Note 1. The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Background
Mercer International Inc. (“Mercer Inc.”) is a Washington corporation and its shares of common stock are quoted and listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.
Mercer Inc. owns and operates four pulp manufacturing facilities, two in Canada and two in Germany, has a 50% joint venture interest in a northern bleached softwood kraft (“NBSK”) pulp mill in Canada and owns and operates one sawmill in Germany.
In August 2021, Mercer Inc. acquired a cross-laminated timber (“CLT”) facility located in Spokane Washington.
In these consolidated financial statements, unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars (“$”). The symbol “€” refers to euros and the symbol “C$” refers to Canadian dollars.
Basis of Presentation
These consolidated financial statements contained herein include the accounts of Mercer Inc. and all of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Mercer Inc. owns 100% of its subsidiaries with the exception of the 50% joint venture interest in the Cariboo Pulp & Paper Company (“CPP”) with West Fraser Mills Ltd., which is accounted for using the equity method.
Use of Estimates
Preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant management judgment is required in determining the accounting for, among other things, pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations, deferred income taxes (valuation allowance and permanent reinvestment), depreciation and amortization, future cash flows associated with impairment testing for long-lived assets, the allocation of the purchase price in a business combination to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, legal liabilities and contingencies. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates, and changes in these estimates are recorded when known.
Significant Accounting Policies
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash held in bank accounts and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Investments
Investments in equity securities in which the Company does not exercise significant influence are measured at fair value through earnings. These securities are reported at fair values, based upon quoted market prices, with the unrealized and realized gains or losses included in “Other income” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Note 1. The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at cost, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company reviews the collectability of accounts receivable at each reporting date and maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts at an amount estimated to cover the expected losses on uninsured accounts receivable. Any amounts that are determined to be uncollectible and uninsured are offset against the allowance. The allowance is based on the Company’s evaluation of numerous factors, including the payment history, financial position of the debtors and current market conditions.
The Company’s credit risk associated with its sales is currently managed through the purchase of credit insurance, obtaining letters of credit and setting credit limits prior to the sale. The Company reviews new customers' credit history before granting credit and conducts regular reviews of existing customers' credit.
Inventories
Inventories of raw materials, finished goods and work in progress are valued at the lower of cost, using the weighted-average cost method, or net
Free historical financial statements for Mercer International Inc.
See how revenue, income, cash flow, and balance sheet financials have changed over 51 quarters since 2012. Compare with MERC stock chart to see long term trends.
Data imported from Mercer International Inc SEC filings. Check original filings before making any investment decision.