Victor Dima
Bank of America
Merrill Lynch
Victor Dima, who debuts in third place, impresses clients with “the breadth and depth of his research,” according to one portfolio manager. In January the Bank of America Merrill Lynch analyst designated Ukrainian agribusiness behemoth MHP his top pick for the year, largely on its earnings growth — especially from its grains division, which was benefiting from rising prices — and management’s “record of strong execution.” MHP’s global depositary receipts surged 18.5 percent, outpacing the RTS Consumer & Retail Index by 8.7 percentage points, in the first five months of 2013, and Dima continues to recommend them. “Victor is an independent thinker with the courage of his convictions,” attests one buy-side fan in the U.K. — Ben Mattlin