Edward KellyCredit SuisseEdward Kelly of Credit Suisse debuted in second place in 2009 and has held that spot ever since. He is “the consummate analyst,” proclaims one backer. Adds another: “Ed will often uncover issues that are largely overlooked by his peers.” Kelly pounded the table on CVS Caremark Corp. in January, at $41.50, even though the stock had already gained a healthy 29.6 since he launched coverage with a buy rating the previous February. The Woonsocket, Rhode Island–based drugstore operator’s multiline retail structure and its pharmacy benefit management division position it well for long-term gains, he believes. By the end of August, the stock had climbed to $45.55 — a 42.3 percent life-of-call advance that makes it easy to understand why one buy-sider dubs Kelly “the gold standard.”