| It’s three years in a row at No. 3 for Jason Goldberg. The Barclays analyst covers 32 companies, including both large- and midcapitalization banks (and he claims a runner-up spot in Banks/Midcap). Goldberg is hailed for “promptly addressing all the issues that pop up,” as one ally puts it. “I swear he never sleeps,” contends another backer. In February the analyst upgraded BB&T Corp. from underweight to equal weight, at $27.66, largely on its loan growth and profitable insurance business. Shares of the Winston-Salem, North Carolina–based bank jumped 14 percent, to $31.54, through August; during the same period the sector gained 13.2 percent. Goldberg’s current recommendations include San Francisco’s Wells Fargo & Co., which he considers underpriced and well capitalized. “Jason’s analyses help us assess our positions,” affirms a third investor. RUNNER(S)-UP Betsy Graseck Edward Najarian |
