It’s three wins in a row for Citi’s Gregory Badishkanian. “He leads the competition by a mile, with knowledge and insights that are unmatched,” one money manager crows. Badishkanian tracks 29 companies and dubbed Lake Success, New York–based health food producer Hain Celestial Group a top pick in January, at $55.06, citing strong demand and sales momentum for organic edibles, mixed with management’s ability to improve productivity and cut costs. Through August the stock jumped 48.5 percent, to $81.78, beating the sector by 39 percentage points. The analyst continues to recommended Hain. “Greg provides excellent management access and is always accessible and responsive, helping us gain a better understanding and make more informed decisions,” attests another backer. Badishkanian, 44, also still favors Polaris Industries, a Medina, Montana–based manufacturer of snowmobiles and other sport vehicles. By the end of August, its shares had risen 41.5 percent, to $109.21, since he named the company a preferred stock in September 2012, at $78.57. “Polaris should continue to pick up market share at least over the next year and should significantly outpace the broader [all-terrain vehicle] industry,” he says, “driven by new product innovations and growth in international markets.” — Ben Mattlin |
The 2013 All-America Research Team: Leisure, No. 1: Gregory Badishkanian
