Michael Bilerman & team
Citi
Finishing in second place for a third year running is Michael Bilerman’s 11-strong Citi squad. With ratings on 74 stocks, they are “the only REIT researchers you need,” according to one satisfied client. In October 2011 the analysts upgraded Post Properties from hold to buy, at $32.31, which turned out to be the Atlanta-based developer’s 12-month low. They foresaw rising demand for apartments and particularly liked the company’s pipeline of properties under development. The stock rocketed 58 percent, to $51.05, through August, and the team continues to recommend it. Several portfolio managers also applaud Bilerman’s annual global industry conference in March — it’s a “must-attend event,” in the words of one supporter — because of the sheer number of top executives and investors there.