< The 2014 All-Japan Research Team

Kei Takahashi & team
Mizuho Securities Group
First-place appearances: 0

Total appearances: 3

Team debut: 2011

Kei Takahashi joined Mizuho Securities Group from Bank of America Merrill Lynch in November 2012 then slipped from last year’s lineup. He registers an impressive return by turning in his best showing to date, seizing second place. Although the analyst covers only four Japanese telecommunications companies, his presentation materials are “data-packed and filled with deep and meaningful analyses,” one portfolio manager insists. Takahashi is closely watching the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications debate over potential revisions to telecoms regulations, which is expected to continue until November. Meanwhile, “we basically see solid earnings situations on the telecom companies,” he reports. “In the mobile businesses carriers are still enjoying smartphone penetration, although the competition is getting more intense. On the other hand, in the fixed businesses cost reductions seem to support earnings.” His preferred name going forward is KDDI Corp., a Tokyo-based mobile-services provider that “has a clear competitive advantage in its Smart Value bundle discount,” Takahashi explains. “We think KDDI has the best earnings and shareholder return perspective over the medium term.”