Fernando Ferreira,
Robert Ford
& team
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
First-place appearances: 1

Total appearances: 13

Team debut: 1997

In second place for a third year running is Bank of America Merrill Lynch. The New York–based trio is helmed by Fernando Ferreira, who also co-directs (with Isabella Simonato) the No. 3 team in Agribusiness, and Robert Ford, who pilots a runner-up crew in Retailing. The analysts follow 20 stocks and plan to expand both their group — a fourth member is on the way — and their coverage universe. “They do really diligent work on all the names, combining deep understanding of the business drivers and sensitivity to what moves stock prices,” applauds one investor. The researchers’ outlook is mixed. “In many cases the combination of valuation, economics and competitive dynamics leaves little room for share price appreciation. Nevertheless, recent corrections are creating some opportunities,” Ford believes. Recommended stocks include two of Brazil’s largest food processors, JBS and Marfrig Alimentos, and two of the region’s largest Coca-Cola Co. bottlers and distributors: Chile’s Embotelladora Andina and Arca Continental, which is headquartered in Mexico. — Pam Baker