Since 2020, times have been uniquely unpredictable. The performance of the stock markets and FTSE 100 stocks twisted everyone’s brains. The lingering effects of the pandemic are still there, which has put every financial analyst in an uneasy position.

During these unstable market conditions, the FTSE companies, which are showing slow and steady improvement, are the ones that have caught my attention. So let’s explore my top picks of FTSE 100 stocks for my portfolio that meet this criterion.

CRODA International Plc

CRODA International (LSE:CRDA) is known for creating, making, and selling speciality chemicals that are relied on by industries and consumers everywhere. An approximate 40% growth in sales has helped push the company way above the pre-pandemic levels.

CRODA is accelerating towards growth through its strategic acquisitions. Due to extensive capital investment, the speciality chemical firm has experienced strong growth across all its business segments. In addition, the acquisition of Iberchem, a leading global fragrances and flavours company, and Avanti, a pioneer in drug delivery systems, has introduced some complementary synergies. As a result of these acquisitions, CRODA has expanded its reach into new markets, propelling its share price upward.

But it’s not a perfect business. The firm’s heavy reliance on debt is a major concern for me. Having a large pile of outstanding loans is always coupled with a large interest bill. The group is generating some notable cash flow to help mitigate this risk. But it’s still something I’ll be watching closely moving forward.

Spirax-Sarco Engineering

Spirax-Sarco Engineering (LSE:SPX) specializes in industrial machinery related to steam and industrial fluid control systems. Its complex nature and regulatory barriers have deterred most of the competition from entering the space, helping to make Spirax-Sarco a leader in its field.

Watson Marlow, the most crucial subsidiary of Spirax-Sarco, contributes around 50% of the total revenue stream in the first half of 2021. This firm manufactures displacement pumps that are used in biopharmaceutical companies. Due to vaccine production, the biopharma industry experienced explosive growth. As a result, Watson Marlow has enjoyed a 51% increase in operating profits so far this year.

The FTSE 100 stock grabbed my attention when this strong performance led to a roughly 38% rise in its share price in 2021. This growth, combined with a track record of delivering high returns, has made this business a must-add in my personal portfolio.

But growth often comes at a price. And after its recent boost, this stock is starting to look quite expensive. With investor expectations on the rise, the valuation has reached a price-to-earnings ratio of around 55. If management were to miss an earnings target or operational disruptions were to ensue, the stock could quickly reverse its recent gains. But over the long term, this is a risk I’m willing to take.

What’s next for these FTSE-100 stocks?

These FTSE-100 stocks have risen by approximately 40% in 2021. They are certainly not the best-performing stocks of the index. But the growth of these FTSE-100 companies are backed by strategic expansions and improved operation capacity. Therefore, as an investor, I believe these solid growth companies will add value to my portfolio over the long term.

Saima Naveed does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned. The Money Cog has no position in any of the companies mentioned at the time of writing. Views expressed on the companies and assets mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the opinions of analysts in The Money Cog Premium services.