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8-K - 8-K - COVANTA HOLDING CORPform8-kq42016earnings.htm
EX-99.2 - EXHIBIT 99.2 - COVANTA HOLDING CORPexhibit992q416.htm



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COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION REPORTS
2016 FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR RESULTS AND
PROVIDES 2017 GUIDANCE

MORRISTOWN, NJ, FEBRUARY 15, 2017 - Covanta Holding Corporation (NYSE: CVA) ("Covanta" or the "Company"), a world leader in sustainable waste and energy solutions, reported financial results today for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2016.

 
FY 2015
 
FY 2016
 
(Unaudited, $ in millions, except per share amounts)
Revenue
$1,645
 
$1,699
Net Income (Loss)
$68
 
$(1)
Adjusted EBITDA
$428
 
$410
Cash flow provided by operating activities
$249

$282
Free Cash Flow
$147
 
$172
Diluted EPS
$0.51

$(0.01)
Adjusted EPS
$0.07
 
$(0.15)
Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures can be found in the exhibits to this press release.

Highlights and Accomplishments

Strong end of year performance – in line with guidance ranges
Dublin on target for full operations by the start of Q4 2017
Completed China sale and repatriated funds to pay down debt
Meaningful progress on multiple organic growth initiatives
Environmental Solutions business expansion and record profiled waste revenue
Record metal recovery volumes
Continuous Improvement efforts contributing as expected

“I am very pleased with our performance in the fourth quarter, which led to solid full year results," said Stephen J. Jones, Covanta's President and CEO.  "Record profiled waste and strong markets helped drive our performance on the waste revenue line, and the team continues to execute on our other organic growth initiatives, including metal recovery, which also hit a record in 2016, and Continuous Improvement. While we expect modest Adjusted EBITDA growth in 2017, the significant progress on the construction of our Dublin facility, which is scheduled for commercial operations by the start of the fourth quarter, coupled with the benefits from our



ongoing organic growth initiatives, position us for stronger results and more meaningful Free Cash Flow growth in 2018 and beyond." 

Full Year 2016
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, total revenue increased by $54 million to $1.699 billion from $1.645 billion in 2015. Overall, higher waste and service revenue more than offset a decline in energy revenue.

Organic growth drove revenue increases of $51 million as follows:
Waste and service revenue grew by $35 million, with increases including:
EfW waste processing of $26 million (2.8%), with price and volume improvements of $24 million and $2 million, respectively;
Environmental services revenue of $12 million as a result of increased activity at previously acquired businesses; and
Higher municipal services revenue, primarily relating to the NYC MTS contract and transfer station volumes;
Energy revenue decreased by $5 million, resulting from lower production volume at EfW facilities (primarily related to turbine generator downtime at our Plymouth facility);
Recycled metals revenue decreased by $1 million, driven by lower market prices, partially offset by higher volume; and
Other revenue increased by $21 million due to higher construction revenue.
  
Contract transitions increased revenue by $16 million, with increased share of energy revenue following service fee to tip fee contract transitions partially offset by the expiration of certain long-term energy contracts.

Transactions resulted in a decrease of $13 million in revenue year-over-year, with $52 million in higher waste and service revenue across business lines more than offset by a $66 million reduction resulting from the shut-down of biomass facilities and the sale of assets in China.

Excluding impairment charges (1), operating expense increased by $77 million to $1.570 billion. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to:
a $17 million increase in same store plant maintenance, driven by the timing and scope of scheduled maintenance;
a $49 million increase in same store other plant operating expenses due to higher employee incentive compensation, same store cost escalation, and higher expenses relating to the commencement of operations at our centralized metals processing facility;
a $14 million increase in same store other operating expense resulting from increased construction activities;
a $9 million increase in same store general and administrative costs driven primarily by higher employee incentive compensation; and
a $7 million increase in operating expense resulting from contract transitions, namely the Fairfax EfW facility transition from a service fee to tip fee contract structure;
offset by a $22 million decrease in plant operating expense related to the transactions described above.

Adjusted EBITDA declined by $18 million on a year-over-year basis to $410 million, as year-over-year organic growth, primarily from improved waste pricing and profiled waste, was more
(1) 2016 and 2015 include impairment charges of $20 million and $43 million, respectively.



than offset by increased employee incentive compensation and a modest headwind from commodity prices. Contract transitions increased Adjusted EBITDA by $15 million, while transactions resulted in a net negative $4 million, with the impact of the China asset sale exceeding the benefits of the environmental services acquisitions and NYC MTS contract in the year.
   
Free Cash Flow increased by $25 million to $172 million, primarily as a result of a meaningful working capital benefit.

Adjusted EPS decreased by $0.22 to $(0.15). The decrease was driven primarily by increased tax expense.

Shareholder Returns
During the quarter, the Company declared a regular cash dividend of $0.25 per share. In 2016, the Company paid a total of $131 million in dividends at its annualized rate of $1.00 per share.

Fourth Quarter Results
For the three months ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period last year:
Total revenue increased $25 million to $457 million;
Adjusted EBITDA increased $1 million to $128 million;
Cash flow provided by operating activities increased $41 million to $136 million;
Free Cash Flow increased $44 million to $108 million;
Diluted EPS decreased $0.50 to $0.08; and
Adjusted EPS increased $0.05 to $0.08.

2017 Guidance
The Company established guidance for 2017 for the following key metrics:

(In millions)
Metric
2016
Actual
2017
Guidance Range
(1)
Adjusted EBITDA
$410
$400 - $440
Free Cash Flow
$172
$100 - $150

Conference Call Information
Covanta Holding Corporation (NYSE:CVA) (“Covanta” or the “Company”) will host a conference call at 8:30 AM (Eastern) on Thursday, February 16, 2017 to discuss its fourth quarter and full year results.

The conference call will begin with prepared remarks, which will be followed by a question and answer session. To participate, please dial 1-877-201-0168 approximately 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call. If calling outside of the United States, please dial 1-647-788-4901. Please request the “Covanta Holding Corporation Earnings Conference Call”
when prompted by the conference call operator. The conference call will also be webcast live from the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website. A presentation will be made


(1) For additional information on the reconciliation of Free Cash Flow to Cash flow provided by operating activities, see Exhibit 5 of this press release. Guidance as of February 15, 2017.




available during the call and will be found on the Investor Relations section of the Covanta website at www.covanta.com.

An archived webcast will be available two hours after the end of the conference call and can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of the Covanta website at www.covanta.com.

About Covanta
Covanta is a world leader in providing sustainable waste and energy solutions. Annually, Covanta’s modern Energy-from-Waste facilities safely convert approximately 20 million tons of waste from municipalities and businesses into clean, renewable electricity to power one million homes and recycle approximately 500,000 tons of metal. Through a vast network of treatment and recycling facilities, Covanta also provides comprehensive industrial material management services to companies seeking solutions to some of today’s most complex environmental challenges. For more information, visit www.covanta.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking" statements as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "PSLRA") or in releases made by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), all as may be amended from time to time. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Covanta Holding Corporation and its subsidiaries ("Covanta") or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by, among other things, the use of forward-looking language, such as the words "plan," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "project," "may," "will," "would," "could," "should," "seeks," or "scheduled to," or other similar words, or the negative of these terms or other variations of these terms or comparable language, or by discussion of strategy or intentions. These cautionary statements are being made pursuant to the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the PSLRA with the intention of obtaining the benefits of the "safe harbor" provisions of such laws. Covanta cautions investors that any forward-looking statements made by Covanta are not guarantees or indicative of future performance. Important factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements with respect to Covanta include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the prices of energy, waste disposal, scrap metal and commodities; adoption of new laws and regulations in the United States and abroad; the fee structures of our contracts; difficulties in the operation of our facilities, including fuel supply and energy transfer interruptions, failure to obtain regulatory approvals, equipment failures, labor disputes and work stoppages, weather interference and catastrophic events; difficulties in the financing, development and construction of new projects and expansions, including increased construction costs and delays; limits of insurance coverage; our ability to avoid defaults under our long-term service contracts; performance of third parties under our contractual arrangements; concentration of suppliers and customers; increased competitiveness in the energy industry; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; limitations imposed by our existing indebtedness; exposure to counterparty credit risk and instability of financial institutions in connection with financing transactions; our ability to utilize our net operating losses; failures of disclosure controls and procedures; general economic conditions in the United States and



abroad, including the availability of credit and debt financing and market conditions at the time our contracts expire; and other risks and uncertainties affecting our businesses described in Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other filings by Covanta with the SEC.

Although Covanta believes that its plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from a projection or assumption in any of its forward-looking statements. Covanta's future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and inherent risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made only as of the date hereof and Covanta does not have, or undertake, any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise, unless otherwise required by law.

Investor Contact
Dan Mannes
1-862-345-5456
IR@covanta.com

Media Contact
James Regan
1-862-345-5216





Covanta Holding Corporation
Exhibit 1
Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Unaudited)
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Operating revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Waste and service revenue
$
312

 
$
299

 
$
1,187

 
$
1,104

Energy revenue
91

 
102

 
370

 
421

Recycled metals revenue
17

 
12

 
61

 
61

Other operating revenue
37

 
19

 
81

 
59

Total operating revenue
457

 
432

 
1,699

 
1,645

Operating expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant operating expense
276

 
280

 
1,177

 
1,129

Other operating expense
41

 
18

 
86

 
73

General and administrative expense
29

 
22

 
100

 
93

Depreciation and amortization expense
52

 
50

 
207

 
198

Impairment charges (a)
1

 
19

 
20

 
43

Total operating expense
399

 
389

 
1,590

 
1,536

Operating income
58

 
43

 
109

 
109

Other income (expense)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income

 

 
1

 

Interest expense
(35
)
 
(32
)
 
(139
)
 
(134
)
Gain on asset sales (a)
1

 

 
44

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 
(2
)
Other expense, net

 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Total other expense
(34
)
 
(32
)
 
(95
)
 
(137
)
Income (loss) before income tax benefit (expense) and equity in net income from unconsolidated investments
24

 
11

 
14

 
(28
)
Income tax (expense) benefit
(14
)
 
65

 
(19
)
 
84

Equity in net income from unconsolidated investments
1

 
2

 
4

 
13

Net Income (Loss)
11

 
78

 
(1
)
 
69

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 
1

 

 
1

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation
$
11

 
$
77

 
$
(1
)
 
$
68

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
129

 
131

 
129

 
132

Diluted
131

 
133

 
129

 
133

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.10

 
$
0.59

 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
0.52

Diluted
$
0.08

 
$
0.58

 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
0.51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Dividend Declared Per Share
$
0.25

 
$
0.25

 
$
1.00

 
$
1.00

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) For additional information, see Exhibit 4 of this Press Release.







Covanta Holding Corporation
Exhibit 2
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
As of December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Current:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
84

 
$
94

Restricted funds held in trust
56

 
77

Receivables (less allowances of $9 million and $7 million, respectively)
332

 
312

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
72

 
117

Assets held for sale

 
97

Total Current Assets
544

 
697

Property, plant and equipment, net
3,024

 
2,690

Restricted funds held in trust
54

 
83

Waste, service and energy contract intangibles, net
263

 
284

Other intangible assets, net
34

 
38

Goodwill
302

 
301

Other assets
63

 
141

Total Assets
$
4,284

 
$
4,234

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Current:
 
 
 
Current portion of long-term debt
$
9

 
$
8

Current portion of project debt
22

 
16

Accounts payable
98

 
90

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
289

 
234

Liabilities held for sale

 
23

Total Current Liabilities
418

 
371

Long-term debt
2,243

 
2,255

Project debt
361

 
182

Deferred income taxes
615

 
595

Waste, service and other contract intangibles, net
7

 
13

Other liabilities
168

 
178

Total Liabilities
3,812

 
3,594

Equity:
 
 
 
Covanta Holding Corporation stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock ($0.10 par value; authorized 10 shares; none issued and outstanding)

 

Common stock ($0.10 par value; authorized 250 shares; issued 136 shares, outstanding 130 and 131, respectively)
14

 
14

Additional paid-in capital
807

 
801

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(62
)
 
(34
)
Accumulated deficit
(286
)
 
(143
)
Treasury stock, at par
(1
)
 

Total Covanta Holding Corporation stockholders' equity
472

 
638

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 
2

Total Equity
472

 
640

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
4,284

 
$
4,234

 
 
 
 






Covanta Holding Corporation
Exhibit 3
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
 
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Unaudited, in millions)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net (loss) income
$
(1
)
 
$
69

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
207

 
198

Impairment charges (a)
20

 
43

Gain on asset sales (a)
(44
)
 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 
2

Stock-based compensation expense
16

 
18

Deferred income taxes
18

 
(11
)
IRS audit settlement

 
(93
)
Other, net
1

 
17

Change in restricted funds held in trust
22

 
28

Change in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions
43

 
(22
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
282

 
249

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Proceeds from asset sales
109

 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(359
)
 
(376
)
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
(9
)
 
(72
)
Property insurance proceeds
3

 
1

Other, net
2

 
(1
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(254
)
 
(448
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Proceeds from borrowings on long-term debt

 
294

Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility
744

 
895

Proceeds from equipment financing capital leases

 
15

Proceeds from borrowings on project debt

 
59

Proceeds from Dublin financing
159

 
86

Payments on long-term debt
(4
)
 
(196
)
Payments of borrowings on revolving credit facility
(749
)
 
(692
)
Payments of equipment financing capital leases
(4
)
 
(4
)
Payments on project debt 
(51
)
 
(85
)
Payments of deferred financing costs
(6
)
 
(11
)
Cash dividends paid to stockholders
(131
)
 
(133
)
Change in restricted funds held in trust
28

 
5

Common stock repurchased
(20
)
 
(30
)
Other, net
(6
)
 
5

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(40
)
 
208

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 
(4
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(12
)
 
5

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
96

 
91

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
84

 
96

Less: Cash and cash equivalents of assets held for sale at end of period

 
2

Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of period
$
84

 
$
94

 
 
 
 
(a) For additional information, see Exhibit 4 of this Press Release.
 
 
 
 
 






Covanta Holding Corporation
Exhibit 4
Consolidated Reconciliation of Net Income and Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Adjusted EBITDA
 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Unaudited, in millions)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation
$
11

 
$
77

 
$
(1
)
 
$
68

Depreciation and amortization expense
52

 
50

 
207

 
198

Interest expense, net
35

 
32

 
138

 
134

Income tax expense (benefit)
14


(65
)
 
19

 
(84
)
Impairment charges (a)
1


19

 
20

 
43

Gain on asset sales (b)
(1
)
 

 
(44
)
 

Loss on extinguishment of debt



 

 
2

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

 
1

 

 
1

Other adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital type expenditures at service fee operated facilities (c)
10


6

 
39

 
31

Debt service billings in excess of revenue recognized
1



 
4

 
1

Severance and reorganization costs


1

 
3

 
4

Non-cash compensation expense (d)
3


3

 
16

 
18

Other non-cash items
1

 

 
6

 
6

Other (e)
1


3

 
3

 
6

Adjusted EBITDA
$
128


$
127


$
410


$
428

Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest
(44
)

(48
)

(135
)
 
(131
)
Cash paid for taxes, net
1


4


(6
)
 
(2
)
Capital type expenditures at service fee operated facilities (c)
(10
)

(6
)
 
(39
)
 
(31
)
Adjustment for working capital and other
61


18


52

 
(15
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
136

 
$
95

 
$
282

 
$
249

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) During the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, we recorded non-cash impairment charges totaling $20 million, of which $13 million related to the planned closure of our Pittsfield EfW facility in March 2017 which is now expected to continue operating and $3 million related to an investment in a joint venture to recover and recycle metals.
       During the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015, we recorded non-cash impairments of our biomass facility assets of $19 million and $43 million respectively.
(b) During the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, we recorded a $41 million gain on the sale of our interests in China.
(c) Adjustment for impact of adoption of FASB ASC 853 - Service Concession Arrangements. These types of expenditures at our service fee operated facilities were historically capitalized prior to adoption of this new accounting standard effective January 1, 2015.
(d) The twelve months ended December 31, 2015 includes $4 million of costs incurred in connection with separation agreements related to the departure of two executive officers.
(e) Includes certain other items that are added back under the definition of Adjusted EBITDA in Covanta Energy, LLC's credit agreement.






Covanta Holding Corporation
Exhibit 5
Reconciliation of Cash Flow Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow
 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
Full  Year
Estimated 2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(Unaudited, in millions)
 
 
Cash flow provided by operating activities
$
136


$
95

 
$
282

 
$
249

 
$210 - $270
Less: Maintenance capital expenditures (a)
(28
)
 
(31
)
 
(110
)
 
(102
)
 
(110) - (120)
Free Cash Flow
$
108


$
64


$
172


$
147

 
$100 - $150
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Uses of Free Cash Flow
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Growth investments (b)
$
(44
)
 
$
(80
)
 
$
(253
)
 
$
(346
)
 
 
Other investing activities, net
(4
)
 

 
4

 

 
 
Total investments
$
(48
)

$
(80
)

$
(249
)

$
(346
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return of capital to stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends paid to stockholders
$
(33
)
 
$
(33
)
 
$
(131
)
 
$
(133
)
 
 
Common stock repurchased

 
(30
)
 
(20
)
 
(30
)
 
 
Total return of capital to stockholders
$
(33
)

$
(63
)

$
(151
)

$
(163
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital raising activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net proceeds from issuance of corporate debt (c)
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
98

 
 
Net proceeds from issuance of project debt (d)

 

 

 
15

 
 
Proceeds from Dublin financing
20

 

 
159

 
85

 
 
Proceeds from equipment financing capital leases (e)

 

 

 
15

 
 
Change in restricted funds held in trust
12

 
64

 
29

 

 
 
Other financing activities, net
(6
)
 
5

 
(6
)
 
5

 
 
Deferred financing costs
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
(6
)
 
(7
)
 
 
Proceeds from sale of China assets

 

 
105

 

 
 
Net proceeds from capital raising activities
$
25


$
67


$
281


$
211

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt repayments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash used for scheduled principal payments on corporate debt
$
(2
)
 
$

 
$
(4
)
 
$
(1
)
 
 
Net cash used for principal payments on project debt (f)
(37
)
 
(19
)
 
(52
)
 
(38
)
 
 
Payments of equipment financing capital leases (e)
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(4
)
 
(4
)
 
 
Total debt repayments
$
(40
)

$
(20
)

$
(60
)

$
(43
)
 
 
Borrowing activities - Revolving credit facility, net
$
(40
)
 
$
57

 
$
(5
)
 
$
203

 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(4
)
 
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
$
(29
)

$
25


$
(12
)

$
5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)  Purchases of property, plant and equipment are also referred to as capital expenditures. Capital expenditures that primarily maintain existing facilities are classified as maintenance capital expenditures. The following table provides the components of total purchases of property, plant and equipment: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016

2015
 
 
Maintenance capital expenditures
$
(28
)
 
$
(31
)
 
$
(110
)
 
$
(102
)
 

Capital expenditures associated with construction of Dublin EfW facility
(30
)
 
(61
)
 
(162
)
 
(184
)
 

Capital expenditures associated with organic growth initiatives
(8
)
 
(7
)
 
(46
)
 
(34
)
 

Capital expenditures associated with the New York City MTS contract

 
(2
)
 
(3
)
 
(30
)
 

Capital expenditures associated with Essex County EfW emissions control system
(6
)
 
(8
)
 
(33
)
 
(26
)
 

Total capital expenditures associated with growth investments
(44
)
 
(78
)
 
(244
)
 
(274
)
 

Capital expenditures associated with property insurance events
(5
)
 

 
(5
)
 

 
 
Total purchases of property, plant and equipment
$
(77
)

$
(109
)

$
(359
)

$
(376
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b)  Growth investments include investments in growth opportunities, including organic growth initiatives, technology, business development, and other similar expenditures.
 
 
Capital expenditures associated with growth investments
$
(44
)
 
$
(78
)
 
$
(244
)
 
$
(274
)
 
 
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired

 
(2
)
 
(9
)
 
(72
)
 

Total growth investments
$
(44
)

$
(80
)

$
(253
)

$
(346
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(c)  Excludes borrowings under Revolving Credit Facility. Calculated as follows: 
 
 
Proceeds from borrowings on long-term debt
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
294

 
 
Refinanced long-term debt

 

 

 
(195
)
 
 
Less: Financing costs related to issuance of long-term debt

 

 

 
(1
)
 
 
Net proceeds from issuance of corporate debt
$


$


$


$
98

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(d) Calculated as follows:
 
 
Proceeds from borrowings on project debt
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
59

 
 
Refinanced project debt

 

 

 
(42
)
 
 
Less: Financing costs related to the issuance of project debt

 

 

 
(2
)
 
 
Net proceeds from issuance of project debt
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(e)  During the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, we financed $15 million for transportation equipment related to our contract with New York City.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(f) Calculated as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total principal payments on project debt
$
(34
)
 
$
(22
)
 
$
(51
)
 
$
(43
)
 
 
Change in related restricted funds held in trust
(3
)
 
3

 
(1
)
 
5

 
 
Net cash used for principal payments on project debt
$
(37
)

$
(19
)

$
(52
)

$
(38
)
 
 






Covanta Holding Corporation
Exhibit 6
Reconciliation of Diluted Earnings Per Share to Adjusted EPS
 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Unaudited)
Diluted Earnings Per Share
$
0.08

 
$
0.58

 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
0.51

Reconciling Items (a)

 
(0.55
)
 
(0.14
)
 
(0.44
)
Adjusted EPS
$
0.08


$
0.03


$
(0.15
)

$
0.07

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) For details related to the Reconciling Items, see Exhibit 6A of this Press Release.

Covanta Holding Corporation
Exhibit 6A
Reconciling Items

 
Three Months Ended
December 31,

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
2016

2015

2016

2015
 
(Unaudited)
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Reconciling Items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment charges (a)
$
1

 
$
19

 
$
20

 
$
43

Gain on asset sales (a)
(1
)
 

 
(44
)
 

Severance and reorganization costs (b)

 

 
2

 
7

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 
2

Effect on income of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments

 
(3
)
 
2

 
(6
)
Effect of foreign exchange loss on indebtedness

 
1

 
(1
)
 
3

Other

 
1

 

 
1

Total Reconciling Items, pre-tax

 
18

 
(21
)
 
50

Pro forma income tax impact (c)

 
(2
)
 
2

 
(20
)
Impact of IRS audit settlement

 
(93
)
 

 
(93
)
Tax liability related to expected gain on sale of China assets

 
4

 

 
4

Grantor trust activity

 
(1
)
 
1

 

Total Reconciling Items, net of tax
$

 
$
(74
)
 
$
(18
)
 
$
(59
)
Diluted Earnings Per Share Impact
$

 
$
(0.55
)
 
$
(0.14
)
 
$
(0.44
)
Weighted Average Diluted Shares Outstanding
131

 
133

 
129

 
133

 
 
 
 
 


 
 
(a) For additional information, see Exhibit 4 of this Press Release.
(b) The twelve months ended December 31, 2015, includes $6 million of costs incurred in connection with separation agreements related to the departure of two executive officers, of which $4 million related to non-cash compensation.
(c) We calculate the federal and state tax impact of each item using the statutory federal tax rate and applicable blended state rate. 








Covanta Holding Corporation
 
 
Exhibit 7

Supplemental Information
 
 
 
(Unaudited, $ in millions)
 
 
 
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Revenue:
 
 
 
Waste and service: (a)
 
 
 
EfW waste processing
$
962

 
$
929

Environmental services (b)
99

 
56

Municipal services (c)
186

 
159

Other revenue (d)
36

 
38

Intercompany (e)
(96
)
 
(78
)
Total waste and service
1,187

 
1,104

Energy:
 
 
 
EfW energy sales
321

 
308

EfW capacity
40

 
38

Other revenue (f)
9

 
75

Total energy revenue
370

 
421

Recycled metals:
 
 
 
Ferrous
38

 
38

Non-ferrous
23

 
23

Total recycled metals
61

 
61

Other revenue
81

 
59

Total revenue
$
1,699

 
$
1,645


 
 
 
Operating expense:
 
 
 
Plant operating expense:
 
 
 
Plant maintenance
$
279

 
$
270

Other plant operating expense
898

 
859

Total plant operating expense
1,177

 
1,129

Other operating expense
86

 
73

General and administrative
100

 
93

Depreciation and amortization
207

 
198

Impairment charges
20

 
43

Total operating expense
$
1,590

 
$
1,536


 
 
 
Operating Income
$
109

 
$
109


 
 
 
Operating Income excluding Impairment charges:
$
129

 
$
152

 
 
 
 
(a) For Waste and service revenue detail by quarter for 2016 and 2015, see Exhibit 10 of this Press Release.
(b) Includes the operation of material processing facilities and related services.
(c) Consists of transfer stations and transportation component of NYC MTS contract.
(d) Includes waste brokerage, debt service and other revenue unrelated to EfW waste processing.
(e) Consists of elimination of intercompany transactions primarily relating to transfer stations.
(f) Includes biomass and China operations.
Note: Certain amounts may not total due to rounding.






Covanta Holding Corporation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 8
 
Revenue and Operating Income Changes - FY 2015 to FY 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Unaudited, $ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Organic Growth (a)

Contract Transitions (b)







FY 2015

Price

%

Volume

%

Total

%

Waste

PPA

Trans-
actions
(c)           

Total Changes

FY 2016
Waste and service:























EfW waste processing
$
929


$
24


2.5
 %

$
2


0.2
 %

$
26


2.8
 %

$
(2
)

$


$
10


$
33


$
962

Environmental services
56










12








30


43


99

Municipal services
159

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6

 
 
 

 

 
20

 
27

 
186

Other revenue
38










4




(3
)



(2
)

(2
)

36

Intercompany
(78
)
 

 

 

 

 
(12
)
 

 

 

 
(6
)
 
(18
)
 
(96
)
Total waste and service
1,104










35


3.2
 %

(5
)



52


83


1,187

Energy:
 


















 

 
 
EfW energy sales
308

 

 
 %
 
(5
)
 
-1.6
 %
 
(5
)
 
-1.6
 %
 
24

 
(4
)
 
(1
)
 
13

 
321

EfW capacity
38

 

 

 

 

 
1

 
3.7
 %
 
2

 
(1
)
 

 
2

 
40

Other revenue
75

 

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 

 
(65
)
 
(66
)
 
9

Total energy revenue
421

 

 

 

 

 
(5
)
 
-1.2
 %
 
26

 
(6
)
 
(66
)
 
(51
)
 
370

Recycled metals:
 





















 
Ferrous
38


(1
)

-2.8
 %

1


1.5
 %



-1.2
 %

1








38

Non-ferrous
23


(3
)

-12.4
 %

3


11.0
 %



-1.5
 %









23

Total recycled metals
61


(4
)

-6.4
 %

3


5.1
 %

(1
)

-1.3
 %

1








61

Other revenue
59










21


36.0
 %





1


22


81

Total revenue
$
1,645










$
51


3.1
 %

$
22


$
(6
)

$
(13
)

$
54


$1,699
Operating expense:
























Plant operating expense:























Plant maintenance
$
270










$
17


6.2
 %

$


$


$
(8
)

$
9


$
279

Other plant operating expense
859










49


5.7
 %

4




(14
)

39


898

Total plant operating expense
1,129










66


5.8
 %

4




(22
)

48


1,177

Other operating expense
73










14








(1
)

13


86

General and administrative
93










9








(2
)

7


100

Depreciation and amortization
198










3




3




2


9


207

Total operating expense
$
1,493










$
92




$
7


$


$
(22
)

$
77


$
1,570

Operating Income (Loss)
$
152










$
(41
)



$
15


$
(6
)

$
9


$
(23
)

$
129

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Reflects performance on a comparable period-over-period basis, excluding the impacts of transitions and transactions.
(b) Includes the impact of the expiration of: (1) long-term major waste and service contracts, most typically representing the transition to a new contract structure, and (2) long-term energy contracts.
(c) Includes the impacts of acquisitions, divestitures, new projects and the addition or loss of operating contracts.
















Note: Excludes impairment charges. Certain amounts may not total due to rounding.






North America
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 9
 
Operating Metrics (Unaudited) - Summary of 2015 and 2016 by Quarter
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Twelve Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
Twelve Months Ended
 
Mar. 31,
 
June 30,
 
Sept. 30,
 
Dec. 31,
 
Dec. 31,
 
Mar. 31,
 
June 30,
 
Set.p 30,
 
Dec. 31,
 
Dec. 31,
 
2015
 
2015
 
2015
 
2015
 
2015
 
2016
 
2016
 
2016
2016
 
2016
EfW Waste
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tons: (in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracted
3.9
 
4.4
 
4.4
 
4.5
 
17.2
 
4.1
 
4.4
 
4.6
 
4.3
 
17.4
Uncontracted
0.7
 
0.5
 
0.5
 
0.5
 
2.2
 
0.6
 
0.5
 
0.5
 
0.6
 
2.2
Total tons
4.6
 
4.9
 
4.9
 
5.0
 
19.4
 
4.6
 
4.9
 
5.1
 
4.9
 
19.5
Revenue per ton:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracted
$46.65
 
$44.72
 
$44.57
 
$46.56
 
$45.60
 
$46.75
 
$45.87
 
$44.21
 
$49.24
 
$46.48
Uncontracted
$56.20
 
$70.10
 
$69.21
 
$69.29
 
$65.26
 
$64.61
 
$74.94
 
$76.76
 
$71.41
 
$71.63
Average revenue per ton
$48.11
 
$47.29
 
$47.01
 
$48.91
 
$47.83
 
$48.97
 
$48.71
 
$47.45
 
$51.94
 
$49.26
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EfW Energy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy sales: (MWh in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracted
0.7
 
0.8
 
0.8
 
0.8
 
3.0
 
0.7
 
0.9
 
0.8
 
0.7
 
3.1
Hedged
0.4
 
0.3
 
0.3
 
0.3
 
1.4
 
0.4
 
0.4
 
0.5
 
0.6
 
1.9
Market
0.3
 
0.4
 
0.4
 
0.4
 
1.4
 
0.2
 
0.2
 
0.2
 
0.3
 
1.0
Total energy sales
1.4
 
1.4
 
1.5
 
1.5
 
5.8
 
1.4
 
1.5
 
1.5
 
1.6
 
6.1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Market sales by geography:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PJM East
 
0.1
 
0.1
 
0.2
 
0.5
 
0.1
 
0.1
 
0.1
 
0.1
 
0.3
NEPOOL
0.1
 
0.1
 
0.1
 
0.1
 
0.3
 
 
0.1
 
0.1
 
0.1
 
0.2
NYISO
 
 
 
 
0.1
 
 
 
 
 
0.1
Other
0.1
 
0.1
 
0.1
 
0.1
 
0.4
 
0.1
 
0.1
 
0.1
 
0.1
 
0.4
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue per MWh (excludes capacity):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracted
$67.21
 
$63.69
 
$63.69
 
$67.70
 
$65.56
 
$67.65
 
$62.06
 
$65.82
 
$69.23
 
$65.98
Hedged
$53.20
 
$42.07
 
$44.05
 
$42.75
 
$45.64
 
$62.64
 
$37.19
 
$37.98
 
$36.64
 
$42.77
Market
$47.12
 
$31.43
 
$30.86
 
$27.07
 
$33.18
 
$27.91
 
$26.02
 
$37.32
 
$34.44
 
$31.35
Average revenue per MWh
$59.54
 
$50.81
 
$50.78
 
$52.09
 
$53.17
 
$59.30
 
$49.25
 
$52.63
 
$50.33
 
$52.70
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metals
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tons Recovered: (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ferrous
74
 
87
 
93
 
99
 
353
 
95
 
102
 
101
 
103
 
401
Non-ferrous
7
 
8
 
9
 
8
 
32
 
8
 
9
 
10
 
9
 
36
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tons Sold: (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ferrous
76
 
85
 
90
 
79
 
330
 
86
 
77
 
72
 
110
 
345
Non-ferrous
7
 
8
 
9
 
8
 
32
 
8
 
9
 
10
 
9
 
36
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue per ton:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ferrous
$139
 
$127
 
$113
 
$86
 
$116
 
$91
 
$138
 
$117
 
$105
 
$111
Non-ferrous
$799
 
$741
 
$716
 
$639
 
$721
 
$624
 
$650
 
$581
 
$675
 
$632
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 






EfW plant operating expense ($ in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant operating expense - gross
$
246

 
$
248

 
$
211

 
$
224

 
$
929

 
$
257

 
$
255

 
$
217

 
$
225

 
$
953

Less: Client pass-through costs
(12
)
 
(11
)
 
(14
)
 
(16
)
 
(53
)
 
(10
)
 
(9
)
 
(9
)
 
(13
)
 
(41
)
Less: REC sales - contra-expense
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
 
(8
)
 
(3
)
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
(3
)
 
(9
)
Plant operating expense - reported
$
233

 
$
236

 
$
194

 
$
205

 
$
868

 
$
244

 
$
245

 
$
205

 
$
210

 
$
904

Client pass-throughs as % of gross costs
4.9
%
 
4.4
%
 
6.5
%
 
7.3
%
 
5.7
%
 
3.8
%
 
3.6
%
 
4.3
%
 
5.6
%
 
4.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Waste volume includes solid tons only. Metals and energy volume are presented net of client revenue sharing. Steam sales are converted to MWh equivalent at an assumed average rate of 11 klbs of steam / MWh. Uncontracted energy sales include sales under PPAs that are based on market prices.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Certain amounts may not total due to rounding.







Covanta Holding Corporation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10
 
Waste and Service Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Unaudited, $ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Mar. 31,
 
June 30,
 
Sept. 30,
 
Dec. 31,
 
Mar. 31,
 
June 30,
 
Sept. 30,
 
Dec. 31,
 
2016
 
2016
 
2016
 
2016
 
2015
 
2015
 
2015
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EfW waste processing
$
227

 
$
238

 
$
241

 
$
256

 
$
223

 
$
231

 
$
230

 
$
244

Environmental services
21

 
25

 
26

 
26

 
5

 
11

 
19

 
22

Municipal services (a)
43

 
49

 
48

 
46

 
25

 
42

 
46

 
47

Other revenue (b)
8

 
9

 
9

 
9

 
8

 
11

 
9

 
9

Intercompany (c)
(21
)
 
(24
)
 
(26
)
 
(25
)
 
(15
)
 
(18
)
 
(21
)
 
(23
)
Total waste and service revenue
$
279

 
$
297

 
$
299

 
$
312

 
$
246

 
$
276

 
$
283

 
$
299

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Consists of transfer stations and transportation component of NYC MTS contract.
(b) Includes landfill, waste brokerage, debt service and other EfW revenue not directly related to waste processing.
(c) Consists of elimination of intercompany transactions primarily relating to transfer stations.
Note: Certain amounts may not total due to rounding.
 
 
 
 








Discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use a number of different financial measures, both United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and non-GAAP, in assessing the overall performance of our business. To supplement our assessment of results prepared in accordance with GAAP, we use the measures of Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow, and Adjusted EPS, which are non-GAAP measures as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The non-GAAP financial measures of Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow, and Adjusted EPS as described below, and used in the tables above, are not intended as a substitute or as an alternative to net income, cash flow provided by operating activities or diluted earnings per share as indicators of our performance or liquidity or any other measures of performance or liquidity derived in accordance with GAAP. In addition, our non-GAAP financial measures may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes.
The presentations of Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow and Adjusted EPS are intended to enhance the usefulness of our financial information by providing measures which management internally use to assess and evaluate the overall performance of its business and those of possible acquisition candidates, and highlight trends in the overall business.

Adjusted EBITDA
We use Adjusted EBITDA to provide further information that is useful to an understanding of the financial covenants contained in the credit facilities as of December 31, 2016 of our most significant subsidiary, Covanta Energy, LLC, ("Covanta Energy"), through which we conduct our core waste and energy services business, and as additional ways of viewing aspects of its operations that, when viewed with the GAAP results and the accompanying reconciliations to corresponding GAAP financial measures, provide a more complete understanding of our core business. The calculation of Adjusted EBITDA is based on the definition in Covanta Energy’s credit facilities as of December 31, 2016, which we have guaranteed. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted for additional items subtracted from or added to net income. Because our business is substantially comprised of that of Covanta Energy, our financial performance is substantially similar to that of Covanta Energy. For this reason, and in order to avoid use of multiple financial measures which are not all from the same entity, the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and other financial measures presented herein are ours, measured on a consolidated basis.
Under the credit facilities as of December 31, 2016, Covanta Energy is required to satisfy certain financial covenants, including certain ratios of which Adjusted EBITDA is an important component. Compliance with such financial covenants is expected to be the principal limiting factor which will affect our ability to engage in a broad range of activities in furtherance of our business, including making certain investments, acquiring businesses and incurring additional debt. Covanta Energy was in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2016. Failure to comply with such financial covenants could result in a default under these credit facilities, which default would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and liquidity.
These financial covenants are measured on a trailing four quarter period basis and the material covenants are as follows:
maximum Covanta Energy leverage ratio of 4.00 to 1.00, which measures Covanta Energy’s Consolidated Adjusted Debt (which is the principal amount of its consolidated debt less certain restricted funds dedicated to repayment of project debt principal and construction costs) to its Adjusted EBITDA (which for purposes of calculating the leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio, is adjusted on a pro forma basis for acquisitions and dispositions made during the relevant period); and

minimum Covanta Energy interest coverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00, which measures Covanta Energy’s Adjusted EBITDA to its consolidated interest expense plus certain interest expense of ours, to the extent paid by Covanta Energy.
In order to provide a meaningful basis for comparison, we are providing information with respect to our Adjusted EBITDA for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, reconciled for each such period to net income and cash flow provided by operating activities, which are believed to be the most directly comparable measures under GAAP.
Our projected full year 2016 Adjusted EBITDA is not based on GAAP net income/loss and is anticipated to be adjusted to exclude the effects of events or circumstances in 2016 that are not representative or indicative of our results of operations. Projected GAAP net income/loss for the full year would require inclusion of the projected impact of future excluded items, including items that are not currently determinable, but may be significant, such as asset impairments and one-time items, charges, gains or losses from divestitures, or other items. Due to the uncertainty of the likelihood, amount and timing of any such items, we do not have information available to provide a quantitative reconciliation of full year 2016 projected net income/loss to an Adjusted EBITDA projection.








Free Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow is defined as cash flow provided by operating activities, less maintenance capital expenditures, which are capital expenditures primarily to maintain our existing facilities. We use the non-GAAP measure of Free Cash Flow as a criterion of liquidity and performance-based components of employee compensation. We use Free Cash Flow as a measure of liquidity to determine amounts we can reinvest in our core businesses, such as amounts available to make acquisitions, invest in construction of new projects, make principal payments on debt, or amounts we can return to our stockholders through dividends and/or stock repurchases.
In order to provide a meaningful basis for comparison, we are providing information with respect to our Free Cash Flow for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, reconciled for each such period to cash flow provided by operating activities, which we believe to be the most directly comparable measure under GAAP.
Adjusted EPS
Adjusted EPS excludes certain income and expense items that are not representative of our ongoing business and operations, which are included in the calculation of Diluted Earnings Per Share in accordance with GAAP. The following items are not all-inclusive, but are examples of reconciling items in prior comparative and future periods. They would include impairment charges, the effect of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, significant gains or losses from the disposition or restructuring of businesses, gains and losses on assets held for sale, transaction-related costs, income and loss on the extinguishment of debt and other significant items that would not be representative of our ongoing business.
We will use the non-GAAP measure of Adjusted EPS to enhance the usefulness of our financial information by providing a measure which management internally uses to assess and evaluate the overall performance and highlight trends in the ongoing business.
In order to provide a meaningful basis for comparison, we are providing information with respect to our Adjusted EPS for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, reconciled for each such period to diluted income per share, which is believed to be the most directly comparable measure under GAAP.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking” statements as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”) or in releases made by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), all as may be amended from time to time. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Covanta Holding Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Covanta”) or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by, among other things, the use of forward-looking language, such as the words “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “seeks,” or “scheduled to,” or other similar words, or the negative of these terms or other variations of these terms or comparable language, or by discussion of strategy or intentions. These cautionary statements are being made pursuant to the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the PSLRA with the intention of obtaining the benefits of the “safe harbor” provisions of such laws. Covanta cautions investors that any forward-looking statements made by us are not guarantees or indicative of future performance. Important factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
seasonal or long-term fluctuations in the prices of energy, waste disposal, scrap metal and commodities, and our ability to renew or replace expiring contracts at comparable pricing;
adoption of new laws and regulations in the United States and abroad, including energy laws, environmental laws, labor laws and healthcare laws;
our ability to avoid adverse publicity relating to our business expansion efforts;
advances in technology;
difficulties in the operation of our facilities, including fuel supply and energy delivery interruptions, failure to obtain regulatory approvals, equipment failures, labor disputes and work stoppages, and weather interference and catastrophic events;
failure to maintain historical performance levels at our facilities and our ability to retain the rights to operate facilities we do not own;






difficulties in the financing, development and construction of new projects and expansions, including increased construction costs and delays;
our ability to realize the benefits of long-term business development and bear the costs of business development over time;
our ability to utilize net operating loss carryforwards;
limits of insurance coverage;
our ability to avoid defaults under our long-term contracts;
performance of third parties under our contracts and such third parties' observance of laws and regulations;
concentration of suppliers and customers;
geographic concentration of facilities;
increased competitiveness in the energy and waste industries;
changes in foreign currency exchange rates;
limitations imposed by our existing indebtedness and our ability to perform our financial obligations and guarantees and to refinance our existing indebtedness;
exposure to counterparty credit risk and instability of financial institutions in connection with financing transactions;
the scalability of our business;
restrictions in our certificate of incorporation and debt documents regarding strategic alternatives;
failures of disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting;
our ability to attract and retain talented people;
general economic conditions in the United States and abroad, including the availability of credit and debt financing; and
other risks and uncertainties affecting our businesses described in Item 1A. Risk Factors of Covanta's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and in other filings by Covanta with the SEC.
Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from a projection or assumption in any of our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and inherent risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made only as of the date hereof and we do not have, or undertake, any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise, unless otherwise required by law.