-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, B5EyCiIqs9vagz/rmFzCZM4mzDJ0W82I0NtvAPPR1tkjiYJ+cC8KoLfJcr6eDxTm 81ynlPEAOStaODI2XsukVQ== 0000945234-06-000406.txt : 20060508 0000945234-06-000406.hdr.sgml : 20060508 20060505180832 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000945234-06-000406 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20060505 ITEM INFORMATION: Results of Operations and Financial Condition ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20060508 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060505 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001333274 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: PAPER MILLS [2621] IRS NUMBER: 470956945 STATE OF INCORPORATION: WA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-51826 FILM NUMBER: 06814358 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 650 WEST GEORGIA STREET STREET 2: SUITE 2840 CITY: VANCOUVER STATE: A1 ZIP: V6B 4N8 BUSINESS PHONE: (206) 674-4639 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 14900 INTERURBAN AVENUE SOUTH STREET 2: SUITE 282 CITY: SEATTLE STATE: WA ZIP: 98168 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: MERCER INTERNATIONAL REGCO INC. DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20050715 8-K 1 o31419e8vk.htm FORM 8-K Form 8-K
 

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 5, 2006
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Washington
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
     
000-51826   47-0956945
(Commission File Number)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Suite 2840, 650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6B 4N8
(Address of Office)
(604) 684-1099
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
o   Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
o   Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
o   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
o   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
 

 


 

ITEM 2.02   RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.
The information contained in this Current Report shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be incorporated by reference into a filing under the Securities Act of 1933, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
On May 5, 2006, Mercer International Inc. (the “Company”) announced by press release the Company’s results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2006. A copy of the Company’s press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
ITEM 9.01   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
     
Exhibit No.   Description
 
   
99.1
  Press Release dated May 5, 2006

 


 

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
         
 
  MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.    
 
       
 
  /s/ David M. Gandossi
 
David M. Gandossi
   
 
  Chief Financial Officer    
Date: May 5, 2006

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
FORM 8-K
EXHIBIT INDEX
     
Exhibit Number   Description
 
   
99.1
  Press release dated May 5, 2006

 

EX-99.1 2 o31419exv99w1.htm PRESS RELEASE DATED MAY 6, 2006 Press Release dated May 6, 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: Scot Hoffman
 
      (212) 850-5600
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC. REPORTS 2006 FIRST QUARTER RESULTS
          NEW YORK, NY, May 5, 2006 — Mercer International Inc. (Nasdaq: MERC, TSX: MRI.U) today reported results for the first quarter of 2006.
Summary Selected Highlights
                 
    Three Months Ended March 31,
    2006   2005
    (in thousands)
    (unaudited)
Results of Operations
               
Revenues
  159,064     97,893  
Income (loss) from operations
    11,505       (894 )
Operating EBITDA(1)
    25,419       10,093  
Interest expense Stendal
    15,283       11,845  
Interest expense other
    7,642       7,418  
Realized loss on derivative instruments
    (3,562 )     (295 )
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments
    44,377       (3,564 )
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on debt
    6,113       2,297  
Net income (loss)
    16,588       (19,667 )
Income (loss) per share
               
Basic
    0.50       (0.77 )
Diluted
    0.41       (0.77 )
 
               
Other Data
               
Total pulp sales volume(2) (ADMTs)
    327,101       199,224  
Mill net pulp price realizations (per ADMT)(3)
    425       409  
 
(1)   For a definition of Operating EBITDA, see page 6 of this press release and for a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Operating EBITDA, see page 7 of the financial tables included in this press release.
 
(2)   Excluding intercompany sales volumes of 4,986 ADMTs and 3,489 ADMTs of pulp in the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
(3)   Excluding revenues from third party transportation activities.

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Mercer Reports 2006 First Quarter Results   Page 2
                 
    As at   As at
    March 31, 2006   March 31, 2005
    (in thousands)
Financial Position (Current)
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  80,350     83,547  
Cash restricted
    6,298       7,039  
Receivables
    78,472       74,315  
Inventories
    71,295       81,147  
Prepaid expenses and other
    5,191       5,474  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (109,625 )     (111,513 )
Construction costs payable
    (1,060 )     (1,213 )
Debt, current portion
    (74,338 )     (27,601 )
Working capital(1)
    56,583       111,195  
 
(1)   Does not include approximately 7.0 million of government grants in 2006, which we expect to receive in 2006, and approximately 65.9 million of government grants in 2005, all of which has been received, related to the Stendal mill from German federal and state governments.
          Certain key factors affecting our 2006 first quarter results include:
    Revenues increased by over 60% to 159.1 million from 97.9 million in the comparative period of 2005, primarily due to the inclusion of sales from our Celgar pulp mill for the full quarter and higher sales from the Stendal pulp mill.
 
    Operating EBITDA increased by approximately 152% to 25.4 million in the first quarter from 10.1 million in the 2005 comparative quarter because of improving pulp markets and improved results from our Stendal and Rosenthal mills. For a definition of Operating EBITDA, see page 6 of this press release and for a reconciliation of net income to Operating EBITDA, see page 7 of the financial tables included in this press release.
 
    Interest expense increased to 22.9 million in the first quarter of 2006 from 19.3 million in the comparative period of 2005 reflecting higher borrowings associated with the Stendal mill and incremental 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 95% of its initial rated capacity, and production and sales revenues were up by approximately 21% and 49%, respectively, over the same period of 2005. Further, Stendal mill net realizations also improved as a result of higher pulp prices, increased contract sales in Europe and lower spot market sales in Asian markets.
 
    We recorded a net unrealized gain of 44.4 million on our interest rate and currency derivatives in the first quarter of 2006, compared to a net unrealized loss of 3.6 million on our outstanding derivatives in the comparative period of 2005. We had a realized loss of 3.6 million on certain currency forwards that matured in the current quarter, compared to a realized loss of 0.3 million in the comparative period of 2005. We also recorded an unrealized non-cash foreign exchange gain on our

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Mercer Reports 2006 First Quarter Results   Page 3
long-term debt of 6.1 million in the current quarter due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar, compared to an unrealized gain of 2.3 million in the first quarter of 2005.
    Pulp markets strengthened quarter over quarter. Average list prices for NBSK pulp in Europe were $618 per ADMT in the first quarter of 2006 and $600 per ADMT in the fourth quarter of 2005, compared to $642 per ADMT in the first quarter of 2005.
 
    Mill net pulp realizations increased to 425 per ADMT in the first quarter of 2006 from 413 and 409 per ADMT in the fourth and first quarters of 2005, respectively.
Results of Operations – 2006 First Quarter
          Selected production and sales data for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:
                 
    Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2006     2005  
    (ADMTs)  
Production by Product Class:
               
Pulp production by mill:
               
Rosenthal
    76,154       75,872  
Stendal
    130,877       107,981  
Celgar
    111,437       60,762  
 
           
Total pulp production
    318,468       244,615  
Paper production
    17,175       15,958  
 
           
Total production
    335,643       260,573  
 
           
 
               
Sales Volume by Product Class:
               
Pulp sales volume by mill:
               
Rosenthal
    76,226       78,804  
Stendal
    140,514       102,073  
Celgar
    110,361       18,347  
 
           
Total pulp sales volume(1)
    327,101       199,224  
Paper sales volume
    16,602       16,638  
 
           
Total sales volume(1)
    343,703       215,862  
 
           
 
               
Revenues by Product Class:   (in thousands)
Pulp revenues by mill:
               
Rosenthal
  33,727     33,389  
Stendal
    59,781       40,528  
Celgar
    46,297       7,616  
 
           
Total pulp revenues(1)
    139,805       81,533  
Paper revenues
    17,238       15,366  
 
           
Total pulp and paper sales revenues(1)
    157,043       96,899  
 
           
Third party transportation revenues
    2,021       994  
 
           
Total sales revenues
  159,064     97,893  
 
           
 
(1)   Excluding intercompany sales volumes of 4,986 ADMTs and 3,489 ADMTs of pulp and intercompany net sales revenues of approximately 2.4 million and 1.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
          Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2006 increased to 159.1 million from 97.9 million in the comparative period of 2005, primarily due to the inclusion of sales from our Celgar mill for the full quarter of 2006 and higher sales from the Stendal mill. Pulp sales by

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Mercer Reports 2006 First Quarter Results   Page 4
volume increased to 327,101 ADMTs in the first quarter of 2006 from 199,224 ADMTs in the comparative period of 2005.
          Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses in the first quarter of 2006 increased to 153.2 million from 98.8 million in the comparative period of 2005, primarily as a result of the inclusion of a full quarter of results of our Celgar mill and higher production at our Stendal mill.
          For the first quarter of 2006, revenues from our pulp operations increased to 141.8 million from 82.5 million in the same period a year ago. List prices for NBSK pulp in Europe were approximately 514 ($618) per ADMT in the first quarter of 2006 and 506 ($600) per ADMT in the fourth quarter of 2005, compared to approximately 490 ($642) per ADMT in the comparative period of last year.
          Mill net pulp sales realizations increased to 425 per ADMT on average in the first quarter of 2006 from 409 per ADMT in the first quarter of 2005, primarily as a result of higher pulp prices.
          Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses for the pulp operations increased to 137.5 million in the first quarter of 2006 from 82.8 million in the comparative period of 2005, primarily due to the inclusion of the results of the Celgar mill and higher sales at our Stendal mill.
          Fiber costs at our German pulp mills increased by approximately 12.3% in the first quarter of 2006 versus the same quarter of 2005. This resulted from severe winter conditions in Germany and central Europe during the period, which caused sawmillers and log harvesters to curtail operations which reduced fiber availability and increased fiber costs. In the first quarter of 2006, average fiber costs at our Celgar mill decreased by approximately 22% versus the same quarter of 2005, primarily because of increased woodchip availability resulting from higher production at regional sawmills.
          In the first quarter of 2006, we recorded a contribution to income from operations of 5.6 million resulting from the sale of emission allowances.
          Depreciation for the pulp operations increased to 13.6 million in the first quarter of 2006, from 10.8 million in the comparative period of 2005, primarily as a result of depreciation associated with the Celgar mill.

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Mercer Reports 2006 First Quarter Results   Page 5
          For the first quarter of 2006, our pulp operations generated operating income of 12.2 million, versus operating income of 1.3 million in the comparative quarter of 2005, primarily due to the higher operating income at our German pulp mills, including a contribution of 5.6 million from the sale of emission allowances, partially offset by an operating loss at our Celgar mill. As NBSK pulp is generally quoted in U.S. dollars, the overall strength of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar negatively impacted our Celgar mill’s sales realizations and results. Further, near the end of the first quarter of 2006, our Celgar mill took approximately two weeks of planned maintenance downtime, of which approximately five days were in March and the balance in April.
          Revenues from our paper operations in the current quarter increased to 17.2 million from 15.4 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 first quarter of 2006 increased to 16.9 million from 15.6 million in the comparative quarter of 2005.
          For the first quarter of 2006, our paper operations generated operating income of 0.5 million, compared to an operating loss of 0.3 million in the first quarter of 2005.
          In the first quarter of 2006, we had income from operations of 11.5 million, compared to a loss from operations of 0.9 million in the same quarter last year. Interest expense in the first quarter of 2006 increased to 22.9 million from 19.3 million in the year ago period, due to higher borrowings relating to the Stendal mill and incremental 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 in 2005 and certain currency forwards. In addition, Stendal previously entered into interest rate swaps to fix the interest rate on its outstanding bank indebtedness. Due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro and an increase in long-term interest rates, we recorded a net unrealized non-cash holding gain of 44.4 million before minority interests upon the marked to market valuation of such derivatives that were outstanding at the end of the current quarter, compared to a net non-cash holding loss of 3.6 million before minority interests upon the marked to market valuation of our outstanding derivatives in the comparative quarter of 2005. In the first quarter of 2006, we had a realized loss of 3.6 million on certain currency forwards which had matured, compared to a realized loss of 0.3 million on derivative instruments in the first quarter of 2005.

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Mercer Reports 2006 First Quarter Results   Page 6
          In the first quarter of 2006, minority interest, representing the two minority shareholders’ proportionate interest in the Stendal mill, was 0.4 million, compared to 6.6 million in the first quarter of 2005.
          We reported net income for the first quarter of 2006 of 16.6 million, or 0.50 per basic and 0.41 per diluted share, which reflected an unrealized gain of 44.4 million on our outstanding derivatives, an unrealized non-cash foreign exchange gain on our long-term debt of 6.1 million and improved results at our German pulp mills. In the first quarter of 2005, we reported a net loss of 19.7 million, or 0.77 per basic share and diluted share, which included net losses on our derivatives of 3.9 million and a non-cash impairment charge of 1.6 million relating to investments.
          We generated “Operating EBITDA” of 25.4 million and 10.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, 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 7 of the financial tables included in this press release.

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Mercer Reports 2006 First Quarter Results   Page 7
President’s Comments
          Mr. Jimmy S.H. Lee, President and Chairman, stated: “During the first quarter of 2006:
  Pulp markets were stronger than the last and comparative quarters of 2005. NBSK list prices in Europe, which were $600 per ADMT in December 2005, improved to $630 per ADMT at the end of the quarter. Further, during the period, list prices in Asian markets improved by approximately $50 per ADMT.
 
  Our ramp up of the Stendal mill continued substantially on plan. It operated at approximately 95% of its initial rated capacity and production and revenues were up by approximately 21% and 49%, respectively, over the same period of 2005. It also recorded substantially better operating results. Stendal also built up its debt service account, which approximates one year’s worth of principal and interest under its project loan facility, to 66.5 million as planned by drawing 42.0 million under a tranche of such facility. This account is recorded as a long-term asset and is a principal reason for our reduction in working capital at March 31, 2006.
 
  Improvements in pulp prices and markets were partially offset by seasonal reduced fiber availability and higher fiber costs at our German pulp mills. Conversely, our Celgar mill enjoyed a reduction in fiber costs as its regional sawmills ramped up production. The Celgar mill’s lower fiber costs and other operating improvements were offset by the continuing strength of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar in the period and planned maintenance downtime. The Celgar mill’s 20 million capital plan to increase efficiency, production and quality and lower costs continued substantially on plan.
 
  Our global pulp sales and marketing team worked effectively and increased the amount of contract regular business to our most transport logical customers and reduced the amount of spot sales.
          Mr. Lee continued: “Our first quarter results reflect generally improving pulp markets. Despite some production slow downs and higher fiber costs at our German pulp mills because of reduced fiber availability and five days of maintenance downtime at our Celgar mill, our Operating EBITDA increased by approximately 152% to 25.4 million from 10.1 million in the prior period.”
          Mr. Lee continued: “During the current period, we recorded a non-cash marked to market gain on our derivative instruments of 44.4 million and an unrealized foreign exchange gain on our indebtedness of 6.1 million. Net income for the first quarter of 2006 was 16.6 million or 0.50 per basic share and 0.41 per diluted share. In the first quarter of 2005, we reported a loss of 19.7 million or 0.77 per share.” He added: “The market for emission allowances is relatively new and volatile and at the end of April 2006, such market weakened materially. Based upon our current activities to date, we currently estimate that our overall emission allowances sales in 2006 will be at or near our total for 2005.”

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Mercer Reports 2006 First Quarter Results   Page 8
          Mr. Lee continued: “Looking forward, we are seeing improvements in pulp prices and demand in all of our markets which we currently believe should result in further price improvement in the upcoming months. List NBSK prices have further increased in April 2006 in Europe to approximately $650 per tonne and in Asia to approximately $570 per tonne.”
          Mr. Lee concluded: “We believe that our large, modern and efficient NBSK pulp mills have us well-positioned to realize upon the improving NBSK pulp market 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, May 8, 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.mercerint.com/en/newsCurrent.cfm, or at http://www.videonewswire.com/event.asp?id=33761. 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 May 15, 2006 at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). The replay number is (800) 642-1687, and the passcode is 8776197.
          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.mercerinternational.com.
          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
March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005

(Euros in thousands)
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2006     2005  
ASSETS
               
Current Assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  80,350     83,547  
Cash restricted
    6,298       7,039  
Receivables
    78,472       74,315  
Inventories
    71,295       81,147  
Prepaid expenses and other
    5,191       5,474  
 
           
Total current assets
    241,606       251,522  
 
           
 
               
Long-Term Assets
               
Cash restricted
    66,537       24,573  
Property, plant and equipment
    1,013,529       1,024,662  
Investments
    7,443       6,314  
Deferred note issuance and other costs
    8,019       8,364  
Deferred income tax
    67,369       78,381  
 
           
 
    1,162,897       1,142,294  
 
           
Total assets
  1,404,503     1,393,816  
 
           
LIABILITIES
               
Current Liabilities
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  110,685     112,726  
Debt, current portion
    74,338       27,601  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    185,023       140,327  
 
           
 
               
Long-Term Liabilities
               
Debt, less current portion
    904,957       922,619  
Unrealized foreign exchange rate derivative loss
    45,162       61,979  
Unrealized interest rate derivative losses
    55,141       78,646  
Pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations
    16,647       17,113  
Capital leases and other
    10,875       9,945  
Deferred income tax
    24,214       14,444  
 
           
 
    1,056,996       1,104,746  
 
           
Total liabilities
    1,242,019       1,245,073  
 
           
Minority Interest
           
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Common shares
    181,586       181,586  
Additional paid-in capital, stock options
    50       14  
Deficit
    (31,382 )     (47,970 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    12,230       15,113  
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    162,484       148,743  
 
           
 
               
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  1,404,503     1,393,816  
 
           
(1)

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005
(Unaudited)

(Euros in thousands, except per share data)
                 
    2006     2005  
Revenues
  159,064     97,893  
 
               
Costs and expenses:
               
Cost of sales
    144,339       90,989  
 
           
 
    14,725       6,904  
 
               
General and administrative expenses
    (8,858 )     (7,798 )
Sale (purchase) of emission allowances
    5,638        
 
           
Income (loss) from operations
    11,505       (894 )
 
           
 
               
Other income (expense)
               
Interest expense
    (22,925 )     (19,263 )
Investment income
    1,744       175  
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on debt
    6,113       2,297  
Realized loss on derivative instruments
    (3,562 )     (295 )
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments
    44,377       (3,564 )
Impairment of investments
          (1,645 )
 
           
Total other income (expense)
    25,747       (22,295 )
 
           
 
               
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest
    37,252       (23,189 )
Income tax provision
    (21,113 )     (3,035 )
 
           
Income (loss) before minority interest
    16,139       (26,224 )
Minority interest
    449       6,557  
 
           
Net income (loss)
  16,588     (19,667 )
 
               
(Deficit) retained earnings, beginning of period
    (47,970 )     69,176  
 
           
(Deficit) retained earnings, end of period
  (31,382 )   49,509  
 
           
 
               
Income (loss) per share
               
Basic
  0.50     (0.77 )
 
           
Diluted
  0.41     (0.77 )
 
           
(2)

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005

(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
                                                         
                                            Corporate,        
    Rosenthal     Celgar(1)     Stendal     Total             Other and     Consolidated  
    Pulp     Pulp     Pulp     Pulp     Paper     Eliminations     Total  
Three Months Ended March 31, 2006
                                                       
Sales to external customers
  34,672     46,297     60,699     141,668     17,396         159,064  
Intersegment net sales
    42             2,315       2,357             (2,357 )      
 
                                         
 
    34,714       46,297       63,014       144,025       17,396       (2,357 )     159,064  
 
                                         
Operating costs
    23,987       45,565       48,125       117,677       15,518       (2,770 )     130,425  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    3,537       3,014       7,059       13,610       226       78       13,914  
General and administrative
    1,327       2,124       2,757       6,208       1,141       1,509       8,858  
(Sale) purchase of emission allowances
    (1,767 )           (3,871 )     (5,638 )                 (5,638 )
 
                                         
 
    27,084       50,703       54,070       131,857       16,885       (1,183 )     147,559  
 
                                         
Income (loss) from operations
    7,630       (4,406 )     8,944       12,168       511       (1,174 )     11,505  
Interest expense
                                                    (22,925 )
Investment income
                                                    1,744  
Derivative financial instruments, net
                                                    40,815  
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on debt
                                                    6,113  
 
                                                     
 
                                                       
Income before income taxes and minority interest
                                                  37,252  
 
                                                     
 
                                                       
Segment assets
  348,533     237,558     770,345     1,356,436     22,032     26,035     1,404,503  
 
                                         
 
                                                       
Three Months Ended March 31, 2005
                                                       
Sales to external customers
  34,096     7,616     40,798     82,510     15,383         97,893  
Intersegment net sales
                1,554       1,554             (1,554 )      
 
                                         
 
    34,096       7,616       42,352       84,064       15,383       (1,554 )     97,893  
 
                                         
 
                                                       
Operating costs
    25,188       5,135       37,135       67,458       14,231       (1,687 )     80,002  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    3,268       823       6,681       10,772       181       34       10,987  
General and administrative
    1,901       1,675       975       4,551       1,236       2,011       7,798  
 
                                         
 
    30,357       7,633       44,791       82,781       15,648       358       98,787  
 
                                         
Income (loss) from operations
    3,739       (17 )     (2,439 )     1,283       (265 )     (1,912 )     (894 )
 
                                                       
Interest expense
                                                    (19,263 )
Investment income
                                                    175  
Derivative financial instruments, net
                                                    (3,859 )
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on debt
                                                    2,297  
Impairment of investments
                                                    (1,645 )
 
                                                     
 
                                                       
Loss before income taxes and minority interest
                                                  (23,189 )
 
                                                     
 
                                                       
Segment assets
  349,865     220,739     915,178     1,485,782     24,911     20,747     1,531,440  
 
                                         
 
(1)   The results of the Celgar pulp mill are from the date of its acquisition on February 14, 2005.
(3)

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
Combined Condensed Balance Sheet
As at March 31, 2006

(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 three months ended March 31, 2006, the Restricted Group was comprised of Mercer Inc., certain holding subsidiaries and Rosenthal, and the Celgar mill. 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. The Restricted Group excludes our paper operations and the Stendal mill.
                                 
    March 31, 2006  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
ASSETS
                               
Current assets
                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  41,101     39,249         80,350  
Cash restricted
          6,298             6,298  
Receivables
    37,327       41,145             78,472  
Inventories
    44,466       26,829             71,295  
Prepaid expenses and other
    2,823       2,368             5,191  
 
                       
Total current assets
    125,717       115,889             241,606  
Cash restricted
          66,537             66,537  
Property, plant and equipment
    398,256       615,273             1,013,529  
Other
    11,361       4,101             15,462  
Deferred income tax
    29,434       37,935             67,369  
Due from unrestricted group
    39,253             (39,253 )      
 
                       
Total assets
  604,021     839,735     (39,253 )   1,404,503  
 
                       
 
                               
LIABILITIES
                               
Current liabilities
                               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  42,300     67,325         109,625  
Construction costs payable
          1,060             1,060  
Debt, current portion
          74,338             74,338  
 
                       
Total current liabilities
    42,300       142,723             185,023  
Debt, less current portion
    328,984       575,973             904,957  
Due to restricted group
          39,253       (39,253 )      
Unrealized derivatives loss
          100,303             100,303  
Other
    20,964       6,558             27,522  
Deferred income tax
    9,683       14,531             24,214  
 
                       
Total liabilities
    401,931       879,341       (39,253 )     1,242,019  
 
                       
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                               
Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)
    202,090       (39,606 )(1)           162,484  
 
                       
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  604,021     839,735     (39,253 )   1,404,503  
 
                       
 
(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.
(4)

 


 

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

(Euros in thousands)
                                 
    December 31, 2005  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
ASSETS
                               
Current
                               
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
                               
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 derivative 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 (deficit)
    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.
(5)

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
Combined Condensed Statements of Operations
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005

(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
                                 
    March 31, 2006  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
Revenues
  81,011     80,410     (2,357 )   159,064  
 
                       
Operating costs
    69,139       61,286             130,425  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    6,629       7,285             13,914  
General and administrative
    4,960       3,898             8,858  
(Sale) purchase of emission allowances
    (1,767 )     (3,871 )           (5,638 )
 
                       
 
    78,961       68,598             147,559  
 
                       
Income (loss) from operations
    2,050       11,812       (2,357 )     11,505  
 
                       
 
                               
Other income (expense) Interest expense
    (8,463 )     (15,337 )     875       (22,925 )
Investment income
    2,261       358       (875 )     1,744  
Derivative financial instruments, net
    (79 )     40,894             40,815  
Foreign exchange gain on debt
    6,113                   6,113  
 
                       
Total other expense
    (168 )     25,915             25,747  
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest
    1,882       37,727       (2,357 )     37,252  
Income tax provision
    (2,841 )     (18,080 )     (192 )     (21,113 )
 
                       
Income (loss) before minority interest
    (959 )     19,647       (2,549 )     16,139  
Minority interest
          449             449  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  (959 )   20,096     (2,549 )   16,588  
 
                       
                                 
    March 31, 2005  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
Revenues
  41,712     56,181         97,893  
 
                       
Operating costs
    29,973       50,029             80,002  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    4,125       6,645       217       10,987  
General and administrative
    5,587       2,211             7,798  
 
                       
 
    39,685       58,885       217       98,787  
 
                       
Income (loss) from operations
    2,027       (2,704 )     (217 )     (894 )
 
                       
 
                               
Other income (expense) Interest expense
    (7,671 )     (11,986 )     394       (19,263 )
Investment income
    328       309       (462 )     175  
Derivative financial instruments, net
    (105 )     (3,754 )           (3,859 )
Foreign exchange gain on debt
    2,297                   2,297  
Impairment of investments
    (1,178 )           (467 )     (1,645 )
 
                       
Total other expense
    (6,329 )     (15,431 )     (535 )     (22,295 )
 
                       
Loss before income taxes and minority interest
    (4,302 )     (18,135 )     (752 )     (23,189 )
Income tax provision
    (3,115 )     80             (3,035 )
 
                       
Loss before minority interest
    (7,417 )     (18,055 )     (752 )     (26,224 )
Minority interest
          6,557             6,557  
 
                       
Net loss
  (7,417 )   (11,498 )   (752 )   (19,667 )
 
                       
(6)

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
COMPUTATION OF OPERATING EBITDA
For the Quarters Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005

(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2006     2005(1)  
    (in thousands)  
Net income (loss)
  16,588     (19,667 )
Minority interest
    (449 )     (6,557 )
Income taxes
    21,113       3,035  
Interest expense
    22,925       19,263  
Investment income
    (1,744 )     (175 )
Derivative financial instruments, net loss (gain)
    (40,815 )     3,859  
Foreign exchange gain on debt
    (6,113 )     (2,297 )
Impairment of investments
          1,645  
 
           
Income (loss) from operations
    11,505       (894 )
Add: Depreciation and amortization
    13,914       10,987  
 
           
Operating EBITDA(2)
  25,419     10,093  
 
           
 
(1)   The results of the Celgar pulp mill are included from the date of its acquisition on February 14, 2005.
 
(2)   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 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 our results as reported under GAAP.
COMPUTATION OF RESTRICTED GROUP OPERATING EBITDA
For the Quarters Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005

(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2006     2005(1)  
    (in thousands)  
Restricted Group
               
Net loss
  (959 )   (7,417 )
Income taxes
    2,841       3,115  
Interest expense
    8,463       7,671  
Investment and other income
    (2,261 )     (328 )
Derivative financial instruments, net loss
    79       105  
Foreign exchange gain on debt
    (6,113 )     (2,297 )
Impairment of investments
          1,178  
 
           
Income from operations
    2,050       2,027  
Add: Depreciation and amortization
    6,629       4,125  
 
           
Operating EBITDA(2)
  8,679     6,152  
 
           
 
(1)   The results of the Celgar pulp mill are included from the date of its acquisition on February 14, 2005.
 
(2)   Operating EBITDA does not reflect the impact of a number of items that affect 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 our results as reported under GAAP.
(7)
#    #    #

 

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