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Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

For Immediate Release

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC. REPORTS 2016 THIRD QUARTER RESULTS

ANNOUNCES QUARTERLY CASH DIVIDEND OF $0.115 PER SHARE

NEW YORK, NY, October 27, 2016 - Mercer International Inc. (Nasdaq: MERC, TSX: MRI.U) today reported results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016. Operating EBITDA* in the third quarter of 2016 declined to $47.9 million from $61.1 million in the third quarter of 2015, primarily due to lower pulp sales realizations and sales volumes, partially offset by lower fiber prices, but increased from $34.7 million in the prior quarter of 2016.

For the third quarter of 2016, we had net income of $11.9 million, or $0.18 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $23.8 million, or $0.37 per basic and diluted share, in the third quarter of 2015 and a net loss of $4.2 million, or $0.07 per basic and diluted share, in the prior quarter of 2016.

Summary Financial Highlights

 

     Q3      Q2      Q3      YTD      YTD  
         2016              2016              2015              2016              2015      
     (in millions, except per share amounts)  

Pulp revenues

   $         215.8        $         198.1        $         249.1        $         644.5        $         729.9    

Energy and chemical revenues

   $ 22.1        $ 20.1        $ 21.8        $ 65.4        $ 65.5    

Operating income

   $ 29.8        $ 16.8        $ 44.0        $ 74.7        $ 121.5    

Operating EBITDA*

   $ 47.9        $ 34.7        $ 61.1        $ 127.9        $ 172.5    

Foreign exchange gain (loss) on intercompany debt

   $       $ (0.3)       $       $ 0.3        $ (4.4)   

Income tax provision

   $ (5.1)       $ (7.9)       $ (6.6)       $ (19.2)       $ (21.8)   

Net income (loss)

   $ 11.9        $ (4.2)       $ 23.8        $ 16.5        $ 53.8    

Net income (loss) per common share:

              

Basic

   $ 0.18        $ (0.07)       $ 0.37        $ 0.25        $ 0.84    

Diluted

   $ 0.18        $ (0.07)       $ 0.37        $ 0.25        $ 0.83    

Common shares outstanding at period end

     64.7          64.7          64.5          64.7          64.5    

 

Summary Operating Highlights

 

              
     Q3      Q2      Q3      YTD      YTD  
     2016      2016      2015      2016      2015  

Pulp production (‘000 ADMTs)

     361.8          338.3          369.5          1,078.1          1,091.0    

Annual maintenance downtime (‘000 ADMTs)

     10.2          29.6          11.1          39.8          50.9    

Annual maintenance downtime (days)

     10          21          11          31          36    

Pulp sales (‘000 ADMTs)

     359.8          330.3          390.2          1,083.6          1,111.3    

Average NBSK pulp list price in Europe ($/ADMT)(1)

     810          798          843          800          862    

Average NBSK pulp list price in China ($/ADMT)(1)

     595          617          638          601          657    

Average NBSK pulp list price in North America ($/ADMT)(1)

     998          980          967          974          981    

Average pulp sales realizations ($/ADMT)(2)

     593          592          632          588          650    

Energy production (‘000 MWh)

     473.8          431.5          475.5          1,380.8          1,380.9    

Energy sales (‘000 MWh)

     208.4          190.3          214.8          606.0          610.5    

Average energy sales realizations ($/MWh)

     92          86          91          90          92    

Average Spot Currency Exchange Rates:

              

$ / €(3)

     1.1163          1.1295          1.1119          1.1166          1.1143    

$ / C$(3)

     0.7663          0.7762          0.7642          0.7578          0.7943    

 

(1)

Source: RISI pricing report.

(2)

Sales realizations after customer discounts, rebates and other selling concessions. Incorporates the effect of pulp price variations occurring between the order and shipment dates.

(3)

Average Federal Reserve Bank of New York Noon Buying Rates over the reporting period.

 

* Operating EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. See page 4 of the financial tables included in this press release for a reconciliation of net income to Operating EBITDA.


Page 2

 

President’s Comments

Mr. David M. Gandossi, Chief Executive Officer, stated:

 

   

“In the current quarter, our mills generally performed well, with normal levels of pulp and energy production resuming at our Celgar mill after a challenging second quarter and continued solid pulp production at our Stendal and Rosenthal mills;

 

   

Energy and chemical revenues in the current quarter of 2016 increased by about 10% from the prior quarter of 2016, as a result of increased energy sales, and by about 2% from the same quarter of 2015, as a result of increased chemical sales;

 

   

In the third quarter of 2016, pulp prices in Europe and North America were marginally higher than the prior quarter while prices in China decreased by about 4% compared to the prior quarter of 2016 due to the seasonal summer slowdown. As a result, our average pulp sales realizations were largely unchanged from the prior quarter of 2016. At the end of the current quarter, list prices in Europe, China and North America were approximately $810, $590 and $995 per ADMT, respectively;

 

   

Overall, fiber prices decreased by approximately 7% at our mills in the current quarter compared to each of the prior quarter and the same quarter of 2015, primarily as a result of a balanced wood market and strong sawmilling activity in both Germany and the Celgar mill’s fiber basket;

 

   

In the current quarter, Operating EBITDA increased to $47.9 million from $34.7 million in the second quarter of 2016 but declined from $61.1 million in the third quarter of 2015; and

 

   

In the current quarter, we had net income of $11.9 million, compared to a net loss of $4.2 million in the second quarter of 2016 and net income of $23.8 million in the third quarter of 2015.”

Mr. Gandossi continued: “During the current quarter, we continued to focus on high return projects to improve our operational efficiencies, including projects that improve our operational reliability and de-bottleneck certain processes. We are also moving forward with certain high value fiber logistics projects in Germany which, we hope, will further reduce our fiber costs and exposure to fiber supply risks.”

Mr. Gandossi concluded: “Currently, the NBSK pulp market is generally balanced, with world producer inventories at about 30 days’ supply. Looking forward to the fourth quarter of 2016, we currently expect overall steady pulp demand and stable pricing in Europe and China.”


Page 3

 

Quarterly Dividend

A quarterly dividend of $0.115 per common share will be paid on January 4, 2017 to all shareholders of record on December 22, 2016. Future dividends will be subject to Board approval and may be adjusted as business and industry conditions warrant.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2015

Total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2016 decreased by approximately 12% to $237.9 million from $270.9 million in the same quarter of 2015, primarily due to lower pulp revenues.

Pulp revenues in the third quarter of 2016 decreased by approximately 13% to $215.8 million from $249.1 million in the same quarter of 2015, due to lower sales volumes and lower pulp sales realizations.

Energy and chemical revenues in the third quarter of 2016 increased marginally to $22.1 million from $21.8 million in the same quarter of 2015, primarily due to higher chemical sales.

Pulp production decreased by approximately 2% to 361,800 ADMTs in the current quarter from 369,473 ADMTs in the same quarter of 2015. In the current quarter, we had an aggregate of 10 days (approximately 10,200 ADMTs) of annual maintenance downtime at our Rosenthal mill compared to 11 days (approximately 11,100 ADMTs) at such mill in the comparative quarter of 2015.

We estimate that annual maintenance downtime in the current quarter adversely impacted our Operating EBITDA by approximately $6.7 million, comprised of approximately $5.0 million in direct out-of-pocket expenses and the balance in reduced production. Many of our competitors that report their financial results using International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) capitalize their direct costs of maintenance downtime.

Pulp sales volumes decreased by approximately 8% to 359,791 ADMTs in the current quarter from 390,216 ADMTs in the same quarter of 2015, primarily due to lower sales to China as our Stendal mill allocated certain volumes to Europe as a result of better realizations, managed inventories ahead of its fourth quarter scheduled maintenance downtime and, in the comparative quarter, had near record sales.

In the current quarter of 2016, list prices for NBSK pulp in Europe and China declined from the same quarter of 2015, largely as a result of the strong dollar. Average list prices for NBSK pulp in Europe were approximately $810 per ADMT in the third quarter of 2016, compared to approximately $843 per ADMT in the same quarter of 2015. Average list prices for NBSK pulp in China and North America were approximately $595 per ADMT and $998 per ADMT, respectively, in the third quarter of 2016, compared to approximately $638 per ADMT and $967 per ADMT, respectively, in the same quarter of 2015.


Page 4

 

Average pulp sales realizations decreased by approximately 6% to $593 per ADMT in the third quarter of 2016 from approximately $632 per ADMT in the same quarter last year, primarily due to lower list prices largely resulting from the overall strength of the dollar which increases the cost of pulp for our customers primarily in Europe and China.

The impact of changes in the exchange rates for the dollar to the euro and the Canadian dollar on our dollar-denominated cash balances and receivables held at the mills reduced our operating income by $5.1 million when compared to the same quarter of the prior year.

Costs and expenses in the current quarter decreased by approximately 8% to $208.1 million from $226.9 million in the third quarter of 2015, primarily due to lower pulp sales volumes and fiber prices.

In the third quarter of 2016, operating depreciation and amortization was $17.9 million, compared to $16.9 million in the same quarter of 2015.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $10.1 million in the third quarter of 2016 from $12.5 million in the same quarter of 2015 due to lower costs associated with our completed NAFTA claim, for which we are awaiting a decision.

Transportation costs decreased by approximately 13% to $17.5 million in the current quarter from $20.0 million in the same quarter of 2015 primarily due to lower pulp sales volumes.

On average, in the current quarter overall fiber prices decreased by approximately 7% from the same quarter of 2015, primarily as a result of a balanced wood market and strong sawmilling activity in both Germany and the Celgar mill’s fiber basket. In the current quarter, in euro terms, average fiber prices in Germany were approximately 10% lower than the comparative quarter. In the current quarter, in Canadian dollar terms, average fiber prices for our Celgar mill were marginally lower than the comparative quarter.

In the third quarter of 2016, our operating income decreased by approximately 32% to $29.8 million from $44.0 million in the same quarter of 2015, primarily due to lower pulp sales realizations and sales volumes, partially offset by lower fiber prices.

Interest expense in the current quarter decreased to $12.8 million from $13.3 million in the same quarter of 2015, primarily as a result of lower indebtedness.

During the third quarter of 2016, income tax expense decreased to $5.1 million from $6.6 million in the same quarter of 2015 due to lower taxable income for our German subsidiaries.


Page 5

 

For the third quarter of 2016, we had net income of $11.9 million, or $0.18 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $23.8 million, or $0.37 per basic and diluted share, in the same quarter of 2015.

In the third quarter of 2016, Operating EBITDA decreased by approximately 22% to $47.9 million from $61.1 million in the same quarter of 2015, primarily due to lower pulp sales realizations and sales volumes, partially offset by lower fiber prices.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

Total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased by approximately 11% to $709.9 million from $795.4 million in the same period of 2015, primarily due to lower pulp revenues.

Pulp revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased by approximately 12% to $644.5 million from $729.9 million in the same period of 2015 due to lower pulp sales realizations and sales volumes.

Energy and chemical revenues remained essentially flat at $65.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $65.5 million in the same period of 2015.

Pulp production decreased marginally to 1,078,057 ADMTs in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from 1,090,963 ADMTs in the same period of 2015. In the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we had annual maintenance downtime of a total of 31 days (approximately 39,800 ADMTs), 25 days of which were scheduled and 6 days of which were unscheduled to effect additional work at our Celgar mill. In the comparative period of 2015, we had scheduled annual maintenance downtime of 36 days (approximately 50,900 ADMTs).

We estimate that such maintenance downtime in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 adversely impacted our Operating EBITDA by approximately $27.3 million, comprised of approximately $20.3 million in direct out-of-pocket expenses and the balance in reduced production. Many of our competitors that report their financial results using IFRS capitalize their direct costs of maintenance downtime.

Pulp sales volumes decreased marginally to 1,083,570 ADMTs in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to 1,111,257 ADMTs in the same period of 2015.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2016, list prices for NBSK pulp declined from the same period of 2015, largely as a result of the strong dollar and the impact of weakening hardwood pulp prices on NBSK pricing. Average list prices for NBSK pulp in Europe were approximately $800 per ADMT in the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to approximately $862 per ADMT in the same period of 2015. Average list prices for NBSK pulp in China and North America were approximately $601 per ADMT and $974 per ADMT, respectively, in the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to approximately $657 per ADMT and $981 per ADMT, respectively, in the same period of 2015.


Page 6

 

Average pulp sales realizations decreased by approximately 10% to $588 per ADMT in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from approximately $650 per ADMT in the same period last year primarily due to lower list prices.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the dollar weakened by approximately 3% against the euro, compared to December 31, 2015, which reduced our dollar-denominated cash and receivables held by our German mills and contributed to the negative impact due to foreign exchange of approximately $4.7 million when compared to the same period of the prior year.

Costs and expenses in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased by approximately 6% to $635.2 million from $673.9 million in the same period of 2015, primarily due to lower fiber prices, lower sales volumes and the reversal of a $7.2 million wastewater fee accrual at our Rosenthal mill.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2016, operating depreciation and amortization was $52.8 million, compared to $50.6 million in the same period of 2015.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $32.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $35.5 million in the same period of 2015 due to lower costs associated with our completed NAFTA claim.

Transportation costs decreased by approximately 11% to $50.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $57.4 million in the same period of 2015 primarily due to lower pulp shipments to China.

On average, in the nine months ended September 30, 2016, overall fiber prices decreased by approximately 7% from the same period of 2015, primarily as a result of a balanced wood market in both Germany and the Celgar mill’s fiber basket. In the nine months ended September 30, 2016, in euro terms, average fiber prices in Germany were approximately 9% lower than the comparative period of 2015. In the nine months ended September 30, 2016, in Canadian dollar terms, average fiber prices for our Celgar mill were marginally lower than the comparative period of 2015.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2016, our operating income decreased by approximately 39% to $74.7 million from $121.5 million in the same period of 2015, primarily due to lower pulp sales realizations, partially offset by lower fiber prices and the reversal of a wastewater fee accrual at our Rosenthal mill.

Interest expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased to $38.7 million from $40.6 million in the same period of 2015, primarily as a result of lower indebtedness.


Page 7

 

As a result of a weakening of the dollar versus the euro and Canadian dollar in the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded a non-cash gain on the foreign exchange translation of certain intercompany debt between Mercer Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, which increased our net income by $0.3 million.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we had other expenses of $0.6 million which included a loss of $0.5 million due to the write-off of certain deferred financing costs associated with our repurchase and cancellation of $23.0 million of our 2019 Senior Notes.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, income tax expense decreased to $19.2 million from $21.8 million in the same period of 2015 due to lower taxable income for our German subsidiaries.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we reported net income of $16.5 million, or $0.25 per basic and diluted share compared to net income of $53.8 million, or $0.84 per basic and $0.83 per diluted share, in the same period of 2015.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2016, Operating EBITDA decreased by approximately 26% to $127.9 million from $172.5 million in the same period of 2015, primarily as a result of lower pulp sales realizations, partially offset by lower fiber prices and the reversal of a wastewater fee accrual.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table is a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated:

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
              2016                        2015           
     (in thousands)  

Net cash from operating activities

   $ 111,179        $ 141,969    

Net cash used in investing activities

     (28,457)         (30,755)   

Net cash used in financing activities

     (44,145)         (22,335)   

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     3,195          (4,763)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 41,772        $ 84,116    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table is a summary of selected financial information as at the dates indicated:

 

     September 30,      December 31,  
               2016                          2015            
     (in thousands)  

Financial Position

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 141,401        $ 99,629    

Total current assets

   $ 429,364        $ 388,811    

Total current liabilities

   $ 119,218        $ 104,421    

Working capital

   $ 310,146        $ 284,390    
     

Total assets

   $ 1,233,411        $ 1,182,817    

Debt

   $ 624,642        $ 638,043    

Total liabilities

   $ 814,093        $ 799,841    

Total equity

   $ 419,318        $ 382,976    

As at September 30, 2016, we had approximately $132.6 million available under our revolving credit facilities.


Page 8

 

As a result of the weakening of the dollar versus the euro and the Canadian dollar as at September 30, 2016, we recorded a non-cash increase in the carrying value of our net assets, consisting primarily of our fixed assets, denominated in euros and Canadian dollars. This non-cash increase of approximately $38.7 million does not affect our net income, Operating EBITDA or cash flows but is reflected in our other comprehensive income (loss) and as an increase to our total equity.

Trading Symbol Change

Effective the open of markets on November 1, 2016, the symbol under which our common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange will change from “MRI.U” to “MERC.U”.

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 Friday, October 28, 2016 at 10:00 AM (Eastern Daylight Time). Listeners can access the conference call live and archived for thirty days over the Internet at http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/rdfmjm2h or through a link on the company’s home page at http://www.mercerint.com. Please allow 15 minutes prior to the call to visit the site and download and install any necessary audio software.

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. Words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “projects”, “intends”, “designed”, “will”, “believes”, “estimates”, “may”, “could” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. 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:

Jimmy S.H. Lee

Executive Chairman

(604) 684-1099

David M. Gandossi

Chief Executive Officer

(604) 684-1099

-FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW-


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2016      2015      2016      2015  

Revenues

           

Pulp

   $         215,835        $         249,141        $     644,519        $         729,924    

Energy and chemicals

     22,106          21,752          65,410          65,452    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     237,941          270,893          709,929          795,376    

Costs and expenses

           

Operating costs, excluding depreciation and amortization

     180,124          197,506          550,293          587,747    

Operating depreciation and amortization

     17,923          16,890          52,810          50,587    

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     10,073          12,465          32,128          35,530    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating income

     29,821          44,032          74,698          121,512    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
           

Other income (expenses)

           

Interest expense

     (12,791)         (13,275)         (38,718)         (40,635)   

Foreign exchange gain (loss) on intercompany debt

     21          (20)         304          (4,432)   

Other expenses

     (16)         (398)         (649)         (868)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other expenses

     (12,786)         (13,693)         (39,063)         (45,935)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before provision for income taxes

     17,035          30,339          35,635          75,577    
           

Current income tax provision

     (1,766)         (2,789)         (6,891)         (9,290)   

Deferred income tax provision

     (3,343)         (3,790)         (12,290)         (12,481)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 11,926        $ 23,760        $ 16,454        $ 53,806    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
           

Net income per common share

           

Basic

   $ 0.18        $ 0.37        $ 0.25        $ 0.84    

Diluted

   $ 0.18        $ 0.37        $ 0.25        $ 0.83    
           

Cash dividends declared per common share

   $ 0.115        $ 0.115        $ 0.345        $ 0.115    

 

(1)


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

     September 30,      December 31,  
     2016      2015  

ASSETS

     

Current assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $             141,401        $             99,629    

Restricted cash

     7,979          9,230    

Accounts receivable

     130,760          134,254    

Inventories

     143,623          141,001    

Prepaid expenses and other

     5,601          4,697    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     429,364          388,811    
     

Property, plant and equipment, net

     779,606          762,391    

Intangible and other assets

     7,922          8,461    

Deferred income tax

     16,519          23,154    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 1,233,411        $ 1,182,817    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     

Current liabilities

     

Accounts payable and other

   $ 118,193        $ 103,450    

Pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations

     1,025          971    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     119,218          104,421    
     

Debt

     624,642          638,043    

Interest rate derivative liability

     2,957          6,533    

Pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations

     26,161          25,374    

Capital leases and other

     22,555          12,299    

Deferred income tax

     18,560          13,171    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     814,093          799,841    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     

Shareholders’ equity

     

Common shares $1 par value; 200,000,000 authorized;

                            64,694,000 issued and outstanding (2015 – 64,502,000)

     64,656          64,424    

Additional paid-in capital

     331,641          329,246    

Retained earnings

     155,019          160,880    

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (131,998)         (171,574)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     419,318          382,976    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 1,233,411        $ 1,182,817    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

(2)


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2016      2015      2016      2015  

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities

           

Net income

   $         11,926        $         23,760        $         16,454        $         53,806    

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from

operating activities

           

Depreciation and amortization

     18,031          17,086          53,212          50,956    

Deferred income taxes

     3,343          3,790          12,290          12,481    

Foreign exchange (gain) loss on intercompany debt

     (21)         20          (304)         4,432    

Defined benefit pension plan and other post-retirement benefit plan expense

     446          533          1,320          1,627    

Stock compensation expense

     972          427          2,627          1,785    

Other

     1,598          1,109          2,857          2,377    

Defined benefit pension plan and other post-retirement benefit plan contributions

     (421)         (431)         (1,305)         (1,344)   

Changes in working capital

           

Accounts receivable

     (3,533)         10,623          8,968          (12,059)   

Inventories

     (7,695)         (2,054)         3,293          (7,702)   

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     11,980          18,522          11,877          36,593    

Other

     (190)         (1,695)         (110)         (983)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash from (used in) operating activities

     36,436          71,690          111,179          141,969    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
           

Cash flows from (used in) investing activities

           

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

     (8,562)         (9,413)         (28,977)         (28,184)   

Purchase of intangible assets

     (208)         (1,005)         (1,144)         (2,895)   

Decrease in restricted cash

     —          —          1,595          —    

Other

     (678)         27          69          324    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash from (used in) investing activities

     (9,448)         (10,391)         (28,457)         (30,755)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
           

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities

           

Repurchase of notes and repayment of debt

     —          —          (23,079)         (10,763)   

Dividend payments

     (7,440)         —          (22,293)         —    

Proceeds from (repayment of) revolving credit facilities, net

     7,662          (12,881)         7,662          (3,358)   

Payment of interest rate derivative liability

     —          —          (5,852)         (7,015)   

Other

     420          (578)         (583)         (1,199)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash from (used in) financing activities

     642          (13,459)         (44,145)         (22,335)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
           

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     1,120          (1,419)         3,195          (4,763)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
           

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     28,750          46,421          41,772          84,116    

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     112,651          90,867          99,629          53,172    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 141,401        $ 137,288        $ 141,401        $ 137,288    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
           

Supplemental cash flow disclosure

           

Cash paid for interest

   $ 1,396        $ 1,138        $ 26,031        $ 27,043    

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 2,954        $ 412        $ 12,265        $ 1,227    

 

(3)


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

COMPUTATION OF OPERATING EBITDA

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

Operating EBITDA is defined as operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges. We use Operating EBITDA as a benchmark measurement of our own operating results and as benchmarks relative to our competitors. We consider 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 actual cash costs, and depreciation expense varies widely from company to company in a manner that we consider largely independent of the underlying cost efficiency of our 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, or as an alternative to net cash from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Operating EBITDA is an internal measure and therefore may not be comparable to other companies. The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income to Operating EBITDA:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2016     2015      2016     2015  

Net income

   $     11,926      $     23,760       $     16,454      $     53,806   

Income tax provision

     5,109        6,579         19,181        21,771   

Interest expense

     12,791        13,275         38,718        40,635   

Foreign exchange (gain) loss on intercompany debt

     (21     20         (304     4,432   

Other expenses

     16        398         649        868   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     29,821        44,032         74,698        121,512   

Add: Depreciation and amortization

     18,031        17,086         53,212        50,956   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating EBITDA

   $ 47,852      $ 61,118       $ 127,910      $ 172,468   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(4)

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