On January 9, 2026, RPM International Inc. (NYSE: RPM) received a notable ratings upgrade to “Overweight” from Jeffrey Zekauskas at JP Morgan, suggesting an optimistic outlook for the stock amid a backdrop of fluctuating market conditions. With a recent share price of $106.61 and a price target set at $117, the revision signals a potential upside for investors as the company navigates its current growth trajectory.
Recent Price Action
In the past week, RPM has exhibited a gain of $4.23, translating to an increase of approximately 3.93%. This price movement highlights a degree of volatility, as the stock has fluctuated around a 52-week high of $131.42 and a low of $11.90. The current trading volume of 709,873 shares, while below the average volume of 972,583 over three months, indicates cautious investor engagement. The stock’s beta of 1.109 suggests it has higher volatility compared to the broader market, making it an intriguing option for those willing to embrace potential risk in exchange for opportunity.
Historical Performance
Analyzing RPM’s returns over different periods reveals a complex picture. Over the past 30 days, the stock has climbed 1.24%, positional improvement within a generally bearish quarter, where it has dropped 5.45%. Year-over-year, the stock has underperformed, declining 10.61%. The weekly volatility stands at 2.63%, reflecting a pattern of price swings that could be indicative of broader market uncertainties or specific operational challenges facing RPM. In the context of volume, the average for the past 10 days has reached 1,414,206 shares, further emphasizing a spike in trading as the firm looks to pivot under new analyst scrutiny.
Earnings Analysis
Recently reported earnings reflect RPM’s robust financial health and management effectiveness. For the most recent quarter ending on October 1, 2025, RPM posted an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.88, slightly eclipsing analyst expectations of $1.87. This represents a positive surprise factor of approximately 0.53%, underscoring the company’s ability to meet and slightly exceed market forecasts. Comparing this with the previous quarter (July 24, 2025), where RPM also exceeded expectations significantly, posting an EPS of $1.72 against an estimate of $1.59 with an impressive surprise of 8.18%, suggests a consistent trend of solid earnings performance.
Analyst / Consensus View
Following its recent rating upgrade, RPM holds a favorable position among analysts, with a consensus breakdown reflecting 7 total ratings—6 classified as “Buy,” 1 as “Hold,” and none as “Sell.” The average price target currently sits at $129.14, with JP Morgan’s updated target of $117 illustrating confidence in the company’s growth potential. High expectations are set further afield, with a notable target reaching $138, thereby indicating an optimistic outlook among market analysts regarding RPM’s future performance.
Stock Grading or Fundamental View
The Stocks Telegraph Grading Score for RPM stands at 48, reflecting a mixed sentiment on its overall health and investment profile amidst its current market performance. This grading suggests that while RPM has foundational strengths, particularly in maintaining solid earnings performance and analyst support, there may be areas for improvement to maximize its competitive edge in the market.
Conclusion
RPM International Inc. presents a compelling opportunity for investors looking for a blend of potential growth and robust earnings prospects. Its “Overweight” rating from JP Morgan, combined with positive earnings surprises, positions RPM well for both medium- and long-term investors. However, potential investors should remain mindful of the inherent risks associated with stock volatility and recent turbulent performance trends. As such, RPM may particularly suit those investors looking for a growth-oriented play with a strong commitment to financial discipline and operational adaptations. As the company charts its course amid external market challenges, it remains one to watch closely as it potentially bounces back from recent lows.