The Exane BNP Paribas quartet directed by Eamonn Ferry, which debuted in the runner-up position last year, rises one rung to third place. The London-based researchers cover 15 companies across multiple sectors, including food, household and personal care products and tobacco. “I appreciate the in-depth notes they publish, which are independent of earnings results,” says one analyst at a New York investment management firm. Ferry argues that although this sector will likely slow down in 2013, the space remains “a great way to play the theme of increased penetration and premiumization of the emerging-markets consumer over the next few decades.” The crew is recommending Germany’s Beiersdorf, a manufacturer of skin care and other personal hygiene products, largely on the strength of its cost-cutting initiatives and recently launched pan-European marketing strategy. “We smell a turnaround,” Ferry quips. — Katie Gilbert |
Consumer – Household & Personal Care Products: Third