< The 2014 All-America Research TeamRyan BrinkmanJ.P. MorganFirst-Place Appearances: 0
Total Appearances: 2
Analyst Debut: 2013Ryan Brinkman of J.P. Morgan advances from runner-up to third place, in part because he is “someone to trust and rely on,” one portfolio manager says. The analyst reports on 23 U.S. autos and auto parts names and has long been a fan of Stamford, Connecticut’s Harman International Industries, a developer of automotive electronic and audio equipment. In August 2013 he reiterated his long-standing overweight rating on the stock, crediting its robust sales growth and management’s share-repurchase program. By the middle of last month, Harman’s shares had rocketed 88.1 percent, to $108.41, besting the sector by 77.2 percentage points. He continues to favor them, setting a target price of $132. His similar steadfastness on Auburn Hills, Michigan–based automotive gear engineer BorgWarner continues to garner client accolades. In July 2012, Brinkman added the company to his sector portfolio with an overweight rating, at a split-adjusted $31.98, thanks in large part to the high demand for its fuel-efficiency products. Through mid-September 2014, BorgWarner’s stock soared 83.5 percent, to $58.69, rising 19.5 percent over the preceding 12 months alone and besting the sector by 12. 1 percentage points over that period. He believes that a price of $73 is justified.
RUNNER(S)-UP
Brian Johnson
Barclays
Itay Michaeli
Citi
John Murphy
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
