The 2014 All-Europe Research Team: Chemicals, No. 1: Timothy Jones & team

Timothy Jones & team

Deutsche Bank

First-Place Appearances: 11 Total Appearances: 23 Team Debut: 1988

For the sixth time since London-based Timothy Jones took the reins nine years ago — and for a fourth year in a row — Deutsche Bank’s squad leads this lineup. The team of five tracks 29 companies, drawing on combined sell-side experience of more than 45 years. Among the analysts’ favorite names is France’s Arkema, which manufactures acrylics, hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals. They credit the company’s product mix and beneficial geographical spread, says Jones, 41, as well as its strong positioning in niche specialty segments. Moreover, in Deutsche’s proprietary survey of investors, Arkema is one of the two stocks money managers expect to perform best this year. The other is Germany’s Linde, which the researchers have favored since mid-2004. In December 2012, Jones’s crew dubbed the supplier of industrial and medical gases a top pick for 2013, citing its earnings potential; strong project pipeline; exposure to emerging markets; and lack of competitors, thanks to the industry’s high barriers to entry. In addition, the team applauded Linde management’s cost-savings plans. Good call. Last year the shares advanced 15.5 percent, to €152.05, besting the sector by 4.7 percentage points. “Tim captains the steadiest ship in these choppy waters,” declares one pension manager in London.