< The 2014 All-America Research TeamOliver ChenCitiFirst-Place Appearances: 0
Total Appearances: 2
Analyst Debut: 2013Oliver Chen continues to rise in buy-siders’ esteem. The Citi analyst earned designation as a Rising Star of Wall Street Research in 2012, merited a runner-up position on this roster last year and now advances to capture third place. He “knows the accessories, luxury goods, watches and handbag markets better than anyone else, given his passion for retail and creativity,” one fund manager observes. Adds a second backer: Chen “just knows what’s cool and what will sell at full price.” For his part, the researcher is advising investors to favor accessories over apparel. “We believe strong accessory brands with brawn have greater pricing leverage and full-price selling, which drives a stronger return on equity versus apparel,” he explains. In March, Chen upgraded New York–based jewelry retailer Tiffany & Co. from neutral to buy, convinced that new management and design teams would deliver same-store sales growth. Indeed, comparable outlets delivered a year-over-year increase of 7 percent during the fiscal first half, ended July 31, and by mid-September the stock had climbed 10.1 percent, to $100.71, besting the sector by 5.9 percentage points.
RUNNER(S)-UP
Lorraine Hutchinson
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Randal Konik
Jefferies
Paul Lejuez
Wells Fargo Securities
Omar Saad
ISI Group