Financial Institutions - Reits: 2011 First

The buy side says: “Steve has covered the sector for many years and knows the space cold.”

­Stephen Sakwa, 44, guides the ISI Group quintet to a second consecutive first-place finish. “Steve understands how these stocks trade and does an outstanding job of helping his clients understand too,” affirms one backer. The analysts upgraded Indianapolis-­based mall owner Simon Property Group from hold to buy in November, at $94.88, on positive leasing momentum, among other factors. The stock had zipped to $117.50 by the end of August, for a gain of 23.8 percent that outperformed the sector by 11.8 percentage points. “A very responsive and accessible analyst, Steve is first-rate at helping clients identify opportunities,” attests another loyalist.