a5881040.htm
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

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

For the month of January 2009
Commission File Number: 001-06439

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

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

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

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

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
SONY CORPORATION
 
(Registrant)
   
   
 
By:  /s/  Nobuyuki Oneda
 
                (Signature)
 
Nobuyuki Oneda
 
Executive Vice President and
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
Date: January 29, 2009

List of materials

Documents attached hereto:
 
i) Press release entitled Consolidated Financial Results for the Third Quarter Ended December 31, 2008

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


No: 09-014E
3:00 P.M. JST, January 29, 2009
 
Consolidated Financial Results
for the Third Quarter Ended December 31, 2008
 
Tokyo, January 29, 2009 -- Sony Corporation today announced its consolidated results for the third quarter ended December 31, 2008 (October 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008).
 
l
Consolidated sales decreased 24.6% year-on-year; local currency sales decreased 9%.
l
An operating loss was recorded due to factors such as the appreciation of the yen, deterioration of results at equity affiliates, slowdown of the global economy and intensified price competition, as well as the decline in the Japanese stock market.

 
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
 
Third quarter ended December 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change in yen
      2008 *
Sales and operating revenue
  ¥ 2,859.0     ¥ 2,154.6       -24.6 %   $ 23,677  
Operating income (loss)**
    236.2       (18.0 )     -       (197 )
(Equity in net income (loss) of
  affiliated companies recorded
  within operating income (loss))
    46.9       (10.8 )     -       (119 )
(Restructuring charges recorded as
  operating expenses)
    11.2       12.0       +7.4       132  
Income before income taxes**
    335.3       66.5       -80.2       730  
Net income
    200.2       10.4       -94.8       114  
Net income per share of
common stock
                               
Basic
  ¥ 
199.60
    ¥ 
10.37
      -94.8 %   $  0.11  
     Diluted
    190.29       9.98       -94.8       0.11  

Unless otherwise specified, all amounts are presented on the basis of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”).

* U.S. dollar amounts have been translated from yen, for convenience only, at the rate of ¥91=U.S. $1, the approximate Tokyo foreign exchange market rate as of December 31, 2008.

** Effective from the first quarter of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009,  Sony revised the presentation of its financial information to ensure that it is consistent with the way management views its consolidated operations.  Since Sony considers Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB (“Sony Ericsson”) and S-LCD Corporation (“S-LCD”) (which together constitute a majority of Sony’s equity investments) to be integral to Sony’s operations, Sony determined that the most appropriate method to report equity in net income (loss) of all affiliated companies was as a component of operating income (loss).  The equity earnings from Sony Ericsson and S-LCD are recorded within the operating income (loss) of the Electronics segment.  In connection with this reclassification, consolidated operating income (loss), operating income (loss) of each segment and consolidated income (loss) before income taxes for all prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the current quarter presentation.  Through September 30, 2008, Sony also reported the equity results for SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT (“SONY BMG”) within All Other.  Since Sony acquired the balance of SONY BMG on October 1, its results are now fully consolidated within All Other.  (See All Other section in Operating Performance Highlights by Business Segment below for further background on this acquisition.)
1


Due to the change in presentation of operating income (loss) to include equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies, “sales and operating revenue less costs and expenses” is equivalent to the definition of “operating income (loss)” under the previous presentation.  For purposes of assisting investors comparing Sony’s current information with information under the prior presentation, the table below reconciles sales and operating revenue less costs and expenses to operating income (loss) as presented above:
 
   
(Billions of yen)
 
   
Third quarter ended December 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
 
Sales and operating revenue less costs and expenses
  ¥ 189.3     ¥ (7.2 )
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies
    46.9       (10.8 )
Operating income (loss)
  ¥ 236.2     ¥ (18.0 )

Sales and operating revenue less costs and expenses is not a presentation in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  It is presented as supplemental information for transition purposes and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, Sony’s operating income (loss) or net income (loss).


 
Consolidated Results for the Third Quarter Ended December 31, 2008

Sales and operating revenue (“sales”) decreased 24.6% compared to the same quarter of the previous fiscal year (“year-on-year”).

During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, the average value of the yen was ¥95.3 against the U.S. dollar and ¥125.2 against the euro, which was 17.7% higher against the U.S. dollar and 29.6% higher against the euro, compared with the average rates for the same quarter of the previous fiscal year.  On a local currency basis, consolidated sales decreased 9% year-on-year.  For references to sales on a local currency basis, see Note on page 8.

Electronics segment sales decreased 29.3% year-on-year mainly due to the negative impact of the appreciation of the yen and a deterioration in the business environment brought on by the slowing global economy and an intensification of price competition.  In the Game segment, sales decreased 32.2% year-on-year as a result of the appreciation of the yen and a decrease in sales of hardware and software. In the Pictures segment, sales decreased 21.8% year-on-year due to the worldwide home entertainment release of Spider-Man 3 in the same quarter of the previous year, partially offset by the strong worldwide theatrical performance of Quantum of Solace in the current year’s third quarter.  In the Financial Services segment, although revenue from insurance premiums at Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (“Sony Life”) increased, segment revenue decreased 24.1% year-on-year due to the impact of a significant decline in the Japanese stock market.

An operating loss of ¥18.0 billion ($197 million) was recorded, a deterioration of ¥254.2 billion year-on-year.  Some of the factors causing the year-on-year deterioration in operating income were an approximate ¥127 billion impact from the appreciation of the yen against the U.S. dollar and the euro, a ¥57.7 billion impact from deterioration in results at equity affiliates including Sony Ericsson and a ¥33.2 billion increase in operating loss in the Financial Services segment mainly due to a significant decline in the Japanese stock market.

In the Electronics segment, an operating loss was recorded due to factors such as the decrease in sales and a deterioration in equity in net income (loss) of affiliates relating to Sony Ericsson.  In the Game segment, operating income decreased due to unfavorable exchange rates and a decrease in sales of PlayStation®2 (“PS2”) and PSP® (PlayStation Portable) (“PSP”) hardware and software, although the cost of PLAYSTATION®3 (“PS3”) hardware improved.  In the Pictures segment, operating income decreased due to unfavorable exchange rates.  In the Financial Services segment, operating loss increased mainly due to an increase in losses at Sony Life resulting from a significant decline in the Japanese stock market.
2


Restructuring charges of ¥12.0 billion ($132 million) were recorded as operating expenses this quarter compared to ¥11.2 billion in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. In the Electronics segment, restructuring charges were ¥10.1 billion ($111 million) during the quarter, while substantially all of the restructuring charges in the same period of the previous year were recorded in the Electronics segment.

Equity in net loss of affiliated companies, recorded within operating loss, was ¥10.8 billion ($119 million), a deterioration of ¥57.7 billion year-on-year.  Sony recorded equity in net loss for Sony Ericsson of ¥11.5 billion ($126 million), compared to equity in net income of ¥30.4 billion in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year, mainly due to a decrease in unit shipments, lower sales in mid- to high-end phones and price pressure, as well as the recording of restructuring charges.  Equity in net income for S-LCD, a joint-venture with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., decreased ¥2.2 billion year-on-year to ¥0.9 billion ($10 million).

Income before income taxes decreased 80.2% year-on-year to ¥66.5 billion ($730 million) primarily due to the deterioration in operating income.  Although net foreign exchange gain increased significantly year-on-year, the net effect of other income and expenses was a decrease of 14.8% as the prior year period benefited from the recording of a gain of ¥81.0 billion from the change in ownership interest in subsidiaries and investees as a result of the global initial public offering of shares of Sony Financial Holdings Inc. (“SFH”).

Income taxes: During the quarter, Sony recorded ¥64.4 billion ($707 million) of income taxes resulting in an effective tax rate of 97%.  The effective tax rate for the current quarter exceeded the Japanese statutory tax rate primarily due to the reversal of deferred tax assets for foreign tax credits previously recorded as well as the reduction of tax credits available for research and development expenses based upon the anticipated taxable loss position at Sony Corporation for the fiscal year.

Minority interest in loss of consolidated subsidiaries was ¥8.4 billion ($91 million), compared with ¥0.1 billion loss in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year.  Minority interest in loss was recorded during the quarter due to the recording of a loss at Sony Life.

As a result of the changes in the items discussed above, net income decreased 94.8% year-on-year to ¥10.4 billion ($114 million).


Operating Performance Highlights by Business Segment

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

Electronics
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Third quarter ended December 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change in
yen
   
2008
 
Sales and operating revenue
  ¥ 2,069.4     ¥ 1,462.1       -29.3 %   $ 16,067  
Operating income (loss)
    200.6       (15.9 )     -       (175 )

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

Sales decreased by 29.3% year-on-year (a 14% decrease on a local currency basis) to ¥1,462.1 billion ($16,067 million).  Sales to outside customers decreased 29.1% year-on-year.  This decrease was largely due to the negative impact from the appreciation of the yen against the U.S. dollar and the euro, deterioration in the business environment brought on by the slowing global economy and an intensification of price competition.  With regard to products within the Electronics segment, while Blu-ray Disc players saw higher sales due to increased unit sales, sales decreased significantly for products such as Cyber-shotTM compact digital cameras, Handycam® video cameras and VAIOTMPCs.
3


An operating loss of ¥15.9 billion ($175 million) was recorded, compared to operating income of ¥200.6 billion in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year.  This decrease was primarily due to a decline in sales and a deterioration in equity in net income (loss) for Sony Ericsson.  Operating income decreased significantly for products such as BRAVIATM LCD televisions, VAIO PCs and Cyber-shot compact digital cameras.

Inventory, as of December 31, 2008, was ¥845.1 billion ($9,286 million), a decrease of ¥48.2 billion, or 5.4%, compared with the level as of December 31, 2007 and a decrease of ¥241.5 billion, or 22.2%, compared with the level as of September 30, 2008.


Operating Results for Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB

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

(Millions of euro)
 
Quarter ended December 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change in euro
 
Sales and operating revenue
  3,771     2,914       -23 %
Income (loss) before taxes
    501       (256 )     -  
Net income (loss)
    373       (183 )     -  

Sales for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 decreased 23% year-on-year, which was mainly driven by lower volumes, due to the global economic slowdown that resulted in contracting consumer demand and decreased availability of credit.  Loss before taxes of €256 million was recorded, compared to income of €501 million in the same quarter of the previous year, mainly due to a decrease in unit shipments, lower sales in mid- to high-end phones and price pressure, as well as the recording of restructuring charges.


Game
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Third quarter ended December 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change in yen
   
2008
 
Sales and operating revenue
  ¥ 581.2     ¥ 393.8       -32.2 %   $ 4,328  
Operating income
    12.9       0.4    
  -97.0
      4  

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

Sales decreased 32.2% year-on-year (an 18% decrease on a local currency basis) to ¥393.8 billion ($4,328 million).

Hardware: Overall hardware sales decreased as a result of the impact of the appreciation of the yen against the U.S. dollar and the euro, in addition to a decrease in unit sales of PS2, PSP and PS3.
4

 
Software: Despite an increase in PS3 software sales, overall software sales decreased as a result of the impact of the appreciation of the yen against the U.S. dollar and the euro, as well as a decrease in PS2 and PSP software sales.

Operating income decreased 97.0% year-on-year to ¥0.4 billion ($4 million).  Although the cost of PS3 hardware improved, operating income decreased year-on-year due to the impact of the appreciation of the yen against the euro, as well as the decrease in hardware and software sales for both PS2 and PSP.

Worldwide hardware unit sales (decrease year-on-year):
 
-->
PS2:
2.52 million units (a decrease of 2.88 million units)
 
--> 
PSP:
5.08 million units (a decrease of 0.68 million units) 
 
-->
PS3:
4.46 million units (a decrease of 0.44 million units)


Worldwide software unit sales (increase/decrease year-on-year):
 
--> 
PS2: 
29.7 million units (a decrease of 31.2 million units) 
 
-->
PSP:
15.5 million units (a decrease of 2.8 million units)
 
-->
PS3:
40.8 million units (an increase of 14.8 million units)


Inventory, as of December 31, 2008, was ¥198.5 billion ($2,181 million), which represents a ¥15.5 billion, or 8.5%, increase compared with the level as of December 31, 2007.  Inventory decreased by ¥44.7 billion, or 18.4%, compared with the level as of September 30, 2008.


Pictures
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Third quarter ended December 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change in Yen
   
2008
 
Sales and operating revenue
  ¥ 223.8     ¥ 175.1       -21.8 %   $ 1,924  
Operating income
    14.1       12.9       -8.3       142  

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

Sales decreased 21.8% year-on-year (8% decrease on a U.S. dollar basis).  Sales decreased in the current quarter as the prior year benefited from the worldwide home entertainment release of Spider-Man 3.  This decrease was partially offset by higher worldwide theatrical revenues driven by the strong performance of Quantum of Solace, the latest James Bond film.  Television sales were lower year-on-year as the prior year included revenues from an extension of a licensing agreement for Wheel of Fortune.  There was no comparable activity in the current year’s third quarter.  Other notable releases that contributed to the current quarter’s motion picture revenues included the home entertainment releases of Hancock and Step Brothers.

Operating income of ¥12.9 billion ($142 million) was recorded, an 8.3% decrease year-on-year.  However, on a U.S. dollar basis, operating income in fact improved 6%.  Operating income, on a U.S. dollar basis, benefited from the higher contribution from films released theatrically in the current quarter, most notably Quantum of Solace, as compared to those released in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year.  This was partially offset by lower home entertainment and television licensing revenues in the current quarter.
5


Financial Services
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Third quarter ended December 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change in yen
   
2008
 
Financial service revenue
  ¥ 135.9   ¥ 
103.1
      -24.1 %   $ 1,133  
Operating income (loss) 
    (4.2 )     (37.4 )     -       (411 )

In Sony's Financial Services segment, results include SFH and SFH's consolidated subsidiaries such as Sony Life, Sony Assurance Inc. and Sony Bank Inc. (“Sony Bank”), as well as Sony Finance International Inc.  Unless otherwise specified, all amounts are reported on a U.S. GAAP basis.  Therefore, the results of Sony Life shown below differ from the results that SFH and Sony Life disclose on a Japanese statutory basis.

Financial service revenue decreased 24.1% year-on-year due to a decrease in revenue at Sony Life.  Revenue at Sony Life was ¥72.8 billion ($800 million), a ¥35.0 billion or 32.5% decrease year-on-year.  Revenue decreased year-on-year due to an increase of net losses from investments in the separate account and an increase of impairment losses on equity securities in the general account, as a result of a decline in the Japanese stock market during the current quarter that was larger than the decline in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year.  Partially offsetting this was an increase in revenue from insurance premiums reflecting an increase in insurance-in-force.

An operating loss of ¥37.4 billion ($411 million) was recorded, a deterioration of ¥33.2 billion year-on-year due to an increase in losses at Sony Life.  The operating loss at Sony Life was ¥37.7 billion ($415 million), a deterioration of ¥31.8 billion year-on-year mainly due to the additional recording of policy reserves for variable life insurance products in the separate account and an increase of impairment losses on equity securities in the general account, as a result of the significant decline in the Japanese stock market.  This increase in losses more than offset the contribution from increased revenue from insurance premiums at Sony Life.


All Other
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Third quarter ended December 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change in yen
   
2008
 
Sales and operating revenue
  ¥ 96.0   ¥ 
198.6
      +106.8 %   $ 2,182  
Operating income
    22.2       24.5       +10.0       269  

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

Sales increased 106.8% year-on-year.  This increase was primary due to the fact that on October 1, 2008, Sony completed the previously announced acquisition of Bertelsmann AG’s 50% stake in SONY BMG.  Upon acquisition, the company became a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony and has been consolidated by Sony.  As of January 1, 2009, the company changed its name to Sony Music Entertainment (“SME”).

During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, sales at SME were ¥105.2 billion ($1,156 million).  On a pro forma basis, this represents a 22% decrease on a U.S. dollar basis compared with the same quarter of the previous fiscal year when sales of SME were not consolidated.  Revenues were negatively impacted by the accelerated decline in the worldwide physical music market resulting from the worldwide economic slowdown, as well as unfavorable exchange rates.  Best selling albums during the quarter included AC/DC’s Black Ice, Beyonce’s I AM…SASHA FIERCE, P!NK’s Funhouse and Britney Spears’ Circus.
6


Excluding the impact of the consolidation of SME, sales of All Other decreased mainly due to a decrease in sales at Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (“SMEJ”).  Sales at SMEJ decreased mainly due to a decrease in album sales resulting from a continuing decline in the physical music market.  This was partially offset by higher sales at So-net Entertainment Corporation, which recorded higher fee revenue from broadband connection services.  SMEJ’s best-selling albums during the quarter included VOICE by Mika Nakashima, MY SHORT STORIES by YUI and My song Your song by ikimono-gakari.

Operating income increased 10.0% year-on-year primarily due to the consolidation of SME.  In the current year’s third quarter, SME recorded operating income of ¥14.4 billion ($158 million), which on a pro forma basis represents a 41% decrease from the prior year when its results were not consolidated within Sony’s results.  Lower sales and unfavorable exchange rates contributed to this decrease.  The prior year results include ¥11.5 billion of equity in net income for Sony’s then 50% owned share of SME.

Excluding the impact of the consolidation of SME, operating income of All Other decreased mainly due to a decrease in trademark royalty income from Sony Ericsson.  This was partially offset by an increase in operating income at SMEJ resulting primarily from its cost reduction activities.


Cash Flows

For Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, charts showing Sony’s cash flow information for all segments, all segments excluding the Financial Services segment and the Financial Services segment alone, please refer to pages F-4 and F12, respectively.

Operating Activities: During the nine months ended December 31, 2008, there was net cash flow of (¥35.0) billion ($384 million) in operating activities, a decrease of ¥373.6 billion year-on-year.  For all segments excluding the Financial Services segment, there was net cash flow of (¥208.4) billion ($2,290 million) in operating activities, a decrease of ¥387.9 billion year-on-year.  The Financial Services segment had a net cash inflow of ¥176.5 billion ($1,940 million) from operating activities, an increase of ¥12.4 billion, or 7.6% year-on-year.

During the nine months ended December 31, 2008, with respect to all segments excluding the Financial Services segment, the major cash outflow factors included increases in notes and accounts receivable and increases in inventory, particularly within the Electronics and Game segments. This exceeded cash inflow from net income, after taking into account depreciation and amortization.  The Financial Services segment generated net cash mainly from an increase in revenue from insurance premiums reflecting a steady increase in insurance-in-force, primarily at Sony Life.

Within all segments excluding the Financial Services segment, net cash was used in the current nine months compared to the net cash generated in the same period of the previous fiscal year mainly due to a decrease in net income and an increase in income tax payments.  Within the Financial Services segment, net cash generated increased year-on-year mainly due to an increase in revenue from insurance premiums at Sony Life.

Investing Activities: During the nine months ended December 31, 2008, Sony used ¥596.6 billion ($6,556 million) of net cash in investing activities, an increase of ¥60.7 billion, or 11.3% year-on-year.  For all segments excluding the Financial Services segment, ¥308.7 billion ($3,392 million) of net cash was used in investing activities, compared to ¥31.2 billion of net cash generated from investing activities in the same period of the previous fiscal year.  The Financial Services segment used ¥300.6 billion ($3,303 million) in net cash, a decrease of ¥262.7 billion, or 46.6% year-on-year.

During the nine months ended December 31, 2008, with respect to all segments excluding the Financial Services segment, payments for items such as purchases of manufacturing equipment in the Electronics segment and the acquisition of Bertelsmann AG’s 50% stake in SONY BMG exceeded proceeds generated mainly from the sales of semiconductor fabrication equipment.  Within the Financial Services segment, payments primarily for investments carried out at Sony Life, as well as for advances carried out at Sony Bank, where operations are expanding, exceeded proceeds mainly from the maturities and sales of marketable securities and collections of advances.
7


Within all segments excluding the Financial Services segment, net cash was used in investing activities during the current nine months while, in the same nine months of the previous fiscal year, net cash was generated mainly due to the sale of shares in SFH and a portion of Sony’s former headquarters site.  Net cash used in investing activities within the Financial Services segment decreased year-on-year mainly due to the increase in investment assets sales exceeding the increase in investments at Sony Life.

In all segments excluding the Financial Services segment, net cash used by operating and investing activities combined was ¥517.1 billion ($5,682 million), a decrease of ¥727.7 billion compared to the net cash generated by operating and investing activities combined in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

Financing Activities: During the nine months ended December 31, 2008, ¥383.0 billion ($4,208 million) of net cash was provided by financing activities, a decrease of ¥45.0 billion, or 10.5% year-on-year.  For all segments excluding the Financial Services segment, there was a net cash inflow of ¥125.1 billion ($1,375 million) in financing activities, an increase of ¥40.7 billion, or 48.3%, compared to a net cash inflow of ¥84.4 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year.  This was primarily due to issuances of commercial paper in the nine months of the current fiscal year, partially offset by the redemption of convertible bonds.  In the Financial Services segment, since the increase primarily in policyholder accounts at Sony Life and in deposits from customers at Sony Bank were less than the increases in the same period of the previous fiscal year, financing activities generated ¥267.4 billion ($2,938 million) of net cash, a decrease of ¥67.5 billion, or 20.1%, from the ¥334.8 billion generated in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

Total Cash and Cash Equivalents: Accounting for the above factors and the effect of fluctuations in exchange rates, the total outstanding balance of cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2008 was ¥786.8 billion ($8,646 million), a decrease of ¥299.7 billion, or 27.6% compared with the balance as of March 31, 2008.  This is a decrease of ¥237.1 billion, or 23.2% compared with the balance as of December 31, 2007.  The outstanding balance of cash and cash equivalents of all segments excluding the Financial Services segment was ¥505.7 billion ($5,558 million), a decrease of ¥443.0 billion, or 46.7% compared with the balance as of March 31, 2008.  This is a decrease of ¥305.5 billion, or 37.7% compared with the balance as of December 31, 2007.  Within the Financial Services segment, the outstanding balance of cash and cash equivalents was ¥281.0 billion ($3,088 million), an increase of ¥143.3 billion, or 104.1% compared with the balance as of March 31, 2008.  This is an increase of ¥68.3 billion, or 32.1% compared with the balance as of December 31, 2007.


Note

Sales on a local currency basis described herein reflect sales obtained by applying the yen’s monthly average exchange rate in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year to local currency-denominated monthly sales in the current quarter.  Sales on a local currency basis are not reflected in Sony’s consolidated financial statements and are not measures in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Sony does not believe that these measures are a substitute for U.S. GAAP measures.  However, Sony believes that disclosing sales information on a local currency basis provides additional useful analytical information to investors regarding operating performance of Sony.
8



Outlook for the Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2009

 
Sony’s forecast for the consolidated results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009, as revised on January 22, 2009, is as per the table below:
 
   
(Billions of yen)
 
   
Current Forecast
   
Change from
March 31, 2008
Actual Results
   
March 31, 2008
Actual Results
 
Sales and operating revenue 
  ¥ 
7,700
      -13 %   ¥ 
8,871.4
 
Operating income (loss)
    (260 )     -       475.3  
(Equity in net income (loss) of
 affiliated companies recorded within
 operating income (loss))
 
(20
)     -       100.8  
(Restructuring charges recorded as
  operating expenses)
    60       +27       47.3  
Income (Loss) before income taxes
    (200 )     -       567.1  
Net income (loss)
    (150 )     -       369.4  


Assumed foreign currency exchange rates for the fourth quarter of the fiscal year: approximately ¥90 to the U.S. dollar and approximately ¥120 to the euro.

This forecast is based on management’s current expectations and is subject to uncertainties and changes in circumstances.  Actual results may differ materially from those included in this forecast due to a variety of factors.  See “Cautionary Statement” below.

As is Sony’s policy, the effects of gains and losses on investments held by Sony Life due to market fluctuations since the end of the quarter, December 31, 2008, have not been incorporated within the above forecast as Sony cannot predict where the financial markets will be at the end of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009.  Accordingly, these market fluctuations could further impact the current forecast.

Sony’s forecast for capital expenditures, depreciation and amortization, and research and development expenses, as revised on January 22, 2009, is as per the table below:
 
   
(Billions of yen)
   
Current Forecast
   
Change from
March 31, 2008
Actual Results
   
March 31, 2008
Actual Results
Capital expenditures
 (addition to fixed assets) * 
  ¥ 
380
      +13 %   ¥ 
335.7
  for semiconductors (included above)
    80       -11       90
Depreciation and amortization **
 
410 
      -4       428.0
for tangible assets (included above)
    310       -6       328.9
Research and development expenses
    530       +2       520.6
     
*
Investments in equity affiliates are not included within the forecast for capital expenditures. 
**
The forecast for depreciation and amortization includes amortization of intangible assets and amortization of deferred insurance acquisition costs.
 
9

 
Cautionary Statement

Statements made in this release with respect to Sony’s current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Sony.  Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those statements using words such as “believe,” “expect,” “plans,” “strategy,” “prospects,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “may” or “might” and words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operations, financial performance, events or conditions.  From time to time, oral or written forward-looking statements may also be included in other materials released to the public.  These statements are based on management’s assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it.  Sony cautions you that a number of important risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and therefore you should not place undue reliance on them.  You also should not rely on any obligation of Sony to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  Sony disclaims any such obligation.  Risks and uncertainties that might affect Sony include, but are not limited to (i) the global economic environment in which Sony operates, as well as the economic conditions in Sony’s markets, particularly levels of consumer spending as well as the recent worldwide crisis in the financial markets and housing sectors; (ii) exchange rates, particularly between the yen and the U.S. dollar, the euro and other currencies in which Sony makes significant sales or in which Sony's assets and liabilities are denominated; (iii) Sony’s ability to continue to design and develop and win acceptance of, as well as achieve sufficient cost reductions for, its products and services, including newly introduced platforms within the Game segment, which are offered in highly competitive markets characterized by continual new product introductions, rapid development in technology and subjective and changing consumer preferences (particularly in the Electronics, Game and Pictures segments, and the music business); (iv) Sony’s ability and timing to recoup large-scale investments required for technology development and increasing production capacity; (v) Sony’s ability to implement successfully business reorganization activities in its Electronics segment; (vi) Sony’s ability to implement successfully its network strategy for its Electronics, Game and Pictures segments, and All Other, including the music business, and to develop and implement successful sales and distribution strategies in its Pictures segment and the music business in light of the Internet and other technological developments; (vii) Sony’s continued ability to devote sufficient resources to research and development and, with respect to capital expenditures, to correctly prioritize investments (particularly in the Electronics segment); (viii) Sony’s ability to maintain product quality (particularly in the Electronics and Game segments); (ix) the success of Sony’s joint ventures and alliances; (x) the outcome of pending legal and/or regulatory proceedings; (xi) shifts in customer demand for financial services such as life insurance and Sony’s ability to conduct successful asset liability management in the Financial Services segment; and (xii) the impact of unfavorable conditions or developments (including market fluctuations or volatility) in the Japanese equity markets on the revenue and operating income of the Financial Services segment.  Risks and uncertainties also include the impact of any future events with material adverse impacts.
 
10

 
(Unaudited)
                                   
Consolidated Financial Statements
                                   
Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                   
     
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
     
December 31
   
March 31
 
ASSETS
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change from 2007
   
2008
   
2008
 
Current assets:
                                   
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  ¥ 1,023,873     ¥ 786,763     ¥ -237,110       -23.2 %   $ 8,646     ¥ 1,086,431  
 
Call loan in the banking business
    247,338       125,062       -122,276       -49.4       1,374       352,569  
 
Marketable securities
    481,513       530,317       +48,804       +10.1       5,828       427,709  
 
Notes and accounts receivable, trade
    1,746,517       1,327,287       -419,230       -24.0       14,586       1,183,620  
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns
    (131,074 )     (111,757 )     +19,317       -14.7       (1,228 )     (93,335 )
 
Inventories
    1,101,429       1,082,772       -18,657       -1.7       11,899       1,021,595  
 
Deferred income taxes
    268,243       180,664       -87,579       -32.6       1,985       237,073  
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    817,517       796,895       -20,622       -2.5       8,756       794,001  
        5,555,356       4,718,003       -837,353       -15.1       51,846       5,009,663  
                                                   
Film costs
    329,920       295,801       -34,119       -10.3       3,251       304,243  
                                                   
Investments and advances:
                                               
 
Affiliated companies
    450,682       251,059       -199,623       -44.3       2,759       381,188  
 
Securities investments and other
    3,776,523       4,203,391       +426,868       +11.3       46,191       3,954,460  
        4,227,205       4,454,450       +227,245       +5.4       48,950       4,335,648  
                                                   
Property, plant and equipment:
                                               
 
Land
    169,565       153,720       -15,845       -9.3       1,689       158,289  
 
Buildings
    1,030,699       889,285       -141,414       -13.7       9,772       903,116  
 
Machinery and equipment
    2,698,181       2,350,687       -347,494       -12.9       25,832       2,483,016  
 
Construction in progress
    58,887       84,491       +25,604       +43.5       928       55,740  
 
Less-Accumulated depreciation
    (2,524,084 )     (2,300,074 )     +224,010       -8.9       (25,275 )     (2,356,812 )
        1,433,248       1,178,109       -255,139       -17.8       12,946       1,243,349  
Other assets:
                                               
 
Intangibles, net
    269,223       374,189       +104,966       +39.0       4,112       263,490  
 
Goodwill
    322,600       426,210       +103,610       +32.1       4,684       304,423  
 
Deferred insurance acquisition costs
    399,591       398,219       -1,372       -0.3       4,376       396,819  
 
Deferred income taxes
    229,418       220,814       -8,604       -3.8       2,427       198,666  
 
Other
    449,952       497,089       +47,137       +10.5       5,462       496,438  
        1,670,784       1,916,521       +245,737       +14.7       21,061       1,659,836  
      ¥ 13,216,513     ¥ 12,562,884     ¥ -653,629       -4.9 %   $ 138,054     ¥ 12,552,739  
                                                   
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                               
Current liabilities:
                                               
 
Short-term borrowings
  ¥ 181,667     ¥ 411,898     ¥ +230,231     +126.7 %   $ 4,526     ¥ 63,224  
 
Current portion of long-term debt
    294,393       100,367       -194,026       -65.9       1,103       291,879  
 
Notes and accounts payable, trade
    1,249,761       852,284       -397,477       -31.8       9,366       920,920  
 
Accounts payable, other and accrued expenses
    995,047       1,080,718       +85,671       +8.6       11,876       896,598  
 
Accrued income and other taxes
    206,952       80,088       -126,864       -61.3       880       200,803  
 
Deposits from customers in the banking business
    980,604       1,339,213       +358,609       +36.6       14,717       1,144,399  
 
Other
    570,556       423,954       -146,602       -25.7       4,659       505,544  
        4,478,980       4,288,522       -190,458       -4.3       47,127       4,023,367  
                                                   
Long-term liabilities:
                                               
 
Long-term debt
    737,534       685,005       -52,529       -7.1       7,528       729,059  
 
Accrued pension and severance costs
    179,352       227,808       +48,456       +27.0       2,503       231,237  
 
Deferred income taxes
    308,595       220,054       -88,541       -28.7       2,418       268,600  
 
Future insurance policy benefits and other
    3,245,753       3,462,544       +216,791       +6.7       38,050       3,298,506  
 
Other
    267,094       222,506       -44,588       -16.7       2,445       260,032  
        4,738,328       4,817,917       +79,589       +1.7       52,944       4,787,434  
                                                   
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries
    296,823       260,723       -36,100       -12.2       2,865       276,849  
                                                   
Stockholders' equity:
                                               
 
Capital stock
    630,381       630,765       +384       +0.1       6,931       630,576  
 
Additional paid-in capital
    1,149,625       1,154,279       +4,654       +0.4       12,684       1,151,447  
 
Retained earnings
    2,042,874       2,095,453       +52,579       +2.6       23,027       2,059,361  
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    (115,825 )     (680,085 )     -564,260       +487.2       (7,472 )     (371,527 )
 
Treasury stock, at cost
    (4,673 )     (4,690 )     -17       +0.4       (52 )     (4,768 )
        3,702,382       3,195,722       -506,660       -13.7       35,118       3,465,089  
      ¥ 13,216,513     ¥ 12,562,884     ¥ -653,629       -4.9 %   $ 138,054     ¥ 12,552,739  
F-1

Consolidated Statements of Income
     
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
 
   
Fiscal year
 
   
Three months ended December 31
   
ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change from 2007
   
2008
   
2008
 
Sales and operating revenue:
                                   
Net sales
  ¥ 2,698,265     ¥ 2,029,451     ¥ -668,814       -24.8 %   $ 22,302     ¥ 8,201,839  
Financial service revenue
    128,927       99,558       -29,369       -22.8       1,094       553,216  
Other operating revenue
    31,838       25,575       -6,263       -19.7       281       116,359  
      2,859,030       2,154,584       -704,446       -24.6       23,677       8,871,414  
Costs and expenses:
                                               
Cost of sales
    2,034,540       1,564,079       -470,461       -23.1       17,188       6,290,022  
Selling, general and administrative
    501,044       461,903       -39,141       -7.8       5,076       1,714,445  
Financial service expenses
    130,978       132,782       +1,804       +1.4       1,459       530,306  
(Gain) loss on sale, disposal or impairment of assets, net
    3,110       2,973       -137       -4.4       32       (37,841 )
      2,669,672       2,161,737       -507,935       -19.0       23,755       8,496,932  
                                                 
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies
    46,861       (10,809 )     -57,670       -       (119 )     100,817  
                                                 
Operating income (loss)
    236,219       (17,962 )     -254,181       -       (197 )     475,299  
                                                 
Other income:
                                               
Interest and dividends
    11,956       4,220       -7,736       -64.7       46       34,272  
Foreign exchange gain, net
    11,085       79,802       +68,717       +619.9       877       5,571  
Gain on sale of securities investments, net
    287       365       +78       +27.2       4       5,504  
Gain on change in interest in subsidiaries and equity
investees
    81,038       1,515       -79,523       -98.1       16       82,055  
Other
    3,123       10,186       +7,063       +226.2       112       22,045  
      107,489       96,088       -11,401       -10.6       1,055       149,447  
                                                 
Other expenses:
                                               
Interest
    4,194       6,863       +2,669       +63.6       75       22,931  
Loss on devaluation of securities investments
    249       1,358       +1,109       +445.4       15       13,087  
Other
    3,936       3,454       -482       -12.2       38       21,594  
      8,379       11,675       +3,296       +39.3       128       57,612  
                                                 
Income before income taxes
    335,329       66,451       -268,878       -80.2       730       567,134  
                                                 
Income taxes
    135,244       64,395       -70,849       -52.4       707       203,478  
                                                 
Income before minority interest
    200,085       2,056       -198,029       -99.0       23       363,656  
                                                 
Minority interest in loss of consolidated subsidiaries
    (136 )     (8,353 )     -8,217       -       (91 )     (5,779 )
                                                 
Net income
  ¥ 200,221     ¥ 10,409     ¥ -189,812       -94.8     $ 114     ¥ 369,435  
                                                 
Per share data:
                                               
Common stock
                                               
Net income
                                               
— Basic
  ¥ 199.60     ¥ 10.37     ¥ -189.23       -94.8     $ 0.11     ¥ 368.33  
— Diluted
    190.29       9.98       -180.31       -94.8       0.11       351.10  
F-2

   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
 
                                 
Fiscal year
 
   
Nine months ended December 31
   
ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change from 2007
   
2008
   
2008
 
Sales and operating revenue:
                                   
Net sales
  ¥ 6,370,349     ¥ 5,755,002     ¥ -615,347       -9.7 %   $ 63,242     ¥ 8,201,839  
Financial service revenue
    457,088       375,409       -81,679       -17.9       4,125       553,216  
Other operating revenue
    91,140       75,522       -15,618       -17.1       830       116,359  
      6,918,577       6,205,933       -712,644       -10.3       68,197       8,871,414  
Costs and expenses:
                                               
Cost of sales
    4,867,649       4,446,556       -421,093       -8.7       48,863       6,290,022  
Selling, general and administrative
    1,315,381       1,276,040       -39,341       -3.0       14,022       1,714,445  
Financial service expenses
    402,096       402,207       +111       +0.0       4,420       530,306  
(Gain) loss on sale, disposal or impairment of assets, net
    (45,700 )     7,181       +52,881       -       79       (37,841 )
      6,539,426       6,131,984       -407,442       -6.2       67,384       8,496,932  
                                                 
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies
    89,972       (7,424 )     -97,396       -       (82 )     100,817  
                                                 
Operating income
    469,123       66,525       -402,598       -85.8       731       475,299  
                                                 
Other income:
                                               
Interest and dividends
    26,651       18,533       -8,118       -30.5       204       34,272  
Foreign exchange gain, net
    73       60,072       +59,999       +82,190.4       660       5,571  
Gain on sale of securities investments, net
    1,629       826       -803       -49.3       9       5,504  
Gain on change in interest in subsidiaries and equity
investees
    81,052       1,839       -79,213       -97.7       20       82,055  
Other
    14,103       21,989       +7,886       +55.9       242       22,045  
      123,508       103,259       -20,249       -16.4       1,135       149,447  
                                                 
Other expenses:
                                               
Interest
    17,731       18,290       +559       +3.2       201       22,931  
Loss on devaluation of securities investments
    9,654       2,800       -6,854       -71.0       31       13,087  
Other
    15,124       12,014       -3,110       -20.6       132       21,594  
      42,509       33,104       -9,405       -22.1       364       57,612  
                                                 
Income before income taxes
    550,122       136,680       -413,442       -75.2       1,502       567,134  
                                                 
Income taxes
    209,773       74,461       -135,312       -64.5       818       203,478  
                                                 
Income before minority interest
    340,349       62,219       -278,130       -81.7       684       363,656  
                                                 
Minority interest in loss of consolidated subsidiaries
    (42 )     (3,983 )     -3,941       -       (43 )     (5,779 )
                                                 
Net income
  ¥ 340,391     ¥ 66,202     ¥ -274,189       -80.6     $ 727     ¥ 369,435  
                                                 
Per share data:
                                               
Common stock
                                               
Net income
                                               
— Basic
  ¥ 339.42     ¥ 65.97     ¥ -237.45       -80.6     $ 0.72     ¥ 368.33  
— Diluted
    323.42       63.16       -260.26       -80.5       0.69       351.10  
F-3

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                       
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
                     
Fiscal year
 
   
Nine months ended December 31
   
ended March 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
2008
   
2008
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net income
  ¥ 340,391     ¥ 66,202     $ 727     ¥ 369,435  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in)
                               
operating activities:
                               
Depreciation and amortization, including amortization of
deferred insurance acquisition costs
    314,239       300,585       3,303       428,010  
Amortization of film costs
    243,390       185,256       2,036       305,468  
Stock-based compensation expense
    2,935       2,825       31       4,130  
Accrual for pension and severance costs, less payments
    (9,259 )     (11,983 )     (132 )     (17,589 )
(Gain) loss on sale, disposal or impairment of assets, net
    (45,700 )     7,181       79       (37,841 )
Gain on sale or loss on devaluation of securities investments, net
    8,025       1,974       22       7,583  
Loss on revaluation of marketable securities held in the financial
service business for trading purpose, net
    14,418       78,283       860       56,543  
Gain on change in interest in subsidiaries and equity investees
    (81,052 )     (1,839 )     (20 )     (82,055 )
Deferred income taxes
    4,713       (17,496 )     (192 )     20,040  
Equity in net (income) losses of affiliated companies, net of dividends
    (43,526 )     39,077       429       (13,527 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                               
(Increase) decrease in notes and accounts receivable, trade
    (237,269 )     (228,616 )     (2,512 )     185,651  
Increase in inventories
    (152,233 )     (182,727 )     (2,008 )     (140,725 )
Increase in film costs
    (275,536 )     (206,931 )     (2,274 )     (353,343 )
Increase (decrease) in notes and accounts payable, trade
    67,812       (79,919 )     (878 )     (235,459 )
Increase (decrease) in accrued income and other taxes
    149,467       (130,840 )     (1,438 )     138,872  
Increase in future insurance policy benefits and other
    137,348       102,242       1,124       166,356  
Increase in deferred insurance acquisition costs
    (48,716 )     (51,868 )     (570 )     (62,951 )
Increase in marketable securities held in the financial service
business for trading purpose
    (47,669 )     (32,758 )     (360 )     (57,271 )
Increase in other current assets
    (68,634 )     (150,292 )     (1,652 )     (24,312 )
Increase in other current liabilities
    88,437       92,129       1,012       51,838  
Other
    (22,974 )     184,548       2,029       48,831  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    338,607       (34,967 )     (384 )     757,684  
                                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                               
Payments for purchases of fixed assets
    (337,055 )     (360,339 )     (3,960 )     (474,552 )
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets
    77,029       152,474       1,676       144,741  
Payments for investments and advances by financial service business
    (1,367,996 )     (1,613,519 )     (17,731 )     (2,283,491 )
Payments for investments and advances (other than financial service business)
    (95,496 )     (115,329 )     (1,267 )     (103,082 )
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities, sales of securities
investments and collections of advances by financial service business
    831,127       1,330,046       14,616       1,441,496  
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities, sales of securities
investments and collections of advances (other than financial service
business)
    45,509       8,579       94       51,947  
Proceeds from sales of subsidiaries' and equity investees' stocks
    306,208       2,248       25       307,133  
Other
    4,768       (785 )     (9 )     5,366  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (535,906 )     (596,625 )     (6,556 )     (910,442 )
                                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                               
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    26,780       50,454       554       31,093  
Payments of long-term debt
    (32,762 )     (260,987 )     (2,868 )     (34,701 )
Increase in short-term borrowings, net
    112,953       384,129       4,221       15,838  
Increase in deposits from customers in the financial service business, net
    297,969       255,444       2,807       485,965  
Increase in call money and bills sold in the banking business, net
    16,500                    
Dividends paid
    (25,133 )     (42,669 )     (469 )     (25,098 )
Proceeds from issuance of shares under stock-based compensation plans
    7,093       378       4       7,484  
Proceeds from issuance of stocks by subsidiaries
    28,800                   28,943  
Other
    (4,226 )     (3,780 )     (41 )     (4,006 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    427,974       382,969       4,208       505,518  
                                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (6,701 )     (51,045 )     (561 )     (66,228 )
                                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    223,974       (299,668 )     (3,293 )     286,532  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year
    799,899       1,086,431       11,939       799,899  
                                 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
  ¥ 1,023,873     ¥ 786,763     $ 8,646     ¥ 1,086,431  
F-4

Business Segment Information
                       
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Three months ended December 31
 
Sales and operating revenue
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Electronics
                       
Customers
  ¥ 1,873,231     ¥ 1,327,548       -29.1 %   $ 14,588  
Intersegment
    196,202       134,570               1,479  
Total
    2,069,433       1,462,118       -29.3       16,067  
                                 
Game
                               
Customers
    555,296       369,609       -33.4       4,062  
Intersegment
    25,859       24,231               266  
Total
    581,155       393,840       -32.2       4,328  
                                 
Pictures
                               
Customers
    223,622       175,117       -21.7       1,924  
Intersegment
    184                      
Total
    223,806       175,117       -21.8       1,924  
                                 
Financial Services
                               
Customers
    128,927       99,558       -22.8       1,094  
Intersegment
    6,969       3,526               39  
Total
    135,896       103,084       -24.1       1,133  
                                 
All Other
                               
Customers
    77,954       182,752       +134.4       2,009  
Intersegment
    18,059       15,816               173  
Total
    96,013       198,568       +106.8       2,182  
                                 
Elimination
    (247,273 )     (178,143 )     -       (1,957 )
Consolidated total
  ¥ 2,859,030     ¥ 2,154,584       -24.6 %   $ 23,677  
                                 
Electronics intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the Game segment, Pictures segment and All Other.
 
Game intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the Electronics segment.
         
All Other intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the Electronics, Game and Pictures segments.
 
                                 
Operating income (loss)
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Electronics
  ¥ 200,599     ¥ (15,939 )     - %   $ (175 )
Game
    12,922       389       -97.0       4  
Pictures
    14,117       12,949       -8.3       142  
Financial Services
    (4,169 )     (37,399 )     -       (411 )
All Other
    22,242       24,461       +10.0       269  
Total
    245,711       (15,539 )     -       (171 )
                                 
Corporate and elimination
    (9,492 )     (2,423 )     -       (26 )
Consolidated total
  ¥ 236,219     ¥ (17,962 )     - %   $ (197 )
                                 
The 2007 segment disclosure above has been revised to reflect the reclassification discussed in Note 5.
 
F-5

   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Nine months ended December 31
 
Sales and operating revenue
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Electronics
                       
Customers
  ¥ 4,626,053     ¥ 4,139,220       -10.5 %   $ 45,486  
Intersegment
    535,769       415,322               4,564  
Total
    5,161,822       4,554,542       -11.8       50,050  
                                 
Game
                               
Customers
    968,437       830,028       -14.3       9,121  
Intersegment
    52,724       61,973               681  
Total
    1,021,161       892,001       -12.6       9,802  
                                 
Pictures
                               
Customers
    643,840       530,834       -17.6       5,833  
Intersegment
    960                      
Total
    644,800       530,834       -17.7       5,833  
                                 
Financial Services
                               
Customers
    457,088       375,409       -17.9       4,125  
Intersegment
    21,152       11,403               126  
Total
    478,240       386,812       -19.1       4,251  
                                 
All Other
                               
Customers
    223,159       330,442       +48.1       3,632  
Intersegment
    52,228       50,547               555  
Total
    275,387       380,989       +38.3       4,187  
                                 
Elimination
    (662,833 )     (539,245 )     -       (5,926 )
Consolidated total
  ¥ 6,918,577     ¥ 6,205,933       -10.3 %   $ 68,197  
                                 
Electronics intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the Game segment, Pictures segment and All Other.
 
Game intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the Electronics segment.
         
All Other intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the Electronics, Game and Pictures segments.
 
                                 
Operating income (loss)
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Electronics
  ¥ 431,351     ¥ 104,058       -75.9 %     1,144  
Game
    (112,970 )     (33,658 )     -       (370 )
Pictures
    22,420       15,674       -30.1       172  
Financial Services
    52,721       (32,101 )     -       (353 )
All Other
    41,749       34,725       -16.8       382  
Total
    435,271       88,698       -79.6       975  
                                 
Corporate and elimination
    33,852       (22,173 )     -       (244 )
Consolidated total
  ¥ 469,123     ¥ 66,525       -85.8 %   $ 731  
                                 
The 2007 segment disclosure above has been revised to reflect the reclassification discussed in Note 5.
 
F-6

Electronics Sales and Operating Revenue to Customers by Product Category
                   
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Three months ended December 31
 
Sales and operating revenue
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Audio
  ¥ 192,001     ¥ 140,380       -26.9 %   $ 1,543  
Video
    390,216       271,277       -30.5       2,981  
Televisions
    507,700       372,753       -26.6       4,096  
Information and Communications
    323,487       244,096       -24.5       2,682  
Semiconductors
    63,868       56,084       -12.2       616  
Components
    230,713       150,091       -34.9       1,649  
Other
    165,246       92,867       -43.8       1,021  
Total
  ¥ 1,873,231     ¥ 1,327,548       -29.1 %   $ 14,588  
                                 
   
Nine months ended December 31
 
Sales and operating revenue
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Audio
  ¥ 446,490       375,541       -15.9 %   $ 4,127  
Video
    1,043,628       883,953       -15.3       9,714  
Televisions
    1,052,209       1,048,783       -0.3       11,525  
Information and Communications
    826,242       750,913       -9.1       8,252  
Semiconductors
    180,125       173,957       -3.4       1,912  
Components
    635,884       550,596       -13.4       6,050  
Other
    441,475       355,477       -19.5       3,906  
Total
  ¥ 4,626,053     ¥ 4,139,220       -10.5 %   $ 45,486  
                                 
The above table is a breakdown of Electronics sales and operating revenue to customers in the Business Segment Information on page F-5 and F-6.
 
The Electronics segment is managed as a single operating segment by Sony’s management. However, Sony believes that the information in this table
 
is useful to investors in understanding the product categories in this business segment.
 
Commencing April 1, 2008, Sony has partially realigned its product category configuration in the Electronics segment. Accordingly, results for the same
 
period of the previous fiscal year have been reclassified.
 
                                 
Geographic Segment Information
                               
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Three months ended December 31
 
Sales and operating revenue
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Japan
  ¥ 565,990     ¥ 482,649       -14.7 %   $ 5,304  
United States
    758,370       542,185       -28.5       5,958  
Europe
    842,062       654,613       -22.3       7,194  
Other Areas
    692,608       475,137       -31.4       5,221  
Total
  ¥ 2,859,030       2,154,584       -24.6 %   $ 23,677  
                                 
   
Nine months ended December 31
 
Sales and operating revenue
 
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Japan
  ¥ 1,601,121     ¥ 1,420,814       -11.3 %   $ 15,613  
United States
    1,736,896       1,471,527       -15.3       16,171  
Europe
    1,810,008       1,635,720       -9.6       17,975  
Other Areas
    1,770,552       1,677,872       -5.2       18,438  
Total
  ¥ 6,918,577     ¥ 6,205,933       -10.3 %   $ 68,197  
                                 
Classification of Geographic Segment Information shows sales and operating revenue recognized by location of customers.
 
F-7

Condensed Financial Services Financial Statements
 
The results of the Financial Services segment are included in Sony’s consolidated financial statements.  The following schedules show
unaudited condensed financial statements for the Financial Services segment and all other segments excluding Financial Services.
These presentations are not in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which is used by Sony to prepare its consolidated financial statements.
However, because the Financial Services segment is different in nature from Sony’s other segments, Sony believes that a comparative
presentation may be useful in understanding and analyzing Sony’s consolidated financial statements.
Transactions between the Financial Services segment and Sony without Financial Services are eliminated in the consolidated figures
shown below.
 
Condensed Balance Sheet
                       
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Financial Services
 
December 31
   
March 31
 
ASSETS
 
2007
   
2008
   
2008
   
2008
 
Current assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  ¥ 212,700     ¥ 281,049     $ 3,088     ¥ 137,721  
Call loan in the banking business
    247,338       125,062       1,374       352,569  
Marketable securities
    478,509       527,209       5,794       424,709  
Other
    381,954       280,444       3,082       290,120  
      1,320,501       1,213,764       13,338       1,205,119  
                                 
Investments and advances
    3,688,169       4,144,033       45,539       3,879,877  
Property, plant and equipment
    38,336       30,406       334       38,512  
Other assets:
                               
Deferred insurance acquisition costs
    399,591       398,219       4,376       396,819  
Other
    101,687       125,037       1,374       105,332  
      501,278       523,256       5,750       502,151  
    ¥ 5,548,284     ¥ 5,911,459     $ 64,961     ¥ 5,625,659  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                               
Current liabilities:
                               
Short-term borrowings
  ¥ 73,283     ¥ 71,726     $ 788     ¥ 44,408  
Notes and accounts payable, trade
    17,112       19,846       218       16,376  
Deposits from customers in the banking business
    980,604       1,339,213       14,717       1,144,399  
Other
    209,565       145,634       1,600       157,773  
      1,280,564       1,576,419       17,323       1,362,956  
                                 
Long-term liabilities:
                               
Long-term debt
    114,929       103,015       1,132       111,771  
Future insurance policy benefits and other
    3,245,753       3,462,544       38,050       3,298,506  
Other
    222,231       193,888       2,130       211,130  
      3,582,913       3,759,447       41,312       3,621,407  
                                 
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries
    4,226       1,060       12       919  
Stockholders' equity
    680,581       574,533       6,314       640,377  
    ¥ 5,548,284     ¥ 5,911,459     $ 64,961     ¥ 5,625,659  
F-8

   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Sony without Financial Services
 
December 31
   
March 31
 
  ASSETS
 
2007
   
2008
   
2008
   
2008
 
Current assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  ¥ 811,173     ¥ 505,714     $ 5,558     ¥  948,710  
Marketable securities
    3,004       3,108       34       3,000  
Notes and accounts receivable, trade
    1,609,327       1,210,688       13,304       1,083,489  
Other
    1,854,875       1,833,995       20,154       1,801,468  
      4,278,379       3,553,505       39,050       3,836,667  
                                 
Film costs
    329,920       295,801       3,251       304,243  
Investments and advances
    607,488       366,674       4,029       518,536  
Investments in Financial Services, at cost
    116,843       116,843       1,284       116,843  
Property, plant and equipment
    1,394,912       1,147,703       12,612       1,204,837  
Other assets
    1,216,533       1,438,082       15,803       1,203,849  
    ¥ 7,944,075     ¥ 6,918,608     $ 76,029     ¥  7,184,975  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                               
Current liabilities:
                               
Short-term borrowings
  ¥ 444,711     ¥ 491,235     $ 5,398     ¥  339,485  
Notes and accounts payable, trade
    1,234,036       834,472       9,170       906,281  
Other
    1,569,936       1,445,678       15,887       1,452,756  
      3,248,683       2,771,385       30,455       2,698,522  
                                 
Long-term liabilities:
                               
Long-term debt
    661,393       605,296       6,652       650,969  
Accrued pension and severance costs
    172,930       220,100       2,419       223,203  
Other
    429,811       324,115       3,561       394,779  
      1,264,134       1,149,511       12,632       1,268,951  
                                 
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries
    38,538       46,567       512       37,509  
Stockholders' equity
    3,392,720       2,951,145       32,430       3,179,993  
    ¥ 7,944,075     ¥ 6,918,608     $ 76,029     ¥  7,184,975  
                                 
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Consolidated
 
December 31
   
March 31
 
  ASSETS
 
2007
   
2008
   
2008
   
2008
 
Current assets:
                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  ¥ 1,023,873     ¥ 786,763     $ 8,646     ¥  1,086,431  
Call loan in the banking business
    247,338       125,062       1,374       352,569  
Marketable securities
    481,513       530,317       5,828       427,709  
Notes and accounts receivable, trade
    1,615,443       1,215,530       13,358       1,090,285  
Other
    2,187,189       2,060,331       22,640       2,052,669  
      5,555,356       4,718,003       51,846       5,009,663  
                                 
Film costs
    329,920       295,801       3,251       304,243  
Investments and advances
    4,227,205       4,454,450       48,950       4,335,648  
Property, plant and equipment
    1,433,248       1,178,109       12,946       1,243,349  
Other assets:
                               
Deferred insurance acquisition costs
    399,591       398,219       4,376       396,819  
Other
    1,271,193       1,518,302       16,685       1,263,017  
      1,670,784       1,916,521       21,061       1,659,836  
    ¥ 13,216,513     ¥ 12,562,884     $ 138,054     ¥  12,552,739  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                               
Current liabilities:
                               
Short-term borrowings
  ¥ 476,060     ¥ 512,265     $ 5,629     ¥  355,103  
Notes and accounts payable, trade
    1,249,761       852,284       9,366       920,920  
Deposits from customers in the banking business
    980,604       1,339,213       14,717       1,144,399  
Other
    1,772,555       1,584,760       17,415       1,602,945  
      4,478,980       4,288,522       47,127       4,023,367  
                                 
Long-term liabilities:
                               
Long-term debt
    737,534       685,005       7,528       729,059  
Accrued pension and severance costs
    179,352       227,808       2,503       231,237  
Future insurance policy benefits and other
    3,245,753       3,462,544       38,050       3,298,506  
Other
    575,689       442,560       4,863       528,632  
      4,738,328       4,817,917       52,944       4,787,434  
                                 
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries
    296,823       260,723       2,865       276,849  
Stockholders' equity
    3,702,382       3,195,722       35,118       3,465,089  
    ¥ 13,216,513     ¥ 12,562,884     $ 138,054     ¥  12,552,739  
F-9

Condensed Statements of Income
                       
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Financial Services
 
Three months ended December 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
                         
Financial service revenue
  ¥ 135,896     ¥ 103,084       -24.1 %   $ 1,133  
Financial service expenses
    140,065       140,136       +0.1       1,540  
Equity in net loss of an affiliated company
          (347 )     -       (4 )
Operating loss
    (4,169 )     (37,399 )     -       (411 )
Other income (expenses), net
    (375 )     (81 )     -       (1 )
Loss before income taxes
    (4,544 )     (37,480 )     -       (412 )
Income taxes and other
    (1,950 )     (14,856 )     -       (163 )
Net loss
  ¥ (2,594 )   ¥ (22,624 )     - %   $ (249 )
                                 
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Sony without Financial Services
 
Three months ended December 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
                                 
Net sales and operating revenue
  ¥ 2,730,374     ¥ 2,056,085       -24.7 %   $ 22,594  
Costs and expenses
    2,537,337       2,026,577       -20.1       22,270  
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies
    46,861       (10,462 )     -       (115 )
Operating income
    239,898       19,046       -92.1       209  
Other income (expenses), net
    100,012       84,934       -15.1       934  
Income before income taxes
    339,910       103,980       -69.4       1,143  
Income taxes and other
    137,057       79,918       -41.7       879  
Net income
  ¥ 202,853     ¥ 24,062       -88.1 %   $ 264  
                                 
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Consolidated
 
Three months ended December 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
                                 
Financial service revenue
  ¥ 128,927     ¥ 99,558       -22.8 %   $ 1,094  
Net sales and operating revenue
    2,730,103       2,055,026       -24.7       22,583  
      2,859,030       2,154,584       -24.6       23,677  
Costs and expenses
    2,669,672       2,161,737       -19.0       23,755  
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies
    46,861       (10,809 )     -       (119 )
Operating income (loss)
    236,219       (17,962 )     -       (197 )
Other income (expenses), net
    99,110       84,413       -14.8       927  
Income before income taxes
    335,329       66,451       -80.2       730  
Income taxes and other
    135,108       56,042       -58.5       616  
Net income
  ¥ 200,221     ¥ 10,409       -94.8 %   $ 114  
F-10

   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Financial Services
 
Nine months ended December 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
                         
Financial service revenue
  ¥ 478,240     ¥ 386,812       -19.1 %   $ 4,251  
Financial service expenses
    425,519       417,498       -1.9       4,588  
Equity in net loss of an affiliated company
          (1,415 )     -       (16 )
Operating income (loss)
    52,721       (32,101 )     -       (353 )
Other income (expenses), net
    (530 )     117       -       2  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    52,191       (31,984 )     -       (351 )
Income taxes and other
    23,506       (10,779 )     -       (118 )
Net income (loss)
  ¥ 28,685     ¥ (21,205 )     - %   $ (233 )
                                 
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Sony without Financial Services
 
Nine months ended December 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
                                 
Net sales and operating revenue
  ¥ 6,466,499     ¥ 5,834,522       -9.8 %   $ 64,116  
Costs and expenses
    6,141,358       5,730,921       -6.7       62,978  
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies
    89,972       (6,009 )     -       (66 )
Operating income
    415,113       97,592       -76.5       1,072  
Other income (expenses), net
    89,429       75,095       -16.0       826  
Income before income taxes
    504,542       172,687       -65.8       1,898  
Income taxes and other
    186,225       89,660       -51.9       986  
Net income
  ¥ 318,317     ¥ 83,027       -73.9 %   $ 912  
                                 
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Consolidated
 
Nine months ended December 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
                                 
Financial service revenue
  ¥ 457,088     ¥ 375,409       -17.9 %   $ 4,125  
Net sales and operating revenue
    6,461,489       5,830,524       -9.8       64,072  
      6,918,577       6,205,933       -10.3       68,197  
Costs and expenses
    6,539,426       6,131,984       -6.2       67,384  
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliated companies
    89,972       (7,424 )     -       (82 )
Operating income
    469,123       66,525       -85.8       731  
Other income (expenses), net
    80,999       70,155       -13.4       771  
Income before income taxes
    550,122       136,680       -75.2       1,502  
Income taxes and other
    209,731       70,478       -66.4       775  
Net income
  ¥ 340,391     ¥ 66,202       -80.6 %   $ 727  
F-11

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
                 
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Financial Services
 
Nine months ended December 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
2008
 
                   
Net cash provided by operating activities
  ¥ 164,084     ¥ 176,527     $ 1,940  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (563,239 )     (300,550 )     (3,303 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    334,807       267,351       2,938  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (64,348 )     143,328       1,575  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year
    277,048       137,721       1,513  
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
  ¥ 212,700     ¥ 281,049     $ 3,088  
                         
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Sony without Financial Services
 
Nine months ended December 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
2008
 
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  ¥ 179,477     ¥ (208,402 )   $ (2,290 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    31,170       (308,652 )     (3,392 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    84,376       125,103       1,375  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (6,701 )     (51,045 )     (561 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    288,322       (442,996 )     (4,868 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year
    522,851       948,710       10,426  
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
  ¥ 811,173     ¥ 505,714     $ 5,558  
                         
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Consolidated
 
Nine months ended December 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
2008
 
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  ¥ 338,607     ¥ (34,967 )   $ (384 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (535,906 )     (596,625 )     (6,556 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    427,974       382,969       4,208  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (6,701 )     (51,045 )     (561 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    223,974       (299,668 )     (3,293 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the fiscal year
    799,899       1,086,431       11,939  
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
  ¥ 1,023,873     ¥ 786,763     $ 8,646  
F-12

  (Notes)
1.
U.S. dollar amounts have been translated from yen, for convenience only, at the rate of ¥91 = U.S. $1, the approximate Tokyo foreign exchange market rate as of December 31, 2008.

2.
As of December 31, 2008, Sony had 1,263 consolidated subsidiaries (including variable interest entities).  It has applied the equity accounting method for 86 affiliated companies.

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

 
Weighted-average number of outstanding shares
 
(Thousands of shares)
 
     
Three months ended December 31
 
     
2007
   
2008
 
 
Net income
           
 
— Basic
    1,003,126       1,003,516  
 
— Diluted
    1,052,176       1,043,455  

 
Weighted-average number of outstanding shares
 
(Thousands of shares)
 
     
Nine months ended December 31
 
     
2007
   
2008
 
 
Net income
           
 
— Basic
    1,002,868       1,003,492  
 
— Diluted
    1,052,471       1,048,173  

4.
Sony’s comprehensive income is comprised of net income, cumulative effect of an accounting change and other comprehensive income.  Other comprehensive income includes changes in unrealized gains or losses on securities, unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments, pension liabilities adjustments and foreign currency translation adjustments.  Net income, cumulative effect of an accounting change, other comprehensive income and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2007 and 2008 were as follows:
                           
     
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)  
 
     
Three months ended December 31
 
     
2007
   
2008
   
2008
 
 
Net income
  ¥ 200,221     ¥ 10,409     $ 114  
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                       
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities
    (8,310 )     1,271       14  
 
Unrealized losses on derivative instruments
    (1,132 )     (2,578 )     (28 )
 
Pension liabilities adjustments
    993       2,687       30  
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (834 )     (248,894 )     (2,735 )
        (9,283 )     (247,514 )     (2,719 )
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
  ¥ 190,938     ¥ (237,105 )   $ (2,605 )
                           
     
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)  
 
     
Nine months ended December 31
 
     
2007
   
2008
   
2008
 
 
Net income
  ¥ 340,391     ¥ 66,202     $ 727  
 
Cumulative effect of an accounting change
    (4,452 )                
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                       
 
Unrealized losses on securities
    (1,642 )     (28,259 )     (311 )
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
    (711 )     2,231       25  
 
Pension liabilities adjustments
    1,537       3,731       41  
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    484       (286,261 )     (3,146 )
        (332 )     (308,558 )     (3,391 )
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
  ¥ 335,607     ¥ (242,356 )   $ (2,664 )
 
F-13

 
5.
Sony periodically reviews the presentation of its financial information to ensure that it is consistent with the way management views the consolidated operations.  Since Sony considers its equity investments to be integral to its operations, effective April 1, 2008, Sony reports equity in net income of affiliated companies as a component of operating income.  Prior to April 1, 2008, equity in net income of affiliated companies was shown below minority interest in income (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries and above net income in Sony’s consolidated results of operations.  As a result of the reclassification, both operating income and income before income taxes increased by ¥46,861 million ($515 million) for the three months ended December 31, 2007, and by ¥89,972 million ($989 million) for the nine months ended December 31, 2007. Operating loss increased and income before income taxes decreased by ¥10,809 million ($119 million) for the three months ended December 31, 2008, and both operating income and income before income taxes decreased by ¥7,424 million ($82 million) for the nine months ended December 31, 2008.  The reclassification did not affect net income for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2007 and 2008.

6.
In September 2006, the FASB issued FAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”.  FAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value, clarifies the definition of fair value, and expands disclosures about the use of fair value measurements. FAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and does not require any new fair value measurements.  In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Positions (“FSP”) FAS 157-1, “Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13” and FSP FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157”.  FSP FAS 157-1 removes certain leasing transactions from the scope of FAS No. 157.  FSP FAS 157-2 partially delays the effective date of FAS No. 157 for one year for certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities.  In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-3,Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active”.  FSP FAS 157-3 clarifies the application of FAS No. 157 in a market that is not active.  Sony adopted FAS No. 157 on April 1, 2008 with regards to financial assets and liabilities.  The adoption of FAS No. 157 as it relates to financial assets and liabilities did not have a material impact on Sony’s consolidated results of operations and financial position.  Sony is currently evaluating the impact for nonfinancial assets and liabilities.

7.
In February 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”.  FAS No. 159 permits companies to choose to measure, on an instrument-by-instrument basis, financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value.  The fair value measurement election is irrevocable and subsequent changes in fair value must be recorded in earnings.  Sony adopted FAS No. 159 on April 1, 2008.  Sony did not elect the fair value option for any assets or liabilities, which were not previously carried at fair value.  Accordingly, the adoption of FAS No. 159 had no impact on Sony’s consolidated financial statements.  However, its effects on future periods will depend on the nature of instruments held by Sony and its elections under the provisions of FAS No. 159.

8.
Sony estimates the annual effective tax rate (“ETR”) derived from a projected annual net income before taxes and calculates interim period income tax provision based on the year-to-date income tax provision computed by applying the ETR to the year-to-date net income before taxes at the end of each interim period.  The income tax provision based on the ETR reflects anticipated income tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards; however, it excludes income tax provision related to significant unusual or extraordinary transactions.  Such income tax provision will be separately reported from the provision based on the ETR in the interim period in which they occur.

Other Consolidated Financial Data
                                      
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Three months ended December 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Capital expenditures (additions to property, plant and equipment)
  ¥ 67,066     ¥ 73,596       +9.7 %   $ 809  
Depreciation and amortization expenses*
    109,663       105,559       -3.7       1,160  
(Depreciation expenses for tangible assets)
    (84,037 )     (73,043 )     -13.1       (803 )
Research and development expenses
    125,474       117,121       -6.7       1,287  
 
   
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Nine months ended December 31
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
Change
   
2008
 
Capital expenditures (additions to property, plant and equipment)
  ¥ 237,864     ¥ 258,347       +8.6 %   $ 2,839  
Depreciation and amortization expenses*
    314,239       300,585       -4.3       3,303  
(Depreciation expenses for tangible assets)
    (242,624 )     (215,271 )     -11.3       (2,366 )
Research and development expenses
    383,198       373,711       -2.5       4,107  
 
* Including amortization expenses for intangible assets and for deferred insurance acquisition costs
 
Investor Relations Contacts:

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Gen Tsuchikawa
 
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Shinji Tomita
+81-(0)3-6748-2180
 
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Home Page: http://www.sony.net/IR/
 
F-14