Clearwater Paper Corporation (CLW)vsMercer International Inc (MERC)
CLW
Clearwater Paper Corporation
$15.39
-3.75%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $257.84M
MERC
Mercer International Inc
$0.87
-5.29%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $56.27M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mercer International Inc generates 20% more annual revenue ($1.85B vs $1.54B). CLW leads profitability with a -1.6% profit margin vs -28.5%. MERC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.29. CLW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 47/100 (D+).
CLW
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
MERC
Avoid33
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+44.2%
Fair Value
$31.31
Current Price
$15.39
$15.92 discount
Margin of Safety
+85.5%
Fair Value
$11.92
Current Price
$0.87
$11.05 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 1025.0% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -3.1% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 4.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -244.3% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CLW
The strongest argument for CLW centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bull Case : MERC
The strongest argument for MERC centers on Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : CLW
The primary concerns for CLW are Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : MERC
The primary concerns for MERC are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MERC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.49 — expect wider price swings.
MERC is growing revenue faster at -3.5% — sustainability is the question.
CLW generates stronger free cash flow (-9M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor PAPER & PAPER PRODUCTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CLW scores higher overall (47/100 vs 33/100). MERC offers better value entry with a 85.5% margin of safety. 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.
Visit Website →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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