| | Tycho Peterson | | J.P. Morgan | First-place appearances: 3 Total appearances: 4 Analyst debut: 2010 | Tycho Peterson of J.P. Morgan tops the lineup for a third consecutive year. The 41-year-old, according to one appreciative client, “is the best all-around analyst of the tools group. He has the best models, corporate access and deep-dive research.” Peterson advises that “genetic analysis, contract research organizations and diagnostic stocks, aided by improving pharmaceuticals research and development trends and merger and acquisitions activity,” are driving performance across his coverage universe. The sector returned 31.9 percent gain year to date through August, compared with the S&P 500’s 14.5 percent rise. His outlook remains positive on San Diego’s Illumina. Most recently in July, with the stock up 40 percent for the year and ahead of the sector by 11.2 percentage points, Peterson reiterated his long-held overweight rating, at $76.27. He cited new markets and customers for the sequencing-system manufacturer and growth of late in the diagnostics segment, among other factors. Illumina’s shares closed August at $77.84. Going forward, Peterson favors FEI of Hillsboro, Oregon, dubbing it “one of the best growth stories in tools.” Concludes another fan, “Tycho has the widest breadth of coverage and excellent command over the end markets.” — Leslie Kramer |
