12 Best Nickel Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds

10. Materion Corporation (NYSE:MTRN)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 15   

The products of Materion Corporation (NYSE:MTRN) include copper-based alloys, specialty coatings, inorganic chemicals and powders, precious and non-precious specialty metals, and specialized engineered beryllium. The firm’s primary raw elements are ruthenium, silver, tin, gold, nickel, palladium, platinum, cobalt, copper, aluminum, beryllium, and tantalum.

Despite the market downturn, Materion Corporation (NYSE:MTRN) released solid financial results for the fourth quarter that concluded on December 31, 2024. Value-added sales for the company grew by 2% year over year to $296.1 million, a 12% sequential rise. Its adjusted EBITDA rose by 15% to $61.5 million, and its margins improved to 20.8%, placing it among the Best Nickel Stocks. The company’s 10% rise in adjusted earnings per share, or $1.55, was primarily the result of cost control and operational efficiency

However, the performance of its segments was varied, with the Performance Materials section showing growth. Value-added sales for the segments increased by 5% to $195.8 million, while EBITDA improved by 17% to $78.6 million. EBITDA increased to 18.7% over the prior year, but Materion Corporation (NYSE:MTRN)’s Electronic Materials area reported only 1% growth in sales to $78.6 million. Sales for the Precision Optics business, meanwhile, fell 17% to $21.7 million, resulting in a $1.1 million EBITDA loss. Lower volumes and an unfavorable product mix have been attributed to this.