The 2013 All-China Research Team: Basic Materials, Second: Shuai (Bruce) Wang

Shuai (Bruce) Wang moved to Bank of America Merrill Lynch from BNP Paribas Securities (Asia) in August 2011 and fell from the ranking in 2012. He returns to the lineup this year in second place, marking his best showing to date. From his base in Shanghai, Wang tracks 14 names and “has his fingers on the pulse of these industries,” in the words of one portfolio manager. Cement producers Anhui Conch Cement Co., based in Wuhu, and Hong Kong’s China Resources Cement Holdings are two of his sector favorites. High demand and limited supply were allowing for stronger-than-expected cement price hikes in October 2012, prompting the analyst to upgrade CR Cement from neutral. Through October 2013 its shares jumped 15.6 percent, to HK$5.19, besting the sector by 21 percentage points. Wang boosted Anhui Conch from underperform three weeks after his CR Cement call, deeming the shares a bargain at HK$25.61. The stock catapulted to HK$30.66 in February before retreating to HK$27.05 at the end of October 2013, for a life-of-call gain that surpassed the sector by 18 percentage points. “Wang is one to listen to,” affirms another supporter. — Ben Mattlin