EXHIBIT 99.1
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| FOR: | | MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC. |
| APPROVED BY: | | Jimmy S.H. Lee |
| | | Chairman & President |
| | | (604) 684-1099 |
| | |
| | | David M. Gandossi |
| | | Executive Vice-President & |
| | | Chief Financial Officer |
| | | (604) 684-1099 |
For Immediate Release | | |
| | | Financial Dynamics |
| | | Investors: Eric Boyriven, Alexandra Tramont |
| | | Media: Alecia Pulman |
| | | (212) 850-5600 |
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC. REPORTS 2005 FOURTH QUARTER
AND YEAR END RESULTS
NEW YORK, NY, March 3, 2006 — Mercer International Inc. (Nasdaq: MERC, TSX: MRI.U) today reported results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2005.
Summary Selected Highlights
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| | Three Months Ended | | | Year Ended | |
| | December 31, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
Results of Operations | | (unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
Revenues | | € | 137,478 | | | € | 89,201 | | | € | 513,908 | | | € | 237,212 | |
Income (loss) from operations | | | 145 | | | | (10,347 | ) | | | 16,344 | | | | (17,972 | ) |
Operating EBITDA(1) | | | 13,324 | | | | 1,580 | | | | 68,385 | | | | 17,172 | |
Interest expense Stendal | | | (15,797 | ) | | | (10,302 | ) | | | (56,789 | ) | | | (12,190 | ) |
Interest expense other | | | (7,743 | ) | | | (3,893 | ) | | | (30,071 | ) | | | (11,559 | ) |
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate and foreign currency derivative financial instruments, net(2) | | | (1,703 | ) | | | 13,213 | | | | (71,763 | ) | | | 12,136 | |
Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) on debt | | | (2,565 | ) | | | — | | | | (4,156 | ) | | | — | |
Net income (loss) | | | (29,773 | ) | | | 32,584 | | | | (117,146 | ) | | | 19,980 | |
Income (loss) per share | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | (0.90 | ) | | | 1.87 | | | | (3.75 | ) | | | 1.15 | |
Diluted | | | (0.90 | ) | | | 1.14 | | | | (3.75 | ) | | | 0.89 | |
Other Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total pulp sales volume(3) (ADMTs) | | | 291,046 | | | | 192,254 | | | | 1,101,304 | | | | 421,176 | |
Mill net pulp price realizations (per ADMT)(4) | | € | 413 | | | € | 389 | | | € | 407 | | | € | 423 | |
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(1) | | For a definition of Operating EBITDA, see page 7 of this press release and for a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Operating EBITDA, see page 11 of the financial tables included in this press release. |
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(2) | | Unrealized non-cash marked to market valuation gain (loss), except for a realized loss of€2.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2005. |
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(3) | | Excluding intercompany sales volumes of 3,638 ADMTs and 2,859 ADMTs of pulp in the three months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and 14,289 ADMTs and 6,756 ADMTs of pulp in the year ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. |
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(4) | | Excluding revenues from third party transportation activities. |
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results | | Page 2 |
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| | As at | | | As at | |
| | December 31, 2005 | | | December 31, 2004 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
Financial Position (Current) | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | € | 83,547 | | | € | 49,568 | |
Cash restricted | | | 7,039 | | | | 45,295 | |
Receivables | | | 74,315 | | | | 54,687 | |
Inventories | | | 81,147 | | | | 52,898 | |
Prepaid expenses and other | | | 5,474 | | | | 4,961 | |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | | | (111,513 | ) | | | (56,542 | ) |
Construction costs payable | | | (1,213 | ) | | | (65,436 | ) |
Debt, current portion | | | (27,601 | ) | | | (107,090 | ) |
Working capital (deficit)(1) | | | 111,195 | | | | (21,659 | ) |
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(1) | | Does not include approximately€7.0 million of government grants in 2005, which we expect to receive in 2006, and approximately€65.9 million of government grants in 2004, all of which we received in 2005, related to the Stendal mill from the federal and state governments of Germany. |
| | Certain key factors affecting our 2005 fourth quarter results include: |
| • | | Revenues increased by€48.3 million over the comparative period of 2004 to€137.5 million, primarily due to the inclusion of sales from our Celgar pulp mill. |
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| • | | Operating EBITDA increased to€13.3 million in the fourth quarter from€1.6 million in the comparative quarter of 2004 reflecting higher pulp sales and a contribution to income from operations of€4.9 million resulting from the sale of emission allowances. For a definition of Operating EBITDA, see page 7 of this press release and for a reconciliation of net loss to Operating EBITDA, see page 11 of the financial tables included in this press release. |
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| • | | Interest expense increased to€23.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2005 from€14.2 million in the comparative period of 2004 reflecting higher borrowings associated with the Stendal mill and interest on our $310 million 9.25% senior notes issued in February 2005. |
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| • | | The Stendal mill ramp up is proceeding substantially as scheduled. In the quarter, it operated at approximately 88% of its initial rated capacity. Its working capital build up, interest expense and start-up losses have been financed through its project loan facility according to plan. |
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| • | | We recorded a net loss of€1.7 million on our interest rate and currency derivatives in the fourth quarter of 2005, compared to a net gain of€13.2 million thereon in the comparative period of 2004. We also recorded an unrealized non-cash foreign exchange |
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results | | Page 3 |
| | | loss on our long-term debt of€2.6 million in the current quarter due to the weakening of the Euro versus the U.S. dollar. |
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| • | | Pulp markets were generally soft, but strengthened marginally from the third quarter of 2005. Average list prices for NBSK pulp in Europe were $580 per ADMT in the third quarter of 2005 and $600 per ADMT in the fourth quarter of 2005, compared to $603 per ADMT in the fourth quarter of 2004. The decrease in pulp list prices from the fourth quarter of 2004 was generally offset by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro. |
| | Certain key factors affecting our results for the year ended December 31, 2005 included: |
| • | | Revenues in 2005 increased by€276.7 million over the comparative period of 2004 to€513.9 million, because of higher sales at our Stendal mill and the inclusion of results from our Celgar pulp mill from February 2005. |
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| • | | Operating EBITDA increased to€68.4 million in 2005 from€17.2 million in 2004 reflecting higher pulp sales and a contribution to income from operations of€17.3 million resulting from the sale of emission allowances. For a definition of Operating EBITDA, see page 7 of this press release and for a reconciliation of net loss to Operating EBITDA, see page 11 of the financial tables included in this press release. |
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| • | | Interest expense increased to€86.9 million in 2005 from€23.7 million in 2004 because of€56.8 million of interest associated with the Stendal mill and€20.4 million of interest relating to our $310 million 9.25% senior notes. In 2004, most of the interest associated with the Stendal mill was capitalized until mid-September, when the mill was started up. |
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| • | | We recorded a net loss of€71.8 million on our interest rate and currency derivatives in 2005 (of which€69.3 million was an unrealized non-cash holding loss and€2.5 million was a realized loss), compared to a net gain of€12.1 million thereon in 2004 (of which€32.3 million was an unrealized non-cash holding loss and€44.4 million was a realized gain). |
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| • | | Pulp markets were generally weak in 2005. Average list prices for NBSK pulp in Europe decreased to approximately $610 per ADMT from approximately $616 per ADMT in 2004, but such decrease was partially offset by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro. The strengthening of the Canadian dollar from February 14, 2005, the date of the acquisition of the Celgar mill, by approximately 5.6% versus the U.S. dollar adversely affected the results of our Celgar mill. |
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results | | Page 4 |
Results of Operations — 2005 Fourth Quarter
Selected production and sales data for the three months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | |
| | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
| | (ADMTs) | |
Production by Product Class: | | | | | | | | |
Pulp production by mill: | | | | | | | | |
Rosenthal | | | 75,935 | | | | 82,785 | |
Celgar | | | 99,088 | | | | — | |
Stendal | | | 121,249 | | | | 132,694 | |
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Total pulp production | | | 296,272 | | | | 215,479 | |
Paper production | | | 15,514 | | | | 14,996 | |
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Total production | | | 311,786 | | | | 230,475 | |
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Sales Volume by Product Class: | | | | | | | | |
Pulp sales volume by mill: | | | | | | | | |
Rosenthal | | | 76,599 | | | | 78,471 | |
Celgar | | | 101,115 | | | | — | |
Stendal | | | 113,332 | | | | 113,783 | |
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Total pulp sales volume(1) | | | 291,046 | | | | 192,254 | |
Paper sales volume | | | 14,973 | | | | 14,781 | |
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Total sales volume(1) | | | 306,019 | | | | 207,035 | |
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Revenues by Product Class: | | (in thousands)
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Pulp revenues by mill: | | | | | | | | |
Rosenthal | | € | 34,135 | | | € | 34,190 | |
Celgar | | | 41,755 | | | | — | |
Stendal | | | 47,112 | | | | 41,673 | |
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Total pulp revenues(1) | | | 123,002 | | | | 75,863 | |
Paper revenues | | | 14,476 | | | | 13,338 | |
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Total revenues(1) | | € | 137,478 | | | € | 89,201 | |
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(1) | | Excluding intercompany sales volumes of 3,638 ADMTs and 2,859 ADMTs of pulp and intercompany net sales revenues of approximately€1.6 million and€1.0 million in the three months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. |
Revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2005 increased to€137.5 million from€89.2 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily due to the inclusion of sales from our Celgar mill. Pulp sales by volume were 291,046 ADMTs in the fourth quarter of 2005, compared to 192,254 ADMTs in the comparative period of 2004.
Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses in the fourth quarter of 2005 increased to€137.3 million from€99.5 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily as a result of the inclusion of the results of our Celgar mill.
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results | | Page 5 |
For the fourth quarter of 2005, revenues from our pulp operations increased to€123.0 million from€75.9 million in the same period a year ago, primarily as a result of the inclusion of sales from our Celgar mill. List prices for NBSK pulp in Europe were approximately€506 ($600) per ADMT in the fourth quarter of 2005, compared to approximately€446 ($603) per ADMT in the comparative period of last year.
Pulp sales realizations increased to€413 per ADMT on average in the fourth quarter of 2005 from€389 per ADMT in the fourth quarter of 2004, primarily as the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro enabled our German pulp mills to improve mill net selling prices.
Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses for the pulp operations increased to€123.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2005 from€87.6 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily due to the inclusion of the results of the Celgar mill. In the fourth quarter of 2005, we recorded a contribution to income from operations of€4.9 million resulting from the sale of emission allowances.
Depreciation for the pulp operations increased to€13.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2005, from€11.8 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily as a result of depreciation associated with the Celgar mill.
For the fourth quarter of 2005, our pulp operations generated operating income of€1.0 million, versus an operating loss of€10.7 million in the comparative quarter of 2004, primarily due to the higher operating income at our German pulp mills, partially offset by an operating loss at our Celgar mill. As NBSK pulp is generally quoted in U.S. dollars, the overall strengthening of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar reduced the sales realizations of our Celgar mill and negatively impacted its results.
Revenues from our paper operations in the current quarter increased to€14.5 million from€13.6 million in the same quarter of last year as a result of higher sales volumes and a change in the product mix.
Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses for the paper operations in the fourth quarter of 2005 increased to€14.6 million from€12.8 million in the comparative quarter of 2004.
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results | | Page 6 |
For the fourth quarter of 2005, our paper operations generated an operating loss of€0.1 million, compared to operating income of€0.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2004.
In the fourth quarter of 2005, we had income from operations of€0.1 million, compared to a loss from operations of€10.3 million in the same quarter last year. Interest expense in the fourth quarter of 2005 increased to€23.5 million from€14.2 million in the year ago period, due to higher borrowings relating to the Stendal mill and interest on our $310 million senior note issue completed in February 2005.
Stendal entered into certain foreign currency derivatives to swap all of its long-term bank indebtedness from Euros to U.S. dollars and certain currency forwards in 2005. Due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro, we recorded a net unrealized non-cash holding loss of€13.7 million before minority interests upon the marked to market valuation of such currency derivatives that were outstanding at the end of the current quarter and a marginal net loss before minority interests in respect of such currency derivatives that matured in the quarter. In the comparative quarter of 2004, we realized a gain of€29.7 million before minority interests upon the settlement of the currency derivatives of Rosenthal and Stendal. In the fourth quarter of 2005, as a result of an increase in long-term European interest rates, we also recorded a net unrealized non-cash holding gain of€12.0 million before minority interests on the marked to market valuation of the Stendal interest rate derivatives, compared to a net unrealized non-cash holding loss of€16.5 million before minority interests on the interest rate derivatives of Stendal and Rosenthal in the fourth quarter of 2004. We also recorded an unrealized non-cash foreign exchange loss on our long-term debt of€2.6 million in the current quarter due to the weakening of the Euro versus the U.S. dollar.
In the fourth quarter of 2005, minority interest, representing the two minority shareholders’ proportionate interest in the Stendal mill, was€0.6 million, compared to€(1.5) million in the fourth quarter of 2004.
We reported a net loss for the fourth quarter of 2005 of€29.8 million, or€0.90 per basic and diluted share, which reflected generally weak markets, increased interest expense of€23.5 million, the net realized and unrealized loss of€1.7 million on our interest rate and currency derivatives and the unrealized non-cash foreign exchange loss on our long-term debt of€2.6 million. In the fourth quarter of 2004, we reported net income of€32.6 million, or€1.87 per basic share and€1.14 per diluted share,
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results | | Page 7 |
which included an income tax benefit of€44.1 million relating to a reorganization of certain subsidiary companies.
We generated “Operating EBITDA” of€13.3 million and€1.6 million in the three months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Operating EBITDA is defined as income (loss) from operations plus depreciation and amortization and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges. Management uses Operating EBITDA as a benchmark measurement of its own operating results, and as a benchmark relative to its competitors. Management considers it to be a meaningful supplement to operating income as a performance measure primarily because depreciation expense and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges are not an actual cash cost, and depreciation expense varies widely from company to company in a manner that management considers largely independent of the underlying cost efficiency of their operating facilities. In addition, we believe Operating EBITDA is commonly used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate our financial performance.
Operating EBITDA does not reflect the impact of a number of items that affect our net income (loss), including financing costs and the effect of derivative instruments. Operating EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) or income (loss) from operations as a measure of performance, nor as an alternative to net cash from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Operating EBITDA has significant limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. For a reconciliation of net loss to Operating EBITDA, see page 11 of the financial tables included in this press release.
Results of Operations — 2005
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2005 increased to€513.9 million from€237.2 million in the comparative period of 2004, because of higher pulp sales resulting from the inclusion of a full year of results of our Stendal mill and the results of our Celgar mill from February 2005. Pulp sales by volume were 1,101,304 ADMTs in 2005, compared to 421,716 ADMTs in 2004.
Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses in the year ended December 31, 2005 increased to€497.6 million from€255.2 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily as a result of the inclusion of a full year’s results of our Stendal mill and the results of our Celgar mill. We commenced expensing all of the costs, including interest, relating to the Stendal mill effective September 2004 when the
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results | | Page 8 |
mill was started up, prior to which most of the costs, including interest, relating to the Stendal mill were capitalized during its construction.
In the year ended December 31, 2005, revenues from our pulp operations increased to€452.4 million from€182.5 million in 2004, primarily as a result of the inclusion of a full year’s sales of our Stendal mill and sales from our Celgar mill. List prices for NBSK pulp in Europe were approximately€490 ($610) per ADMT in 2005, compared to approximately€496 ($616) per ADMT last year. The decrease in NBSK pulp prices was partially offset by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro in 2005.
Pulp sales realizations decreased to€407 per ADMT on average in the year ended December 31, 2005 from€423 per ADMT in 2004, primarily as a result of lower price realizations of the Stendal and Celgar mills. The Stendal mill sold pulp at a discounted price as a result of its ramp up and the Celgar mill sells a large portion of its production in Asian markets which had lower prices than European markets.
Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses for the pulp operations increased to€434.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2005 from€190.4 million in 2004, primarily as a result of€322.0 million of operating costs related to the Stendal and Celgar mills. In the year ended December 31, 2005, we recorded a contribution to income from operations of€17.3 million resulting from the sale of emission allowances by our German pulp mills.
Depreciation for the pulp operations increased to€50.9 million in the current period, from€26.8 million in 2004, primarily as a result of€37.8 million of depreciation from the Stendal and Celgar mills, partially offset by lower depreciation at the Rosenthal mill.
For the year ended December 31, 2005, the pulp operations generated operating income of€23.9 million, versus an operating loss of€5.1 million last year, primarily as a result of higher operating income at our German pulp mills including income from operations of€8.3 million from our Stendal mill, partially offset by an operating loss at our Celgar mill. The overall strength of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar in 2005 negatively impacted the results of our Celgar mill.
Paper sales in the year ended December 31, 2005 were€61.5 million, compared with€55.0 million in the same period of last year as a result of higher sales volumes and a shift in the product mix at our paper mills.
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results | | Page 9 |
Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses for the paper operations in the year ended December 31, 2005 decreased to€63.8 million from€64.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2004.
For the year ended December 31, 2005, our paper operations generated an operating loss of€2.3 million, compared to an operating loss of€9.8 million in 2004, which included a non-cash impairment charge of€6.0 million in 2004.
In the year ended December 31, 2005, we had income from operations of€16.3 million, compared to a loss from operations of€18.0 million last year, primarily as a result of higher income from our German pulp mills. Interest expense in the year ended December 31, 2005 increased to€86.9 million from€23.7 million a year ago, due to interest associated with our $310 million senior note issue completed in February 2005 and higher borrowings relating to the Stendal mill. We capitalized most of the interest relating to the Stendal mill prior to its start up in mid-September 2004.
Due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro in 2005, we recorded a net unrealized non-cash holding loss of€66.1 million before minority interests upon the marked to market valuation of Stendal’s currency derivatives that were outstanding at the end of the 2005 period and a net realized loss of€2.2 million before minority interests in respect of such currency derivatives that matured during the period. In 2004, we recorded a realized gain of€44.5 million before minority interests upon the settlement of the currency derivatives relating to the Stendal and Rosenthal mills due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro in 2004. In 2005, as a result of a decrease in long-term European interest rates, we also recorded an unrealized non-cash holding loss of€3.2 million before minority interests on the marked to market valuation of the interest rate contracts relating to Stendal and a net realized loss of€0.3 million before minority interests upon the settlement of the interest rate contracts relating to Rosenthal. In 2004, we recorded a net unrealized non-cash holding loss of€32.3 million before minority interests on the marked to market valuation of the Rosenthal and Stendal interest rate contracts. We also recorded an unrealized non-cash foreign exchange loss on our long-term debt of€4.2 million in 2005 due to the weakening of the Euro versus the U.S. dollar.
In the year ended December 31, 2005, minority interest, representing the two minority shareholders’ proportionate interest in the Stendal mill, was€17.7 million, compared to€2.5 million in 2004.
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results | | Page 10 |
In 2005, we recorded an adjustment of€1.7 million for the non-cash impact of other-than-temporary impairment losses on our available-for-sale securities and a loan receivable.
We reported a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2005 of€117.1 million, or€3.75 per basic and diluted share, which reflected generally weak pulp markets, the realized and unrealized net losses on our currency and interest rate derivatives of€71.8 million and interest expense relating to our Stendal mill of€56.8 million, partially offset by a non-cash benefit for income taxes of€10.8 million. In 2004, we reported net income of€20.0 million, or€1.15 per basic share and€0.89 per diluted share, which included an income tax benefit of€44.2 million relating to the reorganization of certain of our subsidiary companies.
We generated “Operating EBITDA” of€68.4 million and€17.2 million in the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Operating EBITDA is defined as income (loss) from operations plus depreciation and amortization and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges. For a definition of Operating EBITDA, see page 7 of this press release and, for a reconciliation of net loss to Operating EBITDA, see page 11 of the financial tables included in this press release.
President’s Comments
Mr. Jimmy S.H. Lee, President and Chairman, stated: “In many respects, 2005 was a milestone year for our Company. During the year:
• | | We ramped up production at our Stendal mill and, in the last quarter, it operated at approximately 88% of its initial rated capacity. The production ramp up was largely in line with our plans and, in 2006, we currently expect it to operate at or slightly better than its initial rated capacity. The planned increase in production should lower Stendal’s unit costs of production. |
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• | | In December, we took approximately 11 days of planned downtime at the Stendal mill for maintenance and to install two new digesters. When these digesters are fully integrated, they are expected to increase Stendal’s production capacity to in excess of 600,000 ADMTs. |
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• | | We acquired the Celgar pulp mill with a rated capacity of approximately 430,000 ADMTs to expand our business, diversify our operations and revenues and better service our customers. We are implementing an approximately€20.0 million capital plan to improve efficiency and reliability and reduce its operating costs. The plan is also expected to increase the Celgar mill’s capacity to approximately 470,000 ADMTs. |
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results | | Page 11 |
• | | We established a new sales and marketing team to coordinate and supervise our global pulp sales to improve realizations by increasing our contracted regular business, focus on our most transport logical customers and better service customers on a global basis. As a result, in 2006 we are now handling the vast majority of North America pulp sales directly, increasing our contract business and lowering spot sales. Further, in 2006 we plan to materially increase our Celgar mill’s pulp sales to the North American market, which generally has higher pulp prices, by shifting product from certain Asian markets, which have lower prices. |
Mr. Lee continued: “Our fourth quarter results reflect generally soft pulp markets. List prices for NBSK pulp in Europe were $600 per ADMT in December and generally lower in Asia. Further, during the quarter, we took approximately 30 days of planned downtime across our three pulp mills for regular maintenance which reduced production by 38,159 ADMTs. Also, improvements in our Celgar mill’s production costs were more than offset by the negative impact on its results from the strength of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar. Despite these challenges, we continued our focus on improving efficiency and cost controls and, during the period, Operating EBITDA increased to€13.3 million from€1.6 million in the prior period.”
Mr. Lee continued: “NBSK list prices in Europe started the year at approximately $635 per tonne and declined to approximately $580 over the year before recovering somewhat to approximately $600 at year end. Prices in Asia, and in particular China, were generally much softer. Our non-cash marked to market loss for the year on our derivative instruments was€69.3 million. For the year, we reported interest expense of€86.9 million, which reflected both interest expense associated with the acquisition of our Celgar mill and a full year of interest expense related to the Stendal mill. In 2004, substantially all of the interest expense associated with the Stendal mill was capitalized until mid-September.”
Mr. Lee continued: “Looking forward, we are seeing improving pulp demand in all our markets which should result in some price improvement. List prices in Europe have now improved to approximately $620 per tonne and producers are seeking a further $20 per tonne price increase in the first quarter of 2006. In 2006, current list prices in Asian markets have also increased by approximately $50 per tonne compared to the 2005 fourth quarter levels.”
Mr. Lee further stated: “In addition, the recent continued softness in pulp markets has resulted in several mill shutdowns which has removed capacity from the market and other facilities are predicted to
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Mercer Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results | | Page 12 |
potentially be shut down. We believe that this shakeout of older, smaller and higher cost facilities will improve pricing and assist us in becoming a preferred supplier for customers seeking a long-term, stable and reliable supply of NBSK pulp.”
Mr. Lee concluded: “By focusing our production on large, modern and efficient NBSK pulp mills, we believe we are well positioned to realize on any improvements in NBSK pulp markets and to create value for our stakeholders.”
In conjunction with this release, Mercer International will host a conference call, which will be simultaneously broadcast live over the Internet. Management will host the call, which is scheduled for Monday, March 6, 2006 at 10:00 AM EST. Listeners can access the conference call live and archived over the Internet through a link at the company’s web site athttp://www.mercerinternational.com, or at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/playerlink.zhtml?c=62074&s=wm&e=1195268. Please allow 15 minutes prior to the call to visit the site and download and install any necessary audio software. A replay of this call will be available approximately two hours after the live call ends until March 13, 2006 at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). The replay number is (800) 642-1687, and the passcode is 4249268.
Mercer International Inc. is a global pulp and paper manufacturing company. To obtain further information on the company, please visit its web site athttp://www.mercerint.com/en/newsCurrent.cfm.
The preceding includes forward looking statements which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the Company’s actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. Among those factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: market conditions, competition and other risk factors listed from time to time in the company’s SEC reports.
-FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW-
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MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2005 and 2004
(Euros in thousands)
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| | December 31, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Current Assets | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | € | 83,547 | | | € | 49,568 | |
Cash restricted | | | 7,039 | | | | 45,295 | |
Receivables | | | 74,315 | | | | 54,687 | |
Inventories | | | 81,147 | | | | 52,898 | |
Prepaid expenses and other | | | 5,474 | | | | 4,961 | |
| | | | | | |
Total current assets | | | 251,522 | | | | 207,409 | |
Long-Term Assets | | | | | | | | |
Cash restricted | | | 24,573 | | | | 47,538 | |
Property, plant and equipment | | | 1,024,662 | | | | 936,035 | |
Investments | | | 6,314 | | | | 5,079 | |
Deferred note issuance and other costs | | | 8,364 | | | | 5,069 | |
Deferred income tax | | | 78,381 | | | | 54,519 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | 1,142,294 | | | | 1,048,240 | |
| | | | | | |
Total assets | | € | 1,393,816 | | | € | 1,255,649 | |
| | | | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | | | | | |
Current Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | | € | 111,513 | | | € | 56,542 | |
Construction costs payable | | | 1,213 | | | | 65,436 | |
Debt, current portion | | | 27,601 | | | | 107,090 | |
| | | | | | |
Total current liabilities | | | 140,327 | | | | 229,068 | |
Long-Term Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
Debt, less current portion | | | 922,619 | | | | 777,272 | |
Unrealized foreign exchange rate derivative loss | | | 61,979 | | | | — | |
Unrealized interest rate derivative loss | | | 78,646 | | | | 75,471 | |
Pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations | | | 17,113 | | | | — | |
Capital leases and other | | | 9,945 | | | | 9,035 | |
Deferred income tax | | | 14,444 | | | | 2,062 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | 1,104,746 | | | | 863,840 | |
| | | | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 1,245,073 | | | | 1,092,908 | |
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | | | |
Shares of beneficial interest | | | 181,586 | | | | 83,397 | |
Additional paid-in capital, stock options | | | 14 | | | | 14 | |
Retained earnings (deficit) | | | (47,970 | ) | | | 69,176 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | 15,113 | | | | 10,154 | |
| | | | | | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | 148,743 | | | | 162,741 | |
| | | | | | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | € | 1,393,816 | | | € | 1,255,649 | |
| | | | | | |
(1)
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except per share data)
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Revenues | | € | 137,478 | | | € | 89,201 | |
Costs and expenses: | | | | | | | | |
Cost of sales | | | 134,240 | | | | 93,736 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | 3,238 | | | | (4,535 | ) |
General and administrative expenses | | | (8,032 | ) | | | (5,812 | ) |
Sale (purchase) of emission allowances | | | 4,939 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | |
Income (loss) from operations | | | 145 | | | | (10,347 | ) |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Other income (expense): | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | | (23,540 | ) | | | (14,195 | ) |
Investment income | | | 873 | | | | 1,269 | |
Realized gain on derivative financial instruments | | | 199 | | | | 44,467 | |
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments | | | (1,703 | ) | | | (31,254 | ) |
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on debt | | | (2,565 | ) | | | — | |
| | | | | | |
Total other income (expense) | | | (26,736 | ) | | | 287 | |
| | | | | | |
Loss before income taxes and minority interest | | | (26,591 | ) | | | (10,060 | ) |
Income tax (provision) benefit | | | (3,780 | ) | | | 44,126 | |
| | | | | | |
Income (loss) before minority interest | | | (30,371 | ) | | | 34,066 | |
Minority interest | | | 598 | | | | (1,482 | ) |
| | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | € | (29,773 | ) | | € | 32,584 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) per share | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | € | (0.90 | ) | | € | 1.87 | |
| | | | | | |
Diluted | | € | (0.90 | ) | | € | 1.14 | |
| | | | | | |
(2)
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
(Euros in thousands, except per share data)
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Revenues | | € | 513,908 | | | € | 237,212 | |
Costs and expenses: | | | | | | | | |
Cost of sales | | | 484,425 | | | | 221,595 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | 29,483 | | | | 15,617 | |
General and administrative expenses | | | (30,431 | ) | | | (26,920 | ) |
Sale (purchase) of emission allowances | | | 17,292 | | | | — | |
Impairment of capital assets | | | — | | | | (6,000 | ) |
Flooding losses and expenses, less grant income | | | — | | | | (669 | ) |
| | | | | | |
Income (loss) from operations | | | 16,344 | | | | (17,972 | ) |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Other income (expense): | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | | (86,860 | ) | | | (23,749 | ) |
Investment income | | | 2,467 | | | | 2,948 | |
Unrealized foreign exchange loss on debt | | | (4,156 | ) | | | — | |
Realized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments | | | (2,455 | ) | | | 44,467 | |
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments | | | (69,308 | ) | | | (32,331 | ) |
Impairment of investments | | | (1,699 | ) | | | — | |
| | | | | | |
Total other income (expense) | | | (162,011 | ) | | | (8,665 | ) |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Loss before income taxes and minority interest | | | (145,667 | ) | | | (26,637 | ) |
Income tax benefit | | | 10,847 | | | | 44,163 | |
| | | | | | |
(Loss) income before minority interest | | | (134,820 | ) | | | 17,526 | |
Minority interest | | | 17,674 | | | | 2,454 | |
| | | | | | |
Net (loss) income | | € | (117,146 | ) | | € | 19,980 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) per share | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | € | (3.75 | ) | | € | 1.15 | |
| | | | | | |
Diluted | | € | (3.75 | ) | | € | 0.89 | |
| | | | | | |
(3)
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Corporate, | | | | |
| | Rosenthal | | | Celgar(1) | | | Stendal | | | Total | | | | | | | Other and | | | Consolidated | |
| | Pulp | | | Pulp | | | Pulp | | | Pulp | | | Paper | | | Eliminations | | | Total | |
Three Months Ended December 31, 2005 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sales to external customers | | € | 34,135 | | | € | 41,755 | | | € | 47,112 | | | € | 123,002 | | | € | 14,476 | | | € | — | | | € | 137,478 | |
Intersegment net sales | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,629 | | | | 1,629 | | | | — | | | | (1,629 | ) | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 34,135 | | | | 41,755 | | | | 48,741 | | | | 124,631 | | | | 14,476 | | | | (1,629 | ) | | | 137,478 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating costs | | | 27,034 | | | | 45,083 | | | | 38,881 | | | | 110,998 | | | | 12,097 | | | | (2,034 | ) | | | 121,061 | |
Operating depreciation and amortization | | | 2,936 | | | | 3,452 | | | | 7,083 | | | | 13,471 | | | | 289 | | | | (581 | ) | | | 13,179 | |
General and administrative | | | 1,396 | | | | 650 | | | | 2,056 | | | | 4,102 | | | | 2,200 | | | | 1,730 | | | | 8,032 | |
(Sale) purchase of emission allowances | | | (2,869 | ) | | | — | | | | (2,070 | ) | | | (4,939 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (4,939 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 28,497 | | | | 49,185 | | | | 45,950 | | | | 123,632 | | | | 14,586 | | | | (885 | ) | | | 137,333 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) from operations | | | 5,638 | | | | (7,430 | ) | | | 2,791 | | | | 999 | | | | (110 | ) | | | (744 | ) | | | 145 | |
Interest expense | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (23,540 | ) |
Investment income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 873 | |
Derivative financial instruments, net | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (1,504 | ) |
Foreign exchange loss on debt | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (2,565 | ) |
Impairment of investments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (26,736 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss before income taxes and minority interest | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | € | (26,591 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Three Months Ended December 31, 2004 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sales to external customers | | € | 34,190 | | | € | — | | | € | 41,673 | | | € | 75,863 | | | € | 13,572 | | | € | (234 | ) | | € | 89,201 | |
Intersegment net sales | | | 127 | | | | — | | | | 885 | | | | 1,012 | | | | — | | | | (1,012 | ) | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 34,317 | | | | — | | | | 42,558 | | | | 76,875 | | | | 13,572 | | | | (1,246 | ) | | | 89,201 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating costs | | | 25,408 | | | | — | | | | 45,676 | | | | 71,084 | | | | 11,498 | | | | (1,289 | ) | | | 81,293 | |
Operating depreciation and amortization | | | 3,585 | | | | — | | | | 7,711 | | | | 11,812 | | | | 616 | | | | 15 | | | | 11,927 | |
General and administrative | | | 2,773 | | | | — | | | | 2,431 | | | | 4,688 | | | | 646 | | | | 478 | | | | 6,328 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 31,766 | | | | — | | | | 55,818 | | | | 87,584 | | | | 12,760 | | | | (796 | ) | | | 99,548 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) from operations | | | 2,551 | | | | — | | | | (13,260 | ) | | | (10,709 | ) | | | 812 | | | | (450 | ) | | | (10,347 | ) |
Interest expense | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (14,195 | ) |
Investment and other income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,269 | |
Derivative financial instruments, net | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 13,213 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 287 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss before income taxes and minority interest | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | € | (10,060 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(4)
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
For the Years Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
(Euros in thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Corporate, | | | | |
| | Rosenthal | | | Celgar(1) | | | Stendal | | | Total | | | | | | | Other and | | | Consolidated | |
| | Pulp | | | Pulp | | | Pulp | | | Pulp | | | Paper | | | Eliminations | | | Total | |
Year Ended December 31, 2005 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sales to external customers | | € | 137,193 | | | € | 139,213 | | | € | 176,031 | | | € | 452,437 | | | € | 61,471 | | | € | — | | | € | 513,908 | |
Intersegment net sales | | | — | | | | — | | | | 6,308 | | | | 6,308 | | | | — | | | | (6,308 | ) | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 137,193 | | | | 139,213 | | | | 182,339 | | | | 458,745 | | | | 61,471 | | | | (6,308 | ) | | | 513,908 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating costs | | | 100,180 | | | | 131,521 | | | | 151,620 | | | | 383,321 | | | | 56,976 | | | | (7,913 | ) | | | 432,384 | |
Operating depreciation and amortization | | | 13,109 | | | | 10,535 | | | | 27,262 | | | | 50,906 | | | | 881 | | | | 254 | | | | 52,041 | |
General and administrative | | | 6,837 | | | | 5,935 | | | | 5,176 | | | | 17,948 | | | | 5,920 | | | | 6,563 | | | | 30,431 | |
(Sale) purchase of emission allowances | | | (7,271 | ) | | | — | | | | (10,021 | ) | | | (17,292 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (17,292 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 112,855 | | | | 147,991 | | | | 174,037 | | | | 434,883 | | | | 63,777 | | | | (1,096 | ) | | | 497,564 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) from operations | | | 24,338 | | | | (8,778 | ) | | | 8,302 | | | | 23,862 | | | | (2,306 | ) | | | (5,212 | ) | | | 16,344 | |
Interest expense | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (86,860 | ) |
Investment income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,467 | |
Derivative financial instruments, net | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (71,763 | ) |
Foreign exchange loss on debt | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (4,156 | ) |
Impairment of investments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (1,699 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Loss) income before income taxes and minority interest | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | € | (145,667 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Segment assets | | € | 344,473 | | | € | 260,461 | | | € | 746,346 | | | € | 1,351,280 | | | € | 21,892 | | | € | 20,644 | | | € | 1,393,816 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year Ended December 31, 2004 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sales to external customers | | € | 140,203 | | | € | — | | | € | 42,273 | | | € | 182,476 | | | € | 54,970 | | | € | (234 | ) | | € | 237,212 | |
Intersegment net sales | | | 1,949 | | | | — | | | | 885 | | | | 2,834 | | | | — | | | | (2,834 | ) | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 142,152 | | | | — | | | | 43,158 | | | | 185,310 | | | | 54,970 | | | | (3,068 | ) | | | 237,212 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating costs | | | 98,113 | | | | — | | | | 46,185 | | | | 144,298 | | | | 51,184 | | | | (3,031 | ) | | | 192,451 | |
Operating depreciation and amortization | | | 17,751 | | | | — | | | | 9,022 | | | | 26,773 | | | | 2,356 | | | | 15 | | | | 29,144 | |
General and administrative | | | 10,733 | | | | — | | | | 8,560 | | | | 19,293 | | | | 4,532 | | | | 3,095 | | | | 26,920 | |
Impairment of assets | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 6,000 | | | | — | | | | 6,000 | |
Flooding grants, less losses and expenses | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 669 | | | | — | | | | 669 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 126,597 | | | | — | | | | 63,767 | | | | 190,364 | | | | 64,741 | | | | 79 | | | | 255,184 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) from operations | | | 15,555 | | | | — | | | | (20,609 | ) | | | (5,054 | ) | | | (9,771 | ) | | | (3,147 | ) | | | (17,972 | ) |
Interest expense | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (23,749 | ) |
Derivative financial instruments, net | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 12,136 | |
Investment and other income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,948 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss before income taxes and minority interest | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | € | (26,637 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment assets | | € | 394,569 | | | € | — | | | € | 810,267 | | | € | 1,204,836 | | | € | 22,735 | | | € | 28,078 | | | € | 1,255,649 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
(1) | | The results of the Celgar pulp mill are from the date of its acquisition on February 14, 2005. |
(5)
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
Combined Condensed Balance Sheet
As at December 31, 2005
(Euros in thousands)
The terms of the indenture governing our 9.25% senior unsecured notes requires that we provide the results of operations and financial condition of Mercer International Inc. excluding its subsidiaries (“Mercer Inc.”) and our restricted subsidiaries under the indenture, collectively referred to as the “Restricted Group”. As at and during the year ended December 31, 2005, the Restricted Group was comprised of Mercer Inc., certain holding subsidiaries and Rosenthal, and the Celgar mill from the date of its acquisition on February 14, 2005. As at and during the year ended December 31, 2004, the Restricted Group was comprised of Mercer Inc., certain holding subsidiaries and Rosenthal, which was the only member of the Restricted Group with material operations during this period. We acquired the Celgar mill in February 2005 and, as a result, its operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 and financial condition at December 31, 2004 are not included for such periods. The Restricted Group excludes our paper operations and the Stendal mill.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2005 | |
| | Restricted | | | Unrestricted | | | | | | | Consolidated | |
| | Group | | | Subsidiaries | | | Eliminations | | | Group | |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | € | 48,790 | | | € | 34,757 | | | € | - | | | € | 83,547 | |
Cash restricted | | | — | | | | 7,039 | | | | — | | | | 7,039 | |
Receivables | | | 41,349 | | | | 32,966 | | | | — | | | | 74,315 | |
Inventories | | | 47,100 | | | | 34,047 | | | | — | | | | 81,147 | |
Prepaid expenses and other | | | 2,940 | | | | 2,534 | | | | — | | | | 5,474 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total current assets | | | 140,179 | | | | 111,343 | | | | — | | | | 251,522 | |
Cash restricted | | | — | | | | 24,573 | | | | — | | | | 24,573 | |
Property, plant and equipment | | | 404,151 | | | | 620,511 | | | | — | | | | 1,024,662 | |
Other | | | 10,533 | | | | 4,145 | | | | — | | | | 14,678 | |
Deferred income tax | | | 24,303 | | | | 54,078 | | | | — | | | | 78,381 | |
Due from unrestricted group | | | 46,412 | | | | — | | | | (46,412 | ) | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets | | € | 625,578 | | | € | 814,650 | | | € | (46,412 | ) | | € | 1,393,816 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | | € | 46,867 | | | € | 64,646 | | | € | - | | | € | 111,513 | |
Construction costs payable | | | — | | | | 1,213 | | | | — | | | | 1,213 | |
Debt, current portion | | | — | | | | 27,601 | | | | — | | | | 27,601 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities | | | 46,867 | | | | 93,460 | | | | — | | | | 140,327 | |
Debt, less current portion | | | 342,023 | | | | 580,596 | | | | — | | | | 922,619 | |
Due to restricted group | | | — | | | | 46,412 | | | | (46,412 | ) | | | — | |
Unrealized derivatives loss | | | — | | | | 140,625 | | | | — | | | | 140,625 | |
Other | | | 20,722 | | | | 6,336 | | | | — | | | | 27,058 | |
Deferred income tax | | | 1,851 | | | | 12,593 | | | | — | | | | 14,444 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 411,463 | | | | 880,022 | | | | (46,412 | ) | | | 1,245,073 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | 214,115 | | | | (65,372 | )(1) | | | — | | | | 148,743 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | € | 625,578 | | | € | 814,650 | | | € | (46,412 | ) | | € | 1,393,816 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
(1) | | Shareholders’ equity does not include government grants received or receivable related to the Stendal mill. Shareholders’ equity is impacted by the unrealized non-cash marked to market valuation losses on derivative financial instruments. |
(6)
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
Combined Condensed Balance Sheet
As at December 31, 2004
(Euros in thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2004 | |
| | Restricted | | | Unrestricted | | | | | | | Consolidated | |
| | Group | | | Subsidiaries | | | Eliminations | | | Group | |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | € | 45,487 | | | € | 4,081 | | | € | — | | | € | 49,568 | |
Cash restricted | | | — | | | | 45,295 | | | | — | | | | 45,295 | |
Receivables | | | 21,791 | | | | 33,060 | | | | (164 | ) | | | 54,687 | |
Inventories | | | 13,911 | | | | 38,987 | | | | — | | | | 52,898 | |
Prepaid expenses and other | | | 1,995 | | | | 2,966 | | | | — | | | | 4,961 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total current assets | | | 83,184 | | | | 124,389 | | | | (164 | ) | | | 207,409 | |
Cash restricted | | | 28,464 | | | | 19,074 | | | | — | | | | 47,538 | |
Property, plant and equipment | | | 213,678 | | | | 722,394 | | | | (37 | ) | | | 936,035 | |
Other | | | 5,936 | | | | 4,212 | | | | — | | | | 10,148 | |
Deferred income tax | | | 26,592 | | | | 27,927 | | | | — | | | | 54,519 | |
Due from unrestricted group | | | 43,467 | | | | — | | | | (43,467 | ) | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets | | € | 401,321 | | | € | 897,996 | | | € | (43,668 | ) | | € | 1,255,649 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | | € | 19,615 | | | € | 37,091 | | | € | (164 | ) | | € | 56,542 | |
Construction costs payable | | | — | | | | 65,436 | | | | — | | | | 65,436 | |
Debt, current portion | | | 15,089 | | | | 92,001 | | | | — | | | | 107,090 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities | | | 34,704 | | | | 194,528 | | | | (164 | ) | | | 229,068 | |
Debt, less current portion | | | 224,542 | | | | 552,730 | | | | — | | | | 777,272 | |
Due to restricted group | | | — | | | | 43,467 | | | | (43,467 | ) | | | — | |
Unrealized derivative loss | | | — | | | | 75,471 | | | | — | | | | 75,471 | |
Other | | | 1,878 | | | | 7,157 | | | | — | | | | 9,035 | |
Deferred income tax | | | 1,719 | | | | 343 | | | | — | | | | 2,062 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 262,843 | | | | 873,696 | | | | (43,631 | ) | | | 1,092,908 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | 138,478 | | | | 24,300 | | | | (37 | ) | | | 162,741 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | € | 401,321 | | | € | 897,996 | | | € | (43,668 | ) | | € | 1,255,649 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(7)
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
Combined Condensed Statements of Operations
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended December 31, 2005 | |
| | Restricted | | | Unrestricted | | | | | | | Consolidated | |
| | Group | | | Subsidiaries | | | Eliminations | | | Group | |
Revenues | | € | 75,890 | | | € | 61,588 | | | € | — | | | € | 137,478 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating costs | | | 71,655 | | | | 49,406 | | | | — | | | | 121,061 | |
Operating depreciation and amortization | | | 6,467 | | | | 7,372 | | | | (660 | ) | | | 13,179 | |
General and administrative | | | 3,466 | | | | 4,566 | | | | — | | | | 8,032 | |
(Sale) purchase of emission allowances | | | (2,869 | ) | | | (2,070 | ) | | | — | | | | (4,939 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) from operations | | | (2,829 | ) | | | 2,314 | | | | 660 | | | | 145 | |
Other income (expense) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | | (8,434 | ) | | | (15,972 | ) | | | 866 | | | | (23,540 | ) |
Investment income | | | 1,429 | | | | 310 | | | | (866 | ) | | | 873 | |
Derivative financial instruments, net | | | 199 | | | | (1,703 | ) | | | — | | | | 1,504 | |
Unrealized foreign exchange loss on debt | | | (2,565 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (2,565 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total other expense | | | (9,371 | ) | | | (17,365 | ) | | | — | | | | (26,736 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest | | | (12,200 | ) | | | (15,051 | ) | | | 660 | | | | (26,591 | ) |
Income tax (provision) benefit | | | 5,460 | | | | (11,389 | ) | | | 2,149 | | | | (3,780 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) before minority interest | | | (6,740 | ) | | | (26,440 | ) | | | 2,809 | | | | (30,371 | ) |
Minority interest | | | — | | | | 927 | | | | (329 | ) | | | 598 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | € | (6,740 | ) | | € | (25,513 | ) | | € | 2,480 | | | € | (29,773 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended December 31, 2004 | |
| | Restricted | | | Unrestricted | | | | | | | Consolidated | |
| | Group | | | Subsidiaries | | | Eliminations | | | Group | |
Revenues | | € | 34,317 | | | € | 56,130 | | | € | (1,246 | ) | | € | 89,201 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating costs | | | 25,408 | | | | 57,174 | | | | (1,289 | ) | | | 81,293 | |
Operating depreciation and amortization | | | 3,600 | | | | 8,327 | | | | — | | | | 11,927 | |
General and administrative | | | 3,251 | | | | 3,077 | | | | — | | | | 6,328 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 32,259 | | | | 68,578 | | | | (1,289 | ) | | | 99,548 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) from operations | | | 2,058 | | | | (12,448 | ) | | | 43 | | | | (10,347 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other income (expense) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | | 233 | | | | (11,989 | ) | | | (2,439 | ) | | | (14,195 | ) |
Investment income (expense) | | | 598 | | | | 1,607 | | | | (936 | ) | | | 1,269 | |
Derivative financial instruments, net | | | 13,517 | | | | (304 | ) | | | — | | | | 13,213 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total other income (expense) | | | 14,348 | | | | (10,686 | ) | | | (3,375 | ) | | | 287 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest | | | 16,406 | | | | (23,134 | ) | | | (3,332 | ) | | | (10,060 | ) |
Income tax benefit | | | 17,198 | | | | 26,928 | | | | — | | | | 44,126 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) before minority interest | | | 33,604 | | | | 3,794 | | | | (3,332 | ) | | | 34,066 | |
Minority interest | | | — | | | | (1,482 | ) | | | — | | | | (1,482 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | € | 33,604 | | | € | 2,312 | | | € | (3,332 | ) | | € | 32,584 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(8)
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
RESTRICTED GROUP SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
Combined Condensed Statements of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
(Euros in thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2005 | |
| | Restricted | | | Unrestricted | | | | | | | Consolidated | |
| | Group | | | Subsidiaries | | | Eliminations | | | Group | |
Revenues | | € | 276,406 | | | € | 243,810 | | | € | (6,308 | ) | | € | 513,908 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating costs | | | 230,039 | | | | 210,258 | | | | (7,913 | ) | | | 432,384 | |
Operating depreciation and amortization | | | 23,898 | | | | 28,143 | | | | — | | | | 52,041 | |
General and administrative | | | 19,025 | | | | 11,406 | | | | — | | | | 30,431 | |
Gain on sale of emission allowances | | | (7,271 | ) | | | (10,021 | ) | | | — | | | | (17,292 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from operations | | | 10,715 | | | | 4,024 | | | | 1,605 | | | | 16,344 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other income (expense) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | | (32,352 | ) | | | (57,323 | ) | | | 2,815 | | | | (86,860 | ) |
Investment income | | | 3,742 | | | | 1,540 | | | | (2,815 | ) | | | 2,497 | |
Derivative financial instruments, net | | | (295 | ) | | | (71,468 | ) | | | — | | | | (71,763 | ) |
Unrealized foreign exchange loss on debt | | | (4,156 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (4,156 | ) |
Impairment of investments | | | (1,699 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (1,699 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total other expense | | | (34,760 | ) | | | (127,251 | ) | | | — | | | | (162,011 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest | | | (24,045 | ) | | | (123,227 | ) | | | 1,605 | | | | (145,667 | ) |
Income tax (provision) benefit | | | (1,161 | ) | | | 12,008 | | | | — | | | | 10,847 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) before minority interest | | | (25,206 | ) | | | (111,219 | ) | | | 1,605 | | | | (134,820 | ) |
Minority interest | | | — | | | | 17,674 | | | | — | | | | 17,674 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | € | (25,206 | ) | | € | (93,545 | ) | | € | 1,605 | | | € | (117,146 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2004 | |
| | Restricted | | | Unrestricted | | | | | | | Consolidated | |
| | Group | | | Subsidiaries | | | Eliminations | | | Group | |
Revenues | | € | 142,152 | | | € | 98,128 | | | € | (3,068 | ) | | € | 237,212 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating costs | | | 98,113 | | | | 97,369 | | | | (3,031 | ) | | | 192,451 | |
Operating depreciation and amortization | | | 17,766 | | | | 11,378 | | | | — | | | | 29,144 | |
General and administrative | | | 13,828 | | | | 13,092 | | | | — | | | | 26,920 | |
Impairment of capital assets | | | — | | | | 6,000 | | | | — | | | | 6,000 | |
Flooding grants, less losses and expenses | | | — | | | | 669 | | | | — | | | | 669 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) from operations | | | 12,445 | | | | (30,380 | ) | | | (37 | ) | | | (17,972 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other income (expense) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | | (10,941 | ) | | | (14,298 | ) | | | 1,490 | | | | (23,749 | ) |
Investment income | | | 3,132 | | | | 1,306 | | | | (1,490 | ) | | | 2,948 | |
Derivative financial instruments, net | | | 13,242 | | | | (1,106 | ) | | | — | | | | 12,136 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total other income (expense) | | | 5,433 | | | | (14,098 | ) | | | — | | | | (8,665 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest | | | 17,878 | | | | (44,478 | ) | | | (37 | ) | | | (26,637 | ) |
Income tax benefit | | | 17,235 | | | | 26,928 | | | | — | | | | 44,163 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) before minority interest | | | 35,113 | | | | (17,550 | ) | | | (37 | ) | | | 17,526 | |
Minority interest | | | — | | | | 2,454 | | | | — | | | | 2,454 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | € | 35,113 | | | € | (15,096 | ) | | € | (37 | ) | | € | 19,980 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(9)
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
COMPUTATION OF OPERATING EBITDA
For the Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
| | | | | | | | |
| | For the Quarter Ended | | | For the Quarter Ended(1) | |
| | December 31, 2005 | | | December 31, 2004 | |
Net income (loss) | | € | (29,773 | ) | | € | 32,584 | |
Minority interest | | | (598 | ) | | | 1,482 | |
Income taxes (benefit) | | | 3,780 | | | | (44,126 | ) |
Interest expense | | | 23,540 | | | | 14,195 | |
Investment income | | | (873 | ) | | | (1,269 | ) |
Derivative financial instruments, net | | | 1,504 | | | | (13,213 | ) |
Foreign exchange loss on debt | | | 2,565 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | |
Income (loss) from operations | | | 145 | | | | (10,347 | ) |
Add: Depreciation and amortization | | | 13,179 | | | | 11,927 | |
| | | | | | |
Operating EBITDA(2) | | € | 13,324 | | | € | 1,580 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | For the Year Ended | | | For the Year Ended(1) | |
| | December 31, 2005 | | | December 31, 2004 | |
Net income (loss) | | € | (117,146 | ) | | € | 19,980 | |
Minority interest | | | (17,674 | ) | | | (2,454 | ) |
Income taxes (benefit) | | | (10,847 | ) | | | (44,163 | ) |
Interest expense | | | 86,860 | | | | 23,749 | |
Investment income | | | (2,467 | ) | | | (2,948 | ) |
Derivative financial instruments, net | | | 71,763 | | | | (12,136 | ) |
Foreign exchange loss on debt | | | 4,156 | | | | — | |
Impairment of investments | | | 1,699 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | |
Income (loss) from operations | | | 16,344 | | | | (17,972 | ) |
Add: Depreciation and amortization | | | 52,041 | | | | 29,144 | |
Impairment charge | | | — | | | | 6,000 | |
| | | | | | |
Operating EBITDA(2) | | € | 68,385 | | | € | 17,172 | |
| | | | | | |
| | |
(1) | | The results of the Celgar mill are not included for the three months and year ended December 31, 2004, respectively. |
|
(2) | | Operating EBITDA does not reflect the impact of a number of items that affect the Company’s net income (loss), including financing costs and the effect of derivative instruments. Operating EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) or income (loss) from operations as a measure of performance, nor as an alternative to net cash from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Operating EBITDA has significant limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP. |
(10)
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
COMPUTATION OF RESTRICTED GROUP OPERATING EBITDA
For the Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
| | | | | | | | |
| | For the Quarter Ended | | | For the Quarter Ended | |
| | December 31, 2005 | | | December 31, 2004 | |
Restricted Group(1) | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | € | (6,740 | ) | | € | 33,604 | |
Income taxes (benefit) | | | (5,460 | ) | | | (17,198 | ) |
Interest expense | | | 8,434 | | | | (233 | ) |
Investment and other income | | | (1,429 | ) | | | (598 | ) |
Derivative financial instruments, net | | | (199 | ) | | | (13,517 | ) |
Foreign exchange loss on debt | | | 2,565 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | |
Income (loss) from operations | | | (2,829 | ) | | | 2,058 | |
Add: Depreciation and amortization | | | 6,467 | | | | 3,600 | |
| | | | | | |
Operating EBITDA(2) | | € | 3,638 | | | € | 5,658 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | For the Year Ended | | | For the Year Ended | |
| | December 31, 2005 | | | December 31, 2004 | |
Restricted Group(1) | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | € | (25,206 | ) | | € | 35,113 | |
Income taxes (benefit) | | | 1,161 | | | | (17,235 | ) |
Interest expense | | | 32,352 | | | | 10,941 | |
Investment income | | | (3,742 | ) | | | (3,132 | ) |
Derivative financial instruments, net | | | 295 | | | | (13,242 | ) |
Foreign exchange loss on debt | | | 4,156 | | | | — | |
Impairment of investments | | | 1,699 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | |
Income from operations | | | 10,715 | | | | 12,445 | |
Add: Depreciation and amortization | | | 23,898 | | | | 17,766 | |
| | | | | | |
Operating EBITDA | | € | 34,613 | | | € | 30,211 | |
| | | | | | |
| | |
(1) | | The results of the Celgar pulp mill are not included for the three months and year ended December 31, 2004, respectively. |
|
(2) | | Operating EBITDA does not reflect the impact of a number of items that affect the Company’s net income (loss), including financing costs and the effect of derivative instruments. Operating EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) or income (loss) from operations as a measure of performance, nor as an alternative to net cash from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Operating EBITDA has significant limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP. |
# # #
(11)