GiovanaAraújo＆团队itaúbba.
itaúbba.’s duo, now led solely by São Paulo–based Giovana Araújo, jumps from runner-up to No. 2. With an expanding universe that currently comprises seven companies, the researchers impressed investors by highlighting their call on Brazil’s Fertilizantes Heringer in October 2011, at 10.22 reais. They predicted a rise in demand for its specialty fertilizers, especially by increasingly competitive sugarcane farms. Sure enough, the agrochemicals maker’s earnings grew and the stock soared 39.1 percent, peaking at 14.22 reais in early May before slipping to 12.69 reais by mid-July, for a gain of 24.2 percent. “They are a team to listen to,” attests one buy-side backer. — Ben Mattlin