Barclays, which spent the past two years in the runner-up position, rockets to the top of the roster; this is the firm's first appearance in the winner's circle in this sector. The London-based foursome is led by James Anstead, 37. "Despite the unhelpful macroeconomic environment, we think the sector does offer some interesting opportunities," he says. "We prefer the companies that run smaller stores, are taking market share and are generating plenty of cash." Two supermarket operators are favorites among the 13 stocks the analysts cover: the Netherlands' Royal Ahold and Spain's Distribuidora Internacional de Alimentación. Both Ahold and Día operate small and medium-size stores, which helps them stick to the discount format and has spared them the headwinds affecting nonfood supermarket sales, Anstead says. One London-based portfolio manager says she especially appreciates the team's "solid valuation framework and exceptional stock picking." — Katie Gilbert |
Consumer – Retailing/Food & Drug Chains : First
