< The 2014 All-America Research TeamPhilip CusickJ.P. MorganFirst-place appearances: 0

Total appearances: 3

Team debut: 2012Repeating in second place on this roster is J.P. Morgan analyst Philip Cusick, who also retains the No. 1 position in Telecom Services. Fund managers credit Cusick’s prowess in both sectors for his success in making stock calls, as companies in the two industries continue to collide and converge. “Phil’s expertise in both industries gives him a unique advantage among sell-side analysts,” attests one portfolio manager. Another supporter applauds Cusick’s “insightful research in this ever-changing landscape.” Among U.S. cable and satellite names, Cusick is positive on cable companies, in general, and particularly favors Englewood, Colorado–based Dish Network Corp. He upgraded the stock from neutral to overweight in June, advising clients that he foresaw little likelihood that shares of the nation’s third-largest pay-TV provider would decline significantly over the following 12 to 24 months. Cusick also noted that he expects the company to keep its wireless spectrum and find a partner in that segment. By the middle of September, Dish had leaped 11.5 percent, to $65.74, besting its peers by 3.6 percentage points.