< The 2014 All-Europe Research Team

Lucas Herrmann & team
Deutsche Bank
First-place appearances: 5

Total appearances: 17

Team debut: 1999

Although Lucas Herrmann and his London-based Deutsche Bank quartet slip from second place to third, they retain a dedicated following. “Lucas really has his thumb on the pulse of the industry,” one admirer says. However, advocates lament the team’s lack of a dedicated sales professional throughout the past year, during which time the analysts added five names to their coverage universe, bringing the total to 30. Preferred selections from this portfolio include two so-called supermajor oil and gas companies, France’s Total and U.K.-based BP. Management’s pledge to increase dividends and double free cash flow earned Total an upgrade from hold to buy in December 2012. At the same time, the researchers highlighted their buy stance on BP, similarly hailing executives’ commitment to enlarging dividends, implementing operational improvements and expanding high-margin operations. Through December 2013, Total’s shares rose 15.5 percent, to €44.53, and BP’s stock climbed 14.2 percent, to 485.75 pence. During the same period, the sector gained 8.8 percent.

See also Lucas Herrmann's profile in the 2013 All-Europe Research Team and 2012 All-Europe Research Team.