RBC Bearings (RBC) vs Reliance (RS)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Reliance (RS) has outperformed RBC Bearings (RBC) over the past year, gaining 44.1% versus a gain of 28.5%. Over five years, RS leads with a +172.7% price change compared with +121.5% for RBC. Reliance is the larger company by market cap ($20.55 billion vs $15.95 billion), about 1.3 times the size, while RBC Bearings is growing revenue faster (+14.3% vs +3.3%).
On valuation, Reliance trades at a lower forward P/E (17.0x vs 30.3x for RBC Bearings). Reliance pays a dividend yielding 1.22%, while RBC Bearings does not currently pay one. RBC Bearings converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 15.4% versus 5.2%.
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 | RBC | RS |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $503.68 | $402.45 |
| Market cap | $15.95B | $20.55B |
| 1-day change | +2.58% | +1.40% |
| YTD return | +9.49% | +39.32% |
| 1-year return | +28.47% | +44.08% |
| 5-year return | +121.52% | +172.70% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 49.77 | 23.38 |
| Forward P/E | 30.27 | 17.04 |
| EPS (TTM) | $10.12 | $17.21 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 1.22% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $4.90 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.87B | $14.29B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +14.34% | +3.32% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $287.60M | $739.40M |
| Gross margin | 44.37% | 28.74% |
| Operating margin | 22.50% | 7.08% |
| Net margin | 15.37% | 5.17% |
| 52-week high | $667.69 | $433.02 |
| 52-week low | $364.50 | $260.31 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -24.56% | -7.06% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +24.31% | +1.69% |
| Average volume | 270.15K | 319.62K |
| Shares outstanding | 31.66M | 51.05M |
| Employees | 5,816 | 15,700 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Metal Fabrications | Metal Fabrications |
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
- RS has outperformed RBC by 15.6 percentage points over the past year.
- RBC Bearings trades at a higher earnings multiple (49.8x vs 23.4x trailing P/E).
- Reliance offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.22% vs 0.00%).
- RBC Bearings is more profitable, keeping 15.4 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 5.2 cents for Reliance.
- RBC Bearings grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+14.34% vs +3.32%).
About RBC Bearings
RBC stock →RBC Bearings Incorporated manufactures and markets engineered precision bearings, components, and systems in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments: Aerospace/Defense and Industrial.
Industrials · Metal Fabrications · 5,816 employees
About Reliance
RS stock →Reliance, Inc. operates as a diversified metal solutions provider and metals service center company primarily in the United States and Canada.
Industrials · Metal Fabrications · 15,700 employees
RBC vs RS FAQ
Which is bigger, RBC Bearings or Reliance?
Reliance (RS) is larger, with a market capitalization of $20.55B compared with $15.95B for RBC Bearings (RBC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, RBC or RS?
RS returned +44.08% over the past 12 months, compared with +28.47% for RBC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, RBC or RS?
RS has the lower trailing P/E at 23.4, versus 49.8 for RBC. 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, RBC Bearings or Reliance?
Reliance pays a dividend yielding 1.22%, while RBC Bearings does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are RBC Bearings and Reliance in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Metal Fabrications industry within the Industrials sector.