Concerned About Inflation? Consider Adding These 3 Basic Materials Stocks to Your Portfolio Inflationary concerns are rising as the economy recovers, and there is more fiscal stimulus in the pipeline. Dow Inc. (DOW), Linde PLC (LIN), and Rio...

Dow Inc. (DOW)

DOW, a material science business, provides sustainable basic materials. The company raked in nearly $39 billion in cash last year alone. DOW materials are used for products and solutions in everything from infrastructure to packaging and consumer care products.

DOW has a forward P/E ratio of just under 9, meaning it will probably hold steady should the market significantly undulate. DOW has a beta of 1.74, so it probably won't take investors for a roller coaster ride if the market jumps or slides.

DOW is a POWR Ratings success with an overarching B rating indicating it is a Buy. DOW has Bs in the Value, Sentiment, and Growth components of the POWR Ratings. Investors who would like to learn more about how DOW grades out in the rest of the POWR Ratings components such as Quality, Momentum, and Stability can find out by clicking here.

DOW is ranked 20th of nearly 100 stocks in the Chemicals segment. Click here to learn more about the stocks in this category.

If the top analysts are right, DOW will reach the average target price of $66.86, ultimately spiking by just under 6%. The lowest target price for the stock is $44. The highest target price for DOW is $80. DOW's average analyst target price has increased more than $28 across the prior 12 months.

Linde PLC (LIN)

Headquartered in Guildford, LIN is the top producer of industrial gases used in all sorts of industries including healthcare, electronics, manufacturing, food & beverage, and chemicals & refining. In short, LIN makes the world that much more productive in several regards. As an example, LIN's oxygen is used to provide hospitalized patients with life support.

LIN has a forward P/E ratio of 28.72 indicating it might be slightly overvalued at $290 per share. The stock's 52-week high is $305.71. LIN's 52-week low is $209.45. LIN has a beta of 0.78 so it won't undulate much should the market fluctuate.

LIN has a B POWR Rating indicating it is a Buy. The stock has an A Momentum component grade along with Bs in the Quality, Sentiment, Growth, and Stability components. You can find out how LIN fares in the Value component of the POWR Ratings by clicking here.

Of the 99 stocks in the Chemicals segment, LIN is ranked 32nd. You can find out more about the stocks in this space by clicking here.

The analysts are bullish on LIN, setting an average target price of $329.25 for the stock. If LIN hits this target price, it will have popped by more than 15%. Exactly 23 analysts have issued LIN recommendations. Five of the analysts view the stock as a Strong Buy, 14 view it as a Buy and four view it as a Hold.

Rio Tinto (RIO)

RIO, a global mining business, mines aluminum, zinc, diamonds, zircon, uranium, tin, lead, and silver. The company's mining operations take place in Europe, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

There is a good argument to be made that RIO is underpriced at $84.45 as the stock's forward P/E ratio is a mere 5.38. RIO is currently priced about $10 below its 52-week high of $95.97. RIO is also intriguing as it appears to be a relatively safe stock. RIO's beta is 0.61.

RIO has a B POWR Rating grade. The stock has Bs in the Value and Stability components of the POWR Ratings. RIO has C grades in the Sentiment and Growth components of the POWR Ratings. Click here to find out how the stock fares in the Quality and Momentum components.

RIO is ranked fifth of 41 stocks in the Industrial - Metals category. You can find out more about the stocks in this category by clicking here.