Ecolab Inc (ECL)vsMercer International Inc (MERC)
ECL
Ecolab Inc
$276.18
+1.69%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $80.38B
MERC
Mercer International Inc
$0.39
+3.56%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $25.96M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ecolab Inc generates 807% more annual revenue ($16.84B vs $1.86B). ECL leads profitability with a 12.6% profit margin vs -27.9%. MERC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.29. ECL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
ECL
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
MERC
Hold35
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ECL.
Margin of Safety
+85.0%
Fair Value
$11.57
Current Price
$0.39
$11.18 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
3.3% earnings growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
1.5% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
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 Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : ECL
The primary concerns for ECL are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : MERC
The primary concerns for MERC are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Market Cap.
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 0.89 — expect wider price swings.
ECL is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.
ECL generates stronger free cash flow (489M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ECL scores higher overall (53/100 vs 35/100). MERC offers better value entry with a 85.0% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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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