UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 20192020

OR

 

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 1120, 700 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 1G8

(Address of office)

(604) 684-1099

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share

 

MERC

 

NASDAQ Global Select Market

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.   YESYes       NO

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). YESYes      NO

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company.  See definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer", "non-accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

 

Large Accelerated Fileraccelerated filer

 

Accelerated Filerfiler

Emerging Growth CompanyNon-accelerated filer

 

Smaller Reporting Companyreporting company

Non-Accelerated Filer

 

 

Emerging growth company

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  YES     NO  

The Registrant had 65,629,58265,868,086 shares of common stock outstanding as atof October 30, 2019.28, 2020.

 

 

 


 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 20192020

(Unaudited)

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 2


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data)

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Revenues

 

$

383,536

 

 

$

331,058

 

 

$

1,293,239

 

 

$

1,045,493

 

 

$

333,151

 

 

$

383,536

 

 

$

1,024,945

 

 

$

1,293,239

 

Costs and expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization

 

 

314,894

 

 

 

230,009

 

 

 

994,360

 

 

 

755,428

 

 

 

272,165

 

 

 

314,894

 

 

 

832,554

 

 

 

994,360

 

Cost of sales depreciation and amortization

 

 

31,934

 

 

 

23,197

 

 

 

94,108

 

 

 

69,312

 

 

 

31,862

 

 

 

31,934

 

 

 

94,952

 

 

 

94,108

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

17,961

 

 

 

14,506

 

 

 

54,662

 

 

 

43,883

 

 

 

15,388

 

 

 

17,961

 

 

 

49,326

 

 

 

54,662

 

Operating income

 

 

18,747

 

 

 

63,346

 

 

 

150,109

 

 

 

176,870

 

 

 

13,736

 

 

 

18,747

 

 

 

48,113

 

 

 

150,109

 

Other income (expenses)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

(18,183

)

 

 

(11,729

)

 

 

(55,103

)

 

 

(35,972

)

 

 

(19,864

)

 

 

(18,183

)

 

 

(60,056

)

 

 

(55,103

)

Loss on settlement of debt (Note 5(a))

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(21,515

)

Legal cost award

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,951

)

Other income (expenses)

 

 

887

 

 

 

(259

)

 

 

3,177

 

 

 

(628

)

Other income

 

 

11,898

 

 

 

887

 

 

 

12,136

 

 

 

3,177

 

Total other expenses, net

 

 

(17,296

)

 

 

(11,988

)

 

 

(51,926

)

 

 

(65,066

)

 

 

(7,966

)

 

 

(17,296

)

 

 

(47,920

)

 

 

(51,926

)

Income before provision for income taxes

 

 

1,451

 

 

 

51,358

 

 

 

98,183

 

 

 

111,804

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

(244

)

 

 

(10,182

)

 

 

(35,101

)

 

 

(28,224

)

Net income

 

$

1,207

 

 

$

41,176

 

 

$

63,082

 

 

$

83,580

 

Net income per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.02

 

 

$

0.63

 

 

$

0.96

 

 

$

1.28

 

Diluted

 

$

0.02

 

 

$

0.63

 

 

$

0.96

 

 

$

1.27

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

5,770

 

 

 

1,451

 

 

 

193

 

 

 

98,183

 

Income tax recovery (provision)

 

 

1,775

 

 

 

(244

)

 

 

(4,451

)

 

 

(35,101

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

7,545

 

 

$

1,207

 

 

$

(4,258

)

 

$

63,082

 

Net income (loss) per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

$

0.11

 

 

$

0.02

 

 

$

(0.06

)

 

$

0.96

 

Dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.1375

 

 

$

0.1250

 

 

$

0.4000

 

 

$

0.3750

 

 

$

0.0650

 

 

$

0.1375

 

 

$

0.2675

 

 

$

0.4000

 

 

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Net income

 

$

1,207

 

 

$

41,176

 

 

$

63,082

 

 

$

83,580

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

7,545

 

 

$

1,207

 

 

$

(4,258

)

 

$

63,082

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

(48,538

)

 

 

(1,982

)

 

 

(28,285

)

 

 

(41,477

)

 

 

52,280

 

 

 

(48,538

)

 

 

21,488

 

 

 

(28,285

)

Change in unrecognized losses and prior service costs related to defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $7 and $43, respectively (2018 - $nil)

 

 

39

 

 

 

(574

)

 

 

134

 

 

 

(1,302

)

Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes

 

 

(48,499

)

 

 

(2,556

)

 

 

(28,151

)

 

 

(42,779

)

Change in unrecognized losses and prior service costs related to defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $nil (2019 - $7 and $43, respectively)

 

 

8

 

 

 

39

 

 

 

31

 

 

 

134

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

 

 

52,288

 

 

 

(48,499

)

 

 

21,519

 

 

 

(28,151

)

Total comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

(47,292

)

 

$

38,620

 

 

$

34,931

 

 

$

40,801

 

 

$

59,833

 

 

$

(47,292

)

 

$

17,261

 

 

$

34,931

 

 

 

 

 

TheSee accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements.Notes to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 3


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

264,899

 

 

$

240,491

 

 

$

345,580

 

 

$

351,085

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

228,154

 

 

 

252,692

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

202,619

 

 

 

208,740

 

Inventories

 

 

269,443

 

 

 

303,813

 

 

 

269,864

 

 

 

272,599

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

 

20,512

 

 

 

13,703

 

 

 

16,417

 

 

 

12,273

 

Total current assets

 

 

783,008

 

 

 

810,699

 

 

 

834,480

 

 

 

844,697

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

1,009,639

 

 

 

1,029,257

 

 

 

1,065,345

 

 

 

1,074,242

 

Investment in joint ventures

 

 

55,382

 

 

 

62,574

 

 

 

47,865

 

 

 

53,122

 

Intangible assets, net

 

 

53,442

 

 

 

53,927

 

Amortizable intangible assets, net

 

 

50,132

 

 

 

53,371

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

 

13,054

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,932

 

 

 

13,004

 

Other long-term assets

 

 

32,220

 

 

 

17,904

 

 

 

32,744

 

 

 

26,038

 

Deferred income tax

 

 

2,908

 

 

 

1,374

 

 

 

1,237

 

 

 

1,246

 

Total assets

 

$

1,949,653

 

 

$

1,975,735

 

 

$

2,044,735

 

 

$

2,065,720

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and other

 

$

203,279

 

 

$

194,484

 

 

$

199,992

 

 

$

255,544

 

Pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations

 

 

778

 

 

 

904

 

 

 

724

 

 

 

768

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

204,057

 

 

 

195,388

 

 

 

200,716

 

 

 

256,312

 

Debt

 

 

984,087

 

 

 

1,041,389

 

 

 

1,124,202

 

 

 

1,087,932

 

Pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations

 

 

26,534

 

 

 

25,829

 

 

 

24,613

 

 

 

25,489

 

Finance lease liabilities

 

 

21,677

 

 

 

24,669

 

 

 

39,741

 

 

 

31,103

 

Operating lease liabilities

 

 

10,631

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,912

 

 

 

10,520

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

13,423

 

 

 

13,924

 

 

 

14,213

 

 

 

14,114

 

Deferred income tax

 

 

97,857

 

 

 

93,107

 

 

 

80,631

 

 

 

89,847

 

Total liabilities

 

 

1,358,266

 

 

 

1,394,306

 

 

 

1,494,028

 

 

 

1,515,317

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares $1 par value; 200,000,000 authorized; 65,629,000 issued and outstanding (2018 – 65,202,000)

 

 

65,598

 

 

 

65,171

 

Common shares $1 par value; 200,000,000 authorized; 65,868,000 issued and outstanding (2019 – 65,629,000)

 

 

65,800

 

 

 

65,598

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

343,994

 

 

 

342,438

 

 

 

345,583

 

 

 

344,994

 

Retained earnings

 

 

338,116

 

 

 

301,990

 

 

 

234,365

 

 

 

256,371

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(156,321

)

 

 

(128,170

)

 

 

(95,041

)

 

 

(116,560

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

 

591,387

 

 

 

581,429

 

 

 

550,707

 

 

 

550,403

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

1,949,653

 

 

$

1,975,735

 

 

$

2,044,735

 

 

$

2,065,720

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subsequent events (Note 5(a), 8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subsequent event (Note 7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TheSee accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements.Notes to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 4


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number

(thousands of

shares)

 

 

Amount, at

Par

Value

 

 

Additional

Paid -in

Capital

 

 

Retained

Earnings

 

 

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Loss

 

 

Total

Equity

 

 

Number

(thousands

of shares)

 

 

Amount, at

Par

Value

 

 

Additional

Paid -in

Capital

 

 

Retained

Earnings

 

 

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Loss

 

 

Total

Shareholders'

Equity

 

Three Months Ended September 30:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance June 30, 2019

 

 

65,629

 

 

$

65,598

 

 

$

342,815

 

 

$

345,934

 

 

$

(107,822

)

 

$

646,525

 

Balance as of June 30, 2020

 

 

65,868

 

 

$

65,800

 

 

$

344,688

 

 

$

231,101

 

 

$

(147,329

)

 

$

494,260

 

Stock compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

895

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

895

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,545

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,545

 

Dividends declared

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,281

)

 

 

 

 

 

(4,281

)

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

52,288

 

 

 

52,288

 

Balance as of September 30, 2020

 

 

65,868

 

 

$

65,800

 

 

$

345,583

 

 

$

234,365

 

 

$

(95,041

)

 

$

550,707

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2019

 

 

65,629

 

 

$

65,598

 

 

$

342,815

 

 

$

345,934

 

 

$

(107,822

)

 

$

646,525

 

Stock compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,179

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,179

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,179

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,179

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,207

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,207

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,207

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,207

 

Dividends declared

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9,025

)

 

 

 

 

 

(9,025

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9,025

)

 

 

 

 

 

(9,025

)

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(48,499

)

 

 

(48,499

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

��

 

 

 

 

(48,499

)

 

 

(48,499

)

Balance September 30, 2019

 

 

65,629

 

 

$

65,598

 

 

$

343,994

 

 

$

338,116

 

 

$

(156,321

)

 

$

591,387

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance June 30, 2018

 

 

65,202

 

 

$

65,171

 

 

$

340,450

 

 

$

232,105

 

 

$

(99,224

)

 

$

538,502

 

Stock compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

970

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

970

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

41,176

 

 

 

 

 

 

41,176

 

Dividends declared

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8,150

)

 

 

 

 

 

(8,150

)

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,556

)

 

 

(2,556

)

Balance September 30, 2018

 

 

65,202

 

 

$

65,171

 

 

$

341,420

 

 

$

265,131

 

 

$

(101,780

)

 

$

569,942

 

Balance as of September 30, 2019

 

 

65,629

 

 

$

65,598

 

 

$

343,994

 

 

$

338,116

 

 

$

(156,321

)

 

$

591,387

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance December 31, 2018

 

 

65,202

 

 

$

65,171

 

 

$

342,438

 

 

$

301,990

 

 

$

(128,170

)

 

$

581,429

 

Balance as of December 31, 2019

 

 

65,629

 

 

$

65,598

 

 

$

344,994

 

 

$

256,371

 

 

$

(116,560

)

 

$

550,403

 

Shares issued on grants of restricted shares

 

 

68

 

 

 

31

 

 

 

(31

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares issued on grants of performance share units

 

 

195

 

 

 

195

 

 

 

(195

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

815

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

815

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,258

)

 

 

 

 

 

(4,258

)

Dividends declared

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(17,610

)

 

 

 

 

 

(17,610

)

Repurchase of common shares

 

 

(24

)

 

 

(24

)

 

 

 

 

 

(138

)

 

 

 

 

 

(162

)

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21,519

 

 

 

21,519

 

Balance as of September 30, 2020

 

 

65,868

 

 

$

65,800

 

 

$

345,583

 

 

$

234,365

 

 

$

(95,041

)

 

$

550,707

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2018

 

 

65,202

 

 

$

65,171

 

 

$

342,438

 

 

$

301,990

 

 

$

(128,170

)

 

$

581,429

 

Shares issued on grants of restricted shares

 

 

31

 

 

 

31

 

 

 

(31

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31

 

 

 

31

 

 

 

(31

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares issued on grants of performance share units

 

 

449

 

 

 

449

 

 

 

(449

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

449

 

 

 

449

 

 

 

(449

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,036

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,036

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,036

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,036

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

63,082

 

 

 

 

 

 

63,082

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

63,082

 

 

 

 

 

 

63,082

 

Dividends declared

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(26,255

)

 

 

 

 

 

(26,255

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(26,255

)

 

 

 

 

 

(26,255

)

Repurchase of common shares

 

 

(53

)

 

 

(53

)

 

 

 

 

 

(701

)

 

 

 

 

 

(754

)

 

 

(53

)

 

 

(53

)

 

 

 

 

 

(701

)

 

 

 

 

 

(754

)

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(28,151

)

 

 

(28,151

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(28,151

)

 

 

(28,151

)

Balance September 30, 2019

 

 

65,629

 

 

$

65,598

 

 

$

343,994

 

 

$

338,116

 

 

$

(156,321

)

 

$

591,387

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance December 31, 2017

 

 

65,017

 

 

$

64,974

 

 

$

338,695

 

 

$

205,998

 

 

$

(59,001

)

 

$

550,666

 

Shares issued on grants of restricted shares

 

 

31

 

 

 

43

 

 

 

(43

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares issued on grants of performance share units

 

 

154

 

 

 

154

 

 

 

(154

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,922

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,922

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

83,580

 

 

 

 

 

 

83,580

 

Dividends declared

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(24,447

)

 

 

 

 

 

(24,447

)

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(42,779

)

 

 

(42,779

)

Balance September 30, 2018

 

 

65,202

 

 

$

65,171

 

 

$

341,420

 

 

$

265,131

 

 

$

(101,780

)

 

$

569,942

 

Balance as of September 30, 2019

 

 

65,629

 

 

$

65,598

 

 

$

343,994

 

 

$

338,116

 

 

$

(156,321

)

 

$

591,387

 

 

 

 

The

See accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements.Notes to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 5


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

1,207

 

 

$

41,176

 

 

$

63,082

 

 

$

83,580

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

7,545

 

 

$

1,207

 

 

$

(4,258

)

 

$

63,082

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

32,052

 

 

 

23,310

 

 

 

94,447

 

 

 

69,643

 

 

 

31,884

 

 

 

32,052

 

 

 

95,031

 

 

 

94,447

 

Deferred income tax provision (benefit)

 

 

(1,706

)

 

 

1,314

 

 

 

2,359

 

 

 

7,330

 

Loss on settlement of debt

 

 

 

 

 

��

 

 

 

 

 

 

21,515

 

Deferred income tax provision (recovery)

 

 

(4,255

)

 

 

(1,706

)

 

 

(10,330

)

 

 

2,359

 

Inventory impairment

 

 

8,000

 

 

 

6,900

 

 

 

25,998

 

 

 

13,800

 

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

 

 

866

 

 

 

423

 

 

 

2,582

 

 

 

1,294

 

 

 

769

 

 

 

866

 

 

 

2,270

 

 

 

2,582

 

Stock compensation expense

 

 

1,179

 

 

 

970

 

 

 

2,036

 

 

 

2,922

 

 

 

895

 

 

 

1,179

 

 

 

815

 

 

 

2,036

 

Gain on sale of investments

 

 

(15,443

)

 

 

0

 

 

 

(15,443

)

 

 

0

 

Foreign exchange transaction losses (gains)

 

 

(8,873

)

 

 

40

 

 

 

369

 

 

 

564

 

 

 

3,384

 

 

 

(8,873

)

 

 

4,120

 

 

 

369

 

Other

 

 

2,887

 

 

 

844

 

 

 

11,231

 

 

 

2,451

 

 

 

(1,801

)

 

 

2,887

 

 

 

(2,993

)

 

 

4,331

 

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

 

 

(1,200

)

 

 

(19

)

 

 

(2,628

)

 

 

(124

)

 

 

(783

)

 

 

(1,200

)

 

 

(2,495

)

 

 

(2,628

)

Changes in working capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

41,381

 

 

 

(150

)

 

 

17,232

 

 

 

8,193

 

 

 

17,226

 

 

 

41,381

 

 

 

11,238

 

 

 

17,232

 

Inventories

 

 

9,242

 

 

 

(41,084

)

 

 

22,614

 

 

 

(60,127

)

 

 

(8,031

)

 

 

2,342

 

 

 

(20,443

)

 

 

15,714

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

(16,691

)

 

 

(10,803

)

 

 

(12,667

)

 

 

44,130

 

 

 

(4,219

)

 

 

(16,691

)

 

 

(54,000

)

 

 

(12,667

)

Other

 

 

(3,483

)

 

 

(5,252

)

 

 

(12,889

)

 

 

(8,480

)

 

 

(6,683

)

 

 

(3,483

)

 

 

(6,759

)

 

 

(12,889

)

Net cash from (used in) operating activities

 

 

56,861

 

 

 

10,769

 

 

 

187,768

 

 

 

172,891

 

 

 

28,488

 

 

 

56,861

 

 

 

22,751

 

 

 

187,768

 

Cash flows from (used in) investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

 

 

(37,049

)

 

 

(26,744

)

 

 

(81,417

)

 

 

(71,583

)

 

 

(14,639

)

 

 

(37,049

)

 

 

(59,201

)

 

 

(81,417

)

Purchase of intangible assets

 

 

(215

)

 

 

(163

)

 

 

(710

)

 

 

(483

)

Purchase of amortizable intangible assets

 

 

(30

)

 

 

(215

)

 

 

(557

)

 

 

(710

)

Purchase of investments

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

(9,370

)

 

 

0

 

Proceeds from sale of investments

 

 

21,540

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

21,540

 

 

 

0

 

Other

 

 

162

 

 

 

211

 

 

 

(181

)

 

 

278

 

 

 

396

 

 

 

162

 

 

 

1,243

 

 

 

(181

)

Net cash from (used in) investing activities

 

 

(37,102

)

 

 

(26,696

)

 

 

(82,308

)

 

 

(71,788

)

 

 

7,267

 

 

 

(37,102

)

 

 

(46,345

)

 

 

(82,308

)

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redemption of senior notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(317,439

)

Proceeds from (repayment of) revolving credit facilities, net

 

 

 

 

 

(3,443

)

 

 

(58,404

)

 

 

34,293

 

 

 

8,750

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

34,359

 

 

 

(58,404

)

Dividend payments

 

 

(9,025

)

 

 

(8,150

)

 

 

(17,231

)

 

 

(24,424

)

 

 

(4,282

)

 

 

(9,025

)

 

 

(13,329

)

 

 

(17,231

)

Repurchase of common shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(754

)

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

(162

)

 

 

(754

)

Payment of debt issuance costs

 

 

(369

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,126

)

 

 

(1,390

)

 

 

0

 

 

 

(369

)

 

 

0

 

 

 

(1,126

)

Proceeds from government grants

 

 

147

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,467

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

147

 

 

 

299

 

 

 

6,467

 

Other

 

 

(1,735

)

 

 

(944

)

 

 

(8,664

)

 

 

(2,563

)

 

 

(302

)

 

 

(1,735

)

 

 

(2,729

)

 

 

(8,664

)

Net cash from (used in) financing activities

 

 

(10,982

)

 

 

(12,537

)

 

 

(79,712

)

 

 

(311,523

)

 

 

4,166

 

 

 

(10,982

)

 

 

18,438

 

 

 

(79,712

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(1,200

)

 

 

1,167

 

 

 

(1,340

)

 

 

(8,133

)

 

 

2,325

 

 

 

(1,200

)

 

 

(349

)

 

 

(1,340

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

7,577

 

 

 

(27,297

)

 

 

24,408

 

 

 

(218,553

)

 

 

42,246

 

 

 

7,577

 

 

 

(5,505

)

 

 

24,408

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

 

257,322

 

 

 

269,482

 

 

 

240,491

 

 

 

460,738

 

 

 

303,334

 

 

 

257,322

 

 

 

351,085

 

 

 

240,491

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

264,899

 

 

$

242,185

 

 

$

264,899

 

 

$

242,185

 

 

$

345,580

 

 

$

264,899

 

 

$

345,580

 

 

$

264,899

 

 

Supplemental cash flow disclosure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

32,857

 

 

$

19,591

 

 

$

55,742

 

 

$

35,287

 

 

$

38,029

 

 

$

32,857

 

 

$

76,257

 

 

$

55,742

 

Cash paid for income taxes

 

$

3,337

 

 

$

2,192

 

 

$

42,074

 

 

$

6,412

 

 

$

2,916

 

 

$

3,337

 

 

$

17,797

 

 

$

42,074

 

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leased production equipment

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

12,126

 

 

$

510

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

11,206

 

 

$

0

 

 

The

See accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements.Notes to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 6


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Note 1. The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

The Interim Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein include the accounts of Mercer International Inc. ("Mercer Inc.") and all of its subsidiaries (collectively the "Company"). Mercer Inc. owns 100% of the economic interest in its subsidiaries with the exception of the 50% joint venture interest in the Cariboo mill with West Fraser Mills Ltd., which is accounted for using the equity method. The Company's shares of common stock are quoted and listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

The Interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The year-end Consolidated Balance Sheet data was derived from audited financial statements. The footnote disclosure included herein has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted for interim financial statements in the United States ("GAAP"). The unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements should be read together with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes included in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2019. In the opinion of the Company, the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein have been prepared on a consistent basis (except for the change in policy referred to below) with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes included in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and contain all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods included. The results for the periods included herein may not be indicative of the results for the entire year.

In these Interim Consolidated Financial Statements, unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are expressed in United States dollars ("U.S. dollars" or "$"). The symbol "€" refers to euros and the symbol "C$" refers to Canadian dollars.

Use of Estimates

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. Significant management judgment is required in determining the accounting for, among other things, pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations, deferred income taxes (valuation allowance and permanent reinvestment), depreciation and amortization, future cash flows associated with impairment testing for inventory and long-lived assets, the allocation of the purchase price in a business combination to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, legal liabilities and contingencies. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates, and changes in these estimates are recorded when known.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements ImplementedImpact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

In February 2016,

The Company is subject to risks and uncertainties as a result of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") established Topic 842, Leases, by issuing Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, Leases, which requires lessees to recognize virtually all leasesCOVID-19 pandemic. The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the balance sheet, by recording a right-of-use assetCompany's business is highly uncertain and corresponding liability. Additionally,difficult to predict, as the update also requires additional disclosures in regardsresponse to the nature, timingpandemic and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. Topic 842 was subsequently amendedinformation continues to evolve. In mid-2020, many countries eased restrictions on economic and social activities to, among other things, reopen their economies by ASU 2018-01, Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transitionallowing businesses to Topic 842; ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases;restart and ASU 2018-11, Leases: Targeted Improvements.  These updates were effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted these updates on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method and used the effective date as the date of initial application. Consequently, financial information was not updated before January 1, 2019. The new standard providesencourage economic recovery. Recently there has been a number of optional practical expedientswidespread increase or "second wave" in transitionreported infections including in Europe and the Company elected to use allU.S. In response, various countries including in Europe have announced the re-imposition of themsome restrictions on adoption.

Adoption of the standard resulted in recognition of right-of-use assetssocial, business and lease liabilities for operating leases of $14,700 as at January 1, 2019. The standard did not impact the Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations or the Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company's lease disclosure has been included in the Lease Commitments Note.

other activities. Such economic disruption could have a material adverse effect on our business.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 7


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Note 2. Acquisition1. The Company and Summary of Mercer Peace River ("MPR")Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

On December 10, 2018,

The severity of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the duration and severity of the pandemic and the extent and severity of the impact on the Company's customers, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted. The Company's future results of operations and liquidity could be adversely impacted by delays in payments of outstanding receivable amounts beyond normal payment terms, supply chain disruptions and uncertain demand, and the impact of any initiatives or programs that the Company acquired allmay undertake to address financial and operational challenges faced by its customers. As of the date of issuance of these Interim Consolidated Financial Statements, the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may materially impact the Company's financial condition, liquidity, or results of operations remain uncertain.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which replaces the current incurred loss impairment method with a method that reflects expected credit losses. In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief, which provides entities with targeted transition relief that is intended to increase comparability of financial statement information for some entities that otherwise would have measured similar financial instruments using different measurement methodologies. These updates were effective for financial statements issued after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted these updates on January 1, 2020 using the modified-retrospective approach. The adoption of these updates did not have an impact on the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements as the Company’s credit risk associated with its sales is currently managed through the purchase of credit insurance, letters of credit and outstanding sharessetting credit limits prior to the sale. The Company reviews new customers' credit history before granting credit and conducts regular reviews of MPR.existing customers' credit performance. The purchase price was cash consideration of $344,030, after certain customary working capital adjustments. The acquisition results in 100% ownership of a bleached kraft pulp mill in Peace River, Alberta, a 50% joint venture interestCompany is exposed to credit risk in the Cariboo Pulp and Paperevent of non-performance by counterparties to its financial instruments. The Company ("CPP") (beingattempts to minimize this exposure by entering into contracts with counterparties that are believed to be of high credit quality.

The Company's exposure to credit losses may increase if its customers are adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the Company has historically not experienced significant credit losses, it is possible that there could be a NBSK pulp mill, in Quesnel, British Columbia) and a 50% interest in a logging and chipping operation formaterial adverse impact from potential adjustments of the areas underlying MPR's forest management agreements and timber allocations. The acquisitioncarrying amount of MPR expandstrade receivables if the cash flows of the Company's sales presence in Asiacustomers are adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes – Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which removes certain exceptions for investments, intraperiod tax allocations and interim calculations, and adds northern bleached hardwood kraftguidance to its product mix.reduce complexity in accounting for income taxes. This update is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update.

The following summarizes

In March 2020, the Company's allocationFASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the purchase priceEffects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The amendments provide optional guidance for a limited time to ease the fair value ofpotential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The new guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments apply only to contracts and hedging relationships that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. These amendments are effective immediately and may be applied prospectively to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated on or before December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating its contracts and the assets acquired and liabilities assumed atoptional expedients provided by the acquisition date:new standard.

 

 

Purchase Price

Allocation

 

Current assets

 

$

134,748

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

214,260

 

Investment in joint ventures

 

 

55,325

 

Amortizable intangible assets, timber cutting rights (a)

 

 

37,634

 

Other long term-assets

 

 

392

 

Total assets acquired

 

 

442,359

 

Current liabilities

 

 

35,578

 

Pension obligations

 

 

9,747

 

Deferred income tax

 

 

49,907

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

3,097

 

Total liabilities assumed

 

 

98,329

 

Net assets acquired

 

$

344,030

 

(a)

The timber cutting rights are being amortized on a straight line basis over 30 years. The fair value of the timber cutting rights was determined through the market approach utilizing comparable market data. The values were then discounted at a rate of 12% for 30 years to arrive at the fair value.

During the nine month period ended September 30, 2019 immaterial adjustments were made to the purchase price allocation to reflect the final valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Note 3. Inventories

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Raw materials

 

$

78,996

 

 

$

103,983

 

Finished goods

 

 

95,090

 

 

 

114,304

 

Spare parts and other

 

 

95,357

 

 

 

85,526

 

 

 

$

269,443

 

 

$

303,813

 

 

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 8


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Note 2. Inventories

Inventories as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, were comprised of the following:

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Raw materials

 

$

64,104

 

 

$

99,754

 

Finished goods

 

 

102,570

 

 

 

77,815

 

Spare parts and other

 

 

103,190

 

 

 

95,030

 

 

 

$

269,864

 

 

$

272,599

 

For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020, as a result of low pulp prices and high fiber costs for the Canadian mills, the Company recorded inventory impairment charges of $8,000 and $25,998, respectively at certain Canadian mills (2019 – $6,900 and $13,800). These charges were recorded in "Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization" in the Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of September 30, 2020, $4,853 of the write-down was recorded against raw materials inventory and $3,147 was recorded against finished goods inventory. As of December 31, 2019, the Company recorded a $3,500 write-down against raw materials inventory and a $5,700 write-down against finished goods inventory.

Note 4.3. Accounts Payable and Other

 

Accounts payable and other as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, was comprised of the following:

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Trade payables

 

$

43,718

 

 

$

36,333

 

 

$

62,169

 

 

$

73,721

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

97,990

 

 

 

95,936

 

 

 

93,517

 

 

 

111,696

 

Interest payable

 

 

14,393

 

 

 

16,861

 

 

 

14,908

 

 

 

33,198

 

Income tax payable

 

 

25,448

 

 

 

29,818

 

 

 

14,453

 

 

 

28,080

 

Legal cost award payable

 

 

 

 

 

6,951

 

Dividends payable

 

 

9,025

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

12,705

 

 

 

8,585

 

 

 

14,945

 

 

 

8,849

 

 

$

203,279

 

 

$

194,484

 

 

$

199,992

 

 

$

255,544

 

 

Note 5.4. Debt

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

2022 Senior Notes, principal amount $100,000 (a)

 

$

99,125

 

 

$

98,918

 

2024 Senior Notes, principal amount $250,000 (a)

 

 

246,722

 

 

 

246,154

 

2025 Senior Notes, principal amount $350,000 (a)

 

 

343,076

 

 

 

342,761

 

2026 Senior Notes, principal amount $300,000 (a)

 

 

295,164

 

 

 

294,588

 

Credit arrangements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

€200 million joint revolving credit facility (b)

 

 

 

 

 

58,968

 

C$60 million revolving credit facility (c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C$40 million revolving credit facility (d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

€2.6 million demand loan (e)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

984,087

 

 

$

1,041,389

 

As atDebt as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the maturitieswas comprised of the principal portion of debt were as follows:following:

 

2019

 

$

 

2020

 

 

 

2021

 

 

 

2022

 

 

100,000

 

2023

 

 

 

Thereafter

 

 

900,000

 

 

 

$

1,000,000

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

2024 Senior Notes, principal amount $250,000 (a)

 

$

247,478

 

 

$

246,911

 

2025 Senior Notes, principal amount $550,000 (a)

 

 

546,306

 

 

 

545,665

 

2026 Senior Notes, principal amount $300,000 (a)

 

 

295,933

 

 

 

295,356

 

Credit arrangements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

€200 million joint revolving credit facility (b)

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

C$60 million revolving credit facility (c)

 

 

22,490

 

 

 

0

 

C$60 million revolving credit facility (d)

 

 

11,995

 

 

 

0

 

€2.6 million demand loan (e)

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

$

1,124,202

 

 

$

1,087,932

 

Certain of the debt instruments were issued under agreements which, among other things, may limit the Company’s ability to make certain payments, including dividends. These limitations are subject to specific exceptions. As at September 30, 2019, the Company was in compliance with the terms of its debt agreements.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 9


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Note 5.4. Debt (continued)

The maturities of the principal portion of debt as of September 30, 2020 were as follows:

2020

 

$

0

 

2021

 

 

0

 

2022

 

 

0

 

2023

 

 

11,995

 

2024

 

 

272,490

 

Thereafter

 

 

850,000

 

 

 

$

1,134,485

 

Certain of the Company's debt instruments were issued under agreements which, among other things, may limit its ability and the ability of its subsidiaries to make certain payments, including dividends. These limitations are subject to specific exceptions. As of September 30, 2020, the Company was in compliance with the terms of its debt agreements.

 

(a)

In 2018, the Company issued $350,000 in aggregate principal amount of 7.375% senior notes which mature on January 15, 2025 ("2025(the "2025 Senior Notes"). The 2025 Senior Notes were issued at a price of 100% of their principal amount. The net proceeds of the offering were $342,682 after deducting the underwriter's discount and offering expenses. The net proceeds together with cash on hand were used to finance the acquisition of MPR.Mercer Peace River Pulp Ltd. ("MPR").

Subsequent to the end of the third quarter,

In October 2019, the Company issued an additional $200,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 2025 Senior Notes. The additional 2025 Senior Notes were issued at a price of 102.75% of their principal amount for a yield to worst of 6.435%. The net proceeds of the offering were approximately $202,000$202,063 after deducting the underwriter’sunderwriter's discount and offering expenses. The net proceeds were used to redeem the$100,000 of remaining $100,000 inaggregate principal amount of the Company's 7.750% Senior Notesoutstanding senior notes due 2022 (the "2022 Senior Notes") and for general corporate purposes.

 

In 2017, the Company issued $300,000 in aggregate principal amount of 5.50% senior notes which mature on January 15, 2026 ("2026(the "2026 Senior Notes"). The 2026 Senior Notes were issued at a price of 100% of their principal amount. The net proceeds of the offering were $293,795 after deducting the underwriter's discount and offering expenses.

In 2018, the Company used the net proceeds, of the 2026 Senior Notes, together with cash on hand, were used to purchaseredeem $300,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Senior Notes.     In connection with this redemption the Company recorded a loss on settlement of debt of $21,515 in the Interim Consolidated Statement of Operations.

In 2017, the Company issued $250,000 in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% senior notes which mature on February 1, 2024 ("2024(the "2024 Senior Notes" and collectively with the 2025 Senior Notes and 2026 Senior Notes, the “Senior Notes”"Senior Notes"). The 2024 Senior Notes were issued at a price of 100% of their principal amount. The net proceeds of the offering were $244,711 after deducting the underwriter's discount and offering expenses. The net proceeds, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem $227,000 of remaining aggregate principal amount of outstanding senior notes due 2019, to finance the acquisition of the Friesau sawmillmill and for general working capital purposes.

The Senior Notes are general unsecured senior obligations of the Company. They rank equal in right of payment with all existing and future unsecured senior indebtedness of the Company and are senior in right of payment to any current or future subordinated indebtedness of the Company. The Senior Notes are effectively junior in right of payment to all existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the assets securing such indebtedness, and all indebtedness and liabilities of the Company's subsidiaries.

The Company may redeem all or a part of the 2025 Senior Notes or 2026 Senior Notes, upon not less than 10 days' or more than 60 days' notice and the Company may redeem all or a part of the 2024 Senior Notes, upon not less than 30 days' or more than 60 days' notice at the redemption price plus accrued and unpaid interest to (but not including) the applicable redemption date.

The following table presents the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) and the redemption periods:

2024 Senior Notes

 

 

2025 Senior Notes

 

 

2026 Senior Notes

 

12 Month

Period

Beginning

 

Percentage

 

 

12 Month

Period

Beginning

 

Percentage

 

 

12 Month

Period

Beginning

 

Percentage

 

February 1, 2020

 

 

103.250

%

 

January 15, 2021

 

 

103.688

%

 

January 15, 2021

 

 

102.750

%

February 1, 2021

 

 

101.625

%

 

January 15, 2022

 

 

101.844

%

 

January 15, 2022

 

 

101.375

%

February 1, 2022

and thereafter

 

 

100.000

%

 

January 15, 2023

and thereafter

 

 

100.000

%

 

January 15, 2023

and thereafter

 

 

100.000

%

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 10


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Note 5.4. Debt (continued)

The following table presents the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) and the redemption periods of the outstanding Senior Notes:

2024 Senior Notes

 

2025 Senior Notes

 

2026 Senior Notes

12 Month

Period

Beginning

 

Percentage

 

12 Month

Period

Beginning

 

Percentage

 

12 Month

Period

Beginning

 

Percentage

February 1, 2020

 

103.250%

 

January 15, 2021

 

103.688%

 

January 15, 2021

 

102.750%

February 1, 2021

 

101.625%

 

January 15, 2022

 

101.844%

 

January 15, 2022

 

101.375%

February 1, 2022

and thereafter

 

100.000%

 

January 15, 2023

and thereafter

 

100.000%

 

January 15, 2023

and thereafter

 

100.000%

 

(b)

A €200.0 million joint revolving credit facility with all of the Company's German mills that matures in December 2023. Borrowings under the facility are unsecured and bear interest at Euribor plus a variable margin ranging from 1.05% to 2.00% dependent on conditions including but not limited to a prescribed leverage ratio. As atof September 30, 2019,2020, approximately €11.3€13.8 million ($12,269)16,142) of this facility was supporting bank guarantees leavingand approximately €188.7€186.2 million ($205,511)218,018) was available.

(c)

In 2019, MPR entered into aA C$60.0 million revolving credit facility for MPR that matures in February 2024. The facility is available by way of: (i) Canadian denominated advances, which bear interest at a designated prime rate per annum; (ii) banker's acceptance equivalent loans, which bear interest at the applicable Canadian dollar banker's acceptance plus 1.25% to 1.50% per annum; (iii) dollar denominated base rate advances at the greater of the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, a designated LIBOR rate plus 1.00% and the bank's applicable reference rate for U.S. dollar loans; and (iv) dollar LIBOR advances, which bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.25% to 1.50% per annum. TheBorrowings under the facility is securedare collateralized by, among other things, the mill's inventories and receivables.accounts receivable. As atof September 30, 2019,2020, approximately C$0.830.0 million ($624)22,490) of this facility was drawn and accruing interest at a rate of 1.73%, approximately C$0.9 million ($695) was supporting letters of credit leavingand approximately C$59.229.1 million ($44,682)21,795) was available.

(d)

A C$40.0 millionIn June 2020, Celgar amended its revolving credit facility atagreement to increase the Celgar mill thatprincipal amount to C$60.0 million. The revolving credit facility matures in July 2023. Borrowings under the facility are collateralized by the mill's inventory,inventories, accounts receivable, general intangibles and capital assets and are restricted by a borrowing base calculated on the mill's inventoryinventories and accounts receivable. When the borrowing capacityThe facility is less than 25% of the total facility theavailable by way of: (i) Canadian dollarand U.S. denominated amountsadvances, which bear interest at bankersa designated prime rate less 0.125% to plus 0.125% per annum; (ii) banker's acceptance equivalent loans, which bear interest at the applicable Canadian dollar banker's acceptance plus 1.50% or Canadian prime1.25% to 1.625% per annum; and the U.S.(iii) dollar denominated amountsLIBOR advances, which bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.50% or U.S. base. When the borrowing capacity is greater than or equal1.25% to 25%1.625% per annum. As of the total facility, the respective bankers acceptance or LIBOR margins are reduced by 0.25% and the Canadian Prime or U.S. base margins are reduced by 0.125%. As at September 30, 2019,2020, approximately C$16.0 million ($11,995) of this facility was drawn and accruing interest at a rate of 1.86%, approximately C$1.7 million ($1,283)1,274) was supporting letters of credit leavingand approximately C$38.320.3 million ($28,921)15,194) was available.

(e)

A €2.6 million demand loan at the Rosenthal mill that does not have a maturity date. Borrowings under this facility are unsecured and bear interest at the rate of the three-month Euribor plus 2.50%. As atof September 30, 2019,2020, approximately €2.6 million ($2,779)2,988) of this facility was supporting bank guarantees leavingand approximately $nil was available.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 11


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Note 6.5. Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Obligations

Defined Benefit Plans

Included in pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations are amounts related to Celgar and from the date of acquisition MPR.

Pension benefits are based on employees' earnings and years of service. The defined benefit plans are funded by contributions from the Company based on actuarial estimates and statutory requirements. The components of the net benefit costs for the Celgar and MPR defined benefit plans, in aggregate for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 20192020 and 20182019 were as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

Pension

 

 

Other Post-

Retirement

Benefits

 

 

Pension

 

 

Other Post-

Retirement

Benefits

 

 

Pension

 

 

Other Post-

Retirement

Benefits

 

 

Pension

 

 

Other Post-

Retirement

Benefits

 

Service cost

 

$

721

 

 

$

68

 

 

$

26

 

 

$

115

 

 

$

857

 

 

$

65

 

 

$

721

 

 

$

68

 

Interest cost

 

 

883

 

 

 

137

 

 

 

312

 

 

 

175

 

 

 

848

 

 

 

97

 

 

 

883

 

 

 

137

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 

(1,009

)

 

 

 

 

 

(380

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,106

)

 

 

0

 

 

 

(1,009

)

 

 

0

 

Amortization of unrecognized items

 

 

236

 

 

 

(170

)

 

 

226

 

 

 

(51

)

 

 

232

 

 

 

(224

)

 

 

236

 

 

 

(170

)

Net benefit costs

 

$

831

 

 

$

35

 

 

$

184

 

 

$

239

 

 

$

831

 

 

$

(62

)

 

$

831

 

 

$

35

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

Pension

 

 

Other Post-

Retirement

Benefits

 

 

Pension

 

 

Other Post-

Retirement

Benefits

 

 

Pension

 

 

Other Post-

Retirement

Benefits

 

 

Pension

 

 

Other Post-

Retirement

Benefits

 

Service cost

 

$

2,148

 

 

$

203

 

 

$

78

 

 

$

352

 

 

$

2,530

 

 

$

192

 

 

$

2,148

 

 

$

203

 

Interest cost

 

 

2,632

 

 

 

410

 

 

 

952

 

 

 

535

 

 

 

2,502

 

 

 

286

 

 

 

2,632

 

 

 

410

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 

(3,008

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,157

)

 

 

 

 

 

(3,271

)

 

 

 

 

 

(3,008

)

 

 

 

Amortization of unrecognized items

 

 

704

 

 

 

(507

)

 

 

690

 

 

 

(156

)

 

 

693

 

 

 

(662

)

 

 

704

 

 

 

(507

)

Net benefit costs

 

$

2,476

 

 

$

106

 

 

$

563

 

 

$

731

 

 

$

2,454

 

 

$

(184

)

 

$

2,476

 

 

$

106

 

The components of the net benefit costs other than service cost are recorded in other income (expenses)"Other income" in the Interim Consolidated StatementStatements of Operations. The amortization of unrecognized items relates to net actuarial losses and prior service costs.

Defined Contribution Plan

Effective December 31, 2008, the defined benefit plans for salaried employees at the Celgar mill were closed to new members. In addition, the related defined benefit service accrual ceased on December 31, 2008, and members began to receive pension benefits, at a fixed contractual rate, under a new defined contribution plan effective January 1, 2009. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, the Company made contributions of $320 and $791, respectively to this plan (2019 – $242 and $988, respectively (2018 – $215 and $650)$988).

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 12


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Note 6. Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued)

Multiemployer Plan

The Company participates in a multiemployer plan for the hourly-paid employees at the Celgar mill. The contributions to the plan are determined based on a percentage of pensionable earnings pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. The Company has no current or future contribution obligations in excess of the contractual contributions. Contributions duringDuring the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019 totaled2020, the Company made contributions of $475 and $1,481, respectively to this plan (2019 – $598 and $1,569, respectively (2018 – $529 and $1,674)$1,569).

Note 7. Income Taxes

Differences between the U.S. Federal statutory and the Company's effective rates for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, were as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

U.S. Federal statutory rate

 

21%

 

 

21%

 

 

21%

 

 

21%

 

U.S. Federal statutory rate on income before provision

   for income taxes

 

$

(304

)

 

$

(10,785

)

 

$

(20,618

)

 

$

(23,479

)

Tax differential on foreign income

 

 

(1,177

)

 

 

(4,265

)

 

 

(9,539

)

 

 

(11,493

)

Effect of foreign earnings (a)

 

 

892

 

 

 

(19,983

)

 

 

(11,148

)

 

 

(28,440

)

Valuation allowance

 

 

(8,934

)

 

 

23,492

 

 

 

(5,173

)

 

 

45,510

 

Tax benefit of partnership structure

 

 

960

 

 

 

965

 

 

 

2,881

 

 

 

3,242

 

Non-taxable foreign subsidies

 

 

1,571

 

 

 

716

 

 

 

2,965

 

 

 

2,204

 

True-up of prior year taxes

 

 

6,733

 

 

 

109

 

 

 

5,612

 

 

 

(14,384

)

Other

 

 

15

 

 

 

(431

)

 

 

(81

)

 

 

(1,384

)

 

 

$

(244

)

 

$

(10,182

)

 

$

(35,101

)

 

$

(28,224

)

Comprised of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current income tax provision

 

$

(1,950

)

 

$

(8,868

)

 

$

(32,742

)

 

$

(20,894

)

Deferred income tax benefit (provision)

 

 

1,706

 

 

 

(1,314

)

 

 

(2,359

)

 

 

(7,330

)

 

 

$

(244

)

 

$

(10,182

)

 

$

(35,101

)

 

$

(28,224

)

(a)

Includes the impact of the global intangible low-taxed income provision in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 1312


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Note 6. Income Taxes

Differences between the U.S. Federal statutory and the Company's effective rates for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

U.S. Federal statutory rate

 

21%

 

 

21%

 

 

21%

 

 

21%

 

U.S. Federal statutory rate on income before income taxes

 

$

(1,212

)

 

$

(304

)

 

$

(41

)

 

$

(20,618

)

Tax differential on foreign income

 

 

611

 

 

 

(1,177

)

 

 

(1,270

)

 

 

(9,539

)

Effect of foreign earnings (a)

 

 

468

 

 

 

892

 

 

 

(2,402

)

 

 

(11,148

)

Valuation allowance

 

 

(919

)

 

 

(8,934

)

 

 

(4,084

)

 

 

(5,173

)

Tax benefit of partnership structure

 

 

935

 

 

 

960

 

 

 

2,805

 

 

 

2,881

 

Non-taxable foreign subsidies

 

 

734

 

 

 

1,571

 

 

 

2,098

 

 

 

2,965

 

True-up of prior year taxes

 

 

(1,996

)

 

 

6,733

 

 

 

(2,150

)

 

 

5,612

 

Other

 

 

3,154

 

 

 

15

 

 

 

593

 

 

 

(81

)

 

 

$

1,775

 

 

$

(244

)

 

$

(4,451

)

 

$

(35,101

)

Comprised of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current income tax provision

 

$

(2,480

)

 

$

(1,950

)

 

$

(14,781

)

 

$

(32,742

)

Deferred income tax recovery (provision)

 

 

4,255

 

 

 

1,706

 

 

 

10,330

 

 

 

(2,359

)

 

 

$

1,775

 

 

$

(244

)

 

$

(4,451

)

 

$

(35,101

)

(a)

Primarily due to the impact of the global intangible low-taxed income provision in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

Note 8.7. Shareholders' Equity

Dividends

During the nine month period ended September 30, 2019,2020, the Company’s BoardCompany's board of Directorsdirectors declared the following quarterly dividends:

Date Declared

 

Dividend Per

Common Share

 

 

Amount

 

February 13, 2020

 

$

0.1375

 

 

$

9,047

 

April 30, 2020

 

 

0.0650

 

 

 

4,282

 

July 30, 2020

 

 

0.0650

 

 

 

4,281

 

 

 

$

0.2675

 

 

$

17,610

 

 

Date Declared

 

Dividend Per

Common Share

 

 

Amount

 

February 14, 2019

 

$

0.1250

 

 

$

8,205

 

May 2, 2019

 

 

0.1375

 

 

 

9,025

 

August 1, 2019

 

 

0.1375

 

 

 

9,025

 

 

 

$

0.4000

 

 

$

26,255

 

InOn October 2019,29, 2020, the Company's Boardboard of Directorsdirectors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.1375$0.065 per common share. Payment of the dividend will be made on December 19, 201930, 2020 to all shareholders of record on December 12, 2019.23, 2020. Future dividends are subject to approval by the Boardboard of Directorsdirectors and may be adjusted as business and industry conditions warrant.

Share Repurchase Program

In May 2019, the Company’sCompany's board of directors authorized a common stock repurchase program, under which the Company may repurchase up to $50,000 of its shares, until which expired in May 2020. Repurchases may be made from time to time under the program through open market or in privately negotiated transactions, through block trades or pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The repurchase program is subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors and will comply with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

2020. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2019,2020, prior to the expiration the Company paid $754$162 to acquire 52,87923,584 common shares at an average repurchase price of $14.25.$6.84. The shares were retired upon repurchase.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 13


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Note 7. Shareholders' Equity (continued)

Stock Based Compensation

The

In June 2010, the Company hasadopted a stock incentive plan which provides for options, restricted stock rights, restricted shares, performance shares, performance share units ("PSUs") and stock appreciation rights to be awarded to employees, consultants and non-employee directors. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, there were 0 issued and outstanding options, restricted stock rights, performance shares or stock appreciation rights. As atof September 30, 2019,2020, after factoring in all allocated shares, there remain approximately 2.61.7 million common shares available for grant.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 14


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Note 8. Shareholders' Equity (continued)

PSUs

PSUs comprise rights to receive common shares at a future date that are contingent on the Company and the grantee achieving certain performance objectives. The performance objective period is generally three years. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, the Company recognized an expense of $1,066$757 and $1,669,$444, respectively related to PSUs (2018(2019 – $840$1,066 and $2,534)$1,669).

The following table summarizes PSU activity during the period:

 

 

 

Number of

PSUs

 

Outstanding as atof January 1, 20192020

 

 

2,036,0081,764,976

 

Granted

 

 

641,2061,140,834

 

Vested and issued

 

 

(449,395194,948

)

Forfeited

 

 

(462,843319,780

)

Outstanding as atof September 30, 20192020

 

 

1,764,9762,391,082

 

Restricted Shares

Restricted shares generally vest at the end of one year. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, the Company recognized an expense of $113$138 and $367,$371, respectively related to restricted shares (2018(2019 - $130$113 and $388)$367). As atof September 30, 2019,2020, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted shares amounted to approximately $300$367 which will be amortized over the remaining vesting periods.

The following table summarizes restricted share activity during the period:

 

 

 

Number of

Restricted

Shares

 

Outstanding as atof January 1, 20192020

 

 

31,13031,405

 

Granted

 

 

31,40568,140

 

Vested

 

 

(31,13031,405

)

Outstanding as atof September 30, 20192020

 

 

31,40568,140

 

 

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 1514


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Note 9.8. Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

 

The reconciliation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was as follows:

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

$

1,207

 

 

$

41,176

 

 

$

63,082

 

 

$

83,580

 

 

$

7,545

 

 

$

1,207

 

 

$

(4,258

)

 

$

63,082

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.02

 

 

$

0.63

 

 

$

0.96

 

 

$

1.28

 

Diluted

 

$

0.02

 

 

$

0.63

 

 

$

0.96

 

 

$

1.27

 

Net income (loss) per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

$

0.11

 

 

$

0.02

 

 

$

(0.06

)

 

$

0.96

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic (a)

 

 

65,598,177

 

 

 

65,170,531

 

 

 

65,538,037

 

 

 

65,120,976

 

 

 

65,799,946

 

 

 

65,598,177

 

 

 

65,757,921

 

 

 

65,538,037

 

Effect of dilutive instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PSUs

 

 

372,495

 

 

 

639,998

 

 

 

358,851

 

 

 

550,983

 

 

 

79,489

 

 

 

372,495

 

 

 

 

 

 

358,851

 

Restricted shares

 

 

3,198

 

 

 

7,510

 

 

 

13,437

 

 

 

20,328

 

 

 

11,413

 

 

 

3,198

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,437

 

Diluted

 

 

65,973,870

 

 

 

65,818,039

 

 

 

65,910,325

 

 

 

65,692,287

 

 

 

65,890,848

 

 

 

65,973,870

 

 

 

65,757,921

 

 

 

65,910,325

 

(a)

For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding excludes 31,40568,140 restricted shares which have been issued, but have not vested as atof September 30, 2019 (20182020 (201931,13031,405 restricted shares).

The calculation of diluted net income (loss) per common share does not assume the exercise of any instruments that would have an anti-dilutive effect on net income (loss) per common share. ThereInstruments excluded from the calculation of net income (loss) per common share because they were 0 anti-dilutive instruments for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 and 2018.were as follows:  

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

PSUs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,391,082

 

 

 

 

Restricted shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

68,140

 

 

 

 

 

Note 10.9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The change in the accumulated other comprehensive loss by component (net of tax) for the nine month period ended September 30, 2020 was as follows:

 

 

 

Foreign

Currency

Translation

Adjustment

 

 

Defined Benefit

Pension and

Other Post-

Retirement

Benefit Items

 

 

Total

 

Balance as at January 1, 2019

 

$

(127,000

)

 

$

(1,170

)

 

$

(128,170

)

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

 

 

(28,285

)

 

 

(20

)

 

 

(28,305

)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

154

 

 

 

154

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

 

 

(28,285

)

 

 

134

 

 

 

(28,151

)

Balance as at September 30, 2019

 

$

(155,285

)

 

$

(1,036

)

 

$

(156,321

)

 

 

Foreign

Currency

Translation

Adjustment

 

 

Defined Benefit

Pension and

Other Post-

Retirement

Benefit Items

 

 

Total

 

Balance as of January 1, 2020

 

$

(114,709

)

 

$

(1,851

)

 

$

(116,560

)

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

 

 

21,488

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

21,488

 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

0

 

 

 

31

 

 

 

31

 

Other comprehensive income, net of taxes

 

 

21,488

 

 

 

31

 

 

 

21,519

 

Balance as of September 30, 2020

 

$

(93,221

)

 

$

(1,820

)

 

$

(95,041

)

 

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 15


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Note 10. Related Party Transactions

The Company enters into related party transactions with its joint ventures. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020, pulp purchases from the Company's 50% owned Cariboo mill, which are transacted at the Cariboo mill's cost, were $20,717 and $54,253, respectively (2019 $21,232 and $76,388) and as of September 30, 2020 the Company had a receivable balance from the Cariboo mill of $4,482 (December 31, 2019 – $3,462). For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020, services from the Company's 50% owned logging and chipping operation, which are transacted at arm's length negotiated prices, were $3,265 and $11,543, respectively (2019 $3,074 and $11,923) and as of September 30, 2020 the Company had a payable balance to the operation of $463 (December 31, 2019 $1,151).  

Note 11. Segment Information

The Company is managed based on the primary products it manufactures: pulp and wood products. Accordingly, the Company's 4 pulp mills and its 50% interest in the Cariboo mill are aggregated into the pulp segment, and the Friesau sawmill is a separate reportable segment, wood products. The Company's sandalwood business is included in corporate and other as it does not meet the criteria to be reported as a separate reportable segment.

None of the income or loss items following operating income in the Company's Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations are allocated to the segments, as those items are reviewed separately by management.

Information about certain segment data for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was as follows:

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Pulp

 

 

Wood

Products

 

 

Corporate

and Other

 

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

274,916

 

 

$

57,053

 

 

$

1,182

 

 

$

333,151

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

3,753

 

 

$

11,963

 

 

$

(1,980

)

 

$

13,736

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

28,251

 

 

$

3,446

 

 

$

187

 

 

$

31,884

 

Revenues by major products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pulp

 

$

253,056

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

253,056

 

Lumber

 

 

0

 

 

 

53,612

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

53,612

 

Energy and chemicals

 

 

21,860

 

 

 

2,226

 

 

 

1,182

 

 

 

25,268

 

Wood residuals

 

 

0

 

 

 

1,215

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

1,215

 

Total revenues

 

$

274,916

 

 

$

57,053

 

 

$

1,182

 

 

$

333,151

 

Revenues by geographical markets (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

29,295

 

 

$

31,466

 

 

$

540

 

 

$

61,301

 

Germany

 

 

79,535

 

 

 

11,744

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

91,279

 

China

 

 

83,554

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

83,554

 

Other countries

 

 

82,532

 

 

 

13,843

 

 

 

642

 

 

 

97,017

 

Total revenues

 

$

274,916

 

 

$

57,053

 

 

$

1,182

 

 

$

333,151

 

(a)

Sales are attributed to countries based on the ship-to location provided by the customer.      

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 16


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Note 11. Business Segment Information

The Company is managed based on the primary products it manufactures: pulp and wood products. Accordingly, the Company's 4 pulp mills and its 50% interest in the CPP mill are aggregated into the pulp business segment, and the Friesau sawmill is a separate reportable business segment, wood products. The Company's sandalwood business is included in Corporate and Other as it does not meet the criteria to be reported as a separate segment.

None of the income or loss items following operating income in the Company's Interim Consolidated Statement of Operations are allocated to the segments, as those items are reviewed separately by management.

Information about certain segment data for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, was as follows: (continued)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

 

Pulp

 

 

Wood

Products

 

 

Corporate

and Other

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

Pulp

 

 

Wood

Products

 

 

Corporate

and Other

 

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

345,060

 

 

$

36,458

 

 

$

2,018

 

 

$

383,536

 

 

$

345,060

 

 

$

36,458

 

 

$

2,018

 

 

$

383,536

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

21,386

 

 

$

544

 

 

$

(3,183

)

 

$

18,747

 

 

$

21,386

 

 

$

544

 

 

$

(3,183

)

 

$

18,747

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

29,744

 

 

$

2,016

 

 

$

292

 

 

$

32,052

 

 

$

29,744

 

 

$

2,016

 

 

$

292

 

 

$

32,052

 

Revenues by major products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pulp

 

$

322,707

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

322,707

 

 

$

322,707

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

322,707

 

Lumber

 

 

 

 

 

32,687

 

 

 

 

 

 

32,687

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

32,687

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

32,687

 

Energy and chemicals

 

 

22,353

 

 

 

1,621

 

 

 

2,018

 

 

 

25,992

 

 

 

22,353

 

 

 

1,621

 

 

 

2,018

 

 

 

25,992

 

Wood residuals

 

 

 

 

 

2,150

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,150

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

2,150

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

2,150

 

Total revenues

 

$

345,060

 

 

$

36,458

 

 

$

2,018

 

 

$

383,536

 

 

$

345,060

 

 

$

36,458

 

 

$

2,018

 

 

$

383,536

 

Revenues by geographical markets(a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

30,693

 

 

$

13,027

 

 

$

 

 

$

43,720

 

 

$

30,693

 

 

$

13,027

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

43,720

 

Germany

 

 

97,339

 

 

 

11,915

 

 

 

 

 

 

109,254

 

 

 

97,339

 

 

 

11,915

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

109,254

 

China

 

 

113,578

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

113,578

 

 

 

113,578

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

113,578

 

Other countries

 

 

103,450

 

 

 

11,516

 

 

 

2,018

 

 

 

116,984

 

 

 

103,450

 

 

 

11,516

 

 

 

2,018

 

 

 

116,984

 

Total revenues

 

$

345,060

 

 

$

36,458

 

 

$

2,018

 

 

$

383,536

 

 

$

345,060

 

 

$

36,458

 

 

$

2,018

 

 

$

383,536

 

(a)

Sales are attributed to countries based on the ship-to location provided by the customer.    

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Pulp

 

 

Wood

Products

 

 

Corporate

and Other

 

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

876,567

 

 

$

144,558

 

 

$

3,820

 

 

$

1,024,945

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

33,302

 

 

$

21,845

 

��

$

(7,034

)

 

$

48,113

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

85,841

 

 

$

8,627

 

 

$

563

 

 

$

95,031

 

Total assets (a)

 

$

1,767,397

 

 

$

99,743

 

 

$

177,595

 

 

$

2,044,735

 

Revenues by major products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pulp

 

$

808,923

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

808,923

 

Lumber

 

 

0

 

 

 

132,209

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

132,209

 

Energy and chemicals

 

 

67,644

 

 

 

7,486

 

 

 

3,820

 

 

 

78,950

 

Wood residuals

 

 

0

 

 

 

4,863

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

4,863

 

Total revenues

 

$

876,567

 

 

$

144,558

 

 

$

3,820

 

 

$

1,024,945

 

Revenues by geographical markets (b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

102,813

 

 

$

66,710

 

 

$

1,701

 

 

$

171,224

 

Germany

 

 

246,775

 

 

 

38,941

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

285,716

 

China

 

 

247,916

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

247,916

 

Other countries

 

 

279,063

 

 

 

38,907

 

 

 

2,119

 

 

 

320,089

 

Total revenues

 

$

876,567

 

 

$

144,558

 

 

$

3,820

 

 

$

1,024,945

 

(a)

Total assets for the pulp segment includes the Company's $47,865 investment in joint ventures, primarily for the Cariboo mill.

(b)

Sales are attributed to countries based on the ship-to location provided by the customer.      

 


Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

Pulp

 

 

Wood

Products

 

 

Corporate

and Other

 

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

292,969

 

 

$

38,089

 

 

$

 

 

$

331,058

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

68,794

 

 

$

(1,770

)

 

$

(3,678

)

 

$

63,346

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

20,802

 

 

$

2,395

 

 

$

113

 

 

$

23,310

 

Revenues by major products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pulp

 

$

274,970

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

274,970

 

Lumber

 

 

 

 

 

34,270

 

 

 

 

 

 

34,270

 

Energy and chemicals

 

 

17,999

 

 

 

1,978

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,977

 

Wood residuals

 

 

 

 

 

1,841

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,841

 

Total revenues

 

$

292,969

 

 

$

38,089

 

 

$

 

 

$

331,058

 

Revenues by geographical markets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

7,148

 

 

$

10,857

 

 

$

 

 

$

18,005

 

Germany

 

 

132,233

 

 

 

14,771

 

 

 

 

 

 

147,004

 

China

 

 

44,981

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

44,981

 

Other countries

 

 

108,607

 

 

 

12,461

 

 

 

 

 

 

121,068

 

Total revenues

 

$

292,969

 

 

$

38,089

 

 

$

 

 

$

331,058

 

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 17


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Note 11. Business Segment Information (continued)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

 

Pulp

 

 

Wood

Products

 

 

Corporate

and Other

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

Pulp

 

 

Wood

Products

 

 

Corporate

and Other

 

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

1,166,333

 

 

$

120,349

 

 

$

6,557

 

 

$

1,293,239

 

 

$

1,166,333

 

 

$

120,349

 

 

$

6,557

 

 

$

1,293,239

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

157,157

 

 

$

2,075

 

 

$

(9,123

)

 

$

150,109

 

 

$

157,157

 

 

$

2,075

 

 

$

(9,123

)

 

$

150,109

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

87,616

 

 

$

5,937

 

 

$

894

 

 

$

94,447

 

 

$

87,616

 

 

$

5,937

 

 

$

894

 

 

$

94,447

 

Total assets (a)

 

$

1,762,994

 

 

$

75,467

 

 

$

111,192

 

 

$

1,949,653

 

Revenues by major products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pulp

 

$

1,095,225

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,095,225

 

 

$

1,095,225

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

1,095,225

 

Lumber

 

 

 

 

 

107,172

 

 

 

 

 

 

107,172

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

107,172

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

107,172

 

Energy and chemicals

 

 

71,108

 

 

 

7,075

 

 

 

6,557

 

 

 

84,740

 

 

 

71,108

 

 

 

7,075

 

 

 

6,557

 

 

 

84,740

 

Wood residuals

 

 

 

 

 

6,102

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,102

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

6,102

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

6,102

 

Total revenues

 

$

1,166,333

 

 

$

120,349

 

 

$

6,557

 

 

$

1,293,239

 

 

$

1,166,333

 

 

$

120,349

 

 

$

6,557

 

 

$

1,293,239

 

Revenues by geographical markets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues by geographical markets (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

124,039

 

 

$

38,997

 

 

$

 

 

$

163,036

 

 

$

124,039

 

 

$

38,997

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

163,036

 

Germany

 

 

338,678

 

 

 

40,860

 

 

 

 

 

 

379,538

 

 

 

338,678

 

 

 

40,860

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

379,538

 

China

 

 

347,232

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

347,232

 

 

 

347,232

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

347,232

 

Other countries

 

 

356,384

 

 

 

40,492

 

 

 

6,557

 

 

 

403,433

 

 

 

356,384

 

 

 

40,492

 

 

 

6,557

 

 

 

403,433

 

Total revenues

 

$

1,166,333

 

 

$

120,349

 

 

$

6,557

 

 

$

1,293,239

 

 

$

1,166,333

 

 

$

120,349

 

 

$

6,557

 

 

$

1,293,239

 

(a)

Total assets forSales are attributed to countries based on the pulp segment includesship-to location provided by the Company's $55,382 investment in joint ventures, primarily for the CPP mill.customer.      

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

Pulp

 

 

Wood

Products

 

 

Corporate

and Other

 

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

898,836

 

 

$

146,657

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,045,493

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

179,824

 

 

$

5,534

 

 

$

(8,488

)

 

$

176,870

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

63,452

 

 

$

5,860

 

 

$

331

 

 

$

69,643

 

Revenues by major products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pulp

 

$

845,460

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

845,460

 

Lumber

 

 

 

 

 

131,429

 

 

 

 

 

 

131,429

 

Energy and chemicals

 

 

53,376

 

 

 

8,014

 

 

 

 

 

 

61,390

 

Wood residuals

 

 

 

 

 

7,214

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,214

 

Total revenues

 

$

898,836

 

 

$

146,657

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,045,493

 

Revenues by geographical markets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

18,451

 

 

$

42,511

 

 

$

 

 

$

60,962

 

Germany

 

 

373,176

 

 

 

58,631

 

 

 

 

 

 

431,807

 

China

 

 

204,818

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

204,818

 

Other countries

 

 

302,391

 

 

 

45,515

 

 

 

 

 

 

347,906

 

Total revenues

 

$

898,836

 

 

$

146,657

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,045,493

 

As atof December 31, 2018,2019, the Company had total assets of $1,698,071$1,782,105 in the pulp segment, $131,754$83,102 in the wood products segment and $145,910$200,513 in corporate and other. Total assets for the pulp segment includes the Company's $53,122 investment in joint ventures, primarily for the Cariboo mill.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 18


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Note 11. Business Segment Information (continued)

Revenues between segments are accounted for at prices that approximate fair value. These include revenues from the sale of residual fiber from the wood products segment to the pulp segment for use in the pulp production process and from the sale of residual fuel from the pulp segment to the wood products segment for use in energy production. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019,2020, the pulp segment sold $59$42 and $423,$388, respectively of residual fuel to the wood products segment (2018(2019$163$59 and $1,073)$423) and the wood products segment sold $2,360$2,246 and $11,713,$9,676, respectively of residual fiber to the pulp segment (2018(2019$3,764$2,360 and $13,809)$11,713).

Pulp purchases from theCompany’s 50% owned CPP mill, which are transacted at the CPP mill's cost, were $21,232FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 18


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and $76,388 for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019, respectively (2018 - $nil) and as at September 30, 2019 the Company had a receivable balance from the CPP mill of $4,514 (December 31, 2018 – a payable balance of $1,347). Logging services from its 50% owned logging operation, which are transacted at arm’s length negotiated prices were $3,074 and $11,923 for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019, respectively (2018 - $nil) and as at September 30, 2019 the Company had a payable balance to the logging operation of $903 (December 31, 2018 - $2,343). per share data)

Note 12. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement

Due to their short-term maturity, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable and other approximates their fair value.

The estimated fair values of the Company's outstanding debt under the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

 

Fair value measurements as of

September 30, 2020 using:

 

Description

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Revolving credit facilities

 

$

0

 

 

$

34,485

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

34,485

 

Senior Notes

 

 

0

 

 

 

1,095,500

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

1,095,500

 

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

1,129,985

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

1,129,985

 

 

 

Fair value measurements as of

December 31, 2019 using:

 

Description

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Senior Notes

 

$

0

 

 

$

1,156,673

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

1,156,673

 

The carrying value of the revolving credit facilities classified as Level 2 approximates theirthe fair value as the variable interest rates reflect current interest rates for financial instruments with similar characteristics and maturities.

The fair value of the Senior Notes classified as Level 2 was determined using quoted prices in a dealer market, or using recent market transactions.

The following tables present a summaryCompany's Senior Notes are not carried at fair value on the Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2020 or December 31, 2019. However, fair value disclosure is required. The carrying value of the Company's outstanding financial instrumentsSenior Notes, net of note issuance costs and their estimated fair values under the fair value hierarchy:

 

 

Fair value measurements at

September 30, 2019 using:

 

Description

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Senior notes

 

$

 

 

$

1,013,435

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,013,435

 

 

 

Fair value measurements at

December 31, 2018 using:

 

Description

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Revolving credit facility

 

$

 

 

$

58,968

 

 

$

 

 

$

58,968

 

Senior notes

 

 

 

 

 

965,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

965,000

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,023,968

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,023,968

 

premium is $1,089,717 as of September 30, 2020 (December 31, 2019 $1,087,932).

 

FORM 10-QFor the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020, the Company recognized a realized gain of $15,443 on the sale of investments in “Other income” in the Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations.

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 19


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Note 12. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement (continued)

Credit Risk

The Company'sCompany’s credit risk is primarily attributable to cash held in bank accounts and accounts receivable. The Company maintains cash balances in foreign financial institutions in excess of insured limits. The Company limits its credit exposure on cash held in bank accounts by periodically investing cash in excess of short-term operating requirements and debt obligations in low risk government bonds, or similar debt instruments. The Company'sCompany’s credit risk associated with the sale of pulp, lumber and other wood residuals is managed through setting credit limits, the purchase of credit insurance and for certain customers a letter of credit is received prior to shipping the product. The Company reviews new customers’ credit history before granting credit and conducts regular reviews of existing customers’ credit performance. Concentrations of credit risk on the sale of pulp, lumber and other wood residuals are with customers and agents based primarily in Germany, China, the U.S. and Italy.

The Company’s exposure to credit losses may increase if its customers are adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the Company has historically not experienced significant credit losses, it is possible that there could be a material adverse impact from potential adjustments of the carrying amount of trade receivables if the cash flows of the Company’s customers are adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents of $264,899$345,580 and accounts receivable of $228,154$202,619 recorded in the Interim Consolidated Balance Sheet, net of any allowances for losses, represents the Company'sCompany’s maximum exposure to credit risk.

Note 13. Lease Commitments

The Company has finance leases primarily for rail cars and production equipment. The rail cars primarily have a remaining lease term of nine years with annual renewal options thereafter. The production equipment has a remaining lease term of eight years. The Company has operating leases primarily for land to support the sandalwood tree plantations and for offices. The land leases have remaining terms of six to 13 years with options to renew for up to six years. The office leases have remaining terms of four to eight years with options to renew primarily for an additional five years. A majority of the operating leases are subject to annual changes to the Consumer Price Index ("CPI"). Changes to the CPI are treated as variable lease payments and recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments was incurred. A 100-basis-point increase in CPI would not have a material impact on lease costs.

The components of lease expense were as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Lease cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease cost

 

$

674

 

 

$

304

 

 

$

2,497

 

 

$

1,752

 

Finance lease cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of right-of-use assets

 

 

976

 

 

 

960

 

 

 

2,713

 

 

 

2,700

 

Interest on lease liabilities

 

 

329

 

 

 

425

 

 

 

1,047

 

 

 

931

 

Total lease cost

 

$

1,979

 

 

$

1,689

 

 

$

6,257

 

 

$

5,383

 

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 2019


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Note 13. Lease Commitments (continued)

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases were as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

 

Operating cash flows from operating leases

 

$

674

 

 

$

304

 

 

$

2,497

 

 

$

1,752

 

Operating cash flows from finance leases

 

$

329

 

 

$

425

 

 

$

1,047

 

 

$

931

 

Financing cash flows from finance leases

 

$

1,735

 

 

$

931

 

 

$

3,428

 

 

$

2,563

 

Other information related to leases is as follows:

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Weighted average remaining lease term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating leases

 

7 years

 

 

5 years

 

Finance leases

 

9 years

 

 

9 years

 

Weighted average discount rate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating leases

 

 

6

%

 

 

 

 

Finance leases

 

 

6

%

 

 

6

%

The discount rates used to calculate the present value of the minimum lease payments is the incremental borrowing rate that the subsidiary entering into the lease would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment.

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases were as follows:

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Operating Leases

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

$

13,054

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other current liabilities

 

$

2,423

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease liabilities

 

 

10,631

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating lease liabilities

 

$

13,054

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance Leases

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, gross

 

$

40,270

 

 

$

44,756

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

 

(16,364

)

 

 

(15,963

)

Property and equipment, net

 

$

23,906

 

 

$

28,793

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other current liabilities

 

$

3,178

 

 

$

4,911

 

Finance lease liabilities

 

 

21,677

 

 

 

24,669

 

Total finance lease liabilities

 

$

24,855

 

 

$

29,580

 

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 21


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Note 13. Lease Commitments (continued)

As at September 30, 2019, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:

 

 

Finance

Leases

 

 

Operating

Leases

 

2019

 

$

1,731

 

 

$

819

 

2020

 

 

3,405

 

 

 

3,084

 

2021

 

 

3,280

 

 

 

2,941

 

2022

 

 

3,109

 

 

 

2,694

 

2023

 

 

3,233

 

 

 

2,004

 

Thereafter

 

 

16,147

 

 

 

4,617

 

Total lease payments

 

 

30,905

 

 

 

16,159

 

Less: imputed interest

 

 

(6,050

)

 

 

(3,105

)

Total lease liability

 

$

24,855

 

 

$

13,054

 

As at December 31, 2018, minimum lease payments under non-cancellable finance and operating leases were as follows:

 

 

Finance

Leases

 

 

Operating

Leases

 

2019

 

$

6,302

 

 

$

3,309

 

2020

 

 

3,601

 

 

 

2,963

 

2021

 

 

3,441

 

 

 

2,717

 

2022

 

 

3,278

 

 

 

2,557

 

2023

 

 

3,410

 

 

 

2,057

 

Thereafter

 

 

17,025

 

 

 

5,360

 

Total lease payments

 

 

37,057

 

 

$

18,963

 

Less: imputed interest

 

 

(7,477

)

 

 

 

 

Total lease liability

 

$

29,580

 

 

 

 

 

As at September 30, 2019, the Company has additional finance leases for rail cars that have not yet commenced. The leases have a term of 12 years with annual renewal options thereafter. The total payments over the term of the leases will be approximately $19,600. The leases will commence in 2019.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 22


MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Note 14.13. Commitments and Contingencies

(a)

The Company is involved in legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of any legal actions and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of management that the outcome of any such claims which are pending or threatened, either individually or on a combined basis, will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

(b)

The Company is subject to regulations that require the handling and disposal of asbestos in a prescribed manner if a property undergoes a major renovation or demolition. Otherwise, the Company is not required to remove asbestos from its facilities. Generally asbestos is found on steam and condensate piping systems as well as certain cladding on buildings and in building insulation throughout older facilities. The Company'sCompany’s obligation for the proper removal and disposal of asbestos products from the Company'sCompany’s mills is a conditional asset retirement obligation. As a result of the longevity of the Company'sCompany’s mills, due in part to the maintenance procedures and the fact that the Company does not have plans for major changes that require the removal of asbestos, the timing of the asbestos removal is indeterminate. As a result, the Company is currently unable to reasonably estimate the fair value of its asbestos removal and disposal obligation. The Company will recognize a liability in the period in which sufficient information is available to reasonably estimate its fair value.

 

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 2320


 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

 

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains "non-GAAP“non-GAAP financial measures"measures”, that is, financial measures that either exclude or include amounts that are not excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, referred to as "GAAP"“GAAP”. Specifically, we make use of the non-GAAP measure "Operating EBITDA"“Operating EBITDA”.

 

Operating EBITDA is defined as operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges. We use Operating EBITDA as a benchmark measurement of our own operating results and as a benchmark relative to our competitors. We consider it to be a meaningful supplement to operating income as a performance measure primarily because depreciation expense and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges are not actual cash costs, and depreciation expense varies widely from company to company in a manner that we consider largely independent of the underlying cost efficiency of our operating facilities. In addition, we believe Operating EBITDA is commonly used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate our financial performance.

 

Operating EBITDA does not reflect the impact of a number of items that affect our net income (loss), including financing costs and the effect of derivative instruments. Operating EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) or operating income (loss) from operations as a measure of performance, or 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.

 

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) the impact of realized or marked to market changes in our derivative positions, which can be substantial; and (v) the impact of non-recurring impairment charges against our investments or assets. Because of these limitations, Operating EBITDA should only be considered as a supplemental 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. 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 performance and by relying primarily on our GAAP financial statements.

 

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 2421


 

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT'SMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

In this document: (i) unless the context otherwise requires, references to "we"“we”, "our"“our”, "us"“us”, the "Company"“Company” or "Mercer"“Mercer” mean Mercer International Inc. and its subsidiaries; (ii) references to "Mercer“Mercer Inc." mean the Company excluding its subsidiaries; (iii) information is provided as of September 30, 2019,2020, unless otherwise stated; (iv) our reporting currency is dollars and references to "€"“€” mean euros and "C$"“C$” mean Canadian dollars; (v) "ADMTs"“ADMTs” refers to air-dried metric tonnes; (vi) "NBSK"“NBSK” refers to northern bleached softwood kraft; (vii) "NBHK"“NBHK” refers to northern bleached hardwood kraft; (viii) "MW"“MW” refers to megawatts and "MWh"“MWh” refers to megawatt hours; (ix) "Mfbm"“Mfbm” refers to thousand board feet of lumber and "MMfbm"“MMfbm” mean million board feet of lumber; and (x) our lumber metrics are converted from cubic meters to Mfbm using a conversion ratio of 1.6 cubic meters to one Mfbm, which is the ratio commonly used in the industry.

Due to rounding, numbers presented throughout this report may not add up precisely to totals we provide and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figure.

The following discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20192020 should be read in conjunction with our interim consolidated financial statementsInterim Consolidated 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, 20182019 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, referred to as the "SEC"“SEC”.

Results of Operations

General

We have two reportable operating segments:

 

Pulp – consists of the manufacture, sale and distribution of pulp, electricity and other by-products at our pulp mills.

 

Wood Products – consists of the manufacture, sale and distribution of lumber, electricity and other wood residuals at the Friesau sawmill.

Each segment offers primarily different products and requires different manufacturing processes, technology and sales and marketing.

On December 10, 2018 we acquired Mercer Peace River Pulp Ltd. ("MPR") which operates the Peace River mill in Alberta and has a 50% joint venture interest in the Cariboo NBSK mill in British Columbia. The Peace River mill is a swing mill that produces both NBSK and NBHK.

Current Market Environment

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause significant widespread global infections and fatalities. It has materially adversely affected global economic activity, caused significant market volatility and resulted in numerous governments declaring emergencies and implementing measures, such as travel bans, quarantines, business closures, shelter-in-place and other restrictions.

In mid-2020, many countries eased restrictions on economic and social activities to, among other things, reopen their economies by allowing businesses to restart and encourage economic recovery. The results of such economic measures and the reopening have varied from country to country.

Recently there has been a widespread increase or “second wave” in reported infections including in Europe and the United States. In response, various countries including in Europe have announced the re-imposition of some restrictions on social, business and other activities. Currently we are unable to predict the impact of the recent resurgence in infections, the extent of measures governments may take in response thereto, including imposing some or all prior or new restrictive measures, including business closures, or the overall impact on global economic activity, including the pace of any economic recovery. See “Part II. Other Information – Item 1A. Risk Factors – The COVID-19 pandemic could materially adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations”.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 22


We are continuing with important health and safety measures at our operations to protect our employees and to allow our mills to operate responsibly and efficiently including with respect to social distancing, sanitation and personal protection equipment. Further, we are constantly monitoring our operations and guidance from governmental and health organizations to ensure we take appropriate and necessary actions to protect our people.

During the third quarter of 2019, list pulp prices declined from the second quarter of 2019 due to high producer inventories.

Overall,2020, our average NBSK pulp sales realizations were approximately 13%2% lower in the third quarter of 2019 compared to the second quarter of 2019.2020 as a result of market uncertainty.

At the end of the current quarter, NBSK list prices in Europe China and North America were approximately $825, $585 and $1,135$840 per ADMT respectively and $1,130 per ADMT, respectively. Commencing in 2020 only net prices (which are net of discounts, allowances and rebates) are published for China. At the end of the current quarter, NBSK net prices in China were approximately $590 per ADMT. NBHK list prices in China and North America were approximately $490 and $930$860 per ADMT respectively.and NBHK net prices in China were approximately $445 per ADMT.

InAlthough there is continued economic uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently expecting generally stable pulp demand during the fourth quarter of 2019, our2020 with some modest price improvements due to improving global economic activity, particularly in China.

On the pulp supply side, to date various pulp mills globally have 53 daysdelayed their annual maintenance schedules due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we currently expect mills to curtail production to implement such delayed maintenance in the later part of scheduled maintenance downtime,this year or the early part of next year.

In the third quarter of 2020, lumber sales realizations increased by approximately 83,000 ADMTs.31% from the second quarter of 2020 due to strong demand from the U.S. market. We currently expect continuing strong lumber demand and lumber prices in the U.S. market and steady demand and modestly improving sales realizations in the European lumber market in the upcoming quarter.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 2523


 

We currently expect pulp markets to stabilize and producer inventories to decline in the later part of the year as a result of producer downtime along with overall steady demand.

In the third quarter of 2019, lumber markets were generally stable but lumber sales realizations declined as a result of the supply of lumber processed from beetle damaged wood in Europe and high producer inventories in the U.S. market. We currently expect stable lumber markets and prices in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Summary Financial Highlights

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

(in thousands, other than per share amounts)

 

 

 

(in thousands, other than per share amounts)

 

Statement of Operations Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pulp segment revenues

 

$

345,060

 

 

$

292,969

 

 

$

1,166,333

 

 

$

898,836

 

 

 

$

274,916

 

 

$

345,060

 

 

$

876,567

 

 

$

1,166,333

 

Wood products segment revenues

 

 

36,458

 

 

 

38,089

 

 

 

120,349

 

 

 

146,657

 

 

 

 

57,053

 

 

 

36,458

 

 

 

144,558

 

 

 

120,349

 

Corporate and other revenues

 

 

2,018

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,557

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,182

 

 

 

2,018

 

 

 

3,820

 

 

 

6,557

 

Total revenues

 

$

383,536

 

 

$

331,058

 

 

$

1,293,239

 

 

$

1,045,493

 

 

 

$

333,151

 

 

$

383,536

 

 

$

1,024,945

 

 

$

1,293,239

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pulp segment operating income

 

$

21,386

 

 

$

68,794

 

 

$

157,157

 

 

$

179,824

 

 

 

$

3,753

 

 

$

21,386

 

 

$

33,302

 

 

$

157,157

 

Wood products segment operating income (loss)

 

 

544

 

 

 

(1,770

)

 

 

2,075

 

 

 

5,534

 

 

Wood products segment operating income

 

 

11,963

 

 

 

544

 

 

 

21,845

 

 

 

2,075

 

Corporate and other operating loss

 

 

(3,183

)

 

 

(3,678

)

 

 

(9,123

)

 

 

(8,488

)

 

 

 

(1,980

)

 

 

(3,183

)

 

 

(7,034

)

 

 

(9,123

)

Total operating income

 

$

18,747

 

 

$

63,346

 

 

$

150,109

 

 

$

176,870

 

 

 

$

13,736

 

 

$

18,747

 

 

$

48,113

 

 

$

150,109

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pulp segment depreciation and amortization

 

$

29,744

 

 

$

20,802

 

 

$

87,616

 

 

$

63,452

 

 

 

$

28,251

 

 

$

29,744

 

 

$

85,841

 

 

$

87,616

 

Wood products segment depreciation and amortization

 

 

2,016

 

 

 

2,395

 

 

 

5,937

 

 

 

5,860

 

 

 

 

3,446

 

 

 

2,016

 

 

 

8,627

 

 

 

5,937

 

Corporate and other depreciation and amortization

 

 

292

 

 

 

113

 

 

 

894

 

 

 

331

 

 

 

 

187

 

 

 

292

 

 

 

563

 

 

 

894

 

Total depreciation and amortization

 

$

32,052

 

 

$

23,310

 

 

$

94,447

 

 

$

69,643

 

 

 

$

31,884

 

 

$

32,052

 

 

$

95,031

 

 

$

94,447

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating EBITDA (1)

 

$

50,799

 

 

$

86,656

 

 

$

244,556

 

 

$

246,513

 

 

 

$

45,620

 

 

$

50,799

 

 

$

143,144

 

 

$

244,556

 

Loss on settlement of debt

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

(21,515

)

(2)

Legal cost award

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

(6,951

)

 

Provision for income taxes

 

$

(244

)

 

$

(10,182

)

 

$

(35,101

)

 

$

(28,224

)

 

Net income

 

$

1,207

 

 

$

41,176

 

 

$

63,082

 

 

$

83,580

 

 

Net income per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.02

 

 

$

0.63

 

 

$

0.96

 

 

$

1.28

 

 

Diluted

 

$

0.02

 

 

$

0.63

 

 

$

0.96

 

 

$

1.27

 

 

Income tax recovery (provision)

 

$

1,775

 

 

$

(244

)

 

$

(4,451

)

 

$

(35,101

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

7,545

 

 

$

1,207

 

 

$

(4,258

)

 

$

63,082

 

Net income (loss) per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

$

0.11

 

 

$

0.02

 

 

$

(0.06

)

 

$

0.96

 

Common shares outstanding at period end

 

 

65,629

 

 

 

65,202

 

 

 

65,629

 

 

 

65,202

 

 

 

 

65,868

 

 

 

65,629

 

 

 

65,868

 

 

 

65,629

 

 

(1)

The following table provides a reconciliation of net income (loss) to operating income and Operating EBITDA for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Net income

 

$

1,207

 

 

$

41,176

 

 

$

63,082

 

 

$

83,580

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

244

 

 

 

10,182

 

 

 

35,101

 

 

 

28,224

 

Interest expense

 

 

18,183

 

 

 

11,729

 

 

 

55,103

 

 

 

35,972

 

Loss on settlement of debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21,515

 

Legal cost award

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,951

 

Other (income) expenses

 

 

(887

)

 

 

259

 

 

 

(3,177

)

 

 

628

 

Operating income

 

 

18,747

 

 

 

63,346

 

 

 

150,109

 

 

 

176,870

 

Add: Depreciation and amortization

 

 

32,052

 

 

 

23,310

 

 

 

94,447

 

 

 

69,643

 

Operating EBITDA

 

$

50,799

 

 

$

86,656

 

 

$

244,556

 

 

$

246,513

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

7,545

 

 

$

1,207

 

 

$

(4,258

)

 

$

63,082

 

Income tax provision (recovery)

 

 

(1,775

)

 

 

244

 

 

 

4,451

 

 

 

35,101

 

Interest expense

 

 

19,864

 

 

 

18,183

 

 

 

60,056

 

 

 

55,103

 

Other income

 

 

(11,898

)

 

 

(887

)

 

 

(12,136

)

 

 

(3,177

)

Operating income

 

 

13,736

 

 

 

18,747

 

 

 

48,113

 

 

 

150,109

 

Add: Depreciation and amortization

 

 

31,884

 

 

 

32,052

 

 

 

95,031

 

 

 

94,447

 

Operating EBITDA

 

$

45,620

 

 

$

50,799

 

 

$

143,144

 

 

$

244,556

 

            

(2)

Redemption of 7.75% senior notes due 2022, referred to as the "2022 Senior Notes".

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 2624


 

Selected Production, Sales and Other Data

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Pulp Segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pulp production ('000 ADMTs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pulp production (‘000 ADMTs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NBSK

 

 

441.7

 

 

 

363.5

 

 

 

1,355.1

 

 

 

1,037.7

 

 

 

400.2

 

 

 

441.7

 

 

 

1,279.1

 

 

 

1,355.1

 

NBHK

 

 

75.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

243.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

79.8

 

 

 

75.3

 

 

 

247.6

 

 

 

243.3

 

Annual maintenance downtime ('000 ADMTs)

 

 

14.1

 

 

 

14.4

 

 

 

21.6

 

 

 

69.9

 

Annual maintenance downtime (‘000 ADMTs)

 

 

15.0

 

 

 

14.1

 

 

 

28.6

 

 

 

21.6

 

Annual maintenance downtime (days)

 

 

13

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

28

 

 

 

51

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

27

 

 

 

28

 

Pulp sales ('000 ADMTs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pulp sales (‘000 ADMTs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NBSK

 

 

451.2

 

 

 

319.9

 

 

 

1,356.6

 

 

 

1,025.2

 

 

 

369.9

 

 

 

451.2

 

 

 

1,230.8

 

 

 

1,356.6

 

NBHK

 

 

91.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

260.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100.1

 

 

 

91.0

 

 

 

235.4

 

 

 

260.4

 

Average NBSK pulp list prices ($/ADMT)(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average NBSK pulp prices ($/ADMT)(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Europe

 

 

860

 

 

 

1,230

 

 

 

987

 

 

 

1,176

 

 

 

840

 

 

 

860

 

 

 

841

 

 

 

987

 

China

 

 

585

 

 

 

887

 

 

 

649

 

 

 

902

 

 

 

572

 

 

 

555

 

 

 

572

 

 

 

628

 

North America

 

 

1,170

 

 

 

1,377

 

 

 

1,281

 

 

 

1,307

 

 

 

1,133

 

 

 

1,170

 

 

 

1,139

 

 

 

1,281

 

Average NBHK pulp list prices ($/ADMT)(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average NBHK pulp prices ($/ADMT)(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

China

 

 

507

 

 

 

800

 

 

 

609

 

 

 

799

 

 

 

443

 

 

 

477

 

 

 

456

 

 

 

593

 

North America

 

 

970

 

 

 

1,192

 

 

 

1,083

 

 

 

1,131

 

 

 

868

 

 

 

970

 

 

 

885

 

 

 

1,083

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NBSK

 

 

609

 

 

 

852

 

 

 

689

 

 

 

817

 

 

 

562

 

 

 

609

 

 

 

565

 

 

 

689

 

NBHK

 

 

499

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

589

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

424

 

 

 

499

 

 

 

451

 

 

 

589

 

Energy production ('000 MWh)

 

 

572.5

 

(3)

 

388.0

 

 

 

1,708.3

 

(3)

 

1,120.7

 

Energy sales ('000 MWh)

 

 

224.7

 

(3)

 

141.0

 

 

 

668.4

 

(3)

 

401.3

 

Energy production (‘000 MWh)(3)

 

 

529.2

 

 

 

572.5

 

 

 

1,670.5

 

 

 

1,708.3

 

Energy sales (‘000 MWh)(3)

 

 

215.5

 

 

 

224.7

 

 

 

669.3

 

 

 

668.4

 

Average energy sales realizations ($/MWh)(3)

 

 

89

 

 

 

105

 

 

 

92

 

 

 

105

 

 

 

96

 

 

 

89

 

 

 

92

 

 

 

92

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wood Products Segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lumber production (MMfbm)

 

 

96.6

 

 

 

79.5

 

 

 

308.0

 

 

 

294.1

 

 

 

96.8

 

 

 

96.6

 

 

 

326.6

 

 

 

308.0

 

Lumber sales (MMfbm)

 

 

97.0

 

 

 

83.8

 

 

 

307.7

 

 

 

312.0

 

 

 

118.5

 

 

 

97.0

 

 

 

345.2

 

 

 

307.7

 

Average lumber sales realizations ($/Mfbm)

 

 

337

 

 

 

409

 

 

 

348

 

 

 

421

 

 

 

453

 

 

 

337

 

 

 

383

 

 

 

348

 

Energy production and sales ('000 MWh)

 

 

13.9

 

 

 

16.4

 

 

 

60.4

 

 

 

62.5

 

Energy production and sales (‘000 MWh)

 

 

17.8

 

 

 

13.9

 

 

 

63.3

 

 

 

60.4

 

Average energy sales realizations ($/MWh)

 

 

116

 

 

 

121

 

 

 

117

 

 

 

128

 

 

 

125

 

 

 

116

 

 

 

118

 

 

 

117

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Spot Currency Exchange Rates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$ / €(4)

 

 

1.1120

 

 

 

1.1629

 

 

 

1.1234

 

 

 

1.1945

 

 

 

1.1698

 

 

 

1.1120

 

 

 

1.1248

 

 

 

1.1234

 

$ / C$(4)

 

 

0.7573

 

 

 

0.7651

 

 

 

0.7523

 

 

 

0.7767

 

 

 

0.7508

 

 

 

0.7573

 

 

 

0.7388

 

 

 

0.7523

 

 

(1)

Source: RISI pricing report. Europe and North America are list prices. China are net prices which include discounts, allowances and rebates. Effective January 2020, the RISI pricing report does not provide list prices for China.   

(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)

Excludes energy production and sales relating toDoes not include our 50% joint venture interest in the Cariboo mill, which is accounted for as anusing the equity investment.method.

(4)

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

Consolidated  Three Months Ended September 30, 20192020 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 20182019

Total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2019 increased2020 decreased by approximately 16%13% to $383.5$333.2 million from $331.1$383.5 million in the same quarter of 20182019 primarily due to the inclusion of MPRlower pulp sales volumes and higherpulp sales volumesrealizations partially offset by lowerhigher lumber sales realizations.realizations and volumes.

Costs and expenses in the current quarter increaseddecreased by approximately 36%12% to $364.8$319.4 million from $267.7$364.8 million in the third quarter of 20182019 primarily due to the inclusion of MPRlower pulp sales volumes, per unit fiber costs and highermaintenance costs partially offset by the negative impact of a weaker dollar primarily on our euro denominated costs and expenses.

In the third quarter of 2020, cost of sales depreciation and amortization was flat at $31.9 million when compared to the same quarter of 2019.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 25


Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by approximately 14% to $15.4 million in the third quarter of 2020 from $18.0 million in the same quarter of 2019 primarily due to cost reduction initiatives.  

In the third quarter of 2020, our operating income decreased by approximately 27% to $13.7 million from $18.7 million in the same quarter of 2019 primarily due to lower pulp sales realizations and lumber sales volumesthe negative impact of a weaker dollar primarily on our euro denominated costs and expenses partially offset by lower per unit fiber costs and the positive impact of a stronger dollar on our euro and Canadian dollar denominated costs and expenses.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 27


In the third quarter of 2019, cost of sales depreciation and amortization increased to $31.9 million from $23.2 million in the same quarter of 2018 primarily due to inclusion of MPR.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $18.0 million in the third quarter of 2019 from $14.5 million in the same quarter of 2018 primarily due to the inclusion of MPR.

In the third quarter of 2019, oursignificantly higher wood products segment operating income decreased by approximately 70% to $18.7 million from $63.3 million in the same quarter of 2018 due to lower pulp and lumber sales realizations.income.

Interest expense in the current quarter increased to $18.2$19.9 million from $11.7$18.2 million in the same quarter of 20182019 primarily as a result of higher indebtedness.

In the issuancethird quarter of 2020, other income increased to $11.9 million from $0.9 million in December 2018the same quarter of $350.02019 primarily as a result of $15.4 million of our 7.375% senior notes due 2025 (“2025 Senior Notes”) to financerealized gains on the acquisitionsale of MPR.investments in the current quarter.

During the third quarter of 2019,2020, we had a recovery for income taxes of $1.8 million primarily due to the income tax expense decreased to $0.2 million from $10.2 million inrecoveries for our Canadian operations only partially offset by the sametax provision for our German operations. In the comparative quarter of 2018 due to lower income.2019, the provision for income taxes was $0.2 million.  

For the third quarter of 2019,2020, our net income decreasedwas $7.5 million, or $0.11 per share compared to $1.2 million, or $0.02 per share, from $41.2 million, or $0.63 per share, in the same quarter of 2018.2019.

In the third quarter of 2019,2020, Operating EBITDA decreased by approximately 41%10% to $50.8$45.6 million from $86.7$50.8 million in the same quarter of 20182019 primarily due to lower pulp and lumber sales realizations and the negative impact of a weaker dollar primarily on our euro denominated costs and expenses partially offset by lower per unit fiber costs and higher lumber sales volumes and the positive impact of a stronger dollar on our euro and Canadian dollar denominated costs and expenses.realizations.

Operating Results by Business Segment

None of the income or loss items following operating income in our Interim Consolidated StatementStatements of Operations are allocated to our segments, since those items are reviewed separately by management.

Pulp Segment  Three Months Ended September 30, 20192020 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 20182019

Selected Financial Information

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Pulp revenues

 

$

322,707

 

 

$

274,970

 

 

$

253,056

 

 

$

322,707

 

Energy and chemical revenues

 

$

22,353

 

 

$

17,999

 

 

$

21,860

 

 

$

22,353

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

29,744

 

 

$

20,802

 

 

$

28,251

 

 

$

29,744

 

Operating income

 

$

21,386

 

 

$

68,794

 

 

$

3,753

 

 

$

21,386

 

Pulp revenues in the third quarter of 2019 increased2020 decreased by approximately 17%22% to $322.7$253.1 million from $275.0$322.7 million in the same quarter of 20182019 due to the inclusion of MPR and higherlower sales volumes partially offset by lowerand sales realizations.

Energy and chemical revenues increaseddecreased by approximately 24%2% to $22.4$21.9 million in the third quarter of 20192020 from $18.0$22.4 million in the same quarter of 2018 when one turbine2019 primarily due lower chemical production at eachour German mills. In September 2020, our Celgar mill finalized a new electricity purchase agreement with the local utility for the sale of our Stendalelectricity from the mill to replace its expiring agreement. The new agreement is for a ten-year term and Celgar mills was taken offlineprovides for scheduled maintenance.the sale of approximately 80% of the mill’s surplus power at about 80% of the previous price but provides us with greater flexibility and optionality to pursue and effect “market” sales and other strategic initiatives with respect to the mill’s surplus power.

NBSK pulp production increased bydeclined approximately 21%9% to 441,672400,172 ADMTs in the current quarter from 363,543441,672 ADMTs in the same quarter of 2018,2019 primarily due to the inclusion of MPR and steady productionmarket related downtime at all of our mills.Celgar mill. In the current quarter of

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 26


2020, our pulp mills had tendays of annual maintenance downtime (approximately 15,000 ADMTs) and in July 2020 our Celgar mill had 30 days of market related downtime. In the comparative quarter of 2019, our pulp mills had 13 days of scheduled maintenance downtime (approximately 14,100 ADMTs). In the third quarter of 2018, we had 14 days (approximately 14,400 ADMTs) of annual maintenance downtime.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 28


We estimate that annual maintenance downtime in the current quarter adversely impacted our operating income by approximately $10.4$7.5 million, comprised primarily of approximately $4.4 million in direct out-of-pocket expenses.expenses and the balance in reduced production.

In the fourth quarter of 2019,2020, our pulp mills currently have 5317 days of scheduledplanned annual maintenance downtime or approximately 83,000 ADMTs.(approximately 19,600 ADMTs).

NBSK pulp sales volumes increaseddecreased by approximately 41%18% to 451,171369,913 ADMTs in the current quarter from 319,850451,171 ADMTs in the same quarter of 20182019 primarily due to the inclusionlower production and modestly lower sales for all of MPR and strong sales volumes to China.our mills.

In the current quarter of 2019, list2020, overall prices for NBSK pulp decreasedwere generally flat from the same quarter of 2018, largely as a result of high producer inventory levels.2019. Average list prices for NBSK pulp in Europe and North America were approximately $860$840 per ADMT and $1,133 per ADMT, respectively in the third quarter of 20192020 compared to approximately $1,230 per ADMT in the same quarter of 2018. Average list prices for NBSK pulp in China and North America were approximately $585$860 per ADMT and $1,170 per ADMT, respectively, in the same quarter of 2019. Average NBSK net prices in China were approximately $572 per ADMT in the current quarter compared to approximately $887$555 per ADMT and $1,377 per ADMT, respectively, in the same quarter of 2018.2019.

Average NBSK pulp sales realizations decreased by approximately 29%8% to $609$562 per ADMT in the third quarter of 20192020 from approximately $852$609 per ADMT in the same quarter of 2018 primarily due to lower list prices.2019.

As a result of a decline in pulp sales realizations inIn the current quarter of 2019, we2020 our Canadian mills recorded a non-cash write down of our inventory carrying values atof $8.0 million as a result of low pulp sales realizations and high per unit fiber costs. In the same quarter of the prior year our Canadian mills recorded a non-cash write down of our inventory carrying values of $6.9 million.

In the current quarter of 20192020 primarily as a result of the effect of the strengthening of the dollar against the euro and Canadianweaker dollar on our dollar denominated cash and receivables at our mills and our euro and Canadian dollar denominated costs and expenses, we recorded a net positivenegative impact of approximately $14.6$15.8 million onin operating income due to foreign exchange compared to the same quarter of 2018.2019.

Costs and expenses for our pulp segment in the current quarter increaseddecreased by approximately 44%16% to $323.7$271.2 million from $224.3$323.7 million in the third quarter of 20182019 primarily due to the inclusion of MPR costs and higherlower pulp sales volumes, partially offset by lower per unit fiber costs and maintenance costs partially offset by the positivenegative impact of a strongerweaker dollar. In the current quarter of 2019,2020 we received German regulatory approval to reverseapproximately $3.5 million of wage assistance under a wastewater fee accrual of $7.2 million as a result of certain capital projects.Canadian government wage subsidy program.  

In the third quarter of 2019, pulp segment2020, depreciation and amortization increaseddecreased to $29.7$28.3 million from $20.8$29.7 million in the same quarter of 2018 primarily due the inclusion of MPR.2019.  

On average, inIn the current quarter overall per unit fiber costs decreased by approximately 14%12% from the same quarter of 2018 primarily2019 due to lower per unit fiber costs for all of our German mills and the positive impact of a stronger dollar on our euro and Canadian dollar denominated fiber costs.mills. In the current quarter, per unit fiber costs for our German mills declined due to the continued availability of beetle damaged wood. For our Canadian mills, per unit fiber costs modestly declined due to increased sawmill activity but remainremained at historically high levels due to strong demand for fiber in Celgar’sthe mills’ fiber procurement area.areas. We currently expect stable per unit fiber costs in the fourth quarter of 2019.2020.

Transportation costs for our pulp segment increaseddecreased to $37.2$32.6 million in the current quarter from $15.8$37.2 million in the same quarter of 20182019 primarily as a result of the inclusion of MPR and higherlower sales volumes.  

In the third quarter of 2019,2020, pulp segment operating income decreased to $21.4$3.8 million from $68.8$21.4 million in the same quarter of 20182019 as lower pulp sales realizations and the negative impact of a weaker dollar were only partially offset by higher sales volumes andthe positive impact of lower per unit fiber costs and lower maintenance costs.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 27


Wood Products Segment – Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

Selected Financial Information

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Lumber revenues

 

$

53,612

 

 

$

32,687

 

Energy revenues

 

$

2,226

 

 

$

1,621

 

Wood residual revenues

 

$

1,215

 

 

$

2,150

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

3,446

 

 

$

2,016

 

Operating income

 

$

11,963

 

 

$

544

 

In the third quarter of 2020, lumber revenues increased by approximately 64% to $53.6 million from $32.7 million in the same quarter of 2019 due to higher sales realizations and sales volumes. In the current quarter, U.S. markets were particularly robust with approximately 59% of our lumber revenues and 39% of lumber sales volumes to such market. The majority of the balance of our lumber sales were to Europe.

Energy and wood residual revenues in the third quarter of 2020 decreased by approximately 11% to $3.4 million from $3.8 million in the same quarter of 2019 primarily due to a lower realized sales price for wood residuals.

Lumber production was flat at 96.8 MMfbm in the current quarter of 2020 from 96.6 MMfbm in the same quarter of 2019. In the current quarter of 2020, our mill had approximately ten days of planned downtime for our sawmill upgrade project.

Average lumber sales realizations increased by approximately 34% to $453 per Mfbm in the third quarter of 2020 from approximately $337 per Mfbm in the same quarter of 2019 primarily due to higher pricing in the U.S. market. U.S. lumber pricing increased due to strong demand during the current quarter. European lumber pricing modestly decreased due to the supply of lumber processed from beetle damaged wood which generally obtains a lower price.  

Fiber costs were approximately 70% of our lumber cash production costs in the current quarter. In the third quarter of 2020 per unit fiber costs decreased by approximately 6% from the same period of 2019 primarily due to the availability of lower cost beetle damaged wood. We currently expect stable per unit fiber costs in the fourth quarter of 2020 due to the continuing availability of beetle damaged wood.

In the third quarter of 2020, depreciation and amortization increased to $3.4 million from $2.0 million in the same quarter of 2019 primarily due to the completion of capital projects.  

Transportation costs for our wood products segment in the third quarter of 2020 increased by approximately 43% to $8.0 million from $5.6 million in the same quarter of 2019 primarily due to higher sales volumes to the U.S.

In the third quarter of 2020, our wood products segment had record operating income of $12.0 million compared to $0.5 million in the same quarter of 2019 primarily due to a higher lumber realized sales price.  

Consolidated – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

Total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 decreased by approximately 21% to $1,024.9 million from $1,293.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 primarily due to lower pulp sales realizations and pulp sales volumes partially offset by higher lumber sales volumes and realizations.

Costs and expenses in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 decreased by approximately 15% to $976.8 million from $1,143.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 primarily due to lower pulp sales volumes, per unit fiber costs and maintenance costs.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 28


In the nine months ended September 30, 2020, cost of sales depreciation and amortization increased to $95.0 million from $94.1 million in the same period of 2019.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $49.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from $54.7 million in the same period of 2019 primarily due to cost reduction initiatives and lower stock based compensation expense.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2020, operating income decreased by approximately 68% to $48.1 million from $150.1 million in the same period of 2019 primarily due to lower pulp sales realizations and pulp sales volumes partially offset by lower per unit fiber costs, lower maintenance costs and significantly higher wood products segment operating income.

Interest expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 increased to $60.1 million from $55.1 million in the same period of 2019 primarily as a result of higher indebtedness resulting from our issuance of an additional $100.0 million of senior notes in October 2019.

Other income in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 increased to $12.1 million from $3.2 million in the same period of 2019 primarily due to $15.4 million of realized gains on the sale of investments.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the provision for income taxes was $4.5 million primarily due to income before tax for our German operations only partially offset by tax recoveries for our Canadian operations. In the same period of 2019, the provision for income taxes was $35.1 million due to higher income.  

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, our net loss was $4.3 million, or $0.06 per share compared to net income of $63.1 million, or $0.96 per share, in the same period of 2019.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2020, Operating EBITDA decreased by approximately 41% to $143.1 million from $244.6 million in the same period of 2019 primarily due to lower pulp sales realizations and pulp sales volumes partially offset by lower per unit fiber costs, lower maintenance costs and higher lumber sales realizations.

Pulp Segment – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

Selected Financial Information

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Pulp revenues

 

$

808,923

 

 

$

1,095,225

 

Energy and chemical revenues

 

$

67,644

 

 

$

71,108

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

85,841

 

 

$

87,616

 

Operating income

 

$

33,302

 

 

$

157,157

 

Pulp revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 decreased by approximately 26% to $808.9 million from $1,095.2 million in the same period of 2019 due to lower sales realizations and sales volumes.

Energy and chemical revenues decreased by approximately 5% to $67.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from $71.1 million in the same period of 2019 primarily due to lower chemical production caused by our German mills processing dry beetle damaged wood.

NBSK pulp production declined approximately 6% to 1,279,137 ADMTs in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from 1,355,120 ADMTs in the same period of 2019. In the current period, we had annual maintenance downtime of 27 days (approximately 28,600 ADMTs) and planned market related downtime of 30 days at our Celgar mill and four weeks at our 50% joint venture Cariboo mill compared to 28 days (approximately 21,600 ADMTs) of scheduled maintenance downtime in the same period of 2019. We estimate that annual maintenance downtime in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 adversely impacted our operating income by approximately

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 29


 

Wood Products Segment ‑ Three Months Ended$13.1 million, comprised of approximately $6.8 million in direct out-of-pocket expenses and the balance in reduced production.

NBSK pulp sales volumes decreasedby approximately 9% to 1,230,825 ADMTs in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

Selected Financial Information

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Lumber revenues

 

$

32,687

 

 

$

34,270

 

Energy revenues

 

$

1,621

 

 

$

1,978

 

Wood residual revenues

 

$

2,150

 

 

$

1,841

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

2,016

 

 

$

2,395

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

544

 

 

$

(1,770

)

In the third quarter of 2019, lumber revenues decreased 5% to $32.7 million2020 from $34.3 million1,356,584 ADMTs in the same quarterperiod of 20182019 primarily due to lower sales realizations partially offset by higher sales volumes. production.  

In the current quarternine months ended September 30, 2020, prices for NBSK pulp decreased from the same period of 2019, largely as a result of high producer inventory levels and market uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Average list prices for NBSK pulp in Europe and North America were approximately 31% of sales volumes were$841 per ADMT and $1,139 per ADMT, respectively in the U.S. market and the majority of remaining sales were to Europe.   

Energy and wood residual revenues in the third quarter of 2019 were flat at $3.8 millionnine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same quarter of 2018.

Production increased by approximately 22% to 96.6 MMfbm of lumber in the current quarter of 2019 from 79.5 MMfbm$987 per ADMT and $1,281 per ADMT, respectively, in the same quarterperiod of 2018 primarily due to planned downtime for capital projects2019. Average NBSK net prices in China were approximately $572 per ADMT in the prior quarter of 2018.  nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to approximately $628 per ADMT in the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Average lumberNBSK pulp sales realizations decreased by approximately 18% to $337$565 per ADMT in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $689 per ADMT in the same period of 2019.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2020, our Canadian mills recorded non-cash write downs of our inventory carrying values of $26.0 million as a result of lower pulp sales realizations and high fiber costs. In the same period of 2019 our Canadian mills recorded a non-cash write down of our inventory carrying values of $13.8 million.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2020, primarily as a result of the effect of the strengthening dollar on our Canadian dollar denominated costs and expenses, we recorded a positive impact of approximately $5.8 million in operating income due to foreign exchange compared to the same period of 2019.

Costs and expenses in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 decreased by approximately 16% to $843.7 million from $1,009.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 primarily due to lower pulp sales volumes, per unit fiber costs and maintenance costs. In the nine months ended September 30, 2020 we have received approximately $8.0 million of wage assistance under a Canadian government wage subsidy program.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2020, depreciation and amortization decreased to $85.8 million from $87.6 million in the same period of 2019.  

On average, in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 overall per unit fiber costs decreased by approximately 13% from the same period of 2019 due to lower per unit fiber costs at all of our mills. In the nine months ended September 30, 2020, per unit fiber costs for our German mills declined due to the continued availability of beetle damaged wood. For our Canadian mills, per unit fiber costs declined due to increased sawmill activity but remained at historically high levels due to strong demand for fiber in the mills’ fiber procurement areas.

Transportation costs for our pulp segment decreased to $102.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from $111.4 million in the same period of 2019 primarily as a result of lower sales volumes.  

In the nine months ended September 30, 2020, pulp segment operating income decreased to $33.3 million from $157.2 million in the same period of 2019 as lower pulp sales realizations and pulp sales volumes were only partially offset by the positive impact of lower per unit fiber costs and lower maintenance costs.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 30


Wood Products Segment – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

Selected Financial Information

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Lumber revenues

 

$

132,209

 

 

$

107,172

 

Energy revenues

 

$

7,486

 

 

$

7,075

 

Wood residual revenues

 

$

4,863

 

 

$

6,102

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

8,627

 

 

$

5,937

 

Operating income

 

$

21,845

 

 

$

2,075

 

In the nine months ended September 30, 2020, lumber revenues increased approximately 23% to $132.2 million from $107.2 million in the same period of 2019 due to higher sales volumes and a higher realized sales price. Overall, in the nine months ended September 30, 2020, U.S. markets were strong with approximately 50% of our lumber revenues and 36% of sales volumes to such market. The majority of the balance of our lumber sales were to Europe.

Energy and wood residual revenues decreased approximately 7% to $12.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from $13.2 million in the same period of 2019 primarily due to lower sales realizations for wood residuals.

Lumber production increased by approximately 6% to 326.6 MMfbm in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from 308.0 MMfbm in the same period of 2019 primarily due to capital improvements. In the nine months ended September 30, 2020, our mill had approximately ten days of planned downtime for our sawmill upgrade project.

Average lumber sales realizations increased by approximately 10% to $383 per Mfbm in the third quarter of 2019nine months ended September 30, 2020 from approximately $409$348 per Mfbm in the same quarterperiod of 2018 primarily2019 due to higher pricing in the U.S. market resulting from strong demand only partially offset by lower pricing in both the U.S. and Europe. U.S. lumber pricing declined as record pricing in 2018 resulted in increased supply and high producer inventory levels. European lumber pricing also declined due to an increase in the supply of lumber processed from beetle damaged wood which generally obtains lower prices.

Fiber costs were approximately 75%70% of our lumber cash production costs in the current quarter.nine months ended September 30, 2020. In the current quarternine months ended September 30, 2020 per unit fiber costs decreased by approximately 34%21% from the same quarterperiod of 20182019 primarily due to the availability of lower cost beetle damaged wood. We currently expect stable per unit fiber costs in the fourth quarter of 2019 because of2020 due to the continuing availability of beetle damaged wood.

In the third quarter of 2019, lumber segmentnine months ended September 30, 2020, depreciation and amortization decreasedincreased to $2.0$8.6 million from $2.4$5.9 million in the same quarterperiod of 20182019 primarily due to higher depreciation in the third quartercompletion of 2018 for assets being replaced and the positive impact of a stronger dollar on our euro denominated depreciation expense.capital projects.  

Transportation costs for our wood products segment in the third quarter of 2019nine months ended September 30, 2020 increased by approximately 22%24% to $5.6$22.0 million from $4.6$17.7 million in the same quarterperiod of 20182019 primarily due to higher lumber sales volumes and shipments to the U.S. market.

In the third quarter of 2019,nine months ended September 30, 2020, our wood products segment had operating income of $0.5$21.8 million compared to an operating loss of $1.8 million in the same quarter of 2018 primarily due to lower per unit fiber costs partially offset by lower sales realizations.  

Consolidated ‑ Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

Total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased by approximately 24% to $1,293.2 million from $1,045.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to the inclusion of the results of MPR and higher pulp and energy sales volumes partially offset by lower sales realizations.

Costs and expenses in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased by approximately 32% to $1,143.1 million from $868.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to the inclusion of MPR

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 30


costs and higher pulp sales volumes partially offset by lower per unit fiber costs, the positive impact of a stronger dollar on our euro denominated costs and expenses and lower maintenance costs.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2019, cost of sales depreciation and amortization increased to $94.1 million from $69.3$2.1 million in the same period of 20182019 primarily due to the inclusion of MPR.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $54.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from $43.9 million in the same period of 2018 primarily due to the inclusion of MPR.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2019, operating income decreased by approximately 15% to $150.1 million from $176.9 million in the same period of 2018 due to lower pulp anda higher lumber realized sales realizations.

In January 2018, we redeemed $300.0 million of our 2022 Senior Notes at a cost, including premium, of $317.4 million and recorded a loss on such redemption of $21.5 million (being $0.33 per share).  

Interest expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased to $55.1 million from $36.0 million in the same period of 2018 primarily as a result of the issuance in December 2018 of $350.0 million of our 2025 Senior Notes to finance the acquisition of MPR.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we recognized an expense of $7.0 million, or $0.11 per share, in connection with the legal cost award against us in our prior claim under the North American Free Trade Agreement ("NAFTA").

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, income tax expense increased to $35.1 million from $28.2 million in the same period of 2018. The annual effective tax rate was 36% in the current period.  

For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, our net income decreased to $63.1 million, or $0.96 per share from $83.6 million, or $1.28 per basic and $1.27 per diluted share in the same period of 2018, after giving effect to costs of $28.5 million, or $0.44 per basic and $0.43 per diluted share, for the redemption of senior notes and the NAFTA legal cost award.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2019, Operating EBITDA modestly declined to $244.6 million from $246.5 million in the same period of 2018 primarily due to lower pulp and lumber sales realizations partially offset by higher pulp and energy sales volumes,price, lower per unit fiber costs the inclusion of MPR, lower maintenance costs and the positive impact of a stronger dollar on our euro denominated costs and expenses.

Pulp Segment – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

Selected Financial Information

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Pulp revenues

 

$

1,095,225

 

 

$

845,460

 

Energy and chemical revenues

 

$

71,108

 

 

$

53,376

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

87,616

 

 

$

63,452

 

Operating income

 

$

157,157

 

 

$

179,824

 

Pulp revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased by approximately 30% to $1,095.2 million from $845.5 million in the same period of 2018 due to the inclusion of MPR and higher sales volumes partially offset by lower sales realizations.

Energy and chemical revenues increased by approximately 33% to $71.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from $53.4 million in the same period of 2018 when one turbine at each of our Stendal and Celgar mills was taken offline for scheduled maintenance.strong production.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 31


 

NBSK pulp production increased by approximately 31% to 1,355,120 ADMTs in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from 1,037,697 ADMTs in the same period of 2018. We had annual maintenance downtime of 28 days (approximately 21,600 ADMTs) in the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to 51 days (approximately 69,900 ADMTs) in the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

We estimate that annual maintenance downtime in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 adversely impacted our operating income by approximately $21.1 million, comprised primarily of direct out-of-pocket expenses.

NBSK pulp sales volumes increasedby approximately 32% to 1,356,584 ADMTs in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to 1,025,232 ADMTs in the same period of 2018 primarily due to the inclusion of MPR and higher production.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2019, pulp pricing decreased from the same period of 2018, largely as a result of high producer inventory levels. Average list prices for NBSK pulp in Europe were approximately $987 per ADMT in the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to approximately $1,176 per ADMT in the same period of 2018. Average list prices for NBSK pulp in China and North America were approximately $649 per ADMT and $1,281 per ADMT, respectively, in the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to approximately $902 per ADMT and $1,307 per ADMT, respectively, in the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Average NBSK pulp sales realizations decreased by approximately 16% to $689 per ADMT in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from approximately $817 per ADMT in the same period of 2018 primarily due to lower list prices.

As a result of the decline in pulp prices in China, during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recorded a net write down of our inventory carrying values at our Canadian mills of $6.9 million.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2019, foreign exchange had a net positive impact of $25.7 million on operating income compared to the same period of 2018 primarily due to the strengthening of the dollar against the euro which decreased the dollar cost of our euro denominated costs and expenses.  

Costs and expenses in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased by approximately 40% to $1,009.6 million from $720.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to the inclusion of MPR and higher pulp sales volumes partially offset by lower maintenance and per unit fiber costs and the positive impact of a stronger dollar on our euro denominated costs and expenses. In the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we reversed a wastewater fee accrual of $7.2 million.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2019, depreciation and amortization increased to $87.6 million from $63.5 million in the same period of 2018 primarily due the inclusion of MPR.

On average, in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 overall per unit fiber costs decreased by approximately 10% from the same period of 2018 primarily due to lower per unit fiber costs for our German mills and the positive impact of a stronger dollar on our euro denominated fiber costs. In the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the per unit fiber costs for our German mills declined due to the continued availability of storm and beetle damaged wood. For our Canadian mills, per unit fiber costs remained high due to strong demand for fiber in Celgar’s fiber procurement area.

Transportation costs for our pulp segment increased to $111.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from $53.2 million in the same period of 2018 primarily as a result of the inclusion of MPR.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2019, pulp segment operating income decreased by approximately 13% to $157.2 million from $179.8 million in the same period of 2018 primarily due to lower pulp sales realizations partially offset by higher pulp and energy sales volumes, lower maintenance and per unit fiber costs and the positive impact of a stronger dollar.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 32


Wood Products Segment ‑ Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

Selected Financial Information

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Lumber revenues

 

$

107,172

 

 

$

131,429

 

Energy revenues

 

$

7,075

 

 

$

8,014

 

Wood residual revenues

 

$

6,102

 

 

$

7,214

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

5,937

 

 

$

5,860

 

Operating income

 

$

2,075

 

 

$

5,534

 

In the nine months ended September 30, 2019, lumber revenues decreased to $107.2 million from $131.4 million, primarily due to lower sales realizations. In the nine months ended September 30, 2019 approximately 29% of sales volumes were in the U.S. market and the majority of remaining sales were to Europe.   

Energy and wood residual revenues decreased to $13.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from $15.2 million in the same period of 2018 primarily due to lower sales realizations.

Production increased to 308.0 MMfbm of lumber in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from 294.1 MMfbm in the same period of 2018 primarily due to planned downtime for capital projects in the prior year period.  

Average lumber sales realizations decreased by approximately 17% to $348 per Mfbm in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from approximately $421 per Mfbm in the same period of 2018 primarily due to lower pricing in both the U.S. and Europe. U.S. lumber pricing declined as record pricing in 2018 resulted in increased supply and high producer inventory levels. European lumber pricing also declined due to an increase in the supply of lumber processed from beetle and storm damaged wood which generally obtains lower prices.

Fiber costs were approximately 75% of our lumber cash production costs in the nine months ended September 30, 2019. In the nine months ended September 30, 2019 per unit fiber costs decreased by approximately 26% from the same period of 2018 primarily due to the availability of lower cost storm and beetle damaged wood.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2019, lumber segment depreciation and amortization was flat at $5.9 million compared to the same period of 2018.  

Transportation costs increased to $17.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from $16.4 million in the same period of 2018 due to a higher proportion of sales to the U.S. market.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2019, our wood products segment operating income decreased to $2.1 million from $5.5 million in the same period of 2018 primarily due to lower sales realizations partially offset by lower per unit fiber costs.  

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 33


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Summary of Cash Flows

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

Net cash from operating activities

 

$

187,768

 

 

$

172,891

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(82,308

)

 

 

(71,788

)

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(79,712

)

 

 

(311,523

)

(1)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(1,340

)

 

 

(8,133

)

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

24,408

 

 

$

(218,553

)

 

(1)

Includes cash of $317.4 million used to redeem $300.0 million of 2022 Senior Notes.

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Net cash from operating activities

 

$

22,751

 

 

$

187,768

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(46,345

)

 

 

(82,308

)

Net cash from (used in) financing activities

 

 

18,438

 

 

 

(79,712

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(349

)

 

 

(1,340

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

(5,505

)

 

$

24,408

 

We operate in a cyclical industry and our operating cash flows vary accordingly. Our principal operating cash expenditures are for fiber, labor and chemicals. Working capital levels fluctuate throughout the year and are affected by maintenance downtime, changing sales patterns, seasonality and the timing of receivables and sales and the payment of payables and expenses.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities increased to $187.8was $22.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from $172.92020 compared to $187.8 million in the comparative period of 2018.2019. A decrease in accounts receivable provided cash of $17.2$11.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 20192020 compared to $8.2$17.2 million in the same period of 2018. A decrease2019. An increase in inventories providedused cash of $22.6$20.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 20192020 compared to an increasea decrease in inventories usingproviding cash of $60.1$15.7 million in the same period of 2018.2019. A decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses excluding non-cash items, used cash of $12.7$54.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 20192020 compared to an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses providing cash of $44.1$12.7 million in the same period of 2018.2019.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities. Investing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 20202019 used cash of $46.3 million primarily related to capital expenditures of $59.2 million and $9.4 million for other investments partially offset by proceeds of $21.5 million from the sale of such investments. In the nine months ended September 30, 2020, capital expenditures included the Phase II expansion and optimization project at our Friesau sawmill, additional land for fiber storage at the Stendal mill and other smaller maintenance and optimization projects. In the nine months ended September 30, 2019, investing activities used cash of $82.3 million primarily related to capital expenditures of $81.4 million. In the nine months ended September 30, 2019,, capital expenditures included improvements to the bale line and a turpentine extraction project at our Celgar mill, the planer line replacement project at our Friesau sawmill and wastewater improvement projects at our German pulp mills. In the nine months ended September 30, 2018, investing activities used cash of $71.8 million primarily related to capital expenditures of $71.6 million. In the nine months ended September 30, 2018, capital expenditures included spending on large maintenance projects at our pulp mills, improvements to the digester performance at our Celgar mill, wastewater improvement projects at our German pulp mills and upgrades to our planer mill and large saw line and the replacement of mobile equipment at our Friesau sawmill.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities. In the nine months ended September 30, 2020, financing activities provided cash of $18.4 million primarily from $34.4 million of borrowings under our revolving credit facilities. In the nine months ended September 30, 2020 we paid dividends of $13.3 million and used $0.2 million to repurchase common shares. In the nine months ended September 30, 2019, financing activities used cash of $79.7 million primarily to repay $58.4 million ofunder our revolving credit facilities. In the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we received $6.5 million of government grants primarilyrelated to finance greenhouse gas reduction capital projects at theour Peace River mill. Wemill, paid dividends of $17.2 million and used $0.8 million to repurchase common shares. In the nine months ended September 30, 2018, financing activities used cash of $311.5 million primarily in connection with the redemption of $300.0 million of 2022 Senior Notes, which used cash of $317.4 million. In the nine months ended September 30, 2018, advances of $34.3 million on our revolving credit facilities were used primarily to finance capital projects at the Friesau sawmill and wood procurement activities. In the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we paid dividends of $24.4 million and $1.4 million of debt issuance costs related to our 5.5% senior notes due 2026 (“2026 Senior Notes”).

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 3432


 

Balance Sheet Data

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

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Financial Position

 

(in thousands)

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

264,899

 

 

$

240,491

 

 

$

345,580

 

 

$

351,085

 

Working capital

 

$

578,951

 

 

$

615,311

 

 

$

633,764

 

 

$

588,385

 

Total assets

 

$

1,949,653

 

 

$

1,975,735

 

 

$

2,044,735

 

 

$

2,065,720

 

Long-term liabilities

 

$

1,154,209

 

 

$

1,198,918

 

 

$

1,293,312

 

 

$

1,259,005

 

Total equity

 

$

591,387

 

 

$

581,429

 

 

$

550,707

 

 

$

550,403

 

Primarily as a result of the strengthening of the dollar versus the euro as at September 30, 2019, we recorded a net non-cash decrease in the carrying value of our net assets, consisting primarily of our fixed assets denominated in euros. This net non-cash decrease of approximately $28.3 million does not affect our net income, Operating EBITDA or cash flows but is reflected in our other comprehensive loss and as a decrease to our total equity.

Sources and Uses of Funds

Our principal sources of funds are cash flows from operations and cash and cash equivalents on hand. Our principal operating uses of funds consist of operating expenses,expenditures, capital expenditures and semi-annual interest payments on our outstanding senior notes.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 33


The following table sets out our total capital expenditures and interest expense for the periods indicated:

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Capital expenditures

 

$

81,417

 

 

$

71,583

 

 

$

59,201

 

 

$

81,417

 

Cash paid for interest expense(1)

 

$

55,742

 

 

$

35,287

 

 

$

76,257

 

 

$

55,742

 

Interest expense(2)

 

$

55,103

 

 

$

35,972

 

 

$

60,056

 

 

$

55,103

 

 

(1)

Amounts differ from interest expense which includes non-cash items. See supplemental disclosure of cash flow information from our Interim Consolidated StatementStatements of Cash Flows included in this report.

(2)

Interest on our senior notes due 2022 Senior Notes iswas paid semi-annually in June and December of each year and interestyear. In October 2019, we redeemed the remaining $100.0 million of our senior notes due 2022. Interest on our senior notes due in 2024 is paid semi-annually in February and August of each year. Interest on our senior notes due 2025 Senior Notes and on our senior notes due 2026 Senior Notes is paid semi-annually in January and July of each year, commencing in July 2019 and July 2018, respectively.for our senior notes due 2025.

As atof September 30, 2019 our2020 we had cash and cash equivalents increased to $264.9of $345.6 million from $240.5and approximately $255.0 million at the end of 2018. As at September 30, 2019, we had approximately $279.1 millionavailable under our revolving credit facilities.facilities and as a result aggregate liquidity of about $600.6 million.

We currently consider the majority of undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no U.S. income tax has been provided on such earnings. However, if we were required to repatriate funds to the United States, we believe that we currently could repatriate the majority thereof without incurring any material amount of taxes as a result of our shareholder advances and U.S. tax reform. However, it is currently not practical to estimate the income tax liability that might be incurred if such earnings were remitted to the United States. Substantially all of our undistributed earnings are held by our foreign subsidiaries outside of the United States.

Based upon the current level of operations and our current expectations for future periods in light of the current economic environment, and in particular, current and expected pulp and lumber pricing and foreign exchange rates, we believe that cash flow from operations and available cash, together with available borrowings under our revolving credit facilities, will be adequate to finance the capital requirements for our business including the payment of our quarterly dividend during the next 12 months.

In October 2019, we issued $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of additional 2025 Senior Notes at 102.75% of their principal amount for a yield to worst of 6.435%. The net proceeds of the issue were used, in part, to redeem $100.0 million in principal amount of our 2022 Senior Notes and the balance will be used for general corporate purposes.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 35


In the future we may make acquisitions of businesses or assets or commitments to additional capital projects. To achieve the long-term goals of expanding our assets and earnings, including through acquisitions, capital resources will be required. Depending on the size of a transaction, the capital resources that will be required can be substantial. The necessary resources will be generated from cash flow from operations, cash on hand, borrowing against our assets or the issuance of securities.

Debt Covenants

Certain of our long-term obligations contain various financial tests and covenants customary to these types of arrangements. See our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2019.

As atof September 30, 2019,2020, we were in full compliance with all of the covenants of our indebtedness.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At September 30, 2019,2020, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements (as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K).

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

There were no material changes outside the ordinary course to any of our material contractual obligations during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.2020.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 34


Foreign Currency

As a majority of our assets, liabilities and expenditures are held or denominated in euros or Canadian dollars, our consolidated financial results are subject to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

We translate foreign denominated assets and liabilities into dollars at the rate of exchange on the balance sheet date. Equity accounts are translated using historical exchange rates. Unrealized gains or losses from these translations are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and do not affect our net earnings.

As a result of the strengtheningweakening of the dollar versus the euro as atof September 30, 2019,2020, we recorded a net non-cash decreaseincrease of $28.3$21.5 million in the carrying value of our net assets, consisting primarily of our fixed assets denominated in euros. This non-cash increase does not affect our net income (loss), Operating EBITDA or cash but is reflected in our other comprehensive income (loss) and as an increase to our total equity. As a result, our accumulated other comprehensive loss increaseddecreased to $156.3$95.0 million.

Based upon the exchange rate as atof September 30, 2019,2020, the dollar has strengthenedweakened by approximately 5%4% against the euro and weakenedhas strengthened by approximately 3% against the Canadian dollar since December 31, 2018.2019. See "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk".

Credit Rating of Senior Notes

We and our Senior Notes are rated by Standard & Poor's Rating Services, referred to as "S&P", and Moody's Investors Service, Inc., referred to as "Moody's".

In July 2020 Moody's confirmed its rating on our Senior Notes is Ba3 and its outlook is stable. In April 2020, S&P reduced its rating on our Senior Notes to B+ from BB- and its outlook to negative from stable. Its recovery rating remained unchanged at "3". Credit ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal by the assigning rating organization. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect both the amount and the timing of the recording of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying note disclosures. 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 increases, these judgments become even more subjective and complex.

Our significant accounting policies are disclosed in Note 1 to our audited annual financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2019. While all of the significant accounting policies are important to the consolidated financial statements, some of these policies may be viewed as having a high degree of judgment. On an ongoing basis using currently available information, management reviews its estimates, including those related to accounting for, among other things, pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations, deferred income taxes (valuation allowance and permanent reinvestment), depreciation and amortization, future cash flows associated with impairment testing for inventory and long-lived assets, the allocation

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 36


of the purchase price in a business combination to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, legal liabilities and contingencies. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates, and changes in these estimates are recorded when known.

We have identified certain accounting policies that are the most important to the portrayal of our current financial condition and results of operations.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 35


For information about both our significant and critical accounting policies, see our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2019.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 36


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.

Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "seeks", "estimates", or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs, such as "will", "should", "could", or "may", although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, forecasts and assumptions by our management and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, that could cause actual conditions, events or results to differ significantly from those described in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

our business is highly cyclical in nature;

 

a weakening of the global economy,, including capital and credit markets, could adversely affect our business and financial results and have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and capital resources;

the COVID-19 pandemic could materially adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations;

 

our level of indebtedness could negatively impact our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity;

 

cyclical fluctuations in the price and supply of our raw materials, particularly fiber, could adversely affect our business;

 

we face intense competition in our markets;

 

we are exposed to currency exchange rate fluctuations;

 

political uncertainty the rise of populist political parties and an increase in trade protectionism could have a material adverse effect on global macro-economic activities and trade and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition;

 

we are subject to extensive environmental regulation and we could incur substantial costs as a result of compliance with, violations of or liabilities under applicable environmental laws and regulations;regulations;

 

our business is subject to risks associated with climate change and social and government responses thereto;

 

our operations require substantial capital and we may be unable to maintain adequate capital resources to provide for such capital requirements;

 

our acquisition of MPR and other future acquisitions may result in additional risks and uncertainties in our business;

 

we have limited control over the operations of MPR are subject to their own risks, which we may not be able to manage successfully;

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 37


we may not be able to enhance the operating performance and financial results or lower the costs of MPR's operations as planned;Cariboo mill;

 

fluctuations in prices and demand for lumber could adversely affect our business;

 

adverse housing market conditions may increase the credit risk from customers of our wood products segment;

 

our wood products segment lumber products are vulnerable to declines in demand due to competing technologies or materials;

 

changes in credit ratings issued by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations could adversely affect our cost of financing and have an adverse effect on the market price of our securities;

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 37


we sell surplus energy pursuant to statutory energy programs in Germany and electricity purchase agreements with a utility in Western Canada;

 

we participate in German statutory energy programs;may experience material disruptions to our production;

 

we are subject to risks related to our employees;

 

we are dependent on key personnel;

we may experience material disruptions to our production;

 

if our long-lived assets become impaired, we may be required to record non-cash impairment charges that could have a material impact on our results of operations;

 

we may incur losses as a result of unforeseen or catastrophic events, including the emergence of a pandemic, terrorist attacks or natural disasters;

 

our insurance coverage may not be adequate;

 

we rely on third parties for transportation services;

 

we periodically use derivatives to manage certain risks which could cause significant fluctuations in our operating results;

 

failures or security breaches of our information technology systems could disrupt our operations and negatively impact our business;

 

the price of our common stock may be volatile;

 

a small number of our shareholders could significantly influence our business;

 

our international sales and operations are subject to applicable laws relating to trade, export controls and foreign corrupt practices, the violation of which could adversely affect our operations; and

 

we are exposed to interest rate fluctuations.

Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. The foregoing review of important factors is not exhaustive or necessarily in order of importance and should be read in conjunction with the risks and assumptions including those set forth under "Part II. Other Information – Item 1A. Risk Factors" and 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 fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2019. 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 38


Cyclical Nature of Business

Revenues

The pulp and lumber businesses are highly cyclical in nature and markets are characterized by periods of supply and demand imbalance, which in turn can materially affect prices. Pulp and lumber markets are sensitive to cyclical changes in the global economy, industry capacity and foreign exchange rates, all of which can have a significant influence on selling prices and our operating results. The length and magnitude of industry cycles have varied over time but generally reflect changes in macro-economic conditions and levels of industry capacity. Pulp and lumber are commodities that are generally available from other producers. Because commodity products have few distinguishing qualities from producer to producer, competition is generally based upon price, which is generally determined by supply relative to demand.

Industry capacity can fluctuate as changing industry conditions can influence producers to idle production capacity or permanently close 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

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 38


favorable pricing trends. Certain integrated pulp and paper producers have the ability to discontinue paper production by idling their paper machines and selling their NBSK pulp production on the market, if market conditions, prices and trends warrant such actions.

Demand for each of pulp and lumber has historically been determined primarily by general global macro-economic conditions and has been closely tied to overall business activity. Pulp prices have been and are likely to continue to be volatile and can fluctuate widely over time. Between 20092010 and 2019, European list prices for NBSK pulp have fluctuated between a low of approximately $575$760 per ADMT in 20092012 to a high of $1,230 per ADMT in 2018. In the same period, the average North American NBHK price has fluctuated between a low of $520$700 per ADMT in 20092012 to a high of $1,215$1,235 per ADMT in 2018.

Our mills and operations voluntarily subject themselves to third-party certification as to compliance with internationally recognized, sustainable management standards because end use paper and lumber customers have shown an increased interest in understanding the origin of products they purchase. Demand for our products could be adversely affected if we, or our suppliers, are unable to achieve compliance, or are perceived by the public as failing to comply, with these standards or if our customers require compliance with alternate standards for which our operations are not certified.

A pulp producer's actual sales price realizations are list prices net of customer discounts, rebates and other selling concessions.  Over the last three years, these types of selling concessions have increased as producers compete for customers and sales.

Accordingly, prices for pulp and lumber 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 pulp and lumber, prices 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 mills. Therefore, our profitability 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 prices for our raw materials increase, or both, our results of operations and cash flows 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, pulp logs and sawlogs. Wood chip, pulp log and sawlog costs are primarily affected by the supply of, and demand for, lumber and pulp, which are both highly cyclical. Higher fiber prices could affect producer profit margins if they are unable to pass along price increases to pulp and lumber customers or purchasers of surplus energy.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 39


Currency

We have manufacturing operations in Germany and Canada. Most of the operating costs and expenses of our German mills are incurred in euros and those of our Canadian mills in Canadian dollars. However, the majority of our sales are in products quoted in dollars. Our results of operations and financial condition are reported in dollars. As a result, our costs generally benefit from a strengthening dollar but are adversely affected by a decrease in the value of the dollar relative to the euro and to the Canadian dollar. Such declines in the dollar relative to the euro and the Canadian dollar reduce our operating margins and the cash flow available to fund our operations and to service our debt. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

FORM 10-Q

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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 rates between the dollar and the euro and Canadian dollar. Changes in these rates may affect our results of operations and financial condition and, consequently, our fair value. We seek to manage these risks through internal risk management policies as well as the periodic use of derivatives.

For additional information, please refer to Part II, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2019.

FORM 10-Q

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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, referred to as the "Exchange Act"), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on such evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act.

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 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

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are subject to routine litigation incidental to our business, including that which is described in our latest annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2019. 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

ThereOther than as set out below, 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 fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic could materially adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations.

The outbreak of COVID-19 in late 2019 initially in China and its subsequent spread globally through 2020 has resulted in significant and widespread global infections and fatalities. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the spread of the COVID-19 virus a pandemic. The rapid spread of the virus has resulted in various federal, state and provincial governments declaring emergency measures and the implementation of numerous measures to attempt to contain the virus, including travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, business closures, shelter in place orders and other shutdowns and restrictions.

The impact of the pandemic and the global response thereto has, among other things, significantly disrupted global economic activity, negatively impacted gross domestic product and caused significant volatility in financial markets, with various countries already reporting significant declines in gross domestic product and business activity and material increases in unemployment. While various countries, including the United States, Germany, Canada and China have implemented stimulus packages and other fiscal measures to attempt to reduce the impact of the pandemic on their economies, the impact of the pandemic on global economic activity and markets both in the short and longer term is uncertain at this time.

As demand for our products has principally historically been determined by general global macro-economic activities, demand and prices for our products have historically decreased substantially during economic slowdowns. A significant economic downturn may adversely affect our sales and profitability and may also adversely affect our customers and suppliers. Additionally, significant disruptions and volatility in financial markets could have a negative impact on our ability to access capital in the future.

In mid-2020, many countries eased restrictions on economic and social activities to, among other things, reopen their economies by allowing businesses to restart and encourage economic recovery. The results of such economic measures and the reopening have varied from country to country.

Recently there has been a widespread increase or "second wave" in reported infections including in Europe and the United States. In response, various countries including in Europe have announced the re-imposition of some restrictions on social, business and other activities. Currently we are unable to predict the impact of the recent resurgence in infections, the extent of measures governments may take in response thereto, including imposing some or all prior or new restrictive measures, including business closures. Further, we are currently unable to predict the overall impact of such resurgence on global economic activity or the pace of any economic recovery.

Our products are an important constituent of many pandemic related high demand goods such as tissue and cleaning products and certain personal protective equipment. However, our mills could experience disruptions, downtime and closures in the future as a result of changes to existing government response measures, outbreaks of the virus among our employees or operations or disruptions to raw material supplies or access to logistics networks.

The magnitude and duration of the disruption and resulting decline in business activity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic is currently uncertain. The extent to which the COVID-19pandemic impacts our business, operations and financial results will depend on numerous evolving factors that we may not be able to accurately predict, including:

FORM 10-Q

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the duration and scope of the pandemic;

governmental, business and individuals' actions that have been and may in the future be taken in response to the pandemic including any resurgence or additional waves of viral infection;

the impact of the pandemic on economic activity and actions taken in response including the recent easing of health and safety restrictions, measures and closures to reopened economies;

any resurgence in infections and fatalities resulting from recent efforts of governments to reopen economies;

any additional waves of the virus;

if any successful treatment option or vaccine will be developed and, if so, when will they be widely available;

the effect on our customers' demand for pulp and wood products;

our vendors' ability to supply us with raw materials;

the availability of logistics networks, our ability to ship our products to customers and the availability of any required contractors to perform maintenance services;

the ability of our customers to pay for our products; and

any closures of our and our customers' facilities and offices.

The effect of the pandemic, including remote working arrangements for employees, has also increased the risk of cyberattacks on, and other material breaches of, our and our third party service providers' information technology systems.

Any of these events could cause or contribute to the risks and uncertainties enumerated in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and could materially adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations.

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALE OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

In May 2019, our board of directors authorized a common stock repurchase program, under which we may purchase up to $50 million of our shares, untilwhich expired in May 2020. Repurchases may be made from time to time under the program through open market or in privately negotiated transactions, through block trades or pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act. The repurchase program iswas subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The repurchase program does not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares and may be suspended or terminated at any time.

Share repurchase activity during the nine month period ended September 30, 2019 was as follows:

Period

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased

 

 

Average Price Paid Per Share

 

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Program

 

 

Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program

 

May 1 - May 31, 2019

 

 

23,630

 

 

$

14.30

 

 

 

23,630

 

 

 

 

 

June 1 - June 30, 2019

 

 

29,249

 

 

$

14.21

 

 

 

29,249

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

52,879

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

49,246,566

 

Period

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased

 

 

Average Price Paid Per Share

 

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Program

 

 

Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program

 

 

March 1 - March 31, 2020

 

 

23,584

 

 

$

6.84

 

 

 

23,584

 

 

$

49,084,880

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 43


ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT - PAGE 4244


 

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

 

 

 

101

 

The following financial information from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended September 30, 20192020 of Mercer International Inc., formatted in inlineInline Extensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL): (i) Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations; (ii) Interim Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss); (iii) Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets; (iv) Interim Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity; (v) Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (vi) Notes to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

104

 

The cover page from the Company’sCompany's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019,2020 has been formatted in Inline XBRL.

 

*

In accordance with Release No. 33-8212 of the SEC, these Certifications: (i) are "furnished" to the SEC 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 Company's 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.

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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

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer and President

 

Date: October 31, 201929, 2020

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

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