Nomura Holdings Reports 27% Q4 Profit Increase, Highest Annual Profit

Nomura Holdings reported a 27% year-over-year rise in fourth-quarter net profit, reaching 72 billion yen ($501 million), marking its highest annual profit to date as revenue expanded across all business segments. The company's investment management division achieved record business revenue for a fifth straight quarter, while recurring revenue in wealth management also hit a new high, driven by robust investment advisory fees. Despite a slowdown in individual client activity and a drop in assets under management due to falling share prices, Nomura's performance benefited from market volatility, which widened trading margins. The firm announced a share buyback of up to 60 billion yen and plans to acquire Macquarie Group's U.S. and European public asset management businesses for $1.8 billion, underscoring its strategy to grow stable, fee-based income. Nomura's earnings continue to outpace Japanese rivals, cementing its dominant market position. Executives express confidence that the company can weather future market fluctuations, citing the advantages of volatility for their trading operations.