To a significant degree, the national infrastructure is dependent on the lubrication properties of various hydrocarbon substances. A leader in the art of enhancing those properties is headquartered in Wickliffe, Ohio.
Lubrizol Corporation (NYSE: LZ) is a specialty chemical company, operating through two units. The Additives segment offers a range of substances that enhance the performance of engine oils, fuels and oilfield chemicals. It also supplies viscosity improvers and additives for paints, inks and greases. The company's Advanced Materials segment offers a diverse portfolio of performance chemicals used in personal care products, pharmaceuticals, coating emulsions and specialty plastics. A key competitor is Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) subsidiary Chevron Oronite.
The firm pleased investors last week, when it issued upside guidance for Q1. Management said it expected EPS of 98 cents, twenty-two cents above the average Street estimate. Officials noted that shipment volumes in the quarter were higher than expected and reflected a return to normal order patterns. Jefferies and Deutsche Securities subsequently reiterated their "buy" ratings on the stock and boosted their price targets to $65.
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