Technology, Media & Telecommunications – Technology Supply Chain: First

Citi’s Jim Suva, 41, repeats in first place. The big story over the past year has been the collapse of Research in Motion; the Ontario-based developer of the BlackBerry smartphone and other devices has been plagued by service outages and delayed product launches. The San Francisco–based analyst downgraded RIM from hold to sell in June 2011, at $35.33, in part because of the loss of carrier support to competitors. By the end of August 2012, the stock had plummeted 81.1 percent, to $6.69, and Suva continues to direct clients away from it. Elsewhere in the sector, “we have a positive view on the connector stocks, as many new positives are emerging, including a large aerospace upgrade cycle by Boeing [Co.] and Airbus. Both are embracing technology, not only in the cockpits but also in every seat of the airplane with in-seat entertainment and WiFi,” he explains. Companies benefiting from this trend include Wallingford, Connecticut–based cable maker Amphenol Corp. and Switzerland’s TE Connectivity, which makes touch screens. “Both stocks we recommend with buy ratings,” Suva says.