ASH
Ashland Inc.
Chemicals - Specialty
Market Cap$2.50B
5Y Perf.-18.7%
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Stock Comparison
ASH vs RPM
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
RPM
RPM International Inc.
Chemicals - Specialty
Market Cap$13.12B
5Y Perf.+37.0%
ASH vs RPM — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | ASH | RPM |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Chemicals - Specialty | Chemicals - Specialty |
| Market Cap | $2.50B | $13.12B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $1.81B | $7.58B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-706M | $667M |
| Gross Margin | 28.6% | 41.2% |
| Operating Margin | -33.9% | 12.0% |
| Forward P/E | 14.5x | 18.7x |
| Total Debt | $1.57B | $2.96B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $215M | $302M |
ASH vs RPM — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
ASH
RPM
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland Inc. (ASH) | 100 | 81.3 | -18.7% |
| RPM International I… (RPM) | 100 | 137.0 | +37.0% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: ASH vs RPM
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: RPM leads in 4 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and profitability and margin quality. Ashland Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for valuation and capital efficiency and dividend income and shareholder returns. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
ASH
Ashland Inc.
The Defensive Pick
ASH is the clearest fit if your priority is sleep-well-at-night and defensive.
- Lower volatility, beta 1.29, Low D/E 82.7%, current ratio 2.85x
- Beta 1.29, yield 3.0%, current ratio 2.85x
- Lower P/E (14.5x vs 18.7x)
Best for: sleep-well-at-night and defensive
RPM
RPM International Inc.
The Income Pick
RPM carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 30 yrs, beta 1.01, yield 1.9%
- Rev growth 0.5%, EPS growth 17.3%, 3Y rev CAGR 3.2%
- 134.8% 10Y total return vs ASH's 22.2%
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | RPM | 0.5% revenue growth vs ASH's -13.7% |
| Value | ASH | Lower P/E (14.5x vs 18.7x) |
| Quality / Margins | RPM | 8.8% margin vs ASH's -39.0% |
| Stability / Safety | RPM | Beta 1.01 vs ASH's 1.29 |
| Dividends | ASH | 3.0% yield, 7-year raise streak, vs RPM's 1.9% |
| Momentum (1Y) | ASH | +16.8% vs RPM's -3.9% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | RPM | 8.5% ROA vs ASH's -15.5%, ROIC 13.3% vs -15.9% |
ASH vs RPM — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
ASH vs RPM — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLRPMLAGGINGASH
ASHAshland Inc.
1leads
RPMRPM International Inc.
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs ASHMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
RPM5/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
ASH4/4
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
RPM6/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
RPM5/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
RPM leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
RPM is the larger business by revenue, generating $7.6B annually — 4.2x ASH's $1.8B. RPM is the more profitable business, keeping 8.8% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to ASH's -39.0%.
| Metric | ASHAshland Inc. | RPMRPM International… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $1.8B | $7.6B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | -$430M | $1.1B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$706M | $667M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $343M | $583M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +28.6% | +41.2% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | -33.9% | +12.0% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | -39.0% | +8.8% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +19.0% | +7.7% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +0.6% | +3.5% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -46.2% | -11.3% |
RPM leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
ASH leads this category, winning 4 of 4 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
| Metric | ASHAshland Inc. | RPMRPM International… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $2.5B | $13.1B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $3.9B | $15.8B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -2.97x | 19.15x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 14.51x | 18.66x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 1.06x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | — | 14.34x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 1.37x | 1.78x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.32x | 4.55x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | 24.37x |
ASH leads this category, winning 4 of 4 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
RPM leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
RPM delivers a 21.3% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $21 in annual profit, vs $-38 for ASH. ASH carries lower financial leverage with a 0.83x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to RPM's 1.03x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), RPM scores 7/9 vs ASH's 6/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | ASHAshland Inc. | RPMRPM International… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -37.5% | +21.3% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -15.5% | +8.5% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | -15.9% | +13.3% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | -16.6% | +15.9% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 6 | 7 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.83x | 1.03x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $1.4B | $2.7B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $215M | $302M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $1.6B | $3.0B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | -9.20x | 8.51x |
RPM leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
RPM leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in RPM five years ago would be worth $11,426 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $7,012 for ASH. Over the past 12 months, ASH leads with a +16.8% total return vs RPM's -3.9%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors RPM at 10.4% vs ASH's -12.8% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | ASHAshland Inc. | RPMRPM International… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -8.1% | -0.2% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +16.8% | -3.9% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -33.6% | +34.5% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -29.9% | +14.3% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +22.2% | +134.8% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -12.8% | +10.4% |
RPM leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — ASH and RPM each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
RPM is the less volatile stock with a 1.01 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than ASH's 1.29 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. ASH currently trades 83.2% from its 52-week high vs RPM's 79.3% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | ASHAshland Inc. | RPMRPM International… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.29x | 1.01x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $65.65 | $129.12 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $46.30 | $92.92 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +83.2% | +79.3% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 42.5 | 40.2 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 690K | 933K |
Evenly matched — ASH and RPM each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — ASH and RPM each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates ASH as "Buy" and RPM as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 22.7% upside for ASH (target: $67) vs 19.8% for RPM (target: $123). For income investors, ASH offers the higher dividend yield at 3.03% vs RPM's 1.95%.
| Metric | ASHAshland Inc. | RPMRPM International… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $67.00 | $122.67 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 24 | 22 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +3.0% | +1.9% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 7 | 30 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $1.65 | $1.99 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +4.0% | +0.7% |
Evenly matched — ASH and RPM each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
RPM leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). ASH leads in 1 (Valuation Metrics). 2 tied.
Best OverallRPM International Inc. (RPM)Leads 3 of 6 categories
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ASH vs RPM: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is ASH or RPM a better buy right now?
For growth investors, RPM International Inc.
(RPM) is the stronger pick with 0. 5% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -13. 7% for Ashland Inc. (ASH). RPM International Inc. (RPM) offers the better valuation at 19. 1x trailing P/E (18. 7x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Ashland Inc. (ASH) a "Buy" — based on 24 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — ASH or RPM?
On forward P/E, Ashland Inc.
is actually cheaper at 14. 5x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — ASH or RPM?
Over the past 5 years, RPM International Inc.
(RPM) delivered a total return of +14. 3%, compared to -29. 9% for Ashland Inc. (ASH). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: RPM returned +134. 8% versus ASH's +22. 2%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — ASH or RPM?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), RPM International Inc.
(RPM) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 01β versus Ashland Inc. 's 1. 29β — meaning ASH is approximately 28% more volatile than RPM relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Ashland Inc. (ASH) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 83% versus 103% for RPM International Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — ASH or RPM?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), RPM International Inc.
(RPM) is pulling ahead at 0. 5% versus -13. 7% for Ashland Inc. (ASH). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: RPM International Inc. grew EPS 17. 3% year-over-year, compared to -643. 5% for Ashland Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, RPM leads at 3. 2% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — ASH or RPM?
RPM International Inc.
(RPM) is the more profitable company, earning 9. 3% net margin versus -46. 3% for Ashland Inc. — meaning it keeps 9. 3% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: RPM leads at 12. 3% versus -42. 5% for ASH. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — RPM leads at 41. 4%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is ASH or RPM more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Ashland Inc.
(ASH) trades at 14. 5x forward P/E versus 18. 7x for RPM International Inc. — 4. 2x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for ASH: 22. 7% to $67. 00.
08Which pays a better dividend — ASH or RPM?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Ashland Inc. (ASH) offers the highest yield at 3. 0%, versus 1. 9% for RPM International Inc. (RPM).
09Is ASH or RPM better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, RPM International Inc.
(RPM) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 1. 01), 1. 9% yield, +134. 8% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (RPM: +134. 8%, ASH: +22. 2%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between ASH and RPM?
Both stocks operate in the Basic Materials sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: ASH is a small-cap income-oriented stock; RPM is a mid-cap quality compounder stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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