A Progressive Digital Media business
COMPANY PROFILE Sony Corporation
REFERENCE CODE: 881B16EF-3BEC-4BDD-B10A-26FAB18DEC3B PUBLICATION DATE: 13 Nov 2018 www.marketline.com COPYRIGHT MARKETLINE. THIS CONTENT IS A LICENSED PRODUCT AND IS NOT TO BE PHOTOCOPIED OR DISTRIBUTED Sony Corporation TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Company Overview ...... 3 Key Facts...... 3 Business Description ...... 4 History ...... 7 Key Employees ...... 44 Key Employee Biographies ...... 46 Major Products & Services ...... 50 SWOT Analysis ...... 51 Top Competitors ...... 56 Company View ...... 57 Locations And Subsidiaries ...... 58
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Company Overview
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Sony Corporation (Sony or 'the group') is one of the leading manufacturers of audio, video, imaging, game, communications, and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. The group operates in electronics, entertainment and financial services sectors. Sony offers a wide range of products, including mobile phones, tablets, accessories, applications, home and portable game consoles, compact digital cameras, interchangeable single-lens cameras, video cameras, broadcast- and professional-use products, televisions (TVs), audio and video products, semiconductors, and components. It also offers services such as network services relating to game, video, and music content, and financial services. The group operates through nine business segments: game and network services, home entertainment and sound, mobile communications, financial services, pictures, devices, imaging products and solutions, music, and all other. Sony operates across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, North America and Oceania. It is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
The company reported revenues of (Yen) JPY8,543,982 million for the fiscal year ended March 2018 (FY2018), an increase of 12.4% over FY2017. In FY2018, the company’s operating margin was 8.5%, compared to an operating margin of 3.7% in FY2017. In FY2018, the company recorded a net margin of 5.7%, compared to a net margin of 1% in FY2017.
The company reported revenues of JPY1,953,624.0 million for the first quarter ended June 2018, an increase of 0.1% over the previous quarter.
Key Facts
KEY FACTS
Head Office Sony Corporation 1-7-1 Konan 1-Chome Minato-ku Tokyo Tokyo Tokyo Tokyo JPN Phone 81 3 67482111 Fax Web Address www.sony.net Revenue / turnover (JPY Mn) 8,543,982.0 Revenue (USD Mn) 77,097.0 Financial Year End March Employees 117,300 Tokyo Stock Exchange Ticker 6758
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Business Description
BUSINESS DESCRIPTION
Sony is engaged in the development, design, manufacture and sale of electronic equipment, instruments, and devices for the consumer, professional and industrial markets as well as game consoles and software. The group operates in approximately 200 countries and territories. Sony's primary manufacturing facilities are located in Asia including Japan. The group also uses third-party contract manufacturers for certain products.
The group operates through nine segments*: Game and Network Services, Home Entertainment and Sound, Mobile Communications, Financial Services, Pictures, Devices, Imaging Products and Solutions, Music, and All Other.
The Game and Network Services segment offers hardware products such as home and portable game consoles, including the PlayStation4 (PS4), PlayStation3 (PS3) and PS Vita. The segment also provides network services relating to game, video, and music content through its subsidiary, Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC (formerly Sony Network Entertainment International LLC). In FY2018, the Game and Network Services segment recorded revenues of JPY1,848,298 million, which accounted for 21.7% of the group’s total revenues.
The Home Entertainment and Sound segment encompasses TVs such as liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs, and audio and video, including Blu-ray Disc players/recorders, home audio, headphones and memory-based portable audio devices. In FY2018, the Home Entertainment and Sound segment recorded revenues of JPY1,221,235 million, which accounted for 14.3% of the group’s total revenues.
Through the Mobile Communications segment, Sony is engaged in the research, development, design, marketing, sales, manufacturing, distribution and customer services for mobile phones, tablets, accessories and applications. The group also offers Internet broadband network services to subscribers through So-net (formerly Sony Communication Network Corporation). Moreover, it creates and distributes content through its portal services to various electronics products platforms such as personal computers (PCs) and mobile phones. In FY2018, the Mobile Communications segment recorded revenues of JPY713,916 million, which accounted for 8.4% of the group’s total revenues.
The Financial Services segment operates through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Sony Financial Holdings (SFH). SFH is a holding company for Sony Life, Sony Bank, and Sony Assurance. SFH integrates various financial services offered by Sony including insurance, savings and loans. SFH engages in the insurance and banking business through Sony Life, a Japanese life insurance company; Sony Assurance, a Japanese non-life insurance company; and Sony Bank, a Japanese internet-based bank. In FY2018, the Financial Services segment recorded revenues of JPY1,221,235 million, which accounted for 14.3% of the group’s total revenues.
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The Pictures segment consists of motion pictures production, TV productions, and media networks. Motion pictures include global production, acquisition and distribution of live-action and animated motion pictures and direct-to-video content. The segment also includes operations of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), a subsidiary engaged in motion picture related activities in several countries. SPE's principal motion picture production organizations include Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Screen Gems, Sony Pictures Animation and Sony Pictures Classics. SPE also operates Sony Pictures Imageworks (a visual effects and animation studio) and manages a studio facility, Sony Pictures Studios, which includes post production facilities. TV productions includes the production, acquisition and distribution of TV programming, including scripted series, unscripted reality or light entertainment, daytime serials, game shows, animated series, made for TV movies and miniseries and other programming. SPE also produces local language programming and licenses SPE owned programming and formats around the world. Media networks includes digital network and TV operations. SPE's TV networks include Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) (formerly Multi Screen Media Private Limited), which operates TV networks in India, and a controlling interest in Game Show Network (GSN), which operates a US based cable network and an online game business. Digital networks include Crackle, a multi-platform video entertainment network focusing on premium video content. In FY2018, the Pictures segment recorded revenues of JPY1,010,173 million, which accounted for 11.8% of the group’s total revenues.
The segment includes semiconductors and components categories. Under the semiconductors category, the group offers charge-coupled devices (CCDs), complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors, logical system integrations (LSIs) and other semiconductors. Components category includes batteries, audio/video/data recording media, storage media and optical pickups. In FY2018, the Devices segment recorded revenues of JPY726,892 million, which accounted for 8.5% of the group’s total revenues.
The Imaging Products and Solutions segment consists of digital imaging products and professional solutions categories. Digital imaging products include compact digital cameras, video cameras, and interchangeable single-lens cameras. Professional solutions include broadcast- and professional-use products. In FY2018, the Imaging Products and Solutions segment recorded revenues of JPY647,163 million, which accounted for 7.6% of the group’s total revenues.
The Music segment comprises operations of Sony Music Entertainment (SME); Sony Music Entertainment Japan (SMEJ); and a US subsidiary** in the music publishing business, Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Sony/ATV). SME develops, produces and distributes recorded music in all commercial formats and genres worldwide, excluding Japan. SMEJ is a Japanese domestic recorded music business that is engaged in the production of recorded music and music videos through contacts with many artists in all music genres. Sony/ATV is a US-based music publishing business that owns and acquires rights to musical compositions. In FY2018, the Music segment recorded revenues of JPY784,792 million, which accounted for 9.2% of the group’s total revenues.
The All Other segment comprises various operating activities, including disc manufacturing business
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outside of Japan and the PC business. In FY2018, the All Other segment recorded revenues of JPY351,527 million, which accounted for 4.1% of the group’s total revenues.
Geographically, Sony classifies its operations into six regions, namely Japan, Europe (such as the UK, France, Germany, Russia, Spain and Sweden), the US, Asia Pacific (such as India, South Korea and Oceania), China, and other regions (the Middle East/Africa, Brazil, Mexico and Canada). In FY2018, Japan accounted for 30.7% of the group’s total revenues, followed by Europe with 21.6%, the US with 21.5%, Asia Pacific with 12%, China with 7.9%, and other regions with 6.3%.
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History
HISTORY
New Products/Services
Year: 2018
In January, Sony,LG, Lenovo and Samsung mobile remote control device is featured by MobiLock Pro a android device management Solution launched by ProMobi Technologies.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2018
In February, Sony partnered with Daiwa Motor Transportation and 5 Taxi Companies to launch an AI- based ride-hailing system in Japan.
New Products/Services
Year: 2018
In February, the company and Bell announced that Canadians will be able to experience Xperia XZ2 smartphone .
New Products/Services
Year: 2018
In February, the company introduced new flagship Xperia XZ2 smartphone.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2018
In February, Sony launched Xperia XA2 smartphones in Netherlands.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2018
In March, Sony and Fonehouse announced a partnership to launch the Xperia XZ2.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
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Year: 2018
In June, Sony acquired additional interest in the common stock Sony Financial Holdings Inc.
New Products/Services
Year: 2018
In June, the company released a new pocket-sized powerhouse with the RX100 VI.
Corporate Changes/Expansions
Year: 2018
In June, the company announced to open Ginza Sony Park.
Others
Year: 2018
In June, the company announced to update its VENICE CineAlta motion picture camera system.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2018
In July, the company collaborated with Amazon to provide a new service Tell Bedtime Stories Voiced by the Cast of HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3, through Amazon Alexa.
New Products/Services
Year: 2018
In July, the company introduced Xperia XA2 Plus mid-range phone, 6-Inch, 2160x1080, SD630.
New Products/Services
Year: 2018
In July, Sony announced the release of the SXRD (Silicon X-Tal (crystal) Reflective Display) SXRD241A.
New Products/Services
Year: 2018
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In July, the company announced the release of the IMX586 stacked CMOS image sensor, for smartphone cameras.
New Products/Services
Year: 2018
In July, Sony introduced Amazing Red PS4 Pro bundle featuring Spider-Man themed design.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2018
In July, the company acquired the remaining 25.1% interest in Nile Acquisition, from the Estate of Michael Jackson.
New Products/Services
Year: 2018
In August, Sony launched bluetooth-enabled 5.1 channel audio system in India.
New Products/Services
Year: 2018
In August, Sony MAX launched Filmykaant, an artificial intelligence powered chatbot with advanced Natural Language Processing technology, to interact with the user’s queries.
New Products/Services
Year: 2018
In August, the company launched a new SF-G series TOUGH specification UHS-II SD cards designed to maintain safe images in shooting environment.
New Products/Services
Year: 2018
In September, Sony launched big-screen 4K HDR televisions, projectors, audio receivers and IMAX- compliant displays at CEDIA Expo.
New Products/Services
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Year: 2018
In September, Sony launched The Outlander Collector.
New Products/Services
Year: 2018
In September, Sony launched the A9F OLED TV's in 55-inch and 65-inch models with Netflix Calibrated Mode in India.
New Products/Services
Year: 2018
In September, the company launched FE 24mm f/1.4 GM lens.
New Products/Services
Year: 2018
In October, Sony launched SRS-XB01, the new extra bass wireless speaker in India.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2018
In October, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment partnered with Quantum Storey to launch new Virtual Reality product.
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2018
In October, Sony announced its plans to develop a blockchain-powered extension for its digital rights management system.
New Products/Services
Year: 2018
In November, the company launched a PS4 Pro CUH-7200 PlayStation with less noise output.
New Products/Services
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Year: 2018
In October, the company developed a blockchain-based rights management system for digital content in music, film, and e-book
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2018
In October, the company partnered with Utility, Inc. to develop Smart Patrolling, the first in-car camera video system powered by artificial intelligence (AI)
New Products/Services
Year: 2018
In November, the company launched HXR-NX200, the new handheld camcorder for professional videographers.
New Products/Services
Year: 2018
In April, the company launched Mimir’s Vision, an augmented reality app for the God of War video game series.
Corporate Changes/Expansions
Year: 2018
In March, the company in partnership with Jumbo Electronics and Kansas Digital Trading opened its first camera store in the Middle East.
New Products/Services
Year: 2018
In November, Sony announced to introduce WI-C600N, a new Bluetooth noise cancelling headphones.
New Products/Services
Year: 2017
In June, the company launched PS4 Slim Gold edition.
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New Products/Services
Year: 2017
In June, the company launched two new G-Series professional solid state drives(SSD) of 960GB and 480GB capacities for external video recording.
New Products/Services
Year: 2017
In May, the company released new IMX382 high-speed vision sensor to enable detection and tracking of objects at 1,000 frames per second.
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2017
In March, the company plans to launch new research centre to advance the manufacturing process at Pencoed.
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2017
In April, the company plans to launch its first free-to-air channel in Italy.
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2017
In June, the company plans to launch a high speed, silent mirrorless single-lens digital camera.
Corporate Awards
Year: 2017
In March, the company's 18 products was recognized with iF Design Awards.
New Products/Services
Year: 2017
In August, the company launched its new digital camera, the α9.
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New Products/Services
Year: 2017
In September, the company to launch 6K Venice flagship cinema camera.
New Products/Services
Year: 2017
In September, the company to launch projectors with 4K HDR standards.
New Products/Services
Year: 2017
In June, the company introduced the new X720E and X690E TV series for pre-order.
New Products/Services
Year: 2017
In August, the company launched a new type of camera in the form of the RX0, an ultra-compact, robust and waterproof device.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2017
In August, Sony Corporation and SGE collaborated to create block chain technology*1that can protect educational achievement and record.
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2015
In November, the company to introduce PlayStation 5 A, Xbox two.
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2017
Sony announced plans to introduce its latest prototypes that incorporate cutting-edge technologies, as well as projects which are still in the development stage, at SXSW 2017, one of the leading global
Sony Corporation Page 13 © MarketLine Sony Corporation History creative business conferences and festivals. Some of the new innovations include Motion Sonic project, the Future Lab program, Xperia projector and Superception. Motion Sonic project deals with development of a system that combines microphones and gyro sensors to precisely track various aspects of motion, including vector, speed, and fluctuations. The Future Lab program will exhibit two concept prototypes, ‘N’ and ‘T’. ‘N’ is a new, and innovative way of experiencing audio, with a hands-free and open-ear style interactive interface for accessing music and audio information. ‘T’ creates an interactive space on a table or the surfaces of real objects. Xperia projector will display an interactive touch screen onto a flat surface, such as a wall or table, offering a new way to communicate and interact. Superception is a research framework that utilizes computer technologies to intervene in the process of human perception and to connect multiple senses together in order to alter and expand the limits of perception.
Research and Development
Year: 2017
The group developed the 3-layer stacked CMOS image sensor with DRAM for smartphones. This newly developed sensor with DRAM delivers fast data readout speeds, making it possible to capture still images of fast-moving objects with minimal focal plane distortion as well as super slow motion movies at up to 1,000 fps in full HD.
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2017
Sony announced plans to sell its 17,302,700 shares (of 127,381,600 shares) in M3 to Goldman Sachs Japan Co. This step helps the group to improve its operating results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017 (FY2017) and strengthen its financial resources.
Others
Year: 2016
The group reached a settlement with the European Commission following an EU antitrust investigation of competition in the secondary batteries market involving a number of battery manufacturers. The settlement covers the period from February 2004 through October 2007. Sony agreed to pay a fine of approximately E29.8 million (approximately $33 million) in connection with the settlement.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2016
Sony partnered with Bosch Security Systems to establish a business alliance to collaborate in the development of products and solutions in the video security applications field. According to the terms of the agreement, both the companies will combine their technological expertise beginning 2017, to establish new standards in high-resolution and low light video imaging. As part of the agreed partnership, Sony’s video security customers in all markets (excluding Japan) will be served and supported by the
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sales and marketing organization of Bosch Security Systems.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2016
Sony (China) Ltd. (Sony China), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony, signed a binding definitive agreement with Shen Zhen O-Film Tech Co. (O-Film), to transfer its entire equity interest in Sony Electronics Huanan Co. (Sony Electronics Huanan) to O-Film. Sony Electronics Huanan manufactures camera modules. The transaction reflects the group's ongoing focus on optimizing the scale of camera module business.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2016
Murata signed a binding definitive agreement with Sony with respect to the transfer of the group's battery business to the Murata Group. Both the companies plan to close the transaction by early April 2017, subject to necessary regulatory approvals and other conditions.
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2016
The group announced plans to establish Sony Imaging Products & Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary that will be responsible for the group’s imaging products and solutions businesses. All functions currently held within the Imaging Products & Solutions sector within Sony, including the functions related to the consumer camera business, solutions business with a focus on broadcast- and professional-use products, and medical business, will be transferred to the new company. Sony Imaging Products & Solutions will commence operation from April 1, 2017.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2016
Sony Corporation of America (SCA), the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, acquired the remaining 50% interest in Sony/ATV from the Estate of Michael Jackson. This acquisition enables Sony to adapt to changes in the music publishing business.
New Products/Services
Year: 2016
Sony Interactive Entertainment also introduced a new slimmer and lighter version of PS4 (CUH-2000 series) computer entertainment system with a 500GB HDD in Japan, North America and Europe.
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New Products/Services
Year: 2016
Sony Interactive Entertainment launched the PlayStation4 Pro (PS4 Pro) (CUH-7000 series) computer entertainment system in Japan, North America and Europe.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2016
SPN and its affiliates entered into definitive agreements to acquire TEN Sports Network from Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEE) for $385 million. The acquisition will include TEN Sports channels such as TEN 1, TEN 1 HD, TEN 2, TEN 3, TEN Golf HD, TEN Cricket, TEN Sports that operate in India, Maldives, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Middle East and the Caribbean. The transaction is expected to strengthen SPN's existing portfolio of channels with the addition of South Asia's leading sports network.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2016
Sony acquired an additional interest in the common stock of its subsidiary, SFH. As a result, the group holds 62.1% of SFH’s common stock. The acquisition aims at increasing the corporate value of SFH as well as the entire group by strengthening the relationship with SFH.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2016
Sony Music Entertainment UK (Sony Music UK) acquired Ministry of Sound Recordings, one of the world’s largest dance music recording businesses. The acquisition included Ministry of Sound Recordings’ artists, back catalogue and compilations business.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2016
Sony Europe completed the acquisition of eSATURNUS NV (eSATURNUS), a Belgium-based company that offers clinical Video over IP solutions in the medical field. The acquisition is expected to further strengthen Sony’s ability to provide new services and end-to-end clinical image workflow solutions for hospitals.
Contracts/Agreements
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Year: 2016
Murata Manufacturing Co. (Murata) and Sony entered into a non-binding MoU to negotiate the transfer of the group's battery business to the Murata Group. The scope of the transaction includes the battery business conducted by Sony Energy Devices Corporation, Sony's wholly-owned subsidiary in Japan; Sony's battery-related manufacturing operations located in China and Singapore; and assets and personnel assigned to the battery business at the Sony's sales and R&D sites in Japan and worldwide. Businesses related to the consumer sales of Sony-branded Universal Serial Bus (USB) batteries, alkaline batteries, button and coin batteries, and mobile projectors, among others are not included in the transaction.
New Products/Services
Year: 2016
Sony announced the commercialization of demodulator LSI and tuner modules that conform to the Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting for Satellite, 3rd generation (ISDB-S3) next-generation standard for 4K and 8K satellite digital broadcasts.
New Products/Services
Year: 2016
The group launched a platform that facilitates sharing of medical and health information leveraging the FeliCa contactless IC card technology and secure cloud systems. The first technology being offered under this platform is the ‘harmo’ electronic medication notebook service.
Others
Year: 2016
Sony launched its ‘Ginza Sony Park Project’, a seven-year plan for refurbishing the Sony Building, which includes the Sony Showroom in Tokyo's Ginza district in Japan. Upon the completion of the project, the group will shut down the Sony Building in its current form on March 31, 2017 and the space will be transformed into an open-air, communal area called the ‘Ginza Sony Park’. Ginza Sony Park will be accessible to public from 2018 through 2020.
New Products/Services
Year: 2016
Sony Interactive Entertainment America introduced a line of a premier content for PS4, including Days Gone (SIE Bend Studio), Spider-Man (Insomniac Games), LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens (TT Games and Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment), God of War (SIE Santa Monica Studio), DEATH STRANDING (Kojima Productions), FINAL FANTASY XV (Square Enix), and RESIDENT EVIL 7
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biohazard (Capcom Co.), among others.
Corporate Changes/Expansions
Year: 2016
Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe changed their names to Sony Interactive Entertainment America and Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe, respectively.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2016
The group collaborated with Cogitai, an artificial intelligence (AI) start-up focused on next generation technologies. The partnership aims to develop AI technologies using deep reinforcement learning with prediction technology that could be used as the basis for the next generation of AI applications and products.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2016
Viettel Telecom and Sony entered into a MoU to research, develop and commercialize services based on NFC FeliCa contactless technology, for the Vietnamese market. Both the companies collaborated to promote mobile e-money, identification, CRM and e-ticketing in Vietnam.
Research and Development
Year: 2016
Tokyo Institute of Technology, Sony, Japan Radio, and KDDI R&D Laboratories jointly developed and implemented a 40 GHz and 60 GHz wave-based wireless access network for large-scale data content distribution.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2016
Sony acquired Altair Semiconductor, which develops and sells products focused on long term evolution technologies. Through this acquisition, Sony aims to expand Altair's existing business, and move forward with research on and development of new sensing technologies.
Contracts/Agreements
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Year: 2015
Sony and Toshiba signed definitive agreements to transfer certain Toshiba-owned semiconductor fabrication facilities, equipment and related assets in Toshiba’s Oita Operations facility, as well as other related equipment and assets owned by Toshiba to Sony and its subsidiary Sony Semiconductor Corporation. Following the transfer, Sony and Sony Semiconductor Corporation plan to operate the semiconductor fabrication facilities as fabrication facilities of Sony Semiconductor Corporation, primarily for manufacturing CMOS image sensors.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2015
The group and PT Telkomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom Indonesia), one of the leading telecommunications, information, media, edutainment, and services companies in the Republic of Indonesia, entered into a MoU. As per the MoU, the companies will partner to develop an NFC common platform using Sony's FeliCa technology, which is targeted at the Indonesian market. In addition, the companies will collaborate to promote the platform and encourage its adoption across various industries in Indonesia.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2015
Sony acquired Softkinetic Systems, one of the leading providers of 3D vision technology for consumer electronics and industrial applications. Through this acquisition, the group intends to develop the next generation of range image sensors and solutions by using Softkinetic's time-of-flight (ToF) range image sensor technology.
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2015
The group announced plans to establish Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (Sony Semiconductor Solutions) to further strengthen its semiconductor business.
Research and Development
Year: 2015
Sony Olympus Medical Solutions developed 4K surgical endoscopy system. This system will be sold by Olympus under the brand name 'VISERA 4K UHD' and introduced in the Japanese and European markets.
Plans/Strategy
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Year: 2015
Sony Global Education, a subsidiary of the group, announced plans to partner with Edmodo, one of the leading global education network in the world, to increase math literacy among students in primary and secondary schools across the world.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2015
Sony Mobile and ZMP agreed to collaborate on the development and introduction of enterprise solutions by using autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles. These vehicles capture the images with cloud-based data processing.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2015
Sony and Foo Fighters entered into a partnership to deliver premium quality High-Resolution audio experiences to audiophiles globally.
New Products/Services
Year: 2015
The group introduced 'First Flight', a new online platform that provides various services from crowd funding to e-commerce in Japan. First Flight will enable each start-up and their customers to share their ideas and inspiration, and then combine those ideas to execution through direct and interactive communication.
New Products/Services
Year: 2015
Sony introduced SA3800 spectral cell analyzer, a new flow cytometer equipped with autosampler that features 3D drive. Spectral cell analyzer is used in immunological and oncological research, regenerative medicine, and drug discovery.
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2015
The group announced plans to further invest in Sony Semiconductor Corporation in FY2016 in order to increase its production capacity for stacked CMOS image sensors.
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Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2015
Sony entered into a contract to sell 17,243,950 shares of its 34,487,900 shares in Olympus to JP Morgan Securities Japan Co. The group entered into this agreement to solidify its financial resources and obtain funds for growth-oriented strategic investments.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2015
The group established the logistics joint venture with Mitsui-Soko, which will be named as Mitsui-Soko Supply Chain Solutions. The joint venture will be operated by Sony's formerly wholly-owned subsidiary Sony Supply Chain Solutions.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2015
SME acquired the remaining interest in The Orchard, a global independent music, video and film distribution company. This investment in The Orchard allows SME to further enhance its relationships with distribution clients across the world.
New Products/Services
Year: 2015
SCEI launched Project Morpheus, a virtual reality (VR) system. SCEI will continue the development of Morpheus and launch it as a consumer product in the first half of 2016.
Research and Development
Year: 2015
The group developed SmartEyeglass, a transparent lens eyewear that connects with compatible smartphones. SmartEyeglass superimposes information such as text, symbols, and images, onto the user's field of view.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2015
Sony announced that PT.KAI COMMUTER JABODETABEK (KCJ), a rail operator in Indonesia, will adopt the group's FeliCa technology for its IC ticket operation.
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Plans/Strategy
Year: 2015
In order to increase its production capacity for stacked CMOS image sensors, Sony announced plans to invest in Sony Semiconductor Corporation in FY2016. Sony Semiconductor Corporation also plans to reorganize and optimize its production sites as it accelerates the shifting of resources to the image sensor business.
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2015
SCEI and Sony Network Entertainment International announced that PlayStation Network will include games, TV, video and music services and will be the premium entertainment service brand. Also, Sony's digital video and music services currently offered on Sony Entertainment Network, will become part of PlayStation Network, and rebranded as PlayStation Video (PS Video) and PlayStation Music (PS Music), respectively.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2015
Sony Network Entertainment International entered into a global strategic partnership with Spotify, a digital music service provider. The partnership was established to deliver a digital music experience to PlayStation Network and its 64 million active users. Also, according to the partnership, Sony Network Entertainment International, with Spotify as the exclusive partner, will launch a new music destination in spring 2015.
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2014
Mitsui-Soko and Sony announced plans to start a logistics joint venture by concluding definitive agreements, according to which the group will accept capital investments from Mitsui-Soko into the logistics business that Sony operates in Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia through its subsidiaries. Distribution services for Sony, as well as cultivating additional business by meeting third-party demand for distribution services will be provided by the joint venture. Through this transaction, the group can improve the quality of distribution services for its electronics businesses and increase its cost competitiveness.
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2014
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Sony, along with Sony Computer Science Laboratories, announced plans to establish Sony Global Education, a new company that will offer online educational services in Japan and a number of other countries.
Research and Development
Year: 2014
Sony developed an attachable single-lens display module that can turn eyewear of varying designs into smart devices.
New Products/Services
Year: 2014
The group announced the commercialization of the Exmor RS IMX230 for smartphone cameras and other devices requiring increasingly sophisticated image-capture functionality. This stacked CMOS imaging sensor is equipped with 21 effective megapixels.
New Products/Services
Year: 2014
Sony announced the commercialization of the 'IMX224MQV' CMOS image sensor for automotive cameras. This sensor captures high-resolution color images even in light conditions as low as 0.005 lux.
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2014
The group announced that it is expanding the number of racket manufacturers supporting its racket mounted Smart Tennis Sensor to include YONEX, Wilson, Prince, and HEAD.
Divestiture
Year: 2014
Sony completed the sale of its VAIO PC business to a Tokyo-based investment fund and split its TV operations. The group's VAIO-brand PC business in Japan was transferred to a company named Vaio Corp., which was set up with investment by Japan Industrial Partners, while its TV operation was spun off into a wholly-owned unit, Sony Visual Products.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2014
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INCJ, Japan Display, Sony, and Panasonic reached a definitive agreement to establish a new company, JOLED, in order to integrate Sony and Panasonic's research and development (R&D) functions for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panels. This collaboration accelerates the development and early commercialization of OLED display panels.
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2014
Sony announced plans to invest in Sony Semiconductor Corporation's Nagasaki Technology Center and Kumamoto Technology Center in order to increase its production capacity for stacked CMOS image sensors.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2014
Sony Pictures Television (SPT) acquired CSC Media Group (CSC), one of largest independent cable and satellite TV channel groups in the UK. SPT will own and operate the 16 ad-supported channels in the group's portfolio, according to the agreement. This acquisition further helped the group to strengthen its market position in the UK.
Incorporation/Establishment
Year: 2014
The group, along with Hydro-Quebec, a Canada-based electricity producer, established Esstalion Technologies, a business unit to research and develop large-scale energy storage systems for power grids. Esstalion Technologies would use the control technologies of the group for reliable, olivine-type lithium-ion iron phosphate rechargeable batteries and highly scalable module systems; as well as operation and control technologies of Hydro-Quebec for electric power supplies as well as its lithium-ion battery material technology.
Research and Development
Year: 2014
Sony developed magnetic tape technology with the world's highest (as of April 30, 2014) areal recording density of 148 gigabits per square inch (Gb/in2).
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2014
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SCEI entered into an agreement to sell all of the shares of Square Enix Holdings Co. owned by it to SMBC Nikko Securities.
Incorporation/Establishment
Year: 2014
Sony and Hydro-Quebec announced the establishment of a joint venture to start development of a large- scale energy storage system for power grids.
Incorporation/Establishment
Year: 2014
The group established Yamagata Technology Center to increase production capacity for CMOS image sensors.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2014
Sony and Japan Industrial Partners entered into a MoU for the sale of Sony's PC business currently operated under the VAIO brand to JIP.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2014
Renesas Electronics and Sony signed a definitive agreement to transfer a semiconductor manufacturing facility and related equipment at the Tsuruoka Factory (12-inch front-end wafer fabrication line of the semiconductor production facility) of Renesas Yamagata Semiconductor Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Renesas Electronics, to Sony Semiconductor Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony.
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2014
Sony, M3, and Illumina announced plans to launch a 'genome information platform' in Japan. For this purpose, the group and M3 will establish a new company with Illumina as a minority investor. The new company's 'genome information platform' business will provide a genome analysis service for research institutions and enterprises in Japan.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2013
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SCA entered into an agreement to sell all of the shares of its wholly-owned subsidiary Gracenote, to Tribune Company.
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2013
The group announced plans to sell certain of its shares in M3 to Deutsche Securities. Following the sale, Sony will still remain a major shareholder of M3.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2013
Sony and Panasonic Corporation signed a basic agreement to jointly develop next-generation OLED panels.
New Products/Services
Year: 2013
Sony Mobile introduced the world's largest and slimmest full HD smartphone, Xperia Z Ultra.
Incorporation/Establishment
Year: 2013
Sony established a medical business venture, Sony Olympus Medical Solutions, with Olympus under a business alliance agreement.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2013
The group also announced a strategic partnership with Dalet Digital Media Systems (based in France) to develop optical disk archive solutions for the video and broadcasting industries.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2013
Sony increased its stake in Multi Screen Media, a company operating TV networks in India.
Asset Disposal
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Year: 2013
SCA sold its US headquarters building to a consortium led by The Chetrit Group, a New York-based owner of commercial properties in New York City and other major US real estate markets.
Divestiture
Year: 2013
Sony sold all of its shares in DeNA Co. to Nomura Securities.
Asset Disposal
Year: 2013
Sony sold its Sony City Osaki office building and premises to Nippon Building Fund and a Japanese institutional investor. Sony and other Sony Group businesses will remain in the building for a period of five years under a lease agreement that was entered into separately.
Stake Sale
Year: 2013
The group sold certain of its shares in M3, a consolidated subsidiary of Sony, to Deutsche Securities.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2013
Olympus issued new shares to Sony through a third-party allotment under a capital alliance agreement.
New Products/Services
Year: 2013
Sony launched the world's largest 56-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) organic LED (OLED) TV.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2013
The group acquired all the outstanding shares of So-net, making So-net a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony.
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Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2012
Olympus and Sony entered into a business alliance agreement and a capital alliance agreement through a third-party for allotment of the former's common shares to Sony. Under these agreements, Sony and Olympus plan to enhance their presence in the market for medical products such as surgical endoscopes and video microscopes through the development of new medical products and businesses. They also plan to enhance their competitiveness in the area of compact digital cameras.
Divestiture
Year: 2012
Sony completed the sale of certain chemical products businesses operated by the group, including SCID, to DBJ.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2012
SCEI acquired Gaikai, an interactive cloud-based gaming company, for $380 million.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2012
Sony partnered with Berliner Philharmoniker (an orchestra company based in Berlin, Germany), and Berlin Phil Media to enhance sound quality across Sony's audio products, and digital streaming of concert footage in higher picture and audio quality.
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2012
Sony Mobile announced plans to realign the global operational structure of its development sites in Tokyo (Japan), Lund (Sweden) and Beijing (China). As part of this new structure, Sony Mobile will shift its corporate headquarters and certain other functions from Lund (Sweden) to Tokyo (Japan).
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2012
SCA acquired EMI Music Publishing, a multinational music publishing company, from Citigroup.
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Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2012
DBJ and Sony entered into a definitive agreements regarding sale of Sony's chemical products businesses operated by the group, including SCID, to DBJ.
Stake Sale
Year: 2012
The group sold its shares (representing 7.04% of the issued shares) in SDP to SDP.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2012
Sony and Sharp announced the termination of their joint venture relationship to produce and sell large- sized LCD panels and modules.
Others
Year: 2012
The group acquired 'UL Subject 1973' safety standards certification in stationary storage batteries from UL (Underwriters Laboratories), an international third-party testing and certification institution, for its energy storage system. This was the world's first energy storage system to obtain this certification under 'UL Subject 1973' from UL.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2012
Sony and Sharp further amended the joint venture agreement for the establishment and operation of Sharp Display Products Corporation (SDP), a joint venture to produce and sell large-sized LCD panels and modules.
Corporate Changes/Expansions
Year: 2012
Sony announced the establishment of a new management structure to drive the growth of its electronics businesses. The group positioned digital imaging, game and mobile as the three core pillars of its electronics business.
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Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2012
Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) and Sony signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the sale of Sony's chemical products businesses operated by Sony Chemical & Information Device Corporation (SCID), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony, to DBJ.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2012
Sony completed the acquisition of 50% stake in Sony Ericsson and renamed it Sony Mobile.
Research and Development
Year: 2012
The group developed an Authentication Outlet that enables users to manage and control power consumption of electrical devices.
Divestiture
Year: 2012
Sony sold all of its shares in S-LCD Corporation to Samsung Electronics.
New Products/Services
Year: 2012
The group launched the self-emitting display, 'Crystal LED Display'. This was the first 55-inch full HD self- emitting display using LEDs as the light source.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2011
Sony and Samsung Electronics also entered into a new strategic agreement for the supply and purchase of LCD panels.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2011
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Sony and Samsung Electronics signed agreements to transition the current business relationship with respect to LCD panels. Under the terms of the agreement, Samsung Electronics will acquire all of Sony's shares in S-LCD Corporation (the two companies' LCD panel manufacturing joint venture). With this acquisition, S-LCD Corporation will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2011
Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ), Hitachi, Sony and Toshiba signed definitive agreements to integrate their small- and medium-sized display businesses into a new company (Japan Display) to be established and operated by INCJ.
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2011
Sony and Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Ericsson) announced that group will acquire Ericsson's 50% stake in Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB (Sony Ericsson). With this acquisition, Sony Ericsson will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2011
SCA acquired Micronics (a US based diagnostic device development venture).
Plans/Strategy
Year: 2011
The group also announced plans to expand its online bookstore, Reader Store (offering a large selection of e-book content such as books, magazines, newspapers and comics), into European markets.
New Products/Services
Year: 2011
Sony launched two Tablet devices, Sony Tablet S and Sony Tablet P.
New Products/Services
Year: 2011
The group launched the world's first Head Mounted Display 'Personal 3D Viewer' 'HMZ-T1', a device that
Sony Corporation Page 31 © MarketLine Sony Corporation History
offers a new style for viewing both two-dimensional (2D) and 3D content.
New Products/Services
Year: 2011
Sony announced the launch of next generation FeliCa IC chip with enhanced security adopting the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption. The new IC chip will support AES as well as the existing Data Encryption Standard encryption system for shared authentication and data communication.
Others
Year: 2011
The group revealed illegal intrusions into Sony Online Entertainment and data theft related to customer information.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2011
Sony also entered into an agreement to manufacture and supply system LSIs to Toshiba for one year following the acquisition.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2011
Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony, acquired semiconductor fabrication equipment and certain related assets from Toshiba. Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation subsequently changed its name to Sony Semiconductor Corporation. In connection with the acquisition, Toshiba and Sony terminated their NSM joint venture relationship.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2011
The group partnered with Intersil Corporation (a US-based semiconductor manufacturer) for development of HD security camera solutions worldwide.
New Products/Services
Year: 2011
Sony announced the launch of its tablets, Sony Tablet S1 and S2.
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Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2011
The group announced the acquisition of Suzhou Epson, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Epson located in China and engaged in the production of small and medium sized TFT LCD.
Corporate Changes/Expansions
Year: 2010
Sony Disc and Digital Solutions announced its name change to Sony DADC Corporation.
New Products/Services
Year: 2010
The group launched Sony Internet TV.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2010
Sony and Google announced a strategic alliance to explore the joint development of new Android-based hardware products for the home, mobile and personal product categories.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2010
Sony announced a new strategic alliance with Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry for the production of LCD TVs for the European region.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2010
Sony Mobile Display Corp (SMD), a subsidiary of Sony, and KYOCERA Corporation (KYOCERA) executed a definitive agreement for the transfer of TFT LCD design and manufacturing operations at the Yasu Plant of SMD to KYOCERA.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2010
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Sony acquired iCyt Mission Technology, a producer of cell sorters used for stem cell and disease research, through its US subsidiary, Sony Corporation of America (SCA). With this acquisition, the group entered the flow cytometry business in the life science field.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2010
Sony Electronics acquired Convergent Media Systems, a provider of video integration solutions to the enterprise market.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2010
The group signed a memorandum of intent with Mori Seiki to transfer the measuring systems (magnescale, laserscale) business of Sony Manufacturing Systems to Mori Seiki.
Corporate Awards
Year: 2010
Sony, along with Discovery Communication and IMAX, formed a joint venture to develop the first 24/7 dedicated 3D television network in the US.
Research and Development
Year: 2009
The group developed a single-lens 3-dimensional (3D) camera technology capable of recording natural and smooth 3D images of fast-moving subject matter such as sports, at 240 frames per second (fps).
Others
Year: 2009
Sony launched 'make.believe', a new group-wide brand message that unites Sony's communication initiatives across electronics, games, movies, music, mobile phones and network services.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2009
The group formed a strategic alliance with Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry for the production of LCD
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TVs for the Americas region.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2009
Sony entered into an agreement with Sharp to establish a joint venture company to produce and sell large-sized LCD panels and modules.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2009
The group entered into an agreement with Epson group and acquired its TFT LCD business operations from Epson Imaging Devices.
Business / Operations Closure
Year: 2009
Sony closed its US flagship PlayStation store in downtown San Francisco, California.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2009
SPT, a subsidiary of the group, bought Michael Davies' TV and digital company, Embassy Row.
Product Recall
Year: 2008
The US government issued a recall of 35,000 notebook computer batteries manufactured by Sony, due to fire hazard to consumers.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2008
Sony acquired Bertelsmann's 50% stake in Sony BMG.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2008
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Toshiba, Sony and SCEI entered into a definitive agreement to form a new joint venture for the production of semiconductors, including products for SCEI's PlayStation computer entertainment systems.
Research and Development
Year: 2008
Sony developed 'TransferJet', a proximity wireless transfer technology enabling the high speed transfer of large data files between electronic devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, digital video cameras, computers and TVs.
New Products/Services
Year: 2007
The group launched 'XEL-1', the world's first organic light emitting diode (LED) TV.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2007
Sony and Qimonda (a supplier of memory products) signed an agreement to form a joint venture, Qreatic Design. The scope of the joint venture includes the design of high-performance, low power, embedded and customer specific dynamic random access memory (DRAM) for consumer and graphic applications.
Corporate Changes/Expansions
Year: 2007
The group relocated its headquarters to the new building called Sony City.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2007
Sony signed a global partnership program contract with Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) and became an official partner of FIFA until 2014.
Research and Development
Year: 2006
Toshiba, Sony and NEC Electronics jointly developed an LSI mass production platform for next- generation 45 nanometer process technology.
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Stake Sale
Year: 2006
Sony sold 51% of its stake in Styling Life Holdings, a holding company for Sony's group of retail businesses (Plazastyle, LightUp Shopping Club, B&C Laboratories, CP Cosmetics, Maxim's De Paris, and Lifeneo) to Nikko Principal Investments Japan.
New Products/Services
Year: 2006
The group introduced the world's first Blu-ray Disc drive Notebook PC, VAIO type A.
Contracts/Agreements
Year: 2006
Sony and Samsung Electronics reached an agreement on manufacturing eighth generation amorphous TFT-LCD panels at their joint venture, S-LCD Corporation.
New Products/Services
Year: 2005
Sony commenced sales of new BRAVIA brand high definition TV (HDTV)-compatible flat-screen TVs.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 2005
The group acquired Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), one of the world's largest privately-held, independent motion picture, TV and home video companies.
Incorporation/Establishment
Year: 2004
Sony established a music distribution company, Sony BMG Music Entertainment.
Incorporation/Establishment
Year: 2004
The group established SFH.
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Corporate Changes/Expansions
Year: 2004
SCEI became the wholly owned subsidiary of Sony through exchange of shares.
New Products/Services
Year: 2003
The group launched the world's first next-generation high capacity optical disc Blu-ray Disc recorder BDZ- S77.
Incorporation/Establishment
Year: 2001
Sony also established Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications.
Incorporation/Establishment
Year: 2001
The group established Sony Bank in Japan.
New Products/Services
Year: 1998
Sony started sales of the entertainment robot, AIBO ERS-110.
New Products/Services
Year: 1997
The group launched VAIO, a home-use PC series.
Corporate Changes/Expansions
Year: 1996
Sony also established its presence in the Chinese market.
New Products/Services
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Year: 1996
The group launched the digital still camera Cybershot DSC-F1.
Incorporation/Establishment
Year: 1993
Sony established Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. (SIE) (formerly Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI)) in Japan.
Corporate Changes/Expansions
Year: 1991
CBS Records changed its name to Sony Music Entertainment and Columbia Pictures Entertainment changed its name to Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 1989
Sony acquired Columbia Pictures Entertainment in the US.
Acquisitions/Mergers/Takeovers
Year: 1988
The group acquired CBS Records, a music business division of CBS.
New Products/Services
Year: 1988
Sony unveiled the eight millimeters video.
New Products/Services
Year: 1985
The group introduced the first digital VTR.
New Products/Services
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Year: 1983
Sony launched the first consumer camcorder.
New Products/Services
Year: 1982
The group introduced the world's first CD player.
New Products/Services
Year: 1981
Sony introduced the 3.5 inch micro floppy disk drive.
New Products/Services
Year: 1979
The group launched the Walkman.
Incorporation/Establishment
Year: 1979
Sony Prudential Life Insurance, a 50-50 joint venture with The Prudential Insurance Company of America, was established.
New Products/Services
Year: 1975
The Betamax VCR, the SL-6300, the world's first home use video system, was introduced.
Corporate Changes/Expansions
Year: 1974
Sony established a factory in Bridgend (Wales), which serviced both the UK and European markets.
Corporate Changes/Expansions
Year: 1972
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The group established a factory in San Diego (California).
New Products/Services
Year: 1971
Sony launched 3/4-inch U-matic color video cassette player, the VP-1100.
Stock Listings/IPO
Year: 1970
The group was listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Incorporation/Establishment
Year: 1968
Sony established CBS/Sony Records in Japan, as a 50-50 joint venture company between Sony and CBS in the US.
Incorporation/Establishment
Year: 1968
The group established Sony (UK) in the UK (reorganized as Sony UK in 1993).
New Products/Services
Year: 1968
Sony introduced the first Trinitron color TV.
New Products/Services
Year: 1964
The group introduced the world's first home-use open-reel video tape recorder (VTR), the CV-2000.
New Products/Services
Year: 1961
Sony launched the world's smallest and lightest all-transistor TV, TV5-303.
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New Products/Services
Year: 1960
The group launched the world's first direct-view portable TV, TV8-301.
Corporate Changes/Expansions
Year: 1960
Sony established Sony Overseas near Zurich, Switzerland.
Stock Listings/IPO
Year: 1958
Sony got listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Corporate Changes/Expansions
Year: 1958
The group changed its name to Sony Corporation.
New Products/Services
Year: 1955
Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering also launched Japan's first transistor radio, TR-55.
Corporate Changes/Expansions
Year: 1955
The group started using the Sony logo on Totsuko products.
New Products/Services
Year: 1950
Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering launched Japan's first magnetite-coated, paper-based recording tape, Soni-Tape.
Corporate Changes/Expansions
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Year: 1947
The group relocated its head office and factory to Shinagawa, Tokyo (Japan).
Incorporation/Establishment
Year: 1946
Masaru Ibuka, an engineer, and Akio Morita, a physicist, founded Sony as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo (Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering) in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.
Sony Corporation Page 43 © MarketLine Sony Corporation Key Employees
Key Employees
KEY EMPLOYEES
Name Job Title Board Kazuo Hirai Chairman Executive Board Kenichiro Yoshida Chief Executive Officer, Director, President Executive Board Osamu Nagayama Director Non Executive Board Eikoh Harada Director Non Executive Board Tim Schaaff Director Non Executive Board Kazuo Matsunaga Director Non Executive Board Koichi Miyata Director Non Executive Board John V. Roos Director Non Executive Board Eriko Sakurai Director Non Executive Board Shiro Kambe Corporate Executive Officer, Executive Vice Senior Management President, Officer in charge, Legal, Compliance, Corporate Communications, CSR, External Relations and Information Security and Privacy Kunihito Minakawa Director Non Executive Board Martin Bandier Chief Executive Officer-Sony / ATV Music Senior Management Publishing LLC, Executive Vice President, Head-Music Publishing Business, Chairman- Sony / ATV Music Publishing LLC Shuzo Sumi Director Non Executive Board Shigeru Ishii Executive Vice President, Representative Senior Management Director, Sony Financial Holdings Inc., President-Sony Financial Holdings Inc John Kodera Chief Executive Officer-Sony Interactive Senior Management Entertainment Inc, Executive Vice President, President-Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc Terushi Shimizu Executive Vice President, Representative Senior Management Director, Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation, President-Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation Shigeki Ishizuka Director Non Executive Board Kevin Kelleher Chief Operating Officer-Sony Music Senior Management Entertainment Toru Katsumoto Executive Vice President, Head-R&D, Senior Management Medical Business,, Executive Deputy President - Sony Imaging Products & Solutions Inc, President-R&D Center Toshiko Oka Director Non Executive Board
Sony Corporation Page 44 © MarketLine Sony Corporation Key Employees
Anthony Vinciquerra Chief Executive Officer-Sony Pictures Senior Management Entertainment Inc, Executive Vice President, Head-Pictures Business, Chairman-Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc Rob Stringer Chief Executive Officer-Sony Music Senior Management Entertainment, Executive Vice President, Head-Music Business (Global) Michinori Mizuno Chief Executive Officer-Sony Music Senior Management Entertainment (Japan) Inc, Executive Vice President, Head-Music Business (Japan) Kazushi Ambe Executive Vice President, Corporate Senior Management Executive Officer, Officer in charge, Human Resources and General Affairs Ichiro Takagi Head-Home Entertainment and Sound Senior Management Business and Conusmer AV sales and Marketing, Senior Executive Vice President Hiroki Totoki Corporate Executive Officer, Executive Vice Senior Management President, Officer in charge, Mobile Communications Business
Sony Corporation Page 45 © MarketLine Sony Corporation Key Employee Biographies
Key Employee Biographies
KEY EMPLOYEE BIOGRAPHIES
Kazuo Hirai
Board:Executive Board Job Title:Chairman Since:2018 Age:58
Mr. Kazuo Hirai currently serves as the Chairman of the company. Prior to this, he served as the President, Chief Executive Officer and a Representative Corporate Executive Officer at Sony from 2012 to 2018. He has been a Director at the group since 2012. Previously, Mr. Hirai held several positions within Sony, including Executive Deputy President; Executive Vice President; President and Group Chief Executive Officer at SCEI; Group Executive Officer at Sony, President and Group Chief Operating Officer at SCEI; President and Chief Executive Officer at SCEA; and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at SCEA. He began his career at SMEJ (formerly CBS/Sony Inc.) in 1984.
Kenichiro Yoshida
Board:Executive Board Job Title:Chief Executive Officer, Director, President Since:2018 Age:58
Mr. Kenichiro Yoshida currently serves President and Chief Executive Officer of the comapny since 2018. Prior to this, he served as an Executive Deputy President, the Chief Financial Officer at Sony from 2015 to 2018. He has also been a Director at Sony since 2014. Previously, Mr. Yoshida served as an Executive Vice President, the Chief Strategy Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Executive Officer at the group. He joined Sony in 1983 and held a variety of positions, including President, Representative Director and Senior Vice President at So-net.
Eikoh Harada
Board:Non Executive Board Job Title:Director Since:2013 Age:69
Mr. Eikoh Harada has been Director at Sony since 2013. He also serves as a Representative Director, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Benesse Holdings; and Representative Director and the Chief Executive Officer at Benesse Corporation. Mr. Harada served as the Chairman and a Director at McDonald's Holdings Company (Japan) and at McDonald's Company (Japan) in the past. Previously, he was the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and a Representative Director at McDonald's
Sony Corporation Page 46 © MarketLine Sony Corporation Key Employee Biographies
Holdings Company (Japan); and Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and a Representative Director at McDonald's Company (Japan). Mr. Harada also served as the President at Apple Japan, and Vice President at Apple Computer in the past. He was appointed Director at Schlumberger Group in 1983.
Tim Schaaff
Board:Non Executive Board Job Title:Director Since:2013 Age:58
Mr. Tim Schaaff has been a Director at Sony since 2013. He held several positions within the group, including Group Executive at Sony, and the President at Sony Network Entertainment International. He joined SCA in 2005 as a Senior Vice President. Previously, Mr. Schaaff served as a Vice President at Apple Computer. He is an Independent Startup Adviser and serves as the Chief Product Officer at Intertrust Technologies Corporation.
Kazuo Matsunaga
Board:Non Executive Board Job Title:Director Since:2014 Age:66
Mr. Kazuo Matsunaga has been an Outside Director at Sony since 2014. Previously, he served as the Vice-Minister of Economy for Trade and Industry (METI); and Director-General of Economic and Industrial Policy Bureau at METI. Mr. Matsunaga was appointed Director-General of Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency at METI in 2004. Currently, he serves as a Director at Sumitomo, Takasago Thermal Engineering and Hashimoto Sogyo. Mr. Matsunaga is also the President at Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East and Vice Chairman of the Board at Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation.
Koichi Miyata
Board:Non Executive Board Job Title:Director Since:2014 Age:64
Mr. Koichi Miyata has been an Outside Director at Sony since 2014. He is also a Director and the President at Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group; and Director at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. Earlier, Mr. Miyata served as a Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer at Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group. He was named Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation in 2009.
John V. Roos
Sony Corporation Page 47 © MarketLine Sony Corporation Key Employee Biographies
Board:Non Executive Board Job Title:Director Since:2014 Age:63
Mr. John V. Roos has been an Outside Director at Sony since 2014. He is also the Chief Executive Officer at The Roos Group, a Director at salesforce.com, a member of the Global Advisory Board at Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, and Senior Advisor at Centerview Partners. Earlier, Mr. Roos served as the US Ambassador to Japan and Chief Executive Officer at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. He also held the position as Managing Director of Professional Services at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati in the past. Mr. Roos is a Founding Partner at Geodesic Capital.
Eriko Sakurai
Board:Non Executive Board Job Title:Director Since:2014 Age:57
Mr. Eriko Sakurai has been an Outside Director at Sony since 2014. Currently, she is also the Chairperson, Chief Executive Officer and a Representative Director at Dow Corning Toray Co.; and the Regional President of Japan/Korea at Dow Corning Corporation. Ms. Sakurai also serves as a Director at Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group. Previously, she was a Director at Dow Corning Toray Co.
Shiro Kambe
Board:Senior Management Job Title:Corporate Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, Officer in charge, Legal, Compliance, Corporate Communications, CSR, External Relations and Information Security and Privacy Age:56
Mr. Shiro Kambe currently serves as a Corporate Executive Officer, an Executive Vice President, and the Officer in charge of Legal, Compliance, Corporate Communications, CSR, External Relations and Information Security and Privacy at Sony. He joined the group in 1984 and served as a Senior Vice President from 2010.
Hiroki Totoki
Board:Senior Management Job Title:Corporate Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, Officer in charge, Mobile Communications Business Age:54
Mr. Hiroki Totoki currently serves as a Corporate Executive Officer, an Executive Vice President and the Officer in charge, Mobile Communications Business at Sony. He is also an in charge of New Business
Sony Corporation Page 48 © MarketLine Sony Corporation Key Employee Biographies
Platform; President and Chief Executive Officer at Sony Mobile Communications; and President and Representative Director at Sony Network Communications. Earlier, he held positions, including Group Executive, Senior Vice President and Corporate Executive at Sony. Mr. Totoki joined the group in 1987.
Sony Corporation Page 49 © MarketLine Sony Corporation Major Products & Services
Major Products & Services
MAJOR PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Sony is one of the leading manufacturers of audio, video, imaging, game, communications, and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. The group's key products and services include the following:
Products:
LCD Televisions Notebook Computers CCD Batteries Video Camera Home Theatre Digital Camera Personal Audio PlayStation Motion pictures and Music Disc Recorders Mobile Phone and accessories
Services:
Insurance Banking Network Services
Brands:
PlayStation WALKMAN Blu-ray BRAVIA Cyber-shot Exmor Experia
Sony Corporation Page 50 © MarketLine Sony Corporation SWOT Analysis
SWOT Analysis
SWOT ANALYSIS
Sony is one of the leading manufacturers of audio, video, imaging, game, communications, and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. The group's diversified product/service offering and geographic base proves to be its strength as it aids Sony in catering to different markets and minimizes risks of being dependent on a single geographic area or segment for revenues. However, intense competition could pressurize the group's profit margins.
Strength Weakness
Diversified Product/Service Offering and Geographic High Cost Manufacturing Base Base Focus on R&D Focus on Sustainability Operational performance Opportunity Threat
Growing semiconductor Intense Competition Increasing Usage of Smartphones Unforeseen Circumstances Contracts and agreements
Strength
Diversified Product/Service Offering and Geographic Base
Sony is diversified in terms of its product/service offerings and geographic base. The group operates through nine segments, each of which offers a wide range of products and services. Mobile communications segment offers products such as mobile phones, tablets, accessories and applications. Through the financial services segment, Sony offers services such as insurance, savings and loans. Home entertainment and sound segment offers TVs, home audio, Blu-ray Disc players/recorders, and memory-based portable audio devices. The pictures segment produces content for the live-action, and animated motion pictures and direct-to-video content. The imaging products and solutions segment offers compact digital cameras, video cameras, interchangeable single-lens cameras and broadcast- and professional-use products. The devices segment offers semiconductors and components. The game and network services segment offers gaming products. The segment also provides network services related to game, video, and music content. The music segment produces and distributes recorded music and music videos. Sony also offers Blu-ray Disc, DVD and CD media replication services as well as digital and physical supply chain solutions to business clients across entertainment, education, and information sectors. In FY2018, the group generated 21.7% of its revenues from game and network services segment, 14.3% from home entertainment and sound, 8.4% from mobile communications, 14.3% from financial services, 11.8% from pictures, 8.5% from semiconductors, 7.6% from imaging products and solutions, 9.2% from music, and 4.1% from all other segment.
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The group also has presence in various geographies. Sony markets its electronics products and services in around 200 countries and territories. It generates significant revenues from each of these regions. For instance, in FY2018, the group generated 30.7% of its revenues from Japan, 21.6% from Europe, 21.5% from the US, 12% from Asia-Pacific, 7.8% from China, and 6.3% from other regions.
Diversified product/service offering and geographic base of the group proves to be its strength as it aids Sony in catering to different markets and minimizes risks of being dependent on a single geographic area or segment for revenues.
Focus on R&D
Sony maintains strong focus on R&D activities as part of its strategy for extending existing brands and introducing new ones. In FY2018, the group spent nearly JPY485,500 million on R&D activities. The ratio of R&D costs to sales was 5.7% in FY2017. The group's R&D activities are focused on four key areas: home and mobile electronics, semiconductor, device, and software technologies. Focus on these four key areas enables Sony to create value-added products. The strong focus on R&D helped the group to launch innovative products in the market.In, February 2017, Sony developed the 3-layer stacked CMOS image sensor with DRAM for smartphones. This newly developed sensor with DRAM delivers fast data readout speeds, making it possible to capture still images of fast-moving objects with minimal focal plane distortion as well as super slow motion movies at up to 1,000 fps in full HD. The newly developed sensor also addresses various technical issues such as reducing the noise generated between the circuits on each of the three layers. In January 2017, the group launched various new products at CES 2017, including the new A1E series of BRAVIA OLED TV; and VPL-VZ1000ES Ultra-Short Throw laser light projector, among others.
Focus on Sustainability
Sony participated in several sustainability initiatives to address environmental issues such as climate change, resource conservation, and managing chemical substances. To address these issues, in 2010, the group launched 'Road to Zero', a new global environmental plan, to reduce its environmental footprint to zero by 2050. As part of this, the group has undertaken various initiatives in order to promote efficient use of energy. For instance, Sony promotes various energy-saving efforts at its sites around the world. In addition, one of the group's major environmental targets is to achieve an absolute reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (calculated in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2)) of 30% or more from FY2001 level by FY2016. In FY2016, the group's greenhouse gas emissions (calculated in terms of CO2) were approximately 1.32 million tons, a decrease of approximately 41% from FY2001. Furthermore, in FY2016, emissions of CO2 from energy use at sites were about 1.14 million tons.
The group also focuses on the use of renewable energy. In FY2016, Sony's CO2 emissions were reduced by approximately 53,000 tons through the use of green power certification system and the introduction of solar power generation systems. The group's renewable energy accounts for nearly 5% of the total electricity that it uses across the world. Also, Sony is one of the largest purchasers of green power certificates in Japan. The group purchased credits equivalent to around 156,000 tons of CO2 reduction at the end of FY2016.
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The group also develops environmentally conscious products. Some of these products include HDW- F900, Sony SXRD projectors, PMW-F55 CineAlta 4K camera, PCS-XG100 HD video conferencing system, and smart card passenger ticketing system, based on FeliCa contactless IC card technology, among others. HDW-F900 is the world's first digital video camera for cinema production. Sony SXRD projectors replaced the traditional film that uses water and chemicals for film manufacturing and processing with energy- and resource-saving digital cinema. Furthermore, these products also simplified the process of digital film distribution to theaters, using hard disks, which is much more efficient than transporting cases of traditional film. The PMW-F55 CineAlta 4K camera supports 4K capturing in a compact design and consumes less power. PCS-XG100 HD video conferencing system facilitated the improvement in various aspects of video conferencing experience, including image and audio quality, and increasing the number of locations that can join a single conference. The FeliCa IC card passenger ticketing systems help transport authorities to offer hassle-free ticketing services to the passengers, thereby encouraging them to avail public transport more often. This, in turn, contributes to the reduction of air pollution.
Such initiatives reduce the impact of the group's operations on the environment, ensure effective use of resources, reduce operating costs and benefit the group in long term.
Operational performance
The profitability of Sony Corporation improved in FY2018. It enables the company’s ability to provide adequate returns to its shareholders, which increases their confidence and provide chances to obtain further investments. In FY2018, the company’s operating margin was 8.5% as compared to 3.7% in FY2017. Strong operational performance indicates the company’s on cost management. Sony’s operating cost as a percentage of sales decreased from 96.3% in FY2017 to 91.5% in FY2018. Similarly, its net profit margin increased from 1% in FY2017 to 5.7% in FY2018. In FY2018, the company’s return on equity stood at 16.5% as against 2.9% in FY2017.
Weakness
High Cost Manufacturing Base
Sony's manufacturing facilities are located away from its customer locations. The group has its primary manufacturing facilities in Japan. In FY2018, Sony undertook approximately 43% of the annual in-house production in Japan, including the production of semiconductors, professional-use equipment and components such as batteries and storage media. And nearly 89% of the annual in-house production in Japan was destined for other regions. The dependence on Japan for majority of production exposes the group to several risks. These goods when exported to other geographies could result in high price for the product.
Opportunity
Growing semiconductor
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Sony develops, designs, manufactures and sells electronic equipment, instruments, and devices for the consumer, professional and industrial markets as well as game consoles and software. The growing semiconductor market could benefit the operations of the company. Semiconductors are classified as either memory semiconductors or non-memory semiconductors. Memory semiconductors find application in electronic systems to store data and programs, while non-memory semiconductors include various semiconductors that incorporate non-memory circuits, which include logic and analog circuits. Semiconductor sales have been increasing significantly over the long-term. According to World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS), the world semiconductor market is estimated to reach US$463 million and US$484 million in FY2018 and FY2019 respectively. The growth could be the result of increased sales due to new developments in digital consumer products and personal computers. WSTS projects an overall growth of 26.5%, 9.5% in memory, and analog ICS categories respectively.
Increasing Usage of Smartphones
The company stands to benefit from the rising demand for smartphones. Smartphones across the world are being increasingly driven by the greater product innovation; expanding 4G networks, decreasing prices and increasing competition among smartphone manufacturers are creating the demand for smartphones. Further, rising middle class customers with increasing disposable income, increasing urbanization, changing life style of people, growing internet penetration, and rising subscription in social media are fueling the growth. According to in-house research, the smartphones market was valued at US$307,915.1 million in 2016. Asia-Pacific accounted for 42.7% of the total market value, followed by Europe (25.4%), the US (19.8%), rest of the world (9.7%) and Middle East (2.5%). The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.9% during 2016-2021 to reach a value of US$338,541 million by the end of 2021, whereas the volume sales are expected to increase from 1,455,893.2 thousand units in 2016 to 1,773,949.3 thousand units in 2021. The robust outlook for the smartphone market will increase the company's sales in the coming years.
Contracts and agreements
Sony entered into various strategic agreements that will help expand its operations and strengthen market position. Therefore, the company has a strong revenue source for the years ahead, which is expected to help it to invest in new technologies and expand its business operations. In July 2018, the company collaborated with Amazon to provide a new service Tell Bedtime Stories Voiced by the Cast of HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3, through Amazon Alexa. The comapny announced a plan to launch the Xperia XZ2, a flagship smartphone in partnership with Fonehouse in March 2018. It also announced a plan to open its first dedicated camera store in Middle East in partnership with Jumbo Electronics and Kansas Digital Trading in the same month. This serves fixed lens RX series cameras and Alpha mirrorless cameras, lenses. The company announced a plan to form a joint venture to develop an artificial intelligence-based hailing system in partnership with Daiwa Motor Transportation and five Taxi Companies in February 2018.
Threat
Intense Competition
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Sony faces intense competition in each of its segments. In the TV category, the group's key competitors include Samsung, LG Electronics and Toshiba. In the digital cameras category, Sony's key competitors include Canon and Nikon. In the pictures segment, SPE faces competition from all entertainment and other leisure companies. SPE also competes with other motion picture studios. Furthermore, Sony faces strong competition in the financial services market in Japan. In recent years, the regulatory barriers between the life insurance and non-life insurance industries as well as among the insurance, banking and securities industries have been relaxed, which resulted in new competitive pressures. Sony Life competes with traditional insurance companies in Japan, online insurance companies, foreign-owned life insurance companies and a number of Japanese cooperative associations. Sony Assurance competes with insurers that sell their policies through sales agents as well as insurers that primarily sell their policies through direct marketing, through telephone and the internet. Sony Bank competes with traditional banking institutions, regional banks, trust banks, non-bank companies, and full-service and online brokerage firms in Japan. Sony Mobile faces competition from Samsung and Apple, both of which hold leading positions in the smartphones product category.
A highly competitive market, hence, may adversely affect the group as it has to increase its investment to ramp up its distribution and marketing channels. The increase in cost could pressurize Sony's profit margins further.
Unforeseen Circumstances
As a significant portion of the group’s manufacturing operations are concentrated in Japan, Sony’s business is susceptible to various unforeseen circumstances, mainly, natural calamities such as earth quakes. The group’s operations were affected due to earthquakes in certain regions of the country during various instances in the past. A series of earthquakes occurred in the Kumamoto region of Japan. Due to these earthquakes, the operations at Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation’s Kumamoto Technology Center, the primary manufacturing site for image sensors for digital cameras and security cameras as well as micro-display devices, were affected. These earthquakes may also have an adverse impact on Sony’s operation of the devices and imaging products and solutions segments. The group expects a significant impact on its financial position and results of operations for FY2017 due to these unforeseen consequences. Sony is currently evaluating the amounts to be recognized for FY2017, including losses of fixed assets and inventory, and insurance recoveries. Concentrated manufacturing operations in areas prone to frequent earthquakes could thereby have a significant impact on the group’s business, and financial results.
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Top Competitors
TOP COMPETITORS
The following companies are the major competitors of Sony Corporation
Apple Inc Canon Inc. Hitachi, Ltd. LG Electronics, Inc. Nikon Corporation Nokia Corporation Panasonic Corporation Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Sharp Corporation Toshiba Corporation
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Company View
COMPANY VIEW
The mission statement of Sony Corporation is given below. The following statement has been taken from company's website.
Mission
A company that inspires and fulfills your curiosity.
Vision
Using our unlimited passion for technology, content, and services to deliver groundbreaking new excitement and entertainment, as only Sony can.
Looking to the future, we have embarked on such initiatives as Life Space UX, SAP (the Seed Acceleration Program), and the Future Lab Program, as we seek to launch new businesses and expand the scope of our electronics business.
In addition to initiatives already under way, we will also aim to combine our existing strengths in areas such as video and audio technologies, sensors and mechatronics, with artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, communications and other elements, and by doing so offer new proposals to our customers at the "last one inch" across all types of living spaces.
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Locations And Subsidiaries
LOCATIONS AND SUBSIDIARIES
Head Office
Sony Corporation 1-7-1 Konan 1-Chome Minato-ku Tokyo Tokyo Tokyo Tokyo JPN Phone:81 3 67482111 www.sony.net
Other Locations and Subsidiaries
PT Sony Indonesia Sony (Malaysia) SDN BHD Professional Products Division 24, Jalan MedanIpoh 9 23rd Floor Suite 2301 Wisma GKBI Building Ipoh Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav 28 Ipoh Jakarta 10210 MYS IDN Phone:60 5 5456941 Phone:62 21 29498777 www.sony.com.my Fax:62 21 29498788 Sony Corporation Sony Corporation 2-10-1 Osaki 3-3-1 Tsujido-shinmachi Shinagawa-ku Fujisawa-shi Tokyo Kanagawa Tokyo Fujisawa-shi Tokyo Kanagawa Tokyo JPN JPN Phone:81 3 67482111 Phone:81 3 67482111 Sony Corporation Sony Corporation 4-14-1 Asahi-cho 5-11-3 Kitashinagawa Atsugi-shi Shinagawa-ku Kanagawa Tokyo Atsugi-shi Tokyo Kanagawa Tokyo JPN Tokyo JPN
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Phone:81 3 67482111 Sony Corporation Sony Corporation of America TOC ARIAKE 3-5-7 Ariake 25 Madison Avenue koto-ku New York Tokyo New York Tokyo New York Tokyo New York Tokyo USA JPN www.sony.com/en_us/SCA Phone:81 3 67482111 Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited Sony Electronics (S) Pte. Ltd. Suite 702, 7th Floor 2 international Business Park Exchange Tower, 33 Wang Chiu Road 01-10 Kowloon Tower One Kowloon The Strategy HKG Singapore 609930 Phone:852 2 9091111 SGP Fax:852 2 9092222 Phone:65 6544 8888 www.sony.com.hk Sony Electronics Vietnam Company Limited Sony Europe Ltd 248A No Trang Long Street The Heights, Brooklands Binh Thanh District Weybridge Ho Chi Minh City Surrey VNM Weybridge Phone:848 3841 4488 Surrey GBR www.sony.co.uk Sony Philippines, Inc. Sony Thai Co., Ltd. 11Th Floor 2126 Kromadit Building 1st Floor Marajo Tower 26Th Street West Corner 4Th Avenue, New Petchburi Road Bonifacio Global City Bangkapi Taguig 1634 Huay Kwang Manila Bangkok 10310 Taguig THA Manila Phone:66 0 2715 6100 PHL Phone:63 2 8603333 Fax:632 856 0484 Sony United Kingdom and Ireland Jays Close Viables Basingstoke Hants RG22 4SB GBR Phone:44 844 8466 555
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