Nomura (US:NMR)2023-08-02 05:22Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group-wide net revenue for the first quarter reached JPY348.9 billion, up 7% quarter-on-quarter; pretax income increased 104% to JPY46.3 billion; net income was JPY23.3 billion, 3.2 times higher than the previous quarter; EPS was JPY7.4; and annualized ROE was 2.9% [11][12][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail net revenue increased 22% to JPY92.1 billion, with income before income taxes rising 133% to JPY22.9 billion; flow revenue was JPY57.8 billion, an increase of 38% driven by stronger sales of stocks and investment trusts [12][13] - Investment Management net revenue declined 30% to JPY26.5 billion, with income before income taxes dropping 78% to JPY3.6 billion; however, business revenue grew 13% to JPY32.5 billion [31] - Wholesale net revenue increased 7% to JPY190.9 billion, with income before income taxes improving from a loss to JPY2.1 billion [33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for the quarter reached JPY5.4 trillion, up 21%, with JPY2.8 trillion from stock sales; investment trusts sales increased 56% to JPY600 billion [2] - Net inflows of recurring revenue assets were negative JPY71.4 billion, but excluding corporate clients, net inflows were JPY10 billion; recurring revenue assets reached a record high of JPY20.3 trillion [2][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on cost reduction, with a JPY50 billion cost reduction program already identifying about 60% of the total to be implemented by March 2024; the company expects to see full benefits of these reductions in the next fiscal year [16] - The Retail division has completed a reorganization to better meet client needs, resulting in stronger sales across all products and services [12][36] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that uncertainties remain in the international environment but emphasized a focus on managing risk prudently while expanding earnings; they expect the momentum in the Japanese stock market to continue due to adjustments in Bank of Japan monetary policy and corporate actions to improve profitability [16][36] - The company anticipates that the current challenging conditions in the Americas and EMEA will improve as the tightening cycle nears its end [23][50] Other Important Information - The company reported a CET1 capital ratio of 16.5% at the end of June, with risk-weighted assets increasing by JPY570 billion to JPY17.9 trillion [15][35] - The company is seeing a significant increase in client activity and interest in Japanese equities, with a notable rise in the number of flow business clients [31][70] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about Wholesale performance and ROE levels - Management acknowledged that the Americas and EMEA are currently underperforming but expressed hope for recovery as the market conditions improve [7][41] Question: Impact of personnel expenses and ACI unrealized losses - Management explained that yen depreciation and increased base salaries have driven up personnel expenses; they also noted that unrealized losses from ACI were due to hedging errors rather than significant valuation changes [38][39] Question: Evaluation of Retail performance post-reorganization - Management indicated that while the reorganization has led to increased client engagement and revenue growth, not all impacts have materialized yet, particularly in high net worth segments [42][77] Question: Changes in client investment behavior - Management observed that clients are becoming more active in the market, with a notable increase in those willing to invest at higher prices during market rallies [69] Question: Capital policy and potential impacts from U.S. regulations - Management stated that there would be no direct impact from new U.S. capital regulations on their operations, but they will continue to monitor for any indirect effects [69]