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Mercer International Inc. Reports Second Quarter and First Half 2024 Results and Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.075

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Mercer International (Nasdaq: MERC) reported second quarter 2024 results with an Operating EBITDA of $30.4 million, recovering from a negative Operating EBITDA of $68.7 million in Q2 2023. However, it decreased from $63.6 million in Q1 2024. The company recorded a net loss of $67.6 million ($1.01 per share), which included a non-cash impairment of $34.3 million related to the Torgau facility. This compares to a net loss of $98.3 million in Q2 2023 and $16.7 million in Q1 2024.

Total revenues dropped by 6% to $499.4 million compared to Q2 2023, primarily due to lower pulp and lumber sales volumes. Costs and expenses fell by 15% to $543.2 million. Despite challenges, improved liquidity enabled Mercer to reduce borrowings by $45 million. A quarterly cash dividend of $0.075 per share was announced. The company forecasts softer pulp prices and stable lumber prices in Q3 2024 due to high interest rates and economic uncertainty.

Mercer International (Nasdaq: MERC) ha riportato i risultati del secondo trimestre 2024, registrando un Operating EBITDA di 30,4 milioni di dollari, recuperando da un Operating EBITDA negativo di 68,7 milioni di dollari nel Q2 2023. Tuttavia, è diminuito rispetto ai 63,6 milioni di dollari nel Q1 2024. L'azienda ha registrato una perdita netta di 67,6 milioni di dollari (1,01 dollari per azione), che includeva un'imposta non monetaria di 34,3 milioni di dollari relativa allo stabilimento di Torgau. Questo si confronta con una perdita netta di 98,3 milioni di dollari nel Q2 2023 e 16,7 milioni di dollari nel Q1 2024.

I ricavi totali sono diminuiti del 6% a 499,4 milioni di dollari rispetto al Q2 2023, principalmente a causa di volumi di vendita di cellulosa e legname inferiori. I costi e le spese sono calati del 15% a 543,2 milioni di dollari. Nonostante le difficoltà, il miglioramento della liquidità ha consentito a Mercer di ridurre i prestiti di 45 milioni di dollari. È stato annunciato un dividendo in contante trimestrale di 0,075 dollari per azione. L'azienda prevede prezzi della cellulosa più morbidi e prezzi del legname stabili nel Q3 2024 a causa dei tassi di interesse elevati e dell'incertezza economica.

Mercer International (Nasdaq: MERC) ha informado sobre los resultados del segundo trimestre de 2024, con un Operating EBITDA de 30,4 millones de dólares, recuperándose de un Operating EBITDA negativo de 68,7 millones de dólares en el Q2 de 2023. Sin embargo, disminuyó desde los 63,6 millones de dólares en el Q1 de 2024. La compañía reportó una pérdida neta de 67,6 millones de dólares (1,01 dólares por acción), que incluyó una depreciación no monetaria de 34,3 millones de dólares relacionada con la instalación de Torgau. Esto se compara con una pérdida neta de 98,3 millones de dólares en el Q2 de 2023 y 16,7 millones de dólares en el Q1 de 2024.

Los ingresos totales cayeron un 6% a 499,4 millones de dólares en comparación con el Q2 de 2023, principalmente debido a volúmenes de ventas de pulpa y madera más bajos. Los costos y gastos disminuyeron un 15% a 543,2 millones de dólares. A pesar de los desafíos, la mejora en la liquidez permitió a Mercer reducir sus préstamos en 45 millones de dólares. Se anunció un dividendo en efectivo trimestral de 0,075 dólares por acción. La compañía pronostica precios de pulpa más suaves y precios estables de madera en el Q3 de 2024 debido a las altas tasas de interés y la incertidumbre económica.

머서 인터내셔널 (Nasdaq: MERC)은 2024년 2분기 결과를 발표하며 Operating EBITDA가 3040만 달러에 달한다고 밝혔습니다. 이는 2023년 2분기 -6870만 달러에서 회복된 수치입니다. 그러나 2024년 1분기 6360만 달러에 비하면 감소한 것입니다. 회사는 Torgau 시설 관련 비현금 손상 3430만 달러를 포함하여 6760만 달러 (주당 1.01달러)의 순손실을 기록했습니다. 이는 2023년 2분기의 순손실 9830만 달러 및 2024년 1분기의 1670만 달러와 비교됩니다.

총 수익은 2023년 2분기와 비교하여 6% 감소한 4억 9940만 달러로, 주로 펄프 및 목재 판매량 감소 때문입니다. 비용과 지출은 15% 감소하여 5억 4320만 달러가 되었습니다. 어려운 환경 속에서도 개선된 유동성 덕분에 머서는 차입금 4500만 달러를 줄일 수 있었습니다. 주당 0.075달러의 분기 현금 배당금이 발표되었습니다. 회사는 높은 금리와 경제적 불확실성으로 인해 2024년 3분기에 펄프 가격은 약세를 보이고 목재 가격은 안정세를 유지할 것으로 전망하고 있습니다.

Mercer International (Nasdaq: MERC) a annoncé les résultats du deuxième trimestre 2024, avec un Operating EBITDA de 30,4 millions de dollars, se remettant d'un Operating EBITDA négatif de 68,7 millions de dollars au T2 2023. Cependant, il a diminué par rapport à 63,6 millions de dollars au T1 2024. L'entreprise a enregistré une perte nette de 67,6 millions de dollars (1,01 dollar par action), comprenant une dépréciation non monétaire de 34,3 millions de dollars liée à l'usine de Torgau. Cela se compare à une perte nette de 98,3 millions de dollars au T2 2023 et de 16,7 millions de dollars au T1 2024.

Les revenus totaux ont chuté de 6 % à 499,4 millions de dollars par rapport au T2 2023, principalement en raison de volumes de vente de pâte et de bois inférieurs. Les coûts et dépenses ont baissé de 15 % à 543,2 millions de dollars. Malgré les difficultés, l'amélioration de la liquidité a permis à Mercer de réduire ses emprunts de 45 millions de dollars. Un dividende en espèces trimestriel de 0,075 dollar par action a été annoncé. L'entreprise prévoit des prix de pâte plus faibles et des prix de bois stables au T3 2024 en raison des taux d'intérêt élevés et de l'incertitude économique.

Mercer International (Nasdaq: MERC) hat die Ergebnisse des zweiten Quartals 2024 bekannt gegeben, mit einem Operating EBITDA von 30,4 Millionen US-Dollar, das sich von einem negativen Operating EBITDA von 68,7 Millionen US-Dollar im Q2 2023 erholt hat. Allerdings ist es im Vergleich zu den 63,6 Millionen US-Dollar im Q1 2024 gesunken. Das Unternehmen verzeichnete einen Nettoverlust von 67,6 Millionen US-Dollar (1,01 US-Dollar pro Aktie), der eine nicht zahlungswirksame Wertminderung von 34,3 Millionen US-Dollar im Zusammenhang mit der Torgau-Anlage beinhaltete. Dies steht im Vergleich zu einem Nettoverlust von 98,3 Millionen US-Dollar im Q2 2023 und 16,7 Millionen US-Dollar im Q1 2024.

Die Gesamterlöse sanken um 6% auf 499,4 Millionen US-Dollar im Vergleich zum Q2 2023, hauptsächlich aufgrund niedrigerer Verkaufsvolumina von Zellstoff und Holz. Kosten und Ausgaben fielen um 15% auf 543,2 Millionen US-Dollar. Trotz der Herausforderungen ermöglichte eine verbesserte Liquidität Mercer, die Kredite um 45 Millionen US-Dollar zu reduzieren. Es wurde eine vierteljährliche Bardividende von 0,075 US-Dollar pro Aktie angekündigt. Das Unternehmen prognostiziert für Q3 2024 weiche Zellstoffpreise und stabile Holzpreise aufgrund hoher Zinssätze und wirtschaftlicher Unsicherheit.

Positive
  • Operating EBITDA increased to $30.4 million from negative $68.7 million in Q2 2023.
  • Costs and expenses decreased by 15% to $543.2 million.
  • Significant reduction in borrowings by $45 million.
  • Quarterly cash dividend of $0.075 per share announced.
Negative
  • Net loss of $67.6 million, including $34.3 million non-cash impairment at Torgau facility.
  • Total revenues decreased by 6% to $499.4 million.
  • Lower pulp and lumber sales volumes.

Insights

Mercer International's Q2 2024 results show mixed performance. The company reported Operating EBITDA of $30.4 million, a significant improvement from negative $68.7 million in Q2 2023, but a decrease from $63.6 million in Q1 2024. The net loss of $67.6 million includes a non-cash impairment of $34.3 million against goodwill related to the Torgau facility.

Key positives include strengthening pulp markets driving improved operating cash flows and liquidity. The company reduced borrowings by $45 million under revolving credit facilities. However, challenges persist in the lumber segment due to weak demand in the U.S. and Europe.

The quarterly dividend of $0.075 per share suggests management's confidence in the company's financial stability. With $263.2 million in cash and $317.4 million available under credit facilities, Mercer's liquidity position appears strong.

Mercer's Q2 results reflect the diverging trends in pulp and lumber markets. Pulp prices improved in all key markets due to strengthening demand and supply-side disruptions, with NBSK pulp reaching a record list price of $1,635 per ADMT in Europe. However, this trend may soften in Q3 due to seasonally lower demand.

The lumber market remains challenging, with prices relatively flat in Q2 and expected to remain steady in Q3. The $34.3 million goodwill impairment for the Torgau facility underscores the ongoing weakness in European lumber, pallet and biofuel markets.

Notably, Mercer's mass timber business is showing strong growth despite the challenging economic environment. This segment could provide a bright spot for the company as it focuses on project execution and business expansion.

Mercer's operational performance in Q2 2024 shows both challenges and strategic improvements. The company faced 44 days of downtime at its pulp mills, including 37 days of planned major maintenance, impacting production. However, Mercer is making strategic investments to enhance efficiency and capacity.

Key initiatives include high-return capital projects at the Torgau facility to increase lumber production capacity to 440 million board feet and planing capacity to 145 million board feet. These projects are ahead of schedule and expected to yield benefits by mid-2025, potentially improving profitability and market flexibility.

The company's focus on optimization projects at the Mercer Spokane facility is expected to significantly impact production costs. These strategic investments position Mercer to capitalize on market recovery and improve operational efficiency across its segments.

Selected Highlights

  • Second quarter Operating EBITDA* of $30.4 million and net loss of $67.6 million
  • Strengthened pulp markets drive improvement in operating cash flows and liquidity
  • Quarterly cash dividend of $0.075 per share

NEW YORK, Aug. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mercer International Inc. (Nasdaq: MERC) today reported second quarter 2024 Operating EBITDA of $30.4 million, an increase from negative Operating EBITDA of $68.7 million in the same quarter of 2023 and a decrease from Operating EBITDA of $63.6 million in the first quarter of 2024.

In the second quarter of 2024, net loss was $67.6 million ($1.01 per share), which included a non-cash impairment of $34.3 million ($0.51 per share) against goodwill related to the Torgau facility, compared to a net loss of $98.3 million ($1.48 per share) in the second quarter of 2023 and a net loss of $16.7 million ($0.25 per share) in the first quarter of 2024, which included a non-cash loss on disposal of $23.6 million ($0.35 per share) related to the dissolution of the Cariboo Pulp and Paper ("CPP") joint venture.

Mr. Juan Carlos Bueno, Chief Executive Officer, stated: "The second quarter was another improved quarter for our pulp segment as we continued to benefit from strengthening markets. Despite lower pulp sales volumes primarily stemming from previously announced scheduled downtime and the disposal of CPP, cash flow from operations improved significantly in the second quarter of 2024. This improved aggregate liquidity allowed us to reduce borrowings by approximately $45 million under our revolving credit facilities during the quarter.

In the second quarter, pulp prices continued to improve in all key markets due to strengthening demand and supply-side disruptions. As these supply-side disruptions ease and we enter into a period of traditionally lower seasonal demand, we currently expect pulp prices to soften slightly in the third quarter of 2024.

Lumber pricing was relatively flat in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2024 due to continued weakness in both the U.S. and Europe. We currently expect lumber prices to remain relatively steady in the third quarter as demand continues to be impacted by the high interest rate environment and economic uncertainty.

In the second quarter, we recognized a non-cash goodwill impairment of $34.3 million related to the Torgau facility as a result of ongoing weakness in European lumber, pallet and biofuel markets stemming from high interest rates and other economic conditions. We continue to expect to realize the synergies at Torgau as market and economic conditions improve. To position for improved markets, we continue to proceed with certain previously announced, high-return capital projects at the Torgau facility designed to increase the facility's lumber production capacity to approximately 440 million board feet and planing capacity to approximately 145 million board feet. The addition of planing capacity will allow us to produce more U.S. dimensional lumber while also providing us with the flexibility to shift production between pallets and planed goods in order to maximize profitability. These projects are currently progressing ahead of schedule and we expect to start to see their benefits in mid-2025.

In the second quarter of 2024, we had 44 days of downtime (approximately 77,600 ADMTs) at our pulp mills which included 37 days of planned major maintenance and seven additional days due to slower than expected start-up compared to no days of planned maintenance in the first quarter of 2024. We are currently planning for a total of 18 days of maintenance downtime (approximately 19,700 ADMTs) at our pulp mills in the third quarter of 2024.

Overall per unit fiber costs for both our pulp and solid wood segments were flat in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter and we currently expect stable per unit fiber costs for the third quarter of 2024.

In the second quarter, we continued to work towards fulfilling previously secured orders for large scale mass timber projects. We have seen tremendous growth in our mass timber business since last year, despite the challenging economic conditions in this high interest rate environment, and will continue to focus on project execution and growing the business. As part of our growth strategy, we are completing optimization projects at our Mercer Spokane facility which are expected to have a meaningful impact on our production costs."

Mr. Bueno concluded: "We are seeing the positive impact of strong pulp prices and stable costs in our operating results. Our solid wood segment continues to be negatively impacted by the high interest rate environment, but we remain committed to continue making strategic investments in this segment to ensure we are in a strong position as markets recover. With our strong liquidity position and the significant majority of our annual scheduled maintenance downtime completed, we currently believe we are well-positioned to realize on strengthened pulp markets going into the second half of 2024."

____________________

*Operating EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. See page 6 of the financial tables included in this press release for a reconciliation of net loss to Operating EBITDA.

Consolidated Financial Results

 Q2  Q1  Q2  YTD  YTD 
 2024  2024  2023  2024  2023 
 (in thousands, except per share amounts) 
Revenues$499,384  $553,430  $529,863  $1,052,814  $1,052,529 
Operating loss$(43,779) $(448) $(108,832) $(44,227) $(128,953)
Operating EBITDA$30,439  $63,601  $(68,680) $94,040  $(41,210)
Net loss$(67,586) $(16,703) $(98,306) $(84,289) $(128,884)
Net loss per common share              
Basic$(1.01) $(0.25) $(1.48) $(1.26) $(1.94)
Diluted$(1.01) $(0.25) $(1.48) $(1.26) $(1.94)
                    

Consolidated – Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2023

Total revenues for the second quarter of 2024 decreased by approximately 6% to $499.4 million from $529.9 million in the same quarter of 2023 primarily due to lower pulp and lumber sales volumes partially offset by higher pulp sales realizations and manufactured products revenues.

Costs and expenses in the second quarter of 2024 decreased by approximately 15% to $543.2 million from $638.7 million in the same quarter of 2023 primarily as a result of lower pulp and lumber sales volumes and lower per unit fiber, energy and chemical costs. In the second quarter of 2024, costs and expenses included a non-cash goodwill impairment of $34.3 million related to the Torgau facility, which was recognized as a result of ongoing weakness in lumber, pallet and biofuels markets in Europe stemming from high interest rates and other economic conditions. We continue to expect to realize the synergies from the Torgau acquisition as market and economic conditions improve. In the second quarter of 2023, we recorded a non-cash inventory impairment of $51.4 million, which was partially offset by $22.0 million of insurance proceeds received relating to the 2021 turbine downtime at our Rosenthal mill and the July 2022 fire at our Stendal mill.

In the second quarter of 2024, Operating EBITDA increased to $30.4 million from negative Operating EBITDA of $68.7 million in the same quarter of 2023 primarily due higher pulp sales realizations and lower per unit fiber, energy and chemical costs. In the second quarter of 2023, we recorded a non-cash inventory impairment which was partially offset by insurance proceeds received.

Segment Results
Pulp

 Three Months Ended June 30, 
 2024  2023 
 (in thousands) 
Pulp revenues$346,808  $374,175 
Energy and chemical revenues$20,563  $28,519 
Operating income (loss)$4,481  $(83,459)
        

In the second quarter of 2024, pulp segment operating income increased to $4.5 million from an operating loss of $83.5 million in the same quarter of 2023 primarily due to higher pulp sales realizations and lower per unit fiber and other production costs. In the second quarter of 2023, we recorded a non-cash inventory impairment which was partially offset by insurance proceeds received.

Pulp segment revenues, which includes pulp, energy and chemical revenues, in the second quarter of 2024 decreased by approximately 9% to $367.4 million from $402.7 million in the same quarter of 2023 as a result of lower sales volumes and lower energy and chemical sales realizations partially offset by higher pulp sales realizations.

Pulp revenues in the second quarter of 2024 decreased by approximately 7% to $346.8 million from $374.2 million in the same quarter of 2023 due to lower sales volumes partially offset by higher sales realizations.

In the second quarter of 2024, third party industry quoted average list prices for NBSK pulp increased in both Europe and North America from the same quarter of 2023, including achieving a record list price of $1,635 per ADMT in Europe as of June 30, 2024. Third party industry quoted average net prices for NBSK pulp in China also increased from the same quarter of 2023. Our average NBSK pulp sales realizations in the second quarter of 2024 increased by approximately 15% to $811 per ADMT from $706 per ADMT in the same quarter of 2023. In the second quarter of 2024, average NBHK pulp sales realizations increased by approximately 16% to $701 per ADMT from $602 per ADMT in the same quarter of 2023.

Total pulp sales volumes in the second quarter of 2024 decreased by approximately 19% to 433,320 ADMTs from 536,878 ADMTs in the same quarter of 2023 primarily because of lower production, due to scheduled maintenance downtime and the disposal of CPP, and the timing of sales.

Energy and chemical revenues in the second quarter of 2024 decreased by approximately 28% to $20.6 million from $28.5 million in the same quarter of 2023 primarily due to lower sales realizations and energy sales volumes.

Costs and expenses in the second quarter of 2024 decreased by approximately 25% to $364.0 million from $486.3 million in the same quarter of 2023 primarily as a result of lower sales volumes and lower per unit fiber, energy and chemical costs. In the second quarter of 2023, we recorded a non-cash inventory impairment of $51.4 million which was partially offset by $22.0 million of insurance proceeds received relating to the 2021 turbine downtime at our Rosenthal mill and the July 2022 fire at our Stendal mill.

Total pulp production in the second quarter of 2024 decreased by approximately 11% to 421,692 ADMTs compared with 475,615 ADMTs in the same quarter of 2023 primarily due to higher production lost for annual maintenance downtime and the disposal of the CPP joint venture investment in the first quarter of 2024, partially offset by the market curtailment at the Peace River and CPP mills in the second quarter of 2023. We estimate that annual maintenance downtime in the second quarter of 2024 adversely impacted our operating income by approximately $60.2 million, comprised of approximately $44.9 million in direct out-of-pocket expenses and the balance in reduced production. Many of our competitors that report their results using International Financial Reporting Standards capitalize their direct costs of maintenance downtime.

On average, in the second quarter of 2024, overall per unit fiber costs decreased by approximately 15% compared to the same quarter of 2023 due to stable supply. We currently expect stable per unit fiber costs in the third quarter of 2024.

Solid Wood

 Three Months Ended June 30, 
 2024  2023 
 (in thousands) 
Lumber revenues$53,910  $59,264 
Energy revenues$4,301  $5,360 
Manufactured products revenues(1)$35,381  $15,989 
Pallet revenues$26,741  $32,675 
Biofuels revenues(2)$8,155  $10,242 
Wood residuals revenues$1,750  $2,520 
Operating loss$(43,679) $(22,493)
______________ 
(1)      Manufactured products primarily includes cross-laminated timber ("CLT"), glue-laminated timber ("glulam") and finger joint lumber. 
(2)      Biofuels includes pellets and briquettes. 
  

In the second quarter of 2024, our solid wood segment had an operating loss of $43.7 million compared to $22.5 million in the same quarter of 2023 primarily due to the non-cash goodwill impairment charge partially offset by higher mass timber sales volumes and lower per unit fiber costs.

Solid wood segment revenues in the second quarter of 2024 modestly increased to $130.2 million from $126.1 million in the same quarter of 2023 driven by higher manufactured products revenues partially offset by lower revenues from our other products.

Lumber revenues in the second quarter of 2024 decreased by approximately 9% to $53.9 million from $59.3 million in the same quarter of 2023 primarily due to lower sales volumes partially offset by a modestly higher sales realization. Average lumber sales realizations in the second quarter of 2024 increased by approximately 5% to $463 per Mfbm from $443 per Mfbm in the same quarter of 2023 driven by a modest increase in demand in the U.S. market. In Europe, realized lumber prices were flat compared to the same quarter of 2023. The U.S. market accounted for approximately 45% of our lumber revenues and approximately 39% of our lumber sales volumes in the second quarter of 2024. The majority of the balance of our lumber sales were to Europe.

Lumber sales volumes in the second quarter of 2024 decreased by approximately 13% to 116.6 MMfbm from 133.9 MMfbm in the same quarter of 2023 primarily due to lower production and the timing of sales.

In the second quarter of 2024, as a result of the continued ramp-up of our mass timber business, manufactured products revenues more than doubled to $35.4 million from $16.0 million in the same quarter of 2023. Manufactured products sales realizations increased by approximately 31% to $2,942 per m3 in the second quarter of 2024 from $2,243 per m3 in the same quarter of 2023 as a result of higher CLT sales volumes, which generate higher sales realizations relative to other manufactured products.

Energy, biofuels and wood residuals revenues in the second quarter of 2024 decreased by approximately 22% to $14.2 million from $18.1 million in the same quarter of 2023 driven by lower sales realizations and sales volumes.

Pallet revenues in the second quarter of 2024 decreased by approximately 18% to $26.7 million from $32.7 million in the same quarter of 2023 due to lower sales volumes and sales realizations as weak economic conditions in Europe negatively impacted demand.

Lumber production in the second quarter of 2024 decreased by approximately 9% to 111.4 MMfbm from 122.3 MMfbm in the same quarter of 2023 driven by planned maintenance downtime.

Fiber costs were approximately 75% of our lumber cash production costs in the second quarter of 2024. In the second quarter of 2024, per unit fiber costs for lumber production decreased by approximately 12% compared to the same quarter of 2023 because of stable supply. We currently expect stable per unit fiber costs in the third quarter of 2024.

Consolidated – Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2023

Total revenues for the first half of 2024 were flat compared to the same period of 2023 as higher manufactured products sales revenues and pulp sales volumes were offset by lower lumber sales volumes and lower energy, pallet and pulp sales realizations.

Costs and expenses in the first half of 2024 decreased by approximately 7% to $1,097.0 million from $1,181.5 million in the same period of 2023 primarily as a result of lower per unit fiber, energy and chemical costs partially offset by the non-cash goodwill impairment of $34.3 million and the non-cash loss on disposal of the CPP joint venture investment of $23.6 million. In the first half of 2023, we recorded a non-cash inventory impairment of $66.6 million which was partially offset by $29.5 million of insurance proceeds received.

In the first half of 2024, Operating EBITDA increased to $94.0 million from negative Operating EBITDA of $41.2 million in the same period of 2023 primarily due to lower per unit fiber, energy and chemical costs. In the first half of 2023, we recorded a non-cash inventory impairment which was partially offset by insurance proceeds received.

Liquidity

As of June 30, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $263.2 million, approximately $317.4 million available under our revolving credit facilities and aggregate liquidity of about $580.6 million.

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

 June 30,  December 31, 
 2024  2023 
 (in thousands) 
Cash and cash equivalents$263,173  $313,992 
Working capital$760,126  $806,468 
Total assets$2,484,462  $2,662,578 
Long-term liabilities$1,688,183  $1,740,731 
Total shareholders' equity$487,669  $635,410 
        

Quarterly Dividend

A quarterly dividend of $0.075 per share will be paid on October 3, 2024 to all shareholders of record on September 25, 2024. Future dividends will be subject to Board approval and may be adjusted as business and industry conditions warrant.

Earnings Release Call

In conjunction with this release, Mercer International Inc. will host a conference call, which will be simultaneously broadcast live over the Internet. Management will host the call, which is scheduled for August 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM ET. Listeners can access the conference call live and archived for 30 days over the Internet at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/3qmekae8/ or through a link on the company's home page at https://www.mercerint.com. Please allow 15 minutes prior to the call to visit the website and download and install any necessary audio software.

Mercer International Inc. is a global forest products company with operations in Germany, USA and Canada with consolidated annual production capacity of 2.1 million tonnes of pulp, 960 million board feet of lumber, 210 thousand cubic meters of CLT, 45 thousand cubic meters of glulam, 17 million pallets and 230,000 metric tonnes of biofuels. To obtain further information on the company, please visit its website at https://www.mercerint.com.

The preceding includes forward looking statements which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. Words such as "expects", "anticipates", "are optimistic that", "projects", "intends", "designed", "will", "believes", "estimates", "may", "could" and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Among those factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: the highly cyclical nature of our business, raw material costs, our level of indebtedness, competition, foreign exchange and interest rate fluctuations, our use of derivatives, expenditures for capital projects, environmental regulation and compliance, disruptions to our production, market conditions and other risk factors listed from time to time in our SEC reports.

APPROVED BY:
William D. McCartney
Chairman
(604) 684-1099

Juan Carlos Bueno
Chief Executive Officer
(604) 684-1099

-FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW-

Summary Financial Highlights

 Q2  Q1  Q2  YTD  YTD 
 2024  2024  2023  2024  2023 
 (in thousands, except per share amounts) 
Pulp segment revenues$367,371  $432,404  $402,694  $799,775  $803,095 
Solid wood segment revenues 130,238   119,023   126,050   249,261   247,064 
Corporate and other revenues 1,775   2,003   1,119   3,778   2,370 
Total revenues$499,384  $553,430  $529,863  $1,052,814  $1,052,529 
               
Pulp segment operating income (loss)$4,481  $17,447  $(83,459) $21,928  $(70,688)
Solid wood segment operating loss (43,679)  (13,706)  (22,493)  (57,385)  (49,562)
Corporate and other operating loss (4,581)  (4,189)  (2,880)  (8,770)  (8,703)
Total operating loss$(43,779) $(448) $(108,832) $(44,227) $(128,953)
               
Pulp segment depreciation and amortization$27,193  $27,373  $27,783  $54,566  $55,182 
Solid wood segment depreciation and amortization 12,526   12,811   12,126   25,337   32,024 
Corporate and other depreciation and amortization 222   220   243   442   537 
Total depreciation and amortization$39,941  $40,404  $40,152  $80,345  $87,743 
               
Operating EBITDA$30,439  $63,601  $(68,680) $94,040  $(41,210)
Loss on disposal of investment in joint venture$—  $23,645  $—  $23,645  $— 
Goodwill impairment$34,277  $—  $—  $34,277  $— 
Income tax recovery (provision)$(1,263) $6,365  $27,479  $5,102  $32,835 
Net loss$(67,586) $(16,703) $(98,306) $(84,289) $(128,884)
Net loss per common share              
Basic$(1.01) $(0.25) $(1.48) $(1.26) $(1.94)
Diluted$(1.01) $(0.25) $(1.48) $(1.26) $(1.94)
Common shares outstanding at period end 66,871   66,850   66,525   66,871   66,525 
                    

Summary Operating Highlights

 Q2  Q1  Q2  YTD  YTD 
 2024  2024  2023  2024  2023 
Pulp Segment              
Pulp production ('000 ADMTs)              
NBSK 357.8   453.2   450.7   811.0   880.7 
NBHK 63.9   85.7   24.9   149.6   97.3 
Annual maintenance downtime ('000 ADMTs) 64.9   —   24.5   64.9   38.0 
Annual maintenance downtime (days) 37   —   25   37   35 
Pulp sales ('000 ADMTs)              
NBSK 377.6   488.2   473.6   865.8   852.1 
NBHK 55.7   77.5   63.3   133.2   120.7 
Average NBSK pulp prices ($/ADMT)(1)              
Europe 1,602   1,400   1,247   1,501   1,312 
China 811   745   668   778   780 
North America 1,697   1,440   1,510   1,568   1,593 
Average NBHK pulp prices ($/ADMT)(1)              
China 735   662   483   698   597 
North America 1,437   1,223   1,277   1,330   1,400 
Average pulp sales realizations ($/ADMT)(2)              
NBSK 811   732   706   766   769 
NBHK 701   631   602   660   700 
Energy production ('000 MWh)(3) 493.9   576.4   538.3   1,070.4   1,073.0 
Energy sales ('000 MWh)(3) 185.0   220.6   207.7   405.5   404.6 
Average energy sales realizations ($/MWh)(3) 84   88   101   86   114 
Solid Wood Segment              
Lumber              
Production (MMfbm) 111.4   127.0   122.3   238.4   256.3 
Sales (MMfbm) 116.6   121.4   133.9   238.0   273.7 
Average sales realizations ($/Mfbm) 463   460   443   461   436 
Energy              
Production and sales ('000 MWh) 33.7   38.7   41.9   72.4   82.4 
Average sales realizations ($/MWh) 128   125   128   126   134 
Manufactured products(4)              
Production ('000 cubic meters) 11.1   7.2   3.2   18.4   4.0 
Sales ('000 cubic meters) 11.2   4.0   6.1   15.2   10.4 
Average sales realizations ($/cubic meters) 2,942   3,644   2,243   3,128   1,587 
Pallets              
Production ('000 units) 2,547.8   3,056.3   2,747.2   5,604.1   5,627.4 
Sales ('000 units) 2,570.4   2,916.3   2,882.7   5,486.7   5,825.2 
Average sales realizations ($/unit) 10   10   11   10   12 
Biofuels(5)              
Production ('000 tonnes) 41.0   37.9   43.6   78.9   76.2 
Sales ('000 tonnes) 40.4   48.2   40.4   88.6   66.2 
Average sales realizations ($/tonne) 202   234   254   219   277 
Average Spot Currency Exchange Rates              
$ / €(6) 1.0766   1.0855   1.0888   1.0810   1.0810 
$ / C$(6) 0.7310   0.7415   0.7447   0.7362   0.7420 
______________ 
(1)      Source: RISI pricing report. Europe and North America are list prices. China are net prices which include discounts, allowances and rebates. 
(2)      Sales realizations after customer discounts, rebates and other selling concessions. Incorporates the effect of pulp price variations occurring between the order and shipment dates. 
(3)      Does not include our 50% joint venture interest in the CPP mill, which is accounted for using the equity method. In the first quarter of 2024, we disposed of our investment in CPP. 
(4)      Manufactured products includes CLT, glulam and finger joint lumber. 
(5)      Biofuels includes pellets and briquettes. 
(6)      Average Federal Reserve Bank of New York Noon Buying Rates over the reporting period. 


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
  Three Months Ended
June 30,		  Six Months Ended
June 30,		 
  2024  2023  2024  2023 
Revenues $499,384  $529,863  $1,052,814  $1,052,529 
Costs and expenses            
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization  439,220   566,200   897,402   1,027,538 
Cost of sales depreciation and amortization  39,877   40,103   80,227   87,601 
Selling, general and administrative expenses  29,789   32,392   61,490   66,343 
Loss on disposal of investment in joint venture  —   —   23,645   — 
Goodwill impairment  34,277   —   34,277   — 
Operating loss  (43,779)  (108,832)  (44,227)  (128,953)
Other income (expenses)            
Interest expense  (26,843)  (20,091)  (54,402)  (39,138)
Other income  4,299   3,138   9,238   6,372 
Total other expenses, net  (22,544)  (16,953)  (45,164)  (32,766)
Loss before income taxes  (66,323)  (125,785)  (89,391)  (161,719)
Income tax recovery (provision)  (1,263)  27,479   5,102   32,835 
Net loss $(67,586) $(98,306) $(84,289) $(128,884)
Net loss per common share            
Basic $(1.01) $(1.48) $(1.26) $(1.94)
Diluted $(1.01) $(1.48) $(1.26) $(1.94)
Dividends declared per common share $0.075  $0.075  $0.150  $0.150 


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
  June 30,  December 31, 
  2024  2023 
ASSETS      
Current assets      
Cash and cash equivalents $263,173  $313,992 
Accounts receivable, net  344,819   306,166 
Inventories  399,515   414,161 
Prepaid expenses and other  26,177   23,461 
Assets classified as held for sale  35,052   35,125 
Total current assets  1,068,736   1,092,905 
Property, plant and equipment, net  1,332,414   1,409,937 
Investment in joint ventures  3,984   41,665 
Amortizable intangible assets, net  54,548   52,641 
Goodwill  —   35,381 
Operating lease right-of-use assets  9,432   11,725 
Pension asset  5,458   5,588 
Other long-term assets  9,890   12,736 
Total assets $2,484,462  $2,662,578 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
Current liabilities      
Accounts payable and other $300,550  $278,986 
Pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations  798   826 
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale  7,262   6,625 
Total current liabilities  308,610   286,437 
Long-term debt  1,569,068   1,609,425 
Pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations  12,425   12,483 
Operating lease liabilities  5,973   7,755 
Other long-term liabilities  13,343   13,744 
Deferred income tax  87,374   97,324 
Total liabilities  1,996,793   2,027,168 
Shareholders’ equity      
Common shares $1 par value; 200,000,000 authorized; 66,871,000 issued and outstanding (2023 – 66,525,000)  66,850   66,471 
Additional paid-in capital  362,313   359,497 
Retained earnings  241,795   336,113 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (183,289)  (126,671)
Total shareholders’ equity  487,669   635,410 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $2,484,462  $2,662,578 


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
  Three Months Ended
June 30,		  Six Months Ended
June 30,		 
  2024  2023  2024  2023 
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities            
Net loss $(67,586) $(98,306) $(84,289) $(128,884)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash flows from operating activities            
Depreciation and amortization  39,941   40,152   80,345   87,743 
Deferred income tax provision (recovery)  7,322   (34,105)  (6,104)  (44,049)
Inventory impairment  —   51,400   —   66,600 
Loss on disposal of investment in joint venture  —   —   23,645   — 
Goodwill impairment  34,277   —   34,277   — 
Defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plan expense  431   451   641   897 
Stock compensation expense  1,403   1,387   3,432   2,613 
Foreign exchange transaction losses (gains)  (3,382)  224   (6,831)  494 
Other  1,389   (5,452)  2,116   (6,601)
Defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plan contributions  (288)  (1,318)  (617)  (1,565)
Changes in working capital            
Accounts receivable  21,929   12,168   (41,800)  23,510 
Inventories  4,506   58,880   4,595   (27,554)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  15,718   (7,490)  18,108   (7,181)
Other  6,525   (3,293)  5,473   (975)
Net cash from (used in) operating activities  62,185   14,698   32,991   (34,952)
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities            
Purchase of property, plant and equipment  (17,883)  (39,482)  (36,344)  (72,911)
Acquisition, net of cash acquired  —   (82,100)  —   (82,100)
Property insurance proceeds  —   2,710   —   2,710 
Proceeds from government grants  —   —   787   — 
Other  (2,271)  1,120   (2,081)  1,925 
Net cash from (used in) investing activities  (20,154)  (117,752)  (37,638)  (150,376)
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities            
Proceeds from (repayment of) revolving credit facilities, net  (44,965)  24,305   (35,840)  54,407 
Dividend payments  (5,014)  (4,982)  (5,014)  (4,982)
Payment of finance lease obligations  (2,687)  (1,898)  (4,876)  (3,787)
Other  (614)  (115)  (729)  (229)
Net cash from (used in) financing activities  (53,280)  17,310   (46,459)  45,409 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents  150   (1,478)  287   (775)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (11,099)  (87,222)  (50,819)  (140,694)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period  274,272   300,560   313,992   354,032 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $263,173  $213,338  $263,173  $213,338 


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
COMPUTATION OF OPERATING EBITDA
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 

Operating EBITDA is defined as operating loss plus depreciation and amortization and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges. Management uses Operating EBITDA as a benchmark measurement of its own operating results, and as a benchmark relative to its competitors. Management considers it to be a meaningful supplement to operating loss 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 our operating facilities. In addition, management believes 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 loss, including financing costs and the effect of derivative instruments. Operating EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to net loss or operating loss as a measure of performance, nor as an alternative to net cash from (used in) operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Operating EBITDA is an internal measure and therefore may not be comparable to other companies.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net loss to Operating EBITDA for the periods indicated:

 Q2  Q1  Q2  YTD  YTD 
 2024  2024  2023  2024  2023 
Net loss$(67,586) $(16,703) $(98,306) $(84,289) $(128,884)
Income tax provision (recovery) 1,263   (6,365)  (27,479)  (5,102)  (32,835)
Interest expense 26,843   27,559   20,091   54,402   39,138 
Other income (4,299)  (4,939)  (3,138)  (9,238)  (6,372)
Operating loss (43,779)  (448)  (108,832)  (44,227)  (128,953)
Add: Depreciation and amortization 39,941   40,404   40,152   80,345   87,743 
Add: Loss on disposal of investment in joint venture —   23,645   —   23,645   — 
Goodwill impairment 34,277   —   —   34,277   — 
Operating EBITDA$30,439  $63,601  $(68,680) $94,040  $(41,210)



FAQ

What were Mercer International's second quarter 2024 Operating EBITDA and net loss?

Mercer International reported a second quarter 2024 Operating EBITDA of $30.4 million and a net loss of $67.6 million.

How did Mercer International's Q2 2024 performance compare to Q2 2023?

In Q2 2024, Mercer International's Operating EBITDA was $30.4 million, recovering from a negative $68.7 million in Q2 2023. However, the net loss was $67.6 million compared to $98.3 million in Q2 2023.

What is the announced quarterly cash dividend for Mercer International in Q2 2024?

Mercer International announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.075 per share.

What were the key reasons for the revenue decrease in Q2 2024 for Mercer International?

The revenue decrease in Q2 2024 was primarily due to lower pulp and lumber sales volumes.

What is Mercer's outlook for pulp and lumber prices in Q3 2024?

Mercer expects pulp prices to soften slightly and lumber prices to remain stable in Q3 2024 due to high interest rates and economic uncertainty.

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Mercer International Inc

NASDAQ:MERC

MERC Rankings

#3245 Ranked by Market Cap
#600 Ranked by Dividends

MERC Latest News

Oct 31, 2024
Mercer International Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results and Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.075
Oct 30, 2024
Mercer International Inc. Completes Private Add-On Offering of $200,000,000 of 2028 Senior Notes
Oct 23, 2024
Mercer International Inc. Announces Pricing of Private Add-On Offering of Senior Notes
Oct 21, 2024
Mercer International Inc. Announces Proposed Add-On Offering of $200 Million of Senior Notes Due 2028 in Private Offering and Redemption of 5.500% Senior Notes Due 2026
Oct 16, 2024
Mercer International Inc. Announces Preliminary Results for the Third Quarter of 2024 and Earnings Conference Call Details

MERC Stock Data

422.62M
38.17M
37.92%
56.06%
0.74%
Paper & Paper Products
Pulp Mills
Link
United States of America
VANCOUVER