Consumer: Apparel, Footwear & Textiles 2008 AART

Robert Drbul

Robert Drbul

Barclays

SECOND TEAM

Kate McShaneCiti

THIRD TEAM

Omar SaadCredit Suisse

RUNNERS-UP

Robert SamuelsJPMorgan

After spending the past two years in second place, Robert Drbul, who moved to Barclays Capital after it acquired Lehman Brothers last month, returns to No. 1. “Robert has a great sense for what extraneous factors can mean for his companies, which has proven extremely helpful in this volatile and rapidly changing economic environment,” says one client. Drbul, 37, has been bullish on Nike since February 2007, saying the Beaverton, Oregon–based footwear giant’s international sales, especially in China ahead of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, would offset any downturn in the U.S. market. Nike’s share price had run up 23.3 percent from Drbul’s recommendation through mid-September. During the same period the sector fell 12.5 percent. Citi’s Kate McShane, who debuts in second place, “doesn’t do the same old New York walk around and report on the trends there — she gives a balanced take on what clients are buying everywhere,” notes one impressed investor. McShane downgraded Columbia Sportswear Co. to sell in April, at $45.67, on the belief that rising prices of raw materials would adversely affect the Portland, Oregon–based apparel maker’s profits. The stock had slipped 8.3 percent, to $41.88, as of mid-September. Newcomer Omar Saad finishes third. The Credit Suisse analyst initiated coverage of Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. way back in 2005 with a buy recommendation and has consistently highlighted the call, most recently in January. Shares of the New York–based fashion designer had climbed 41.2 percent from Saad’s reiteration through mid-September.

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