Hiroshi Matsuda Mizuho Securities Group

Hiroshi Matsuda of Mizuho Securities Group debuts in second place in this new sector. Postearthquake reconstruction and sovereign-debt crises in Europe have prompted the analyst to concentrate on medium-term opportunities, rather than short- or long-term. Among the eight companies Matsuda covers, one he especially likes is Aichi’s NGK Insulators, which manufactures batteries for renewable energy sources. “We are focusing on NGK as stricter emissions standards and the recovery of overseas electric power infrastructure markets come into force worldwide,” he says. Matsuda is also valued for his contacts, which enable him to provide “exclusive site tours and top management meetings that other analysts cannot seem to get,” according to one investor. — Pam Baker