From LIN to FCX: Top S&P 500 material stocks to explore this spring

The basic material companies specialize in processing raw materials like coal, metal, stone, wood, and some chemicals used in different industries.

The sector has immense importance in the country’s economic growth. Here we explore the top S&P 500 basic material stocks based on their market capitalization.

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Linde plc (NYSE: LIN)

Closing price on February 10, 2022: US$308.85

Market Cap: US$152.84 billion

One year return: 22.23%

Linde is a chemical and industrial gas company and manages its operations through various subsidiaries. It processes oxygen, nitrogen, helium, etc. It is based in Dublin, Ireland.

The company reported revenue of US$8.3 billion in Q4, FY21, up 14% YoY, while its net income from continuing operations was US$1.02 billion, or US$1.98 per diluted share. For fiscal 2021, its sales were US$30.8 billion.

Its P/E ratio is 40.74, the forward P/E for one year is 26.51, the dividend yield is 1.39%, and the annualized dividend is US$4.24.

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Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE: SHW)

Closing price on February 9, 2022: US$279.93

Market Cap: US$71.82 billion

One year return: 16.47%

Sherwin-Williams manufactures paints, coatings, and other related products. It is based in Cleveland, Ohio.

The company's net sales rose 6.1% YoY to US$4.76 billion in Q4, FY21, while its net income came in at US$304.0 million, or US$1.15 per diluted share. For fiscal 2021, the company's net sales jumped 8.6% YoY to US$19.94 billion.

Its P/E ratio is 39.36, the forward P/E for one year is 29.50, the dividend yield is 0.77%, and the annualized dividend is US$2.20.

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Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. (NYSE: FCX)

Closing price on February 9, 2022: US$43.91

Market Cap: US$62.59 billion

One year return: 40.6%

Freeport-McMoRan is a mining firm based in Phoenix, Arizona. It produces copper, gold, molybdenum, and other metals.

The company's revenue soared over 37% YoY to US$6.16 billion in Q4, FY21, while its net income attributable to common stock came in at US$1.10 billion, or US$0.74 per diluted share. For fiscal 2021, the company's net revenue was US$22.84 billion.

Its P/E ratio is 14.75, the forward P/E for one year is 11.41, the dividend yield is 0.69%, and the annualized dividend is US$0.30.

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Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE: APD)

Closing price on February 9, 2022: US$252.38

Market Cap: US$54.36 billion

One year return: -3.14%

It is a chemical company based in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, the company's revenue rose around 26% YoY to US$2.99 billion, while its net income came in at US$549.6 million, or US$2.52 per diluted share.

Its P/E ratio is 25.05, the forward P/E for one year is 24.50, the dividend yield is 2.31%, and the annualized dividend is US$6.48.

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Ecolab Inc. (NYSE: ECL)

Closing price on February 9, 2022: US$187.35

Market Cap: US$52.64 billion

One year return: -14.79%

Ecolab is a food safety firm that provides technology for water treatment, purification, and hygiene-related services. It is based in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The company is expected to release its fourth-quarter fiscal 2021 results on February 15.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2021, the company's net sales rose 10% YoY to US$3.32 billion, while its attributable net income came in at US$324.5 million, or US$1.12 per diluted share.

Its P/E ratio is 46.98, the forward P/E for one year is 39.61, the dividend yield is 1.07%, and the annualized dividend is US$2.04.

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Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM)

Closing price on February 9, 2022: US$$60.53

Market Cap: US$50.76 billion

One year return: 2.7%

Newmont is one of the leading gold mining companies in the world. It produces copper, silver, zinc, and lead. It is based in Denver, Colorado.

The company is expected to release its fourth quarter and fiscal 2021 financial results on February 24.

Meanwhile, in the third quarter of fiscal 2021, the company's sales were US$2.89 billion, while its net loss came in at US$243 million.

Its P/E ratio is 25.16, the forward P/E for one year is 20.59, the dividend yield is 3.48%, and the annualized dividend is US$2.20.

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Dow Inc (NYSE: DOW)

Closing price on February 9, 2022: US$60.95

Market Cap: US$44.81 billion

One year return: 4.82%

Dow Inc. is a chemical holding company based in Midland, Michigan. It provides services to sectors like packaging, infrastructure, mobility, etc.

The company's net sales grew 34% YoY to US$14.36 billion in Q4, FY21, while its net income came in at US$1.76 billion, or US$2.32 per diluted share. For fiscal 2021, the company's net sales were US$54.96 billion.

Its P/E ratio is 7.27, the forward P/E for one year is 9.07, the dividend yield is 4.52%, and the annualized dividend is US$2.80.

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Bottomline

The S&P 500 materials sector gained around 13% in one year but fell about 7% YTD. The basic material stocks are closely tied to economic growth. Despite the pandemic disruption, the sector witnessed modest growth in 2021. However, investors should carefully evaluate the companies before investing in the stock market.