2015 All-America Research Team: Biotechnology/Mid- & Small-Cap, No. 1: Mark Schoenebaum

Mark Schoenebaum

Evercore ISI

First-Place Appearances: 11

Total Appearances: 11

Analyst Debut: 2005

The Biotechnology category that appeared on Institutional Investor’s All-America Research Team survey from 1986 through 2014 is now divided into two sectors, Large-Cap and Mid- & Small-Cap, and the analyst who led the previous roster for the past ten years nabs first place on both of the new lineups:Mark Schoenebaumof Evercore ISI, who also merits his third straight No. 1 finish on the Pharmaceuticals/Major list. Of the Hall of Famer’s 16 combined appearances across all sectors since his 2005 debut, 15 have been at No. 1. “Mark is the most prolific biotechnology analyst on Wall Street,” one portfolio manager pronounces. “The velocity and the volume of research he generates are unprecedented — the depth of his research is invaluable to his clients.” Schoenebaum, 42, reports on six U.S. small- and midcap biotechnology names. The group has been strong in 2015, he advises, fueled by acquisitions, initial public offerings and the launching of successful drugs. Among his preferred names going forward is Novato, California–based BioMarin Pharmaceutical, which develops therapeutic enzyme products for treatment of certain metabolic disorders and serious burns. The drugmaker’s “stock is up a lot this year but could move again if its muscular dystrophy drug, drisapersen, is recommended for [Food and Drug Administration] approval later this year,” Schoenebaum says. Indeed, BioMarin rocketed 44.5 percent in 2015 through mid-September, climbing to $130.65 and outperforming the broad market by 49.4 percentage points. He is projecting a 10 percent upside for the stock.