Chemical/diversified industry

The chemical/diversified industry has gone through rough economic times during the 1990s recession. Firms have streamlined their operations to survive, selling off non-core divisions to boost revenues. Layoffs were common in 1993. Modest gains are expected during 1994, although the 3-year to 5-year return potential remains dim. Only a few securities are considered timely buys during 1994, including Terra Industries, First Mississippi and Millipore.