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Mercer International Inc. Reports Improved Pulp Prices Leading to Stronger 2009 Third Quarter Results

Wed. October 28, 2009; Posted: 04:45 PM
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NEW YORK, Oct 28, 2009 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- MERC | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Mercer International Inc. (Nasdaq:MERC) (TSX:MRI-U) today reported results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009. Operating EBITDA increased by over 200% in the current quarter to EUR 13.0 million (U.S.$18.6 million) from EUR 3.9 million (U.S.$5.3 million) in the prior quarter and compares to EUR 24.0 million (U.S.$36.0 million) in the third quarter of 2008. Operating EBITDA is defined on page 4 of this press release and reconciled to net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders on page 7 of the financial tables in this press release.



 Summary Financial Highlights

                                           Q3         Q2         Q3
                                          2009       2009       2008
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
                                           (in millions of Euros,
                                        except where otherwise stated)

 Pulp revenues                         EUR 145.9  EUR 147.5  EUR 178.6
 Energy revenues                            10.4       11.4        6.2
 Operating income (loss)                    (0.5)      (9.7)       9.9
 Operating EBITDA                           13.0        3.9       24.0
 Unrealized gain (loss) on
  derivative instruments                    (3.3)       7.5       (8.2)
 Foreign exchange gain (loss) on debt        3.8        5.2       (9.6)
 Net income (loss) attributable to
  common shareholders                      (14.1)     (11.5)     (17.2)
 Net income (loss) per share
  attributable to common
  shareholders:
   Basic                               EUR (0.39) EUR (0.32) EUR (0.47)
   Diluted                             EUR (0.39) EUR (0.32) EUR (0.47)


 Summary Operating Highlights
                                           Q3         Q2         Q3
                                          2009       2009       2008
                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
 Pulp Production ('000 ADMTs)              345.8      349.1      368.4
 Scheduled Production Downtime
  ('000 ADMTs)                              35.4        0.6        9.0
 Pulp Sales ('000 ADMTs)                   361.6      395.4      363.8
 NBSK pulp list price in Europe
  (US$/ADMT)                                 693        602        878
 NBSK pulp list price in Europe
  (EUR/ADMT)                                 485        442        585
 Average pulp sales realizations
  (EUR/ADMT)(1)                              397        367        484
 Energy Production ('000 MWh)              354.4      376.0      377.3
 Energy Sales ('000 MWh)                   121.8      128.5      119.5
 Average Spot Currency Exchange
  Rates(2):
 EUR / $                                  0.6990     0.7338     0.6658
 C$ / $                                  1.0974     1.1671     1.0416
 C$ / EUR                                 1.5694     1.5890     1.5620
 -------------------------
 (1) List price, less discounts and commissions.
 (2) Average Bank of Canada noon spot rates over the reporting period.

President's Comments

Mr. Jimmy S.H. Lee, President and Chairman, stated: "In the third quarter, pulp markets continued to strengthen. Strong demand from China and historically low global inventories for bleached softwood kraft pulp, which are reported to have currently fallen to approximately 22 days of supply, helped support upward pricing momentum. During the current quarter, three price increases raised European list prices by a total of U.S.$100 per ADMT to U.S.$730 per ADMT by quarter end. Subsequently, in October, producers implemented a further U.S.$30 per ADMT price increase and, effective November 1, 2009, have announced a further U.S.$40 per ADMT price increase. Such price increases were partially offset by the continued weakening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro and Canadian dollar in the period. While prices are substantially improved from the prior quarter, they are still well below prices in the same period of last year."

Mr. Lee continued: "Our results were impacted by 30 days of scheduled production downtime at our German mills, including 21 days at our Rosenthal mill in September. Operationally the quarter was a positive one as we benefitted from lower production costs due to improved productivity, lower fiber costs and cost-saving initiatives at all of our mills."

Mr. Lee added: "We are also pleased with the approximately Cdn.$57.7 million in credits we have been allocated under the Canadian government's Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program. We intend to complete construction of the Celgar green energy project with funding from such credits."

Mr. Lee concluded: "We are beginning to see signs of a global economic revival including gains in key Asian economies and improved outlooks in developed economies. In the pulp markets, pricing improvements have been driven by strong demand from China and production curtailments taken by many producers. We currently expect recent pulp price improvements combined with only seven days of scheduled downtime to result in improved operating results in the fourth quarter. Possible headwinds to a robust recovery in our industry include the potential of recently shut capacity coming back online more quickly than anticipated and a second wave of government subsidies for U.S. producers. In general, we are optimistic on the short-term outlook for pulp prices and believe that the sustainability of restarts and other high cost producers is possible only in a sustained higher pulp price environment."

Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2008

Pulp revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2009 decreased by approximately 18.3% to EUR 145.9 million from EUR 178.6 million in the comparative period of 2008, primarily due to lower pulp list prices. Revenues from the sale of excess energy increased by approximately 67.7% in the third quarter to EUR 10.4 million from EUR 6.2 million in the same quarter last year as a result of the higher tariffs in effect under Germany's Renewable Energy Resources Act.

Pulp production decreased to 345,833 ADMTs in the current quarter from 368,378 ADMTs in the same quarter of 2008 primarily as a result of 30 days of scheduled maintenance shutdowns at our German mills. In the comparative quarter of 2008, we had only ten days of scheduled maintenance downtime.

Pulp sales volume decreased slightly to 361,627 ADMTs in the current quarter from 363,775 ADMTs in the comparative period of 2008. Average pulp sales realizations decreased by approximately 18.0% to EUR 397 per ADMT in the third quarter of 2009, compared to EUR 484 per ADMT in the same period last year, primarily due to lower pulp prices.

Costs and expenses in the third quarter of 2009 decreased to EUR 156.7 million from EUR 175.0 million in the comparative period of 2008 primarily due to lower pulp production and operating costs.

Overall, our fiber costs decreased by approximately 17.9% in the third quarter of 2009 from the same period in 2008. Fiber costs at our German mills were lower as demand from the European board industry remains limited. At our Celgar mill, fiber costs continue to benefit from improved woodroom performance and decreased reliance on fiber sourced from third party field chippers. As we move into the final quarter of the year, we expect some upward pressure in pricing for our German mills due to restocking by pulp and paper producers and seasonal demand for firewood.

During the third quarter of 2009, our pulp inventories decreased by approximately 22.2% to EUR 20.3 million from EUR 26.1 million at the end of the prior quarter, primarily due to lower production as a result of the scheduled maintenance shutdowns at our German mills. Our raw material inventories increased to EUR 25.2 million in the current quarter from EUR 21.0 million at the end of the second quarter of 2009 as a result of lower production and commencement of our regular seasonal build-up.

For the third quarter of 2009, we recorded an operating loss of EUR 0.5 million compared to operating income of EUR 9.9 million in the comparative quarter of 2008, primarily due to lower price realizations.

Interest expense in the third quarter of 2009 decreased marginally to EUR 16.1 million from EUR 16.4 million in the comparative quarter of 2008.

Our Stendal mill recorded an unrealized loss of EUR 3.3 million on its interest rate derivatives in the current quarter, compared to an unrealized loss of EUR 8.2 million in the same period last year. In the three months ended September 30, 2009, we recorded a foreign exchange gain on our debt of EUR 3.8 million compared to a loss of EUR 9.6 million in the same three months of 2008.

In the third quarter of 2009, the noncontrolling shareholder's interest in the Stendal mill's loss was EUR 1.9 million, compared to EUR 3.3 million in the same quarter last year.

In the third quarter of 2009, we reported Operating EBITDA of EUR 13.0 million compared to Operating EBITDA of EUR 3.9 million in the prior quarter and Operating EBITDA of EUR 24.0 million in the third quarter of 2008. Operating EBITDA is defined as operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges. Management uses Operating EBITDA as a benchmark measurement of its own operating results, and as a benchmark relative to its competitors. Management considers it to be a meaningful supplement to operating income as a performance measure primarily because depreciation expense and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges are not an actual cash cost, and depreciation expense varies widely from company to company in a manner that management considers largely independent of the underlying cost efficiency of their operating facilities. In addition, we believe Operating EBITDA is commonly used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate our financial performance.

Operating EBITDA does not reflect the impact of a number of items that affect our net income, including financing costs and the effect of derivative instruments. Operating EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income attributable to common shareholders or income from operations as a measure of performance, nor as an alternative to net cash from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Operating EBITDA has significant limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. For a reconciliation of Operating EBITDA to net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders, see page 7 of the financial tables included in this press release.

We reported a net loss attributable to common shareholders of EUR 14.1 million, or EUR 0.39 per basic and diluted share, in the current quarter and a net loss attributable to common shareholders of EUR 17.2 million, or EUR 0.47 per basic and diluted share, in the comparative quarter of 2008. As at September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, we had 36,443,487 and 36,422,487 common shares outstanding.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008

Pulp revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 decreased to EUR 422.4 million from EUR 528.3 million in the comparative period of 2008, primarily due to lower pulp list prices. Revenues from the sale of excess energy increased to EUR 32.3 million from EUR 20.0 million in the same period last year as a result of the higher tariffs in effect under Germany's Renewable Energy Resources Act.

In the first nine months of 2009 we reported Operating EBITDA of EUR 17.9 million compared to Operating EBITDA of EUR 76.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Operating EBITDA has significant limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. See the discussion of our results for the third quarter of 2009 for additional information relating to Operating EBITDA and page 7 of the financial tables for a reconciliation to net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders.

We reported a net loss attributable to common shareholders for the first nine months of 2009 of EUR 64.9 million, or EUR 1.79 per basic and diluted share. In the first nine months of 2008, we reported a net loss attributable to common shareholders of EUR 13.4 million, or EUR 0.37 per basic and diluted share.



 Liquidity and Capital Resources

 The following table is a summary of selected financial information
 for the periods indicated:

                                                  As at       As at
                                                Sept. 30,    Dec. 31,
                                                  2009         2008
                                               ----------  ----------
                                                    (in thousands)

 Financial Position
 Cash and cash equivalents                     EUR 51,275  EUR 42,452
 Cash, restricted                                      --      13,000
 Working capital                                   70,163     154,374
 Property, plant and equipment                    874,830     881,704
 Total assets                                   1,085,649   1,151,600
 Long-term liabilities                            876,916     914,970
 Total equity                                      80,417     132,103
                                               ----------  ----------

As at September 30, 2009, our cash and cash equivalents were EUR 51.3 million and working capital was EUR 70.2 million. The decrease in working capital includes EUR 14.0 million of higher current indebtedness resulting from the reclassification of the revolving credit facility for our Celgar mill, which matures in May 2010, to a current liability. The lower working capital also reflects improvements in fiber supply chain management and a rebalancing of finished goods inventories from the very high levels we experienced at the end of 2008 amid plummeting world pulp markets. We currently expect to complete an extension of the maturity of the revolving credit facility for Celgar in the fourth quarter of 2009.



 Restricted Group

 The following table is a summary of selected financial
 information for the Restricted Group for the periods indicated:

                                                  As at       As at
                                                Sept. 30,    Dec. 31,
                                                  2009         2008
                                               ----------  ----------
                                                   (in thousands)
 Restricted Group Financial Position
 Cash and cash equivalents                     EUR 25,294  EUR 26,176
 Working capital                                   38,346     101,490
 Property, plant and equipment                    362,748     351,009
 Total assets                                     552,960     564,374
 Long-term liabilities                            279,648     309,235
 Total equity                                     199,210     210,179

As at September 30, 2009, our Restricted Group had cash and cash equivalents of EUR 25.3 million and working capital of EUR 38.3 million. The decrease in working capital includes EUR 14.0 million of higher current indebtedness resulting from the reclassification of the Celgar working capital facility to a current liability. The lower working capital amount also reflects improvements in fiber supply chain management and a rebalancing of finished goods inventories from the very high levels the Restricted Group experienced at the end of 2008.

Earnings Release Call

In conjunction with this release, Mercer International Inc. will host a conference call, which will be simultaneously broadcast live over the Internet. Management will host the call, which is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 10:00 AM (Eastern Daylight Time). Listeners can access the conference call live and archived through November 29, 2009, over the Internet at http://investor.shareholder.com/media/eventdetail.cfm?mediaid=39172&c=MERC&mediakey=248B7FC2C4F131242A1E99AB95341C57&e=0 or through a link on the Company's News/Financial page at http://www.mercerint.com/s/NewsReleases.asp. Please allow 15 minutes prior to the call to visit the site and download and install any necessary audio software. A replay of this call will be available approximately two hours after the live call ends until November 5, 2009 at 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time). The replay number is (800) 642-1687 for domestic callers or (706) 645-9291 for international callers, and the passcode is 36160303.

Mercer International Inc. is a global pulp manufacturing company. To obtain further information on the company, please visit its web site at http://www.mercerint.com.

The Mercer International Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5417

The preceding includes forward looking statements which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. Among those factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: the continuing effects of the ongoing economic and financial turmoil, the highly cyclical nature of our business, raw material costs, our level of indebtedness, competition, foreign exchange and interest rate fluctuations, our use of derivatives, expenditures for capital projects, environmental regulation and compliance, disruptions to our production, market conditions and other risk factors listed from time to time in our SEC reports.



                        MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

                  INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                              (Unaudited)
                        (In thousands of Euros)

                                             Sept. 30,       Dec. 31,
                                               2009            2008
                                          -------------  -------------
 ASSETS
 Current assets
  Cash and cash equivalents                 EUR  51,275  EUR    42,452
  Cash, restricted                                   --         13,000
  Receivables                                    73,133        100,158
  Inventories                                    68,459         98,457
  Prepaid expenses and other                      5,612          4,834
                                          -------------  -------------
 Total current assets                           198,479        258,901
                                          -------------  -------------
 Long-term assets
  Property, plant and equipment                 874,830        881,704
  Investments                                       133            419
  Deferred note issuance and other costs          7,659          4,011
  Deferred income tax                             2,232          3,036
  Note receivable, less current portion           2,316          3,529
                                          -------------  -------------
                                                887,170        892,699
                                          -------------  -------------
 Total assets                             EUR 1,085,649  EUR 1,151,600
                                          =============  =============

 LIABILITIES
 Current liabilities
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses   EUR    99,292  EUR    87,517
  Pension and other post-retirement
   benefit obligations                              554            510
  Debt, current portion                          28,470         16,500
                                          -------------  -------------
 Total current liabilities                      128,316        104,527
                                          -------------  -------------
 Long-term liabilities
  Debt, less current portion                    795,303        837,918
  Unrealized interest rate derivative
   losses                                        58,001         47,112
  Pension and other post-retirement
   benefit obligations                           14,245         12,846
  Capital leases and other                        9,367         11,267
  Deferred income tax                                --          5,827
                                          -------------  -------------
                                                876,916        914,970
                                          -------------  -------------
 Total liabilities                            1,005,232      1,019,497
                                          -------------  -------------
 EQUITY
 Shareholders' equity
  Share capital                                 202,844        202,844
  Paid-in capital                                (5,477)           299
  Retained earnings (deficit)                   (99,984)       (35,046)
  Accumulated other comprehensive
   income (loss)                                 22,190         (1,872)
                                          -------------  -------------
 Total shareholders' equity                     119,573        166,225
                                          -------------  -------------

 Noncontrolling interest (deficit)              (39,156)       (34,122)
                                          -------------  -------------
 Total equity                                    80,417        132,103
                                          -------------  -------------
 Total liabilities and equity             EUR 1,085,649  EUR 1,151,600
                                          =============  =============


                       MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

            INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                              (Unaudited)
           (In thousands of Euros, except per share data)

                        Three Months Ended        Nine Months Ended
                          September 30,             September 30,
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                        2009         2008         2009         2008
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------

 Revenues
  Pulp              EUR 145,857  EUR 178,603  EUR 422,412  EUR 528,289
  Energy                 10,374        6,225       32,275       20,006
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                        156,231      184,828      454,687      548,295
 Costs and expenses
  Operating costs       136,566      150,987      417,596      447,111
  Operating
   depreciation and
   amortization          13,385       14,033       40,325       41,668
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                          6,280       19,808       (3,234)      59,516
  Selling, general
   and
   administrative
   expenses               6,620        9,954       19,797       24,803
  Purchase (sale)
   of emission
   allowances               153           --         (389)          --
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Operating income
  (loss)                   (493)       9,854      (22,642)      34,713
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------

 Other income
  (expense)
  Interest expense      (16,085)     (16,424)     (48,953)     (49,057)
  Investment income
   (loss)                    20       (2,031)      (3,044)        (300)
  Foreign exchange
   gain (loss) on
   debt                   3,779       (9,560)       4,533       (3,291)
  Unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   derivative
   instruments           (3,327)      (8,215)     (10,889)       4,515
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Total other income
  (expense)             (15,613)     (36,230)     (58,353)     (48,133)
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Income (loss)
  before income
  taxes                 (16,106)     (26,376)     (80,995)     (13,420)
 Income tax benefit
  (provision)
         - current          (13)        (231)        (127)         (68)
         - deferred          70        6,144        4,989       (2,982)
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net income (loss)      (16,049)     (20,463)     (76,133)     (16,470)
 Less:  net loss
  (income)
  attributable
  to noncontrolling
  interest                1,937        3,290       11,195        3,037
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net income (loss)
  attributable to
  common
  shareholders          (14,112)     (17,173)     (64,938)     (13,433)

 Retained earnings
  (deficit),
  beginning of
  period                (85,872)      41,159      (35,046)      37,419
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Retained earnings
  (deficit), end of
  period            EUR (99,984) EUR  23,986  EUR (99,984) EUR  23,986
                    ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========

 Net income (loss)
  per share
  attributable to
  common
  shareholders:
    Basic and
     diluted        EUR   (0.39) EUR   (0.47) EUR   (1.79) EUR   (0.37)
                    ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========



                        MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

                RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
                    Combined Condensed Balance Sheet
                               (Unaudited)
                         (In thousands of Euros)

 The terms of the indenture governing our 9.25% senior unsecured notes
 require that we provide the results of operations and financial
 condition of Mercer International Inc. and our restricted subsidiaries
 under the indenture, collectively referred to as the "Restricted
 Group". As at and during the three and nine months ended September 30,
 2009 and 2008, the Restricted Group was comprised of Mercer
 International Inc., our Rosenthal and Celgar mills and certain holding
 subsidiaries. The Restricted Group excludes the Stendal mill.


                                  September 30, 2009
                  ----------------------------------------------------
                  Restricted  Unrestricted               Consolidated
                     Group    Subsidiaries  Eliminations     Group
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------

 ASSETS
 Current assets
  Cash and cash
   equivalents    EUR  25,294  EUR  25,981  EUR      --  EUR    51,275
  Cash,
   restricted              --           --           --             --
  Receivables          32,382       40,751           --         73,133
  Inventories          51,395       17,064           --         68,459
  Prepaid
   expenses
   and other            3,377        2,235           --          5,612
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Total current
  assets              112,448       86,031           --        198,479


  Property, plant
   and equipment      362,748      512,082           --        874,830
  Other                 2,840        4,952           --          7,792
  Deferred income
   tax                  2,232           --           --          2,232

  Due from
   unrestricted
   group               70,376           --      (70,376)            --
  Note receivable,
   less current
   portion              2,316           --           --          2,316
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Total assets     EUR 552,960  EUR 603,065  EUR (70,376) EUR 1,085,649
                  ===========  ===========  ===========  =============

 LIABILITIES
 Current
  liabilities
  Accounts
   payable and
   accrued
   expenses       EUR  58,995  EUR  40,297  EUR      --  EUR    99,292
  Pension and
   other post-
   retirement
   benefit
   obligations            554           --           --            554
  Debt, current
   portion             14,553       13,917           --         28,470
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Total current
  liabilities          74,102       54,214           --        128,316

  Debt, less
   current
   portion            259,205      536,098           --        795,303
  Due to
   restricted
   group                   --       70,376      (70,376)            --
  Unrealized
   interest rate
   derivative
   losses                  --       58,001           --         58,001
  Pension and
   other post-
   retirement
   benefit
   obligations         14,245           --           --         14,245
  Capital leases
   and other            6,198        3,169           --          9,367
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Total
  liabilities         353,750      721,858      (70,376)     1,005,232
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------

 EQUITY
 Total
  shareholders'
  equity (deficit)    199,210      (79,637)          --        119,573
 Noncontrolling
  interest
  (deficit)                --      (39,156)          --        (39,156)
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Total
  liabilities
  and equity      EUR 552,960  EUR 603,065  EUR (70,376) EUR 1,085,649
                  ===========  ===========  ===========  =============


                      MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

               RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
                   Combined Condensed Balance Sheet
                              (Unaudited)
                        (In thousands of Euros)

                                   December 31, 2008
                  ----------------------------------------------------
                  Restricted  Unrestricted                Consolidated
                     Group    Subsidiaries  Eliminations     Group
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------

 ASSETS
 Current assets
  Cash and cash
   equivalents    EUR  26,176  EUR  16,276  EUR      --  EUR    42,452
  Cash,
   restricted              --       13,000           --         13,000
  Receivables          57,258       42,900           --        100,158
  Inventories          59,801       38,656           --         98,457
  Prepaid
   expenses and
   other                3,215        1,619           --          4,834
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Total current
  assets              146,450      112,451           --        258,901

  Property, plant
   and equipment      351,009      530,695           --        881,704
  Other                 4,425            5           --          4,430
  Deferred income
   tax                  3,036           --           --          3,036
  Due from
   unrestricted
   group               55,925           --      (55,925)            --
  Note
   receivable,
   less current
   portion              3,529           --           --          3,529
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Total assets     EUR 564,374  EUR 643,151  EUR (55,925) EUR 1,151,600
                  ===========  ===========  ===========  =============

 LIABILITIES
 Current
  liabilities
  Accounts
   payable and
   accrued
   expenses       EUR  44,450  EUR  43,067  EUR      --  EUR    87,517
  Pension and
   other post-
   retirement
   benefit
   obligations            510           --           --            510
  Debt, current
   portion                 --       16,500           --         16,500
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Total current
  liabilities          44,960       59,567           --        104,527

  Debt, less
   current
   portion            289,222      548,696           --        837,918
  Due to
   restricted
   group                   --       55,925      (55,925)            --
  Unrealized
   interest rate
   derivative
   losses                  --       47,112           --         47,112
  Pension and
   other post-
   retirement
   benefit
   obligations         12,846           --           --         12,846
  Capital
   leases and
   other                7,167        4,100           --         11,267
  Deferred
   income tax              --        5,827           --          5,827
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Total
  liabilities         354,195      721,227      (55,925)     1,019,497
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------

 EQUITY
 Total
  shareholders'
  equity (deficit)    210,179      (43,954)          --        166,225
 Noncontrolling
  interest
  (deficit)                --      (34,122)          --        (34,122)
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Total
  liabilities
  and equity      EUR 564,374  EUR 643,151  EUR (55,925) EUR 1,151,600
                  ===========  ===========  ===========  =============


                     MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

            RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE

           Combined Condensed Statements of Operations
                            (Unaudited)
                      (In thousands of Euros)


                            Three Months Ended September 30, 2009
                  ----------------------------------------------------
                  Restricted  Unrestricted                Consolidated
                     Group    Subsidiaries  Eliminations     Group
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Revenues
  Pulp            EUR  79,213  EUR  66,644  EUR      --  EUR   145,857
  Energy                3,201        7,173           --         10,374
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                       82,414       73,817           --        156,231
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Operating costs       78,360       58,206           --        136,566
 Operating
  depreciation
  and
  amortization          6,816        6,569           --         13,385
 Selling, general
  and
  administrative
  expenses and
  other                 3,824        2,949           --          6,773
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                       89,000       67,724           --        156,724
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
   Operating
    income (loss)      (6,586)       6,093           --           (493)
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Other income
  (expense)
   Interest
    expense            (6,546)     (10,674)       1,135        (16,085)
   Investment
    income (loss)       1,112           43       (1,135)            20
   Foreign
    exchange
    gain (loss)
    on debt             3,779           --           --          3,779
   Unrealized
    gain (loss)
    on derivative
    instruments            --       (3,327)          --         (3,327)
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
   Total other
    income
    (expense)          (1,655)     (13,958)          --        (15,613)
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
    Income (loss)
     before
     income
     taxes             (8,241)      (7,865)          --        (16,106)
 Income tax
  benefit
  (provision)             108          (51)          --             57
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
    Net income
     (loss)            (8,133)      (7,916)          --        (16,049)
 Less:  net
  (income) loss
  attributable to
  noncontrolling
  interest                 --        1,937           --          1,937
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
   Net income
    (loss)
    attributable
    to common
    shareholders  EUR  (8,133) EUR  (5,979) EUR      --  EUR   (14,112)
                  ===========  ===========  ===========  =============


                          Three Months Ended September 30, 2008
                  ----------------------------------------------------
                  Restricted  Unrestricted                Consolidated
                     Group    Subsidiaries  Eliminations      Group
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Revenues
  Pulp            EUR 102,604  EUR  75,999  EUR      --  EUR   178,603
  Energy                2,316        3,909           --          6,225
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                      104,920       79,908           --        184,828
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------

 Operating costs       91,034       59,953           --        150,987
 Operating
  depreciation
  and
  amortization          7,333        6,700           --         14,033
 Selling, general
  and
  administrative
  expenses              6,585        3,369           --          9,954
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                      104,952       70,022           --        174,974
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
   Operating
    income (loss)         (32)       9,886           --          9,854
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------

 Other income
  (expense)
   Interest
    expense            (6,687)     (10,719)         982        (16,424)
   Investment
    income (loss)       1,679       (2,728)        (982)        (2,031)
   Foreign
    exchange
    gain (loss)
    on debt            (9,560)          --           --         (9,560)
   Unrealized
    gain (loss)
    on derivative
    instruments            --       (8,215)          --         (8,215)
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
   Total other
    income
    (expense)         (14,568)     (21,662)          --        (36,230)
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
    Income (loss)
     before
     income taxes     (14,600)     (11,776)          --        (26,376)
 Income tax
  benefit
  (provision)           5,173          740           --          5,913
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------

    Net income
     (loss)            (9,427)     (11,036)          --        (20,463)
 Less:  net
  (income) loss
  attributable to
  noncontrolling
  interest                 --        3,290           --          3,290
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
   Net income
    (loss)
    attributable
    to common
    shareholders  EUR  (9,427) EUR  (7,746) EUR      --  EUR   (17,173)
                  ===========  ===========  ===========  =============


                        MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

               RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
              Combined Condensed Statements of Operations
                              (Unaudited)
                        (In thousands of Euros)

                           Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
                  ----------------------------------------------------
                  Restricted  Unrestricted               Consolidated
                     Group    Subsidiaries  Eliminations     Group
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Revenues
  Pulp            EUR 230,672  EUR 191,740  EUR      --  EUR   422,412
  Energy               11,162       21,113           --         32,275
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                      241,834      212,853           --        454,687
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------

 Operating costs      230,489      187,107           --        417,596
 Operating
  depreciation
  and
  amortization         20,408       19,917           --         40,325
 Selling, general
  and
  administrative
  expenses and
  other                12,540        6,868           --         19,408
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                      263,437      213,892           --        477,329
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
   Operating
    income (loss)     (21,603)      (1,039)          --        (22,642)
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------

 Other income
  (expense)
  Interest
   expense            (20,775)     (31,543)       3,365        (48,953)
  Investment
   income (loss)        3,262       (2,941)      (3,365)        (3,044)
  Foreign
   exchange gain
   (loss) on debt       4,533           --           --          4,533
  Unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   derivative
   instruments             --      (10,889)          --        (10,889)
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
  Total other
   income
   (expense)          (12,980)     (45,373)          --        (58,353)
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
   Income (loss)
    before income
    taxes             (34,583)     (46,412)          --        (80,995)
 Income tax
  benefit
  (provision)            (833)       5,695           --          4,862
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
   Net income
    (loss)            (35,416)     (40,717)          --        (76,133)
 Less:  net
  (income) loss
  attributable to
  noncontrolling
  interest                 --       11,195           --         11,195
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
   Net income
    (loss)
    attributable
    to common
    shareholders  EUR (35,416) EUR (29,522) EUR      --  EUR   (64,938)
                  ===========  ===========  ===========  =============


                          Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008
                  ----------------------------------------------------
                  Restricted  Unrestricted                Consolidated
                     Group    Subsidiaries  Eliminations     Group
                  ----------------------------------------------------

 Revenues
  Pulp            EUR 301,400  EUR 226,889  EUR      --  EUR   528,289
  Energy                7,996       12,010           --         20,006
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                      309,396      238,899           --        548,295
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------

 Operating costs      262,308      184,803           --        447,111
 Operating
  depreciation
  and
  amortization         21,528       20,140           --         41,668
 Selling, general
  and
  administrative
  expenses and
  other                15,194        9,609           --         24,803
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                      299,030      214,552           --        513,582
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
   Operating
    income (loss)      10,366       24,347           --         34,713
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------

 Other income
  (expense)
   Interest
    expense           (19,769)     (32,200)       2,912        (49,057)
   Investment
    income (loss)       4,972       (2,360)      (2,912)          (300)
   Foreign
    exchange gain
    (loss) on
     debt              (3,181)        (110)          --         (3,291)
   Unrealized
    gain (loss)
    on derivative
    instruments            --        4,515           --          4,515
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
   Total other
    income
   (expense)          (17,978)     (30,155)          --        (48,133)
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
   Income (loss)
    before
    income
    taxes              (7,612)      (5,808)          --        (13,420)
 Income tax
  benefit
  (provision)           1,716       (4,766)          --         (3,050)
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
   Net income
    (loss)             (5,896)     (10,574)          --        (16,470)
 Less:  net
  (income) loss
  attributable to
  noncontrolling
  interest                 --        3,037           --          3,037
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
   Net income
    (loss)
    attributable
    to common
    shareholders  EUR  (5,896) EUR  (7,537) EUR      --  EUR   (13,433)
                  ===========  ===========  ===========  =============


                       MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

                    COMPUTATION OF OPERATING EBITDA
                              (Unaudited)
                        (In thousands of Euros)

                      Three Months Ended          Nine Months Ended
                        September 30,               September 30,
                  ------------------------  --------------------------
                      2009         2008         2009          2008
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Net income
  (loss)
  attributable
  to common
  shareholders    EUR (14,112) EUR (17,173) EUR (64,938) EUR   (13,433)
 Net income
  (loss)
  attributable
  to non-
  controlling
  interest             (1,937)      (3,290)     (11,195)        (3,037)
 Income taxes
  (benefits)              (57)      (5,913)      (4,862)         3,050
 Interest
  expense              16,085       16,424       48,953         49,057
 Investment
  (income) loss           (20)       2,031        3,044            300
 Foreign
  exchange
  (gain) loss
  on debt              (3,779)       9,560       (4,533)         3,291
 Unrealized
  (gain) loss
  on derivative
  instruments           3,327        8,215       10,889         (4,515)
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Operating
  income (loss)          (493)       9,854      (22,642)        34,713
 Add: Depreciation
  and amortization     13,447       14,103       40,518         41,879
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Operating
  EBITDA(1)       EUR  12,954  EUR  23,957  EUR  17,876  EUR    76,592
                  ===========  ===========  ===========  =============
 -----------------
 (1)  Operating EBITDA does not reflect the impact of a number of
      items that affect our net income (loss) attributable to common
      shareholders, including financing costs and the effect of
      derivative instruments. Operating EBITDA is not a measure of
      financial performance under accounting principles generally
      accepted in the United States, and should not be considered as
      an alternative to net income (loss) attributable to common
      shareholders or income (loss) from operations as a measure of
      performance, nor as an alternative to net cash from operating
      activities as a measure of liquidity. Operating EBITDA has
      significant limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be
      considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our
      results as reported under GAAP.


           COMPUTATION OF RESTRICTED GROUP OPERATING EBITDA
                              (Unaudited)
                        (In thousands of Euros)

                     Three Months Ended          Nine Months Ended
                        September 30,              September 30,
                  ------------------------  --------------------------
                      2009        2008          2009         2008
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Restricted Group
 Net income
  (loss)
  attributable
  to common
  shareholders    EUR  (8,133) EUR  (9,427) EUR (35,416) EUR    (5,896)
 Income taxes
  (benefits)             (108)      (5,173)         833         (1,716)
 Interest
  expense               6,546        6,687       20,775         19,769
 Investment
  (income) loss        (1,112)      (1,679)      (3,262)        (4,972)
 Foreign exchange
  (gain) loss
   on debt             (3,779)       9,560       (4,533)         3,181
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Operating
  income (loss)        (6,586)         (32)     (21,603)        10,366
 Add: Depreciation
  and amortization      6,878        7,403       20,601         21,739
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 Operating
  EBITDA(1)       EUR     292  EUR   7,371  EUR  (1,002) EUR    32,105
                  ===========  ===========  ===========  =============
 -----------------
 (1)  Operating EBITDA does not reflect the impact of a number of
      items that affect our net income (loss) attributable to common
      shareholders, including financing costs and the effect of
      derivative instruments. Operating EBITDA is not a measure of
      financial performance under accounting principles generally
      accepted in the United States, and should not be considered as
      an alternative to net income (loss) attributable to common
      shareholders or income (loss) from operations as a measure of
      performance, nor as an alternative to net cash from operating
      activities as a measure of liquidity. Operating EBITDA has
      significant limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be
      considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our
      results as reported under GAAP.

This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com

SOURCE: Mercer International Inc.

CONTACT:  Mercer International Inc.
Jimmy S.H. Lee, Chairman & President
(604) 684-1099
David M. Gandossi, Executive Vice-President &
Chief Financial Officer
(604) 684-1099
FD
Investors:
Eric Boyriven
Alexandra Tramont
Media:
Jordana Miller
(212) 850-5600
For full details for MERC click here.

    


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