Baird Research Ranked No. 2 by Wall Street Journal

MILWAUKEE, May 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Equity Research group at Baird received its highest rank to date in The Wall Street Journal's 19th annual "Best on the Street" survey released May 10. Out of 86 research houses Baird tied two other firms in receiving the second highest number of awards, with seven analysts recognized among the top five stock-pickers in their respective industry sectors.

"We are very pleased to continue to be recognized among the top firms in our business," said Bob Venable, Baird's Director of Research. "This year's ranking reflects our best showing yet in this survey, further demonstrating Baird's focus on fundamental research and underscoring the emphasis we place on quality and objectivity."

The Wall Street Journal  "Best on the Street" analysts survey recognizes the top five analysts in 44 industry sectors based on their stock-picking skill during 2010. Analysts were selected for their recommendation-performance scores, which are based on the estimated return, including price changes and dividends, an investor would have achieved by following the analyst's recommendations, and on the number of stocks the analyst covered in a particular industry.

Baird analysts recognized among the top five in their industries were:

• Daniel Leben – No. 1 in Advertising and Publishing
• Eric Coldwell – No. 2 in Health Care Providers, his third appearance on the list
• David Manthey – No. 3 in Business & Industrial Services
• Thomas J. Russo– No. 3 in Pharmaceuticals
• Craig Kennison– No. 4 in Leisure Goods & Services
• Lawrence H. Neibor – No. 4 in Medical Equipment & Supplies
• Bryce Rowe – No. 4 in Banks, his second appearance on the list

About Baird's Equity Research Group

Baird's Research Department consists of approximately 110 research professionals covering more than 600 U.S. companies. Baird analysts have been recognized repeatedly in The Wall Street Journal's annual "Best on the Street" survey since the survey's inception.

About Baird

Baird is an employee-owned, international wealth management, capital markets, private equity and asset management firm with offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. Established in 1919, Baird has more than 2,600 associates serving the needs of individual, corporate, institutional and municipal clients. Baird oversees and manages client assets of nearly $82 billion. Committed to being a great place to work, Baird ranked number 14 on FORTUNE's "100 Best Companies to Work For" in 2011 – its eighth consecutive year on the list. Baird's principal operating subsidiaries are Robert W. Baird & Co. in the United States and Robert W. Baird Group Ltd. in Europe. Baird also has an operating subsidiary in Asia supporting Baird's private equity operations. For more information, please visit Baird's Web site at www.rwbaird.com.

SOURCE Baird