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Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s Robert Ohmes led the lineup in 2011 but this year tumbles back to third place. Ohmes is advising clients to avoid branded apparel companies with large exposure to Europe, owing to anemic economic growth plaguing that region. He also continues to hammer home the strong athletic footwear cycle theme he first identified in July 2008. At that time he initiated coverage on New York–based Foot Locker, Baltimore’s Under Armour and Dick’s Sporting Goods of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania — and has held those names as top picks ever since. The stocks sprinted 70, 64.3 (split-adjusted) and 44.6 percent, respectively, in the 12 months through August. During the same period the sector rose just 13.5 percent. “Robbie is really plugged in to industry trends, particularly in footwear,” marvels one investor. RUNNER(S)-UP Kate McShane Citi |
Consumer – Apparel, Footwear & Textiles: Third