Ronald Epstein
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
First-place appearances: 0

Total appearances: 5

Analyst debut: 2009

Despite slipping one rung back to third place, Ronald Epstein earns high marks for being “consistently approachable and reachable,” as one investor says. The Bank of America Merrill Lynch researcher actively monitors 28 stocks, three more than a year ago, and recommends Falls Church, Virginia–based General Dynamics Corp. Epstein makes the case that investors haven’t fully appreciated the strong demand for the diversified aviation and defense supplier’s Gulfstream line of business jets. Upgraded from neutral to buy in April 2009, as a bargain at $49.18, the shares advanced 31.4 percent in the 12 months through August alone, from $63.37 to $84.50. “Ron knows his space extremely well, has great access to managements and provides valuable stock recommendations,” attests another money manager. — Ben Mattlin