This Cyclical Still Has Long-term Appeal

Article Excerpt

NOVA CHEMICALS CORP. $31 (Toronto symbol NCX; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 83.1 million; Market cap: $2.6 billion; SI Rating: Extra risk) makes two types of industrial plastics. Ethylene/polyethylene is used in a wide variety of products, such as plastic bags, automotive parts, appliances and electronics. This business supplies 60% of Nova’s revenue. The remaining 40% comes from styrene products such as foam cups. Nova is riskier than most stocks on our Conservative Growth Portfolio. It’s highly cyclical and needs large amounts of crude oil and natural gas to make its products, which exposes it to rising energy prices. Low costs give Nova an edge However, Nova has several advantages over its competitors. Its ethylene/polyethylene plant in Joffre, Alberta is the world’s largest, and economies of scale help keep its operating costs low. The proximity to Alberta’s large natural gas reserves also helps keep input costs down. Nova’s revenue grew from $3.1 billion in 2002 to $6.5 billion in 2006…