NEW YORK - Mercer International Inc. (NASDAQ:MERC) reported a significant increase in Operating EBITDA for the third quarter of 2024, with figures rising to $50.5 million from $37.5 million in the same period last year. Despite the improvement, the company experienced a net loss of $17.6 million, an improvement over the previous year's $26.0 million loss for the same quarter.
The company attributed the robust performance to the continued strength of softwood pulp markets and stable fiber costs. However, Mercer's operating results were hampered by lower pulp sales volumes due to unplanned downtime at its Peace River mill and other unforeseen production issues, affecting production by approximately 71,200 ADMTs.
CEO Juan Carlos Bueno commented on the market conditions and the company's performance, noting that while demand typically weakens in the third quarter due to seasonal factors, prices remained historically high. He also mentioned that hardwood pulp prices in China saw a decrease but are now stabilizing, and lumber sales realizations dipped slightly in the third quarter compared to the second.
Looking ahead, Mercer expects softwood pulp sales to remain stable into the fourth quarter, offset by continued supply constraints. The company also anticipates a moderate increase in lumber prices in the United States and United Kingdom markets.
Mercer International has also successfully refinanced its $300 million 2026 Senior Notes, which is expected to decrease its long-term debt by $100 million and extend the maturity of its earliest senior note debt to 2028.
The press release also announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.075 per share, payable on December 26, 2024, to shareholders of record as of December 18, 2024.
Total revenues for the third quarter increased by approximately 7% to $502.1 million from $470.8 million in the third quarter of 2023. The company's solid wood segment reported an operating loss of $14.7 million, an improvement from a loss of $19.7 million in the same quarter of the previous year.
This information is based on a press release statement from Mercer International Inc.
In other recent news, Mercer International announced its intention to offer $200 million in senior notes, with the proceeds aimed at redeeming the company's outstanding 2026 senior notes. This development comes alongside the company's mixed second quarter results, which saw EBITDA decrease to $30 million, primarily due to maintenance at two of its mills. Despite a decrease in pulp sales volumes, Mercer experienced a rise in pulp sales realizations, attributed to increasing pulp prices across major markets. However, the company recognized a $34 million noncash goodwill impairment related to its Torgau facility.
RBC Capital adjusted its outlook on Mercer International, reducing the price target to $8 from $10, while maintaining a Sector Perform rating. The firm cited diminishing momentum in pulp prices and broader economic challenges as factors influencing their decision. Despite Mercer's performance slightly exceeding RBC Capital's expectations, the firm chose to remain neutral. These are among the recent developments influencing the company's performance.
InvestingPro Insights
Adding depth to Mercer International's financial landscape, recent InvestingPro data reveals a market capitalization of $437.2 million, reflecting the company's current market valuation. Despite the improved Operating EBITDA reported in the third quarter, InvestingPro Tips highlight that Mercer is "not profitable over the last twelve months" and is "quickly burning through cash." This aligns with the reported net loss and operational challenges mentioned in the earnings report.
The company's revenue for the last twelve months as of Q2 2024 stood at $1,994.13 million, with a revenue growth decline of 8.04% over the same period. This data point contextualizes the 7% revenue increase reported for Q3, suggesting a potential turnaround in the company's top-line performance.
An InvestingPro Tip notes that Mercer "operates with a significant debt burden," which makes the company's successful refinancing of its $300 million 2026 Senior Notes particularly significant. This move could help address debt concerns and improve the company's financial flexibility.
Investors should note that Mercer's stock "has taken a big hit over the last six months," with InvestingPro data showing a 35.01% price decline over that period. This performance may reflect the operational challenges and market conditions described in the earnings report.
For those seeking a more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers 5 additional tips that could provide further insights into Mercer International's financial health and market position.
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