< The 2014 All-America Research TeamRobert OhmesBank of America Merrill LynchFirst-place appearances: 3

Total appearances: 10

Team debut: 2004Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s Robert Ohmes retains second place on this list, and investors readily explain his strong showing. “Robbie has the best relationships and is able to provide the best access to managements of anyone that covers the space,” one client cheers. Adds another supporter: “Robbie and his team do a great job of covering the athletic and outdoor industry globally.” These days, Ohmes prefers the athletic wear names in his coverage universe to casual brands like Guess?; Ralph Lauren Corp.; and PVH Corp., which holds Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Izod and other labels. Fashion trends favor active wear over traditional casualwear, he explains. One of the researcher’s preferred names in sports apparel is Nike. In a March reiteration of his July 2008 buy call, Ohmes explained that the factors underpinning his favorable view of the Beaverton, Oregon–based footwear giant include the company’s increasing prices; the growing global popularity of basketball, whose apparel niche Nike dominates; and the manufacturer’s market share gains in the running shoes segment. By mid-September the stock had gained 4.8 percent, at $81.61, and led the broad market by 5.7 percentage points.