Drilling Tools International and RPC Compared: Which Energy Stock Reigns Supreme?

An in-depth look at the performance, valuation, and prospects of these two small-cap energy companies.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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RPC (NYSE:RES) and Drilling Tools International (NASDAQ:DTI) are both small-cap energy companies, but a closer examination reveals key differences in their institutional ownership, insider holdings, revenue, earnings, profitability, and analyst sentiment. The analysis aims to determine which stock is the superior investment option.

Why it matters

Understanding the relative strengths and weaknesses of these two energy players is crucial for investors seeking to allocate capital in the small-cap energy sector. The findings could inform investment decisions and shed light on the competitive dynamics within the oilfield services industry.

The details

RPC has significantly higher institutional ownership at 41.1% compared to just 2.8% for Drilling Tools International. RPC also has a higher proportion of insider ownership at 60.5% versus 14.7% for Drilling Tools International. These ownership metrics suggest RPC enjoys stronger backing from large investors and insiders. In terms of financial performance, RPC outpaces Drilling Tools International in both revenue and earnings per share. However, Drilling Tools International trades at a lower price-to-earnings ratio, indicating it may be the more affordable of the two stocks. The analysis of profitability metrics like net margins, return on equity, and return on assets also favors RPC. Finally, sell-side analysts exhibit a stronger consensus rating and higher price target for RPC compared to Drilling Tools International.

  • The analysis is based on the latest available financial data as of February 18, 2026.

The players

RPC

A small-cap energy company that provides a range of oilfield services and equipment to oil and gas companies involved in exploration, production, and development.

Drilling Tools International

A small-cap energy company that provides oilfield equipment and services, including downhole tool rentals, machining, and inspection services, to support the global drilling and wellbore construction industry.

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What’s next

Investors should closely monitor the ongoing performance and competitive positioning of RPC and Drilling Tools International as they navigate the evolving dynamics of the oilfield services sector.

The takeaway

Based on the analysis, RPC appears to be the superior investment option compared to Drilling Tools International, given its stronger institutional backing, financial metrics, and analyst sentiment. However, investors should continue to closely evaluate the relative merits of these two small-cap energy players as market conditions evolve.