< The 2014 All-Japan Research Team

Natsumu Tsujino
Barclays
First-place appearances: 1

Total appearances: 11

Analyst debut: 1997

After three years in second place, J.P. Morgan’s Natsumu Tsujino slips to No. 3. “Her detailed research and broad coverage might not always lead to the right recommendations,” one portfolio manager offers, “but she does produce accurate analyses that help us determine a company’s true value.” Tsujino’s sector portfolio spans 14 companies, and she monitors many names that aren’t formally under her coverage. Deeming life insurers undervalued, the analyst favors in particular Sony Financial Holdings, whose operations include property/casualty insurance as well as banking services. She upgraded the Tokyo-based provider from neutral to outperform in September, citing in part the possibility of price appreciation owing to rumors of a 100 percent buyout by Sony Corp. As of mid-March the rumors had proved unfounded, and the parent company has held its shareholding at 60 percent. Sony Financial’s stock was little changed at that time, trading at ¥1,603, while the sector climbed 5.5 percent.

See also Natsumu Tsujino's profile in the 2013 All-Japan Research Team and the 2012 All-Japan Research Team.