Should You Invest in the First Trust Materials AlphaDEX ETF (FXZ)?
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Sep 17 2024
0mins
Source: NASDAQ.COM
ETF Overview: The First Trust Materials AlphaDEX ETF (FXZ), launched in 2007, provides broad exposure to the Materials sector with assets over $335 million and an expense ratio of 0.62%. It aims to match the performance of the StrataQuant Materials Index and has a current Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold).
Performance Insights: FXZ has experienced a -6.77% loss year-to-date and a 0.83% gain over the past year, with a beta of 1.19 indicating medium risk. Its top holdings include United States Steel Corporation, FMC Corporation, and Reliance Inc., which collectively account for about 45.74% of total assets.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy FMC?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on FMC
Wall Street analysts forecast FMC stock price to rise
14 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
10 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 11.590
Low
13.00
Averages
19.08
High
28.00
Current: 11.590
Low
13.00
Averages
19.08
High
28.00
About FMC
FMC Corporation is a global agricultural sciences company engaged in providing farmers solutions that increase the productivity and resilience of their land. The Company’s crop protection solutions, including biologicals, crop nutrition, digital and precision agriculture, enable growers and crop advisers to address their challenges economically while protecting the environment. Its portfolio consists of three major pesticide categories: insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. The majority of its product lines consist of insecticides and herbicides, and it has a portfolio of fungicides mainly used in high-value crop segments. Its insecticides are used to control a wide spectrum of pests, while its herbicide portfolio primarily targets a large variety of difficult-to-control weeds. In addition, it is also investing in its Plant Health program, which includes biologicals, crop nutrition, and seed treatment products. Biological technologies serve as complements to its synthetic products.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
FMC Submits Regulatory Dossier for Next-Gen Herbicide
- Significant Milestone: FMC has submitted the regulatory dossier for rimisoxafen to the U.S. EPA, marking the first global submission for this groundbreaking herbicide, which represents a crucial step in addressing the escalating weed resistance challenges faced by growers.
- Dual Mode of Action: Rimisoxafen is the first herbicide classified as having a dual mode of action by the Global Herbicide Resistance Action Committee, inhibiting two distinct biochemical pathways in weeds, thereby delaying resistance development and enhancing crop protection effectiveness.
- Market Demand: With over 70 million hectares of corn and soybeans grown annually in the U.S. and growers spending more than $6 billion on weed control, the introduction of rimisoxafen aims to meet the urgent market demand for new herbicides, particularly against troublesome weeds like Palmer amaranth and waterhemp.
- R&D Commitment: This submission marks FMC's third novel herbicide regulatory application in recent years, reflecting the depth and productivity of the company's R&D pipeline, with plans to pursue regulatory submissions for rimisoxafen in additional key geographies and crop segments.
See More
FMC Submits Regulatory Dossier for Rimisoxafen Herbicide
- Significant Milestone: FMC has submitted the regulatory dossier for rimisoxafen to the U.S. EPA, marking the first global submission for this groundbreaking herbicide active ingredient, which is crucial in addressing the escalating weed resistance challenges faced by growers.
- Dual Mode of Action: Rimisoxafen is the first herbicide classified as having a dual mode of action by the Global Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC), inhibiting two distinct biochemical pathways in weeds, thereby delaying resistance development and enhancing crop protection efficacy.
- Market Demand: With over 70 million hectares of corn and soybeans grown annually in the U.S. and growers spending more than $6 billion on weed control, the introduction of rimisoxafen is expected to meet the urgent market demand for new herbicides, aiding farmers in tackling troublesome weeds like Palmer amaranth and waterhemp.
- R&D Commitment: This submission represents FMC's third novel herbicide active ingredient advanced to regulatory submission in recent years, showcasing the depth and productivity of the company's R&D pipeline and underscoring FMC's commitment to advancing next-generation crop protection solutions through the regulatory process.
See More
FMC and Tessenderlo Enter $400M Strategic Investment Agreement
- Strategic Investment Agreement: FMC and Tessenderlo Group have entered into a definitive agreement where Tessenderlo will make a strategic minority equity investment of approximately $400M at $13.30 per share, resulting in Tessenderlo owning about 20% of FMC's outstanding shares, marking the conclusion of FMC's Board's exploration of strategic options.
- Debt Repayment Plan: FMC intends to utilize the investment funds to pay down debt, aiming to achieve a target of approximately $1B in debt reduction, thereby improving the company's financial health and enhancing future financial flexibility.
- Stock Price Reaction: FMC shares rose by 2% in after-hours trading, reflecting a positive market response to the investment agreement, which may bolster investor confidence in the company's future growth potential.
- Strategic Implications: This investment not only provides FMC with essential funding but also signifies Tessenderlo's confidence in FMC's future, potentially laying the groundwork for enhanced competitiveness and market expansion for FMC in the industry.
See More
FMC Corp. Secures $400 Million Strategic Investment from Tessenderlo Group
- Strategic Investment Agreement: FMC Corp. has announced a definitive agreement with Tessenderlo Group for a strategic minority equity investment of approximately $400 million, with Tessenderlo acquiring shares at $13.30 each, resulting in a 20% ownership stake in FMC, thereby enhancing its influence within the company.
- Debt Reduction Plan: FMC intends to utilize the proceeds from this investment to reduce its debt, which is expected to assist in achieving its target of approximately $1 billion in debt repayment, thereby improving the company's financial health and enhancing operational flexibility for future growth.
- Conclusion of Strategic Review: This transaction concludes the strategic alternatives review initiated by FMC in February 2026, indicating that the company will continue to operate independently and execute its strategic plan, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.
- Stock Price Reaction: Following the announcement, FMC's stock price rose by 0.35% to $11.50 on the New York Stock Exchange, with an additional 4% increase in after-hours trading to $11.96, reflecting a positive market response to the investment news.
See More
FMC and Tessenderlo Sign $400 Million Investment Deal
- Investment Amount: Tessenderlo Group will invest approximately $400 million in FMC at $13.30 per share, resulting in Tessenderlo owning about 20% of FMC shares post-transaction, reflecting strong confidence in FMC's growth potential.
- Strategic Alignment: Tessenderlo CEO Luc Tack stated that this investment perfectly aligns with their strategy to expand their agro platform through cornerstone investments, indicating a long-term commitment to high-quality companies that may drive FMC's further development in agricultural sciences.
- Debt Repayment Plan: FMC intends to use the funds from this transaction to repay debt, aiming to achieve its target of around $1 billion in debt reduction, which will improve the company's financial health and enhance its market competitiveness.
- Conclusion of Strategic Options: This transaction marks the conclusion of FMC's search for strategic options announced in February, indicating that the company has solidified its future direction and aims to strengthen its capital structure by bringing in strategic investors.
See More
FMC and Tessenderlo Group Enter Strategic Investment Agreement
- Strategic Investment Amount: Tessenderlo Group will invest approximately $400 million in FMC at a price of $13.30 per share, resulting in a 20% ownership stake in FMC, significantly enhancing FMC's capital structure and supporting future growth.
- Debt Paydown Target: FMC plans to utilize the investment funds to pay down approximately $1 billion in debt, improving financial flexibility and providing funding assurance for independent operations and the advancement of its R&D pipeline.
- Completion of Strategic Review: This transaction marks the conclusion of FMC's Board of Directors' exploration of strategic options, demonstrating the company's commitment to optimizing its capital structure and focusing on core business, which is expected to create long-term value for shareholders.
- Positive Market Reaction: FMC's CEO stated that this investment will bring significant growth potential to the company, and combined with recent capital operations, FMC's leverage and liquidity have improved significantly, which is expected to enhance its competitive position in the market.
See More
FMC Submits Regulatory Dossier for Next-Gen Herbicide
- Significant Milestone: FMC has submitted the regulatory dossier for rimisoxafen to the U.S. EPA, marking the first global submission for this groundbreaking herbicide, which represents a crucial step in addressing the escalating weed resistance challenges faced by growers.
- Dual Mode of Action: Rimisoxafen is the first herbicide classified as having a dual mode of action by the Global Herbicide Resistance Action Committee, inhibiting two distinct biochemical pathways in weeds, thereby delaying resistance development and enhancing crop protection effectiveness.
- Market Demand: With over 70 million hectares of corn and soybeans grown annually in the U.S. and growers spending more than $6 billion on weed control, the introduction of rimisoxafen aims to meet the urgent market demand for new herbicides, particularly against troublesome weeds like Palmer amaranth and waterhemp.
- R&D Commitment: This submission marks FMC's third novel herbicide regulatory application in recent years, reflecting the depth and productivity of the company's R&D pipeline, with plans to pursue regulatory submissions for rimisoxafen in additional key geographies and crop segments.
See More
FMC Submits Regulatory Dossier for Rimisoxafen Herbicide
- Significant Milestone: FMC has submitted the regulatory dossier for rimisoxafen to the U.S. EPA, marking the first global submission for this groundbreaking herbicide active ingredient, which is crucial in addressing the escalating weed resistance challenges faced by growers.
- Dual Mode of Action: Rimisoxafen is the first herbicide classified as having a dual mode of action by the Global Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC), inhibiting two distinct biochemical pathways in weeds, thereby delaying resistance development and enhancing crop protection efficacy.
- Market Demand: With over 70 million hectares of corn and soybeans grown annually in the U.S. and growers spending more than $6 billion on weed control, the introduction of rimisoxafen is expected to meet the urgent market demand for new herbicides, aiding farmers in tackling troublesome weeds like Palmer amaranth and waterhemp.
- R&D Commitment: This submission represents FMC's third novel herbicide active ingredient advanced to regulatory submission in recent years, showcasing the depth and productivity of the company's R&D pipeline and underscoring FMC's commitment to advancing next-generation crop protection solutions through the regulatory process.
See More
FMC and Tessenderlo Enter $400M Strategic Investment Agreement
- Strategic Investment Agreement: FMC and Tessenderlo Group have entered into a definitive agreement where Tessenderlo will make a strategic minority equity investment of approximately $400M at $13.30 per share, resulting in Tessenderlo owning about 20% of FMC's outstanding shares, marking the conclusion of FMC's Board's exploration of strategic options.
- Debt Repayment Plan: FMC intends to utilize the investment funds to pay down debt, aiming to achieve a target of approximately $1B in debt reduction, thereby improving the company's financial health and enhancing future financial flexibility.
- Stock Price Reaction: FMC shares rose by 2% in after-hours trading, reflecting a positive market response to the investment agreement, which may bolster investor confidence in the company's future growth potential.
- Strategic Implications: This investment not only provides FMC with essential funding but also signifies Tessenderlo's confidence in FMC's future, potentially laying the groundwork for enhanced competitiveness and market expansion for FMC in the industry.
See More
FMC Corp. Secures $400 Million Strategic Investment from Tessenderlo Group
- Strategic Investment Agreement: FMC Corp. has announced a definitive agreement with Tessenderlo Group for a strategic minority equity investment of approximately $400 million, with Tessenderlo acquiring shares at $13.30 each, resulting in a 20% ownership stake in FMC, thereby enhancing its influence within the company.
- Debt Reduction Plan: FMC intends to utilize the proceeds from this investment to reduce its debt, which is expected to assist in achieving its target of approximately $1 billion in debt repayment, thereby improving the company's financial health and enhancing operational flexibility for future growth.
- Conclusion of Strategic Review: This transaction concludes the strategic alternatives review initiated by FMC in February 2026, indicating that the company will continue to operate independently and execute its strategic plan, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.
- Stock Price Reaction: Following the announcement, FMC's stock price rose by 0.35% to $11.50 on the New York Stock Exchange, with an additional 4% increase in after-hours trading to $11.96, reflecting a positive market response to the investment news.
See More
FMC and Tessenderlo Sign $400 Million Investment Deal
- Investment Amount: Tessenderlo Group will invest approximately $400 million in FMC at $13.30 per share, resulting in Tessenderlo owning about 20% of FMC shares post-transaction, reflecting strong confidence in FMC's growth potential.
- Strategic Alignment: Tessenderlo CEO Luc Tack stated that this investment perfectly aligns with their strategy to expand their agro platform through cornerstone investments, indicating a long-term commitment to high-quality companies that may drive FMC's further development in agricultural sciences.
- Debt Repayment Plan: FMC intends to use the funds from this transaction to repay debt, aiming to achieve its target of around $1 billion in debt reduction, which will improve the company's financial health and enhance its market competitiveness.
- Conclusion of Strategic Options: This transaction marks the conclusion of FMC's search for strategic options announced in February, indicating that the company has solidified its future direction and aims to strengthen its capital structure by bringing in strategic investors.
See More
FMC and Tessenderlo Group Enter Strategic Investment Agreement
- Strategic Investment Amount: Tessenderlo Group will invest approximately $400 million in FMC at a price of $13.30 per share, resulting in a 20% ownership stake in FMC, significantly enhancing FMC's capital structure and supporting future growth.
- Debt Paydown Target: FMC plans to utilize the investment funds to pay down approximately $1 billion in debt, improving financial flexibility and providing funding assurance for independent operations and the advancement of its R&D pipeline.
- Completion of Strategic Review: This transaction marks the conclusion of FMC's Board of Directors' exploration of strategic options, demonstrating the company's commitment to optimizing its capital structure and focusing on core business, which is expected to create long-term value for shareholders.
- Positive Market Reaction: FMC's CEO stated that this investment will bring significant growth potential to the company, and combined with recent capital operations, FMC's leverage and liquidity have improved significantly, which is expected to enhance its competitive position in the market.
See More
