After debuting in the top spot last year, the four-member Citi team led by Brady Martin slips to second place; this crew also claims the No. 2 spot in Consumer/Discretionary. Covering 40 stocks across both sectors from offices in Poland, Russia, South Africa and Turkey, the squad “shows a deep understanding of what drives consumer stocks,” according to one buy-side backer. “We are generally cautious on consumer staples after a strong year of outperformance,” Martin says. There are exceptions, however. The researchers consider Russia-based food retailer Dixy Group and its Turkish counterpart Migros Ticaret to be promising turnaround stories; while hypermarket operator Magnit of Russia and Poland’s Eurocash, a consumer goods wholesaler, appear poised to enjoy continued strong sales growth, he adds. — Pam Baker |