John McDonaldSanford C. Bernstein & Co.For a third year running, John McDonald of Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. holds the No. 2 spot. Investors praise the analyst’s November reiteration of his outperform rating on Wells Fargo & Co., when the shares dipped to $22.82. (McDonald had raised the shares from market perform back in September 2009, dubbing them a bargain at $25.90.) He pointed out that low interest rates would not adversely affect the San Francisco–based bank’s profits, partly because of its vigorous mortgage business and ability to cut costs. By the end of August, the stock had rocketed 49.1 percent, to $34.03, and bested the sector by 6.2 percentage points. “John has a strong grasp of the current financial maze and a better handle on opportunities than anyone else,” cheers one booster. McDonald, who follows seven stocks, recommends Citigroup for the year ahead, declaring the New York–based financial services firm undervalued.