RPM International Inc. (RPM) Up 4.8% — Is This Rally Just Getting Started?
RPM International Inc. (RPM) staged a strong advance in the latest session, with shares closing at $111.72, up 4.79% from the prior close of $106.61. The stock gained $5.11 on the day, reflecting bullish activity and signaling renewed momentum on the NYSE tape. Trading volume reached 1,204,295 shares, standing noticeably above the 90-day average of 940,096 shares, which underscores the increased investor interest behind the move. The heavier-than-usual trading suggests that this latest upswing is being confirmed by active participation rather than occurring on light volume.
Even with the strong performance, RPM remains below its 52-week peak of $129.12 set on Aug. 22, 2025, leaving meaningful upside room of roughly $17.40 before retesting that high-water mark. In the context of its sector, RPM’s latest surge stands out, as the move outpaced the more measured recent trading action in peers such as Southern Copper Corporation (SCCO), Newmont Corporation (NEM), and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM). That relative strength suggests RPM is gaining ground within its group, with price action tilting in favor of the bulls and positioning the stock closer to the upper end of its recent trading range.
Why RPM International Inc. Price is Moving Higher
Investor attention is building around RPM International Inc. as the market looks ahead to its fiscal Q2 2026 earnings release on Jan. 8, 2026. Even though the stock has traded in a tight band around the mid‑$100s, the upcoming report is a clear positive catalyst. With revenue growing at a healthy 7.36% and earnings per share at $5.35, investors are positioning for constructive commentary on construction and coatings demand, as well as the company’s ability to sustain its 9.15% profit margin. In a materials landscape where cost control and pricing power matter, RPM’s ability to grow the top line while maintaining respectable margins supports a more optimistic stance heading into the print.
Momentum is also being supported by trading dynamics and relative sector sentiment. Recent volume of about 1.2 million shares has been running ahead of the 90‑day average, suggesting incremental buying interest rather than capitulation at current levels. The stock has been consolidating near the lower half of its 52‑week range, which can attract investors looking for exposure to a stable, cash-generating name ahead of a potential earnings catalyst. At the same time, broader investor enthusiasm toward materials and mining peers such as Southern Copper, Newmont, and Agnico Eagle highlights ongoing appetite for real-asset and commodity-linked plays. Against this backdrop, RPM’s steady operational growth and earnings profile are giving investors reasons to anticipate that a solid Q2 update — or improved forward guidance — could justify a move higher from recent trading levels.
What is the RPM International Inc. Rating - Should I Buy?
Weiss Ratings assigns RPM a C rating. Current recommendation is Hold. That C (Hold) rating signals a balanced risk/reward profile — neither compellingly attractive nor especially concerning at current levels — but the underlying components show several notable strengths that may appeal to investors seeking established operators in the Materials space.
On the positive side, RPM stands out with the Excellent Growth Index and Excellent Efficiency Index, supported by 7.36% revenue growth and a strong 24.16% return on equity. A 9.15% profit margin and a forward P/E of 19.92 indicate investors are willing to pay a moderate premium for these fundamentals. The Excellent Solvency Index further points to a solid financial foundation, which can be important in a cyclical sector like Materials.
Balancing these strengths, the Weak Total Return Index and Fair Volatility Index show that, despite solid operations, shareholders have not been consistently rewarded versus alternatives with similar risk. The Fair Dividend Index also indicates that income and total return from payouts are respectable but not a standout advantage on their own, helping explain why the overall Weiss Rating remains at C (Hold) rather than moving into Buy territory.
Within the sector, RPM’s Hold rating trails higher-rated Materials peers such as Southern Copper Corporation (SCCO, B), Newmont Corporation (NEM, B) and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM, B), which carry Buy recommendations. That said, for investors who prioritize operational quality, balance sheet strength and disciplined management over recent stock performance, RPM’s combination of Excellent sub-indices in growth, efficiency and solvency positions it as a solid candidate for watchlists and selective, risk-aware portfolios.
About RPM International Inc.
RPM International Inc. is a diversified materials company specializing in high-performance coatings, sealants, and building materials used in industrial, specialty and consumer applications. Through a broad portfolio of brands, RPM serves construction, maintenance, and repair markets across commercial, industrial, and residential end users. Its products are commonly used to protect, restore, and enhance structures and surfaces, including roofing systems, concrete and masonry, industrial equipment, and infrastructure. The company’s solutions are designed to address demanding environments where durability, corrosion resistance and long-term performance are critical.
Operating through multiple business segments, RPM offers specialty materials such as protective coatings, flooring systems, waterproofing solutions, fireproofing materials, sealants, adhesives and insulation products. It also provides consumer-oriented products like paints, wood stains, caulks and patch-and-repair materials that are widely distributed through retail and professional channels. This balanced mix of industrial and consumer brands helps RPM maintain a strong presence throughout the construction and maintenance lifecycle, from initial build-out to ongoing repair and renovation.
RPM’s competitive position in the materials industry is supported by its focus on niche, value-added products and its long-standing relationships with contractors, facility owners, architects and distributors. The company has built a reputation for technical expertise and problem-solving capabilities, often providing tailored systems rather than standalone products. This solutions-based approach, combined with a global manufacturing and distribution footprint, enables RPM to meet specialized performance requirements across diverse climates, regulatory environments and application standards, reinforcing its role as a key provider of protective and decorative materials worldwide.
Investor Outlook
With RPM International Inc. holding a C (Hold) Weiss Rating, the stock appears positioned for steady, rather than aggressive, upside as the Materials landscape evolves. Investors may find opportunity ahead by watching how RPM tracks broader sector trends and whether its risk‑reward profile improves enough to warrant a higher rating over time. See full rankings of all C-rated Materials stocks inside the Weiss Stock Screener.
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