< The 2016 All-Europe Research Team

Total appearances: 49

Team debut: 1988

In third place last year, UBS rises to No. 2. Its London-based team headed by Jonathon Rigby, 48, possesses the "superb ability of mixing a 20,000-foot view with the smallest modeling details," one portfolio manager marvels. "Altogether, they are the most authoritative voice on the Street." The group consists of four analysts and four associates covering 12 regional exploration and production companies, ten integrated oils, six refiners and 15 oil field services concerns. In August they increased their rating on Anglo-Dutch oil major Royal Dutch Shell, largely on the prospect of its taking over U.K.-based natural-gas rival BG Group. The proposed £36 billion ($52 billion) acquisition had not been completed by the end of last year, when Shell’s shares closed down 14.1 percent, behind the regional sector by 1.3 percentage points, at 1,526p — which Rigby deems "an attractive entry point." They remain preferred with a price target of 2,050p. "Jon keeps on top of the news and has an open mind but is consistent in maintaining recommendations without giving in to daily developments," affirms another fan.