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Takaki Nakanishi |
Bank of America
Merrill Lynch |
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"He analyzes financial data, statistics and
long-term strategy with extraordinary
precision." |
Takaki Nakanishi rises one rung to
finish on top for the first time since 2009. Investors
praise the Bank of America Merrill Lynch analyst for
his extensive industry knowledge, which is rooted in
"long-standing, cemented relationships with managements
at all of the car companies," according to one ally.
Nakanishi says he has "high hopes for earnings growth"
at Aichi-based automaker Toyota Motor Corp., thanks to
the "increased strategic value of its domestic
production footprint, progress in rebuilding the U.S.
competitive franchise and improved pricing." The shares
were trading at ¥5,020 in mid-March, and Nakanishi
believes the price will rise to ¥5,500 within the
next 12 months. Another top pick is Honda Motor Co.,
owing to the Tokyo-based manufacturer's "growth
strategy in emerging economies" and the "concrete
realization of its products' competitive power," the
researcher says. He predicts a 12 percent rise in
year-over-year sales in fiscal 2014, which began April
1, and has set a 12-month price objective on the stock
of ¥3,900; the shares were trading at ¥3,820 in
mid-March. Nakanishi, 50, "can analyze a car
part-by-part — from the front fenders to the tail
lights, and from the factory floor to the showroom,"
marvels one backer. — Paul Sweeney
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