Waste Connections, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2018 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018

Or

For the transition period from             to

Commission file number 1-34370

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, 2^nd Floor
Vaughan

Ontario L4K 0E3

Canada

(Address of principal executive offices)

(905) 532-7510

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports); and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. 

Yes þ No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). 

Yes þ 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): 

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 ¨ No þ

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

As of October 22, 2018:    263,506,880 common shares

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

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)

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

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET INCOME

(Unaudited)

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

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

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

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

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

(Unaudited)

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

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

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

(Unaudited)

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

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

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

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

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 accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements relate to Waste Connections, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“WCI” or the “Company”) for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.  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, 2017.

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.

Accounting Standards Adopted

Revenue From Contracts With Customers. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidance to provide a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers.  The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017 for public entities.  The Company adopted the amended guidance using the modified retrospective method as of January 1, 2018 for all ongoing customer contracts. The Company’s results of operations for the reported periods after January 1, 2018 are presented under this amended guidance, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with historical accounting guidance.

The impact of adopting the amended guidance primarily relates to the deferral of certain sales incentives, which previously were expensed as incurred, but under the new guidance are capitalized as Other assets and amortized to Selling, general and administrative expenses over the expected life of the customer relationship. The Company recognized a net increase to retained earnings of $13,243 as of January 1, 2018 for the cumulative impact of adopting the amended guidance. The cumulative impact was associated with both the capitalization of certain sales incentives as contract acquisition costs consisting of an asset in the amount of $16,296 and a related deferred tax liability of $4,058 and a change in accounting for revenue priced based on published indices at the Company’s Canada operations of $1,005. Prior to adoption, the Company expensed approximately $16,000 in sales incentives annually. There were no other material impacts on the condensed consolidated financial statements as a result of the Company’s adoption of this amended guidance.

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 contracts with an effective term greater than one year, the Company applied the standard’s practical expedient that permits the exclusion of unsatisfied performance obligations as the Company’s right to consideration corresponds directly to the value provided to the customer for services completed to date and all future variable consideration is allocated to wholly unsatisfied performance obligations. The Company also applied the standard’s optional exemption for performance obligations related to contracts that have an original expected duration of one year or less. The Company applied the standard’s practical expedient that permits an entity to recognize 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. See Note 5 for additional information and disclosures related to this amended guidance.

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.  The guidance requires application using a retrospective transition method.  The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s statement of cash flows.

Accounting for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory. In October 2016, the FASB issued guidance that eliminates the exception for all intra-entity sales of assets other than inventory. As a result, a reporting entity would recognize the tax expense from the sale of the asset in the seller’s tax jurisdiction when the transfer occurs, even though the pre-tax effects of that transaction are eliminated in consolidation. Any deferred tax asset that arises in the buyer’s jurisdiction would also be recognized at the time of the transfer. The modified retrospective approach will be required for transition 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 is effective for public business entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s 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 are also required to reconcile such total to amounts on the balance sheet and disclose the nature of the restrictions. 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.  The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2018. All prior periods have been adjusted to conform to the current period presentation, which resulted in an increase in cash used in investing activities of $39,494 and $3,544 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

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 if the fair value, the vesting conditions, or the classification 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.  The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Accounting for the Tax Effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting under Accounting Standards Codification 740 (“ASC 740”). In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act is incomplete but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Act.

The Tax Act’s one-time deemed repatriation transition tax (the “Transition Tax”) on certain unrepatriated earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries is a tax on previously untaxed accumulated and current earnings and profits of certain of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries. To determine the amount of the Transition Tax, the Company must determine, in addition to other factors, the amount of post-1986 earnings and profits of the relevant subsidiaries, as well as the amount of non-U.S. income taxes paid on such earnings. In 2017, the Company was able to make a reasonable estimate of the Transition Tax and recorded a provisional Transition Tax obligation of $1,000. During the three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company concluded its evaluation of the Transition Tax.  However, the Company has not concluded on its policy regarding the accounting for the tax impacts of global intangible low-taxed income, and the permanently reinvested amounts attributable to the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries are considered provisional under SAB 118.

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)

Accounting Standards Pending Adoption

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 FASB issued new guidance in July 2018, which amends the guidance to allow the issuer to elect from two adoption alternatives: 1) apply the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented; or 2) apply the new guidance at the effective date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment, without adjusting the comparative periods presented.  The Company plans to apply the new guidance at the effective date and recognize a cumulative effect adjustment.

The Company is assessing the provisions of the lease accounting guidance and has acquired a software solution to manage and account for leases under the new standard. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the guidance on its consolidated financial statements; however, the Company currently plans to apply the package of practical expedients to leases that commenced before the effective date whereby the Company will elect not to reassess the following: (1) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases; (2) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases; and (3) whether initial direct costs exist for any existing leases. The Company is currently assessing the disclosure requirements under the new standard and it anticipates disclosing additional information, as necessary, to comply with the new standard.

Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. In August 2017, the FASB issued guidance which improves the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in its financial statements 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 does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

SEC Simplified and Updated Disclosure Requirements. In August 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) amended its rules to require an analysis of changes in stockholders’ equity in the financial statements included in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The analysis, which can be presented as a note or separate statement, is required for the current and comparative quarter and year-to-date interim periods. The amended rules will become effective 30 days after they are published in the Federal Register; however, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance issued a Compliance and Disclosure Interpretation (the “CDI”) that provides transition guidance related to this new disclosure. The CDI states that the amendments are effective for all filings made on or after the effective date; however, it also states that SEC staff would not object if a filer’s first presentation of the changes in stockholders’ equity was included in its Form 10-Q for the quarter that begins after the effective date of the amendments, which is the quarter ending March 31, 2019 for the Company. The Company will be including these additional disclosures beginning with its first quarter Form 10-Q in 2019.

As disclosed within other footnotes of the financial statements, restricted cash and restricted investments reported in the Company’s prior year have been reclassified to conform with the 2018 presentation.

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 operations primarily consist of providing 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:

The factors that impact the timing and amount of revenue recognized for each service line may vary based on the nature of the service 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.

See Note 11 for additional information regarding revenue by reportable segment.

Revenue by Service Line

Solid Waste Collection

The Company’s solid waste collection business involves the collection of waste for transport to transfer stations, or directly to landfills or recycling centers. Solid waste collection services include both recurring and temporary customer relationships. The standard customer service agreements generally range from one to three years in duration, although some exclusive franchises are for significantly longer periods. The fees received for collection services are based primarily on the market, collection frequency, type of service, type and volume or weight of the waste collected, the distance to the disposal facility and the cost of disposal.

In general, residential collection fees are billed monthly or quarterly in advance. Substantially all of the deferred revenue recognized as of June 30, 2018 was recognized as revenue during the three months ended September 30, 2018 when the service was performed. Commercial customers are typically billed on a monthly basis based on the nature of the services provided during the period.

Revenue recognized under these agreements is variable in nature based on the number of residential homes or businesses serviced during the period, the frequency of collection and the volume of waste collected. In addition, certain contracts have annual price escalation clauses that are tied to changes in an underlying base index such as a consumer price index which are unknown at contract inception.

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)

Solid waste collection revenue from sources other than customer contracts primarily relates to lease revenue associated with compactors. Revenue from these leasing arrangements was not material and represented an insignificant amount of total revenue for each of the reported periods.

Landfill and Transfer Station

Revenue at landfills is primarily generated by charging tipping fees to third parties based on the volume disposed and the nature of the waste. In general, fees are variable in nature and revenue is recognized at the time the waste is disposed at the facility.

Revenue at transfer stations is primarily generated by charging tipping or disposal fees. The fees charged to third parties are based primarily on the market, type and volume or weight of the waste accepted, the distance to the disposal facility and the cost of disposal. In general, fees are billed and revenue is recognized at the time the service is performed. Revenue recognized under these agreements is variable in nature based on the volume of waste accepted at the transfer facility.

Solid Waste Recycling

Solid waste recycling revenues are generated by offering residential, commercial, industrial and municipal customers recycling services for a variety of recyclable materials, including compost, cardboard, office paper, plastic containers, glass bottles and ferrous and aluminum metals. The Company owns recycling operations and sells collected recyclable materials to third parties for processing before resale. In certain instances, the Company issues recycling rebates to municipal or commercial customers, which can be based on the price it receives upon the sale of recycled commodities, a fixed contractual rate or other measures. The Company also receives rebates when it disposes of recycled commodities at third-party facilities. The fees received are based primarily on the market, type and volume or weight of the materials sold. In general, fees are billed and revenue is recognized at the time title is transferred. Revenue recognized under these agreements is variable in nature based on the volume of materials sold. In addition, the amount of revenue recognized is based on commodity prices at the time of sale, which are unknown at contract inception.

E&P Waste Treatment, Recovery and Disposal

E&P revenue is primarily generated through the treatment, recovery and disposal of non-hazardous exploration and production waste from vertical and horizontal drilling, hydraulic fracturing, production and clean-up activity, as well as other services including closed loop collection systems and the sale of recovered products. E&P activity varies across market areas that are tied to the natural resource basins in which the drilling activity occurs and reflects the regulatory environment, pricing and disposal alternatives available in any given market. Revenue recognized under these agreements is variable in nature based on the volume of waste accepted or processed during the period.

Intermodal and Other

Intermodal revenue is primarily generated through providing intermodal services for the rail haul movement of cargo and solid waste containers in the Pacific Northwest through a network of intermodal facilities. The fees received for intermodal services are based on negotiated rates and vary depending on volume commitments by the shipper and destination. In general, fees are billed and revenue is recognized upon delivery.

Revenue Recognition

Service obligations of a long-term nature, e.g., solid waste collection service contracts, are satisfied over time, and revenue is recognized based on the value provided to the customer during the period. The amount billed to the customer is based on variable elements such as the number of residential homes or businesses for which collection services are provided, the volume of waste collected, transported and disposed, and the nature of the waste accepted. The Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for these contracts as its right to consideration corresponds directly to the value provided to the customer for services completed to date and all future variable consideration is allocated to wholly unsatisfied performance obligations.

Additionally, certain elements of long-term customer contracts are unknown upon entering into the contract, including the amount that will be billed in accordance with annual price escalation clauses, fuel recovery fee programs and commodity prices. The amount to be billed is often tied to changes in an underlying base index such as a consumer price index or a fuel or commodity index, and revenue is recognized once the index is established for the period.

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)

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 doubtful accounts, represents their estimated net realizable value.  The Company estimates its allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends, type of customer such as municipal or non-municipal, the age of outstanding receivables and existing economic conditions.  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 unsuccessful in collecting the amount due.

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 condensed 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 applied the standard’s practical expedient that permits an entity to recognize 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. As of September 30, 2018, the Company had $16,300 of deferred sales incentives. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recorded amortization expense of $4,666 and $13,260, respectively, for sales incentives costs.

At September 30, 2018, the Company’s landfills consisted of 81 owned landfills, eight landfills operated under life-of-site operating agreements and four landfills operated under limited-term operating agreements.  The Company’s landfills had site costs with a net book value of $2,868,628 at September 30, 2018.  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, 2018, 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 26 years.  As of September 30, 2018, the Company is seeking to expand permitted capacity at 11 of its owned landfills and three 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 30 years, with lives ranging from approximately 1 to 158 years. 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company expensed $153,010 and $147,071, respectively, or an average of $4.58 and $4.55 per ton consumed, respectively, related to landfill depletion at owned landfills and landfills operated under life-of-site agreements.  

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 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 2018 and 2017 “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 2017 and 2016.  The Company’s inflation rate assumption is 2.5% for the years ending December 31, 2018 and 2017. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company expensed $9,583 and $8,757 respectively, or an average of $0.29 and $0.27 per ton consumed, respectively, related to final capping, closure and post-closure accretion expense. 

The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s final capping, closure and post-closure liability balance from December 31, 2017 to September 30, 2018: 

Liabilities incurred of $11,750 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, represent non-cash increases to final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities. The adjustment to final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities primarily consisted of decreases in estimated closure and post closure costs at several of the Company’s landfills, most notably its Chiquita Canyon landfill, and changes to engineering estimates related to proposed expansions as well as timing of closure events and total site capacity.  These decreases were partially offset by increases in estimated post closure costs and adjustments to reduce the remaining lives at certain sites. The Company performs its annual review of its cost and capacity estimates in the first quarter of each year. 

At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, $44,760 and $43,684, respectively, of the Company’s restricted cash balance and $12,639 and $12,406, respectively, of the Company’s restricted investments balance was for purposes of securing its performance of future final capping, closure and post-closure obligations. 

The Company acquired 15 individually immaterial non-hazardous solid waste collection, recycling, transfer and disposal businesses during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The purchase price for one of these acquisitions included contingent consideration of $11,593, representing the fair value of up to $12,582 of amounts payable to the former owners based on the achievement of certain operating targets specified in the asset purchase agreement. The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined using probability assessments of the expected future cash flows over the three-year period in which the obligation is expected to be settled, and applying a discount rate of 2.7%. As of September 30, 2018, the obligation recognized at the purchase date has not materially changed. Any changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration subsequent to the acquisition date will be charged or credited to expense until the contingency is settled.

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 total acquisition-related costs incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 for these acquisitions was $4,907. These expenses are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income.

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 $4,418. 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 these 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. 

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 to acquire these businesses 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, 2018 and 2017:

Goodwill acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, totaling $169,559 and $51,518, respectively, is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.   

The fair value of acquired working capital related to five individually immaterial acquisitions completed during the twelve months ended September 30, 2018, 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 five acquisitions are not expected to be material to the Company’s financial position. 

The gross amount of trade receivables due under contracts acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, is $14,015, of which $1,198 is expected to be uncollectible.  The gross amount of trade receivables due under contracts acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, is $20,025, of which $713 is expected to be uncollectible. The Company did not acquire any other class of receivable as a result of the acquisitions of these businesses. 

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)

As of September 30, 2018, assets classified as held for sale consisted of an operating market in the Company’s Southern segment. The assets held for sale 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 $4,466 to Impairments and other operating items in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income during the year ended December 31, 2017. The expected consideration may include cash and non-monetary assets. During the three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company’s Southern segment completed the sale of an operation in the Louisiana market for total cash consideration of $1,250. 

The Company’s assets and liabilities held for sale as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, were comprised of the following:

Intangible assets, exclusive of goodwill, consisted of the following at September 30, 2018: 

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 weighted-average amortization period of long-term franchise agreements and contracts acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was 16.3 years. The weighted-average amortization period of customer lists acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was 10.0 years. The weighted-average amortization period of finite-lived permits and other intangibles acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was 40.0 years.

Intangible assets, exclusive of goodwill, consisted of the following at December 31, 2017: 

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

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 presents the Company’s long-term debt as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

^(a) Interest rates represent the interest rates incurred at September 30, 2018.

2016 Master Note Purchase Agreement

On June 1, 2016 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”) and as amended, restated, amended and restated, assumed, supplemented or modified from time to time, the “2016 NPA”) with certain accredited institutional investors.

On April 20, 2017, pursuant to the 2016 NPA, and the 2016 First Supplement, the Company issued and sold to certain accredited institutional investors $400,000 aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes consisting of $150,000 aggregate principal amount, which will mature on April 20, 2024 with an annual interest rate of 3.24% (the “2024 Senior Notes”) and $250,000 aggregate principal amount, which will mature on April 20, 2027 with an annual interest rate of 3.49% (the “2027 Senior Notes” and collectively with the 2024 Senior Notes, the “2017A Senior Notes”) in a private placement. The 2017A Senior Notes bear interest at fixed rates with interest payable in arrears semi-annually on the first day of October and April beginning on October 1, 2017, and on the respective maturity dates, until the principal thereunder becomes due and payable.

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 March 21, 2018, the Company entered into that certain Amendment No. 1 to Master Note Purchase Agreement (the “2016 NPA First Amendment”), with each of the holders party thereto, which amended the 2016 NPA.

The 2016 NPA First Amendment, among other things, provided for certain amendments to the 2016 NPA to facilitate (i) certain conforming changes to align certain provisions of the 2016 NPA, the Assumed 2008 NPA (as defined below) and the Credit Agreement (as defined below) and (ii) the release of all subsidiary guarantors in relation to obligations under the 2016 NPA and the 2016 Senior Notes (as defined below) (the “2016 Release”).

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the 2016 NPA, the Company has outstanding senior unsecured notes (the “2016 Senior Notes”) consisting of (i) $150,000 of 2.39% senior notes due June 1, 2021 (the “New 2021 Senior Notes”), (ii) $200,000 of 2.75% senior notes due June 1, 2023 (the “2023 Senior Notes”), (iii) $400,000 of 3.03% senior notes due June 1, 2026 (the “2026 Senior Notes”) and (iv) $400,000 of the 2017A Senior Notes. No new notes were issued by the Company in connection with the 2016 NPA First Amendment.

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, inclusive of the outstanding $1,150,000 aggregate principal amount of 2016 Senior Notes that have been issued and sold by 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 rank pari passu with obligations under the Credit Agreement and the 2008 Senior Notes (defined below). Following the 2016 Release, there are currently no subsidiary guarantors in relation to the obligations under the 2016 NPA or the 2016 Senior Notes.

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 occurrence of an event of default, payment of the 2016 Senior Notes may be accelerated by the holders of the 2016 Senior Notes. The 2016 Senior Notes may also be prepaid by the Company at par plus a make-whole amount determined by the amount of excess, if any, of the discounted value of the remaining scheduled payments with respect to the called principal of such 2016 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 2016 Senior Notes upon certain changes in control. The 2016 NPA also contemplates certain offers of prepayments for specified tax reasons or certain noteholder sanctions events.

2008 Master Note Purchase Agreement

On June 1, 2016, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of January 18, 2016, Water Merger Sub LLC, 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”). Prior to the closing of the Progressive Waste acquisition, Old Waste Connections, certain subsidiaries of Old Waste Connections (together with Old Waste Connections, the “Obligors”) and certain holders of the 2008 Senior Notes (defined below) entered into that certain Amendment No. 6 (the “Sixth Amendment”) to that certain Master Note Purchase Agreement, dated July 15, 2008 (the “2008 NPA”). 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 of the holders of the notes issued from time to time under the 2008 NPA as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the 2008 NPA dated as of July 20, 2009, as supplemented by First Supplement to the 2008 NPA dated as of October 26, 2009, as amended by Amendment No. 2 to the 2008 NPA dated as of November 24, 2010, as supplemented by Second Supplement to the 2008 NPA dated as of April 1, 2011, as amended by Amendment No. 3 to the 2008 NPA dated as of October 12, 2011, as amended by Amendment No. 4 to the 2008 NPA dated as of August 9, 2013, as amended by Amendment No. 5 to the 2008 NPA dated as of February 20, 2015, as supplemented by Third Supplement to the 2008 NPA dated as of June 11, 2015 and as modified by the Assumption Agreement (the 2008 NPA, as so amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time “Assumed 2008 NPA”). 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.

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 March 21, 2018, the Company entered into that certain Amendment No. 7 to the Assumed 2008 NPA (the “2008 NPA Seventh Amendment”), with each of the holders party thereto, which amended the Assumed 2008 NPA. The 2008 NPA Seventh Amendment, among other things, provides certain amendments to the Assumed 2008 NPA to facilitate (i) certain conforming changes to align the provisions of the Assumed 2008 NPA, the 2016 NPA and the Credit Agreement and (ii) the release of all subsidiary guarantors in relation to obligations under the Assumed 2008 NPA and the 2008 Senior Notes (the “2008 Release”).

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Assumed 2008 NPA, the Company has outstanding senior unsecured notes (the “2008 Senior Notes”) consisting of $175,000 of 5.25% senior notes due 2019 (the “2019 Senior Notes”), $100,000 of 4.64% senior notes due 2021 (the “2021 Senior Notes), $125,000 of 3.09% senior notes due 2022 (the “2022 Senior Notes”) and $375,000 of 3.41% senior notes due 2025 (the “2025 Senior Notes”). The Company redeemed at maturity its $50,000 of 4.00% senior notes due April 2018 (the “2018 Senior Notes”) on April 2, 2018 using borrowings under its Credit Agreement.

Under the terms and conditions of the Assumed 2008 NPA, the Company is authorized to issue and sell notes in the aggregate principal amount of $1,250,000, inclusive of the outstanding $775,000 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 rank pari passu with obligations under the Credit Agreement and the 2016 Senior Notes. Following the 2008 Release, there are no subsidiary guarantors in relation to the Company’s obligations under the Assumed 2008 NPA or the 2008 Senior Notes.

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 at par plus a make-whole amount determined by the amount of excess, if any, of the discounted value of the remaining scheduled payments 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.

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:

On June 1, 2016, the Company entered into that certain Revolving Credit and Term Loan 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.

On March 21, 2018 the Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement was amended and restated in its entirety pursuant to an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) entered into by the Company and the Lenders and any other financial institutions from time to time party thereto. Entry into the Credit Agreement, among other things, facilitated the release of each of the Company’s subsidiaries guaranteeing the obligations under the Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement. There are no subsidiary guarantors under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement has a scheduled maturity date of March 21, 2023.

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, the Lenders remain committed to providing 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 of the Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement and remained and continued to be fully drawn at closing of the Credit Agreement. 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. Existing letters of credit in place under the Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement are continued and now deemed issued under and governed by the terms of the Credit Agreement. 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.

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)

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 (as defined below). 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 (as defined below) on the actual daily unused amount of the aggregate revolving commitments.

The borrowings under the Credit Agreement are unsecured. 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. 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. 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 (the “Leverage Ratio”), 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.

Tax Exempt Bonds

In February 2018, the Company gave notice to redeem its Pennsylvania Economic Development Corporation IRB Bond with a remaining principal balance of $35,000.  The Company paid in full the principal and accrued interest on this bond on April 2, 2018. In February 2018, the Company gave notice to redeem its Mission Economic Development Corporation IRB Bond with a remaining principal balance of $24,000.  The Company paid in full the principal and accrued interest on this bond on April 2, 2018. In July 2018, the Company gave notice to redeem its 2009 Seneca County Industrial Development Agency IRB Bond with a remaining principal balance of $5,000.  The Company paid in full the principal and accrued interest on this bond on September 4, 2018. The Company’s West Valley tax-exempt bond, with a principal amount of $15,500, matured August 1, 2018. The Company paid in full the principal and accrued interest on this bond on August 1, 2018.

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 five geographic 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 five geographic 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. 

The Company’s Southern segment services customers located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, 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 Eastern segment services customers located in Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia 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 Saskatchewan; 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.  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.

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 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, 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 11. 

Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, is shown in the following tables:  

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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, were as follows:

The following tables show changes in goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, by reportable segment: 

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)