Haim Israel
Bank of America
Merrill Lynch
In third place is Tel Aviv–based newcomer Haim Israel, who tracks four telecommunications companies in Russia and a good many more throughout emerging Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Bank of America Merrill Lynch researcher added coverage of MegaFon with a buy rating in January, at $24.10 per global depositary receipt, calling the Moscow-based services provider well positioned to benefit from Russia’s “untapped data market” and “fast-growing middle class.” Through May the GDRs soared 29.8 percent, to $31.27, while the sector was flat. Israel remains bullish. He also likes Mobile TeleSystems — both the local shares and the America depositary receipts — noting the Moscow-based network operator’s high dividend yield and dominant market share. “Haim is sharp on comparing the different emerging markets — he brings that kind of perspective,” cheers one fund manager in New York. — Ben Mattlin