WasteCo Group Limited logo

Annual General Meeting – Chairmans Speech and presentation

AGM12 September 2024WCOIndustrials

WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 1
2024 ANNUAL

SHAREHOLDERS’

MEETING

WasteCo Group Limited

WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 2
Welcome to the

2024 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting

of WasteCo Group Limited

12 September 2024

WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 3
Agenda

• Welcome, house keeping and introductions

• Chairman’s presentation

• CEO’s presentation

• Shareholder discussion

• Resolutions

• General business

WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 4
Chairman’s Presentation

WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 5
CEO’s Presentation

CEO’S PRESENTATION
WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 6

Focus on our team,

culture and health

and safety

Acquisitions in

our core areas

Optimise the current

business and

introduce operational

improvements

The four pillars of WasteCo’s strategy are:

Reducing our

carbon emissions

CEO’S PRESENTATION
WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 7

Focus on our team,

culture and health

and safety

WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 8
CEO’S PRESENTATION

CEO’S PRESENTATION
WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 9

Acquisitions in

our core areas

CEO’S PRESENTATION
WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 10

Optimise the current

business and


introduce operational

improvements

CEO’S PRESENTATION
WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 11

Reducing our

carbon emissions

WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 12
Shareholder Discussion

WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 13
Resolutions

WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 14
Resolution 1

To record the re-appointment of Deloitte as

auditor of the Company and to authorise the

Directors to fix the auditors’ remuneration for

the ensuing year.

WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 15
Resolution 2

That the Directors of the Company are authorised

issue up to 33,934,911 options to acquire ordinary

shares in the Company (Options), to employees,

contractors, and non-executive Directors of the

Company and its subsidiaries on the terms set

out in the Explanatory Notes accompanying this

Notice of Meeting.

WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 16
Resolution 3

That the Directors of the Company are authorised

to issue up to 127,255,915 new ordinary fully paid

shares in the Company to wholesale investors

(New Shares) each at an issue price equal to the

Volume Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”) of the

Company’s shares traded on the NZX during the

20 trading days up to the issue date of the New

Shares, at any time during the course of the 12

month period following the date of the Annual

Meeting, such New Shares when issued, shall rank

pari passu (equally) with all existing ordinary

shares of the Company.

WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 17
General Business

Are there any items of general business

to put before the meeting?

WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 18
Disclaimer

This presentation contains summary

information about WasteCo and its

activities that is current as at the date

of this presentation. This disclaimer

applies to this document and the

verbal or written comments of any

person presenting it.

INFORMATION GENERAL IN

NATURE

The information in this presentation

is of a general nature and does not

purport to be complete nor does it

contain all the information which a

prospective investor may require in

evaluating a possible investment in

WasteCo or that would be required in

a product disclosure statement for the

purposes of the New Zealand Financial

Markets Conduct Act 2013 (FMCA).

WasteCo is subject to a disclosure

obligation that requires it to notify

certain material information to NZX

Limited (NZX) for the purpose of that

information being made available to

participants in the market and that

information can be found by visiting

www.nzx.com/companies/WCO.

This presentation should be read in

conjunction with WasteCo’s other

periodic and continuous disclosure

announcements released to NZX.

NOT FINANCIAL PRODUCT

ADVICE

This presentation does not constitute

legal, financial, tax, financial product

advice or investment advice or a

recommendation to acquire WasteCo

securities, and has been prepared

without taking into account the

objectives, financial situation or

needs of investors. Before making

an investment decision, prospective

investors should consider the

appropriateness of the information

having regard to their own objectives,

financial situation and needs and

consult a financial adviser, solicitor,

accountant or other professional

advisor if necessary.

FORWARD-LOOKING

STATEMENTS

This presentation may contain

forward-looking statements that

reflect WasteCo’s current views with

respect to future events. Forward-

looking statements, by their very

nature, involve inherent risks and

uncertainties. Many of those risks

and uncertainties are matters which

are beyond WasteCo’s control and

could cause actual results to differ

from those predicted. Variations

could either be materially positive or

materially negative. The information

is stated only as at the date of this

presentation. Except as required by

law or regulation (including the NZX

Listing Rules), WasteCo undertakes

no obligation to update or revise any

forward-looking statements, whether

as a result of new information, future

events or otherwise. To the maximum

extent permitted by law, the directors

of WasteCo, WasteCo and any of its

related bodies corporate and affiliates,

and their respective officers, partners,

employees, agents, associates

and advisers do not make any

representation or warranty, express or

implied, as to the accuracy, reliability

or completeness of such information,

or the likelihood of fulfilment of any

forward-looking statement or any

event or results expressed or implied

in any forward-looking statement, and

disclaim all responsibility and liability

for these forward-looking statements

(including, without limitation, liability

for negligence).

WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 19
Thank you for attending and

your continued support and trust.

Questions?

WASTECO GROUP LTD: 2024 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 20
wasteco.co.nz

---

1

Opening slide – Front opening slide


Slide - Welcome to the 2024 Annual Shareholders' Meeting of WasteCo Group Limited

12

th

September 2024


Slide – Agenda

1. Welcome – housekeeping and Introductions

2. Chairman’s presentation

3. CEO’s presentation

4. Shareholder discussion

5. Resolutions

6. General Business


Slide – Chairman’s Presentation


Housekeeping and introductions

Good afternoon, shareholders, members of the board, executives, and distinguished

guests.

Thank you for joining us at our second Annual Shareholders’ Meeting of WasteCo Group

Limited.

My name is Shane Edmond, and it is a privilege to address you as the Chairman of

WasteCo.

Joining me this morning are my fellow directors Angus Cooper, and James Redmayne.

Roger Gower, one of my fellow directors, has been unable to travel today to join us.

It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to our new Chief Executive, David Peterson,

and his senior management team of Nigel Franklin, Chris Brown, Chanelle Sefont and Luke

Brown.

On behalf of the Board, I'd like to thank you all for attending this annual meeting. Your

presence, either physically or by proxy, shapes our future of transparent governance and

open dialogue.

The meeting today will follow the agenda set out in the Notice of Meeting, sent to

shareholders on 19

th

August.

After my speech and an update from David Peterson, there will be an opportunity for

shareholder discussion before moving on to the formal resolutions for consideration today.

We will then move on to general business before the meeting closes.

I am advised that with the shareholders present and the proxy votes held we have a

quorum and the meeting is properly constituted.

Proxies have been received for the purposes of this meeting in respect of approximately

335m, representing approximately 40% of the total shares.

We have not received any apologies.


2


I'd like to thank shareholders for participating in today's meeting.

As set out in the Notice of Meeting, all directors unanimously support each resolution

being considered by the meeting.

My fellow directors and I will vote all discretionary proxies we have received in favour of

the resolutions as set out in the notice of meeting, except in relation to Resolution 2 and 3

where the directors and the associated persons are prohibited from voting in accordance

with the NZX Listing Rules.

Business Overview

This year has been one of transition, innovation and growth. Our first full year as a public

company marks the beginning of a new chapter for WasteCo.

The journey from a private entrepreneurial company to a publicly listed one is a testament

to the resilience and adaptability of our original founders.

We certainly have come a long way, and I want to thank all our shareholders for your

support.

WasteCo heads into the next financial year with a lot of opportunities for growth. The

diversity of our operations throughout the South Island is our strength, providing us with

various revenue streams through the different waste management and industrial solutions

we provide to our customers. The challenge is to ensure we can do this sustainably and

profitably.

Our revenue base is largely underpinned by the provision of essential waste services,

including a significant proportion secured by long- term contracts, with geographic and

sector diversification across councils, healthcare, infrastructure, commercial and industrial

customers.


A combination of organic business growth and acquisition growth during the 2024

financial year meant the size and scale of WasteCo’s operations grew 40% from $34

million in FY23 to $48 million. On an annualised basis the second half run rate would put

us well ahead of $50m per annum.

In the second half of the financial year, we achieved an operating EBITDA of $4.09 million,

before non-recurring items. This was in line with the earnings guidance range

communicated in our half-year commentary.

While our revenue growth was encouraging, the underlying financial performance of our

existing business operations was disappointing. Despite the increase in revenue, we

reported an after tax net loss of $4.14 million vs a net loss of $1.92 million in FY23.

Transitioning from a private company to a publicly listed company came with many costs,

including the continuing associated costs of operating as a listed company. Additionally,

increased interest rates, labour and fuel costs are affecting our customers, which can be

seen in the significant slowdown of the construction sector, as well as our own bottom

line.


One off costs affecting our performance included significant expenses incurred in relation

to the acquisitions of Cleanways and related businesses, the waste collection business of

Bond Contracts Limited and the Central Suction Cleaners business. These three businesses

are now successfully integrated into our operations and performing well.


3


The team are working very hard to decrease costs that are within our control, and this is

reflected in the increased performance of the second six months trading, but there is still

a way to go to achieve acceptable results in the future.

For the 2025 financial year we are seeking to achieve further growth in revenues, but this will

be partly dependent on the ongoing economic slowdown that has been impacting many of our

customers, including the retail and construction sector and local authorities.

The year to date has not been without its challenges and our management team is

working hard to ensure our structure and costs are suitable for the current conditions and

that we can still provide the service levels to our customers that they require.

The recent announcement on Wednesday regarding our breach of quarterly covenants

with our banking partner, Kiwibank, was disappointing but reflects the trading

environment in that quarter. As we announced, we are in constructive discussions with

them around the resetting of our facility and terms for the future. When completed we

will update the market accordingly. The current trading environment is showing

encouraging signs of improvement as we move into a lower interest rate environment and

general economic conditions improve, however most commentators are predicting it will

be first quarter next year before significant changes occur.

Our original plans when we listed in 2022 were to accelerate growth plans and we have

now expanded our operations into Southland, Central Otago and the top of the South

Island, via three acquisitions that provide significant operating presence in Invercargill,

Southland, Central Otago and Nelson. These are key strategic locations for continued

expansion of WasteCo’s service offering to existing and new customers. We are focused

on additional significant opportunities within the South Island and potentially the North

Island if the right opportunities exist.

We recognise that our success is built upon strong and enduring relationships with

customers. Whether partnering with councils, serving households or supporting

commercial and industrial clients, WasteCo prioritises customer satisfaction, health and

safety, and environmental responsibility.

Our strategy continues to be organic growth and acquisitions of like-minded organisations

in the waste sector, with long-term contracts that provide a stable and increasing revenue

stream.

A significant portion of WasteCo’s income continues to be derived from long-term

contracts with councils and large commercial customers.


The appointment of David Peterson as Chief Executive for WasteCo earlier in the year was

another step in the transition of the business.

David brings a wealth of experience across diverse sectors, including engineering,

manufacturing, logistics and project management, to lead our growth ambitions in the New

Zealand waste sector.

David has built a strong senior management team to support this. Together they will drive

WasteCo’s growth strategy, while implementing operational improvements and optimising

the business.

David Peterson will expand more on this in his Chief Executive’s presentation.

With improved structure, operational efficiencies and new leadership, we are poised to


4


capitalise on exciting opportunities and drive expansion through organic growth and

acquisitions.

I'd like to extend my gratitude to our management team, employees, and the board of

directors, for their tireless efforts. As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain

committed to delivering value for our shareholders and providing exceptional service to

our customers.

Thank you for your ongoing trust and investment in WasteCo.

Our chief executive David Peterson will now address you.



Slide – CEO’s Presentation


Thank you, Shane. It’s a pleasure to be here and to have joined WasteCo at such a

transformative time in the organisation’s journey.

I am really pleased to have my new senior management team here today. Nigel, Chanelle,

Luke and Chris bring huge expertise to WasteCo.

Together we will foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement

– not forgetting the foundation of family values that WasteCo was built on.


SLIDE - I want to touch on the four pillars that are driving our strategy.



1. SLIDE - Focus on our team, culture and health and safety

At the heart of WasteCo are our people—our staff who work tirelessly to keep our

operations running smoothly every day. We know that a strong, positive culture and a

commitment to health and safety are not just essential—they are non-negotiable.

A key priority for me and my team is everyone’s safety. We want to ensure our team

return home to their families every day and that we exemplify safe practices in the

communities where we work. We will be ensuring the correct policies, procedures and

practices are in place and enforced to improve our health and safety record.

This year we have invested significantly into our teams, developing health and safety

capabilities, training on risk and hazard identifications and management, educating on

mental health well-being, fatigue management, and fostering a culture of care and

accountability.

SLIDE - One of the tools we are using is the Clearhead app– this is a digital tool that makes

personalised mental health and wellbeing support accessible for everyone.

A safe, supported, and empowered team is essential to our success, and we will continue

to prioritise this.


2. SLIDE- Acquisitions in core areas


As Shane mentioned, strategic growth via acquisition remains a key part of our business

strategy. We have been focused on expanding our footprint through targeted acquisitions

in core areas that align with our long-term vision.


5



Our recent acquisitions of BCL and Cleanways have strengthened our position in the

market and added valuable capabilities. Both businesses are integrating well into the

overall business and returning revenue and margin above our expectations.

We will continue to seek opportunities that complement our existing operations and

provide synergies that drive value. This disciplined approach to acquisitions ensures that

we are not just growing for growth’s sake but building a more resilient and competitive

WasteCo for the future. We will continue to explore South Island opportunities and

remain open to national opportunities.

3. SLIDE - Optimise the current business and introduce operational improvements


It has been a challenging first quarter of this financial year – we are managing the business

to match the revenue pressures. We are focussed on continuously reviewing our cost

structure considering the current trading environment and undertaking a renewed focus

on revenue opportunities.


We have been successful in acquiring business through tender processes. We recently

picked up seven additional Mitre 10 stores for the collection of waste and cardboard. We

also secured the Waitaki Waste contract for a further 12 months. Currently we are

working on the Ashburton waste tender and the West Coast and Buller waste tender.


While growth through acquisitions is vital, it is equally important that we optimise our

current operations.


Chris Brown has joined us as our Chief Operating Officer, and his focus is to drive

operational efficiencies across all of our businesses. Key focus areas include asset

utilisation, upgrading our fleet, investing in new technology platforms and partnering with

Teltrac Navman. These initiatives will drive significant operational improvements. This

focus on continuous improvement is not just about boosting productivity—it’s about

delivering better outcomes for our customers and ensuring that WasteCo remains at the

forefront of our industry.


The next 12 months will see us refreshing some of our vehicle fleet.





4. SLIDE - Reducing our carbon emissions


We know we need to do more and recognise our responsibility to further reduce our

environmental footprint and carbon emissions. We are at the start of our journey.


We will partner with environmental specialists to develop an integrated sustainability plan

with supporting policies and set KPIs for measuring that success. Together we will develop

a programme that will measure our greenhouse gas emissions and establish targets and

actions, as well as making our carbon emission auditing as simple and efficient as

possible. I look forward to reporting on our progress at next year’s AGM.


We have already made some changes to reducing our emissions including:


6


• transitioning all new light vehicles to hybrids and moving away from diesel utes

• optimising our routes to reduce fuel consumption,

• Introducing waste diversion strategies that minimise landfill use.



Finally, I want to reiterate our unwavering commitment to our people, our strategic

growth, operational excellence, and sustainability. WasteCo is in a strong position, and

with your support, we will continue to lead, innovate, and make a positive impact in the

communities we serve.


Slide - Shareholder Discussion

I would now like to give shareholders the opportunity to ask questions – whether

related to the presentations, our annual report and financial statements or the

management of the company.

Our annual report for the year ended 31 March 2024 has been sent to shareholders and is

also available online on the investor section of our website and on the NZX.

We will also answer questions that have been submitted by shareholders who have

completed proxy forms.

If you are asking a question from the floor, please state your name, whether you are a

shareholder, or if you are a proxy holder, the name of the shareholder you are

representing.

Do we have any questions in the room?



Slide - Resolutions

We will now move to the formal business of the meeting and will consider

Three resolutions:

Resolution 1: To record the re-appointment of Deloitte as auditor of the Company and

to authorise the Directors to fix the auditors’ remuneration for the ensuing year.

Resolution 2: That the Directors of the Company are authorised issue up to 33,934,911

options to acquire ordinary shares in the Company (Options), to employees, contractors,

and non-executive Directors of the Company and its subsidiaries on the terms set out in

the Explanatory Notes accompanying this Notice of Meeting.


Resolution 3: That the Directors of the Company are authorised to issue up to

127,255,915 new ordinary fully paid shares in the Company to wholesale investors (New

Shares) each at an issue price equal to the Volume Weighted Average Price ("VWAP") of

the Company's shares traded on the NZX during the 20 trading days up to the issue date

of the New Shares, at any time during the course of the 12 month period following the

date of the Annual Meeting, such New Shares when issued, shall rank pari passu (equally)

with all existing ordinary shares of the Company.


To consider any other ordinary business which may properly be brought before the

Meeting.


7


Voting will be by way of a poll for each of today's threes resolutions. For those of you who

have not already submitted a proxy, you will be voting using your voting form. If you

require assistance with this, please see Link [outside the room]. Link will act as scrutineers

of the voting process.

Please mark your voting intention for each resolution and have your voting form ready for

collection at the conclusion of the meeting. The results of the vote will be announced via

NZX.

Each resolution is an ordinary resolution which requires approval by a simple majority of

the votes cast by shareholders entitled to vote and voting on the question.

The outcome of proxy votes will be displayed for your information after voting on all of

the resolutions.

There will be an opportunity for shareholders to ask questions on each resolution being

put to shareholders and I ask that questions raised should relate directly to the resolution

being considered.

When I call for questions, can shareholders present in the room please wait until you are

called to speak and clearly state your name, whether you are a shareholder, or if you are a

proxy holder, state the name of the shareholder you are representing.

Turning now to the Resolutions.

As advised these resolutions have been circulated in the Notice of Meeting.

I will go through each resolution and invite any shareholder who wishes to ask a question

on that resolution to raise their hand and we will attempt to answer it.

Following each resolution, you will be asked to record your vote on your voting form if you

have not already done so.


SLIDE - Resolution 1:

To record the re-appointment of Deloitte as auditor of the Company and to authorise

the Directors to fix the auditors’ remuneration for the ensuing year.


SLIDE - Resolution 2:

That the Directors of the Company are authorised issue up to 33,934,911 options to

acquire ordinary shares in the Company (Options), to employees, contractors, and non-

executive Directors of the Company and its subsidiaries on the terms set out in the

Explanatory Notes accompanying this Notice of Meeting.


SLIDE - Resolution 3:

That the Directors of the Company are authorised to issue up to 127,255,915 new

ordinary fully paid shares in the Company to wholesale investors (New Shares) each at

an issue price equal to the Volume Weighted Average Price ("VWAP") of the Company's

shares traded on the NZX during the 20 trading days up to the issue date of the New

Shares, at any time during the course of the 12 month period following the date of the

Annual Meeting, such New Shares when issued, shall rank pari passu (equally) with all

existing ordinary shares of the Company.



SLIDE – General Business


8


Are there any items of general business to put before the meeting?


SLIDE – Disclaimer


SLIDE – Thank you for attending


Closing Remarks

If that is the end of the questions, on behalf of WasteCo's Board and Management, I

would like to thank you for your continued support and trust.

I now declare the meeting closed and invite you to stay for light refreshments at the end

of the meeting. For those unable to attend, a copy of today's presentations are available

on our website under the 'Investor Centre' section.



Thank you.


Shane Edmond

Chairman

WasteCo Group Limited

Data sourced from publicly available filings. Our datasets may not be complete. Automated analysis can produce errors. If you believe any data on this page is incorrect, please contact us at hello@nzxplorer.co.nz. For informational purposes only. Not investment advice.

Other issuers discussed similar conditions around this time

Matched by meaning across NZX announcement text, not keywords — based on our semantic index of announcement bodies.