After checking finviz.com, I was able to identify 5 stocks that are poised for big profits in 2012. They may not be the most well-known stocks, but they each have strong opportunities for major growth. Let’s see what is driving these medium-term opportunities:

ATP Oil & Gas Corp. (ATPG) has had high levels of short interest, but there is good reason to look to this position as a slightly longer-term investment. ATPG is currently trading at $6.65, but its one-year target estimate is expected to exceed $16.40 per share. ATPG is not a terribly large company– it has a market cap of only $339 million – and it has had its issues after BP’s Macondo spill, forcing it to the low end of its 52-week range. However, it is priced low compared to its competitors, with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 6.19 compared to GoodrIch Petroleum’s (GDP) forward price-to-earnings ratio of 13.32 times and Petroleum Development Corporation’s (PETD) 30 times. Moreover, ATPG is ripe for speculation. It will likely restructure its debt, it may expand its operations, or it could be acquired. At any rate, its long-term debt comes due in 2015, and something has got to give by then – whatever it is, big profits are likely, as long as you buy while it’s still low.

Potash Corp. Of Saskatchewan, Inc. (POT) recently traded around $42 per share. While that may be uncomfortably close to its 52-week low of $41.72, for a new buyer, it is great news. To continue reading, click here.