Keiichi Yoneshima Barclays Capital
Keiichi Yoneshima, who debuted in the runner-up position last year, rises to third place. Clients praise the Barclays Capital analyst for his “very detailed data and reports” and “quick response to calls,” as well as his “good stock picks.” One example of the latter: Yoneshima told investors to buy Rakuten, one of Japan’s leading business-to-business-to-consumer service providers and operator of the nation’s largest online retailer, Rakuten Ichiba, all the way back in December 2008. He has pounded the table repeatedly since, citing the Tokyo-based company’s strong growth prospects and rapid overseas expansion. For the 12 months through February, the shares climbed 11.5 percent, from ¥72,482 to ¥80,800, and outpaced the sector by a stunning 37.2 percentage points. — Pam Baker
RUNNER(S)-UP
- Masaharu Miyachi Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities Co.
- Yosuke Tomimatsu Bank of America Merrill Lynch
- Makoto Ueno Daiwa Securities Group