SECOND TEAM

Tal Liani  BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research

Tal Liani, who dipped to third place last year, reclaims the No. 2 spot; he also tops the roster in Data Networking & Wireline Equipment. The BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research analyst’s “short-term calls are usually on the mark,” according to one client. Another investor appreciates “the consistency in his long-term thesis — he rarely changes his view.” Liani upgraded BlackBerry maker Research in Motion in September 2010, dubbing shares of the Canadian company a bargain at $46.72. In March, with the stock up 37.2 percent, at $64.09, and ahead of the sector by 35.5 percentage points, Liani told clients to take profits. Good call. By late August the share price had plummeted 49.3 percent, to $32.49.