< The 2015 All-Japan Research Team

Total appearances: 1

Team debut: 2015

Joining this lineup in the No. 3 position is Yusuke Yabumoto, who joined Mizuho Securities Group in 2009 upon earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from Kyoto University. The 29-year-old newcomer’s sector portfolio spans 14 names, and he plans to increase that number. In general, notes Yabumoto, “valuations of financial companies are not high, although their fundamentals are good.” He cites as an example Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co., a Tokyo-headquartered diversified insurance provider. In October, the analyst reiterated his buy rating on the stock, crediting rising profits from its brisk asset management performance and subsidiary earnings. By late last month Dai-ichi’s shares had jumped 18.3 percent, to ¥1,740, and he still recommends it, projecting an increase to ¥1,900. As he builds out his coverage, Yabumoto says, he intends to write longer, more detailed research to help uncover similar values. “He is always helpful, gives perfect answers and is unfailingly courteous,” comments one portfolio manager.