Gareth Jenkins & team
UBS
After a year in the runner-up position, the UBS foursome under Gareth Jenkins reclaims second place; Jenkins also leads the No. 3 team in Telecommunications Equipment. The analysts, who work out of London, report on 18 stocks and plan to expand coverage this year. “We have just turned positive on the global sector, as most lead indicators for semis that we track appear to be about to trough in utilization and bookings,” Jenkins explains. “We like those companies offering exposure to continued smartphone growth.” One example: U.K.-based Arm Holdings, which the team upgraded from neutral to buy in May, at 493.63p, primarily on valuation. The stock soared a stunning 55.6 percent, to 768p, through December. One money manager praises the researchers for their “deep industry contacts” and “extensive global reach.” — Pam Baker