RPM International vs SQM

This page compares RPM International Inc. and SQM (Chemical & Mining Co. of Chile Inc.). It explores business models, financial performance, and market context in a neutral, accessible way. The comparison is designed to help readers understand structural differences and similarities without making predictions. Educational content, not financial advice.

This page compares RPM International Inc. and SQM (Chemical & Mining Co. of Chile Inc.). It explores business models, financial performance, and market context in a neutral, accessible way. The compar...

About The Companies

RPM International (RPM)

RPM International Inc (RPM) is a US-based manufacturer and distributor of specialty coatings, sealants and building materials serving industrial, commercial and consumer markets. Its portfolio includes well-known brands across coatings, roofing, and construction-adjacent products and has grown through a mix of organic investment and acquisitions. With a market capitalisation around $14.5bn, RPM is often valued for steady, diversified end-market exposure — from construction and infrastructure to consumer maintenance — and a history of returning cash to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. Investors should note familiar drivers: pricing power in differentiated products, recurring maintenance demand and the company’s acquisitive strategy. Key risks include raw material cost volatility, cyclical activity in construction, currency and integration risk from acquisitions. This note is for educational purposes only, not personalised investment advice; values can rise and fall and past performance is not a guide to the future. Consider suitability for your circumstances before acting.

SQM (SQM)

Chemical & Mining Co. of Chile Inc. (SQM) is a Chile-based producer of lithium, potassium nitrate, iodine and specialty fertilisers. As one of the world’s larger lithium suppliers, SQM benefits from demand for electric vehicle batteries and grid storage but remains exposed to commodity price cycles. The company’s operations are concentrated around salt flats in northern Chile, which can create regulatory, environmental and water‑use sensitivities. Revenue streams are diversified across fertilisers, industrial chemicals and specialty products, yet earnings can be cyclical and influenced by global agricultural demand, lithium pricing and currency moves. Investors should weigh potential upside from structural lithium demand against volatility, regulatory risk and operational concentration. Market capitalisation is about $11.97bn. This is general educational information only — not personal investment advice. Values can rise and fall and suitability depends on your circumstances; consult a qualified financial adviser for tailored guidance.

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

RPM

Metric

SQM

$13.75B

Market Cap

$17.62B

24.31%

Potential Profit

-2.34%

Buy

Analyst Rating

Hold

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Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Chemical Sector: Berkshire's $10B Acquisition Impact

Berkshire Hathaway's potential $10 billion acquisition of Occidental's OxyChem unit signals a major investment in the industrial chemical sector. This move could create ripple effects, presenting opportunities for other chemical manufacturers who stand to gain from shifts in the market.

Published: October 1, 2025

Explore Basket

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The Federal Reserve is holding interest rates steady, signaling that tariff-induced inflation is a primary concern, even over potential employment risks. This creates an investment opportunity in companies that are insulated from international trade disputes and can maintain pricing power during inflationary periods.

Published: August 21, 2025

Explore Basket

Navigating Persistent Inflation

Recent data shows inflation remains stubbornly high, reducing the likelihood of Federal Reserve rate cuts. This environment favors companies with strong pricing power that can protect their profit margins by passing increased costs to consumers.

Published: July 31, 2025

Explore Basket

Investment Analysis