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FUL vs IOSP
Which Stock Would AI Choose? H.B. Fuller (FUL) vs. Innospec (IOSP) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- FUL is expanding adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) margins toward its 20% target, aided by pricing and restructuring.
- IOSP holds a net-cash balance sheet and a "Strong Buy" analyst consensus, but faces near-term margin pressure in its Performance Chemicals unit.
- Both companies are specialty chemicals businesses, yet they serve materially different end markets: adhesives versus fuel, personal care, and oilfield additives.
- FUL has drawn activist investor interest around its Building Adhesive Solutions segment, while IOSP is navigating storm-related operational disruption and raw-material cost inflation.
- Relative performance diverges: FUL trades near the low end of its 52-week range, while IOSP has held up better over the past year despite softer earnings momentum.
Introduction
Specialty chemicals companies rarely move in lockstep, and a side-by-side look at H.B. Fuller and Innospec highlights why. Both operate global, high-specification materials businesses, yet their growth drivers, balance sheets, and recent market positioning differ meaningfully. This stock comparison is most relevant for investors weighing a value-and-catalysts story against a defensive, cash-rich compounder. By examining relative performance, sector exposure, and momentum, traders and longer-term investors can better assess which profile fits the current market environment.
FUL Overview and Recent Performance
H.B. Fuller, the world's largest pure-play adhesives company, formulates and sells adhesives, sealants, and coatings across three segments: Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives; Engineering Adhesives; and Building Adhesive Solutions. In recent weeks the company reported solid quarterly results, with revenue up 5.2% and adjusted EBITDA rising roughly 9% as pricing actions and restructuring savings more than offset lower volumes and elevated raw-material costs.
Sentiment has been shaped by several forces. The company is executing its "Project Quantum Leap" manufacturing optimization program and is pursuing a medical expansion through a proposed Advanced Medical Solutions acquisition. At the same time, activist investor Ancora has made repeated, unsolicited offers for the Building Adhesive Solutions segment, which the board has unanimously rejected while announcing a broader "market check." Shares of FUL trade near the lower end of their 52-week range, pressured by soft volumes in consumer-linked and construction markets even as pricing and mix improve profitability.
IOSP Overview and Recent Performance
Innospec is an international specialty chemicals company operating three businesses: Performance Chemicals (personal care, home care, agrochemical, mining, and industrial markets), Fuel Specialties (fuel additives), and Oilfield Services. In recent quarters the company has delivered steady revenue growth, with Fuel Specialties showing volume gains, while Performance Chemicals has been hampered by a U.S. winter storm that disrupted operations at its North Carolina plants.
Market positioning is supported by a conservative balance sheet: Innospec ended its most recent quarter with roughly $289 million in cash and no debt, alongside a raised dividend and a new buyback authorization. However, near-term momentum has been mixed. Management has flagged expected gross-margin compression in Fuel Specialties from raw-material cost inflation and pricing lag, and the stock has lagged its broader industry over the past year. Shares of IOSP carry a "Strong Buy" consensus among a small group of analysts, reflecting a constructive longer-term view despite softer recent earnings trends.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast is one of balance-sheet strength versus catalyst density. IOSP operates with a net-cash position and lower financial risk, but its earnings momentum has been uneven as Performance Chemicals repairs operations and Fuel Specialties absorbs cost inflation. FUL, by comparison, carries leverage but offers a visible margin-expansion roadmap, activist-driven valuation catalysts, and pricing power that has consistently protected profitability.
End-market exposure also diverges. FUL leans on cyclical packaging, construction, aerospace, and electronics demand, while IOSP spans fuels, personal care, and energy production. Risk profiles differ accordingly: FUL faces raw-material and volume volatility, whereas IOSP contends with energy-market cyclicality and a concentrated, storm-exposed production footprint. On valuation, FUL screens as a deeper value opportunity, while IOSP's premium reflects its clean balance sheet and growth potential in fuel additives.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, catalysts, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward FUL in the current environment. The company's margin expansion is progressing on a consistent path, and its activist interest, dividend increase, share buyback, and medical diversification provide a cluster of identifiable catalysts. That said, the view is probabilistic rather than definitive: IOSP's net-cash balance sheet and analyst consensus argue for resilience, and its profile could regain favor if Fuel Specialties margins stabilize and Performance Chemicals volumes recover. Traders should weigh FUL's catalyst-rich but lower-momentum setup against IOSP's defensive quality.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is FUL is a StrongBuy and IOSP is a Hold.
FUL in downward trend: price may drop because broke its higher Bollinger Band on November 04, 2026
FUL broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 39 similar instances where the stock broke above the upper band. In 28 of the 39 cases the stock fell afterwards. This puts the odds of success at 72%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 35 of 56 cases where FUL's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 62%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 12, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on FUL as a result. In 61 of 85 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 72%.
FUL moved below its 50-day moving average on November 12, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where FUL declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 60%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The 10-day moving average for FUL crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on November 11, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 22 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
Following a +3.76% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where FUL advanced for three days, in 149 of 279 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. FUL’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 61 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.289) is normal, around the industry mean (2.284). P/E Ratio (14.665) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-17.137). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.840) is also within normal values, averaging (1.548). Dividend Yield (0.020) settles around the average of (0.039) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.801) is also within normal values, averaging (48.960).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 73 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly better than average sales and a considerably profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 89 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. FUL’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 84, placing this stock worse than average.
IOSP in downward trend: 10-day moving average crossed below 50-day moving average on November 06, 2026
The 10-day moving average for IOSP crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on November 06, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 11 of 19 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 58%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 04, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on IOSP as a result. In 37 of 83 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 45%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for IOSP turned negative on November 03, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 48 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 27 of the 48 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 56%.
IOSP moved below its 50-day moving average on November 04, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where IOSP declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 53%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 6 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an Uptrend is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 5 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +1.79% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where IOSP advanced for three days, in 200 of 316 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
IOSP may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 113 of 202 cases where IOSP Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 56%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 26 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 51 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.434) is normal, around the industry mean (2.284). P/E Ratio (15.929) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-17.137). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.580) is also within normal values, averaging (1.548). Dividend Yield (0.044) settles around the average of (0.039) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.254) is also within normal values, averaging (48.960).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. IOSP’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 74 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly better than average sales and a considerably profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. IOSP’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 84, placing this stock worse than average.
FUL | IOSP | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 9 | 71 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 61 Fair valued | 51 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 73 | 74 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 60 | 62 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 89 | 47 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 26 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
IOSP's Valuation (51) in the Chemicals Specialty industry is in the same range as FUL (61) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that IOSP’s stock grew similarly to FUL’s over the last 12 months.
IOSP's Profit vs Risk Rating (100) in the Chemicals Specialty industry is in the same range as FUL (100) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that IOSP’s stock grew similarly to FUL’s over the last 12 months.
FUL's SMR Rating (73) in the Industrial Specialties industry is in the same range as IOSP (74) in the Chemicals Specialty industry. This means that FUL’s stock grew similarly to IOSP’s over the last 12 months.
FUL's Price Growth Rating (60) in the Industrial Specialties industry is in the same range as IOSP (62) in the Chemicals Specialty industry. This means that FUL’s stock grew similarly to IOSP’s over the last 12 months.
IOSP's P/E Growth Rating (47) in the Chemicals Specialty industry is somewhat better than the same rating for FUL (89) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that IOSP’s stock grew somewhat faster than FUL’s over the last 12 months.
| FUL | IOSP | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | 1 day ago 54% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 70% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 45% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | N/A | 1 day ago 56% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 55% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 1 day ago 55% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 11 days ago 53% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 7 days ago 53% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 64% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | N/A | 1 day ago 56% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
FUL’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while IOSP’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- FUL’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- IOSP’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
FUL’s TA Score shows that 2 TA indicator(s) are bullish while IOSP’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- FUL’s TA Score: 2 bullish, 5 bearish.
- IOSP’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
FUL (@Chemicals: Specialty) experienced а -1.49% price change this week, while IOSP (@Chemicals: Specialty) price change was -0.03% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Chemicals: Specialty industry was -1.17%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -4.83%, and the average quarterly price growth was -10.65%.
Reported Earning Dates
FUL is expected to report earnings on Jan 20, 2027.
IOSP is expected to report earnings on Feb 23, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Chemicals: Specialty (-1.17% weekly)The specialty chemicals sector includes companies that produce chemicals and industrial gases, which are of relatively high-value, often made to customer specifications. Examples of specialty chemicals are electronic chemicals, industrial gases, coatings, adhesives and sealants, industrial and institutional cleaning chemicals. The products are often valued on the basis of their purposes/performances rather than for their composition. Linde Plc, Ecolab Inc., Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., and Dow, Inc. are some of the largest companies making specialty chemicals.
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FUL and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, FUL has been closely correlated with RPM. These tickers have moved in lockstep 73% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if FUL jumps, then RPM could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To FUL | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FUL | 100% | -2.33% | ||
| RPM - FUL | 73% Closely correlated | -2.51% | ||
| PPG - FUL | 70% Closely correlated | -2.10% | ||
| OLN - FUL | 65% Loosely correlated | -1.29% | ||
| AVNT - FUL | 65% Loosely correlated | -2.83% | ||
| ASIX - FUL | 64% Loosely correlated | +2.01% | ||
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IOSP and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, IOSP has been closely correlated with ASIX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 66% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if IOSP jumps, then ASIX could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To IOSP | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IOSP | 100% | +1.05% | ||
| ASIX - IOSP | 66% Closely correlated | +2.01% | ||
| FUL - IOSP | 62% Loosely correlated | -2.33% | ||
| MTX - IOSP | 61% Loosely correlated | -0.77% | ||
| OLN - IOSP | 59% Loosely correlated | -1.29% | ||
| KWR - IOSP | 55% Loosely correlated | -1.34% | ||
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