BAIRD RESEARCH ANALYSTS HONORED BY THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

MILWAUKEE, May 21, 2007 Research Analysts at Baird received five “Best on the Street” awards in The Wall Street Journal’s annual survey released today. Baird analysts were also recognized in the Sixth Annual StarMine awards, posted to Forbes.com on May 1.


“Best on the Street”


The Wall Street Journal’s “Best on the Street” analysts survey recognizes the top five analysts in 45 industry sectors, based on their performance during 2006. 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.


“This recognition reflects Baird’s focus on fundamental research and underscores the emphasis we place on quality and objectivity,” said Bob Venable, Director of Research. 


On the list for the third time, Research Analyst David Leiker ranked No. 3 out of 16 analysts in the Auto & Auto Parts sector. Research Analysts Michael Schneider and Richard Eastman ranked No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, out of 48 analysts in the Electronic & Electrical Equipment sector. It is Schneider’s third appearance on the list, and Eastman’s fifth.


Research Analyst Eric Coldwell ranked No. 5 of 60 analysts in the Health-Care Providers sector in his second consecutive appearance on the list, and first-timer Research Analyst Quintin Lai ranked No. 5 out of 70 analysts in the Medical Equipment & Supplies sector.


Baird ranked 10th out of 85 research houses in terms of the total number of “Best on the Street” awards received. 



Baird Analysts recognized by Forbes.com, StarMine as Top Analysts


According to a May 1 report posted to Forbes.com, seven Baird analysts received 12 awards from StarMine, the most recognized firm in the industry for tracking earnings accuracy and stock picking results. Out of the 3,400 sell-side analysts covering U.S. companies for Wall Street, the awards recognize the top three analysts and top three stock pickers in their respective industries, based on an analysis of 2006 data.  Baird ranked third overall among firms with the most award-winning analysts in the United States.


 


Baird analysts recognized among the top three in their industries for their stock-picking skill include:



  • Michael Schneider – No. 1 in Electrical Equipment

  • Quintin Lai – No. 1 in Health Care Equipment and Supplies

  • David Manthey – No. 1 in Trading Companies & Distributors

  • Richard Eastman – No. 3 in Electronic Equipment & Industries and in Machinery

Recognized among the top three in their industries for their accuracy in estimating earnings were:


 



  • David Parker – No. 1 in Multi-Utilities

  • Michael Schneider – No. 1 in Electrical Equipment and No. 2 in Commercial Services & Supplies

  • Jon Langenfeld – No. 1 in Air Freight & Logistics and No. 3 in Road & Rail

  • David Manthey – No. 2 in Trading Companies & Distributors

  • Craig Kennison – No. 2 in Automobiles

Out of the 340 analysts awarded by StarMine, analyst Michael Schneider was named among the five “Rare Birds” ranked the best in both stock picking and earnings predictions within his area. And he was one of only nine listed as the “Best of the Best” for consistently outperforming his peers year over year. He is currently rated as a “four-star” stock picker and a “five-star” earnings estimator in both Commercial Services and Electrical Equipment.


 


Baird has been represented in the StarMine awards since their inception in 2001.


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 2,200 associates serving the needs of individual, corporate, institutional and municipal clients. Baird oversees and manages client assets of more than $71 billion. Committed to being a great place to work, Baird was recognized as one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. 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.