Basic Materials

After two years in the runner-up position, Chip Dillon of Credit Suisse rises to No. 3. “He is able to understand more-esoteric issues specific to the space,” touts one client. Dillon initiated coverage of Pactiv Corp., the maker of Hefty brand trash and sandwich bags and a producer of food-service and food-packaging products, in March with an outperform rating, making the case that the Lake Forest, Illinois–based company was undervalued on the basis of earnings and cash flow.

Michael Gambardella, who sits atop the sector for a third year running, “has been covering this space for 25 years or more — I believe that is the right number — and he offers an unparalleled perspective, given his history with these companies and his relationships,” according to one satisfied client.

In second place for a third consecutive year is Peter Ward of Barclays Capital.

Rising from third place to second is Jeffrey Zekauskas.

Robert Koort of Goldman, Sachs & Co. advances from runner-up to the third team.

Citi’s P.J. Juvekar, 43, finishes in first place for a second consecutive year. “The analyst makes timely calls, provides excellent written research and knows the industry better than his peers,” insists one portfolio manager. Juvekar upgraded PPG Industries to buy in January, at $59.97, telling clients that the Pittsburgh-­based producer of coatings for industrial, architectural and auto markets would benefit from increased auto production, as inventories had been depleted in 2009 because of the Car Allowance Rebate System, better known as the cash-for-­clunkers program. Juvekar also believed the company would reap benefits from rising industrial production, to which PPG’s earnings are highly correlated.