Mercer(US:MERC)2025-11-07 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an EBITDA of negative $28 million for Q3 2025, a decrease from negative EBITDA of $21 million in Q2 2025, primarily due to lower pulp pricing and demand [3][9] - The consolidated net loss for Q3 was $81 million, or $1.21 per share, compared to a net loss of $86 million, or $1.29 per share, in Q2 [9] - Cash consumption increased to $48 million in Q3 from $35 million in Q2, driven by lower EBITDA [10] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pulp segment had a negative EBITDA of $13 million, while the solid wood segment reported a negative EBITDA of $9 million [3][23] - Pulp sales volumes increased by 26,000 tons to 453,000 tons, while pulp production remained flat at 459,000 tons [5][20] - Lumber production decreased by about 4% to 150 million board feet, and lumber sales volumes decreased by about 9% to 110 million board feet [6][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average published prices for MBSK and MBHK pulp decreased across all markets compared to Q2, with the MBSK net price in China at $690 per ton, down $44, and the European average at $1,497 per ton, down $56 [4][5] - Lumber pricing in the U.S. remained stable, with the benchmark price for Western SPF No. 2 Stud averaging $477 per 1,000 board feet, a modest increase from $472 [6] - Electricity sales totaled 204 gigawatt hours, a 6% decrease from Q2, while pricing increased to about $106 per megawatt hour [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its "One Goal 100" program, targeting $100 million in cost savings and operational efficiencies by the end of 2026, with an expected $30 million in savings by the end of 2025 [9][12] - The company aims to transform its pulp mills into biorefineries, enhancing resilience during commodity downturns [30][31] - The mass timber business is expected to grow, with a backlog of projects valued at about $80 million and increasing interest in sustainable construction [27][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted significant industry headwinds due to trade uncertainty, impacting demand for both paper and lumber [11][29] - The company expects modest NBSK price improvements late in Q4 2025 and into Q1 2026, driven by curtailments and market dynamics [20][29] - Management remains optimistic about the long-term value of its products and the potential for market recovery as economic conditions improve [29][30] Other Important Information - The company plans to reduce capital expenditures in 2026, focusing on maintenance and essential projects [28][45] - The company is actively engaging in discussions with banks regarding liquidity and financing options [41][56] Q&A Session Summary Question: Potential asset sales to expedite deleveraging - Management is considering asset sales but acknowledges that current market conditions are not ideal for divestitures [32] Question: Industry supply-demand balance and capacity adjustments - Management indicated that closures of pulp mills may be necessary to right-size the industry, especially in Canada and Finland [33] Question: Substitution issues in the pulp market - Substitution has been ongoing, with a recent increase attributed to a significant price differential between hardwood and softwood pulp [35][38] Question: Liquidity-enhancing actions - Management is exploring various liquidity-enhancing actions, including discussions with banks and potential asset divestitures [41][43] Question: Industry supply pressures from sawmill closures - Management noted that the situation regarding chip access is already tight, and closures of sawmills could further impact pulp mills [54]