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Stock Comparison · Industry comparison · Specialty Chemicals

Ecolab vs RPM International: Which Stock Looks Stronger in 2026?

The structural profiles are close, with Ecolab carrying a narrow edge on valuation. RPM International still has the edge on valuation, which keeps the comparison from looking entirely one-sided. Both sides have seen trend damage — neither carries a clear market edge right now. With both trends damaged, the structural comparison carries most of the weight here.

The comparison is based on similar long-term financial trajectories, not sector labels.

Updated 2026-04-05

Valuation points more clearly toward RPM International Inc., even if the broader score still leans toward Ecolab Inc..

INDUSTRY COMPARISON

Both operate in: Specialty Chemicals

This comparison is based on industry proximity, not on functional trajectory similarity. ECL and RPM share the same industry classification.

For a similarity-based comparison, see how Ecolab and RPM International each position within their functional peer groups in AssetNext.

Peer-Relative Score
ECL
Ecolab Inc.
66
Peer-Score
Signal qualityHigh
vs
RPM
RPM International Inc.
63
Peer-Score
Signal qualityMedium

Scores reflect position relative to comparable companies with similar long-term financial trajectories.

The largest gaps do not all point in the same direction.

Dimension spread: ECL vs RPM Profitability 84 56 Stability 65 59 Valuation 50 82 Growth 62 49 ECL RPM
Gap Ranking
#1 Valuation +32
#2 Profitability +28
#3 Growth +13
#4 Stability +6
Price Setup

Left means cheaper relative valuation. Higher means stronger structure.

Price setup map for ECL and RPM Stronger + cheaper Stronger + richer Weaker + cheaper Weaker + richer ECLRPM Relative valuation Structural strength

Ecolab Inc. looks stronger, but the price setup still looks more supportive for RPM International Inc..

Valuation position uses peer-relative PE percentile (idx_pct_pe) where available.

Relative Position vs Comparable Companies
Valuation
Both profiles are strong on valuation, but RPM International Inc. leads clearly.
Profitability
On profitability, the edge is clear — both rank well, but Ecolab Inc. sits noticeably higher.
Valuation — Dominant Gap
ECL
50
RPM
82
Gap+32in favour of RPM

The peer-relative valuation gap is wide, with the stronger side also looking meaningfully cheaper.

What else supports the lead

Profitability adds a second layer of support to the lead, with a 7.5-point operating margin advantage.

What this means for the comparison

Valuation is the clearest driver of the lead, with profitability adding further support — though valuation still provides a real counterweight.

Explore full peer positioning in AssetNext

Break down the ECL vs RPM comparison across all dimensions with the full interactive tool.

Explore full breakdown →
Other comparisons with conflicting dimension signals

Explore how ECL and RPM each compare against other companies in their peer groups.

Rule-based, descriptive analysis only. Derived from peer percentile dimensions. Not investment advice. Peer groups are determined algorithmically based on structural similarity — not by sector classification alone.

How AssetNext Peer Scores Work

AssetNext scores reflect each company's structural position within its functional peer group — not a ranking against all stocks simultaneously. Peers are identified by similarity across eight financial dimensions, including revenue growth trajectory, margin structure, capital intensity, and earnings stability. A score of 75 means the company ranks in the top quartile within its own peer group, not the entire market.

Four dimension scores drive the overall peer score: Growth (revenue trajectory and expansion dynamics), Quality (margin structure and capital efficiency), Valuation (peer-relative pricing on standard multiples), and Stability (earnings consistency and financial predictability). Each dimension is scored 0–100 relative to the peer group, then combined into an overall peer score using equal weighting.

Scores are recalculated periodically as underlying financial data is updated. All analysis is descriptive and rule-based — AssetNext describes structural realities and never issues buy, sell or hold recommendations.