5 Best Basic Materials Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds

3. ​CRH plc (NYSE:CRH)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 88

​CRH plc (NYSE:CRH) is one of the best basic materials stocks to buy according to hedge funds. On April 30, CRH reported a strong start to 2026, with Q1 revenues rising 9% to $7.4 billion. This was fueled by positive underlying demand, disciplined pricing, and contributions from recent acquisitions, particularly within the Americas Materials Solutions segment, which saw a 21% revenue increase. While the company recorded a net loss of $0.2 billion due to higher depreciation and impairment charges, Adjusted EBITDA grew by 18% to $0.6 billion.

The company is actively reshaping its portfolio by reallocating capital toward higher-growth water infrastructure and utility markets. CRH agreed to $1.9 billion in divestitures across non-core businesses, including its construction accessories and lawn and garden operations. Simultaneously, it is investing $0.9 billion in nine acquisitions, highlighted by the $0.7 billion agreement to acquire Axius Water to strengthen its position in the specialized water quality solutions sector in North America.

​CRH plc (NYSE:CRH) reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance, projecting net income between $3.9 billion and $4.1 billion and Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $8.1 billion to $8.5 billion. The company continues to return value to shareholders, declaring a 5% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.39 per share and initiating a new $0.3 billion share buyback tranche.

​CRH plc (NYSE:CRH) manufactures and distributes a wide range of superior building materials and products used in infrastructure, commercial, residential, and public construction projects worldwide.