Albemarle (ALB) vs RPM International (RPM)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 10, 2026.
Summary
Albemarle (ALB) has outperformed RPM International (RPM) over the past year, gaining 4.9% versus a loss of 11.8%. Over five years, RPM leads with a +17.1% price change compared with -55.7% for ALB. RPM International is the larger company by market cap ($12.46 billion vs $11.95 billion), about 1.0 times the size.
On valuation, Albemarle trades at a lower forward P/E (9.0x vs 14.8x for RPM International). RPM International offers the higher dividend yield (2.21% vs 1.60%). RPM International converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 8.4% versus -9.9%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | ALB | RPM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $101.27 | $97.73 |
| Market cap | $11.95B | $12.46B |
| 1-day change | -0.81% | -1.71% |
| YTD return | -28.40% | -6.03% |
| 1-year return | +4.94% | -11.84% |
| 5-year return | -55.73% | +17.06% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 375.07 | 18.06 |
| Forward P/E | 8.97 | 14.77 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.27 | $5.41 |
| Dividend yield | 1.60% | 2.21% |
| Annual dividend | $1.62 | $2.16 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $5.14B | $7.86B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -4.37% | +6.66% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $-510.63M | $661.39M |
| Gross margin | 13.00% | 41.44% |
| Operating margin | -7.14% | — |
| Net margin | -9.93% | 8.41% |
| 52-week high | $221.00 | $121.78 |
| 52-week low | $88.01 | $92.92 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -54.18% | -19.75% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +66.45% | +29.26% |
| Average volume | 2.32M | 1.28M |
| Shares outstanding | 118.01M | 127.53M |
| Employees | 7,800 | 17,500 |
| Sector | Industrials | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Major Chemicals | Paints/Coatings |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- ALB has outperformed RPM by 16.8 percentage points over the past year.
- Albemarle trades at a higher earnings multiple (375.1x vs 18.1x trailing P/E).
- RPM International is more profitable, keeping 8.4 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -9.9 cents for Albemarle.
- RPM International grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+6.66% vs -4.37%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Albemarle in Industrials and RPM International in Consumer Discretionary.
About Albemarle
ALB stock →Albemarle Corporation provides energy storage solutions worldwide. It operates through three segments: Energy Storage, Specialties, and Ketjen.
Industrials · Major Chemicals · 7,800 employees
About RPM International
RPM stock →RPM International Inc. provides specialty chemicals for the construction, industrial, specialty, and consumer markets.
Consumer Discretionary · Paints/Coatings · 17,500 employees
ALB vs RPM FAQ
Which is bigger, Albemarle or RPM International?
RPM International (RPM) is larger, with a market capitalization of $12.46B compared with $11.95B for Albemarle (ALB).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ALB or RPM?
ALB returned +4.94% over the past 12 months, compared with -11.84% for RPM (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ALB or RPM?
RPM has the lower trailing P/E at 18.1, versus 375.1 for ALB. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Albemarle or RPM International?
RPM International has the higher yield at 2.21%, compared with 1.60% for Albemarle.
Are Albemarle and RPM International in the same industry?
No. Albemarle is in the Industrials sector, while RPM International is in Consumer Discretionary.