Top 10 Up And Coming Companies To Own In Right Now

Source: jdacommunity.com.

With the stock market in nonstop rally mode over the past five years, an investor doesn't need to look far to uncover an overabundance of growth stocks. But not all growth stocks are created equal. While some could still lead investors to extraordinary gains, others appear considerably overvalued and could wind up burdening investors with hefty losses.

What exactly�is�a growth stock? Though it's arbitrary, I'll define a growth stock as any company forecast to grow profits by 10% per year or more over the next five years. To decide what's "cheap," I'll be using the PEG ratio, which compares a company's price-to-earnings ratio to its future growth rate. Any figure around or below one signals a cheap stock.

Here are three companies that fit the bill.

1. Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE: ADM  )
One the simplest and smartest ways to seek companies with strong growth prospects is to look for business tied to basic-needs goods and services. Archer Daniels Midland fits that bill perfectly, as it's involved in the food processing business, and the demand for food around the globe is only set to increase.

Top Retail Stocks To Own Right Now: Genco Shipping & Trading Limited (GNK)

Genco Shipping & Trading Limited engages in the ocean transportation of drybulk cargoes through the ownership and operation of drybulk carrier vessels worldwide. It transports iron ore, coal, grain, steel products, and other drybulk cargoes. The company charters its vessels primarily to trading houses, which include commodities traders; producers; and government-owned entities. Its fleet consists of 53 drybulk carriers, including 9 Capesize, 8 Panamax, 17 Supramax, 6 Handymax, and 13 Handysize drybulk carriers with an aggregate carrying capacity of approximately 3,810,000 dwt. The company, through its subsidiary, Baltic Trading Limited, operates a fleet of two Capesize, four Supramax, and three Handysize drybulk carriers with an aggregate carrying capacity of approximately 672,000 dwt. Genco Shipping & Trading Limited was incorporated in 2004 and is based in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By silvmich]

  This is Part Three of a series of articles published on GuruFocus outlining a short thesis against Genco Shipping and Trading (GNK). Part One was published on October 31, 2013 and Part Two was published on November 14, 2013. This Part Three provides certain updates on the situation, including recent news items, as well as a look into a number of counterarguments made against the short position.

• [By FinanceGuru]

  The second contrarian indicator is that the short interest in DryShips has increased significantly. They're topped only now by Genco Shipping (GNK), which is currently poised to be heading into bankruptcy.

Top 10 Up And Coming Companies To Own In Right Now: United Continental Holdings Inc.(UAL)

United Continental Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of passenger and cargo air transportation services. As of February 24, 2011, it operated a total of approximately 5,675 flights a day to 372 airports on 6 continents from their hubs in Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Guam, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo, as well as in Washington, D.C. The company was formerly known as UAL Corporation and changed its name to United Continental Holdings, Inc. on October 1, 2010. United Continental Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1934 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By DAILYFINANCE]

  Getty Images WASHINGTON -- As one part of the U.S. government looks to remove restrictions on making phone calls from airplanes, another agency is apparently considering its own prohibition. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Thomas Wheeler told members of Congress that while his agency sees no technical reason to ban calls on planes, Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx told him Thursday morning that the DOT will be moving forward with its own restrictions. Wheeler called his proposal to rescind the ban "the responsible thing to do." Calls have been prohibited for 22 years over fears that they would interfere with cellular networks on the ground. Technological advances had resolved those concerns. "When the rationale for a rule doesn't exist, the rule shouldn't exist," Wheeler told members of the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee during his 39th day in office. Wheeler said he has called the chief executives of major airlines, telling them that the government isn't requiring them to allow calls. Ultimately, the decision will rest with individual airlines. "I understand the consternation caused by the thought of your onboard seatmate disturbing the flight making phone calls. I do not want the person in the seat next to me yapping at 35,000 feet any more than anyone else," Wheeler said. "But we are not the Federal Courtesy Commission." The DOT, which includes the Federal Aviation Administration, wasn't immediately available for comment. The FCC proposal comes just weeks after the Federal Aviation Administration lifted its ban on using personal electronic devices such as iPads and Kindles below 10,000 feet, saying they don't interfere with cockpit instruments. An Associated Press-GfK poll released Wednesday found that 48 percent of Americans oppose allowing cellphones to be used for voice calls while flying; just 19 percent support it. Another 30 percent are neutral. Among those who fly, opposition is stronger. Loo

• [By Adam Levine-Weinberg]

  The battle for New York is heating up. America's two largest airlines, United Continental (NYSE: UAL  ) and Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL  ) are waging a running battle for the hearts and minds of New Yorkers, in an effort to win market share in the country's largest aviation market. More than 100 million people move through New York airports each year, and there is a heavy concentration of high-fare business travelers, making this a critical market for the legacy carriers.

• [By Charles Riley]

  3. Stock market movers: Airline shares were heading higher after American Airlines (AAL) and United Continental (UAL) provided upbeat forecasts.

  Shares of Tractor Supply Co. (TSCO) dropped 5% before the open after the company posted disappointing earnings on Wednesday.

• [By Tim Beyers and Erin Miller]

  While regulators aren't taking jets out of service to comply with the order, investors can hardly be blamed for being nervous in the wake of troubles with the 787. Leading 737 filers such as Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV  ) and United Continental (NYSE: UAL  ) should remain unaffected.

Top 10 Up And Coming Companies To Own In Right Now: Magellan Midstream Partners L.P.(MMP)

Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the transportation, storage, and distribution of refined petroleum products and crude oil in the United States. Its pipeline system transports petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gases from the Gulf Coast refining region of Texas through the Midwest to Colorado, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. The company owns and operates marine terminals, which store and distribute refined petroleum products, blendstocks, crude oils, heavy oils, and feedstocks, as well as inland terminals that consist of storage tanks connected to third-party interstate pipeline systems to deliver refined petroleum products. Its ammonia pipeline system transports ammonia from production facilities in Texas and Oklahoma to terminals in the Midwest. The company also stores, blends, and distributes biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel. As of March 31, 2011, it operated approximately 9, 600 miles of petr oleum products pipeline system and 51 terminals; 6 marine petroleum terminals located along the United States Gulf and East Coasts; a crude oil storage in Cushing, Oklahoma; 27 petroleum products inland terminals located principally in the southeastern United States; and a 1,100-mile ammonia pipeline system and 6 associated terminals. The company also provides ancillary services, such as heating, blending, and mixing of stored petroleum products and additive injection services. Its customers comprise independent and integrated oil companies, wholesalers, retailers, railroads, airlines, and regional farm co-operatives. The company serves various markets, including retail gasoline stations, truck stops, farm co-operatives, railroad fueling depots, and military and commercial jet fuel users. Magellan GP, LLC serves as the general partner of the company. The company was founded in 2000 and is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Marc Bastow]

  Refined petroleum products distributor Magellan Midstream Partners (MMP) raised its quarterly dividend 4.9% to 58.5 cent per share, payable on Feb. 14 to shareholders of record as of Feb. 7.
  MMP Dividend Yield: 3.53%

• [By David Dittman]

  Question: Do you see continued upside for Magellan Midstream Partners LP (NYSE: MMP)?

  Answer: I like Magellan Midstream�� crude oil exposure, and I love that the GP takes no incentive distribution rights, meaning LP unitholders receive 100 percent of distributable cash flow.

• [By Richard Stavros]

  Focusing on the energy infrastructure segment of the MLP market can provide a high level of cash flow stability while preserving inflation-hedging and diversification benefits. There is an explicit hedge against inflation in certain MLP contracts��or example, interstate crude oil pipeline companies, are allowed to increase their prices explicitly.
  
  The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulates pipelines and has established tariff rates that are adjusted on an annual basis to the PPI for finished goods plus 2.65%. MLPs also own real assets that provide value over replacement costs that generally increase during inflationary periods. Additionally, some MLPs considered to be ��idstream��also have diversified business lines with commodity exposure through upstream operations and experience increased revenues during periods of inflation due to higher commodity prices.
  
  As Morgan Stanley explains in a report, looking at the fixed income side, many MLPs have a ��oll-road��business model, resulting in cash flow stability. These MLPs receive a fee, or ��oll,��for handling a customer�� product on their infrastructure system.
  
  The MLP does not own the commodity, virtually eliminating commodity price exposure and smoothing out its cash flows. For example, natural gas pipelines receive stable income (essentially rental fees) from pipeline capacity reservations, independent of actual throughput, largely via ��hip-or-pay��contracts.
  
  Other product pipeline revenues typically depend on throughput, as noted above, but are protected by inflation escalators that act as a hedge. Finally other midstream assets have similar fee-based contracts that vary in risk depending on their position in the energy value chain. That’s why a potential MLP investor that wants to hedge against inflation will have to find the right combination of exposure to the commodity and its “toll-road” earnings.
  
  And MLP price perfo

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Abbvie (ABBV)
  Ameren Corp. (AEE)
  Arthur J. Gallagher (AJG)
  E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co. (DD)
  ENSCO (ESV)
  Enterprise Products Partners LP (EPD)
  General Mills (GIS)
  H&R Block (HRB)
  Hancock Holding (HBHC)
  Kraft Foods Group (KRFT)
  Lorillard (LO)
  Magellan Midstream Partners LP (MMP)
  MarkWest Energy Partners L P (MWE)
  McDonald’s (MCD)
  Microchip Technology (MCHP)
  NextEra Energy (NEE)
  Regency Centers (REG)
  TELUS Corp. (TU)
  West Corp. (WSTC)
  Williams Companies (WMB)

Top 10 Up And Coming Companies To Own In Right Now: First Republic Bank (FRC)

First Republic Bank is a full-service bank and wealth management firm. First Republic Bank and its subsidiaries provide private banking, private business banking and private wealth management, including investment, trust and brokerage services. The Company specializes in delivering service through offices in San Francisco, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Newport Beach, San Diego, Portland, Boston, Greenwich and New York City. The Company's products and services include residential lending, commercial real estate lending, personal lending, private business banking, deposit services, trust services, brokerage services and investment management services. Investment advisory services are provided by First Republic Investment Management, Inc. Trust services are provided by First Republic Trust Company. Brokerage services are offered through First Republic Securities Company, LLC. In March 2012, the Company announced the opening of a new trust company.

The Company offers full-service banking on both coasts, including free online banking, free bill pay and free access to over 800, 000 automated teller machines (ATMs) worldwide. Its private business banking provides specialized services for accounting firms, architecture and design, art and antique dealers, business management firms, business partnership, entertainment/media, entrepreneurs, family offices, financial services, independent school, investment firms, law firms, medical firms, non-profit organizations, private equity funds, property management firms, real estate investors, venture capital funds, wineries, and yacht, golf, city and country clubs. The Company�� private wealth management offers customized investment management, trust, and brokerage services for individuals, trust endowments, and pension plans. Wealth management services include asset allocation, trust administration and custody, portfolio management, financial and estate planning, manager selection and comprehensive brokerage services.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By ovenerio]

  The company has a current ROE of 10.72% which is higher than the industry median and BB&T (BBT), Sun Trust Banks (STI) and Regions Financial (RT). In general, analysts consider ROE ratios in the 15-20% range as representing attractive levels for investment. First Republic (FRC) is the one that is more closely to those levels.

Top 10 Up And Coming Companies To Own In Right Now: FirstMerit Corporation(FMER)

FirstMerit Corporation operates as the bank holding company for FirstMerit Bank, N.A. that provides a range of banking, fiduciary, financial, insurance, and investment services to corporate, institutional, and individual customers in northern and central Ohio, and western Pennsylvania. The company?s commercial business offers commercial term loans, revolving credit arrangements, asset-based lending, leasing, commercial mortgages, real estate construction lending, letters of credit, cash management services, and other depository products. Its retail business provides various financial products and services, including consumer direct and indirect installment loans, debit and credit cards, debit gift cards, residential mortgage loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, fixed and variable annuities, and ATM network services, as well as deposit products comprising checking, savings, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit. The company?s wealth business provides a sset management, private banking, financial planning, estate settlement and administration, and credit and deposit products and services. FirstMerit Corporation also offers trust and investment services, including personal trust and planning, and investment management; retirement plan services; retail mutual funds, other securities, variable and fixed annuities, personal disability and life insurance products, and brokerage services; and private banking services, including credit, deposit, and asset management solutions. As of December 31, 2009, it operated a network of 160 full service banking offices and 182 ATMs. The company was founded in 1855 and is headquartered in Akron, Ohio.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Tim Melvin]

  The year ahead should be a great one for the smaller bank stocks. Larger regionals like Huntington Bancorp (HBAN) and Capital Ban Financial (CBF) have made it clear they intend to grow by acquisition in the years ahead. Banks like First Merit (FMER) and First Merchants (FRME) have done deals in the past year and are open to doing more to increase their market share and footprints. This should be the year the floodgates open and we see the first wave of merger activity in small banks.

Top 10 Up And Coming Companies To Own In Right Now: AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)

AstraZeneca PLC (AstraZeneca), incorporated on June 17, 1992, is a global biopharmaceutical company. AstraZeneca discovers, develops and commercializes prescription medicines for six areas of healthcare: Cardiovascular, Gastrointestinal, Infection, Neuroscience, Oncology, and Respiratory and Inflammation. It has a range of medicines that includes treatments for illnesses, such as its antibiotic, Merrem/Meronem and Losec/Prilosec for acid related diseases. AstraZeneca�� products include Crestor, Atacand,Seloken/Toprol-XL, Plendil, Onglyza, Zestril, Symbicort and Zoladex. The Company owns and operates a range of research and development (R&D), production and marketing facilities worldwide. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries, including China, Mexico, Brazil and Russia. On August 31, 2011, the Company completed the sale of the Astra Tech business to DENTSPLY International Inc. On June 19, 2012, the Company acquired Ardea Biosciences Inc (Ardea), a biotechnology company in San Diego, California. In July 2012, the Company acquired a portfolio of neuroscience assets from Link Medicine Corporation. In August 2012, Alliance Pharma plc�� wholly owned subsidiary, Alliance Pharmaceuticals Limited, acquired the antimalarial brands Paludrine, Avloclor and Savarine from AstraZeneca UK Limited. In August 2012, the Company and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company announced the acquisition of Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. In June 2013, the Company acquired Pearl Therapeutics.

Cardiovascular

The Company�� marketed products include Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium), Atacand2 (candesartan cilexetil), Seloken/Toprol-XL (metoprolol succinate), Tenormin (atenolol), Plendil (felodipine), Zestril3 (lisinopril dihydrate), Brilinta/Brilique (ticagrelor), and Axanum, (acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Crestor1 is a statin used for the treatment of dyslipidaemia and hypercholesterolemia. In some markets, it is also indicated to slow the progression of atherosclerosis and to re! duce the risk of first cardiovascular (CV) events. Atacand2 is an angiotensin II antagonist used for the 1st line treatment of hypertension and symptomatic heart failure. Seloken/Toprol-XL is a beta-blocker once-daily tablet used for 24-hour control of hypertension and for use in heart failure and angina.

Tenormin is a cardioselective beta-blocker used for hypertension, angina pectoris and other CV disorders. Plendil is a calcium antagonist used for the treatment of hypertension and angina. Zestril3 is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor used for the treatment of a wide range of CV diseases, including hypertension. Brilinta/Brilique is an oral antiplatelet for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Axanum is a fixed dose combination indicated for prevention of CV events in high-risk CV patients in need of daily low-dose ASA treatment and who are at risk of gastric ulcers.

The Company�� marketed products for diabetes include Komboglyze ((saxagliptin and metformin HCl), Kombiglyze XR (saxagliptin and metformin XR) and Onglyza (saxagliptin). Komboglyze is an immediate release fixed dose combination indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adult patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled on their maximally tolerated dose of metformin alone or those already being treated with the combination of saxagliptin and metformin as separate tablets. Kombiglyze XR is an extended release fixed dose combination indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus when treatment with both saxagliptin and metformin is appropriate. Onglyza is a DPP-IV inhibitor used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

Gastrointestinal

AstraZeneca�� marketed products include Nexium (esomeprazole), Losec/Prilosec (omeprazole) and Entocort (budesonide). Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used for the treatment of acid-related diseases to offer clini! cal impro! vements over other PPIs and other treatments. Losec/Prilosec is used for the short-term and long-term treatment of acid-related diseases. Entocort is a corticosteroid used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Nexium is marketed in approximately 120 countries and is available in oral (tablet/capsules and oral suspension) and intravenous (i.v.) dosage forms for the treatment of acid-related diseases.

Infection

The Company�� marketed products include Merrem/Meronem (meropenem), Cubicin (daptomycin) and FluMist/Fluenz (influenza vaccine live, intranasal). Merrem/Meronem is a carbapenem anti-bacterial used for the treatment of serious infections in hospitalised patients. Cubicin is a cyclic lipopeptide anti-bacterial used for the treatment of serious infections in hospitalised patients. FluMist/Fluenz is an intranasal live, attenuated, trivalent influenza vaccine.

Neuroscience

AstraZeneca�� marketed products include Seroquel IR (quetiapine fumarate), Seroquel XR (an extended release formulation of quetiapine fumarate), Zomig (zolmitriptan), Diprivan (propofol), Vimovo (naproxen/esomeprazole magnesium), Naropin (ropivacaine), Xylocaine (lidocaine) and EMLA (lidocaine and prilocaine). Seroquel IR is an atypical anti-psychotic drug used for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (mania, depression and maintenance). Seroquel XR is used for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, MDD and in some territories for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).

Zomig is used for the treatment of migraines with or without aura and Zomig Nasal Spray is indicated for the acute treatment of cluster. Diprivan is an intravenous general anaesthetic used in the induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia, for use in intensive care sedation and conscious sedation for surgical as well as diagnostic procedures. Vimovo is a fixed-dose combination of enteric-coated naproxen (an NSAID) with the gastroprotection of immediate release ! esomepraz! ole (a proton pump inhibitor) for the relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, and to decrease the developing of gastric ulcers in patients at risk of developing NSAID-associated gastric ulcers. Naropin is used as a long-acting local anaesthetic, for surgical anaesthesia and acute pain management. Xylocaine is a used short-acting local anaesthetic. EMLA is used as a local anaesthetic for topical application.

Oncology

AstraZeneca�� marketed products include Arimidex (anastrozole), Zoladex (goserelin acetate implant), Casodex (bicalutamide), Iressa (gefitinib), Faslodex (fulvestrant), Nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate) and Caprelsa (vandetanib). Arimidex is an aromatase inhibitor used for the treatment of early breast cancer. Zoladex, in one- and three-month depots, is a luteinising hormone-releasing hormone agonist used for the treatment of prostate cancer, breast cancer and certain benign gynaecological disorders. Casodex is an anti-androgen therapy used for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Seth Robey]

  Lilly's most developed candidates don't do much to differentiate the pipeline from other, more robust Big Pharma pipelines. Take AstraZeneca's� (NYSE: AZN  ) pipeline for comparison. Facing similar revenue declines and an uncertain future, AstraZeneca's pipeline is loaded with drug candidates across multiple areas of medicine, with the built-in strategic flexibility of oncology combination therapies and partnerships. As peers such as AstraZeneca boast truly innovative personalized approaches to treating disease, Lilly's late-stage pipeline lacks the firepower needed to replace its lost revenue. While it is set to compete in some very large markets, namely diabetes and oncology, these markets will become increasingly crowded.

• [By Maynard Paton]

  LONDON -- The shares of�AstraZeneca� (LSE: AZN  ) (NYSE: AZN  ) added 6 pence to 3,359 pence during early London trade this morning after the company said it will write off $140 million following the outcome of a product trial.

Top 10 Up And Coming Companies To Own In Right Now: Basf SE (BASFY.PK)

BASF SE is a chemical company. The Company operates in six segments: Chemicals, Plastics, Performance Products, Functional Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. Chemicals segment offers products in the chemical, electronic, construction, textile, automotive, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. Plastics segment offers a range of products, system solutions and services. Performance Products help its customers to improve their products and processes. Functional Solutions segment bundles system solutions and products for customers and industries. The Company�� Agricultural Solutions segment includes crop protection products, which guard against fungal diseases, insects and weeds. Its Oil & gas segment is a producer of oil and gas. On April 9, 2009, the Company acquired Ciba Holding AG. In April 2010, Intertek Group plc acquired the Regulatory and Safety Testing businesses of Ciba Expert Services (Ciba ES) from the Company. In December 2010, the Company completed its acquisition of Cognis Holding GmbH from Cognis Holding Luxembourg S.a r.l.

Chemicals

The Company�� Chemicals segment portfolio ranges from basic chemicals, glues and electronic chemicals for the semiconductor and flat panel display industry, to solvents and plasticizers, as well as starting materials for detergents, plastics, textile fibers, paints, coatings and pharmaceuticals. This segment is organized into three divisions: Inorganics, Petrochemicals and Intermediates. The important basic products of the Inorganics division are ammonia, methanol, sodium hydroxide, chlorine, as well as sulfuric and nitric acid. The Petrochemicals division produces products, such as ethylene, propylene, butadiene and benzene, which are produced in steam crackers from naphtha or natural gas. In further processing stages, it produces alcohols, solvents and plasticizers for the chemicals and plastics industries. BASF SE�� Intermediates division develops, produces and markets a range of intermediates of all produc! ers worldwide. The product lines include amines, diols, polyalcohols, acids and specialties. They serve as starting materials for products, such as coatings, plastics, pharmaceuticals, textile fibers, crop protection products, as well as detergents and cleaners.

Plastics

BASF�� Plastics segment is organized into two divisions: Performance Polymers and Polyurethanes. The Performance Polymers division is a supplier of engineering plastics, polyamides and polyamide intermediates, foams and specialty plastics. The Company offers its customers a portfolio of engineering plastics based on polyamide 6 and polyamide 6,6. This is complemented by products Ultradur, Ultraform and Ultrason. For the packaging, textile and food industries, it offers Ultramid, a base product for the manufacturing of fibers and foils. BASF SE�� product range also includes Ecoflex and Ecovio, biodegradable specialty plastics for the packaging industry. Styropor and its refinement Neopor are styrene-based precursors for foams used in insulating material for construction and packaging. The Polyurethanes division is a supplier of basic products, systems and specialties. The Company offers polyurethane products for numerous customer applications. Under brand names, such as Elastoflex and Elastopor, polyurethanes are used, as rigid or flexible foams in construction for furniture and household appliances.

Performance Products

The Performance Products segment consists of the Acrylics & Dispersions, Care Chemicals and Performance Chemicals divisions. Acrylics & Dispersions produces acrylic acid, as well as its derivatives superabsorbents and polymer dispersions. Superabsorbents are used particularly in diapers. Polymer dispersions are used in the production of glues, coatings, nonwoven materials and construction chemicals. The Company�� product portfolio for the paper industry consists of binders, process chemicals and kaolin pigments. Its Care Chemicals portfolio consists of products f! or cleani! ng, care, cosmetics and hygiene. Performance Chemicals pools specialties for various customer industries. The product portfolio consists of antioxidants, pigments, light stabilizers and specialty additives. The division also makes chemicals for the production and finishing of leather and textiles.

Functional Solutions

The Functional Solutions segment consists of the Catalysts, Construction Chemicals and Coatings divisions. The Catalysts division develops catalysts and adsorbents. It produces catalysts that transform pollutants in the exhaust flows of vehicles into harmless chemical and plastics. The Construction Chemicals division is engaged in development of concrete admixtures, such as concrete plasticizers, deferrers and curing agents. It also produces and markets construction systems. The Coatings division is a provider of coatings solutions for automotive and industrial applications. Its brands Glasurit and R-M are for the car refinish business.

Agricultural Solutions

The Agricultural Solutions segment consists of the Crop Protection division. The Company develops and produces active ingredients and formulations for the improvement of crop health and yields, and markets them worldwide. Its portfolio includes fungicides, insecticides, herbicides and seed treatments. Its product Headline contains the active ingredient F500, which is not only used for corn and soybean, but also for numerous other crops.

Oil & Gas

BASF�� oil and gas activities are bundled in the Wintershall Group. Wintershall and its subsidiaries operate in the business sectors exploration and production, and natural gas trading. In the exploration and production of oil and natural gas, the Company focuses on oil and gas regions in Europe, North Africa and South America, as well as Russia and the Caspian Sea region. The Mittelplate oil field in the North Sea tidal flats is the cornerstone of the Company�� oil production in Germany. Wintershall and RWE-D! EA each h! old a 50% interest in this field. During the year ended December 31, 2009, it acquired 25% interest in Cuxhaven concession. It operates 26 offshore platforms in Mittelplate region, of which 19 are actually controlled. In Libya, Wintershall operates eight onshore oil fields in the concessions 96 and 97 and exploits the associated gas released during crude oil production in a gas utilization plant for the local demand. In Mauritania, it operates two onshore exploration blocks. In 2008, Wintershall acquired stakes of 50% each in two exploration areas in the Canadon Asfalto Basin. It supplies Germany and several other European countries. The gas pipeline network operated by WINGAS TRANSPORT connects the markets in Western Europe with a natural gas infrastructure that runs through Eastern Europe and the Russian Federation all the way to the gas fields in Siberia. Other components portfolio include natural gas storage facility in Western Europe, in Rehdn, Germany, and the natural gas storage facility in Haidach, Austria.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Markus Aarnio]

  BioAmber expects its advanced bio-based specialty chemicals to compete with petrochemical equivalents that are proven in the market and manufactured by established companies, such as Gadiv Petrochemical Industries, Kawasaki Kasei, DSM (RDSMY.PK) and numerous small Chinese producers including Anqing Hexing Chemical, and Anhui Sunsing Chemicals. In addition, BioAmber's products will compete against other companies in the bio-based specialty chemical industry, both early stage companies, such as Genomatica (for bio-based 1,4 BDO) and Myriant Corporation (for bio-succinic acid), and established companies, such as a collaborative venture between DSM and Roquette Frères S.A. and a collaborative venture between BASF (BASFY.PK) and Purac (both for bio-succinic acid).