Andrew Chu, Thomas Sykes & team, Deutsche Bank

In third place for a third year running is the three-member Deutsche Bank team steered by Andrew Chu and Thomas Sykes. The London-based analysts follow 21 stocks and plan to expand their coverage universe this year, especially among large- and midcap companies. Throughout last year the researchers advised clients to stay in capital-preservation mode, but this year they will be urging investors to shift into cyclical stocks. “Cyclicals have largely derated and look cheap, but we feel that there are some short-term earnings risks,” Chu explains. “Given the low-growth [real gross domestic product] environment, we favor stocks that have strong cash flow dynamics and pricing power on a 12-month view.” Among the companies the team is recommending are German chemicals distributor Brenntag and Ireland-based credit services provider Experian.