Retaking the summit after having slipped to second place last year is the J.P. Morgan trio led by Alketa (Katie) Ruci; this team also secures a runner-up spot in Investment-Grade Retailing/Consumer Products. The London-based analysts monitor some 30 high-yield and another 50 investment-grade issuers. In January 2012 they pegged Edcon as a top pick for the year in high yield, dubbing the South Africa–based retail chain well positioned to benefit from that country’s turnaround in consumer spending — especially after it had improved its balance sheet by reducing spending and tightening credit sales. The 9.5 percent 2018 senior secured notes, then priced at €86, surged to €103 in mid-January 2013. Ruci, who joined J.P. Morgan in 2002 to follow North American credits, moved to her current role in 2004. — Ben Mattlin |
High Yield – Retailing/Consumer Products: First