Eamonn Hughes & team, Goodbody Stockbrokers
The 11-member crew at Goodbody Stockbrokers, which takes second place for a third year running, is “Ireland’s best,” insists one money manager. Team leader Eamonn Hughes and his Dublin-based associates follow 53 companies and expect that figure to increase by nearly 20 percent this year. They currently recommend stocks with robust cash flow and dividends, as well as “strong market positions or brands,” Hughes says. Favorites include two Dublin outfits: Paddy Power, a leading mobile gaming company that benefits greatly from its significant exposure to international markets; and discount carrier Ryanair Holdings, partly on the expectation that the company will pay a second €500 million ($661 million) special dividend either this year or next.