The 2013 All-America Research Team: Retailing/Food & Drug Chains, No. 3: Deborah Weinswig

Deborah Weinswig reclaims third place after two years as a runner-up. The Citi analyst is also No. 2 in Retailing/Broadlines & Department Stores. In May 2012, Weinswig upgraded Pleasanton, California–based food and drug retailer Safeway from neutral to buy, at $18.39, confident that its Just For U membership program, a return to eating at home and pharmacy share gains would propel topline growth. In June 2013, when the stock had climbed to $24.55, she downgraded it back to neutral. The analyst explains that although “we continue to have long-term confidence in the company’s growth initiatives, as well as its strong management team, we see a lack of catalysts to drive significant additional upside in the near term.” This was premature. While the shares were rated buy, they blossomed 33.5 percent — and they rose 5.5 further through August, to $25.90. One investor appreciates Weinswig’s “high energy” and the fact that she has published “excellent work on the impact of technology on retailing.” — Katie Gilbert