Technology, Media & Telecommunications – Media: First

Michael Nathanson is No. 1 for a second straight year — but that simple statement is hardly reflective of the 49-year-old’s accomplishments. Last year the Media sector was created through the merger of Entertainment with Publishing & Advertising Agencies; the Nomura Securities International analyst ranked in both and in predecessor categories. In fact, he has racked up 11 team appearances, including six first-place finishes, since 2006. Nathanson has “the ability to combine unrivaled industry knowledge with an investment process similar to the buy-side clients he serves,” marvels one ally. The analyst pounded the table on News Corp. in July 2011, at $15.27, as the New York–based company became embroiled in a phone-hacking scandal in the U.K.; where others saw trouble Nathanson spotted an opportunity in the market overreaction. Good call. The stock vaulted 54.2 percent, to $23.55, through August 2012. “He was an early and vocal supporter of News Corp. — for the right reasons,” applauds one ally.