Consumer: Apparel, Footwear & Textiles 2009

Robert DrbulBarclays

second teamRobert OhmesBofA Merrill Lynch

third teamOmar SaadCredit Suisse

Robert Drbul is No. 1 for a second straight year — and for the sixth time in eight years. The Barclays Capital analyst has been bullish all year on Coach, the New York–based manufacturer of high-end leather goods, telling clients that “the company’s strategy of compressing multiple years of innovation into its collections” would, even in the midst of a downturn, inspire “a reluctant consumer to spend.” The stock rose 36.2 percent in the first eight months of 2009, from $20.77 to $28.29, and beat the sector by 16.5 percentage points. Drbul, 38, “tells me where I am and where I should be going,” explains one appreciative backer.

Investors say BofA Merrill’s Robert Ohmes, who shoots straight to second place after being unranked last year, has a “great nose for stocks” and an ability to find “out-of-favor opportunities.” In July 2008, Ohmes recommended New York clothing manufacturer Iconix Brand Group, owner of Ocean Pacific, Danskin and other brands, on strong growth prospects. Through August 2009 the stock rose 42.2 percent.

Omar Saad of Credit Suisse repeats in third place. Saad reiterated his long-standing buy recommendation on New York–based fashion designer Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. in May, explaining to clients that “despite being one of the most globally recognized and desired lifestyle brands in the world, Ralph Lauren remains extremely underpenetrated internationally.” The stock had gained 22.9 percent by the end of August.

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