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8-K - FORM 8-K - MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.c12473e8vk.htm
Exhibit 99.1
(MERCER LOGO)
For Immediate Release
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC. REPORTS STRONG 2010 FOURTH QUARTER
OPERATING EBITDA OF 64.6 MILLION ($87.8 MILLION) AND
RECORD 2010 YEARLY OPERATING EBITDA OF 224.0 MILLION ($297.3 MILLION)
NEW YORK, NY, February 14, 2011 — Mercer International Inc. (Nasdaq: MERC, TSX: MRI.U) today reported strong results for the fourth quarter and record results for the year ended December 31, 2010. Operating EBITDA in the fourth quarter of 2010 was 64.6 million ($87.8 million), compared to 23.5 million ($34.7 million) in the last quarter of 2009 and 65.5 million ($84.7 million) in the third quarter of 2010. In 2010, Operating EBITDA significantly increased fivefold to a record 224.0 million ($297.3 million) from 41.4 million ($57.7 million) in 2009. Operating EBITDA is defined on page 4 of this press release and reconciled to net income (loss) on page 8 of the financial tables in this press release.
We reported net income of 35.3 million ($48.0 million), or 0.84 ($1.14) per basic share, for the fourth quarter of 2010, compared to 2.7 million ($4.0 million), or 0.08 ($0.12) per basic share, in the last quarter of 2009 and 46.1 million ($59.6 million), or 1.17 ($1.51) per basic share, in the third quarter of 2010. For 2010, we reported net income of 86.3 million ($114.5 million), or 2.24 ($2.97) per basic share, compared to a net loss of 62.2 million ($86.7 million), or 1.71 ($2.38) per basic share, in 2009.
Summary Financial Highlights of the 2010 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results
                                         
    Q4     Q3     Q4     Year     Year  
    2010     2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (in millions of Euros, except where otherwise stated)  
Pulp revenues
  232.2     224.7     154.9     856.3     577.3  
Energy revenues
    13.4       9.7       10.2       44.2       42.5  
Operating income (loss)
    50.4       51.4       9.8       167.7       (12.8 )
Operating EBITDA (loss)
    64.6       65.5       23.5       224.0       41.4  
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments
    12.4       0.5       5.1       1.9       (5.8 )
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on debt
    (1.5 )     9.9       (1.8 )     (6.1 )     2.7  
Income tax benefit (provision)
    0.2       7.2       1.0       5.9       5.9  
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
    35.3       46.1       2.7       86.3       (62.2 )
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders
                                       
Basic
  0.84     1.17     0.08     2.24     (1.71 )
Diluted
  0.63     0.82     0.07     1.56     (1.71 )
Common shares outstanding at period end (000s)
    43,000       42,030       36,443       43,000       36,443  

 

 


 

Summary Operating Highlights of the 2010 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results
                                         
    Q4     Q3     Q4     Year     Year  
    2010     2010     2009     2010     2009  
Pulp Production (‘000 ADMTs)
    356.2       380.9       356.9       1,426.3       1,397.4  
Scheduled Production Downtime (‘000 ADMTs)
          8.3       14.0       43.5       52.1  
Pulp Sales (‘000 ADMTs)
    386.0       344.8       351.8       1,428.6       1,445.5  
NBSK pulp list price in Europe ($/ADMT)
    957       980       787       938       667  
NBSK pulp list price in Europe (/ADMT)
    704       758       533       707       478  
Average pulp sales realizations (/ADMT)
    593       642       434       591       393  
Energy Production (‘000 MWh)
    393.0       330.8       358.7       1,444.1       1,445.3  
Energy Sales (‘000 MWh)
    149.7       119.1       116.0       520.0       478.7  
Average Spot Currency Exchange Rates:
                                       
/ $(1)
    0.7361       0.7729       0.6774       0.7541       0.7176  
C$ / $(1)
    1.0129       1.0385       1.0557       1.0298       1.1412  
C$ / (2)
    1.3766       1.3438       1.5604       1.3671       1.5851  
 
     
(1)  
Average Federal Reserve Bank of New York noon spot rate over the reporting period.
 
(2)  
Average Bank of Canada noon spot rate over the reporting period.
President’s Comments
Mr. Jimmy S.H. Lee, President and Chairman, stated: “We are very pleased with the strong fourth quarter and overall yearly performance in 2010 as we achieved record annual pulp production and Operating EBITDA of 224.0 million. Fourth quarter Operating EBITDA of 64.6 million was down marginally from the record third quarter as a result of a slightly weaker U.S. dollar versus the Euro, extreme winter weather conditions in Germany and temporary equipment outages which negatively affected production at our German mills. Both the quarterly and yearly results reflect strong performances by all of our mills, including our Celgar mill which started to achieve our projected performance targets.”
Mr. Lee continued: “Overall, pulp prices in the fourth quarter of 2010 remained near historically high levels but were somewhat lower than the third quarter. At the end of 2010, list prices in Europe were approximately $950 per ADMT and in North America and China were approximately $960 and $840 per ADMT, respectively.”
Mr. Lee continued: “We are pleased with the Celgar Green Energy Project, which was substantially completed at the end of the third quarter and generated 3.4 million in revenues in the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, we implemented customary equipment modifications to optimize energy generation to ensure the turbine performs as designed.”
Mr. Lee added: “In the fourth quarter of 2010, we effectively extended the maturity of our senior unsecured indebtedness by purchasing and thereby cancelling $289.5 million in aggregate principal amount of our 9.25% senior notes due 2013 (the ‘2013 Notes’) with the net proceeds of a private offering of $300 million in aggregate principal amount of 9.5% senior notes due 2017 and cash on hand. We will redeem the remaining $20.5 million of outstanding 2013 Notes on February 15, 2011.”

 

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Mr. Lee continued: “In the short term, pulp prices have increased by approximately $20 per ADMT in China in February 2011 and producers have announced an increase of $30 per ADMT in selected markets to take effect in March 2011. Additionally, based on the most recently published data, NBSK producer inventories are around 25 days which generally signals strong demand.”
Mr. Lee concluded: “We are well positioned for a positive 2011. Our current short to medium-term pricing and demand outlook is positive. This, coupled with our world-class mills, should permit us to continue to enhance value for our stakeholders.”
Three Months Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2009
Pulp revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2010 increased by approximately 50% to 232.2 million from 154.9 million in the comparative period of 2009, due to higher pulp prices and a stronger U.S. dollar relative to the Euro. Revenues from the sale of excess energy increased by approximately 31% in the fourth quarter to 13.4 million from 10.2 million in the same quarter last year, primarily as a result of energy sales from the Celgar Green Energy Project in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Pulp production marginally decreased to 356,244 ADMTs in the current quarter, from 356,859 ADMTs in the same quarter of 2009, primarily due to extreme winter weather conditions in Germany and temporary equipment failures adversely affecting production at our German mills.
Pulp sales volume increased to 385,989 ADMTs in the current quarter from 351,797 ADMTs in the comparative period of 2009, primarily as a result of stronger demand. Average pulp sales realizations increased to 593 per ADMT in the fourth quarter of 2010, compared to 434 per ADMT in the same period last year, primarily due to higher pulp prices.
Costs and expenses in the fourth quarter of 2010 increased to 195.2 million from 155.3 million in the comparative period of 2009, primarily due to higher fiber costs.
On average, our overall fiber costs in the current quarter increased by approximately 25% from the same period in 2009, primarily due to higher fiber costs at our German mills caused by lower levels of harvesting in central Germany, along with extreme winter weather conditions in the fourth quarter of 2010.

 

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For the fourth quarter of 2010, operating income increased fivefold to 50.4 million from 9.8 million in the comparative quarter of 2009, primarily due to improved pulp prices.
Interest expense in the fourth quarter of 2010 increased to 16.5 million from 15.8 million in the comparative quarter of 2009, primarily due to accretion expense related to the exchange of our convertible notes, partially offset by reduced levels of debt associated with the Stendal mill.
Our Stendal mill recorded an unrealized gain of 12.4 million on our interest rate derivatives in the current quarter, compared to an unrealized gain of 5.1 million in the same quarter of last year. We recorded a foreign exchange loss on our debt of 1.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2010 compared to a loss of 1.8 million in the same period last year.
In the fourth quarter of 2010, the noncontrolling shareholder’s interest in the Stendal mill’s income was 3.5 million, compared to 1.3 million in the same quarter last year.
In the fourth quarter of 2010, Operating EBITDA increased by 175% to 64.6 million from 23.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. Operating EBITDA is defined as operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges. Management uses Operating EBITDA as a benchmark measurement of its own operating results, and as a benchmark relative to its competitors. Management considers it to be a meaningful supplement to operating income as a performance measure primarily because depreciation expense and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges are not an actual cash cost, and depreciation expense varies widely from company to company in a manner that management considers largely independent of the underlying cost efficiency of their operating facilities. In addition, we believe Operating EBITDA is commonly used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate our financial performance.
Operating EBITDA does not reflect the impact of a number of items that affect our net income, including financing costs and the effect of derivative instruments. Operating EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or income from operations as a measure of performance, nor as an alternative to net cash from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Operating EBITDA has significant limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. For a reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders to Operating EBITDA, see page 8 of the financial tables included in this press release.

 

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During the quarter, we recorded approximately 0.2 million of income tax benefits, compared to 1.0 million in the same period last year.
During the fourth quarter of 2010, we recorded a loss on the extinguishment of debt of 6.6 million, primarily in connection with the repurchase of our 2013 Notes. In the fourth quarter of 2009, we recorded a gain of 4.4 million on the extinguishment of our convertible notes.
We reported net income attributable to common shareholders of 35.3 million, or 0.84 per basic and 0.63 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2010, which included aggregate net non-cash unrealized gains of 9.3 million, comprised of a non-cash gain of 12.4 million on the Stendal interest rate derivatives, a non-cash foreign exchange loss of 1.5 million on our debt and a non-cash loss in connection with the repurchase of our 2013 Notes. In the fourth quarter of 2009, we reported net income attributable to common shareholders of 2.7 million, or 0.08 per basic and 0.07 per diluted share, which included aggregate net non-cash unrealized gains of 7.7 million, comprised of a non-cash gain of 5.1 million on the Stendal interest rate derivatives, a non-cash foreign exchange loss of 1.8 million on our debt and a non-cash gain of 4.4 million on the extinguishment of our convertible notes.
Year Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2009
Pulp revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010 increased by 48% to a record 856.3 million from 577.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2009, primarily due to significantly higher pulp prices in 2010 and a stronger U.S. dollar relative to the Euro. In 2010, revenues from the sale of excess energy increased by approximately 4% to 44.2 million from 42.5 million in 2009, due to increased energy sales at our Celgar mill, partially offset by reduced energy sales at our Rosenthal mill caused by 60 days of scheduled turbine maintenance.
Pulp production increased to a record level of 1,426,286 ADMTs in 2010, from 1,397,441 ADMTs in 2009 primarily as a result of overall strong operating performance at all our mills. We took a total of 31 and 43 days scheduled maintenance downtime at our mills in 2010 and 2009, respectively, and expect to take approximately 39 days in 2011.
Pulp sales volume decreased slightly to 1,428,638 ADMTs in 2010 compared to 1,445,461 ADMTs in 2009. Average pulp sales realizations increased by approximately 50% to 591 per ADMT in 2010 from 393 per ADMT in 2009 primarily due to significantly higher pulp prices.

 

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Costs and expenses in 2010 increased to 732.8 million from 632.6 million in 2009, primarily due to higher fiber costs.
Our overall fiber costs in 2010 increased by approximately 24% from the same period in 2009, primarily due to higher fiber costs in Germany resulting from lower harvesting levels, combined with increased demand for wood from the energy sector for heating and bio-energy purposes. Fiber costs at our Celgar mill increased marginally from the prior year.
For 2010, we recorded operating income of 167.7 million, compared to an operating loss of 12.8 million in 2009, primarily due to higher price realizations resulting from higher pulp prices.
Interest expense in 2010 increased to 67.6 million from 64.8 million in 2009, primarily due to accretion expense related to the exchange of our convertible notes, partially offset by reduced levels of debt associated with our Stendal mill.
Our Stendal mill recorded an unrealized gain of 1.9 million on its interest rate derivatives at the end of 2010, compared to an unrealized loss of 5.8 million last year due to a small increase in European interest rates. We recorded a foreign exchange loss on our debt of 6.1 million in 2010, compared to a gain of 2.7 million in 2009.
In 2010, the noncontrolling shareholder’s interest in the Stendal mill’s income was 8.5 million, compared to 9.9 million of the Stendal mill’s loss last year.
In 2010, Operating EBITDA increased fivefold to 224.0 million from 41.4 million in 2009. For a definition of Operating EBITDA, see page 4 of this press release and for a reconciliation of net income to Operating EBITDA, see page 8 of the financial tables included in this press release.
During both 2010 and 2009, we recorded approximately 5.9 million of net tax recoveries.
We recorded a loss on the extinguishment of debt of 7.5 million in 2010, primarily in connection with the repurchase of our 2013 Notes. In 2009, we recorded a gain of 4.4 million on the extinguishment of our convertible notes.

 

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We reported net income attributable to common shareholders of 86.3 million, or 2.24 per basic and 1.56 per diluted share, for 2010, which included aggregate net non-cash unrealized losses of 0.5 million, comprised of a non-cash gain of 1.9 million on the Stendal interest rate derivatives, a non-cash foreign exchange loss of 6.1 million on our long-term debt, a non-cash loss on the extinguishment of our 2013 Notes and a non-cash income tax benefit. In 2009, we reported a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $62.2 million, or 1.71 per basic and diluted share, which included aggregate net non-cash unrealized gains of 7.5 million, comprised of a non-cash loss of 5.8 million on the Stendal interest rate derivatives, a non-cash foreign exchange gain of 2.7 million on our long-term debt, a non-cash gain of 4.4 million on the extinguishment of our convertible notes and a non-cash income tax benefit.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table is a summary of selected financial information for the periods indicated:
                 
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009  
    (in thousands)  
Financial Position
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  99,022     51,291  
Working capital
    231,683       99,150  
Property, plant and equipment
    846,767       868,558  
Total assets
    1,216,075       1,083,831  
Long-term liabilities
    877,315       896,074  
Total equity
    213,563       85,973  
As at December 31, 2010, we had approximately 26.4 million and C$17.9 million available under our Rosenthal and Celgar facilities, respectively. As at December 31, 2010, approximately 500.7 million was outstanding under our Stendal mill’s loan facility.
Restricted Group
The following table is a summary of selected financial information for the Restricted Group for the periods indicated.
                 
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009  
    (in thousands)  
Restricted Group Financial Position
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  50,654     20,635  
Working capital
    150,667       57,015  
Property, plant and equipment
    362,274       362,311  
Total assets
    662,944       555,977  
Long-term liabilities
    312,631       301,173  
Total equity
    289,141       200,247  

 

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Earnings Release Call
In conjunction with this release, Mercer International Inc. will host a conference call, which will be simultaneously broadcast live over the Internet. Management will host the call, which is scheduled for Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 10:00 AM (Eastern Daylight Time). Listeners can access the conference call live and archived through March 15, 2011, over the Internet at http://investor.shareholder.com/media/eventdetail.cfm?eventid=91422&CompanyID=MERC&e=1&mediaKey=1AE35D7DABC3ECD95E2779DA87354812 or through a link on the Company’s News/Financial page at http://www.mercerint.com/s/NewsReleases.asp. Please allow 15 minutes prior to the call to visit the site and download and install any necessary audio software. A replay of this call will be available approximately two hours after the live call ends until February 22, 2011 at 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time). The replay number is (800) 642-1687 for domestic callers or (706) 645-9291 for international callers, and the passcode is 38594483.
Mercer International Inc. is a global pulp manufacturing company. To obtain further information on the company, please visit its web site at http://www.mercerint.com.
The preceding includes forward looking statements which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. Among those factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: the highly cyclical nature of our business, raw material costs, our level of indebtedness, competition, foreign exchange and interest rate fluctuations, our use of derivatives, expenditures for capital projects, environmental regulation and compliance, disruptions to our production, market conditions and other risk factors listed from time to time in our SEC reports.
     
APPROVED BY:
  FD

Jimmy S.H. Lee
Chairman & President
(604) 684-1099
  Investors/Media: Eric Boyriven, Alexandra Tramont
(212) 850-5600
 
   
David M. Gandossi
Executive Vice-President &
Chief Financial Officer
(604) 684-1099
   
-FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW-

 

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MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands of Euros)
                 
    December 31,  
    2010     2009  
ASSETS
               
Current assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  99,022     51,291  
Receivables
    121,709       71,143  
Inventories
    102,219       72,629  
Prepaid expenses and other
    11,360       5,871  
Deferred income tax
    22,570        
 
           
Total current assets
    356,880       200,934  
 
           
Long-term assets
               
Property, plant and equipment
    846,767       868,558  
Deferred note issuance and other
    11,082       8,186  
Deferred income tax
          3,426  
Note receivable
    1,346       2,727  
 
           
 
    859,195       882,897  
 
           
Total assets
  1,216,075     1,083,831  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES
               
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  84,873     85,185  
Pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations
    728       567  
Debt
    39,596       16,032  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    125,197       101,784  
 
           
Long-term liabilities
               
Debt
    782,328       813,142  
Unrealized interest rate derivative losses
    50,973       52,873  
Pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations
    24,236       17,902  
Capital leases and other
    12,010       12,157  
Deferred income tax
    7,768        
 
           
 
    877,315       896,074  
 
           
Total liabilities
    1,002,512       997,858  
 
           
 
               
EQUITY
               
Shareholders’ equity
               
Share capital
    219,211       202,844  
Paid-in capital
    (3,899 )     (6,082 )
Retained earnings (deficit)
    (10,956 )     (97,235 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    31,712       23,695  
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    236,068       123,222  
 
           
 
               
Noncontrolling interest (deficit)
  (22,505 )   (37,249 )
 
           
Total equity
    213,563       85,973  
 
           
Total liabilities and equity
  1,216,075     1,083,831  
 
           

 

(1)


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands of Euros, except per share data)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Years Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
Revenues
                               
Pulp
  232,200     154,886     856,311     577,298  
Energy
    13,442       10,226       44,225       42,501  
 
                       
 
    245,642       165,112       900,536       619,799  
 
                               
Costs and expenses
                               
Operating costs
    172,552       134,185       643,529       551,781  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    14,115       13,594       55,932       53,919  
 
                       
 
    58,975       17,333       201,075       14,099  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    8,498       7,617       33,442       27,414  
Purchase (sale) of emission allowances
    57       (127 )     (110 )     (516 )
 
                       
Operating income (loss)
    50,420       9,843       167,743       (12,799 )
 
                       
 
                               
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest expense
    (16,480 )     (15,817 )     (67,621 )     (64,770 )
Investment income (loss)
    164       1,240       468       (1,804 )
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on debt
    (1,451 )     (1,841 )     (6,126 )     2,692  
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt
    (6,565 )     4,447       (7,494 )     4,447  
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments
    12,422       5,129       1,899       (5,760 )
 
                       
Total other income (expense)
    (11,910 )     (6,842 )     (78,874 )     (65,195 )
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    38,510       3,001       88,869       (77,994 )
Income tax benefit (provision) — current
    (131 )     (7 )     (3,881 )     (134 )
— deferred
    378       1,014       9,760       6,003  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
    38,757       4,008       94,748       (72,125 )
Less: net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (3,468 )     (1,259 )     (8,469 )     9,936  
 
                       
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
  35,289     2,749     86,279     (62,189 )
 
                               
Retained earnings (deficit), beginning of period
    (46,245 )     (99,984 )     (97,235 )     (35,046 )
 
                       
Retained earnings (deficit), end of period
  (10,956 )   (97,235 )   (10,956 )   (97,235 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders
                               
Basic
  0.84     0.08     2.24     (1.71 )
 
                       
Diluted
  0.63     0.07     1.56     (1.71 )
 
                       

 

(2)


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands of Euros)
                         
    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities
                       
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
  86,279     (62,189 )   (72,465 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders to cash flows from operating activities
                       
Loss (gain) on derivative instruments
    (1,899 )     5,760       25,228  
Foreign exchange (gain) loss on debt
    6,126       (2,692 )     4,234  
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt
    7,494       (4,447 )      
Depreciation and amortization
    56,231       54,170       55,762  
Accretion expense (income)
    2,492       181        
Noncontrolling interest
    8,469       (9,936 )     (13,075 )
Deferred income taxes
    (9,760 )     (6,003 )     1,976  
Stock compensation expense
    2,394       455       264  
Pension and other post-retirement expense, net of funding
    418       282       (758 )
Inventory provisions
                11,272  
Other
    5,190       2,482       3,025  
Changes in current assets and liabilities
                       
Receivables
    (40,038 )     31,907       (14,811 )
Inventories
    (24,462 )     32,158       (13,331 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (3,089 )     (2,950 )     (1,091 )
Other
    (4,566 )     (1,859 )     1,904  
 
                 
Net cash from (used in) operating activities
    91,279       37,319       (11,866 )
 
                       
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities
                       
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
    (38,300 )     (28,828 )     (25,704 )
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment
    1,138       436       2,000  
Cash, restricted
          13,000       20,000  
Note receivable
    1,113       152       5,708  
 
                 
Net cash from (used in) investing activities
    (36,049 )     (15,240 )     2,004  
 
                       
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities
                       
Repayment of notes payable and debt
    (234,598 )     (26,499 )     (34,023 )
Repayment of capital lease obligations
    (2,920 )     (3,178 )     (3,312 )
Proceeds from borrowings of notes payable and debt
    222,193       13,511        
Proceeds from (repayment of) credit facilities, net
    (2,660 )     (4,272 )     5,837  
Proceeds from government grants
    17,952       9,058       266  
Payment of deferred note issuance costs
    (6,095 )     (1,969 )      
 
                 
Net cash from (used in) financing activities
    (6,128 )     (13,349 )     (31,232 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (1,371 )     109       (1,302 )
 
                 
 
                       
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    47,731       8,839       (42,396 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    51,291       42,452       84,848  
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  99,022     51,291     42,452  
 
                 

 

(3)


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
Combined Condensed Balance Sheets
(In thousands of Euros)
The terms of the indentures governing our 9.25% senior unsecured notes and our 9.5% senior unsecured notes require that we provide the results of operations and financial condition of Mercer International Inc. and our restricted subsidiaries under the indenture, collectively referred to as the “Restricted Group”. As at and during the three months and years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Restricted Group was comprised of Mercer International Inc., certain holding subsidiaries and our Rosenthal and Celgar mills. The Restricted Group excludes the Stendal mill.
                                 
    December 31, 2010  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
ASSETS
                               
Current
                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  50,654     48,368         99,022  
Receivables
    70,865       50,844             121,709  
Inventories
    60,910       41,309             102,219  
Prepaid expenses and other
    6,840       4,520             11,360  
Deferred income tax
    22,570                   22,570  
 
                       
Total current assets
    211,839       145,041             356,880  
Long-term assets
                               
Property, plant and equipment
    362,274       484,493             846,767  
Deferred note issuance and other
    6,903       4,179             11,082  
Deferred income tax
                       
Due from unrestricted group
    80,582             (80,582 )      
Note receivable
    1,346                   1,346  
 
                       
Total assets
  662,944     633,713     (80,582 )   1,216,075  
 
                       
 
                               
LIABILITIES
                               
Current liabilities
                               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  44,015     40,858         84,873  
Pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations
    728                   728  
Debt
    16,429       23,167             39,596  
 
                       
Total current liabilities
    61,172       64,025             125,197  
Long-term liabilities
                               
Debt
    273,473       508,855             782,328  
Due to restricted group
          80,582       (80,582 )      
Unrealized interest rate derivative losses
          50,973             50,973  
Pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations
    24,236                   24,236  
Capital leases and other
    7,154       4,856             12,010  
Deferred income tax
    7,768                   7,768  
 
                       
Total liabilities
    373,803       709,291       (80,582 )     1,002,512  
 
                       
 
                               
EQUITY
                               
Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)
    289,141       (53,073 )           236,068  
Noncontrolling interest (deficit)
          (22,505 )           (22,505 )
 
                       
Total liabilities and equity
  662,944     633,713     (80,582 )   1,216,075  
 
                       

 

(4)


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
Combined Condensed Balance Sheets
(In thousands of Euros)
                                 
    December 31, 2009  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
ASSETS
                               
Current
                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  20,635     30,656         51,291  
Receivables
    34,588       36,555             71,143  
Inventories
    52,897       19,732             72,629  
Prepaid expenses and other
    3,452       2,419             5,871  
 
                       
Total current assets
    111,572       89,362             200,934  
Long-term assets
                               
Property, plant and equipment
    362,311       506,247             868,558  
Deferred note issuance and other
    3,388       4,798             8,186  
Deferred income tax
    3,426                   3,426  
Due from unrestricted group
    72,553             (72,553 )      
Note receivable
    2,727                   2,727  
 
                       
Total assets
  555,977     600,407     (72,553 )   1,083,831  
 
                       
 
                               
LIABILITIES
                               
Current liabilities
                               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  51,875     33,310         85,185  
Pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations
    567                   567  
Debt
    2,115       13,917             16,032  
 
                       
Total current liabilities
    54,557       47,227             101,784  
Long-term liabilities
                               
Debt
    276,604       536,538             813,142  
Due to restricted group
          72,553       (72,553 )      
Unrealized interest rate derivative losses
          52,873             52,873  
Pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations
    17,902                   17,902  
Capital leases and other
    6,667       5,490             12,157  
 
                       
Total liabilities
    355,730       714,681       (72,553 )     997,858  
 
                       
 
                               
EQUITY
                               
Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)
    200,247       (77,025 )           123,222  
Noncontrolling interest (deficit)
          (37,249 )           (37,249 )
 
                       
Total liabilities and equity
  555,977     600,407     (72,553 )   1,083,831  
 
                       

 

(5)


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
Combined Condensed Statements of Operations
(In thousands of Euros)
                                 
    Three Months Ended December 31, 2010  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
Revenues
                               
Pulp
  135,245     96,955         232,200  
Energy
    6,395       7,047             13,442  
 
                       
 
    141,640       104,002             245,642  
 
                       
Operating costs
    92,209       80,343             172,552  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    7,616       6,499             14,115  
Selling, general and administrative expenses and other
    5,439       3,116             8,555  
 
                       
 
    105,264       89,958             195,222  
 
                       
Operating income (loss)
    36,376       14,044             50,420  
 
                       
 
                               
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest expense
    (7,425 )     (10,259 )     1,204       (16,480 )
Investment income (loss)
    1,333       35       (1,204 )     164  
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on debt
    (1,451 )                 (1,451 )
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt
    (6,565 )                 (6,565 )
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments
          12,422             12,422  
 
                       
Total other income (expense)
    (14,108 )     2,198             (11,910 )
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    22,268       16,242             38,510  
Income tax benefit (provision)
    297       (50 )           247  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
    22,565       16,192             38,757  
Less: net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
          (3,468 )           (3,468 )
 
                       
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
  22,565     12,724         35,289  
 
                       
                                 
    Three Months Ended December 31, 2009  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
Revenues
                               
Pulp
  87,776     67,110         154,886  
Energy
    4,021       6,205             10,226  
 
                       
 
    91,797       73,315             165,112  
 
                       
Operating costs
    79,665       54,520             134,185  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    7,045       6,549             13,594  
Selling, general and administrative expenses and other
    4,384       3,106             7,490  
 
                       
 
    91,094       64,175             155,269  
 
                       
Operating income (loss)
    703       9,140             9,843  
 
                       
 
                               
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest expense
    (6,576 )     (10,389 )     1,148       (15,817 )
Investment income (loss)
    1,740       648       (1,148 )     1,240  
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on debt
    (1,841 )                 (1,841 )
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt
    4,447                   4,447  
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments
          5,129             5,129  
 
                       
Total other income (expense)
    (2,230 )     (4,612 )           (6,842 )
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (1,527 )     4,528             3,001  
Income tax benefit (provision)
    1,016       (9 )           1,007  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
    (511 )     4,519             4,008  
Less: net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
          (1,259 )           (1,259 )
 
                       
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
  (511 )   3,260         2,749  
 
                       

 

(6)


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
Combined Condensed Statements of Operations
(In thousands of Euros)
                                 
    Year Ended December 31, 2010  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
Revenues
                               
Pulp
  490,020     366,291         856,311  
Energy
    15,145       29,080             44,225  
 
                       
 
    505,165       395,371             900,536  
 
                       
Operating costs
    361,272       282,257             643,529  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    29,971       25,961             55,932  
Selling, general and administrative expenses and other
    20,231       13,101             33,332  
 
                       
 
    411,474       321,319             732,793  
 
                       
Operating income (loss)
    93,691       74,052             167,743  
 
                       
 
                               
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest expense
    (31,498 )     (40,852 )     4,729       (67,621 )
Investment income (loss)
    5,103       94       (4,729 )     468  
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on debt
    (6,126 )                 (6,126 )
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt
    (7,494 )                 (7,494 )
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments
          1,899             1,899  
 
                       
Total other income (expense)
    (40,015 )     (38,859 )           (78,874 )
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    53,676       35,193             88,869  
Income tax benefit (provision)
    8,651       (2,772 )           5,879  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
    62,327       32,421             94,748  
Less: net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
          (8,469 )           (8,469 )
 
                       
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
  62,327     23,952         86,279  
 
                       
                                 
    Year Ended December 31, 2009  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
Revenues
                               
Pulp
  318,448     258,850         577,298  
Energy
    15,183       27,318             42,501  
 
                       
 
    333,631       286,168             619,799  
 
                       
Operating costs
    312,029       239,752             551,781  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    27,453       26,466             53,919  
Selling, general and administrative expenses and other
    15,049       11,849             26,898  
 
                       
 
    354,531       278,067             632,598  
 
                       
Operating income (loss)
    (20,900 )     8,101             (12,799 )
 
                       
 
                               
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest expense
    (27,351 )     (41,932 )     4,513       (64,770 )
Investment income (loss)
    5,002       (2,293 )     (4,513 )     (1,804 )
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on debt
    2,692                   2,692  
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt
    4,447                   4,447  
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments
          (5,760 )           (5,760 )
 
                       
Total other income (expense)
    (15,210 )     (49,985 )           (65,195 )
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (36,110 )     (41,884 )           (77,994 )
Income tax benefit (provision)
    183       5,686             5,869  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
    (35,927 )     (36,198 )           (72,125 )
Less: net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
          9,936             9,936  
 
                       
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
  (35,927 )   (26,262 )       (62,189 )
 
                       

 

(7)


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
COMPUTATION OF OPERATING EBITDA
(Unaudited)
(In thousands of Euros)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
 
                               
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
  35,289     2,749     86,279     (62,189 )
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
    3,468       1,259       8,469       (9,936 )
Income taxes (benefits)
    (247 )     (1,007 )     (5,879 )     (5,869 )
Interest expense
    16,480       15,817       67,621       64,770  
Investment (income) loss
    (164 )     (1,240 )     (468 )     1,804  
Foreign exchange (gain) loss on debt
    1,451       1,841       6,126       (2,692 )
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt
    6,565       (4,447 )     7,494       (4,447 )
Loss (gain) on derivative instruments
    (12,422 )     (5,129 )     (1,899 )     5,760  
 
                       
Operating income (loss)
    50,420       9,843       167,743       (12,799 )
Add: Depreciation and amortization
    14,179       13,652       56,231       54,170  
 
                       
Operating EBITDA(1)
  64,599     23,495     223,974     41,371  
 
                       
 
     
(1)  
Operating EBITDA does not reflect the impact of a number of items that affect our net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders, including financing costs and the effect of derivative instruments. Operating EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders or income (loss) from operations as a measure of performance, nor as an alternative to net cash from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Operating EBITDA has significant limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.
COMPUTATION OF RESTRICTED GROUP OPERATING EBITDA
(Unaudited)
(In thousands of Euros)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
Restricted Group
                               
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders(1)
  22,565     (511 )   62,327     (35,927 )
Income taxes (benefits)
    (297 )     (1,016 )     (8,651 )     (183 )
Interest expense
    7,425       6,576       31,498       27,351  
Investment (income) loss
    (1,333 )     (1,740 )     (5,103 )     (5,002 )
Foreign exchange (gain) loss on debt
    1,451       1,841       6,126       (2,692 )
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt
    6,565       (4,447 )     7,494       (4,447 )
 
                       
Operating income (loss)
    36,376       703       93,691       (20,900 )
Add: Depreciation and amortization
    7,680       7,103       30,270       27,704  
 
                       
Operating EBITDA(2)
  44,056     7,806     123,961     6,804  
 
                       
 
     
(1)  
For the Restricted Group, net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders and net income (loss) are the same.
 
(2)  
Operating EBITDA does not reflect the impact of a number of items that affect our net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders, including financing costs and the effect of derivative instruments. Operating EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders or income (loss) from operations as a measure of performance, nor as an alternative to net cash from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Operating EBITDA has significant limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.
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