Andrew LazarBarclaysFirst-Place Appearances: 12Total Appearances: 14
Analyst Debut: 2001
Andrew Lazarearned his first top finish on this lineup in 2003, and investors have returned him to that position every year since. One of 12 currently top-ranked All-America Research Team Hall of Famers, the Barclays researcher is hailed for both his consistency and expertise. “Some veteran analysts lose the bounce in their steps but not Lazar, who keeps plugging away with insightful reports,” asserts one admirer. As another fund manager adds, “His solid analytical approach has kept me out of trouble in an industry where it is far too tempting to romanticize brands and otherwise leave one’s good sense at the door.” Lazar, 48, points out that sales within the packaged foods segment have been weak, owing in part to reductions in food stamp benefits and to consumer-cost pressures resulting from higher energy and tax bills. But he has faith in Mondelez International, the Deerfield, Illinois–based manufacturer of such snack brands as Oreo and Nabisco. In April 2013, Lazar added Mondelez to his coverage universe with a buy rating. He recommended that management reduce its organic sales targets and focus more on cutting costs, and the company eventually did just that. The stock climbed 18.1 percent, to $35.43, through mid-September, in line with the sector’s performance.