Mark Troman & team, BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research
Mark Troman pilots the BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research quartet to a second straight second-place finish. Clients admire the analysts for delivering “consistently excellent notes” and “value-added industry access.” Another backer points to their adeptness at “pro-actively identifying risks.” One example: a January 2011 downgrade of Metso Corp. from buy to neutral, at €40.90, on a decline in its order flow. By the end of the year, shares of the Finland-based mining and construction equipment maker had fallen 30 percent, to €28.65. During the same period the sector lost 21.7 percent. The London-based researchers “are extremely helpful with prompt, professional answers to requests for information,” attests another supporter.