MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC. - Quarter Report: 2007 September (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
þ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007
OR
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File No.: 000-51826
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Washington | 47-0956945 | |
(State or other jurisdiction | (I.R.S. Employer | |
of incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) |
Suite 2840, 650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6B 4N8
(Address of office)
(Address of office)
(604) 684-1099
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES þ NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer,
or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer o Accelerated Filer þ Non-Accelerated Filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act). YES o NO þ
The
Registrant had 36,285,027 shares of common stock outstanding as at November 6, 2007.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007
(Unaudited)
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 2
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 2
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
(Euros in thousands)
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
| 69,441 | | 69,367 | ||||
Receivables |
97,380 | 75,022 | ||||||
Note receivable, current portion |
5,998 | 7,798 | ||||||
Inventories (Note 4) |
96,791 | 62,857 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other |
6,356 | 4,662 | ||||||
Current assets of discontinued operations (Note 10) |
1,537 | 2,094 | ||||||
Total current assets |
277,503 | 221,800 | ||||||
Long-term assets |
||||||||
Cash, restricted |
33,000 | 57,000 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
949,046 | 972,143 | ||||||
Investments |
72 | 1 | ||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange rate derivative gain |
| 5,933 | ||||||
Deferred note issuance and other costs |
5,949 | 6,984 | ||||||
Deferred income tax |
18,016 | 29,989 | ||||||
Note receivable, less current portion |
4,239 | 8,744 | ||||||
1,010,322 | 1,080,794 | |||||||
Total assets |
| 1,287,825 | | 1,302,594 | ||||
LIABILITIES |
||||||||
Current liabilities |
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
| 91,293 | | 84,173 | ||||
Debt, current portion |
34,023 | 33,903 | ||||||
Current liabilities of discontinued operations (Note 10) |
610 | 1,926 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
125,926 | 120,002 | ||||||
Long-term liabilities |
||||||||
Debt, less current portion (Note 8) |
822,331 | 873,928 | ||||||
Unrealized interest rate derivative loss |
23,266 | 41,355 | ||||||
Pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations (Note 6) |
19,625 | 17,954 | ||||||
Capital leases |
5,350 | 6,202 | ||||||
Deferred income tax |
16,698 | 22,911 | ||||||
Other long-term liabilities |
3,714 | 1,441 | ||||||
890,984 | 963,791 | |||||||
Total liabilities |
1,016,910 | 1,083,793 | ||||||
Minority interest |
| | ||||||
SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Common shares (Note 8) |
202,845 | 195,642 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
134 | 154 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
30,181 | 15,240 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
37,755 | 7,765 | ||||||
Total shareholders equity |
270,915 | 218,801 | ||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
| 1,287,825 | | 1,302,594 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 3
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 3
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for income per share)
(Euros in thousands, except for income per share)
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
| 191,111 | | 171,248 | | 537,245 | | 463,510 | ||||||||
Costs and expenses |
||||||||||||||||
Operating costs |
149,440 | 117,186 | 429,637 | 358,740 | ||||||||||||
Operating depreciation and amortization |
14,284 | 13,465 | 42,003 | 41,790 | ||||||||||||
27,387 | 40,597 | 65,605 | 62,980 | |||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
5,930 | 5,839 | 19,494 | 19,891 | ||||||||||||
(Sale) purchase of emission allowances |
| | (766 | ) | (13,246 | ) | ||||||||||
Operating income from continuing operations |
21,457 | 34,758 | 46,877 | 56,335 | ||||||||||||
Other income (expense) |
||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(18,599 | ) | (23,041 | ) | (56,308 | ) | (68,769 | ) | ||||||||
Investment income |
2,791 | 1,080 | 5,986 | 4,083 | ||||||||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) on debt |
4,626 | (704 | ) | 7,229 | 11,469 | |||||||||||
Realized gain (loss) on derivative instruments (Note 5) |
| | 6,820 | (5,219 | ) | |||||||||||
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments (Note 5) |
(5,696 | ) | (14,473 | ) | 12,156 | 76,251 | ||||||||||
Total other (expense) income |
(16,878 | ) | (37,138 | ) | (24,117 | ) | 17,815 | |||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest from
continuing operations |
4,579 | (2,380 | ) | 22,760 | 74,150 | |||||||||||
Income tax benefit (provision) current |
(144 | ) | (302 | ) | (877 | ) | (524 | ) | ||||||||
deferred |
7,013 | 2,834 | (5,959 | ) | (39,864 | ) | ||||||||||
Income before minority interest from continuing operations |
11,448 | 152 | 15,924 | 33,762 | ||||||||||||
Minority interest |
(742 | ) | 5,976 | (785 | ) | 6,874 | ||||||||||
Net income from continuing operations |
10,706 | 6,128 | 15,139 | 40,636 | ||||||||||||
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations |
(10 | ) | 600 | (198 | ) | 1,101 | ||||||||||
Net income |
10,696 | 6,728 | 14,941 | 41,737 | ||||||||||||
Retained earnings (deficit), beginning of period |
19,485 | (12,961 | ) | 15,240 | (47,970 | ) | ||||||||||
Retained earnings (deficit), end of period |
| 30,181 | | (6,233 | ) | | 30,181 | | (6,233 | ) | ||||||
Net income per share from continuing operations (Note 3) |
||||||||||||||||
Basic |
| 0.30 | | 0.18 | | 0.42 | | 1.22 | ||||||||
Diluted |
| 0.26 | | 0.18 | | 0.40 | | 1.03 | ||||||||
Income per share |
||||||||||||||||
Basic |
| 0.29 | | 0.20 | | 0.41 | | 1.26 | ||||||||
Diluted |
| 0.26 | | 0.19 | | 0.39 | | 1.05 | ||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 4
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 4
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
(Euros in thousands)
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||
Net income |
| 10,696 | | 6,728 | | 14,941 | | 41,737 | ||||||||
Other comprehensive income: |
||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
11,665 | (943 | ) | 29,919 | 4,417 | |||||||||||
Pension plan additional minimum liability |
| (3 | ) | | (20 | ) | ||||||||||
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities |
(16 | ) | 22 | 71 | 712 | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
11,649 | (924 | ) | 29,990 | 5,109 | |||||||||||
Total comprehensive income |
| 22,345 | | 5,804 | | 44,931 | | 46,846 | ||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 5
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 5
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
(Euros in thousands)
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||
Net income |
| 14,941 | | 41,737 | ||||
Adjustments
to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities |
||||||||
Unrealized gains on derivatives |
(12,156 | ) | (71,032 | ) | ||||
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on debt |
(7,229 | ) | (11,469 | ) | ||||
Loss (gain) on sale of assets |
128 | (359 | ) | |||||
Operating depreciation and amortization |
42,003 | 42,815 | ||||||
Non-operating amortization |
194 | 205 | ||||||
Minority interest |
785 | (6,874 | ) | |||||
Deferred income taxes |
5,959 | 39,878 | ||||||
Stock compensation expense |
350 | 293 | ||||||
Pension and other post-retirement expense |
1,366 | 1,297 | ||||||
Other |
912 | 14 | ||||||
Changes in current assets and liabilities |
||||||||
Receivables |
(19,314 | ) | (14,936 | ) | ||||
Inventories |
(31,149 | ) | 11,940 | |||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
5,610 | (136 | ) | |||||
Other |
1,939 | (106 | ) | |||||
Net cash from operating activities |
4,339 | 33,267 | ||||||
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities: |
||||||||
Cash restricted |
24,000 | (25,388 | ) | |||||
Purchase of property, plant and equipment(1) |
(2,704 | ) | (23,978 | ) | ||||
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment |
538 | 5,000 | ||||||
Notes receivable |
4,720 | | ||||||
Pension and other post-retirement benefit funding |
(1,201 | ) | (1,352 | ) | ||||
Net cash from (used in) investing activities |
25,353 | (45,718 | ) | |||||
Cash flows used in financing activities: |
||||||||
Decrease in construction costs payable |
| (270 | ) | |||||
Proceeds from borrowings of notes payable and debt |
| 77,300 | ||||||
Proceeds from minority shareholders |
| 5,463 | ||||||
Repayment of notes payable and debt |
(26,865 | ) | (80,906 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from investment grants |
| 383 | ||||||
Repayment of capital lease obligations |
(4,222 | ) | (3,263 | ) | ||||
Issuance of shares of common stock |
305 | 145 | ||||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
(30,782 | ) | (1,148 | ) | ||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
1,764 | (575 | ) | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
674 | (14,174 | ) | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period(2) |
69,804 | 83,547 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period(3) |
| 70,478 | | 69,373 | ||||
(1) | Includes amounts received and recorded as a reduction of property, plant and equipment (approximately 9,100) upon the settlement of the Stendal engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract. | |
(2) | Includes amounts related to discontinued operations of: 2007 437 (2006 772) (Note 10) | |
(3) | Includes amounts related to discontinued operations of: 2007 1,037 (2006 428) (Note 10) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 6
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 6
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
(Euros in thousands)
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
||||||||
Cash paid during the period for: |
||||||||
Interest |
| 66,136 | | 75,996 | ||||
Income taxes |
397 | 310 | ||||||
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities: |
||||||||
Acquisition of production and other equipment under capital
lease obligations |
| 2,088 | | 3,465 | ||||
Common shares issued in satisfaction of floating rate note |
6,728 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 7
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 7
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 1. Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
The interim period condensed consolidated financial statements contained herein include the
accounts of Mercer International Inc. (Mercer Inc.) and its wholly-owned and majority-owned
subsidiaries (collectively, the Company). The Companys shares of common stock are quoted and
listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Market and the Toronto Stock Exchange, respectively.
The interim period condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company
pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).
The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial
statements, but certain information and footnote disclosure normally included in financial
statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such SEC rules and regulations. The interim
period condensed consolidated financial statements should be read together with the audited
consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Companys latest annual
report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. In the opinion of the Company,
the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained herein contain all adjustments
necessary to present a fair statement of the results of the interim periods presented. The results
for the periods presented herein may not be indicative of the results for the entire year.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 8
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 8
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 1. Basis of Presentation (continued)
New Accounting Standards
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (FAS 157). FAS 157 defines fair value,
establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value
measurements. It is applicable whenever another standard requires or permits assets or liabilities
to be measured at fair value, but it does not expand the use of fair value to any new
circumstances. FAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning
after November 15, 2007. The Company is in the process of determining the impact, if any, the
adoption of FAS 157 will have on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair
Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (FAS 159). FAS 159 permits entities
to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value, with the
objective of improving financial reporting by mitigating volatility in reported earnings caused by
measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge
accounting provisions. The provisions of FAS 159 are effective for the Companys year ending
December 31, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of
this statement will have on the Companys consolidated financial position, results of operations
and disclosures.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 9
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 9
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 2. Stock-Based Compensation
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, Share-Based Payment
(FAS 123R), on January 1, 2006. This statement requires the Company to recognize the cost of
employee services received in exchange for the Companys equity instruments. Under FAS 123R, the
Company is required to record compensation expense over an awards vesting period based on the
awards fair value at the date of grant. The Company elected to adopt FAS 123R on a modified
prospective basis.
Stock Options
The Company has a non-qualified stock option plan which provides for options to be granted to
officers and employees to acquire a maximum of 3,600,000 common shares including options for
130,000 shares to directors who are not officers or employees. During 2004, the Company adopted a
stock incentive plan which provides for options, stock appreciation rights and restricted shares to
be awarded to employees and outside directors to a maximum of 1,000,000 common shares.
Following is a summary of the status of options outstanding at September 30, 2007:
Outstanding Options | Exercisable Options | |||||||||||||||||||
Weighted | ||||||||||||||||||||
Average | Weighted | Weighted | ||||||||||||||||||
Exercise | Remaining | Average | Average | |||||||||||||||||
Price Range | Number | Contractual Life | Exercise price | Number | Exercise Price | |||||||||||||||
(In U.S. Dollars) | (Years) | (In U.S. Dollars) | (In U.S. Dollars) | |||||||||||||||||
$5.65-6.375
|
830,000 | 2.75 | $ | 6.29 | 830,000 | $ | 6.29 | |||||||||||||
7.30
|
30,000 | 7.75 | 7.30 | 30,000 | 7.30 | |||||||||||||||
7.92
|
68,334 | 8.00 | 7.92 | 68,334 | 7.92 |
During the three month period ended September 30, 2007,
no options were exercised or cancelled while 135,000 options
expired. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2007, 30,000 options were exercised at
an exercise price of $6.375 and 26,666 options were exercised at an exercise price of $7.92 for
cash proceeds of $402,435. 5,000 options were cancelled during the period, and 135,000 options
expired during the period. The average intrinsic value of the options exercised was $4.58 per
option. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2006,
no options were exercised, cancelled or expired.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 10
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 10
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 2. Stock-Based Compensation (continued)
Restricted Stock
The fair value of restricted stock is determined based upon the number of shares granted and the
quoted price of the Companys stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock generally vests over two
years. Expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Expense recognized
for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 were 88 (2006 85) and 231 (2006
- 292), respectively.
As at September 30, 2007, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted
stock amounted to 173, which will be amortized over their remaining vesting period.
During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007, there were restricted stock
awards granted of an aggregate of 21,000 (2006 10,000) and 21,000 (2006 20,000), respectively,
of our common shares to independent directors and officers of the Company. During the nine month
period ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, no restricted stock awards were cancelled.
As at September 30, 2007, the total number of restricted stock awards outstanding was 211,686.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 11
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 11
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 3. Income Per Share
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||
Net income from continuing operations basic |
| 10,706 | | 6,128 | | 15,139 | | 40,636 | ||||||||
Interest on convertible notes, net of tax |
1,050 | 1,810 | 2,956 | 4,576 | ||||||||||||
Net income from continuing operations diluted |
| 11,756 | | 7,938 | | 18,095 | | 45,212 | ||||||||
Net income from continuing operations per share: |
||||||||||||||||
Basic |
| 0.30 | | 0.18 | | 0.42 | | 1.22 | ||||||||
Diluted |
| 0.26 | | 0.18 | | 0.40 | | 1.03 | ||||||||
Net income from continuing operations |
| 10,706 | | 6,128 | | 15,139 | | 40,636 | ||||||||
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations |
(10 | ) | 600 | (198 | ) | 1,101 | ||||||||||
Net income basic |
10,696 | 6,728 | 14,941 | 41,737 | ||||||||||||
Interest on convertible notes, net of tax |
1,050 | 1,810 | 2,956 | 4,576 | ||||||||||||
Net income diluted |
| 11,746 | | 8,538 | | 17,897 | | 46,313 | ||||||||
Net income per share: |
||||||||||||||||
Basic |
| 0.29 | | 0.20 | | 0.41 | | 1.26 | ||||||||
Diluted |
| 0.26 | | 0.19 | | 0.39 | | 1.05 | ||||||||
Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding: |
||||||||||||||||
Basic |
36,284,343 | 33,180,444 | 36,012,152 | 33,173,279 | ||||||||||||
Effect of dilutive shares: |
||||||||||||||||
Stock options and awards |
285,684 | 313,946 | 405,326 | 284,589 | ||||||||||||
Convertible notes |
8,678,065 | 10,645,161 | 8,920,022 | 10,645,161 | ||||||||||||
Diluted |
45,248,092 | 44,139,551 | 45,337,500 | 44,103,029 | ||||||||||||
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 12
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 12
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 4. Inventories
September 30, 2007 | December 31, 2006 | |||||||
Raw materials |
| 71,372 | | 38,905 | ||||
Work in process and finished goods |
25,419 | 23,952 | ||||||
| 96,791 | | 62,857 | |||||
Note 5. Derivatives Transactions
Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Unrealized net loss on interest rate derivatives |
| (5,696 | ) | | (9,702 | ) | ||
Unrealized net loss on foreign exchange derivatives |
| (4,771 | ) | |||||
Unrealized net loss on derivative financial instruments |
| (5,696 | ) | | (14,473 | ) | ||
Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Realized net gain (loss) on foreign exchange derivatives |
| 6,820 | | (5,219 | ) | |||
Unrealized net gain on interest rate derivatives |
| 18,089 | | 26,624 | ||||
Unrealized net (loss) gain on foreign exchange derivatives |
(5,933 | ) | 49,627 | |||||
Unrealized net gain on derivative financial instruments |
| 12,156 | | 76,251 | ||||
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 13
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 13
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 6. Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Obligations
Included in pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations are amounts related to the
Companys Celgar and German pulp mills.
The largest component of this obligation is with respect to the Celgar mill which maintains defined
benefit pension and post-retirement benefit plans for certain employees. Pension benefits are based
on employees earnings and years of service. The pension plans are funded by contributions from the
Company based on actuarial estimates and statutory requirements. Pension contributions for the
three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 totaled 367 (2006 445) and 1,201 (2006 -
1,352), respectively.
The Company anticipates based on actuarial estimates that it will make contributions to the pension
plan of approximately 1,375 (C$ 2,041) in 2007.
Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||||
Post- | Post- | |||||||||||||||
Pension | Retirement | Pension | Retirement | |||||||||||||
Benefits | Benefits | Benefits | Benefits | |||||||||||||
Service cost |
| 215 | | 121 | | 219 | | 112 | ||||||||
Interest cost |
349 | 190 | 345 | 186 | ||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
(428 | ) | | (384 | ) | | ||||||||||
Recognized net loss |
| 16 | | 25 | ||||||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost |
| 136 | | 327 | | 180 | | 323 | ||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||||
Post- | Post- | |||||||||||||||
Pension | Retirement | Pension | Retirement | |||||||||||||
Benefits | Benefits | Benefits | Benefits | |||||||||||||
Service cost |
| 623 | | 351 | | 667 | | 339 | ||||||||
Interest cost |
1,014 | 551 | 1,051 | 568 | ||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
(1,241 | ) | | (1,170 | ) | | ||||||||||
Recognized net loss |
| 46 | | 75 | ||||||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost |
| 396 | | 948 | | 548 | | 982 | ||||||||
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 14
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 14
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 7. Income Taxes
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes -
An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for
uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entitys financial statements in accordance with FASB
Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, and prescribes a recognition threshold and
measurement attributes for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be
taken on a tax return. Under FIN 48, the impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income
tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more likely than not to be sustained
upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be
recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Additionally, FIN 48 provides
guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods,
disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.
The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation
of FIN 48, the Company recognized no adjustment in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits.
As at the adoption date of January 1, 2007, the Company had approximately 18.6 million of total
gross unrecognized tax benefits, substantially all of which would affect our effective tax rate if
recognized.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax
expense. During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company recognized approximately Nil in
penalties and interest. The Company had Nil for the payment of interest and penalties accrued at
December 31, 2006. Upon adoption of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007, the Company had no change in its
accrual for interest and penalties from Nil.
The Company and/or one or more of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the United States,
Germany and Canada. The Company is generally not subject to U.S., German or Canadian income tax
examinations for tax years before 2003, 2001 and 2004, respectively.
Note 8. Common Shares
At September 30, 2007, the Company had outstanding 36,285,027 common shares with a par value of
$1.00 per share (2006 33,189,140 shares).
On March 30, 2007, under the terms of a note payable to a third party, the Company at its sole
option satisfied the principal amount of the note of 6,728 by issuing 742,185 common shares of the
Company. The value of the shares paid was determined based on the 20-day trading day average
closing price for the Companys shares which was $12.09. The accrued interest outstanding on the
note of 115 was paid on this date.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 15
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 15
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 9. Restricted Group Supplemental Disclosure
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. and our restricted
subsidiaries under the indenture, collectively referred to as the Restricted Group. As at and
during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Restricted Group was comprised of
Mercer International Inc., certain holding subsidiaries and our Rosenthal and Celgar mills. The
Restricted Group excludes the Stendal mill and up to December 31, 2006 the discontinued paper
operations.
Combined Condensed Balance Sheet
September 30, 2007 | ||||||||||||||||
Restricted | Unrestricted | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||
Group | Subsidiaries | Eliminations | Group | |||||||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
| 48,993 | | 20,448 | | | | 69,441 | ||||||||
Receivables |
46,413 | 50,967 | | 97,380 | ||||||||||||
Note receivable, current portion |
599 | 5,399 | | 5,998 | ||||||||||||
Inventories |
57,161 | 39,630 | | 96,791 | ||||||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other |
3,762 | 2,594 | | 6,356 | ||||||||||||
Current assets from discontinued operations |
1,537 | | | 1,537 | ||||||||||||
Total current assets |
158,465 | 119,038 | | 277,503 | ||||||||||||
Cash, restricted |
| 33,000 | | 33,000 | ||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
395,864 | 553,182 | | 949,046 | ||||||||||||
Other |
6,021 | | | 6,021 | ||||||||||||
Deferred income tax |
11,233 | 6,783 | | 18,016 | ||||||||||||
Due from unrestricted group |
56,561 | | (56,561 | ) | | |||||||||||
Note receivable, less current portion |
4,239 | | | 4,239 | ||||||||||||
Total assets |
| 632,383 | | 712,003 | | (56,561 | ) | | 1,287,825 | |||||||
LIABILITIES |
||||||||||||||||
Current |
||||||||||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
| 46,023 | | 45,270 | | | | 91,293 | ||||||||
Debt, current portion |
| 34,023 | | 34,023 | ||||||||||||
Current liabilities from discontinued
operations |
610 | | | 610 | ||||||||||||
Total current liabilities |
46,633 | 79,293 | | 125,926 | ||||||||||||
Debt, less current portion |
280,847 | 541,484 | | 822,331 | ||||||||||||
Due to restricted group |
| 56,561 | (56,561 | ) | | |||||||||||
Unrealized derivative loss |
| 23,266 | | 23,266 | ||||||||||||
Capital leases |
3,847 | 1,503 | | 5,350 | ||||||||||||
Deferred income tax |
4,214 | 12,484 | | 16,698 | ||||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities |
23,327 | 12 | | 23,339 | ||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
358,868 | 714,603 | (56,561 | ) | 1,016,910 | |||||||||||
SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||||||||||
Total shareholders equity (deficit) |
273,515 | (2,600 | ) | | 270,915 | |||||||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
| 632,383 | | 712,003 | | (56,561 | ) | | 1,287,825 | |||||||
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 16
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 16
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 9. Restricted Group Supplemental Disclosure (continued)
Combined Condensed Balance Sheet
December 31, 2006 | ||||||||||||||||
Restricted | Unrestricted | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||
Group | Subsidiaries | Eliminations | Group | |||||||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||||||||||
Current |
||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
| 39,078 | | 30,289 | | | | 69,367 | ||||||||
Receivables |
38,662 | 36,360 | | 75,022 | ||||||||||||
Note receivable, current portion |
620 | 7,178 | | 7,798 | ||||||||||||
Inventories |
41,087 | 21,770 | | 62,857 | ||||||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other |
2,352 | 2,310 | | 4,662 | ||||||||||||
Current assets of discontinued operations |
| 2,094 | | 2,094 | ||||||||||||
Total current assets |
121,799 | 100,001 | | 221,800 | ||||||||||||
Cash, restricted |
| 57,000 | | 57,000 | ||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
408,957 | 563,186 | | 972,143 | ||||||||||||
Other |
8,155 | 4,763 | | 12,918 | ||||||||||||
Deferred income tax |
14,316 | 15,673 | | 29,989 | ||||||||||||
Due from unrestricted group |
51,265 | | (51,265 | ) | | |||||||||||
Note receivable, less current portion |
5,023 | 3,721 | | 8,744 | ||||||||||||
Total assets |
| 609,515 | | 744,344 | | (51,265 | ) | | 1,302,594 | |||||||
LIABILITIES |
||||||||||||||||
Current |
||||||||||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
| 46,838 | | 37,335 | | | | 84,173 | ||||||||
Debt, current portion |
| 33,903 | | 33,903 | ||||||||||||
Current liabilities from discontinued operations |
| 1,926 | | 1,926 | ||||||||||||
Total current liabilities |
46,838 | 73,164 | | 120,002 | ||||||||||||
Debt, less current portion |
293,781 | 580,147 | | 873,928 | ||||||||||||
Due to restricted group |
| 51,265 | (51,265 | ) | | |||||||||||
Unrealized derivative loss |
| 41,355 | | 41,355 | ||||||||||||
Capital leases |
2,720 | 3,482 | | 6,202 | ||||||||||||
Deferred income tax |
2,832 | 20,079 | | 22,911 | ||||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities |
19,395 | | | 19,395 | ||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
365,566 | 769,492 | (51,265 | ) | 1,083,793 | |||||||||||
SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||||||||||
Total shareholders equity (deficit) |
243,949 | (25,148 | ) | | 218,801 | |||||||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
| 609,515 | | 744,344 | | (51,265 | ) | | 1,302,594 | |||||||
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 17
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 17
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 9. Restricted Group Supplemental Disclosure (continued)
Combined Condensed Statement of Operations
Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 | ||||||||||||||||
Restricted | Unrestricted | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||
Group | Subsidiaries | Eliminations | Group | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
| 106,530 | | 84,581 | | | | 191,111 | ||||||||
Operating costs |
84,769 | 64,671 | | 149,440 | ||||||||||||
Operating depreciation and amortization |
7,419 | 6,865 | | 14,284 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
3,386 | 2,544 | | 5,930 | ||||||||||||
(Sale) purchase of emission allowances |
| | | | ||||||||||||
95,574 | 74,080 | | 169,654 | |||||||||||||
Operating income from continuing operations |
10,956 | 10,501 | | 21,457 | ||||||||||||
Other income (expense)
|
||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(6,996 | ) | (12,540 | ) | 937 | (18,599 | ) | |||||||||
Investment income |
1,321 | 2,407 | (937 | ) | 2,791 | |||||||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on debt |
4,545 | 81 | | 4,626 | ||||||||||||
Derivative financial instruments, net |
| (5,696 | ) | | (5,696 | ) | ||||||||||
Total other expense |
(1,130 | ) | (15,748 | ) | | (16,878 | ) | |||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes and
minority interest from continuing operations |
9,826 | (5,247 | ) | | 4,579 | |||||||||||
Income tax benefit (provision) - current |
(13 | ) | (131 | ) | | (144 | ) | |||||||||
- deferred |
(770 | ) | 7,783 | | 7,013 | |||||||||||
Income before minority interest from
continuing operations |
9,043 | 2,405 | | 11,448 | ||||||||||||
Minority interest |
| (742 | ) | | (742 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income from continuing operations |
9,043 | 1,663 | | 10,706 | ||||||||||||
Net loss from discontinued operations |
(10 | ) | | | (10 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income |
| 9,033 | | 1,663 | | | | 10,696 | ||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 | ||||||||||||||||
Restricted | Unrestricted | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||
Group | Subsidiaries | Eliminations | Group | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
| 95,779 | | 75,469 | | | | 171,248 | ||||||||
Operating costs |
65,595 | 51,591 | | 117,186 | ||||||||||||
Operating depreciation and amortization |
6,383 | 7,082 | | 13,465 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
3,399 | 2,440 | | 5,839 | ||||||||||||
(Sale) purchase of emission allowances |
| | | | ||||||||||||
75,377 | 61,113 | | 136,490 | |||||||||||||
Operating income from continuing operations |
20,402 | 14,356 | | 34,758 | ||||||||||||
Other income (expense)
|
||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(8,160 | ) | (15,776 | ) | 895 | (23,041 | ) | |||||||||
Investment income |
1,142 | 833 | (895 | ) | 1,080 | |||||||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange loss on debt |
(704 | ) | | | (704 | ) | ||||||||||
Derivative financial instruments, net |
| (14,473 | ) | | (14,473 | ) | ||||||||||
Total other expense |
(7,722 | ) | (29,416 | ) | | (37,138 | ) | |||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes and
minority interest from continuing operations |
12,680 | (15,060 | ) | | (2,380 | ) | ||||||||||
Income tax benefit (provision) - current |
(100 | ) | (202 | ) | | (302 | ) | |||||||||
- deferred |
(1,281 | ) | 4,115 | | 2,834 | |||||||||||
Income (loss) before minority interest from
continuing operations |
11,299 | (11,147 | ) | | 152 | |||||||||||
Minority interest |
| 5,976 | | 5,976 | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) from continuing operations. |
11,299 | (5,171 | ) | | 6,128 | |||||||||||
Net income from discontinued operations |
| 600 | | 600 | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
| 11,299 | | (4,571 | ) | | | | 6,728 | |||||||
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 18
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 18
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 9. Restricted Group Supplemental Disclosure (continued)
Combined Condensed Statement of Operations
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 | ||||||||||||||||
Restricted | Unrestricted | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||
Group | Subsidiaries | Eliminations | Group | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
| 310,770 | | 226,475 | | | | 537,245 | ||||||||
Operating costs |
249,052 | 180,585 | | 429,637 | ||||||||||||
Operating depreciation and amortization |
21,080 | 20,923 | | 42,003 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
11,551 | 7,943 | | 19,494 | ||||||||||||
(Sale) purchase of emission allowances |
(264 | ) | (502 | ) | | (766 | ) | |||||||||
281,419 | 208,949 | | 490,368 | |||||||||||||
Operating income from continuing
operations |
29,351 | 17,526 | | 46,877 | ||||||||||||
Other income (expense)
|
||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(21,414 | ) | (37,672 | ) | 2,778 | (56,308 | ) | |||||||||
Investment income |
3,761 | 5,003 | (2,778 | ) | 5,986 | |||||||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on debt |
6,808 | 421 | | 7,229 | ||||||||||||
Derivative financial instruments, net |
| 18,976 | | 18,976 | ||||||||||||
Total other expense |
(10,845 | ) | (13,272 | ) | | (24,117 | ) | |||||||||
Income before income taxes and
minority interest from continuing
operations |
18,506 | 4,254 | | 22,760 | ||||||||||||
Income tax provision - current |
(469 | ) | (408 | ) | | (877 | ) | |||||||||
- deferred |
(4,464 | ) | (1,495 | ) | | (5,959 | ) | |||||||||
Income before minority interest from
continuing operations |
13,573 | 2,351 | | 15,924 | ||||||||||||
Minority interest |
| (785 | ) | | (785 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income from continuing operations |
13,573 | 1,566 | | 15,139 | ||||||||||||
Net loss from discontinued operations |
(198 | ) | | | (198 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income |
| 13,375 | | 1,566 | | | | 14,941 | ||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 | ||||||||||||||||
Restricted | Unrestricted | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||
Group | Subsidiaries | Eliminations | Group | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
| 265,531 | | 197,979 | | | | 463,510 | ||||||||
Operating costs |
214,873 | 143,867 | | 358,740 | ||||||||||||
Operating depreciation and amortization |
20,580 | 21,210 | | 41,790 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
12,884 | 7,007 | | 19,891 | ||||||||||||
(Sale) purchase of emission allowances |
(3,651 | ) | (9,595 | ) | | (13,246 | ) | |||||||||
244,686 | 162,489 | | 407,175 | |||||||||||||
Operating income from continuing
operations |
20,845 | 35,490 | | 56,335 | ||||||||||||
Other income (expense)
|
||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(24,602 | ) | (46,822 | ) | 2,655 | (68,769 | ) | |||||||||
Investment income |
3,261 | 3,477 | (2,655 | ) | 4,083 | |||||||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on debt |
11,469 | | | 11,469 | ||||||||||||
Derivative financial instruments, net |
| 71,032 | | 71,032 | ||||||||||||
Total other income (expense) |
(9,872 | ) | 27,687 | | 17,815 | |||||||||||
Income before income taxes and
minority interest from continuing
operations |
10,973 | 63,177 | | 74,150 | ||||||||||||
Income tax provision - current |
(322 | ) | (202 | ) | | (524 | ) | |||||||||
- deferred |
(7,964 | ) | (31,900 | ) | | (39,864 | ) | |||||||||
Income before minority interest from
continuing operations |
2,687 | 31,075 | | 33,762 | ||||||||||||
Minority interest |
| 6,874 | | 6,874 | ||||||||||||
Net income from continuing operations |
2,687 | 37,949 | | 40,636 | ||||||||||||
Net income from discontinued operations |
| 1,101 | | 1,101 | ||||||||||||
Net income |
| 2,687 | | 39,050 | | | | 41,737 | ||||||||
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 19
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 19
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 10. Discontinued Operations
In August 2006, the Company reorganized and divested its equity interests in certain paper
production assets for aggregate consideration of approximately 5.0 million of indebtedness, in the
form of a secured note, and 5.0 million in cash.
On November 16, 2006, the Company divested its last remaining paper production assets to focus
exclusively on the manufacture and sale of pulp.
Accordingly, the information related to the paper production assets is presented as discontinued
operations in the Companys condensed consolidated financial statements.
The carrying amounts of the major classes of related assets and liabilities were as follows:
September 30, 2007 | December 31, 2006 | |||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
| 1,037 | | 437 | ||||
Receivables |
500 | 1,657 | ||||||
| 1,537 | | 2,094 | |||||
Liabilities |
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
| 610 | | 1,926 |
Condensed earnings from discontinued operations are as follows:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
| 7 | | 3,937 | | 117 | | 37,444 | ||||||||
Operating income (loss) from discontinued
operations |
6 | 3,073 | (130 | ) | 3,876 | |||||||||||
Total other expenses |
16 | 352 | 68 | 653 | ||||||||||||
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations |
| (10 | ) | | 2,721 | | (198 | ) | | 3,223 | ||||||
Earnings per common share from discontinued
operations |
||||||||||||||||
- basic |
| | | 0.02 | | | | 0.04 | ||||||||
Earnings per common share from discontinued
operations |
||||||||||||||||
- diluted |
| | | 0.01 | | | | |
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 20
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 20
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 10. Discontinued Operations (continued)
Condensed cash flows from discontinued operations are as follows:
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Cash flows (used in) from operating activities |
| (660 | ) | | 410 | |||
Cash flows
from investing activities |
| 4,204 | ||||||
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities |
1,260 | (4,958 | ) | |||||
Cash flows from (used in) discontinued operations |
| 600 | | (344 | ) | |||
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 21
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 21
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
In this document: (i) unless the context otherwise requires, references to we, our, us, the
Company or Mercer mean Mercer International Inc. and its subsidiaries; (ii) references to
Mercer Inc. mean the Company excluding its subsidiaries; (iii) information is provided as of
September 30, 2007, unless otherwise stated; (iv) all references to monetary amounts are to
Euros, the lawful currency adopted by most members of the European Union, unless otherwise
stated; (v) refers to Euros, $ refers to U.S. dollars and C$ refers to Canadian dollars; and
(vi) ADMTs refers to air-dried metric tonnes.
We operate three NBSK pulp mills through our wholly owned subsidiaries, Rosenthal and Celgar, and
our 70.6% owned subsidiary, Stendal, which have a consolidated annual production capacity of
approximately 1.4 million ADMTs.
The following discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition for the
nine and three months ended September 30, 2007 should be read in conjunction with our consolidated
condensed financial statements and related notes included in this quarterly report, as well as our
most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). The following Managements Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations reflects:
| the disposition of our paper operations in 2006. In accordance with SFAS No. 144 Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the results of this business have been classified as discontinued operations; and | ||
| only our continuing operations except as otherwise expressly noted. |
Results of Operations
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006
Selected production, sales and exchange rate data for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and
2006 is as follows:
Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Pulp production (ADMTs) |
1,034,592 | 973,410 | ||||||
Pulp sales (ADMTs) |
1,029,674 | 994,567 | ||||||
Revenues (in millions) |
| 537.2 | | 463.5 | ||||
NBSK list prices in Europe ($/ADMT) |
$ | 783 | $ | 663 | ||||
Average pulp price realizations (/ADMT) |
| 517 | | 454 | ||||
Average Currency Exchange Rates |
||||||||
/ $(1) |
0.7435 | 0.8035 | ||||||
C$ / $(1) |
1.1048 | 1.1328 | ||||||
C$ / (2) |
1.4844 | 1.4090 |
(1) | Average Federal Reserve Bank of New York noon spot rate over the reporting period. | |
(2) | Average Bank of Canada noon spot rate over the reporting period. |
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 22
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 22
Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by approximately 16% to 537.2
million from 463.5 million in the comparative period of 2006, primarily due to higher pulp prices
and higher sales volume, partially offset by a weakening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro. Pulp
sales volume increased by approximately 4% to 1,029,674 ADMTs in the first nine months of 2007
compared to 994,567 ADMTs in the comparative period of 2006.
List prices for NBSK pulp in Europe were approximately 582 ($783) per ADMT in the first nine
months of 2007 and approximately 533 ($663) per ADMT in the first nine months of 2006.
Average pulp sales realizations increased to 517 per ADMT in the first nine months of 2007 from
454 per ADMT
in the first nine months of 2006. Higher U.S. dollar based pulp prices were partially offset by
foreign exchange changes in the period. The U.S. dollar was
approximately 8% weaker compared to the Euro from
the comparative period of 2006.
Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses in the first nine months of 2007
increased to 490.4 million from 407.2 million in the comparative period of 2006, primarily as a
result of increased fiber costs and higher sales volume.
During the current period, we took an aggregate of 33 days scheduled annual maintenance and
strategic capital downtime at our pulp mills, comprised of 12 days each at our Stendal and Celgar
mills and 9 days at our Rosenthal mill. During this downtime at Celgar, we implemented the final
phase of our Blue Goose strategic capital project consisting of the dryer capacity expansion. These
changes have begun to show improvements in production capacity and operational efficiencies. During
the comparative period of 2006, our pulp mills took approximately 50 days maintenance and strategic
capital expenditure downtime. In the fourth quarter of 2007, we have no scheduled maintenance
downtime planned.
Overall,
fiber costs increased by approximately 41% in the first nine months
of 2007 versus the same period of 2006 as a result of both a supply
imbalance and increased demand. In Germany, the supply imbalance
resulted from low harvesting levels in late 2005 and 2006 which were
not made up during the course of the year. Increased demand in
Germany resulted from higher consumption of wood residuals by
renewable energy suppliers. A strong
European lumber market at the beginning of 2007 provided some marginal price relief in the latter
part of the second quarter and in the third quarter. Fiber costs at our Celgar mill were also
higher in the current period compared to the comparative period of 2006 due to reduced North
American sawmill activity as a result of weakness in U.S. housing construction. Fiber costs at our
Celgar mill were relatively stable over the last two quarters, due to supply optimization and the
currency impact on the mills U.S. sourced fiber. Overall, we currently expect fiber prices to be
generally level for the balance of the year but continued weakness in lumber markets may put upward
pressure on prices in early 2008.
The markets and prices for emission allowances continue to be weak, and as a result our
contribution to income from such sale of emission allowances in the first nine months of 2007 was
0.8 million, compared to 13.2 million in the comparative period of 2006.
During the second quarter, Rosenthal concluded a new labor contract with the union which represents
the majority of its employees. The agreement contains provisions that lengthen the work week to
standard industry practice in exchange for a 4% wage reduction and provides for a 3% wage increase
in the second half of 2008. The new labor contract is set to expire at the end of 2008.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 23
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 23
Operating depreciation and amortization in the first nine months of 2007 increased marginally to
42.0 million from 41.8 million in the comparative period of 2006.
For the first nine months of 2007, operating income decreased by approximately 17% to 46.9 million
from 56.3 million in the first nine months of 2006, primarily due to higher fiber costs, the
weakening of the U.S. dollar and the reduction in sales of emission allowances.
Interest expense in the first nine months of 2007 decreased to 56.3 million from 68.8 million in
the year ago period, primarily due to a lower level of borrowing by Stendal as it repaid 16.5
million in principal and the settlement of the cross currency swaps in the first quarter of 2007.
Stendal entered into certain foreign currency derivatives to swap a portion of its long-term bank
indebtedness from Euros to U.S. dollars in 2005 and certain currency forwards. In addition,
Stendal previously entered into interest rate swaps to fix the interest rate on its outstanding
bank indebtedness. Due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro and an increase in
long-term interest rates, we recorded a gain of 19.0 million before minority interests on our
outstanding derivatives at the end of the first nine months of 2007, including a realized gain of
6.8 million on the settlement of our currency swaps. In the comparative period of 2006, we
recorded a net gain of 71.0 million on our derivatives which included a realized loss of 5.2
million from the settlement of currency forwards.
A portion of our long-term debt is denominated and repayable in foreign currencies, principally
U.S. dollars. In the first nine months of 2007, we recorded an unrealized gain of 7.2 million on
our foreign currency denominated debt as a result of the weakening of the U.S. dollar during the
period, compared to a gain of 11.5 million thereon in the same period of 2006.
In the
first nine months of 2007 we increased our provision for deferred
income tax by approximately
6.0 million,
which is net of the realization of benefits on certain tax deductible depreciation, as well as the tax consequence
of the settlement of the Stendal
engineering, procurement and construction contract (the EPC contract).
In the first nine months of 2007, minority interest, representing the minority shareholders
proportionate interest in the Stendal mills income for the period, was 0.8 million,
compared to its
6.9 million
share of losses in the first nine months of 2006.
We reported net income from continuing operations
for the first nine months of 2007 of 15.1
million, or 0.42 per basic and
0.40 per diluted share, which included an aggregate net gain of
26.2 million on our outstanding derivatives and an unrealized foreign exchange gain on our
long-term debt. In the first nine months of 2006, we reported net income from continuing operations
of 40.6 million, or 1.22 per basic and 1.03 per diluted share, which reflected a net unrealized
gain of 82.5 million on our outstanding derivatives and an unrealized non-cash foreign exchange
gain on our long-term debt.
We generated Operating EBITDA of 89.1 million and 98.1 million in the nine months ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Operating EBITDA is defined as operating income from
continuing operations plus depreciation and amortization and non-recurring capital asset impairment
charges.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 24
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 24
Management uses Operating EBITDA as a benchmark measurement of its own operating results, and as a
benchmark relative to its competitors. Management considers it to be a meaningful supplement to
operating income as a performance measure primarily because depreciation expense and non-recurring
capital asset impairment charges are not an actual cash cost, and depreciation expense varies
widely from company to company in a manner that management considers largely independent of the
underlying cost efficiency of their operating facilities. In addition, we believe Operating EBITDA
is commonly used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate our
financial performance.
Operating EBITDA does not reflect the impact of a number of items that affect our net income,
including financing costs and the effect of derivative instruments. Operating EBITDA is not a
measure of financial performance under GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to net
income or income from operations as a measure of operational 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. Some of these
limitations are that Operating EBITDA does not reflect: (i) our cash expenditures, or future
requirements, for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; (ii) changes in, or cash
requirements for, working capital needs; (iii) the significant interest expense, or the cash
requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our outstanding debt; (iv)
minority interests on our Stendal NBSK pulp mill operations; (v) the impact of realized or marked
to market changes in our derivative positions, which can be substantial; and (vi) the impact of
impairment charges against our investments or assets. Because of these limitations, Operating
EBITDA should only be considered as a supplemental operational performance measure and should not
be considered as a measure of liquidity or cash available to us to invest in the growth of our
business. See the Statement of Cash Flows set out in our condensed consolidated financial
statements included herein. Because all companies do not calculate Operating EBITDA in the same
manner, Operating EBITDA as calculated by us may differ from Operating EBITDA or EBITDA as
calculated by other companies. We compensate for these limitations by using Operating EBITDA as a
supplemental measure of our operational performance and relying primarily on our GAAP financial
statements.
The following table provides a reconciliation of net income from continuing operations to operating
income from continuing operations and Operating EBITDA for the periods indicated:
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Net income from continuing operations |
| 15,139 | | 40,636 | ||||
Minority interest |
785 | (6,874 | ) | |||||
Income taxes |
6,836 | 40,388 | ||||||
Interest expense |
56,308 | 68,769 | ||||||
Investment income |
(5,986 | ) | (4,083 | ) | ||||
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on debt |
(7,229 | ) | (11,469 | ) | ||||
Derivative financial instruments, net gain |
(18,976 | ) | (71,032 | ) | ||||
Operating income from continuing operations |
46,877 | 56,335 | ||||||
Add: Depreciation and amortization |
42,197 | 41,790 | ||||||
Operating EBITDA |
| 89,074 | | 98,125 | ||||
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 25
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 25
Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2006
Selected production, sales and exchange rate data for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and
2006 is as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Pulp production (ADMTs) |
360,986 | 347,200 | ||||||
Pulp sales (ADMTs) |
363,523 | 338,201 | ||||||
Revenues (in millions) |
| 191.1 | | 171.2 | ||||
NBSK list prices in Europe ($/ADMT) |
$ | 810 | $ | 708 | ||||
Average pulp price realizations (/ADMT) |
| 520 | | 482 | ||||
Average Currency Exchange Rates |
||||||||
/ $(1) |
0.7268 | 0.7851 | ||||||
C$ / $(1) |
1.0446 | 1.1212 | ||||||
C$ / (2) |
1.4367 | 1.4279 |
(1) | Average Federal Reserve Bank of New York noon spot rate over the reporting period. |
|
(2) | Average Bank of Canada noon spot rate over the reporting period. |
Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by approximately 12% to 191.1
million from 171.2 million in the comparative quarter of 2006, primarily due to stronger pulp
prices and higher sales volumes. A 7% weaker U.S. dollar versus the Euro partially eroded these
gains. Pulp sales volume increased to 363,523 ADMTs in the third quarter of 2007 from 338,201 ADMTs
in the comparative quarter of 2006.
List prices for NBSK pulp in Europe were approximately 589 ($810) per ADMT in the third quarter of
2007, approximately 579 ($783) per ADMT in the second quarter of 2007 and approximately 556
($708) in the third quarter of 2006.
Average pulp sales realizations increased to 520 per ADMT in the third quarter of 2007 from 482
per ADMT in the third quarter of 2006, primarily as a result of
stronger U.S. dollar based pulp prices, partially
offset by the weaker U.S. dollar.
Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses in the third quarter of 2007 increased
to 169.7 million from 136.5 million in the comparative quarter of 2006, primarily as a result of
higher sales volume and fiber costs.
During the current quarter, we took 9 days of scheduled maintenance downtime at our Rosenthal mill.
During the comparative quarter of 2006, our pulp mills took approximately 9 days of scheduled
maintenance and strategic capital expenditure downtime. In the fourth quarter of 2007, we have no
scheduled maintenance downtime planned.
Overall,
fiber costs increased by approximately 33% in the third quarter of
2007 versus the same period in 2006 as a result of both a supply
imbalance and increased demand. In Germany, the supply imbalance
resulted from low harvesting levels in late 2005 and 2006 which were
not made up during the course of the year. Increased demand in Germany
resulted from higher consumption of wood residuals by renewable
energy suppliers. A strong European lumber market provided
some marginal price relief during the current quarter. Overall, we currently expect fiber prices to
be generally level for the balance of the year but continued weakness in lumber markets may put
upward pressure on prices in early 2008.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 26
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 26
We had no contribution to income from the sale of emission allowances in the third quarter of 2007
and 2006 as a result of continued weak markets.
Operating depreciation and amortization increased moderately to 14.3 million from 13.5 million in
the comparative quarter of 2006.
For the third quarter of 2007, operating income decreased by approximately 38% to 21.5 million
from 34.8 million in the third quarter of 2006. The decrease was primarily due to higher fiber
costs and the weakness of the U.S. dollar relative to the Euro.
Interest expense in the third quarter of 2007 decreased to 18.6 million from 23.0 million in the
year ago period, primarily due to a lower level of borrowing by Stendal and the settlement of the
cross currency swaps in the first quarter of 2007.
Due to the recent decrease in long-term interest rates, we recorded a non-cash loss of 5.7 million
before minority interests on Stendals outstanding interest rate derivatives during the third
quarter of 2007. In the comparative quarter of 2006, we recorded a net loss of 14.5 million on
Stendals then outstanding currency and interest rate derivatives which included a loss of 5.7
million from the settlement of currency forwards.
In the third quarter of 2007, we recorded an unrealized gain on our foreign currency denominated
debt of 4.6 million, compared to losses of 0.7 million in the third quarter of 2006.
In the third quarter of 2007, minority interest, representing the minority shareholders
proportionate interest in the Stendal mills income for the period, was 0.7 million, compared to
its 6.0 million share of losses in the third quarter of 2006.
In the
current quarter we decreased our provision for deferred income tax by
approximately
7.0 million
primarily as a result of the timing of realizing the benefit of
certain tax deductible depreciation, as well as the tax consequence
of the settlement of the Stendal EPC contract.
We reported net income from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2007 of 10.7 million,
or 0.30 per basic and 0.26 per diluted share, which included an aggregate net unrealized loss of
1.1 million on our outstanding derivatives and an unrealized foreign exchange gain on our
long-term debt. In the third quarter of 2006, we reported net income from continuing operations of
6.1 million, or 0.18 per basic and diluted share, which reflected a net loss of 15.2 million on
our outstanding derivatives and an unrealized non-cash foreign exchange gain on our long-term debt.
We generated Operating EBITDA of 35.8 million and 48.2 million in the three months ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. 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. See the discussion of our results for the first nine months of 2007
for additional information relating to Operating EBITDA.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 27
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 27
The following table provides a reconciliation of net income from continuing operations to operating
income from continuing operations and Operating EBITDA for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Net income from continuing operations |
| 10,706 | | 6,128 | ||||
Minority interest |
742 | (5,976 | ) | |||||
Income taxes |
(6,869 | ) | (2,532 | ) | ||||
Interest expense |
18,599 | 23,041 | ||||||
Investment income |
(2,791 | ) | (1,080 | ) | ||||
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss on debt |
(4,626 | ) | 704 | |||||
Derivative financial instruments, net loss |
5,696 | 14,473 | ||||||
Operating income from continuing operations |
21,457 | 34,758 | ||||||
Add: Depreciation and amortization |
14,351 | 13,465 | ||||||
Operating EBITDA |
| 35,808 | | 48,223 | ||||
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table is a summary of selected financial information for the periods indicated:
As at | As at | |||||||
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Financial Position |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
| 69,441 | | 69,367 | ||||
Working capital(1) |
150,650 | 101,630 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
949,046 | 972,143 | ||||||
Total assets(1) |
1,286,288 | 1,300,500 | ||||||
Long-term liabilities |
890,984 | 963,791 | ||||||
Shareholders equity |
270,915 | 218,801 |
(1) | Excluding assets and liabilities of discontinued operations. |
As at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, our cash and cash equivalents were 69.4 million.
We also had 33.0 million of restricted cash in a debt service account related to the financing for
the Stendal mill, compared to 57.0 million as at December 31, 2006. As at September 30, 2007, we
had not drawn any amount under the 40.0 million Rosenthal revolving term credit facility and had
drawn down approximately 15.5 million of the C$40.0 million Celgar revolving credit facility.
We expect to meet our interest and debt service expenses and the working and maintenance capital
requirements for our operations from cash flow from operations, cash on hand and the two revolving
working capital facilities for the Rosenthal and Celgar mills.
We currently expect to meet the capital requirements for the Stendal mill, including working
capital, interest and principal service expenses through cash on hand, cash flow from operations
and the Stendal Loan Facility (Stendal Facility). Pursuant to the Stendal Facility, Stendal
established a restricted cash debt service reserve account, the target balance of which is the
scheduled interest and principal payments for the ensuing year. Under the Stendal Facility,
Stendal is currently restricted from making certain payments, including paying dividends to us and
its other minority shareholder as it does not meet prescribed financial performance ratios and the
debt service reserve account balance requirements.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 28
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 28
Operating Activities
Operating activities in the first nine months of 2007 provided cash of 4.3 million, compared to
providing cash of 33.3 million in the comparative period of 2006. An increase in receivables due
primarily to higher sales used cash of 19.3 million in the first nine months of 2007, compared to
an increase in receivables using cash of 14.9 million in the comparative period of 2006. An
increase in inventories used cash of 31.1 million in the first nine months of 2007, most of which
was due to a build up of fiber supply at our three mills. In 2006, a decrease in inventories
provided cash of 11.9 million in the first nine months of 2006. An increase in accounts payable
and accrued expenses provided cash of 5.6 million in the first nine months of 2007, compared to
using cash of 0.1 million in the comparative period of 2006.
Working capital is subject to cyclical operating needs, the timing of collections and receivables
and the payment of payables and expenses.
Investing Activities
Investing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 provided cash of 25.4 million,
primarily due to a drawdown of 24.0 million from our debt service reserve account under the
Stendal Facility to repay principal. The repayment of notes receivable provided cash of 4.7
million. In the nine
months ended September 30, 2006 investing activities used cash of 45.7 million primarily due to a
drawdown under a tranche of the Stendal Facility to increase the restricted cash in Stendals debt
service reserve account of 25.4 million.
Capital expenditures used cash of 2.7 million in the first nine months of 2007 compared to using
cash of 24.0 million in the comparative period of 2006.
Financing Activities
Financing activities used cash of 30.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007
primarily due to 33.9 million of principal repayments of the Stendal Facility in the first nine
months of 2007. In the comparative period in 2006, financing activities used cash of 1.1 million
primarily due to a net 4.0 million principal repayment of the Stendal Facility.
We have no material commitments to acquire assets or operating businesses. We anticipate that there
will be acquisitions of businesses or commitments to projects in the future. To achieve our
long-term goals of expanding our asset and earnings base through the acquisition of interests in
companies and assets in the pulp and paper and related businesses, and organically through high
return capital expenditures at our operating facilities, we will require substantial capital
resources. The required necessary resources for such long-term goals will be generated from cash
flow from operations, cash on hand, the sale of securities and/or assets, and borrowing against our
assets.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
There were no material changes outside the ordinary course to any of our contractual obligations
during the first nine months of 2007.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 29
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 29
Capital Resources
In addition to our current revolving credit facilities for the Rosenthal and Celgar mills, we may
seek to raise future funding in the debt markets if our indenture relating to our 9.25% senior
notes permits, subject to compliance with the indenture. The indenture governing the senior notes
provides that, in order for Mercer Inc. and its restricted subsidiaries (as defined in the
indenture and which excludes the Stendal mill and, up to December 31, 2006, our discontinued
operations) to enter into certain types of transactions, including the incurrence of additional
indebtedness, the making of restricted payments and the completion of mergers and consolidations
(other than, in each case, those specifically permitted by our senior note indenture), we must meet
a minimum ratio of Indenture EBITDA to Fixed Charges as defined in the senior note indenture of 2.0
to 1.0 on a pro forma basis for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters.
Convertible Notes
We currently have outstanding $67.3 million of subordinated convertible notes due October 2010,
with interest payable semi-annually at 8.5%. The notes are convertible by the holder at any time
into our common shares at $7.75 per share. We may redeem for cash all or a portion of the notes at
any time on or after October 15, 2008 at 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and
unpaid interest.
Foreign Currency
Our reporting currency is the Euro as the majority of our business transactions are denominated in
Euros. However, we hold certain assets and liabilities in U.S. dollars and Canadian dollars.
Accordingly, our consolidated financial results are subject to foreign currency exchange rate
fluctuations.
We translate foreign denominated assets and liabilities into Euros at the rate of exchange on the
balance sheet date. Unrealized gains or losses from these translations are recorded in our
consolidated statement of comprehensive income and impact on shareholders equity on the balance
sheet but do not affect our net earnings.
In the
nine months ended September 30, 2007, we reported a net
29.9 million foreign exchange
translation gain and, as a result, the cumulative foreign exchange translation gain reported within
comprehensive income increased to
41.8 million at September 30, 2007 from 11.9 million at
December 31, 2006.
Based upon the exchange rate at September 30, 2007, the U.S. dollar has decreased by approximately
11% in value against the Euro since September 30, 2006. See Quantitative and Qualitative
Disclosures about Market Risk.
Results of Operations of the Restricted Group Under Our Senior Note Indenture
The indenture governing our 9.25% senior notes requires that we also provide a discussion in annual
and quarterly reports we file with the SEC under Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations of the results of operations and financial condition of Mercer
Inc. and our restricted subsidiaries under the indenture, referred to as the Restricted Group.
The Restricted Group is comprised of Mercer Inc., certain holding
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 30
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 30
subsidiaries, Rosenthal and the Celgar mill. The Restricted Group excludes our Stendal mill and,
up to December 31, 2006, our discontinued operations.
The following is a discussion of the results of operations and financial condition of the
Restricted Group. For further information regarding the Restricted Group including, without
limitation, a reconciliation to our consolidated results of operations, see Note 9 of our quarterly
condensed consolidated financial statements included herein.
Restricted Group Results Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2006
Total revenues for the Restricted Group for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased to
310.8 million from 265.5 million in the comparative period of 2006, primarily because of higher
pulp sales from the Rosenthal and Celgar mills and higher prices. Pulp sales realizations for the
Restricted Group were 526 per ADMT on average in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 460
per ADMT in the comparative period of 2006. The increase in U.S.
dollar based NBSK pulp prices was partially offset
by the weakening of the U.S. dollar which decreased in value by
approximately 8% against the Euro during the period.
Costs of sales and general, administrative and other expenses for the Restricted Group in the nine
months ended September 30, 2007 increased to 281.4 million from 244.7 million in the comparative
period of 2006, primarily as a result of increased fiber costs and higher sales volumes.
During the current period, we took an aggregate of 21 days scheduled annual maintenance downtime at
our Rosenthal and Celgar mills. During the comparative period of 2006, our Rosenthal and Celgar
mills took approximately 34 days of scheduled maintenance and strategic capital expenditure
downtime, during which Rosenthal completed the installation of a new brownstock washer. In the
fourth quarter of 2007, we have no scheduled maintenance downtime planned.
During the scheduled maintenance downtime at Celgar, we implemented the final phase of our Blue
Goose capital project consisting of the dryer capacity expansion. These changes have shown
improvements in production capacity and operational efficiencies, as evidenced by Celgar achieving
daily, monthly and quarterly production records during the third quarter.
The markets and prices for emission allowances continue to be weak, and as a result our
contribution to income from the sale of such emission allowances by our Rosenthal pulp mill in the
first nine months of 2007 was 0.3 million, compared to 3.7 million in the comparative period of
2006.
Overall,
fiber costs of the Restricted Group increased by approximately 47% in
the first nine months of 2007 versus the same period of 2006 as a
result of both a supply imbalance and increased demand. In Germany,
the supply imbalance resulted from low harvesting levels in late 2005
and 2006 which were not made up during the course of the year.
Increased demand in Germany resulted from higher consumption of wood
residuals by renewable energy suppliers. A strong European lumber
market at the beginning of 2007 provided some price relief in the latter part of the second quarter
and in the third quarter. Overall, we currently expect fiber prices to be generally level for the
balance of the year but continued weakness in lumber markets may put upward pressure on prices in
early 2008.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 31
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 31
Operating depreciation and amortization for the Restricted Group increased marginally to 21.1
million in the current period from 20.6 million in the comparative period of 2006.
In the first nine months of 2007, the Restricted Group reported operating income from continuing
operations of 29.4 million, compared to 20.8 million in the first nine months of 2006, primarily
as a result of improving pulp markets and prices, partially offset by higher fiber prices and a
weakening U.S. dollar.
Interest expense for the Restricted Group in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 decreased to
21.4 million from 24.6 million in the same period last year.
In the current period of 2007, the Restricted Group recorded a foreign exchange gain on debt of
6.8 million, compared to a gain of 11.5 million in the comparative period of 2006.
In the
first nine months of 2007 the Restricted Group increased the
provision for deferred income tax by approximately
4.5 million,
which is net of the realization of benefits on ceratin tax deductible depreciation.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Restricted Group reported net income from
continuing operations of 13.6 million, compared to 2.7 million in the first nine months of 2006,
primarily as a result of higher pulp prices and improved productivity and sales.
The Restricted Group generated Operating EBITDA of 50.6 million and 41.4 million in the nine
months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Operating EBITDA is defined as operating
income (loss) from continuing operations plus depreciation and amortization and non-recurring
capital asset impairment charges. Operating EBITDA for the Restricted Group is calculated by adding
depreciation and amortization to the operating income from continuing operations of 21.3 million
and 20.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
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. See the
discussion of Mercers results for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 for additional
information relating to such limitations and Operating EBITDA.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 32
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 32
The
following table provides a reconciliation of net income from continuing operations to
operating income from continuing operations and Operating EBITDA for the Restricted Group for the
periods indicated:
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Restricted Group |
||||||||
Net income from continuing operations(1) |
| 13,573 | | 2,687 | ||||
Income taxes |
4,933 | 8,286 | ||||||
Interest expense |
21,414 | 24,602 | ||||||
Investment and other income |
(3,761 | ) | (3,261 | ) | ||||
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on debt |
(6,808 | ) | (11,469 | ) | ||||
Operating income from continuing operations |
29,351 | 20,845 | ||||||
Add: Depreciation and amortization |
21,274 | 20,580 | ||||||
Operating EBITDA(1) |
| 50,625 | | 41,425 | ||||
(1) | See Note 9 of the condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein for a reconciliation to our consolidated results. |
Restricted Group Results Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to Three Months Ended
September 30, 2006
Total revenues for the Restricted Group for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased to
106.5 million from 95.8 million in the comparative quarter of 2006, primarily because of higher
pulp sales from both the Celgar and Rosenthal mills and higher prices. Pulp sales realizations for
the Restricted Group were 528 per ADMT on average in the three months ended September 30, 2007 and
491 per ADMT
in the comparative quarter of 2006. The increase in U.S. dollar based NBSK pulp prices was partially
offset by the weakening of the U.S. dollar which decreased in value
by approximately 7% versus the Euro.
Costs of sales and general, administrative and other expenses for the Restricted Group in the three
months ended September 30, 2007 increased to 95.6 million from 75.4 million in the comparative
quarter of 2006, primarily as a result of increased fiber costs and higher sales volumes.
During the current period, we took an aggregate of 9 days scheduled annual maintenance downtime at
our Rosenthal mill. During the comparative period of 2006, our Rosenthal and Celgar mills took
approximately 1 day of maintenance and strategic capital expenditure downtime, during which
Rosenthal completed the installation of a new brownstock washer.
We recorded no contribution to income from the sale of such emission allowances in the third
quarter of 2007 or in the comparative period of 2006.
Overall,
fiber costs of the Restricted Group increased by approximately 35% in
the third quarter of 2007 versus the same period in 2006 as a result
of both a supply imbalance and increased demand. In Germany, the
supply imbalance resulted from low harvesting levels in late 2005 and
2006 which were not made up during the course of the year. Increased
demand in Germany resulted from higher consumption of wood residuals
by renewable energy suppliers. A strong European lumber market provided some marginal price relief during the current
quarter. Overall, we currently expect fiber prices to be generally level for the balance of the
year but continued weakness in lumber markets may put upward pressure on prices in early 2008.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 33
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 33
Operating depreciation and amortization for the Restricted Group increased to 7.4 million in the
current quarter from 6.4 million in the comparative quarter of 2006.
In the third quarter of 2007, the Restricted Group reported operating income from continuing
operations of 11.0 million, compared to operating income from continuing operations of 20.4
million in the third quarter of 2006. The decrease was primarily as a result of the negative impact
of higher fiber costs and the accelerated weakening of the U.S. dollar, particularly against the
Canadian dollar.
Interest expense for the Restricted Group in the three months ended September 30, 2007 decreased to
7.0 million from 8.2 million in the year ago period.
In the current quarter of 2007, the Restricted Group recorded a foreign exchange gain on debt of
4.5 million, compared to a loss of 0.7 million in the comparative quarter of 2006.
In the
current quarter, the Restricted Group increased the provision for
deferred income tax by approximately
0.8 million,
which is net of the realization of benefits on certain tax deductible depreciation.
For the three months ended September 30, 2007, the Restricted Group reported net income from
continuing operations of 9.0 million, compared to income of 11.3 million in the three months
ended September 30, 2006, primarily as a result of higher pulp prices and improved results at our
Celgar mill, which were more than offset by higher fiber prices and the weakening U.S. dollar.
The Restricted Group generated Operating EBITDA of 18.4 million and 26.8 million in the three
months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Operating EBITDA is defined as operating
income (loss) from continuing operations plus depreciation and amortization and non-recurring
capital asset impairment charges. Operating EBITDA for the Restricted Group is calculated by adding
depreciation and amortization to the operating income (loss) from continuing operations of 7.5
million and 6.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
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. See the
discussion of Mercers results for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 for additional
information relating to such limitations and Operating EBITDA.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 34
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 34
The following table provides a reconciliation of net income from continuing operations to operating
income from continuing operations and Operating EBITDA for the Restricted Group for the periods
indicated:
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Restricted Group |
||||||||
Net income from continuing operations(1) |
| 9,043 | | 11,299 | ||||
Income taxes |
783 | 1,381 | ||||||
Interest expense |
6,996 | 8,160 | ||||||
Investment and other income |
(1,321 | ) | (1,142 | ) | ||||
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss on debt |
(4,545 | ) | 704 | |||||
Operating income from continuing operations |
10,956 | 20,402 | ||||||
Add: Depreciation and amortization |
7,486 | 6,383 | ||||||
Operating EBITDA(1) |
| 18,442 | | 26,785 | ||||
(1) | See Note 9 of the condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein for a reconciliation to our consolidated results. |
Liquidity and Capital Resources of the Restricted Group
The following table is a summary of selected financial information for the Restricted Group for the
periods indicated:
As at | As at | |||||||
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Restricted Group Financial Position(1) |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
| 48,993 | | 39,078 | ||||
Working capital(2) |
110,905 | 74,961 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
395,864 | 408,957 | ||||||
Total assets(2) |
630,846 | 609,515 | ||||||
Long-term liabilities |
312,235 | 318,728 | ||||||
Shareholders equity |
273,515 | 243,949 |
(1) | See Note 9 of the condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein for a reconciliation to our consolidated results. | |
(2) | Excluding assets and liabilities of discontinued operations. |
At September 30, 2007, the Restricted Group had cash and cash equivalents of 49.0 million,
compared to 39.1 million at December 31, 2006. At September 30, 2007, the Restricted Group had
working capital of 110.9 million.
We expect the Restricted Group to meet its interest and debt service expenses and meet the working
and maintenance capital requirements for its current operations from cash flow from operations,
cash on hand and the revolving working capital loan facilities for the Rosenthal and Celgar mills.
As at September 30, 2007, we had not drawn any amount under the Rosenthal revolving term credit
facility and had drawn down to approximately 15.5 million under the C$40 million Celgar revolving
credit facility.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 35
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 35
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial
statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, the accounting for
doubtful accounts, depreciation and amortization, asset impairments, derivative financial
instruments, environmental conservation, asset retirement obligations, pensions and post-retirement
benefit obligations, income taxes, and contingencies. Actual results could differ from these
estimates.
Our management routinely makes judgments and estimates about the effects of matters that are
inherently uncertain. As the number of variables and assumptions affecting the probable future
resolution of the uncertainties increase, these judgments become even more subjective and complex.
We have identified certain accounting policies that are the most important to the portrayal of our
current financial condition and results of operations.
For information about both our significant and critical accounting policies, see our annual report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
New Accounting Standards
See Notes 1 and 7 to the Companys condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
The statements in this report that are not reported financial results or other historical
information are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements appear in a number of different places
in this report and can be identified by words such as estimates, projects, expects,
intends, believes, plans, or their negatives or other comparable words. Also look for
discussions of strategy that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include
statements regarding the outlook for our future operations, forecasts of future costs and
expenditures, the evaluation of market conditions, the outcome of legal proceedings, the adequacy
of reserves, or other business plans. You are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements
are not guarantees and may involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ
materially from those in the forward-looking statements due to risks facing us or due to actual
facts differing from the assumptions underlying our estimates. Some of these risks and assumptions
include those set forth in reports and other documents we have filed with or furnished to the SEC,
including in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. We advise you
that these cautionary remarks expressly qualify in their entirety all forward-looking statements
attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf. Unless required by law, we do not assume any
obligation to update forward-looking statements based on unanticipated events or changed
expectations. However, you should carefully review the reports and other documents we file from
time to time with the SEC.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 36
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 36
Cyclical Nature of Business
Revenues
The pulp business is cyclical in nature and markets for our principal products are characterized by
periods of supply and demand imbalance, which in turn affects product prices. Pulp markets are
highly competitive and are sensitive to cyclical changes in the global economy, industry capacity
and foreign exchange rated, all of which can have a significant influence on selling prices and our
earnings. The length and magnitude of industry cycles have varied over time but generally reflect
changes in macro economic conditions and levels of industry capacity.
Industry capacity can fluctuate as changing industry conditions can influence producers to idle
production or permanently close machines or entire mills. In addition, to avoid substantial cash
costs in idling or closing a mill, some producers will choose to operate at a loss, sometimes even
a cash loss, which can prolong weak pricing environments due to oversupply. Oversupply of our
products can also result from producers introducing new capacity in response to favorable pricing
trends.
Demand for pulp has historically been determined by the level of economic growth and has been
closely tied to overall business activity. Although pulp prices have improved commencing in the
latter part of 2005 and through the third quarter of 2007, we cannot predict the impact of future
economic weakness in certain world markets or the impact of war, terrorist activity or other events
on our markets.
Prices for pulp are driven by many factors outside our control, and we have little influence over
the timing and extent of price changes, which are often volatile. Because market conditions beyond
our control determine the prices for our products, the price for pulp may fall below our cash
production costs, requiring us to either incur short-term losses on product sales or cease
production at one or more of our manufacturing facilities. Therefore, our profitability with
respect to pulp depends on managing our cost structure, particularly raw materials which represent
a significant component of our operating costs and can fluctuate based upon factors beyond our
control. If the prices of our products decline, or if raw materials increase, or both, demand for
our products may decline and our sales and profitability could be materially adversely affected.
Costs
Our production costs are influenced by the availability and cost of raw materials, energy and
labor, and our plant efficiencies and productivity. Our main raw material is fiber in the form of
wood chips and pulp logs. Fiber costs are primarily affected by the supply of, and demand for,
lumber which is highly cyclical in nature and can vary significantly by location. Production costs
also depend on the total volume of production. Lower operating rates and production efficiencies
during periods of cyclically low demand result in higher average production costs and lower
margins.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 37
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 37
ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
We are exposed to market risks from changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates,
particularly the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Euro and to a lesser extent the
Canadian dollar, which may affect our results of operations and financial condition and,
consequently, our fair value. We manage these risks through internal risk management policies and,
with respect to risks related to changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the Euro,
with the use of derivatives. We use derivatives to reduce or limit our exposure to interest rate
and U.S. dollar/Euro currency risks. We may in the future use derivatives to reduce or limit our
exposure to fluctuations in pulp prices. We also use derivatives to reduce our potential losses or
to augment our potential gains, depending on our managements perception of future economic events
and developments. These types of derivatives are generally highly speculative in nature. They are
also very volatile as they are highly leveraged given that margin requirements are relatively low
in proportion to notional amounts.
Many of our strategies, including the use of derivatives, and the types of derivatives selected by
us, are based on historical trading patterns and correlations and our managements expectations of
future events. However, these strategies may not be fully effective in all market environments or
against all types of risks. Unexpected market developments may affect our risk management
strategies during this time, and unanticipated developments could impact our risk management
strategies in the future. If any of the variety of instruments and strategies we utilize are not
effective, we may incur losses.
All of our derivatives are marked to market at the end of each reporting period, and all unrealized
gains and losses are recognized in earnings for a reporting period. We determine market valuations
based primarily upon valuations provided by our counterparties.
In the first quarter of 2005, Stendal entered into currency swaps to convert a portion of its
indebtedness under the Stendal Facility from Euros into U.S. dollars and certain currency forwards.
In April 2005, Stendal entered into a currency swap to convert the balance of its long-term
indebtedness under the Stendal Facility from Euros into U.S. dollars. During the first nine months
of 2007, we recorded an unrealized 12.2 million net gain before minority interests upon the marked
to market valuation of such derivatives compared to a net unrealized gain of 76.3 million in the
comparative period of 2006.
During the current period, we determined that the remaining currency swaps had met our objectives
and we settled them. As a result, we realized a gain of 6.8 million from their original
commencement. In the same period of 2006, we realized a loss of 5.2 million on the settlement of
certain currency forwards.
The first quarter settlement of the final currency swaps is consistent with our view that the U.S.
dollar is at historically low levels. In addition to the cash consequences of the transaction, the
sale of the instruments will also result in a modest reduction in interest expense in the future.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 38
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 38
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our management, with the participation of our Principal
Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our
disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)), as of the end of the period
covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal
Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and
procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that
are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported
within the time periods specified in the Commissions rules and forms and to ensure that
information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the
Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including its Principal Executive
Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding
required disclosure.
It should be noted that any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions designed
to obtain reasonable (and not absolute) assurance as to its effectiveness, and there can be no
assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals.
Changes in Internal Controls. There have been no significant changes in our internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the
period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially
affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 39
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 39
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In October 2005, our wholly owned subsidiary, Zellstoff Celgar Limited, received a re-assessment
for real property transfer tax payable in British Columbia, Canada, in the amount of approximately
3.3 million (C$4.7 million) in connection with the transfer of the land where the Celgar mill is
situated. The Company is contesting the assessment and the amount, if any, that may be payable in
connection therewith is not yet determinable.
We are subject to routine litigation incidental to our business. We do not believe that the
outcome of such litigation will have a material adverse effect on our business or financial
condition.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes to the factors disclosed in Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit | ||
No. | Description | |
31.1
|
Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer | |
31.2
|
Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer | |
32.1*
|
Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer | |
32.2*
|
Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer |
* | In accordance with Release 33-8212 of the Commission, these Certifications: (i) are furnished to the Commission and are not filed for the purposes of liability under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and (ii) are not to be subject to automatic incorporation by reference into any of the Companys registration statements filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended for the purposes of liability thereunder or any offering memorandum, unless the Company specifically incorporates them by reference therein. |
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 40
QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 40
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC. |
||||
By: | /s/ David M. Gandossi | |||
David M. Gandossi | ||||
Secretary and Chief Financial Officer | ||||
Date: November 6, 2007
FORM 10-Q
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QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 41