SECOND TEAM

Natsumu Tsujino J.P. Morgan

Natsumu Tsujino of J.P. Morgan slips to second place but continues to wow clients. “There’s Tsujino and everyone else,” declares one backer. Adds another: “Her knowledge of the industry — especially life insurers — is encyclopedic, and she’s very firm in her convictions, so I listen to her more than anyone else.” Tsujino elevated Tokyo-based multiline insurer T&D Holdings to top pick in mid-November, at ¥1,896, citing its low valuation, improved risk-management strategy and product launches, among other factors. By the end of February, the stock had surged 24.5 percent, to ¥2,360, and outpaced the sector by 13.5 percentage points.

Polling and tabulation of data as well as reporting on the sector profiles were completed before the March 11 Tohoku earthquake.