Shoji Sato, who debuted in the runner-up position last year, rises to third place. Even though the weak yen will support profits in the sector this year, the Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities Co. analyst asserts, “it’s more important for companies to change their product portfolios and increase their new product sales.” He favors Nidec Corp., a manufacturer of motors used in computers and household appliances, because the Kyoto-based company is expanding into industrial and automobile-related businesses. Sato is also recommending two other Kyoto outfits: Murata Manufacturing Co., a supplier of parts for smartphones and other devices, and Kyocera Corp., a printer and digital camera maker, because they too are trying to commercialize products for new businesses. “Many analysts get lost in a sea of endless information, but not him,” insists one admirer. — Carolyn Koo |
Industries — Electronics/Components: Third