CF Industries

CF

Market cap $18.6B

CF Industries was doing well financially even before the U.S. conflict with Iran. The company enjoys margin advantages because of its access to U.S. natural gas.

Here is how CF Industries (CF) and Carpenter Technology (CRS) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.

CF (CF) has an impressive earnings surprise history and currently possesses the right combination of the two key ingredients for a likely beat in its next quarterly report.

Of the S&P 500's top 20 biggest decliners, 19 companies are in either the oil and gas or the fertilizer business, and the other one is in agriculture.

CF's robust cash flows, backed by strong operations and nitrogen market tailwinds, are powering growth investments and shareholder returns.

CF stock surges 59% in three months on strong nitrogen demand and pricing, but rising gas costs threaten margins.

Oil, LNG, refining, shipping, and fertilizer companies could benefit from ongoing disruptions. U.S.-based producers and exporters are among those positioned to outperform due to supply chain shifts.

Energy stocks have fared well as crude-oil prices have shot up, but one other industry group has also done well since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28.

CF Industries produces fertilizer and uses transportation routes that are unaffected by the blockade. ExxonMobil is the largest U.S. oil and gas company, and higher prices at the pump should translate into better margins.

CF Industries Holdings (NYSE:CF) has been a standout performer in basic materials this year.