EX-99.1 2 o30463exv99w1.htm PRESS RELEASE DATED MARCH 3, 2006 Press Release Dated March 3, 2006
 

EXHIBIT 99.1
       
 
FOR:
  MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
 
APPROVED BY:
  Jimmy S.H. Lee
 
    Chairman & President
 
    (604) 684-1099
 
 
 
    David M. Gandossi
 
    Executive Vice-President &
 
    Chief Financial Officer
 
    (604) 684-1099
For Immediate Release
   
 
    Financial Dynamics
 
    Investors: Eric Boyriven, Alexandra Tramont
 
    Media: Alecia Pulman
 
    (212) 850-5600
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC. REPORTS 2005 FOURTH QUARTER
AND YEAR END RESULTS
     NEW YORK, NY, March 3, 2006 — Mercer International Inc. (Nasdaq: MERC, TSX: MRI.U) today reported results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2005.
Summary Selected Highlights
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2005     2004     2005     2004  
    (in thousands)  
Results of Operations   (unaudited)
               
Revenues
  137,478     89,201     513,908     237,212  
Income (loss) from operations
    145       (10,347 )     16,344       (17,972 )
Operating EBITDA(1)
    13,324       1,580       68,385       17,172  
Interest expense Stendal
    (15,797 )     (10,302 )     (56,789 )     (12,190 )
Interest expense other
    (7,743 )     (3,893 )     (30,071 )     (11,559 )
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate and foreign currency derivative financial instruments, net(2)
    (1,703 )     13,213       (71,763 )     12,136  
Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) on debt
    (2,565 )           (4,156 )      
Net income (loss)
    (29,773 )     32,584       (117,146 )     19,980  
Income (loss) per share
                               
Basic
    (0.90 )     1.87       (3.75 )     1.15  
Diluted
    (0.90 )     1.14       (3.75 )     0.89  
Other Data
                               
Total pulp sales volume(3) (ADMTs)
    291,046       192,254       1,101,304       421,176  
Mill net pulp price realizations (per ADMT)(4)
  413     389     407     423  
 
(1)   For a definition of Operating EBITDA, see page 7 of this press release and for a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Operating EBITDA, see page 11 of the financial tables included in this press release.
 
(2)   Unrealized non-cash marked to market valuation gain (loss), except for a realized loss of 2.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2005.
 
(3)   Excluding intercompany sales volumes of 3,638 ADMTs and 2,859 ADMTs of pulp in the three months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and 14,289 ADMTs and 6,756 ADMTs of pulp in the year ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
 
(4)   Excluding revenues from third party transportation activities.
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results   Page 2
                 
    As at     As at  
    December 31, 2005     December 31, 2004  
    (in thousands)  
Financial Position (Current)
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  83,547     49,568  
Cash restricted
    7,039       45,295  
Receivables
    74,315       54,687  
Inventories
    81,147       52,898  
Prepaid expenses and other
    5,474       4,961  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (111,513 )     (56,542 )
Construction costs payable
    (1,213 )     (65,436 )
Debt, current portion
    (27,601 )     (107,090 )
Working capital (deficit)(1)
    111,195       (21,659 )
 
(1)   Does not include approximately 7.0 million of government grants in 2005, which we expect to receive in 2006, and approximately 65.9 million of government grants in 2004, all of which we received in 2005, related to the Stendal mill from the federal and state governments of Germany.
    Certain key factors affecting our 2005 fourth quarter results include:
    Revenues increased by 48.3 million over the comparative period of 2004 to 137.5 million, primarily due to the inclusion of sales from our Celgar pulp mill.
 
    Operating EBITDA increased to 13.3 million in the fourth quarter from 1.6 million in the comparative quarter of 2004 reflecting higher pulp sales and a contribution to income from operations of 4.9 million resulting from the sale of emission allowances. For a definition of Operating EBITDA, see page 7 of this press release and for a reconciliation of net loss to Operating EBITDA, see page 11 of the financial tables included in this press release.
 
    Interest expense increased to 23.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2005 from 14.2 million in the comparative period of 2004 reflecting higher borrowings associated with the Stendal mill and interest on our $310 million 9.25% senior notes issued in February 2005.
 
    The Stendal mill ramp up is proceeding substantially as scheduled. In the quarter, it operated at approximately 88% of its initial rated capacity. Its working capital build up, interest expense and start-up losses have been financed through its project loan facility according to plan.
 
    We recorded a net loss of 1.7 million on our interest rate and currency derivatives in the fourth quarter of 2005, compared to a net gain of 13.2 million thereon in the comparative period of 2004. We also recorded an unrealized non-cash foreign exchange
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results   Page 3
      loss on our long-term debt of 2.6 million in the current quarter due to the weakening of the Euro versus the U.S. dollar.
 
    Pulp markets were generally soft, but strengthened marginally from the third quarter of 2005. Average list prices for NBSK pulp in Europe were $580 per ADMT in the third quarter of 2005 and $600 per ADMT in the fourth quarter of 2005, compared to $603 per ADMT in the fourth quarter of 2004. The decrease in pulp list prices from the fourth quarter of 2004 was generally offset by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro.
    Certain key factors affecting our results for the year ended December 31, 2005 included:
    Revenues in 2005 increased by 276.7 million over the comparative period of 2004 to 513.9 million, because of higher sales at our Stendal mill and the inclusion of results from our Celgar pulp mill from February 2005.
 
    Operating EBITDA increased to 68.4 million in 2005 from 17.2 million in 2004 reflecting higher pulp sales and a contribution to income from operations of 17.3 million resulting from the sale of emission allowances. For a definition of Operating EBITDA, see page 7 of this press release and for a reconciliation of net loss to Operating EBITDA, see page 11 of the financial tables included in this press release.
 
    Interest expense increased to 86.9 million in 2005 from 23.7 million in 2004 because of 56.8 million of interest associated with the Stendal mill and 20.4 million of interest relating to our $310 million 9.25% senior notes. In 2004, most of the interest associated with the Stendal mill was capitalized until mid-September, when the mill was started up.
 
    We recorded a net loss of 71.8 million on our interest rate and currency derivatives in 2005 (of which 69.3 million was an unrealized non-cash holding loss and 2.5 million was a realized loss), compared to a net gain of 12.1 million thereon in 2004 (of which 32.3 million was an unrealized non-cash holding loss and 44.4 million was a realized gain).
 
    Pulp markets were generally weak in 2005. Average list prices for NBSK pulp in Europe decreased to approximately $610 per ADMT from approximately $616 per ADMT in 2004, but such decrease was partially offset by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro. The strengthening of the Canadian dollar from February 14, 2005, the date of the acquisition of the Celgar mill, by approximately 5.6% versus the U.S. dollar adversely affected the results of our Celgar mill.
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results   Page 4
Results of Operations — 2005 Fourth Quarter
     Selected production and sales data for the three months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 is as follows:
                 
    Three Months Ended December 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (ADMTs)  
Production by Product Class:
               
Pulp production by mill:
               
Rosenthal
    75,935       82,785  
Celgar
    99,088        
Stendal
    121,249       132,694  
 
           
Total pulp production
    296,272       215,479  
Paper production
    15,514       14,996  
 
           
Total production
    311,786       230,475  
 
           
 
               
Sales Volume by Product Class:
               
Pulp sales volume by mill:
               
Rosenthal
    76,599       78,471  
Celgar
    101,115        
Stendal
    113,332       113,783  
 
           
Total pulp sales volume(1)
    291,046       192,254  
Paper sales volume
    14,973       14,781  
 
           
Total sales volume(1)
    306,019       207,035  
 
           
 
               
Revenues by Product Class:   (in thousands)
Pulp revenues by mill:
               
Rosenthal
  34,135     34,190  
Celgar
    41,755        
Stendal
    47,112       41,673  
 
           
Total pulp revenues(1)
    123,002       75,863  
Paper revenues
    14,476       13,338  
 
           
Total revenues(1)
  137,478     89,201  
 
           
 
(1)   Excluding intercompany sales volumes of 3,638 ADMTs and 2,859 ADMTs of pulp and intercompany net sales revenues of approximately 1.6 million and 1.0 million in the three months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
     Revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2005 increased to 137.5 million from 89.2 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily due to the inclusion of sales from our Celgar mill. Pulp sales by volume were 291,046 ADMTs in the fourth quarter of 2005, compared to 192,254 ADMTs in the comparative period of 2004.
     Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses in the fourth quarter of 2005 increased to 137.3 million from 99.5 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily as a result of the inclusion of the results of our Celgar mill.
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results   Page 5
     For the fourth quarter of 2005, revenues from our pulp operations increased to 123.0 million from 75.9 million in the same period a year ago, primarily as a result of the inclusion of sales from our Celgar mill. List prices for NBSK pulp in Europe were approximately 506 ($600) per ADMT in the fourth quarter of 2005, compared to approximately 446 ($603) per ADMT in the comparative period of last year.
     Pulp sales realizations increased to 413 per ADMT on average in the fourth quarter of 2005 from 389 per ADMT in the fourth quarter of 2004, primarily as the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro enabled our German pulp mills to improve mill net selling prices.
     Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses for the pulp operations increased to 123.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2005 from 87.6 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily due to the inclusion of the results of the Celgar mill. In the fourth quarter of 2005, we recorded a contribution to income from operations of 4.9 million resulting from the sale of emission allowances.
     Depreciation for the pulp operations increased to 13.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2005, from 11.8 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily as a result of depreciation associated with the Celgar mill.
     For the fourth quarter of 2005, our pulp operations generated operating income of 1.0 million, versus an operating loss of 10.7 million in the comparative quarter of 2004, primarily due to the higher operating income at our German pulp mills, partially offset by an operating loss at our Celgar mill. As NBSK pulp is generally quoted in U.S. dollars, the overall strengthening of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar reduced the sales realizations of our Celgar mill and negatively impacted its results.
     Revenues from our paper operations in the current quarter increased to 14.5 million from 13.6 million in the same quarter of last year as a result of higher sales volumes and a change in the product mix.
     Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses for the paper operations in the fourth quarter of 2005 increased to 14.6 million from 12.8 million in the comparative quarter of 2004.
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results   Page 6
     For the fourth quarter of 2005, our paper operations generated an operating loss of 0.1 million, compared to operating income of 0.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2004.
     In the fourth quarter of 2005, we had income from operations of 0.1 million, compared to a loss from operations of 10.3 million in the same quarter last year. Interest expense in the fourth quarter of 2005 increased to 23.5 million from 14.2 million in the year ago period, due to higher borrowings relating to the Stendal mill and interest on our $310 million senior note issue completed in February 2005.
     Stendal entered into certain foreign currency derivatives to swap all of its long-term bank indebtedness from Euros to U.S. dollars and certain currency forwards in 2005. Due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro, we recorded a net unrealized non-cash holding loss of 13.7 million before minority interests upon the marked to market valuation of such currency derivatives that were outstanding at the end of the current quarter and a marginal net loss before minority interests in respect of such currency derivatives that matured in the quarter. In the comparative quarter of 2004, we realized a gain of 29.7 million before minority interests upon the settlement of the currency derivatives of Rosenthal and Stendal. In the fourth quarter of 2005, as a result of an increase in long-term European interest rates, we also recorded a net unrealized non-cash holding gain of 12.0 million before minority interests on the marked to market valuation of the Stendal interest rate derivatives, compared to a net unrealized non-cash holding loss of 16.5 million before minority interests on the interest rate derivatives of Stendal and Rosenthal in the fourth quarter of 2004. We also recorded an unrealized non-cash foreign exchange loss on our long-term debt of 2.6 million in the current quarter due to the weakening of the Euro versus the U.S. dollar.
     In the fourth quarter of 2005, minority interest, representing the two minority shareholders’ proportionate interest in the Stendal mill, was 0.6 million, compared to (1.5) million in the fourth quarter of 2004.
     We reported a net loss for the fourth quarter of 2005 of 29.8 million, or 0.90 per basic and diluted share, which reflected generally weak markets, increased interest expense of 23.5 million, the net realized and unrealized loss of 1.7 million on our interest rate and currency derivatives and the unrealized non-cash foreign exchange loss on our long-term debt of 2.6 million. In the fourth quarter of 2004, we reported net income of 32.6 million, or 1.87 per basic share and 1.14 per diluted share,
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results   Page 7
which included an income tax benefit of 44.1 million relating to a reorganization of certain subsidiary companies.
     We generated “Operating EBITDA” of 13.3 million and 1.6 million in the three months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Operating EBITDA is defined as income (loss) from operations 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 (loss), 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 (loss) 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. For a reconciliation of net loss to Operating EBITDA, see page 11 of the financial tables included in this press release.
Results of Operations — 2005
     Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2005 increased to 513.9 million from 237.2 million in the comparative period of 2004, because of higher pulp sales resulting from the inclusion of a full year of results of our Stendal mill and the results of our Celgar mill from February 2005. Pulp sales by volume were 1,101,304 ADMTs in 2005, compared to 421,716 ADMTs in 2004.
     Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses in the year ended December 31, 2005 increased to 497.6 million from 255.2 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily as a result of the inclusion of a full year’s results of our Stendal mill and the results of our Celgar mill. We commenced expensing all of the costs, including interest, relating to the Stendal mill effective September 2004 when the
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results   Page 8
mill was started up, prior to which most of the costs, including interest, relating to the Stendal mill were capitalized during its construction.
     In the year ended December 31, 2005, revenues from our pulp operations increased to 452.4 million from 182.5 million in 2004, primarily as a result of the inclusion of a full year’s sales of our Stendal mill and sales from our Celgar mill. List prices for NBSK pulp in Europe were approximately 490 ($610) per ADMT in 2005, compared to approximately 496 ($616) per ADMT last year. The decrease in NBSK pulp prices was partially offset by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro in 2005.
     Pulp sales realizations decreased to 407 per ADMT on average in the year ended December 31, 2005 from 423 per ADMT in 2004, primarily as a result of lower price realizations of the Stendal and Celgar mills. The Stendal mill sold pulp at a discounted price as a result of its ramp up and the Celgar mill sells a large portion of its production in Asian markets which had lower prices than European markets.
     Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses for the pulp operations increased to 434.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2005 from 190.4 million in 2004, primarily as a result of 322.0 million of operating costs related to the Stendal and Celgar mills. In the year ended December 31, 2005, we recorded a contribution to income from operations of 17.3 million resulting from the sale of emission allowances by our German pulp mills.
     Depreciation for the pulp operations increased to 50.9 million in the current period, from 26.8 million in 2004, primarily as a result of 37.8 million of depreciation from the Stendal and Celgar mills, partially offset by lower depreciation at the Rosenthal mill.
     For the year ended December 31, 2005, the pulp operations generated operating income of 23.9 million, versus an operating loss of 5.1 million last year, primarily as a result of higher operating income at our German pulp mills including income from operations of 8.3 million from our Stendal mill, partially offset by an operating loss at our Celgar mill. The overall strength of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar in 2005 negatively impacted the results of our Celgar mill.
     Paper sales in the year ended December 31, 2005 were 61.5 million, compared with 55.0 million in the same period of last year as a result of higher sales volumes and a shift in the product mix at our paper mills.
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results   Page 9
     Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses for the paper operations in the year ended December 31, 2005 decreased to 63.8 million from 64.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2004.
     For the year ended December 31, 2005, our paper operations generated an operating loss of 2.3 million, compared to an operating loss of 9.8 million in 2004, which included a non-cash impairment charge of 6.0 million in 2004.
     In the year ended December 31, 2005, we had income from operations of 16.3 million, compared to a loss from operations of 18.0 million last year, primarily as a result of higher income from our German pulp mills. Interest expense in the year ended December 31, 2005 increased to 86.9 million from 23.7 million a year ago, due to interest associated with our $310 million senior note issue completed in February 2005 and higher borrowings relating to the Stendal mill. We capitalized most of the interest relating to the Stendal mill prior to its start up in mid-September 2004.
     Due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro in 2005, we recorded a net unrealized non-cash holding loss of 66.1 million before minority interests upon the marked to market valuation of Stendal’s currency derivatives that were outstanding at the end of the 2005 period and a net realized loss of 2.2 million before minority interests in respect of such currency derivatives that matured during the period. In 2004, we recorded a realized gain of 44.5 million before minority interests upon the settlement of the currency derivatives relating to the Stendal and Rosenthal mills due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro in 2004. In 2005, as a result of a decrease in long-term European interest rates, we also recorded an unrealized non-cash holding loss of 3.2 million before minority interests on the marked to market valuation of the interest rate contracts relating to Stendal and a net realized loss of 0.3 million before minority interests upon the settlement of the interest rate contracts relating to Rosenthal. In 2004, we recorded a net unrealized non-cash holding loss of 32.3 million before minority interests on the marked to market valuation of the Rosenthal and Stendal interest rate contracts. We also recorded an unrealized non-cash foreign exchange loss on our long-term debt of 4.2 million in 2005 due to the weakening of the Euro versus the U.S. dollar.
     In the year ended December 31, 2005, minority interest, representing the two minority shareholders’ proportionate interest in the Stendal mill, was 17.7 million, compared to 2.5 million in 2004.
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results   Page 10
     In 2005, we recorded an adjustment of 1.7 million for the non-cash impact of other-than-temporary impairment losses on our available-for-sale securities and a loan receivable.
     We reported a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2005 of 117.1 million, or 3.75 per basic and diluted share, which reflected generally weak pulp markets, the realized and unrealized net losses on our currency and interest rate derivatives of 71.8 million and interest expense relating to our Stendal mill of 56.8 million, partially offset by a non-cash benefit for income taxes of 10.8 million. In 2004, we reported net income of 20.0 million, or 1.15 per basic share and 0.89 per diluted share, which included an income tax benefit of 44.2 million relating to the reorganization of certain of our subsidiary companies.
     We generated “Operating EBITDA” of 68.4 million and 17.2 million in the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Operating EBITDA is defined as income (loss) from operations plus depreciation and amortization and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges. For a definition of Operating EBITDA, see page 7 of this press release and, for a reconciliation of net loss to Operating EBITDA, see page 11 of the financial tables included in this press release.
President’s Comments
     Mr. Jimmy S.H. Lee, President and Chairman, stated: “In many respects, 2005 was a milestone year for our Company. During the year:
  We ramped up production at our Stendal mill and, in the last quarter, it operated at approximately 88% of its initial rated capacity. The production ramp up was largely in line with our plans and, in 2006, we currently expect it to operate at or slightly better than its initial rated capacity. The planned increase in production should lower Stendal’s unit costs of production.
 
  In December, we took approximately 11 days of planned downtime at the Stendal mill for maintenance and to install two new digesters. When these digesters are fully integrated, they are expected to increase Stendal’s production capacity to in excess of 600,000 ADMTs.
 
  We acquired the Celgar pulp mill with a rated capacity of approximately 430,000 ADMTs to expand our business, diversify our operations and revenues and better service our customers. We are implementing an approximately 20.0 million capital plan to improve efficiency and reliability and reduce its operating costs. The plan is also expected to increase the Celgar mill’s capacity to approximately 470,000 ADMTs.
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results   Page 11
  We established a new sales and marketing team to coordinate and supervise our global pulp sales to improve realizations by increasing our contracted regular business, focus on our most transport logical customers and better service customers on a global basis. As a result, in 2006 we are now handling the vast majority of North America pulp sales directly, increasing our contract business and lowering spot sales. Further, in 2006 we plan to materially increase our Celgar mill’s pulp sales to the North American market, which generally has higher pulp prices, by shifting product from certain Asian markets, which have lower prices.
     Mr. Lee continued: “Our fourth quarter results reflect generally soft pulp markets. List prices for NBSK pulp in Europe were $600 per ADMT in December and generally lower in Asia. Further, during the quarter, we took approximately 30 days of planned downtime across our three pulp mills for regular maintenance which reduced production by 38,159 ADMTs. Also, improvements in our Celgar mill’s production costs were more than offset by the negative impact on its results from the strength of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar. Despite these challenges, we continued our focus on improving efficiency and cost controls and, during the period, Operating EBITDA increased to 13.3 million from 1.6 million in the prior period.”
     Mr. Lee continued: “NBSK list prices in Europe started the year at approximately $635 per tonne and declined to approximately $580 over the year before recovering somewhat to approximately $600 at year end. Prices in Asia, and in particular China, were generally much softer. Our non-cash marked to market loss for the year on our derivative instruments was 69.3 million. For the year, we reported interest expense of 86.9 million, which reflected both interest expense associated with the acquisition of our Celgar mill and a full year of interest expense related to the Stendal mill. In 2004, substantially all of the interest expense associated with the Stendal mill was capitalized until mid-September.”
     Mr. Lee continued: “Looking forward, we are seeing improving pulp demand in all our markets which should result in some price improvement. List prices in Europe have now improved to approximately $620 per tonne and producers are seeking a further $20 per tonne price increase in the first quarter of 2006. In 2006, current list prices in Asian markets have also increased by approximately $50 per tonne compared to the 2005 fourth quarter levels.”
     Mr. Lee further stated: “In addition, the recent continued softness in pulp markets has resulted in several mill shutdowns which has removed capacity from the market and other facilities are predicted to
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results   Page 12
potentially be shut down. We believe that this shakeout of older, smaller and higher cost facilities will improve pricing and assist us in becoming a preferred supplier for customers seeking a long-term, stable and reliable supply of NBSK pulp.”
     Mr. Lee concluded: “By focusing our production on large, modern and efficient NBSK pulp mills, we believe we are well positioned to realize on any improvements in NBSK pulp markets and to create value for our stakeholders.”
     In conjunction with this release, Mercer International will host a conference call, which will be simultaneously broadcast live over the Internet. Management will host the call, which is scheduled for Monday, March 6, 2006 at 10:00 AM EST. Listeners can access the conference call live and archived over the Internet through a link at the company’s web site at http://www.mercerinternational.com, or at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/playerlink.zhtml?c=62074&s=wm&e=1195268. 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 March 13, 2006 at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). The replay number is (800) 642-1687, and the passcode is 4249268.
     Mercer International Inc. is a global pulp and paper manufacturing company. To obtain further information on the company, please visit its web site at http://www.mercerint.com/en/newsCurrent.cfm.
     The preceding includes forward looking statements which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the Company’s 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: market conditions, competition and other risk factors listed from time to time in the company’s SEC reports.
-FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW-
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MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2005 and 2004

(Euros in thousands)
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2005     2004  
ASSETS
               
Current Assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  83,547     49,568  
Cash restricted
    7,039       45,295  
Receivables
    74,315       54,687  
Inventories
    81,147       52,898  
Prepaid expenses and other
    5,474       4,961  
 
           
Total current assets
    251,522       207,409  
Long-Term Assets
               
Cash restricted
    24,573       47,538  
Property, plant and equipment
    1,024,662       936,035  
Investments
    6,314       5,079  
Deferred note issuance and other costs
    8,364       5,069  
Deferred income tax
    78,381       54,519  
 
           
 
    1,142,294       1,048,240  
 
           
Total assets
  1,393,816     1,255,649  
 
           
LIABILITIES
               
Current Liabilities
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  111,513     56,542  
Construction costs payable
    1,213       65,436  
Debt, current portion
    27,601       107,090  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    140,327       229,068  
Long-Term Liabilities
               
Debt, less current portion
    922,619       777,272  
Unrealized foreign exchange rate derivative loss
    61,979        
Unrealized interest rate derivative loss
    78,646       75,471  
Pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations
    17,113        
Capital leases and other
    9,945       9,035  
Deferred income tax
    14,444       2,062  
 
           
 
    1,104,746       863,840  
 
           
Total liabilities
    1,245,073       1,092,908  
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Shares of beneficial interest
    181,586       83,397  
Additional paid-in capital, stock options
    14       14  
Retained earnings (deficit)
    (47,970 )     69,176  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    15,113       10,154  
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    148,743       162,741  
 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  1,393,816     1,255,649  
 
           

(1)


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
(Unaudited)

(Euros in thousands, except per share data)
                 
    2005     2004  
 
               
Revenues
  137,478     89,201  
Costs and expenses:
               
Cost of sales
    134,240       93,736  
 
           
 
    3,238       (4,535 )
General and administrative expenses
    (8,032 )     (5,812 )
Sale (purchase) of emission allowances
    4,939        
 
           
Income (loss) from operations
    145       (10,347 )
 
           
 
               
Other income (expense):
               
Interest expense
    (23,540 )     (14,195 )
Investment income
    873       1,269  
Realized gain on derivative financial instruments
    199       44,467  
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments
    (1,703 )     (31,254 )
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on debt
    (2,565 )      
 
           
Total other income (expense)
    (26,736 )     287  
 
           
Loss before income taxes and minority interest
    (26,591 )     (10,060 )
Income tax (provision) benefit
    (3,780 )     44,126  
 
           
Income (loss) before minority interest
    (30,371 )     34,066  
Minority interest
    598       (1,482 )
 
           
Net income (loss)
  (29,773 )   32,584  
 
           
 
               
Income (loss) per share
               
Basic
  (0.90 )   1.87  
 
           
Diluted
  (0.90 )   1.14  
 
           

(2)


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004

(Euros in thousands, except per share data)
                 
    2005     2004  
 
               
Revenues
  513,908     237,212  
Costs and expenses:
               
Cost of sales
    484,425       221,595  
 
           
 
    29,483       15,617  
General and administrative expenses
    (30,431 )     (26,920 )
Sale (purchase) of emission allowances
    17,292        
Impairment of capital assets
          (6,000 )
Flooding losses and expenses, less grant income
          (669 )
 
           
Income (loss) from operations
    16,344       (17,972 )
 
           
 
               
Other income (expense):
               
Interest expense
    (86,860 )     (23,749 )
Investment income
    2,467       2,948  
Unrealized foreign exchange loss on debt
    (4,156 )      
Realized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments
    (2,455 )     44,467  
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments
    (69,308 )     (32,331 )
Impairment of investments
    (1,699 )      
 
           
Total other income (expense)
    (162,011 )     (8,665 )
 
           
 
               
Loss before income taxes and minority interest
    (145,667 )     (26,637 )
Income tax benefit
    10,847       44,163  
 
           
(Loss) income before minority interest
    (134,820 )     17,526  
Minority interest
    17,674       2,454  
 
           
Net (loss) income
  (117,146 )   19,980  
 
           
 
               
Income (loss) per share
               
Basic
  (3.75 )   1.15  
 
           
Diluted
  (3.75 )   0.89  
 
           

(3)


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004

(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
                                                         
                                            Corporate,        
    Rosenthal     Celgar(1)     Stendal     Total             Other and     Consolidated  
    Pulp     Pulp     Pulp     Pulp     Paper     Eliminations     Total  
Three Months Ended December 31, 2005
                                                       
Sales to external customers
  34,135     41,755     47,112     123,002     14,476         137,478  
Intersegment net sales
                1,629       1,629             (1,629 )      
 
                                         
 
    34,135       41,755       48,741       124,631       14,476       (1,629 )     137,478  
 
                                         
Operating costs
    27,034       45,083       38,881       110,998       12,097       (2,034 )     121,061  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    2,936       3,452       7,083       13,471       289       (581 )     13,179  
General and administrative
    1,396       650       2,056       4,102       2,200       1,730       8,032  
(Sale) purchase of emission allowances
    (2,869 )           (2,070 )     (4,939 )                 (4,939 )
 
                                         
 
    28,497       49,185       45,950       123,632       14,586       (885 )     137,333  
 
                                         
Income (loss) from operations
    5,638       (7,430 )     2,791       999       (110 )     (744 )     145  
Interest expense
                                                    (23,540 )
Investment income
                                                    873  
Derivative financial instruments, net
                                                    (1,504 )
Foreign exchange loss on debt
                                                    (2,565 )
Impairment of investments
                                                     
 
                                                     
 
                                                    (26,736 )
 
                                                     
 
                                                       
Loss before income taxes and minority interest
                                                  (26,591 )
 
                                                     
                                                         
Three Months Ended December 31, 2004
                                                       
Sales to external customers
  34,190         41,673     75,863     13,572     (234 )   89,201  
Intersegment net sales
    127             885       1,012             (1,012 )      
 
                                         
 
    34,317             42,558       76,875       13,572       (1,246 )     89,201  
 
                                         
Operating costs
    25,408             45,676       71,084       11,498       (1,289 )     81,293  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    3,585             7,711       11,812       616       15       11,927  
General and administrative
    2,773             2,431       4,688       646       478       6,328  
 
                                         
 
    31,766             55,818       87,584       12,760       (796 )     99,548  
 
                                         
Income (loss) from operations
    2,551             (13,260 )     (10,709 )     812       (450 )     (10,347 )
Interest expense
                                                    (14,195 )
Investment and other income
                                                    1,269  
Derivative financial instruments, net
                                                    13,213  
 
                                                     
 
                                                    287  
 
                                                     
Loss before income taxes and minority interest
                                                  (10,060 )
 
                                                     

(4)


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
For the Years Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
(Euros in thousands)
                                                         
                                            Corporate,        
    Rosenthal     Celgar(1)     Stendal     Total             Other and     Consolidated  
    Pulp     Pulp     Pulp     Pulp     Paper     Eliminations     Total  
Year Ended December 31, 2005
                                                       
Sales to external customers
  137,193     139,213     176,031     452,437     61,471         513,908  
Intersegment net sales
                6,308       6,308             (6,308 )      
 
                                         
 
    137,193       139,213       182,339       458,745       61,471       (6,308 )     513,908  
 
                                         
Operating costs
    100,180       131,521       151,620       383,321       56,976       (7,913 )     432,384  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    13,109       10,535       27,262       50,906       881       254       52,041  
General and administrative
    6,837       5,935       5,176       17,948       5,920       6,563       30,431  
(Sale) purchase of emission allowances
    (7,271 )           (10,021 )     (17,292 )                 (17,292 )
 
                                         
 
    112,855       147,991       174,037       434,883       63,777       (1,096 )     497,564  
 
                                         
Income (loss) from operations
    24,338       (8,778 )     8,302       23,862       (2,306 )     (5,212 )     16,344  
Interest expense
                                                    (86,860 )
Investment income
                                                    2,467  
Derivative financial instruments, net
                                                    (71,763 )
Foreign exchange loss on debt
                                                    (4,156 )
Impairment of investments
                                                    (1,699 )
 
                                                     
(Loss) income before income taxes and minority interest
                                                  (145,667 )
 
                                                     
 
Segment assets
  344,473     260,461     746,346     1,351,280     21,892     20,644     1,393,816  
 
                                         
                                                         
Year Ended December 31, 2004
                                                       
Sales to external customers
  140,203         42,273     182,476     54,970     (234 )   237,212  
Intersegment net sales
    1,949             885       2,834             (2,834 )      
 
                                         
 
    142,152             43,158       185,310       54,970       (3,068 )     237,212  
 
                                         
Operating costs
    98,113             46,185       144,298       51,184       (3,031 )     192,451  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    17,751             9,022       26,773       2,356       15       29,144  
General and administrative
    10,733             8,560       19,293       4,532       3,095       26,920  
Impairment of assets
                            6,000             6,000  
Flooding grants, less losses and expenses
                            669             669  
 
                                         
 
    126,597             63,767       190,364       64,741       79       255,184  
 
                                         
Income (loss) from operations
    15,555             (20,609 )     (5,054 )     (9,771 )     (3,147 )     (17,972 )
Interest expense
                                                    (23,749 )
Derivative financial instruments, net
                                                    12,136  
Investment and other income
                                                    2,948  
 
                                                     
Loss before income taxes and minority interest
                                                  (26,637 )
 
                                                     
Segment assets
  394,569         810,267     1,204,836     22,735     28,078     1,255,649  
 
                                         
 
(1)   The results of the Celgar pulp mill are from the date of its acquisition on February 14, 2005.

(5)


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
Combined Condensed Balance Sheet
As at December 31, 2005

(Euros in thousands)
The terms of the indenture governing our 9.25% senior unsecured notes requires that we provide the results of operations and financial condition of Mercer International Inc. excluding its subsidiaries (“Mercer Inc.”) and our restricted subsidiaries under the indenture, collectively referred to as the “Restricted Group”. As at and during the year ended December 31, 2005, the Restricted Group was comprised of Mercer Inc., certain holding subsidiaries and Rosenthal, and the Celgar mill from the date of its acquisition on February 14, 2005. As at and during the year ended December 31, 2004, the Restricted Group was comprised of Mercer Inc., certain holding subsidiaries and Rosenthal, which was the only member of the Restricted Group with material operations during this period. We acquired the Celgar mill in February 2005 and, as a result, its operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 and financial condition at December 31, 2004 are not included for such periods. The Restricted Group excludes our paper operations and the Stendal mill.
                                 
    December 31, 2005  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
ASSETS
                               
Current assets
                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  48,790     34,757     -     83,547  
Cash restricted
          7,039             7,039  
Receivables
    41,349       32,966             74,315  
Inventories
    47,100       34,047             81,147  
Prepaid expenses and other
    2,940       2,534             5,474  
 
                       
Total current assets
    140,179       111,343             251,522  
Cash restricted
          24,573             24,573  
Property, plant and equipment
    404,151       620,511             1,024,662  
Other
    10,533       4,145             14,678  
Deferred income tax
    24,303       54,078             78,381  
Due from unrestricted group
    46,412             (46,412 )      
 
                       
Total assets
  625,578     814,650     (46,412 )   1,393,816  
 
                       
 
                               
LIABILITIES
                               
Current liabilities
                               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  46,867     64,646     -     111,513  
Construction costs payable
          1,213             1,213  
Debt, current portion
          27,601             27,601  
 
                       
Total current liabilities
    46,867       93,460             140,327  
Debt, less current portion
    342,023       580,596             922,619  
Due to restricted group
          46,412       (46,412 )      
Unrealized derivatives loss
          140,625             140,625  
Other
    20,722       6,336             27,058  
Deferred income tax
    1,851       12,593             14,444  
 
                       
Total liabilities
    411,463       880,022       (46,412 )     1,245,073  
 
                       
 
                               
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                               
Total shareholders’ equity
    214,115       (65,372 )(1)           148,743  
 
                       
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  625,578     814,650     (46,412 )   1,393,816  
 
                       
 
(1)   Shareholders’ equity does not include government grants received or receivable related to the Stendal mill. Shareholders’ equity is impacted by the unrealized non-cash marked to market valuation losses on derivative financial instruments.

(6)


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
Combined Condensed Balance Sheet
As at December 31, 2004

(Euros in thousands)
                                 
    December 31, 2004  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
ASSETS
                               
Current assets
                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  45,487     4,081         49,568  
Cash restricted
          45,295             45,295  
Receivables
    21,791       33,060       (164 )     54,687  
Inventories
    13,911       38,987             52,898  
Prepaid expenses and other
    1,995       2,966             4,961  
 
                       
Total current assets
    83,184       124,389       (164 )     207,409  
Cash restricted
    28,464       19,074             47,538  
Property, plant and equipment
    213,678       722,394       (37 )     936,035  
Other
    5,936       4,212             10,148  
Deferred income tax
    26,592       27,927             54,519  
Due from unrestricted group
    43,467             (43,467 )      
 
                       
Total assets
  401,321     897,996     (43,668 )   1,255,649  
 
                       
 
                               
LIABILITIES
                               
Current liabilities
                               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  19,615     37,091     (164 )   56,542  
Construction costs payable
          65,436             65,436  
Debt, current portion
    15,089       92,001             107,090  
 
                       
Total current liabilities
    34,704       194,528       (164 )     229,068  
Debt, less current portion
    224,542       552,730             777,272  
Due to restricted group
          43,467       (43,467 )      
Unrealized derivative loss
          75,471             75,471  
Other
    1,878       7,157             9,035  
Deferred income tax
    1,719       343             2,062  
 
                       
Total liabilities
    262,843       873,696       (43,631 )     1,092,908  
 
                       
 
                               
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                               
Total shareholders’ equity
    138,478       24,300       (37 )     162,741  
 
                       
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  401,321     897,996     (43,668 )   1,255,649  
 
                       

(7)


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
Combined Condensed Statements of Operations
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004

(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
                                 
    Three Months Ended December 31, 2005  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
Revenues
  75,890     61,588         137,478  
 
                       
 
                               
Operating costs
    71,655       49,406             121,061  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    6,467       7,372       (660 )     13,179  
General and administrative
    3,466       4,566             8,032  
(Sale) purchase of emission allowances
    (2,869 )     (2,070 )           (4,939 )
 
                       
Income (loss) from operations
    (2,829 )     2,314       660       145  
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest expense
    (8,434 )     (15,972 )     866       (23,540 )
Investment income
    1,429       310       (866 )     873  
Derivative financial instruments, net
    199       (1,703 )           1,504  
Unrealized foreign exchange loss on debt
    (2,565 )                 (2,565 )
 
                       
Total other expense
    (9,371 )     (17,365 )           (26,736 )
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest
    (12,200 )     (15,051 )     660       (26,591 )
Income tax (provision) benefit
    5,460       (11,389 )     2,149       (3,780 )
 
                       
Income (loss) before minority interest
    (6,740 )     (26,440 )     2,809       (30,371 )
Minority interest
          927       (329 )     598  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  (6,740 )   (25,513 )   2,480     (29,773 )
 
                       
                                 
    Three Months Ended December 31, 2004  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
Revenues
  34,317     56,130     (1,246 )   89,201  
 
                       
 
                               
Operating costs
    25,408       57,174       (1,289 )     81,293  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    3,600       8,327             11,927  
General and administrative
    3,251       3,077             6,328  
 
                       
 
    32,259       68,578       (1,289 )     99,548  
 
                       
Income (loss) from operations
    2,058       (12,448 )     43       (10,347 )
 
                       
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest expense
    233       (11,989 )     (2,439 )     (14,195 )
Investment income (expense)
    598       1,607       (936 )     1,269  
Derivative financial instruments, net
    13,517       (304 )           13,213  
 
                       
Total other income (expense)
    14,348       (10,686 )     (3,375 )     287  
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest
    16,406       (23,134 )     (3,332 )     (10,060 )
Income tax benefit
    17,198       26,928             44,126  
 
                       
Income (loss) before minority interest
    33,604       3,794       (3,332 )     34,066  
Minority interest
          (1,482 )           (1,482 )
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  33,604     2,312     (3,332 )   32,584  
 
                       

(8)


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
Combined Condensed Statements of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004

(Euros in thousands)
                                 
    Year Ended December 31, 2005  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
Revenues
  276,406     243,810     (6,308 )   513,908  
 
                       
 
                               
Operating costs
    230,039       210,258       (7,913 )     432,384  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    23,898       28,143             52,041  
General and administrative
    19,025       11,406             30,431  
Gain on sale of emission allowances
    (7,271 )     (10,021 )           (17,292 )
 
                       
Income from operations
    10,715       4,024       1,605       16,344  
 
                       
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest expense
    (32,352 )     (57,323 )     2,815       (86,860 )
Investment income
    3,742       1,540       (2,815 )     2,497  
Derivative financial instruments, net
    (295 )     (71,468 )           (71,763 )
Unrealized foreign exchange loss on debt
    (4,156 )                 (4,156 )
Impairment of investments
    (1,699 )                 (1,699 )
 
                       
Total other expense
    (34,760 )     (127,251 )           (162,011 )
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest
    (24,045 )     (123,227 )     1,605       (145,667 )
Income tax (provision) benefit
    (1,161 )     12,008             10,847  
 
                       
Income (loss) before minority interest
    (25,206 )     (111,219 )     1,605       (134,820 )
Minority interest
          17,674             17,674  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  (25,206 )   (93,545 )   1,605     (117,146 )
 
                       
                                 
    Year Ended December 31, 2004  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
Revenues
  142,152     98,128     (3,068 )   237,212  
 
                       
 
                               
Operating costs
    98,113       97,369       (3,031 )     192,451  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    17,766       11,378             29,144  
General and administrative
    13,828       13,092             26,920  
Impairment of capital assets
          6,000             6,000  
Flooding grants, less losses and expenses
          669             669  
 
                       
Income (loss) from operations
    12,445       (30,380 )     (37 )     (17,972 )
 
                       
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest expense
    (10,941 )     (14,298 )     1,490       (23,749 )
Investment income
    3,132       1,306       (1,490 )     2,948  
Derivative financial instruments, net
    13,242       (1,106 )           12,136  
 
                       
Total other income (expense)
    5,433       (14,098 )           (8,665 )
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest
    17,878       (44,478 )     (37 )     (26,637 )
Income tax benefit
    17,235       26,928             44,163  
 
                       
Income (loss) before minority interest
    35,113       (17,550 )     (37 )     17,526  
Minority interest
          2,454             2,454  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  35,113     (15,096 )   (37 )   19,980  
 
                       

(9)


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
COMPUTATION OF OPERATING EBITDA
For the Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004

(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
                 
    For the Quarter Ended     For the Quarter Ended(1)  
    December 31, 2005     December 31, 2004  
Net income (loss)
  (29,773 )   32,584  
Minority interest
    (598 )     1,482  
Income taxes (benefit)
    3,780       (44,126 )
Interest expense
    23,540       14,195  
Investment income
    (873 )     (1,269 )
Derivative financial instruments, net
    1,504       (13,213 )
Foreign exchange loss on debt
    2,565        
 
           
Income (loss) from operations
    145       (10,347 )
Add: Depreciation and amortization
    13,179       11,927  
 
           
Operating EBITDA(2)
  13,324     1,580  
 
           
             
    For the Year Ended     For the Year Ended(1)  
    December 31, 2005     December 31, 2004  
Net income (loss)
  (117,146 )   19,980  
Minority interest
    (17,674 )     (2,454 )
Income taxes (benefit)
    (10,847 )     (44,163 )
Interest expense
    86,860       23,749  
Investment income
    (2,467 )     (2,948 )
Derivative financial instruments, net
    71,763       (12,136 )
Foreign exchange loss on debt
    4,156        
Impairment of investments
    1,699        
 
           
Income (loss) from operations
    16,344       (17,972 )
Add: Depreciation and amortization
    52,041       29,144  
Impairment charge
          6,000  
 
           
Operating EBITDA(2)
  68,385     17,172  
 
           
 
(1)   The results of the Celgar mill are not included for the three months and year ended December 31, 2004, respectively.
 
(2)   Operating EBITDA does not reflect the impact of a number of items that affect the Company’s net income (loss), 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) 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 the Company’s results as reported under GAAP.

(10)


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
COMPUTATION OF RESTRICTED GROUP OPERATING EBITDA
For the Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004

(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
                 
    For the Quarter Ended     For the Quarter Ended  
    December 31, 2005     December 31, 2004  
Restricted Group(1)
               
Net income (loss)
  (6,740 )   33,604  
Income taxes (benefit)
    (5,460 )     (17,198 )
Interest expense
    8,434       (233 )
Investment and other income
    (1,429 )     (598 )
Derivative financial instruments, net
    (199 )     (13,517 )
Foreign exchange loss on debt
    2,565        
 
           
Income (loss) from operations
    (2,829 )     2,058  
Add: Depreciation and amortization
    6,467       3,600  
 
           
Operating EBITDA(2)
  3,638     5,658  
 
           
                 
    For the Year Ended     For the Year Ended  
    December 31, 2005     December 31, 2004  
Restricted Group(1)
               
Net income (loss)
  (25,206 )   35,113  
Income taxes (benefit)
    1,161       (17,235 )
Interest expense
    32,352       10,941  
Investment income
    (3,742 )     (3,132 )
Derivative financial instruments, net
    295       (13,242 )
Foreign exchange loss on debt
    4,156        
Impairment of investments
    1,699        
 
           
Income from operations
    10,715       12,445  
Add: Depreciation and amortization
    23,898       17,766  
 
           
Operating EBITDA
  34,613     30,211  
 
           
 
(1)   The results of the Celgar pulp mill are not included for the three months and year ended December 31, 2004, respectively.
 
(2)   Operating EBITDA does not reflect the impact of a number of items that affect the Company’s net income (loss), 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) 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 the Company’s results as reported under GAAP.
#     #     #

(11)