Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operating EBITDA for Q4 was negative $20 million, an improvement of $8 million compared to Q3, primarily due to stable production and the One Goal 100 program, despite market headwinds [3][4] - The consolidated net loss for Q4 was $309 million, or $4.61 per share, compared to a net loss of $81 million, or $1.21 per share in Q3 [13] - Total non-cash impairment charges for Q4 amounted to $260 million, or $3.22 per share, with $204 million related to the Peace River Mill [3][4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Both the pulp and solid wood segments reported negative quarterly EBITDA of $11 million in Q4 [4] - Softwood sales realizations decreased to $702 per ton from $728 per ton in Q3, while North American NBSK list prices averaged $1,568 per ton, down $132 from Q3 [5][6] - Lumber production decreased by about 6% to 109 million board feet in Q4, with sales volumes dropping to 103 million board feet, a decline of about 7% from Q3 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The NBSK net price in China declined to $671 per ton, a $19 decrease from Q3, while European NBSK prices remained stable at $1,498 per ton [5][6] - Hardwood sales realizations were flat at $528 per ton compared to Q3, with the average net price for eucalyptus hardwood increasing to $540 per ton, up $37 from Q3 [6][7] - Fiber costs for both pulp and solid wood segments remained steady in Q4, but are expected to increase in Q1 2026 due to supply constraints [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on returning the Peace River mill to profitability through strategic initiatives, including expanding softwood pulp production and exploring government support for energy generation [4][16] - The One Goal 100 program aims to improve profitability by $100 million by the end of 2026, with approximately $30 million in cost savings realized in 2025 [12][15] - The company is transitioning from hardwood to softwood production at the Peace River mill, aiming for a 50/50 split by the end of the year [46] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that ongoing market headwinds and trade uncertainties are impacting operational performance, but underlying performance has improved [14][19] - The company expects modest price improvements for NBSK and NBHK in Q1, while trade uncertainty continues to affect supply-demand dynamics [20][21] - Management is optimistic about the mass timber business, expecting revenues to exceed $120 million in 2026, driven by a healthy order book [25][26] Other Important Information - The company reported an improvement in aggregate liquidity of over $54 million to $430 million, attributed to working capital management and cost reduction activities [12] - Planned capital expenditures for 2026 are expected to be between $60 million and $80 million, focusing on maintenance and environmental projects [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you say how much headroom that you have under any of your maintenance covenants as of December thirty-first? - Management is comfortable that they are well under the covenants at the end of the quarter, but expects them to tighten as the year progresses due to a weak outlook [30] Question: Any thoughts on asset recycling opportunities to expedite potential deleveraging of the balance sheet? - The company is analyzing asset sales or restructuring as part of their debt reduction plans, but acknowledges that current market conditions are not favorable for realizing reasonable value [39] Question: Is there any thought to potentially closing the Peace River mill? - The focus is on transitioning from hardwood to softwood production, which is expected to enhance profitability, and there are ongoing government-supported projects to improve the mill's performance [46][47] Question: Any updates on the extension of your two RCFs? - Discussions with lenders are ongoing, and management expects to conclude these discussions before the end of Q2 [70][71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operating EBITDA for Q4 2025 was negative $20 million, an improvement of $8 million compared to Q3 2025, primarily due to stable production and the One Goal One Hundred program, despite market headwinds [3][4] - The consolidated net loss for Q4 2025 was $309 million, or $4.61 per share, compared to a net loss of $81 million, or $1.21 per share in Q3 2025 [13] - Total non-cash impairment charges for the quarter amounted to $260 million, or $3.22 per share, largely due to the ongoing weakness in the hardwood pulp market [3][4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Both the pulp and solid wood segments reported negative quarterly EBITDA of $11 million in Q4 2025 [4] - Pulp sales volumes increased by 20,000 tons to 472,000 tons, while pulp production remained stable at 460,000 tons [7][20] - Lumber production decreased by about 6% to 109 million board feet, with sales volumes dropping to 103 million board feet, a decrease of about 7% from Q3 2025 [10][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Softwood sales realizations decreased to $702 per ton, down from $728 per ton in Q3 2025, while North American NBSK list prices averaged $1,568 per ton, a reduction of about $132 from Q3 [5][6] - The average net price for eucalyptus hardwood in Q4 was $540 per ton, an increase of $37 from Q3, while hardwood sales realizations remained flat at $528 per ton [6][20] - The average price gap between softwood and hardwood pulp in China narrowed to approximately $130 per ton [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on strategic initiatives to return the Peace River mill to profitability, including expanding softwood pulp production and exploring government support for energy generation [4][15] - The One Goal One Hundred program aims to improve profitability by $100 million by the end of 2026, with approximately $30 million in cost savings realized in 2025 [12][14] - The company is transitioning from hardwood to softwood production at the Peace River mill, aiming for a 50/50 split by the end of 2026 [50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that ongoing market headwinds and trade uncertainties are impacting operational performance, but underlying performance has improved quarter-over-quarter [14][20] - The company expects modest price improvements for NBSK and NBHK in Q1 2026, while trade uncertainty continues to affect supply-demand dynamics [20][22] - Management expressed confidence in the mass timber business as a growth engine, with expected revenues of over $120 million in 2026 [25][27] Other Important Information - The company reported an improvement in aggregate liquidity of over $54 million to $430 million, attributed to working capital management and cost reduction activities [12] - Planned capital expenditures for 2026 are expected to be between $60 million and $80 million, focusing on maintenance and environmental projects [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you say how much headroom that you have under any of your maintenance covenants as of December thirty-first? - Management indicated comfort with being well under the covenants at the end of the quarter, but expects them to tighten as the year progresses due to a weak outlook [32] Question: Any thoughts on asset recycling opportunities to expedite potential deleveraging of the balance sheet? - Management is analyzing asset sales or restructuring as part of their debt reduction plans, but noted that current market conditions are not favorable for claiming reasonable value for assets [43] Question: Is there any thought to potentially closing the Peace River mill? - Management clarified that they are focused on transitioning the mill from hardwood to softwood production, which is expected to enhance profitability [50] Question: Any updates on the extension of your two RCFs? - Management stated that discussions with lenders are ongoing and are expected to conclude before the end of Q2 2026 [75][78] Question: How do you see the outlook for the market, particularly regarding softwood pulp? - Management acknowledged significant supply disruptions and indicated potential upward pressure on prices for both hardwood and softwood due to recent developments in Indonesia [59][60]

Mercer International Inc. Transforming biomass into bioproducts for a more sustainable world Q4 2025 Earnings Call February 13th, 2026 Juan Carlos Bueno – President & CEO Richard Short – CFO, Executive VP & Secretary Forward-looking Statements The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements For more information regarding these risks and uncertainties, review Mercer's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission Unless required ...

Financial Performance - Mercer's Q3 2025 operating EBITDA decreased to $(28) million, a decrease of $(7) million compared to Q2 2025[6] - The net loss for Q3 2025 was $(81) million, compared to a net loss of $(86) million in Q2 2025[26] - Cash flow used in operating activities increased to $(30) million in Q3 2025 from $(5) million in Q2 2025[26] - Capital expenditures increased to $(30) million in Q3 2025 from $(24) million in Q2 2025[26] - Liquidity position decreased to $376 million in Q3 2025 from $438 million in Q2 2025[26] Market Conditions and Pricing - Lower sales realizations led to a non-cash inventory impairment of $20 million in Q3 2025[8] - Lower sales realizations for NBSK and NBHK pulp negatively impacted EBITDA by approximately $15 million[8] - Lumber production decreased by 4% compared to Q2 2025 due to planned maintenance at Friesau[43] Strategic Initiatives - Mercer aims to improve profitability by $100 million by the end of 2026, using 2024 as a baseline[29, 36] - The company anticipates $30 million in cost savings for 2025 and is on track to meet this goal[29, 36] - Mass Timber backlog of projects currently sits at ~$80 million[60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a negative EBITDA of $21 million for Q2 2025, a significant decrease from the positive EBITDA of $47 million in Q1 2025, primarily due to foreign exchange impacts and lower pulp prices in China [3][11][20] - The consolidated net loss for Q2 was $86 million, or $1.29 per share, compared to a net loss of $22 million, or $0.33 per share in Q1 [11] - Cash consumption increased to $35 million in Q2 from $3 million in Q1, driven by lower EBITDA [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pulp segment had a negative EBITDA of $10 million in Q2, while the solid wood segment reported a negative EBITDA of $5 million [3][26] - NBSK pulp sales realizations decreased in Q2, with the net price in China dropping to $734 per tonne, a decrease of $59 from Q1 [4] - Lumber production decreased by 6% to approximately 120 million board feet in Q2 due to planned maintenance [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, the average list price for MBSK increased by $67 to $18.20 per tonne, while the European price remained stable at $15.53 per tonne [4] - The average price for NBHK in China decreased by $45 to $533 per tonne [5] - Pulp sales volumes decreased by 51,000 tons to 427,000 tons in Q2 due to weaker demand [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company launched the "One Goal 100" program aimed at achieving $100 million in cost savings and operational efficiencies by 2026 [10][14] - The company plans to reduce capital expenditures to about $100 million in 2025, focusing on maintenance and safety projects [34] - The company is exploring a carbon capture project at the Peace River Mill, which could generate significant revenue from CO2 credits [35][70] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted that trade uncertainty and tariffs have negatively impacted Q2 results, particularly affecting demand from China [13][19] - The company expects pulp prices to remain weak through the summer but anticipates a recovery in Q4 as demand picks up [22][66] - Management remains optimistic about the long-term value of pulp and the growth potential of mass timber products [36][33] Other Important Information - The company suspended its dividend as a prudent measure to focus on debt reduction amid market uncertainties [19] - The company reported a strong liquidity position of $438 million at the end of Q2, including $146 million in cash [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide information on cash flow items for 2025? - The company expects cash taxes for the year to be about $25 million, with a slight negative working capital change anticipated [39][44] Question: What is the minimum liquidity level the company is comfortable with? - The company is not concerned about liquidity and has room to adjust capital expenditures if needed [51][54] Question: Can you comment on softwood inventory levels and potential write-downs? - The company does not foresee any impairments on softwood inventories, although levels are slightly elevated [58] Question: What could catalyze pulp prices gaining momentum later in the year? - The company expects restocking demand after the low summer season to drive pulp prices up, particularly for softwood [66] Question: How significant is the carbon capture project at Peace River? - The project could generate over $100 million per year in revenue from CO2 credits, with a capital requirement of around $100 million for the company's share [70][74] Question: How is the Torgau mill positioned for the U.S. market? - The Torgau mill is equipped to supply the U.S. market and is expected to increase production capacity [78][80]

Financial Performance - Mercer's Operating EBITDA decreased significantly from $47 million in Q1 2025 to -$21 million in Q2 2025[6] - The pulp segment experienced a substantial decrease in EBITDA, from $50 million in Q1 2025 to -$10 million in Q2 2025[6] - The solid wood segment's EBITDA also decreased, from -$0 million in Q1 2025 to -$5 million in Q2 2025[6] - Net loss increased from -$22 million in Q1 2025 to -$86 million in Q2 2025[27] Pulp Market - NBSK (Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft) list price was $1,000 per tonne[10] - NBSK China (net) price decreased from $793 per tonne in Q1 2025 to $734 per tonne in Q2 2025[10] - NBHK (Northern Bleached Hardwood Kraft) China (net) price decreased from $578 per tonne in Q1 2025 to $533 per tonne in Q2 2025[10] Lumber and Mass Timber - Lumber production decreased by 6% from 128 mmfbm in Q1 2025 to 120 mmfbm in Q2 2025[43] - Mass timber revenue decreased from $17 million in Q1 2025 to $11 million in Q2 2025[25] Strategic Initiatives - Mercer aims to improve profitability by $100 million by the end of 2026, using 2024 as a baseline[30] - The company realized $5 million in cost savings to date and anticipates $25 million for 2025[30]

Financial Performance - Mercer's Q1 2025 Operating EBITDA decreased to $47 million, a $52 million decrease compared to $99 million in Q4 2024[6] - The Pulp segment's EBITDA decreased by $56 million, from $106 million in Q4 2024 to $50 million in Q1 2025[6] - Net loss was $22 million in Q1 2025, compared to a net income of $17 million in Q4 2024[27] - Cash flow from operating activities decreased by $74 million, from $71 million in Q4 2024 to -$3 million in Q1 2025[27] Operational Factors - Planned maintenance downtime at the Celgar mill had an estimated EBITDA impact of approximately $30 million[9] - Total planned downtime for 2025 is expected to be 79 days, compared to 57 days in 2024[57] - Q1 sales volume increased from 452,000 tonnes to 478,000 tonnes[15] Market Dynamics and Outlook - The company is targeting $100 million in cost savings by the end of 2026 compared to 2024[31] - Fiber costs are expected to increase by approximately 10% for the solid wood segment in Q2 2025[42] - The company is monitoring potential tariff impacts on pulp and lumber imports into the U S, with average annual sales of approximately 200,000 tonnes of pulp and approximately 200 million fbm of lumber into the U S[30] - Mass timber order file suggests a weaker Q2 and Q3 for 2025, with improvement anticipated to start in Q4[46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's EBITDA for Q1 was $47 million, a significant decrease from $99 million in Q4, primarily due to 22 days of planned maintenance downtime at the Celgar mill, which adversely impacted EBITDA by approximately $30 million [3][11] - A consolidated net loss of $22 million was reported for Q1, translating to a loss of $0.33 per share, compared to a net income of $17 million or $0.25 per share in Q4 [11] - Cash consumption in Q1 was about $3 million, a decrease from $54 million in Q4, with a net working capital increase of roughly $23 million due to seasonal movements [11][12] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pulp segment contributed an EBITDA of $50 million in Q1, while the solid wood segment's EBITDA was nearly breakeven [4] - Pulp sales volumes increased by 26,000 tonnes to 478,000 tonnes in Q1, attributed to the timing of sales despite the planned downtime [6] - Lumber production reached a near-record 128 million board feet in Q1, up 12% from Q4, with sales volumes also hitting a new record at 131 million board feet, a 6% increase from Q4 [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - MBSK prices increased in key markets, with the European average price rising to $15.50 per ton, an increase of $50 from Q4, and North American prices averaging $17.53 per ton, up $66 from Q4 [4][5] - In China, the MBSK net price was $793 per tonne, an increase of $26 from Q4, while hardwood sales realizations remained flat due to offsetting price changes in North America [5] - The North American MBHT average price decreased to $12.68 per ton, down $30 from Q4 [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is targeting a $100 million improvement in operational efficiency and cost savings by the end of 2026, alongside a $20 million reduction in inventories and capital expenditures in 2025 [17] - The company aims to maximize mill operating rates and generate cash to reduce debt, with a focus on improving reliability across all businesses [17][24] - The mass timber operations are expected to grow, with a current order file of about $24 million, and plans to ramp up production in early 2026 [28][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the weakening U.S. dollar could enhance purchasing power for U.S.-sourced fiber, while also indicating potential modest fiber cost inflation and lower energy sales prices in Q2 [19][20] - The company is closely monitoring trade policy developments and has contingency plans to mitigate potential tariff impacts [14][17] - Despite global economic uncertainty, management remains optimistic about the long-term demand for softwood pulp and the potential for price differentials between softwood and hardwood pulp to widen [22][23] Other Important Information - The company reported a liquidity position of $471 million at the end of Q1, including $182 million in cash and $289 million in undrawn revolvers [12] - A quarterly dividend of $0.75 per share was approved for shareholders of record on June 26, with payment scheduled for July 3, 2025 [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the secondary effects related to tariffs and pricing? - Management explained that secondary effects include the weakening U.S. dollar impacting costs and a slowdown in demand in China, leading to cautious inventory management [41][42][44] Question: What is the outlook for pulp prices in Q2? - Management anticipates more positive than negative impacts on pulp prices in Q2 compared to Q1, despite some recent softness in lumber prices [45][46] Question: Can you provide details on the cost savings objectives? - The company has identified various cost reduction opportunities across its operations, with expectations to achieve $40 to $50 million in savings by 2025 [50][51] Question: How will the lumber markets evolve if Section 232 tariffs are introduced? - Management indicated that Canadian lumber would become less competitive, potentially benefiting their products from Germany, which would be more favorable in the U.S. market [63][64] Question: What is the impact of Russian fiber on the softwood futures market? - Management noted that Russian fiber significantly influences the market, affecting pricing dynamics and creating an imbalance in supply [81][82] Question: Are there any changes in order patterns from pulp customers? - Management reported no significant changes in order patterns in Europe or North America, although there is some caution in China [108][110]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $47 million, a significant decrease from $99 million in Q4 2024, primarily due to 22 days of planned maintenance downtime at the Celgar mill, which adversely impacted EBITDA by approximately $30 million [3][11] - The consolidated net loss for Q1 2025 was $22 million, or $0.33 per share, compared to a net income of $17 million, or $0.25 per share in Q4 2024 [11] - Cash consumption in Q1 was about $3 million, a decrease from $54 million in Q4 2024, with a net working capital increase of roughly $23 million due to seasonal movements [11][12] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pulp segment contributed an EBITDA of $50 million in Q1 2025, while the solid wood segment's EBITDA was essentially breakeven [4] - Pulp sales volumes increased by 26,000 tonnes to 478,000 tonnes in Q1, attributed to the timing of sales despite the planned downtime [6] - Lumber production reached a near-record 128 million board feet in Q1, up 12% from Q4, with sales volumes also hitting a new record at 131 million board feet, up about 6% from Q4 [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - MBSK prices in Europe averaged $15.50 per ton in Q1, an increase of $50 from Q4, while North American MBSK prices averaged $17.53 per ton, up $66 from Q4 [4][5] - In China, the MBSK net price was $793 per tonne, an increase of $26 from Q4, while hardwood sales realizations were flat due to offsetting price changes in North America [5] - The North American MBHT average price was $12.68, down $30 from Q4, indicating mixed pricing trends across different markets [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is targeting a $100 million improvement in operational efficiency and cost savings by the end of 2026 compared to 2024, alongside a $20 million reduction in inventories and capital expenditures in 2025 [17] - The company is focusing on maximizing mill operating rates and generating cash to reduce debt, with a strong emphasis on improving asset reliability across all businesses [24][25] - The mass timber operations are expected to grow, with the company confident in its ability to capture market growth due to its significant production capacity and broad product offerings [30][37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the weakening U.S. dollar could enhance purchasing power for U.S.-sourced fiber, while also indicating potential modest fiber cost inflation and lower energy sales prices in Q2 [20][21] - The company anticipates stable demand for softwood pulp in the mid-term, with upward pricing pressure expected due to reduced supply [22][23] - Management expressed concerns about global economic uncertainty impacting buying patterns and pricing, particularly in China, but remains optimistic about the long-term outlook for softwood pulp [20][23] Other Important Information - The company plans for major maintenance shutdowns throughout the year, with a total of 79 days of planned downtime compared to 57 in 2024 [34] - A quarterly dividend of $0.75 per share has been approved for shareholders of record on June 26, 2025 [12] - The company is committed to its 2030 carbon reduction targets and believes its products will play a significant role in addressing climate change [38][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the secondary effects related to tariffs? - Management explained that secondary effects include the weakening U.S. dollar impacting costs and a slowdown in demand in China, which has put pressure on prices, particularly hardwood [44] Question: What is the outlook for pulp prices in Q2? - Management indicated that they expect more positive than negative impacts on pulp prices in Q2 compared to Q1, despite some recent softness in lumber prices [47] Question: Can you provide context on the $100 million cost savings objectives? - Management detailed that the cost reduction program targets various operational aspects, with expectations to capture $40 to $50 million in savings by 2025 [52] Question: How would meaningful Section 232 tariffs impact lumber markets? - Management noted that Canadian lumber would become less competitive due to countervailing duties, which would favor their products from Germany [64] Question: Are there any changes in order patterns from pulp customers? - Management reported no significant changes in order patterns in Europe or North America, although there is some caution in China [106]