Three firms split broker honours

Stockbrokers Davy, Goodbody and Merrion divided almost all of the honours in the 2004 Annual Stockbroker Survey, with the three rivals all making gains on last year.

Merrion's Mr Séamus Murphy was voted overall analyst of the year in the survey published by Finance magazine. It is the first time that Merrion has taken this award.

Overall, Davy topped the league table by winning 15 categories, including several of the key categories. These included best overall Irish equity research, best overall financial team (research and sales) and best fixed income research.

Mr Robbie Kelleher of Davy took the award for best equity strategist for the seventh time, ahead of former Goodbody economist Mr Colin Hunt. There was some compensation for Mr Hunt on missing out, however, as he was awarded the title for best research economist for the third year in a row, with Mr Kelleher this time having to settle for second place.

Goodbody took home 11 titles, up from nine last year, with analyst Mr Neil Clifford ranked first in four categories, including a new category for best telecoms analyst. Goodbody's Mr Liam Lynch was named best bond analyst.

Merrion came first in four categories, with analyst of the year Mr Murphy also holding onto his title for best financials analyst. The firm's Mr Adrian O'Carroll won in the best equity salesperson category in another first for the stockbroking firm, which was also named as best for objectivity of equity research.

Finance magazine polled fund and asset managers based in the Republic and overseas managers who do significant business with Irish stockbroking firms.

A total of 95 institutions voted during October and November 2004.