Christopher Blansett J.P. Morgan
Newcomer Christopher Blansett of J.P. Morgan captures second place. Clients say the San Francisco–based analyst delivers “excellent, deep-dive primary research” while providing “tremendous access to management.” Blansett upgraded Cree, a light-emitting diode manufacturer headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, from neutral to buy last October, at $37.10, citing rising demand for products that use LED backlighting, such as touch-screen computers and gaming displays. The stock had bolted 44.3 percent, to $53.54, by the end of August.