a5682423.htm
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
 
FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of May 2008
Commission File Number: 001-06439

SONY CORPORATION
(Translation of registrant's name into English)

1-7-1 KONAN, MINATO-KU, TOKYO, 108-0075, JAPAN
(Address of principal executive offices)

The registrant files annual reports under cover of Form 20-F.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F,
 
Form 20-F  X
Form 40-F __
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Yes __ No X
 
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):82-______
 
SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
SONY CORPORATION
 
(Registrant)
   
   
 
By:  /s/  Nobuyuki Oneda
 
                (Signature)
 
Nobuyuki Oneda
 
Executive Vice President and
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
Date: May 14, 2008

List of materials

Documents attached hereto:
 
i) Press release announcing Consolidated Financial Results for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2008 
 

 
 
News & Information
1-7-1 Konan, Minato-ku
Tokyo 108-0075 Japan


No: 08-062E
3:00 P.M. JST, May 14, 2008
 
Consolidated Financial Results
for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2008 
 
Tokyo, May 14, 2008 -- Sony Corporation today announced its consolidated results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 (April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008).
 
l  
New fiscal year records were achieved for consolidated sales and net income.
l  
Consolidated operating income for the current year was more than five times the prior year and the second highest level in Sony’s history.
l  
In the Electronics segment, new records in sales and operating income were achieved.
l  
Sony plans to increase its regular annual dividend by ¥15 to ¥40, and to issue a special cash dividend of ¥10 per share, which would result in a total annual dividend of ¥50 for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009.
 
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
 
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change in
yen
     
2008*
 
Sales and operating revenue
  ¥ 8,295.7     ¥ 8,871.4       +6.9 %   $ 88,714  
Operating income
    71.8       374.5       +421.9       3,745  
Income before income taxes
    102.0       466.3       +357.0       4,663  
Equity in net income of affiliated
companies
    78.7       100.8       +28.2       1,008  
Net income
    126.3       369.4       +192.4       3,694  
                                 
Net income per share of common stock
                               
     Basic
  ¥ 126.15     ¥ 368.33       +192.0     $ 3.68  
     Diluted
    120.29       351.10       +191.9       3.51  
 
Unless otherwise specified, all amounts are presented on the basis of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”).

* U.S. dollar amounts have been translated from yen, for convenience only, at the rate of ¥100=U.S.$1, the approximate Tokyo foreign exchange market rate as of March 31, 2008.

Consolidated Results for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2008

Sales and operating revenue (“sales”) increased 6.9% compared to the previous fiscal year (“year-on-year”) and achieved a new fiscal year record.
1

Electronics segment sales increased 8.9% year-on-year, achieving a new fiscal year record, due to the increase in sales of products such as BRAVIATM LCD televisions, VAIOTM PCs and Cyber-shotTM digital cameras.  In the Game segment, sales increased 26.3% year-on-year primarily as a result of a significant increase in sales of PLAYSTATION®3 (“PS3”).  In the Pictures segment, there was an 11.2% decrease year-on-year as motion pictures sales decreased due primarily to fewer films being released during the current fiscal year.  In the Financial Services segment, revenue decreased by 10.5% year-on-year mainly due to net loss from investments in the separate account and deterioration in net valuation gains from convertible bonds in the general account reflecting a significant decline in the Japanese stock market and partially offset by an increase in insurance premium revenue at Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (“Sony Life”).

On a local currency basis, consolidated sales increased 6% year-on-year.  For references herein to sales on a local currency basis, see Note on page 10.

Operating income increased 421.9% year-on-year resulting in Sony’s second highest level of operating income.

In the Electronics segment, operating income increased, achieving a new fiscal year record, primarily as the result of an increase in sales as well as the positive impact from the depreciation of the yen against the euro.  Products within the segment including VAIO PCs, Cyber-shot digital cameras, system LSIs, and Handycam® video cameras each achieved their highest levels of operating income in history, and contributed to the overall increase in operating income.  In the Game segment, the operating loss decreased significantly primarily due to a decrease in the operating losses of the PS3 business as a result of successful PS3 hardware cost reductions and increased sales of PS3 software.  In the Pictures segment, operating income increased mainly due to the strong performance of prior year films in the home entertainment and television markets as well as the benefit from the sale of a bankruptcy claim against KirchMedia, a former licensee of film and television product.  In the Financial Services segment, a decline in operating income was mainly attributable to a deterioration in net valuation gains from convertible bonds and an impairment loss on equity securities in the general account of Sony Life reflecting significant decline in the Japanese stock market.

In addition, in the previous fiscal year a ¥51.2 billion provision was recorded for charges related to recalls by certain notebook computer makers and the subsequent global replacement program by Sony and certain notebook computer makers involving battery packs containing Sony-manufactured battery cells.  A portion of the provision totaling ¥15.7 billion ($157 million) was reversed in the current fiscal year based on the actual results of recalls and replacements as compared to our original estimates.

During this fiscal year, restructuring charges of ¥47.3 billion ($473 million) were recorded as operating expenses compared to ¥38.8 billion in the previous fiscal year.  Substantially all of these restructuring charges in both years relate to the Electronics segment.

Operating income during the current fiscal year included one-time gains primarily from a gain on the sale of a portion of the site of Sony’s former headquarters of ¥60.7 billion ($607 million), a ¥15.6 billion ($156 million) gain relating to the sale of a portion of Sony’s semiconductor operations in Nagasaki, Japan, including machinery and equipment, and a ¥10.0 billion ($100 million) gain on the sale of the urban entertainment complex “The Sony Center am Potsdamer Platz” in Berlin, Germany. Operating income in the previous fiscal year included a gain on the sale of a portion of the site of Sony’s former headquarters of ¥21.7 billion.

Operating income during the current fiscal year included a gain from the reversal of a portion of a legal provision as a result of the resolution of a legal matter, while a comparable gain was recorded in the previous fiscal year attributed to the reversal of a portion of patent-related provisions.

Income before income taxes was ¥466.3 billion ($4,663 million), a new fiscal year record and a year-on-year increase of 357.0%, due to the increase in operating income discussed above and an improvement of ¥61.5 billion ($615 million) in the net effect of other income and expenses.  The improvement in the net effect of other income and expenses was primarily due to the recording of a gain of ¥81.0 billion ($810 million) for the change in ownership interest in subsidiaries and investees as a result of the global initial public offering of shares of Sony Financial Holdings Inc. (“SFH”) in connection with the listing of shares on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in October 2007, and the recording of a net foreign exchange gain in the current fiscal year versus a net foreign exchange loss recorded in the previous fiscal year.
2

Income taxes: During the current fiscal year, Sony recorded ¥203.5 billion ($2,035 million) of income taxes resulting in an effective tax rate of 43.6%.

Equity in net income of affiliated companies increased 28.2% year-on-year to ¥100.8 billion ($1,008 million), a new fiscal year record.  Sony recorded equity in net income for Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB (“Sony Ericsson”) of ¥79.5 billion ($795 million), a decrease of ¥5.8 billion year-on-year primarily due to higher R&D expenses as a percentage of sales.  Sony also recorded equity in net income of ¥10.0 billion ($100 million) for SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT (“SONY BMG”), a year-on-year increase of ¥5.0 billion.  This increase was due to lower restructuring, marketing and overhead costs as well as a gain on the sale of an interest in a joint venture of SONY BMG and the positive impact from the effect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.  Equity in net income of ¥7.4 billion ($74 million) was recorded for S-LCD Corporation (“S-LCD”), a joint-venture with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a year-on-year increase of ¥2.4 billion.

Sony did not record any equity gain or loss for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. (“MGM”) in the current fiscal year compared to equity in net loss of ¥18.9 billion recorded in the prior fiscal year.  As of March 31, 2007, Sony no longer had any book basis in MGM and accordingly, no additional losses were recorded during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.

As a result of the changes in the items discussed above, net income increased 192.4% year-on-year to ¥369.4 billion ($3,694 million), a new fiscal year record.

Operating Performance Highlights by Business Segment

“Sales and operating revenue” in each business segment represents sales and operating revenue recorded before intersegment transactions are eliminated.  “Operating income (loss)” in each business segment represents operating income (loss) reported before intersegment transactions and unallocated corporate expenses are eliminated.

Electronics
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change in
Yen
   
2008
 
Sales and operating revenue
  ¥ 6,072.4     ¥ 6,613.8       +8.9 %   $ 66,138  
Operating income
    160.5       356.0       +121.8       3,560  

Unless otherwise specified, all amounts are on a U.S. GAAP basis.

Sales increased by 8.9% year-on-year (an 8% increase on a local currency basis) to ¥6,613.8 billion ($66,138 million).  Sales to outside customers increased 9.0% year-on-year.  There was an increase in sales of products including BRAVIA LCD televisions, VAIO PCs and Cyber-shot digital cameras, all of which experienced higher unit sales in all regions.  On the other hand, there was a decrease in sales of products including LCD rear-projection televisions as Sony decided to exit this business due to the shrinking market for these products.

Operating income was ¥356.0 billion ($3,560 million), a 121.8% increase year-on-year.  This increase was primarily the result of the increase in sales as well as the positive impact from the depreciation of the yen against the euro.  With regard to products within the Electronics segment, operating income increased mainly for VAIO PCs and Cyber-shot digital cameras, which experienced higher sales, system LSIs, which saw an increase in sales of semiconductors for the Game segment, and Handycam® video cameras, which experienced increased sales of high value-added models.  This was partially offset primarily by BRAVIA LCD televisions, for which profitability worsened due to unit selling price declines.  Additionally, in the previous fiscal year a ¥51.2 billion provision was recorded for charges related to the notebook computer battery pack recalls and subsequent global replacement program. A portion of the provision totaling ¥15.7 billion ($157 million) was reversed in the current fiscal year based on the actual results of recalls and replacements as compared to our original estimates.
3

Inventory, as of March 31, 2008, was ¥822.0 billion ($8,220 million), which increased ¥96.2 billion, or 13.3%, compared with the level as of March 31, 2007 and decreased ¥71.3 billion, or 8.0%, compared with the level as of December 31, 2007.

Operating Results for Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB

The following operating results for Sony Ericsson, which is accounted for by the equity method as Sony Corporation’s ownership percentage is 50%, are not consolidated in Sony’s consolidated financial statements.  However, Sony believes that this disclosure provides additional useful analytical information to investors regarding operating performance of Sony.

(Millions of euro)
 
Year ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change in euro
 
Sales and operating revenue
  11,892     12,693       +7 %
Income before income taxes
    1,509       1,405       -7  
Net income
    1,142       993       -13  

Sales for the year ended March 31, 2008 increased 7% year-on-year, boosted by strong sales of Walkman® and Cyber-shot phones.  Income before income taxes decreased 7% year-on-year to €1,405 million.  This was primarily due to higher R&D expenses as a percentage of sales.  As a result, Sony recorded equity in net income of ¥79.5 billion ($795 million).

Game
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change in
yen
   
2008
 
Sales and operating revenue
  ¥ 1,016.8     ¥ 1,284.2       +26.3 %   $ 12,842  
Operating income (loss)
    (232.3 )     (124.5 )  
 -
      (1,245 )

Unless otherwise specified, all amounts are on a U.S. GAAP basis.

Sales increased 26.3% year-on-year (a 24% increase on a local currency basis) to ¥1,284.2 billion ($12,842 million).

Hardware: Overall hardware sales increased as a result of a significant increase in sales of PS3, in addition to increased sales of PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) (“PSP”), for which a new slimmer, lighter model was released.  Sales of PlayStation®2 (“PS2”) decreased year-on-year.

Software: Overall software sales increased as a result of an increase in PS3 software sales.
4

The operating loss was ¥124.5 billion ($1,245 million), an improvement of ¥107.8 billion year-on-year, and profit was recorded in the second half of the current fiscal year.  The significant decrease in operating loss in the current fiscal year was primarily due to a decrease in the operating losses of the PS3 business as a result of successful PS3 hardware cost reductions and increased sales of PS3 software, as well as the strong performance of the PSP business with the introduction of a new model.
 
Worldwide hardware unit sales (increase/decrease year-on-year):*
-->
PS2:
13.
73 million units (a decrease of 0.98 million units)
-->
PSP:
13.
89 million units (an increase of 4.36 million units)
-->
PS3:
9.
24 million units (an increase of 5.63 million units)
 
Worldwide software unit sales (increase/decrease year-on-year):*
-->
PS2:
154.
0 million units (a decrease of 39.5 million units)
-->
PSP:
55.
5 million units (an increase of 0.8 million units)
-->
PS3:
57.
9 million units (an increase of 44.6 million units)
 
*Beginning with the quarter ended June 30, 2007, the method of reporting hardware and software unit sales has been changed from production shipments to recorded sales.

Inventory, as of March 31, 2008, was ¥181.6 billion ($1,816 million), which represents a ¥17.3 billion, or 8.7%, decrease compared with the level as of March 31, 2007.  Inventory decreased by ¥1.4 billion, or 0.8%, compared with the level as of December 31, 2007.
 
Pictures
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change in
Yen
   
2008
 
Sales and operating revenue
  ¥ 966.3     ¥ 857.9       -11.2 %   $ 8,580  
Operating income
    42.7       54.0       +26.5       540  

Unless otherwise specified, all amounts are reported on a U.S. GAAP basis.  The results presented above are a yen-translation of the results of Sony Pictures Entertainment (“SPE”), a U.S.-based operation which aggregates the results of its worldwide subsidiaries.  Management analyzes the results of SPE in U.S. dollars, so discussion of certain portions of its results are specified as being on “a U.S. dollar basis.”

Sales decreased 11.2% year-on-year (a 9% decrease on a U.S. dollar basis).  Motion pictures sales decreased due primarily to fewer films being released during the current year.  This was partially offset by higher home entertainment and television revenues from prior year films, including Ghost Rider and Casino Royale.  Total Pictures segment sales also benefited from the sale of a bankruptcy claim against KirchMedia, a former licensee of film and television product.  Revenues for the television business increased this fiscal year as a result of higher advertising and subscription revenue from several international channels.  Major films released in the current fiscal year that contributed to both theatrical and home entertainment revenues included Spider-Man 3 and Superbad.

Operating income increased 26.5% year-on-year.  Operating income from motion pictures increased due to the strong performance of prior year films in the home entertainment and television markets.  Operating income also increased due to the sale of the bankruptcy claim and the higher television business revenues discussed above.
5

Financial Services
 
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change in
yen
   
2008
 
Financial service revenue
  ¥ 649.3     ¥ 581.1       -10.5 %   $ 5,811  
Operating income
    84.1       22.6       -73.1       227  

In Sony's Financial Services segment, results include SFH, Sony Life, Sony Assurance Inc., Sony Bank Inc. (“Sony Bank”) and Sony Finance International Inc.  Unless otherwise specified, all amounts are reported on a U.S. GAAP basis. Therefore, the results of Sony Life shown below differ from the results that SFH and Sony Life disclose on a Japanese statutory basis.  As a result of the global initial public offering of shares of SFH, Sony Corporation’s ownership percentage in SFH is 60%.  Consolidated results for SFH continue to be consolidated in Sony’s consolidated financial statements.

Financial service revenue decreased 10.5% year-on-year due to a decrease in revenue at Sony Life.  Revenue at Sony Life was ¥464.1 billion ($4,641 million), a ¥81.0 billion or 14.9% decrease year-on-year.  Revenue decreased due to a net loss from investments in the separate account, a deterioration in net valuation gains from convertible bonds and an impairment loss on equity securities in the general account reflecting a significant decline in the Japanese stock market this fiscal year.  Partially offsetting this was an increase in insurance premium revenue reflecting an increase in policy amounts in force.

Operating income decreased 73.1% as the result of a deterioration in profitability at Sony Life.  Operating income at Sony Life was ¥11.5 billion ($115 million), a ¥70.1 billion or 85.9% decrease compared to the previous fiscal year.  This decrease was mainly due to a deterioration in net valuation gains from convertible bonds and an impairment loss on equity securities in the general account which more than offset the contribution from increased insurance premium revenue at Sony Life.
 
All Other
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change in
yen
   
2008
 
Sales and operating revenue
  ¥ 355.1     ¥ 382.2       +7.6 %   $ 3,822  
Operating income
    28.9       50.2       +73.9       502  

Unless otherwise specified, all amounts are on a U.S. GAAP basis.

Sales increased 7.6% year-on-year.  Sales within All Other increased mainly due to the contribution from the sales at the U.S. music publishing company Famous Music LLC (“Famous Music”), acquired by Sony’s U.S.-based music publishing subsidiary Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC (“Sony/ATV”) and consolidated in the current fiscal year, the receipt of a settlement payment related to copyright infringement claims, an increase in sales at Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (“SMEJ”), and higher fee revenue from broadband connection services, especially fiber-optic, at So-net Entertainment Corporation (“So-net”).  An increase in trademark royalty income from Sony Ericsson also contributed to the increase in sales.

Sales at SMEJ increased year-on-year mainly as a result of an increase in music download sales. SMEJ’s best-selling albums during the current fiscal year included ORANGE and RANGE by ORANGE RANGE, FAKIN POP by Ken Hirai and CANT BUY MY LOVE by YUI.
6

Operating income increased 73.9% year-on-year.  Operating income within All Other increased principally as a result of a ¥10.0 billion ($100 million) gain on the sale of “The Sony Center am Potsdamer Platz” in Berlin, the above-mentioned receipt of a settlement payment related to copyright infringement claims and an increase in the above-mentioned trademark royalty income from Sony Ericsson.


Operating Results for SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

The following operating results for SONY BMG, which is accounted for by the equity method as Sony Corporation’s ownership percentage is 50%, are not consolidated in Sony’s consolidated financial statements. However, Sony believes that this disclosure provides additional useful analytical information to investors regarding operating performance of Sony.

(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Year ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change in
U.S. dollars
 
Sales and operating revenue
  $ 4,101     $ 3,934       -4 %
Income before income taxes
    135       257       +90  
Net income
    84       178       +111  

During the year ended March 31, 2008, sales revenue at SONY BMG decreased by 4% year-on-year primarily due to the continued decline in the physical music market worldwide not being offset by the growth in digital product sales.  Despite the decrease in sales, income before income taxes increased by 90% compared to the previous year primarily due to a year-on-year reduction in restructuring costs of $67 million, lower marketing costs, reductions in overhead costs from continued restructuring, a gain on the sale of an interest in a joint venture of SONY BMG and the favorable impact of currency fluctuations.  As a result, equity in net income of ¥10.0 billion ($100 million) was recorded by Sony.  Best selling releases during the year included Alicia Keys’ As I Am, Avril Lavigne’s The Best Damn Thing, Celine Dion’s Taking Chances and Leona Lewis’ Spirit.
7

Cash Flows

The following charts show Sony’s unaudited cash flow information for all segments excluding the Financial Services segment and for the Financial Services segment alone.  These separate condensed presentations are not required under U.S. GAAP, which is used in Sony’s consolidated financial statements. However, because the Financial Services segment is different in nature from Sony’s other segments, Sony utilizes this information to analyze its results without Financial Services and believes that these presentations may be useful in understanding and analyzing Sony’s consolidated financial statements.


Cash Flows - Consolidated (Excluding Financial Services segment)
 
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
Cash flows
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change in
yen
   
2008
 
- From operating activities
  ¥ 305.6     ¥ 519.1     ¥ +213.5   $ 5,191  
- From (used in) investing activities
    (431.1 )     (14.9 )     +416.2       (149 )
- From (used in) financing activities
    59.6       (12.1 )     -71.7       (121 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year
    585.5       522.9       -62.6       5,228  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the fiscal year
    522.9       948.7       +425.9       9,487  

Operating Activities: During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, despite an increase in inventory primarily in the Electronics segment, net cash was generated due to the contribution of net income after taking into account depreciation and amortization in the Electronics segment.

Investing Activities: During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, net cash was used to purchase semiconductor fabrication equipment and acquire Famous Music by Sony/ATV.  This was partially offset by proceeds from the sale of SFH shares, the sale of “The Sony Center am Potsdamer Platz” in Berlin and the sale of a portion of the site of Sony’s former headquarters.

As a result, the net cash generated by operating activities and used in investing activities during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥504.2 billion ($5,042 million).

Financing Activities: During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, cash was used to redeem straight bonds and for dividend payments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: As a result of the above factors, and taking into account the effect of exchange rate changes, the total balance of cash and cash equivalents was ¥948.7 billion ($9,487 million) at March 31, 2008, an increase of ¥425.9 billion compared to March 31, 2007.
8

Cash Flows - Financial Services segment

(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
Cash flows
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change in
yen
   
2008
 
- From operating activities
  ¥ 256.5     ¥ 242.6     ¥ -13.9     $ 2,426  
- From (used in) investing activities
    (276.7 )     (873.6 )     -596.9       (8,736 )
- From financing activities
    179.6       491.7       +312.1       4,917  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year
    117.6       277.0       +159.4       2,770  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the fiscal year
    277.0       137.7       -139.3       1,377  

Operating Activities: Net cash provided by operating activities was generated primarily due to an increase in revenue from insurance premiums, reflecting an increase in policy amounts in force at Sony Life.

Investing Activities: Payments for investments and advances mainly carried out at Sony Life, and at Sony Bank where operations are expanding, exceeded proceeds from maturities of marketable securities, sales of securities investments and collections of advances.

Financing Activities: In addition to an increase in policyholders’ accounts at Sony Life, there was an increase in deposits from customers at Sony Bank.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: As a result of the above, the balance of cash and cash equivalents was ¥137.7 billion ($1,377 million) at March 31, 2008, a decrease of ¥139.3 billion compared to March 31, 2007.


Consolidated Results for the Fourth Quarter ended March 31, 2008

Sales were ¥1,952.8 billion ($19,528 million), a decrease of 6.5% (virtually flat on a local currency basis) compared to the same quarter of the previous fiscal year (“year-on-year”).

In the Electronics segment, although there was an increase in sales to outside customers, overall sales decreased primarily due to a decrease in intersegment sales to the Game segment.  Sales primarily of BRAVIA LCD televisions, VAIO PCs and Cyber-shot digital cameras increased, while sales of mobile phones produced for wireless customers, LCD rear-projection televisions and CRT televisions decreased.  In the Game segment, despite an increase in sales from the PSP business, overall sales decreased mainly as a result of the decrease in sales from the PS2 business.  In the Pictures segment, sales decreased primarily because fewer current year films were released into the home entertainment market compared to the same quarter of the previous year.  Partially offsetting this decrease were the proceeds from the sale of a bankruptcy claim against KirchMedia.  In the Financial Services segment, revenue decreased due to a net loss from investments in the separate account, a deterioration in net valuation gains from convertible bonds and an impairment loss on equity securities in the general account at Sony Life.
9

An operating loss of ¥4.7 billion ($47 million) was reported, an improvement of ¥108.7 billion year-on-year.  In the Electronics segment, despite a decrease in sales, the amount of loss decreased mainly as a result of a reversal of a portion of the provision for charges related to the notebook computer battery pack recalls and subsequent global replacement program as well as a gain relating to the sale of a portion of Sony’s semiconductor operations in Nagasaki, including machinery and equipment.  In the Game segment, there was a significant decrease in operating losses primarily due to a decrease in the operating losses of the PS3 business as a result of successful PS3 hardware cost reductions.  Operating income for the Pictures segment increased due to the above-mentioned sale of the bankruptcy claim and lower marketing expenses year-on-year for films not yet released.  These factors more than offset the impact of fewer current year films being released into the home entertainment market.  In the current quarter, an operating loss was recorded within the Financial Services segment compared to operating income recorded in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year due to a deterioration in net valuation gains from convertible bonds and an impairment loss on equity securities in the general account of Sony Life noted above.  Operating income within All Other increased principally as a result of a gain on the sale of “The Sony Center am Potsdamer Platz” and the receipt of a settlement payment related to copyright infringement claims.

During the current quarter, restructuring charges of ¥14.2 billion ($142 million) were recorded as operating expenses compared to ¥23.1 billion in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year.  Nearly all of these restructuring charges in both periods relate to the Electronics segment.

Income before income taxes was ¥6.2 billion ($62 million), a ¥111.9 billion improvement from the ¥105.7 billion loss recorded in the same quarter of the prior fiscal year due to the decrease in operating loss discussed above.

Income taxes: Sony recorded a ¥6.3 billion ($63 million) income tax benefit mainly due to the reversal of valuation allowances at certain Sony subsidiaries as the tax benefits previously reserved are now more likely than not to be realized.

Equity in net income of affiliated companies of ¥10.8 billion ($108 million) was recorded, an 11.9% decrease year-on-year.  Equity in net income of Sony Ericsson was ¥10.3 billion ($103 million), a ¥9.3 billion decrease year-on-year.  This decrease was primarily due to a less favorable product mix as a result of slowing market growth in mid-to-high end phones in markets where Sony Ericsson has a strong presence and an increase in R&D expenses.  For S-LCD, equity of net income of ¥3.4 billion ($34 million) was recorded, a ¥1.5 billion increase year-on-year.  Equity in net loss of ¥2.3 billion ($23 million) was recorded for SONY BMG, a year-on-year deterioration of ¥1.0 billion.  The increased loss was primarily due to lower revenues in the current quarter which more than offset lower restructuring expenses.  Sony did not record an equity gain or loss for MGM in the current quarter compared to equity in net loss of ¥8.2 billion recorded in the same quarter of the prior fiscal year.  As of March 31, 2007, Sony no longer had any book basis in MGM and accordingly, no additional losses were recorded during the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

Net income of ¥29.0 billion ($290 million) was recorded during the quarter, a ¥96.6 billion improvement from the ¥67.6 billion loss recorded in the same quarter of the prior fiscal year.

Note

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, the average value of the yen was ¥113.3 against the U.S. dollar and ¥160.0 against the euro, which was 2.4% higher against the U.S. dollar and 7.1% lower against the euro, compared with the average rates for the previous fiscal year.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2008, the average value of the yen was ¥104.3 against the U.S. dollar and ¥156.2 against the euro, which was 13.6% higher against the U.S. dollar and 0.7% lower against the euro, compared with the average rates for the same quarter of the previous fiscal year.

Sales on a local currency basis described herein reflect sales obtained by applying the yen’s monthly average exchange rate in the previous fiscal year and the same quarter of the previous fiscal year to local currency-denominated monthly sales in the current fiscal year and the current quarter, respectively.  Sales on a local currency basis are not reflected in Sony’s consolidated financial statements and are not measures conforming with U.S. GAAP.  In addition, Sony does not believe that these measures are a substitute for U.S. GAAP measures.  However, Sony believes that disclosing sales information on a local currency basis provide additional useful analytical information to investors regarding operating performance of Sony.
10

Rewarding Shareholders

Sony believes that continuously increasing corporate value and providing dividends are essential to rewarding shareholders.  It is Sony’s policy to utilize retained earnings, after ensuring the perpetuation of stable dividends, to carry out various investments that contribute to an increase in corporate value such as those that ensure future growth and strengthen competitiveness.

On May 14, 2008, a year-end cash dividend of ¥12.5 ($0.13) per share (the same as the amount paid in the previous fiscal year) payable as of June 2, 2008 was approved by the Board of Directors.  Sony has already paid an interim dividend of ¥12.5 per share to each shareholder; accordingly, the total annual cash dividend per share would be ¥25.0 ($0.25).
 
In regards to the annual dividend for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009, Sony plans to increase its regular dividend per share by ¥15 to ¥40 per annum from ¥25 per share in the current fiscal year upon careful consideration of Sony's results for the current fiscal year and other factors.  Sony also plans to distribute a special cash dividend of ¥10 per share as part of the interim dividend, which would be paid in December 2008.  This special dividend would reward our shareholders for the successful global initial public offering of shares of SFH and be in appreciation of their support during the implementation of our three-year restructuring program as well as other corporate initiatives which resulted in record consolidated net income during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.  As a result, Sony plans to pay a total annual dividend for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009 of ¥50 per share, comprising an interim dividend of ¥30 per share and a year-end dividend of ¥20 per share.
 
Outlook for the Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2009
 
   
(Billions of yen)
   
Change from previous
 
         
fiscal year
 
Sales and operating revenue
  ¥ 9,000       +1 %
Operating income
    450       +20  
Income before income taxes
    440       -6  
Equity in net income of affiliated companies
    70       -31  
Net income
    290       -22  
                 
Capital expenditures (additions to fixed assets)*
  ¥ 430       +28  
Depreciation and amortization**
    420       -2  
(Depreciation expenses for tangible assets)
    (330 )     0  
Research and development expenses
    540       +4  
                 
*Investments in S-LCD are not included within the forecast for capital expenditures.
 
**The forecast for depreciation and amortization includes amortization of intangible assets and amortization of deferred insurance acquisition costs.
 
 
Assumed foreign currency exchange rates: approximately ¥100 to the U.S. dollar and approximately ¥158 to the euro.
11

Forecasted consolidated operating results above have been prepared based on the current business environment and reflect the factors noted below.

With regard to operating income, in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 there were significant one-time gains recorded including a ¥60.7 billion gain on the sale of a portion of the site of Sony’s former headquarters.  We do not anticipate any similar one-time gains during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009.

The above forecast includes restructuring charges, recorded as operating expenses, of approximately ¥20 billion expected to be incurred across the Sony Group during the fiscal year, primarily within the Electronics segment, compared to ¥47.3 billion of restructuring charges recorded during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.

We anticipate a decrease in income before income taxes for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009 due to the absence of a gain of ¥81.0 billion recorded in other income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 for the change in ownership interest in subsidiaries and investees as a result of the global initial public offering of shares of SFH in connection with the listing of shares.

Equity in net income of affiliated companies is expected to decrease.  This is due to slowing market growth for mid-to-high end mobile phones and an increase in R&D expenses for Sony Ericsson and an increase in restructuring costs expected for SONY BMG.

Capital expenditures for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009 are expected to increase primarily within the Electronics segment.  Within the Electronics segment, capital expenditures in the semiconductor business during the fiscal year are expected to increase by approximately ¥20 billion to approximately ¥110 billion due to an increase in the amount invested in image sensors.

The forecast for each business segment is as follows:

Electronics

Despite an expected increase in sales primarily of BRAVIA LCD televisions, VAIO PCs and Cyber-shot digital cameras, sales are expected to be flat compared to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 mainly due to the impact of the appreciation of the yen against the U.S. dollar.  Although a significant improvement in operating profitability is expected for the television business, overall operating income is expected to decrease mainly due to the impact of the appreciation of the yen against the U.S. dollar.

Game

Despite an expected decrease in Game segment sales as a result of a decline in sales for the PS2 business, the Game segment as a whole is expected to have positive operating income for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009 as the profitability of the segment will improve significantly due to hardware cost reductions and an enhanced line-up of software titles in the PS3 business.

Pictures

A decrease in sales is expected mainly due to the impact of the appreciation of the yen against the U.S. dollar.  A decrease in operating income is anticipated as the benefit from the sale of a bankruptcy claim against KirchMedia in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 is not expected to recur in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009.

Financial Services

The effect of gains and losses on investments at Sony Life due to stock market fluctuations are not incorporated within the forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009.  Therefore, we anticipate a significant increase in revenue and operating income within the segment compared to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 which experienced the effect of a downturn in the Japanese stock market.
12

Note to the above Forecast

The above forecast is based on the market prices of the portfolio of our Financial Services segment as of March 31, 2008.  Sony cautions that a number of risks and uncertainties, including market volatility and fluctuations, could cause actual results for the Financial Services segment to differ materially from the forecasts.  In addition, the impact on this portfolio may not match the changes in valuation realized in the Japanese equity markets since there may be differences between prices of individual securities and movements in market indices like the TOPIX.

According to a hypothetical sensitivity analysis based on our portfolio (primarily corporate investment trusts held for trading purposes and convertible bonds within the assets of Sony Life’s general account) as of March 31, 2008, a fluctuation of 10 percentage points in the TOPIX could create an impact on Sony’s consolidated operating income of approximately ¥12-13 billion.  Actual profits or losses may differ materially from the above analysis because the change in the prices of individual securities held by Sony Life may not match the change in the price of the TOPIX and the specific holdings within the portfolio may change as a result of future operations such as trading or the conversion of convertible bonds, the market prices of which may be affected by the fluctuation in market interest rates.  In addition, the possibility of impairment losses in equity securities (excluding equity securities included in the corporate investment trust for trading purposes) held is not included in the analysis above.


Cautionary Statement

Statements made in this release with respect to Sony’s current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Sony. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those statements using words such as “believe,” “expect,” “plans,” “strategy,” “prospects,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “may” or “might” and words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operations, financial performance, events or conditions. From time to time, oral or written forward-looking statements may also be included in other materials released to the public. These statements are based on management’s assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it. Sony cautions you that a number of important risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and therefore you should not place undue reliance on them. You also should not rely on any obligation of Sony to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Sony disclaims any such obligation. Risks and uncertainties that might affect Sony include, but are not limited to (i) the global economic environment in which Sony operates, as well as the economic conditions in Sony’s markets, particularly levels of consumer spending; (ii) exchange rates, particularly between the yen and the U.S. dollar, the euro and other currencies in which Sony makes significant sales or in which Sony's assets and liabilities are denominated; (iii) Sony’s ability to continue to design and develop and win acceptance of, as well as achieve sufficient cost reductions for, its products and services, including newly introduced platforms within the Game segment, which are offered in highly competitive markets characterized by continual new product introductions, rapid development in technology and subjective and changing consumer preferences (particularly in the Electronics, Game and Pictures segments, and the music business); (iv) Sony’s ability and timing to recoup large-scale investments required for technology development and increasing production capacity; (v) Sony’s ability to implement successfully business reorganization activities in its Electronics segment; (vi) Sony’s ability to implement successfully its network strategy for its Electronics, Game and Pictures segments, and All Other, including the music business, and to develop and implement successful sales and distribution strategies in its Pictures segment and the music business in light of the Internet and other technological developments; (vii) Sony’s continued ability to devote sufficient resources to research and development and, with respect to capital expenditures, to correctly prioritize investments (particularly in the Electronics segment); (viii) Sony’s ability to maintain product quality (particularly in the Electronics and Game segments); (ix) the success of Sony’s joint ventures and alliances; (x) the outcome of pending legal and/or regulatory proceedings; (xi) shifts in customer demand for financial services such as life insurance and Sony’s ability to conduct successful asset liability management in the Financial Services segment; and (xii) the impact of unfavorable conditions or developments (including market fluctuations or volatility) in the Japanese equity markets on the revenue and operating income of the Financial Services segment.  Risks and uncertainties also include the impact of any future events with material adverse impacts.
13

 
Consolidated Financial Statements
                             
Consolidated Balance Sheets
                             
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
March 31
 
ASSETS
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change from 2007
   
2008
 
Current assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  ¥ 799,899     ¥ 1,086,431     ¥ +286,532       +35.8 %   $ 10,864  
Marketable securities
    493,315       427,709       -65,606       -13.3       4,277  
Notes and accounts receivable, trade
    1,490,452       1,183,620       -306,832       -20.6       11,836  
Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns
    (120,675 )     (93,335 )     +27,340       -22.7       (933 )
Inventories
    940,875       1,021,595       +80,720       +8.6       10,216  
Deferred income taxes
    243,782       237,073       -6,709       -2.8       2,371  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    699,075       1,146,570       +447,495       +64.0       11,466  
      4,546,723       5,009,663       +462,940       +10.2       50,097  
                                         
Film costs
    308,694       304,243       -4,451       -1.4       3,042  
                                         
Investments and advances:
                                       
Affiliated companies
    448,169       381,188       -66,981       -14.9       3,812  
Securities investments and other
    3,440,567       3,954,460       +513,893       +14.9       39,544  
      3,888,736       4,335,648       +446,912       +11.5       43,356  
                                         
Property, plant and equipment:
                                       
Land
    167,493       158,289       -9,204       -5.5       1,583  
Buildings
    978,680       903,116       -75,564       -7.7       9,031  
Machinery and equipment
    2,479,308       2,483,016       +3,708       +0.1       24,830  
Construction in progress
    64,855       55,740       -9,115       -14.1       557  
Less-Accumulated depreciation
    (2,268,805 )     (2,356,812 )     -88,007       +3.9       (23,568 )
      1,421,531       1,243,349       -178,182       -12.5       12,433  
Other assets:
                                       
Intangibles, net
    233,255       263,490       +30,235       +13.0       2,635  
Goodwill
    304,669       304,423       -246       -0.1       3,044  
Deferred insurance acquisition costs
    394,117       396,819       +2,702       +0.7       3,968  
Deferred income taxes
    216,997       198,666       -18,331       -8.4       1,987  
Other
    401,640       496,438       +94,798       +23.6       4,965  
      1,550,678       1,659,836       +109,158       +7.0       16,599  
    ¥ 11,716,362     ¥ 12,552,739     ¥ +836,377       +7.1 %   $ 125,527  
                                         
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                       
Current liabilities:
                                       
Short-term borrowings
  ¥ 52,291     ¥ 63,224     ¥ +10,933       +20.9 %   $ 632  
Current portion of long-term debt
    43,170       291,879       +248,709       +576.1       2,919  
Notes and accounts payable, trade
    1,179,694       920,920       -258,774       -21.9       9,209  
Accounts payable, other and accrued expenses
    968,757       896,598       -72,159       -7.4       8,966  
Accrued income and other taxes
    70,286       200,803       +130,517       +185.7       2,008  
Deposits from customers in the banking business
    752,367       1,144,399       +392,032       +52.1       11,444  
Other
    485,287       505,544       +20,257       +4.2       5,056  
      3,551,852       4,023,367       +471,515       +13.3       40,234  
                                         
Long-term liabilities:
                                       
Long-term debt
    1,001,005       729,059       -271,946       -27.2       7,291  
Accrued pension and severance costs
    173,474       231,237       +57,763       +33.3       2,312  
Deferred income taxes
    261,102       268,600       +7,498       +2.9       2,686  
Future insurance policy benefits and other
    3,037,666       3,298,506       +260,840       +8.6       32,985  
Other
    281,589       260,032       -21,557       -7.7       2,600  
      4,754,836       4,787,434       +32,598       +0.7       47,874  
                                         
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries
    38,970       276,849       +237,879       +610.4       2,768  
                                         
Stockholders' equity:
                                       
Capital stock
    626,907       630,576       +3,669       +0.6       6,306  
Additional paid-in capital
    1,143,423       1,151,447       +8,024       +0.7       11,514  
Retained earnings
    1,719,506       2,059,361       +339,855       +19.8       20,594  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    (115,493 )     (371,527 )     -256,034       +221.7       (3,715 )
Treasury stock, at cost
    (3,639 )     (4,768 )     -1,129       +31.0       (48 )
      3,370,704       3,465,089       +94,385       +2.8       34,651  
    ¥ 11,716,362     ¥ 12,552,739     ¥ +836,377       +7.1 %   $ 125,527  
F-1

Consolidated Statements of Income
                             
                               
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
 
   
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change from 2007
   
2008
 
Sales and operating revenue:
                             
Net sales
  ¥ 7,567,359     ¥ 8,201,839     ¥ +634,480     +8.4 %   $ 82,018  
Financial service revenue
    624,282       553,216       -71,066       -11.4       5,532  
Other operating revenue
    104,054       116,359       +12,305       +11.8       1,164  
      8,295,695       8,871,414       +575,719       +6.9       88,714  
Costs and expenses:
                                       
Cost of sales
    5,889,601       6,290,022       +400,421       +6.8       62,900  
Selling, general and administrative
    1,788,427       1,714,445       -73,982       -4.1       17,144  
Financial service expenses
    540,097       530,306       -9,791       -1.8       5,303  
(Gain) loss on sale, disposal or impairment of assets, net
    5,820       (37,841 )     -43,661       -       (378 )
      8,223,945       8,496,932       +272,987       +3.3       84,969  
                                         
Operating income
    71,750       374,482       +302,732       +421.9       3,745  
                                         
Other income:
                                       
Interest and dividends
    28,240       34,272       +6,032       +21.4       343  
Foreign exchange gain, net
          5,571       +5,571       -       56  
Gain on sale of securities investments, net
    14,695       5,504       -9,191       -62.5       55  
Gain on change in interest in subsidiaries and equity
   investees
    31,509       82,055       +50,546       +160.4       820  
Other
    20,738       22,045       +1,307       +6.3       220  
      95,182       149,447       +54,265       +57.0       1,494  
                                         
Other expenses:
                                       
Interest
    27,278       22,931       -4,347       -15.9       229  
Loss on devaluation of securities investments
    1,308       13,087       +11,779       +900.5       131  
Foreign exchange loss, net
    18,835             -18,835       -        
Other
    17,474       21,594       +4,120       +23.6       216  
      64,895       57,612       -7,283       -11.2       576  
                                         
Income before income taxes
    102,037       466,317       +364,280       +357.0       4,663  
                                         
Income taxes
    53,888       203,478       +149,590       +277.6       2,035  
                                         
Income before minority interest and equity
   in net income of affiliated companies
    48,149       262,839       +214,690       +445.9       2,628  
                                         
Minority interest in income (loss) of consolidated
   subsidiaries
    475       (5,779 )     -6,254       -       (58 )
                                         
Equity in net income of affiliated companies
    78,654       100,817       +22,163       +28.2       1,008  
                                         
Net income
  ¥ 126,328     ¥ 369,435     ¥ +243,107     +192.4     $ 3,694  
                                         
Per share data:
                                       
Common stock
                                       
   Net income
                                       
   — Basic
  ¥ 126.15     ¥ 368.33     ¥ +242.18     +192.0 %   $ 3.68  
   — Diluted
    120.29       351.10       +230.81       +191.9       3.51  
F-2

   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
 
   
Fourth quarter ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change from 2007
   
2008
 
Sales and operating revenue:
                             
Net sales
  ¥ 1,886,791     ¥ 1,831,490     ¥ -55,301       -2.9 %   $ 18,315  
Financial service revenue
    176,484       96,128       -80,356       -45.5       961  
Other operating revenue
    26,330       25,219       -1,111       -4.2       252  
      2,089,605       1,952,837       -136,768       -6.5       19,528  
Costs and expenses:
                                       
Cost of sales
    1,570,938       1,422,373       -148,565       -9.5       14,224  
Selling, general and administrative
    484,944       399,064       -85,880       -17.7       3,991  
Financial service expenses
    146,902       128,210       -18,692       -12.7       1,282  
Loss on sale, disposal or impairment of assets, net
    193       7,859       +7,666       +3,972.0       78  
      2,202,977       1,957,506       -245,471       -11.1       19,575  
                                         
Operating income (loss)
    (113,372 )     (4,669 )     +108,703       -       (47 )
                                         
Other income:
                                       
Interest and dividends
    10,384       7,621       -2,763       -26.6       76  
Foreign exchange gain, net
          5,498       +5,498       -       55  
Gain on sale of securities investments, net
    5,376       3,875       -1,501       -27.9       39  
Gain on change in interest in subsidiaries and equity
   investees
    57       1,003       +946       +1,659.6       10  
Other
    7,774       7,942       +168       +2.2       80  
      23,591       25,939       +2,348       +10.0       260  
                                         
Other expenses:
                                       
Interest
    6,829       5,200       -1,629       -23.9       52  
Loss on devaluation of securities investments
    264       3,433       +3,169       +1,200.4       34  
Foreign exchange loss, net
    5,032             -5,032       -        
Other
    3,778       6,470       +2,692       +71.3       65  
      15,903       15,103       -800       -5.0       151  
                                         
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (105,684 )     6,167       +111,851       -       62  
                                         
Income taxes
    (24,858 )     (6,295 )     +18,563       -       (63 )
                                         
Income (loss) before minority interest and equity
   in net income of affiliated companies
    (80,826 )     12,462       +93,288       -       125  
                                         
Minority interest in income (loss) of consolidated
   subsidiaries
    (956 )     (5,737 )     -4,781       -       (57 )
                                         
Equity in net income of affiliated companies
    12,310       10,845       -1,465       -11.9       108  
                                         
Net income (loss)
  ¥ (67,560 )   ¥ 29,044     ¥ +96,604     -     $ 290  
                                         
Per share data:
                                       
Common stock
                                       
   Net income (loss)
                                       
   — Basic
  ¥ (67.44 )   ¥ 28.95     ¥ +96.39     - %   $ 0.29  
   — Diluted
    (67.44 )     27.63       +95.07       -       0.28  
F-3

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
(Millions of yen)
 
                                     
   
Common stock
   
Additional paid-in
capital
   
Retained earnings
   
Accumulated other
comprehensive
income
   
Treasury stock, at
cost
   
Total
 
Balance at March 31, 2006
  ¥ 624,124     ¥ 1,136,638     ¥ 1,602,654     ¥ (156,437 )   ¥ (3,127 )   ¥ 3,203,852  
Exercise of stock acquisition rights
    2,175       2,175                               4,350  
Conversion of convertible bonds
    608       608                               1,216  
Stock based compensation
            3,993                               3,993  
                                                 
Comprehensive income:
                                               
 Net income
                    126,328                       126,328  
  Cumulative effect of an accounting change, net of tax
              (3,785 )                     (3,785 )
 Other comprehensive income, net of tax
                                               
  Unrealized gains on securities
                            (14,708 )             (14,708 )
  Unrealized losses on derivative instruments
                            974               974  
  Minimum pension liability adjustment
                            (2,754 )             (2,754 )
  Foreign currency translation adjustments
                            86,313               86,313  
 Total comprehensive income
                                            192,368  
                                                 
Stock issue costs, net of tax
                    (22 )                     (22 )
Dividends declared
                    (25,042 )                     (25,042 )
Purchase of treasury stock
                                    (558 )     (558 )
Reissuance of treasury stock
            9                       46       55  
Adoption of FAS No.158
                            (9,508 )             (9,508 )
Other
                    19,373       (19,373 )              
Balance at March 31, 2007
  ¥ 626,907     ¥ 1,143,423     ¥ 1,719,506     ¥ (115,493 )   ¥ (3,639 )   ¥ 3,370,704  
                                                 
Balance at March 31, 2007
  ¥ 626,907     ¥ 1,143,423     ¥ 1,719,506     ¥ (115,493 )   ¥ (3,639 )   ¥ 3,370,704  
Exercise of stock acquisition rights
    3,538       3,685                               7,223  
Conversion of convertible bonds
    131       131                               262  
Stock based compensation
            4,192                               4,192  
                                                 
Comprehensive income:
                                               
 Net income
                    369,435                       369,435  
  Cumulative effect of an accounting change, net of tax
              (4,452 )                     (4,452 )
 Other comprehensive income, net of tax
                                               
  Unrealized gains on securities
                            (15,167 )             (15,167 )
    Unrealized losses on derivative instruments
                      (2,296 )             (2,296 )
  Pension liability adjustment
                            (26,103 )             (26,103 )
    Foreign currency translation adjustments
                      (212,468 )             (212,468 )
 Total comprehensive income
                                            108,949  
                                                 
Stock issue costs, net of tax
                    (48 )                     (48 )
Dividends declared
                    (25,080 )                     (25,080 )
Purchase of treasury stock
                                    (1,231 )     (1,231 )
Reissuance of treasury stock
            16                       102       118  
Balance at March 31, 2008
  ¥ 630,576     ¥ 1,151,447     ¥ 2,059,361     ¥ (371,527 )   ¥ (4,768 )   ¥ 3,465,089  
 
               
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
                                     
   
Common stock
   
Additional paid-in
capital
   
Retained earnings
   
Accumulated other
comprehensive
income
   
Treasury stock, at
cost
   
Total
 
Balance at March 31, 2007
  $ 6,269     $ 11,434     $ 17,195     $ (1,155 )   $ (36 )   $ 33,707  
Exercise of stock acquisition rights
    36       37                               73  
Conversion of convertible bonds
    1       1                               2  
Stock based compensation
            42                               42  
                                                 
Comprehensive income:
                                               
 Net income
                    3,694                       3,694  
  Cumulative effect of an accounting change, net of tax
              (45 )                     (45 )
 Other comprehensive income, net of tax
                                               
  Unrealized gains on securities
                            (152 )             (152 )
    Unrealized losses on derivative instruments
                      (23 )             (23 )
  Pension liability adjustment
                            (261 )             (261 )
    Foreign currency translation adjustments
                      (2,124 )             (2,124 )
 Total comprehensive income
                                            1,089  
                                                 
Stock issue costs, net of tax
                    (0 )                     (0 )
Dividends declared
                    (250 )                     (250 )
Purchase of treasury stock
                                    (13 )     (13 )
Reissuance of treasury stock
                                    1       1  
Balance at March 31, 2008
  $ 6,306     $ 11,514     $ 20,594     $ (3,715 )   $ (48 )   $ 34,651  
F-4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                 
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
2008
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
Net income
  ¥ 126,328     ¥ 369,435     $ 3,694  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
                       
 operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization, including amortization of
    deferred insurance acquisition costs
    400,009       428,010       4,280  
Amortization of film costs
    368,382       305,468       3,055  
Stock-based compensation expense
    3,838       4,130       41  
Accrual for pension and severance costs, less payments
    (22,759 )     (17,589 )     (176 )
(Gain) loss on sale, disposal or impairment of assets, net
    5,820       (37,841 )     (378 )
(Gain) loss on sale or devaluation of securities investments, net
    (13,387 )     7,583       76  
(Gain) loss on revaluation of marketable securities held in the financial
    service business for trading purpose, net
    (11,857 )     56,543       565  
Gain on change in interest in subsidiaries and equity investees
    (31,509 )     (82,055 )     (820 )
Deferred income taxes
    (13,193 )     20,040       200  
Equity in net income of affiliated companies, net of dividends
    (68,179 )     (13,527 )     (135 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
  (Increase) decrease in notes and accounts receivable, trade
    (357,891 )     185,651       1,857  
   Increase in inventories
    (119,202 )     (140,725 )     (1,407 )
   Increase in film costs
    (320,079 )     (353,343 )     (3,533 )
   Increase (decrease) in notes and accounts payable, trade
    362,079       (235,459 )     (2,355 )
   Increase (decrease) in accrued income and other taxes
    (14,396 )     138,872       1,389  
   Increase in future insurance policy benefits and other
    172,498       166,356       1,664  
   Increase in deferred insurance acquisition costs
    (61,563 )     (62,951 )     (630 )
  (Increase) decrease in marketable securities held in the financial service
     business for trading purpose
    31,732       (57,271 )     (573 )
   Increase in other current assets
    (35,133 )     (24,312 )     (243 )
   Increase in other current liabilities
    73,222       51,838       518  
Other
    86,268       48,831       488  
        Net cash provided by operating activities
    561,028       757,684       7,577  
                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Payments for purchases of fixed assets
    (527,515 )     (474,552 )     (4,746 )
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets
    87,319       144,741       1,447  
Payments for investments and advances by financial service business
    (914,754 )     (2,283,491 )     (22,835 )
Payments for investments and advances (other than financial service business)
    (100,152 )     (103,082 )     (1,030 )
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities, sales of securities
   investments and collections of advances by financial service business
    679,772       1,441,496       14,415  
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities, sales of securities
   investments and collections of advances (other than financial service
   business)
    22,828       51,947       520  
Proceeds from sales of subsidiaries' and equity investees' stocks
    43,157       307,133       3,071  
Other
    (6,085 )     5,366       54  
        Net cash used in investing activities
    (715,430 )     (910,442 )     (9,104 )
                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    270,780       31,093       311  
Payments of long-term debt
    (182,374 )     (34,701 )     (347 )
Increase in short-term borrowings, net
    6,096       15,838       158  
Increase in deposits from customers in the financial service business, net
    273,435       485,965       4,860  
Decrease in call money and bills sold in the banking business, net
    (100,700 )            
Dividends paid
    (25,052 )     (25,098 )     (251 )
Proceeds from issuance of shares under stock-based compensation plans
    5,566       7,484       75  
Proceeds from issuance of shares by subsidiaries
    2,217       28,943       289  
Other
    (2,065 )     (4,006 )     (40 )
        Net cash provided by financing activities
    247,903       505,518       5,055  
                         
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    3,300       (66,228 )     (662 )
                         
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    96,801       286,532       2,866  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year
    703,098       799,899       7,998  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the fiscal year
  ¥ 799,899     ¥ 1,086,431     $ 10,864  
F-5

  (Notes)
1.
U.S. dollar amounts have been translated from yen, for convenience only, at the rate of ¥100 = U.S. $1, the approximate Tokyo foreign exchange market rate as of March 31, 2008.

2.
As of March 31, 2008, Sony had 991 consolidated subsidiaries (including variable interest entities).  It has applied the equity accounting method for 63 affiliated companies.

3.
Weighted-average number of outstanding shares used for computation of earnings per share of common stock are as follows.  The dilutive effect in the weighted-average number of outstanding shares mainly resulted from convertible bonds.

Weighted-average number of outstanding shares
 
(Thousands of shares)
 
   
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
 
Net income
           
— Basic
    1,001,403       1,003,001  
— Diluted
    1,050,171       1,052,212  

Weighted-average number of outstanding shares
 
(Thousands of shares)
 
   
Fourth quarter ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
 
Net income (loss)
           
— Basic
    1,001,793       1,003,402  
— Diluted
    1,001,793       1,051,189  

4.
In September 2005, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants  issued the Statement of Position (“SOP”) 05-1, “Accounting by Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection with Modifications or Exchanges of Insurance Contracts.”  SOP 05-1 provides guidance on accounting for deferred acquisition costs on internal replacements of insurance and investment contracts other than those specifically described in FAS No. 97, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sales of Investments.”  Sony adopted SOP 05-1 on April 1, 2007.  The adoption of SOP 05-1 did not have a material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

5.
In March 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FAS No. 156, “Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets - an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140.”  This statement amends FAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities” with respect to the accounting for separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities.  Sony adopted FAS No. 156 on April 1, 2007.  The adoption of FAS No. 156 did not have a material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

6.
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.”  FIN No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise's financial statements in accordance with FAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”  FIN No. 48 prescribes a minimum recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  FIN No. 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.  Sony adopted FIN No. 48 effective April 1, 2007.  As a result of the adoption of FIN No. 48, a charge against beginning retained earnings totaling ¥4,452 million ($45 million) was recorded.  As of April 1, 2007, total unrecognized tax benefits were ¥223,857 million ($2,239 million).  If Sony were to prevail on all unrecognized tax benefits recorded, ¥129,632 million ($1,296 million) of the ¥223,857 million would reduce the effective tax rate.

7.
In June 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF Issue No. 06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should be Presented in the Income Statement.”  EITF Issue No. 06-3 requires disclosure of the accounting policy for any tax assessed by a governmental authority that is imposed concurrently on a specific revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer.  EITF Issue No. 06-3 should be applied to financial reports for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2006.  Sony adopted EITF Issue No. 06-3 on April 1, 2007.  The adoption of EITF Issue No. 06-3 did not have a material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.
F-6

Other Consolidated Financial Data
                                      
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Capital expenditures (additions to property, plant and equipment)
  ¥ 414,138     ¥ 335,726       -18.9 %   $ 3,357  
Depreciation and amortization expenses*
    400,009       428,010       +7.0       4,280  
(Depreciation expenses for tangible assets)
    (315,773 )     (328,940 )     +4.2       (3,289 )
Research and development expenses
    543,937       520,568       -4.3       5,206  
 
   
Fourth quarter ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Capital expenditures (additions to property, plant and equipment)
  ¥ 102,093     ¥ 97,862       -4.1 %   $ 979  
Depreciation and amortization expenses*
    115,155       113,771       -1.2       1,138  
(Depreciation expenses for tangible assets)
 
 (89,804
    (86,316 )     -3.9       (863 )
Research and development expenses
    147,560       137,370       -6.9       1,374  

* Including amortization expenses for intangible assets and for deferred insurance acquisition costs
 
F-7


Business Segment Information
                       
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
Sales and operating revenue
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Electronics
                       
Customers
  ¥ 5,443,336     ¥ 5,931,708       +9.0 %   $ 59,317  
Intersegment
    629,042       682,102               6,821  
Total
    6,072,378       6,613,810       +8.9       66,138  
                                 
Game
                               
Customers
    974,218       1,219,004       +25.1       12,190  
Intersegment
    42,571       65,239               652  
Total
    1,016,789       1,284,243       +26.3       12,842  
                                 
Pictures
                               
Customers
    966,260       855,482       -11.5       8,555  
Intersegment
          2,452               25  
Total
    966,260       857,934       -11.2       8,580  
                                 
Financial Services
                               
Customers
    624,282       553,216       -11.4       5,532  
Intersegment
    25,059       27,905               279  
Total
    649,341       581,121       -10.5       5,811  
                                 
All Other
                               
Customers
    287,599       312,004       +8.5       3,120  
Intersegment
    67,525       70,194               702  
Total
    355,124       382,198       +7.6       3,822  
                                 
Elimination
    (764,197 )     (847,892 )     -       (8,479 )
Consolidated total
  ¥ 8,295,695     ¥ 8,871,414       +6.9 %   $ 88,714  
 
Electronics intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the Game segment, Pictures segment and All Other.
All Other intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the Electronics and Game segments.
                                 
                                 
Operating income (loss)
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Electronics
  ¥ 160,536     ¥ 356,030       +121.8 %   $ 3,560  
Game
    (232,325 )     (124,485 )     -       (1,245 )
Pictures
    42,708       54,011       +26.5       540  
Financial Services
    84,142       22,633       -73.1       227  
All Other
    28,871       50,212       +73.9       502  
Total
    83,932       358,401       +327.0       3,584  
                                 
Corporate and elimination
    (12,182 )     16,081       -       161  
Consolidated total
  ¥ 71,750     ¥ 374,482       +421.9 %   $ 3,745  
 
Commencing with the first quarter ended June 30, 2007, Sony has partly realigned its business segment configuration.
In accordance with this change, results of the previous fiscal year have been reclassified to conform to the presentation
for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.
F-8

 
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Fourth quarter ended March 31
 
Sales and operating revenue
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Electronics
             
 
       
Customers
  ¥ 1,281,997     ¥ 1,305,655       +1.8 %   $ 13,057  
Intersegment
    253,341       146,333               1,463  
Total
    1,535,338       1,451,988       -5.4       14,520  
                                 
Game
                               
Customers
    270,290       250,567       -7.3       2,506  
Intersegment
    10,891       12,515               125  
Total
    281,181       263,082       -6.4       2,631  
                                 
Pictures
                               
Customers
    286,401       211,642       -26.1       2,116  
Intersegment
          1,492               15  
Total
    286,401       213,134       -25.6       2,131  
                                 
Financial Services
                               
Customers
    176,484       96,128       -45.5       961  
Intersegment
    7,745       6,753               68  
Total
    184,229       102,881       -44.2       1,029  
                                 
All Other
                               
Customers
    74,433       88,845       +19.4       888  
Intersegment
    17,041       17,966               180  
Total
    91,474       106,811       +16.8       1,068  
                                 
Elimination
    (289,018 )     (185,059 )     -       (1,851 )
Consolidated total
  ¥ 2,089,605     ¥ 1,952,837       -6.5 %   $ 19,528  
 
Electronics intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the Game segment, Pictures segment and All Other.
All Other intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the Electronics and Game segments.
 
Operating income (loss)
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Electronics
  ¥ (73,945 )   ¥ (1,485 )     - %   $ (15 )
Game
    (107,827 )     (11,515 )     -       (115 )
Pictures
    32,912       34,852       +5.9       349  
Financial Services
    29,526       (30,088 )     -       (301 )
All Other
    5,316       21,338       +301.4       213  
Total
    (114,018 )     13,102       -       131  
                                 
Corporate and elimination
    646       (17,771 )     -       (178 )
Consolidated total
  ¥ (113,372 )   ¥ (4,669 )     - %   $ (47 )
 
Commencing with the first quarter ended June 30, 2007, Sony has partly realigned its business segment configuration.
In accordance with this change, results of the previous fourth quarter have been reclassified to conform to the presentation
for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2008.
F-9

 
Electronics Sales and Operating Revenue to Customers by Product Category
                   
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
Sales and operating revenue
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Audio
  ¥ 522,879     ¥ 558,624       +6.8 %   $ 5,586  
Video
    1,143,120       1,279,225       +11.9       12,792  
Televisions
    1,226,971       1,367,078       +11.4       13,671  
Information and Communications
    950,461       1,098,574       +15.6       10,986  
Semiconductors
    205,757       228,711       +11.2       2,287  
Components
    852,981       847,131       -0.7       8,471  
Other
    541,167       552,365       +2.1       5,524  
Total
  ¥ 5,443,336     ¥ 5,931,708       +9.0 %   $ 59,317  
                                 
   
Fourth quarter ended March 31
 
Sales and operating revenue
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Audio
  ¥ 110,243     ¥ 112,134       +1.7 %   $ 1,121  
Video
    234,586       235,597       +0.4       2,356  
Televisions
    292,614       314,869       +7.6       3,149  
Information and Communications
    263,374       275,545       +4.6       2,756  
Semiconductors
    53,085       55,985       +5.5       560  
Components
    199,322       200,635       +0.7       2,006  
Other
    128,773       110,890       -13.9       1,109  
Total
  ¥ 1,281,997     ¥ 1,305,655       +1.8 %   $ 13,057  
 
The above table is a breakdown of Electronics sales and operating revenue to customers in the Business Segment Information on pages F-8 and F-9.
The Electronics segment is managed as a single operating segment by Sony's management. However, Sony believes that the information in this table
is useful to investors in understanding the product categories in this business segment.
 
Geographic Segment Information
                               
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
Sales and operating revenue
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Japan
  ¥ 2,127,841     ¥ 2,056,374       -3.4 %   $ 20,564  
United States
    2,232,453       2,221,862       -0.5       22,219  
Europe
    2,037,658       2,328,233       +14.3       23,282  
Other Areas
    1,897,743       2,264,945       +19.3       22,649  
Total
  ¥ 8,295,695     ¥ 8,871,414       +6.9 %   $ 88,714  
                                 
   
Fourth quarter ended March 31
 
Sales and operating revenue
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Japan
  ¥ 544,476     ¥ 455,253       -16.4 %   $ 4,552  
United States
    541,416       484,966       -10.4       4,850  
Europe
    539,385       518,225       -3.9       5,182  
Other Areas
    464,328       494,393       +6.5       4,944  
Total
  ¥ 2,089,605     ¥ 1,952,837       -6.5 %   $ 19,528  
 
Classification of Geographic Segment Information shows sales and operating revenue recognized by location of customers.
F-10

 
Condensed Financial Services Financial Statements
 
The results of the Financial Services segment are included in Sony’s consolidated financial statements.  The following schedules show
unaudited condensed financial statements for the Financial Services segment and all other segments excluding Financial Services.
These presentations are not in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which is used by Sony to prepare its consolidated financial statements.
However, because the Financial Services segment is different in nature from Sony’s other segments, Sony believes that a comparative
presentation may be useful in understanding and analyzing Sony’s consolidated financial statements.
Transactions between the Financial Services segment and Sony without Financial Services are eliminated in the consolidated figures
shown below.
 
Condensed Balance Sheet
                       
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Financial Services
 
March 31
 
  ASSETS
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Current assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  ¥ 277,048     ¥ 137,721     ¥ -139,327     $ 1,377  
Marketable securities
    490,237       424,709       -65,528       4,247  
Other
    321,969       642,689       +320,720       6,427  
      1,089,254       1,205,119       +115,865       12,051  
                                 
Investments and advances
    3,347,897       3,879,877       +531,980       38,799  
Property, plant and equipment
    38,671       38,512       -159       385  
Other assets:
                               
Deferred insurance acquisition costs
    394,117       396,819       +2,702       3,968  
Other
    107,703       105,332       -2,371       1,054  
      501,820       502,151       +331       5,022  
    ¥ 4,977,642     ¥ 5,625,659     ¥ +648,017   $ 56,257  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                               
Current liabilities:
                               
Short-term borrowings
  ¥ 48,688     ¥ 44,408     ¥ -4,280     $ 444  
Notes and accounts payable, trade
    13,159       16,376       +3,217       164  
Deposits from customers in the banking business
    752,367       1,144,399       +392,032       11,444  
Other
    143,245       157,773       +14,528       1,578  
      957,459       1,362,956       +405,497       13,630  
                                 
Long-term liabilities:
                               
Long-term debt
    129,484       111,771       -17,713       1,118  
Future insurance policy benefits and other
    3,037,666       3,298,506       +260,840       32,985  
Other
    213,090       211,130       -1,960       2,111  
      3,380,240       3,621,407       +241,167       36,214  
                                 
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries
    5,145       919       -4,226       9  
Stockholders' equity
    634,798       640,377       +5,579       6,404  
    ¥ 4,977,642     ¥ 5,625,659     ¥ +648,017   $ 56,257  
F-11

 
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Sony without Financial Services
 
March 31
 
  ASSETS
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Current assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  ¥ 522,851     ¥ 948,710     ¥ +425,859   $ 9,487  
Marketable securities
    3,078       3,000       -78       30  
Notes and accounts receivable, trade
    1,343,128       1,083,489       -259,639       10,835  
Other
    1,625,914       1,801,468       +175,554       18,015  
      3,494,971       3,836,667       +341,696       38,367  
                                 
Film costs
    308,694       304,243       -4,451       3,042  
Investments and advances
    623,342       518,536       -104,806       5,185  
Investments in Financial Services, at cost
    187,400       116,843       -70,557       1,168  
Property, plant and equipment
    1,382,860       1,204,837       -178,023       12,048  
Other assets
    1,100,795       1,203,849       +103,054       12,040  
    ¥ 7,098,062     ¥ 7,184,975     ¥ +86,913   $ 71,850  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                               
Current liabilities:
                               
Short-term borrowings
  ¥ 80,944     ¥ 339,485     ¥ +258,541   $ 3,395  
Notes and accounts payable, trade
    1,167,324       906,281       -261,043       9,063  
Other
    1,392,333       1,452,756       +60,423       14,527  
      2,640,601       2,698,522       +57,921       26,985  
                                 
Long-term liabilities:
                               
Long-term debt
    925,259       650,969       -274,290       6,510  
Accrued pension and severance costs
    164,701       223,203       +58,502       2,232  
Other
    410,354       394,779       -15,575       3,948  
      1,500,314       1,268,951       -231,363       12,690  
                                 
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries
    32,808       37,509       +4,701       375  
Stockholders' equity
    2,924,339       3,179,993       +255,654       31,800  
    ¥ 7,098,062     ¥ 7,184,975     ¥ +86,913   $ 71,850  
 
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Consolidated
 
March 31
 
  ASSETS
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Current assets:
                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  ¥ 799,899     ¥ 1,086,431     ¥ +286,532   $ 10,864  
Marketable securities
    493,315       427,709       -65,606       4,277  
Notes and accounts receivable, trade
    1,369,777       1,090,285       -279,492       10,903  
Other
    1,883,732       2,405,238       +521,506       24,053  
      4,546,723       5,009,663       +462,940       50,097  
                                 
Film costs
    308,694       304,243       -4,451       3,042  
Investments and advances
    3,888,736       4,335,648       +446,912       43,356  
Property, plant and equipment
    1,421,531       1,243,349       -178,182       12,433  
Other assets:
                               
Deferred insurance acquisition costs
    394,117       396,819       +2,702       3,968  
Other
    1,156,561       1,263,017       +106,456       12,631  
      1,550,678       1,659,836       +109,158       16,599  
    ¥ 11,716,362     ¥ 12,552,739     ¥ +836,377   $ 125,527  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                               
Current liabilities:
                               
Short-term borrowings
  ¥ 95,461     ¥ 355,103     ¥ +259,642   $ 3,551  
Notes and accounts payable, trade
    1,179,694       920,920       -258,774       9,209  
Deposits from customers in the banking business
    752,367       1,144,399       +392,032       11,444  
Other
    1,524,330       1,602,945       +78,615       16,030  
      3,551,852       4,023,367       +471,515       40,234  
                                 
Long-term liabilities:
                               
Long-term debt
    1,001,005       729,059       -271,946       7,291  
Accrued pension and severance costs
    173,474       231,237       +57,763       2,312  
Future insurance policy benefits and other
    3,037,666       3,298,506       +260,840       32,985  
Other
    542,691       528,632       -14,059       5,286  
      4,754,836       4,787,434       +32,598       47,874  
                                 
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries
    38,970       276,849       +237,879       2,768  
Stockholders' equity
    3,370,704       3,465,089       +94,385       34,651  
    ¥ 11,716,362     ¥ 12,552,739     ¥ +836,377   $ 125,527  
F-12

Condensed Statements of Income
                       
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Financial Services
 
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
                         
Financial service revenue
  ¥ 649,341     ¥ 581,121       -10.5 %   $ 5,811  
Financial service expenses
    565,199       558,488       -1.2       5,584  
Operating income
    84,142       22,633       -73.1       227  
Other income (expenses), net
    9,886       (383 )           (4 )
Income before income taxes
    94,028       22,250       -76.3       223  
Income taxes and other
    33,536       11,908       -64.5       120  
Net income
  ¥ 60,492     ¥ 10,342       -82.9 %   $ 103  
 
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Sony without Financial Services
 
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
                                 
Net sales and operating revenue
  ¥ 7,680,578     ¥ 8,324,828       +8.4 %   $ 83,248  
Costs and expenses
    7,694,375       7,974,630       +3.6       79,746  
Operating income (loss)
    (13,797 )     350,198             3,502  
Other income (expenses), net
    27,917       100,479       +259.9       1,005  
Income before income taxes
    14,120       450,677       +3,091.8       4,507  
Income taxes and other
    (57,991 )     93,373             934  
Net income
  ¥ 72,111     ¥ 357,304       +395.5 %   $ 3,573  
 
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Consolidated
 
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
                                 
Financial service revenue
  ¥ 624,282     ¥ 553,216       -11.4 %   $ 5,532  
Net sales and operating revenue
    7,671,413       8,318,198       +8.4       83,182  
      8,295,695       8,871,414       +6.9       88,714  
Costs and expenses
    8,223,945       8,496,932       +3.3       84,969  
Operating income
    71,750       374,482       +421.9       3,745  
Other income (expenses), net
    30,287       91,835       +203.2       918  
Income before income taxes
    102,037       466,317       +357.0       4,663  
Income taxes and other
    (24,291 )     96,882             969  
Net income
  ¥ 126,328     ¥ 369,435       +192.4 %   $ 3,694  
F-13

 
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Financial Services
 
Fourth quarter ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
                         
Financial service revenue
  ¥ 184,229     ¥ 102,881       -44.2 %   $ 1,029  
Financial service expenses
    154,703       132,969       -14.0       1,330  
Operating income (loss)
    29,526       (30,088 )           (301 )
Other income (expenses), net
    4,188       147       -96.5       2  
Income before income taxes (loss)
    33,714       (29,941 )           (299 )
Income taxes and other
    11,742       (11,598 )           (116 )
Net income (loss)
  ¥ 21,972     ¥ (18,343 )     %   $ (183 )
 
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Sony without Financial Services
 
Fourth quarter ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
                                 
Net sales and operating revenue
  ¥ 1,915,323     ¥ 1,858,329       -3.0 %   $ 18,583  
Costs and expenses
    2,058,613       1,833,272       -10.9       18,332  
Operating income (loss)
    (143,290 )     25,057             251  
Other income (expenses), net
    3,892       11,050       +183.9       110  
Income before income taxes (loss)
    (139,398 )     36,107             361  
Income taxes and other
    (49,866 )     (2,880 )           (29 )
Net income (loss)
  ¥ (89,532 )   ¥ 38,987       %   $ 390  
 
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Consolidated
 
Fourth quarter ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
                                 
Financial service revenue
  ¥ 176,484     ¥ 96,128       -45.5 %   $ 961  
Net sales and operating revenue
    1,913,121       1,856,709       -2.9       18,567  
      2,089,605       1,952,837       -6.5       19,528  
Costs and expenses
    2,202,977       1,957,506       -11.1       19,575  
Operating income (loss)
    (113,372 )     (4,669 )           (47 )
Other income (expenses), net
    7,688       10,836       +40.9       109  
Income before income taxes (loss)
    (105,684 )     6,167             62  
Income taxes and other
    (38,124 )     (22,877 )           (228 )
Net income (loss)
  ¥ (67,560 )   ¥ 29,044       %   $ 290  
F-14

 
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
                 
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Financial Services
 
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
2008
 
                   
Net cash provided by operating activities
  ¥ 256,540     ¥ 242,610     $ 2,426  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (276,749 )     (873,646 )     (8,736 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    179,627       491,709       4,917  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    159,418       (139,327 )     (1,393 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year
    117,630       277,048       2,770  
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the fiscal year
  ¥ 277,048     ¥ 137,721     $ 1,377  
 
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Sony without Financial Services
 
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
2008
 
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
  ¥ 305,571     ¥ 519,112     $ 5,191  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (431,086 )     (14,925 )     (149 )
Net cash provided (used in) by financing activities
    59,598       (12,100 )     (121 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    3,300       (66,228 )     (662 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (62,617 )     425,859       4,259  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year
    585,468       522,851       5,228  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the fiscal year
  ¥ 522,851     ¥ 948,710     $ 9,487  
 
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Consolidated
 
Fiscal year ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
2008
 
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
  ¥ 561,028     ¥ 757,684     $ 7,577  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (715,430 )     (910,442 )     (9,104 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    247,903       505,518       5,055  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    3,300       (66,228 )     (662 )
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    96,801       286,532       2,866  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year
    703,098       799,899       7,998  
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the fiscal year
  ¥ 799,899     ¥ 1,086,431     $ 10,864  
 
 
F-15

Investor Relations Contacts:

Tokyo
 
New York
 
London
Tatsuyuki Sonoda
 
Sam Levenson/Justin Hill/
Miki Emura
 
Shinji Tomita
+81-(0)3-6748-2180
 
+1-212-833-6722
 
+44-(0)20-7444-9713
 
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