
Restricted assets  59,192   63,406 
Long-term assets held for sale  12,619   33,989 
Other assets, net  64,284   67,664 
  $11,910,275  $11,103,925 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $276,970  $251,253 
Book overdraft  24,923   10,955 
Accrued liabilities  347,439   269,402 
Deferred revenue  142,787   134,081 
Current portion of contingent consideration  13,819   21,453 
Current liabilities held for sale  2,255   3,383 
Current portion of long-term debt and notes payable  11,596   1,650 
Total current liabilities  819,789   692,177 
         
Long-term debt and notes payable  3,925,761   3,616,760 
Long-term portion of contingent consideration  31,136   30,373 
Other long-term liabilities  310,646   331,074 
Deferred income taxes  829,087   778,664 
Total liabilities  5,916,419   5,449,048 
         
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)        
         
Equity:        
Common shares: 263,640,287 shares issued and 263,443,234 shares outstanding at September 30, 2017; 263,140,777 shares issued and 262,803,271 shares outstanding at December 31, 2016  4,185,458   4,174,808 
Additional paid-in capital  109,627   102,220 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  114,779   (43,001)
Treasury shares: 197,053 and 337,397 shares at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively  -   - 
Retained earnings  1,578,635   1,413,488 
Total Waste Connections’ equity  5,988,499   5,647,515 
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries  5,357   7,362 
Total equity  5,993,856   5,654,877 
  $11,910,275  $11,103,925 

March 31, 

December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

ASSETS

 

  

 

  

Current assets:

 

  

 

  

Cash and equivalents

$

1,195,279

$

326,738

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $15,172 and $16,432 at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively

 

624,389

 

662,808

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

142,553

 

141,052

Total current assets

 

1,962,221

 

1,130,598

Restricted cash

88,927

96,483

Restricted investments

 

45,856

 

51,179

Property and equipment, net

 

5,415,989

 

5,516,347

Operating lease right-of-use assets

176,772

183,220

Goodwill

 

5,385,841

 

5,510,851

Intangible assets, net

 

1,120,197

 

1,163,063

Other assets, net

 

83,608

 

85,954

Total assets

$

14,279,411

$

13,737,695

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

  

 

  

Current liabilities:

 

  

 

  

Accounts payable

$

398,523

$

436,970

Book overdraft

 

12,105

 

15,954

Accrued liabilities

 

297,266

 

280,808

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

29,741

29,929

Current portion of contingent consideration

 

37,549

 

26,659

Deferred revenue

 

210,668

 

216,443

Current portion of long-term debt and notes payable

 

4,318

 

465

Total current liabilities

 

990,170

 

1,007,228

Long-term portion of debt and notes payable

 

5,160,735

 

4,353,782

Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities

153,640

160,033

Long-term portion of contingent consideration

 

30,050

 

42,825

Deferred income taxes

 

817,331

 

818,622

Other long-term liabilities

 

440,399

 

416,851

Total liabilities

 

7,592,325

 

6,799,341

Commitments and contingencies (Note 18)

 

  

 

  

Equity:

 

  

 

  

Common shares: 262,878,701 shares issued and 262,804,517 shares outstanding at March 31, 2020; 263,699,675 shares issued and 263,618,161 shares outstanding at December 31, 2019

 

4,030,368

 

4,135,343

Additional paid-in capital

 

141,438

 

154,917

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(238,652)

 

(10,963)

Treasury shares: 74,184 and 81,514 shares at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively

 

 

Retained earnings

 

2,749,224

 

2,654,207

Total Waste Connections’ equity

 

6,682,378

 

6,933,504

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

 

4,708

 

4,850

Total equity

 

6,687,086

 

6,938,354

$

14,279,411

$

13,737,695

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.statements.

1

1

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET INCOME

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts)

  Three months ended September 30,  Nine months ended September 30, 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
Revenues $1,206,478  $1,084,922  $3,473,313  $2,327,241 
Operating expenses:                
Cost of operations  695,122   636,310   2,024,402   1,339,764 
Selling, general and administrative  128,200   129,576   383,600   349,995 
Depreciation  136,941   125,744   395,008   270,988 
Amortization of intangibles  26,613   26,944   76,886   48,719 
Impairments and other operating items  832   7,682   141,333   4,634 
Operating income  218,770   158,666   452,084   313,141 
                 
Interest expense  (32,471)  (27,621)  (92,763)  (65,291)
Interest income  1,656   171   3,131   447 
Other income (expense), net  1,709   500   3,561   (268)
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)  (1,864)  (350)  (3,502)  339 
Income before income tax provision  187,800   131,366   362,511   248,368 
Income tax provision  (64,390)  (42,485)  (100,220)  (86,750)
Net income  123,410   88,881   262,291   161,618 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests  (183)  (264)  (559)  (670)
Net income attributable to Waste Connections $123,227  $88,617  $261,732  $160,948 
Earnings per common share attributable to Waste Connections’ common shareholders:                
Basic $0.47  $0.34  $0.99  $0.73 
Diluted $0.47  $0.34  $0.99  $0.73 
Shares used in the per share calculations:                
Basic  263,443,064   263,005,450   263,298,839   219,321,828 
Diluted  264,299,472   263,650,138   264,109,383   220,064,670 
                 
Cash dividends per common share $0.120  $0.097  $0.360  $0.290 

Three Months Ended March 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Revenues

$

1,352,404

$

1,244,637

Operating expenses:

 

 

Cost of operations

 

815,424

 

733,690

Selling, general and administrative

 

136,052

 

132,586

Depreciation

 

150,821

 

146,847

Amortization of intangibles

 

31,638

 

30,542

Impairments and other operating items

 

1,506

 

16,112

Operating income

 

216,963

 

184,860

Interest expense

 

(37,990)

 

(37,287)

Interest income

 

2,175

 

3,311

Other income (expense), net

 

(9,521)

 

2,661

Income before income tax provision

 

171,627

 

153,545

Income tax provision

 

(28,734)

 

(27,968)

Net income

 

142,893

 

125,577

Plus: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

142

 

45

Net income attributable to Waste Connections

$

143,035

$

125,622

Earnings per common share attributable to Waste Connections’ common shareholders:

 

  

 

  

Basic

$

0.54

$

0.48

Diluted

$

0.54

$

0.48

Shares used in the per share calculations:

 

 

Basic

 

263,790,364

 

263,603,418

Diluted

 

264,353,158

 

264,336,930

Cash dividends per common share

$

0.185

$

0.160

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

2

2

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

  Three months ended September 30,  Nine months ended September 30, 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
Net income $123,410  $88,881  $262,291  $161,618 
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:                
Interest rate swap amounts reclassified into interest expense  511   1,678   2,352   5,081 
Fuel hedge amounts reclassified into cost of operations  789   1,342   2,765   4,616 
Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps  2,181   3,535   305   (6,980)
Changes in fair value of fuel hedges  2,717   1,019   (1,672)  1,343 
Foreign currency translation adjustment  84,500   (16,642)  155,153   (3,991)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax  90,698   (9,068)  158,903   69 
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)  (4,016)  (2,282)  (1,123)  (922)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  86,682   (11,350)  157,780   (853)
Comprehensive income  210,092   77,531   420,071   160,765 
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests  (183)  (264)  (559)  (670)
Comprehensive income attributable to Waste Connections $209,909  $77,267  $419,512  $160,095 

Three Months Ended March 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Net income

$

142,893

$

125,577

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:

 

 

Interest rate swap amounts reclassified into interest expense

 

(440)

 

(2,472)

Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps

 

(58,026)

 

(15,721)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

(184,717)

 

42,180

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax

 

(243,183)

 

23,987

Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)

 

15,494

 

4,821

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

(227,689)

 

28,808

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

(84,796)

 

154,385

Plus: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

142

 

45

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Waste Connections

$

(84,654)

$

154,430

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

3

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share amounts)

WASTE CONNECTIONS' EQUITY

ACCUMULATED

ADDITIONAL

OTHER

COMMON SHARES

PAID-IN

COMPREHENSIVE

TREASURY SHARES

RETAINED

NONCONTROLLING

  

SHARES

  

AMOUNT

  

CAPITAL

  

LOSS

  

SHARES

  

AMOUNT

  

EARNINGS

  

INTERESTS

  

TOTAL

Balances at December 31, 2019

263,618,161

$

4,135,343

$

154,917

$

(10,963)

81,514

$

$

2,654,207

$

4,850

$

6,938,354

Sale of common shares held in trust

 

7,330

 

679

 

 

 

(7,330)

 

 

 

 

679

Vesting of restricted share units

 

366,603

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vesting of performance-based restricted share units

 

281,186

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted share units released from deferred compensation plan

 

20,229

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value adjustment for common shares in deferred compensation plan exchanged for other investment options

(533)

(533)

Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of equity-based compensation

 

(226,766)

 

 

(23,090)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(23,090)

Equity-based compensation

 

 

 

10,144

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,144

Exercise of warrants

 

9,751

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase of common shares

(1,271,977)

(105,654)

(105,654)

Cash dividends on common shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(48,018)

 

 

(48,018)

Amounts reclassified into earnings, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

(323)

 

 

 

 

 

(323)

Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

(42,649)

 

 

 

 

 

(42,649)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

(184,717)

 

 

 

 

 

(184,717)

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

143,035

 

(142)

 

142,893

Balances at March 31, 2020

 

262,804,517

$

4,030,368

$

141,438

$

(238,652)

 

74,184

$

$

2,749,224

$

4,708

$

6,687,086

  Waste Connections’ Equity       
  Common Shares  Additional
Paid-In
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
  Treasury Shares  Retained  Noncontrolling    
  Shares  Amount  Capital  Income (Loss)  Shares  Amount  Earnings  Interests  Total 
Balances at December 31, 2016  262,803,271  $4,174,808  $102,220  $(43,001)  337,397  $-  $1,413,488  $7,362  $5,654,877 
Sale of common shares held in trust  140,344   8,704   -   -   (140,344)  -   -   -   8,704 
Vesting of restricted share units  540,432   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Vesting of performance-based restricted share units  122,786   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Restricted share units released from deferred compensation plan  36,619   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of equity-based compensation  (250,172)  -   (13,754)  -   -   -   -   -   (13,754)
Equity-based compensation  -   -   20,463   -   -   -   -   -   20,463 
Exercise of options and warrants  49,954   1,946   -   -   -   -   -   -   1,946 
Cash dividends on common shares  -   -   -   -   -   -   (95,201)  -   (95,201)
Amounts reclassified into earnings, net of taxes  -   -   -   3,433   -   -   -   -   3,433 
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of taxes  -   -   -   (806)  -   -   -   -   (806)
Foreign currency translation adjustment  -   -   -   155,153   -   -   -   -   155,153 
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of new accounting pronouncement  -   -   -   -   -   -   (1,384)  -   (1,384)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest  -   -   698   -   -   -   -   (2,564)  (1,866)
Net income  -   -   -   -   -   -   261,732   559   262,291 
Balances at September 30, 2017  263,443,234  $4,185,458  $109,627  $114,779   197,053  $-  $1,578,635  $5,357  $5,993,856 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share amounts)

WASTE CONNECTIONS' EQUITY

ACCUMULATED

ADDITIONAL

OTHER

COMMON SHARES

PAID-IN

COMPREHENSIVE

TREASURY SHARES

RETAINED

NONCONTROLLING

  

SHARES

  

AMOUNT

  

CAPITAL

  

INCOME (LOSS)

  

SHARES

  

AMOUNT

  

EARNINGS

  

INTERESTS

  

TOTAL

Balances at December 31, 2018

263,141,413

$

4,131,307

$

133,577

$

(74,786)

129,889

$

$

2,264,510

$

5,580

$

6,460,188

Sale of common shares held in trust

43,637

3,610

(43,637)

3,610

Vesting of restricted share units

 

400,555

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vesting of performance-based restricted share units

180,258

Restricted share units released from deferred compensation plan

 

15,371

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of equity-based compensation

 

(202,679)

 

 

(16,973)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(16,973)

Equity-based compensation

 

 

 

11,626

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,626

Exercise of warrants

 

8,690

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends on common shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(42,084)

 

 

(42,084)

Amounts reclassified into earnings, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

(1,817)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,817)

Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

(11,555)

 

 

 

 

 

(11,555)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

42,180

42,180

Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of new accounting pronouncement

(2,078)

(2,078)

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

125,622

 

(45)

 

125,577

Balances at March 31, 2019

 

263,587,245

$

4,134,917

$

128,230

$

(45,978)

 

86,252

$

$

2,345,970

$

5,535

$

6,568,674

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

Three Months Ended March 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

  

  

Net income

$

142,893

$

125,577

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

 

 

Loss on disposal of assets and impairments

 

135

 

16,372

Depreciation

 

150,821

 

146,847

Amortization of intangibles

 

31,638

 

30,542

Amortization of leases

5,353

7,214

Deferred income taxes, net of acquisitions

 

23,259

 

10,126

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

3,420

 

1,148

Share-based compensation

 

13,046

 

15,168

Interest accretion

 

4,352

 

3,972

Adjustments to contingent consideration

 

 

1,466

Other

2,308

(145)

Net change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions

(7,639)

5,485

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

369,586

 

363,772

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

  

 

  

Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(5,943)

 

(14,920)

Capital expenditures for property and equipment

 

(137,781)

 

(114,238)

Proceeds from disposal of assets

 

3,499

 

639

Change in restricted investments, net of interest income

 

4,348

 

Other

 

2,251

 

473

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(133,626)

 

(128,046)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

  

 

  

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

1,790,625

 

55,354

Principal payments on notes payable and long-term debt

 

(970,393)

 

(52,051)

Payment of contingent consideration recorded at acquisition date

 

(1,976)

 

(275)

Change in book overdraft

 

(3,848)

 

(2,784)

Payments for repurchase of common shares

 

(105,654)

 

Payments for cash dividends

 

(48,018)

 

(42,084)

Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of equity-based compensation

 

(23,090)

 

(16,973)

Debt issuance costs

 

(10,936)

 

Proceeds from sale of common shares held in trust

 

679

 

3,610

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

627,389

 

(55,203)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

(2,364)

 

193

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

860,985

 

180,716

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

423,221

 

403,966

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$

1,284,206

$

584,682

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

6

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share amounts)

  Waste Connections’ Equity       
  Common Shares  Additional
Paid-In
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
  Treasury Shares  Retained  Noncontrolling    
  Shares  Amount  Capital  Income (Loss)  Shares  Amount  Earnings  Interests  Total 
Balances at December 31, 2015  183,563,933  $1,224  $736,652  $(12,171)  -  $-  $1,259,495  $6,584  $1,991,784 
Conversion of Old Waste Connections’ common shares into common shares of New Waste Connections  -   650,552   (650,552)  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Issuance of common shares to acquire Progressive Waste  78,218,878   3,503,162   -   -   -   -   -   -   3,503,162 
Acquired common shares held in trust  -   -   -   -   735,168   -   -   -   - 
Sale of common shares held in trust  308,059   15,341   -   -   (308,059)  -   -   -   15,341 
Vesting of restricted share units  603,939   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Vesting of performance-based restricted share units  184,440   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Restricted share units released from deferred compensation plan  58,992   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of equity-based compensation  (279,055)  -   (11,461)  -   -   -   -   -   (11,461)
Equity-based compensation  -   -   17,628   -   -   -   -   -   17,628 
Exercise of warrants  52,236   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Excess tax benefit associated with equity-based compensation  -   -   5,151   -   -   -   -   -   5,151 
Cash dividends on common shares  -   -   -   -   -   -   (61,001)  -   (61,001)
Amounts reclassified into earnings, net of taxes  -   -   -   6,193   -   -   -   -   6,193 
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of taxes  -   -   -   (3,055)  -   -   -   -   (3,055)
Foreign currency translation adjustment  -   -   -   (3,991)  -   -   -   -   (3,991)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (3)  (3)
Net income  -   -   -   -   -   -   160,948   670   161,618 
Balances at September 30, 2016  262,711,422  $4,170,279  $97,418  $(13,024)  427,109  $-  $1,359,442  $7,251  $5,621,366 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

  Nine months ended September 30, 
  2017  2016 
Cash flows from operating activities:        
Net income $262,291  $161,618 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:        
Loss on disposal of assets and impairments  122,098   3,572 
Depreciation  395,008   270,988 
Amortization of intangibles  76,886   48,719 
Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss  3,502   (339)
Deferred income taxes, net of acquisitions  (10,971)  35,968 
Amortization of debt issuance costs  3,221   3,877 
Share-based compensation  32,407   35,476 
Interest income on restricted assets  (387)  (366)
Interest accretion  10,406   7,038 
Excess tax benefit associated with equity-based compensation  -   (5,151)
Adjustments to contingent consideration  17,754   (2,563)
Payment of contingent consideration recorded in earnings  -   (413)
Net change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions  (23,840)  (19,593)
Net cash provided by operating activities  888,375   538,831 
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired  (394,002)  (13,703)
Cash acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition  -   65,768 
Capital expenditures for property and equipment  (317,385)  (204,934)
Proceeds from disposal of assets  25,826   3,026 
Change in restricted assets, net of interest income  5,464   (188)
Other  (3,465)  (3,016)
Net cash used in investing activities  (683,562)  (153,047)
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Proceeds from long-term debt  896,947   3,407,359 
Principal payments on notes payable and long-term debt  (666,724)  (3,612,763)
Payment of contingent consideration recorded at acquisition date  (5,840)  (12,105)
Change in book overdraft  13,814   6,050 
Proceeds from option and warrant exercises  1,946   - 
Excess tax benefit associated with equity-based compensation  -   5,151 
Payments for cash dividends  (95,201)  (61,001)
Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of restricted share units  (13,754)  (11,461)
Debt issuance costs  (3,638)  (13,508)
Proceeds from sale of common shares held in trust  8,704   15,341 
Other  (1,095)  (3)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  135,159   (276,940)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents  927   (483)
Net increase in cash and equivalents  340,899   108,361 
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period  154,382   10,974 
Less: change in cash held for sale  (27)  - 
Cash and equivalents at end of period $495,254  $119,335 
Non-cash financing activities:        
Liabilities assumed and notes payable issued to sellers of businesses acquired $143,495  $2,572,034 
Non-cash consideration received for asset sales $92,972  $- 
Issuance of common shares to acquire Progressive Waste $-  $3,503,162 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

1.1.BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY

On June 1, 2016, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of January 18, 2016 (the “Merger Agreement”), Water Merger Sub LLC (“Merger Sub”), a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd., merged with and into Waste Connections US, Inc. (f/k/a Waste Connections, Inc.), a Delaware corporation (“Old Waste Connections”) with Old Waste Connections continuing as the surviving corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Waste Connections, Inc. (f/k/a Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd.), a corporation organized under the laws of Ontario, Canada (the “Progressive Waste acquisition”). Following the closing of the transaction, Old Waste Connections’ common stock was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and deregistered under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Old Waste Connections’ stockholders received common shares of Waste Connections, Inc. (f/k/a Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd.) in exchange for their shares of common stock of Old Waste Connections.

As further discussed in Note 6 – “Acquisitions,” the Progressive Waste acquisition was accounted for as a reverse merger using the acquisition method of accounting. Old Waste Connections has been identified as the acquirer for accounting purposes and the acquisition method of accounting has been applied. The term “Progressive Waste” is used herein in the context of references to Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. and its shareholders prior to the completion of the Progressive Waste acquisition on June 1, 2016.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements relatingrelate to Waste Connections, Inc. (f/k/a Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd., and together with its subsidiaries “New Waste Connections,” “WCI” or the(the “Company”) are the historical financial statements of Old Waste Connections for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016, with the inclusion on June 1, 2016 of the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired from Progressive Waste and the inclusion of the results of operations from the acquired Progressive Waste operations commencing on June 1, 2016.2019. In the opinion of management, the accompanying balance sheets and related interim statements of net income, comprehensive income, cash flows and equity include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, necessary for their fair statement in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Examples include accounting for landfills, self-insurance accruals, income taxes, allocation of acquisition purchase price, contingent consideration accruals and asset impairments. An additional area that involves estimation is when the Company estimates the amount of potential exposure it may have with respect to litigation, claims and assessments in accordance with the accounting guidance on contingencies. Actual results for all estimates could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that the Company uses in the preparation of its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.2019.

2.2.REPORTING CURRENCY

The functional currency of the Company, as the parent corporate entity, and its operating subsidiaries in the United States, is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of the Company’s Canadian operations is the Canadian dollar. The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The Company’s consolidated Canadian dollar financial position is translated to U.S. dollars by applying the foreign currency exchange rate in effect at the consolidated balance sheet date. The Company’s consolidated Canadian dollar results of operations and cash flows are translated to U.S. dollars by applying the average foreign currency exchange rate in effect during the reporting period. The resulting translation adjustments are included in other comprehensive income or loss. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in earnings for the period.

3.NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

7

Accounting Standards Adopted

Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.  In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, (“FASB”) issued guidance which introduces a new forward-looking approach, based on expected losses, to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables, which will require entities to incorporate considerations of historical information, current information and reasonable and supportable forecasts.  The standard became effective for public business entities that are U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filers for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those years.  The Company adopted the new standard on January 1, 2020.  The adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as current processes for estimating expected credit losses for trade receivables align with the expected credit loss model.  See Note 6 for additional information and disclosures related to the adoption of this new standard.

Accounting Standards Pending Adoption

Income Taxes – Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.  In December 2019, the FASB issued guidance that simplifies the accounting for income taxes as part of its overall initiative to reduce complexity in applying accounting

7

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

3.NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Revenue From Contracts With Customers.  In May 2014,standards while maintaining or improving the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidanceusefulness of the information provided to provideusers of financial statements.  The amendments include removal of certain exceptions to the general principles of income taxes, and simplification in several other areas such as accounting for a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers.   The revenue guidance contains principlesfranchise tax that an entity will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized.  The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.partially based on income. The standard will be effective for fiscal years,public business entities that are SEC filers for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017 for public entities, with earlyreporting periods. Early adoption permitted (but not earlier than the original effective date of the pronouncement).  The Company is currently planning to adopt the amended guidance using the modified retrospective method as of January 1, 2018.  Based on the Company’s work to date, it believes it has identified all material contract types and costs that may be impacted by this amended guidance. 

As disclosed in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2017, the Company expenses approximately $16,000 in sales incentives annually. The Company is continuing to evaluate the amount of sales incentives that will be capitalized as contract acquisition costs upon adoption of the amended guidance. Capitalized sales incentives will be amortized over the expected life of the customer relationship. Additional areas of the amended guidance the Company has evaluated for potential impact include volume discounts, free service periods, rebates and principal versus agent arrangements. The Company does not believe changes in these areas will result in a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance that requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. As a result, each jurisdiction will now only have one net noncurrent deferred tax asset or liability. The guidance does not change the existing requirement that only permits offsetting within a jurisdiction. The new standard is effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those years. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2017, which resulted in the Company’s current deferred tax assets being recorded as noncurrent on a retrospective basis. The Company’s current deferred tax assets were $82,876 and $89,177 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Lease Accounting. In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance that requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). The liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments. The asset will be based on the liability, subject to adjustment, such as for initial direct costs. For income statement purposes, the FASB retained a dual model, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance. Operating leases will result in straight-line expense (similar to current operating leases) while finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern (similar to current capital leases). Classification will be based on criteria that are largely similar to those applied in current lease accounting, but without explicit bright lines. The new standard is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition, and provides for certain practical expedients. Transition will require application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented.  The Company has not yet assessed the potential impact of implementing this new accounting standardguidance on its condensed consolidated financial statements.statements.

Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment AccountingReference Rate Reform – Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.  In March 2016,2020, the FASB issued guidance to provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the guidance in GAAP on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”).  Under the new guidance, entities can elect not to apply certain modification accounting requirements to contracts affected by reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met.  An entity that identifies areas for simplification involving several aspects ofmakes this election would not have to remeasure the contracts at the modification date or reassess a previous accounting determination.  Under the guidance, entities can also elect various optional expedients that would allow them to continue applying hedge accounting for share-based payment transactions, including classificationhedging relationships affected by reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met.  

The guidance is effective upon issuance.  The guidance on contract modifications is applied prospectively from any date beginning March 12, 2020.  It may also be applied to modifications of awardsexisting contracts made earlier in the interim period that includes the effective date.  The guidance on hedging is applied to eligible hedging relationships existing as either equityof the beginning of the interim period that includes the effective date and to new eligible hedging relationships entered into after the beginning of that interim period.  The relief is temporary and generally cannot be applied to contract modifications that occur after December 31, 2022 or liabilities, an optionhedging relationships entered into or evaluated after that date.  However, certain optional expedients can be applied to recognize gross share compensation expense with actual forfeitures recognized as they occur, certain classificationshedging relationships evaluated in periods after December 31, 2022.  The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of implementing this new guidance on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

4.IMPAIRMENTS OF PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Property, equipment and finite-lived intangible assets are carried on the statementCompany’s consolidated financial statements based on their cost less accumulated depreciation or amortization. Finite-lived intangible assets consist of long-term franchise agreements, contracts, customer lists, permits and other agreements. The recoverability of these assets is tested whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable.

Typical indicators that an asset may be impaired include, but are not limited to, the following:

a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; 
an adverse action or assessment by a regulator; 
a more likely than not expectation that a segment or a significant portion thereof will be sold;
the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a segment; or
current period or expected future operating cash flow losses. 

If any of these or other indicators occur, a test of recoverability is performed by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows and income tax consequences, including that all income tax effects of awards are to be recognized inflows. If the income statement when the awards are settled whereas previously the tax benefitscarrying value is in excess of compensation cost were recorded in equity. The new standardthe undiscounted expected future cash flows, impairment is effective for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within that reporting period.As such,measured by comparing the Company adopted this standardfair value of the asset to its carrying value. Fair value is determined by an internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset. Cash flow projections are sometimes based on January 1, 2017 and classified the excess tax benefits associated with equity-based compensation arrangements, which were $6,776 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as a discrete item within Income tax provision on the Condensed Consolidated Statementsgroup of Net Income,assets, rather than recognizing such excess income tax benefits in Additional paid-in capital on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity. This reclassification was made on a prospective basis and also impacted the related classification on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as excess tax benefits associated with equity-based compensation arrangements were previously reported insingle asset. If cash flows from operating activitiescannot be separately and cash flows from financing activities. Under the new standard, excess tax benefits associated with equity-based compensation are only reported in cash flows from operating activities. Additionally, the Company now recognizes gross share compensation expense with actual forfeitures as they occur, which differs from the Company’s previous accounting policy to estimate forfeitures each period. Using the modified retrospective approach, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to Retained earningsindependently

8

Table of $1,384 for the differential between the amount of compensation cost previously recorded and the amount that would have been recorded without assuming forfeitures.Contents

Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance that addresses eight targeted changes with respect to how cash receipts and cash payments are classified in the statements of cash flows, with the objective of reducing diversity in practice.  The new standard is effective for public companies for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted, provided that all of the amendments are adopted in the same period.  The guidance requires application using a retrospective transition method.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s statement of cash flows.

8

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

Accountingidentified for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory. In October 2016,a single asset, the FASB issued guidance that eliminatesCompany will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the exception for all intra-entity salesgroup of assets otherfor which the projected cash flows can be identified. If the fair value of an asset is determined to be less than inventory. As a result, a reporting entity would recognize the tax expense from the salecarrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment in the seller’s tax jurisdiction whenamount of the transfer occurs, even though the pre-tax effects of that transaction are eliminated in consolidation. Any deferred tax asset that arisesdifference is recorded in the buyer’s jurisdiction would alsoperiod that the impairment indicator occurs. Several impairment indicators are beyond the Company’s control, and whether or not they will occur cannot be recognized at the timepredicted with any certainty. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment and projections may vary from cash flows eventually realized. There are other considerations for impairments of landfills, as described below.

There are certain indicators listed above that require significant judgment and understanding of the transfer. The modified retrospective approach willwaste industry when applied to landfill development or expansion projects. A regulator or court may deny or overturn a landfill development or landfill expansion permit application before the development or expansion permit is ultimately granted. Management may periodically divert waste from one landfill to another to conserve remaining permitted landfill airspace. Therefore, certain events could occur in the ordinary course of business and not necessarily be required for transitionconsidered indicators of impairment due to the new guidance, with a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded in retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The new guidance will be effective for public business entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted; however, the guidance can only be adopted in the first interim period of a fiscal year. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance tohave a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash. In November 2016, the FASB issued guidance that requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Entities will also be required to reconcile such total to amounts on the balance sheet and disclose theunique nature of the restrictions. The new standard is effectivewaste industry.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for public companies for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted, including adoptionimpairment on at least an annual basis in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected asfourth quarter of the beginningyear. In addition, the Company evaluates its reporting units for impairment if events or circumstances similar to the indicators listed above change between annual tests indicating a possible impairment.

The Company estimates the fair value of each of its reporting units, which consist of its 5 geographic solid waste operating segments and its E&P segment, using discounted cash flow analyses. The Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit with the carrying value of the fiscal year that includes that interim period.  The Company does not expectnet assets assigned to each reporting unit. If the adoptionfair value of this guidance to have a material impact onreporting unit is greater than the Company’s statement of cash flows.

Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance that simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment.  The guidance removes Step 2carrying value of the net assets, including goodwill, assigned to the reporting unit, then no impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation.  A goodwillresults. If the fair value is less than its carrying value, an impairment will now becharge is recorded for the amount by which a reporting unit’sthe carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. All other goodwillIn testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, guidance will remain largely unchanged.  The new standard will be applied prospectively, and is effective for public companies for their annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for any impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. The Company early adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2017.  During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company did not record any impairment charges relatedcompares the estimated fair value of each indefinite-lived intangible asset to goodwill; however,its carrying value. If the resultsfair value of the Company’s annual impairment testing indicated that the carrying value of its exploration and production (“E&P”) segment exceeded its fair value by moreindefinite-lived intangible asset is less than $77,343, which was the carrying value of goodwill at its E&P segment at December 31, 2016.  Upon adopting this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2017, the Company performed an updated impairment test for its E&P segment which showed its carrying value, continued to exceed its fair value by an amount in excess of the carrying amount of goodwill, or $77,343. Therefore, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $77,343, consisting ofwould be recorded to earnings in the carrying amount of goodwill at its E&P segment at January 1, 2017, to Impairments and other operating charges in theCompany’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.Income.

Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting. In May 2017, the FASB issued guidance to clarify when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is required only ifThe Company determines the fair value of each of its 5 geographic solid waste operating segments and each indefinite-lived intangible asset within those segments using discounted cash flow analyses, which require significant assumptions and estimates about the vesting conditions, orfuture operations of each reporting unit and the classificationfuture discrete cash flows related to each indefinite-lived intangible asset. Significant judgments inherent in these analyses include the determination of appropriate discount rates, the amount and timing of expected future cash flows and growth rates.

The demand for the Company’s E&P waste services depends on the continued demand for, and production of, oil and natural gas. Crude oil and natural gas prices historically have been volatile. More recently, the value of crude oil has declined precipitously and currently remains at historic low levels.  To the extent that oil prices remain depressed, this could lead to declines in the level of production activity and demand for the Company’s E&P waste services.  To the extent that the outlook for future oil prices and resulting demand for the Company’s E&P waste services does not show improvement, this could result in the recognition of impairment charges on its intangible assets and property and equipment associated with the E&P segment. At March 31, 2020, the Company’s E&P segment had $832,739 of property and equipment and $59,600 of non-goodwill intangible assets. The Company’s operations in the Williston Basin have experienced a higher proportion of decline in demand due to the higher cost of exploration and production in that area. At March 31, 2020, the E&P segment’s operations in the Williston Basin had $376,122 of property equipment and $2,430 of non-goodwill intangible assets. The Company estimates that any future impairment charge associated with its Williston Basin operations could result in a write down of approximately 90% to 95% of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. The new standard is effective prospectively for all companies for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017.  Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impactcarrying value on the consolidated financial statements.

Derivativesproperty and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. In August 2017, the FASB issued guidancewhich improves the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in its financial statementsequipment and make certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance in current GAAP. The amendments in this update are intended to better align an entity's risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and presentation of hedge results. The effective date for the standard is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.intangible assets.

9

9

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

5.REVENUE

4.RECLASSIFICATION

The Company’s operations primarily consist of providing non-hazardous waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services, non-hazardous exploration and production (“E&P”) waste treatment, recovery and disposal services, and intermodal services. The following table disaggregates the Company’s revenues by service line for the periods indicated:

As disclosed within other footnotes

Three Months Ended March 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Commercial

$

416,507

$

381,509

Residential

365,731

322,404

Industrial and construction roll off

206,771

187,440

Total collection

989,009

891,353

Landfill

266,218

244,601

Transfer

180,765

161,191

Recycling

18,108

19,804

E&P

65,377

66,830

Intermodal and other

30,018

32,837

Intercompany

(197,091)

(171,979)

Total

$

1,352,404

$

1,244,637

The factors that impact the timing and amount of revenue recognized for each service line may vary based on the nature of the financial statements, segmentservice performed. Generally, the Company recognizes revenue at the time it performs a service. In the event that the Company bills for services in advance of performance, it recognizes deferred revenue for the amount billed and subsequently recognizes revenue at the time the service is provided.  Substantially all of the deferred revenue recorded as of December 31, 2019 was recognized as revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2020 when the service was performed.

See Note 11 for additional information and deferred tax amounts reportedregarding revenue by reportable segment.

Contract Acquisition Costs

The incremental direct costs of obtaining a contract, which consist of sales incentives, are recognized as Other assets in the Company’s priorCondensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, and are amortized to Selling, general and administrative expense over the estimated life of the relevant customer relationship, which ranges from one to five years. The Company recognizes the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the entity would have recognized is one year or less.  The Company had $19,135 and $16,846 of deferred sales incentives at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

6.ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Accounts receivable are recorded when billed or accrued and represent claims against third parties that will be settled in cash. The carrying value of the Company’s receivables, net of the allowance for credit losses, represents their estimated net realizable value.

10

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

The allowance for credit losses is based on management’s assessment of the collectability of assets pooled together with similar risk characteristics.  The Company monitors the collectability of its trade receivables as one overall pool as all trade receivables have similar risk characteristics.  The Company estimates its allowance for credit losses based on historical collection trends, the age of outstanding receivables, geographical location of the customer, existing economic conditions and reasonable forecasts. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past-due receivable balances are written off when the Company’s internal collection efforts have been reclassifiedunsuccessful in collecting the amount due.

The following is a rollforward of the Company’s allowance for credit losses from January 1, 2020 to conform with the 2017 presentation.March 31, 2020:

Beginning balance

$

16,432

Current period provision for expected credit losses

2,027

Write-offs charged against the allowance

(5,063)

Recoveries collected

1,932

Impact of changes in foreign currency

(156)

Ending balance

$

15,172

5.

7.LANDFILL ACCOUNTING

At September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, the Company’s landfills consisted of 7882 owned landfills, eight6 landfills operated under life-of-site operating agreements, and six4 landfills operated under limited-term operating agreements.agreements and 1 development stage landfill. The Company’s landfills had site costs with a net book value of $2,687,159$2,930,197 at September 30, 2017.March 31, 2020. For the Company’s landfills operated under limited-term operating agreements and life-of-site operating agreements, the owner of the property (generally a municipality) usually owns the permit and the Company operates the landfill for a contracted term. Where the contracted term is not the life of the landfill, the property owner is generally responsible for final capping, closure and post-closure obligations. The Company is responsible for all final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities at the landfills it operates under life-of-site operating agreements.

The Company’s internal and third-party engineers perform surveys at least annually to estimate the remaining disposal capacity at its landfills. Many of the Company’s existing landfills have the potential for expanded disposal capacity beyond the amount currently permitted. The Company’s landfill depletion rates are based on the remaining disposal capacity, considering both permitted and probable expansion airspace, at the landfills it owns and landfills it operates, but does not own, under life-of-site agreements. The Company’s landfill depletion rate is based on the term of the operating agreement at its operated landfill that has capitalized expenditures. Expansion airspace consists of additional disposal capacity being pursued through means of an expansion that has not yet been permitted. Expansion airspace that meets certain criteria is included in the estimate of total landfill airspace.

Based on remaining permitted capacity as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, and projected annual disposal volumes, the average remaining landfill life for the Company’s owned landfills and landfills operated under life-of-site operating agreements is estimated to be approximately 2728 years. As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, the Company is seeking to expand permitted capacity at 116 of its owned landfills and two3 landfills that it operates under life-of-site operating agreements, and considers the achievement of these expansions to be probable. Although the Company cannot be certain that all future expansions will be permitted as designed, the average remaining life, when considering remaining permitted capacity, probable expansion capacity and projected annual disposal volume, of the Company’s owned landfills and landfills operated under life-of-site operating agreements is approximately 2931 years, with lives ranging from approximately 1 to 196204 years.

11

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016,2019, the Company expensed $147,071$48,737 and $98,075,$48,580, respectively, or an average of $4.55$4.49 and $4.27$4.74 per ton consumed, respectively, related to landfill depletion at owned landfills and landfills operated under life-of-site agreements.

The Company reserves for estimated final capping, closure and post-closure maintenance obligations at the landfills it owns and landfills it operates under life-of-site operating agreements. The Company calculates the net present value of its final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities by estimating the total obligation in current dollars, inflating the obligation based upon the expected date of the expenditure and discounting the inflated total to its present value using a credit-adjusted risk-free rate. Any changes in expectations that result in an upward revision to the estimated undiscounted cash flows are treated as a new liability and are inflated and discounted at rates reflecting current market conditions. Any changes in expectations that result in a downward revision (or no revision) to the estimated undiscounted cash flows result in a liability that is inflated and discounted at rates reflecting the market conditions at the time the cash flows were originally estimated. This policy results in the Company’s final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities being recorded in “layers.”  The Company’s discount rate assumption for purposes of computing 20172020 and 20162019 “layers” for final capping, closure and post-closure obligations was 4.75% for both years, which reflects the Company’s long-term credit adjusted risk free rate as of the end of both 2016 and 2015.rate. The Company’s inflation rate assumption is 2.5% for the years ending December 31, 20172020 and 2016.2019. The resulting final capping, closure and post-closure obligations are recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet along with an offsetting addition to site costs which is amortized to depletion expense as the remaining landfill airspace is consumed. Interest is accreted on the recorded liability using the corresponding discount rate. During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016,2019, the Company expensed $8,757$3,849 and $5,740$3,434 respectively, or an average of $0.27$0.36 and $0.25$0.34 per ton consumed, respectively, related to final capping, closure and post-closure accretion expense.

10

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s final capping, closure and post-closure liability balance from December 31, 20162019 to September 30, 2017: March 31, 2020:

Final capping, closure and post-closure liability at December 31, 2016 $244,909 
Adjustments to final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities  (27,876)
Liabilities incurred  11,011 
Accretion expense associated with landfill obligations  8,757 
Closure payments  (4,913)
Foreign currency translation adjustment  2,025 
Final capping, closure and post-closure liability at September 30, 2017 $233,913 

Final capping, closure and post-closure liability at December 31, 2019

    

$

291,474

Liability adjustments

 

(9,904)

Accretion expense associated with landfill obligations

 

3,849

Closure payments

 

(507)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

(3,585)

Final capping, closure and post-closure liability at March 31, 2020

$

281,327

The AdjustmentsLiability adjustments of $9,904 for the three months ended March 31, 2020, represent non-cash changes to final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities primarily consisted of decreases in estimatedand are recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets along with an offsetting addition to site costs, which is amortized to depletion expense as the remaining landfill airspace is consumed. The final capping, closure and post closure costs at several of our landfills, most notably our landfill at Seneca Meadows, and changespost-closure liability is included in engineering estimates related to a proposed expansion at our Chiquita Canyon landfill as well as timing of closure events and total site capacity.Other long-term liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The Company performs its annual review of its cost and capacity estimates in the first quarter of each year.

At September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2016, $55,8272019, $16,842 and $55,388$12,324, respectively, of the Company’s restricted assetscash balance and $43,253 and $48,590, respectively, of the Company’s restricted investments balance was for purposes of securing its performance of future final capping, closure and post-closure obligations.

6.8.ACQUISITIONS

Progressive Waste Acquisition

As described in Note 1, on June 1, 2016, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub merged with and into Old Waste Connections in an all-stock business combination with Old Waste Connections continuing as the surviving corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of New Waste Connections. The term “Progressive Waste” is used herein in the context of references to Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. and its shareholders prior to the completion of the Progressive Waste acquisition on June 1, 2016. The financial statements presented herein are the historical financial statements of Old Waste Connections with the inclusion on June 1, 2016 of the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired from Progressive Waste and the inclusion of the results of operations from the acquired Progressive Waste operations commencing on June 1, 2016.

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Old Waste Connections’ stockholders received 3.1152645 New Waste Connections shares for each Old Waste Connections share they owned. Immediately following the completion of the Progressive Waste acquisition, New Waste Connections also completed (i) a consolidation whereby every 3.1152645 common shares outstanding were converted into one common share (the “Consolidation”) and (ii) an amalgamation with a wholly-owned subsidiary whereby its legal name was changed from Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. to Waste Connections, Inc. (the “Amalgamation”). Upon completion of the Progressive Waste acquisition, Old Waste Connections’ former stockholders owned approximately 70% of the Company, and Progressive Waste’s former shareholders owned approximately 30%. All share amounts stated herein reflect shares on a post-Consolidation basis.

Following the completion of the Progressive Waste acquisition, the Consolidation and the Amalgamation, on June 1, 2016, the post-Consolidation common shares of New Waste Connections (the “Common Shares”) commenced trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) and on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “WCN.” The common stock of Old Waste Connections, which traded previously under the symbol “WCN,” ceased trading on, and has been delisted from, the NYSE.

The transaction was accountedCompany acquired 1 immaterial non-hazardous solid waste collection business during the three months ended March 31, 2020.  The total acquisition-related costs incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2020 for as a reverse merger using the acquisition methodthis

12

Table of accounting. Old Waste Connections has been identified as the acquirer for accounting purposes and the acquisition method of accounting has been applied. Identifying the acquirer requires various considerations including the relative voting rights post-closing, the size of minority voting interests and the composition of the board of directors and senior management. Based on these considerations, Old Waste Connections’ former stockholders hold a majority of the post-closing voting rights of the combined company and both the post-closing composition of the board of directors and senior management are most closely aligned with Old Waste Connections. The Progressive Waste acquisition provided the Company with significant strategic and financial benefits including enhanced size and revenue diversification, increased earnings and cash flows and better access to capital markets.Contents

11

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

The results of operations from the acquired Progressive Waste operations have been included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements from June 1, 2016, the acquisition date.  Total revenues during the period from June 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016, generated from the operations acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition and included within consolidated revenues, were $687,108. Total pre-tax earnings during the period from June 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016, generated from the operations acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition and included within consolidated income before income taxes, were $68,289. Total revenues during the period from January 1, 2017 to May 31, 2017, generated from the operations acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition and included within consolidated revenues, were $826,886.  Total pre-tax earnings during the period from January 1, 2017 to May 31, 2017, generated from the operations acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition and included within consolidated income before income taxes, was $79,470, and includes $57,362 of expenses recorded in Impairments and other operating items.

The following table summarizes the consideration transferred to acquire Progressive Waste and the amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

Fair value of consideration transferred:    
Shares issued $3,503,162 
Debt assumed  1,729,274 
   5,232,436 
Less: cash acquired  (65,768)
Net fair value of consideration transferred  5,166,668 
     
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed associated with the business acquired:    
Accounts receivable  231,709 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  28,623 
Restricted assets  16,551 
Property and equipment  2,063,011 
Contracts  223,885 
Customer lists  191,679 
Other intangibles  218,499 
Other assets  4,491 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  (264,992)
Deferred revenue  (35,635)
Contingent consideration  (19,412)
Other long-term liabilities  (185,774)
Deferred income taxes  (329,552)
Total identifiable net assets  2,143,083 
Goodwill $3,023,585 

Following the merger of Merger Sub into Old Waste Connections, and the issuance of 3.1152645 New Waste Connections shares for each Old Waste Connections share after giving effect to the Consolidation, the Company issued an additional 78,218,878 common shares at $44.79, the closing price on the NYSE of New Waste Connections common shares on June 1, 2016 as share consideration for the Progressive Waste acquisition. The Company assumed $1,729,274 of debt in the acquisition, consisting of $1,659,465 of amounts outstanding under the Progressive Waste credit facilities that were repaid in full following the close of the acquisition, $64,000 of tax-exempt bonds and $5,809 of other long-term debt.

12

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

Contingent consideration acquired consists primarily of two amounts payable to the former owners of an acquisition completed by Progressive Waste in 2015. The first contingent amount payable is based on the acquired operations exceeding earnings targets specified in the purchase agreement over a one-year period ending September 30, 2017. There is no limit to this contingent amount payable under the terms of the purchase agreement, the fair value of which was recorded as $10,452 of additional purchase consideration in 2016, based upon applying a discount rate of 2.0% to the probability assessment of the expected future cash flows over the period in which the obligation is expected to be settled. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded $9,631 to Impairments and other operating items in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income to increase the fair value of the amount payable under this liability-classified contingent consideration arrangement. The Company paid this liability in the fourth quarter of 2017. The second contingent amount payable had a maximum possible payment of $5,000, representing a purchase price holdback payable to the former owners subject to the satisfaction of various business performance conditions through December 31, 2016, which was paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

The goodwill acquired is primarily attributable to growth opportunities at operations acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition and synergies that are expected to arise as a result of the acquisition. The expected tax deductible amount of the goodwill acquired is $303,594.

The gross amount of trade receivables due under contracts was $239,212, of which $7,503 was expected to be uncollectible.  The Company did not acquire any other class of receivable as a result of the Progressive Waste acquisition. 

The Company incurred $758 and $31,588 of acquisition-related costs for the Progressive Waste acquisition during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  These expenses are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income. 

Other Acquisitions

In January 2017, the Company acquired Groot Industries, Inc. (“Groot”). At the time of the acquisition, Groot was the largest privately-owned solid waste services company in Illinois with total annual revenue of approximately $200,000. Groot serves approximately 300,000 customers primarily in northern Illinois from a network of seven collection operations, six transfer stations and one recycling facility.

In addition to the acquisition of Groot, the Company acquired 11 individually immaterial non-hazardous solid waste collection businesses during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The total acquisition-related costs incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 for these acquisitions was $3,660.were $1,146. These expenses are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income.

The Company acquired 103 individually immaterial non-hazardous solid waste collection and transfer businesses during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019. The total acquisition-related costs incurred during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016March 31, 2019 for these acquisitions was $773.were $837. These expenses are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income.

The results of operations of thesethe acquired businesses have been included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements from their respective acquisition dates. The Company expects these acquired businesses to contribute towards the achievement of the Company’s strategy to expand through acquisitions. Goodwill acquired is attributable to the synergies and ancillary growth opportunities expected to arise after the Company’s acquisition of these businesses.

13

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

The following table summarizes the consideration transferred and the preliminary amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition dates for the acquisitions consummated in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:

  

2017

Acquisitions

  2016
Acquisitions
 
Fair value of consideration transferred:        
Cash $394,002  $13,703 
Debt assumed  56,958   - 
Notes issued to sellers  13,460   - 
Fair value of operations exchanged  81,097   - 
   545,517   13,703 
         
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed associated with businesses acquired:        
Accounts receivable  19,312   521 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  4,336   477 
Property and equipment  167,065   4,397 
Long-term franchise agreements and contracts  54,674   - 
Customer lists  28,033   5,079 
Indefinite-lived intangibles  5,830   - 
Other intangibles  27,261   - 
Other assets  3,052   261 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  (12,022)  (744)
Deferred revenue  (9,657)  (659)
Contingent consideration  (35)  (345)
Other long-term liabilities  (1,080)  - 
Deferred income taxes  (50,283)  - 
Total identifiable net assets  236,486   8,987 
Goodwill $309,031  $4,716 

Goodwill acquired during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020 and 2019, totaling $51,518,$3,482 and $4,446, respectively, is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.  The acquisitions of 10 non-hazardous solid waste collection businesses resulted in goodwill acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, totaling $4,716, which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.  

The fair value of acquired working capital related to 104 individually immaterial acquisitions completed during the ninetwelve months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, is provisional pending receipt of information from the acquirees to support the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Any adjustments recorded relating to finalizing the working capital for these 104 acquisitions are not expected to be material to the Company’s financial position.

9.INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

Intangible assets, exclusive of goodwill, consisted of the following at March 31, 2020:

    

Gross

    

    

Accumulated

    

Net

Carrying

Accumulated

Impairment

Carrying

Amount

Amortization

Loss

Amount

Finite-lived intangible assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Long-term franchise agreements and contracts

$

542,673

$

(199,100)

$

$

343,573

Customer lists

 

581,514

 

(321,578)

 

 

259,936

Permits and other

 

360,454

 

(65,988)

 

 

294,466

 

1,484,641

 

(586,666)

 

 

897,975

Indefinite-lived intangible assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Solid waste collection and transportation permits

 

158,591

 

 

 

158,591

Material recycling facility permits

 

42,283

 

 

 

42,283

E&P facility permits

 

59,855

 

 

(38,507)

 

21,348

 

260,729

 

 

(38,507)

 

222,222

Intangible assets, exclusive of goodwill

$

1,745,370

$

(586,666)

$

(38,507)

$

1,120,197

The gross amountweighted-average amortization period of trade receivables due underlong-term franchise agreements and contracts acquired during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017, is $20,025,March 31, 2020 was 2.5 years. The weighted-average amortization period of which $713 is expected to be uncollectible.  The gross amount of trade receivables due under contractscustomer lists acquired during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016, is $947,March 31, 2020 was 11.0 years.

13

Table of which $426 is expected to be uncollectible. The Company did not acquire any other class of receivable as a result of the acquisitions of these businesses. Contents

14

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

Pro Forma Results of Operations

The following pro forma results of operations assume that the Company’s acquisition of Progressive Waste and its other acquisitions that were collectively insignificant, occurring during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, were acquired as of January 1, 2016 (unaudited):

  Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
 
  2016 
Total revenue $3,136,249 
Net income  279,907 
Basic income per share  1.07 
Diluted income per share  1.07 

The unaudited pro forma results of operations do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations which actually would have resulted had the acquisitions occurred on January 1, 2016, nor are they necessarily indicative of future operating results. The above unaudited pro forma financial information includes adjustments to acquisition expenses incurred by the Company and the acquired businesses, severance payments to employees terminated as a result of the acquisitions, equity-based compensation expenses incurred as a result of accelerated vesting resulting from the Progressive Waste acquisition, interest expense on new and refinanced debt attributable to the acquisitions, expenses associated with Progressive Waste interest rate swaps resulting from its credit facility being terminated, depreciation expense on acquired property and equipment, amortization of identifiable intangible assets acquired, depletion expense on acquired landfills and provision for income taxes.

7.ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company’s Eastern segment completed the sale of all assets and liabilities in its Washington, D.C. and Massachusetts markets and the sale of operating locations in the Illinois and Wisconsin markets. Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company’s Southern segment completed the sale of an operation in the Florida market, four operations in the Louisiana market and two operations in western Texas.  The total consideration received for these sales was $104,065 and included cash and non-monetary assets.

As of September 30, 2017, assets classified as held for sale consist of certain operating markets in the Company’s Southern segment. The assets held for sale as of September 30, 2017 have been recognized at the lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell, which resulted in recording an estimated loss on disposal of $19,189 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The expected consideration may include cash and non-monetary assets.

15

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

Our assets and liabilities held for sale as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were comprised of the following:

  

September 30,

2017

  

December 31,

2016

 
Current assets held for sale:        
Cash and equivalents $69  $42 
Accounts receivable  1,709   5,726 
Other current assets  243   571 
  $2,021  $6,339 
Long-term assets held for sale:        
Property and equipment $12,617  $33,624 
Goodwill  -   244 
Other assets  2   121 
  $12,619  $33,989 
Current liabilities held for sale:        
Accounts payable $834  $1,320 
Accrued liabilities  314   1,811 
Deferred revenue  1,107   252 
  $2,255  $3,383 

8.GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

The Company elected to early adopt the guidance issued by the FASB “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” on January 1, 2017. As discussed in Note 3, the new guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which required a hypothetical purchase price allocation. As such, the impairment analysis is only one step. In this step, the Company estimates the fair value of each of its reporting units, which consisted of five geographic operating segments and its E&P segment at September 30, 2017, and compares the fair value with the carrying value of the net assets assigned to each reporting unit.  If the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than the carrying value of the net assets, including goodwill, assigned to the reporting unit, then no impairment results.  If the fair value is less than its carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company did not record any impairment charges related to goodwill; however, the results of the Company’s annual impairment testing indicated that the carrying value of its E&P segment exceeded its fair value by more than $77,343, which was the carrying value of goodwill at its E&P segment at December 31, 2016.  Upon adopting this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2017, the Company performed an updated impairment test for its E&P segment. The impairment test involved measuring the recoverability of goodwill by comparing the E&P segment’s carrying amount, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value was estimated using an income approach employing a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model. The DCF model incorporated projected cash flows over a forecast period based on the remaining estimated lives of the operating locations comprising the E&P segment. This was based on a number of key assumptions, including, but not limited to, a discount rate of 11.7%, annual revenue projections based on E&P waste resulting from projected levels of oil and natural gas exploration and production activity during the forecast period, gross margins based on estimated operating expense requirements during the forecast period and estimated capital expenditures over the forecast period, all of which were classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The impairment test showed the carrying value of the E&P segment continued to exceed its fair value by an amount in excess of the carrying amount of goodwill, or $77,343. Therefore, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $77,343, consisting of the carrying amount of goodwill at its E&P segment at January 1, 2017, to Impairments and other operating charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

16

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

Intangible assets, exclusive of goodwill, consisted of the following at September 30, 2017: 

  Gross Carrying
Amount
  Accumulated
Amortization
  Accumulated
Impairment
Loss
  Net Carrying
Amount
 
Finite-lived intangible assets:                
Long-term franchise agreements and contracts $482,298  $(114,040) $-  $368,258 
Customer lists  400,737   (168,290)  -   232,447 
Permits and other  318,335   (32,301)  -   286,034 
   1,201,370   (314,631)  -   886,739 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:                
Solid waste collection and transportation permits  158,591   -   -   158,591 
Material recycling facility permits  42,283   -   -   42,283 
E&P facility permits  59,855   -   (38,507)  21,348 
   260,729   -   (38,507)  222,222 
Intangible assets, exclusive of goodwill $1,462,099  $(314,631) $(38,507) $1,108,961 

The weighted-average amortization period of long-term franchise agreements and contracts acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 16.9 years. The weighted-average amortization period of customer lists acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 10.0 years. The weighted-average amortization period of finite-lived permits and other acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 40.0 years.

Intangible assets, exclusive of goodwill, consisted of the following at December 31, 2016: 2019:

 Gross Carrying
Amount
  Accumulated
Amortization
  Accumulated
Impairment
Loss
  Net Carrying
Amount
 

    

Gross

    

    

Accumulated

    

Net

Carrying

Accumulated

Impairment

Carrying

Amount

Amortization

Loss

Amount

Finite-lived intangible assets:                

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Long-term franchise agreements and contracts $428,783  $(86,552) $-  $342,231 

$

550,340

$

(192,462)

$

$

357,878

Customer lists  371,203   (131,525)  -   239,678 

 

587,562

 

(308,427)

 

 

279,135

Permits and other  290,823   (21,966)  -   268,857 

 

367,127

 

(63,299)

 

 

303,828

  1,090,809   (240,043)  -   850,766 

 

1,505,029

 

(564,188)

 

 

940,841

Indefinite-lived intangible assets:                

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Solid waste collection and transportation permits  152,761   -   -   152,761 

 

158,591

 

 

 

158,591

Material recycling facility permits  42,283   -   -   42,283 

 

42,283

 

 

 

42,283

E&P facility permits  59,855   -   (38,507)  21,348 

 

59,855

 

 

(38,507)

 

21,348

  254,899   -   (38,507)  216,392 

 

260,729

 

 

(38,507)

 

222,222

Intangible assets, exclusive of goodwill $1,345,708  $(240,043) $(38,507) $1,067,158 

$

1,765,758

$

(564,188)

$

(38,507)

$

1,163,063

Estimated future amortization expense for the next five years relating to finite-lived intangible assets is as follows:

For the year ending December 31, 2017 $105,822 
For the year ending December 31, 2018 $98,193 
For the year ending December 31, 2019 $87,622 
For the year ending December 31, 2020 $79,423 
For the year ending December 31, 2021 $70,416 

For the year ending December 31, 2020

    

$

125,910

For the year ending December 31, 2021

$

109,183

For the year ending December 31, 2022

$

94,080

For the year ending December 31, 2023

$

79,600

For the year ending December 31, 2024

$

68,241

17

14

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

9.10.LONG-TERM DEBT

The following charttable presents the Company’s long-term debt as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2016:2019:

  September 30,
2017
  December 31,
2016
 
Revolver under Credit Agreement, bearing interest ranging from 2.51% to 3.45%(a) $218,755  $310,582 
Term loan under Credit Agreement, bearing interest at 2.44%(a)  1,637,500   1,637,500 
2018 Senior Notes  50,000   50,000 
2019 Senior Notes  175,000   175,000 
2021 Senior Notes  100,000   100,000 
New 2021 Senior Notes  150,000   150,000 
2022 Senior Notes  125,000   125,000 
2023 Senior Notes  200,000   200,000 
2024 Senior Notes  150,000   - 
2025 Senior Notes  375,000   375,000 
2026 Senior Notes  400,000   400,000 
2027 Senior Notes  250,000   - 
Tax-exempt bonds, bearing interest ranging from 1.03% to 1.05%(a)  95,430   95,430 
Notes payable to sellers and other third parties, bearing interest at 2.00% to 24.81%(a)  26,482   14,180 
   3,953,167   3,632,692 
Less – current portion  (11,596)  (1,650)
Less – debt issuance costs  (15,810)  (14,282)
  $3,925,761  $3,616,760 

March 31, 

December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Revolver under Credit Agreement, bearing interest ranging from 2.09% to 2.33% (a)

$

692,623

$

916,247

Term loan under Credit Agreement, bearing interest at 2.09% (a)

 

650,000

 

700,000

4.64% Senior Notes due 2021

 

100,000

 

100,000

2.39% Senior Notes due 2021

 

150,000

 

150,000

3.09% Senior Notes due 2022

 

125,000

 

125,000

2.75% Senior Notes due 2023

 

200,000

 

200,000

3.24% Senior Notes due 2024

 

150,000

 

150,000

3.41% Senior Notes due 2025

 

375,000

 

375,000

3.03% Senior Notes due 2026

 

400,000

 

400,000

3.49% Senior Notes due 2027

 

250,000

 

250,000

4.25% Senior Notes due 2028

500,000

500,000

3.50% Senior Notes due 2029

500,000

500,000

2.60% Senior Notes due 2030

600,000

3.05% Senior Notes due 2050

500,000

Notes payable to sellers and other third parties, bearing interest ranging from 2.75% to 10.35%, principal and interest payments due periodically with due dates ranging from 2021 to 2036 (a)

 

9,271

 

9,638

 

5,201,894

 

4,375,885

Less – current portion

 

(4,318)

 

(465)

Less – unamortized debt discount and issuance costs

 

(36,841)

 

(21,638)

$

5,160,735

$

4,353,782

____________________

(a)Interest rates represent the interest rates incurred at September 30, 2017.

(a)18Interest rates represent the interest rates incurred at March 31, 2020.

Senior Notes due 2030 and 2050

On January 23, 2020, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of $600,000 aggregate principal amount of 2.60% Senior Notes due 2030 (the “2030 Senior Notes”).  The 2030 Senior Notes were issued under the Indenture, dated as of November 16, 2018 (the “Base Indenture”), by and between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), as supplemented by the Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 23, 2020.  The Company is amortizing $5,435 of debt issuance costs through the maturity date.

The Company will pay interest on the 2030 Senior Notes semi-annually in arrears and the 2030 Senior Notes will mature on February 1, 2030. The 2030 Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations, ranking equally in right of payment to the Company’s other existing and future unsubordinated debt and senior to any of the Company’s future subordinated debt. The 2030 Senior Notes are not guaranteed by any of the Company’s subsidiaries.

The Company may redeem some or all of the 2030 Senior Notes at its option prior to November 1, 2029 (three months before the maturity date) at any time and from time to time at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the 2030 Senior Notes redeemed, or the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the 2030 Senior Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. Commencing on November 1, 2029 (three months before the maturity date), the Company may redeem

15

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

2016 Master Note Purchase Agreement

On June 1, 2016some or all of the Company entered into that certain Master Note Purchase Agreement (as supplemented by that certain First Supplement to the 2016 NPA dated as of February 13, 2017 (the “2016 First Supplement”)2030 Senior Notes, at any time and as amended, restated, amended and restated, assumed, supplemented or modified from time to time, at a redemption price equal to the “2016 NPA”) with certain accredited institutional investors.

principal amount of the 2030 Senior Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.

On April 20, 2017, pursuant to the 2016 NPA, and the 2016 First Supplement,March 13, 2020, the Company issued and sold to the investors $400,000completed an underwritten public offering of $500,000 aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes consisting3.05% Senior Notes due 2050 (the “2050 Senior Notes”). The 2050 Senior Notes were issued under the Base Indenture, as supplemented by the Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of $150,000 aggregate principal amount whichMarch 13, 2020 (the Base Indenture as so supplemented, the “Indenture”).  The Company is amortizing a $7,375 debt discount and $5,502 of debt issuance costs through the maturity date.

 The Company will pay interest on the 2050 Senior Notes semi-annually in arrears and the 2050 Senior Notes will mature on April 20, 2024 with an annual interest rate1, 2050.  The 2050 Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations, ranking equally in right of 3.24% (the “2024payment to the Company’s other existing and future unsubordinated debt and senior to any of the Company’s future subordinated debt.  The 2050 Senior Notes”)Notes are not guaranteed by any of the Company’s subsidiaries.

The Company may redeem some or all of the 2050 Senior Notes at its option prior to October 1, 2049 (six months before the maturity date) at any time and $250,000 aggregatefrom time to time at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the 2017A Notes which will mature on April 20, 2027 with an annual interest rate of 3.49% (the “2027 Senior Notes” and collectively with the 20242050 Senior Notes redeemed, or the “2017A Senior Notes”) in a private placement. The 2017Asum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the 2050 Senior Notes bearredeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest at fixed rates with interest payable in arrears semi-annually onto, but excluding, the first day of October and April beginningredemption date. Commencing on October 1, 2017,2049 (six months before the maturity date), the Company may redeem some or all of the 2050 Senior Notes, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the 2050 Senior Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.

Under certain circumstances, the Company may become obligated to pay additional amounts (the “Additional Amounts”) with respect to the 2030 and/or 2050 Senior Notes, or the Notes, to ensure that the net amounts received by each holder of the Notes will not be less than the amount such holder would have received if withholding taxes or deductions were not incurred on a payment under or with respect to the Notes. If such payment of Additional Amounts is a result of a change in the laws or regulations, including a change in any official position, the introduction of an official position or a holding by a court of competent jurisdiction, of any jurisdiction from or through which payment is made by or on behalf of the Notes having power to tax, and the Company cannot avoid such payments of Additional Amounts through reasonable measures, then the Company may redeem the 2030 and/or 2050 Senior Notes then outstanding at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the respective maturity dates, untilrelevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the principal thereunder becomes due and payable.redemption date).

The proceeds fromIf the saleCompany experiences certain kinds of changes of control, each holder of the 2017A Senior Notes were usedmay require the Company to refinance existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.

Pursuant to the terms and conditionsrepurchase all or a portion of the 2016 NPA, the Company has outstanding senior unsecured notes (the “2016 Senior Notes”) asNotes for cash at a price equal to 101% of September 30, 2017 consisting of 2.39% senior notes due 2021 (the “New 2021 Senior Notes”), 2.75% senior notes due 2023 (the “2023 Senior Notes”), 3.03% senior notes due 2026 (the “2026 Senior Notes”) and the 2017A Senior Notes.

Under the terms and conditions of the 2016 NPA, the Company is authorized to issue and sell notes in the aggregate principal amount of $1,500,000, inclusivesuch Notes, plus any accrued but unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of repurchase.

The covenants in the Indenture include limitations on liens, sale-leaseback transactions and mergers and sales of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. The Indenture also includes customary events of default with respect to the Notes. As of March 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants in the Indenture.

Upon an event of default, the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on all the Notes may be declared to be due and payable by the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding $1,150,000 aggregate2030 and/or 2050 Senior Notes. Upon such a declaration, such principal amountand accrued interest on all of 2016the 2030 and/or 2050 Senior Notes that have been issuedwill be due and sold bypayable immediately. In the Company, provided that the purchasers of the 2016 Senior Notes shall not have any obligation to purchase any additional notes issued pursuant to the 2016 NPA.

The 2016 Senior Notes are unsecured obligations and rankpari passu with obligations under the Credit Agreement and the 2008 Senior Notes. Certain subsidiaries of the Company have executed a subsidiary guaranty in relation to the Company’s obligations under the 2016 NPA. The subsidiaries who have executed a guaranty in relation to the 2016 NPA are the same set of subsidiaries who have executed a guaranty in relation to the Assumed 2008 NPA and the same set of subsidiaries that are guarantors under the Credit Agreement.

The 2016 Senior Notes are subject to representations, warranties, covenants and events of default customary for a private placement of senior unsecured notes. Upon the occurrencecase of an event of default paymentresulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the 2016principal (or such specified amount) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all outstanding 2030 and/or 2050 Senior Notes maywill become and be accelerated by the holdersimmediately due and payable without any declaration or

16

2008 Master Note Purchase Agreement

On June 1, 2016, prior toother act on the closingpart of the Progressive Waste acquisition, Old Waste Connections, certain subsidiaries of Old Waste Connections (together with Old Waste Connections, the “Obligors”) and certain holdersTrustee or any holder of the 2008 Senior Notes (defined below) entered into thatNotes. Under certain Amendment No. 6 (the “Sixth Amendment”) to that certain Master Note Purchase Agreement, dated July 15, 2008 (the “2008 NPA”), as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the 2008 NPA dated as of July 20, 2009 (the “First Amendment”), as supplemented by First Supplement to the 2008 NPA dated as of October 26, 2009 (the “First Supplement”), as amended by Amendment No. 2 to the 2008 NPA dated as of November 24, 2010 (the “Second Amendment”), as supplemented by Second Supplement to the 2008 NPA dated as of April 1, 2011 (the “Second Supplement”), as amended by Amendment No. 3 to the 2008 NPA dated as of October 12, 2011 (the “Third Amendment”), as amended by Amendment No. 4 to the 2008 NPA dated as of August 9, 2013 (the “Fourth Amendment”), as amended by Amendment No. 5 to the 2008 NPA dated as of February 20, 2015 (the “Fifth Amendment”), and as supplemented by Third Supplement to the 2008 NPA dated as of June 11, 2015 (the “Third Supplement”) (the 2008 NPA, as so amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to June 1, 2016, the “Amended 2008 NPA”). The Sixth Amendment, among other things, provides certain amendments to the Amended 2008 NPA to facilitate (i) the Progressive Waste acquisition and related transactions contemplated thereunder, (ii) the Company’s assumption of the Obligors’ obligations under the Assumed 2008 NPA (defined below) pursuant to the Assumption Agreement (defined below) upon the consummation of the Progressive Waste acquisition, (iii) the release of and/or reconstitution of obligations as a guaranty for certain Obligors, and (iv) additional amendments to the Amended 2008 NPA (beyond those in the Sixth Amendment) which were effective upon the Company’s assumption of the Obligor’s obligations under the Assumed 2008 NPA pursuant to the Assumption Agreement.

On June 1, 2016, following the closing of the Progressive Waste acquisition, the Company entered into that certain Assumption and Exchange Agreement (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or modified from time to time, the “Assumption Agreement”) with Old Waste Connections, to and in favor ofcircumstances, the holders of the notes issued from time to time under the Amended 2008 NPA as further amended by the Sixth Amendment (the Amended 2008 NPA as amended by the Sixth Amendment and as further modified by the Assumption Agreement, the “Assumed 2008 NPA”).

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Assumed 2008 NPA, the Company’s has outstanding senior unsecured notes (the “2008 Senior Notes”) as of September 30, 2017 consisting of 4.00% senior notes due 2018 (the “2018 Senior Notes”), 5.25% senior notes due 2019 (the “2019 Senior Notes”), 4.64% senior notes due 2021 (the “2021 Senior Notes), 3.09% senior notes due 2022 (the “2022 Senior Notes”) and 3.41% senior notes due 2025 (the “2025 Senior Notes”).

Under the terms and conditions of the Assumed 2008 NPA, the Company is authorized to issue and sell notesa majority in the aggregate principal amount of $1,250,000, inclusive of the outstanding $825,000 aggregate principal amount of 2008 Senior Notes assumed by the Company on June 1, 2016, provided that the purchasers of the 2008 Senior Notes shall not have any obligation to purchase any additional notes issued pursuant to the Assumed 2008 NPA.

The 2008 Senior Notes are unsecured obligations and rankpari passu with obligations under the Credit Agreement and the 2016 Senior Notes. Certain subsidiaries of the Company have executed a subsidiary guaranty in relation to the Company’s obligations under the Assumed 2008 NPA. The subsidiaries who have executed a guaranty in relation to the Assumed 2008 NPA are the same set of subsidiaries who have executed a guaranty in relation to the 2016 NPA and the same set of subsidiaries that are guarantors under the Credit Agreement.

The 2008 Senior Notes are subject to representations, warranties, covenants and events of default customary for a private placement of senior unsecured notes. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, payment of the 2008 Senior Notes may be accelerated by the holders of the 2008 Senior Notes. The 2008 Senior Notes may also be prepaid by the Company par plus a make-whole amount determined by the amount of excess, ifrescind any of the discounted value of the remaining scheduled paymentssuch acceleration with respect to the called principal of such 2008 Senior Notes minus the amount of such called principal, provided that the make whole shall in no event be less than zero. The discounted value is determined using market-based discount rates. In addition, the Company will be required to offer to prepay the 2008 Senior Notes upon certain changes in control; however, no such prepayment offer was accepted in connection with the Progressive Waste acquisition. The Assumed 2008 NPA also contemplates certain offers of prepayments for specified tax reasons or certain noteholder sanctions events.and its consequences.

20

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

Credit Agreement

Details of the Credit Agreement are as follows:

 September 30,
2017
  December 31,
2016
 

March 31, 

December 31, 

 

    

2020

    

2019

 

Revolver under Credit Agreement        

 

  

 

  

Available $1,122,149  $1,004,451 

$

762,561

$

538,642

Letters of credit outstanding $221,596  $247,467 

$

107,316

$

107,611

Total amount drawn, as follows: $218,755  $310,582 

$

692,623

$

916,247

Amount drawn – Canadian prime rate loan $12,020  $7,448 
Interest rate applicable - Canadian prime rate loan  3.45%  2.95%
Amount drawn – Canadian BA loan $206,735  $303,134 
Interest rate applicable – Canadian BA loan  2.51%  2.13%

Amount drawn - U.S. LIBOR rate loan

$

675,000

$

897,000

Interest rate applicable - U.S. LIBOR rate loan

2.09

%

2.90

%

Amount drawn – Canadian bankers’ acceptance

$

17,623

$

19,247

Interest rate applicable – Canadian bankers’ acceptance

 

2.33

%  

 

3.18

%

Commitment – rate applicable  0.15%  0.15%

 

0.12

%  

 

0.12

%

Term loan under Credit Agreement        

 

 

Amount drawn – U.S. based LIBOR loan $1,637,500  $1,637,500 

$

650,000

$

700,000

Interest rate applicable – U.S. based LIBOR loan  2.44%  1.97%

 

2.09

%  

 

2.90

%

On June 1, 2016, the Company entered into the certain Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., acting through its Canada Branch, as global agent, the swing line lender and letter of credit issuer, Bank of America, N.A., as the U.S. Agent and a letter of credit issuer, the lenders (the “Lenders”) and any other financial institutions from time to time party thereto.

 Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, the Lenders have committed to provide a $3,200,000 credit facility to the Company, consisting of (i) revolving advances up to an aggregate principal amount of $1,562,500 at any one time outstanding, and (ii) a term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $1,637,500, which term loan was fully drawn at closing. As part of the aggregate commitments under the revolving advances, the Credit Agreement provides for letters of credit to be issued at the request of the Company in an aggregate amount not to exceed $500,000 and for swing line loans to be issued at the request of the Company in an aggregate amount not to exceed the lesser of $75,000 and the aggregate commitments under the revolving advances. This swing line sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the aggregate commitments under the revolving advances. Subject to certain specified conditions and additional deliveries, the Company has the option to request increases in the aggregate commitments for revolving advances and one or more additional term loans, provided that (i) the aggregate principal amount of such requests does not exceed $500,000 and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of commitments and term loans under the credit facility does not exceed $3,700,000.

Advances are available under the Credit Agreement in U.S. dollars and Canadian dollars. Interest accrues on the term loan at a LIBOR rate or a base rate, at the Company’s option, plus an applicable margin. Interest accrues on revolving advances, at the Company’s option, (i) at a LIBOR rate or a base rate for U.S. dollar borrowings, plus an applicable margin, and (ii) at the Canadian prime rate for Canadian dollar borrowings, plus an applicable margin. Canadian dollar borrowings are also available by way of bankers' acceptances or BA equivalent loans (“BA loans”), subject to the payment of a drawing fee. The fees for letters of credit in US dollars and Canadian dollars are also based on the applicable margin. The applicable margin used in connection with interest rates and fees is based on the Company’s leverage ratio. The applicable margin for LIBOR rate loans, drawing fees for bankers' acceptance and BA loans and letter of credit fees ranges from 1.00% to 1.50%, and the applicable margin for base rate loans, Canadian prime rate loans and swing line loans ranges from 0.00% to 0.50%. The Company will also pay a fee based on its leverage ratio on the actual daily unused amount of the aggregate revolving commitments.

The borrowings under the Credit Agreement are unsecured. Proceeds from the borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be used on a go forward basis (i) to finance acquisitions permitted under the Credit Agreement and (ii) for capital expenditures, working capital, letters of credit, and general corporate purposes.

The Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, covenants and events of default, including, among others, a change of control event of default and limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness and liens, new lines of business, mergers, transactions with affiliates and burdensome agreements. The Credit Agreement includes a financial covenant limiting, as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, the ratio of (a) (i) Consolidated Total Funded Debt (as defined in the Credit Agreement) as of such date less (ii) the sum of cash and cash equivalents of the Company and its subsidiaries on a dollar-for-dollar basis as of such date in excess of $50,000 up to a maximum of $200,000 (such that the maximum amount of reduction pursuant to this calculation does not exceed $150,000) to (b) Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement), measured for the preceding 12 months, to not more than 3.50 to 1.00 (or 3.75 to 1.00 during material acquisition periods, subject to certain limitations). The Credit Agreement also includes a financial covenant requiring the ratio of Consolidated EBIT (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to Consolidated Total Interest Expense (as defined in the Credit Agreement), in each case, measured for the preceding 12 months, to be not less than 2.75 to 1.00. During the continuance of an event of default, the Lenders may take a number of actions, including, among others, declaring the entire amount then outstanding under the Credit Agreement to be due and payable.

21

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

10.11.SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company’s revenues are generated from the collection, transfer, recycling and disposal of non-hazardous solid waste and the treatment, recovery and disposal of non-hazardous E&P waste. No single contract or customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s total revenues at the consolidated or reportable segment level during the periods presented.

The Company manages its operations through five5 geographic solid waste operating segments and its E&P segment, which includes the majority of the Company’s E&P waste treatment and disposal operations. The Company’s five5 geographic solid waste operating segments and its E&P segment comprise the Company’s reportable segments. Each operating segment is responsible for managing several vertically integrated operations, which are comprised of districts.  In the third quarter of 2017, the Company moved a district from the

The Company’s Eastern segment to the Canada segment as a significant amount of its revenues are received from Canadian-based customers. The segment information presented herein reflects the realignment of this district.

Under the current orientation,services customers located in northern Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin; the Company’s Southern segment services customers located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, southern Oklahoma, western Tennessee and Texas; the Company’s Western segment services customers located in Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and western Wyoming; the Company’s EasternCentral segment services customers located in Arizona, Colorado, southern Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland,Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania,Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina,Dakota, western Texas, Utah and eastern Tennessee, VermontWyoming; and Wisconsin; the Company’s Canada segment services customers located in the state of Michigan and in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec and Québec; and the Company’s Central segment services customers located in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, western Texas, Utah and eastern Wyoming.Saskatchewan. The E&P segment services E&P customers located in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming and along the Gulf of Mexico.

17

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

The Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) evaluates operating segment profitability and determines resource allocations based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is segment EBITDA. The Company defines segment EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, impairments and other operating items, and other income (expense) and foreign currency transaction gain (loss). Segment EBITDA is not a measure of operating income, operating performance or liquidity under GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The Company’s management uses segment EBITDA in the evaluation of segment operating performance as it is a profit measure that is generally within the control of the operating segments. A reconciliation of segment EBITDA to Income before income tax provision is included at the end of this Note 10. 

11.

Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016,2019, is shown in the following tables:

Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2017
 Revenue  Intercompany
Revenue(b)
  Reported
Revenue
  Segment EBITDA(c) 

Three Months Ended

    

    

Intercompany

    

Reported

    

Segment

March 31, 2020

Revenue

Revenue(b)

Revenue

EBITDA(c)

Eastern

$

397,000

$

(64,798)

$

332,202

$

84,662

Southern $317,059  $(36,531) $280,528  $63,171 

351,502

(42,115)

309,387

74,517

Western  292,222   (30,345)  261,877   84,861 

 

305,436

 

(33,455)

 

271,981

 

81,029

Eastern  292,124   (45,857)  246,267   74,018 

Central

 

237,570

 

(29,028)

 

208,542

 

73,151

Canada  224,166   (27,111)  197,055   74,369 

 

193,107

 

(22,684)

 

170,423

 

59,398

Central  190,210   (23,850)  166,360   64,607 
E&P  56,209   (1,818)  54,391   27,881 

 

64,880

 

(5,011)

 

59,869

 

31,802

Corporate(a)  -   -   -   (5,751)

 

 

 

 

(3,631)

 $1,371,990  $(165,512) $1,206,478  $383,156 

$

1,549,495

$

(197,091)

$

1,352,404

$

400,928

Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2016
 Revenue  Intercompany
Revenue(b)
  Reported
Revenue
  Segment EBITDA(c) 

Three Months Ended

    

    

Intercompany

    

Reported

    

Segment

March 31, 2019

Revenue

Revenue(b)

Revenue

EBITDA(c)

Eastern

$

346,846

$

(54,019)

$

292,827

$

76,957

Southern $317,727  $(37,818) $279,909  $62,189 

324,482

(37,153)

287,329

74,377

Western  276,941   (30,050)  246,891   84,214 

 

286,175

 

(31,196)

 

254,979

 

77,005

Eastern  226,680   (34,701)  191,979   57,699 

Central

 

202,792

 

(24,915)

 

177,877

 

63,027

Canada  207,003   (26,431)  180,572   66,235 

 

190,286

 

(21,939)

 

168,347

 

59,244

Central  176,109   (20,842)  155,267   58,079 
E&P  33,785   (3,481)  30,304   8,919 

 

66,035

 

(2,757)

 

63,278

 

31,609

Corporate(a)  -   -   -   (18,299)

 

 

 

 

(3,858)

 $1,238,245  $(153,323) $1,084,922  $319,036 

$

1,416,616

$

(171,979)

$

1,244,637

$

378,361

22

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2017
 Revenue  Intercompany
Revenue(b)
  Reported
Revenue
  Segment EBITDA(c) 
Southern $957,506  $(111,472) $846,034  $199,280 
Western  845,176   (90,217)  754,959   247,475 
Eastern  851,880   (133,578)  718,302   209,315 
Canada  621,995   (75,846)  546,149   200,283 
Central  536,803   (66,716)  470,087   177,975 
E&P  143,951   (6,169)  137,782   63,518 
Corporate(a)  -   -   -   (32,535)
  $3,957,311  $(483,998) $3,473,313  $1,065,311 

Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2016
 Revenue  Intercompany
Revenue(b)
  Reported
Revenue
  Segment EBITDA(c) 
Southern $497,863  $(60,485) $437,378  $98,906 
Western  789,716   (87,160)  702,556   237,839 
Eastern  519,165   (81,361)  437,804   135,456 
Canada  281,660   (35,949)  245,711   91,471 
Central  468,004   (53,130)  414,874   154,510 
E&P  97,883   (8,965)  88,918   21,953 
Corporate(a)  -   -   -   (102,653)
  $2,654,291  $(327,050) $2,327,241  $637,482 

____________________

(a)Corporate functions include accounting, legal, tax, treasury, information technology, risk management, human resources, training, anddirect acquisition expenses, other administrative functions.functions and share-based compensation expenses associated with Progressive Waste share-based grants outstanding at June 1, 2016 that were continued by the Company. Amounts reflected are net of allocations to the six6 operating segments.
(b)Intercompany revenues reflect each segment’s total intercompany sales, including intercompany sales within a segment and between segments. Transactions within and between segments are generally made on a basis intended to reflect the market value of the service.
(c)For those items included in the determination of segment EBITDA, the accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Total assets for each of the Company’s reportable segments at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were as follows: 

  September 30,
2017
  December 31,
2016
 
Southern $2,726,600  $2,869,841 
Western  1,560,023   1,516,870 
Eastern  1,999,928   1,519,576 
Canada  2,697,750   2,554,324 
Central  1,312,209   1,302,900 
E&P  989,081   1,068,086 
Corporate  624,684   272,328 
Total Assets $11,910,275  $11,103,925 

23

18

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

Total assets for each of the Company’s reportable segments at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, were as follows:

March 31, 

December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Eastern

$

3,060,723

$

3,099,283

Southern

 

2,971,182

 

2,990,247

Western

1,712,098

1,718,015

Central

1,875,151

1,885,468

Canada

2,265,718

2,490,291

E&P

950,019

962,202

Corporate

1,444,520

592,189

Total Assets

 

$

14,279,411

 

$

13,737,695

The following tables show changes in goodwill during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016,2019, by reportable segment:

  Southern  Western  Eastern  Canada  Central  E&P  Total 
Balance as of December 31, 2016 $1,470,023  $376,537  $533,160  $1,465,274  $467,924  $77,343  $4,390,261 
Goodwill acquired  7,484   20,906   272,501   7,127   1,013   -   309,031 
Goodwill divested  (31,543)  -   (4,276)  -   (667)  -   (36,486)
Impairment loss  -   -   -   -   -   (77,343)  (77,343)
Goodwill adjustment for assets sold  2,205   -   321   -   -   -   2,526 
Goodwill adjustment for assets held for sale  (11,080)  -   -   -   -   -   (11,080)
Impact of changes in foreign currency  -   -   -   111,439   -   -   111,439 
Balance as of September 30, 2017 $1,437,089  $397,443  $801,706  $1,583,840  $468,270  $-  $4,688,348 

    

Eastern

    

Southern

    

Western

    

Central

    

Canada

    

E&P

    

Total

Balance as of December 31, 2019

$

1,331,180

$

1,528,225

$

400,037

$

729,470

$

1,521,939

$

$

5,510,851

Goodwill acquired

 

 

 

3,741

 

3,741

Goodwill acquisition adjustments

(524)

195

70

(259)

Impact of changes in foreign currency

 

 

 

 

 

(128,492)

 

 

(128,492)

Balance as of March 31, 2020

$

1,330,656

$

1,528,420

$

400,107

$

733,211

$

1,393,447

$

$

5,385,841

 Southern  Western  Eastern  Canada  Central  E&P  Total 
Balance as of December 31, 2015 $95,710  $373,820  $459,532  $-  $416,420  $77,343  $1,422,825 

    

    Eastern    

    

Southern

    

Western

    

Central

    

Canada

    

E&P

    

Total

Balance as of December 31, 2018

$

1,126,486

$

1,517,610

$

398,174

$

540,435

$

1,448,980

$

$

5,031,685

Goodwill acquired  1,338,806   2,696   75,769   1,465,720   48,232   -   2,931,223 

 

918

3,702

 

 

4,620

Goodwill acquisition adjustments

(83)

(88)

(3)

(174)

Goodwill divested

 

(845)

 

(845)

Impact of changes in foreign currency  -   -   -   (2,878)  -   -   (2,878)

 

 

 

 

30,244

 

 

30,244

Balance as of September 30, 2016 $1,434,516  $376,516  $535,301  $1,462,842  $464,652  $77,343  $4,351,170 

Balance as of March 31, 2019

$

1,126,403

$

1,516,677

$

399,092

$

544,137

$

1,479,221

$

$

5,065,530

24

19

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

A reconciliation of the Company’s primary measure of segment profitability (segment EBITDA) to Income before income tax provision in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income is as follows:

 Three months ended
September 30,
  Nine months ended
September 30,
 
 2017  2016  2017  2016 

Three Months Ended

March 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Eastern segment EBITDA

$

84,662

$

76,957

Southern segment EBITDA $63,171  $62,189  $199,280  $98,906 

74,517

74,377

Western segment EBITDA  84,861   84,214   247,475   237,839 

 

81,029

 

77,005

Eastern segment EBITDA  74,018   57,699   209,315   135,456 

Central segment EBITDA

 

73,151

 

63,027

Canada segment EBITDA  74,369   66,235   200,283   91,471 

 

59,398

 

59,244

Central segment EBITDA  64,607   58,079   177,975   154,510 
E&P segment EBITDA  27,881   8,919   63,518   21,953 

 

31,802

 

31,609

Subtotal reportable segments  388,907   337,335   1,097,846   740,135 

 

404,559

 

382,219

Unallocated corporate overhead  (5,751)  (18,299)  (32,535)  (102,653)

 

(3,631)

 

(3,858)

Depreciation  (136,941)  (125,744)  (395,008)  (270,988)

 

(150,821)

 

(146,847)

Amortization of intangibles  (26,613)  (26,944)  (76,886)  (48,719)

 

(31,638)

 

(30,542)

Impairments and other operating items  (832)  (7,682)  (141,333)  (4,634)

 

(1,506)

 

(16,112)

Interest expense  (32,471)  (27,621)  (92,763)  (65,291)

 

(37,990)

 

(37,287)

Interest income  1,656   171   3,131   447 

 

2,175

 

3,311

Other income (expense), net  1,709   500   3,561   (268)

 

(9,521)

 

2,661

Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)  (1,864)  (350)  (3,502)  339 
Income before income tax provision $187,800  $131,366  $362,511  $248,368 

$

171,627

$

153,545

The following tables reflect a breakdown of the Company’s revenue and inter-company eliminations for the periods indicated: 

  Three months ended September 30, 2017 
  Revenue  Intercompany
Revenue
  Reported
Revenue
  % of
Reported
Revenue
 
Solid waste collection $815,344  $(2,484) $812,860   67.4%
Solid waste disposal and transfer  416,764   (157,280)  259,484   21.5 
Solid waste recycling  43,864   (2,295)  41,569   3.5 
E&P waste treatment, recovery and disposal  57,797   (3,082)  54,715   4.5 
Intermodal and other  38,221   (371)  37,850   3.1 
Total $1,371,990  $(165,512) $1,206,478   100.0%

25

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

  Three months ended September 30, 2016 
  Revenue  Intercompany
Revenue
  Reported
Revenue
  % of Reported
Revenue
 
Solid waste collection $760,281  $(2,472) $757,809   69.9%
Solid waste disposal and transfer  377,998   (144,459)  233,539   21.5 
Solid waste recycling  32,138   (2,523)  29,615   2.7 
E&P waste treatment, recovery and disposal  33,673   (3,608)  30,065   2.8 
Intermodal and other  34,155   (261)  33,894   3.1 
Total $1,238,245  $(153,323) $1,084,922   100.0%

  Nine months ended September 30, 2017 
  Revenue  Intercompany
Revenue
  Reported
Revenue
  % of
Reported
Revenue
 
Solid waste collection $2,380,821  $(7,075) $2,373,746   68.3%
Solid waste disposal and transfer  1,189,965   (459,659)  730,306   21.0 
Solid waste recycling  131,445   (7,229)  124,216   3.6 
E&P waste treatment, recovery and disposal  147,662   (8,921)  138,741   4.0 
Intermodal and other  107,418   (1,114)  106,304   3.1 
Total $3,957,311  $(483,998) $3,473,313   100.0%

  Nine months ended September 30, 2016 
  Revenue  Intercompany
Revenue
  Reported
Revenue
  % of Reported
Revenue
 
Solid waste collection $1,619,827  $(5,571) $1,614,256   69.4%
Solid waste disposal and transfer  804,928   (307,308)  497,620   21.4 
Solid waste recycling  60,876   (4,554)  56,322   2.4 
E&P waste treatment, recovery and disposal  97,259   (9,228)  88,031   3.8 
Intermodal and other  71,401   (389)  71,012   3.0 
Total $2,654,291  $(327,050) $2,327,241   100.0%

11.12.DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company recognizes all derivatives on the Condensed Consolidated Balance SheetSheets at fair value. All of the Company’s derivatives have been designated as cash flow hedges; therefore, the effective portion ofgain or loss on the changes in the fair value of derivatives will be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCIL”) untiland reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings and is presented in the same income statement line item is recognized in earnings.  The ineffective portionas the earnings effect of the changes in the fair value of derivatives will be immediately recognized in earnings.hedged item.  The Company classifies cash inflows and outflows from derivatives within operating activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

26

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

One of the Company’s objectives for utilizing derivative instruments is to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in cash flows due to changes in the variable interest rates of certain borrowings issued under itsthe Credit Agreement. The Company’s strategy to achieve that objective involves entering into interest rate swaps. The interest rate swaps outstanding at September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 were specifically designated to the Credit Agreement and accounted for as cash flow hedges.

At September 30, 2017, the Company’s derivative instruments included 14 interest rate swap agreements as follows: 

Date Entered Notional
Amount
  Fixed
Interest
Rate Paid*
  Variable
Interest Rate
Received
 Effective Date Expiration Date
April 2014 $100,000   1.800% 1-month LIBOR July 2014 July 2019
May 2014 $50,000   2.344% 1-month LIBOR October 2015 October 2020
May 2014 $25,000   2.326% 1-month LIBOR October 2015 October 2020
May 2014 $50,000   2.350% 1-month LIBOR October 2015 October 2020
May 2014 $50,000   2.350% 1-month LIBOR October 2015 October 2020
April 2016 $100,000   1.000% 1-month LIBOR February 2017 February 2020
June 2016 $75,000   0.850% 1-month LIBOR February 2017 February 2020
June 2016 $150,000   0.950% 1-month LIBOR January 2018 January 2021
June 2016 $150,000   0.950% 1-month LIBOR January 2018 January 2021
July 2016 $50,000   0.900% 1-month LIBOR January 2018 January 2021
July 2016 $50,000   0.890% 1-month LIBOR January 2018 January 2021
August 2017 $100,000   1.900% 1-month LIBOR July 2019 July 2022
August 2017 $200,000   2.200% 1-month LIBOR October 2020 October 2025
August 2017 $150,000   1.950% 1-month LIBOR February 2020 February 2023

* Plus applicable margin.

Another of the Company’s objectives for utilizing derivative instruments is to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in cash flows due to changes in the price of diesel fuel.  The Company’s strategy to achieve that objective involves periodically entering into fuel hedges that are specifically designated to certain forecasted diesel fuel purchases and accounted for as cash flow hedges. 

At September 30, 2017, the Company’s derivative instruments included four fuel hedge agreements as follows:   

Date Entered Notional
Amount
(in gallons
per month)
  Diesel
Rate
Paid
Fixed
(per
gallon)
  Diesel Rate Received
Variable
 Effective Date Expiration
Date
May 2015  300,000  $3.2800  DOE Diesel Fuel Index* January 2016 December 2017
May 2015  200,000  $3.2750  DOE Diesel Fuel Index* January 2016 December 2017
July 2016  500,000  $2.4988  DOE Diesel Fuel Index* January 2017 December 2017
July 2016  1,000,000  $2.6345  DOE Diesel Fuel Index* January 2018 December 2018

* If the national U.S. on-highway average price for a gallon of diesel fuel (“average price”), as published by the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”), exceeds the contract price per gallon, the Company receives the difference between the average price and the contract price (multiplied by the notional number of gallons) from the counterparty.  If the average price is less than the contract price per gallon, the Company pays the difference to the counterparty. 

27

20

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

At March 31, 2020, the Company’s derivative instruments included 14 interest rate swap agreements as follows:

    

    

Fixed

    

Variable

    

    

Notional

Interest

Interest Rate

Date Entered

Amount

Rate Paid*

Received

Effective Date

Expiration Date

May 2014

$

50,000

 

2.344

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

October 2015

 

October 2020

May 2014

$

25,000

 

2.326

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

October 2015

 

October 2020

May 2014

$

50,000

 

2.350

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

October 2015

 

October 2020

May 2014

$

50,000

 

2.350

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

October 2015

 

October 2020

June 2016

$

150,000

 

0.950

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

January 2018

 

January 2021

June 2016

$

150,000

 

0.950

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

January 2018

 

January 2021

July 2016

$

50,000

 

0.900

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

January 2018

 

January 2021

July 2016

$

50,000

 

0.890

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

January 2018

 

January 2021

August 2017

$

100,000

 

1.900

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

July 2019

 

July 2022

August 2017

$

200,000

 

2.200

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

October 2020

 

October 2025

August 2017

$

150,000

 

1.950

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

February 2020

 

February 2023

June 2018

$

200,000

 

2.925

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

October 2020

 

October 2025

June 2018

$

200,000

 

2.925

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

October 2020

 

October 2025

December 2018

$

200,000

 

2.850

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

July 2022

 

July 2027

____________________

* Plus applicable margin.

The fair values of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, were as follows:

Derivatives Designated as Cash Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives
Flow Hedges Balance Sheet Location Fair Value  Balance Sheet Location Fair Value 
Interest rate swaps Prepaid expenses and other current assets(a) $2,748  Accrued liabilities(a) $(1,857)
  Other assets, net  11,721  Other long-term liabilities  (1,616)
             
Fuel hedges Prepaid expenses and other current assets(b)  1,317  Accrued liabilities(b)  (729)
  Other assets, net  241       
Total derivatives designated as cash flow hedges   $16,027    $(4,202)

Derivatives Designated as Cash

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Flow Hedges

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

Interest rate swaps

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets(a)

$

Accrued liabilities(a)

$

(14,730)

Other long-term liabilities

(83,539)

Total derivatives designated as cash flow hedges

$

$

(98,269)

____________________

(a)Represents the estimated amount of the existing unrealized gains and losses, respectively, on interest rate swaps as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 (based on the interest rate yield curve at that date), included in AOCIL expected to be reclassified into pre-tax earnings within the next 12 months. The actual amounts reclassified into earnings are dependent on future movements in interest rates.

(b)       Represents the estimated amount of the existing unrealized gains and losses, respectively, on fuel hedges as of September 30, 2017 (based on the forward DOE diesel fuel index curve at that date), included in AOCIL expected to be reclassified into pre-tax earnings within the next 12 months.  The actual amounts reclassified into earnings are dependent on future movements in diesel fuel prices.

The fair values of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges as of December 31, 2016,2019, were as follows:

Derivatives Designated as Cash Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Flow Hedges Balance Sheet Location Fair Value  Balance Sheet Location Fair Value 

    

Balance Sheet Location

    

Fair Value

    

Balance Sheet Location

    

Fair Value

Interest rate swaps Prepaid expenses and other current assets $127  Accrued liabilities $(3,260)

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

$

2,845

 

Accrued liabilities

$

(3,680)

 Other assets, net  13,822  Other long-term liabilities  (2,350)
        
Fuel hedges Prepaid expenses and other current assets  1,343  Accrued liabilities  (3,258)
 Other assets, net  1,651     

 

 

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

(38,967)

Total derivatives designated as cash flow hedges $16,943    $(8,868)

$

2,845

$

(42,647)

21

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

The following table summarizes the impact of the Company’s cash flow hedges on the results of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and AOCIL for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016: 2019:

Derivatives
Designated as Cash
Flow Hedges
 Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized as AOCIL on
Derivatives,
Net of Tax (Effective Portion)(a)
  Statement of 
Net Income
Classification
 Amount of (Gain) or Loss
Reclassified from AOCIL into
Earnings, Net of Tax (Effective
Portion) (b),(c)
 
  Three Months Ended 
September 30,
    Three Months Ended 
September 30,
 
  2017  2016    2017  2016 
Interest rate swaps $(361) $2,598  Interest expense $376  $1,234 
Fuel hedges  1,680   630  Cost of operations  487   830 
Total $1,319  $3,228    $863  $2,064 

Derivatives

Statement of

Amount of (Gain) or Loss Reclassified

Designated as Cash

Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized

Net Income

from AOCIL into Earnings,

Flow Hedges

as AOCIL on Derivatives, Net of Tax (a)

Classification

Net of Tax (b)

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

March 31, 

March 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

    

    

2020

    

2019

Interest rate swaps

$

(42,649)

$

(11,555)

Interest expense

$

(323)

$

(1,817)

____________________

28

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

Derivatives
Designated as Cash
Flow Hedges
 Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized as AOCIL on
Derivatives,
Net of Tax (Effective Portion)(a)
  Statement of 
Net Income
Classification
 Amount of (Gain) or Loss
Reclassified from AOCIL into
Earnings, Net of Tax (Effective
Portion) (b),(c)
 
  Nine Months Ended 
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended 
September 30,
 
  2017  2016    2017  2016 
Interest rate swaps $224  $(3,896) Interest expense $1,729  $3,338 
Fuel hedges  (1,030)  841  Cost of operations  1,704   2,855 
Total $(806) $(3,055)   $3,433  $6,193 

(a)In accordance with the derivatives and hedging guidance, the effective portions of the changes in fair values of interest rate swaps and fuel hedges have been recorded in equity as a component of AOCIL. As the critical terms of the interest rate swaps match the underlying debt being hedged, no ineffectiveness is recognized on these swaps and, therefore, all unrealized changes in fair value are recorded in AOCIL.  Because changes in the actual price of diesel fuel and changes in the DOE index price do not offset exactly each reporting period, the Company assesses whether the fuel hedges are highly effective using the cumulative dollar offset approach. 

(b)Amounts reclassified from AOCIL into earnings related to realized gains and losses on interest rate swaps are recognized when interest payments or receipts occur related to the swap contracts, which correspond to when interest payments are made on the Company’s hedged debt.

(c)       Amounts reclassified from AOCIL into earnings related to realized gains and losses on the fuel hedges are recognized when settlement payments or receipts occur related to the hedge contracts, which correspond to when the underlying fuel is consumed. 

The Company measures and records ineffectiveness on the fuel hedges in Cost of operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income on a monthly basis based on the difference between the DOE index price and the actual price of diesel fuel purchased, multiplied by the notional number of gallons on the contracts.  There was no significant ineffectiveness recognized on the fuel hedges during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. 

See Note 1516 for further discussion on the impact of the Company’s hedge accounting to its consolidated comprehensive income (loss) and AOCIL.

29

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

12.13.FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and equivalents, trade receivables, restricted assets,cash and investments, trade payables, debt instruments, contingent consideration obligations and interest rate swaps and fuel hedges.swaps. As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2016,2019, the carrying values of cash and equivalents, trade receivables, restricted assets,cash and investments, trade payables and contingent consideration are considered to be representative of their respective fair values. The carrying values of the Company’s debt instruments, excluding certain notes as listed in the table below, approximate their fair values as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2016,2019, based on current borrowing rates, current remaining average life to maturity and borrower credit quality for similar types of borrowing arrangements, and are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The carrying values and fair values of the Company’s debt instruments where the carrying values do not approximate their fair values as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2016,2019, are as follows:

  Carrying Value at  Fair Value* at 
  September 30,
2017
  December 31,
2016
  September 30,
2017
  December 31,
2016
 
4.00% Senior Notes due 2018 $50,000  $50,000  $50,488  $51,226 
5.25% Senior Notes due 2019 $175,000  $175,000  $185,104  $187,671 
4.64% Senior Notes due 2021 $100,000  $100,000  $106,588  $106,618 
2.39% Senior Notes due 2021 $150,000  $150,000  $148,477  $146,168 
3.09% Senior Notes due 2022 $125,000  $125,000  $126,260  $123,974 
2.75% Senior Notes due 2023 $200,000  $200,000  $197,272  $192,238 
3.24% Senior Notes due 2024 $150,000  $-  $151,070  $- 
3.41% Senior Notes due 2025 $375,000  $375,000  $379,859  $368,968 
3.03% Senior Notes due 2026 $400,000  $400,000  $392,815  $379,438 
3.49% Senior Notes due 2027 $250,000  $-  $252,396  $- 

Carrying Value at

Fair Value* at

March 31, 

December 31, 

March 31, 

December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

4.64% Senior Notes due 2021

$

100,000

$

100,000

$

102,092

$

102,654

2.39% Senior Notes due 2021

$

150,000

$

150,000

$

149,765

$

149,823

3.09% Senior Notes due 2022

$

125,000

$

125,000

$

126,360

$

126,884

2.75% Senior Notes due 2023

$

200,000

$

200,000

$

200,282

$

201,121

3.24% Senior Notes due 2024

$

150,000

$

150,000

$

152,850

$

153,804

3.41% Senior Notes due 2025

$

375,000

$

375,000

$

386,130

$

389,127

3.03% Senior Notes due 2026

$

400,000

$

400,000

$

403,469

$

406,768

3.49% Senior Notes due 2027

$

250,000

$

250,000

$

256,987

$

259,789

4.25% Senior Notes due 2028

$

500,000

$

500,000

$

540,550

$

562,050

3.50% Senior Notes due 2029

$

500,000

$

500,000

$

512,450

$

533,500

2.60% Senior Notes due 2030

$

600,000

$

$

574,980

$

3.05% Senior Notes due 2050

$

500,000

$

$

437,700

$

____________________

*Senior Notes are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Fair value is based on quotes of bonds with similar ratings in similar industries.

22

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

For details on the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps, fuel hedges, restricted assetscash and investments and contingent consideration, refer to Note 15.

14.

13.NET INCOME PER SHARE INFORMATION

The following table sets forth the calculation of the numerator and denominator used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share attributable to the Company’s shareholders for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016: 2019:

 Three months ended
September 30,
  Nine months ended
September 30,
 
 2017  2016  2017  2016 

Three Months Ended

March 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Numerator:                

Net income attributable to Waste Connections for basic and diluted earnings per share $123,227  $88,617  $261,732  $160,948 

$

143,035

$

125,622

                
Denominator:                

 

 

Basic shares outstanding  263,443,064   263,005,450   263,298,839   219,321,828 

 

263,790,364

 

263,603,418

Dilutive effect of equity-based awards  856,408   644,688   810,544   742,842 

 

562,794

 

733,512

Diluted shares outstanding  264,299,472   263,650,138   264,109,383   220,064,670 

 

264,353,158

 

264,336,930

                

30

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

14.15.FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company uses a three-tier fair value hierarchy to classify and disclose all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to their initial measurement. These tiers include:  Level 1, defined as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis include derivative instruments and restricted assets.  Thecash and investments. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company’s derivative instruments areincluded pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swaps and pay-fixed, receive-variable diesel fuel hedges.swaps. The Company’s interest rate swaps are recorded at their estimated fair values based on quotes received from financial institutions that trade these contracts. The Company verifies the reasonableness of these quotes using similar quotes from another financial institution as of each date for which financial statements are prepared. The Company uses a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model to determine the estimated fair value of the diesel fuel hedges.  The assumptions used in preparing the DCF model include:  (i) estimates for the forward DOE index curve; and (ii) the discount rate based on risk-free interest rates over the term of the hedge contracts.  The DOE index curve used in the DCF model was obtained from financial institutions that trade these contracts and ranged from $2.71 to $2.80 at September 30, 2017 and from $2.61 to $2.78 at December 31, 2016. The weighted average DOE index curve used in the DCF model was $2.74 and $2.75 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Significant increases (decreases) in the forward DOE index curve would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. For the Company’s interest rate swaps, and fuel hedges, the Company also considers the Company’s creditworthiness in its determination of the fair value measurement of these instruments in a net liability position and the counterparties’ creditworthiness in its determination of the fair value measurement of these instruments in a net asset position. The Company’s restricted assetscash and investments are valued at quoted market prices in active markets for similar assets, which the Company receives from the financial institutions that hold such investments on its behalf. The Company’s restricted assetscash and investments measured at fair value are invested primarily in money market accounts, bank time deposits, U.S. government and agency securities and Canadian bankers’ acceptance notes.

The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were as follows: 

  Fair Value Measurement at September 30, 2017 Using 
  Total  Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Interest rate swap derivative instruments – net asset position $10,996  $-  $10,996  $- 
Fuel hedge derivative instruments – net asset position $829  $-  $-  $829 
Restricted assets $57,760  $-  $57,760  $- 
Contingent consideration $(44,955) $-  $-  $(44,955)

31

23

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

  Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2016 Using 
  Total  Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Interest rate swap derivative instruments – net asset position $8,339  $-  $8,339  $- 
Fuel hedge derivative instrument – net liability position $(264) $-  $-  $(264)
Restricted assets $57,166  $-  $57,166  $- 
Contingent consideration $(51,826) $-  $-  $(51,826)

The following table summarizes the changes in theCompany’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value for Level 3 derivatives for the nine months ended September 30, 2017on a recurring basis at March 31, 2020 and 2016:December 31, 2019, were as follows:

  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2017  2016 
Beginning balance $(264) $(9,900)
Realized losses included in earnings  2,765   4,616 
Unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCIL  (1,672)  1,343 
Ending balance $829  $(3,941)

Fair Value Measurement at March 31, 2020 Using

    

    

Quoted Prices in

    

Significant

    

Active Markets

Other

Significant

for Identical

Observable

Unobservable

Assets

Inputs

Inputs

Total

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Interest rate swap derivative instruments – net liability position

$

(98,269)

$

$

(98,269)

$

Restricted cash and investments

$

134,934

$

$

134,934

$

Contingent consideration

$

(67,599)

$

$

$

(67,599)

Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2019 Using

    

    

Quoted Prices in

    

Significant

    

Active Markets

Other

Significant

for Identical

Observable

Unobservable

Assets

Inputs

Inputs

Total

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Interest rate swap derivative instruments – net liability position

$

(39,802)

$

$

(39,802)

$

Restricted cash and investments

$

147,318

$

$

147,318

$

Contingent consideration

$

(69,484)

$

$

$

(69,484)

The following table summarizes the changes in the fair value for Level 3 liabilities related to contingent consideration for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016: 2019:

 Nine Months Ended September 30, 
 2017  2016 

Three Months Ended March 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Beginning balance $51,826  $49,394 

$

69,484

$

54,615

Contingent consideration recorded at acquisition date  35   16,247 
Payment of contingent consideration recorded at acquisition date  (5,840)  (12,105)

 

(1,976)

 

(275)

Payment of contingent consideration recorded in earnings  -   (413)
Adjustments to contingent consideration  17,754   (2,563)

 

1,466

Reclass earned contingent consideration to accrued liabilities  (20,464)  - 
Interest accretion expense  1,381   1,129 

 

416

 

455

Foreign currency translation adjustment  263   - 

 

(325)

 

75

Ending balance $44,955  $51,689 

$

67,599

$

56,336

32

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

15.16.OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Other comprehensive income (loss) includes changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps and fuel hedges that qualify for hedge accounting. The components of other comprehensive income (loss) and related tax effects for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 20162019 are as follows:

 Three months ended September 30, 2017 
 Gross  Tax effect  Net of tax 

    

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

    

Gross

    

Tax Effect

    

Net of Tax

Interest rate swap amounts reclassified into interest expense $511  $(135) $376 

$

(440)

$

117

$

(323)

Fuel hedge amounts reclassified into cost of operations  789   (302)  487 
Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps  2,181   (2,542)  (361)

 

(58,026)

 

15,377

 

(42,649)

Changes in fair value of fuel hedges  2,717   (1,037)  1,680 
Foreign currency translation adjustment  84,500   -   84,500 

 

(184,717)

 

 

(184,717)

 $90,698  $(4,016) $86,682 
            
 Three months ended September 30, 2016 
 Gross  Tax effect  Net of tax 
Interest rate swap amounts reclassified into interest expense $1,678  $(444) $1,234 
Fuel hedge amounts reclassified into cost of operations  1,342   (512)  830 
Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps  3,535   (937)  2,598 
Changes in fair value of fuel hedges  1,019   (389)  630 
Foreign currency translation adjustment  (16,642)  -   (16,642)
 $(9,068) $(2,282) $(11,350)
            
 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 
 Gross  Tax effect  Net of tax 
Interest rate swap amounts reclassified into interest expense $2,352  $(623) $1,729 
Fuel hedge amounts reclassified into cost of operations  2,765   (1,061)  1,704 
Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps  305   (81)  224 
Changes in fair value of fuel hedges  (1,672)  642   (1,030)
Foreign currency translation adjustment  155,153   -   155,153 
 $158,903  $(1,123) $157,780 
            

$

(243,183)

$

15,494

$

(227,689)

33

24

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

    

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019

    

Gross

    

Tax Effect

    

Net of Tax

Interest rate swap amounts reclassified into interest expense

$

(2,472)

$

655

$

(1,817)

Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps

 

(15,721)

 

4,166

 

(11,555)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

42,180

 

 

42,180

$

23,987

$

4,821

$

28,808

  Nine months ended September 30, 2016 
  Gross  Tax effect  Net of tax 
Interest rate swap amounts reclassified into interest expense $5,081  $(1,743) $3,338 
Fuel hedge amounts reclassified into cost of operations  4,616   (1,761)  2,855 
Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps  (6,980)  3,084   (3,896)
Changes in fair value of fuel hedges  1,343   (502)  841 
Foreign currency translation adjustment  (3,991)  -   (3,991)
  $69  $(922) $(853)

A rollforward of the amounts included in AOCIL, net of taxes, for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016,2019, is as follows:

 Fuel Hedges  Interest Rate
Swaps
  Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Balance at December 31, 2016 $(164) $8,094  $(50,931) $(43,001)

    

    

Foreign

    

Accumulated

Currency

Other

Interest

Translation

Comprehensive

Rate Swaps

Adjustment

Income (Loss)

Balance at December 31, 2019

$

(29,255)

$

18,292

$

(10,963)

Amounts reclassified into earnings  1,704   1,729   -   3,433 

(323)

(323)

Changes in fair value  (1,030)  224   -   (806)

(42,649)

(42,649)

Foreign currency translation adjustment  -   -   155,153   155,153 

(184,717)

(184,717)

Balance at September 30, 2017 $510  $10,047  $104,222  $114,779 
                
 Fuel Hedges  Interest Rate
Swaps
  Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Balance at December 31, 2015 $(6,134) $(6,037) $-  $(12,171)
Amounts reclassified into earnings  2,855   3,338   -   6,193 
Changes in fair value  841   (3,896)  -   (3,055)
Foreign currency translation adjustment  -   -   (3,991)  (3,991)
Balance at September 30, 2016 $(2,438) $(6,595) $(3,991) $(13,024)

Balance at March 31, 2020

$

(72,227)

$

(166,425)

$

(238,652)

    

    

Foreign

    

Accumulated

Currency

Other

Interest

Translation

Comprehensive

Rate Swaps

Adjustment

Income (Loss)

Balance at December 31, 2018

$

8,892

$

(83,678)

$

(74,786)

Amounts reclassified into earnings

 

(1,817)

 

 

(1,817)

Changes in fair value

 

(11,555)

 

 

(11,555)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

42,180

 

42,180

Balance at March 31, 2019

$

(4,480)

$

(41,498)

$

(45,978)

See Note 1112 for further discussion on the Company’s derivative instruments.

17.SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Share-Based Compensation

Restricted Share Units

A summary of activity related to restricted share units (“RSUs”) during the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, is presented below:

34

Unvested Shares

Outstanding at December 31, 2019

861,012

Granted

326,045

Forfeited

(15,787)

Vested and issued

(366,603)

Outstanding at March 31, 2020

804,667

25

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

16.SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Share split

On April 26, 2017, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a split of its common shares on a three-for-two basis, which was approved by its shareholders at the Company’s Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders of Waste Connections on May 23, 2017. Shareholders of record on June 7, 2017 received from the Company’s transfer agent on June 16, 2017, one additional common share for every two common shares held. All share and per share amounts for all periods presented have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the share split.

Share-Based Compensation

Restricted Share Units – New Waste Connections

A summary of activity related to restricted share units (“RSUs”) during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, is presented below: 

Unvested
Shares
Outstanding at December 31, 20161,252,291
Granted413,179
Forfeited(45,409)
Vested and issued(542,403)
Vested and deferred(37,482)
Outstanding at September 30, 20171,040,176

The weighted average grant-date fair value per share for the common shares underlying the RSUs granted during the nine-monththree-month period ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 was $57.02. 

$101.80.

Recipients of the Company’s RSUs who participate in the Company’s Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan may have elected in years prior to 2015 to defer some or all of their RSUs as they vest until a specified date or dates they choose. At the end of the deferral periods, unless a qualified participant makes certain other elections, the Company issues to recipients who deferred their RSUs common shares of the Company underlying the deferred RSUs. At September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016,2019, the Company had 352,214190,201 and 366,337249,003 vested deferred RSUs outstanding, respectively.

Performance-Based Restricted Share Units – New Waste Connections

A summary of activity related to performance-based restricted share units (“PSUs”) during the nine-monththree-month period ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, is presented below:

Unvested
Shares

Unvested Shares

Outstanding at December 31, 20162019

427,144

504,484

Granted

210,103

211,987

Forfeited

(727)

Vested and issued

(122,786)

(281,186)

Outstanding at September 30, 2017March 31, 2020

514,461

434,558

35

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, the Company’s Compensation Committee granted PSUs with three-year performance-based metrics that the Company must meet before those awards may be earned, and the performance period for those grants ends on December 31, 2019.2022. During the same period, the Company’s Compensation Committee also granted PSUs with a one-year performance-based metric that the Company must meet before those awards may be earned, with the awards then subject to time-based vesting for the remaining three years of their four-year vesting period. The Compensation Committee will determine the achievement of performance results and corresponding vesting of PSUs for each performance period. The weighted average grant-date fair value per share for the common shares underlying all PSUs granted during the nine-monththree-month period ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 was $57.47. $87.19.

Deferred Share Units – New Waste Connections and Progressive Waste Plans

A summary of activity related to deferred share units (“DSUs”) during the nine-monththree-month period ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, is presented below:

Vested Shares

Vested Shares

Outstanding at December 31, 20162019

68,942

18,970

Granted

4,725

2,616

Share settled(35,416)
Cash settled(25,113)

Outstanding at September 30, 2017March 31, 2020

13,138

21,586

The DSUs consist of a combination of DSU grants outstanding under the Progressive Waste share-based compensation plans that were continued by the Company following the Progressive Waste acquisition and DSUs granted by the Company since the Progressive Waste acquisition. The weighted average grant-date fair value per share for the common shares underlying the DSUs granted during the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 was $103.81.

26

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

Other Restricted Share Units - Progressive Waste Plans

TheRSU grants outstanding under the Progressive Waste share-based compensation plans were continued by the Company following the Progressive Waste acquisition and allow for the issuance of shares or cash settlement to employees upon vesting of restricted share units (“RSUs”).vesting. A summary of activity related to Progressive Waste RSUs during the nine-monththree-month period ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, is presented below:

Outstanding at December 31, 20162019

269,206

73,884

Cash settled

(79,744)

(7,330)

Outstanding at September 30, 2017March 31, 2020

189,462

66,554

A summary of vesting activity related to Progressive Waste RSUs during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, is presented below:

Vested at December 31, 2016222,517
Vested over remaining service period19,338
Cash settled(79,744)
Vested at September 30, 2017162,111

NoNaN RSUs under the Progressive Waste share-based compensation plans were granted subsequent to June 1, 2016.  All remaining RSUs were vested as of March 31, 2019.

36

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

Performance-Based Restricted Share Units - Progressive Waste Plans

The Progressive Waste share-based compensation plans were continued by the Company following the Progressive Waste acquisition and allow for cash settlement only to employees upon vesting of performance-based restricted share units (“PSUs”) based on achieving target results. A summary of activity related to Progressive Waste PSUs during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, is presented below: 

Outstanding at December 31, 201692,957
Cash settled, net of notional dividend(37,437)
Outstanding at September 30, 201755,520

A summary of vesting activity related to Progressive Waste PSUs during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, is presented below:

Vested at December 31, 201635,727
Vested over remaining service period8,322
Cash settled, net of notional dividend(37,437)
Vested at September 30, 20176,612

No PSUs under the Progressive Waste share-based compensation plans were granted subsequent to June 1, 2016.

Share Based Options – Progressive Waste Plans

TheShare based options outstanding under the Progressive Waste share-based compensation plans were continued by the Company following the Progressive Waste acquisition and allow for the issuance of shares or cash settlement to employees upon vesting of share based options.vesting. A summary of activity related to Progressive Waste share based options during the nine-monththree-month period ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, is presented below:

Outstanding at December 31, 20162019

672,996

126,161

Share

Cash settled

(33,792)

(62,191)

Cash settled(322,785)
Forfeited(9,662)

Outstanding at September 30, 2017March 31, 2020

306,757

63,970

A summary of vesting activity related to Progressive Waste share based options during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, is presented below:

Vested at December 31, 2016601,395
Vested over remaining service period71,601
Share settled(33,792)
Cash settled(322,785)
Forfeited(9,662)
Vested at September 30, 2017306,757

37

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

NoNaN share based options under the Progressive Waste share-based compensation plans were granted subsequent to June 1, 2016. All outstanding share based options were vested as of December 31, 2017.

Normal Course Issuer Bid

On July 24, 2017,25, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Company approved, subject to receipt of regulatory approvals, the annual renewal of the Company’s normal course issuer bid (the “NCIB”) to purchase up to 13,181,80613,184,474 of the Company’s common shares during the period of August 8, 20172019 to August 7, 20182020 or until such earlier time as the NCIB is completed or terminated at the option of the Company. The renewal followed on the conclusion of the Company’s original NCIB that expired August 7, 2017 under which no shares were repurchased.2019. The Company received TSXToronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) approval for its annual renewal of the NCIB on August 2, 2017.2019.  Under the NCIB, the Company may make share repurchases only in the open market, including on the NYSE,New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), the TSX, and/or alternative Canadian trading systems, at the prevailing market price at the time of the transaction.

In accordance with TSX rules, any daily repurchases made through the TSX and alternative Canadian trading systems would beis limited to a maximum of 80,28779,933 common shares, which represents 25% of the average daily trading volume on the TSX of 321,151319,734 common shares for the period from February 1, 20172019 to July 31, 2017.2019. The TSX rules also allow the Company to purchase, once a week, a block of common shares not owned by any insiders, which may exceed such daily limit. The maximum number of shares that can be purchased per day on the NYSE will be 25% of the average daily trading volume for the four calendar weeks preceding the date of purchase, subject to certain exceptions for block purchases.

27

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

The timing and amounts of any repurchases pursuant to the NCIB will depend on many factors, including the Company’s capital structure, the market price of the common shares and overall market conditions. All common shares purchased under the NCIB shall be immediately cancelled following their repurchase.

For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, the Company repurchased 1,271,977 common shares pursuant to the NCIB at an aggregate cost of $105,654.  During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company did not repurchase any common shares pursuant to the NCIB.  ForAs of March 31, 2020, the nine months ended September 30, 2016,remaining maximum number of shares available for repurchase under the Company did not repurchase any common shares pursuant to thecurrent NCIB nor did Old Waste Connections repurchase shares of its common stock pursuant to its share repurchase program.was 11,912,497.

Cash Dividend

In October 2016,2019, the Company announced that its Board of Directors increased its regular quarterly cash dividend by $0.023,$0.025, from $0.097$0.16 to $0.12$0.185 per Company common share. Dividend amounts reflect the post-split basis of the three-for-two share split completed in June 2017. Cash dividends of $95,201$48,018 and $61,001$42,084 were paid during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016,2019, respectively.

17.18.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In the normal course of its business and as a result of the extensive governmental regulation of the solid waste and E&P waste industries, the Company is subject to various judicial and administrative proceedings involving Canadian regulatory authorities as well as U.S. federal, state and local agencies. In these proceedings, an agency may subpoena the Company for records, or seek to impose fines on the Company or to revoke or deny renewal of an authorization held by the Company, including an operating permit. From time to time, the Company may also be subject to actions brought by special interest or other groups, adjacent landowners or residents in connection with the permitting and licensing of landfills, transfer stations, and E&P waste treatment, recovery and disposal operations, or alleging environmental damage or violations of the permits and licenses pursuant to which the Company operates.

In addition, the Company is a party to various claims and suits pending for alleged damages to persons and property, alleged violations of certain laws and alleged liabilities arising out of matters occurring during the normal operation of the waste managementCompany’s business. Except as noted in the matters described below, as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, there is no current proceeding or litigation involving the Company or its property that the Company believes could have a material adverse impacteffect on its business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

38

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site Allocation Process

TheIn November 2012, the Company’s subsidiary, Northwest Container Services, Inc. (“NWCS”), has beenwas named by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 (the “EPA”) as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”), along with more than 100 others, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA” or the “Superfund” law) with respect to the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site (the “LDW Site”).  Listed on the National Priorities List in 2001, the LDW Site is a five-mile stretch of the Duwamish River flowing into Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington.  A group of PRPs known as the Lower Duwamish Working Group (“LDWG”) and consisting of the City of Seattle, King County, the Port of Seattle, and Boeing Company conducted a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study for the LDW Site.  On December 2, 2014, the EPA issued its Record of Decision (the “ROD”) describing the selected clean-up remedy, and therein estimated that clean-up costs (in present value dollars as of November 2014) shouldwould total aboutapproximately $342,000. However, it is possible that additional costs could be incurred based upon various factors. The EPA estimates that it will take seven years to implement the clean-up. The ROD also requires ten years of monitoring following the clean-up, and provides that if clean-up goals have not been met by the end of this period, then additional clean-up activities, at additional cost, may be required at that time. Implementation of the clean-up will not begin until after the ongoing Early Action Area (“EAA”) clean-ups have been completed.  Typically, costs for monitoring may be in

28

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

addition to those expended for the clean-up.  While three of the EAA clean-ups have been completed to date, some work remains to be done on three other EAAs.  Implementation of the clean-up also must await additional baseline sampling throughout the LDW Site and the preparation of a remedial design for performing the clean-up.

On April 27, 2016, the LDWG entered into a third amendment of its Administrative Order on Consent with the EPA (the “AOC 3”) in which it agreed to perform the additional baseline sediment sampling and certain technical studies needed to prepare the actual remedial design.  On November 9, 2016,The LDWG and the EPA and the Washington State Department of Ecology (“Ecology”) conductedentered into a public stakeholder meeting regarding the LDW Site. During the public stakeholder meeting, the EPA provided an overview of the AOC 3 pre-remedial design work and the progress of the on-going work on the EAA cleanups. At the meeting, both the EPA and Ecology estimated that the pre-design studies being performed pursuantfourth amendment to the AOC 3 would not be completed untilin July 2018 primarily addressing development of a proposed remedy for the endupper reach of 2019. The EPA and Ecology did not revise that estimate at the EPA stakeholder meeting on June 14, 2017. 

In August 2014, NWCS entered into an Alternative Dispute Resolution Memorandum of Agreement with several dozen other PRPs and a neutral allocator to conduct a confidential and non-binding allocation of certain past response costs allegedly incurred at the LDW Site, as well asriver mile 3 to river mile 5.  At the anticipated future response costs associated withApril 24, 2019 stakeholders meeting the clean-up.  The allocation process is designed to develop evidence relating to each PRP’s nexus, if any, to the LDW Site (regardless of whether that PRP is participating in the allocation process), and to determine each PRP’s shareLDWG projected completion of the past and future response costs.  The goal ofremedial design for the allocation process is toupper reach agreement on a division of responsibility between and amongst the PRPs so that the PRPs then willcould be in a position to negotiate a global settlement with the EPA. 

completed by August 2024.

On August 16, 2016, the EPA sent individual letters to each of the PRPs for the LDW Site, including NWCS, stating that it expects to initiate negotiations with all PRPs in early 2018 relating to a Remedial Design/Remedial Action (“RD/RA”) Consent Decree.  An RD/RA Consent Decree provides for the cleanup of the entire site and is often referred to as a “global settlement.”  In the letter the EPA explained this schedule, noting that it expected the pre-remedial design work under the AOC 3 to be completed by the beginningAugust 2014, NWCS entered into an Alternative Dispute Resolution Memorandum of 2018,Agreement with several dozen other PRPs and also that it understood that several PRPs are participating in a neutral allocator to conduct a confidential and non-binding allocation whichof certain past response costs allegedly incurred at the EPA was hopeful would be completed by early 2018. The EPA encouragedLDW Site as well as the PRPs to complete the allocation on a schedule consistentanticipated future response costs associated with the EPA’s intended negotiation schedule, adding that it expects to initiate the RD/RA negotiations on schedule regardless of the status of the allocation.clean-up.  The pre-remedial design work under the AOC 3 is nowwas not expected to conclude until the end of 2019, and in March 2017, the PRPs provided the EPA with notice that the allocation iswas not scheduled to conclude until mid-2019.  Later extensions pushed the allocation conclusion date to early 2020 and the EPA was informed of that schedule.  The allocation participants voted in June 2019 to extend the final allocation report deadline to July 2020.  The EPA has been informed of that change.  In January 2020, the allocator informed the parties that the allocation report will be delayed and he recently advised the parties that he hoped to issue the report by the end of May 2020.  If the preliminary report is issued in May, the final report would likely be issued in October 2020.  In June 2017, attorneys for the EPA informed attorneys for several PRPs that it now expectsthe EPA expected to begin RD/RA negotiations in the late summer or early fall of 2018.  The Company cannot provide assurance thatThose negotiations have not been scheduled and there is no recent indication from the EPA’s schedule can be met orEPA regarding when they will be adjusted.begin. NWCS is defending itself vigorously in this confidential allocation process.  At this point, the Company is not able to determine the likelihood of the allocation process being completed as intended by the participating PRPs, its specific allocation, or the likelihood of the parties then negotiating a global settlement with the EPA.  Thus, NWCS cannot reasonably determine the likelihood of any outcome in this matter, including its potential liability.

39

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

Under CERCLA, certain Federal, State and Indian Tribe officials are designated as natural resource trustees and have responsibility for ensuring the restoration of injured natural resources.  On February 11, 2016, NWCS received a letter (the “Letter”) from the United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”), describing certain investigatory activities conducted by the Elliott Bay Trustee Council (the “Council”).  The Council consists of all of the natural resources trustees for the LDW Site as well as two nearby Superfund sites, the Harbor Island site and the Lockheed West site.  The members of the Council include the United States, on behalf of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Washington State Department of Ecology, and the Suquamish and Muckleshoot Indian Tribes (together, the “Trustees”).  The Letter appears to allege that NWCS may be a potentially liable party that allegedly contributed to the release of hazardous substances that have injured natural resources at the LDW Site.  Damages to natural resources are in addition to clean-up costs.  The Letter, versions of which NWCS believes were sent to all or a group of the PRPs for the LDW Site, also notified its recipients of their opportunity to participate in the Trustees’ development of an Assessment Plan and the performance of a Natural Resources Damages Assessment (“NRDA”) in accordance with the Assessment Plan for both the LDW Site and the east and west waterways of the Harbor Island site.  NWCS timely responded with correspondence to the NOAA Office of General Counsel, dated March 9, 2016, in which it declined the invitation at that time.  NWCS does not know how other PRPs responded to the Letter, and has not received any further communication from NOAA or the Trustees.  The Trustees have not responded to NWCS’ letter and NWCS is not aware of any further action by theletter.  The Trustees with respect to thereleased their Assessment Plan and NRDA.in March 2019.  The Assessment Plan does not set forth a timeline for implementation.  At this point, the Company is not able to determine the likelihood or amount of an assessment of natural resource damages against NWCS in connection with this matter.

29

Table of Contents

Some work is being done with respect to natural resource damages (“NRD”) at the LDW Site. On September 22, 2016, a proposed consent decree settlement was announced between the City of Seattle (the “City”) and NOAA and the other natural resource trustees for the LDW Site. The proposed NRD settlement that the City has entered into at the LDW Site, if approved, will generally provide that the City will fund the development of restoration projects by purchasing restoration credits from Bluefield Holdings, a company that develops such projects. At this time, NWCS has not been approached by either the Council or the trustees for the LDW Site regarding participation in any similar NRD settlements. In December 2016, the Lower Duwamish Fishers Study Data Report was released, which was the first step towards developing institutional controls specific to resident fish and shellfish consumption in the area.WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

Los Angeles County, California Landfill Expansion Litigation

A.Chiquita Canyon, LLC Lawsuit Against Los Angeles County

In October 2004, the Company’s subsidiary, Chiquita Canyon, LLC (“CCL”), then under prior ownership, filed an application (the “Application”) with the County of Los Angeles (the “County”) Department of Regional Planning (the “Department”(“DRP”) for a conditional use permit (“CUP”(the “CUP”) to authorize the continued operation and expansion of the Chiquita Canyon Landfill (the “Landfill”). The Landfill has operated since 1972, and as a regional landfill, accepted approximately three2 million tons of materials for disposal and beneficial use in 2016.2018.  The Application requested expansion of the existing waste footprint on CCL’s contiguous property, an increase in maximum elevation, creation of a new entrance and new support facilities, construction of a facility for the County or another third-party operator to host household hazardous waste collection events, designation of an area for mixed organics/composting, and other modifications.

Over the ensuing 12 and-a-halfAfter many years the County conducted a lengthy Permittingof reviews and Environmental Impact Review (the “Review”) of the Application, which Review was funded by the Company at substantial expense as required by the County. The County released a draft Environmental Impact Report in 2014, and subsequently revised and recirculated several chapters of that report in 2016.

Upondelays, upon the recommendation of County staff, and over CCL’s objections, the County’s Regional Planning Commission (the “Commission”) approved CCL’sthe Application on April 19, 2017, but withimposed operating conditions, fees and exactions that substantially reduce the historical landfill operations and represent a dramaticlarge increase in per-tonaggregate taxes and other fees, and include currently unquantifiable futurefees. CCL objected to many of the requirements imposed by the Commission.  Current estimates for new costs thatimposed on CCL would be forced to expend atunder the County’s direction and discretion.

CUP are in excess of $300,000.

CCL appealed the Commission’s decision to the County Board of Supervisors. Four separate appeals were also filed by opponents ofSupervisors, but the Landfill expansion project. The Board of Supervisors conducted a public hearing on all of the appeals on June 27, 2017.appeal was not successful.  At a subsequent hearing, on July 25, 2017, the Board of Supervisors approved the CUP.  The revised conditions approved by the Board of Supervisors do provide some modest relief on the original taxes and fees and the limits on materials that may be received at the Landfill on a daily, monthly, and annual basis. However, the CUP, as revised, also includes many of the Commission’s objectionable conditions and imposes additional requirements beyond those that were required by the Commission, and still includes numerous operational restrictions and taxes and fees that will likely make the continued operation of the Landfill less profitable for the Company.

40

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

On October 20, 2017, CCL filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles County a verified petition for writ of mandate and complaint against the County and the County Board of Supervisors captionedChiquita Canyon, LLC vs.v. County of Los Angeles; Los Angeles, County Board of Supervisors challenging many unlawfulNo. BS171262 (Los Angeles Co. Super Ct.) (the “Complaint”).  The Complaint challenges the terms of the CUP. CCL’s petitionCUP in 13 counts generally alleging that the County violated multiple California and complaintfederal statutes and California and federal constitutional protections. CCL seeks the following relief: (a) an injunction and writ of mandate against certain of the CUP’s operational restrictions, taxes and fees, (b) a declaration that the challenged conditions are unconstitutional and in violation of state and federal statutes, (c) reimbursement for any such illegal fees paid under protest, (d) damages, (e) an award of just compensation for a taking, (f) attorney fees, and (e) attorney fees.(g) all other appropriate legal and equitable relief.

Responding to a procedural suggestion from the Court, CCL filed its First Amended Complaint on March 23, 2018.  After full briefing, the hearing on the demurrer took place on July 17, 2018. The petitionSuperior Court sustained the demurrer and complaint detailsgranted the exemplary 40-plus year operating historymotion to strike. The effect of the Landfill,Court’s rulings was to bar CCL from proceeding with its challenges to 14 of the 29 CUP conditions at issue in the litigation, including 13 operational conditions and the many unreasonable and unlawful conditions being forced upon CCL pursuantCCL’s challenge to the CUP, which harm both$11,600 B&T Fee discussed below.  The Superior Court granted CCL leave to amend its Complaint if CCL chose to pay the $11,600 B&T fee to allow a challenge to the B&T fee to proceed under the Mitigation Fee Act. CCL paid the $11,600 B&T fee on August 10, 2018 and filed its many customers and others who dependSecond Amended Complaint on economical waste management options for Southern California. The petition and complaint estimatesAugust 16, 2018, reflecting that the CUP’s new feesB&T fee had been paid under protest and other new taxes onallowing the challenges to the B&T fee to go forward.

On September 14, 2018, CCL will total more than $250,000 oversought discretionary review by the 30-year lifetimeCalifornia Court of Appeal of the CUP.

Superior Court’s July 17, 2018 decision barring the challenge to 13 operational conditions. The Court of Appeal agreed to hear CCL’s petitionappeal and complaint explainson February 25, 2019, the Court of Appeal issued its decision, reversing the trial court orders that granted the County’s motion to strike and demurrer. The Court of Appeal ruled that CCL had adequately pled a claim that the CUP’s conditions violate several state statutes, and state and federal constitutional provisions. The statutory challenges include (a) violationsCounty was equitably estopped from contending that CCL had forfeited its rights to challenge the legality of California’s Mitigation Fee Act, which requires a reasonable relationship between fees imposedthe 13 operational conditions. CCL’s Complaint sets forth that CCL relied on representations made by the County in 2017 that CCL could reserve its legal rights to challenge the CUP in a separate reservation of rights letter rather than the affidavit of acceptance of the CUP that the County compelled Chiquita to file.

30

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

At a trial setting conference on May 28, 2019, the equitable estoppel issues in this case were discussed and the Landfill’s impacts,Superior Court continued the June 18, 2019 trial date to April 23, 2020. The Superior Court also set an evidentiary hearing on the equitable estoppel issues for November 12, 2019. Discovery occurred on these issues in July through September 2019. Following full briefing and (b) California’s Integrated Waste Management Act,oral argument on November 12, 2019, the Superior Court issued its decision on November 13, 2019, finding that the County was estopped from contending that CCL has waived its rights to challenge the legality of the 13 operational conditions. The County sought interlocutory review of the Superior Court’s decision in the Court of Appeal, which establishesdenied the County’s petition on February 7, 2020.  Trial was suspended by a comprehensive programMarch 23, 2020 order by the Superior Court in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and a new trial date has been scheduled for solid waste management and requires certain waste diversion and recycling goals.

The constitutional challenges include:

June 22, 2020.  CCL will continue to vigorously prosecute the lawsuit. However, at this point, the Company is not able to determine the likelihood of any outcome in this matter.

·B.violations of Article XIII of the California Constitution, which prohibits a local government from imposing a tax without appropriate voter approval;CEQA Lawsuit Against Los Angeles County Challenging Environmental Review for Landfill Expansion

·violations of state and federal constitutional prohibitions on discrimination against waste based on its place of origin; and

·violations of substantive due process rights guaranteed by the state and federal constitutions.

One condition of the CUP requires CCL to support the County in its legislative efforts related to amendment of certain waste laws and regulations. This condition is challenged as a clear affront to the free speech protections of the state and federal constitutions. Another onerous condition requires CCL to establish a public park on its land upon closure of the Landfill, and dedicate this land to the County upon request. This condition, among others, is challenged as a taking of private property for public use without just compensation. The petition and complaint also alleges that the County’s actions in enacting these illegal conditions were ultra vires and an abuse of its exercise of police power. The federal constitutional claims provide a basis for violations of 42 U.S.C. Section 1983, which, if successful, will entitle CCL to damages and attorneys’ fees.

The County is required to answer the petition and complaint or move to dismiss. CCL will vigorously prosecute the lawsuit and plans to seek discovery from the County regarding what evidence, if any, supports the objectionable conditions in the CUP.

A separate lawsuit involving CCL and the Landfill was recently filed on August 24, 2017 by community activists alleging that the Reviewenvironmental review underlying the CUP was inadequate under state law. CCL was named as real party in interest in a petition for writ of mandate filed on August 24, 2017 in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, against the County of Los Angeles byThe Val Verde Civic Association, Citizens for Chiquita Canyon Landfill Compliance, and the Santa Clarita Organization for Planning the Environment.Environment filed a petition for writ of mandate in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles against the County, naming CCL as the real party in interest. The lawsuit seeks to overturn the County’s approval of the CUP for the expansion of the Landfill and the certification of the final Environmental Impact Report, arguing that the report violates the California Environmental Quality Act. Pursuant to Condition No. 6 of the CUP, which requires CCL to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the County, its agents, officers, and employees from any claim or proceeding against the County brought by any third party to attack, set aside, void, or annul the CUP approval, CCL has agreed to reimburse the County by letter dated September 12, 2017 tendered thefor its legal costs associated with defense of the lawsuitlawsuit. As the real party in interest, CCL has a right to CCL.notice and an opportunity to be heard in opposition to the petition for writ of mandate. The petitioners filed their Opening Brief with the court on September 27, 2018. CCL intendsfiled its Opposition Brief with the court on November 28, 2018 and the petitioners filed their Reply Brief on December 20, 2018. A trial date had been scheduled for February 8, 2019, but on February 6, 2019, the court reassigned the case to a different judge and vacated the trial date. A new trial date was scheduled for August 23, 2019. At the conclusion of oral argument on August 23, 2019, the court asked the parties to return on September 13, 2019 for further oral argument on the odor mitigation issue. The court issued a final ruling on October 10, 2019 and a final judgment on December 4, 2019, denying the writ petition in full. On December 6, 2019, one of the petitioners, Santa Clarita Organization for Planning the Environment, filed an appeal of the court’s October 10, 2019 ruling. On December 9, 2019, the same petitioner filed an appeal of the court’s December 4, 2019 judgment.  The appellant filed its Opening Brief on March 2, 2020.  Both the County’s and CCL’s Opposition Briefs were originally due to the court on March 30, 2020. However, the Second District Court of Appeal issued orders on March 23 and April 15, 2020, extending the time to do any act required or permitted under the California Rules of Court by an additional 30 days each due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  Under the current order, the County’s and CCL’s Opposition Briefs are due to the court on May 29, 2020.

C.December 11, 2017 Notice of Violation Regarding Certain CUP Conditions.

The County, through its DRP, issued a Notice of Violation, dated December 11, 2017 (the “NOV”), alleging that CCL violated certain conditions of the CUP, including Condition 79(B)(6) of the CUP by failing to pay an $11,600 Bridge & Thoroughfare Fee (“B&T Fee”) that was purportedly due on July 25, 2017. The alleged B&T fee was ostensibly to fund the construction of transportation infrastructure in the area of the Landfill. At the time the NOV was issued, CCL had already contested the legality of the B&T fee in the October 20, 2017 Complaint filed against the County in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

On January 12, 2018, CCL filed an appeal of the alleged violations in the NOV.  Subsequently, CCL filed additional legal arguments and exhibits contesting the NOV.  On March 6, 2018, a DRP employee designated as hearing officer

31

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

sustained the NOV, including the $11,600 B&T fee, and imposed an administrative penalty in the amount of $83 and a noncompliance fee of $0.75. A written decision memorializing the hearing officer’s findings and order, dated July 10, 2018, was received by CCL on July 12, 2018.  On April 13, 2018, CCL filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles a Petition for Writ of Administrative Mandamus against the County seeking to overturn the decision sustaining the NOV, contending that the NOV and decision are not supported by the facts or law.  On June 22, 2018, Chiquita filed a Motion for Stay seeking to halt enforcement of the B&T fee and penalty and the accrual of any further penalties pending the resolution of the Petition for Writ of Mandamus. The motion was heard and denied by the Court on July 17, 2018.  As explained above, the Court granted CCL leave to pay the $11,600 B&T fee and to amend its Complaint to reflect the payment under protest, allowing the challenge to the B&T fee to proceed.  CCL paid the B&T fee on August 10, 2018, and also paid on that date the administrative penalty of $83 and a noncompliance fee of $0.75. As directed by the Court, CCL amended its Complaint in a Second Amended Complaint filed in the CUP action on August 16, 2018. The Court indicated that the NOV case would likely be tried in conjunction with the CUP case, set for June 18, 2019, and that the cases would be coordinated.  At the May 28, 2019 trial setting conference referenced above where the trial of the CUP case was set for April 23, 2020, the Superior Court set the trial for the B&T fee/NOV case for June 25, 2020.  However, following the rescheduling of the trial date for the CUP case, the Superior Court agreed to continue the trial date for the B&T fee/NOV case to October 20, 2020.  CCL will continue to vigorously defendprosecute the lawsuit.  AtHowever, at this point, the Company is not able to determine the likelihood of any outcome in this matter.

18.SUBSEQUENT EVENT

Town of Colonie, New York Landfill Expansion Litigation

On OctoberApril 16, 2014, the Town of Colonie (the “Town”) filed an application (the “Application”) with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“DEC”) to modify the Town’s then-current Solid Waste Management Facility Permit and for other related permits to authorize the development and operation of Area 7 of the Town of Colonie Landfill (the “Landfill”), which is located in Albany County, New York.  DEC issued the requested permits on April 5, 2018 (the “Permits”).  The Company’s subsidiary, Capital Region Landfills, Inc. (“CRL”), has been the sole operator of the Landfill since September 2011 pursuant to an operating agreement between CRL and the Town.

On May 7, 2018, the Town of Halfmoon, New York, and five of its residents, commenced an Article 78 special proceeding in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Saratoga County, against DEC, the Town, CRL, and the Company (the “Halfmoon Proceeding”).  On that same date, the Town of Waterford, New York, and eleven of its residents, also commenced an Article 78 special proceeding in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Saratoga County, against the same respondents (the “Waterford Proceeding”).  On June 4, 2018, the Town and CRL filed Verified Answers, including motions to dismiss the petitions, and the Company separately moved to dismiss the petitions.  The Waterford Petitioners stipulated to removing the Company as a respondent when they filed an Amended Verified Petition on June 15, 2018.  The Halfmoon Petitioners served an Amended Verified Petition on July 5, 2018, retaining all originally named parties, including the Company.

The Petitioners alleged that, in granting the Permits, DEC failed to comply with the procedural and substantive requirements of New York’s Environmental Conservation Law and State Environmental Quality Review Act, and their implementing regulations.  The Petitioners asked the court to: annul the Permits and invalidate DEC’s Findings Statement, enjoin the Town and CRL from taking any action authorized by the Permits, require an issues conference and possibly an adjudicatory hearing before DEC can re-consider the Town’s permit application; remand all regulatory issues to a DEC Administrative Law Judge; and award costs and disbursements.  The Waterford Petitioners also requested reasonable attorneys’ fees.

On July 13, 2018, the Honorable Ann C. Crowell granted a venue change motion filed by DEC, and ordered that the Halfmoon Proceeding and the Waterford Proceeding be transferred to the Supreme Court, Albany County.  CRL’s opposition submissions, including its responsive pleadings, Memorandum of Law, and supporting Affidavits, were filed

32

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

and served on or before July 25, 2017,2018.  On August 28, 2018, the Towns of Waterford and Halfmoon filed a motion seeking an order preliminarily enjoining during the pendency of the proceedings all activities relating to the expansion of the Landfill which are authorized by the Permits.  On September 18, 2018, CRL and the Company filed and served Memoranda of Law in opposition to the preliminary injunction motion, with supporting Affidavits, and, on September 24, 2018, the Towns of Waterford and Halfmoon filed a Reply Memorandum of Law in further support of their injunctive motion.  The Honorable Debra J. Young denied the Petitioners’ motion for preliminary injunction on November 30, 2018.

On January 23, 2019, the court held that the Petitioners lacked standing to maintain the proceedings and dismissed both the Waterford and Halfmoon Amended Verified Petitions in their entirety.  In late February and early March 2019, the Waterford and Halfmoon Petitioners filed notices of appeal to the Appellate Division, Third Department, of both Judge Crowell’s decision to transfer the proceedings to Albany County and of Judge Young’s dismissal of the Amended Verified Petitions.  

On March 7, 2019, the Waterford Petitioners moved, with consent of the Halfmoon Petitioners, to consolidate the appeals.  Respondents opposed the consolidation motion to the extent that it may result in inequitable briefing under the Appellate Division rules.  On April 4, 2019, the Appellate Division, Third Department granted the consolidation motion “to the extent that the appeals shall be heard together and may be perfected upon a joint record on appeal.”

On April 26, 2019, the Waterford Petitioners filed a motion with the Appellate Division, Third Department, seeking an order preliminarily enjoining construction activities or the acceptance of waste at the Landfill.  The Company, CRL, and the Town of Colonie opposed the motion, which was summarily denied by the Third Department, Appellate Division on June 20, 2019.

On June 25, 2019, the Waterford Petitioners filed their appellate brief and the joint record on appeal.  The Halfmoon Petitioners filed their appellate brief on August 21, 2019.  The Company, CRL, and the Town filed their joint appellee brief and supplemental appendix on November 20, 2019.  On February 24, 2020, after receiving multiple filing extensions, DEC filed its appellee brief and supplemental appendix.  The Waterford and Halfmoon Petitioners filed their reply briefs on March 10, 2020 and March 13, 2020, respectively.  As such, the appeals are fully briefed.

The Appellate Division, Third Department originally scheduled the appeals to be argued during the court’s May 2020 term.  On April 8, 2020, the Third Department adjourned the appeals (and all other appeals scheduled for the May 2020 term) as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, and informed the parties that the appeals would be scheduled during a future, unspecified, appellate term.

19.SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On April 23, 2020, the Company announced that its Board of Directors increased its regular quarterly cash dividend by $0.02, from $0.12 to $0.14 per Company common share, and then declaredapproved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.14$0.185 per Company common share. The dividend will be paid on November 22, 2017,May 19, 2020, to shareholders of record on the close of business on November 8, 2017.May 5, 2020.

On April 30, 2020, the Company repaid $500,000 on its revolver under its Credit Agreement with available cash on hand in conjunction with its monthly loan borrowing and repayment activities.

41

The U.S. Department of Treasury finalized regulations on April 7, 2020 under Internal Revenue Code section 267A related to the deductibility of certain related-party payments.  With these regulations becoming finalized, the Company expects that certain related-party payments taken into account for purposes of preparing the Company’s 2019 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which were issued prior to these section 267A regulations being finalized, will not be deductible on the Company’s 2019 income tax returns which will be filed later this year.  Although the determination of

33

Table of Contents

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE, PER TON AND PER GALLON AMOUNTS)

the ultimate tax liability resulting from these related-party payments no longer being deductible on the Company’s 2019 income tax returns remains under review, the Company estimates an additional income tax expense will result of approximately $27,400. Since the regulations were finalized after the Company’s first quarter, the additional tax expense related to 2019 resulting from the final regulations will be included in the Company’s quarterly reporting period ending June 30, 2020.

The challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak on the global economy increased significantly as the first quarter progressed, impacting the demand for Waste Connections’ services in varying ways across the U.S. and Canada and across a variety of lines of business, including commercial collection and solid waste and E&P waste disposal.  In response to COVID-19, 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.  The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows will depend largely on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak in the U.S. and Canada, its severity, the actions to contain the novel coronavirus or treat its impact, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time.

34

Item 2.

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

On June 1, 2016, pursuant to the terms of the AgreementFinancial Condition and PlanResults of Merger dated as of January 18, 2016 (the “Merger Agreement”), Water Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. (“Merger Sub”), merged with and into Waste Connections US, Inc. (f/k/a Waste Connections, Inc.), a Delaware corporation (“Old Waste Connections”) in an all-stock business combination with Old Waste Connections continuing as the surviving corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Waste Connections, Inc. (f/k/a Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd.), a corporation organized under the laws of Ontario, Canada (“New Waste Connections,” “WCI” or the “Company”). We use the term “Progressive Waste” herein in the context of references to Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. and its shareholders prior to the completion of the Progressive Waste acquisition on June 1, 2016.

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Old Waste Connections’ stockholders received 3.1152645 New Waste Connections shares for each Old Waste Connections share they owned. Immediately following the completion of the Progressive Waste acquisition, New Waste Connections also completed (i) a consolidation whereby every 3.1152645 common shares outstanding were converted into one common share (the “Consolidation”) and (ii) an amalgamation with a wholly-owned subsidiary whereby its legal name was changed from Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. to Waste Connections, Inc. (the “Amalgamation”). Upon completion of the Progressive Waste acquisition, Old Waste Connections’ former stockholders owned approximately 70% of the combined company, and Progressive Waste’s former shareholders owned approximately 30%. Following the completion of the Progressive Waste acquisition, the Consolidation and the Amalgamation, on June 1, 2016, the post-Consolidation common shares of New Waste Connections commenced trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) and on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “WCN.” The common stock of Old Waste Connections, which traded previously under the symbol “WCN,” has ceased trading on, and has been delisted from, the NYSE.

The Company is led by Old Waste Connections’ management team and the Board of Directors of the combined company includes the five members of Old Waste Connections’ board and two members from Progressive Waste’s board.

Operations

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

CertainPlease read our discussion of forward-looking statements containedand our restated risk factors in Part II, Item 1A, beginning on page 58 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking in nature, including statements relatedreport, together with this MD&A.  They include additional information about trends, uncertainties and risks to our ability to draw on our Credit Agreement or raise other capital, the responsibilities of our subsidiaries with regard to possible cleanup obligations imposed by the EPA or other regulatory authorities, the impact of global, regional and local economic conditions, including the price of crude oil, on our volume, business and results of operations, the effects of seasonality on our business and results of operations, our ability to address any impacts of inflation on our business, demand for recyclable commodities (including landfill gas reclamation) and recyclable commodity pricing, our expectations with respect to capital expenditures, our expectations with respect to our ability to obtain expansions of permitted landfill capacity and to provide collection services under exclusive arrangements, our expectations with respect to our normal course issuer bid (our share repurchase program) and future dividend payments, our expectations with respect to the outcomes of our legal proceedings, our expectations with respect to the potential financial impairment of our reporting units caused by dispositions of certain operating units, our expectations about new accounting standards, our expectations about potential non-performance by counterparties to our hedge agreements and our expectations with respect to the anticipated benefits of the Progressive Waste acquisition and other acquisitions. 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, those listed below and elsewhere in this report. 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.

Our business and operations are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and, consequently, actual results may differ materially from those projected by any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those projected include, but are not limited to, the following:

·Our industry is highly competitive and includes 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;

·We may lose contracts through competitive bidding, early termination or governmental action;

42

·Our financial and operating performance may be affected by the inability to renew landfill operating permits, obtain new landfills and expand existing ones;

·Increases in labor costs could impact our financial results;

·Price increases may not be adequate to offset the impact of increased costs, or may cause us to lose customers;

·The integration following the Progressive Waste acquisition may not achieve the anticipated benefits or may disrupt our operations;

·We plan to divest certain assets acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition, which may result in lower than expected consideration or recorded losses on sale of assets, and such divestitures may take longer than expected to complete;

·A portion of our growth and future financial performance depends on our ability to integrate acquired businesses, and the success of our acquisitions;

·Competition for acquisition candidates, consolidation within the waste industry and economic and market conditions may limit our ability to grow through acquisitions;

·Our results are vulnerable to economic conditions;

·The seasonal nature of our business and “event-driven” waste projects cause our results to fluctuate;

·Our results will be affected by changes in recycled commodity prices;

·Our results will be affected by changes in the value of renewable fuel;

·Lower 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;

·Increases in the price of diesel or compressed natural gas fuel may adversely affect our collection business and reduce our operating margins;

·Our financial results are based upon estimates and assumptions that may differ from actual results;

·Our accruals for our landfill site closure and post-closure costs may be inadequate;

·Increases in insurance costs and the amount that we self-insure for various risks could reduce our operating margins and reported earnings;

·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;

·Pending or future litigation or governmental proceedings could result in material adverse consequences, including judgments or settlements;

·Our financial results could be adversely affected by impairments of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangibles or property and equipment;

·Income taxes may be uncertain;

·Future changes to U.S., Canadian and foreign tax laws could materially adversely affect us;

·We may not be able to maintain a competitive effective corporate tax rate;

43

·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;

·Our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and limit our financial flexibility;

·We may be unable to obtain performance or surety bonds, letters of credit or other financial assurances or to maintain adequate insurance coverage;

·Our operations in Canada expose us to exchange rate fluctuations that could adversely affect our financial performance and our reported results of operations;

·Alternatives to landfill disposal may cause our revenues and operating results to decline;

·Labor union activity could divert management attention and adversely affect our operating results;

·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;

·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;

·Extensive and evolving environmental, health and safety laws and regulations may restrict our operations and growth and increase our costs;

·Our business is subject to operational and safety risks, including the risk of personal injury to employees and others;

·Future changes in laws regulating the flow of solid waste in interstate commerce could adversely affect our operating results;

·Extensive regulations that govern the design, operation, expansion and closure of landfills may restrict our landfill operations or increase our costs of operating landfills;

·Our E&P waste business could be adversely affected by changes in laws regulating E&P waste;

·Liabilities for environmental damage may adversely affect our financial condition, business and earnings;

·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;

·Our decentralized decision-making structure could allow local managers to make decisions that may adversely affect our operating results; and

·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 this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, made by the Company, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as in the Company’s filings during the year with the Canadian Securities Administrators. 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.

44

OVERVIEW OF OUR BUSINESS

We are an integrated solid waste services company that provides non-hazardous waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services in mostly exclusive and secondary markets in the U.S. and Canada. Through our R360 Environmental Solutions subsidiary, we are also a leading provider of non-hazardous exploration and production, or E&P, waste treatment, recovery and disposal services in several of the most active natural resource producing areas in the U.S. We also provide intermodal services for the rail haul movement of cargo and solid waste containers in the Pacific Northwest through a network of intermodal facilities.

We generally seek to avoid highly competitive, large urban markets and instead target markets where we can attain high market share either through exclusive contracts, vertical integration or asset positioning. In markets where waste collection services are provided under exclusive arrangements, or where waste disposal is municipally owned or funded or available at multiple municipal sources, we believe that controlling the waste stream by providing collection services under exclusive arrangements is often more important to our growth and profitability than owning or operating landfills. We also target niche markets, like E&P waste treatment and disposal services.

As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, we served residential, commercial, industrial and E&P customers in 3842 states in the U.S. and fivesix provinces in Canada:  Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming, and the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec and Québec. 

Saskatchewan.

The solid waste industry is a local and highly competitive business,in nature, requiring substantial labor and capital resources. The participants compete for collection accounts primarily on the basis of price and, to a lesser extent, the quality of service, and compete for landfill business on the basis of tipping fees, geographic location and quality of operations. The solid waste industry has been consolidating and continues to consolidate as a result of a number of factors, including the increasing costs and complexity associated with waste management operations and regulatory compliance. Many small independent operators and municipalities lack the capital resources, management, operating skills and technical expertise necessary to operate effectively in such an environment. The consolidation trend has caused solid waste companies to operate larger landfills that have complementary collection routes that can use company-owned disposal capacity. Controlling the point of transfer from haulers to landfills has become increasingly important as landfills continue to close and disposal capacity moves farther from the collection markets it serves.

Generally, the most profitable operators within the solid waste industry are those companies that are vertically integrated or enter into long-term collection contracts. A vertically integrated operator will benefit from:  (1) the internalization of waste, which is bringing waste to a company-owned landfill; (2) the ability to charge third-party haulers tipping fees either at landfills or at transfer stations; and (3) the efficiencies gained by being able to aggregate and process waste at a transfer station prior to landfilling.

The E&P waste services industry is regional in nature and is also highly fragmented, with acquisition opportunities available in several active natural resource basins. Competition for E&P waste comes primarily from smaller regional companies that utilize a variety of disposal methods and generally serve specific geographic markets, and other solid waste companies. In addition, customers in many markets have the option of using internal disposal methods or outsourcing to another third-party disposal company. The principal competitive factors in this business include: gaining customer approval of treatment and disposal facilities; location of facilities in relation to customer activity; reputation; reliability of

35

services; track record of environmental compliance; ability to accept multiple waste types at a single facility; and price. The demand for our E&P waste services depends on the continued demand for, and production of, oil and natural gas. Crude oil and natural gas prices historically have been volatile andvolatile. More recently, the substantial reductions in crude oil prices that began in October 2014, and continued through 2015 and into early 2016, resulted in a decline in the level of drilling and production activity, reducing the demand for E&P waste services in the basins in which we operate. The pricesvalue of crude oil has declined precipitously and natural gas have recovered from theircurrently remains at historic low point in February 2016 andlevels.  To the demand for our E&P waste services has improved as a result of increased production ofextent that oil and natural gas. Ifprices remain depressed, this recovery of the prices of crude oil and natural gas is not sustained, or if a further reduction in crude oil and natural gas prices occurs, it could lead to continued declines in the level of production activity and demand for our E&P waste services.  To the extent that the outlook for future oil prices and resulting demand for our E&P waste services whichdoes not show improvement, this could result in the recognition of impairment charges on our intangible assets and property and equipment associated with our E&P operations.segment. At March 31, 2020, our E&P segment had $832.7 million of property and equipment and $59.6 million of non-goodwill intangible assets. Our operations in the Williston Basin have experienced a higher proportion of decline in demand due to the higher cost of exploration and production in that area. At March 31, 2020, our E&P segment’s operations in the Williston Basin had $376.1 million of property equipment and $2.4 million of non-goodwill intangible assets. We estimate that any future impairment charge associated with our Williston Basin operations could result in a write down of approximately 90% to 95% of the carrying value on the property and equipment and intangible assets.

THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

During the first quarter of 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) emerged across North America.  According to media reports, the first cases of COVID-19 were identified in the United States on January 20, 2020 in Washington State and in Canada on January 27, 2020 in the Province of Ontario.  The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on March 11, 2020.

The COVID-19 outbreak did not significantly impact our financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2020.  However, the outbreak did begin to cause adverse impacts on our business during March 2020, when we experienced decreasing revenues associated with declines primarily in commercial collection, transfer station and landfill volumes as a result of COVID-19 economic disruptions.  In addition, and to a lesser extent, solid waste roll off revenue was impacted in some markets, and year-over-year revenue reductions in our E&P segment resulting primarily from the drop in the value of crude oil due to increased global supplies may also be related to COVID-19.  In late February we formed a task force to commence preparedness in the event the scope of the COVID-19 outbreak expanded.  Protecting the health, safety and welfare of our employees was and remains our first priority, which led to our introduction of various health and safety protocols in early March, including the distribution of safety and preparedness updates, revised policies on employee time off, leaves of absence and short-term disability, modifications to our operations to minimize community spread of COVID-19, and enhanced resources to enable remote working, communications and digital connectivity to help non-frontline employees work from home more efficiently.

In recognition of the Company’s status as an essential services provider, and to reduce employee concerns regarding income, healthcare and family obligations, we implemented a supplemental pay bonus for frontline employees representing 80% of our workforce, emergency wages for employees out-of-work due to COVID-19 and extended benefits coverage in markets where reductions in customer activity have impacted employee hours.  In addition, we expanded our Employee Relief Fund and initiated the Waste Connections Scholarship Program to help employee children achieve their vocational, technical and university education goals.  These actions increased our cost of operations nominally in the quarter and will further impact the second quarter of 2020.  We also implemented a number of measures to reduce our operating costs and preserve cash, which included hiring limitations, wage freezes for all managers and region and corporate personnel, restrictions on travel, group meetings and other discretionary spending, and the suspension of the Company’s 401(k) match effective June 1.  In addition, we began and intend to continue deferring qualified U.S. payroll and other tax payments as permitted by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which the U.S. government enacted on March 27, 2020.  To the extent available, we may utilize similar programs being offered by the federal and provincial governments in Canada.  With respect to our liquidity and capital resources, as of March 31, 2020, the Company had $1.2 billion of cash and equivalents and $762.6 million of remaining borrowing capacity under our Credit Agreement, which matures in March 2023.  We have since paid down $500 million on the Credit Agreement in conjunction with our monthly loan borrowing and repayment activities and had over $1.2 billion in remaining borrowing capacity as of May 1, 2020 on the revolver under our Credit Agreement.  We also reduced our projected capital expenditures for 2020 by approximately $110 million, which we believe, in addition to the cost cutting measures described above, will help offset a portion of the impact associated with the COVID-19-related decreases primarily in commercial collection activity and landfill volumes.

36

Based on improving weekly operating data, we believe that our April results may reflect the depth of COVID-19-related financial impacts to our business.  Our data indicates that the pace of declines in solid waste in our most affected markets peaked in late-March and slowed considerably during April.  In late April, we saw mid to high single digit percentage upticks off of weekly lows in our solid waste landfill volumes and roll-off activity, with over 70% of locations showing improvement.  Additionally, about 12% of our solid waste commercial customers and 9% of associated revenue in competitive markets we track that had suspended or reduced service due to COVID-19, have since reached out for either a resumption of service or an increase in frequency.  Notwithstanding the trends we experienced in April or any other single month, the ultimate extent of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows will depend largely on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak in the U.S. and Canada, its severity, the actions to contain the novel coronavirus or treat its impact, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted.   

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities in the condensed consolidated financial statements. As described by the SEC, critical accounting estimates and assumptions are those that may be material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to change, and that have a material impact on the financial condition or operating performance of a company. Such critical accounting estimates and assumptions are applicable to our reportable segments. Refer to our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete description of our critical accounting estimates and assumptions.

45

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

For a description of the new accounting standards that affect us, see Note 3 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

46

37

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017MARCH 31, 2020 AND 2016

2019

The following table sets forth items in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income in thousands of U.S. dollars and as a percentage of revenues for the periods indicated.

 Three months ended September 30,  Nine months ended September 30, 
 2017  2016  2017  2016 

Three Months Ended March 31, 

   

2020

    

2019

    

Revenues 1,206,478   100.0% 1,084,922   100.0% 3,473,313   100.0% 2,327,241   100.0%

$

1,352,404

    

100.0

%  

$

1,244,637

    

100.0

%  

Cost of operations  695,122   57.6   636,310   58.7   2,024,402   58.3   1,339,764   57.6 

815,424

60.3

733,690

59.0

Selling, general and administrative  128,200   10.6   129,576   11.9   383,600   11.0   349,995   15.0 

136,052

10.1

132,586

10.7

Depreciation  136,941   11.4   125,744   11.6   395,008   11.4   270,988   11.6 

150,821

11.2

146,847

11.8

Amortization of intangibles  26,613   2.2   26,944   2.5   76,886   2.2   48,719   2.1 

31,638

2.3

30,542

2.4

Impairments and other operating items  832   0.1   7,682   0.7   141,333   4.1   4,634   0.2 

1,506

0.1

16,112

1.3

Operating income  218,770   18.1   158,666   14.6   452,084   13.0   313,141   13.5 

 

216,963

 

16.0

 

184,860

 

14.8

                                

Interest expense  (32,471)  (2.7)  (27,621)  (2.5)  (92,763)  (2.7)  (65,291)  (2.8)

 

(37,990)

(2.8)

(37,287)

(3.0)

Interest income  1,656   0.1   171   0.0   3,131   0.1   447   0.0 

 

2,175

0.2

3,311

0.3

Other income (expense), net  1,709   0.2   500   0.0   3,561   0.1   (268)  (0.0)

 

(9,521)

(0.7)

2,661

0.2

Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)  (1,864)  (0.1)  (350)  (0.0)  (3,502)  (0.1)  339   0.0 
Income tax provision  (64,390)  (5.4)  (42,485)  (3.9)  (100,220)  (2.9)  (86,750)  (3.8)

 

(28,734)

(2.1)

(27,968)

(2.2)

Net income  123,410   10.2   88,881   8.2   262,291   7.5   161,618   6.9 

 

142,893

 

10.6

 

125,577

 

10.1

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests  (183)  (0.0)  (264)  (0.0)  (559)  (0.0)  (670)  (0.0)

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

142

0.0

45

0.0

Net income attributable to Waste Connections 123,227   10.2% 88,617   8.2% 261,732   7.5% 160,948   6.9%

$

143,035

 

10.6

%  

$

125,622

 

10.1

%  

Revenues.  Total revenues increased $121.6$107.8 million, or 11.2%8.7%, to $1.206$1.352 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from $1.085$1.245 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Total revenues increased $1.146 billion, or 49.2%, to $3.473 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $2.327 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

March 31, 2019.  

During the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, incremental revenue from acquisitions closed during, or subsequent to, the three months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2019, increased revenues by approximately $61.3$64.1 million.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, incremental revenue from acquisitions closed during, or subsequent to, the nine months ended September 30, 2016, increased revenues by approximately $991.1 million, of which the Progressive Waste acquisition contributed $826.9 million.

  

Operations that were divested in 2017subsequent to March 31, 2019 decreased revenues by approximately $21.1 million and $25.8$4.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.

March 31, 2020.

During the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, the net increase in prices charged to our customers at our existing operations was $32.8$64.5 million, consisting of $32.6$63.0 million of core price increases and $0.2$1.5 million from fuel, materials and environmental surcharges due primarily to an increase in the market price of diesel fuel. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the net increase in prices charged to our customers at our existing operations was $66.3 million, consisting of $65.4 million of core price increases and $0.9 million from fuel, materials and environmental surcharges due primarily to an increase in the market price of diesel fuel.

surcharges.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, volume increasesdecreases in our existing business decreased solid waste revenues by $4.0 million. We estimate that the impact of one additional business day resulting from leap year occurring in the three months ended March 31, 2020 increased solid waste revenues by $5.0approximately $7.0 million. Additionally, we estimate that the impact of economic disruptions resulting from COVID-19 during the three months ended March 31, 2020 reduced our solid waste volumes by approximately $12.0 million, and $28.6 million, respectively, from increasesprimarily in commercial collection, roll off collection, transfer station volumesdisposal and landfill volumesmunicipal solid waste disposal in each of our solid waste segments.

The economic disruptions resulting from COVID-19 that began in March 2020 and increased construction and general economic activity in our markets, partially offset by declinesthe second quarter of 2020 are expected to result in residential volumes resulting from certain contracts acquired withcontinued reductions of solid waste volume during the acquisitionremainder of Progressive Waste that were terminated subsequent to June 30, 2016 and declines in commercial volumes due to intentional losses of certain low margin commercial collection customers. 2020.

E&P revenues at facilities owned and fully-operated during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 increasedMarch 31, 2020 and 2019 decreased by $24.7 million and $50.7 million, respectively,$3.9 million. This decrease in revenues was due primarily to a partial recoveryyear over year decrease in crude oil prices increasing drillingthe Williston Basin and Eagle Ford Basin, partially offset by higher activity and E&P disposal volumes at the majority of our sites, with the most significant increases in the Permian Basin and Louisiana.the Gulf of Mexico. Overall demand for E&P waste services and related drilling and production activity levels were impacted by the drop in the value of crude oil due to the increased supply of oil resulting from Saudi Arabia and Russia abandoning production quotas and increasing production levels that was exacerbated by the impact of COVID-19. We estimate that the reduction in oil prices that began in March 2020 resulting from these developments caused a decrease in drilling and production activity, reducing the demand for E&P waste services in certain basins in which we operate and contributing to an approximate $2.0 million decrease in our E&P revenues.

47

38

An increaseA decrease in the average Canadian dollar to U.S. dollar currency exchange rate resulted in an increasea decrease in revenues of $7.6 million and $5.8$1.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Our Canada segment was formed in conjunction with the Progressive Waste acquisition on June 1, 2016; therefore, Canadian dollar to U.S. dollar exchange rate changes did not impact our revenues or results of operations prior to June 1, 2016.March 31, 2020. The average Canadian dollar to U.S. dollar exchange rates on our Canadian revenues were 0.79860.7447 and 0.7523 in the three months ended September 30, 2017, 0.7663 in three months ended September 30, 2016, 0.7870 in the four-month period of June to September 2017March 31, 2020 and 0.7686 in the four-month period from June to September 2016.

2019, respectively.

Revenues from sales of recyclable commodities at facilities owned during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016 increased $7.92019 decreased $4.4 million and $22.6 million, respectively, due primarily to increaseddecreased prices for recyclable commodities, which began to recover in the second half of 2016, continuing through August 2017. In September 2017, prices for recyclable commodities, primarily old corrugated cardboard began to decline due toand other fiber products resulting from a reduction in overseas demand.  Recyclable commodity revenue was $41.6 million and $124.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. If the reductions in prices for recyclable commodities, which began in September 2017, continue into the fourth quarter of 2017 and the full year of 2018, we believe our fourth quarter 2017 and full year 2018 revenue from sales of recyclable commodities will decrease approximately 6% and 27%, respectively, from the comparable periods.

Other revenues increaseddecreased by $3.4 million and $6.8$2.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,March 31, 2020, due primarily to an increasea reduction in intermodal cargo volumes and a reduction in the prices for renewable energy credits associated with the generation of landfill gas sales at our Canada segment of $4.0 million and $5.9 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.segment.  

Cost of Operations.  Total cost of operations increased $58.8$81.7 million, or 9.2%11.1%, to $695.1$815.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from $636.3$733.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019. The increase was primarily the result of $39.1$39.9 million of operating costs from acquisitions closed during, or subsequent to, the three months ended September 30, 2016March 31, 2019 and an increase in operating costs at our existing operations of $35.6$47.4 million, assuming foreign currency parity, partially offset by a decrease in operating costs of $15.9$4.8 million at operations divested during, or subsequent to, the three months ended March 31, 2019 and a decrease of $0.8 million resulting from a decrease in 2017.

the average foreign currency exchange rate in effect during the comparable reporting periods.

The increase in operating costs at our existing operations of $35.6$47.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020, assuming foreign currency parity, was comprised of an increase in labor expenses of $8.2$17.8 million due primarily to employee pay rate increases and an additional calendar and business day in the current year period due to leap year, as well as supplemental pay, emergency wages and other COVID-19-related employee costs, an increase in third-party truckingexpenses for auto and transportation expensesworkers’ compensation claims of $6.8$10.1 million due primarily to increased transfer stationhigher claims severity in the current year period and landfill volumes that require usnon-recurring adjustments recorded in the prior year period to transport the waste to our disposal sites, an increase in taxesdecrease projected losses on revenues of $5.9 million due to increased revenues in our solid waste markets,outstanding claims, an increase in truck, container, equipment and facility maintenance and repair expenses of $4.6$9.3 million due to parts and service rate increases and variability inimpacting the timing and severity of major repairs, an increase in fuel expense of $3.6 million due to increases in the market price of diesel fuel, an increase in expenses associated with the purchase of recyclable commodities of $2.3 million due to increased recyclable commodity values, an increase of $2.3 million from incremental labor and repair expenses resulting from hurricanes impacting our Texas, Louisiana and Florida operations and $1.9 million of other net expense increases.

Total cost of operations increased $684.6 million, or 51.1%, to $2.024 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $1.340 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was primarily the result of $503.7 million of operating costs from the Progressive Waste acquisition, $109.3 million of additional operating costs from all other acquisitions closed during, or subsequent to, the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and an increase in operating costs at our existing operations of $91.4 million, partially offset by a decrease in operating costs of $19.8 million at operations divested in 2017.

The increase in operating costs at our existing operations of $91.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was comprised of an increase in laborthird party disposal expenses of $18.4$3.9 million due primarily to employee paydisposal rate increases and roll off collection volume increases in certain markets, an increase in truck, container, equipmentthird-party trucking and facility maintenance and repairtransportation expenses in our solid waste markets of $16.9$3.3 million due primarily to variability in the timingincreased landfill special waste volumes we received requiring outsourced transportation expenses and severity of major repairs,increased rates charged by third parties to provide trucking and transportation services, an increase in taxes on revenues of $14.6$3.2 million due primarily to increased revenues in our solid waste markets, an increase of $1.2 million resulting from higher costs per ton charged by third party processors of recyclable commodities, an increase in third-partyleachate disposal expenses of $1.1 million due to precipitation generating higher leachate volumes, an increase in property tax expenses of $1.1 million due primarily to changes in property valuation assessments and nonrecurring property tax credits recorded in the prior year period, an increase in landfill monitoring, environmental compliance and daily cover expenses of $1.0 million due to increased compliance requirements under our landfill operating permits and $0.7 million of other net expense increases, partially offset by a decrease in insurance premiums of $2.2 million due primarily to the prior year amount including the impact of additional expenses resulting from premium audits, a decrease in third party trucking and transportation expenses in our E&P segment of $13.9$1.7 million due to increased transfer stationchanges in customer mix in the Williston Basin that resulted in us reducing the scope of these services and landfill volumes that require us to transport the waste to our disposal sites, an increasea decrease in fuelcompressed natural gas expense of $6.7$1.4 million due primarily to increasesthe recognition in the market price2020 of diesel fuel, an increase in employee benefits expenses of $5.4 million due to increased severity of medical claims, an increase in expensestax credits associated with the purchase of recyclable commoditiescompressed natural gas.

Cost of $4.3 million dueoperations as a percentage of revenues increased 1.3 percentage points to increased recyclable commodity values,60.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from 59.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The increase as a percentage of revenues consisted of a 0.7 percentage point increase from an increase in expenses for auto and workers’ compensation claims, a 0.5 percentage point increase from the impact of $4.1 millionan additional calendar and business day in the current year period due to actuarial driven average claim rate increases resultingleap year, a 0.4 percentage point increase from the inclusion of historical Progressive Waste claim experience into rates for current year claims, anhigher labor expenses, a 0.4 percentage point increase of $2.3 million from incremental laborhigher maintenance and repair expenses resultingand a 0.3 percentage point increase from hurricanes impacting our Texas, Louisiana and Florida operations, an increase in equipment rental expensesthe net impact of $1.3 million primarily at our E&P segment to comply with regulatory requirements, an increase in processing cell remediation expenses at our E&P segment of $1.1 million due to increased disposal volumes, an increase in leachate disposal expenses of $0.9 million due to higher precipitation at certain landfills in our Eastern segment and $1.5 million of other net expense increases.

48

Costcost of operations as a percentage of revenues decreased 1.1 percentage points to 57.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2017, from 58.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The components of the decrease consisted of a 0.7 percentage point decrease from increased internalization of collected waste volumes, primarily in our New York markets, a 0.7 percentage point decrease from leveraging existing personnel to support increases in solid waste and E&P volumes and the benefit of improved commodity prices and a 0.1 percentage point decrease from all other net changes, partially offset by a 0.2 percentage point increaseexpenses from acquisitions closed during, or subsequent to, the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016 having operating margins lower thanMarch 31, 2019, partially offset by a 0.3 percentage point decrease associated with trucking and transportation expenses, primarily attributable to our company average andE&P segment, a 0.2 percentage point increasedecrease from expensesa decrease in insurance premiums, a 0.2 percentage point decrease resulting from the impact

39

decreased compressed natural gas expenses and leveraging decreases in per gallon diesel fuel costs and a 0.3 percentage point decrease from all other net changes.

Cost of operations as a percentage of revenuesSG&A.  SG&A expenses increased 0.7 percentage points$3.5 million, or 2.6%, to 58.3%$136.1 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from 57.6%$132.6 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019.  The componentsincrease was comprised of the increase consisted$3.5 million of a 1.4 percentage point increaseadditional SG&A expenses from operating locations at acquisitions closed during, or subsequent to, the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016 having operating margins lower thanMarch 31, 2019 and an increase of $0.2 million in SG&A expenses at our company average, a 0.2 percentage point increase from higher third party trucking and transportation expenses and a 0.3 percentage point increase from all other net changes,existing operations, assuming foreign currency parity, partially offset by a 0.6 percentage point decrease of $0.2 million resulting from increased internalization of collected waste volumes, primarilya decrease in our New York markets and a 0.6 percentage point decrease from leveraging existing personnel to support increasesthe average foreign currency exchange rate in solid waste and E&P volumes andeffect during the benefit of improved commodity prices.comparable reporting periods.

SG&A.The increase in SG&A expenses decreased $1.4 million, or 1.1%, to $128.2at our existing operations, assuming foreign currency parity, of $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, from $129.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decreaseMarch 31, 2020 was comprised of a decreasean increase of $7.3$3.3 million in integration-related professional fees and severance-relatedequity-based compensation expenses incurredassociated with the current year period adjustment of Waste Connections, Inc. common shares held in our deferred compensation plan by certain key executives to fair value as a result of the shares being exchanged for other investment options, an increase in accrued recurring cash incentive compensation expense to our management of $3.1 million, an increase in payroll expenses of $2.4 million as a result of annual pay increases, an increase in expenses for uncollectible accounts receivable of $1.2 million due to the prior year period for Progressive Waste personnel who were not permanently retained as employeeshaving a higher amount of New Waste Connections following the closerecoveries of the Progressive Waste acquisition, a decreaseprior period accounts receivable previously deemed uncollectible, an increase in software licenses and subscriptions expenses of $5.3$1.0 million resulting from the nonrecurring prior year accrual of incentive compensation expenses to certain of our executive officers and key employees relateddue primarily to the achievementaddition of defined synergy goals realizednew sales and customer service applications and $1.0 million of other net expense increases, partially offset by New Waste Connections from the acquisition of Progressive Waste, a decrease in share-baseddeferred compensation expenses of $2.1$6.5 million due to less outstanding sharesas a result of decreases in the current period formarket value of investments to which employee deferred compensation liability balances are tracked, a decrease in equity-based compensation expenses of $3.8 million associated with equity awards accounted for as liabilities that were granted to employees of Progressive Waste prior to June 1, 2016 which are subject to valuation adjustments each period based on changes in fair value due to decreases in both the number of outstanding awards and the per share valuation of our common shares and a further decrease in equity-based compensation expenses of $1.9$1.5 million consistingresulting primarily from non-recurring prior year period adjustments to the amount of performance-based restricted share units granted in 2017 that were estimated to ultimately vest.

SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased 0.6 percentage points to 10.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from operations divested in 2017,10.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The decrease as a percentage of revenues consisted of a 0.5 percentage point decrease from lower deferred compensation expenses, a 0.2 percentage point decrease from leveraging existing SG&A personnel to support our growth and a 0.1 percentage point decrease from lower equity-based compensation expenses, partially offset by $3.8a 0.1 percentage point increase from higher cash incentive compensation expense and a 0.1 percentage point increase from all other changes.

Depreciation.  Depreciation expense increased $4.0 million, or 2.7%, to $150.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from $146.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019.  The increase was comprised of additional SG&A expensesdepreciation and depletion expense of $6.1 million from operating locations at acquisitions closed during, or subsequent to, the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase in payroll expenses of $2.7 million due to increased corporate headcount to support the operations of Progressive Waste and annual compensation increases, an increase in accrued recurring cash incentive compensation expense to our management of $2.2 million due to the achievement of interim financial targets during the three months ended September 30, 2017, an increase in direct acquisition costs of $1.8 million resulting from an increase in acquisition activity and legal costs incurred related to divested operations, an increase in equity-based compensation expenses of $1.6 million associated with our annual recurring grant of restricted share units to our personnel, an increase in corporate travel, meetings and training expenses of $1.0 million resulting primarily from the integration of employees of Progressive Waste into New Waste Connections, an increase in expenses for uncollectible accounts receivable of $1.0 million due primarily to the collection during the three months ended September 30, 2016 of a large receivable balance that was written off as a doubtful account in a prior year, an increase in donations of $0.7 million primarily associated with financial support we have provided to our employees that were impacted by hurricanes in 2017 and $0.4 million of other net expense increases.

SG&A expenses increased $33.6 million, or 9.6%, to $383.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $350.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was comprised of $61.3 million of SG&A expenses from operating locations acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition, $12.0 million of additional SG&A expenses from operating locations at all other acquisitions closed during, or subsequent to, the nine months ended September 30, 2016, an increase in accrued recurring cash incentive compensation expense to our management of $9.8 million due to the achievement of interim financial targets during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the addition of accrued cash incentive compensation expense for the retained Progressive Waste employees, an increase in payroll expenses of $6.8 million due to increased corporate headcount to support the operations of Progressive Waste and annual compensation increases, an increase in corporate travel, meetings and training expenses of $4.8 million resulting from the integration of employees of Progressive Waste into New Waste Connections, an increase in legal, accounting and information technology professional fee expenses of $4.1 million due to increased support required as a result of growth from the acquisition of Progressive Waste, an increase in equity-based compensation expenses of $3.6 million associated with our annual recurring grant of restricted share units to our personnel, an increase in software license fees of $2.2 million to support our new payroll processing application and computer applications acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition, an increase in employee benefits expenses of $1.9 million due to increased severity of medical claims, an increase in employee relocation expenses of $1.4 million associated with corporate personnel added to support the additional administrative oversight resulting from the Progressive Waste acquisition, an increase in expenses for uncollectible accounts receivable of $1.3 million due primarily to the collection during the three months ended September 30, 2016 of a large receivable balance that was written off as a doubtful account in a prior year and increases resulting from higher industrial and special waste revenue, an increase in donations of $0.7 million primarily associated with financial support we have provided to our employees that were impacted by hurricanes in 2017, an increase in deferred compensation expense of $1.4 million resulting from deferred compensation liabilities to employees increasing as a result of increases in the market value of investments to which employee deferred compensation balances are tracked and $1.8 million of other net expense increases,March 31, 2019, partially offset by a decrease in direct acquisition costsdepreciation expense at our existing operations of $27.9$1.4 million resulting from amounts incurred in the prior year period relateddue primarily to the Progressive Waste acquisition, a decreaseimpact of $22.4 million in integration-related professional fees and severance-related expenses incurred in the prior year period for Progressive Waste personnel who were not permanently retained as employees of New Waste Connections following the close of the Progressive Waste acquisition, a decrease of $14.5 million from New Waste Connections paying excise taxes in the prior year period on the unvested or vested and undistributed equity-compensation holdings of our corporate officers and members of our Board of Directors resultingcertain equipment acquired from the Progressive Waste acquisition a decrease of $5.3 million resulting frombecoming fully depreciated subsequent to March 31, 2019 exceeding the nonrecurring prior year accrual of incentive compensation expenses to certain of our executive officers and key employees related to the achievement of defined synergy goals realized by New Waste Connections from the acquisition of Progressive Waste, a decrease in share-based compensation expenses of $4.9 million related to awards granted to employees of Progressive Waste prior to June 1, 2016 for which vesting was accelerated in the prior year period due to plan provisions regarding a change in control followed by termination of employment and resulting from less outstanding shares in the current period which are subject to valuation adjustments each period based on changes in fair value, a decrease in equity-based compensation expenses of $2.3 million resulting from the acceleration of vesting in the prior year period of performance share units granted to Old Waste Connections’ management in 2014 and 2015 and a decrease of $2.2 million consisting of SG&A expenses from operations divested in 2017.

49

SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased 1.3 percentage points to 10.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2017, from 11.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease as a percentage of revenues consists of a 0.7 percentage point decrease from integration-related professional fees and severance-related expenses related to Progressive Waste and a 0.5 percentage point decrease from the nonrecurring prior year accrual of incentive compensation expenses to certain of our executive officers and key employees related to the achievement of defined synergy goals realized by New Waste Connections from the acquisition of Progressive Waste and a 0.1 percentage point decrease from the net impact of SG&A expenses from operating locations acquired during, or subsequent to, the three months ended September 30, 2016.

SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased 4.0 percentage points to 11.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from 15.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease as a percentage of revenues consists of a 1.2 percentage point decrease from the decrease in direct acquisition costs, a 1.0 percentage point decrease from integration-related professional fees and severance-related expenses related to Progressive Waste, a 0.9 percentage point decrease from the net impact of SG&A expenses from operating locations acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition and all other acquisitions closed during, or subsequent to, the nine months ended September 30, 2016, a 0.6 percentage point decrease from excise taxes paid in the prior year period, a 0.2 percentage point decrease from the nonrecurring prior year accrual of incentive compensation expenses to certain of our executive officers and key employees related to the achievement of defined synergy goals realized by New Waste Connections from the acquisition of Progressive Waste and a net 0.1 percentage point decrease from other changes.

Depreciation.  Depreciation expense increased $11.2 million, or 8.9%, to $136.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, from $125.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  The increase was primarily the result of additional depreciation and depletion expense of $4.7 million from other acquisitions closed during, or subsequent to, the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase in depreciation expense of $3.9 million associated with additions to our fleet and equipment purchased to support our existing operations, and an increasea decrease in depletion expense of $4.8$0.5 million at our existing landfills due primarily to an increasea decrease in E&P and municipal solid waste volumes partially offset byand a decrease of $2.2$0.2 million resulting from the disposal of property and equipment with operations divested in 2017.

Depreciation expense increased $124.0 million, or 45.8%, to $395.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $271.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The increase was primarily the result of additional depreciation and depletion expense of $93.7 million from assets acquireda decrease in the Progressive Waste acquisition, additional depreciation and depletion expense of $12.9 million from all other acquisitions closedaverage foreign currency exchange rate in effect during or subsequent to, the nine months ended September 30, 2016, an increase in depreciation expense of $9.0 million associated with additions to our fleet and equipment purchased to support our existing operations and an increase in depletion expense of $11.4 million at our existing landfills due primarily to an increase in volumes, partially offset by a decrease of $3.0 million resulting from the disposal of property and equipment with operations divested in 2017.

comparable reporting periods.

Depreciation expense as a percentage of revenues decreased 0.20.6 percentage points to 11.4%11.2% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from 11.6%11.8% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019. The decreasesdecrease as a percentage of revenues were due primarilyconsisted of a 0.4 percentage point decrease attributable to the impact of leveraging existing property andcertain equipment to support increases in our E&P revenue and revenueacquired from the sale of recyclable commodities.Progressive Waste acquisition becoming fully depreciated subsequent to March 31, 2019 and a 0.2 percentage point decrease resulting from declines in E&P and landfill municipal solid waste volumes.

Amortization of Intangibles.  Amortization of intangibles expense decreased $0.3increased $1.1 million, or 1.2%3.6%, to $26.6$31.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from $26.9$30.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019. The decrease in amortization expenseincrease was the result of $4.5 million from intangible assets acquired in acquisitions closed during, or subsequent to, the three

40

months ended March 31, 2019, partially offset by a decrease of $2.9$3.3 million from certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized subsequent to September 30, 2016, adjustments to the fair market values of intangible assets acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition, which were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016, resulting in a reduction to amortization expense subsequent to September 30, 2016March 31, 2019 and a decrease of $0.5$0.1 million resulting from the disposal of intangible assets with operations divested in 2017, partially offset by $3.1 million from intangible assets acquired in other acquisitions closed subsequent to September 30, 2016.

50

Amortization of intangibles expense increased $28.2 million, or 57.8% to $76.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $48.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in amortization expense was the result of $27.7 million recorded on contracts, customer lists and transfer station permits acquireda decrease in the Progressive Waste acquisition and a net increase of $6.6 million from other acquisitions closedaverage foreign currency exchange rate in 2016 and 2017, partially offset by a decrease of $5.3 million from certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized subsequent to September 30, 2016 and adjustments toeffect during the fair market values of intangible assets acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition, which were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016, resulting in a reduction to amortization expense subsequent to September 30, 2016 and a decrease of $0.8 million resulting from the disposal of intangible assets with operations divested in 2017.

comparable reporting periods.

Amortization expense as a percentage of revenues decreased 0.30.1 percentage points to 2.2%2.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from 2.5%2.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 due primarily to the aforementioned adjustments recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016 to intangible assets acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition. Amortization expense as a percentage of revenues increased 0.1 percentage points to 2.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from 2.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase as a percentage of revenues was the result of the net impact of the aforementioned intangible assets acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition and other acquisitions closed subsequent to September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019.

Impairments and Other Operating Items.  Impairments and other operating items decreased $6.9$14.6 million, to net losses totaling $0.8$1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from net losses totaling $7.7$16.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

March 31, 2019.

The net losses of $0.8$1.5 million recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 consisted of $6.7$0.9 million of charges recorded to increase the carrying value of certain amounts payable under liability-classified contingent consideration arrangements associated with acquisitions closed prior to 2017, $1.4 million of losses on trucks and equipment that were disposed of through salesterminate or as a result of being damaged in operations, $0.6 million of charges to write off the carrying cost of certain contracts that were not, or are not expected to be, renewed prior to their original estimated termination date and $0.7$0.6 million of other net charges, partially offset by the reversal of $6.4 million of expenses recognized in prior periods to adjust the carrying cost of assets held for disposal to fair market value due to modifications to our divestiture plan and changes in the fair market value of the divested operations and net gains of $2.2 million from the divestiture of operations not classified as held for disposal in prior periods.

charges.

The net losses of $7.7$16.1 million recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2016March 31, 2019 consisted of impairment charges totaling $2.7 million related to four operating locations in our E&P segment which were permanently closed in 2016, a $4.6 million charge to terminate an operating lease for our corporate aircraft and $0.4 million of net losses on the disposal of other operating assets.

Impairments and other operating items increased $136.7 million, to net losses totaling $141.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from net losses totaling $4.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

The net losses of $141.3 million recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 consisted of a goodwill impairment charge of $77.3 million at our E&P segment resulting from our early adoption of a new accounting standard on January 1, 2017 which required the recognition of goodwill impairment by the amount which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill, a $35.7 million expense charge to adjust the carrying cost of assets held for disposal to fair market value and an $9.6 million expense charge to increase the fair value of an amount payable under a liability-classified contingent consideration arrangement from an acquisition closed in 2015 by Progressive Waste, $8.4$12.2 million of charges recorded to increase the carrying value of certain amounts payable under liability-classified contingent consideration arrangements associated with other acquisitions closed prior to 2016, $8.1 million of charges toterminate or write off the carrying cost of certain contracts, primarily acquired fromin the Progressive Waste acquisition, that were not renewed prior to their original estimated termination date, $3.7a $1.5 million expense charge to increase the fair value of amounts payable under liability-classified contingent consideration arrangements from acquisitions closed in periods prior to 2018 and $2.5 million of losses on property and equipment that were disposed of through sales or as a result of being damaged in operations, and $0.7partially offset by $0.1 million of other net charges, partially offset by net gains of $2.2 million from the divestiture of operations not classified as held for disposal in prior periods.gains.

The net losses of $4.6 million recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 consisted of $0.9 million of net losses on the disposal of other operating assets, the aforementioned charges of $2.7 million related to impairments at our E&P segment and $4.6 million for our aircraft lease termination, which were partially offset by a gain of $2.4 million resulting from the decrease to the fair value of an amount payable under a liability-classified contingent consideration arrangement from a prior year acquisition and a gain of $1.2 million from the favorable settlement of a legal matter.

51

Operating Income.  Operating income increased $60.1$32.1 million, or 37.9%17.4%, to $218.8$217.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from $158.7$184.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019.  The increase was primarily attributable to operating income contributed from acquisitions closedprice-led growth in 2017, gross margins recognized onour existing solid waste and E&P volume growth andbusiness, a decrease in impairments and other operating charges.

Operating income increased $139.0 million, or 44.4%, to $452.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $313.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The increase was primarily attributable tocharges and operating income contributedgenerated from the June 2016 acquisition of Progressive Waste and other acquisitions closed in 2017, and a decrease in certain SG&A expenses for direct acquisition costs, employee severance, excise taxes and share-based compensation resulting from the acquisition of Progressive Waste, partially offset by an increase in impairments and other operating items resulting primarily from a goodwill impairment charge at our E&P segment, charges to adjust the carrying cost of assets held for disposal to fair market value and charges to increase the fair value of amounts payable under liability-classified contingent consideration arrangements.

acquisitions.

Operating income as a percentage of revenues increased 3.51.2 percentage points to 18.1%16.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from 14.6%14.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019.  The increase as a percentage of revenues was comprised of a 1.3 percentage point decrease in SG&A expense, a 1.1 percentage point increase in cost of operations, a 0.61.2 percentage point decrease in impairments and other operating items, a 0.30.6 percentage point increasedecrease in amortizationSG&A expense, and a 0.20.6 percentage point decrease in depreciation expense.

Operating income as a percentage of revenues decreased 0.5 percentage points to 13.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from 13.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The decrease as a percentage of revenues was comprised of a 3.9 percentage point increase in impairments and other operating items, a 0.7 percentage point increase in cost of operationsexpense and a 0.1 percentage point increasedecrease in amortization expense, partially offset by a 4.01.3 percentage point decreaseincrease in SG&A expense and a 0.2 percentage point decrease in depreciation expense.cost of operations.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense increased $4.9$0.7 million, or 17.6%1.9%, to $32.5$38.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from $27.6$37.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $3.4$4.4 million from the April 20172019 issuance of our 2017A2029 Senior Notes, an increase of $2.8$3.0 million due to higher interest rates on outstanding borrowings underfrom the January 2020 issuance of our Credit Agreement2030 Senior Notes and $0.3an increase of $0.8 million from the March 2020 issuance of other net increases,our 2050 Senior Notes, partially offset by a decrease of $1.0$5.1 million due to a decrease in the average borrowings outstanding under our Credit Agreement, and a decrease of $0.6 million resulting from a $175 million principal interest rate swap agreement expiring in February 2017 and being replaced with two new interest rate swap agreements, totaling $175 million, at a lower fixed interest rate.

Interest expense increased $27.5 million, or 42.1%, to $92.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $65.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $8.8$2.3 million from the June 2016 issuancerepayment of our New 2021 Senior Notes, 20232019 Senior Notes and 2026 Senior Notes, an increase of $6.5 million due to higher interest rates on outstanding borrowings under our Credit Agreement, an increase of $6.0 million from the April 2017 issuance of our 2017A Senior Notes, an increase of $5.8 million due to an increase in the average borrowings outstanding under our Credit Agreement, a combined increase in fees associated with our Credit Agreement of $1.7 million due to increases in outstanding letters of credit and commitment fees on unused borrowings and $1.0$0.1 million of other net increases, partially offset by a decrease of $1.5 million resulting from a $175 million principal interest rate swap agreement expiring in February 2017 and being replaced with two new interest rate swap agreements, totaling $175 million, at a lower fixed interest rate and a decrease of $0.8 million for the redemption of our 2016 Notes using proceeds from the 2015 Old Waste Connections Credit Agreement which had a lower interest rate relative to the fixed interest rate in effect when the 2016 Notes were outstanding.decreases.

Interest Income.  Interest income increased $1.5decreased $1.1 million, to $1.7$2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from $0.2$3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Interest income increased $2.7 million, to $3.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019. The increases weredecrease was primarily attributable to higher average outstanding cash balances during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the cash balances on hand during the comparable prior year periods, and higherlower reinvestment rates in the current periods.period.

Other Income (Expense), Net.  Other income (expense), net, increased $1.2 decreased $12.2 million, to an incomeexpense total of $1.7$9.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from an income total of $0.5$2.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2019. The decrease was due primarily to the receipt of insurance proceedsa $6.6 million decrease in excess of the carrying value of certain property and equipment damaged in accidents.

52

Other income (expense), net, increased $3.9 million to an income total of $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from an expense total of $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was primarily attributable to the non recurrence of a prior year charge of $1.4 million resulting from the write off of unamortized debt issuance costs, $1.2 million from the receipt of insurance proceeds in excess of the carrying value of certain property and equipment damaged in accidents, an increase of $1.0 million of income from investments purchased to fund our employee deferred compensation obligations due to stock market valuation declines, a $3.0 million adjustment to increase certain accrued liabilities acquired in the 2016 Progressive Waste acquisition and $0.3a $2.6 million decrease in foreign currency transaction gains due to a decline in the value of other net income.the Canadian dollar.

41

Income Tax Provision.  Income tax provisiontaxes increased $21.9$0.7 million, to $64.4$28.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from $42.5$28.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019.  Our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 was 34.3%16.7%. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2016March 31, 2019 was 32.3%18.2%. Income tax provision increased $13.5 million, to $100.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $86.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 27.6%. Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was 34.9%.

 

The income tax provision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 includesMarch 31, 2020 included a benefit of $5.1 million from share-based payment awards being recognized in the income statement when settled, as well as a portion of our income from internal financing being untaxed or taxed at effective rates substantially lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, income tax expense was increased by $3.8 million primarily as a result of an increase in the state income tax rate in Illinois. The impairment of goodwill within our E&P segment and disposal of goodwill resulting from the divestitures of certain operations resulted in the write off of goodwill that was not deductible for tax purposes totaling $21.3 million and $30.0 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, increasing our tax expense by $8.2 million and $11.5 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.

The income tax provision for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 included $6.8a benefit of $5.0 million from adopting a new accounting standard in January 2017 which requires all income tax effects of share-based payment awards to bebeing recognized in the income statement when settled and a portion of our internal financing being taxed at effective rates substantially lower than the awards are settled, whereas previously the tax benefits in excess of compensation cost were recorded in equity.

U.S. federal statutory rate.

SEGMENT RESULTS

General

No single contract or customer accounted for more than 10% of our total revenues at the consolidated or reportable segment level during the periods presented. The following tables reflect a breakdown oftable disaggregates our revenue and inter-company eliminationsby service line for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands of U.S. dollars).

  Three months ended September 30, 2017 
  Revenue  Intercompany
Revenue
  Reported
Revenue
  % of Reported
Revenue
 
Solid waste collection $815,344  $(2,484) $812,860   67.4%
Solid waste disposal and transfer  416,764   (157,280)  259,484   21.5 
Solid waste recycling  43,864   (2,295)  41,569   3.5 
E&P waste treatment, recovery and disposal  57,797   (3,082)  54,715   4.5 
Intermodal and other  38,221   (371)  37,850   3.1 
Total $1,371,990  $(165,512) $1,206,478   100.0%

Three Months Ended March 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Commercial

$

416,507

$

381,509

Residential

365,731

322,404

Industrial and construction roll off

206,771

187,440

Total collection

989,009

891,353

Landfill

266,218

244,601

Transfer

180,765

161,191

Recycling

18,108

19,804

E&P

65,377

66,830

Intermodal and other

30,018

32,837

Intercompany

(197,091)

(171,979)

Total

$

1,352,404

$

1,244,637

53

  Three months ended September 30, 2016 
  Revenue  Intercompany
Revenue
  Reported
Revenue
  % of Reported
Revenue
 
Solid waste collection $760,281  $(2,472) $757,809   69.9%
Solid waste disposal and transfer  377,998   (144,459)  233,539   21.5 
Solid waste recycling  32,138   (2,523)  29,615   2.7 
E&P waste treatment, recovery and disposal  33,673   (3,608)  30,065   2.8 
Intermodal and other  34,155   (261)  33,894   3.1 
Total $1,238,245  $(153,323) $1,084,922   100.0%
                 
  Nine months ended September 30, 2017 
  Revenue  Intercompany
Revenue
  Reported
Revenue
  % of Reported
Revenue
 
Solid waste collection $2,380,821  $(7,075) $2,373,746   68.3%
Solid waste disposal and transfer  1,189,965   (459,659)  730,306   21.0 
Solid waste recycling  131,445   (7,229)  124,216   3.6 
E&P waste treatment, recovery and disposal  147,662   (8,921)  138,741   4.0 
Intermodal and other  107,418   (1,114)  106,304   3.1 
Total $3,957,311  $(483,998) $3,473,313   100.0%
                 
  Nine months ended September 30, 2016 
  Revenue  Intercompany
Revenue
  Reported
Revenue
  % of Reported
Revenue
 
Solid waste collection $1,619,827  $(5,571) $1,614,256   69.4%
Solid waste disposal and transfer  804,928   (307,308)  497,620   21.4 
Solid waste recycling  60,876   (4,554)  56,322   2.4 
E&P waste treatment, recovery and disposal  97,259   (9,228)  88,031   3.8 
Intermodal and other  71,401   (389)  71,012   3.0 
Total $2,654,291  $(327,050) $2,327,241   100.0%

Our CODMChief Operating Decision Maker evaluates operating segment profitability and determines resource allocations based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is segment EBITDA. We define segment EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, impairments and other operating items and other income (expense) and foreign currency transaction gain (loss). Segment EBITDA is not a measure of operating income, operating performance or liquidity under GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Our management uses segment EBITDA in the evaluation of segment operating performance as it is a profit measure that is generally within the control of the operating segments.

We manage our operations through five geographic solid waste operating segments and our E&P segment, which includes the majority of our E&P waste treatment and disposal operations. Our five geographic solid waste operating segments and our E&P segment comprise our reportable segments. Each operating segment is responsible for managing several vertically integrated operations, which are comprised of districts.  In the third quarter of 2017, we moved a district from

At March 31, 2020, our Eastern segment to our Canada segment as a significant amount of its revenues are received from Canadian-based customers. The segment information presented herein reflects the realignment of this district.

54

Under the current orientation,services customers located in northern Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin; our Southern segment services customers located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, southern Oklahoma, western Tennessee and Texas; our Western segment services customers located in Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and western Wyoming; our EasternCentral segment services customers located in Arizona, Colorado, southern Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland,Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania,Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina,Dakota, western Texas, Utah and eastern Tennessee, VermontWyoming; and Wisconsin; our Canada segment services

42

customers located in the state of Michigan and in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec and Québec; and our Central segment services customers located in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, western Texas, Utah and eastern Wyoming.Saskatchewan. The E&P segment services E&P customers located in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming and along the Gulf of Mexico.

Revenues, net of intercompany eliminations, for our reportable segments are shown in the following table in thousands of U.S. dollars and as a percentage of total revenues for the periods indicated:

 Three months ended September 30,  Nine months ended September 30, 
 2017  2016  2017  2016 

Three Months Ended March 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

    

Eastern

$

332,202

 

24.6

%

$

292,827

23.5

%

Southern $280,528   23.3% $279,909   25.8% $846,034   24.4% $437,378   18.8%

309,387

    

22.9

287,329

    

23.1

Western  261,877   21.7   246,891   22.8   754,959   21.7   702,556   30.2 

 

271,981

 

20.1

 

254,979

 

20.5

Eastern  246,267   20.4   191,979   17.7   718,302   20.7   437,804   18.8 

Central

 

208,542

 

15.4

 

177,877

 

14.3

Canada  197,055   16.3   180,572   16.6   546,149   15.7   245,711   10.6 

 

170,423

 

12.6

 

168,347

 

13.5

Central  166,360   13.8   155,267   14.3   470,087   13.5   414,874   17.8 
E&P  54,391   4.5   30,304   2.8   137,782   4.0   88,918   3.8 

 

59,869

 

4.4

 

63,278

 

5.1

 $1,206,478   100.0% $1,084,922   100.0% $3,473,313   100.0% $2,327,241   100.0%

$

1,352,404

 

100.0

%  

$

1,244,637

 

100.0

%  

Segment EBITDA for our reportable segments is shown in the following table in thousands of U.S. dollars and as a percentage of segment revenues for the periods indicated:

  Three months ended September 30,  Nine months ended September 30, 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
Southern $63,171   22.5% $62,189   22.2% $199,280   23.6% $98,906   22.6%
Western  84,861   32.4   84,214   34.1   247,475   32.8   237,839   33.9 
Eastern  74,018   30.1   57,699   30.1   209,315   29.1   135,456   30.9 
Canada  74,369   37.7   66,235   36.7   200,283   36.7   91,471   37.2 
Central  64,607   38.8   58,079   37.4   177,975   37.9   154,510   37.2 
E&P  27,881   51.3   8,919   29.4   63,518   46.1   21,953   24.7 
Corporate(a)  (5,751)  -   (18,299)  -   (32,535)  -   (102,653)  - 
  $383,156   31.8% $319,036   29.4% $1,065,311   30.7% $637,482   27.4%

Three Months Ended March 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

    

Eastern

$

84,662

    

25.5

%  

$

76,957

    

26.3

%  

Western

81,029

29.8

%  

77,005

30.2

%  

Southern

 

74,517

 

24.1

%  

 

74,377

 

25.9

%  

Central

 

73,151

 

35.1

%  

 

63,027

 

35.4

%  

Canada

 

59,398

 

34.9

%  

 

59,244

 

35.2

%  

E&P

 

31,802

 

53.1

%  

 

31,609

 

50.0

%  

Corporate(a)

 

(3,631)

 

 

(3,858)

 

$

400,928

 

29.6

%  

$

378,361

 

30.4

%  

(a)       Corporate functions include accounting, legal, tax, treasury, information technology, risk management, human resources, training and other administrative functions.  Amounts reflected are net of allocations to the six operating segments.

(a)Corporate functions include accounting, legal, tax, treasury, information technology, risk management, human resources, training, direct acquisition expenses, other administrative functions and share-based compensation expense associated with Progressive Waste share-based grants outstanding at June 1, 2016 that were continued by the Company. Amounts reflected are net of allocations to the six operating segments.

A reconciliation of segment EBITDA to Income before income tax provision is included in Note 1011 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part 1, Item 1 of this report.

Significant changes in revenue and segment EBITDA for our reportable segments for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, compared to the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2019, are discussed below:

Segment Revenue

Revenue in our Southern segment increased $0.6 million, or 0.2%, to $280.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, from $279.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  The components of the increase consisted of net price increases of $10.0 million, net revenue growth from acquisitions closed during, or subsequent to, the three months ended September 30, 2016, of $2.9 million, increased recyclable commodity sales of $0.6 million resulting from the impact of higher prices for recyclable commodities in July and August 2017 and increases of $0.5 million from higher E&P disposal volumes at our solid waste landfills, partially offset by net revenue reductions from divestitures closed in 2017 of $7.7 million, solid waste volume decreases of $4.9 million primarily from the declines in residential volumes resulting from certain contracts acquired with the acquisition of Progressive Waste that were terminated subsequent to September 30, 2016 and declines in commercial volumes due to intentional losses of certain low margin customers and other revenue decreases of $0.8 million.

55

Revenue in our Southern segment increased $408.6 million, or 93.4%, to $846.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $437.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The components of the increase consisted of net price increases of $17.2 million, net revenue growth from acquisitions closed during, or subsequent to, the nine months ended September 30, 2016, of $406.0 million, increased recyclable commodity sales of $1.2 million resulting from the impact of higher prices for recyclable commodities through August 2017 and increases of $1.2 million from higher E&P disposal volumes at our solid waste landfills, partially offset by net revenue reductions from divestitures closed in 2017 of $8.4 million, solid waste volume decreases of $7.8 million primarily from the declines in residential volumes resulting from certain contracts acquired with the acquisition of Progressive Waste that were terminated subsequent to September 30, 2016 and declines in commercial volumes due to intentional losses of certain low margin customers and other revenue decreases of $0.8 million.

Revenue in our Western segment increased $15.0 million, or 6.1%, to $261.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, from $246.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  The components of the increase consisted of solid waste volume increases of $7.1 million associated with residential collection, commercial collection, roll off collection, landfill municipal solid waste and landfill special waste, net price increases of $5.1 million, increased recyclable commodity sales of $1.1 million resulting from the impact of higher prices for recyclable commodities in July and August 2017, net revenue growth from acquisitions closed during, or subsequent to, the three months ended September 30, 2016, of $1.5 million and other revenue increases of $0.2 million.

Revenue in our Western segment increased $52.4 million, or 7.5%, to $755.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $702.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The components of the increase consisted of solid waste volume increases of $28.9 million associated with residential collection, commercial collection, roll off collection, landfill municipal solid waste and landfill special waste, net price increases of $11.7 million, increased recyclable commodity sales of $7.7 million resulting from the impact of higher prices for recyclable commodities through August 2017, increased intermodal revenues of $1.5 million resulting from higher intermodal cargo volume, net revenue growth from acquisitions and divestitures closed during, or subsequent to, the nine months ended September 30, 2016, of $2.3 million and other revenue increases of $0.3 million.

Revenue in our Eastern segment increased $54.3$39.4 million, or 28.3%13.4%, to $246.3$332.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from $192.0$292.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019.  The components of the increase consisted of net revenue growth from acquisitions closed during, or subsequent to, the three months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2019, of $55.5$39.0 million solid waste volume increases of $3.0 million as increased roll off collection, transfer station, landfill municipal solid waste and landfill special waste offset decreased residential collection, net price increases of $5.7$16.4 million, increased recyclable commodity sales of $1.7 million resulting from the impact of higher prices for recyclable commodities in July and August 2017 and other net revenue increases of $0.3 million, partially offset by net revenue reductions from divestitures closed in 2017 of $11.9 million.

Revenue in our Eastern segment increased $280.5 million, or 64.1%, to $718.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $437.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The components of the increase consisted of net revenue growth from acquisitions closed during, or subsequent to, the nine months ended September 30, 2016, of $267.8 million, solid waste volume increases of $9.9 million as increased roll off collection, transfer station, landfill municipal solid waste and landfill special waste offset decreased residential collection, net price increases of $13.1 million and increased recyclable commodity sales of $5.4 million resulting from the impact of higher prices for recyclable commodities through August 2017, partially offset by net revenue reductions from divestitures closed in 2017 of $15.7 million.

Revenue in our Canada segment increased $16.5 million, or 9.1%, to $197.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, from $180.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Our Canada segment was formed in conjunction with the Progressive Waste acquisition on June 1, 2016. The components of the increase consisted of an increase of $7.6 million resulting from an increase in the average foreign currency exchange rate in effect during the comparable reporting periods, net price increases of $6.4 million, increased landfill gas sales of $4.0 million resulting from higher pricing and increased recyclable commodity sales of $3.5 million resulting from the impact of higher prices for recyclable commodities in July and August 2017, partially offset by solid waste volume decreases of $4.5$9.8 million associated with decreasedattributable primarily to declines in residential volumes due to competitive pressures, reduced landfill specialmunicipal solid waste volumes and intentional losses of certain low marginCOVID-19 economic disruptions driving declines in commercial collection, customersroll off collection, transfer station and $0.5 million of other revenue decreases.

Revenuelandfill volumes primarily in our Canada segment increased $300.4East Coast markets, net revenue reductions from divestitures closed subsequent to March 31, 2019 of $3.9 million, or 122.3%, to $546.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $245.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The components of the increase consisted of revenue growth from the Progressive Waste acquisition of $279.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, net price increases of $8.9 million, increased landfill gas sales of $5.9 million resulting from higher pricing, an increase of $5.8 million resulting from an increase in the average foreign currency exchange rate in effect during the comparable reporting periods and increaseddecreased recyclable commodity sales of $5.1$1.6 million resulting from the impact of higherdeclines in prices for recyclable commodities through August 2017, partially offset by solid waste volumeold corrugated cardboard and other fiber products and other revenue decreases of $4.4 million associated with decreased landfill special waste volumes and intentional losses$0.7 million.

43

Table of certain low margin commercial collection customers and $0.7 million of other revenue decreases.Contents

56

Revenue in our CentralSouthern segment increased $11.1$22.1 million, or 7.1%7.7%, to $166.4$309.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from $155.3$287.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019.  The components of the increase consisted of net price increases of $5.5$16.9 million solid waste volume increases of $4.4 million as increased roll off collection, transfer station and landfill special waste offset decreased residential and commercial collection,net revenue growth from acquisitions closed during, or subsequent to, the three months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2019, of $1.4$7.2 million, increasedpartially offset by decreased recyclable commodity sales of $1.0$0.8 million resulting from the impact of higherdeclines in prices for recyclable commodities in July and August 2017old corrugated cardboard and other revenue increases of $0.3 million, partially offset byfiber products, net revenue reductions from divestitures closed subsequent to March 31, 2019 of $0.6 million and $0.6 million of other revenue decreases.

Revenue in 2017our Western segment increased $17.0 million, or 6.7%, to $272.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from $255.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019.  The components of $1.5 million.

the increase consisted of solid waste volume increases of $9.3 million due to the net impact before COVID-19 economic disruptions of increases associated with landfill municipal solid waste, residential collection and commercial collection offsetting COVID-19 economic disruptions driving deceases in commercial collection, roll off collection and landfill volumes, and net price increases of $8.0 million, partially offset by decreased recyclable commodity sales of $0.3 million resulting from the impact of declines in prices for old corrugated cardboard and other fiber products.

Revenue in our Central segment increased $55.2$30.6 million, or 13.3%17.2%, to $470.1$208.5 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from $414.9$177.9 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019.  The components of the increase consisted of revenue growth from acquisitions closed during, or subsequent to, the three months ended March 31, 2019, of $17.0 million, net price increases of $11.0 million, volume increases of $2.5 million due to the net impact before COVID-19 economic disruptions of increased roll off collection and landfill special waste offsetting COVID-19 economic disruptions driving decreases in commercial collection, roll off collection and landfill volumes, and other revenue increases of $0.1 million.

Revenue in our Canada segment increased $2.1 million, or 1.2%, to $170.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from $168.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The components of the increase consisted of net revenue growth from acquisitions and divestitures closed during, or subsequent to, the nine months ended September 30, 2016, of $35.0 million, net price increases of $15.3$12.2 million increasedand other revenue increases of $0.4 million, partially offset by solid waste volume decreases of $6.1 million attributable primarily to declines in residential volumes due to competitive pressures, reduced landfill municipal solid waste and COVID-19 economic disruptions driving declines in commercial collection, roll off collection and landfill volumes, a decrease of $1.7 million resulting from a lower average foreign currency exchange rate in effect during the comparable reporting periods, decreased recyclable commodity sales of $3.2$1.4 million resulting from the impact of higherdeclines in prices for recyclable commodities through August 2017, solid waste volume increases of $2.3 million as increased roll off collection, transfer station and landfill special waste offset decreased residential and commercial collectionold corrugated cardboard and other revenue increasesfiber products, and a decrease of $1.0$1.3 million partially offset by net revenue reductionsresulting from divestitures closedreduced demand causing a reduction in 2016 and 2017the prices for renewal energy credits associated with the generation of $1.6 million.

landfill gas.

Revenue in our E&P segment increased $24.1decreased $3.4 million, or 79.5%5.4%, to $54.4$59.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from $30.3$63.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. RevenueMarch 31, 2019. The decrease was due primarily to a year over year decrease in our E&P segment increased $48.9 million, or 55.0% to $137.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $88.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The components of the increases consisted ofWilliston Basin and Eagle Ford Basin, partially offset by higher E&P volumes, primarily in our E&P disposal operationsactivity in the Permian Basin and Louisiana.the Gulf of Mexico. Overall demand for E&P waste services and related drilling and production activity levels were impacted by the drop in the value of crude oil due to the increased supply of oil resulting from Saudi Arabia and Russia abandoning production quotas and increasing production levels that was exacerbated by the impact of COVID-19. We estimate that the reduction in oil prices that began in March 2020 resulting from these developments caused a decrease in drilling and production activity, reducing the demand for E&P waste services in certain basins in which we operate and contributing to an approximate $2.0 million decrease in our E&P revenues.  

Segment EBITDA

Segment EBITDA in our SouthernEastern segment increased $1.0$7.7 million, or 1.6%10.0%, to $63.2$84.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from $62.2$77.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019.  The increase was due primarily to an increase in revenues of $8.3$43.3 million from organic growth and acquisitions, decreasesa decrease in equipment rentalcorporate overhead expense allocations of $0.9$0.6 million due to the termination of certain short-term equipment leases assumeda decrease in the acquisition of Progressive Wasteoverhead allocation rate and an increase to EBITDA of $0.1$0.6 million from the impact of operations disposed of in 2017, partially offset by an increase of $2.2 million from incremental labor and repair expenses resulting from hurricanes impacting our Texas, Louisiana and Florida operations, an increase in direct and administrative labor expenses of $2.2 million due primarily to employee pay rate increases, a net $1.6 million increase in cost of operations and SG&A expenses attributable to acquired operations, an increase in fuel expense of $1.3 million due to increases induring the market price of diesel fuel, an increase in corporate overhead expense allocations of $0.9 million due to a higher overhead allocation rate and $0.1 million of other net expense increases.

Segment EBITDA in our Southern segment increased $100.4 million, or 101.5%, to $199.3 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017, from $98.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The increase was due primarily to an increase in revenues of $417.0 million from organic growth and acquisitions, decreases in insurance expense of $2.1 million due to improved incident rates at operations acquired from Progressive Waste, decreases in equipment rental expense of $1.1 million due to the termination of certain short-term equipment leases assumed in the acquisition of Progressive Waste and an increase of $0.4 million from the impact of operations disposed of in 2017,March 31, 2020, partially offset by a net $308.9$27.5 million increase in cost of operations and SG&A expenses attributable to acquired operations, an increase in direct and administrative labor expenses of $3.4$3.7 million due primarily to employee pay rate increases, an increase of $2.2 million from incremental labor and repair expenses resulting from hurricanes impacting our Texas, Louisiana and Florida operations, an increase in truck, container,

44

equipment and facility maintenance and repair expenses of $1.8$2.8 million due to parts and service rate increases and variability inimpacting the timing and severity of major repairs, an increase in fuel expenseexpenses for auto and workers’ compensation claims of $1.7$1.4 million due primarily to increasesnon-recurring adjustments recorded in the market price of diesel fuel,prior year period to decrease projected losses on outstanding claims, an increase in corporate overhead expense allocations of $0.8 million due to a higher overhead allocation rate, an increase in employee benefitsleachate disposal expenses of $0.7$0.5 million due to increased severity of medical claimsleachate volumes at a new landfill cell constructed subsequent to March 31, 2019 and $0.7$0.9 million of other net expense increases.

57

Segment EBITDA in our Western segment increased $0.7$4.0 million, or 0.8%5.2%, to $84.9$81.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from $84.2$77.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019.  The increase was due primarily to an increase in revenues of $15.0$17.0 million from organic growth and acquisitions, partially offset by an increase in direct and administrative labor expenses of $3.0 million due primarily to employee pay rate increases, an increase in taxes on revenues of $3.0 million due to the aforementioned increase in revenues, an increase in third-party disposal expense of $1.5 million due to increased collection volumes and disposal rate increases, an increase in corporate overhead expense allocations of $1.3 million due to a higher overhead allocation rate, an increase in third-party trucking and transportation expenses of $1.2 million due to increased disposal volumes that require transportation to our landfills, a net $0.9 million increase in cost of operations and SG&A expenses attributable to acquired operations, an increase in expenses associated with the purchase of recyclable commodities of $0.7 million due to increased recyclable commodity values, an increase in fuel expense of $0.7 million due to increases in the market price of diesel fuel, an increase in equipment and facility rental expenses of $0.5 million resulting from new property leases and equipment rented to support growth in our intermodal operations, an increase in truck, container, equipment and facility maintenance and repair expenses of $0.4 million due to variability in the timing and severity of major repairs and $1.1 million of other net expense increases.

Segment EBITDA in our Western segment increased $9.7 million, or 4.1%, to $247.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $237.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The increase was due primarily to an increase in revenues of $52.4 million from organic growth and acquisitions and a decrease in corporate overhead expense allocations of $0.9$1.0 million due to a lowerdecrease in the overhead allocation rate, partially offset by an increase in direct and administrative labor expenses of $9.6$4.1 million due primarily to employee pay rate increases, an increase in third party disposal expenses of $2.1 million due primarily to disposal rate increases and roll off collection volume increases in certain markets, an increase in taxes on revenues of $7.4$1.8 million due primarily to the aforementioned increase inhigher landfill and collection revenues, an increase in third-party disposal expense of $3.8 million due to increased collection volumes and disposal rate increases, an increase in third-party trucking and transportation expenses of $3.6$1.2 million due primarily to increased disposal volumes that require transportationrates charged by third parties to our landfills,provide trucking, an increase in expenses for auto and workers’ compensation claims of $1.2 million due primarily to non-recurring adjustments recorded in the prior year period to decrease projected losses on outstanding claims, an increase of $0.9 million resulting from higher costs per ton charged by third party processors of recyclable commodities, an increase in truck, container, equipment and facility maintenance and repair expenses of $3.5$0.9 million due to parts and service rate increases and variability inimpacting the timing and severity of major repairs and $1.8 million of other net expense increases.

Segment EBITDA in our Southern segment increased $0.1 million, or 0.2%, to $74.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from $74.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019.  The increase was due to an increase in employee benefits expensesrevenues of $3.1$22.1 and a decrease in corporate overhead expense allocations of $0.8 million due to increased severity of medical claims, an increase in fuel expense of $2.3 million due to increasesa decrease in the market price of diesel fuel, an increase in expenses associated with the purchase of recyclable commodities of $2.1 million due to increased recyclable commodity values,overhead allocation rate, partially offset by an increase in expenses for auto and workers’ compensation claims of $1.8 million due to increased claims and higher average rates per claim, an increase in equipment and facility rental expenses of $1.0 million resulting from new property leases and equipment rented to support growth in our intermodal operations, a net $0.9 million increase in cost of operations and SG&A expenses attributable to acquired operations, an increase in intermodal expenses of $0.9 million resulting from an increase in intermodal cargo volume, an increase in professional fees of $0.6$6.8 million due primarily to higher legal expenses at our landfills, an increase in leachate disposal expenses at our landfills of $0.5 million due to heavy precipitation experiencedclaims severity in the first quarter of 2017current year period and $2.5 million of other net expense increases.

Segment EBITDAnon-recurring adjustments recorded in our Eastern segment increased $16.3 million, or 28.3%,the prior year period to $74.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, from $57.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  The increase was due primarily to an increase in revenues of $66.2 million from organic growth and acquisitions, a decrease in third party disposal expenses of $1.9 million due primarily to increased internal disposal of waste at our transfer stations and landfills in our New York markets and $0.5 million of other net expense decreases, partially offset byprojected losses on outstanding claims, a net $40.8 million increase in cost of operations and SG&A expenses attributable to acquired operations, an increase in corporate overhead expense allocations of $2.6 million due to an increased overhead allocation rate and an increase in budgeted revenues, which is the basis upon which overhead allocations are calculated, an increase in third-party trucking and transportation expenses of $2.4 million due to increased disposal volumes that require transportation to our landfills, a decrease of $1.9 million from the impact of operations disposed of in 2017, an increase in expenses for uncollectible accounts receivable of $1.2 million due primarily to the collection during the three months ended September 30, 2016 of a large receivable balance that was written off as a doubtful account in a prior year, an increase in direct labor expenses of $1.1 million due primarily to employee pay rate increases, an increase in taxes on revenues of $1.1 million resulting from the aforementioned increase in revenues, an increase in truck, container, equipment and facility maintenance and repair expenses of $0.7 million due to variability in the timing and severity of major repairs and an increase in fuel expense of $0.5 million due to increases in the market price of diesel fuel.

Segment EBITDA in our Eastern segment increased $73.8 million, or 54.5%, to $209.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $135.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was due primarily to an increase in revenues of $296.2 million from organic growth and acquisitions and a decrease in third party disposal expenses of $4.2 million due primarily to increased internal disposal of waste at our transfer stations and landfills in our New York markets, partially offset by a net $199.9 million increase in cost of operations and SG&A expenses attributable to acquired operations, a decrease of $2.2 million from the impact of at operations disposed of in 2017, an increase in third-party trucking and transportation expenses of $5.4 million due to increased disposal volumes that require transportation to our landfills, an increase in corporate overhead expense allocations of $3.6 million due primarily to an increase in budgeted revenues, which is the basis upon which overhead allocations are calculated, an increase in direct and administrative labor expenses of $3.5 million due primarily to employee pay rate increases, an increase in truck, container, equipment and facility maintenance and repair expenses of $3.0 million due to variability in the timing and severity of major repairs, an increase in taxes on revenues of $2.6 million resulting from the aforementioned increase in revenues, an increase in employee benefits expenses of $1.5 million due to increased severity of medical claims, an increase in expenses for uncollectible accounts receivable of $1.3 million due primarily to the collection during the three months ended September 30, 2016 of a large receivable balance that was written off as a doubtful account in a prior year, an increase in fuel expense of $1.0 million due to increases in the market price of diesel fuel, an increase in leachate disposal expenses at our landfills of $0.7 million and $1.9 million of other net expense increases.

58

Segment EBITDA in our Canada segment increased $8.2 million, or 12.3%, to $74.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, from $66.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  The $8.2 million increase was comprised of an increase of $2.8 million resulting from an increase in the average foreign currency exchange rate in effect during the comparable reporting periods and a $5.4 million increase assuming foreign currency parity during the comparable reporting periods. The $5.4 million increase, which assumes foreign currency parity, was due primarily to an increase in revenues of $8.9 million and $0.9 million of other net expense decreases, partially offset by an increase in truck, container, equipment and facility maintenance and repair expenses of $1.5 million due to variability in the timing and severity of major repairs, an increase in expenses associated with the purchase of recyclable commodities of $1.3 million due to increased recyclable commodity values, an increase in corporate overhead charges of $0.7 million due to a higher allocation rate, an increase in third-party disposal expense of $0.4 million due to disposal rate increases and an increase in fuel expense of $0.5 million due to increases in the market price of diesel fuel.

Segment EBITDA in our Canada segment increased $108.8 million, or 119.0%, to $200.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $91.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The $108.8 million increase was comprised of an increase of $2.2 million resulting from an increase in the average foreign currency exchange rate in effect during the comparable reporting periods and a $106.6 million increase assuming foreign currency parity during the comparable reporting periods. The $106.6 million increase, which assumes foreign currency parity, was due primarily to EBITDA contribution of $99.2 million from the five month period of January to May 2017, an increase in revenues from organic growth of $14.8 million and $1.1 million other net expense decreases, partially offset by an increase in corporate overhead charges of $2.6 million due to the Canada segment not receiving an allocation of corporate overhead for the month of June 2016, an increase in truck, container, equipment and facility maintenance and repair expenses of $2.1 million due to variability in the timing and severity of major repairs, an increase in third-party disposal expense of $1.4 million due to disposal rate increases, an increase in expenses associated with the purchase of recyclable commodities of $1.2 million due to increased recyclable commodity values, an increase in taxes on revenues of $0.7 million due to an increase in revenues and an increase in fuel expense of $0.5 million due to increases in the market price of diesel fuel.

Segment EBITDA in our Central segment increased $6.5 million, or 11.2%, to $64.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, from $58.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  The increase was due primarily to an increase in revenues of $11.1 million and a decrease in third party disposal expenses of $1.1 million due primarily to increased internal disposal of waste at our transfer stations and landfills in our Nebraska markets, partially offset by an increase in third-party trucking and transportation expenses of $1.6 million due to increased disposal volumes that require transportation to our landfills, an increase in taxes on revenues of $1.5 million resulting from the aforementioned increase in revenues, an increase in direct and administrative labor expenses of $1.3 million due primarily to employee pay rate increases and a decrease in unfilled positions, an increase in truck, container, equipment and facility maintenance and repair expenses of $0.7 million due to variability in the timing and severity of major repairs, and an increase in corporate overhead expense allocations of $0.6 million due to a higher overhead allocation rate.

Segment EBITDA in our Central segment increased $23.4 million, or 15.2%, to $177.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $154.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The increase was due primarily to an increase in revenues of $55.2 million and a decrease in third party disposal expenses of $1.5 million due primarily to increased internal disposal of waste at our transfer stations and landfills in our Nebraska markets and a decrease in corporate overhead expense allocations of $0.9 million due to a lower overhead allocation rate, partially offset by a net $19.6$5.0 million increase in cost of operations and SG&A expenses attributable to acquired operations, an increase in direct and administrative labor expenses of $4.1$4.9 million due primarily to employee pay rate increases, and a decrease in unfilled positions, an increase in truck, container, equipment and facility maintenance and repair expenses of $2.8$4.0 million due to parts and service rate increases and variability inimpacting the timing and severity of major repairs, an increase in employee benefits expenses of $1.4 million due to increased severity of medical claims, an increase in taxes on revenues of $3.0 million resulting from the aforementioned increase in revenues, an increase in third-party trucking and transportation expenses of $2.6$1.4 million due primarily to transportation associated with increased disposallandfill special waste volumes that requireand increased rates charged by third parties to provide trucking and transportation to our landfills, an increase in fuel expense of $0.5 million due to increases in the market price of diesel fuelservices and $0.2$0.7 million of other net expense increases.

Segment EBITDA in our E&PCentral segment increased $19.0$10.2 million, or 212.6%16.1%, to $27.9$73.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from $8.9$63.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019. The increase was due primarily to an increase in revenues of $24.1$30.6 million, partially offset by a net $11.0 million increase in cost of operations and a decreaseSG&A expenses attributable to acquired operations, an increase in corporate overhead expense allocationsdirect and administrative labor expenses of $0.4$4.9 million due primarily to a decrease in budgeted revenues, which is the basis upon which overhead allocations are calculated, partially offset by the followingemployee pay rate increases, attributable to higher disposal volumes in the current period: an increase in truck, container, equipment and facility maintenance and repair expenses of $1.7 million;$1.4 million due to the variability and timing of major repairs, an increase in third party truckingdisposal expenses of $1.0 million;million due primarily to disposal rate increases and roll off collection volume increases in certain markets, an increase in taxesexpenses for auto and workers’ compensation claims of $0.9 million due primarily to non-recurring adjustments recorded in the prior year period to decrease projected losses on revenues of $0.6 million;outstanding claims, an increase in direct laborthird-party trucking and transportation expenses of $0.5$0.7 million an increase in equipment rental expenses ofdue primarily to transportation associated with increased landfill special waste volumes and increased rates charged by third parties to provide trucking and transportation services and $0.5 million and $1.2 million of other net expense increases.

59

Segment EBITDA in our E&PCanada segment increased $41.5$0.2 million, or 189.3%0.3%, to $63.5$59.4 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from $22.0$59.2 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019.  The increase was comprised of an increase of $0.9 million assuming foreign currency parity during the comparable reporting periods, partially offset by a decrease of $0.7 million from a decrease in the average foreign currency exchange rate in effect during the comparable reporting periods. The $0.9 million increase, which assumes foreign currency parity, was due primarily to an increase in revenues of $48.9$3.8 million and other net expense decreases of $0.2 million, partially offset by an increase in direct labor expenses of $1.5 million due primarily to employee pay rate increases, an increase in third-party disposal expenses of $0.9

45

million due to higher disposal rates charged by operators and an increase in truck, container, equipment and facility maintenance and repair expenses of $0.7 million due to the variability and timing of major repairs.

Segment EBITDA in our E&P segment increased $0.2 million, or 0.6%, to $31.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from $31.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019.  The increase was due primarily to a decrease in third party trucking and transportation expenses in our E&P segment of $1.7 million due to changes in customer mix in the Williston Basin that resulted in us reducing the scope of these services, a decrease in cell processing expenses of $1.1 million due primarily to decreased disposal volumes, a decrease in corporate overhead expense allocations of $1.6$0.6 million due primarily to a decrease in budgeted revenues, which is the basis upon which overhead allocations are calculated,allocation rate and $0.2 million of other net expense decreases, partially offset by the following increases attributable to higher disposal volumesa decrease in the current period: an increase in equipment and facility maintenance and repair expenses of $3.1 million; an increase in equipment rental expenses of $1.4 million; an increase in taxes on revenues of $1.3 million; an increase in third party trucking expenses of $1.2 million; an increase in processing cell remediation expenses of $1.1 million and $0.9 million of other expense increases.

$3.4 million.

Segment EBITDA at Corporate increased $12.5$0.3 million, to a loss of $5.8$3.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from a loss of $18.3$3.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019.  The decrease in the lossincrease was due to a decrease in deferred compensation expenses of $7.4$6.5 million in integration-related professional fees and severance-related expenses incurredas a result of decreases in the prior year period for Progressive Waste personnel who were not permanently retained as employeesmarket value of New Waste Connections following the close of the Progressive Waste acquisition, an increase in corporate overhead allocatedinvestments to our segments of $5.6 million due to an increase in total corporate expenses to support the operations acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition, a decrease of $5.3 million resulting from the nonrecurring prior year accrual of incentivewhich employee deferred compensation expenses to certain of our executive officers and key employees related to the achievement of defined synergy goals realized by New Waste Connections from the Progressive Waste acquisition andliability balances are tracked, a decrease in share-basedequity-based compensation expenses of $2.1$3.8 million due to less outstanding shares in the current period forassociated with equity awards accounted for as liabilities that were granted to employees of Progressive Waste prior to June 1, 2016 which are subject to valuation adjustments each period based on changes in fair value due to decreases in both the number of outstanding awards and the per share valuation of our common shares and a further decrease in equity-based compensation expenses of $1.5 million resulting primarily from non-recurring prior year period adjustments to the amount of performance-based restricted share units granted in 2017 that were estimated to ultimately vest, partially offset by an increase of $3.3 million in equity-based compensation expenses associated with the current year period adjustment of Waste Connections, Inc. common shares held in our deferred compensation plan by certain key executives to fair value as a result of the shares being exchanged for other investment options, a reduction in corporate overhead allocated through charges to our segments of $2.9 million due to a reduction in expenses qualifying for allocation resulting in a decrease in the overhead allocation rates, an increase in accrued recurring cash incentive compensation expense to our management of $2.0$2.6 million, due to the achievement of interim financial targets during the three months ended September 30, 2017, an increase in direct acquisition costs of $1.8 million resulting from an increase in acquisition activity and legal costs incurred related to divested operations, an increase in equity-based compensation expenses of $1.6 million associated with our annual recurring grant of restricted share units to our personnel, an increase in payroll and employee benefits expenses of $1.2 million due to increased corporate headcount to support the operations of Progressive Waste and annual compensation increases, an increase in software license fees of $0.6 million to support our new payroll processing application, an increase in corporate travel, meetingslicenses and trainingsubscriptions expenses of $0.5 million resulting primarily from the integration of employees of Progressive Waste into New Waste Connections and $0.2 million of other net expense increases.

Segment EBITDA at Corporate increased $70.2 million, to a loss of $32.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from a loss of $102.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease in the loss was due to an increase in corporate overhead allocated to our segments of $29.5$1.0 million due primarily to an increase in total corporate expenses to support the operations acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition, a decrease in direct acquisition costs of $27.9 million resulting from amounts incurred in the prior year period related to the Progressive Waste acquisition, a decrease of $21.7 million in integration-related professional fees and severance-related expenses incurred in the prior year period for Progressive Waste personnel who were not permanently retained as employees of New Waste Connections following the close of the Progressive Waste acquisition, a decrease of $14.5 million from New Waste Connections paying excise taxes in the prior year period on the unvested or vested and undistributed equity-compensation holdings of our corporate officers and members of our Board of Directors resulting from the Progressive Waste acquisition, a decrease of $5.3 million resulting from the nonrecurring prior year accrual of incentive compensation expenses to certain of our executive officers and key employees related to the achievement of defined synergy goals realized by New Waste Connections from the Progressive Waste acquisition, a decrease in share-based compensation expenses of $4.9 million related to awards granted to employees of Progressive Waste prior to June 1, 2016 for which vesting was accelerated in the prior year period due to plan provisions regarding a change in control followed by termination of employment and resulting from less outstanding shares in the current period which are subject to valuation adjustments each period based on changes in fair value and a decrease in equity-based compensation expenses of $2.3 million resulting from the acceleration of vesting in the prior year period of performance share units granted to Old Waste Connections’ management in 2014 and 2015, partially offset by an increase in accrued recurring cash incentive compensation expense to our management of $9.5 million due to the achievement of interim financial targets during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the addition of accrued cash incentive compensation expense for the retained Progressive Waste employees, an increase in legal, accountingnew sales and information technology professional fee expenses of $5.4 million due to increased support required as a result of growth from the Progressive Waste acquisition, an increase in payroll and employee benefits expenses of $4.9 million due to increased corporate headcount to support the operations of Progressive Waste and annual compensation increases, an increase in equity-based compensation expenses of $3.6 million associated with our annual recurring grant of restricted share units to our personnel, an increase in corporate travel, meetings and training expenses of $3.3 million resulting from the integration of employees of Progressive Waste into New Waste Connections, an increase in software license fees of $3.0 million to support our new payroll processing application and computercustomer service applications, acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition, an increase in employee relocation expenses of $2.1$1.0 million associated with corporate personnel addeddue to support the additional administrative oversight resulting from the Progressive Waste acquisition, an increase in deferred compensation expensethe number of $1.4our employees transferring to new markets within the Company and an increase in payroll expenses of $0.7 million resulting from deferred compensation liabilities to employees increasing as a result of increases in the market value of investments to which employee deferred compensation balances are tracked and $2.7 million of other net expenseannual pay increases.

60

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The following table sets forth certain cash flow information for thenine month periods three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 20162019 (in thousands of U.S. dollars):

  Nine Months Ended 
September 30,
 
  2017  2016 
Net cash provided by operating activities $888,375  $538,831 
Net cash used in investing activities  (683,562)  (153,047)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  135,159   (276,940)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents  927   (483)
Net increase in cash and equivalents  340,899   108,361 
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period  154,382   10,974 
Less: change in cash held for sale  (27)  - 
Cash and equivalents at end of period $495,254  $119,335 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31, 

2020

    

2019

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

369,586

$

363,772

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(133,626)

 

(128,046)

Net cash provided by (used) in financing activities

 

627,389

 

(55,203)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

(2,364)

 

193

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

860,985

 

180,716

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

423,221

 

403,966

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$

1,284,206

$

584,682

46

Operating Activities Cash Flows

For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, net cash provided by operating activities was $888.4$369.6 million. For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2019, net cash provided by operating activities was $538.8$363.8 million. The $349.6$5.8 million increase was due primarily to the following:

1)AnIncrease in earnings — Our increase in net cash provided by operating activities was favorably impacted by $13.8 million from an increase in net income, excluding depreciation, amortization of $100.7 million, adjusted for a decreaseintangibles, amortization of leases, deferred income taxes, share-based compensation, adjustments to and payments of contingent consideration recorded in cash flows from operatingearnings and loss on disposal of assets and liabilities, netimpairments, due primarily to the impact of effects fromacquisitions closed acquisitions, of $4.2 million. Cash flows from changes in operating assetssubsequent to March 31, 2019 and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions, was a cash outflow of $23.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and a cash outflow of $19.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The significant components of the $23.8 million in net cash outflows from changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from closed acquisitions, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, include the following: price-led earnings growth at certain solid waste segments.
a)2)anAccounts receivable — Our increase in net cash resultingprovided by operating activities was favorably impacted by $13.1 million from a $49.7 millionaccounts receivable due to improved collection results.
3)Accounts payable and accrued liabilities — Our increase in net cash provided by operating activities was favorably impacted by $8.3 million from accounts payable and accrued liabilities due primarily to an increase in accrued interest expense due to theperiod end timing of interest payments to vendors for our long-term notes, an increase in income taxes payable for our Canadian entities, an increase in accrued payrollgoods and payroll related expenses due to the timing of pay cycles; andservices.
b)4)anPrepaid expenses – Our increase in net cash resultingprovided by operating activities was unfavorably impacted by $25.5 million from an $18.2 million decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets due primarily to a decrease inhigher utilization of prepaid income taxes for our US entities, partially offset by an increase in prepaid insurance resulting fromduring the timing of our annual policy renewals; lessprior year period.
c)5)a decrease in cash resulting from a $72.9 millionOther long-term liabilities – Our increase in accounts receivable due to increased revenues, with less favorable collection results, contributing to an increased amount of revenues remaining uncollected at the end of the current period; less
d)a decrease innet cash resultingprovided by operating activities was unfavorably impacted by $5.7 million from a $17.9 million decrease in other long-term liabilities due primarily to an increase in the cash settlement of share-based compensationequity awards accounted for as liabilities that were granted to employees of Progressive Waste employees prior to the June 1, 2016 acquisition date that continued to remain outstanding following the close of the Progressive Waste acquisition;2016.
2)An increase in the loss on disposal of assets and impairments of $118.5 million due primarily to the impairment of goodwill at our E&P segment and recording charges to adjust the carrying cost of assets held for disposal to fair market value;
3)An increase in depreciation expense of $124.0 million due primarily to increased depreciation expense resulting from increased capital expenditures and property, equipment and landfill assets acquired in the Progressive Waste and Groot acquisitions;
4)An increase in amortization expense of $28.2 million due primarily to intangible assets acquired in the Progressive Waste and Groot acquisitions;
5)An increase of $20.3 million attributable to post-closing adjustments resulting primarily in a net increase in the fair value of an amount payable under a liability-classified contingent consideration arrangement from an acquisition closed in 2015 by Progressive Waste and increases to the carrying value of certain amounts payable under liability-classified contingent consideration arrangements associated with other acquisitions closed prior to 2016; less

61

6)A decrease in our provision for deferred taxes of $46.9 million due primarily to the aforementioned impairment of goodwill at our E&P segment and recording an expense charge to adjust the carrying cost of assets held for disposal to fair market value resulting in the reduction of corresponding deferred tax liabilities.

As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, we had a working capital surplus of $373.2$972.1 million, including cash and equivalents of $495.3 million.$1.195 billion.  Our working capital surplus increased $322.0$848.7 million from a working capital surplus of $51.2$123.4 million at December 31, 2016,2019, including cash and equivalents of $154.4$326.7 million, due primarily to increased cash balances. To date, we have experienced no loss or lack of access to our cash or cashand equivalents; however, we can provide no assurances that access to our cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets.  Our strategy in managing our working capital is generally to apply the cash generated from our operations that remains after satisfying our working capital and capital expenditure requirements, along with share repurchase and dividend programs, to reduce the unhedged portion of our indebtedness under our Credit Agreement and to minimize our cash balances.

Investing Activities Cash Flows

Net cash used in investing activities increased $530.6$5.6 million to $683.6$133.6 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, from $153.0$128.0 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016. The significant components of the decrease included the following:

1)An increase in cash paid for acquisitions of $380.3 million due primarily to the January 2017 acquisition of Groot;
2)An increase in capital expenditures for property and equipment of $112.5 million; and
3)A decrease in cash acquired in the prior year period from the Progressive Waste acquisition of $65.7 million; less
4)An increase in cash proceeds from the disposal of assets of $22.8 million due primarily to the divestiture of certain operations in 2017.

Total consideration for the June 2016 Progressive Waste acquisition consisted of the issuance of common shares and assumption of Progressive Waste’s debt and other liabilities. We did not transfer cash consideration to the former shareholders of Progressive Waste. Progressive Waste had cash balances totaling $65.7 million, which we acquired upon the close of the Progressive Waste acquisition.

The increase in capital expenditures for property and equipment was due primarily to increases in expenditures resulting from the January 2017 acquisition of Groot, the June 2016 Progressive Waste acquisition, additional heavy equipment to support volume increases in our landfill operations and increased spending on information technology to support our Progressive Waste acquisition.

Financing Activities Cash Flows

Net cash from financing activities increased $412.1 million to net cash provided by financing activities of $135.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from net cash used in financing activities of $276.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019. The significant components of the increase included the following:

1)An increase in capital expenditures of $23.5 million due to an increase in the purchase of trucks for operations owned in the comparable periods, increased additions to existing facilities and additional trucks and containers purchased for operations acquired subsequent to March 31, 2019; less
2)A decrease in cash paid for acquisitions of $9.0 million due primarily to a decrease in acquisitions closed during the three months ended March 31, 2020.

47

Financing Activities Cash Flows

Net cash provided by financing activities increased $682.6 million to $627.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from net cash used in financing activities of $55.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The significant components of the increase included the following:

1)An increase from the net change in long-term borrowings of $435.6$816.9 million (long-term borrowings decreased $205.4increased $820.2 million during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016March 31, 2020 and increased $230.2$3.3 million during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017)March 31, 2019) due primarily to increased payments for acquisitions;maintaining a portion of the proceeds from our 2050 Senior Notes in cash and borrowing on our credit facility in March 2020 to provide us with additional available cash reserves; less
2)An increase in payments to repurchase our common shares of $7.8$105.7 million from an increase in book overdraft due to a higher volume of outstanding checks resulting fromas we resumed our share repurchase activity during the acquisition of Progressive Waste; andthree months ended March 31, 2020; less
3)An increase of $9.9 million from reducedin debt issuance costs resulting primarily fromof $10.9 million due to the issuance during the three months ended March 31, 2020 of our Credit Agreement that we entered into in June 2016 in conjunction with the Progressive Waste acquisition;2030 Senior Notes and 2050 Senior Notes; less
4)An increase in tax withholdings related to net share settlements of equity-based compensation of $6.1 million due to an increase is the value of equity-based compensation awards vesting; less
5)An increase in cash dividends paid of $34.2$5.9 million due primarily to an increase in our quarterly dividend rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 to $0.12$0.185 per share, from $0.16 per share for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017, from $0.097 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, and an increase in common shares outstanding resulting from the acquisition of Progressive Waste; andMarch 31, 2019.
5)A decrease of $6.6 million from a reduction in the sale of common shares held in trust.

Our business is capital intensive. Our capital requirements include acquisitions and capital expenditures for landfill cell construction, landfill development, landfill closure activities and intermodal facility construction in the future.

62

On July 24, 2017,25, 2019, our Board of Directors approved, subject to receipt of regulatory approvals, the annual renewal of our normal course issuer bid, (the “NCIB”)or the NCIB, to purchase up to 13,181,80613,184,474 of our common shares during the period of August 8, 20172019 to August 7, 20182020 or until such earlier time as the NCIB is completed or terminated at our option. The renewal followed on the conclusion of our original NCIB that expired August 7, 2017 under which no shares were repurchased. We received TSX approval for our annual renewal of the NCIB on August 2, 2017. Under the NCIB, we may make share repurchases only in the open market, including on the NYSE, the TSX, and/or alternative Canadian trading systems, at the prevailing market price at the time of the transaction.

In accordance with TSX rules, any daily repurchases made through the TSX and alternative Canadian trading systems would be limited to a maximum of 80,287 common shares, which represents 25% of the average daily trading volume on the TSX of 321,151 common shares for the period from February 1, 2017 to July 31, 2017. The TSX rules also allow us to purchase, once a week, a block of common shares not owned by any insiders, which may exceed such daily limit. The maximum number of shares that can be purchased per day on the NYSE will be 25% of the average daily trading volume for the four calendar weeks preceding the date of purchase, subject to certain exceptions for block purchases. Shareholders may obtain a copy of our TSX Form 12 – Notice of Intention to Make a Normal Course Issuer Bid, without charge, by request directed to our Senior Vice President – Financeand Chief Financial Officer at (832) 442-2200.

The timing and amounts of any repurchases pursuant to the NCIB will depend on many factors, including our capital structure, the market price of theour common shares and overall market conditions. All common shares purchased under the NCIB shallwill be immediately cancelled following their repurchase.

For  Information regarding our NCIB plan can be found under the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we did not repurchase any common shares pursuant“Shareholders’ Equity” section in Note 17 to the NCIB. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we did not repurchase any common shares pursuant to the NCIB, nor did Old Waste Connections repurchase sharesCondensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of its common stock pursuant to its share repurchase program.this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference.

TheOur Board of Directors of Old Waste Connections authorized the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend in October 2010 and has increased it on an annual basis. In October 2016,2019, our Board of Directors authorized an increase to our regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.023,$0.025, from $0.097$0.16 to $0.12$0.185 per share. Cash dividends of $95.2$48.0 million and $61.0$42.1 million were paid during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016,2019, respectively. We cannot assure you as to the amounts or timing of future dividends.

We made $317.4$137.8 million in capital expenditures for property and equipment during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017.  WeMarch 31, 2020, and we expect to make total capital expenditures for property and equipment of between $500 million and $550 million in 2020, which reflects a reduction of approximately $460$110 million in 2017 in connection with our existing business.projected 2020 capital expenditures as a result of the impact from COVID-19. We have funded and intend to fund the balance of our planned 20172020 capital expenditures principally through cash on hand, internally generated funds and borrowings under our Credit Agreement. In addition, we may make substantial additional capital expenditures in acquiring land and municipal solid waste and E&P waste businesses. If we acquire additional landfill disposal facilities, we may also have to make significant expenditures to bring them into compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, obtain permits or expand our available disposal capacity. We cannot currently determine the amount of these expenditures because they will depend on the number, nature, condition and permitted status of any acquired landfill disposal facilities. We believe that our cash and equivalents, Credit Agreement and the funds we expect to generate from operations will provide adequate cash to fund our working capital and other cash needs for the foreseeable future. However, disruptions in the capital and credit markets could adversely affect our ability to draw on our Credit Agreement or raise other capital. Our access to funds under the Credit Agreement is dependent on

48

the ability of the banks that are parties to the agreement to meet their funding commitments. Those banks may not be able to meet their funding commitments if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests within a short period of time.

As of September 30, 2017, $1.638 billionMarch 31, 2020, $650.0 million under the term loan and $218.8$692.6 million under the revolving credit facility were outstanding under our Credit Agreement, exclusive of outstanding standby letters of credit of $221.6$107.3 million. Our Credit Agreement matures in June 2021.March 2023.

On January 23, 2020, we completed an underwritten public offering of $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.60% Senior Notes due 2030, or the 2030 Senior Notes. The 2030 Senior Notes were issued under the Indenture, dated as of November 16, 2018, by and between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, as supplemented by the Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 23, 2020.

 We will pay interest on the 2030 Senior Notes semi-annually in arrears and the 2030 Senior Notes will mature on February 1, 2030.  The 2030 Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations, ranking equally in right of payment with our other existing and future unsubordinated debt and senior to any of our future subordinated debt.  The 2030 Senior Notes are not guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries.

63

On March 13, 2020, we completed an underwritten public offering of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.05% Senior Notes due 2050, or the 2050 Senior Notes. The 2050 Senior Notes were issued under the Indenture, dated as of November 16, 2018, by and between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, as supplemented by the Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 13, 2020.

 We will pay interest on the 2050 Senior Notes semi-annually in arrears and the 2050 Senior Notes will mature on April 1, 2050.  The 2050 Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations, ranking equally in right of payment with our other existing and future unsubordinated debt and senior to any of our future subordinated debt.  The 2050 Senior Notes are not guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries.

See Note 10 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further details on the debt agreements.

We are a well-known seasoned issuer with an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed in May 2018, which registers an unspecified amount of debt securities, including debentures, notes or other types of debt.   In the future, we may issue debt securities under our shelf registration statement or in private placements from time to time on an opportunistic basis, based on market conditions and available pricing. We expect to use the proceeds from any such offerings for general corporate purposes, including repaying, redeeming or repurchasing debt, acquiring additional assets or businesses, capital expenditures and increasing our working capital.

As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, we had the following contractual obligations:

 Payments Due by Period 
 (amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars) 

Payments Due by Period

(amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)

    

    

Less Than

    

1 to 3

    

    

Over 5

Recorded Obligations Total  Less Than
1 Year
  1 to 3
Years
  3 to 5 Years  Over 5
Years
 

Total

1 Year

Years

3 to 5 Years

Years

Long-term debt $3,953,167  $11,596  $178,215  $2,327,182  $1,436,174 

$

5,194,532

$

4,318

$

375,869

$

1,693,597

$

3,120,748

Cash interest payments $555,782  $110,947  $213,674  $121,143  $110,018 

$

1,312,469

$

147,180

$

307,036

$

196,451

$

661,802

Contingent consideration $64,813  $15,227  $7,369  $7,431  $34,786 

$

88,644

$

37,549

$

11,069

$

3,224

$

36,802

Operating leases

$

219,214

$

27,581

$

65,503

$

49,278

$

76,852

Final capping, closure and post-closure $1,356,474  $16,164  $21,315  $18,480  $1,300,515 

$

1,530,565

$

7,279

$

65,995

$

13,750

$

1,443,541

____________________

Long-term debt payments include:

1)$218.8692.6 million in principal payments due June 2021March 2023 related to our revolving credit facility under our Credit Agreement.  We may elect to draw amounts on our Credit Agreement in either U.S. dollar LIBOR rate loans, U.S. dollar

49

base rate loans, or LIBOR loans orCanadian-based bankers’ acceptances, and Canadian dollar Canadian prime rate loans or Bankers’ Acceptance loans.  At September 30, 2017, $12.0March 31, 2020, $675.0 million of the outstanding borrowings drawn under the revolving credit facility were in U.S. LIBOR rate loans, which bear interest at the LIBOR rate plus the applicable margin (for a total rate of 2.09% on such date) and $17.6 million of the outstanding borrowings drawn under the revolving credit facility were in Canadian-based Canadian prime rate loans, which bear interest at the Canadian prime rate plus the applicable Canadian prime rate margin (for a total rate of 3.45% at September 30, 2017) and $206.7 million of the outstanding borrowings drawn under the revolving credit facility were in Canadian-based Bankers’ Acceptance loans,bankers’ acceptances, which bear interest at the Canadian Dollar Offered Rate plus the applicable acceptance fee (for a total rate of 2.51% at September 30, 2017)2.33% on such date).

2)$1.638 billion650.0 million in principal payments due June 2021March 2023 related to our term loan under our Credit Agreement. Outstanding amounts on the term loan can be either base rate loans or LIBOR loans. At September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, all amounts outstanding under the term loan were in LIBOR loans which bear interest at the LIBOR rate plus the applicable LIBOR margin (for a total rate of 2.44% at September 30, 2017)2.09% on such date).

3)$50.0 million in principal payments due April 20, 2018 related to our 2018 Senior Notes.  Holders of the 2018 Senior Notes may require us to purchase their notes in cash at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount of the 2018 Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest and the LIBOR breakage amount, if any, upon a change in control, as defined in the Assumed 2008 NPA. The 2018 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.00%.  We have recorded this obligation in the payments due in 3 to 5 years category in the table above as we have the intent and ability to redeem the 2018 Senior Notes on April 20, 2018 using borrowings under our Credit Agreement.

4)$175.0 million in principal payments due 2019 related to our 2019 Senior Notes.  Holders of the 2019 Senior Notes may require us to purchase their notes in cash at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount of the 2019 Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest and the LIBOR breakage amount, if any, upon a change in control, as defined in the Assumed 2008 NPA. The 2019 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.25%. 

5)$100.0 million in principal payments due 2021 related to our 2021 Senior Notes. Holders of the 2021 Senior Notes may require us to purchase their notes in cash at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount of the 2021 Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest and the LIBOR breakage amount, if any, upon a change in control, as defined in the Assumed 2008 NPA. The 2021 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.64%.

6)4)$150.0 million in principal payments due 2021 related to our New 2021 Senior Notes. Holders of the New 2021 Senior Notes may require us to purchase their notes in cash at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount of the New 2021 Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest and the LIBOR breakage amount, if any, upon a change in control, as defined in the 2016 NPA. The New 2021 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 2.39%.

7)5)$125.0 million in principal payments due 2022 related to our 2022 Senior Notes. Holders of the 2022 Senior Notes may require us to purchase their notes in cash at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount of the 2022 Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest and the LIBOR breakage amount, if any, upon a change in control, as defined in the Assumed 2008 NPA. The 2022 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.09%.

8)6)$200.0 million in principal payments due 2023 related to our 2023 Senior Notes. Holders of the 2023 Senior Notes may require us to purchase their notes in cash at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount of the 2023 Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest and the LIBOR breakage amount, if any, upon a change in control, as defined in the 2016 NPA. The 2023 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 2.75%.

64

9)7)$150.0 million in principal payments due 2024 related to our 2024 Senior Notes. Holders of the 2024 Senior Notes may require us to purchase their notes in cash at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount of the 2024 Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest and the LIBOR breakage amount, if any, upon a change in control, as defined in the 2016 NPA. The 2024 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.24%.

10)8)$375.0 million in principal payments due 2025 related to our 2025 Senior Notes. Holders of the 2025 Senior Notes may require us to purchase their notes in cash at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount of the 2025 Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest and the LIBOR breakage amount, if any, upon a change in control, as defined in the Assumed 2008 NPA. The 2025 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.41%.

11)9)$400.0 million in principal payments due 2026 related to our 2026 Senior Notes. Holders of the 2026 Senior Notes may require us to purchase their notes in cash at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount of the 2026 Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest and the LIBOR breakage amount, if any, upon a change in control, as defined in the 2016 NPA. The 2026 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.03%.

12)10)$250.0 million in principal payments due 2027 related to our 2027 Senior Notes. Holders of the 2027 Senior Notes may require us to purchase their notes in cash at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount of the 2027 Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest and the LIBOR breakage amount, if any, upon a change in control, as defined in the 2016 NPA. The 2027 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.49%.

11)$500.0 million in principal payments due 2028 related to our 2028 Senior Notes. The 2028 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.25%.
12)$500.0 million in principal payments due 2029 related to our 2029 Senior Notes. The 2029 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.50%.
13)$95.4600.0 million in principal payments due 2030 related to our tax-exempt bonds, which2030 Senior Notes. The 2030 Senior Notes bear interest at variable rates (ranging between 1.03% and 1.05% at September 30, 2017).  The tax-exempt bonds have maturity dates ranging from 2018 to 2039.  The West Valley tax-exempt bond, with a principal amountrate of $15.5 million, is due August 1, 2018. We have recorded the West Valley bond obligation in the payments due in 3 to 5 years category in the table above as we have the intent and ability to redeem the West Valley bond on August 1, 2018 using borrowings under our Credit Agreement.2.60%.

14)$26.5500.0 million in principal payments due 2050 related to our 2050 Senior Notes. The 2050 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.05%.
15)$9.3 million in principal payments related to our notes payable to sellers and other third parties. Our notes payable to sellers and other third parties bear interest at rates between 2.00%2.75% and 24.81%10.35% at September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, and have maturity dates ranging from 20172021 to 2036.

50

The following assumptions were made in calculating cash interest payments:

1)We calculated cash interest payments on the Credit Agreement using the LIBOR rate plus the applicable LIBOR margin and the Canadian Dollar Offered Rate plus the applicable acceptance fee and the Canadian prime rate plus the applicable Canadian prime rate margin at September 30, 2017.March 31, 2020. We assumed the Credit Agreement is paid off when it matures in June 2021. March 2023.

2)We calculated cash interest payments on our interest rate swaps using the stated interest rate in the swap agreement less the LIBOR rate through the earlier expiration of the term of the swaps or the term of the credit facility.

Contingent consideration payments include $45.0$67.6 million recorded as liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements at September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, and $19.8$21.0 million of future interest accretion on the recorded obligations.

We are party to operating lease agreements. These lease agreements are established in the ordinary course of our business and are designed to provide us with access to facilities at competitive, market-driven prices.

The estimated final capping, closure and post-closure expenditures presented above are in current dollars.

 Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period 
 (amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars) 

Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period

(amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)

Less Than

1 to 3

3 to 5

Over 5

Unrecorded Obligations(1) Total  Less Than
1 Year
  1 to 3
Years
  3 to 5
Years
  Over 5
Years
 

    

Total

    

1 Year

    

Years

    

Years

    

Years

Operating leases $174,549  $28,433  $42,381  $29,690  $74,045 
Unconditional purchase obligations $41,799  $38,044  $3,755  $-  $- 

$

163,777

$

89,986

$

73,791

$

$

____________________

(1)We are party to operating lease agreements and unconditional purchase obligations. These lease agreements and purchase obligations are established in the ordinary course of our business and are designed to provide us with access to facilities and products at competitive, market-driven prices. At September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, our unconditional purchase obligations consisted of multiple fixed-price fuel purchase contracts under which we have 18.066.9 million gallons remaining to be purchased for a total of $41.8$163.8 million. The current fuel purchase contracts expire on or before December 31, 2018.2022. These arrangements have not materially affected our financial position, results of operations or liquidity during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, nor are they expected to have a material impact on our future financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

We have obtained financial surety bonds, primarily to support our financial assurance needs and landfill and E&P operations. We provided customers and various regulatory authorities with surety bonds in the aggregate amounts of approximately $886.0 million$1.106 billion and $862.7 million$1.081 billion at September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2016,2019, respectively. These arrangements have not materially affected our financial position, results of operations or liquidity during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, nor are they expected to have a material impact on our future financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

65

From time to time, we evaluate our existing operations and their strategic importance to us. If we determine that a given operating unit does not have future strategic importance, we may sell or otherwise dispose of those operations. Although we believe our reporting units would not be impaired by such dispositions, we could incur losses on them.

The disposal tonnage that we received in the ninethree month periods ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016,2019, at all of our landfills during the respective period, is shown below (tons in thousands):

  Nine months ended September 30, 
  2017  2016 
  Number of
Sites
  Total
Tons
  Number of
Sites
  Total
Tons
 
Owned operational landfills and landfills operated under life-of-site agreements  86   30,832   88   22,955 
Operated landfills  6   1,876   6   427 
   92   32,708   94   23,382 

66

Three Months Ended March 31, 

2020

2019

    

Number

    

Total

    

Number

    

Total

of Sites

Tons

of Sites

Tons

Owned operational landfills and landfills operated under life-of-site agreements

 

88

 

10,843

 

89

 

10,253

Operated landfills

 

4

 

133

 

4

 

127

 

92

 

10,976

 

93

 

10,380

51

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Adjusted Free Cash Flow

We present adjusted free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, 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 our operations. We define adjusted free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities, plus or minus change in book overdraft, plus proceeds from disposal of assets, plus excess tax benefit associated with equity-based compensation, less capital expenditures for property and equipment and distributions to noncontrolling interests. We further adjust this calculation to exclude the effects of items management believes impact the ability to assess the operating performance of our 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. Our adjusted free cash flow for the ninethree month periods ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016,2019, are calculated as follows (amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars):

  Nine months ended
September 30,
 
  2017  2016 
Net cash provided by operating activities $888,375  $538,831 
Plus: Change in book overdraft  13,814   6,050 
Plus: Proceeds from disposal of assets  25,826   3,026 
Plus: Excess tax benefit associated with equity-based compensation  -   5,151 
Less: Capital expenditures for property and equipment  (317,385)  (204,934)
Less: Distributions to noncontrolling interests  -   (3)
Adjustments:        
Payment of contingent consideration recorded in earnings (a)  -   413 
Cash received for divestitures (b)  (21,100)  - 
Transaction-related expenses (c)  4,418   41,748 
Integration-related and other expenses (d)  7,968   78,521 
Pre-existing Progressive Waste share-based grants (e)  11,740   - 
Synergy bonus (f)  11,798   - 
Tax effect (g)  (11,426)  (28,537)
Adjusted free cash flow $614,028  $440,266 

Three Months Ended

March 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

369,586

$

363,772

Less: Change in book overdraft

 

(3,848)

 

(2,784)

Plus: Proceeds from disposal of assets

 

3,499

 

639

Less: Capital expenditures for property and equipment

 

(137,781)

 

(114,238)

Adjustments:

 

 

Cash received for divestitures (a)

 

 

(2,376)

Transaction-related expenses (b)

 

1,146

 

837

Pre-existing Progressive Waste share-based grants (c)

 

6,440

 

2,182

Tax effect (d)

 

(3,318)

 

(1,697)

Adjusted free cash flow

$

235,724

$

246,335

____________________

(a)Reflects the addback of acquisition-related payments for contingent consideration that were recorded as expenses in earnings and as a component of cash flows from operating activities as the amounts paid exceeded the fair value of the contingent consideration recorded at the acquisition date.
(b)Reflects the elimination of cash received in conjunction with the divestiture of certain Progressive Waste operations.
(b)(c)Reflects the addback of acquisition-related transaction costs, which for 2016 primarily related to the Progressive Waste acquisition.costs.
(c)(d)Reflects the addback of rebranding costs and other integration-related items associated with the Progressive Waste acquisition, including professional fees and severance costs.
(e)Reflects the cash settlement of pre-existing Progressive Waste share-based awards during the period.
(d)(f)Reflects the addback of cash bonuses paid pursuant to the Company’s Synergy Bonus Program adopted on July 19, 2016 in conjunction with the Progressive Waste acquisition.
(g)The aggregate tax effect of footnotes (a) through (f)(c) is calculated based on the applied tax rates for the respective periods.

67

52

Adjusted EBITDA

We present adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, 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 our operations. We define adjusted EBITDA as net income attributable to Waste Connections, plus or minus net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, plus or minus income tax provision, (benefit), plus interest expense, less interest income, 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, plus foreign currency transaction loss, less foreign currency transaction gain.income. We further adjust this calculation to exclude the effects of other items management believes impact the ability to assess the operating performance of our 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. Our adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016,2019, are calculated as follows (amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars):

  Three months ended
September 30,
  Nine months ended
September 30,
 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
Net income attributable to Waste Connections $123,227  $88,617  $261,732  $160,948 
Plus: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests  183   264   559   670 
Plus: Income tax provision  64,390   42,485   100,220   86,750 
Plus: Interest expense  32,471   27,621   92,763   65,291 
Less: Interest income  (1,656)  (171)  (3,131)  (447)
Plus: Depreciation and amortization  163,554   152,688   471,894   319,707 
Plus: Closure and post-closure accretion  2,971   3,034   8,805   5,908 
Plus: Impairments and other operating items  832   7,682   141,333   4,634 
Plus/less: Other expense (income), net  (1,709)  (500)  (3,561)  268 
Plus/less: Foreign currency transaction loss (gain)  1,864   350   3,502   (339)
Adjustments:                
Plus: Transaction-related expenses (a)  1,958   310   4,418   46,827 
Plus: Pre-existing Progressive Waste share-based grants (b)  2,369   4,466   12,947   9,823 
Plus: Integration-related and other expenses (c)  2,922   10,178   8,344   40,300 
Plus: Synergy bonus (d)  -   5,300   -   5,300 
Adjusted EBITDA $393,376  $342,324  $1,099,825  $745,640 

Three Months Ended

March 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Net income attributable to Waste Connections

$

143,035

$

125,622

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

(142)

 

(45)

Plus: Income tax provision

 

28,734

 

27,968

Plus: Interest expense

 

37,990

 

37,287

Less: Interest income

 

(2,175)

 

(3,311)

Plus: Depreciation and amortization

 

182,459

 

177,389

Plus: Closure and post-closure accretion

 

3,908

 

3,490

Plus: Impairments and other operating items

 

1,506

 

16,112

Plus (less): Other expense (income), net

 

9,521

 

(2,661)

Adjustments:

 

 

Plus: Transaction-related expenses (a)

 

1,146

 

837

Plus: Fair value changes to equity awards (b)

2,541

 

3,021

Adjusted EBITDA

$

408,523

$

385,709

____________________

(a)Reflects the addback of acquisition-related transaction costs, which for 2016 primarily related to the Progressive Waste acquisition.costs.
(b)Reflects share-based compensation costs, including changes in fair value accounting changes associated with share-basedcertain equity awards granted by Progressive Waste outstanding at the time of the Progressive Waste acquisition.
(c)Reflects the addback of rebranding costs and other integration-related items, including professional fees and severance costs, associated with the Progressive Waste acquisition.
(d)Reflects the addback of bonuses accrued pursuant to the Company’s Synergy Bonus Program adopted on July 19, 2016 in connection with the Progressive Waste acquisition..

68

53

Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Waste Connections and Adjusted Net Income per Diluted Share

Attributable to Waste Connections

We present adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections and adjusted net income per diluted share attributable to Waste Connections, both non-GAAP financial measures, supplementally because they are widely used by investors as a valuation measure in the solid waste industry. Management uses adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections and adjusted net income per diluted share attributable to Waste Connections as one of the principal measures to evaluate and monitor the ongoing financial performance of our operations. We provide adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections to exclude the effects of items management believes impact the comparability of operating results between periods. Adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections has limitations due to the fact that it excludes items that have an impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections and adjusted net income per diluted share attributable to Waste Connections are not a substitute for, and should be used in conjunction with, GAAP financial measures. Other companies may calculate these non-GAAP financial measures differently. Our adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections and adjusted net income per diluted share attributable to Waste Connections for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016,2019, are calculated as follows (amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts):

  Three months ended
September 30,
  Nine months ended
September 30,
 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
Reported net income attributable to Waste Connections $123,227  $88,617  $261,732  $160,948 
Adjustments:                
Amortization of intangibles (a)  26,613   26,944   76,886   48,719 
Impairments and other operating items (b)  832   7,682   141,333   4,634 
Transaction-related expenses (c)  1,958   310   4,418   46,827 
Pre-existing Progressive Waste share-based grants (d)  2,369   4,466   12,947   9,823 
Integration-related and other expenses (e)  2,922   10,178   8,344   40,300 
Synergy bonus (f)  -   5,300   -   5,300 
Tax effect (g)  (3,575)  (19,001)  (75,828)  (43,630)
Impact of deferred tax adjustment (h)  3,787   1,964   3,787   1,964 
Adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections $158,133  $126,460  $433,619  $274,885 
                 
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Waste Connections’ common shareholders:                
Reported net income $0.47  $0.34  $0.99  $0.73 
Adjusted net income $0.60  $0.48  $1.64  $1.25 

Three Months Ended

March 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Reported net income attributable to Waste Connections

$

143,035

$

125,622

Adjustments:

 

 

Amortization of intangibles (a)

 

31,638

 

30,542

Impairments and other operating items (b)

 

1,506

 

16,112

Transaction-related expenses (c)

 

1,146

 

837

Fair value changes to equity awards (d)

 

2,541

 

3,021

Tax effect (e)

 

(9,304)

 

(12,197)

Adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections

$

170,562

$

163,937

Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Waste Connections’ common shareholders:

 

  

 

  

Reported net income

$

0.54

$

0.48

Adjusted net income

$

0.65

$

0.62

____________________

(a)Reflects the elimination of the non-cash amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets.assets.
(b)Reflects the addback of impairments and other operating items.
(c)Reflects the addback of acquisition-related transaction costs, which for 2016 primarily related to the Progressive Waste acquisition.costs.
(d)Reflects share-based compensation costs, including changes in fair value accounting changes associated with share-basedcertain equity awards granted by Progressive Waste outstanding at the time of the Progressive Waste acquisition..
(e)Reflects the addback of rebranding costs and other integration-related items, including professional fees and severance costs, associated with the Progressive Waste acquisition.
(f)Reflects the addback of bonuses accrued pursuant to the Company’s Synergy Bonus Program adopted on July 19, 2016 in connection with the Progressive Waste acquisition.
(g)The aggregate tax effect of the adjustments in footnotes (a) through (f)(d) is calculated based on the applied tax rates for the respective periods.
(h)Reflects in 2016 a change in the geographical apportionment of our deferred tax liabilities resulting from the Progressive Waste acquisition. In 2017, reflects the elimination of an increase to the income tax provision associated with an increase in the Company’s deferred tax liabilities resulting from the enactment of the Illinois State Budget Public Act 100-0022 on July 6, 2017.

69

INFLATION

Other than volatility in fuel prices, third party brokerage and labor costs in certain markets, inflation has not materially affected our operations in recent years. Consistent with industry practice, many of our contracts allow us to pass through certain costs to our customers, including increases in landfill tipping fees and, in some cases, fuel costs.  To the extent that there are decreases in fuel costs, in some cases, a portion of these reductions are passed through to customers in the form of lower fuel and material surcharges. Therefore, we believe that we should be able to increase prices to offset many cost increases that result from inflation in the ordinary course of business. However, competitive pressures or delays in the timing of rate increases under our contracts, particularly amid the economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, may require us to absorb at least part of these cost increases, especially if cost increases exceed the average rate of inflation. Management'sManagement’s estimates associated with inflation have an impact on our accounting for landfill liabilities.

54

SEASONALITY

WeBased on historic trends, excluding any impact from the COVID-19 outbreak or an economic recession, we would expect our operating results to vary seasonally, with revenues typically lowest in the first quarter, higher in the second and third quarters and lower in the fourth quarter than in the second and third quarters. This seasonality reflects (a) the lower volume of solid waste generated during the late fall, winter and early spring because of decreased construction and demolition activities during winter months in Canada and the U.S. and (b) reduced E&P activity during harsh weather conditions, with expected fluctuation due to such seasonality between our highest and lowest quarters of approximately 10%. In addition, some of our operating costs may be higher in the winter months. Adverse winter weather conditions slow waste collection activities, resulting in higher labor and operational costs. Greater precipitation in the winter increases the weight of collected municipal solid waste, resulting in higher disposal costs, which are calculated on a per ton basis.

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risk, including changes in interest rates and prices of certain commodities. We use hedge agreements to manage a portion of our risks related to interest rates and fuel prices. While we are exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by counterparties to our hedge agreements, in all cases such counterparties are highly rated financial institutions and we do not anticipate non-performance.non-performance under current market conditions. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. We monitor our hedge positions by regularly evaluating the positions at market and by performing sensitivity analyses over the unhedged fuel and variable rate debt positions.

At September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, our derivative instruments included 14 interest rate swap agreements that effectively fix the interest rate on the applicable notional amounts of our variable rate debt as follows (dollars in thousands of U.S. dollars):

Date Entered Notional
Amount
  Fixed
Interest
Rate Paid*
  Variable
Interest Rate
Received
 Effective Date Expiration
Date
April 2014 $100,000   1.800% 1-month LIBOR July 2014 July 2019
May 2014 $50,000   2.344% 1-month LIBOR October 2015 October 2020
May 2014 $25,000   2.326% 1-month LIBOR October 2015 October 2020
May 2014 $50,000   2.350% 1-month LIBOR October 2015 October 2020
May 2014 $50,000   2.350% 1-month LIBOR October 2015 October 2020
April 2016 $100,000   1.000% 1-month LIBOR February 2017 February 2020
June 2016 $75,000   0.850% 1-month LIBOR February 2017 February 2020
June 2016 $150,000   0.950% 1-month LIBOR January 2018 January 2021
June 2016 $150,000   0.950% 1-month LIBOR January 2018 January 2021
July 2016 $50,000   0.900% 1-month LIBOR January 2018 January 2021
July 2016 $50,000   0.890% 1-month LIBOR January 2018 January 2021
August 2017 $100,000   1.900% 1-month LIBOR July 2019 July 2022
August 2017 $200,000   2.200% 1-month LIBOR October 2020 October 2025
August 2017 $150,000   1.950% 1-month LIBOR February 2020 February 2023

    

    

Fixed

    

Variable

    

    

Notional

Interest

Interest Rate

Expiration

Date Entered

Amount

Rate Paid*

Received

Effective Date

Date

May 2014

$

50,000

 

2.344

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

October 2015

 

October 2020

May 2014

$

25,000

 

2.326

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

October 2015

 

October 2020

May 2014

$

50,000

 

2.350

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

October 2015

 

October 2020

May 2014

$

50,000

 

2.350

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

October 2015

 

October 2020

June 2016

$

150,000

 

0.950

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

January 2018

 

January 2021

June 2016

$

150,000

 

0.950

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

January 2018

 

January 2021

July 2016

$

50,000

 

0.900

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

January 2018

 

January 2021

July 2016

$

50,000

 

0.890

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

January 2018

 

January 2021

August 2017

$

100,000

 

1.900

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

July 2019

 

July 2022

August 2017

$

200,000

 

2.200

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

October 2020

 

October 2025

August 2017

$

150,000

 

1.950

%  

1-month LIBOR

 

February 2020

 

February 2023

June 2018

$

200,000

2.925

%  

1-month LIBOR

October 2020

October 2025

June 2018

$

200,000

2.925

%  

1-month LIBOR

October 2020

October 2025

December 2018

$

200,000

2.850

%  

1-month LIBOR

July 2022

July 2027

____________________

*

* Plus applicable margin.

Under derivatives and hedging guidance, the interest rate swap agreements are considered cash flow hedges for a portion of our variable rate debt, and we apply hedge accounting to account for these instruments. The notional amounts and all other significant terms of the swap agreements are matched to the provisions and terms of the variable rate debt being hedged.

70

We have performed sensitivity analyses to determine how market rate changes will affect the fair value of our unhedged floating rate debt. Such an analysis is inherently limited in that it reflects a singular, hypothetical set of assumptions. Actual market movements may vary significantly from our assumptions. Fair value sensitivity is not necessarily indicative of the ultimate cash flow or earnings effect we would recognize from the assumed market rate movements. We are exposed to cash flow risk due to changes in interest rates with respect to the unhedged floating rate

55

balances owed at September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2016,2019, of $1.502 billion$517.6 million and $1.594 billion,$766.2 million, respectively, including floating rate debt under our Credit Agreement and floating rate tax-exempt bond obligations.Agreement. A one percentage point increase in interest rates on our variable-rate debt as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2016,2019, would decrease our annual pre-tax income by approximately $15.0$5.2 million and $15.9$7.7 million, respectively. All of our remaining debt instruments are at fixed rates, or effectively fixed under the interest rate swap agreements described above; therefore, changes in market interest rates under these instruments would not significantly impact our cash flows or results of operations, subject to counterparty default risk.

The market price of diesel fuel is unpredictable and can fluctuate significantly.  We purchase approximately 64.0 million gallonsBecause of the volume of fuel per year; therefore,we purchase each year, a significant increase in the price of fuel could adversely affect our business and reduce our operating margins.  To manage a portion of this risk, we periodically enter into fuel hedge agreements related to forecasted diesel fuel purchases. 

purchases, and we also enter into fixed price fuel purchase contracts.  At September 30, 2017, our derivative instruments included fourMarch 31, 2020, we had no fuel hedge agreements in place; however, we have entered into fixed price fuel purchase contracts for 2020 as follows: described below.

Date Entered Notional
Amount
(in gallons
per
month)
  Diesel
Rate
Paid
Fixed
(per
gallon)
  Diesel Rate Received
Variable
 Effective
Date
 Expiration
Date
May 2015  300,000  $3.2800  DOE Diesel Fuel Index* January 2016 December 2017
May 2015  200,000  $3.2750  DOE Diesel Fuel Index* January 2016 December 2017
July 2016  500,000  $2.4988  DOE Diesel Fuel Index* January 2017 December 2017
July 2016  1,000,000  $2.6345  DOE Diesel Fuel Index* January 2018 December 2018

*If the national U.S. on-highway average price for a gallon of diesel fuel, or average price, as published by the U.S. Department of Energy, exceeds the contract price per gallon, we receive the difference between the average price and the contract price (multiplied by the notional number of gallons) from the counterparty.  If the average price is less than the contract price per gallon, we pay the difference to the counterparty.

Under derivativesFor the year ending December 31, 2020, we expect to purchase approximately 75.3 million gallons of fuel, of which 41.4 million gallons will be purchased at market prices and hedging guidance, the33.9 million gallons will be purchased under our fixed price fuel hedges are considered cash flow hedges for a portion of our forecasted diesel fuel purchases, and we apply hedge accounting to account for these instruments. 

purchase contracts. We have performed sensitivity analyses to determine how market rate changes will affect the fair value of our unhedged, market rate diesel fuel purchases.  Such an analysis is inherently limited in that it reflects a singular, hypothetical set of assumptions.  Actual market movements may vary significantly from our assumptions.  Fair value sensitivity is not necessarily indicative of the ultimate cash flow or earnings effect we would recognize from the assumed market rate movements.  ForDuring the year endingnine month period of April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2017,2020, we expect to purchase approximately 64.0 million gallons of fuel, of which 33.2 million gallons will be purchased at market prices, 18.8 million gallons will be purchased under our fixed price fuel purchase contracts and 12.0 million gallons are hedged at a fixed price under our fuel hedge agreements. During the three month period of October 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017, we expect to purchase approximately 8.331.1 million gallons of fuel at market prices; therefore, a $0.10 per gallon increase in the price of fuel over the remaining threenine months in 20172020 would decrease our pre-tax income during this period by approximately $0.8$3.1 million.

We market a variety of recyclable materials, including compost, cardboard, officemixed paper, plastic containers, glass bottles and ferrous and aluminum metals. We own and operate recycling operations and sellmarket other collected recyclable materials to third parties for processing before resale. To reduce our exposure to commodity price risk with respect to recycled materials, we have adopted a pricing strategy of charging collection and processing fees for recycling volume collected from third parties. In the event of a decline in recycled commodity prices, a 10% decrease in average recycled commodity prices from the average prices that were in effect during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016,2019, would have had a $12.4$1.8 million and $5.6$1.9 million impact on revenues for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016,2019, respectively.

We have operations in Canada and, where significant, we have quantified and described the impact of foreign currency translation on components of income, including operating revenue and operating costs. However, the impact of foreign currency has not materially affected our results of operations in 2019 or 2020. A $0.01 change in the Canadian dollar to U.S. dollar exchange rate would impact our annual revenue and EBITDA by approximately $9.0 million and $3.0 million, respectively.

71

56

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the fiscal quarter covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and our management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

Based on this evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer concluded as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level such that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports:  (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms; and (2) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

72

57

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.Legal Proceedings 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

Information regarding our legal proceedings can be found in Note 1718 of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Certain statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking in nature, including statements related to the impact of global economic conditions, including the price of crude oil, on our volume, business and results of operations; the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our business, financial condition and results of operations; our ability to generate internal growth or expand permitted capacity at landfills we own or operate; our ability to grow through acquisitions and our expectations with respect to the impact of acquisitions on our expected revenues and expenses following the integration of such businesses; the competitiveness of our industry and how such competition may affect our operating results; the possibility of losing contracts through competitive bidding, early termination or governmental action; the effects of financial difficulties of some of our customers, including governmental entities, affecting their credit risk; our ability to provide adequate cash to fund our operating activities; our ability to draw from our credit facility or raise additional capital; our ability to generate free cash flow and reduce our leverage; the impact on our tax positions by recent changes in U.S. tax law and future changes in tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate; the effects of landfill special waste projects on volume results; the impact that price increases may have on our business and operating results; demand for recyclable commodities and recyclable commodity pricing; the effects of seasonality on our business and results of operations; our ability to obtain additional exclusive arrangements; increasing alternatives to landfill disposal; increases in labor and pension plan costs or the impact that labor union activity may have on our operating results; operational and safety risks, including the risk of personal injury to employees and others; our expectations with respect to the purchase of fuel and fuel prices; our expectations with respect to capital expenditures; our expectations with respect to the outcomes of our legal proceedings; the impairment of our goodwill; insurance costs; disruptions to or breaches of our information systems and other cybersecurity threats; and environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including changes to the regulation of landfills, solid waste disposal, E&P waste disposal, or hydraulic fracturing.  These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “should” or “anticipates,” or the negative thereof or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. Our business and operations are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and, consequently, actual results may differ materially from those projected by any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those projected include, but are not limited to, those listed below and elsewhere in this report and in our other filings with the SEC, as well as in our filings during the year with the Canadian Securities Administrators.  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.

Our results are vulnerable to economic conditions.

Our business and results of operations may be adversely affected by changes in national or global economic conditions, including the price of crude oil.

In an economic slowdown, we may experience the negative effects of the following, any of which could negatively impact our operating income and cash flows: decreased waste generation, increased competitive pricing pressure, increased customer turnover, and reductions in customer service requirements.  In a recessionary environment, two of our business lines that could see a more immediate impact are construction and demolition debris and E&P waste disposal, as demand for new construction or energy exploration decreases.  Our commercial and industrial collection activity and the related demand for our landfill disposal and other services may also be impacted, depending on the drivers of the economic slowdown.  In addition, a weaker economy may result in declines in recycled commodity prices.  Worsening economic conditions or a prolonged or recurring economic recession could adversely affect our operating results and expected seasonal fluctuations.  Further, we cannot assure you that any improvement in economic conditions after such a slowdown will result in an immediate, if at all, positive improvement in our operating results or cash flows.

58

The impact of public health crises, pandemics and epidemics, and the effects of governmental initiatives to manage resulting economic conditions, have adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Public health crises, pandemics and epidemics, such as the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”), may impact our operations directly or may disrupt the operations of our customers in ways that could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.  COVID-19 has resulted in adverse impacts to our business.  Fear of such events and their duration and spread might also alter consumer confidence, behavior and spending patterns, resulting in an economic slowdown that could continue to affect demand for our services.  The following could be among the contributing factors:

Mandatory and voluntary closures, shelter-in-place orders, and similar government restrictions on or advisories with respect to travel, business operations and public gatherings have impacted and may continue to impact the operations of our commercial, municipal, industrial and E&P collection customers, as well as affiliated and third-party haulers that bring waste to our landfills, transfer stations, E&P waste and recycling facilities, resulting in a decline in demand for our service offerings;
Weakness in the economy resulting from business closures, unemployment and other direct and indirect impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak has caused and may continue to cause customers, including residential, commercial, industrial and E&P accounts, to suffer financial difficulties and ultimately to be unable or unwilling to pay amounts owed to us.  This could negatively impact our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows;
To the extent that a significant percentage of our workforce is unable to work, including because of illness or government restrictions in connection with the COVID-19 outbreak, our workforce and operations will be negatively impacted;
The additional costs associated with COVID-19, including those related to emergency wages, supplemental pay, personal protective equipment and extended benefits programs provided by the Company to employees affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, may impact our financial results;
Volatility in commodity and other input costs could substantially impact our result of operations; and
It may become more costly or difficult to obtain debt or equity financing to fund operations or investment opportunities, or to refinance our debt in the future, in each case on terms and within a time period acceptable to us.

The ultimate extent of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows will depend largely on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak in the U.S. and Canada, its severity, the actions to contain the novel coronavirus or treat its impact, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time.

Our industry is highly competitive and includes 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.

Our industry is highly competitive and requires substantial labor and capital resources. Some of the markets in which we compete or will seek to compete are served by one or more large, national companies, as well as by regional and local companies of varying sizes and resources, some of which we believe have accumulated substantial goodwill in their markets. Some of our competitors may also have greater name recognition than we do, or be able to provide or be willing to bid their services at a lower price than we may be willing to offer. In addition, existing and future competitors may develop or offer services or new technologies, new facilities or other advantages. Our inability to compete effectively could hinder our growth or negatively impact our operating results.

In our solid waste business, we also compete with counties, municipalities and solid waste districts that maintain or could in the future choose to maintain their own waste collection and disposal operations, including through the

59

implementation of flow control ordinances or similar legislation. These operators may have financial advantages over us because of their access to user fees and similar charges, tax revenues and tax-exempt financing.

In our E&P waste business, we compete for disposal volumes with existing facilities owned by third parties (including those owned by municipalities or quasi-governmental entities), and we face potential competition from new facilities that are currently under development. Increased competition in certain markets may result in lower pricing and decreased volumes at our facilities. In addition, customers in certain markets may decide to use internal disposal methods for the treatment and disposal of their waste.

Competition for acquisition candidates, consolidation within the waste industry and economic and market conditions may limit our ability to grow through acquisitions.

We seek to grow through strategic acquisitions in addition to internal growth. Although we have and expect to continue to identify numerous acquisition candidates that we believe may be suitable, we may not be able to acquire them at prices or on terms and conditions favorable to us.

Other companies have adopted or may in the future adopt our strategy of acquiring and consolidating regional and local businesses, and they may be willing to accept terms and conditions or valuations that we deem inappropriate. To the extent that competition increases, it may become uneconomical for us to make further acquisitions or we may be unable to locate or acquire suitable acquisition candidates at price levels and on terms and conditions that we consider appropriate, particularly in markets we do not already serve.

We expect that increased consolidation in the solid waste services industry will continue to reduce the number of attractive acquisition candidates. Moreover, general economic conditions, including pandemics and public health crises such as the COVID-19 outbreak, and the environment for attractive investments may affect the desire of the owners of acquisition candidates to sell their companies. As a result, we may have fewer acquisition opportunities, and those opportunities may be on less attractive terms than in the past, which could cause a reduction in our rate of growth from acquisitions.  In addition, the COVID-19 outbreak may delay the closing of acquisitions already in process due to logistical constraints associated with business closures or travel restrictions.

Our ability to access the capital markets may be severely restricted at a time when we would like, or need, to do so. While we expect we will be able to fund some of our acquisitions with our existing resources, additional financing to pursue additional acquisitions may be required. However, particularly if market conditions deteriorate, we may be unable to secure additional financing or any such additional financing may not be available to us on favorable terms, which could have an impact on our flexibility to pursue additional acquisition opportunities. In addition, disruptions in the capital and credit markets could adversely affect our ability to draw on our credit facility or raise other capital. Our access to funds under the credit facility is dependent on the ability of the banks that are parties to the facility to meet their funding commitments. Those banks may not be able to meet their funding commitments if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests within a short period.

Price increases may not be adequate to offset the impact of increased costs, or may cause us to lose customers.

We seek price increases necessary to offset increased costs, to improve operating margins and to obtain adequate returns on our deployed capital.  Contractual, general economic, competitive or market-specific conditions, including the impact of pandemics or public health crises such as the COVID-19 outbreak, may limit our ability to raise prices or otherwise impact our plans with respect to implementing price increases.  As a result of these factors, we may be unable to offset increases in costs, improve operating margins and obtain adequate investment returns through price increases. We may also lose customers to lower-price competitors, and new competitors may enter our markets as we raise prices.

We may lose contracts through competitive bidding, early termination or governmental action.

We derive a significant portion of our revenues from market areas where we have exclusive arrangements, including franchise agreements, municipal contracts and certificates issued by Washington State known as G Certificates. Many franchise agreements and municipal contracts are for a specified term and are, or will be, subject to competitive bidding

60

in the future. For example, at the beginning of 2020, we had approximately 480 contracts, representing approximately 3.9% of our annual revenues, which were set for expiration or automatic renewal on or before December 31, 2020. Although we intend to bid on existing contracts subject to competitive bidding in the future and additional municipal contracts and franchise agreements, we may not be the successful bidder, or we may need to lower our price in order to retain the contract. In addition, some of our customers, including municipalities, may terminate their contracts with us before the end of the terms of those contracts. Similar risks may affect our contracts to operate municipally-owned assets, such as landfills.

Governmental action may also affect our exclusive arrangements. Municipalities may annex unincorporated areas within counties where we provide collection services. As a result, our customers in annexed areas may be required to obtain services from competitors that have been previously franchised by the annexing municipalities to provide those services. For example, municipalities in the State of Washington may, by law, annex any unincorporated territory, which could remove such territory from an area covered by a G Certificate issued to us by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, or WUTC. Such occurrences could subject more of our Washington operations to competitive bidding. Moreover, legislative action could amend or repeal the laws governing WUTC regulation, which could eliminate or diminish service exclusivity, subjecting more areas to competitive bidding and/or overlapping service. In addition, municipalities in which we provide services on a competitive basis may elect to franchise those services to other service providers. Unless we are awarded franchises by these municipalities, we will lose customers. Municipalities may also decide to provide services to their residents themselves, on an optional or mandatory basis, causing us to lose customers. If we are not able to replace revenues from contracts lost through competitive bidding or early termination or from the renegotiation of existing contracts with other revenues within a reasonable time, our revenues could decline.

Our financial and operating performance may be affected by the inability to renew landfill operating permits, obtain new landfills and expand existing ones.

We currently own and/or operate 92 landfills and one development stage landfill throughout the United States and Canada. Our ability to meet our financial and operating objectives may depend in part on our ability to acquire, lease, or renew landfill operating permits, expand existing landfills and develop new landfill sites, especially in our E&P waste business. It has become increasingly difficult and expensive to obtain required permits and approvals to build, operate and expand solid waste management facilities, including landfills and transfer stations. Although the process generally takes less time, the process of obtaining permits and approvals for E&P landfills has similar uncertainties. Operating permits for landfills in states and provinces where we operate must generally be renewed every five to ten years, although some permits are required to be renewed more frequently. These operating permits often must be renewed several times during the permitted life of a landfill. The permit and approval process is often time consuming, requires numerous hearings and compliance with zoning, environmental and other requirements, is frequently challenged by special interest and other groups, including those utilizing social media to further their objectives, and may result in the denial of a permit or renewal, the award of a permit or renewal for a shorter duration than we believed was otherwise required by law, or burdensome terms and conditions being imposed on our operations. This process may be further complicated by the COVID-19 outbreak, which may impact the timeliness of the receipt of approvals and permits.  We may not be able to obtain new landfill sites or expand the permitted capacity of our existing landfills when necessary, and may ultimately be required to expense up to the carrying value of the landfill or expansion project, less the recoverable value of the property and other amounts recovered. Obtaining new landfill sites is important to our expansion into new, non-exclusive solid waste markets and in our E&P waste business. If we do not believe that we can obtain a landfill site in a non-exclusive market, we may choose not to enter that market. Expanding existing landfill sites is important in those markets where the remaining lives of our landfills are relatively short. We may choose to forego acquisitions and internal growth in these markets because increased volumes would further shorten the lives of these landfills. Any of these circumstances could adversely affect our operating results.

Lower crude oil prices have and may continue to adversely affect the level of exploration, development and production activity of E&P companies and the demand for our E&P waste services.

Lower crude oil prices and the volatility of such prices may affect the level of investment and the amount of linear feet drilled in the basins where we operate, as it may impact the ability of E&P companies to access capital on economically advantageous terms or at all. In addition, E&P companies may elect to decrease investment in basins where the returns on

61

investment are inadequate or uncertain due to lower crude oil prices or volatility in crude oil prices.  Recent declines in the price of crude oil to historic lows have resulted in announced reductions to capital spending plans by E&P companies.  Such reductions in capital spending would be expected to negatively impact E&P waste generation and therefore the demand for our services.  Given the unexpected oversupply of oil and the decreased demand for oil associated with the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, we cannot estimate when crude oil prices will increase.  Further, we cannot provide assurances that higher crude oil prices will result in increased capital spending and linear feet drilled by our customers in the basins where we operate.

Increases in labor costs and limitations on labor availability could impact our financial results.

Labor is one of our highest costs and relatively small increases in labor costs per employee could materially affect our cost structure.  We compete with other businesses in our markets for qualified employees and the labor supply is sometimes tight in our markets, which can drive higher turnover and increase the time it takes to fill job openings.  In our E&P waste business, for example, we are exposed to the cyclical variations in demand that are particular to the development and production of oil and natural gas.  A shortage of qualified employees in solid waste or E&P, including due to the COVID-19 outbreak in our markets, would require us to incur additional costs related to wages and benefits, to hire more expensive temporary employees or to contract for services with more expensive third-party vendors.  In addition, higher turnover can result in increased costs associated with recruiting and training; it can also impact operating costs, including maintenance and risk.  As an essential services provider, in March 2020 we implemented temporary emergency wages, supplemental pay and extended benefits programs for our frontline workforce and other employees directly or indirectly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.  We expect that increased labor costs resulting from these programs will be partially offset by cost reductions we have implemented in other areas, including temporary salary freezes for certain non-frontline employees and the temporary suspension of Company matching contributions to our 401(k) employee retirement plan.

Increases in capital expenditures could impact our financial results.

Increases in fleet, equipment and landfill construction costs due to the imposition of tariffs on steel and other items, as well as other cost pressures, could result in capital expenditures being higher than anticipated. In addition, acquisitions and new contracts may increase capital expenditures. This could impact our ability to generate free cash flow in line with our expectations.

A portion of our growth and future financial performance depends on our ability to integrate acquired businesses, and the success of our acquisitions.

A component of our growth strategy involves achieving economies of scale and operating efficiencies by growing through acquisitions. We may not achieve these goals unless we effectively combine the operations of acquired businesses with our existing operations. Similar risks may affect contracts that we are awarded to operate municipally-owned assets, such as landfills. In addition, we are not always able to control the timing of our acquisitions. Our inability to complete acquisitions within the time frames that we expect may cause our operating results to be less favorable than expected, which could cause our share price to decline.

Even if we are able to make acquisitions on advantageous terms and are able to integrate them successfully into our operations and organization, some acquisitions may not fulfill our anticipated financial or strategic objectives in a given market due to factors that we cannot control, such as market conditions, including the price of crude oil, market position, competition, customer base, loss of key employees, third-party legal challenges or governmental actions. In addition, we may change our strategy with respect to a market or acquired businesses and decide to sell such operations at a loss, or keep those operations and recognize an impairment of goodwill and/or intangible assets. Similar risks may affect contracts that we are awarded to operate municipally-owned assets, such as landfills.

The seasonal nature of our business and “event-driven” waste projects cause our results to fluctuate.

Based on historic trends, excluding any impact from the COVID-19 outbreak or an economic recession, we would expect our operating results to vary seasonally, with revenues typically lowest in the first quarter, higher in the second and third quarters, and lower in the fourth quarter than in the second and third quarters. We expect the fluctuation in our

62

revenues between our highest and lowest quarters to be approximately 10%. This seasonality reflects the lower volume of solid waste generated during the late fall, winter and early spring because of decreased construction and demolition activities during the winter months in Canada and the U.S., and reduced E&P activity during harsh weather conditions. Conversely, mild winter weather conditions may reduce demand for oil and natural gas, which may cause our customers to curtail their drilling programs, which could result in production of lower volumes of E&P waste.

Adverse winter weather conditions, including severe storms or extended periods of inclement weather, slow waste collection activities, resulting in higher labor and operational costs. Greater precipitation in the winter increases the weight of collected solid waste, resulting in higher disposal costs, which are calculated on a per ton basis. Certain weather conditions, including severe storms, may result in temporary suspension of our operations, which can significantly impact the operating results of the affected areas. Conversely, weather-related occurrences and other “event-driven” waste projects can boost revenues through heavier weight loads or additional work for a limited time. These factors impact period-to-period comparisons of financial results, and our share price may be negatively affected by these variations.

Our results will be affected by changes in recycled commodity prices and quantities.

We provide recycling services to some of our customers. The recyclables we process for sale include paper products and plastics that are shipped to customers in the United States, as well as other markets, including Asia. The sale prices of and the demand for recyclable commodities are frequently volatile and when they decline, our revenues, operating results and cash flows will be affected. The value of plastics are influenced by the volatility of crude oil, and we have seen a resulting decline in the value of plastic recyclables associated with the precipitous drop in the value of crude in 2020.  The value of paper products are impacted by demand, which is often influenced by quality concerns.  In 2017, the Chinese government announced a ban on certain materials, including mixed waste paper and mixed plastics, as well as extremely restrictive quality requirements that have been difficult for the industry to achieve.   Also in 2017, the Chinese government began to limit the flow of material into the country by restricting the issuance of required import licenses, and this practice continued through 2018 and 2019. Many other markets, both domestic and foreign, have also tightened their quality requirements.  In addition, other countries have limited or restricted the import of certain recyclables.  Singlestream recycling facilities process a wide range of commingled materials and tend to receive a higher percentage of non-recyclables, which results in increased processing and residual disposal costs to achieve quality standards.

The new quality standards imposed by China and the restrictions on import licenses have made the sale of recycled commodities more difficult and have resulted in lower prices for such commodities, higher operating costs or additional capital expenditures in order to meet the requirements, or higher fees imposed by third parties for the processing of recyclables.  As a result, we have increased the fees that we charge customers at our recycling facilities in order to recover the higher processing costs for recyclables.  This may result in lower recycled commodity volumes at our recycling facilities, as customers may elect to pursue cheaper alternatives for processing or disposal.  Any such reduction could impact revenues, operating results and cash flow.  Some of our recycling operations offer rebates to customers based on the market prices of commodities we buy to process for resale. Therefore, if we recognize increased revenues resulting from higher prices for recyclable commodities, the rebates we pay to suppliers will also increase, which also may impact our operating results.  To the extent that there is an economic slowdown, including the one associated with the COVID-19 outbreak, a resulting decline in demand for recycled commodities could impact our revenues, operating results and cash flow.

Our results will be affected by changes in the value of renewable fuels.

Variations in the price of methane gas and other energy-related products that are marketed and sold by our landfill gas recovery operations affect our results. Pursuant to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the United States EPA has promulgated the Renewable Fuel Standards, or RFS, which require refiners to either blend "renewable fuels," such as ethanol and biodiesel, into their transportation fuels or to purchase renewable fuel credits, known as renewable identification numbers, or RINs, in lieu of blending. In some cases, landfill gas generated at our landfills qualifies as a renewable fuel for which RINs are available. The price of RINs has been extremely volatile and is dependent upon a variety of factors, including potential legislative changes, the availability of RINs for purchase, the demand for RINs, which is dependent on transportation fuel production levels, the mix of the petroleum business’ petroleum products and fuel blending performed at the refineries and downstream terminals, all of which can vary significantly from period to

63

period. In addition, demand for RINs can be impacted by the ability of refineries to obtain small refinery exemptions, or SREs, through the EPA.  In December 2019, the EPA released its targets for renewable volume obligations, or RVOs, for 2020, which included a slight increase over the 2019 RVOs with no change to the EPA’s plan to account for the impact of granting SREs. Any reductions or limitations on the requirement to blend renewable fuel, including a reduction associated with the economic slowdown associated with the COVID-19 outbreak, and any related waivers including SREs, would likely reduce the demand for RINs, which could impact the value of RINs.

In Canada, the Renewable Fuels Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 require producers and importers of gasoline, diesel fuel and heating distillate to acquire a certain number of renewable fuel compliance units, or Compliance Units, in connection with the volumes of fuel they produce or import. Compliance Units can be generated in a number of ways, including through the blending of renewable fuel into liquid petroleum fuels. Certain provincial jurisdictions in Canada also impose obligations to incorporate renewable fuels into fuels that are distributed within the jurisdiction. In some cases, landfill gas generated at our landfills in Canada is sold by our Company as a renewable fuel for which RINs are available under the United States RFS.  Our Company could also sell landfill gas generated in Canada in connection with renewable fuel obligations in Canada.  The price for our renewable fuel is dependent on a variety of factors, including demand. The Canadian federal government released details on a proposed new clean fuel regulatory framework at the end of 2017 called the “Clean Fuel Standard.” The proposed framework would impose lifecycle carbon intensity requirements on certain liquid, gaseous and solid fuels that are used in transportation, industry and buildings, and establish rules relating to the trading of compliance credits. The carbon intensity requirements would become more stringent over time. Carbon intensity would be differentiated between different types of renewable fuels to reflect the associated emissions reduction potential. Regulated parties, which may include fuel producers and importers, would have some flexibility with respect to how to achieve lower carbon fuels in Canada. The Canadian federal government has indicated that over time, the new Clean Fuel Standard would replace the current Renewable Fuels Regulations. Since January 2017, the Canadian federal government has been conducting public consultation on the proposed framework. The Canadian Government is reporting that new regulations under the Clean Fuel Standard are targeted to come into force on January 1, 2022 (for liquid fuels) and January 1, 2023 (for gaseous and solid fuel regulations). At this time, we do not know how a new clean fuel regulatory framework in Canada could impact demand for our renewable fuel.

A significant reduction in the value of RINs in the United States or the price paid for our renewable fuel in Canada could adversely impact our reported results.

Increases in insurance costs and the amount that we self-insure for various risks could reduce our operating margins and reported earnings.

We maintain insurance policies for automobile, general, employer’s, environmental, cyber, employment practices and directors’ and officers’ liability as well as for employee group health insurance, property insurance and workers’ compensation. We carry umbrella policies for certain types of claims to provide excess coverage over the underlying policies and per incident deductibles or self-insured retentions. The amounts that we effectively self-insure could cause significant volatility in our operating margins and reported earnings based on the event and claim costs of incidents, accidents, injuries and adverse judgments. Our insurance accruals are based on claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not reported and are developed by our management with assistance from our third-party actuary and our third-party claims administrator. To the extent these estimates are inaccurate, we may recognize substantial additional expenses in future periods that would reduce operating margins and reported earnings. Furthermore, while we maintain liability insurance, our insurance is subject to coverage limitations. If we were to incur substantial liability, our insurance coverage may be inadequate to cover the entirety of such liability. This could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. One form of coverage limitation concerns claims for punitive damages, which are generally excluded from coverage under all of our liability insurance policies. A punitive damage award could have an adverse effect on our reported earnings in the period in which it occurs. Significant increases in premiums on insurance that we retain also could reduce our margins.

64

Increases in the price of diesel or compressed natural gas fuel may adversely affect our collection business and reduce our operating margins.

The market price of diesel fuel is volatile. We generally purchase diesel fuel at market prices, and such prices have fluctuated significantly in recent years. A significant increase in market prices for fuel could adversely affect our waste collection business through a combination of higher fuel and disposal-related transportation costs and reduce our operating margins and reported earnings. To manage a portion of this risk, we have entered into fixed-price fuel purchase contracts. During periods of falling diesel fuel prices, it may become more expensive to purchase fuel under fixed-price fuel purchase contracts than at market prices as the prices under our fixed-price fuel purchase contracts may be above market prices.

We utilize compressed natural gas, or CNG, in a small percentage of our fleet and we may convert more of our fleet from diesel fuel to CNG over time. The market price of CNG is also volatile; a significant increase in such cost could adversely affect our operating margins and reported earnings.

Our financial results are based upon estimates and assumptions that may differ from actual results.

In preparing our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, estimates and assumptions are made that affect the accounting for and recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates and assumptions must be made because certain information that is used in the preparation of our financial statements is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with a high degree of precision from data available or is not capable of being readily calculated based on generally accepted methodologies.  In some cases, including those resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak and associated impacts, these estimates are particularly difficult to determine and we must exercise significant judgment.  The most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and the assumptions that deal with the greatest amount of uncertainty are related to our accounting for landfills, self-insurance accruals, income taxes, allocation of acquisition purchase price, asset impairments and litigation, claims and assessments. Actual results for all estimates could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our accruals for our landfill site closure and post-closure costs may be inadequate.

We are required to pay capping, closure and post-closure maintenance costs for landfill sites that we own and operate. We are also required to pay capping, closure and post-closure maintenance costs for operated landfills for which we have life-of-site agreements. Our obligations to pay closure or post-closure costs may exceed the amount we have accrued and reserved and other amounts available from funds or reserves established to pay such costs. In addition, the completion or closure of a landfill site does not end our environmental obligations. After completion or closure of a landfill site, there exists the potential for unforeseen environmental problems to occur that could result in substantial remediation costs or potential litigation. Paying additional amounts for closure or post-closure costs and/or for environmental remediation and/or for litigation could harm our financial condition or operating results.

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.

Governmental agencies may, among other things, impose fines or penalties on us relating to the conduct of our business, attempt to revoke or deny renewal of our operating permits, franchises or licenses for violations or alleged violations of environmental laws or regulations or as a result of third-party challenges, require us to install additional pollution control equipment or require us to remediate potential environmental problems relating to any real property that we or our predecessors ever owned, leased or operated or any waste that we or our predecessors ever collected, transported, disposed of or stored. Individuals, citizens groups, trade associations or environmental activists may also bring actions against us in connection with our operations that could interrupt or limit the scope of our business. Any adverse outcome in such proceedings could harm our operations and financial results and create negative publicity, which could damage our reputation, competitive position and share price.

65

Pending or future litigation or governmental proceedings could result in material adverse consequences, including judgments or settlements.

We are, and from time to time become, involved in lawsuits, regulatory inquiries, and governmental and other legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of our business. Many of these matters raise complicated factual and legal issues and are subject to uncertainties and complexities, all of which make the matters costly to address. For example, in recent years, wage and employment laws have changed regularly and become increasingly complex, which has fostered litigation, including purported class actions. Similarly, citizen suits brought pursuant to environmental laws, such as those regulating the treatment of storm water runoff, have proliferated. The timing of the final resolutions to lawsuits, regulatory inquiries, and governmental and other legal proceedings is uncertain. Additionally, the possible outcomes or resolutions to these matters could include adverse judgments or settlements, either of which could require substantial payments, adversely affecting our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. See discussion in Note 18, “Commitments and Contingencies,” of our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Our financial results could be adversely affected by impairments of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangibles or property and equipment.

As a result of our acquisition strategy, we have a material amount of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangibles and property and equipment recorded in our financial statements. We do not amortize our existing goodwill or indefinite-lived intangibles and are required to test goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of the year and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill and/or indefinite-lived intangible assets may not be recoverable using the one-step process prescribed in the new accounting guidance that we early adopted on January 1, 2017. The process screens for and measures the amount of the impairment, if any. The recoverability of property and equipment is tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Application of the impairment test requires judgment. A significant deterioration in a key estimate or assumption or a less significant deterioration to a combination of assumptions could result in an impairment charge in the future, which could have a significant adverse impact on our reported results. See discussion in “Overview of Our Business” in Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q regarding the potential impact of recent declines in the value of crude oil on certain intangible assets and property and equipment at our E&P segment.

Income taxes may be uncertain.

Our actual effective tax rate may vary from our expectation and that variance may be material. Tax interpretations, regulations and legislation in the various jurisdictions in which we and our affiliates operate are subject to measurement uncertainty and the interpretations can impact net income, income tax expense or recovery, and deferred income tax assets or liabilities. In addition, tax rules and regulations, including those relating to foreign jurisdictions, are subject to interpretation and require judgment by us that may be challenged by the taxation authorities upon audit.

Changes in our tax provision or an increase to our tax liabilities, whether due to legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”) or interpretations of the Tax Act, such as through final regulations and the potential finalization of proposed regulations, or a final determination of tax audits, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.  See Note 19, “Subsequent Events,” of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Future changes to U.S., Canadian and foreign tax laws could materially adversely affect us.

We cannot give any assurance as to what our effective tax rate will be in the future, because of, among other things, uncertainty regarding the tax policies of the jurisdictions where we operate.

For example, the U.S. Congress, the Canadian government, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) and other government agencies in jurisdictions where we and our affiliates do business have had an extended focus on issues related to the taxation of multinational corporations. One example is in the area of "base erosion and profit shifting," where payments are made between affiliates from a jurisdiction with high tax rates to a

66

jurisdiction with lower tax rates. In 2019, Canada ratified the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, or the MLI, as part of the OECD/G20 initiative to counter what was perceived as base erosion and profit shifting. The MLI entered into force in Canada on December 1, 2019 and entered into effect with respect to certain of Canada’s tax treaties on January 1, 2020 for withholding taxes and will enter into effect with respect to certain other taxes (including capital gains taxes) for tax years beginning on or after June 1, 2020 (which, for us and our affiliates, in general, will be January 1, 2021). The MLI may enter into effect at a later date for certain of Canada’s tax treaties with countries that have not yet completed their domestic procedures to cause the MLI to come into effect. As a result of these and other changes, the tax laws in the United States, Canada, and other countries in which we and our affiliates do business could change on a prospective or retroactive basis, and any such changes could adversely affect us and our affiliates.

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.

It is possible that the corporate entities or sites we have acquired, or which we may acquire in the future, have liabilities or risks in respect of former or existing operations or properties, or otherwise, which we have not been able to identify and assess through our due diligence investigations. As a successor owner, we may be legally responsible for those liabilities that arise from businesses that we acquire. Even if we obtain legally enforceable representations, warranties and indemnities from the sellers of such businesses, they may not cover the liabilities fully or the sellers may not have sufficient funds to perform their obligations. Some environmental liabilities, even if we do not expressly assume them, may be imposed on us under various regulatory schemes and other applicable laws. In addition, our insurance program may not cover such sites and will not cover liabilities associated with some environmental issues that may have existed prior to attachment of coverage. A successful uninsured claim against us could harm our financial condition or operating results. Additionally, there may be other risks of which we are unaware that could have an adverse effect on businesses that we acquire or have acquired, such as foreign, state and local regulation and administrative risks. Another example of risk is interested parties that may bring actions against us in connection with operations that we acquire or have acquired. Furthermore, risks or liabilities we judge to be not material or remote at the time of acquisition may develop into more serious risks to our business. Any adverse outcome resulting from such risks or liabilities could harm our operations and financial results and create negative publicity, which could damage our reputation, competitive position and share price. For example, see the discussions regarding the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site Allocation Process in Note 18, “Commitments and Contingencies,” of our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and limit our financial flexibility.

As of March 31, 2020, we had approximately $5.202 billion of total indebtedness outstanding, and we may incur additional debt in the future. This amount of indebtedness could:

increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

expose us to interest rate risk since a significant portion of our indebtedness is at variable rates;

limit our ability to obtain additional financing or refinancing at attractive rates;

require the dedication of a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal of, and interest on, our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of such cash flow to fund our growth strategy, working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases and other general corporate purposes;

limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry; and

place us at a competitive disadvantage relative to our competitors with less debt.

In addition, a portion of our indebtedness, including interest rate swaps, is at variable rates which are based on the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, which is expected to no longer be published by 2021. The FASB added the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or SOFR, as an eligible benchmark interest rate in order to facilitate the LIBOR to SOFR transition and provide sufficient lead time for entities to prepare for changes to interest rate risk hedging strategies

67

for both risk management and hedge accounting purposes. We are developing a plan to transition our indebtedness from LIBOR to SOFR.

Further, our outstanding indebtedness is subject to financial and other covenants, which may be affected by changes in economic or business conditions or other events that are beyond our control, including the impacts from the COVID-19 outbreak.  If we fail to comply with the covenants under any of our indebtedness, we may be in default under the indebtedness, which may entitle the lenders or holders of indebtedness to accelerate the debt obligations. A default under one of our loans or debt securities could result in cross-defaults under our other indebtedness. In order to avoid defaulting on our indebtedness, we may be required to take actions such as reducing or delaying capital expenditures, reducing or eliminating dividends or share repurchases, selling assets, restructuring or refinancing all or part of our existing debt, or seeking additional equity capital, any of which may not be available on terms that are favorable to us, if at all.

We may be unable to obtain performance or surety bonds, letters of credit or other financial assurances or to maintain adequate insurance coverage.

If we are unable to obtain performance or surety bonds, letters of credit or insurance, we may not be able to enter into additional solid waste or other collection contracts or retain necessary landfill operating permits. Collection contracts, municipal contracts, transfer station operations and landfill closure and post-closure obligations may require performance or surety bonds, letters of credit or other financial assurance to secure contractual performance or comply with federal, state, provincial or local environmental laws or regulations. We typically satisfy these requirements by posting bonds or letters of credit. As of March 31, 2020, we had approximately $1.106 billion of such surety bonds in place and approximately $107.3 million of letters of credit issued. Closure bonds are difficult and costly to obtain. If we are unable to obtain performance or surety bonds or additional letters of credit in sufficient amounts or at acceptable rates, we could be precluded from entering into additional collection contracts or obtaining or retaining landfill operating permits. Any future difficulty in obtaining insurance also could impair our ability to secure future contracts that are conditional upon the contractor having adequate insurance coverage. Accordingly, our failure to obtain performance or surety bonds, letters of credit or other financial assurances or to maintain adequate insurance coverage could limit our operations or violate federal, state, provincial, or local requirements, which could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our operations in Canada expose us to exchange rate fluctuations that could adversely affect our financial performance and our reported results of operations.

Our operations in Canada are conducted primarily in Canadian dollars. Our consolidated financial statements are denominated in U.S. dollars, and to prepare those financial statements we must translate the amounts of the assets, liabilities, net sales, other revenues and expenses of our operations in Canada from Canadian dollars into U.S. dollars using exchange rates for the current period. Fluctuations in the exchange rates that are unfavorable to us, including those resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, would have an adverse effect on our financial performance and reported results of operations.

Alternatives to landfill disposal may cause our revenues and operating results to decline.

Counties and municipalities in which we operate landfills may be required to formulate and implement comprehensive plans to reduce the volume of municipal solid waste deposited in landfills through waste planning, composting, recycling or other programs, while working to reduce the amount of waste they generate. Some state, provincial and local governments mandate diversion, recycling and waste reduction at the source and prohibit the disposal of certain types of wastes, such as yard waste, food waste and electronics, at landfills. Even where not prohibited by state, provincial or local law, some grocery stores and restaurants have chosen to divert their organic waste from landfills, while other companies have set zero-waste goals and communicated an intention to cease the disposal of any waste in landfills. Although such actions are useful to protect our environment, these actions, as well as the actions of our customers to reduce waste or seek disposal alternatives, have reduced and may in the future further reduce the volume of waste going to landfills in certain areas, which may affect our ability to operate our landfills at full capacity and could adversely affect our operating results.

68

Labor union activity could divert management attention and adversely affect our operating results.

From time to time, labor unions attempt to organize our employees, and these efforts are likely to continue in the future. Certain groups of our employees are represented by unions, and we have negotiated collective bargaining agreements with most of these unions. Additional groups of employees may seek union representation in the future. As a result of these activities, we may be subjected to unfair labor practice charges, grievances, complaints and other legal and administrative proceedings initiated against us by unions or federal, state or provincial labor boards, which could negatively impact our operating results. Negotiating collective bargaining agreements with these unions could divert our management’s attention, which could also adversely affect our operating results. If we are unable to negotiate acceptable collective bargaining agreements, we might have to wait through “cooling off” periods, which may be followed by work stoppages, including strikes or lock-outs. Depending on the type and duration of any such labor disruptions, our operating expenses could increase significantly, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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.

We participate in 11 “multiemployer” pension plans administered by employee and union trustees. We make periodic contributions to these plans to fund pension benefits for our union employees pursuant to our various contractual obligations to do so. In the event that we withdraw from participation in or otherwise cease our contributions to one of these plans, then applicable law regarding withdrawal liability could require us to make additional contributions to the plan if the accrued benefits are not fully funded, and we would have to reflect that “withdrawal liability” as an expense in our consolidated statement of operations and as a liability on our consolidated balance sheet. Our withdrawal liability for any multiemployer plan would depend on the extent to which accrued benefits are funded. In the ordinary course of our renegotiation of collective bargaining agreements with labor unions that participate in these plans, we may decide to discontinue participation in a multiemployer plan, and in that event, we could face withdrawal liability. Some multiemployer plans in which we participate may from time to time have significant accrued benefits that are not funded. The size of our potential withdrawal liability may be affected by the level of unfunded accrued benefits, the actuarial assumptions used by the plan and the investment gains and losses experienced by the plan.

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.

Our businesses rely on computer systems to provide customer information, process customer transactions and provide other general information necessary to manage our businesses. We also rely on a payment card industry-compliant third party to protect our customers’ credit card information. We have an active disaster recovery plan in place that we continuously review and test. However, our computer systems are subject to damage or interruption due to cybersecurity threats, system conversions, power outages, computer or telecommunication failures, catastrophic physical events such as fires, tornadoes and hurricanes and usage errors by our employees. Given the unpredictability of the timing, nature and scope of such disruptions, we could be potentially subject to operational delays and interruptions in our ability to provide services to our customers. Any disruption caused by the unavailability of our computer systems could adversely affect our revenues or could require significant investment to fix or replace them, and, therefore, could affect our operating results. In addition, cybersecurity attacks are evolving and include, but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information and corruption of data. We are regularly the target of attempted cyber and other security threats and must continuously monitor and develop our information technology networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, address and mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events that could have a security impact.

Further, as we pursue our acquisition growth strategy and pursue new initiatives that improve our operations and reduce our costs, we are also expanding and improving our information technologies, resulting in a larger technological presence and corresponding exposure to cybersecurity risk. If we fail to assess and identify cybersecurity risks associated with acquisitions and new initiatives, we may become increasingly vulnerable to such risks. Additionally, while we have

69

implemented measures to prevent security breaches and cyber incidents, our preventative measures and incident response efforts may not be entirely effective. If our network of security controls, policy enforcement mechanisms or monitoring systems we use to address these threats to technology fail, the theft or compromise of confidential or otherwise protected company, customer or employee information, destruction or corruption of data, security breaches or other manipulation or improper use of our systems and networks could result in financial losses from remedial actions, business disruption, loss of business or potential liability, liabilities due to the violation of privacy laws and other legal actions, and damage to our reputation.

Extensive and evolving environmental, health and safety laws and regulations may restrict our operations and growth and increase our costs.

Existing environmental laws and regulations have become more stringently enforced in recent years. In addition, our industry is subject to regular enactment of new or amended federal, state, provincial and local environmental and health and safety statutes, regulations and ballot initiatives, as well as judicial decisions interpreting these requirements, which have become more stringent over time. Citizen suits brought pursuant to environmental laws have proliferated, along with the use of social media to drive such efforts. We expect these trends to continue, which could lead to material increases in our costs for future environmental, health and safety compliance. These requirements also impose substantial capital and operating costs and operational limitations on us and may adversely affect our business. In addition, federal, state, provincial and local governments may change the rights they grant to, the restrictions they impose on or the laws and regulations they enforce against, solid waste and E&P waste services companies. These changes could adversely affect our operations in various ways, including without limitation, by restricting the way in which we manage storm water runoff, comply with health and safety laws, treat and dispose of E&P or other waste or our ability to operate and expand our business.

Governmental authorities and various interest groups in the United States and Canada have promoted laws and regulations designed to limit greenhouse gas, or GHG, emissions in response to growing concerns regarding climate change. For example, the State of California, the Canadian federal government and several Canadian provinces have enacted climate change laws, and other states and provinces in which we operate are considering similar actions. The US EPA made an endangerment finding in 2009 allowing certain GHGs to be regulated under the CAA. This finding allows the EPA to create regulations that will impact our operations – including imposing emission reporting, permitting, control technology installation and monitoring requirements, although the materiality of the impacts will not be known until all applicable regulations are promulgated and finalized. The Canadian federal government enacted the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act in June 2018, which established a national carbon-pricing regime starting in 2019 for provinces and territories in Canada where there is no provincial regime in place or where the provincial regime does not meet the federal benchmark. Often referred to as the federal backstop, the federal carbon-pricing regime consists of a carbon levy that is applied to fossil fuels and an output-based pricing system (“OBPS”) that is applied to certain industrial facilities with reported emissions of 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (“CO2e”) or more per year. The carbon levy applies to prescribed liquid, gaseous, and solid fuels at a rate that is equivalent to $20 per tonne of CO2e in 2019, increasing annually, until it reaches $50 per tonne of CO2e by 2022. Several Canadian provinces have promulgated legislation and regulations to limit GHG emissions through requirements of specific controls, carbon levies, cap and trade programs or other measures. Comprehensive GHG legislation or regulation, including carbon pricing, affects not only our business, but also that of our customers.

Regulation of GHG emissions from oil and natural gas E&P operations may also increase the costs to our customers of developing and producing hydrocarbons, and as a result, may have an indirect and adverse effect on the amount of oilfield waste delivered to our facilities by our customers. These statutes and regulations increase the costs of our operations, and future climate change statutes and regulations may have an impact as well.

Our business is subject to operational and safety risks, including the risk of personal injury to employees and others.

Providing environmental and waste management services, including constructing and operating landfills, involves risks such as truck accidents, equipment defects, malfunctions and failures.  We are also an essential services provider, and our frontline employees have continued to provide services during the COVID-19 outbreak amid related mandatory and voluntary closures, shelter-in-place orders, and similar government restrictions on or advisories with respect to travel,

70

business operations and public gatherings, which could involve additional risks.  Additionally, we closely monitor and manage landfills to minimize the risk of waste mass instability and releases of hazardous materials or odors that could be triggered by weather or natural disasters.  There may also be risks presented by the potential for subsurface chemical reactions causing elevated landfill temperatures.

We also build and operate natural gas fueling stations, some of which also serve the public or third parties. Operation of fueling stations and landfill gas collection and control systems involves additional risks of fire and explosion. Any of these risks could potentially result in injury or death of employees and others, a need to shut down or reduce operation of facilities, increased operating expense and exposure to liability for pollution and other environmental damage, and property damage or destruction.

While we seek to minimize our exposure to such risks through comprehensive training, compliance and response and recovery programs, as well as vehicle and equipment maintenance programs and the use of personal protective equipment, if we were to incur substantial liabilities in excess of any applicable insurance coverage, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.  Any such incidents could also tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand.  Additionally, a major operational failure, even if suffered by a competitor, may bring enhanced scrutiny and regulation of our industry, with a corresponding increase in operating expense.

Future changes in laws regulating the flow of solid waste in interstate commerce could adversely affect our operating results.

Various state, provincial and local governments and the Canadian federal government have enacted, have the authority to enact or are considering enacting laws and regulations that restrict disposal within the jurisdiction of solid waste generated outside the jurisdiction. In addition, some state, provincial and local governments and the Canadian federal government have promulgated, have the authority to promulgate or are considering promulgating laws and regulations which govern the flow of waste generated within their respective jurisdictions. These “flow control” laws and regulations typically require that waste generated within the jurisdiction be retained within the jurisdiction or be directed to specified facilities for disposal or processing, which could limit or prohibit the disposal or processing of waste in our transfer stations and landfills or require notices be delivered or permits to be obtained prior to transport or final disposal. Certain of these flow control laws and regulations could also require us to deliver waste we collect within a particular jurisdiction to facilities not owned or controlled by us, which could increase our costs and reduce our revenues. In addition, such laws and regulations could require us to obtain additional costly licenses or authorizations in order to be deemed an authorized hauler or disposal facility. All such waste disposal laws and regulations are subject to judicial interpretation and review. Court decisions, legislation and federal, state, provincial and local regulation in the waste disposal area could adversely affect our operations.

Extensive regulations that govern the design, operation, expansion and closure of landfills may restrict our landfill operations or increase our costs of operating landfills.

If we fail to comply with federal, state and provincial regulations, as applicable, governing the design, operation, expansion, closure and financial assurance of MSW, non-MSW and E&P waste landfills, we could be required to undertake investigatory or remedial activities, curtail operations or close such landfills temporarily or permanently. Future changes to these regulations, including related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”), which can be found in water, soil and air, may require us to modify, supplement or replace equipment or facilities at substantial costs.

If regulatory agencies fail to enforce these regulations vigorously or consistently, our competitors whose facilities are not forced to comply with the regulations may obtain an advantage over us. Our financial obligations arising from any failure to comply with these regulations could harm our business and operating results.

Our E&P waste business could be adversely affected by changes in laws regulating E&P waste.

We believe that the demand for our E&P waste services is directly related to the regulation of E&P waste. In particular, the U.S. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, which governs the disposal of solid and hazardous waste, currently exempts certain E&P wastes from classification as hazardous wastes. In recent years, proposals have been made

71

to rescind this exemption from RCRA. If the exemption covering E&P wastes is repealed or modified, or if the regulations interpreting the rules regarding the treatment or disposal of this type of waste were changed, our operations could face significantly more stringent regulations, permitting requirements, and other restrictions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

In addition, if new federal, state, provincial or local laws or regulations that significantly restrict hydraulic fracturing are adopted, such legal requirements could result in delays, eliminate certain drilling and injection activities and make it more difficult or costly for our customers to perform fracturing. Any such regulations limiting or prohibiting hydraulic fracturing could reduce our customers’ oil and natural gas E&P activities and, therefore, adversely affect our business. Such laws or regulations could also materially increase our costs of compliance and doing business by more strictly regulating how hydraulic fracturing wastes are handled or disposed. Conversely, any loosening of existing federal, state, provincial or local laws or regulations regarding how such wastes are handled or disposed could adversely impact demand for our services.

Liabilities for environmental damage may adversely affect our financial condition, business and earnings.

We may be liable for any environmental damage that our current or former operations cause, including damage to neighboring landowners or residents, particularly as a result of the contamination of soil, groundwater or surface water, and especially drinking water, or to natural resources. We may be liable for damage resulting from conditions existing before we acquired these operations. Even if we obtain legally enforceable representations, warranties and indemnities from the sellers of these operations, they may not cover the liabilities fully or the sellers may not have sufficient funds to perform their obligations.

We may also be liable for any on-site environmental contamination caused by pollutants or hazardous substances whose transportation, treatment or disposal we or our predecessors arranged or conducted. Some environmental laws and regulations may impose strict, joint and several liability in connection with releases of regulated substances into the environment. Therefore, in some situations we could be exposed to liability as a result of our conduct that was lawful at the time it occurred or the conduct of, or conditions caused by, third parties, including our predecessors. If we were to incur liability for environmental damage, environmental clean-ups, corrective action or damage not covered by insurance or in excess of the amount of our coverage, our financial condition or operating results could be materially adversely affected. For example, see the discussion regarding the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site Allocation Process in Note 18, “Commitments and Contingencies,” of our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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.

Our success depends significantly on the continued individual and collective contributions of our senior and regional management team. Key members of our management have entered into employment agreements, but we may not be able to enforce these agreements. The loss of the services of any member of our senior and regional management, including as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, or the inability to hire and retain experienced management personnel could harm our operating results.

Our decentralized decision-making structure could allow local managers to make decisions that may adversely affect our operating results.

We manage our operations on a decentralized basis. Local managers have the authority to make many decisions concerning their operations without obtaining prior approval from executive officers, subject to compliance with general company-wide policies. Poor decisions by local managers could result in the loss of customers or increases in costs, in either case adversely affecting operating results.

72

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.

Our existing and proposed service offerings to customers may require that we develop or license, and protect, new technologies. We may experience difficulties or delays in the research, development, production and/or marketing of new products and services which may negatively impact our operating results and prevent us from recouping or realizing a return on the investments required to bring new products and services to market. Further, protecting our intellectual property rights and combating unlicensed copying and use of intellectual property is difficult, and any inability to obtain or protect new technologies could impact our services to customers and development of new revenue sources. Additionally, a competitor may develop or obtain exclusive rights to a “breakthrough technology” that claims to provide a revolutionary change in traditional waste management. If we have inferior intellectual property to our competitors, our financial results may suffer.

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

On July 25, 2019, our Board of Directors approved, subject to receipt of regulatory approvals, the annual renewal of our NCIB to purchase up to 13,184,474 of our common shares during the period of August 8, 2019 to August 7, 2020 or until such earlier time as the NCIB is completed or terminated at our option. The renewal followed on the conclusion of our NCIB that expired August 7, 2019.  We received TSX approval for our annual renewal of the NCIB on August 2, 2019.  Under the NCIB, we may make share repurchases only in the open market, including on the NYSE, the TSX, and/or alternative Canadian trading systems, at the prevailing market price at the time of the transaction.  The timing and amounts of any repurchases pursuant to the NCIB will depend on many factors, including our capital structure, the market price of the common shares and overall market conditions.  All common shares purchased under the NCIB shall be immediately cancelled following their repurchase. As of March 31, 2020, we have repurchased approximately 1.3 million of our common shares pursuant to the NCIB at an aggregate cost of $105.7 million, or an average price of $83.06 per share.  The table below reflects repurchases we made during the three months ended March 31, 2020 (in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts):

    

    

    

Total Number of

    

Maximum Number

Shares Purchased

of Shares that

Total Number

Average

as Part of Publicly

May Yet Be

of Shares

Price Paid

Announced

Purchased Under

Period

Purchased

Per Share (1)

Program

the Program

1/1/20 - 1/31/20

 

$

 

 

13,184,474

2/1/20 - 2/29/20

 

$

 

 

13,184,474

3/1/20 - 3/31/20

 

1,271,977

$

83.06

 

1,271,977

 

11,912,497

 

1,271,977

$

83.06

 

1,271,977

(1)This amount represents the weighted average price paid per common share.  This price includes a per share commission paid for all repurchases.

73

Item 6.Exhibits

Item 6.Exhibits

Exhibit

Number

Description of Exhibits

3.1

3.1

Articles of Amendment dated June 7, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on May 26, 2017)

3.2

3.2

Articles of Amalgamation dated June 1, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on June 7, 2016)

3.3

Articles of Amendment (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on June 7, 2016)

3.3

3.4

By-lawsBy-law No. 1 of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on June 7, 2016)

4.1

10.1 +

Indenture, dated as of November 16, 2018, by and between Waste Connections, Inc. 2016 Incentive Award Planand U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14.1 of the Registrant’s Form 10-Q8-K filed on July 26, 2017)November 16, 2018)

4.2

10.2 +

Amendment No. 2 to theThird Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 23, 2020, by and between Waste Connections, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Planand U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2020)

4.3

Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 13, 2020, by and between Waste Connections, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 13, 2020)

31.1

Certification of ChiefPrincipal Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

31.2

31.2

Certification of ChiefPrincipal Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

32.1

32.1

Certification of ChiefPrincipal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350

32.2

32.2

Certification of ChiefPrincipal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350

101.INS

The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document

101.INS

101.SCH

XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document

101.PRE

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File – The cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

+ Management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.

73

74

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

Date: October 26, 2017May 7, 2020

BY:

/s/ Ronald J. Mittelstaedt
Ronald J. Mittelstaedt,
Chief Executive Officer
Date:  October 26, 2017BY:

/s/ Worthing F. Jackman

Worthing F. Jackman

President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: May 7, 2020

BY:

/s/ Mary Anne Whitney

Mary Anne Whitney

Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

74

75