< The 2014 All-Europe Research Team

Robert Eason & team
Goodbody Stockbrokers
First-place appearances: 1

Total appearances: 12

Team debut: 1998

Goodbody Stockbrokers’ crew of 15 — now under the direction of newcomer Robert Eason — captures second place for a fifth straight year. The researchers track 54 Irish names, principally in five sectors: airlines, building materials, food and beverages, gaming and paper and packaging. “They closely follow their companies,” reports one investor, “and their recommendations in 2013 have been much more successful.” Construction products manufacturer Kingspan Group, known for its insulation panels and architectural and structural metals, is among Goodbody’s preferred picks. The Kingscourt-based company enjoys “market-leading positions in regions where energy conservation and creative aesthetics are the priority,” Eason says. Its midterm growth, he notes, is “well underpinned by increased penetration of end markets, ongoing innovation and a strong balance sheet to undertake acquisitions.” Moreover, as Kingspan’s end markets continue to undergo a cyclical recovery, the analysts believe, it likely can triple its profits over the next five to six years, to more than €300 million ($406 million). Closing 2013 at €13, the shares have a target price of €15.