5 most-watched FTSE stocks of 2021

Highlights

• 2021 was an eventful year when the nation witnessed its highest inflation since 2011.
• Some sectors like realty witnessed their golden days as average housing prices in the country surged to record highs.

The UK stock market witnessed an eventful year in 2021. Many significant developments occurred throughout the year. While the nation faced a severe energy crisis, it also witnessed its highest inflation since 2011, primarily due to a rise in energy prices and supply chain constraints.

At the same time, some sectors like realty witnessed their golden days as average housing prices in the country surged to record highs because of the high demand for big space and stamp duty holidays by the UK government.

Let us look at FTSE listed stocks that remained in focus throughout the year:

Meggitt Plc (LON: MGGT)

The company operates in the aerospace and defence sector. It provides various critical components like brake, vibration monitors, and energy storage devices to its clients and operates across 14 countries. The company’s stock was in the news for its £6.3 billion acquisition by the US-based Parker-Hannifin, which operates in a similar sector. However, the deal is currently being reviewed and yet to be approved by the UK regulator. After the deal announcement, the company’s stock price jumped by 60% in August 2021.

Meggitt Plc’s current market cap stands at £5,782.15 million as of 23 December 2021. In the last one year, the stock has given over 63% return to its shareholders.

Barratt Developments Plc (LON: BDEV)

The company is one of the largest housebuilders in the country, selling its residential apartments and commercial properties under various brand names. The company’s showed solid performance throughout the year mainly due to strong demand for new homes because of stamp duty holidays by the UK government. For the financial year ended 30 June 2021, the company has forward sales of 14,334 homes valued at £3,473.5 million.

Barratt Developments Plc’s current market cap stands at £7,566.22 million as of 23 December 2021. In the last one year, the stock has given a 9.26% return to its shareholders.

Glencore Plc (LON: GLEN)

The company operates in the metal and mining segment and is engaged in the exploration and production of over 90 commodities across its different mining assets worldwide. The economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a surge in demand for metals which was beneficial for the company resulting in high revenue and profitability. As a result, in the six months ended 30 June 2021, the company reported a 32% rise in revenue at USD 93,805 million.

Glencore Plc’s current market cap stands at £49,289 million as of 23 December 2021. In the last one year, the stock has given a 58.95% return to its shareholders.

CRH Plc (LON: CRH)

The company manufactures and distributes building materials like cement, concrete, precast, and many other products in the US and the UK market. The company’s business reported excellent growth in the first half of 2021, with a 15% rise in sales revenue at USD 14 billion, while its EBITDA stood at USD 2 billion. The high business growth was attributed to a strong recovery in residential repair, maintenance, and improvement activities amid economic recovery.

CRH Plc’s current market cap stands at £29,501 million as of 23 December 2021. In the last one year, the stock has given a 24.08% return to its shareholders.

Ashtead Group Plc (LON: AHT)

FTSE100 listed company operates in the equipment rental business offering different industrial and construction equipment to its clients from diverse industry segments. The company’s stock surprised many investors by delivering near to 100% return during the year. For the first quarter ended 31 July 2021, its rental revenue was up by 22% at USD 1,669 million, resulting in an operating profit of USD 477 million. The company’s business delivered strong growth compared to the pre-pandemic period.

Ashtead Group Plc’s current market cap stands at £26,768 million as of 23 December 2021. In the last one year, the stock has given a 75.65% return to its shareholders.