synonymSony Corporation(Sony Corporation) generally refers to Sony (a large comprehensive multinational enterprise group in Japan)
Sony (Japanese:Deep wellandakio morita Co founded.The company is committed to introducing entertainment products with innovative technologies. Its product business involves household audio-visual products, digital video cameras, digital cameras, personal audio products, professional radio and television equipment, electronic components and other fields.[19][138-139]
In 1950, Sony released Japan's first tape recorder "G-type", which officially launched the development and sales of electronic products such as recorders and radios.In 1955, the first transistor radio "TR-55" in Japan was launched to develop transistor technology.1968, launchedTrinitron (Trinitron) color TV, making Sony TV popular in the world.In 1979, the world's firstWalkmanWalkmanTPS-L2，Created a headphone culture.Through diversified commercial investment, we have developed music, film, finance and other businessesPlayStationEnter the game market.In 2021, the internal structure will be restructured and renamed from Sony Corporation to "Sony Group Corporation".[13][47]
Sony has been on the list for many timesWorld Top 500, Top 2000 Global EnterprisesWorld Top 500 BrandsFor six consecutive years (2019-2024), the company was rated as one of the "most ethical enterprises in the world" by the "Ethisphere Institute", a think tank.Companies under the Group“Sony (China) Co., Ltd”For eight consecutive years (2015-2022), he won the "Golden Bee Excellent Corporate Social Responsibility Report - Evergreen Award".[113][115][117][120][137][140-141]
In September 1945, in order to establish a new company in Tokyo,Deep wellHe went to Tokyo with Higuchi, Masaaro Taikawa and others, and chose the department store "Whitehouse" in Nihonbashi District as the office space, starting operation with the sign of "Tokyo Communications Research Institute".During this period, the company mainly engaged in radio maintenance and other workakio morita Join the company.As the new product "vacuum tube voltmeter" began to be supplied to Japanese government agencies, the company's business entered the right track.[18]
On May 7, 1946, with 190000 yen from the Morita family as the starting fund, Inoue Shenda and Morita Akio established "Tokyo Communication Industry Co., Ltd.",Amitabha IwataJoined the company in the following month.In the founding articles drafted by Inoue Shenda, it is proposed that the purpose of establishing the company is to "establish a free, broad-minded, relaxed and happy ideal factory, and make contributions to Japanese culture through excellent technology".[18-20]
With the strong sales momentum of the products, the company began to look for new office locations and moved around in different regions and locations for a period of time.In 1947, the company moved to the dilapidated warehouse at Yudian Mountain, Shinagawa District, Tokyo.As the warehouse is relatively simple and often leaks, employees also need to take umbrellas when it rains.[18][21]
The first product electric rice cooker
Taken in 1947, Akio Morita and Ishida Inoue from left to right
Taken in the summer of 1947, from left to right are Higuchi, Iwata, Ishikawa and Morita
Internal environment of the company when moving to the factory
Sony's first tape factory
Logo of Tokyo Communications Industry Co., Ltd
Develop broadcasting equipment
In 1946, Tokyo Communications Industry received the business from the US military stationed in Japan, and began to transform the old military radio into a radio relay receiver for broadcasting, so as to repair Japan's pastNHKBroadcasting Room[18]。Based on this opportunity, Tokyo Communications Industry tried to make tape recorders that could be widely usedKihara ShinminLeading development.In 1950, the first tape recorder "G" in Japan was listed, and Tokyo Communications Industry obtained the registered trademark of "Tape recorder",magnetic tapeThe product brand is defined as "SONI-TAPE"[19][22]。
In March 1951, the universal recorder "H-type" came into the market, further improving the product weight and other aspects. With the implementation of audio-visual education in Japan and the popularization of recorder use methods by Morita and others in the same period, the demand for education market grew sharply, and achieved good sales results[22]。
In August 1953, Tokyo Communications Industry reported to the Western Electric Corporation of the United States thatBell LaboratoriesAnd so on) pay 25000 dollars (about 9 million yen)transistorRoyalties, startingtransistor radioR&D and manufacturing of[23]。In August 1955, Japan's first transistor radio "TR-55" came into the market[24]。The subsequent launch of several transistor radio series models has achieved market success, transforming the radio from a family based holding mode to an individual based holding mode[25-26]。
Tape recorder "G type"
Transistor radio "TR-55"
Renamed "Sony"
In 1955, in order to promote the development of the American market, Tokyo Communications Industry made a new product trademark "Sony"[28]。The word is composed of the Latin root "sonus" for voice and the word "sonny" for "smart and cute", aiming to make people in different countries can easily read and remember the name[27]。With the growth of export sales of transistor radios, the trademark "SONY" has gradually become more well-known than Tokyo Communications Industry.In 1958, the name of the company was officially changed from "Tokyo Communications Industry Co., Ltd." to "Sony Co., Ltd." to seek new development;December, atTokyo Stock Exchangelist[25]。
In February 1960, Sony America was founded, and Sony shifted its business focus from the domestic market to the international market[29]。In November, Sony's first research laboratory started construction[31]。
Evolution of "Sony" logo
Marketing activities in the name of "Sony"
TV industry layout
Based on the technical advantages in the transistor field, Sony began to focus its business on the television industry.In May 1960, the transistor TV "TV8-301" came into the market. However, due to the high price and frequent failures, the high sales volume was accompanied by a high return rate and a lot of losses[30]。In April 1962, the transistor mini TV "TV5-303" came into the market and achieved commercial success in both the Japanese and American markets[32]。
Since both products areblack-and-white televisionSony's technical team began to conduct research on color TV picture tube technology[32]However, due to excessive development costs, Sony's financial situation was once in crisis.In 1968,Trinitron (Trinitron) color TV "KV-1310" is available.Sony quickly got through the crisis due to excellent picture performance[33]。During this period, Sony began to expand its business beyond electronic products.In April 1961, in order to expand the showroom, the real estate management company "Sony Enterprise" was established[35]。1968, andCBS(CBS) Jointly establish CBS/SONY company[34]。
Transistor TV TV8-301
Transistor mini TV TV5-303
Tellon color TV KV-1310
Deepen electronic products
In the 1960s, Sony sold the home black and white video recorder "CV-2000".After the 1970s, Sony began to aim at popularizing home video recordersJVC、PanasonicAnd other enterprisesVideo cassetteStandard "U-matic".In 1971, it released its standard products, such as "U-matic" tape, U-Matic color video recorder VP-1100, and so on, with poor sales.In 1975, a smaller and cheaper videotape standard was introduced“Betamax”And the home video recorder "SL-6300" based on this standard, so as to quickly occupy the home video recorder market[36-37]。In September 1976, JVC launchedVHSStandard home video recorders have waged a twelve year "standardization war" with Betamax, which ended in 1988 when Sony produced VHS products and Betamax gradually withdrew from the market.On the other hand, the Sony team began to research the camera and launched it in 1980“8mm format”And related camera products[38]。
Since 1968, Sony has been producing and selling cassette recorders based on the Philips compact tape standard.In 1979, Sony launched the world's firstWalkmanWalkmanTPS-L2。This product has been sold all over the world since February 1980, and since November 1980, the non-standard Japanese English brand "Walkman" has been used globally. Until 1995, the global sales of "Walkman" has exceeded 150 million units[39-40]。
Household 1/2 inch Betacam video recorder SL-6300
Camera HVC-F1
Walkman TPS-L2
Develop digital audio
Since the 1970s, he was the president of CBS/SONY RecordsNorio Ohga Under the leadership of, Sony team began to carry out the research work of audio digitization, and the same period of laser video record pioneer enterprisesPhilipsCooperate.In 1980, the two sides jointly launched the specification proposal of "compact disc digital audio system (commonly referred to as CD system)".In 1981, the International Digital Audio Disc Association (DAD) listed the proposal as an international unified specification.On October 1, 1982, Sony released the CD player "CDP-101".In November 1984, the portable CD player "D-50" was launched.In 1985“CD-ROM”Normalization of[19][41]。
Since then, Sony has used digital technology to develop new disk and tape media.Published in 1988Magneto-optical disk（MO）。1992, launchedMini magneto disc(MD) Standards.In 1995, jointly launched with PhilipsDVDstandard[41-42]。
CD player CDP-101
Portable CD Player D-50
Mini magneto disc MDW-60
Diversified industries
In 1988, Sony acquired CBS Records, a subsidiary of CBS (renamed in 1991Sony Music Entertainment ）。In November 1989, it was acquired by means of public stock purchaseColumbia Pictures(renamed in 1991Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc ）。With two large mergers, Sony has a large number of software assets and a global business base in the film and music fields[19][34]。
In November 1993, Sony Corporation and Sony Music Entertainment established a joint venture Sony Computer Entertainment (later renamed Sony Interactive Entertainment) to layout the business of home game consoles.Launched in Japan in December 1994PlayStationGame console and commercial success.By May 1996, the cumulative sales volume had exceeded 5 million units, becoming another successful product of Sony after the Walkman[43-44]。In 1995, Sony Communication Network Company was founded (later renamed Sony Network Communication), and the network connection service "So net" was launched the next year[19][45]。In 1996, launchedCyber-ShotDigital camera "DSC-F1"[19]；In 1997VAIOBrand enters notebook computer market[46]；In 1998, Sony Insurance Planning Company was established and renamed Sony Damage Insurance the following year;In 2001, Sony Bank was established, andEricssonJoint venture establishmentSony EricssonMobile communication company;In 2004, Sony Financial Holding Company was established[19]。
In 2000, Sony achieved unprecedented success in electronics, games, entertainment and finance《Spider-Man》《Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon》And other popular films, making the film business group an important source of profit for Sony[47]。
Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc
Sony Music Entertainment
Sony Computer Entertainment
PlayStation
VAIO Notebook
Sony Ericsson
Faced with crisis
After the global economic recession and the network bubble in 2001, a series of decision-making mistakes and the continuous compression of electronic product prices and other factors have severely frustrated Sony's business in all aspects.In April 2003, Sony released its 2002 financial year report. After the disclosure of the company's huge losses, Sony crisis began to emerge. Sony's stock fell by 25% for two consecutive days, which triggered the plunge of high-tech stocks in the Japanese stock market and drove the Nikkei Index to fall sharply[47]。
In March 2005, the board of directors of Sony of Japan appointed the head of Sony of the United StatesHoward Stringer He served as the chairman and CEO, and became the first foreign leader in Sonny's history through the final vote of the General Meeting of Shareholders on June 22, 2005.Under his leadership, Sony listed electronics, games and entertainment industries as key industries and launched game consolesPlayStation 3TV brandBRAVIAAnd adjust and optimize the internal operation and market layout[47]However, it is still unable to curb the decline of Sony's share price[48]。
In April 2012,Kazuo Hirai Successes Howard Stringer as chairman and CEO of Sony[48]。After Hirai took office, he quickly stripped off non core businesses such as Sony Chemical, reorganized business groups, and focused on reviving electronic businesses (mainly including cameras, video cameras, game consoles and mobile phones).Within Sony, he also implemented the strategy of "one Sony" to unite the previously independent departments and use the superior resources for core products[49]。In February 2012, Sony repurchased the shares of Sony Ericsson and changed its name toSony Mobile Communications [50]；In April, it purchased music companies with 2.2 billion dollarsemi [1]；September, andOLYMPUSAnnouncing an agreement on the establishment of business and capital alliance[51]。In 2014, the TV business was split and Sony visual products were established[52], sold the laptop business to the industrial investment fund "Japanese industrial partner"[53]。Before Hirai announced his resignation in 2018, Sony had gone out of the red and achieved overall profit in 2017's financial report[54]。
In 2016, Hirai delivered a welcome speech at the "Sony Charm Awards" conference in Beijing
Development status
In 2019, Sony reorganized its imaging products and solutions business (IP&S), home entertainment and audio business (HE&S) and mobile communication business (MC) into electronic products and solutions business (EP&S). Sony Visual Products Company and Sony Audio Visual Products Company merged to form Sony Home Entertainment and Audio Products Company[55]。In 2020, Sony Electronics, an intermediate holding company, will be established to integrate the three businesses of its electronic products and solutions (EP&S) department (video products and solutions, home entertainment and audio, mobile communications) - and related global sales and marketing, manufacturing, logistics, procurement and engineering platform businesses[56]。
In 2021, Sony Corporation will change its name to "Sony Group Corporation" and Sony Electronics Corporation will change its name to "Sony Corporation", integrating the original Sony Electronics Corporation, Sony Image Products and Solutions Corporation, Sony Home Entertainment and Audio Products Corporation and Sony Mobile Corporation for unified management[57-58]。As of March 31, 2023, Sony Group had a total revenue of 11539.8 billion yen in fiscal year 2022, and its six main businesses (game and network service business, music business, film and television business, entertainment, technology and service business, image and sensor solution business, financial service business) had achieved steady development[59]。
In May 2024, Sony Group released its annual performance in fiscal year 2023, disclosing that its sales revenue reached 13020.8 billion yen.In fiscal year 2023, all businesses of Sony Group performed steadily, and the game business was mainly benefited from the growth of non first party game software and in game payment sales;The sales of streaming media subscription service for recording music and music distribution of music business increased;The film and television business has increased sales due to the release of several films, and the number of paid subscribers of Crunchyroll has increased;Increase in sales of image sensors for mobile products;Positive impact of exchange rate, etc[81]。
On July 1, 2024, it was reported that Sony had cut 250 employees in its recordable media business department, and finally planned to stop producing Blu ray discs and other storage media.[142]
On July 8, 2024, it was reported that Honda and Sony would promote the generalization of the chassis of pure electric vehicles, and in 2026, they would introduce models listed in North America.[143]
On August 8, 2024, the senior management team of Sony Group said that the company had decided not to consider acquiring Paramount Global, a film and television production giant, ending the previous speculation about this potential transaction.[146]
In August 2024, it officially joined the OpenUSD Alliance.[147]
In charge of legal affairs, compliance, privacy, corporate public relations, brand strategy, sustainable development and external relations
Abe Hezhi
Senior Executive Vice President
Executive Officer
In charge of human resources and general affairs, group DE&I (diversity, fairness and inclusion) promotion, the Secretariat
General Representative of China
Xiaosigang
Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Chief Digital Officer
Responsible for digital transformation strategy, information system and information security
Senior General Manager of Enterprise Digital Transformation Office
(Reference to the above data[60-63]）
organization structure
As of May 13, 2024, the organizational chart of Sony Group shows that Sony Group is divided into six businesses, namely[64]：
one
Game and network service business: Sony Interactive Entertainment
two
Music business: Sony Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment Japan
three
Film and television business: Sony Pictures Entertainment
four
Entertainment, technology and service business: Sony Corporation
five
Imaging and sensing solution business: Sony Semiconductor Solutions
six
Financial service business: Sony Financial Group Inc[64]
In addition to the above major companies, Sony also has several affiliated companies, such as Sony Electronics, Sony Global Education, Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Sony Bank, Sony (China) Co., Ltd., etc[65]。
Financial situation
Announce
edit
Financial year report
Main data of annual financial reports over the years (monetary unit: 100 million yen)
particular year
sales revenue
operating profit
Net profit
remarks
one thousand nine hundred and sixty-one
one hundred and eighty-five point five eight
seventeen point two
seven point two
The financial year is calculated from November 1 of the previous year to October 31 of the next year. For example, the calculation period of fiscal year 1961 is from November 1, 1960 to October 31, 1961
one thousand nine hundred and sixty-two
two hundred and twenty-nine point six one
twenty-one
eleven point two four
one thousand nine hundred and sixty-three
two hundred and seventy-seven point seven five
twenty-two point seven eight
ten point six three
one thousand nine hundred and sixty-four
three hundred and thirty-three point four six
thirty-six point seven four
fourteen point seven
one thousand nine hundred and sixty-five
three hundred and seventy point one nine
forty-five point nine five
sixteen point six eight
one thousand nine hundred and sixty-six
four hundred and sixty-nine point four
fifty-nine point eight eight
twenty-seven point four seven
one thousand nine hundred and sixty-seven
five hundred and eighty-four point zero three
eighty point eight one
forty-two point five two
one thousand nine hundred and sixty-eight
seven hundred and twelve point one three
eighty-three point eight seven
forty-five point one eight
one thousand nine hundred and sixty-nine
one thousand and ninety-one point eight two
one hundred and sixty-one point seven nine
eighty-four point six one
one thousand nine hundred and seventy
one thousand and five hundred point eight one
two hundred and three point six eight
one hundred and two point six five
one thousand nine hundred and seventy-one
one thousand nine hundred and forty-six point eight six
two hundred and sixty-one point five two
one hundred and thirty-seven point eight six
one thousand nine hundred and seventy-two
two thousand four hundred and sixty-nine point six five
three hundred and seventy-two point three four
one hundred and eighty-seven point seven three
one thousand nine hundred and seventy-three
three thousand one hundred and sixty point four four
four hundred and eighty-seven point one
two hundred and fifty-one point three four
one thousand nine hundred and seventy-four
three thousand nine hundred and eighty-five point eight five
five hundred and thirty-six point seven seven
two hundred and twenty-five point one eight
one thousand nine hundred and seventy-five
four thousand one hundred and eighteen point two four
four hundred and twenty-seven point six five
one hundred and sixty-eight point nine three
one thousand nine hundred and seventy-six
four thousand six hundred and eighty-five point eight nine
six hundred and forty-one point three seven
three hundred and nine point two six
one thousand nine hundred and seventy-seven
five thousand one hundred and twenty-eight point one four
five hundred and ninety-nine point six five
three hundred and forty-eight point nine eight
one thousand nine hundred and seventy-eight
five thousand four hundred and twenty-three point one six
three hundred and thirty-six point four nine
two hundred and fifty-eight point seven four
one thousand nine hundred and seventy-nine
six thousand five hundred and twenty-seven point three
seven hundred and eighty-one point two three
one hundred and seventy-seven point one six
one thousand nine hundred and eighty
nine thousand and fifty-one point five
one thousand two hundred and twenty-one point six six
six hundred and eighty-six point four three
one thousand nine hundred and eighty-one
ten thousand six hundred and forty point three seven
one thousand four hundred and sixty-four point one one
six hundred and sixty-nine point zero one
one thousand nine hundred and eighty-two
eleven thousand three hundred and twenty-three point six one
one thousand one hundred and fifty-seven point three three
four hundred and fifty-eight point two
one thousand nine hundred and eighty-three
eleven thousand three hundred and twenty point seven seven
seven hundred and twenty point eight
two hundred and ninety-seven point nine one
one thousand nine hundred and eighty-four
twelve thousand eight hundred and forty-nine point two four
one thousand three hundred and ninety-nine point eight nine
seven hundred and fourteen point three one
one thousand nine hundred and eighty-five
fourteen thousand four hundred and eighty-two point nine
one thousand four hundred and twenty-eight point one seven
seven hundred and thirty point two one
one thousand nine hundred and eighty-six
fourteen thousand seven hundred and ninety-five point five one
four hundred and eighty point six two
four hundred and twelve point four four
The final settlement date of the annual financial report began to be adjusted, so there were five additional months of financial report summary in 1986, from November 1, 1986 to March 31, 1987
six thousand two hundred and thirty point eight
two hundred and thirty-two point one
one hundred and thirty-two point five four
one thousand nine hundred and eighty-seven
fifteen thousand nine hundred and forty-eight point two six
six hundred and seventy-five point two nine
three hundred and seventy-two point three six
Since 1987, the fiscal year is calculated from April 1 of the current year to March 31 of the next year. For example, the calculation cycle of fiscal year 1987 is from April 1, 1987 to March 31, 1988
one thousand nine hundred and eighty-eight
twenty-two thousand and thirty-six point zero one
one thousand six hundred and twenty-six point two eight
seven hundred and twenty-four point six nine
one thousand nine hundred and eighty-nine
twenty-nine thousand four hundred and seventy-five point nine seven
two thousand nine hundred and seventy-five point four six
one thousand and twenty-eight point zero eight
one thousand nine hundred and ninety
thirty-six thousand nine hundred and fifty-five point zero eight
three thousand and twenty-one point eight one
one thousand one hundred and sixty-nine point two five
one thousand nine hundred and ninety-one
thirty-nine thousand three hundred and sixteen point zero two
one thousand seven hundred and sixty-nine point zero four
one thousand two hundred and one point two one
one thousand nine hundred and ninety-two
forty thousand and twelve point seven
one thousand three hundred and six point four
three hundred and sixty-two point six
one thousand nine hundred and ninety-three
thirty-seven thousand four hundred and forty-two point eight five
one thousand and sixty-nine point six two
one hundred and fifty-two point nine eight
one thousand nine hundred and ninety-four
thirty-nine thousand nine hundred and five point eight three
-1666.4
-2933.56
one thousand nine hundred and ninety-five
forty-five thousand nine hundred and twenty-five point six five
two thousand three hundred and fifty-three point two four
five hundred and forty-two point five two
one thousand nine hundred and ninety-six
fifty-six thousand six hundred and thirty-one point three four
three thousand seven hundred and three point three
one thousand three hundred and ninety-four point six
one thousand nine hundred and ninety-seven
sixty-seven thousand six hundred and ten point zero four
five thousand two hundred and fifty-seven point two four
two thousand two hundred and twenty point six eight
one thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight
sixty-eight thousand and forty-one point eight two
three thousand three hundred and eighty point six one
one thousand seven hundred and ninety point zero four
one thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine
sixty-six thousand eight hundred and sixty-six point six one
two thousand two hundred and thirty-two point zero four
one thousand two hundred and eighteen point three five
two thousand
seventy-three thousand one hundred and forty-eight point two four
two thousand two hundred and fifty-three point four six
one hundred and sixty-seven point five four
two thousand and one
seventy-five thousand seven hundred and eighty-two point five eight
one thousand three hundred and forty-six point three one
one hundred and fifty-three point one
two thousand and two
seventy-five thousand and sixty point zero eight
two thousand one hundred and seventy-eight point one five
one thousand one hundred and fifty-five point one nine
two thousand and three
seventy-five thousand three hundred and six point three five
one thousand three hundred and thirty-one point four six
eight hundred and eighty-five point one one
two thousand and four
seventy-one thousand nine hundred and thirteen point two five
one thousand four hundred and fifty-six point two eight
one thousand six hundred and thirty-eight point three eight
two thousand and five
seventy-five thousand one hundred and five point nine seven
two thousand two hundred and sixty-four point one six
one thousand two hundred and thirty-six point one six
two thousand and six
eighty-two thousand nine hundred and fifty-six point nine five
seven hundred and seventeen point five
one thousand two hundred and sixty-three point two eight
two thousand and seven
eighty-eight thousand seven hundred and fourteen point one four
four thousand seven hundred and fifty-two point nine nine
three thousand six hundred and thirty-six point five six
two thousand and eight
seventy-seven thousand two hundred and ninety-nine point nine three
-2277.83
-1022.14
two thousand and nine
seventy-two thousand and ninety-eight point four nine
two hundred and eighty-five point two eight
one hundred and seven point eight two
two thousand and ten
seventy-one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five point eight nine
one thousand nine hundred and sixty-seven point two five
-2224.06
two thousand and eleven
sixty-four thousand nine hundred and thirty point eight three
-656.63
-3976.64
two thousand and twelve
sixty-seven thousand nine hundred and fifty-five
two thousand two hundred and sixty-five
four hundred and fifteen
two thousand and thirteen
seventy-seven thousand six hundred and seventy-three
two hundred and sixty-five
-1284
two thousand and fourteen
eighty-two thousand one hundred and fifty-nine
six hundred and eighty-five
-1260
two thousand and fifteen
eighty-one thousand and fifty-seven
two thousand nine hundred and forty-two
one thousand four hundred and seventy-eight
two thousand and sixteen
seventy-six thousand and thirty-three
two thousand eight hundred and eighty-seven
seven hundred and thirty-three
two thousand and seventeen
eighty-five thousand four hundred and forty
seven thousand three hundred and forty-nine
four thousand nine hundred and eight
two thousand and eighteen
eighty-six thousand six hundred and fifty-seven
eight thousand nine hundred and forty-two
nine thousand one hundred and sixty-three
two thousand and nineteen
eighty-two thousand five hundred and ninety-nine
eight thousand four hundred and fifty-five
five thousand eight hundred and twenty-two
two thousand and twenty
eighty-nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-four
nine thousand seven hundred and nineteen
eleven thousand seven hundred and eighteen
two thousand and twenty-one
ninety-nine thousand two hundred and fifteen
twelve thousand and twenty-three
eight thousand eight hundred and twenty-two
two thousand and twenty-two
one hundred and fifteen thousand three hundred and ninety-eight
twelve thousand and eighty-two
nine thousand three hundred and seventy-one
two thousand and twenty-three
one hundred and thirty thousand two hundred and eight
twelve thousand and eighty-eight
nine thousand seven hundred and six
(Reference to the above data[59][66-75][81]）
equity market
In December 1958, Sony (stock code: 6758)Tokyo Stock Exchangelist[76]。On February 11, 1961, Sony held an interim board meeting and decided to issue new shares to increase capital, raising 2 million yuan from the US marketADRShares to enhance Sony's popularity in the United States;In June, Sony ADR (stock code: SNE) was officially launched, with an opening price of $17.50. Two million shares were sold within one hour after the sale, and closed at $24[77]。In September 1970, Sony ADRNew York stock exchange list[76]。As of March 31, 2023, Sony has issued 1261081781 shares and 395668 shareholders[101]。
In 2006, due to the sharp shrinkage of net operating profit, Sony's share price fell by 25% for two consecutive days, triggering the plunge of high-tech stocks in Japan's stock market and driving the Nikkei Index down《Business Week》Call it a global shock lesson - "Sony Shock"[78]。With the performance turning from loss to profit, in September 2018, Sony's share price traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange rose to $60, a decade high[79-80]。
Major shareholders
Major shareholders as of March 31, 2023
Name of shareholder
Number of shares held (1000 shares)
Shareholding ratio
Master Trust Bank of Japan (trust account)(Note 1)
(Note 1): The shares held by each shareholder are entrusted by investors, including the shares in securities investment trusts.
(Note 2): As the trustee bank of ADR (American Depositary Securities), Citibank is the nominal holder.
(Note 3): It is mainly engaged in the investment business of all stocks of European and American institutional investors and is the nominal holder of stocks of corresponding institutional investors.
(Reference to the above data[101]）
Corporate Business
Announce
edit
As of May 2024, Sony Group mainly operates six business segments: games and network services (G&NS);Music;Pictures;Entertainment, Technology and Services (ET&S);Imaging and Sensing Solutions (I&SS);Financial Services.The six business segments are directly or indirectly managed and planned by the corresponding companies.In addition, Sony related companies also have plans involving new businesses such as UAVs and AI, which are not reflected in the financial year report[81-82]。
Games and network services
Sony Interactive Entertainment is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Group, responsible for salesPlayStationSeries of products and accessories, providing digital game store "PlayStation Store" and subscription services“PlayStation Plus”And other services, in addition to the acquisition of game studios and game development[83]。As of March 2024, the sales revenue of games and network services is 4267.7 billion yen, accounting for 33% of the total sales revenue in fiscal year 2023, and the operating profit is 290.2 billion yen[81]。
PlayStation Plus is a paid subscription service launched in 2010, which aims to provide players with PlayStation games that can be played for free, in addition to online multiplayer play functions and various member exclusive benefits.
PlayStation Store
PlayStation Store
PlayStation Store is a digital game store specially provided by Sony, which is built into the PlayStation series host and provides playstation games that can be purchased and downloaded.
Sony Music BusinessSony Music Entertainment And Sony Music Distribution Company.The former is composed ofColumbia RecordsIt has been developed to carry out business such as artist signing, record production, etc[86]；The latter is developed by Suoya Music Copyright Company, responsible for the publishing and distribution of music[87]。As of March 2024, the sales revenue of music business is 1619 billion yen, accounting for 12% of the total sales revenue in fiscal year 2023, and the operating profit is 301.7 billion yen[81]。
Movies
Sony's film and television business is managed bySony Pictures Entertainment, Inc (SPE), whose business covers the production, procurement and distribution of films and television programs;Television network;Creation and distribution of digital content;Operation of film studios;And the development of new entertainment products, services and technologies.The production organizations of the Film Group includeColumbia PicturesScreen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, Sony Pictures International ProductionsSony Pictures Classics[88]。As of March 2024, the sales revenue of film and television business reached 1493.1 billion yen, accounting for about 11% of the total sales revenue in fiscal year 2023, and the operating profit was 117.7 billion yen[81]。
Entertainment, technology and services
The business covers five product and service businesses of Sony, namely: consumer electronic products, professional products, smart phones, Sony Olympus medical solutions, and Sony Network Communications[82], initially managed and coordinated by Sony.On April 1, 2021, Sony Electronics, Sony Image Products and Solutions, Sony Home Entertainment and Audio Products and Sony Mobile will be merged into "Sony Corporation", and the business structure will be restructured to form a unified management system.In addition to the above companies being merged, Sony Global Machining and Operation Company, Sony Network Communications Company, Sony (China) Co., Ltd., etc. are managed by "Sony Corporation" in terms of governance structure[57][89-90]。As of March 2024, the sales revenue of entertainment, technology and service business reached 2453.7 billion yen, accounting for 19% of the total sales revenue in fiscal year 2023, and the operating profit was 187.4 billion yen[81]。
name
introduce
Consumer Electronics
Alpha 7R V full frame micro single camera
This type of product is targeted at families and individual consumers, and is specifically classified as:
Digital imaging products: Micro single digital camera, digital camera, video/digital camera, memory card, microphone and related product accessories
Home imaging products:BRAVIATV, home AV system, 4K/2K player, home theater projector
Home audio products: home audio system, hi fi audio components, wireless speakers
This type of product is aimed at enterprises and institutions such as television stations, educational institutions, hotels and real estate, and provides solutions for scene production, broadcast halls, news reports and other scenarios through product support. The specific categories are:
Professional cameras: broadcast air and radio cameras, digital movie cameras, all-in-one cameras, PTZ camera series, expandable system remote cameras
Audio: professional audio, microphone array system, professional speaker
Broadcasting and production: professional monitors, video recorders and recorders, switchboards and live broadcast systems, professional recording media
Medical: monitors, video recorders and storage, IP imaging platforms, printers and print media
Professional display: commercial display, LED display, professional projector, home theater projector
Storage and content management: using disc data storage
Intelligent mobile phone
Sony Xperia 5 V
Sony's smartphone business began in 2001Sony EricssonDuring this period, Sony Ericsson issued a number of flip phones.With the development of Sony Ericsson as a mobile product and communication business after it became a subsidiary of Sony Ericsson in 2012, it was later incorporated into entertainment, technology and service businesses. The brand of smart phone is“Xperia”。
Sony Olympus Medical Solutions
Surgical endoscopic system "VISERA ELITE III"
In 2013, Sony andOLYMPUSThe joint venture "Sony Olympus Medical Solutions Company" is mainly responsible for product development in surgical medicine, operating room and other medical fields.In September 2022, the surgical endoscope system "VISERA ELITE III" jointly developed by three companies and supporting 4K, 3D, IR observation and other functions will be officially launched.
Sony Network Communications
Sony Network Communications
Founded in November 1995, Sony Network Communication Company is mainly responsible for communication services such as optical broadband, mobile virtual private network, Internet/Internet of Things solutions, and provides solutions for integrated services, intelligent office and other fields.
ZV-E10 II
ZV-E10 II is equipped with a 26MP Exmor R CMOS sensor. Compared with the original 24MP sensor, the performance is improved.In addition, a more significant update is the use of a large capacity battery (NP-FZ100, also applicable to some full frame Sony cameras), which enables users to continuously shoot videos up to 195 minutes, improving the shooting endurance.
(Reference to the above data[91-98][144]）
Imaging and sensing solutions
Sony Semiconductor Solutions Group was founded in 2015 toimage sensor As the core, the development includes micro displays, various LSI（large-scale integrated circuit）、semiconductor laser Equipment solution business including[99]。As of March 2024, the sales revenue of imaging and sensing solutions business reached 1602.7 billion yen, accounting for 12% of the total sales revenue in fiscal year 2023, and the operating profit was 193.5 billion yen[81]。
financial service
Founded in 2004, Sony Financial Group is responsible for the management and control of Sony's related subsidiaries (life insurance companies, non life insurance companies, banks and other companies), and is engaged in the business of insurance holding companies and bank holding companies[100]。As of March 2024, the sales revenue of financial business reached 1770 billion yen, accounting for 13% of the total sales revenue in fiscal year 2023, and the operating profit was 173.6 billion yen[81]。
social activities
Announce
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Youth education
Under the slogan of "for the next generation", Sony uses its products, content, technology, employee advantages and partnerships to carry out social contribution activities around the world, and is committed to solving various global problems by supporting children's education and providing emergency rescue in large-scale disasters[102]。
Sony launched the "Sony CurioStep", an education program for children's curiosity cultivation, to provide children with learning opportunities and support their growth and development through scientific activities extending to the entertainment field such as STEAM seminars, as well as museum visits, scientific competitions and other activities[103]。In Japan, the "KANDO Experience Project" was launched to solve the problem of inequality in children's education in Japan[104]。In China, Sony founded the "Dream Classroom" project in 2013 to provide schools in economically underdeveloped areas with "Dream Classroom" featuring both hardware and software[105]。
In 2017, the "Green Journey" Sony College Students' Environmental Camp was launched for youth groups. For college environmental protection associations, a series of trainings were carried out for youth environmental protection backbone through professional lecturer training and guidance, environmental protection experts teaching, environmental protection case analysis, field investigation and drawing green maps and other forms[106]。
Staff volunteers of Sony enterprises in China carry out volunteer teaching activities in various places
Children's Relief Fund
In 2016, Sony and the non-governmental organization Save the Children jointly created the "Children's Emergency Disaster and Recovery Fund" to provide emergency support for sudden natural disasters or humanitarian crises, and provide medium - and long-term recovery support for children[107]。
In 2020, Sony enterprises in China will donate 1 million yuan through the China Charity Federation to fight against the pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus.In February, an additional donation of 30 million yen was announced, including 15 million yen donated by Sony through the Chinese Embassy in Japan[112]。As of March 3, 2020, Sony Group and enterprises in China have donated about 47.5 million yen to help China fight against the epidemic[109]。
In April 2020, Sony set up a $100 million "Sony Global Coronary Pneumonia Assistance Fund" to provide assistance to people in three main areas: "medical", "education" and "creative industry community"[110]。By April 2022, about 5600 groups have been provided with a total support of about 65 million dollars[111]。
Top 10 3C digital brands for e-commerce consumption
10th place
two thousand and twenty
World Brand Lab
World Top 500 Brands
84th
Ai Media Gold List
Top 10 smart TV brands in China in May 2020
4th place
2020Q1 China's smart bracelet brand
15th
2020Q1 Top Ten Smart Speaker Brands in China
5th place
Forbes
Top 100 Global Brand Values
47th
two thousand and twenty-one
World Brand Lab
World Top 500 Brands
91st
two thousand and twenty-two
World Brand Lab
World Top 500 Brands
98th
two thousand and twenty-three
World Brand Lab
World Top 500 Brands
92nd
two thousand and twenty-four
British brand evaluation consulting company
2024 Global Top 500 Brand Values
144th
(Reference to the above data[2][4-8][11-12][120-137][145]）
corporate culture
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Enterprise purpose
Move the world with the power of creativity and technology
sense of worth
Dream and curiosity, diversity, integrity and sincerity, sustainable development
(Reference to the above data[17]）
Enterprise Events
Announce
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Be attacked
On December 9, 2014, Sony's PlayStation online store was attacked by hackers on Monday, which made it unable to log in for more than two hours.Sony has not received any reports of information leakage or theft.The computer network of Sony Pictures Entertainment was attacked last month, and some people suspected that it was caused by North Korean hackers[9]。
From Christmas 2014Christmas EveAt the beginning, Sony's online game platform PlayStation and Microsoft's game platform Xbox were attacked by hackers.By the afternoon of December 26, 2014, it had not recovered.Hacker organizationThe Lizard Squad claimed responsibility.[10]
Data stolen
On April 25, 2011, the Sony PlayStation network was attacked, forcing the company to rebuild its network.Today Sony revealed that hackers had obtained user information, possibly including credit card numbers.The PlayStation network had 77 million users. On April 27, the network was attacked again, and Sony was forced to shut down the network.
Sony has informed PlayStation network users that personal information (including name, address, payment history and birthday) was obtained by an "illegal person".Last week, the "illegal person" attacked Sony's network and caused service interruption.Sony user credit card numbers may also be known.
On May 6, 2011, Sony CEO Howard Stringer apologized to the public for the first time for the PlayStation network intrusion incident.At the same time, a Sony spokesman said that the company would provide identity theft monitoring services to those users who exposed their personal information in the event.Sony said that this plan is only for American users, and it is consideringPSNSimilar programs are offered to users of the Qriocity music service.However, Sony did not mention that personal information was also stolenSony Online Entertainment(Sony Online Entertainment) users will also enjoy similar programs.
Memory monopoly
The antitrust bureau of the US Department of Justice announced in mid October that it would investigate the SRAM price monopoly case. The manufacturers that had received subpoenas previously includeSamsung Electronics, Parsons Semiconductor（Cypress）、MeguiarandMitsubishi Electric。The antitrust bureau of the US Department of Justice requires Sony to provideSRAMIn terms of sales information, Sony said that it would fully cooperate with the investigation.
Merger dispute
On July 13, 2006, the European Union Court of First Instance in Luxembourg overturned the EU's approval of the merger of Sony Music and BMG in 2004, putting SONY BMG, the world's second largest record company, in danger of being split.In this historic judgment, the European Court of First Instance said that the European Commission, which approved the merger at that time, only made a very cursory inspection of the consequences of the merger, and the Commission did not provide enough evidence to prove legally that "before the merger, neither of the two had a dominant market position, and after the merger, there was no such possibility".
The decision of the European Court means that Sony Music and BMG will resubmit their M&A plans to the EU, and the new plans will include market conditions.The European Commission will review the merger of Sony Music of Japan and BMG of Germany.
Recall events
At the end of 2005, the world's largest personal computer manufacturerDell(DELL) company, which successively reported the laptop explosion accident, and caused the investigation of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
On August 15, 2006, Dell and the Consumer Product Safety Commission of the United States carried out the "largest global battery recall notice in the history of the electronic industry". The recall scope included about 4.1 million Dell products manufactured by SonyLithium ion battery, after that,Apple Computer（Apple）、ToshibaToshibaDynabook, Lenovo（Lenovo）IBM ThinkPadFujitsu （Fujitsu）、Hitachi（Hitachi）、SHARPSharp and Gatway have announced the recall of notebook computer batteries.On September 29, Sony decided to launch the "lithium battery self replacement plan" on a large scale to recycle lithium batteries for notebook computers produced worldwide, and provide free replacement services for new products.
Sony said the reason for the recall was that under extremely rare circumstances, small metal chips in the relevant battery cells would contact other parts of the battery cells, resulting in a short circuit.Normally, when this happens, the battery pack will power down.However, under some extremely rare conditions, this internal short circuit will cause overheating of the battery cell and possible fire.The probability of this situation will vary depending on the computer system configuration used by different computer manufacturers.
On October 19, 2006, Sony of Japan released its "financial report for the first quarter of fiscal year 2006". Due to the impact of the "lithium battery self replacement plan", Nobuyuki Oneda, the financial manager, said that a total of 9.6 million Sony notebook computer batteries may need to be recalled worldwide, which will bring about a loss of about 51 billion yen to the company,This is much higher than the previous estimate of 20 billion to 30 billion yen.
On February 29, 2016, Sony (China) Co., Ltd. submitted a recall plan to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China (AQSIQ), recalling some imported batteries for VAIO laptops. The production date was from January 2013 to April 2013, and the model was VGP-BPS26.According to the company's statistics, the number of affected battery packs in mainland China is 10617.The battery packs within the scope of this recall have the potential of burning out due to overheating in some cases due to metal impurities mixed in the production process.
Anti copy software
In October 2005, Mark Russinovich, who worked for Sysinternals, disclosed that Sony BMG sold music CDs using a type of music CD calledrootkitHacker technology, installing digital rights management software without knowing users（DRM）To the user's computer.This software, called Extended Copy Protection (XPC) software, was developed by First 4 Internet, a British company. It is difficult for ordinary users to detect and remove it.In many countries, it is illegal to install software without informing users, which causes serious security hazards to user systems and affects the efficiency of user systems.
CCD dispute
Since 2004, Sony has begun to produce Cyber Shot digital cameras, and the models launched between 2002 and 2003 continue to occurCCD sensorOn October 5, 2005, Sony announced that a key manufacturing process error had led to the use of Sony CCD sensors in addition to Sony itselfNikon （Nikon）、Canon（Canon）、Fuji（Fujifilm）、Konica Minolta（Konica Minolta）、Ricoh（Ricoh）、OLYMPUS(Olympus), hundreds of different digital image products need to be recycled.
The analysis of the cause of this fault is consistent with the connectionCCD chipThe aging of the welding line with the outer frame causes the falling off. This problem will emerge one by one after the user has used the equipment for one to two years.It is understood that the defective product was manufactured by SONY Semiconductor's production line in Kyushu, Japan.Two main reasons led to CCD defects: first, the production line adjusted the setting of the welding line equipment, which led to the reduction of the bonding strength between the wire and the electrode;Another problem is the deterioration of the glass packaging adhesive on the CCD surface, which corrodes the wire junction with time, thus causing CCD failure.
product quality
In October 2005, the quality defects of CCD camera elements provided by Sony led to quality problems of seven Japanese digital camera manufacturers. Sony needed to provide free maintenance for more than 100 products, and was subject to collective claims from cooperative manufacturers.In December of that year, Sony's six models of digital cameras were ordered by the Zhejiang Administration for Industry and Commerce to stop selling and put on file for investigation due to quality problems.Sony has issued three statements on camera quality. Although it has tactfully admitted the fact that the product is unqualified and apologized to Chinese consumers, it refused to recall the problematic digital camera on the ground that it does not affect consumers' health, and only said that "if users want to return the camera, Sonny (China) will also handle it".
In 2006, Sony's product quality problems mainly focused on notebook batteries, compatibility of PS game consoles, etc.In 2008, it mainly focused on notebook products, such as motherboards and batteries.After 2009, it involves many product lines such as TV and camera.On the 315 Consumer Rights Defense Network, Sony's product complaints also showed a significant upward trend.
Deny bankruptcy
On the night of August 18, 2013, a netizen released the "screenshot" of CCTV news channel, saying that Sony applied for bankruptcy. The screenshot showed that the main title of the news was "Sony's Application for Bankruptcy", the subtitle was "Sony's Electronic Business Collapsed All Over the Line", and the subtitle being broadcast was "Sony's empire has collapsed, and there is no bright spot in its products". The screenshot caused heated discussion among netizens as soon as it was released,Most netizens are skeptical about this.In fact, this picture has a big loophole, because CCTV news never used the oval font, which was later proved to be a fake picture.
Sony China denied the news of bankruptcy through its official microblog. Sony said that "Sony declared bankruptcy" was a rumor. The quarterly financial report at the beginning of August showed that Sony's products and performance were excellent. Sony also said that "the IFA war in Berlin at the beginning of September, look at you", which seemed to imply that Sony would launch new products on IFA. In fact,Earlier, there was news that Sony would launch a new line of notebooks and smart phones on IFA. The new mobile phone product might be Honami, which supports 4K video recording, but there was no more news about the new notebook product.
Sales of headquarters building
On March 16, 2013 Beijing time, it was reported that the Japanese electronics giant Sony Corporation completed the transaction of selling the US headquarters building to the investment group led by the real estate developer Chetrit Group for US $1.1 billion on Friday local time.
real estate investment trustsSL Green Realty was the first company to provide a full loan of 925 million dollars with a maximum term of three years for this transaction, and the specific amount will depend on how long Sony will stay in this building.However,Bank of ChinaLater, he intervened in Sony's transaction and agreed toSenior loan600 million dollars in the form ofdebt financing 。Of the remaining $325 million in debt financing, $175 million in primary loans was transferred by SL Green Realty toprivate equity firms The executive debt fund of Apollo Global Management Company may be increased to 250 million dollars.
Sell off the headquarters building
In order to cooperate with the business restructuring, Sony is selling some non core assets and real estate to raise funds.The Transferee includes the building in Tokyo's Odianshan area, which is the place of origin.Sony's property in Tokyo this time includes the famous headquarters NS Building.The transfer income will reach 15 billion yen, about 147 million dollars.
On March 7, 2014, Sony reached a deal to sell its old headquarters in Tokyo and a nearby building to Sumitomo Realty&Development at a price of 16.1 billion yen (about 156 million US dollars).Sony said that the transaction will increase operating profit by about 10 billion yen in the upcoming fiscal quarter from April to June.The building it sold used to be the office of many business personnel whose medical business had nothing to do with consumer products. From 1990 to 2007, it was Sony's headquarters.
Sell PC business
Sony said that under the influence of many factors, including the huge changes in the global PC industry, it decided to "stop the planning, design and development of PC products" and sell PC business to focus on the development of mobile product lines, including mobile phones and tablets.Sony has signed a memorandum of understanding with JIP on the sale of this business. Both parties will conduct due diligence and negotiate the detailed terms and conditions of business transfer.The transaction between Sony and JIP will be completed by the end of July. At that time, the new company under JIP will start to sell VAIO series PCs in Japan. The company plans to recruit 250 to 300 Sony employees for this business.Sony will hold 5% of the shares of the new company. Sony's financial report released on the same day shows that, affected by the sale of notebook computer business, it is estimated that in fiscal year 2013, it will lose 110 billion yen (about 1.1 billion dollars), which will be Sony's operating deficit for two consecutive years.
Sell e-books
After selling the PC business, Sony announced in May 2014 that it would close the e-book business and sell it to CanadaE-readerManufacturer Kobo.In 2004, Sony launched the world's first mass-produced e-reader with an "e-ink" display, which opened the era of e-books. However, due to the backward content ecology, its business is difficult to sustain. According to the science and technology media engadget, Sony is carrying out business handover and announced that in the UK, Austria and Germany,The Kobo application will be preinstalled on Sony's Xperia smartphone and Reader devices.The Reader Store of Sony e-book stores around the world will also be closed.
Illegal punishment
On October 12, 2021, Sony (China) Co., Ltd. was imposed an administrative penalty of 1 million yuan by Beijing Chaoyang District Market Supervision Administration for violating the provisions of the Advertising Law of the People's Republic of China (2018) that "advertising shall not harm the dignity or interests of the country and disclose state secrets".[15]
China layoffs
On October 31, 2014, Sony Group announced its financial report for the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, and the group's senior management announced measures on mobile business reform, including that Sony Mobile would significantly reduce its mobile business scale in China, and a considerable part of the upcoming layoff plan involving 1000 employees worldwide would come from China (700-800 people).At the same time, Sony Mobile will stop developing specific mobile phone models for the Chinese market, but will consider providing full system models.On November 4, in the face of the upcoming layoff, dozens of Sony Mobile employees pulled banners in front of the Sony Mobile Building in Beijing to protest, demanding that the company be "open and transparent", but Sony officially denied the idea of "violent layoffs".Later, Sony replied to the media that the compensation plan has not been finalized yet, but the final plan will certainly be better than the standards stipulated by the law.
prosecution
In August 2022, Alex Neill, a British consumer rights advocate, filed a class action lawsuit against Sony PlayStation on behalf of 9 million consumers, accusing the company of "cheating people" with high price games and in game purchases, and demanding a compensation of 5 billion pounds (40.3 billion yuan).[14]
Weibo account prohibition
In January 2023, the account @ Sony China, which was certified as the "official microblog of Sony (China) Co., Ltd.", was banned. The specific reason for the ban was not explained by the microblog, while the page of Sony China's account showed that "due to violation of relevant laws and regulations, the user is currently in a banned state".A few hours before being banned, Sony China continued to update its news.[15]
Sony's Bungie Studio Layoffs
In October 2023, according to insiders, Bungie, Sony's game studio, fired a number of employees, the exact number of whom is unknown.Insiders said that the studio had just postponed the release of The Final Shape, the expansion film of Destiny 2, from February 2024 to June 2024, while Bungie's next game, Marathon, was postponed to 2025.Sony acquired Bungie at the beginning of 2022 for US $3.6 billion.PlayStation, Sony's game business unit, has been downsized several times this year, and Jim Ryan, the department head, also said that he would retire in March 2024.[16]
