George Staphos BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research
The buy side says: “George has great access to companies and knows the industry on a global basis.”
All-America Research Team Hall of Fame honoree George Staphos tops the roster for an eighth year running — and for the 12th time since 1999. The BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research analyst “helps you think through all potential catalysts and risks,” explains one fan. Staphos, 46, launched coverage on Graham Packaging Co. in March 2010 with a buy, at $11.82, on surging demand. In June 2011 New Zealand’s Reynolds Group Holdings agreed to buy the York, Pennsylvania–based outfit for $4.5 billion, or $25.50 a share; the deal was completed last month. Staphos raised Temple-Inland from neutral to buy in January, at $21.79, on containerboard price hikes. International Paper Co. of Memphis, Tennessee, issued a hostile takeover bid in June at $30.60 per share, then last month reached an agreement to acquire the Austin, Texas–based box maker for $32 a share. The deal is expected to be completed in the first quarter. “George is the person to speak to when investing in the industry,” insists one fan.