< The 2014 All-Europe Research Team
Morgan Stanley’s two-member team records its second straight third-place showing, under the direction of London-based Rupinder Vig. Of the dozen stocks they keep sights on, the analysts have been championing Airbus Group (formerly European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co.) and Thales. They have overweighted French-Dutch Airbus since relaunching coverage in October 2012, as a steal at €27.18. The airplane and military equipment manufacturer’s shares had catapulted to €55.81 by the end of last year, outdistancing the sector by a stunning 49.5 percentage points. Their valuation relative to that of U.S. competitor Boeing Co. remains attractive, Vig contends. As for France’s Thales, the squad reinitiated research on the industrial equipment manufacturer in May 2012 with an overweight rating based on valuation. Through December 2013 the stock leaped a remarkable 94.4 percent, to €46.80, against the sector’s rise of 65.8 percent. Management’s ability to cut costs, the duo reports, makes Thales a still appealing choice for investors. “Rupinder is a real up-and-comer,” asserts one portfolio manager in London. See also Rupinder Vig's profile in the 2013 All-Europe Research Team. |