Jamilu Rubin Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Slipping one notch to third, Jamilu Rubin of Goldman, Sachs & Co. is “always creative when it comes to figuring out how these companies are unlocking value — she knows their business better than they do,” declares one buy-side loyalist. Rubin upgraded Merck & Co. to buy in August 2009, at $28.88, on the Whitehouse Station, New Jersey–based outfit’s growth prospects. In May, after the stock had shot ahead 21.7 percent, to $35.14, she reduced it back to neutral, citing the sector’s dwindling outlook. Good call. Since the downgrade the stock has barely moved, ending August at $35.16.