The 2013 All-America Research Team: Chemicals, No. 3: P.J. Juvekar

Finishing in third place, down one rung from the past two years, Citi’s P.J. Juvekar is hailed for his ability to “discern themes and how they affect the longer-term prospects of companies,” as one portfolio manager puts it. In July 2012 he resumed coverage of Eastman Chemical Co. with a buy recommendation, at $49.72, citing its acquisition that month of St. Louis–based Solutia, which increased Eastman’s exposure to the Asia-Pacific and specialty-chemicals markets. Through August 2013 shares of the Kingsport, Tennessee–based adhesives and plastics maker leaped 52.9 percent, to $76, and he continues to favor them. Juvekar’s current top pick is LyondellBasell Industries, a Netherlands-headquartered plastics and fuels producer whose shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange. He upgraded the stock from hold to buy in May, at $61.55, partly on the company’s free cash flow generation and share buybacks. At the end of August, the it was up 14.8 percent, to $70.15. — Ben Mattlin