Philip Cusick
J.P. Morgan
First-place appearances: 0

Total appearances: 3

Team debut: 2012

J.P. Morgan’s Philip Cusick rises one rung to second place; he also is the top-ranked analyst in Telecom Services. Cusick covers 22 stocks, a slight decrease over the past year as a result of M&A activity. His overall sector view is constructive, especially as compared with the broader telecommunications market, thanks to “continued growth in broadband penetration as well as strong business-services revenue growth, which offset continued losses in video subscribers,” he says. Moreover, as these factors influence cable names more than the satellite segment, he prefers the former. A particular favorite is Stamford, Connecticut–based Charter Communications, which Cusick has recommended clients overweight since September 2011. He elevated the shares to his top pick in January 2013, at $77.98, and by the end of August they had soared 55.7 percent, to $121.42, besting the S&P 500 Cable and Satellite Index by 44.9 percentage points. “Phil is very responsive to client requests,” avers one supporter. “He also is fluid with his stock calls, not wedded to his picks.” — Pam Baker