WallStSmart

Mercer International Inc (MERC)vsPPG Industries Inc (PPG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

PPG Industries Inc generates 771% more annual revenue ($16.12B vs $1.85B). PPG leads profitability with a 9.8% profit margin vs -28.5%. PPG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.82. PPG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).

MERC

Avoid

33

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 2.0Value: 6.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.79

PPG

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 6.5Value: 5.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 7.44
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MERCUndervalued (+85.5%)

Margin of Safety

+85.5%

Fair Value

$11.92

Current Price

$0.87

$11.05 discount

UndervaluedFair: $11.92Overvalued
PPGFair Value (-2.7%)

Margin of Safety

-2.7%

Fair Value

$127.61

Current Price

$113.80

$13.81 premium

UndervaluedFair: $127.61Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MERC1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
-292.7810/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PPG2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
7.4410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

P/E RatioValuation
17.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

MERC4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.294/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Market CapQuality
$56.27M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-244.3%2/10

ROE of -244.3% — below average capital efficiency

PPG3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.824/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
4.2%4/10

4.2% earnings growth

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-163.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MERC

The strongest argument for MERC centers on Debt/Equity.

Bull Case : PPG

The strongest argument for PPG centers on Altman Z-Score, P/E Ratio.

Bear Case : MERC

The primary concerns for MERC are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : PPG

The primary concerns for PPG are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MERC profiles as a turnaround stock while PPG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

PPG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.

PPG is growing revenue faster at 6.7% — sustainability is the question.

MERC generates stronger free cash flow (-99M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

PPG scores higher overall (58/100 vs 33/100). MERC offers better value entry with a 85.5% margin of safety. 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.

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.

PPG Industries Inc

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

PPG Industries, Inc. is an American Fortune 500 company and global supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PPG operates in more than 70 countries around the globe.

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