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Mariano Colmenar & team
Santander Investment Bolsa
"They let you know what's really going on."
Having "the best feel for the political situation and how things are working or not working," according to one buy-side backer, helps Santander Investment Bolsa capture first place for a fourth year running. The 18-member troupe reports on 70 Portuguese and Spanish companies under the watchful eye of Madrid-based Mariano Colmenar, 51. In a still-fragile economic environment rattled by sovereign debt concerns, the team favors Endesa, Spain's largest electricity provider, on the Madrid-based utility's strong balance sheet. Plus, "a potential delisting by the main shareholder, Enel, should unlock value for shareholders," Colmenar declares. The stock was trading at €16.87 in late December, and the analysts believe it will climb to €23.60. — Paul Sweeney