WallStSmart

Clearwater Paper Corporation (CLW)vsMercer International Inc (MERC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Mercer International Inc generates 20% more annual revenue ($1.87B vs $1.56B). CLW leads profitability with a -1.2% profit margin vs -26.7%. MERC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.29. CLW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 50/100 (D+).

CLW

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 3.0Value: 4.0Quality: 5.0

MERC

Avoid

33

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 2.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.0

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CLW1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
0.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

MERC1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

CLW4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.4%4/10

1.4% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$199.52M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Operating MarginProfitability
2.6%3/10

Operating margin of 2.6%

PEG RatioValuation
3.212/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

MERC4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.294/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Market CapQuality
$85.07M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
-2.0%2/10

ROE of -2.0% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-8.0%2/10

Revenue declined 8.0%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CLW

The strongest argument for CLW centers on Price/Book.

Bull Case : MERC

The strongest argument for MERC centers on Price/Book.

Bear Case : CLW

The primary concerns for CLW are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Operating Margin.

Bear Case : MERC

The primary concerns for MERC are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MERC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.70 — expect wider price swings.

CLW is growing revenue faster at 1.4% — sustainability is the question.

MERC generates stronger free cash flow (32M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor PAPER & PAPER PRODUCTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

CLW scores higher overall (50/100 vs 33/100). Both earn "Hold" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Clearwater Paper Corporation

BASIC MATERIALS · PAPER & PAPER PRODUCTS · USA

Clearwater Paper Corporation produces and sells private label bleached paperboard and tissue products in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Spokane, Washington.

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Mercer International Inc

BASIC MATERIALS · PAPER & PAPER PRODUCTS · USA

Mercer International Inc., manufactures and sells Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp (NBSK) in Europe, the United States, Asia and internationally. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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