RPM
Basic MaterialsRPM International Inc. · Chemicals - Specialty · $13B
What is RPM International Inc.?
RPM International Inc. is a large-cap specialty chemicals manufacturer serving industrial, specialty, and consumer markets across the globe. Headquartered in Medina, Ohio, the company operates a broad portfolio of protective coatings, sealants, and building materials brands.
RPM generates revenue by manufacturing and selling specialty chemical products used in construction, maintenance, and restoration applications. Its three main segments — industrial, specialty, and consumer — serve contractors, facility managers, and do-it-yourself customers. The company earns through direct product sales and, to a lesser extent, building maintenance services. Its global distribution network allows it to reach customers across North America, Europe, and beyond.
RPM International was incorporated in 1980 and is headquartered in Medina, Ohio.
- Waterproofing, roofing, and building envelope systems
- Protective and corrosion-control coatings for industrial use
- Concrete repair, flooring, and structural grout products
- Sealants, air barriers, tapes, and foam insulation solutions
- Fire stopping, intumescent coatings, and restoration materials
Is RPM a Good Stock to Buy?
UQS Score rates RPM International as Below Average overall, reflecting a mixed picture across its five quality pillars.
The Quality pillar stands out as the clearest positive — RPM has demonstrated consistent operational execution and cash generation relative to its sector peers. The Risk and Growth pillars both land at Neutral, suggesting the business is neither accelerating meaningfully nor facing acute financial stress.
The Moat pillar registers as Weak, indicating limited structural competitive advantages that could protect margins over the long term. Valuation is Neutral, offering neither a clear discount nor a premium signal.
Pro members can view the exact pillar breakdown and full financial metrics behind each score to form a more complete picture. Sign up free →
Past performance does not guarantee future results. UQS Score is based on fundamental data and is not a buy/sell recommendation.
Does RPM pay dividends?
Yes — RPM International Inc. pays a dividend.
RPM International pays a regular dividend, making it a consideration for income-oriented investors in the specialty chemicals space. The company has a long track record of returning cash to shareholders through dividends, consistent with its mature, cash-generative business model. Investors seeking yield alongside exposure to industrial chemicals may find RPM's dividend history worth examining further.
When does RPM report earnings?
RPM International reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, typical for US-listed equities.
RPM's recent results have reflected the mixed demand environment across its industrial and consumer segments. Volume trends and input cost dynamics in specialty chemicals have influenced margins, though the company's diversified product portfolio provides some buffer against single-segment weakness.
For the most recent quarter's results and guidance, visit RPM International's investor relations page directly.
RPM Price History
+25.7% over 5Y
Monthly close, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment.
What if I invested in RPM International Inc.?
Based on RPM International Inc.'s historical closing prices, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.
RPM Long-term Outlook
RPM's Growth pillar at Neutral suggests the business is expanding at a measured pace rather than outpacing the broader specialty chemicals sector. The Neutral Risk profile indicates manageable balance sheet and operational risks, though the Weak Moat rating means pricing power may be constrained over time. Investors focused on long-term compounding should weigh the company's diversified revenue base against the limited structural advantages that could drive above-average returns.
Growth drivers
- Ongoing demand for building restoration and weatherproofing solutions
- Expansion of industrial protective coatings in infrastructure-related end markets
- Cross-selling opportunities across RPM's broad brand portfolio
Key risks
- Weak moat rating limits long-term pricing power versus specialty chemical peers
- Input cost volatility in raw materials can compress margins
- Slower construction activity could dampen demand across multiple segments
RPM vs Peers
RPM International competes in the specialty chemicals and materials space alongside companies with distinct business focuses.
Westlake focuses more heavily on commodity and performance chemicals, including PVC and chlor-alkali products, giving it a different end-market exposure than RPM's construction-oriented portfolio.
Solstice operates in advanced materials with a narrower product focus, contrasting with RPM's broad multi-segment specialty chemicals platform.
IFF serves food, beverage, and consumer goods markets through flavors and fragrances, a fundamentally different end-market than RPM's construction and industrial chemicals business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does RPM International do?
RPM International manufactures and sells specialty chemical products used in construction, maintenance, and restoration. Its portfolio spans protective coatings, waterproofing systems, sealants, concrete repair products, and fire-stopping solutions. The company serves industrial contractors, facility managers, and consumer do-it-yourself customers through a global distribution network.
Does RPM pay dividends?
Yes, RPM International pays a regular dividend. The company has a long history of returning cash to shareholders, which is consistent with its mature, cash-generative specialty chemicals business. Income-focused investors often include RPM on their watchlist for this reason. Check RPM's investor relations page for the current dividend rate and payment schedule.
When does RPM report earnings?
RPM International reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, as is standard for US-listed companies. The company's fiscal year does not follow the standard calendar year, so reporting dates can differ from peers. For the exact schedule, refer to RPM International's investor relations page.
Is RPM a good stock to buy?
UQS Score rates RPM International as Below Average overall. The Quality pillar is Good, but the Moat pillar is Weak, which limits the long-term competitive advantage story. Growth and Risk are both Neutral. Whether RPM fits your portfolio depends on your investment goals — Pro members can access the full pillar breakdown for a deeper view.
Is RPM overvalued?
The UQS Valuation pillar for RPM is rated Neutral, suggesting the stock is neither clearly cheap nor obviously expensive relative to its fundamentals. Valuation is one of five pillars in the UQS composite — sign up to see how it interacts with Quality, Moat, Growth, and Risk in the full analysis.
How does RPM compare to its competitors?
RPM operates a diversified specialty chemicals platform spanning construction, industrial, and consumer end markets. Peers like Westlake Corporation focus more on commodity chemicals, while IFF targets flavors and fragrances — quite different end markets. RPM's breadth across building and maintenance products is a distinguishing characteristic within the Basic Materials sector.
What is RPM's market cap bracket?
RPM International is classified as a large-cap company. This places it among the more established, widely followed names in the specialty chemicals space, typically associated with greater liquidity and institutional coverage compared to mid- or small-cap peers.
Who founded RPM International?
RPM International traces its roots to a specialty coatings business that was formally incorporated in 1980. The company's founding history and leadership lineage are publicly documented on its corporate website and in SEC filings for those seeking detailed background.
Is RPM a long-term quality investment?
As a long-term quality indicator, RPM's UQS profile is mixed. The Good Quality pillar reflects consistent operational execution, but the Weak Moat rating raises questions about durable competitive advantages over a multi-year horizon. Long-term investors should weigh the dividend track record and diversified business model against the limited structural moat. The full analysis is available to Pro members.
What is the main competitive advantage of RPM International?
RPM's primary advantage lies in its diversified brand portfolio and broad distribution across industrial, specialty, and consumer channels. However, the UQS Moat pillar rates this as Weak, indicating that structural pricing power and barriers to entry are limited compared to higher-moat peers in the materials sector.
What sector does RPM belong to?
RPM International is classified in the Basic Materials sector, specifically within specialty chemicals. The company's products — coatings, sealants, waterproofing systems, and concrete repair materials — are foundational inputs for construction, infrastructure maintenance, and industrial operations worldwide.
Unlock Full RPM International Analysis
Sign in to unlock the detailed analysis behind the UQS Score.
- ✓See the exact UQS Score and all five pillar ratings
- ✓View full financial metrics and trend data
- ✓Compare RPM against sector peers side by side
- ✓Access the complete analyst-style quality breakdown
- ✓Screen for stocks with stronger Moat and Quality profiles
Pro Analysis
RPM — Score History
| Date | UQS | Quality | Moat | Growth | Risk | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 17, 2026 | 51.4 | 70.2 | 31.0 | 43.0 | 58.9 | 57.6 | +0.4 |
| May 9, 2026 | 51.0 | 69.7 | 31.0 | 43.0 | 58.9 | 55.6 | +0.1 |
| May 7, 2026 | 50.9 | 70.6 | 31.0 | 43.0 | 55.9 | 57.1 | -0.1 |
| May 3, 2026 | 51.0 | 70.6 | 31.0 | 43.0 | 55.9 | 57.2 | +0.3 |
| Apr 26, 2026 | 50.7 | 70.6 | 31.0 | 43.0 | 55.9 | 55.5 | +0.3 |
| Apr 19, 2026 | 50.4 | 70.6 | 31.0 | 43.0 | 55.9 | 53.8 | -0.1 |
| Apr 18, 2026 | 50.5 | 70.6 | 31.0 | 43.0 | 55.9 | 54.2 | -0.2 |
| Apr 14, 2026 | 50.7 | 70.6 | 31.0 | 43.0 | 55.9 | 55.4 | -4.7 |
| Apr 13, 2026 | 55.4 | 69.0 | 50.0 | 43.0 | 58.9 | 55.1 | +4.7 |
| Apr 12, 2026 | 50.7 | 70.6 | 31.0 | 43.0 | 55.9 | 55.1 | -0.5 |
RPM — Pillar Breakdown
Quality
— 69.7/100 (25%)RPM International Inc. shows solid profitability with healthy returns on capital and reasonable margins.
How effectively capital is deployed to generate returns.
Profitability relative to shareholders' equity.
Ability to convert revenue into operating profit.
Bottom-line profit as a share of revenue.
Asset productivity — how much gross profit each dollar of assets generates.
Free cash flow relative to market value.
Growth
— 43.0/100 (20%)RPM International Inc. shows steady but unspectacular growth, typical for mature companies.
Revenue trajectory over the last twelve months.
Compound annual revenue growth rate over 3 years.
Year-over-year earnings per share growth.
Analyst consensus for future revenue growth.
Analyst consensus for future earnings growth.
Risk
— 58.9/100 (15%)RPM International Inc. maintains a reasonable risk profile with manageable debt levels.
Debt levels relative to earnings capacity.
Total debt relative to shareholder equity.
Short-term liquidity — ability to pay near-term obligations.
Earnings capacity relative to interest payments.
Valuation
— 55.1/100 (15%)RPM International Inc. trades at a reasonable valuation with decent earnings yield and FCF multiples.
Inverse of forward P/E — higher yield means cheaper stock.
How many years of FCF the market cap represents.
P/E relative to earnings growth — lower is more attractive.
Enterprise value multiple relative to sector median.
Moat
— 31/100 (25%)RPM International Inc. operates in a highly competitive environment with limited sustainable advantages. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for RPM.
Score Composition
Financial Data
More Stock Analysis
How is the RPM UQS Score Calculated?
The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for RPM International Inc. is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.
Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.
Moat (25%) assesses RPM International Inc.'s competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.
Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.
Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.
Valuation (15%) measures whether RPM International Inc. is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.
Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.