Catalyst curtails production in Powell River

Mercer International Inc. reported first quarter 2022 Operating EBITDA increased to a $154.5 million from $82.0 million in the first quarter of 2021 and decreased from $164.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. In the first quarter of 2022, net income was $88.9 million (or $1.35 per basic share and $1.34 per diluted share) compared to $5.9 million (or $0.09 per share) in the first quarter of 2021 and net income of $74.5 million (or $1.13 per basic share and $1.12 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2021.

July will see shovels in the ground as the Sawmills Division of J.D. Irving, Limited begins a long-awaited investment at Doaktown. The $35 million project will see the mill’s footprint grow by 14,000 square feet bringing together the sawmill, planer mill and value added centre under one roof. Currently the sawmill is located on the other side of the road. New, state-of-the-art technology will be installed throughout the lumber production process. The company is targeting spring 2021 for the commissioning and start-up of the new facility.

Highlights • Q1 2024 net loss from continuing operations was $13.4 million compared to net loss of $21.6 million in Q4 2023. • Average lumber prices for Q1 2024 were higher than Q4 2023, with an average selling price of $626/mfbm compared to $601/mfbm in Q4 2023. • The valuation provision for lumber and log inventory was decreased to $1.0 million from $4.3 million at the end of Q4 2023, generating a $3.3 million credit to lumber cost of sales in Q1 2024. • Our lower duty rate has positively impacted the Company’s earnings and free cash flow since August 1, 2023. • There continues to be downward pressure on newsprint and paper products prices in North America.