Antonio Junqueira & team BTG Pactual

Unranked last year, the BTG Pactual trio helmed by Rio de Janeiro–based newcomer Antonio Junqueira shoots straight in to second place. With a recently expanded coverage universe now numbering 20 companies, the analysts impress investors with their “unmatched skills in detailing key drivers,” as one booster puts it. In January the team spotlighted its buy on Brazil’s Cía. de Saneamento de Minas Gerais, dubbing the shares a bargain at 34.73 reais in light of a new tariff structure that would allow the water utility greater rate hikes than in previous years. The shares bubbled up 31 percent, to 45.51 reais, through June, and the researchers remain bullish. “Their work is invariably helpful and interesting,” attests another supporter. — Ben Mattlin