Industries: Conglomerates - Second

SECOND TEAM

Christie Ju Jefferies & Co.

Last year Christie Ju captured the crown for BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research; she moved to Jefferies & Co. in November and this year takes the No. 2 spot. Ju elevated China Merchants Holdings (International) Co. in May 2010, at HK$24.24, largely on the strength of the Hong Kong–based port operator and cargo shipper’s free-cash-flow growth and outstanding management team. The stock had sailed to HK$36 by the end of April, a gain of 48.5 percent that left the sector’s 8.9 percent advance bobbing in its wake. In March Ju upgraded Hong Kong’s Citic Pacific from neutral to buy, at HK$20.95, on the belief that development of the diversified mining company and steel manufacturer’s Sino iron ore project in Western Australia would boost profits. The stock shot up 10.5 percent, to HK$23.15, and led the sector by 5.1 points, through April. “Not only is she good at advising investors on stock recommendations, but she’s also good at convincing companies to listen to investors on governance issues — she’s quite amazing,” marvels one portfolio manager.

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