Lorraine Hutchinson
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
First-place appearances: 0

Total appearances: 5

Analyst debut: 2008

In her highest ranking to date in this sector, Lorraine Hutchinson of Bank of America Merrill Lynch rises one position to third place. She also is a runner-up in Retailing/Broadlines & Department Stores. “We are advising clients to be selective and focus on companies that are poised to take market share, have a strong growth strategy and are reasonably valued,” she reports. One name that she believes fits this description is Columbus, Ohio–based Express. Hutchinson contends that the specialty apparel and accessories retailer is steadily driving square-footage expansion, which is likely to propel earnings growth over the new few years. Over the longer term, she adds, better systems and an expanded outlet strategy will also prove a benefit to the company. She advised clients to buy Express in January, at $13.89, and by the end of August, the stock had rocketed 51.1 percent, to $20.99. During the same period the sector advanced 23.5 percent. — Katie Gilbert