Hiroshi Saji Mizuho Securities Group

Although he slips from second place to third, Hiroshi Saji of Mizuho Securities Group continues to impress clients with his “courage to bring up nonconsensus ideas from a totally forgotten group of stocks,” as one portfolio manager puts it. Saji covers 23 companies and has shifted his view from bullish to bearish. “The sector enjoyed good earnings through a decrease of its marketing costs after the March 11 earthquake last year,” he explains. “However, now our view is conservative. I am focusing on the negative reaction for earnings.” Saji, according to one investor, is “an analyst I can trust because he readily owns both his accolades and errors.”  — Pam Baker

RUNNER(S)-UP
- Keiko Yamaguchi Nomura Securities Co.