Air Products & Chemicals Inc. (APD); Dow Chemical Co (DOW): Billionaires Are Piling Into These 5 Basic Industries Stocks

Of the 59 funds managed by billionaires taken into consideration for this article, nine held Dow Chemical Co (NYSE:DOW) in their equity portfolios. The billionaire with the largest stake in the company among that collection is Dan Loeb, the founder and current manager of Third Point. Mr. Loeb’s fund has a holding of 22 million shares, which makes up more than 9% of its equity portfolio. Daniel S. Och’s OZ Management was increasingly bullish regarding Dow Chemical Co (NYSE:DOW), increasing its exposure to the stock by 38% last quarter to 13.70 million shares. George Soros is also betting on the stock, which has gained 9.2% year-to-date, after a mediocre performance in 2014.

With a total of eight major hedge funds disclosing a position in the stock, LyondellBasell Industries NV (NYSE:LYB) was certainly a popular pick amongst billionaire managers. Among the funds we track, David E. Shaw holds the largest stake in the company, which amounts to 9.70 million shares following a 43% increase to his fund’s exposure in the company last quarter. Furthermore, George Soros’ Soros Fund Management revealed LyondellBasell Industries NV (NYSE:LYB) as one of its new positions in the fourth quarter.

Billionaires are also piling into Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) and Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN), as a total of eight managers are betting on each stock. Although shares remained practically stagnant overall in 2014, Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) is off to a great start this quarter, gaining more than 8% year-to-date. Boykin Curry’s Eagle Capital Management was the company’s largest supporter on our billionaire list, revealing a stake of 9.87 million shares last quarter. Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) on the other hand is backed by Leon Cooperman, who holds 1.63 million shares through his fund Omega Advisors. Ken Griffin is also betting on this stock, which has yet to improve its performance this year; Griffin has a position of 639,300 shares.

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