Yankun Hou, 41, drives his ten-person UBS team into the winner’s circle for a second straight year; the Hong Kong–based researcher also captains a crew that secures a runner-up position for coverage of China and co-leads, with Yong-Suk Son, a squad that claims a runner-up spot in Industrials. The analysts are “great at market timing and on top of the fundamentals,” declares one backer. Current stock favorites include Brilliance China Automotive Holdings, recommended “on earnings growth thanks to strong luxury car demand in China,” Hou says, and bright prospects for the China-based automaker’s joint venture with German peer BMW. Another favorite: India’s Mahindra & Mahindra, largely owing to brisk utility vehicle sales growth and robust margins. Hou is “a very experienced guy,” observes one ally. “His passion is the auto industry.” — Paul Sweeney |
Industries – Autos & Auto Parts: First
