Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsMercer International Inc (MERC)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$256.61
-3.88%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $72.47B
MERC
Mercer International Inc
$1.12
+4.67%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $75.02M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 781% more annual revenue ($16.45B vs $1.87B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs -26.7%. MERC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.29. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
ECL
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
MERC
Avoid33
out of 100
Grade: F
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of -200.0% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 8.0%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECL
The strongest argument for ECL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : MERC
The strongest argument for MERC centers on Price/Book.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : MERC
The primary concerns for MERC are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECL profiles as a value stock while MERC is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
ECL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.02 — expect wider price swings.
ECL is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (758M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ECL scores higher overall (57/100 vs 33/100). Both earn "Buy" 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.
Ecolab Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Ecolab Inc., headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, is an American corporation that develops and offers services, technology and systems that specialize in water treatment, purification, cleaning and hygiene in a wide variety of applications. It helps organizations both private market as well as public treat their water, not only for drinking directly, but also for use in food, healthcare, hospitality related safety and industry.
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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