Eamonn Ferry & team | Exane BNP Paribas |
The Exane BNP Paribas quartet directed by Eamonn Ferry, which debuted in the runner-up position last year, rises one rung to third place. The London-based researchers cover 15 companies across multiple sectors, including food, household and personal care products and tobacco. I appreciate the in-depth notes they publish, which are independent of earnings results, says one analyst at a New York investment management firm. Ferry argues that although this sector will likely slow down in 2013, the space remains a great way to play the theme of increased penetration and premiumization of the emerging-markets consumer over the next few decades. The crew is recommending Germanys Beiersdorf, a manufacturer of skin care and other personal hygiene products, largely on the strength of its cost-cutting initiatives and recently launched pan-European marketing strategy. We smell a turnaround, Ferry quips. Katie Gilbert |