Research Analysts Set Expectations for MERC FY2024 Earnings

Mercer International Inc. (NASDAQ:MERC - Free Report) TSE: MRI.U - Research analysts at Raymond James lowered their FY2024 earnings estimates for Mercer International in a report released on Monday, October 21st. Raymond James analyst D. Swetlishoff now forecasts that the basic materials company will post earnings per share of ($1.78) for the year, down from their previous estimate of ($1.15). The consensus estimate for Mercer International's current full-year earnings is ($1.15) per share. Raymond James also issued estimates for Mercer International's FY2025 earnings at ($0.07) EPS.

Mercer International (NASDAQ:MERC - Get Free Report) TSE: MRI.U last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The basic materials company reported ($0.50) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of ($0.42) by ($0.08). The company had revenue of $499.40 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $482.35 million. Mercer International had a negative net margin of 9.90% and a negative return on equity of 17.93%. The firm's revenue for the quarter was down 5.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned ($1.48) EPS.

MERC has been the topic of several other reports. StockNews.com raised Mercer International from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Friday, October 18th. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on shares of Mercer International from $10.00 to $8.00 and set a "sector perform" rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 12th. Finally, CIBC decreased their price objective on shares of Mercer International from $10.00 to $8.50 and set a "neutral" rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, August 13th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $9.38.

Mercer International Trading Up 4.6 %

Mercer International stock traded up $0.28 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $6.39. The stock had a trading volume of 345,728 shares, compared to its average volume of 357,482. The stock's 50-day simple moving average is $6.44 and its 200 day simple moving average is $8.04. Mercer International has a twelve month low of $5.33 and a twelve month high of $11.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.22, a quick ratio of 2.17 and a current ratio of 3.46. The stock has a market capitalization of $427.17 million, a PE ratio of -1.78 and a beta of 1.34.

Mercer International Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 3rd. Investors of record on Wednesday, September 25th were issued a dividend of $0.075 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, September 25th. This represents a $0.30 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.69%. Mercer International's payout ratio is currently -8.75%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, CEO Estrada Juan Carlos Bueno acquired 7,800 shares of the company's stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 13th. The shares were bought at an average price of $6.60 per share, for a total transaction of $51,480.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer now directly owns 67,615 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $446,259. This trade represents a 0.00 % increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Mercer International news, CFO Richard George Short purchased 6,000 shares of the business's stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 6th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $5.70 per share, for a total transaction of $34,200.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief financial officer now owns 51,382 shares in the company, valued at $292,877.40. The trade was a 0.00 % increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Estrada Juan Carlos Bueno purchased 7,800 shares of Mercer International stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 13th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $6.60 per share, with a total value of $51,480.00. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer now directly owns 67,615 shares of the company's stock, valued at $446,259. The trade was a 0.00 % increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have purchased 41,300 shares of company stock valued at $252,650. Corporate insiders own 4.20% of the company's stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Mercer International

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. SG Americas Securities LLC grew its position in shares of Mercer International by 26.5% during the first quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 51,201 shares of the basic materials company's stock worth $509,000 after buying an additional 10,713 shares in the last quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. acquired a new position in Mercer International during the 1st quarter worth $193,000. Finally, Everence Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Mercer International in the 1st quarter worth about $261,000. 85.79% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Mercer International Company Profile

Mercer International Inc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK) and northern bleached hardwood kraft (NBHK) pulp worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Pulp and Solid Wood. It manufactures, sells, and distributes pulp, electricity, and chemicals through pulp mills.