Citi’s Arifumi Yoshida debuted in third place in 2009, climbed to second the following year — and has held that spot ever since. “He judges companies by precisely analyzing financial data and statistics,” according to one buy-side backer. Top stock picks include Aisin Seiki Co., an Aichi-based manufacturer of automatic transmissions, on the belief that “market penetration in China is still only around 30 percent,” Yoshida says. “Also, we think Aisin Seiki will benefit from a weaker yen and production growth” at Toyota Motor Corp., one of its key clients and shareholders. The analyst continues to recommend Calsonic Kansei Corp. — first upgraded from hold to buy in May 2011 — on expectations that the Saitama-based components maker’s earnings should improve “significantly” thanks to rising demand in North American markets. — Paul Sweeney |
Industries – Auto Parts: Second