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SONY Sony Group Corporation

21.1515
0.4915 (2.38%)
21 Dec 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Name Symbol Market Type
Sony Group Corporation NYSE:SONY NYSE Depository Receipt
  Price Change % Change Price High Price Low Price Open Price Traded Last Trade
  0.4915 2.38% 21.1515 21.16 20.78 20.84 5,678,656 01:00:00

Form 6-K - Report of foreign issuer [Rules 13a-16 and 15d-16]

14/11/2024 11:03am

Edgar (US Regulatory)


Table of Contents

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 November 2024

Commission File Number: 001-06439

SONY GROUP 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 GROUP CORPORATION

(Registrant)

By:

 

/s/ Hiroki Totoki

 

   (Signature)

Hiroki Totoki

President, Chief Operating Officer and

Chief Financial Officer

Date: November 14, 2024


Table of Contents

Semi-annual Securities Report

For the six months ended September 30, 2024

(TRANSLATION)

Sony Group Corporation


Table of Contents

CONTENTS

 

    

Page

 

 

Note for readers of this English translation

     1  

Cautionary Statement

     1  
  

  I   Corporate Information

     3  

(1)   Selected Consolidated Financial Data

     3  

(2)   Business Overview

 

     4  

  II   State of Business

     5  

(1)   Risk Factors

     5  

(2)   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition, Results of Operations and Status of Cash Flows

     6  

(3)   Material Contracts

 

     18  

  III  Company Information

     19  

(1)   Information on the Company’s Shares

     19  

(2)   Directors and Corporate Executive Officers

 

     24  

  IV Financial Statements

     25  

(1)   Condensed Semi-annual Consolidated Financial Statements

     26  

(2)   Other Information

     58  


Table of Contents

Note for readers of this English translation

On November 14, 2024, Sony Group Corporation (the “Company” or “Sony Group Corporation” and together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Sony” or “Sony Group”) filed its Japanese-language Semi-annual Securities Report (Hanki Houkokusho) for the six months ended September 30, 2024 with the Director-General of the Kanto Local Finance Bureau in Japan pursuant to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of Japan. This document is an English translation of the Semi-annual Securities Report in its entirety, and is not intended to update the information that had been previously filed with or submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in a Form 20-F, Form 6-K or any other form.

Cautionary Statement

Statements made in this Report 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,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “could,” or “should,” 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, judgments and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it. Sony cautions investors 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 investors should not place undue reliance on them. Investors 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)

Sony’s ability to maintain product quality and customer satisfaction with its products and services;

(ii)

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 image sensors, game and network platforms, smartphones and televisions, which are offered in highly competitive markets characterized by severe price competition and continual new product and service introductions, rapid development in technology and subjective and changing customer preferences;

(iii)

Sony’s ability to implement successful hardware, software, and content integration strategies, and to develop and implement successful sales and distribution strategies in light of new technologies and distribution platforms;

(iv)

the effectiveness of Sony’s strategies and their execution, including but not limited to the success of Sony’s acquisitions, joint ventures, investments, capital expenditures, restructurings and other strategic initiatives;

(v)

changes in laws, regulations and government policies in the markets in which Sony and its third-party suppliers, service providers and business partners operate, including those related to taxation, as well as growing consumer focus on corporate social responsibility;

(vi)

Sony’s continued ability to identify the products, services and market trends with significant growth potential, to devote sufficient resources to research and development, to prioritize investments and capital expenditures correctly and to recoup its investments and capital expenditures, including those required for technology development and product capacity;

(vii)

Sony’s reliance on external business partners, including for the procurement of parts, components, software and network services for its products or services, the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of its products, and its other business operations;

(viii)

the global economic and political environment in which Sony operates and the economic and political conditions in Sony’s markets, particularly levels of consumer spending;

(ix)

Sony’s ability to meet operational and liquidity needs as a result of significant volatility and disruption in the global financial markets or a ratings downgrade;

(x)

Sony’s ability to forecast demands, manage timely procurement and control inventories;

(xi)

foreign exchange rates, particularly between the yen and the U.S. dollar, the euro and other currencies in which Sony makes significant sales and incurs production costs, or in which Sony’s assets, liabilities and operating results are denominated;

(xii)

Sony’s ability to recruit, retain and maintain productive relations with highly skilled personnel;

(xiii)

Sony’s ability to prevent unauthorized use or theft of intellectual property rights, to obtain or renew licenses relating to intellectual property rights and to defend itself against claims that its products or services infringe the intellectual property rights owned by others;

 

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Table of Contents
(xiv)

the impact of changes in interest rates and unfavorable conditions or developments (including market fluctuations or volatility) in the equity and bond markets on the revenue and operating income of the Financial Services segment;

(xv)

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;

(xvi)

risks related to catastrophic disasters, geopolitical conflicts, pandemic disease or similar events;

(xvii)

the ability of Sony, its third-party service providers or business partners to anticipate and manage cybersecurity risk, including the risk of unauthorized access to Sony’s business information and the personally identifiable information of its employees and customers, potential business disruptions or financial losses; and

(xviii)

the outcome of pending and/or future legal and/or regulatory proceedings.

Risks and uncertainties also include the impact of any future events with material adverse impact. The continued impact of developments relating to the situations in Ukraine and Russia and in the Middle East could heighten many of the risks and uncertainties noted above. Important information regarding risks and uncertainties is also set forth in Sony’s most recent Form 20-F, which is on file with the SEC.

 

- 2 -


Table of Contents
I

Corporate Information

(1) Selected Consolidated Financial Data

     Yen in millions, Yen per share amounts  
    

Six months ended

 September 30, 2023 

    

Six months ended

 September 30, 2024 

    

 Fiscal year ended 

 March 31, 2024 

 

 

 

 Sales and financial services revenue

     5,792,275          5,917,246          13,020,768    

 

 

 Operating income

     516,051          734,183          1,208,831    

 

 

 Income before income taxes

     533,629          767,114          1,268,662    

 

 

Net income attributable to Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders

     417,650          570,134          970,573    

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders

     584,604          365,683          1,247,301    

 

 

Equity attributable to Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders

     7,122,456          7,708,972          7,587,177    

 

 

Total assets

     32,968,793          34,280,701          34,107,490    

 

 

Net income attributable to Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders per share of common stock, basic (yen)

     67.70          93.84          157.66    

 

 

Net income attributable to Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders per share of common stock, diluted (yen)

     67.48          93.53          157.14    

 

 

Ratio of stockholders’ equity to total assets at end of the period (%)

     21.6          22.5          22.2    

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     115,031          616,289          1,373,213    

 

 

 Net cash used in investing activities

     (335,068)         (644,930)         (818,886)   

 

 

 Net cash provided by financing activities

     301,820          (126,974)         (210,709)   

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

     1,626,514          1,728,710          1,907,113    

 

 

Notes:

1.

Sony’s condensed semi-annual consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with IFRS® Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS Accounting Standards”).

2.

Share of profit (loss) of investments accounted for using the equity method is reported as a component of operating income.

3.

Ratio of stockholders’ equity to total assets is calculated by using equity attributable to the stockholders of the Company.

4.

Sony prepares condensed semi-annual consolidated financial statements. Therefore parent-only selected financial data is not presented.

5.

Sony Group Corporation conducted a five-for-one stock split of its common stock effective October 1, 2024, with a record date of September 30, 2024. The above figures for net income attributable to Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders per share of common stock, basic (yen) and net income attributable to Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders per share of common stock, diluted (yen) are calculated based on the assumption that the stock split was conducted at the beginning of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.

 

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Table of Contents

(2) Business Overview

There was no significant change in the business of Sony during the six months ended September 30, 2024.

As of September 30, 2024, the Company had 1,724 subsidiaries and 156 affiliated companies, of which 1,685 companies are consolidated subsidiaries (including structured entities) of the Company. The Company has applied the equity accounting method for 144 associates and joint ventures.

 

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Table of Contents
II

State of Business

(1) Risk Factors

 

Note for readers of this English translation:

There was no significant change from the information presented in the Risk Factors section of the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on June 25, 2024. Any forward-looking statements included in the descriptions below are based on management’s current judgment.

URL: The Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 25, 2024

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/313838/000119312524167500/d797371d20f.htm

 

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Table of Contents

(2) Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition, Results of Operations and Status of Cash Flows

i) Results of Operations

All financial information is presented based on IFRS Accounting Standards. “Sales and Financial Services revenue” (“sales”) in each business segment represents sales recorded before intersegment transactions are eliminated. “Operating income (loss)” in each business segment represents operating income (loss) reported before intersegment transactions are eliminated and excludes unallocated corporate expenses. For details regarding each segment’s product categories, please refer to “IV Financial Statements – Notes to Condensed Semi-annual Consolidated Financial Statements – 4. Business segment information.”

Consolidated Financial Results

 

     (Yen in billions)  
     Six months ended
September 30
 
 Consolidated    2023     2024  

 Sales

     5,792.3       5,917.2  

 Operating income

     516.1       734.2  

 Income before income taxes

     533.6       767.1  

 Net income attributable to Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders

     417.7       570.1  

 Adjusted OIBDA*

     822.0       1,081.4  

 Adjusted EBITDA*

     832.6       1,068.5  

 

     (Yen in billions)  
     Six months ended
September 30
 
 Sony without Financial Services*    2023     2024  

 Sales

     5,014.7       5,540.9  

 Operating income

     445.9       638.5  

 Income before income taxes

     513.5       671.4  

 Net income attributable to Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders

     418.5       501.9  

 Adjusted OIBDA*

     737.9       972.1  

 Adjusted EBITDA*

     798.5       959.1  

 

* 

Adjusted OIBDA (Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization), Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) and figures for Sony without Financial Services are not measures in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards. However, Sony believes that these disclosures may be useful information to investors. For the formulas and reconciliations for Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted EBITDA, please refer to “Regarding Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted EBITDA” below (the same applies below). For details about the preparation of the Financial Statements for Sony without Financial Services, please refer to “Information on Operations Separating Out the Financial Services segment” below (the same applies below).

Sales for the six months ended September 30, 2024 (“the current six months”) increased 125.0 billion yen compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year (“year-on-year”) to 5 trillion 917.2 billion yen. This increase was mainly due to significant increases in sales in the Game & Network Services (“G&NS”), Imaging & Sensing Solutions (“I&SS”), and Music segments, partially offset by a significant decrease in sales in the Financial Services segment.

Operating income for the current six months increased 218.1 billion yen year-on-year to 734.2 billion yen. This significant increase was primarily due to significant increases in operating income in the G&NS, I&SS and Financial Services segments, as well as an increase in operating income in the Music segment.

Operating income for the same period of the previous fiscal year included the following:

   

Remeasurement gain resulting from the consolidation of a company previously accounted for using the equity method: 6.0 billion yen (Music segment)

The share of profit (loss) of investments accounted for using the equity method for the current six months, recorded within operating income, was a loss of 1.0 billion yen, compared to a profit of 7.6 billion yen in the same period of the previous fiscal year. This deterioration was primarily due to a deterioration in the share of profit (loss) of investments accounted for using the equity method in All Other.

 

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Table of Contents

The net effect of financial income and expenses was income of 32.9 billion yen, an increase of 15.4 billion yen year-on-year. This significant increase was primarily due to an increase in unrealized gains mainly on Sony’s shares of Spotify Technology S.A., partially offset by a deterioration in foreign exchange gains and losses. For details, please refer to “IV Financial Statements – Notes to Condensed Semi-annual Consolidated Financial Statements – 5. Financial instruments.”

Income before income taxes increased 233.5 billion yen year-on-year to 767.1 billion yen.

During the current six months, Sony recorded 191.5 billion yen of income tax expense, resulting in an effective tax rate of 25.0%, which was higher than the effective tax rate of 21.5% in the same period of the previous fiscal year. This higher tax rate was mainly due to the impact of a higher Japanese tax rate resulting mainly from a decrease in the allowable deduction rate for tax credits and the absence of the reversal of liabilities for uncertain tax positions recorded in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

Net income attributable to Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders increased 152.5 billion yen year-on-year to 570.1 billion yen.

Adjusted OIBDA for the current six months increased 259.4 billion yen year-on-year to 1 trillion 81.4 billion yen. This significant increase was mainly due to significant increases in Adjusted OIBDA in the G&NS, I&SS, Music and Financial Services segments. Adjusted EBITDA for the current six months increased 235.9 billion yen year-on-year to 1 trillion 68.5 billion yen, mainly due to the same factors affecting Adjusted OIBDA.

Operating performance by business segment for the current six months is as follows:

Game & Network Services (G&NS)

Sales increased 210.5 billion yen year-on-year to 1 trillion 936.4 billion yen. This significant increase in sales was mainly due to the impact of foreign exchange rates, an increase in sales of non-first-party game software titles including add-on content, as well as an increase in sales from Network Services, mainly from PlayStation®Plus. These factors were partially offset by a decrease in sales of hardware due to a decrease in unit sales. Operating income increased 106.0 billion yen year-on-year to 204.1 billion yen. This significant increase in operating income was mainly due to the impact of the above-mentioned increase in Network Services sales, an improvement in hardware profitability, and an increase in sales of first-party game software titles. Adjusted OIBDA increased significantly 105.7 billion yen year-on-year to 264.6 billion yen due to the same factors affecting operating income.

Music

The Music segment results include the yen-based results of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. and the yen-translated results of Sony Music Entertainment (“SME”) and Sony Music Publishing LLC (“SMP”), which aggregate the results of their worldwide subsidiaries on a U.S. dollar basis.

Sales increased 123.3 billion yen year-on-year to 890.2 billion yen. This significant increase in sales was primarily due to the impact of foreign exchange rates, an increase in revenues from merchandising, live events and licensing in Recorded Music, as well as an increase in revenues from streaming services in Recorded Music and Music Publishing. Operating income increased 21.9 billion yen year-on-year to 176.3 billion yen. This increase in operating income was primarily due to the impact of the above-mentioned increases in sales for Recorded Music and Music Publishing as well as the positive impact of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as well as the absence of a remeasurement gain recorded in the same period of the previous fiscal year resulting from the consolidation of a company previously accounted for using the equity method (6.0 billion yen). Adjusted OIBDA increased 39.5 billion yen year-on-year to 219.4 billion yen, mainly due to the same factors affecting operating income, excluding the above-mentioned remeasurement gain.

 

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Table of Contents

Pictures

The Pictures segment results are the yen-translated results of Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (“SPE”), which aggregates the results of its worldwide subsidiaries on a U.S. dollar basis. Management analyzes the results of SPE in U.S. dollars, so discussion of certain portions of its results is specified as being on “a U.S. dollar basis.”

Sales decreased 26.9 billion yen, a 4% decrease year-on-year (an 11% decrease on a U.S. dollar basis), to 693.1 billion yen. This significant decrease on a U.S. dollar basis was primarily due to lower series deliveries in Television Productions in the current six months, in part due to production delays related to the strikes in Hollywood in the previous fiscal year, and lower revenues from films released theatrically in the current six months. These decreases in sales were partially offset by higher revenues for Crunchyroll, mainly due to paid subscriber growth, as well as the impact of the acquisition of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Operating income decreased 15.6 billion yen, a 34% decrease year-on-year (a 38% decrease on a U.S. dollar basis), to 29.8 billion yen. This significant decrease in operating income on a U.S. dollar basis was primarily due to the impact of the above-mentioned decrease in sales and higher programming and marketing costs in the India business in Media Networks, partially offset by lower marketing costs for theatrical releases in the current fiscal year. Adjusted OIBDA decreased by 10.7 billion yen, a 15% decrease year-on-year (a 21% decrease on a U.S. dollar basis), to 60.3 billion yen, mainly due to the same factors affecting operating income.

Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S)

Sales increased 35.4 billion yen year-on-year to 1 trillion 220.7 billion yen. This increase in sales was primarily due to the impact of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by a decrease in sales of televisions resulting from lower unit sales. Operating income increased 17.6 billion yen year-on-year to 134.2 billion yen, primarily due to the positive impact of foreign exchange rates and reductions in operating expenses. Adjusted OIBDA increased 17.7 billion yen year-on-year to 186.1 billion yen, primarily due to the same factors affecting operating income.

Imaging & Sensing Solutions (I&SS)

Sales increased 190.0 billion yen year-on-year to 889.0 billion yen. This significant increase in sales was mainly due to an increase in sales of image sensors for mobile products resulting from an increase in unit sales and an improvement in product mix, as well as the impact of foreign exchange rates. Operating income increased 70.0 billion yen year-on-year to 129.1 billion yen. This significant increase was mainly due to the impact of the above-mentioned increase in sales and the positive impact of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by an increase in manufacturing costs as well as an increase in depreciation and amortization expenses. Adjusted OIBDA increased 89.9 billion yen year-on-year to 267.1 billion yen, mainly due to the same factors affecting operating income, excluding the above-mentioned increase in depreciation and amortization expenses.

Financial Services

The Financial Services segment results include Sony Financial Group Inc. (“SFGI”) and SFGI’s consolidated subsidiaries such as Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (“Sony Life”), Sony Assurance Inc., and Sony Bank Inc. The results discussed in the Financial Services segment differ from the results that SFGI and SFGI’s consolidated subsidiaries disclose separately on a Japanese statutory basis.

Financial services revenue decreased 400.0 billion yen year-on-year to 385.3 billion yen, mainly due to a significant decrease in revenue at Sony Life. Revenue at Sony Life decreased 413.0 billion yen year-on-year to 252.0 billion yen, mainly due to a deterioration in net gains and losses on investments related to market fluctuations for both the general account and the separate accounts. Operating income increased 25.5 billion yen year-on-year to 95.7 billion yen. This significant increase in operating income was mainly due to a significant increase in operating income at Sony Life. Operating income at Sony Life increased 26.5 billion yen year-on-year to 82.3 billion yen, mainly due to the improvement in net gains and losses related to market fluctuations for minimum guarantees for variable life insurance and other products, partially offset by a decrease in gains on the sale of bonds. Adjusted OIBDA increased 25.2 billion yen year-on-year to 109.3 billion yen due to the same factors affecting operating income.

 

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Table of Contents

Financial Segment Separate Business Performance Information

The following table shows the condensed semi-annual income statement for the Financial Services segment and the condensed semi-annual income statement for Sony’s consolidated financial statements excluding the Financial Services segment. Although these condensed semi-annual income statements are not prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards, which is used to prepare Sony’s consolidated financial statements, Sony believes that such comparative presentations will facilitate an understanding and analysis of the consolidated financial statements due to the nature of the Financial Services segment and Sony’s other segments. Please note that the figures for the Financial Services segment and Sony’s consolidated financial statements excluding the Financial Services segment below include transactions between the two segments, and the figures for Sony’s consolidated financial statements are those that reflect the elimination of these transactions.

Condensed Semi-annual Statements of Income

 

    Yen in millions  
 

 

 

 
    Six months ended September 30  
 

 

 

 
   

Financial Services

 

   

Sony without

Financial Services

   

Consolidated

 

 
 

 

 

 
    2023     2024     2023     2024     2023     2024  
 

 

 

 

Sales

    -       -       5,014,696       5,540,878       5,011,555       5,536,585  

Financial services revenue

    785,326       385,282       -       -       780,720       380,661  
 

 

 

 

Total sales and financial services revenue

    785,326       385,282       5,014,696       5,540,878       5,792,275       5,917,246  

Cost of sales

    -       -       3,598,406       3,833,629       3,591,985       3,829,040  

Selling, general and administrative

    -       -       990,379       1,080,552       993,668       1,080,851  

Financial services expenses

    714,882       289,486       -       -       710,276       284,865  

Other operating (income) expense, net

    249       144       (12,371     (12,790     (12,122     (12,644
 

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

    715,131       289,630       4,576,414       4,901,391       5,283,807       5,182,112  

Share of profit (loss) of investments accounted for using the equity method

    -       69       7,583       (1,020     7,583       (951
 

 

 

 

Operating income

    70,195       95,721       445,865       638,467       516,051       734,183  

Financial income (expenses), net

    -       -       67,612       32,931       17,578       32,931  
 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

    70,195       95,721       513,477       671,398       533,629       767,114  

Income taxes

    20,754       27,496       93,777       163,966       114,531       191,461  
 

 

 

 

Net income

    49,441       68,225       419,700       507,432       419,098       575,653  

Net income of Financial Services

    49,144       68,225       -       -       -       -  
 

 

 

 

Net income of Sony without Financial Services

    -       -       418,548       501,913       -       -  
 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders

    -       -       -       -       417,650       570,134  
 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

    297       -       1,152       5,519       1,448       5,519  
 

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Regarding Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted EBITDA

Sony believes that Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted EBITDA are performance metrics suitable for the long-term management that Sony prioritizes. This is because (i) they represent the sustainable earnings power of the business as they do not include the effects of one-time gains and losses, (ii) they enable management to confirm that all the businesses of the Sony Group, including the Financial Services business, are expanding over the mid- to long-term through cycles of investment and return, and (iii) they are often used to calculate corporate value. Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards. However, Sony believes that these disclosures may be useful information to investors. Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, Sony’s results in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards.

Adjusted OIBDA (Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization) is calculated by the following formula:

Adjusted OIBDA = Operating income + Depreciation and amortization expense excluding amortization for film costs and broadcasting rights, as well as for internally developed game content and master recordings included in Content assets – the profit and loss amount that Sony deems non-recurring

Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) is calculated by the following formula:

Adjusted EBITDA = Net income attributable to Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders + Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests + Income taxes + Interest expenses, net, recorded in Financial income and Financial expense – Gain on revaluation of equity instruments, net, recorded in Financial income and Financial expense + Depreciation and amortization expense excluding amortization for film costs and broadcasting rights, as well as for internally developed game content and master recordings included in Content assets – the profit and loss amount that Sony deems non-recurring

 

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Table of Contents

The following table shows a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA from operating income in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards for the six months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024, respectively.

 

    (Yen in billions)  
     Six months ended September 30   
     2023     2024  

Game & Network Services (G&NS)

   

Operating income

    98.1       204.1  

Depreciation and amortization expense *

    60.9       60.6  

(Profit) / loss amount that Sony deems non-recurring **

    -       -  

Adjusted OIBDA

    158.9       264.6  
   

Music

   

Operating income

    154.4       176.3  

Depreciation and amortization expense *

    31.6       43.2  

(Profit) / loss amount that Sony deems non-recurring **

    (6.0     -  

Adjusted OIBDA

    180.0       219.4  
   

Pictures

   

Operating income

    45.4       29.8  

Depreciation and amortization expense *

    25.6       30.5  

(Profit) / loss amount that Sony deems non-recurring **

    -       -  

Adjusted OIBDA

    71.0       60.3  
   

Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S)

   

Operating income

    116.7       134.2  

Depreciation and amortization expense *

    51.8       51.9  

(Profit) / loss amount that Sony deems non-recurring **

    -       -  

Adjusted OIBDA

    168.4       186.1  
   

Imaging & Sensing Solutions (I&SS)

   

Operating income

    59.1       129.1  

Depreciation and amortization expense *

    118.1       138.0  

(Profit) / loss amount that Sony deems non-recurring **

    -       -  

Adjusted OIBDA

    177.2       267.1  
   

All Other, Corporate and elimination

   

Operating loss

    (27.8     (34.9

Depreciation and amortization expense *

    10.2       9.4  

(Profit) / loss amount that Sony deems non-recurring **

    -       -  

Adjusted OIBDA

    (17.6     (25.5
   

Sony without Financial Services *1

   

Operating income

    445.9       638.5  

Depreciation and amortization expense *

    298.1       333.6  

(Profit) / loss amount that Sony deems non-recurring **

    (6.0     -  

Adjusted OIBDA

    737.9       972.1  
   

Financial Services *1

   

Operating income

    70.2       95.7  

Depreciation and amortization expense *

    13.9       13.6  

(Profit) / loss amount that Sony deems non-recurring **

    -       -  

Adjusted OIBDA

    84.1       109.3  
   

Consolidated *1

   

Operating income

    516.1       734.2  

Depreciation and amortization expense *

    312.0       347.2  

(Profit) / loss amount that Sony deems non-recurring **

    (6.0     -  

Adjusted OIBDA

    822.0       1,081.4  

 

*1

Transactions between the Financial Services segment and Sony without Financial Services are included in those respective figures but are eliminated in the consolidated figures. Because such eliminations are included in Corporate and elimination in full in the above chart, the figures for Sony without Financial Services differ from the sum of the figures for all segments excluding the Financial Services segment.

 

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Table of Contents

The following table shows a reconciliation of net income attributable to Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders reported in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards to Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024, respectively.

 

                                                   
    Consolidated    

Sony without

Financial Services

 
 

 

 

 
    (Yen in billions)     (Yen in billions)  
 

 

 

 
   

Six months ended

September 30

   

Six months ended

September 30

 
 

 

 

 
    2023     2024     2023     2024  
 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders

    417.7       570.1       418.5       501.9  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

    1.4       5.5       1.2       5.5  

Income taxes

    114.5       191.5       93.8       164.0  

Interest expenses (income), net, recorded in Financial income and Financial expense

    2.6       1.3       2.6       1.3  

(Gain) / loss on revaluation of equity instruments, net, recorded in Financial income and Financial expense

    (9.6     (47.2     (9.6     (47.2

Depreciation and amortization expense*

    312.0       347.2       298.1       333.6  

(Profit) / loss amount that Sony deems non-recurring**

    (6.0     -       (6.0     -  
 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

    832.6       1,068.5       798.5       959.1  
 

 

 

 

*   Depreciation and amortization expense excludes amortization for film costs and broadcasting rights, as well as for internally developed game content and master recordings included in Content assets.

**  The following table shows the details of the profit and loss amount that Sony deems non-recurring in calculating Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024.

 

    

   

    Consolidated    

Sony without

Financial Services

 
 

 

 

 
    (Yen in billions)     (Yen in billions)  
 

 

 

 
   

Six months ended

September 30

   

Six months ended

September 30

 
 

 

 

 
    2023     2024     2023     2024  
 

 

 

 

(Profit) / loss amount that Sony deems non-recurring

       

Remeasurement gain resulting from the consolidation of a company previously accounted for using the equity method (Music segment)

    (6.0     -       (6.0     -  
 

 

 

 

Total

    (6.0     -       (6.0     -  
 

 

 

 

Operating Performance by Geographic Area

For operating performance by geographic area, please refer to “sales and operating revenue attributed to countries and areas based on location of external customers” in “IV Financial Statements – Notes to Condensed Semi-annual Consolidated Financial Statements – 4. Business segment information.”

 

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Foreign Exchange Fluctuations and Risk Hedging

 

Note for readers of this English translation:

Except for the information set forth below, there was no significant change from the information presented in the Foreign Exchange Fluctuations and Risk Hedging section of the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 25, 2024. Although foreign exchange rates have fluctuated during the six-month period ended September 30, 2024, there has been no significant change in Sony’s risk hedging policy as described in the Annual Report on Form 20-F.

URL: The Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 25, 2024

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/313838/000119312524167500/d797371d20f.htm

During the current six months, the average rates of the yen were 152.6 yen against the U.S. dollar and 165.8 yen against the euro, which were 11.9 yen and 12.6 yen weaker year-on-year, respectively.

For the current six months, sales were 5 trillion 917.2 billion yen, an increase of 2% year-on-year, while on a constant currency basis, sales decreased approximately 4% year-on-year. For further details about the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on sales and operating income, please refer to the Note below.

The table below indicates the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates on sales and operating results of the G&NS, Entertainment, Technology & Services (“ET&S”) and I&SS segments. Also, please refer to the “Results of Operations” section, which discusses the impact of foreign exchange rates within segments and categories where foreign exchange rate fluctuations had a significant impact.

 

          (Yen in billions)
           Six months ended 
September 30
     Impact of changes in
foreign exchange rates
          2023       2024    

 G&NS

    Sales      1,726.0        1,936.4        +118.7
      Operating income      98.1        204.1          +5.7

 ET&S

    Sales      1,185.3        1,220.7         +61.7
      Operating income      116.7        134.2         +13.6

 I&SS

    Sales      699.1        889.0         +66.6
      Operating income      59.1        129.1         +44.3

In addition, sales for the Music segment increased 16% year-on-year to 890.2 billion yen, an approximate 9% increase on a constant currency basis. In the Pictures segment, sales decreased 4% year-on-year to 693.1 billion yen, an approximate 11% decrease on a U.S. dollar basis. As most of the operations in the Financial Services segment are based in Japan, management analyzes the performance of the Financial Services segment on a yen basis only.

Note:

Sales on a Constant Currency Basis and the Impact of Foreign Exchange Rate Fluctuations

The descriptions of sales on a constant currency basis reflect sales calculated by applying the yen’s monthly average exchange rates from the same period of the previous fiscal year to local currency-denominated monthly sales in the current six months. For SME and SMP in the Music segment, and in the Pictures segment, the constant currency amounts are calculated by applying the monthly average U.S. dollar / yen exchange rates after aggregation on a U.S. dollar basis.

Results for the Pictures segment are described on a U.S. dollar basis as the Pictures segment reflects the operations of SPE, a U.S.-based operation that aggregates the results of its worldwide subsidiaries in U.S. dollars.

 

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Table of Contents

The impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on sales is calculated by applying the change in the yen’s periodic weighted average exchange rate for the same period of the previous fiscal year from the current six months to the major transactional currencies in which the sales are denominated. The impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on operating income (loss) is calculated by subtracting from the impact on sales the impact on cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses calculated by applying the same major transactional currencies calculation process to cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses as for the impact on sales. The I&SS segment enters into its own foreign exchange hedging transactions, and the impact of those transactions is included in the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on sales and operating income (loss) for that segment.

This information is not a substitute for Sony’s condensed semi-annual consolidated financial statements measured in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards. However, Sony believes that these disclosures provide additional useful analytical information to investors regarding the operating performance of Sony.

 

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Table of Contents

Status of Cash Flows*

Operating Activities: Net cash inflow from operating activities during the current six months was 616.3 billion yen, an increase of 501.3 billion yen year-on-year.

For all segments excluding the Financial Services segment, there was a net cash inflow of 572.2 billion yen, compared to a net cash outflow of 73.7 billion yen in the same period of the previous fiscal year. This change was mainly due to a smaller increase in trade receivables, contract assets and inventories, as well as a year-on-year increase in income before income taxes after taking into account non-cash adjustments (including depreciation and amortization, including amortization of contract costs, other operating (income) expense, net and (gain) loss on securities, net).

The Financial Services segment had a net cash inflow of 44.1 billion yen, a decrease of 194.7 billion yen year-on-year. This decrease was mainly due to a year-on-year increase in investments in the Financial Services segment.

Investing Activities: During the current six months, Sony used 644.9 billion yen of net cash in investing activities, an increase of 309.9 billion yen year-on-year.

For all segments excluding the Financial Services segment, there was a 630.2 billion yen net cash outflow, an increase of 304.6 billion yen year-on-year. This increase was mainly due to a larger year-on-year increase in payments for purchases of businesses and other, as well as a larger year-on-year increase in payments for purchases of property, plant and equipment.

The Financial Services segment used 14.8 billion yen of net cash in investing activities, essentially flat year-on-year.

Financing Activities: Net cash outflow from financing activities during the current six months was 127.0 billion yen, compared to a net cash inflow of 301.8 billion yen in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

For all segments excluding the Financial Services segment, there was a net cash outflow of 121.7 billion yen, compared to a net cash inflow of 307.4 billion yen in the same period of the previous fiscal year. This change was mainly due to a year-on-year decrease in the issuance of commercial paper as well as the impact of short-term bank borrowings in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

In the Financial Services segment, there was a 5.2 billion yen net cash outflow, a decrease of 50.3 billion yen year-on-year. This decrease was mainly due to the absence of dividend payments.

Total Cash and Cash Equivalents: Accounting for the above factors and the effect of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, the total outstanding balance of cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2024 was 1 trillion 728.7 billion yen. Cash and cash equivalents of all segments excluding the Financial Services segment was 790.8 billion yen as of September 30, 2024, a decrease of 202.5 billion yen compared with the balance as of March 31, 2024, and an increase of 94.5 billion yen compared with the balance as of September 30, 2023. Within the Financial Services segment, the outstanding balance of cash and cash equivalents was 937.9 billion yen as of September 30, 2024, an increase of 24.1 billion yen compared with the balance as of March 31, 2024, and an increase of 7.7 billion yen compared with the balance as of September 30, 2023.

*Sony’s disclosure includes information regarding cash flow for all segments excluding the Financial Services segment. This information is derived from the following condensed semi-annual statement of cash flows. The condensed semi-annual statement of cash flows, which includes the above-mentioned cash flow information, is not prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards, which Sony uses to prepare its condensed semi-annual 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 condensed semi-annual consolidated financial statements. Transactions between the Financial Services segment and Sony without Financial Services are included in those respective presentations, but are eliminated in the consolidated figures shown below.

 

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Table of Contents

Condensed Semi-annual Statements of Cash Flows

 

    Yen in millions  
    Six months ended September 30  
 

 

 

 
    Financial Services      

Sony without

Financial Services

 

 

     Consolidated  
    2023       2024       2023       2024        2023        2024  

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

             

Income (loss) before income taxes

    70,195       95,721       513,477       671,398        533,629        767,114  

Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) before income taxes to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

             

Depreciation and amortization, including amortization of contract costs

    13,905       13,622       556,561       535,561        570,466        549,183  

Other operating (income) expense, net

    249       144       (12,371     (12,790      (12,122      (12,644

(Gain) loss on securities, net (other than Financial Services segment)

    -       -       (10,816     (45,774      (10,816      (45,774

Changes in assets and liabilities:

             

(Increase) decrease in trade receivables and contract assets

    143       12,697       (246,880     (59,645      (253,983      (45,937

(Increase) decrease in inventories

    -       -       (494,463     (260,950      (494,463      (260,950

(Increase) decrease in investments and advances in the Financial Services segment

    (780,169     (274,308     -       -        (780,169      (274,308

(Increase) decrease in content assets

    -       -       (264,387     (408,541      (264,387      (408,541

Increase (decrease) in trade payables

    (4,668     18,043       302,093       365,253        304,499        381,785  

Increase (decrease) in insurance contract liabilities, net of insurance contract assets

    588,156       195,633       -       -        588,156        195,633  

Increase (decrease) in deposits from customers in the banking business

    284,045       (1,019     -       -        284,045        (1,019

Increase (decrease) in borrowings in the life insurance business and the banking business

    108,667       (49,911     -       -        108,667        (49,911

Increase (decrease) in taxes payable other than income taxes, net

    893       (184     (43,935     (16,207      (43,042      (16,391

Other

    (42,663     33,655       (373,024     (196,148      (415,449      (161,951

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    238,753       44,093       (73,745     572,157        115,031        616,289  

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

         

Payments for property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets

    (9,518     (14,694     (296,566     (390,925      (306,074      (405,568

Payments for investments and advances (other than Financial Services segment)

    -       -       (48,891     (41,023      (48,891      (41,023

Proceeds from sales or return of investments and collections of advances (other than Financial Services segment)

    -       -       76,374       33,293        76,374        33,293  

Other

    (13     (108     (56,464     (231,524      (56,477      (231,632

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    (9,531     (14,802     (325,547     (630,179      (335,068      (644,930

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

             

Increase (decrease) in borrowings, net

    (5,725     (5,456     392,499       (4,450      386,774        (9,906

Dividends paid

    (50,037     -       (49,333     (54,931      (49,333      (54,931

Other

    258       295       (35,809     (62,342      (35,621      (62,137

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    (55,504     (5,161     307,357       (121,723      301,820        (126,974

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

    -       -       63,831       (22,788      63,831        (22,788

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    173,718       24,130       (28,104     (202,533      145,614        (178,403

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year

    756,493       913,815       724,407       993,298        1,480,900        1,907,113  

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

    930,211       937,945       696,303       790,765        1,626,514        1,728,710  

 

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Table of Contents

ii) Issues Facing Sony and Management’s Response to those Issues

Note for readers of this English translation:

 

There was no significant change from the information presented in the Trend Information section of the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 25, 2024. Any forward-looking statements included in the descriptions below are based on management’s current judgment.

URL: The Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 25, 2024

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/313838/000119312524167500/d797371d20f.htm

iii) Research and Development

 

Note for readers of this English translation:

 

There was no significant change from the information presented as Research and Development in the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 25, 2024.

URL: The Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 25, 2024

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/313838/000119312524167500/d797371d20f.htm

Research and development costs for the six months ended September 30, 2024 totaled 372.1 billion yen. There were no significant changes in research and development activities for the period.

 

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Table of Contents

iv) Liquidity Management and Market Access

 

Note for readers of this English translation:

 

Except for the information related to the committed lines of credit and others set forth below, there was no significant change from the information presented in the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 25, 2024. The changes are indicated by underlines below. Any forward-looking statements included in the descriptions below are based on management’s current judgment.

URL: The Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 25, 2024

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/313838/000119312524167500/d797371d20f.htm

An important financial objective of Sony is to maintain the strength of its financial condition, while securing adequate liquidity for business activities. Sony defines its liquidity sources as the amount of cash and cash equivalents (“cash balance”) (excluding restrictions on capital transfers mainly due to national regulations) and the unused amount of committed lines of credit. Funding requirements that arise from maintaining liquidity are principally covered by cash flow from operating and investing activities (including asset sales) and by the available cash balance; however, Sony also raises funds as needed from financial and capital markets through means such as corporate bonds, commercial paper (“CP”) and bank loans. Sony Group Corporation, Sony Global Treasury Services Plc (“SGTS”), a finance subsidiary in the U.K., and Sony Capital Corporation (“SCC”), a finance subsidiary in the U.S., maintain CP programs with access to the Japanese, U.S. and European CP markets. The borrowing limits under these CP programs, translated into yen, were 1,213.4 billion yen in total for Sony Group Corporation, SGTS and SCC as of September 30, 2024. The outstanding amounts under the CP programs, translated into yen, were 50.0 billion yen as of September 30, 2024. If disruption and volatility occur in financial and capital markets and Sony becomes unable to raise sufficient funds from these sources, Sony may also draw down funds from contractually committed lines of credit from various financial institutions. Sony has a total, translated into yen, of 742.4 billion yen in unused committed lines of credit, as of September 30, 2024. Details of those committed lines of credit are: a 350.0 billion yen committed line of credit contracted with a syndicate of Japanese banks, a 1.7 billion U.S. dollar multi-currency committed line of credit also contracted with a syndicate of Japanese banks and a 1.05 billion U.S. dollar multi-currency committed line of credit contracted with a syndicate of foreign banks. Sony currently believes that it can sustain sufficient liquidity through access to committed lines of credit with financial institutions, together with its available cash balance, even in the event that financial and capital markets become illiquid. Sony considers one of management’s top priorities to be the maintenance of stable and appropriate credit ratings in order to ensure financial flexibility for liquidity and capital management and continued adequate access to sufficient funding resources in the financial and capital markets. However, in the event of a downgrade in Sony’s credit ratings, there are no financial covenants in any of Sony’s material financial agreements with financial institutions that would cause an acceleration of the obligation. Even though the cost of borrowing for some committed lines of credit could change according to Sony’s credit ratings, there are no financial covenants that would cause any impairment on the ability to draw down on unused facilities.

(3) Material Contracts

There were no material contracts executed or determined to be executed during the six months ended September 30, 2024.

 

 

Note for readers of this English translation:

 

There was no significant change from the information presented in the Annual Report on Form 20-F (“Patents and Licenses” in Item 4) filed with the SEC on June 25, 2024. This disclosure does not correspond to or update Item 10.C of the Annual Report on Form 20-F.

URL: The Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 25, 2024

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/313838/000119312524167500/d797371d20f.htm

 

- 18 -


Table of Contents
III

Company Information

(1) Information on the Company’s Shares

i) Total Number of Shares

1) Total Number of Shares

 

Class

   Total number of shares authorized to be issued

Common stock

   3,600,000,000  

Total

   3,600,000,000  

 

  Note:

By resolution of the Company’s Board of Directors meeting held on May 14, 2024, the Articles of Incorporation were partially amended as of October 1, 2024 in connection with a stock split, increasing the total number of shares authorized to be issued by 14,400,000,000 shares to 18,000,000,000 shares.

2) Number of Shares Issued

 

Class    Number of shares issued   

Name of Securities Exchanges

where the shares are listed or
authorized Financial
Instruments Firms Association
where the shares are registered

   Description
  

As of the end of the 

Semi-annual period 

(September 30, 2024) 

  

As of the filing date of the
Semi-annual 

Securities Report 

(November 14, 2024) 

Common stock 

   1,248,619,589     6,243,097,945    

Tokyo Stock Exchange

New York Stock Exchange

   The number of shares constituting one full unit  is one hundred (100).
       

Total 

   1,248,619,589     6,243,097,945    

 

  

 

 Notes:

 1.

As of October 1, 2024, the Company conducted a five-for-one stock split of its common shares, increasing the total number of shares issued by 4,994,478,356 shares to 6,243,097,945 shares.

 2.

The Company’s shares of common stock are listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Japan.

ii) Stock Acquisition Rights (“SARs”)

①Description of Stock Option

Not applicable.

②Other Stock Acquisition Rights

Not applicable.

 

Note for readers of this English translation:

The above means that there was no issuance of SARs during the six months ended September 30, 2024.

iii) Status of the Exercise of Moving Strike Convertible Bonds

Not applicable.

 

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iv) Changes in the Total Number of Shares Issued and the Amount of Common Stock, etc.

 

Period  

Change in the 
total number

of shares

issued 

(Thousands)  

 

Balance of the  
total number

of shares

issued 

(Thousands)  

 

Change in 

the amount of 

common stock 

(Yen in Millions)  

 

Balance of 

the amount of 

common stock 

(Yen in Millions)  

 

Change in the 
legal capital 
surplus 

(Yen in Millions) 

 

Balance of the 
legal capital 
surplus 

(Yen in Millions) 

From April 1 to September 30, 2024 *1    r12,612    1,248,620    —    881,357    —    1,095,050 

Notes:

*1.

The decrease in the total number of shares issued is due to the cancellation of treasury stock as of April 10, 2024.

 2.

As of October 1, 2024, the Company conducted a five-for-one stock split of its common shares, increasing the total number of shares issued by 4,994,478 thousand shares to 6,243,098 thousand shares.

 

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v) Status of Major Shareholders

(As of September 30, 2024)   

 

Name   Address   

 Number of  

 shares held  

 (Thousands)  

 

Percentage

of shares held
to total shares
(Excluding
treasury
shares) issued

(%)

The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd.

(Trust account) *1

 

Akasaka Intercity Air, 1-8-1, Akasaka,

Minato-ku, Tokyo

  225,888     18.72  

Citibank as Depositary Bank for Depositary Receipt Holders *2

(Local Custodian: MUFG Bank, Ltd.)

 

388 Greenwich St., 14th fl., New York,

NY 10013, U.S.A.

(1-4-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)

  107,126     8.88  

Custody Bank of Japan, Ltd.

(Trust account) *1

  1-8-12, Harumi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo   87,352     7.24  

State Street Bank and Trust Company 505001 *3

(Local Custodian: Mizuho Bank, Ltd.)

 

One Congress Street, Suite 1, Boston, Massachusetts

(Shinagawa Intercity Tower A, 2-15-1, Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo)

  32,473     2.69  

State Street Bank West Client – Treaty 505234 *3

(Local Custodian: Mizuho Bank, Ltd.)

 

1776 Heritage Drive, North Quincy, MA 02171, U.S.A.

(Shinagawa Intercity Tower A, 2-15-1, Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo)

  27,445     2.27  

Government of Norway

(Local Custodian: Citibank, N.A., Tokyo

Branch)

 

Bankplassen 2, 0107 Oslo 1 Oslo 0107

NO

(6-27-30, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)

  23,142     1.92  

JP Morgan Chase Bank 385781 *3

(Local Custodian: Mizuho Bank, Ltd.)

  25 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5JP, United Kingdom
(Shinagawa Intercity Tower A, 2-15-1, Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
  17,507     1.45  

JP Morgan Chase Bank 385632 *3

(Local Custodian: Mizuho Bank, Ltd.)

 

25 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London,

E14 5JP, United Kingdom

(Shinagawa Intercity Tower A, 2-15-1,

Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo)

  17,156     1.42  

BNYM as AGT/CLTS Non Treaty JASDEC *3

(Local Custodian: MUFG Bank, Ltd.)

  240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286, U.S.A
(1-4-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
  15,966     1.32  

The Bank of New York Mellon 140042 *3

(Local Custodian: Mizuho Bank, Ltd.)

  240 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10286, U.S.A
(Shinagawa Intercity Tower A, 2-15-1, Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
  14,920     1.24  

Total

    568,975     47.14  

Notes:

*1.

The shares held by each shareholder are held in trust for investors, including shares in securities investment trusts.

*2.

Citibank as Depositary Bank for Depositary Receipt Holders is the nominee of Citibank, N.A.

*3.

Each shareholder provides depositary services for shares owned by institutional investors, mainly in Europe and North America.

These shareholders are also the nominees for these investors.

 4.

As of October 1, 2024, the Company conducted a five-for-one stock split of its common shares, and the number of shares held above represents the number of shares held prior to the stock split.

 

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 5.

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited filed its “Amendment to the Bulk Shareholding Report” with the Director-General of the Kanto Local Finance Bureau in Japan as of September 5, 2024 and reported that Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Co., Ltd. and 1 joint holder held share certificates, etc. of the Company as of August 30, 2024 as provided in the below table. However, their holdings are not reflected in the status of major shareholders above since the Company has not been able to confirm beneficial ownership information of such holders as of September 30, 2024.

 

    Name   Number of share certificates, etc. 
held (Thousands)
 

Percentage of share certificates,

etc. held (%)

  Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Co., Ltd. and 1 Joint Holder             74,698    5.98 

 

 6.

BlackRock Japan Co., Ltd. filed its “Amendment to the Bulk Shareholding Report” with the Director-General of the Kanto Local Finance Bureau in Japan as of May 18, 2023 and reported that BlackRock Japan Co., Ltd. and 9 joint holders held share certificates, etc. of the Company as of May 15, 2023 as provided in the below table. However, their holdings are not reflected in the status of major shareholders above since the Company has not been able to confirm beneficial ownership information of such holders as of September 30, 2024.

 

    Name   Number of share certificates, etc. 
held (Thousands)
 

Percentage of share certificates,

etc. held (%)

  BlackRock Japan Co., Ltd. and 9 Joint Holders    93,769    7.43 

 

 7.

Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd. filed its “Bulk Shareholding Report” with the Director-General of the Kanto Local Finance Bureau in Japan as of October 6, 2020 and reported that Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd. and 3 joint holders held share certificates, etc. of the Company as of September 30, 2020 as provided in the below table. However, their holdings are not reflected in the status of major shareholders above since the Company has not been able to confirm beneficial ownership information of such holders as of September 30, 2024.

 

    Name  

Number of share certificates, etc. 

held (Thousands)

 

Percentage of share certificates,

etc. held (%)

  Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd. and 3 Joint Holders             63,157    5.01 

 

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vi) Status of Voting Rights

1) Shares Issued

(As of September 30, 2024)

 

       
Classification    Number of shares of
common stock
   

Number of voting rights

(Units)

    Description  

Shares without voting rights

                 

Shares with restricted voting rights

(Treasury stock, etc.)

                 

Shares with restricted voting rights (Others)

                 

Shares with full voting rights

(Treasury stock, etc.)

    41,687,200              

Shares with full voting rights (Others)

    1,205,110,900       12,051,109        
       

Shares constituting less than one full unit

    1,821,489            

Shares constituting

less than one full unit

(100 shares)

 

 

 

Total number of shares issued

    1,248,619,589              

Total voting rights held by all shareholders

          12,051,109        

 Notes:

 1.

As of October 1, 2024, the Company conducted a five-for-one stock split of its common shares, and the number of shares and the number of voting rights above represents the number of shares and the number of voting rights prior to the stock split.

 2.

Included in “Shares with full voting rights (Others)” under “Number of shares of common stock” are 18,800 shares of common stock held under the name of Japan Securities Depository Center, Incorporated. Also included in “Shares with full voting rights (Others)” under “Number of voting rights (Units)” are 188 units of voting rights relating to the shares of common stock with full voting rights held under the name of Japan Securities Depository Center, Incorporated.

2) Treasury Stock, etc.

(As of September 30, 2024) 

 

Name of shareholder   Address of shareholder  

Number of 

shares held 

under own 

name

 

Number of

shares held

under the names 
of others  

 

Total number

of shares 

held

 

Percentage of 

shares held to 

total shares 
issued (%) 

Sony Group Corporation

(Treasury stock)

  1-7-1, Konan, Minato-ku,  Tokyo    41,687,200    —    41,687,200    3.34 

Total

    41,687,200    —    41,687,200    3.34 

 Notes:

 1.

As of October 1, 2024, the Company conducted a five-for-one stock split of its common shares, and the number of shares held above represents the number of shares held prior to the stock split.

 2.

In addition to the 41,687,200 shares listed above, there are 300 shares of common stock held in the name of the Company in the register of shareholders that the Company does not beneficially own. These shares are included in “Shares with full voting rights (Others)” in Table 1) “Shares Issued” above.

 3.

Upon the disposal of treasury shares due to the exercise of SARs from October 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024, the number of shares held decreased by 140,000 shares.

 

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(2) Directors and Corporate Executive Officers

There was no change in directors or corporate executive officers in the period from the filing date of the Securities Report (Yukashoken Houkokusho) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 to the filing date of this Semi-annual Securities Report (Hanki Houkokusho).

 

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Table of Contents

SONY GROUP CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

(1) Condensed Semi-annual Consolidated Financial Statements

Condensed Semi-annual Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited)

 

 

            Yen in millions  
      Note     

March 31,

2024

   

September 30,

2024

 

ASSETS

       

Current assets:

       

Cash and cash equivalents

        1,907,113       1,728,710  

Investments and advances in the Financial Services segment (including assets pledged that secured parties are permitted to sell or repledge of 100,551 million yen and 97,842 million yen as of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively)

     5        398,153       398,689  

Trade and other receivables, and contract assets

        2,158,196       2,151,146  

Inventories

        1,518,644       1,736,206  

Other financial assets

     5        125,365       107,871  

Other current assets

              669,335       644,932  

Total current assets

              6,776,806       6,767,554  

Non-current assets:

       

Investments accounted for using the equity method

        423,744       363,296  

Investments and advances in the Financial Services segment (including assets pledged that secured parties are permitted to sell or repledge of 2,380,365 million yen and 2,374,055 million yen as of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively)

     5        18,939,794       18,910,555  

Property, plant and equipment

        1,522,640       1,533,140  

Right-of-use assets

        503,395       520,320  

Goodwill

        1,487,100       1,439,635  

Content assets

         10        1,928,113       2,188,117  

Other intangible assets

        615,602       657,703  

Deferred tax assets

        499,550       450,066  

Other financial assets

     5        897,341       922,166  

Other non-current assets

              513,405       528,149  

Total non-current assets

              27,330,684       27,513,147  

Total assets

              34,107,490        34,280,701   

 (Continued on the following page.)

 

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SONY GROUP CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Semi-annual Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

            Yen in millions  
      Note     

March 31,

2024

   

September 30,

2024

 

LIABILITIES

       

Current liabilities:

       

Short-term borrowings

        1,812,605       1,820,735  

Current portion of long-term debt

     5        217,711       259,487  

Trade and other payables

        2,064,905       2,280,138  

Deposits from customers in the banking business

        3,670,567       3,586,639  

Income taxes payables

        152,074       126,582  

Participation and residual liabilities in the Pictures segment

        251,743       230,165  

Other financial liabilities

     5        116,044       102,517  

Other current liabilities

     6        1,906,396       1,864,774  

Total current liabilities

              10,192,045       10,271,037  

Non-current liabilities:

       

Long-term debt

     5        2,058,117       1,988,609  

Defined benefit liabilities

        247,583       244,155  

Deferred tax liabilities

        166,424       195,681  

Insurance contract liabilities

     6        12,931,995       12,782,773  

Participation and residual liabilities in the Pictures segment

        206,081       188,045  

Other financial liabilities

     5        386,761       451,051  

Other non-current liabilities

              162,379       143,530  

Total non-current liabilities

              16,159,340       15,993,844  

Total liabilities

              26,351,385       26,264,881  

EQUITY

       

Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders’ equity:

          7       

Common stock

        881,357       881,357  

Additional paid-in capital

        1,483,410       1,489,379  

Retained earnings

        6,002,407       6,366,550  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

        (376,063     (558,857

Treasury stock, at cost

              (403,934     (469,457

Equity attributable to Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders

              7,587,177       7,708,972  

Noncontrolling interests

              168,928       306,848  

Total equity

              7,756,105       8,015,820  

Total liabilities and equity

              34,107,490       34,280,701  

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SONY GROUP CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Semi-annual Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

 

 

            Yen in millions  
            Six months ended September 30  
      Note        2023         2024    

Sales and financial services revenue:

     8       

Sales

          5,011,555         5,536,585  

Financial services revenue

       

Insurance revenue

     6        286,427       309,232  

Other financial services revenue

              494,293       71,429  

Total financial services revenue

              780,720       380,661  

Total sales and financial services revenue

        5,792,275       5,917,246  

Costs and expenses:

       

Cost of sales

        3,591,985       3,829,040  

Selling, general and administrative

        993,668       1,080,851  

Financial services expenses

       

Insurance service expenses

     6        192,586       215,877  

Insurance finance expenses (income)

         6        438,325       (17,857

Other financial services expenses

              79,365       86,845  

Total financial services expenses

        710,276       284,865  

Other operating (income) expense, net

              (12,122     (12,644

Total costs and expenses

        5,283,807       5,182,112  

Share of profit (loss) of investments accounted for using the equity method

              7,583       (951

Operating income

        516,051       734,183  

Financial income

        40,808       76,479  

Financial expenses

              23,230       43,548  

Income before income taxes

        533,629       767,114  

Income taxes

              114,531       191,461  

Net income

        419,098       575,653  

Net income attributable to

       

Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders

        417,650       570,134  

Noncontrolling interests

              1,448       5,519  
            Yen  
            Six months ended September 30  
      Note      2023     2024  

Per share data:

     9       

Net income attributable to Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders

       

– Basic

        67.70       93.84  

– Diluted

              67.48       93.53  

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SONY GROUP CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Semi-annual Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

 

 

            Yen in millions  
            Six months ended September 30  
      Note        2023         2024    

Net income

        419,098       575,653  

Other comprehensive income, net of tax –

         7       

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss

       

Changes in equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income

        (18,004     (17,112

Remeasurement of defined benefit pension plans

        (452     (835

Share of other comprehensive income of investments accounted for using the equity method

        317       (1,144

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

       

Changes in debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income

        (695,972     (215,586

Cash flow hedges

        (302     (1,416

Insurance finance income (expenses)

          516,779         236,830  

Exchange differences on translating foreign operations

        363,425       (204,714

Share of other comprehensive income of investments accounted for using the equity method

        4,138       (1,579

Other

        (342     (76

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax

              169,587       (205,632

Comprehensive income

              588,685       370,021  

Comprehensive income attributable to

       

Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders

        584,604       365,683  

Noncontrolling interests

              4,081       4,338  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SONY GROUP CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Semi-annual Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)

 

 

           

Yen in millions

 
      Note      

Common

stock

    

Additional

paid-in

capital

   

Retained

earnings

   

Accumulated

other

comprehensive

income

   

Treasury

stock, at

cost

   

Sony Group

Corporation’s

stockholders’

equity

   

Noncontrolling

interests

    Total
equity
 

Balance at April 1, 2023

        880,365        1,463,807       5,092,442       (614,570     (223,507     6,598,537       58,613       6,657,150  

Comprehensive income:

                    

Net income

             417,650           417,650       1,448       419,098  

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

     7                166,954         166,954       2,633       169,587  

Total comprehensive income

                         417,650       166,954               584,604       4,081       588,685  

Transfer to retained earnings

             1,096       (1,096       -         -  

Transactions with stockholders and other:

                    

Exercise of stock acquisition rights

           (360     (144       7,602       7,098         7,098  

Stock-based compensation

           6,684             6,684         6,684  

Dividends declared

             (49,380         (49,380     (2,110     (51,490

Purchase of treasury stock

                 (38,664     (38,664       (38,664

Reissuance of treasury stock

           1,784           3,288       5,072         5,072  

Transactions with noncontrolling interests shareholders and other

                       8,505                               8,505       17,580       26,085  

Balance at September 30, 2023

              880,365        1,480,420       5,461,664       (448,712     (251,281     7,122,456       78,164       7,200,620  
            Yen in millions  
      Note     

Common

stock

    

Additional

paid-in

capital

   

Retained

earnings

   

Accumulated

other

comprehensive

income

   

Treasury

stock, at

cost

   

Sony Group

Corporation’s

stockholders’

equity

   

Noncontrolling

interests

    Total
equity
 

Balance at April 1, 2024

        881,357        1,483,410       6,002,407       (376,063     (403,934     7,587,177       168,928       7,756,105  

Comprehensive income:

                    

Net income

             570,134           570,134       5,519       575,653  

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

     7                (204,451       (204,451     (1,181     (205,632

Total comprehensive income

                         570,134       (204,451             365,683       4,338       370,021  

Transfer to retained earnings

             (21,657     21,657         -         -  

Transactions with stockholders and other:

                    

Exercise of stock acquisition rights and other

           0       (1,631       8,003       6,372         6,372  

Stock-based compensation

           10,707             10,707         10,707  

Dividends declared

             (54,965         (54,965     (4,220     (59,185

Purchase of treasury stock

                 (202,107     (202,107       (202,107

Reissuance of treasury stock

           1           4       5         5  

Cancellation of treasury stock

           (839     (127,738       128,577       -         -  

Transactions with noncontrolling interests shareholders and other

                       (3,900                             (3,900     137,802       133,902  

Balance at September 30, 2024

              881,357        1,489,379       6,366,550       (558,857     (469,457     7,708,972       306,848       8,015,820  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SONY GROUP CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Semi-annual Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

 

 

            Yen in millions  
            Six months ended September 30  
      Note        2023         2024    

Cash flows from operating activities:

       

Income before income taxes

        533,629       767,114  

Adjustments to reconcile income before income taxes to net cash provided by operating activities:

       

Depreciation and amortization, including amortization of contract costs

        570,466       549,183  

Other operating (income) expense, net

        (12,122     (12,644

Gain on securities, net (other than Financial Services segment)

        (10,816     (45,774

Share of (profit) loss of investments accounted for using the equity method, net of dividends

        (333     8,361  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

       

Increase in trade receivables and contract assets

        (253,983     (45,937

Increase in inventories

        (494,463     (260,950

Increase in investments and advances in the Financial Services segment

        (780,169     (274,308

Increase in content assets

     10        (264,387     (408,541

Increase in trade payables

        304,499       381,785  

Increase in insurance contract liabilities, net of insurance contract assets

         6        588,156       195,633  

Increase (decrease) in deposits from customers in the banking business

        284,045       (1,019

Increase (decrease) in borrowings in the life insurance business and the banking business

        108,667       (49,911

Decrease in taxes payable other than income taxes, net

        (43,042     (16,391

Increase in other financial assets and other current assets

        (67,148     (39,565

Decrease in other financial liabilities and other current liabilities

        (80,846     (78,124

Income taxes paid

        (154,830     (102,944

Other

              (112,292     50,321  

Net cash provided by operating activities

              115,031       616,289  

(Continued on the following page.)

 

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Table of Contents

SONY GROUP CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Semi-annual Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

            Yen in millions  
            Six months ended September 30  
      Note        2023         2024    

Cash flows from investing activities:

       

Payments for property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets

        (306,074     (405,568

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets

        7,412       6,650  

Payments for investments and advances (other than Financial Services segment)

        (48,891     (41,023

Proceeds from sales or return of investments and collections of advances (other than Financial Services segment)

        76,374       33,293  

Payments for purchases of businesses and other

     10        (67,273     (266,496

Proceeds from sales of businesses

        -       1,404  

Other

              3,384       26,810  

Net cash used in investing activities

              (335,068     (644,930

Cash flows from financing activities:

       

Increase in short-term borrowings, net

        447,839       40,649  

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

        9,769       11,085  

Payments of long-term debt

        (70,834     (61,640

Dividends paid

        (49,333     (54,931

Payments for purchases of treasury stock

        (38,664     (202,107

Capital contribution from non-controlling interests

     10        -       150,804  

Other

              3,043       (10,834

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

              301,820       (126,974

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

              63,831       (22,788

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

        145,614       (178,403

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year

              1,480,900       1,907,113  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

              1,626,514       1,728,710  

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Index to Notes to Condensed Semi-annual Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Sony Group Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries

 

Notes to Condensed Semi-annual Consolidated Financial Statements   

Page

 

1.  Reporting entity

     34  

2.  Basis of preparation

     35  

3.  Summary of material accounting policies

     36  

4.  Business segment information

     37  

5.  Financial instruments

     43  

6.  Insurance contracts in the Financial Services segment

     51  

7.  Stockholders’ equity

     52  

8.  Revenue

     54  

9.  Reconciliation of the differences between basic and diluted EPS

     54  

10.  Supplemental cash flow information

     55  

11.  Purchase commitments, contingent liabilities and other

     56  

12.  Subsequent event

     57  

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Condensed Semi-annual Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Sony Group Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries

 

1.

Reporting entity

Sony Group Corporation is a public company domiciled in Japan. Sony Group Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Sony” or “Sony Group”) are engaged in the development, design, production, manufacture, offer and sale of various kinds of electronic equipment, instruments, and devices for consumer, professional and industrial markets such as network services, home gaming consoles and software, televisions, audio and video recorders and players, still and video cameras, smartphones, and image sensors. Sony’s primary manufacturing facilities are located in Asia including Japan. Sony also utilizes third-party contract manufacturers for certain products. Sony’s products and services are marketed throughout the world by sales subsidiaries and unaffiliated distributors as well as direct sales and offers via the internet. Sony is engaged in the development, production, manufacture, and distribution of recorded music and the management and licensing of the words and music of songs as well as production and distribution of animation titles and game applications. Sony is also engaged in the production, acquisition and distribution of motion pictures and television programming and the operation of television networks and direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) streaming services. Further, Sony is also engaged in various financial services businesses, including life and non-life insurance businesses through its Japanese insurance subsidiaries and banking business through a Japanese internet-based banking subsidiary.

 

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Table of Contents
2.

Basis of preparation

Compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards

The condensed semi-annual consolidated financial statements of Sony have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 “Interim Financial Reporting,” as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

The condensed semi-annual consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, since the condensed semi-annual consolidated financial statements do not contain all the information required in the annual consolidated financial statements.

Approval of condensed semi-annual consolidated financial statements

The condensed semi-annual consolidated financial statements were approved by Kenichiro Yoshida, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Representative Corporate Executive Officer and Hiroki Totoki, President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Representative Corporate Executive Officer on November 14, 2024.

Functional currency and presentation currency

The condensed semi-annual consolidated financial statements have been presented in Japanese yen, which is the functional currency of Sony Group Corporation. All financial information presented in Japanese yen has been rounded to the nearest million Japanese yen.

Use of estimates and judgments

The preparation of the condensed semi-annual consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS® Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies, the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are reviewed on a continuous basis. Changes in these accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.

The condensed semi-annual consolidated financial statements are prepared based on the same judgements, estimates and assumptions as those applied and described in the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.

 

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3.

Summary of material accounting policies

The condensed semi-annual consolidated financial statements are prepared based on the same accounting policies as those applied and described in the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, except as described in “Newly adopted accounting standards and interpretations” below. Income taxes are recognized in each interim period based on management’s estimate of the weighted average effective annual income tax rate expected for the full financial year.

Newly adopted accounting standards and interpretations

Sony adopted the following accounting standards and interpretations from the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025:

Amendments to IAS 1 “Presentation of Financial Statements”

In January 2020, the IASB issued “Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current (Amendments to IAS 1).” The amendments clarify the right of a company to defer settlement of a liability, which is one of the existing requirements when classifying a liability to current or non-current. In addition, in October 2022, the IASB issued “A Non-current Liability with Covenants (Amendments to IAS 1).” The amendments require companies to disclose information about covenants in order for investors to understand the risk that such non-current debt with covenants could become repayable within twelve months. Both of these amendments were effective for Sony as of April 1, 2024. The adoption of these amendments has no material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

Amendments to IAS 7 “Statement of Cash Flows” and IFRS 7 “Financial Instruments: Disclosures”

In May 2023, the IASB issued “Supplier Finance Arrangements (Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7).” These amendments require companies to disclose information about supplier finance arrangements and were effective for Sony as of April 1, 2024. Since these amendments only affect disclosures, they have no impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

 

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4.

Business segment information

The reportable segments presented below are the segments of Sony for which separate financial information is available and for which operating income or loss amounts are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The CODM does not evaluate segments using discrete asset information. Sony’s CODM is its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

The Game & Network Services (“G&NS”) segment includes the network services businesses, the manufacture and sales of home gaming products and the production and sales of digital software and add-on content. The Music segment includes the Recorded Music, Music Publishing and Visual Media and Platform businesses. The Pictures segment includes the Motion Pictures, Television Productions and Media Networks businesses. The Entertainment, Technology & Services (“ET&S”) segment includes the Televisions business, the Audio and Video business, the Still and Video Cameras business, the smartphone business and the internet-related service business. The Imaging & Sensing Solutions (“I&SS”) segment includes the image sensors business. The Financial Services segment primarily represents individual life insurance and non-life insurance businesses and the banking business in Japan. All Other consists of various operating activities, including the disc manufacturing and recording media businesses. Sony’s products and services are generally unique to a single operating segment.

 

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Segment sales and financial services revenue:

 

                                   
     Yen in millions  
      Six months ended September 30   
     2023     2024  

Sales and financial services revenue:

    

Game & Network Services -

    

Customers

     1,685,140       1,878,486  

Intersegment

     40,836       57,955  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     1,725,976       1,936,441  

Music -

    

Customers

     755,116       879,726  

Intersegment

     11,829       10,493  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     766,945       890,219  

Pictures -

    

Customers

     717,525       689,946  

Intersegment

     2,477       3,196  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     720,002       693,142  

Entertainment, Technology & Services -

    

Customers

     1,166,506       1,199,891  

Intersegment

     18,817       20,783  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     1,185,323       1,220,674  

Imaging & Sensing Solutions -

    

Customers

     645,133       843,077  

Intersegment

     53,923       45,970  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     699,056       889,047  

Financial Services -

    

Customers

     780,720       380,661  

Intersegment

     4,606       4,621  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     785,326       385,282  

All Other -

    

Customers

     36,820       39,488  

Intersegment

     6,898       5,491  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     43,718       44,979  
Corporate and elimination      (134,071     (142,538
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Consolidated total          5,792,275           5,917,246  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

G&NS intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the ET&S segment. ET&S intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the G&NS segment. I&SS intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the G&NS segment and the ET&S segment. Corporate and elimination includes certain brand and patent royalty income.

 

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Segment profit (loss):

 

                                   
     Yen in millions  
     Six months ended September 30  
     2023     2024  

Operating income (loss):

    

Game & Network Services

     98,062       204,058  

Music

     154,377       176,253  

Pictures

     45,409       29,783  

Entertainment, Technology & Services

     116,679       134,238  

Imaging & Sensing Solutions

     59,092       129,059  

Financial Services

     70,195       95,721  

All Other

     4,544       (5,208
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     548,358       763,904  

Corporate and elimination

     (32,307     (29,721
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated operating income

     516,051       734,183  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial income

     40,808       76,479  

Financial expenses

     (23,230     (43,548
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated income before income taxes

           533,629             767,114  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss) is sales and financial services revenue less costs and expenses, and includes the share of profit (loss) of investments accounted for using the equity method.

 

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Table of Contents

Other significant items:

 

     Yen in millions  
     Six months ended September 30  
     2023     2024  

Share of profit (loss) of investments accounted for using the equity method:

    

Game & Network Services

     735       281  

Music

     2,356       2,478  

Pictures

     (143     (451

Entertainment, Technology & Services

     249       578  

Imaging & Sensing Solutions

     (1,359     (991

Financial Services

     -       69  

All Other

     5,745       (2,915
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated total

     7,583       (951
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Yen in millions  
     Six months ended September 30  
     2023     2024  

Depreciation and amortization:

    

Game & Network Services

     62,111       68,014  

Music

     35,746       51,297  

Pictures

     280,267       218,701  

Entertainment, Technology & Services

     51,758       51,892  

Imaging & Sensing Solutions

     118,062       138,031  

Financial Services

     13,905       13,622  

All Other

     2,210       2,611  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     564,059       544,168  

Corporate and elimination

     6,407       5,015  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated total

           570,466             549,183  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Sales to customers by product category:

The following table is a breakdown of sales and financial services revenue to external customers by product category for each segment. Sony management views each segment as a single operating segment.

 

     Yen in millions  
     Six months ended September 30  
     2023      2024  

Sales and financial services revenue:

     

Game & Network Services

     

Digital Software and Add-on Content

     788,442        991,776  

Network Services

     258,386        320,125  

Hardware and Others

     638,312        566,585  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,685,140        1,878,486  

Music

     

Recorded Music – Streaming

     338,745        386,134  

Recorded Music – Others

     152,766        203,381  

Music Publishing

     157,864        188,207  

Visual Media and Platform

     105,741        102,004  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     755,116        879,726  

Pictures

     

Motion Pictures

     254,713        283,855  

Television Productions

     277,616        195,013  

Media Networks

     185,196        211,078  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     717,525        689,946  

Entertainment, Technology & Services

     

Televisions

     296,984        290,571  

Audio and Video

     198,249        194,876  

Still and Video Cameras

     321,077        353,625  

Mobile Communications

     160,136        154,995  

Other

     190,060        205,824  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,166,506        1,199,891  

Imaging & Sensing Solutions

     645,133        843,077  

Financial Services

     780,720        380,661  

All Other

     36,820        39,488  

Corporate

     5,315        5,971  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consolidated total

         5,792,275            5,917,246  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

In the G&NS segment, Digital Software and Add-on Content includes distribution of software titles and add-on content through the network; Network Services includes network services relating to game, video and music content; Hardware and Others includes home gaming consoles, packaged software, game software sold bundled with home gaming consoles, peripheral devices and first-party software for third-party platforms. In the Music segment, Recorded Music – Streaming includes the distribution of digital recorded music by streaming; Recorded Music – Others includes the distribution of recorded music by physical media and digital download as well as revenue derived from artists’ live performances and merchandising; Music Publishing includes the management and licensing of the words and music of songs; Visual Media and Platform includes the production and distribution of animation titles and game applications, and various service offerings for music and visual products. In the Pictures segment, Motion Pictures includes the worldwide production, acquisition and distribution of live-action and animated motion pictures; Television Productions includes the production, acquisition and distribution of television programming; Media Networks includes the operation of television networks and DTC streaming services worldwide. In the ET&S segment, Televisions includes LCD and OLED televisions; Audio and Video includes Blu-ray disc players and recorders, home audio, headphones and memory-based portable audio devices; Still and Video Cameras includes interchangeable lens cameras, compact digital cameras, consumer video cameras and video cameras for broadcast; Mobile Communications includes smartphones and an internet-related service business; Other includes display products such as projectors and medical equipment.

 

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Geographic Information:

Sales and financial services revenue attributed to countries and areas based on location of external customers are as follows:

 

     Yen in millions  
      Six months ended September 30   
     2023      2024  
Sales and financial services revenue:      

Japan

     1,387,831        993,295  

United States

     1,650,968        1,893,264  

Europe

     1,152,464        1,130,854  

China

     473,545        618,886  

Asia-Pacific

     726,010        810,803  

Other Areas

     401,457        470,144  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

         5,792,275            5,917,246  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Major countries and areas in each geographic segment excluding Japan, United States and China are as follows:

 

(1) Europe:

   United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy

(2) Asia-Pacific:

   India, South Korea and Oceania

(3) Other Areas:

   The Middle East / Africa, Brazil, Mexico and Canada

There are no individually material countries with respect to sales and financial services revenue included in Europe, Asia-Pacific and Other Areas.

Transfers between reportable business segments or geographic areas are made at individually negotiated prices that are intended to reflect a market-based transfer price.

There were no sales or financial services revenue with any single major external customer for the six months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024.

 

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Table of Contents
5.

Financial instruments

 

(1)

Financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis

The following section describes the valuation techniques used by Sony to measure different financial instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each instrument is generally classified.

Debt instruments and equity instruments

Where quoted prices of financial instruments are available in an active market, these instruments are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 1 financial instruments include exchange-traded equity instruments. If quoted market prices are not available for the specific financial instruments or the market is inactive, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of financial instruments with similar characteristics or the discounted cash flow method and mainly classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 2 financial instruments include debt instruments with quoted prices that are not traded as actively as exchange-traded instruments, such as the majority of government bonds and corporate bonds. In certain cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, these instruments are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 3 financial instruments primarily include certain private equity investments, investment funds, securitized products which are not classified within Level 1 or Level 2 and domestic and foreign corporate bonds for which quoted prices are not available in a market and where there is less transparency around inputs. Sony estimates the fair value for private equity investments primarily by using comparable company analysis and the discounted cash flow method. The price book-value ratio and price earnings ratio of comparable companies, as well as cost of capital and EBITDA multiples for the terminal value used in the discounted cash flow method, are primarily used as significant unobservable inputs in the fair value measurement of equity securities classified as Level 3. The fair value increases (decreases) as the price book-value ratio and price earnings ratio of comparable companies rise (decline). In addition, the fair value increases (decreases), as the cost of capital declines (rises) and EBITDA multiples rise (decline), both of which are used in the discounted cash flow method. Sony estimates the fair value for certain investment funds by using the net asset value. Sony estimates the fair value for securitized products and domestic and foreign corporate bonds for which quoted prices are not available in a market and where there is less transparency around inputs by using third-party information such as indicative quotes from dealers without adjustment or the discounted cash flow method. For validating the fair values of Level 3 financial instruments, Sony primarily uses internal models which include management judgment or estimation of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset.

Derivatives

Exchange-traded derivatives valued using quoted prices are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. However, few classes of derivative contracts are listed on an exchange; thus, the majority of Sony’s derivative positions are valued using internally developed models that use as their basis readily observable market parameters, meaning parameters that are actively quoted and can be validated to external sources, including pricing services. Depending on the types and contractual terms of derivatives, fair value can be modeled using a series of techniques, such as the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which are consistently applied. For derivative products that have been established for some time, Sony uses models that are widely accepted in the financial services industry. These models reflect the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and market-based parameters such as interest rates, volatility, and the credit rating of the counterparty. Further, many of these models do not contain a high level of subjectivity as the techniques used in the models do not require significant judgment, and inputs to the model are readily observable from actively quoted markets. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. On the other hand, if significant unobservable inputs are used in the models, such instruments are classified within Level 3.

In determining the fair value of Sony’s interest rate swap derivatives, Sony uses the present value of expected cash flows based on market observable interest rate yield curves commensurate with the term of each instrument. For foreign currency derivatives, Sony’s approach is to use forward contract valuation models employing market observable inputs, such as spot currency rates and time value. These derivatives are classified within Level 2 since Sony primarily uses observable inputs in its valuation of its derivative assets and liabilities.

 

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Table of Contents

The fair value of Sony’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024 is as follows:

 

     Yen in millions
     March 31, 2024
                         Presentation in the condensed semi-annual consolidated
statements of financial position
     Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total    Investments
and advances
in the
Financial
Services
segment
(Current)
   Other
financial
assets
(Current)
   Investments
and advances
in the
Financial
Services
segment
(Non-current)
   Other
financial
assets
(Non-current)

Assets:

                       

Financial assets required to be measured at FVPL

                       

Debt securities

                       

Japanese national government bonds

     -        423,129        -        423,129        -        -        423,129        -  

Japanese local government bonds

     -        1,846        -        1,846        -        -        1,846        -  

Japanese corporate bonds

     -        27,296        20        27,316        -        -        27,296        20  

Foreign government bonds

     39,363        192,325        -        231,688        -        -        231,688        -  

Foreign corporate bonds

     -        11,981        2,933        14,914        -        -        11,981        2,933  

Investment funds

     -        552,017        67,355        619,372        -        -        599,937        19,435  

Equity securities

     3,451,655        8,146        9,434        3,469,235        -        -        3,210,296        258,939  

Derivative assets

                       

Interest rate contracts

     -        49,619        -        49,619        -        1,009        -        48,610  

Foreign exchange contracts

     -        20,425        -        20,425        -        18,774        -        1,651  

Equity contracts

     -        -        2,379        2,379        -        2,379        -        -  

Financial assets designated to be measured at FVPL

                       

Debt securities

                       

Japanese national government bonds

     -        1,021,309        -        1,021,309        4,302        -        1,017,007        -  

Japanese local government bonds

     -        13,945        -        13,945        5,310        -        8,635        -  

Japanese corporate bonds

     -        3,302        -        3,302        3,302        -        -        -  

Foreign government bonds

     -        39,472        -        39,472        7,390        -        32,082        -  

Foreign corporate bonds

     -        159,158        5,923        165,081        49,578        -        115,503        -  

Financial assets required to be measured at FVOCI

                       

Debt securities

                       

Japanese national government bonds

     -        7,057,395        -        7,057,395        300        -        7,057,095        -  

Japanese local government bonds

     -        48,712        -        48,712        550        -        48,162        -  

Japanese corporate bonds

     -        743,804        138,848        882,652        11,414        -        871,238        -  

Foreign government bonds

     -        1,221,208        -        1,221,208        -        -        1,221,068        140  

Foreign corporate bonds

     -        266,362        34,757        301,119        28,363        -        272,756        -  

Securitized products

     -        60,565        22,008        82,573        -        -        82,573        -  

Financial assets designated to be measured at FVOCI

                       

Equity securities

     67,834        -        249,181        317,015        -        -        7,305        309,710  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

     3,558,852        11,922,016        532,838        16,013,706        110,509        22,162        15,239,597        641,438  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

                         Presentation in the
condensed semi-annual

 consolidated statements of 
financial position
    
     Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total    Other
financial
liabilities
(Current)
   Other
financial
liabilities
(Non-current)

Liabilities:

                 

Financial liabilities required to be measured at FVPL

                 

Derivative liabilities

                 

Interest rate contracts

     -        6,450        -        6,450        406        6,044  

Foreign exchange contracts

     -        17,493        -        17,493        16,297        1,196  

Equity contracts

     3,428        1,916        -        5,344        5,344        -  

Contingent consideration

     -        -        50,343        50,343        26,193        24,150  

Financial liabilities designated to be measured at FVPL

                 

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

     -        -        54,028        54,028        -        54,028  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     3,428        25,859        104,371        133,658        48,240        85,418  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
     Yen in millions
     September 30, 2024
                         Presentation in the condensed semi-annual consolidated
statements  of financial position
     Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total    Investments
and advances
in the
Financial
Services
segment
(Current)
   Other
financial
assets
(Current)
   Investments
and advances
in the
Financial
Services
segment
(Non-current)
   Other
financial
assets
(Non-current)

Assets:

                       

Financial assets required to be measured at FVPL

                       

Debt securities

                       

Japanese national government bonds

  

 

-

 

  

 

415,343

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

415,343

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

415,343

 

  

 

-

 

Japanese local government bonds

  

 

-

 

  

 

1,243

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

1,243

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

1,243

 

  

 

-

 

Japanese corporate bonds

  

 

-

 

  

 

23,775

 

  

 

30

 

  

 

23,805

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

23,775

 

  

 

30

 

Foreign government bonds

  

 

41,030

 

  

 

180,888

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

221,918

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

221,918

 

  

 

-

 

Foreign corporate bonds

  

 

-

 

  

 

19,843

 

  

 

2,764

 

  

 

22,607

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

19,843

 

  

 

2,764

 

Investment funds

  

 

-

 

  

 

604,723

 

  

 

63,471

 

  

 

668,194

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

649,817

 

  

 

18,377

 

Equity securities

  

 

3,797,179

 

  

 

6,903

 

  

 

9,801

 

  

 

3,813,883

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

3,485,635

 

  

 

328,248

 

Derivative assets

                       

Interest rate contracts

  

 

346

 

  

 

39,727

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

40,073

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

979

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

39,094

 

Foreign exchange contracts

  

 

-

 

  

 

27,954

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

27,954

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

25,248

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

2,706

 

Equity contracts

  

 

789

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

2,242

 

  

 

3,031

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

3,031

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

-

 

Other

  

 

554

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

554

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

554

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

-

 

Financial assets designated to be measured at FVPL

                       

Debt securities

                       

Japanese national government bonds

  

 

-

 

  

 

874,799

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

874,799

 

  

 

5,996

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

868,803

 

  

 

-

 

Japanese local government bonds

  

 

-

 

  

 

10,716

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

10,716

 

  

 

8,713

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

2,003

 

  

 

-

 

Japanese corporate bonds

  

 

-

 

  

 

2,000

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

2,000

 

  

 

2,000

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

-

 

Foreign government bonds

  

 

-

 

  

 

32,066

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

32,066

 

  

 

1,377

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

30,689

 

  

 

-

 

Foreign corporate bonds

  

 

-

 

  

 

112,190

 

  

 

5,871

 

  

 

118,061

 

  

 

25,445

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

92,616

 

  

 

-

 

Financial assets required to be measured at FVOCI

                       

Debt securities

                       

Japanese national government bonds

  

 

-

 

  

 

6,678,207

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

6,678,207

 

  

 

300

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

6,677,907

 

  

 

-

 

Japanese local government bonds

  

 

-

 

  

 

43,115

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

43,115

 

  

 

7,218

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

35,897

 

  

 

-

 

Japanese corporate bonds

  

 

-

 

  

 

699,488

 

  

 

122,791

 

  

 

822,279

 

  

 

12,978

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

809,301

 

  

 

-

 

Foreign government bonds

  

 

-

 

  

 

1,250,342

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

1,250,342

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

1,250,205

 

  

 

137

 

Foreign corporate bonds

  

 

-

 

  

 

355,373

 

  

 

47,262

 

  

 

402,635

 

  

 

27,644

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

374,991

 

  

 

-

 

Securitized products

  

 

-

 

  

 

67,631

 

  

 

23,062

 

  

 

90,693

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

90,693

 

  

 

-

 

Financial assets designated to be measured at FVOCI

                       

Equity securities

  

 

41,332

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

285,329

 

  

 

326,661

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

6,911

 

  

 

319,750

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  

 

3,881,230

 

  

 

11,446,326

 

  

 

562,623

 

  

 

15,890,179

 

  

 

91,671

 

  

 

29,812

 

  

 

15,057,590

 

  

 

711,106

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

                        

Presentation in the

 condensed semi-annual 
consolidated statements of
financial position

    
    

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

  

Total

  

Other

financial

liabilities

(Current)

  

Other

financial

liabilities

(Non-current)

Liabilities:

                 

Financial liabilities required to be measured at FVPL

                 

Derivative liabilities

                 

Interest rate contracts

  

 

-

 

  

 

9,789

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

9,789

 

  

 

540

 

  

 

9,249

 

Foreign exchange contracts

  

 

-

 

  

 

24,991

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

24,991

 

  

 

23,656

 

  

 

1,335

 

Equity contracts

  

 

3,264

 

  

 

422

 

  

 

16,646

 

  

 

20,332

 

  

 

3,686

 

  

 

16,646

 

Other

  

 

450

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

450

 

  

 

450

 

  

 

-

 

Contingent consideration

  

 

-

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

24,607

 

  

 

24,607

 

  

 

10,138

 

  

 

14,469

 

Financial liabilities designated to be measured at FVPL

                 

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

  

 

-

 

  

 

-

 

  

 

48,793

 

  

 

48,793

 

  

 

1,488

 

  

 

47,305

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

  

 

3,714

 

  

 

35,202

 

  

 

90,046

 

  

 

128,962

 

  

 

39,958

 

  

 

89,004

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

     

Transfers of debt securities from Level 2 to Level 1 were 2,384 million yen and 2,305 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and for the six months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as quoted prices in active markets for certain debt securities became available. Transfers of debt securities from Level 1 to Level 2 were 830 million yen and 3,444 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and for the six months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as quoted prices in active markets for certain debt securities became unavailable.

Transfers of equity securities from Level 2 to Level 1 were 1,481 million yen for the six months ended September 30, 2024, as quoted prices in active markets for certain equity securities became available. There were no transfers of equity securities from Level 2 to Level 1 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.

Previously, the amount of transfers was calculated by assuming that transfers between levels occurred at the beginning of each quarterly consolidated accounting period. However, from the interim consolidated accounting period of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, the calculation of the amount of transfers has been changed to assume that transfers between levels occurred at the beginning of the interim consolidated accounting period. The amount of transfers between levels for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 is also calculated assuming that transfers between levels occurred at the beginning of the interim consolidated accounting period.

 

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Shares of Spotify Technology S.A. (“Spotify”) held by Sony are classified as equity securities required to be measured at fair value through profit or loss. The pre-tax revaluation gains (losses) of the Spotify shares owned by Sony, which reflect costs to be paid to Sony’s artists and distributed labels as well as the changes in the fair value of derivatives utilized to hedge exposure to market fluctuation risk, are included in financial income (expenses) in the condensed semi-annual consolidated statements of income.

The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of assets and liabilities classified as Level 3, significant unobservable inputs, and their range are as follows:

 

     Valuation
technique(s)
     Significant
unobservable 
inputs
     Range  
      March 31, 2024        September 30, 2024   

Financial assets required to be measured at FVOCI

           

Debt securities

           

Japanese corporate bonds

     Discounted cash flow        Credit spread        27bp-72bp        33bp-69bp  

Securitized products

     90bp-170bp        90bp-170bp  

* bp = basis point

The decrease (increase) in fair value is the result of a rise (decline) of credit spreads.

For the above assets classified as Level 3, the fair value would not change significantly if one or more of the significant unobservable inputs were changed to reflect reasonably possible alternative assumptions.

 

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The changes in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the six months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024 are as follows:

 

    Yen in millions  
    Six months ended September 30, 2023  
          Total gains (losses) *1                                      
    Beginning
balance
    Net income *2     Other
comprehensive
income *3
    Purchases     Sales and
settlements
    Transfers to
Level 3
*4
    Transfers out
of Level 3
*4*5
    Other     Ending
balance
 

Assets:

                 
Financial assets required to be measured at FVPL                  

Debt securities

                 

Japanese corporate bonds

    38       -       -       -       (18     -       -       (20     -  

Foreign corporate bonds

    3,377       314       -       12       -       -       -       (217     3,486  

Investment funds

    60,796       3,693       648       5,599       (3,327     -       -       -       67,409  

Equity securities

    6,789       638       1       1,054       -       -       -       -       8,482  

Derivative assets

                 

Equity contracts

    4,692       -       568       -       -       -       -       -       5,260  
Financial assets designated to be measured at FVPL                  

Debt securities

                 

Foreign corporate bonds

    3,541       378       -       1,740       -       -       -       -       5,659  
Financial assets required to be measured at FVOCI                  

Debt securities

                 

Japanese corporate bonds

    171,622       4       (22,355     -       -       -       -       -       149,271  

Foreign corporate bonds

    24,672       993       58       16,362       (5,360     -       (1,487     -       35,238  

Securitized products

    40,591       1,349       18       4,758       (9,168     -       (3,568     -       33,980  
Financial assets designated to be measured at FVOCI                  

Equity securities

    324,028       -       28,453       3,261       (72,008     -       (50     446       284,130  

Liabilities:

                 
Financial liabilities required to be measured at FVPL                  

Contingent consideration

    51,512       38       5,814       956       (5,108     -       -       -       53,212  
Financial liabilities designated to be measured at FVPL                  

Redeemable noncontrolling

interests

    47,326       (918     4,638       1,337       (528     -       -       -       51,855  

 

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Table of Contents
    Yen in millions  
    Six months ended September 30, 2024  
          Total gains (losses) *1                                      
    Beginning
balance
    Net income *2     Other
comprehensive
income *3
    Purchases     Sales and
settlements
    Transfers to
Level 3
*4
    Transfers out
of Level 3
*4*5
    Other
*6
    Ending
balance
 

Assets:

                 
Financial assets required to be measured at FVPL                  

Debt securities

                 

Japanese corporate bonds

    20       -       -       30       -       -       -       (20     30  

Foreign corporate bonds

    2,933       (169     -       -       -       -       -       -       2,764  

Investment funds

    67,355       363       (384     4,640       (8,503     -       -       -       63,471  

Equity securities

    9,434       (271     (1     1,060       (421     -       -       -       9,801  

Derivative assets

                 

Equity contracts

    2,379       -       (137     -       -       -       -       -       2,242  
Financial assets designated to be measured at FVPL                  

Debt securities

                 

Foreign corporate bonds

    5,923       (52     -       -       -       -       -       -       5,871  
Financial assets required to be measured at FVOCI                  

Debt securities

                 

Japanese corporate bonds

    138,848       4       (16,061     -       -       -       -       -       122,791  

Foreign corporate bonds

    34,757       (852     (362     27,625       (13,906     -       -       -       47,262  

Securitized products

    22,008       (530     17       7,816       (6,249     -       -       -       23,062  
Financial assets designated to be measured at FVOCI                  

Equity securities

    249,181       -       (31,996     4,876       (757     -       (1,629     65,654       285,329  

Liabilities:

                 
Financial liabilities required to be measured at FVPL                  

Derivative liabilities

                 

Equity contracts

    -       17,799       (1,153     -       -       -       -       -       16,646  

Contingent consideration

    50,343       (3,329     (1,197     1,703       (22,913     -       -       -       24,607  
Financial liabilities designated to be measured at FVPL                  

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

    54,028       (1,069     (2,046     3,807       (5,927     -       -       -       48,793  

 

*1

For liability items, gains are presented as negative and losses are presented as positive.

*2

Gains (losses) recognized in net income are included in financial services revenue, other operating (income) expense, net, financial income and financial expenses in the condensed semi-annual consolidated statements of income.

*3

Gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income are included in changes in equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, changes in debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income and exchange differences on translating foreign operations in the condensed semi-annual consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

*4

Previously, the amount of transfers was calculated by assuming that transfers between levels occurred at the beginning of each quarterly consolidated accounting period. However, from the interim consolidated accounting period of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, the calculation of the amount of transfers has been changed to assume that transfers between levels occurred at the beginning of the interim consolidated accounting period. The amount of transfers between levels for the interim consolidated accounting period of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 is also calculated assuming that transfers between levels occurred at the beginning of the interim consolidated accounting period.

*5

Certain financial assets were transferred from Level 3 because observable market data became available.

*6

The increase in equity securities designated to be measured at fair value through other comprehensive income is mainly due to a change in the scope of consolidation.

 

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The changes in unrealized gains (losses) recognized in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities held as of September 30, 2023 and 2024 are as follows:

 

     Yen in millions
     Six months ended September 30
           2023               2024      

Assets:

    

Financial assets required to be measured at FVPL

    

Debt securities

    

Foreign corporate bonds

     314       (169

Investment funds

     3,538       (3,014

Equity securities

     638       (419

Financial assets designated to be measured at FVPL

    

Debt securities

    

Foreign corporate bonds

     378       (52

Financial assets required to be measured at FVOCI

    

Debt securities

    

Japanese corporate bonds

     4       4  

Foreign corporate bonds

     993       (852

Securitized products

     1,349       (530

Liabilities:

    

Financial liabilities required to be measured at FVPL

    

Derivative liabilities

    

Equity contracts

     -       (17,799

Contingent consideration

     (39     393  

Financial liabilities designated to be measured at FVPL

    

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

     918       1,069  

Gains (losses) recognized in net income are included in financial services revenue, other operating (income) expense, net, financial income and financial expenses in the condensed semi-annual consolidated statements of income.

 

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(2)

Financial instruments measured at amortized cost

The fair values by fair value hierarchy level of certain financial instruments that are measured at amortized cost as of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024 are summarized as follows:

 

     Yen in millions
     March 31, 2024
     Fair value    Carrying
amount
      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total     Total

Assets:

              

Debt securities

              

Japanese corporate bonds

     -         9,957         -         9,957         9,950   

Foreign corporate bonds

     -         3,413         -         3,413         3,386   

Securitized products

     -         -         378,389         378,389         378,736   

Other

     -         41         4,368         4,409         4,409   

Housing loans in the banking business

     -         -         3,634,011         3,634,011         3,574,468   
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

     -         13,411         4,016,768         4,030,179         3,970,949   
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

              

Long-term debt including the current portion

     -         1,606,340         78,935         1,685,275         1,704,102   

Investment contract liabilities

     -         59,578         -         59,578         60,392   
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

       -         1,665,918         78,935         1,744,853         1,764,494   
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

     Yen in millions
     September 30, 2024
     Fair value    Carrying
amount
      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total     Total

Assets:

              

Debt securities

              

Japanese corporate bonds

     -         9,912         -          9,912         9,953   

Foreign corporate bonds

     -         2,895         -          2,895         2,880   

Securitized products

     -         -          354,683         354,683         354,428   

Other

     -         41         9,433         9,474         9,474   

Housing loans in the banking business

     -         -          3,773,720         3,773,720         3,766,596   
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

     -         12,848         4,137,836         4,150,684         4,143,331   
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

              

Long-term debt including the current portion

     -         1,559,765         77,531         1,637,296         1,657,835   

Investment contract liabilities

     -         61,762         -          61,762         62,986   
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

       -         1,621,527         77,531         1,699,058         1,720,821   
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

The table above does not include financial instruments measured at amortized cost whose carrying amounts approximate their fair values mainly due to their short-term nature.

The fair values of long-term debt, including the current portion classified as Level 2, were estimated mainly based on discounted future cash flows using Sony’s current rates for similar liabilities.

The fair values of investment contract liabilities classified as Level 2 were determined by using the present value of expected cash flows based on risk-free interest rate yield curves adjusted for items such as credit risk.

Financial instruments classified as Level 3 mainly include housing loans in the banking business, securitized products and certain bonds issued by Sony. In determining the fair value of such financial instruments, Sony uses the present value of expected cash flows based on risk-free interest rate yield curves adjusted for items such as credit risk.

 

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Table of Contents
6.

Insurance contracts in the Financial Services segment

 

Changes

in liabilities for remaining coverage and liabilities for incurred claims

The tables below show the changes in liabilities for remaining coverage and liabilities for incurred claims for the six months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024.

 

     Yen in millions  
     Liabilities for remaining coverage     Liabilities for
incurred claims
*4
    Total  
     Excluding loss
component
    Loss component  

Balance as of April 1, 2023

        

Insurance contract assets *1

     (93,283     -       32,532       (60,751

Insurance contract liabilities *2*3

     12,331,738       51,840       126,452       12,510,030  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net carrying amounts

     12,238,455       51,840       158,984       12,449,279  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Insurance revenue

     (286,427     -       -       (286,427

Insurance service expenses

     58,272       (225     134,539       192,586  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Insurance service result

     (228,155     (225     134,539       (93,841

Insurance finance expenses (income)

     (281,291     2,507       (640     (279,424
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total amounts recognized in comprehensive income

     (509,446     2,282       133,899       (373,265

Investment component excluded from insurance revenue and insurance service expenses

     (410,803     -       410,803       -  

Cash flows

     780,012       -       (536,090     243,922  

Other

     (62     (31     (156     (249
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of September 30, 2023

        

Insurance contract assets *1

     (96,120     -       32,525       (63,595

Insurance contract liabilities *2*3

     12,194,276       54,091       134,915       12,383,282  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net carrying amounts

     12,098,156       54,091       167,440       12,319,687  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Yen in millions  
     Liabilities for remaining coverage     Liabilities for
incurred claims
*4
    Total  
     Excluding loss
component
    Loss component  

Balance as of April 1, 2024

        

Insurance contract assets *1

     (90,377     -       33,402       (56,975

Insurance contract liabilities *2*3

     12,900,023       55,333       138,983       13,094,339  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net carrying amounts

     12,809,646       55,333       172,385       13,037,364  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Insurance revenue

     (309,232     -       -       (309,232

Insurance service expenses

     64,741       983       150,153       215,877  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Insurance service result

     (244,491     983       150,153       (93,355

Insurance finance expenses (income)

     (345,272     (1,435     (81     (346,788
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total amounts recognized in comprehensive income

     (589,763     (452     150,072       (440,143

Investment component excluded from insurance revenue and insurance service expenses

     (487,612     -       487,612       -  

Cash flows

     939,198       -       (631,460     307,738  

Other

     (1,083     1,187       (997     (893
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of September 30, 2024

        

Insurance contract assets *1

     (91,045     1       34,990       (56,054

Insurance contract liabilities *2*3

     12,761,431       56,067       142,622       12,960,120  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net carrying amounts

     12,670,386       56,068       177,612       12,904,066  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
*1

Insurance contract assets are included in other current assets or other non-current assets in the condensed semi-annual consolidated statements of financial position.

*2

The current portion of insurance contract liabilities is included in other current liabilities in the condensed semi-annual consolidated statements of financial position.

*3

As of April 1, 2023, September 30, 2023, April 1, 2024 and September 30, 2024, the carrying amount of the current portion of insurance contract liabilities was 145,057 million yen, 156,723 million yen, 162,344 million yen and 177,347 million yen, respectively, and the carrying amount of the non-current portion of insurance contract liabilities was 12,364,973 million yen, 12,226,559 million yen, 12,931,995 million yen and 12,782,773 million yen, respectively.

*4

Risk adjustment for non-financial risk of insurance contracts measured under the premium allocation approach is not presented separately from the estimates of the present value of future cash flows but included in liabilities for incurred claims, since the amount is not considered material.

 

7.

Stockholders’ equity

 

(1)

Dividends

Dividends whose record date falls in the six months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024, and whose effective date falls in the subsequent period are as follows:

 

(Resolution)

   Type of
shares
     Total amount of
dividends
(Yen in millions)
     Source of
dividends
     Dividends
per share (Yen)
     Record
date
     Effective
date
 

Board of Directors November 9, 2023

     Common stock        49,305        Retained earnings        40.00        September 30, 2023        December 5, 2023  

Board of Directors November 7, 2024

     Common stock        60,347        Retained earnings        50.00        September 30, 2024        December 5, 2024  

 

Note:

As of October 1, 2024, Sony Group Corporation conducted a five-for-one stock split of its common stock. The dividend per share amount is the amount prior to the stock split.

 

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Table of Contents
(2)

Supplemental comprehensive income information

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, by component for the six months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024 are as follows:

 

    Yen in millions  
    Balance at
April 1, 2023
    Other
comprehensive
income
attributable to
Sony Group
Corporation’s
stockholders
    Transfer to
retained
earnings
    Balance at
September 30,
2023
 

Changes in equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income

    (9,152     (18,004     (1,538     (28,694

Changes in debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income

    39,845       (695,972     -       (656,127

Cash flow hedges

    18,413       (302     -       18,111  

Remeasurement of defined benefit pension plans

    -       (452     452       -  

Exchange differences on translating foreign operations

    513,203       360,792       -       873,995  

Insurance finance income (expenses)

    (1,183,634     516,779       -       (666,855

Share of other comprehensive income of investments accounted for using the equity method

    6,563       4,455       (10     11,008  

Other

    192       (342     -       (150
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    (614,570     166,954       (1,096     (448,712
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    Yen in millions  
    Balance at
April 1, 2024
    Other
comprehensive
income
attributable to
Sony Group
Corporation’s
stockholders
    Transfer to
retained
earnings
    Balance at
September 30,
2024
 

Changes in equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income

    (75,292     (17,112     29,560       (62,844

Changes in debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income

    (664,791     (215,586     -       (880,377

Cash flow hedges

    19,765       (1,416     -       18,349  

Remeasurement of defined benefit pension plans

    -       (835     835       -  

Exchange differences on translating foreign operations

    952,693       (203,533     -       749,160  

Insurance finance income (expenses)

    (620,238     236,830       (8,738     (392,146

Share of other comprehensive income of investments accounted for using the equity method

    11,891       (2,723     -       9,168  

Other

    (91     (76     -       (167
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    (376,063     (204,451     21,657       (558,857
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
8.

Revenue

For the breakdown of sales and financial services revenue by segments, product categories and geographies, refer to Note 4.

 

9.

Reconciliation of the differences between basic and diluted EPS

Reconciliation of the differences between basic and diluted EPS for the six months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024 is as follows:

 

    

Yen in millions

    

 Six months ended September 30 

    

2023

  

2024

Net income attributable to Sony Group Corporation’s stockholders for basic and diluted EPS computation

   417,650     570,134 
  

 

  

 

    

Thousands of shares

    

Six months ended September 30

    

2023

  

2024

Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic EPS computation

   6,169,576     6,075,284 

Effect of dilutive securities:

     

Stock options

   18,442     15,397 

Restricted stock units

   1,369     4,756 
  

 

  

 

Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS computation

   6,189,387     6,095,437 
  

 

  

 

    

Yen

    

Six months ended September 30

    

2023

  

2024

Basic EPS

   67.70     93.84 
  

 

  

 

Diluted EPS

   67.48     93.53 
  

 

  

 

 Notes:

 1.

Potential shares of common stock which were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the six months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024 were 35,167 thousand shares and 42,081 thousand shares, respectively, which consisted of stock options.

 2.

As of October 1, 2024, Sony Group Corporation conducted a five-for-one stock split of its common stock. Basic and diluted EPS are calculated assuming that the stock split was implemented at the beginning of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.

 

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Table of Contents
10.

Supplemental cash flow information

During the six months ended September 30, 2024, Sony established a new joint venture in the Music segment with a third party partner, which acquired interests in companies that own certain music and other assets (the “target companies”) as well as music assets directly from other rights holders. Sony consolidated the joint venture through Sony’s majority interest and reflected the consideration of 133,064 million yen for the acquisition of the interests in the target companies in cash flows from investing activities as “Payments for purchases of businesses and other.” Sony primarily recognized 116,289 million yen of content assets (music catalogs) and 11,501 million yen of other intangible assets from the acquisition of the interests in the target companies. The acquisition of the interests in the target companies is accounted for as an acquisition of a group of assets that does not constitute a business. The consideration for the content assets (music catalogs) directly acquired from other rights holders was 84,382 million yen, which was recorded in cash flows from operating activities as “Increase in content assets.”

 

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Table of Contents
11.

Purchase commitments, contingent liabilities and other

 

(1)

Loan commitments

Subsidiaries in the Financial Services segment have lines of credit in accordance with loan agreements with their customers. As of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, the total unused portion of the lines of credit extended under these contracts was 50,965 million yen and 26,169 million yen, respectively.

 

(2)

Purchase commitments

Purchase commitments for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (excluding content assets) as of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024 amounted to 160,919 million yen and 148,574 million yen, respectively.

In addition to the above, Sony has purchase commitments for goods and services. There are no purchase commitments that are individually material to Sony, except for the following.

Purchase commitments in the Pictures segment as of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024 amounted to 188,592 million yen and 172,950 million yen, respectively. The major components of these are agreements with creative talent for the development and production of motion pictures and television programming as well as agreements with third parties to acquire completed motion pictures, or certain rights therein, and to acquire the rights to broadcast certain live action sporting events. These agreements cover various periods mainly within three years from the end of each period.

Purchase commitments in the Music segment as of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024 amounted to 272,297 million yen and 286,108 million yen, respectively. The major components of these are contracts with recording artists, songwriters and production and sales companies of music software and videos for the future production, distribution and/or licensing of music products. These contracts cover various periods mainly within four years from the end of each period.

Purchase commitments in the G&NS segment as of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024 amounted to 33,436 million yen and 46,525 million yen, respectively. The major components of these are long-term contracts for the development, distribution and publishing of game software. These contracts cover various periods mainly within four years from the end of each period.

Sony has entered into purchase contracts for materials. As of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, Sony has committed to make payments of 211,930 million yen and 184,714 million yen, respectively, under such contracts.

Sony has entered into long-term contracts for the use of certain IT services. As of September 30, 2024, Sony has committed to make payments of 278,100 million yen under such contracts.

 

(3)

Litigation

Sony Group Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries are defendants or otherwise involved in pending legal and regulatory proceedings. However, based upon the information currently available, Sony believes that the outcome from such legal and regulatory proceedings would not have a material impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

 

(4)

Guarantees

Sony has issued guarantees that contingently require payments to guaranteed parties if certain specified events or conditions occur. The maximum potential amount of future payments under these guarantees as of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024 amounted to 410 million yen and 157 million yen, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents
12.

Subsequent event

(Stock Split)

Sony Group Corporation approved the implementation of a stock split of its common stock as follows at the meeting of its Board of Directors held on May 14, 2024.

1. Method of Stock Split

Each share of Sony Group Corporation’s common stock owned by shareholders whose names appear on the register of shareholders as of the close of the record date of September 30, 2024, was split into five (5) shares per share.

2. Number of shares increased by Stock Split

(i) Total number of issued shares before stock split:

    1,248,619,589 shares

(ii) Number of shares increased by stock split:

    4,994,478,356 shares

(iii) Total number of issued shares following stock split:

    6,243,097,945 shares

(iv) Total number of authorized shares following stock split:

   18,000,000,000 shares

3. Schedule of Stock Split

(i) Public notice of record date:

   September 13, 2024

(ii) Record date:

   September 30, 2024

(iii) Effective date:

   October 1, 2024

4. Partial Amendment to Articles of Incorporation

Sony Group Corporation amended its Articles of Incorporation to increase the total number of shares authorized to be issued by Sony Group Corporation from 3.6 billion to 18.0 billion, in accordance with Article 184, Paragraph 2 of the Companies Act of Japan, effective on October 1, 2024, which is the effective date of the stock split.

5. Impact on per share information

Refer to Note 9 of the Reconciliation of the differences between basic and diluted EPS.

 

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Table of Contents

(2) Other Information

i) Dividends declared

A year-end cash dividend

A year-end cash dividend for Sony Group Corporation’s common stock was approved at the Board of Directors meeting held on May 14, 2024 as follows:

1. Total amount of year-end cash dividends:

54,965 million yen

2. Amount of year-end cash dividends per share:

45.00 yen

3. Payment date:

June 10, 2024

Notes:

 1.

Year-end cash dividends were distributed to the shareholders recorded or registered as the holders or pledgees of shares in Sony Group Corporation’s register of shareholders as of the end of March 31, 2024.

 2.

As of October 1, 2024, Sony Group Corporation conducted a five-for-one stock split of its common stock. The dividend per share amount is the amount prior to the stock split.

 

An interim cash dividend

An interim cash dividend for Sony Group Corporation’s common stock was approved at the Board of Directors meeting held on November 7, 2024 as follows:

1. Total amount of interim cash dividends:

60,347 million yen

2. Amount of interim cash dividends per share:

50.00 yen

3. Payment date:

December 5, 2024

Notes:

 1.

Interim cash dividends are to be distributed to the shareholders recorded or registered as the holders or pledgees of shares in Sony Group Corporation’s register of shareholders as of the end of September 30, 2024.

 2.

As of October 1, 2024, Sony Group Corporation conducted a five-for-one stock split of its common stock. The dividend per share amount is the amount prior to the stock split.

ii) Litigation

For the legal proceedings, please refer to “IV Financial Statements – Notes to Condensed Semi-annual Consolidated Financial Statements – 11. Purchase commitments, contingent liabilities and other”.

 

- 58 -


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