The buy side says: “Benjamin Dell consistently produces the most thought-provoking research.”
In first place for a third year running is Benjamin Dell of Sanford C. Bernstein & Co.; the 33-year-old analyst is also ranked third in Natural Gas. Dell, whose “research is thorough and meticulously detailed,” in the words of one investor, elevated Houston-based EOG Resources to top pick in January, at $95, on his belief that its “unique approach to onshore oil production would give it a cost advantage.” The shares had risen 7.9 percent, to $102.51, by early August, when Dell suspended coverage on all of his stocks and became co-leader, with Neil McMahon (who is ranked third in Integrated Oil), of AllianceBernstein’s newly created direct energy investment team.
