For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2005
 

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q/A
(Amendment No. 1)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2005
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _________ to _________
Commission File No.: 000-09409
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Washington   91-6087550
(State or other jurisdiction   (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
Suite 2840, 650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6B 4N8
(Address of office)
(604) 684-1099
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES þ NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES þ NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES o NO þ
The Registrant had 33,169,140 shares of beneficial interest outstanding as at November 8, 2005.
 
 

 


 

Explanatory Note
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A amends the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2005 to make adjustments identified by the registrant to reported fixed asset additions in its consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine month period ended September 30, 2005 and to reclassify a fixed asset allocation in the registrant’s Restricted Group balance sheet as at September 30, 2005 relating to the registrant’s recently acquired Celgar pulp mill, to conform to the registrant’s prior quarterly filings for 2005 as follows:
  (a)   the registrant’s consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 has been amended:
  (i)   under Cash Flows from (used in) Investing Activities to reduce the “Purchase of property, plant and equipment” to (11,275) from (18,646);
  (ii)   under Cash Flows from (used in) Investing Activities to reduce “Net cash used in investing activities” to (97,233) from
(104,604); and
  (iii)   to reduce the “Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents” to 13,560 from 20,931; and
  (b)   the registrant’s Restricted Group balance sheet as at September 30, 2005 has been amended to:
  (i)   increase “Property, plant and equipment” for the Restricted Group to 401,311 from 397,071 and to correspondingly decrease the same for the Unrestricted Subsidiaries to 631,228 from 635,468;
  (ii)   increase “Total assets” for the Restricted Group to 625,950 from 621,710 and to correspondingly decrease the same for the Unrestricted Subsidiaries to 829,595 from 833,835;
  (iii)   increase “Total shareholders’ equity” for the Restricted Group to 223,604 from 219,364 and to correspondingly decrease the same for the Unrestricted Subsidiaries to (43,979) from (39,739); and
  (iv)   increase “Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity” for the Restricted Group to 625,950 from 621,710 and to correspondingly decrease the same for the Unrestricted Subsidiaries to 829,595 from 833,835.
Corresponding changes have been made in the registrant’s MD&A in the paragraph under “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Investing Activities” on page 33 of this Form 10-Q/A and in the table under “Liquidity and Capital Resources of the Restricted Group” on page 39 of this Form 10-Q/A. The registrant has also added Note 11 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included herein relating to the amendments.
All other financial and other information in the originally filed Form 10-Q for the reported periods, including the consolidated balance sheets, the consolidated statements of operations, revenues, costs and expenses, income (loss) from operations, Operating EBITDA, net loss, net loss per share, retained earnings (deficit) and shareholders equity, remain unchanged.
This Form 10-Q/A does not reflect events occurring after the filing of the original Form 10-Q, or modify or update the disclosure therein in any way other than as required to reflect the amendments set forth herein. Pursuant to SEC rules, included as Exhibits 31.1, 31.2, 32.1 and 32.2 to this Form 10-Q/A are currently dated certifications of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.


 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 2

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2005     2004  
ASSETS
               
Current Assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  89,039     49,568  
Cash restricted
    7,646       45,295  
Receivables
    75,696       54,687  
Inventories
    85,678       52,898  
Prepaid expenses and other
    6,446       4,961  
 
           
Total current assets
    264,505       207,409  
 
               
Long-Term Assets
               
Cash restricted
    24,537       47,538  
Property, plant and equipment
    1,031,879       936,035  
Investments
    4,664       5,079  
Deferred note issuance and other costs
    8,903       5,069  
Deferred income tax
    74,749       54,519  
 
           
 
    1,144,732       1,048,240  
 
           
Total assets
  1,409,237     1,255,649  
 
           
LIABILITIES
               
Current Liabilities
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  94,702     56,542  
Construction costs payable
    1,088       65,436  
Debt, current portion
    37,135       107,090  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    132,925       229,068  
 
               
Long-Term Liabilities
               
Debt, less current portion
    923,144       777,272  
Unrealized foreign exchange rate derivative losses
    49,346        
Unrealized interest rate derivative losses
    90,637       75,471  
Pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations
    17,008        
Capital leases and other
    9,562       9,035  
Deferred income tax
    7,650       2,062  
 
           
 
    1,097,347       863,840  
 
           
Total liabilities
    1,230,272       1,092,908  
Minority Interest
           
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Shares of beneficial interest
    181,600       83,397  
Additional paid-in capital, stock options
    14       14  
Retained earnings (deficit)
    (18,197 )     69,176  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    15,548       10,154  
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    178,965       162,741  
 
           
 
               
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  1,409,237     1,255,649  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 3

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2004
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for loss per share)
                 
    2005     2004  
Revenues
  376,430     148,011  
 
           
 
               
Costs and expenses:
               
Cost of sales
    350,185       127,859  
General and administrative expenses
    22,399       21,108  
Gain on sale of emission credits
    (12,353 )      
Impairment of capital assets
          6,000  
Flooding losses and expenses, less grant income
          669  
 
           
Total costs and expenses
    360,231       155,636  
 
           
Income (loss) from operations
    16,199       (7,625 )
 
           
 
               
Other income (expense):
               
Interest expense
    (63,320 )     (9,554 )
Investment income
    1,594       1,679  
Realized loss on derivative financial instruments
    (2,455 )      
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments
    (67,804 )     (1,077 )
Unrealized foreign exchange loss on debt
    (1,591 )      
Impairment of investments
    (1,699 )      
 
           
Total other income (expense)
    (135,275 )     (8,952 )
 
           
 
               
Loss before income taxes and minority interest
    (119,076 )     (16,577 )
Income tax benefit
    14,627       37  
 
           
Loss before minority interest
    (104,449 )     (16,540 )
Minority interest
    17,076       3,936  
 
           
Net loss
    (87,373 )     (12,604 )
 
               
Retained earnings, beginning of period
    69,176       49,196  
 
           
Retained earnings (deficit), end of period
  (18,197 )   36,592  
 
           
 
               
Loss per share
               
Basic and diluted
  (2.86 )   (0.73 )
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 4

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2004
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for loss per share)
                 
    2005     2004  
Revenues
  148,928     47,360  
 
           
 
               
Costs and expenses:
               
Cost of sales
    140,018       39,231  
General and administrative expenses
    7,083       6,880  
Gain on sale of emission credits
    (6,065 )      
Impairment of capital assets
          6,000  
 
           
Total costs and expenses
    141,036       52,111  
 
           
Income (loss) from operations
    7,892       (4,751 )
 
           
 
Other income (expense):
               
Interest expense
    (21,911 )     (4,200 )
Investment income
    613       215  
Realized loss on derivative financial instruments
    (284 )      
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments
    3,335       (8,105 )
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on debt
    5,918        
 
           
Total other income (expense)
    (12,329 )     (12,090 )
 
           
 
               
Loss before income taxes and minority interest
    (4,437 )     (16,841 )
Income tax (provision) benefit
    (6,785 )     236  
 
           
Loss before minority interest
    (11,222 )     (16,605 )
Minority interest
    5,667       6,726  
 
           
Net loss
    (5,555 )     (9,879 )
 
               
Retained earnings (deficit), beginning of period
    (12,642 )     46,471  
 
           
Retained earnings (deficit), end of period
  (18,197 )   36,592  
 
           
 
               
Loss per share
               
Basic and diluted
  (0.17 )   (0.57 )
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 5

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2004
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
                 
    2005     2004  
Net loss
  (87,373 )   (12,604 )
 
           
 
               
Other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    4,418       313  
Pension plan additional minimum liability
    412        
Unrealized gains on securities
               
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period
    564       (269 )
 
           
 
               
Other comprehensive income
    5,394       44  
 
           
 
               
Total comprehensive loss
  (81,979 )   (12,560 )
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 6

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
For Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2004
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
                 
    2005     2004  
Net loss
  (5,555 )   (9,879 )
 
           
 
               
Other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    3,300       (2,039 )
Pension plan minimum additional liability
    412        
Unrealized gains on securities
               
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period
    259       (19 )
 
           
 
               
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    3,971       (2,058 )
 
           
 
               
Total comprehensive loss
  (1,584 )   (11,937 )
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 7

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2004
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands)
                 
    2005     2004  
    (As restated —
see Note 11)
       
Cash Flows from (used in) Operating Activities:
               
Net loss
  (87,373 )   (12,604 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash flows from operating activities
               
Unrealized losses on derivatives
    67,804       1,077  
Depreciation and amortization
    39,599       17,217  
Unrealized foreign exchange loss on debt
    1,591        
Impairment of capital assets
          6,000  
Impairment of investments and securities
    1,699        
Minority interest
    (17,076 )     (3,936 )
Deferred income taxes
    (14,642 )      
Stock compensation expense
    330       690  
Other
    144       1,139  
 
               
Changes in current assets and liabilities
               
Receivables
    (20,428 )     (2,056 )
Inventories
    (9,581 )     (35,825 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    33,765       26,331  
Other
    (1,435 )     782  
 
           
Net cash used in operating activities
    (5,603 )     (1,185 )
 
               
Cash Flows from (used in) Investing Activities:
               
Cash restricted
    60,650       (17,517 )
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
    (11,275 )     (241,825 )
Acquisition of Celgar pulp mill
    (146,608 )      
Sale of available-for-sale securities
          1,161  
Other
          115  
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (97,233 )     (258,066 )
 
               
Cash Flows from (used in) Financing Activities:
               
Increase (decrease) in construction costs payable
    (64,348 )     118,196  
Proceeds from borrowings of notes payable and debt
    311,792       126,000  
Repayment of notes payable and debt
    (261,691 )     (21,886 )
Proceeds from investment grants
    78,595       28,710  
Repayment of capital lease obligations
    (2,930 )     (1,781 )
Issuance of shares of beneficial interest
    67,329       582  
 
           
Net cash from financing activities
    128,747       249,821  
 
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    13,560       80  
 
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    39,471       (9,350 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    49,568       51,993  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  89,039     42,643  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 8

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 1. Basis of Presentation
The interim period consolidated financial statements contained herein include the accounts of Mercer International Inc. (“Mercer Inc.”) and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”).
The interim period consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosure normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such SEC rules and regulations. The interim period 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, 2004. In the opinion of the Company, the unaudited consolidated financial statements contained herein contain all adjustments necessary to present a fair statement of the results of the interim periods presented. The results for the periods presented herein may not be indicative of the results for the entire year.
In June 2005, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 05-5 (“EITF 05-5”), “Accounting for Early Retirement or Postemployment Programs with Specific Features (such as Terms Specified in Altersteilzeit Early Retirement Arrangements)”. Under an Altersteilzeit (ATZ) Early Retirement Program (Type I and Type II) or an arrangement with the same terms, salary payments should be recognized ratably over the portion of the ATZ period when the employee is providing active services (the “active service period”). Accruals for the termination benefit under Type II should be accrued ratably from the date the employee signs the ATZ contract to the end of the active service period. EITF 05-5 will become effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. Management is analyzing the requirements of EITF 05-5 and believes that its adoption will not have any significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 9

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 2. Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has stock-based compensation plans, which are described more fully in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. The Company accounts for the plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. The following tables illustrate the effect on net loss and loss per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.
                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Net Loss
               
As reported
  (87,373 )   (12,604 )
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of any related tax effects
    (51 )     (31 )
 
           
Pro forma
  (87,424 )   (12,635 )
 
           
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share
               
As reported
  (2.86 )   (0.73 )
 
           
Pro forma
  (2.86 )   (0.73 )
 
           
                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Net Loss
               
As reported
  (5,555 )   (9,879 )
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of any related tax effects
    (30 )     (2 )
 
           
Pro forma
  (5,585 )   (9,881 )
 
           
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share
               
As reported
  (0.17 )   (0.57 )
 
           
Pro forma
  (0.17 )   (0.57 )
 
           
Pursuant to the Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, in June 2005, an aggregate of 10,000 restricted shares of beneficial interest were issued to four independent trustees of the Company, which vest in June 2006. This resulted in a total expense of 60, which will be amortized over the period to June 2006.
In the third quarter of 2005, an aggregate of 105,685 restricted shares of beneficial interest were issued to a trustee and certain officers of the Company. These shares generally vest between July 2005 and September 2007. This resulted in a total expense of 671, of which 222 was charged to net loss immediately and the remaining amount will be amortized over the period to September 2007.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 10

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 3. Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during a period. Diluted income (loss) per share takes into consideration shares outstanding (computed under basic earnings (loss) per share) and potentially dilutive shares. The following table sets out the computation of basic loss per share for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively:
                                 
    Nine Months Ended     Three Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2005     2004     2005     2004  
Loss from continuing operations — basic
  (87,373 )   (12,604 )   (5,555 )   (9,879 )
Interest on convertible notes, net of tax
                       
 
                       
Loss from continuing operations — diluted
  (87,373 )   (12,604 )   (5,555 )   (9,879 )
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    30,557,409       17,256,894       33,092,853       17,324,229  
Effect of dilutive shares:
                               
Stock options and awards
                       
Convertible notes
                       
 
                       
Diluted
    30,557,409       17,256,894       33,092,835       17,324,229  
 
                       
Loss from continuing operations per share:
                               
Basic
  (2.86 )   (0.73 )   (0.17 )   (0.57 )
 
                       
Diluted
  (2.86 )   (0.73 )   (0.17 )   (0.57 )
 
                       
For the nine and three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, options and convertible notes were not included in the computation of diluted loss per share because they were anti-dilutive.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 11

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 4. Acquisition of the Celgar Mill and Related Financings
Acquisition
On February 14, 2005, the Company completed its acquisition of the Celgar NBSK pulp mill. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition was 177,422, which included 142,940 in cash, acquisition related expenditures of 3,668 and 30,814 was paid in shares of beneficial interest of the Company as more fully described below. The results of the Celgar mill are included in the consolidated statement of operations since the acquisition date.
The preliminary estimated allocation of the purchase price is summarized below and may be adjusted when additional information on asset and liability valuations becomes available.
         
Purchase price:
       
Cash (including defined working capital)
  142,940  
Equity — shares of beneficial interest
    30,814  
Estimated acquisition costs
    3,668  
 
     
 
  177,422  
 
     
 
       
Net assets acquired:
       
Receivables
  32  
Inventories
    19,969  
Prepaids and other assets
    616  
Property, plant and equipment
    175,096  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    (4,103 )
Pension plan and post-retirement benefits obligation
    (14,188 )
 
     
 
  177,422  
 
     
In October 2005, our wholly owned subsidiary, Zellstoff Celgar Limited, received a re-assessment for real property transfer tax payable in British Columbia, Canada, in the amount of approximately 3.5 million in connection with the transfer of the land where the Celgar mill is situated. The Company is contesting the assessment and the amount, if any, that may be payable in connection therewith is not yet determinable. Any additional amount paid in connection with the re-assessment will increase the cost basis of the assets acquired and will not affect earnings.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 12

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 4. Acquisition of the Celgar Mill and Related Financings (cont’d)
Financings
In connection with the acquisition, in February 2005, the Company issued an aggregate of 4,210,526 shares of beneficial interest by way of private placement at a price of US$9.50 per share as part of the consideration for the acquisition of the Celgar mill. In addition, in February 2005, the Company issued US$310,000 of 9.25% senior unsecured notes due 2013 and an aggregate of 10,768,700 shares of beneficial interest at a price of US$8.50 per share by way of separate public offerings. The Company used the net proceeds from such public offerings to pay the cash portion of the purchase price for the Celgar pulp mill, to repay all of the bank indebtedness of its Rosenthal pulp mill and for working capital.
In February 2005, the Company also entered into a 23,132 (US$30,000) revolving working capital facility for the Celgar pulp mill and a 40,000 revolving term credit facility for its Rosenthal pulp mill. As at September 30, 2005, the Company had drawn a total of 16.7 million against these facilities.
Pro Forma Financial Summary (Unaudited)
The following pro forma financial summary is presented as if the acquisition of the Celgar pulp mill was completed as of January 1, 2004. The pro forma combined results are not necessarily indicative of the actual results that would have occurred had the acquisition been consummated on those dates, or of the future operations of the combined entities.
                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Total revenues
  398,153     279,972  
Net income (loss)
  (96,192 )   (15,784 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations per share:
               
Basic and diluted
  (2.91 )   (0.49 )
Note 5. Business Segment Information
The Company operates in two reportable business segments: pulp and paper. The segments are managed separately because each business requires different production and marketing strategies. The results of the Celgar mill presented below are from the date of its acquisition on February 14, 2005.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 13

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 5. Business Segment Information (cont’d)
Summarized financial information concerning the segments is shown in the following table:
                                                         
                                            Corporate,        
    Rosenthal     Celgar(1)     Stendal     Total             Other and     Consolidated  
    Pulp     Pulp     Pulp     Pulp     Paper     Eliminations     Total  
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005
                                                       
Sales to external customers
  103,058     97,458     128,919     329,435     46,995         376,430  
Intersegment net sales
                4,679       4,679             (4,679 )      
 
                                         
 
    103,058       97,458       133,598       334,114       46,995       (4,679 )     376,430  
 
                                         
Operating costs
    73,146       86,438       112,739       272,323       44,879       (5,879 )     311,323  
Depreciation and amortization
    10,173       7,083       20,179       37,435       592       835       38,862  
General and administrative
    5,441       5,285       3,120       13,846       3,720       4,833       22,399  
Emission credits
    (4,402 )           (7,951 )     (12,353 )                 (12,353 )
 
                                         
 
    84,358       98,806       128,087       311,251       49,191       (211 )     360,231  
 
                                         
Income (loss) from operations
    18,700       (1,348 )     5,511       22,863       (2,196 )     (4,468 )     16,199  
Interest expense
                                                    (63,320 )
Investment income
                                                    1,594  
Derivative financial instruments, net
                                                    (70,259 )
Foreign exchange loss on debt
                                                    (1,591 )
Impairment of investments
                                                    (1,699 )
 
                                                     
 
                                                    (135,275 )
 
                                                     
Loss before income taxes and minority interest
                                                  (119,076 )
 
                                                     
 
                                                       
Segment assets
  341,732     251,918     787,388     1,381,038     22,783     5,416     1,409,237  
 
                                         
 
                                                       
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
                                                       
Sales to external customers
  106,013         600     106,613     41,398         148,011  
Intersegment net sales
    1,822                   1,822             (1,822 )      
 
                                         
 
    107,835             600       108,435       41,398       (1,822 )     148,011  
 
                                         
Operating costs
    72,705             509       73,214       39,686       (1,742 )     111,158  
Depreciation and amortization
    14,166             795       14,961       1,740             16,701  
General and administrative
    7,960             6,645       14,605       3,886       2,617       21,108  
Impairment of assets
                            6,000             6,000  
Flooding grants, less losses and expenses
                            669             669  
 
                                         
 
    94,831             7,949       102,780       51,981       875       155,636  
 
                                         
Income (loss) from operations
    13,004             (7,349 )     5,655       (10,583 )     (2,697 )     (7,625 )
Interest expense
                                                    (9,554 )
Investment and other income
                                                    1,679  
Derivative financial instruments, net
                                                    (1,077 )
 
                                                     
Loss before income taxes and minority interest
                                                  (16,577 )
 
                                                     
Segment assets
  384,764         773,081     1,157,845     31,699     3,183     1,192,727  
 
                                         
 
(1)   The results of the Celgar pulp mill are from the date of its acquisition on February 14, 2005.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 14

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 5. Business Segment Information (cont’d)
                                                         
                                            Corporate,        
    Rosenthal     Celgar(1)     Stendal     Total             Other and     Consolidated  
    Pulp     Pulp     Pulp     Pulp     Paper     Eliminations     Total  
Three Months Ended September 30, 2005
                                                       
Sales to external customers
  37,122     48,978     47,313     133,413     15,532         148,928  
Intersegment net sales
                1,339       1,339             (1,339 )      
 
                                         
 
    37,122       48,978       48,652       134,752       15,515       (1,339 )     148,928  
 
                                         
Operating costs
    25,741       45,884       41,193       112,818       15,278       (2,057 )     126,039  
Depreciation and amortization
    3,543       2,986       6,725       13,254       213       512       13,979  
General and administrative
    1,631       2,448       1,443       5,522       1,158       403       7,083  
Emission credits
    (2,267 )           (3,798 )     (6,065 )                 (6,065 )
 
                                         
 
    28,648       51,318       45,563       125,529       16,649       (1,142 )     141,036  
 
                                         
Income (loss) from operations
    8,474       (2,340 )     3,089       9,223       (1,134 )     (197 )     7,892  
 
                                                       
Interest expense
                                                    (21,911 )
Investment income
                                                    613  
Derivative financial instruments, net
                                                    3,051  
Foreign exchange gain on debt
                                                    5,918  
 
                                                     
 
                                                    (12,329 )
 
                                                     
 
                                                       
Loss before income taxes and minority interest
                                                  (4,437 )
 
                                                     
 
                                                       
Three Months Ended September 30, 2004
                                                       
Sales to external customers
  34,982         (327 )   34,655     12,705         47,360  
Intersegment net sales
    643                   643             (643 )      
 
                                         
 
    35,625             (327 )     35,298       12,705       (643 )     47,360  
 
                                         
Operating costs
    23,580             509       24,089       12,473       (1,425 )     35,137  
Depreciation and amortization
    3,030             783       3,813       599       (318 )     4,094  
General and administrative
    3,324             1,197       4,521       1,243       1,116       6,880  
Impairment of assets
                            6,000             6,000  
Flooding grants, less losses and expenses
                                         
 
                                         
 
    29,934             2,489       32,423       20,315       (627 )     52,111  
 
                                         
Income (loss) from operations
    5,691             (2,816 )     2,875       (7,610 )     (16 )     (4,751 )
Interest expense
                                                    (4,200 )
Investment and other income
                                                    215  
Derivative financial instruments, net
                                                    (8,105 )
 
                                                     
 
                                                    (12,090 )
 
                                                     
 
                                                       
Loss before income taxes and minority interest
                                                  (16,841 )
 
                                                     
 
(1)   The results of the Celgar pulp mill are from the date of its acquisition on February 14, 2005.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 15

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 6. Inventories
                 
    September 30, 2005     December 31, 2004  
Raw materials
  50,716     38,679  
Work in process and finished goods
    34,962       14,219  
 
           
 
  85,678     52,898  
 
           
Note 7. Pension and Other Post-Retirement Plans
The newly acquired Celgar pulp mill (see Note 4) maintains defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement benefit plans for certain employees. Pension expense is based on estimates from the Company’s actuary. Pension contributions for the period from acquisition to September 30, 2005 and for the 2005 third quarter totaled 994 and 502, respectively. As the mill was acquired in 2005, there are no comparative amounts included in the quarter ended September 30, 2004.
                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005  
    Pension Benefits     Post-Retirement Benefits  
Service cost
  420     183  
Interest cost
    826       402  
Expected return on plan assets
    (808 )      
 
           
Net periodic benefit cost
  438     585  
 
           
                 
    Three Months Ended September 30, 2005  
    Pension Benefits     Post-Retirement Benefits  
Service cost
  175     76  
Interest cost
    345       168  
Expected return on plan assets
    (337 )      
 
           
Net periodic benefit cost
  183     244  
 
           
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 16

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 8. Derivatives Transactions
                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Realized loss on derivative financial instruments
  (2,455 )    
 
           
Unrealized net loss on interest rate derivatives
  (15,165 )   (15,825 )
Unrealized net gain (loss) on foreign exchange derivatives
    (52,440 )     14,748  
Unrealized loss on natural gas forward supply contract
    (199 )      
 
           
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments
  (67,804 )   (1,077 )
 
           
                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,  
    2005     2004  
Realized loss on derivative financial instruments
  (284 )    
 
           
Unrealized net gain (loss) on interest rate derivatives
  5,310     (14,110 )
Unrealized net gain (loss) on foreign exchange derivatives
    (1,944 )     6,005  
Unrealized loss on natural gas forward supply contract
    (31 )      
 
           
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments
  (3,335 )   (8,105 )
 
           
In addition to the derivatives reported in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company entered into certain new derivative transactions in the first nine months of 2005.
In the first quarter of 2005, Stendal entered into foreign currency derivatives in order to swap approximately three-quarters of the long-term indebtedness outstanding under the Stendal mill’s project loan facility into U.S. dollars as follows: (i) approximately 306,300 was swapped into U.S. dollars at a rate of 1.2960 with a maturity in October 2017; and (ii) approximately 153,155 was swapped into U.S. dollars at a rate of 1.2990 with a maturity in October 2017. In the second quarter of 2005, Stendal entered into foreign currency derivatives in order to swap the balance of the long-term indebtedness under the Stendal mill’s project loan facility, being approximately 153,155, into U.S. dollars at a rate of 1.2799 with a maturity in October 2017. During the first quarter of 2005, Stendal entered into a $50,000 currency forward contract at a rate of 1.3108 with a maturity in February 2006 and a $25,000 currency forward at a rate of 1.3080 which matured in September 2005. During the second quarter of 2005, Stendal entered into a $25,000 currency forward contract at a rate of 1.2357 which also matured in September 2005. In the third quarter of 2005, Stendal entered into a $13,900 currency forward at a rate of 1.2048 with a maturity in October 2005. A net unrealized loss of 52,440 and 1,944 before minority interests was recorded in respect of these derivatives that were outstanding at the end of the nine and three months ended September 30, 2005, respectively. A net loss of 2,160 and 284 before minority interests was recorded in respect of such derivatives that matured in the nine and three months ended September 30, 2005, respectively.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 17

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 9. European Union Emissions Trading Scheme
Beginning in 2005, the Company’s German operations are subject to the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme pursuant to which the Company’s German mills have been granted carbon emission certificates. The German mills estimate that they will have excess carbon emission credits in the current year. As a result, in the nine and three months ended September 30, 2005, the Company’s German pulp mills sold some of their emissions certificates for a gain of 12.4 million and 6.1 million, respectively, which contributed to income from operations. Emission credits are recorded at historical cost. If additional credits were required in excess of the amount held by the Company, then a liability would be accrued.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 18

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 10. Restricted Group Supplemental Disclosure
The terms of the indenture governing our 9.25% senior unsecured notes requires that we provide the results of operations and financial condition of Mercer Inc. and our restricted subsidiaries under the indenture, collectively referred to as the “Restricted Group”. As at and during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2005, the Restricted Group was comprised of Mercer Inc., certain holding subsidiaries and Rosenthal, and the Celgar mill from the date of its acquisition on February 14, 2005. During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2004 and as at December 31, 2004, the Restricted Group was comprised of Mercer Inc., certain holding subsidiaries and Rosenthal, which was the only member of the Restricted Group with material operations during this period. We acquired the Celgar mill in February 2005 and, as a result, its operations for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2004 and financial condition at December 31, 2004 are not included for such periods. The Restricted Group excludes our paper operations and the Stendal mill.
Combined Condensed Balance Sheet
                                 
    September 30, 2005  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
    (As restated —
see Note 11)
    (As restated —
see Note 11)
                 
ASSETS
                               
Current assets
                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  52,566     36,473         89,039  
Cash restricted
          7,646             7,646  
Receivables
    40,758       35,113       (175 )     75,696  
Inventories
    50,875       34,803             85,678  
Prepaid expenses and other
    3,968       2,478             6,446  
 
                       
Total current assets
    148,167       116,513       (175 )     264,505  
Cash restricted
          24,537             24,537  
Property, plant and equipment
    401,311       631,228       (660 )     1,031,879  
Other
    9,483       4,084             13,567  
Deferred income tax
    21,516       53,233             74,749  
Due from unrestricted group
    45,473             (45,473 )      
 
                       
Total assets
  625,950     829,595     (46,308 )   1,409,237  
 
                       
 
                               
LIABILITIES
                               
Current liabilities
                               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  36,128     58,749     (175 )   94,702  
Construction costs payable
          1,088             1,088  
Debt, current portion
          37,135             37,135  
 
                       
Total current liabilities
    36,128       96,972       (175 )     132,925  
 
                               
Debt, less current portion
    342,221       580,923             923,144  
Due to restricted group
          45,473       (45,473 )      
Unrealized derivatives loss
          139,983             139,983  
Other
    20,152       6,418             26,570  
Deferred income tax
    3,845       3,805             7,650  
 
                       
Total liabilities
    402,346       873,574       (45,648 )     1,230,272  
 
                       
 
                               
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                               
Total shareholders’ equity
    223,604       (43,979 ) (1)     (660 )     178,965  
 
                       
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  625,950     829,595     (46,308 )   1,409,237  
 
                       
 
(1)   Shareholders’ equity does not include government grants received or receivable related to the Stendal mill. Shareholders’ equity is impacted by the unrealized non-cash marked to market valuation losses on derivative financial instruments.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 19

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 10. Restricted Group Supplemental Disclosure (cont’d)
Combined Condensed Balance Sheet
                                 
    December 31, 2004  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
ASSETS
                               
Current assets
                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  45,487     4,081         49,568  
Cash restricted
          45,295             45,295  
Receivables
    21,791       33,060       (164 )     54,687  
Inventories
    13,911       38,987             52,898  
Prepaid expenses and other
    1,995       2,966             4,961  
 
                       
Total current assets
    83,184       124,389       (164 )     207,409  
Cash restricted
    28,464       19,074             47,538  
Property, plant and equipment
    213,678       722,394       (37 )     936,035  
Other
    5,936       4,212             10,148  
Deferred income tax
    26,592       27,927             54,519  
Due from unrestricted group
    43,467             (43,467 )      
 
                       
Total assets
  401,321     897,996     (43,668 )   1,255,649  
 
                       
 
                               
LIABILITIES
                               
Current liabilities
                               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  19,615     37,091     (164 )   56,542  
Construction costs payable
          65,436             65,436  
Debt, current portion
    15,089       92,001             107,090  
 
                       
Total current liabilities
    34,704       194,528       (164 )     229,068  
Debt, less current portion
    224,542       552,730             777,272  
Due to restricted group
          43,467       (43,467 )      
Unrealized interest rate derivative
          75,471             75,471  
Other
    1,878       7,157             9,035  
Deferred income tax
    1,719       343             2,062  
 
                       
Total liabilities
    262,843       873,696       (43,631 )     1,092,908  
 
                       
 
                               
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                               
Total shareholders’ equity
    138,478       24,300       (37 )     162,741  
 
                       
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  401,321     897,996     (43,668 )   1,255,649  
 
                       
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 20

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 10. Restricted Group Supplemental Disclosure (cont’d)
Combined Condensed Statement of Operations
                                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
Revenues
  200,516     175,914         376,430  
 
                       
 
Operating costs
    158,384       152,939             311,323  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    17,431       20,771       660       38,862  
General and administrative
    15,559       6,840             22,399  
Gain on sale of emission credits
    (4,402 )     (7,951 )           (12,353 )
 
                       
 
    186,972       172,599       660       360,231  
 
                       
Income (loss) from operations
    13,544       3,315       (660 )     16,199  
 
                       
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest expense
    (23,918 )     (41,351 )     1,949       (63,320 )
Investment income
    2,313       1,230       (1,949 )     1,594  
Derivative financial instruments, net
    (494 )     (69,765 )           (70,259 )
Unrealized foreign exchange loss on debt
    (1,591 )                 (1,591 )
Impairment of investments
    (1,699 )                 (1,699 )
 
                       
Total other expense
    (25,389 )     (109,886 )           (135,275 )
 
                       
Loss before income taxes and minority interest
    (11,845 )     (106,571 )     (660 )     (119,076 )
Income tax (provision) benefit
    (7,867 )     22,494             14,627  
 
                       
Loss before minority interest
    (19,712 )     (84,077 )     (660 )     (104,449 )
Minority interest
          17,076             17,076  
 
                       
Net loss
  (19,712 )   (67,001 )   (660 )   (87,373 )
 
                       
                                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
Revenues
  107,835     41,998     (1,822 )   148,011  
 
                       
 
Operating costs
    72,255       40,195       (1,292 )     111,158  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    14,166       2,535             16,701  
General and administrative
    11,027       10,531       (450 )     21,108  
Impairment of assets
          6,000             6,000  
Flooding grants, less losses and expenses
          669             669  
 
                       
 
    97,448       59,930       (1,742 )     155,636  
 
                       
Income (loss) from operations
    10,387       (17,932 )     (80 )     (7,625 )
 
                       
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest expense
    (11,174 )     (2,309 )     3,929       (9,554 )
Investment income
    2,534       (301 )     (554 )     1,679  
Derivative financial instruments, net
    (102 )     (15,723 )           (15,825 )
Unrealized foreign exchange loss on debt
    (173 )     14,921             14,748  
 
                       
Total other expense
    (8,915 )     (3,412 )     3,375       (8,952 )
 
                       
Loss before income taxes and minority interest
    1,472       (21,344 )     3,295       (16,577 )
Income tax (provision) benefit
    37                   37  
 
                       
Loss before minority interest
    1,509       (21,344 )     3,295       (16,540 )
Minority interest
          3,936             3,936  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  1,509     (17,408 )   3,295     (12,604 )
 
                       
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 21

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 10. Restricted Group Supplemental Disclosure (cont’d)
Combined Condensed Statement of Operations
                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30, 2005  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
Revenues
  86,100     62,828         148,928  
 
                       
 
Operating costs
    71,124       54,915             126,039  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    6,602       7,155       222       13,979  
General and administrative
    4,482       2,601             7,083  
Gain on sale of emission credits
    (2,267 )     (3,798 )           (6,065 )
 
                       
 
    79,941       60,873       222       141,036  
 
                       
Income (loss) from operations
    6,159       1,955       (222 )     7,892  
 
                       
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest expense
    (7,987 )     (14,780 )     856       (21,911 )
Investment income
    1,016       453       (856 )     613  
Derivative financial instruments, net
    (31 )     3,082             3,051  
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on debt
    5,918                   5,918  
 
                       
Total other income (expense)
    (1,084 )     (11,245 )           (12,329 )
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest
    5,075       (9,290 )     (222 )     (4,437 )
Income tax (provision) benefit
    (3,091 )     (3,694 )           (6,785 )
 
                       
Income (loss) before minority interest
    1,984       (12,984 )     (222 )     (11,222 )
Minority interest
          5,667             5,667  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  1,984     (7,317 )   (222 )   (5,555 )
 
                       
                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30, 2004  
    Restricted     Unrestricted             Consolidated  
    Group     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Group  
Revenues
  35,625     12,378     (643 )   47,360  
 
                       
 
Operating costs
    23,580       12,982       (1,425 )     35,137  
Operating depreciation and amortization
    3,030       1,382       (318 )     4,094  
General and administrative
    4,732       2,440       (292 )     6,880  
Impairment of assets
          6,000             6,000  
 
                       
 
    31,342       22,804       (2,035 )     52,111  
 
                       
Income (loss) from operations
    4,283       (10,426 )     1,392       (4,751 )
 
                       
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest expense
    (5,151 )     (1,857 )     2,808       (4,200 )
Investment income
    789       (87 )     (487 )     215  
Derivative financial instruments, net
    4,712       (14,157 )           (9,445 )
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on debt
    285       1,055             1,340  
 
                       
Total other income (expense)
    635       (15,046 )     2,321       (12,090 )
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest
    4,918       (25,472 )     3,713       (16,841 )
Income tax (provision) benefit
    236                   236  
 
                       
Income (loss) before minority interest
    5,154       (25,472 )     3,713       (16,605 )
Minority interest
          6,726             6,726  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  5,154     (18,746 )   3,713     (9,879 )
 
                       
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 22

 


 

MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
(Euros in thousands, except for shares and per share data)
Note 11. Restatement
Subsequent to the issuance of the Company’s unaudited interim consolidated financial statements as at September 30, 2005, management identified the need for an adjustment to reported fixed asset additions and an offsetting adjustment to the effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents in the Company’s unaudited interim consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine month period ended September 30, 2005. In addition, there was a reclassification of a fixed asset allocation in the Company’s Restricted Group balance sheet as at September 30, 2005 relating to the Company’s recently acquired Celgar pulp mill. The Company has accordingly amended its consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and the Restricted Group balance sheet as at September 30, 2005 to conform to the Company’s prior quarterly filings for 2005.
The following table presents the effect of the amendments to the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2005:
                 
    For the Nine Months Ended  
    September 30, 2005  
    As Previously        
    Reported     As adjusted  
Cash Flows from (used in) Investing Activities:
               
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
  (18,646 )   (11,275 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (104,604 )     (97,233 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    20,931       13,560  
The following table presents the effect of the amendments to the Company’s Restricted Group balance sheet as at September 30, 2005:
                                 
    As at September 30, 2005  
    Restricted Group     Unrestricted Subsidiaries  
    As Previously             As Previously        
    Reported     As Adjusted     Reported     As Adjusted  
ASSETS
                               
Property, plant and equipment
  397,071     401,311     635,468     631,228  
Total assets
    621,710       625,950       833,835       829,595  
 
                               
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                               
Total shareholders’ equity
  219,364     223,604     (39,739 )   (43,979 )
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
    621,710       625,950       833,835       829,595  
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 23

 


 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
In this document: (i) unless the context otherwise requires, references to “we”, “our”, “us”, the “Company” or “Mercer” mean Mercer International Inc. and its subsidiaries; (ii) references to “Mercer Inc.” mean the Company excluding its subsidiaries; (iii) information is provided as of September 30, 2005, unless otherwise stated; (iv) all references to monetary amounts are to “Euros”, the lawful currency adopted by most members of the European Union, unless otherwise stated; (v) “” refers to Euros and C$ refers to Canadian dollars; and (vi) “ADMTs” refers to air-dried metric tonnes.
The following discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2005 should be read in conjunction with our 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, 2004 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period financial statements to conform with the current period presentation.
Results of Operations
On February 14, 2005, we completed the acquisition, referred to as the “Acquisition”, of the Celgar NBSK pulp mill and its results are included from the date of the Acquisition. In conjunction with the Acquisition, we publicly sold $310 million in principal amount of 9.25% senior notes maturing in 2013 and an aggregate of approximately $91 million of our shares of beneficial interest (including those issued upon the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option) and refinanced all of the bank indebtedness of our Rosenthal mill. Effective upon the completion of the Acquisition, we also established two new revolving credit facilities for the Rosenthal and Celgar mills.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
Selected sales data for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 is as follows:
                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2005     2004  
    (ADMTs)  
Sales Volume by Product Class
               
Pulp sales volume by mill:
               
Rosenthal
    241,572       229,462  
Celgar
    325,419        
Stendal
    243,267        
 
           
Total pulp sales volume(1)
    810,258       229,462  
Paper sales volume
    51,406       47,501  
 
           
Total sales volume(1)
    861,664       276,963  
 
           
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 24

 


 

                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2005     2004  
    (in thousands)  
Revenues by Product Class
               
Pulp revenues by mill:
               
Rosenthal
  103,058     106,013  
Celgar
    97,458        
Stendal
    128,919       600  
 
           
Total pulp revenues(1)
    329,435       106,613  
Paper revenues
    46,995       41,398  
 
           
Total revenues(1)
  376,430     148,011  
 
           
 
(1)   Excluding intercompany sales volumes of 10,651 and 3,897 ADMTs of pulp and intercompany net sales revenues of approximately 4.8 million and 1.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Selected production data for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 is as follows:
                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2005     2004  
    (ADMTs)  
Production by Product Class
               
Pulp production by mill:
               
Rosenthal
    240,665       231,231  
Celgar
    289,868        
Stendal
    357,814        
 
           
Total pulp production
    888,347       231,231  
Paper production
    50,001       47,761  
 
           
Total production
    938,348       278,992  
 
           
Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 increased to 376.4 million from 148.0 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily because of higher pulp sales resulting from the inclusion of sales from our Stendal and Celgar mills. Pulp sales by volume were 810,258 ADMTs in the first nine months of 2005, compared to 229,462 ADMTs in the comparative period of 2004. In the nine months ended September 30, 2005, the Stendal and Celgar mills sold 568,686 ADMTs of NBSK pulp and had sales of 226.4 million.
Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses in the first nine months of 2005 increased to 360.2 million from 155.6 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily as a result of the inclusion of production from our Stendal and Celgar mills. We commenced expensing all of the costs, including interest, relating to the Stendal mill effective September 2004, prior to which most of the costs, including interest, relating to the Stendal mill were capitalized during its construction.
For the first nine months of 2005, revenues from our pulp operations increased to 329.4 million from 106.6 million in the same period a year ago, primarily as a result of the inclusion of sales from our Stendal and Celgar mills. List prices for NBSK pulp in Europe were approximately 484 ($611) per ADMT in the first nine months of 2005, approximately 503 ($617) per ADMT in the first nine months of last year and approximately 487 ($613) in the second quarter of
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 25

 


 

2005. The decrease in NBSK pulp prices was partially offset by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro during the current period.
Pulp sales realizations decreased to 402 per ADMT on average in the first nine months of 2005 from 452 per ADMT in the first nine months of 2004, primarily as a result of lower price realizations of the Stendal and Celgar mills. The Stendal mill sold pulp at a discounted price as a result of its start up and the Celgar mill sells a large portion of its production in Asian markets which had lower prices than European markets.
Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses for the pulp operations increased to 311.3 million in the first nine months of 2005 from 102.8 million in the first nine months of 2004, primarily as a result of the inclusion of 226.9 million of operating costs related to the Stendal and Celgar mills. In the first nine months of 2005, we recorded a contribution to income from operations of 12.4 million resulting from the sale of excess carbon emission credits by our German pulp mills.
Beginning in 2005, our German operations are subject to the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme pursuant to which our German mills have been granted carbon emission certificates. The German mills estimate that they will have excess carbon emission credits in the current year. As a result, in the first nine months of 2005, our German pulp mills sold some of their emissions certificates for a gain of 12.4 million, which contributed to income from operations.
Depreciation for the pulp operations increased to 37.4 million in the current period, from 15.0 million in the first nine months of 2004, primarily as a result of the inclusion of 27.3 million of depreciation from the Stendal and Celgar mills, partially offset by lower depreciation at the Rosenthal mill.
For the first nine months of 2005, our pulp operations generated operating income of 22.9 million, versus operating income of 5.7 million in the first nine months of 2004, primarily as a result of the inclusion of the results of the Stendal and Celgar mills, the sale of excess carbon emission credits by our German pulp mills and lower costs and expenses at our Rosenthal mill.
Revenues from our paper operations in the current period increased to 47.0 million from 41.4 million in the same period of last year as a result of higher sales volumes.
Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses for the paper operations in the first nine months of 2005 decreased to 49.2 million from 52.0 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily as a result of a shift in the product mix at our paper mills.
For the first nine months of 2005, our paper operations generated an operating loss of 2.2 million, compared to an operating loss of 10.6 million in the first nine months of 2004.
In the first nine months of 2005, we had income from operations of 16.2 million, compared to a loss from operations of 7.6 million in the same period last year.
Interest expense in the first nine months of 2005 increased to 63.3 million from 9.6 million in the year ago period, due to interest expense of 41.0 million relating to the Stendal mill and higher borrowings resulting primarily from our $310 million senior note issue in February 2005. In the first nine months of 2004, most of the interest associated with the Stendal mill was capitalized.
In the first nine months of 2005, Stendal entered into certain foreign currency derivatives to swap all of its long-term bank indebtedness from Euros to U.S. dollars and certain currency forwards. We recorded a net unrealized non-cash holding loss of 52.4 million before minority interests upon the marked to market valuation of such derivatives that were outstanding at the end of the period and a net loss of 2.2 million before minority interests in respect of such derivatives that
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 26

 


 

matured during the period, due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro. In the comparative period of 2004, we recorded a net unrealized non-cash holding gain of 14.7 million before minority interests on the then outstanding currency derivatives of Rosenthal and Stendal. In the first nine months of 2005, as a result of a decrease in long-term European interest rates, we also recorded a non-cash holding loss of 15.2 million before minority interests on the marked to market valuation of the Stendal interest rate derivatives and a net loss of 0.3 million before minority interests upon the settlement of the Rosenthal interest rate derivatives versus a net unrealized non-cash holding loss thereon of 15.8 million before minority interests in the comparative period of 2004. See “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for more information about our derivatives. We also recorded an unrealized non-cash foreign exchange loss on our long-term debt of 1.6 million in the current period due to the weakening of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar.
In the first nine months of 2005, minority interest, representing the two minority shareholders’ proportionate interest in the Stendal mill, was 17.1 million, compared to 3.9 million in the first nine months of 2004.
On May 6, 2005, our management determined to record, and our Audit Committee approved, an adjustment of 1.7 million for the non-cash impact of other-than-temporary impairment losses on our available-for-sale securities and a loan receivable that relate to an investment in a venture company, which is a legacy investment that we have held since approximately 1996. In April 2005, the venture company proposed to place itself into liquidation. As a result, management determined to record impairment charges sufficient to reduce its investment to the net amount estimated to be recovered. We do not currently expect the impairment charge to result in any future cash expenditures.
We reported a net loss for the first nine months of 2005 of 87.4 million, or 2.86 per basic and diluted share, which reflected interest expense related to our Stendal mill of 41.0 million, the realized and unrealized net losses on our currency and interest rate derivatives of 70.1 million, the unrealized non-cash foreign exchange loss on our long-term debt of 1.6 million, and the non-cash impairment charge of 1.7 million relating to investments, partially offset by a non-cash benefit for income taxes of 14.6 million. In the first nine months of 2004, we reported a net loss of 12.6 million, or 0.73 per basic and diluted share.
We generated “Operating EBITDA” of 55.1 million and 15.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Operating EBITDA is defined as income (loss) from operations plus depreciation and amortization and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges. Operating EBITDA is calculated by adding depreciation and amortization and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges of 38.9 million and 23.2 million to the income from operations of 16.2 million and loss from operations of 7.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Management uses Operating EBITDA as a benchmark measurement of its own operating results, and as a benchmark relative to its competitors. Management considers it to be a meaningful supplement to operating income as a performance measure primarily because depreciation expense and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges are not an actual cash cost, and depreciation expense varies widely from company to company in a manner that management considers largely independent of the underlying cost efficiency of their operating facilities. In addition, we believe Operating EBITDA is commonly used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate our financial performance.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 27

 


 

Operating EBITDA does not reflect the impact of a number of items that affect our net income (loss), including financing costs and the effect of derivative instruments. Operating EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) or income (loss) from operations as a measure of performance, nor as an alternative to net cash from operating activities as a measure of liquidity.
Operating EBITDA has significant limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are that Operating EBITDA does not reflect: (i) our cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; (ii) changes in, or cash requirements for, working capital needs; (iii) the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our outstanding debt; (iv) minority interests on our Stendal NBSK pulp mill operations; (v) the impact of realized or marked to market changes in our derivative positions, which can be substantial; and (vi) the impact of impairment charges against our investments or assets. Because of these limitations, Operating EBITDA should only be considered as a supplemental performance measure and should not be considered as a measure of liquidity or cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. See the Statement of Cash Flows set out in our consolidated financial statements included herein. Because all companies do not calculate Operating EBITDA in the same manner, Operating EBITDA as calculated by us may differ from Operating EBITDA or EBITDA as calculated by other companies. We compensate for these limitations by using Operating EBITDA as a supplemental measure of our performance and relying primarily on our GAAP financial statements.
The following table provides a reconciliation of net loss to income (loss) from operations and Operating EBITDA for the periods indicated:
                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
    (in thousands)  
    (unaudited)  
Net loss
  (87,373 )   (12,604 )
 
               
Minority interest
    (17,076 )     (3,936 )
Income taxes (benefit)
    (14,627 )     (37 )
Interest expense
    63,320       9,554  
Investment income
    (1,594 )     (1,679 )
Derivative financial instruments, net
    70,259       1,077  
Foreign exchange loss on debt
    1,591        
Impairment of investments
    1,699        
 
           
Income (loss) from operations
    16,199       (7,625 )
Add: Depreciation and amortization
    38,862       17,217  
     Impairment charge
          6,000  
 
           
Operating EBITDA
  55,061     15,592  
 
           
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 28

 


 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2004
Selected sales data for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 is as follows:
                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,  
    2005     2004  
    (ADMTs)  
Sales Volume by Product Class
               
Pulp sales volume by mill:
               
Rosenthal
    86,772       73,128  
Celgar
    125,079        
Stendal
    120,431        
 
           
Total pulp sales volume(1)
    332,282       73,128  
Paper sales volume
    16,928       14,712  
 
           
Total sales volume(1)
    349,210       87,840  
 
           
 
    (in thousands)  
Revenues by Product Class
               
Pulp revenues by mill:
               
Rosenthal
  37,122     34,982  
Celgar
    48,978        
Stendal
    47,313       (327 )
 
           
Total pulp revenues(1)
    133,413       34,655  
Paper revenues
    15,515       12,705  
 
           
Total revenues(1)
  148,928     47,360  
 
           
 
(1)   Excluding intercompany sales volumes of 3,057 and 1,348 ADMTs of pulp and intercompany net sales revenues of approximately 1.3 million and 0.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Selected production data for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 is as follows:
                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,
    2005   2004
    (ADMTs)
Production by Product Class
               
Pulp production by mill:
               
Rosenthal
    83,350       71,847  
Celgar
    118,035        
Stendal
    126,202        
 
               
Total pulp production
    327,587       71,847  
Paper production
    16,064       15,354  
 
               
Total production
    343,651       87,201  
 
               
Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2005 increased to 148.9 million from 47.4 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily because of higher pulp sales resulting from the inclusion of sales from our Stendal and Celgar mills. Pulp sales by volume were 332,282 ADMTs in the third quarter of 2005, compared to 73,128 ADMTs in the comparative period of 2004. In the three months ended September 30, 2005, the Stendal and Celgar mills sold 245,510 ADMTs of NBSK pulp and had sales of 96.3 million.
Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses in the third quarter of 2005 increased to 141.0 million from 52.1 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily as a result of the inclusion of production from our Stendal and Celgar mills. We commenced expensing all of the costs relating to the Stendal mill effective September 2004, prior to which most of the costs relating to the mill were capitalized during its construction.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 29

 


 

For the third quarter of 2005, revenues from our pulp operations increased to 133.4 million from 34.7 million in the same period a year ago, primarily as a result of the inclusion of sales from our Stendal and Celgar mills. List prices for NBSK pulp in Europe were approximately 476 ($580) per ADMT in the third quarter of 2005, compared to approximately 519 ($635) per ADMT in the comparative period of last year. The decrease in NBSK pulp prices was partially offset by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro during the current period.
Pulp sales realizations decreased to 398 per ADMT on average in the third quarter of 2005 from 472 per ADMT in the third quarter of 2004, primarily as a result of lower price realizations of the Stendal and Celgar mills. The Stendal mill sold pulp at a discounted price as a result of its start up and the Celgar mill sells a large portion of its production in Asian markets which had lower sales prices than European markets.
Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses for the pulp operations increased to 125.5 million in the third quarter of 2005 from 32.4 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily as a result of the inclusion of 96.9 million of operating costs related to the Stendal and Celgar mills. In the third quarter of 2005, we recorded a contribution to income from operations of 6.1 million resulting from the sale of excess carbon emission credits by our German pulp mills.
Depreciation for the pulp operations increased to 13.3 million in the current quarter, from 3.8 million in the third quarter of 2004, primarily as a result of the inclusion of 9.7 million of depreciation from the Stendal and Celgar mills.
For the third quarter of 2005, our pulp operations generated operating income of 9.2 million, versus operating income of 2.9 million in the comparative quarter of 2004, primarily as a result of the inclusion of the results of the Stendal and Celgar mills, the sale of excess carbon emission credits by our German pulp mills and lower costs and expenses at our Rosenthal mill.
Revenues from our paper operations in the current quarter increased to 15.5 million from 12.7 million in the same quarter of last year as a result of higher sales volumes.
Cost of sales and general, administrative and other expenses for the paper operations in the third quarter of 2005 decreased to 16.6 million from 20.3 million in the comparative quarter of 2004, primarily as a result of a shift in the product mix at our paper mills.
For the third quarter of 2005, our paper operations generated an operating loss of 1.1 million, compared to an operating loss of 7.6 million in the third quarter of 2004.
In the third quarter of 2005, we had income from operations of 7.9 million, compared to a loss from operations of 4.8 million in the same quarter last year.
Interest expense in the third quarter of 2005 increased to 21.9 million from 4.2 million in the year ago period, due to interest expense of 14.7 million relating to the Stendal mill and higher borrowings resulting primarily from our $310 million senior note issue in February 2005. In the third quarter of 2004, most of the interest associated with the Stendal mill was capitalized.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 30

 


 

Stendal entered into certain foreign currency derivatives to swap all of its long-term bank indebtedness from Euros to U.S. dollars and certain currency forwards in 2005. We recorded a net unrealized non-cash holding loss of 1.9 million before minority interests upon the marked to market valuation of such currency derivatives that were outstanding at the end of the quarter and a net loss of 0.3 million before minority interests in respect of such derivatives that matured in the quarter, due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro. In the comparative quarter of 2004, we recorded a net unrealized non-cash holding gain of 6.0 million before minority interests on the then outstanding currency derivatives of Rosenthal and Stendal. In the third quarter of 2005, as a result of an increase in long-term European interest rates, we also recorded a net unrealized non-cash holding gain of 5.3 million before minority interests on the marked to market valuation of the Stendal interest rate derivatives versus a net unrealized non-cash holding loss of 14.1 million before minority interests on the interest rate derivatives of Stendal and Rosenthal in the comparative quarter of 2004. See “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for more information about our derivatives. We also recorded an unrealized non-cash foreign exchange gain on our long-term debt of 5.9 million in the current period due to the strengthening of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar.
In the third quarter of 2005, minority interest, representing the two minority shareholders’ proportionate interest in the Stendal mill, was 5.7 million, compared to 6.7 million in the third quarter of 2004.
We reported a net loss for the third quarter of 2005 of 5.6 million, or 0.17 per basic and diluted share, which reflected the inclusion of interest expense related to our Stendal mill of 14.7 million and the net realized and unrealized gain of 3.1 million on our interest rate and currency derivatives and the unrealized non-cash foreign exchange gain on our long-term debt of 5.9 million. In the third quarter of 2004, we reported a net loss of 9.9 million, or 0.57 per basic and diluted share.
We generated Operating EBITDA of 21.9 million and 5.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, calculated by adding depreciation and amortization and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges of 14.0 million and 10.0 million to the income from operations of 7.9 million and a loss from operations of 4.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Operating EBITDA has significant limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for our results as reported under GAAP. See the discussion of our results for the first nine months of 2005 for additional information relating to Operating EBITDA.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 31

 


 

The following table provides a reconciliation of net loss to income (loss) from operations and Operating EBITDA for the periods indicated:
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
    (in thousands)  
    (unaudited)  
Net loss
  (5,555 )   (9,879 )
Minority interest
    (5,667 )     (6,726 )
Income taxes (benefit)
    6,785       (236 )
Interest expense
    21,911       4,200  
Investment income
    (613 )     (215 )
Derivative financial instruments, net
    (3,051 )     8,105  
Foreign exchange gain on debt
    (5,918 )      
 
           
Income (loss) from operations
    7,892       (4,751 )
Add: Depreciation and amortization
    13,979       4,005  
Impairment charge
          6,000  
 
           
Operating EBITDA
  21,871     5,254  
 
           
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table is a summary of selected financial information for the periods indicated:
                 
    As at     As at  
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (in thousands)  
    (unaudited)  
Financial Position
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  89,039     49,568  
Working capital (deficit)
    131,580       (21,659 )
Property, plant and equipment
    1,031,879       936,035  
Total assets
    1,409,237       1,255,649  
Long-term liabilities
    1,097,347 (1)     863,840  
Shareholders’ equity
    178,965       162,741  
 
(1)   Includes 16.7 million outstanding under the revolving credit facilities for the Rosenthal and Celgar mills.
At September 30, 2005, our cash and cash equivalents were 89.0 million, compared to 49.6 million at December 31, 2004. We also had 7.6 million of cash restricted to pay current Stendal construction costs payable of 1.1 million at September 30, 2005. We also had 24.5 million of cash restricted in a debt service account for the project financing for the Stendal mill. At September 30, 2005, we qualified for investment grants related to the Stendal mill totaling approximately 10.6 million from the federal and state governments of Germany, which we expect to receive in 2005. These grants, when received, will be applied to repay the amounts drawn under the current portion of a dedicated tranche of the project loan facility relating to the Stendal mill, or the “Stendal Loan Facility”. Under our accounting policies, we do not record these grants until they are received. The grants are not reported in our income and reduce the cost basis of the assets purchased when they are received. The balance outstanding under such dedicated tranche of the Stendal Loan Facility will be substantially paid from VAT credits we expect to receive in the ordinary course.
We expect to meet our interest and debt service expenses and the working and maintenance capital requirements for our operations (other than at Stendal) from cash flow from operations, cash on hand and the two new credit facilities for the Rosenthal and Celgar mills established in
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 32

 


 

February 2005. We also recently approved and are preparing to implement an approximately C$28.5 million strategic capital plan for our Celgar mill that we expect will increase the mill’s production capacity, reduce operating costs and improve pulp quality and the mill’s reliability. We expect to meet the costs of such plan from cash on hand, cash flow from operations and our existing credit facility relating to the Celgar mill. We expect to meet the capital requirements for the Stendal mill, including working capital and potential losses during start-up, through shareholder advances already made to Stendal, the Stendal Loan Facility (which includes a revolving working capital tranche), the receipt of government grants, cash on hand and cash flow from operations.
Operating Activities
Operating activities in the first nine months of 2005 used cash of 5.6 million, compared to 1.2 million in the comparative period of 2004. An increase in receivables due primarily to higher sales used cash of 20.4 million in the first nine months of 2005, compared to 2.1 million in the comparative period of 2004. An increase in inventories due primarily to the build up of finished goods at the Celgar mill and higher fiber levels at the Stendal mill related to its start up used cash of 9.6 million in the first nine months of 2005, compared to 35.8 million in the first nine months of 2004. An increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses provided cash of 33.8 million in the first nine months of 2005, compared to 26.3 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily due to higher production.
Investing Activities
Investing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 used cash of 97.2 million. The acquisition of the Celgar pulp mill used cash of 146.6 million and a decrease in restricted cash in connection with such Acquisition provided cash of 60.7 million in the current period. The acquisition of properties used cash of 11.3 million in the first nine months of 2005. Investing activities used cash of 258.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2004, primarily relating to the Stendal mill.
Financing Activities
Financing activities provided cash of 128.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2005. In connection with the acquisition of the Celgar pulp mill, a net increase in indebtedness provided cash of 50.1 million and the issuance of shares of beneficial interest provided cash of 67.3 million in the current period. We fully repaid the project loan facility relating to the Rosenthal mill, or the “Rosenthal Loan Facility”, and indebtedness relating to the landfill at the Rosenthal mill in February 2005 from the proceeds of the share and senior note offerings in connection with the Acquisition. A decrease in construction costs payable related to the Stendal mill used cash of 64.3 million and proceeds from investment grants related to the Stendal mill provided cash of 78.6 million in the current period. Financing activities provided cash of 249.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2004, primarily related to the Stendal mill.
As at September 30, 2005, we had utilized the entire 4.7 million available under the five credit facilities relating to the paper operations. In addition, at September 30, 2005, we had drawn down approximately 2.0 million of the 40.0 million available under the new revolving term credit facility relating to the Rosenthal mill and 14.7 million of the $30 million revolving credit facility relating to the Celgar mill.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 33

 


 

We qualify for investment grants from the federal and state governments of Germany and had claim expenditures of 10.6 million outstanding as of September 30, 2005. We expect to receive our currently outstanding claim expenditures in 2005. In accordance with our accounting policies, we do not record these grants until they are received. These grants reduce the cost basis of the assets purchased with them.
We have no material commitments to acquire assets or operating businesses. We anticipate that there will be acquisitions of businesses or commitments to projects in the future. To achieve our long-term goals of expanding our asset and earnings base through the acquisition of interests in companies and assets in the pulp and paper and related businesses, and organically through high return capital expenditures at our operating facilities, we will require substantial capital resources. The required necessary resources for such long-term goals will be generated from cash flow from operations, cash on hand, the sale of securities and/or assets, and borrowing against our assets.
In addition, we have amounts available under a revolving tranche of the Stendal Loan Facility, and the two new revolving credit facilities established for the Rosenthal and Celgar mills in February 2005.
Capital Resources
In addition to our new revolving credit facilities for the Rosenthal and Celgar mills and the revolving working capital tranche of the Stendal Loan Facility, respectively, we may seek to raise future funding in the debt markets if our indenture relating to our 9.25% senior notes permits, subject to compliance with the indenture. The indenture governing the senior notes contains various restrictive covenants, including several that are based on a formulation of the financial measure EBITDA, which is net income (loss) adjusted to exclude interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, certain non-cash charges and extraordinary or otherwise unusual gains or losses, and certain other items. We refer to this formulation of EBITDA as “Indenture EBITDA” which is defined in the senior note indenture as Consolidated EBITDA.
The indenture governing the senior notes provides that, in order for Mercer Inc. and its restricted subsidiaries (as defined in the indenture and which excludes the Stendal mill and our paper operations) to enter into certain types of transactions, including the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the making of restricted payments and the completion of mergers and consolidations (other than, in each case, those specifically permitted by our senior note indenture), we must meet a minimum ratio of Indenture EBITDA to Fixed Charges as defined in the senior note indenture of 2.0 to 1.0 on a pro forma basis for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters. This ratio is referred to and defined as the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio in the senior note indenture.
Our Acquisition of the Celgar mill in February 2005 was a significant transaction for us that has materially impacted our results of operations and financial condition. The Acquisition will impact the ability of Mercer Inc. and its restricted subsidiaries under the indenture governing the senior notes to make distributions and incur additional indebtedness in the future beyond our revolving credit facilities and certain permitted borrowings under the indenture, and, in that regard, we and our restricted subsidiaries will be required to meet the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. As at September 30, 2005, Mercer Inc. and our restricted subsidiaries under the indenture governing the senior notes did not meet the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of 2.0 to 1.0 as set out in the senior note indenture. As a result, as at September 30, 2005, Mercer Inc. and its restricted
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 34

 


 

subsidiaries were not able to make certain distributions and incur additional indebtedness beyond our revolving credit facilities except as permitted under the indenture.
Foreign Currency
Effective January 1, 2002, we changed our reporting currency from the U.S. dollar to the Euro as a significant majority of our business transactions are originally denominated in Euros. By adopting the Euro, most cumulative foreign currency translation losses were eliminated. However, we hold certain assets and liabilities in U.S. dollars, Swiss francs and in Canadian dollars. Accordingly, our consolidated financial results are subject to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
We translate foreign denominated assets and liabilities into Euros at the rate of exchange on the balance sheet date. Unrealized gains or losses from these translations are recorded in our consolidated statement of comprehensive income and impact on shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet but do not affect our net earnings.
In the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we reported a net 4.4 million foreign exchange translation gain and, as a result, the cumulative foreign exchange translation gain increased to 14.8 million at September 30, 2005 from 10.4 million at December 31, 2004.
Based upon the exchange rate at September 30, 2005, the U.S. dollar increased by approximately 2.9% in value against the Euro since September 30, 2004. See “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”.
Results of Operations of the Restricted Group Under Our Senior Note Indenture
The indenture governing our 9.25% senior notes requires that we also provide a discussion in annual and quarterly reports we file with the SEC under Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of the results of operations and financial condition of Mercer Inc. and our restricted subsidiaries under the indenture, referred to as the “Restricted Group”. As at and during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2005, the Restricted Group was comprised of Mercer Inc., certain holding subsidiaries and Rosenthal, and the Celgar mill from February 14, 2005, the date of the Acquisition of the mill. During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2004 and as at December 31, 2004, the Restricted Group was comprised of Mercer Inc., certain holding subsidiaries and Rosenthal, which was the only member of the Restricted Group with material operations during such period. As we acquired the Celgar pulp mill in February 2005, its results of operations and financial condition are not included in the discussion relating to our Restricted Group for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2004 and as at December 31, 2004. The Restricted Group excludes our paper operations and our Stendal mill.
The following is a discussion of the results of operations and financial condition of the Restricted Group. For further information regarding the operating results of the Rosenthal and Celgar mills, see Note 5 of our quarterly financial statements included herein. For further information regarding the Restricted Group including, without limitation, a reconciliation to our consolidated results of operations, see Note 10 of our quarterly financial statements included herein.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 35

 


 

Restricted Group Results —Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
Total revenues for the Restricted Group for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 increased to 200.5 million from 107.8 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily because of the inclusion of pulp sales from the Celgar mill. Pulp sales realizations for the Restricted Group decreased to 409 per ADMT on average in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 from 452 per ADMT in the comparative period of 2004, primarily as a result of lower sales prices realized by the Celgar mill, which sells a large portion of its production in Asian markets which had lower sales prices than European markets. The decrease in NBSK pulp prices was partially offset by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro during the current period.
Costs of sales and general, administrative and other expenses for the Restricted Group in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 increased to 187.0 million from 97.4 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily as a result of the inclusion of the results of the Celgar mill, partially offset by lower production costs at the Rosenthal mill.
Depreciation for the Restricted Group increased to 17.4 million in the first nine months of 2005 from 14.2 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily as a result of the inclusion of depreciation of the Celgar mill, partially offset by lower depreciation at our Rosenthal mill.
In the first nine months of 2005, the Restricted Group reported income from operations of 13.5 million, compared to 10.4 million in the first nine months of 2004. Interest expense for the Restricted Group in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 increased to 23.9 million from 11.2 million in the year ago period, primarily due to higher borrowings resulting from our $310 million senior note offering in February 2005.
On May 6, 2005, our management determined to record, and our Audit Committee approved, a non-cash impairment charge of 1.7 million related to an investment in a venture company, which is the last of a legacy investment that we have held since approximately 1996. The venture company has proposed to place itself into liquidation and, as a result, management determined to record impairment charges sufficient to reduce its investment to the net amount expected to be recovered. We do not currently expect to incur any future cash expenditures related thereto.
In the nine months ended September 30, 2005, the Restricted Group recorded a net loss of 0.3 million on the settlement of the Rosenthal interest rate derivatives, versus a net unrealized non-cash holding loss of 0.1 million on the marked to market valuation thereon in the comparative period of 2004. In the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Restricted Group recorded a net unrealized non-cash holding loss of 0.2 million upon the marked to market valuation of the then outstanding currency derivatives relating to the Rosenthal mill. The Restricted Group did not have any currency derivatives outstanding during the first nine months of 2005 that materially affected its results.
The Restricted Group reported a net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 of 19.7 million, which reflected higher interest expense of 23.9 million. In the first nine months of 2004, the Restricted Group reported net income of 1.5 million.
The Restricted Group generated “Operating EBITDA” of 31.0 million and 24.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Operating EBITDA is defined as
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 36

 


 

income (loss) from operations plus depreciation and amortization and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges. Operating EBITDA for the Restricted Group is calculated by adding depreciation and amortization and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges of 17.4 million and 14.2 million to the income from operations of 13.5 million and 10.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Operating EBITDA has significant limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. See the discussion of Mercer’s results for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 for additional information relating to such limitations and Operating EBITDA.
The following table provides a reconciliation of net income (loss) to income from operations and Operating EBITDA for the Restricted Group for the periods indicated:
                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
    (in thousands)  
    (unaudited)  
Restricted Group(1)(2)
               
Net income (loss)
  (19,712 )   1,509  
Income taxes
    7,867       (37 )
Interest expense
    23,918       11,174  
Investment and other income
    (2,313 )     (2,534 )
Derivative financial instruments, net
    494       102  
Foreign exchange (gain) loss on debt
    1,591       173  
Impairment of investments
    1,699        
 
           
Income from operations
    13,544       10,387  
Add: Depreciation and amortization
    17,431       14,166  
 
           
Operating EBITDA
  30,975     24,553  
 
           
 
(1)   The results of the Celgar pulp mill are not included for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.
 
(2)   See Note 10 of the financial statements included elsewhere herein for a reconciliation to our consolidated results.
Restricted Group Results — Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2004
Total revenues for the Restricted Group for the three months ended September 30, 2005 increased to 86.1 million from 35.6 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily because of the inclusion of the pulp sales from the Celgar mill. Pulp sales realizations for the Restricted Group decreased to 403 per ADMT on average in the three months ended September 30, 2005 from 472 per ADMT in the comparative period of 2004, primarily as a result of lower sales prices realized by the Celgar mill, which sells a large portion of its production in Asian markets which had lower sales prices than European markets. The decrease in NBSK pulp prices was partially offset by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro during the current period.
Costs of sales and general, administrative and other expenses for the Restricted Group in the three months ended September 30, 2005 increased to 79.9 million from 31.3 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily as a result of the inclusion of the results of the Celgar mill, partially offset by lower production costs at the Rosenthal mill.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 37

 


 

Depreciation for the Restricted Group increased to 6.6 million in the third quarter of 2005 from 3.0 million in the comparative period of 2004, primarily as a result of the inclusion of depreciation at the Celgar mill.
In the third quarter of 2005, the Restricted Group reported income from operations of 6.2 million, compared to 4.3 million in the comparative quarter of 2004. Interest expense for the Restricted Group in the three months ended September 30, 2005 increased to 8.0 million from 5.2 million in the year ago period, primarily due to higher borrowings resulting from our $310 million senior note offering in February 2005.
The Restricted Group did not have any interest rate or currency derivatives outstanding during the third quarter of 2005 that materially affected its results. In the three months ended September 30, 2004, the Restricted Group did not record a gain or loss on the marked to market valuation of the Rosenthal interest rate derivatives, which were settled in the first quarter of 2005, and recorded a net unrealized non-cash holding gain of 5.0 million upon the marked to market valuation of the then outstanding currency derivatives relating to the Rosenthal mill.
The Restricted Group reported net income for the three months ended September 30, 2005 of 2.0 million, which reflected the inclusion of the results of the Celgar mill. In the comparative quarter of 2004, the Restricted Group reported net income of 5.2 million.
The Restricted Group generated Operating EBITDA of 12.8 million and 7.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Operating EBITDA for the Restricted Group is calculated by adding depreciation and amortization and non-recurring capital asset impairment charges of 6.6 million and 3.0 million to the income from operations of 6.2 million and 4.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Operating EBITDA has significant limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. See the discussion of Mercer’s results for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 for additional information relating to such limitations and Operating EBITDA.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 38

 


 

The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to income from operations and Operating EBITDA for the Restricted Group for the periods indicated:
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    September 30,  
    2005     2004  
    (in thousands)  
    (unaudited)  
Restricted Group(1)(2)
               
Net income
  1,984     5,154  
Income taxes
    3,091       (236 )
Interest expense
    7,987       5,151  
Investment and other income
    (1,016 )     (789 )
Derivative financial instruments, net
    31       (4,712 )
Foreign exchange gain on debt
    (5,918 )     (285 )
 
           
Income from operations
    6,159       4,283  
Add: Depreciation and amortization
    6,602       3,030  
 
           
Operating EBITDA
  12,761     7,313  
 
           
 
(1)   The results of the Celgar pulp mill are not included for the three months ended September 30, 2004.
 
(2)   See Note 10 of the financial statements included elsewhere herein for a reconciliation to our consolidated results.
Liquidity and Capital Resources of the Restricted Group
The following table is a summary of selected financial information for the Restricted Group for the periods indicated:
                 
    As at     As at  
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (in thousands)  
    (unaudited)  
Restricted Group Financial Position(1)(2)
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  52,566     45,487  
Working capital
    112,039       48,480  
Property, plant and equipment
    401,311       213,678  
Total assets
    625,950       401,321  
Long-term liabilities
    366,218       228,139  
Shareholders’ equity
    223,604       138,478  
 
(1)   The financial position of the Celgar pulp mill is not included as at December 31, 2004.
 
(2)   See Note 10 of the financial statements included elsewhere herein for a reconciliation to our consolidated results.
At September 30, 2005, the Restricted Group had cash and cash equivalents of 52.6 million, compared to 45.5 million at December 31, 2004. At September 30, 2005, the Restricted Group had working capital of 112.0 million.
We expect the Restricted Group to meet its interest and debt service expenses and meet the working and maintenance capital requirements for its current operations from cash flow from operations, cash on hand and two new credit facilities for the Rosenthal and Celgar mills put into effect in February 2005.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 39

 


 

Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, the accounting for doubtful accounts, depreciation and amortization, asset impairments, income taxes, and contingencies. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Our management routinely makes judgments and estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. As the number of variables and assumptions affecting the probable future resolution of the uncertainties increase, these judgments become even more subjective and complex. We have identified certain accounting policies that are the most important to the portrayal of our current financial condition and results of operations.
For information about our significant accounting policies, see our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
The statements in this report that are not based on historical facts are called “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear in a number of different places in this report and can be identified by words such as “estimates”, “projects”, “expects”, “intends”, “believes”, “plans”, or their negatives or other comparable words. Also look for discussions of strategy that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the outlook for our future operations, forecasts of future costs and expenditures, the evaluation of market conditions, the outcome of legal proceedings, the adequacy of reserves, or other business plans. You are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees and may involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements due to risks facing us or due to actual facts differing from the assumptions underlying our estimates. Some of these risks and assumptions include those set forth in reports and other documents we have filed with or furnished to the SEC, including, without limitation, in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and subsequent filings. 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/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 40

 


 

Cyclical Nature of Business
The pulp and paper business is cyclical in nature and markets for our principal products are characterized by periods of supply and demand imbalance, which in turn affects product prices. The markets for pulp and paper are highly competitive and are sensitive to cyclical changes in industry capacity and in the global economy, all of which can have a significant influence on selling prices and our earnings. Demand for pulp and paper products has historically been determined by the level of economic growth and has been closely tied to overall business activity. During 2001 and 2002, pulp list prices fell significantly. Although pulp prices have improved overall since then, we cannot predict the impact of continued economic weakness in certain world markets or the impact of war, terrorist activity or other events on our markets.
Our production costs are influenced by the availability and cost of raw materials, energy and labor, and our plant efficiencies and productivity. Our main raw material is fiber in the form of wood chips and pulp logs for pulp production, and waste paper and pulp for paper production. Fiber costs are primarily affected by the supply of, and demand for, lumber and pulp, which are both highly cyclical in nature and can vary significantly by location. Production costs also depend on the total volume of production. Lower operating rates and production efficiencies during periods of cyclically low demand result in higher average production costs and lower margins.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 41

 


 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to market risks from changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, particularly the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Euro, which may affect our results of operations and financial condition and, consequently, our fair value. We manage these risks through internal risk management policies as well as the use of derivatives. We use derivatives to reduce or limit our exposure to interest rate and currency risks. We may in the future use derivatives to reduce or limit our exposure to fluctuations in pulp prices. We also use derivatives to reduce our potential losses or to augment our potential gains, depending on our management’s perception of future economic events and developments. These types of derivatives are generally highly speculative in nature. They are also very volatile as they are highly leveraged given that margin requirements are relatively low in proportion to notional amounts.
Many of our strategies, including the use of derivatives, and the types of derivatives selected by us, are based on historical trading patterns and correlations and our management’s expectations of future events. However, these strategies may not be fully effective in all market environments or against all types of risks. Unexpected market developments may affect our risk management strategies during this time, and unanticipated developments could impact our risk management strategies in the future. If any of the variety of instruments and strategies we utilize are not effective, we may incur losses.
All of our derivatives are marked to market at the end of each reporting period, and all unrealized gains and losses are recognized in earnings for a reporting period. We determine market valuations based primarily upon valuations provided by our counterparties.
In 2005, Stendal entered into currency swaps to convert its long-term indebtedness under the Stendal Loan Facility from Euros into U.S. dollars and currency forwards. Certain of these currency forwards matured during the third quarter of 2005.
In addition, Stendal had entered into certain interest rate swaps in connection with its long-term indebtedness relating to the Stendal mill to fix the interest rate under the Stendal Loan Facility. Rosenthal had also entered into certain interest rate contracts to either fix or limit the interest rates in connection with certain of its indebtedness. In February 2005, we settled the Rosenthal interest rate contracts in connection with the repayment of the Rosenthal Loan Facility.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 42

 


 

The following table sets forth the maturity date, the notional amount and the recognized gain or loss in the nine and three months ended September 30, 2005 for derivatives related to the Rosenthal and Stendal mills that were in effect during these periods that affected our results:
                                 
                    Recognized Gain     Recognized Gain  
                    (Loss) in Nine     (Loss) in  
                    Months Ended     Three Months Ended  
Derivative Instrument   Maturity Date     Notional Amount     September 30, 2005     September 30, 2005  
            (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)  
            (in millions)     (in thousands)     (in thousands)  
Interest Rate Derivatives
                               
Rosenthal Interest Rate Cap Agreements(1)
  Settled   $ 178.3     (295 )    
Stendal Interest Rate Swaps(2)
  October 2017   1,147.5       (15,165 )     5,310  
 
                           
 
                  (15,460 )   5,310  
 
                           
 
                               
Foreign Exchange Rate Derivatives
                               
Stendal Currency Swap(3)
  October 2017   306.3     (25,408 )   (837 )
Stendal Currency Swap(4)
  October 2017   153.2       (13,192 )     (414 )
Stendal Currency Swap(5)
  October 2017   153.2       (10,746 )     (410 )
Stendal Currency Forward
  Settled   $ 25.0       (521 )     (142 )
Stendal Currency Forward
  Settled   $ 25.0       (1,639 )     (142 )
Stendal Currency Forward
  October 2005   $ 13.9       8       8  
Stendal Currency Forward
  February 2006   $ 50.0       (3,102 )     (291 )
 
                           
 
                  (54,600 )   (2,228 )
 
                           
 
(1)   Rosenthal had entered into two forward interest rate contracts with notional amounts of $106.2 million (2003: $118.6 million) and $72.1 million (2003: $74.0 million), both maturing on September 28, 2007 with a strike rate of 6.8%. These derivatives were settled in February 2005.
 
(2)   In connection with the Stendal Loan Facility, in 2002 Stendal entered into the Stendal Interest Rate Swaps, which are variable-to-fixed interest rate swaps, for the term of the Stendal Loan Facility, with respect to an aggregate maximum amount of approximately 612.6 million of the principal amount of the long-term indebtedness under the Stendal Loan Facility. The swaps took effect on October 1, 2002 and are comprised of three contracts. The first contract commenced in October 2002 for a notional amount of 4.1 million, gradually increasing to 464.9 million, with an interest rate of 3.795%, and matured in May 2004. The second contract commenced in May 2004 for a notional amount of 464.9 million, gradually increasing to 612.6 million, with an interest rate of 5.28%, and matures in April 2005. The third contract commenced in April 2005 for a notional amount of 612.6 million, with an interest rate of 5.28%, and the notional amount gradually decreases and the contract terminates upon the maturity of the Stendal Loan Facility in October 2017. As at December 31, 2004 and September 30, 2005, the notional amounts of the outstanding two contracts was 612.6 million and 612.6 million, respectively.
 
(3)   For 306.3 million of the outstanding principal amount under the Stendal Loan Facility, all repayment installments from February 7, 2005 until October 2, 2017 were swapped into U.S. dollar amounts at a rate of U.S. 1.2960. The interest rate was swapped into the following payments: pay six-month U.S. dollar to LIBOR rate plus 12 basis points and receive the six-month Euribor.
 
(4)   For 153.2 million of the outstanding principal amount under the Stendal Loan Facility, all repayment installments from April 1, 2005 until October 2, 2017 were swapped into U.S. dollar amounts at a rate of U.S. 1.2990. The interest rate was swapped into the following payments: pay six-month U.S. dollar to LIBOR rate plus 13 basis points and receive the six-month Euribor.
 
(5)   For 153.2 million of the outstanding principal amount under the Stendal Loan Facility, all repayment installments from April 18, 2005 until October 2, 2017 were swapped into U.S. dollar amounts at a rate of U.S. 1.2799. The interest rate was swapped into the following payments: pay six-month U.S. dollar to LIBOR rate plus 13 basis points and receive the six-month Euribor.
For more information, see our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 43

 


 

ITEM 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Based on a recent evaluation, our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, have concluded that, solely with respect to the matter described below under “Internal Control Over Financial Reporting”, our disclosure controls and procedures did not operate effectively as at the end of the September 30, 2005 reporting period in identifying in a timely manner material information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). A personnel change during that period altered the quality of review of specific clerical aspects of our consolidation procedures. Management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, believes that, as a result of the changes in internal controls described below, the material weakness in our disclosure controls and procedures no longer exists and that, as of the date hereof, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Accordingly, management believes that the financial statements included in this report fairly present in all material respects our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.
Pursuant to the Acquisition of the Celgar NBSK pulp mill in February 2005, we have instituted certain disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting at the Celgar mill. While we believe such disclosure controls and procedures are effective and that we have adequate internal control over financial reporting at the Celgar mill, we are continuing to refine and implement consistent procedures and controls at the mill and strengthen and integrate its business practices and internal controls with our overall practices and internal controls.
As a result, we may in the future identify deficiencies in the mill’s procedures and controls that we may need to remediate or we may need to implement improvements to the procedures and controls at the mill. In the event our Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer or independent auditors determine that the procedures and controls at the mill are not effective or adequate, investor perception of us may be materially adversely affected and, among other things, this could cause a decline in the market price of our securities.
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.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Subsequent to the issuance of our report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2005, management determined that our consolidated interim financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 should be revised to correct the amounts reported as purchase of property, plant and equipment in our consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, and the allocation of property, plant and equipment in our Restricted Group balance sheet as at September 30, 2005 to conform to our prior quarterly filings. The revisions are described in the Explanatory Note at the beginning of this report and Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements included herein. No financial statement line items in our consolidated statements of operations, consolidated balance sheets, shareholders’ equity, Restricted Group balance sheet as at December 31, 2004 or Restricted Group statement of operations were impacted.
The revisions resulted from a material weakness in the execution of our internal controls as described above under “Disclosure Controls and Procedures”. We have also now implemented additional procedures to more formally review our classification and consolidating entries, and consolidated statements of cash flows, during periods of personnel change. Management believes that, as a result of these changes, as of the date hereof, the material weakness that resulted in the amendments included in this report no longer exists. Management will continue to monitor vigorously the effect of our processes, controls and procedures and will make any further changes determined to be appropriate.
Except as noted herein, there have been no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 44


 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are subject to routine litigation incidental to our business. We do not believe that the outcome of such litigation will have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a)   Exhibits
     
Exhibit    
No.   Description
31.1
  Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
   
31.2
  Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 
   
32.1*
  Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
   
32.2*
  Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 
*   In accordance with Release 33-8212 of the Commission, these Certifications: (i) are “furnished” to the Commission and are not “filed” for the purposes of liability under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and (ii) are not to be subject to automatic incorporation by reference into any of the 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.
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 45

 


 

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
             
 
           
    MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.    
 
           
 
  By:        /s/ David M. Gandossi    
 
           
 
           David M. Gandossi    
 
           Secretary and Chief Financial Officer    
 
           
Date: November 25, 2005
           
FORM 10-Q/A
QUARTERLY REPORT — PAGE 46