< The 2014 All-America Research TeamDara MohsenianMorgan StanleyFirst-Place Appearances: 0

Total Appearances: 3

Analyst Debut: 2012The past two years, Morgan Stanley’s Dara Mohsenian earned runner-up positions on this roster and in Cosmetics, Household & Personal Care Products — and now he rises to claim third place on both lineups. “He is an all-star, in my opinion,” extols one money manager. “He is a great stock picker but also understands the long-term stories for companies.” Another investor praises Mohsenian’s work on PepsiCo, which the analyst has urged clients to overweight since May 2012. At that time the researcher reasoned that betting on the Purchase, New York–based soft-drinks and snacks manufacturer presented a “win-win scenario”: Either fundamentals were set to rebound on higher marketing spending and other factors, or management would take bolder strategic action. He has repeatedly highlighted his stance, most recently in late July, when Mohsenian reminded investors that PepsiCo has less downside risk than its peers in the currently difficult environment for consumer packaged goods because any fundamental weakness can still be met with increased shareholder activism — already in play for the company — or strategic options to unlock value. PepsiCo’s stock has indeed proved to be a winner, advancing 48.8 percent by the middle of last month, to $91.20, and besting the sector by 20.1 percentage points.

RUNNER(S)-UP
Robert Ottenstein
ISI Group

Bryan Spillane
Bank of America Merrill Lynch