Seeking Alpha: BASF Has Lagged On A Relative Basis, But Excels On Its Own Merits

Chemical companies have been basking in some investor love, as companies like Dow Chemical (DOW), Wacker Chemie (OTC:WKCMY), Clariant (OTCPK:CLZNY), and DuPont (DD) have seen their shares rise from 26% to 53% over the past year. With that, the "fair" multiple on sales and EBITDA has risen more than 10% as investors bid up companies that are exposed to global growth and have succeeded in restructuring operations away from basic/commodity markets.

BASF (OTCQX:BASFY) is a tricky stock within that context. BASF is the largest chemical company in the world and a top player in numerous markets. The company also has above-average profitability despite a sizable ongoing commitment to R&D. Despite that, the shares have lagged, as the local shares (BAS.XTA) have risen less than 20% over the past year. Stretch out the comparisons to two or three years, though, and BASF's performance is much more competitive - suggesting that BASF was simply early in getting recognized for its qualities. BASF as a lot of positives from a qualitative standpoint, but it's tough to argue the shares are undervalued unless you believe that it's somehow "different this time" for chemical companies.

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BASF Has Lagged On A Relative Basis, But Excels On Its Own Merits