Form 6-K
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 January 2003
 
SONY CORPORATION
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
 
7-35 KITASHINAGAWA 6-CHOME, SHINAGAWA-KU, TOKYO, JAPAN
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
The registrant files annual reports under cover of Form 20-F.
 
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/    TERUHISA TOKUNAKA        

   
(Signature)
   
Teruhisa Tokunaka
Executive Deputy President
and Chief Financial Officer
 
Date:  January 29th, 2003
 


Table of Contents
 
List of materials
 
Documents attached hereto:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Table of Contents
 
SONY
 
News & Information
    
6-7-35 Kita-shinagawa
Shinagawa-ku
Tokyo, 141-0001 Japan

Consolidated Financial Results for the Third Quarter ended December 31, 2002
      
No: 03-005E
3:00 P.M. JST, January 29, 2003
 

Sony Achieves Record Quarterly Sales and Net Income
Pictures, Electronics and Game Segments Contribute to Profitability

 
Tokyo, January 29, 2003 — Sony Corporation announced today its consolidated results for the third quarter ended December 31, 2002 (October 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002).
 
Highlights
 
 
For the three months ended December 31, 2002, consolidated sales increased slightly year on year to achieve a quarterly record for Sony of ¥2,307.7 billion ($19.2 billion). Operating income increased ¥40.9 billion year on year to ¥199.5 billion ($1.7 billion). Net income reached ¥125.4 billion ($1.05 billion), the highest quarterly net income Sony has ever recorded. The depreciation of the yen against the euro had a positive impact on results.
 
 
In the Pictures business, strong home entertainment sales of motion pictures, including Spider-Man and Men in Black II, that had strong theatrical performances earlier in the year, resulted in a significant increase in sales and operating income.
 
 
In the Electronics segment, although sales decreased due to the severe operating environment, the strong performance of components, semiconductors and consumer audio-visual products, which resulted from an improvement in profit structure, resulted in an increase in total operating income.
 
 
In the Game segment, the market penetration of hardware continued to expand as hardware unit sales, primarily in the U.S. and Europe, increased significantly during the quarter. As a result, software sales worldwide increased, and this enabled the segment to again achieve the high level of sales and operating income recorded in the same quarter of the previous year.
 
 
Cash flow was positive throughout the nine months ended December 31, 2002, a significant improvement over the same period of the previous year. This was due to an increase in the operating income of the Electronics, Game, and Pictures businesses. Total interest-bearing debt on December 31, 2002 was lower than as of December 31, 2001 and as of March 31, 2002.
 
 
Based on management’s belief that uncertain market conditions and the implementation of additional restructuring initiatives will make the fourth quarter a difficult one, Sony has not changed its forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2003, which was announced in October 2002.

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Table of Contents
 
 
    
Third quarter ended December 31

    
2001

  
2002

  
Change

    
2002*

    
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars,
except per share amounts)
Sales and operating revenue
  
¥
2,279.3
  
¥
2,307.7
  
+1.2
%
  
$
19,231
Operating income
  
 
158.6
  
 
199.5
  
+25.8
 
  
 
1,663
Income before income taxes
  
 
119.3
  
 
201.9
  
+69.3
 
  
 
1,683
Net income
  
 
64.0
  
 
125.4
  
+95.9
 
  
 
1,045
Net income per share for common stock
                           
— Basic
  
¥
69.72
  
¥
136.19
  
+95.3
 
  
$
1.13
— Diluted
  
 
64.87
  
 
126.05
  
+94.3
 
  
 
1.05
 
*
 
U.S. dollar amounts have been translated from yen, for convenience only, at the rate of ¥120=U.S.$1, the approximate Tokyo foreign exchange market rate as of December 30, 2002.
 
Remarks by Nobuyuki Idei, Chairman and CEO of Sony Corporation
 
Despite prior concerns that sales over the year-end selling season, especially in the U.S., would be slow, Sony performed relatively well, achieving record sales and net income for the third quarter of the fiscal year.
 
The Pictures business recorded its largest ever sales and operating income for the third quarter, as earlier box office hits continued to generate profits through their release on DVD and VHS. In the Game business, PlayStation 2’s strong market position was further strengthened by a large increase in unit sales of both PlayStation 2 hardware and software.
 
Although its sales decreased, the Electronics business made a significant contribution to operating income with restructuring initiatives leading to an improvement in profitability. Through further reductions in inventory and other initiatives, we will continue to work to build upon our achievements to date. In the Music business, which has been impacted by industry-wide difficulties, we welcome Mr. Andrew Lack as the new Chairman and CEO of U.S.-based Sony Music Entertainment. I look forward to his exercising considerable expertise in improving financial results.
 
Consolidated Results for the Third Quarter
 
Unless otherwise specified, all amounts are on a U.S. GAAP basis.
 
Sales were ¥2,307.7 billion ($19.2 billion), a slight increase year on year (almost flat on a local currency basis—see Note I on page 8).
 
 
Although sales in the Pictures segment increased by ¥98.0 billion, sales to external customers in the Electronics segment decreased by ¥59.7 billion.
 
Operating income of ¥199.5 billion ($1,663 million) was recorded, an increase of ¥40.9 billion, or 25.8%, year on year (7% increase on a local currency basis).
 
 
Operating income in the Pictures segment increased ¥31.4 billion due to the contribution of record home entertainment sales mainly from summer 2002 theatrical releases. The Electronics segment achieved a ¥10.1 billion increase in operating income due to the depreciation of the yen against the euro and further cost reductions. Operating income in the Game segment increased ¥5.3 billion because of the strength of software sales, the depreciation of the yen against the euro, and continuing reductions in the cost of manufacturing hardware.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased ¥24.1 billion mainly as a result of an increase in advertising and marketing expenses in the Pictures segment in support of increased sales.

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Income before income taxes was ¥201.9 billion ($1,683 million), an increase of ¥82.6 billion, or 69.3%, year on year.
 
Income before income taxes increased because operating income increased ¥40.9 billion, other income increased ¥6.2 billion and other expenses decreased ¥35.5 billion.
 
ð
 
Other income increased due to a ¥2.8 billion ($24 million) foreign exchange gain.
 
ð
 
Other expenses decreased because of the absence of the ¥30.7 billion foreign exchange loss recorded in the same quarter of the previous year, and because interest expense decreased by ¥3.2 billion due to lower interest rates and reduced outstanding debt.
 
Net income of ¥125.4 billion ($1,045 million) was recorded, an increase of ¥61.4 billion, or 95.9%, year on year.
 
The significant improvement occurred as a result of the increase in income before income taxes discussed above and a decrease in losses from affiliates accounted for under the equity method.
 
ð
 
Equity in net losses of affiliated companies decreased ¥6.9 billion to ¥10.0 billion ($83 million).
 
~
 
This decrease was mainly due to a reduction in losses at Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, AB (“SEMC”) and at American Video Glass Company (“AVGC”), a joint venture in the U.S. which produces glass components for televisions. Losses at SEMC decreased ¥3.2 billion to ¥4.2 billion ($35 million). Compared with a loss in the same quarter of the previous year, AVGC improved ¥1.9 billion to record a small profit.
 
Partially offsetting the improvement was a ¥26.5 billion increase to ¥65.5 billion yen ($546 million) in income taxes due to the increase in income before taxes mentioned above.
 
Operating Performance Highlights by Business Segment
 
Electronics
 
    
Third quarter ended December 31

    
2001

  
2002

  
Change

    
2002

    
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
Sales and operating revenue
  
¥
1,539.7
  
¥
1,468.2
  
-4.6
%
  
$
12,235
Operating income
  
 
72.0
  
 
82.1
  
+14.1
 
  
 
685
 
Unless otherwise specified, all amounts are on a U.S. GAAP basis.
 
Sales were ¥1,468.2 billion ($12.2 billion), a decrease of 4.6% year on year (6% decrease on a local currency basis).
 
On a product category basis, sales increased in “Semiconductors” by 33.5%, in “Components” by 7.5%, and in “Video” by 3.0%.
 
Sales decreased in “Information and Communications” by 18.2% and “Audio” by 9.6%.
 
ð
 
On a local currency basis:
 
~
 
Products with significant increases in sales were digital still cameras (“Cybershot”), semiconductors (especially CCDs and LCDs, which increased due to higher demand for digital still cameras and personal digital assistants), projection televisions, plasma televisions and personal digital assistants (“CLIÉ”).
 
~
 
Products with significant decreases in sales were VAIO PCs, CRT computer displays and CRT televisions.
 
~
 
On a geographic basis, sales in Other areas increased, while sales in the U.S., Europe and Japan decreased.
 
Operating income was ¥82.1 billion ($685 million), an increase of ¥10.1 billion, or 14.1%, year on year (10% decrease on a local currency basis).
 
Despite the negative impact of the decrease in sales, the following factors led to the increase in profit:
 
ð
 
The depreciation of the yen against the euro.
 
ð
 
An improvement in the profitability of such business as CRTs for computer displays, where a reduction in fixed costs led to greater financial viability, and semiconductors, where utilization at manufacturing facilities increased.

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The following product categories achieved an increase in profitability: “Components,” in which CRTs for computer displays, recording media and battery businesses benefited from structural changes, “Audio” in which home theatre products performed well, and “Televisions” in which large screen televisions performed well. “Semiconductors” changed from loss to profit, mainly due to the strong performance of CCDs. However, “Information and Communications” turned from profit to loss due to the deterioration of the profit performance of PCs.
 
Regarding the performance during the quarter of the Aiwa business, sales decreased and the implementation of restructuring initiatives led to an operating loss. Sony merged with Aiwa Co., Ltd. on December 1, 2002 (see Note III on page 8).
 
Inventory as of December 31, 2002 was ¥506.5 billion ($4,221 million), a ¥120.9 billion, or 19.3%, decrease compared with the level as of December 31, 2001.
 
Game
    
Third quarter ended December 31

    
2001
  
2002
  
Change
    
2002
    
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
Sales and operating revenue
  
¥
383.2
  
¥
384.1
  
+0.3
%
  
$
3,201
Operating income
  
 
66.4
  
 
71.7
  
+7.9
 
  
 
597
 
Unless otherwise specified, all amounts are on a U.S. GAAP basis.
 
Sales were ¥384.1 billion ($3,201 million), almost flat year on year (4% decrease on a local currency basis).
 
Hardware sales decreased, but software sales increased, compared with the same quarter of the previous year.
 
ð
 
Unit sales of both PlayStation 2 and PS one hardware decreased in Japan, but increased significantly in other areas, particularly the U.S. and Europe. Strategic price reductions in all major regions led to a year on year decrease in sales revenue in the U.S. and Japan, although sales revenue increased in Europe.
 
ð
 
Software sales increased worldwide due to an increase in PlayStation 2 software unit sales resulting from the continuing market penetration of PlayStation 2 hardware. (Worldwide hardware production shipments of PlayStation 2 were 49.59 million units as of December 31, 2002 on a cumulative basis.)
 
Worldwide hardware production shipments:*
 
ð
 
PS 2: 8.03 million units (an increase of 2.61 million units)
 
ð
 
PS one: 3.02 million units (an increase of 1.99 million units)
 
Worldwide software production shipments:*
 
ð
 
PS 2: 79.00 million units (an increase of 26.30 million units)
 
ð
 
PlayStation: 22.00 million units (a decrease of 16.00 million units)
*  Production shipment units of hardware and software are counted upon shipment of the products from manufacturing bases. Sales of such products are recognized when the products are delivered to customers.
 
Operating income was ¥71.7 billion ($597 million), an increase of ¥5.3 billion, or 7.9%, year on year (12% decrease on a local currency basis).
 
Strong software sales worldwide led to an overall increase in operating income. Although hardware sales decreased due to strategic price reductions in all major regions, the positive impact of the depreciation of the yen against the euro, in addition to continued reduction of manufacturing costs, resulted in only a slight negative impact on operating income.
 
Inventory as of December 31, 2002 was ¥144.7 billion ($1,206 million), a ¥4.4 billion, or 3.1%, increase compared with the level as of December 31, 2001.
 

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Music
 
    
Third quarter ended December 31

    
2001

  
2002

  
Change

    
2002

    
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
Sales and operating revenue
  
¥
205.5
  
¥
198.8
  
-3.3
%
  
$
1,657
Operating income
  
 
23.1
  
 
20.9
  
-9.5
 
  
 
174
 
The amounts presented above are the sum of the yen-translated results of Sony Music Entertainment Inc. (“SMEI”), a U.S.-based operation which aggregates the results of its worldwide subsidiaries on a U.S. dollar basis, and the results of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (“SMEJ”), a Japan based operation which aggregates results in yen.
 
Management analyzes the results of SMEI in U.S. dollars, so discussion of certain portions of its results are specified as being on “a U.S. dollar basis.”
 
Sales were ¥198.8 billion ($1,657 million), a decrease of 3.3% year on year (3% decrease on a local currency basis). Of the Music segment’s sales, 74% were generated by SMEI, and 26% were generated by SMEJ.
 
 
SMEI’s sales (on a U.S. dollar basis) decreased 1%.
 
ð
 
Sales decreased because continuing difficult market conditions caused a decline in record sales in many regions worldwide.
 
ð
 
Partially offsetting this decline was increased DVD software manufacturing sales to the Pictures and Game segments.
 
ð
 
Titles that contributed the most to sales were Jennifer Lopez’s This is Me…Then and Dixie Chicks’ Home.
 
SMEJ’s sales decreased 8%.
 
ð
 
Sales decreased because of the continued contraction of the record industry.
 
ð
 
Titles that contributed the most to sales were Chemistry’s Second to None and The Gospellers’ aCappella.
 
Operating income was ¥20.9 billion ($174 million), a decrease of ¥2.2 billion, or 9.5% year on year (9% decrease on a local currency basis).
 
 
SMEI’s operating income (on a U.S. dollar basis) decreased 10% as compared to the same quarter of the prior year.
 
ð
 
Operating income declined as a result of the decrease in record sales, higher talent-related expenses, and increased costs recorded for ongoing restructuring activities, including continuing worldwide headcount reductions.
 
ð
 
Partially offsetting this decrease was a decrease in advertising and promotion expenses, increased income generated by the increased DVD software manufacturing activity, and savings realized from SMEI’s previously implemented cost savings initiatives.
 
SMEJ’s operating income decreased 6% as compared to the same quarter of the prior year.
 
ð
 
Although a reduction in advertising and promotion expenses led to a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses, the drop in record sales resulted in a decline in operating income.
 
Pictures
    
Third quarter ended December 31

    
2001

  
2002

  
Change

    
2002

    
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
Sales and operating revenue
  
¥
158.4
  
¥
256.3
  
+61.9
%
  
$
2,136
Operating income
  
 
0.3
  
 
31.7
  
+10,761.3
 
  
 
264
 
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 on a U.S. dollar basis. Management analyzes the results of SPE in U.S. dollars, so discussion of certain portions of its results are specified as being on “a U.S. dollar basis.”

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Sales were ¥256.3 billion ($2,136 million), an increase of 61.9% year on year (64% increase on a U.S dollar basis).
 
The reasons for the substantial increase in sales (on a U.S. dollar basis) were:
 
ð
 
Record SPE home entertainment sales as a result of the releases of Spider-Man, Men in Black II, xXx, Stuart Little 2, and Mr. Deeds.
 
~
 
Over 40 million initial DVD and VHS units of Spider-Man were shipped worldwide during the quarter.
 
ð
 
Higher television revenues primarily from a library sale to a cable channel of the television program The Nanny and higher advertising revenues from Wheel of Fortune.
 
Operating income was ¥31.7 billion ($264 million), an increase of ¥31.4 billion year on year.
 
The reasons for the increase in profitability were:
 
ð
 
Substantially higher home entertainment revenues, as noted above, driven by SPE’s successful summer 2002 theatrical release slate.
 
ð
 
Higher television operating income from the increased revenues noted above.
 
ð
 
The absence of a television restructuring charge recorded in the prior year.
 
Partially offsetting the increase in profitability was:
 
ð
 
The disappointing theatrical performance of I Spy.
 
Financial Services
    
Third quarter ended December 31

    
2001

  
2002

  
Change

    
2002

    
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
Financial Service revenue
  
¥
127.1
  
¥
133.9
  
+5.4
%
  
$
1,116
Operating income
  
 
2.1
  
 
3.6
  
+72.4
 
  
 
30
 
Unless otherwise specified, all amounts are on a U.S. GAAP basis.
 
Financial Service revenue was ¥133.9 billion ($1,116 million), an increase of 5.4% year on year.
 
Revenue increased primarily due to an increase in revenue at Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (“Sony Life”).
 
ð
 
Revenue increased because valuation gains and losses from investments in the general account improved compared to a loss recorded on Argentine government bonds in the same quarter of the previous year, and because insurance revenue rose due to an increase in insurance-in-force.
 
ð
 
The above revenue gains were partially offset by an increase in valuation losses from investments in the separate account, which resulted from the stock market downturn. Valuation gains and losses from investments in the separate account accrue directly to the account of policyholders and, therefore, do not affect operating income.
 
In addition, the following factors affected Financial Services segment revenue:
 
ð
 
Revenue at Sony Assurance Inc. increased due to higher insurance revenue brought about by an expansion in insurance-in-force.
 
ð
 
Revenue at Sony Finance International, Inc. (“Sony Finance”) was almost flat year on year.
 
ð
 
Revenue at Sony Bank increased only slightly reflecting the severe market environment though the total balance of deposited funds increased.
 
Operating income increased ¥1.5 billion or 72.4% year on year to ¥3.6 billion ($30 million).
 
Operating income increased primarily due to the improvement in valuation gains and losses from investments in the general account and increase in insurance revenue.
 
In addition, the following factors affected Financial Services segment operating income:
 
ð
 
Losses at Sony Assurance Inc. decreased due to an increase in insurance revenue and a decrease in payments for insurance benefits.
 
ð
 
Operating income at Sony Finance was almost flat year on year.
 
ð
 
Sony Bank, which began operations in June 2001, recorded a loss similar to that of the same quarter in the previous year.

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Table of Contents
 
Other
    
Third quarter ended December 31

 
    
2001

    
2002

    
Change

    
2002

 
    
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Sales and operating revenue
  
¥
53.0
 
  
¥
64.1
 
  
+21.0
%
  
$
535
 
Operating income (loss)
  
 
(3.5
)
  
 
(6.6
)
  
—  
 
  
 
(55
)
 
Unless otherwise specified, all amounts are on a U.S. GAAP basis.
 
Sales were ¥64.1 billion ($535 million), an increase of 21.0% year on year.
 
Sales of NACS-related businesses (see Note II on page 8) and sales at an advertising agency business subsidiary in Japan increased.
 
In terms of profitability, an operating loss of ¥6.6 billion ($55 million) was recorded compared with an operating loss of ¥3.5 billion in the same quarter of the previous year, a deterioration of ¥3.2 billion year on year.
 
Losses increased at NACS-related businesses in the aggregate, mainly because of losses incurred in connection with the creation of a platform business for the networked era, although operating income was recorded at Sony Communication Network Corporation.
 
Cash Flow
 
    
Nine months ended December 31

 
    
2001

    
2002

    
Difference

  
2002

 
    
(Billions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Cash flow
                                 
—  From operating activities
  
¥
330.8
 
  
¥
503.1
 
  
¥
+172.3
  
$
4,192
 
—  From investing activities
  
 
(590.9
)
  
 
(404.6
)
  
 
+186.3
  
 
(3,371
)
—  From financing activities
  
 
366.7
 
  
 
40.5
 
  
 
-326.2
  
 
338
 
Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31
  
 
744.2
 
  
 
798.6
 
  
 
+54.4
  
 
6,655
 
 
Cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended December 31, 2002 was ¥503.1 billion
($4,192
 
million), an increase of ¥172.3 billion.
 
While cash was used for an increase in notes and accounts receivable during the nine months, the contribution to profit of the Electronics, Game and Pictures businesses and an increase in notes and accounts payable caused cash generated from operating activities to exceed expenditures.
 
Although the amount of increase in notes and accounts receivable increased and inventories changed from a decrease to an increase, leading to a decrease in cash provided by operating activities, an increase in the operating income of the Electronics, Game and Pictures businesses, and a change from a decrease to an increase in notes and accounts payable contributed to the increase in cash provided by operating activities compared with the same period of the previous year.
 
Cash used in investing activities for the nine months was ¥404.6 billion ($3,371 million), a decrease of ¥186.3 billion.
 
 
The use of cash derived primarily from the fact that, reflecting an increase in assets under management in the life insurance and banking businesses, investments and advances of ¥686.8 billion ($5,723 million) exceeded sales and maturities of securities investments and collections of advances of ¥386.0 billion ($3,216 million) in the Financial Services business.

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In addition, ¥203.6 billion ($1,696 million) was used to purchase fixed assets, primarily in the Electronics business but, as a result of the prioritization of investments, the figure decreased by ¥89.6 billion compared with the same nine months of the previous fiscal year. Cash proceeds of ¥127.4 billion ($1,062 million) were also generated from the sales of securities investments and collections of advances, including ¥88.4 billion* from the sale of equity in Telemundo Communications Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, a U.S. based television network and station group.
(*The U.S. dollar amount of the cash proceeds recorded on the sale of Telemundo was $679 million.)
 
Cash provided by financing activities for the nine months was ¥40.5 billion ($338 million), a decrease of ¥326.2 billion.
 
Although cash was used during the nine months to pay down borrowings of the Sony group as a whole and ¥23.0 billion ($191 million) in dividends were paid, cash was provided by a ¥106.5 billion ($887 million) increase in deposits from customers in the banking business.
 
Notes
 
Note I:  During the third quarter ended December 31, 2002, the average value of the yen was ¥121.58 against the U.S. dollar and ¥121.05 against the euro, which was 0.8% higher against the U.S. dollar and 9.8% lower against the euro, compared with the average rate for the third quarter of the previous fiscal year. Operating results on a local currency basis described herein reflect sales and operating revenue (“sales”) and operating income obtained by applying the yen’s average exchange rate in the third quarter of the previous fiscal year to local currency-denominated monthly sales, cost of sales, and selling, general and administrative expenses in the third quarter of the current fiscal year. Local currency basis results are not reflected in Sony’s financial statements and are not measures conforming with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”). In addition, Sony does not believe that these measures are a substitute for U.S. GAAP measures. However, Sony believes that local currency basis results provide additional useful information to investors regarding operating performance.
 
Note II:  Commencing with the first quarter ended June 30, 2002, Sony has partly realigned its business segment configuration and Electronics segment product category configuration. In accordance with this realignment, results of the third quarter of the previous fiscal year have been reclassified to conform to the presentation for the third quarter of the current fiscal year. Sales of related businesses in the Network Application and Contents Service Sector (“NACS”), established in April 2002 to enhance network businesses, are included in the “Other” segment. In addition to Sony Communication Network Corporation, which was originally contained in the “Other” segment, NACS-related businesses include an in-house oriented information system service business and an IC card business formerly contained in the “Other” category of the Electronics segment.
 
Note III:  On October 1, 2002, Sony implemented a share exchange as a result of which Aiwa Co., Ltd. became a wholly-owned subsidiary. As a result of this share exchange, Sony issued 2,502,491 new shares, the minority interest in Aiwa was eliminated from the balance sheet, and additional paid-in capital increased ¥15.9 billion. On December 1, 2002, Sony absorbed Aiwa by merger. The merger had no effect on Sony’s financial statements.
 
Note IV:  “Sales and operating revenue” in each business segment represents sales and operating revenue recorded before intersegment transactions are eliminated. “Operating income” in each business segment represents operating income recorded before intersegment transactions and unallocated corporate expenses are eliminated. “Sales on a product category basis” in the Electronics segment represents only sales of products to external customers, i.e. those sales recorded after intersegment and intercategory transactions have been eliminated.
 
Other Matters
 
In November 2002, Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation, together with other investors, executed a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of InterTrust Technologies Corporation (“InterTrust”) for approximately $453 million. In January 2003, the acquisition of InterTrust by Sony Corporation of America, Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. of Holland, and another investor was successfully completed. InterTrust is a leading holder of intellectual property in digital rights management. The objective of this transaction fits with Sony’s network strategy which is to enable wide access to secure digital content through networks.
 
In January 2003, Sony and Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson announced that they will each invest an additional 150 million euro in SEMC to strengthen its financial position.

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Table of Contents
 
Outlook for the Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2003
 
Despite the solid results that Sony achieved in the third quarter, we believe that the business environment in which Sony operates will remain unstable because of the uncertain economic outlook and waning consumer confidence. Due to these uncertainties in the market, and the implementation of restructuring, we believe that the fourth quarter will be a difficult one. Therefore we have not changed our October forecast.
 
           
Change from previous year

 
Sales and operating revenue
  
¥
7,600 billion
    
Unchanged
 
Operating income
  
 
280 billion
    
+ 108
%
Income before income taxes
  
 
310 billion
    
+ 234
 
Net income
  
 
180 billion
    
+ 1,076
 
 
Assumed exchange rates for the fourth quarter: approximately ¥120 to the dollar and ¥125 to the euro. (Exchange rates assumed in October for the third quarter: approximately ¥120 to the dollar and ¥115 to the euro.)
 
No change was made in capital expenditures and depreciation and amortization.
 
Capital expenditures (additions to fixed assets)
  
¥
280 billion
  
-14%
Depreciation and amortization*
  
 
350 billion
  
-1   
(Depreciation expenses for tangible assets
  
 
260 billion
  
-13) 
*
 
Including amortization of intangible assets and amortization of deferred insurance acquisition costs.
 
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 using words such as “believe,” “expect,” “plans,” “strategy,” “prospects,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” “may” or “might” and words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operations or financial performance. From time to time, oral or written forward-looking statements may also be included in other materials released to the public. These statements are based on management’s assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it. Sony cautions you that a number of important risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and therefore you should not place undue reliance on them. You also should not rely on any obligation of Sony to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Sony disclaims any such obligation. Risks and uncertainties that might affect Sony include, but are not limited to (i) the global economic environment in which Sony operates, as well as the economic conditions in Sony’s markets, particularly levels of consumer spending; (ii) exchange rates, particularly between the yen and the U.S. dollar, 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 its products and services, which are offered in highly competitive markets characterized by continual new product introductions, rapid development in technology (particularly in the Electronics business), and subjective and changing consumer preferences (particularly in the Game, Music, and Pictures businesses); (iv) Sony’s ability to implement successfully the restructuring initiatives in its Electronics, Music and Pictures businesses and its network strategy for its Electronics, Music, Pictures, and Game businesses; (v) Sony’s ability to compete and develop and implement successful sales and distribution strategies in light of Internet and other technological developments in its Music and Pictures businesses; (vi) Sony’s continued ability to devote sufficient resources to research and development and, with respect to capital expenditures, to prioritize investments (particularly in the Electronics business); (vii) the success of Sony’s joint ventures and alliances; and (viii) the outcome of contingencies. Risks and uncertainties also include the impact of any future events with material unforeseen impacts.
 
Investor Relations Contacts:

 
Tokyo
 
New York
 
London
Takeshi Sudo
 
Yas Hasegawa/Kumiko Koyama
 
Hanako Muto/Chris Hohman
+81-(0)3-5448-2180
 
+1-212-833-6820/5011
 
+44-(0)20-7426-8760/8739
Home Page: www.sony.net/IR/
   
 

9


Table of Contents
Business Segment Information (Unaudited)
 
    
Three months ended December 31

 
Sales and operating revenue

  
2001

    
2002

    
Change

    
2002

 
    
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Electronics
                                 
Customers
  
¥
1,402,933
 
  
¥
1,343,231
 
  
-4.3
%
  
$
11,194
 
Intersegment
  
 
136,765
 
  
 
125,017
 
         
 
1,041
 
    


  


         


Total
  
 
1,539,698
 
  
 
1,468,248
 
  
-4.6
 
  
 
12,235
 
Game
                                 
Customers
  
 
378,747
 
  
 
377,027
 
  
-0.5
 
  
 
3,142
 
Intersegment
  
 
4,412
 
  
 
7,096
 
         
 
59
 
    


  


         


Total
  
 
383,159
 
  
 
384,123
 
  
+0.3
 
  
 
3,201
 
Music
                                 
Customers
  
 
188,715
 
  
 
173,354
 
  
-8.1
 
  
 
1,445
 
Intersegment
  
 
16,811
 
  
 
25,488
 
         
 
212
 
    


  


         


Total
  
 
205,526
 
  
 
198,842
 
  
-3.3
 
  
 
1,657
 
Pictures
                                 
Customers
  
 
158,358
 
  
 
256,332
 
  
+61.9
 
  
 
2,136
 
Intersegment
  
 
0
 
  
 
0
 
         
 
0
 
    


  


         


Total
  
 
158,358
 
  
 
256,332
 
  
+61.9
 
  
 
2,136
 
Financial Services
                                 
Customers
  
 
119,952
 
  
 
127,132
 
  
+6.0
 
  
 
1,059
 
Intersegment
  
 
7,102
 
  
 
6,755
 
         
 
57
 
    


  


         


Total
  
 
127,054
 
  
 
133,887
 
  
+5.4
 
  
 
1,116
 
Other
                                 
Customers
  
 
30,601
 
  
 
30,657
 
  
+0.2
 
  
 
255
 
Intersegment
  
 
22,411
 
  
 
33,483
 
         
 
280
 
    


  


         


Total
  
 
53,012
 
  
 
64,140
 
  
+21.0
 
  
 
535
 
Elimination
  
 
(187,501
)
  
 
(197,839
)
  
 
  
 
(1,649
)
    


  


         


Consolidated total
  
¥
2,279,306
 
  
¥
2,307,733
 
  
+1.2
%
  
$
19,231
 
 
Electronics intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the Game business.
Music intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the Game and Pictures businesses.
Other intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the Electronics business.
 
Operating income (loss)

  
2001

    
2002

    
Change

    
2002

 
Electronics
  
¥
72,008
 
  
¥
82,146
 
  
+14.1
%
  
$
685
 
Game
  
 
66,410
 
  
 
71,664
 
  
+7.9
 
  
 
597
 
Music
  
 
23,096
 
  
 
20,902
 
  
-9.5
 
  
 
174
 
Pictures
  
 
292
 
  
 
31,715
 
  
+10,761.3
 
  
 
264
 
Financial Services
  
 
2,063
 
  
 
3,557
 
  
+72.4
 
  
 
30
 
Other
  
 
(3,469
)
  
 
(6,622
)
  
 
  
 
(55
)
    


  


         


Total
  
 
160,400
 
  
 
203,362
 
  
+26.8
 
  
 
1,695
 
Corporate and elimination
  
 
(1,789
)
  
 
(3,846
)
  
 
  
 
(32
)
    


  


         


Consolidated total
  
¥
158,611
 
  
¥
199,516
 
  
+25.8
%
  
$
1,663
 
 
Commencing with the first quarter ended June 30, 2002, Sony has partly realigned its business segment configuration.
In accordance with this change, results of the previous year have been reclassified to conform to the presentation for the current year.
 

F-1


Table of Contents
 
    
Nine months ended December 31

 
Sales and operating revenue

  
2001

    
2002

    
Change

    
2002

 
    
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Electronics
                                 
Customers
  
¥
3,611,799
 
  
¥
3,547,650
 
  
-1.8
%
  
$
29,564
 
Intersegment
  
 
422,126
 
  
 
367,505
 
         
 
3,062
 
    


  


         


Total
  
 
4,033,925
 
  
 
3,915,155
 
  
-2.9
 
  
 
32,626
 
Game
                                 
Customers
  
 
768,789
 
  
 
772,559
 
  
+0.5
 
  
 
6,438
 
Intersegment
  
 
12,106
 
  
 
15,134
 
         
 
126
 
    


  


         


Total
  
 
780,895
 
  
 
787,693
 
  
+0.9
 
  
 
6,564
 
Music
                                 
Customers
  
 
447,695
 
  
 
422,598
 
  
-5.6
 
  
 
3,522
 
Intersegment
  
 
41,460
 
  
 
61,290
 
         
 
510
 
    


  


         


Total
  
 
489,155
 
  
 
483,888
 
  
-1.1
 
  
 
4,032
 
Pictures
                                 
Customers
  
 
441,065
 
  
 
615,530
 
  
+39.6
 
  
 
5,129
 
Intersegment
  
 
0
 
  
 
0
 
         
 
0
 
    


  


         


Total
  
 
441,065
 
  
 
615,530
 
  
+39.6
 
  
 
5,129
 
Financial Services
                                 
Customers
  
 
342,179
 
  
 
371,493
 
  
+8.6
 
  
 
3,096
 
Intersegment
  
 
21,285
 
  
 
20,620
 
         
 
172
 
    


  


         


Total
  
 
363,464
 
  
 
392,113
 
  
+7.9
 
  
 
3,268
 
Other
                                 
Customers
  
 
82,180
 
  
 
89,439
 
  
+8.8
 
  
 
745
 
Intersegment
  
 
67,597
 
  
 
91,609
 
         
 
764
 
    


  


         


Total
  
 
149,777
 
  
 
181,048
 
  
+20.9
 
  
 
1,509
 
Elimination
  
 
(564,574
)
  
 
(556,158
)
  
 
  
 
(4,634
)
    


  


         


Consolidated total
  
¥
5,693,707
 
  
¥
5,819,269
 
  
+2.2
%
  
$
48,494
 
 
Electronics intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the Game business.
Music intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the Game and Pictures businesses.
Other intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the Electronics business.
 
Operating income (loss)

  
2001

    
2002

    
Change

    
2002

 
Electronics
  
¥
50,188
 
  
¥
157,524
 
  
+213.9
%
  
$
1,313
 
Game
  
 
67,357
 
  
 
99,022
 
  
+47.0
 
  
 
825
 
Music
  
 
22,232
 
  
 
5,027
 
  
-77.4
 
  
 
42
 
Pictures
  
 
19,660
 
  
 
50,882
 
  
+158.8
 
  
 
424
 
Financial Services
  
 
11,346
 
  
 
20,314
 
  
+79.0
 
  
 
169
 
Other
  
 
(11,418
)
  
 
(21,269
)
  
 
  
 
(177
)
    


  


         


Total
  
 
159,365
 
  
 
311,500
 
  
+95.5
 
  
 
2,596
 
Corporate and elimination
  
 
(1,142
)
  
 
(9,593
)
  
 
  
 
(80
)
    


  


         


Consolidated total
  
¥
158,223
 
  
¥
301,907
 
  
+90.8
%
  
$
2,516
 
 
Commencing with the first quarter ended June 30, 2002, Sony has partly realigned its business segment configuration.
In accordance with this change, results of the previous year have been reclassified to conform to the presentation for the current year.
 

F-2


Table of Contents
 
Electronics Sales and Operating Revenue to Customers by Product Category
 
    
Three months ended December 31

Sales and operating revenue

  
2001

  
2002

  
Change

    
2002

    
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
Audio
  
¥
238,422
  
¥
215,565
  
-9.6
%
  
$
1,797
Video
  
 
249,742
  
 
257,274
  
+3.0
 
  
 
2,144
Televisions
  
 
280,968
  
 
283,956
  
+1.1
 
  
 
2,366
Information and Communications
  
 
307,593
  
 
251,718
  
-18.2
 
  
 
2,098
Semiconductors
  
 
39,595
  
 
52,844
  
+33.5
 
  
 
440
Components
  
 
134,759
  
 
144,855
  
+7.5
 
  
 
1,207
Other
  
 
151,854
  
 
137,019
  
-9.8
 
  
 
1,142
    

  

         

Total
  
¥
1,402,933
  
¥
1,343,231
  
-4.3
%
  
$
11,194
    
Nine months ended December 31

Sales and operating revenue

  
2001

  
2002

  
Change

    
2002

Audio
  
¥
599,073
  
¥
548,962
  
-8.4
%
  
$
4,575
Video
  
 
648,973
  
 
676,462
  
+4.2
 
  
 
5,637
Televisions
  
 
623,013
  
 
666,683
  
+7.0
 
  
 
5,556
Information and Communications
  
 
854,607
  
 
715,741
  
-16.2
 
  
 
5,964
Semiconductors
  
 
136,967
  
 
152,257
  
+11.2
 
  
 
1,269
Components
  
 
384,127
  
 
404,412
  
+5.3
 
  
 
3,370
Other
  
 
365,039
  
 
383,133
  
+5.0
 
  
 
3,193
    

  

         

Total
  
¥
3,611,799
  
¥
3,547,650
  
-1.8
%
  
$
29,564
 
The above table is a breakdown of Electronics sales and operating revenue to customers in the Business Segment Information on page F-1 F-2. The Electronics business 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 sales contributions of the products in this business segment. In addition, commencing with the first quarter ended June 30, 2002, Sony has partly realigned its product category configuration in the Electronics business. In accordance with this change, results of the previous year have been reclassified to conform to the presentations for the current year.
 
Sales of mobile phones are no longer recorded in the “Information and Communications” category as of the third quarter ended December 31, 2001. From the third quarter of the previous year, sales of mobile phones manufactured for Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, AB are recorded in the “Other” product category.
 
Geographic Segment Information (Unaudited)
 
    
Three months ended December 31

Sales and operating revenue

  
2001

  
2002

  
Change

    
2002

    
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
Japan
  
¥
606,985
  
¥
576,943
  
-4.9
%
  
$
4,808
United States
  
 
774,706
  
 
748,374
  
-3.4
 
  
 
6,236
Europe
  
 
538,073
  
 
591,181
  
+9.9
 
  
 
4,927
Other Areas
  
 
359,542
  
 
391,235
  
+8.8
 
  
 
3,260
    

  

         

Total
  
¥
2,279,306
  
¥
2,307,733
  
+1.2
%
  
$
19,231
    
Nine months ended December 31

Sales and operating revenue

  
2001

  
2002

  
Change

    
2002

Japan
  
¥
1,662,078
  
¥
1,575,947
  
-5.2
%
  
$
13,133
United States
  
 
1,886,116
  
 
1,922,199
  
+1.9
 
  
 
16,018
Europe
  
 
1,200,604
  
 
1,302,616
  
+8.5
 
  
 
10,855
Other Areas
  
 
944,909
  
 
1,018,507
  
+7.8
 
  
 
8,488
    

  

         

Total
  
¥
5,693,707
  
¥
5,819,269
  
+2.2
%
  
$
48,494
 
Classification of Geographic Segment Information shows sales and operating revenue recognized by location of customers.

F-3


Table of Contents
 
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
 
    
Three months ended December 31

    
2001

    
2002

  
Change

  
2002

    
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars,
except per share amounts)
Sales and operating revenue
                  
%
      
Net sales
  
¥
2,149,813
 
  
¥
2,166,684
       
$
18,056
Financial service revenue
  
 
119,952
 
  
 
127,132
       
 
1,059
Other operating revenue
  
 
9,541
 
  
 
13,917
       
 
116
    


  

       

    
 
2,279,306
 
  
 
2,307,733
  
+1.2
  
 
19,231
Costs and expenses
                           
Cost of sales
  
 
1,550,162
 
  
 
1,507,867
       
 
12,566
Selling, general and administrative
  
 
452,643
 
  
 
476,775
       
 
3,972
Financial service expenses
  
 
117,890
 
  
 
123,575
       
 
1,030
    


  

       

    
 
2,120,695
 
  
 
2,108,217
       
 
17,568
Operating income
  
 
158,611
 
  
 
199,516
  
+25.8
  
 
1,663
Other income
                           
Interest and dividends
  
 
3,973
 
  
 
3,340
       
 
28
Royalty income
  
 
4,849
 
  
 
5,581
       
 
47
Foreign exchange gain, net
  
 
 
  
 
2,840
       
 
24
Other
  
 
4,729
 
  
 
8,009
       
 
66
    


  

       

    
 
13,551
 
  
 
19,770
       
 
165
Other expenses
                           
Interest
  
 
9,842
 
  
 
6,673
       
 
56
Loss on devaluation of securities investments
  
 
2,789
 
  
 
1,720
       
 
14
Foreign exchange loss, net
  
 
30,748
 
  
 
       
 
Other
  
 
9,494
 
  
 
8,993
       
 
75
    


  

       

    
 
52,873
 
  
 
17,386
       
 
145
    


  

       

Income before income taxes
  
 
119,289
 
  
 
201,900
  
+69.3
  
 
1,683
Income taxes
  
 
39,038
 
  
 
65,536
       
 
546
    


  

       

Income before minority interest and equity in net losses of affiliated companies
  
 
80,251
 
  
 
136,364
  
+69.9
  
 
1,137
Minority interest in income (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries
  
 
(706
)
  
 
928
       
 
9
Equity in net losses of affiliated companies
  
 
16,934
 
  
 
10,005
       
 
83
    


  

       

Net income
  
¥
64,023
 
  
¥
125,431
  
+95.9
  
$
1,045
    


  

       

Per share data:
                           
Common stock
                           
Net income
                           
— Basic
  
¥
69.72
 
  
¥
136.19
  
+95.3
  
$
1.13
— Diluted
  
 
64.87
 
  
 
126.05
  
+94.3
  
 
1.05
Subsidiary tracking stock
                           
Net income (loss)
                           
— Basic
  
 
(4.06
)
  
 
1.11
  
  
 
0.01

F-4


Table of Contents
 
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
 
    
Nine months ended December 31

    
2001

    
2002

  
Change %

  
2002

    
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars,
except per share amounts)
Sales and operating revenue
                           
Net sales
  
¥
5,325,076
 
  
¥
5,412,892
       
$
45,107
Financial service revenue
  
 
342,179
 
  
 
371,493
       
 
3,096
Other operating revenue
  
 
26,452
 
  
 
34,884
       
 
291
    


  

       

    
 
5,693,707
 
  
 
5,819,269
  
+2.2
  
 
48,494
Costs and expenses
                           
Cost of sales
  
 
3,926,022
 
  
 
3,838,888
       
 
31,991
Selling, general and administrative
  
 
1,278,629
 
  
 
1,327,295
       
 
11,061
Financial service expenses
  
 
330,833
 
  
 
351,179
       
 
2,926
    


  

       

    
 
5,535,484
 
  
 
5,517,362
       
 
45,978
Operating income
  
 
158,223
 
  
 
301,907
  
+90.8
  
 
2,516
Other income
                           
Interest and dividends
  
 
11,618
 
  
 
10,161
       
 
85
Royalty income
  
 
18,743
 
  
 
22,246
       
 
185
Foreign exchange gain, net
  
 
 
  
 
2,192
       
 
18
Gain on sale of securities investments, net
  
 
317
 
  
 
70,870
       
 
591
Other
  
 
25,647
 
  
 
24,672
       
 
206
    


  

       

    
 
56,325
 
  
 
130,141
       
 
1,085
Other expenses
                           
Interest
  
 
32,539
 
  
 
20,063
       
 
167
Loss on devaluation of securities investments
  
 
13,615
 
  
 
17,925
       
 
149
Foreign exchange loss, net
  
 
30,963
 
  
 
       
 
Other
  
 
31,859
 
  
 
26,697
       
 
224
    


  

       

    
 
108,976
 
  
 
64,685
       
 
540
    


  

       

Income before income taxes
  
 
105,572
 
  
 
367,363
  
+248.0
  
 
3,061
Income taxes
  
 
74,119
 
  
 
104,243
       
 
869
    


  

       

Income before minority interest, equity in net losses of affiliated companies and cumulative effect of accounting changes
  
 
31,453
 
  
 
263,120
  
+736.5
  
 
2,192
Minority interest in income (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries
  
 
(9,635
)
  
 
6,671
       
 
55
Equity in net losses of affiliated companies
  
 
26,298
 
  
 
29,786
       
 
248
Income before cumulative effect of accounting changes
  
 
14,790
 
  
 
226,663
  
+1,432.5
  
 
1,889
Cumulative effect of accounting changes (2001:Net of income taxes of ¥2,975 million)
  
 
5,978
 
  
 
       
 
    


  

       

Net income
  
¥
20,768
 
  
¥
226,663
  
+991.4
  
$
1,889
    


  

       

Per share data:
                           
Common stock
                           
Income before cumulative effect of accounting changes
                           
— Basic
  
¥
16.12
 
  
¥
246.46
  
+1,428.9
  
$
2.05
—Diluted
  
 
16.07
 
  
 
228.77
  
+1,323.6
  
 
1.91
Net income
                           
—Basic
  
 
22.63
 
  
 
246.46
  
+989.1
  
 
2.05
—Diluted
  
 
22.56
 
  
 
228.77
  
+914.1
  
 
1.91
Subsidiary tracking stock
                           
Net income (loss)
                           
—Basic
  
 
(4.90
)
  
 
27.88
  
  
 
0.23

F-5


Table of Contents
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
 
    
December 31 2001

    
March 31
2002

    
December 31 2002

    
December 31 2002

 
    
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
ASSETS
                                   
Current assets:
                                   
Cash and cash equivalents
  
¥
744,167
 
  
¥
683,800
 
  
¥
798,635
 
  
$
6,655
 
Time deposits
  
 
8,329
 
  
 
5,176
 
  
 
6,103
 
  
 
51
 
Marketable securities
  
 
155,163
 
  
 
162,147
 
  
 
218,448
 
  
 
1,820
 
Notes and accounts receivable, trade
  
 
1,532,626
 
  
 
1,363,652
 
  
 
1,635,099
 
  
 
13,626
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns
  
 
(120,543
)
  
 
(120,826
)
  
 
(152,518
)
  
 
(1,271
)
Inventories
  
 
816,114
 
  
 
673,437
 
  
 
701,068
 
  
 
5,842
 
Deferred income taxes
  
 
151,669
 
  
 
134,299
 
  
 
149,865
 
  
 
1,249
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
  
 
435,506
 
  
 
435,527
 
  
 
493,120
 
  
 
4,110
 
    


  


  


  


    
 
3,723,031
 
  
 
3,337,212
 
  
 
3,849,820
 
  
 
32,082
 
Film costs
  
 
352,197
 
  
 
313,054
 
  
 
275,801
 
  
 
2,298
 
Investments and advances:
                                   
Affiliated companies
  
 
125,279
 
  
 
131,068
 
  
 
72,479
 
  
 
604
 
Securities investments and other
  
 
1,469,205
 
  
 
1,566,739
 
  
 
1,745,558
 
  
 
14,546
 
    


  


  


  


    
 
1,594,484
 
  
 
1,697,807
 
  
 
1,818,037
 
  
 
15,150
 
Property, plant and equipment:
                                   
Land
  
 
187,476
 
  
 
195,292
 
  
 
189,518
 
  
 
1,579
 
Buildings
  
 
888,820
 
  
 
891,436
 
  
 
873,645
 
  
 
7,280
 
Machinery and equipment
  
 
2,257,331
 
  
 
2,216,347
 
  
 
2,118,062
 
  
 
17,651
 
Construction in progress
  
 
64,586
 
  
 
66,825
 
  
 
61,588
 
  
 
513
 
Less-Accumulated depreciation
  
 
(1,961,927
)
  
 
(1,958,234
)
  
 
(1,927,595
)
  
 
(16,063
)
    


  


  


  


    
 
1,436,286
 
  
 
1,411,666
 
  
 
1,315,218
 
  
 
10,960
 
Other assets:
                                   
Intangibles, net
  
 
228,113
 
  
 
245,639
 
  
 
258,229
 
  
 
2,152
 
Goodwill
  
 
312,977
 
  
 
317,240
 
  
 
291,412
 
  
 
2,428
 
Deferred insurance acquisition costs
  
 
295,533
 
  
 
308,204
 
  
 
326,401
 
  
 
2,720
 
Other
  
 
497,417
 
  
 
554,973
 
  
 
656,430
 
  
 
5,471
 
    


  


  


  


    
 
1,334,040
 
  
 
1,426,056
 
  
 
1,532,472
 
  
 
12,771
 
    


  


  


  


    
¥
8,440,038
 
  
¥
8,185,795
 
  
¥
8,791,348
 
  
$
73,261
 
    


  


  


  


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                   
Current liabilities:
                                   
Short-term borrowings
  
¥
453,100
 
  
¥
113,277
 
  
¥
80,608
 
  
$
672
 
Current portion of long-term debt
  
 
22,488
 
  
 
240,786
 
  
 
230,479
 
  
 
1,921
 
Notes and accounts payable, trade
  
 
789,339
 
  
 
767,625
 
  
 
896,089
 
  
 
7,467
 
Accounts payable, other and accrued expenses
  
 
896,884
 
  
 
869,533
 
  
 
889,754
 
  
 
7,415
 
Accrued income and other taxes
  
 
113,293
 
  
 
105,470
 
  
 
172,238
 
  
 
1,435
 
Deposits from customers in the banking business
  
 
63,602
 
  
 
106,472
 
  
 
213,881
 
  
 
1,782
 
Other
  
 
413,617
 
  
 
355,333
 
  
 
377,343
 
  
 
3,145
 
    


  


  


  


    
 
2,752,323
 
  
 
2,558,496
 
  
 
2,860,392
 
  
 
23,837
 
Long-term liabilities:
                                   
Long-term debt
  
 
1,052,778
 
  
 
838,617
 
  
 
811,151
 
  
 
6,760
 
Accrued pension and severance costs
  
 
231,900
 
  
 
299,089
 
  
 
317,514
 
  
 
2,646
 
Deferred income taxes
  
 
160,317
 
  
 
159,573
 
  
 
162,379
 
  
 
1,353
 
Future insurance policy benefits and other
  
 
1,569,068
 
  
 
1,680,418
 
  
 
1,848,136
 
  
 
15,401
 
Other
  
 
252,625
 
  
 
255,824
 
  
 
282,878
 
  
 
2,357
 
    


  


  


  


    
 
3,266,688
 
  
 
3,233,521
 
  
 
3,422,058
 
  
 
28,517
 
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries
  
 
31,913
 
  
 
23,368
 
  
 
22,220
 
  
 
185
 
Stockholders’ equity:
                                   
Capital stock
  
 
476,031
 
  
 
476,106
 
  
 
476,261
 
  
 
3,969
 
Additional paid-in capital
  
 
968,147
 
  
 
968,223
 
  
 
984,181
 
  
 
8,202
 
Retained earnings
  
 
1,226,219
 
  
 
1,209,262
 
  
 
1,424,413
 
  
 
11,870
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
  
 
(273,788
)
  
 
(275,593
)
  
 
(388,895
)
  
 
(3,242
)
Treasury stock, at cost
  
 
(7,495
)
  
 
(7,588
)
  
 
(9,282
)
  
 
(77
)
    


  


  


  


    
 
2,389,114
 
  
 
2,370,410
 
  
 
2,486,678
 
  
 
20,722
 
    


  


  


  


    
¥
8,440,038
 
  
¥
8,185,795
 
  
¥
8,791,348
 
  
$
73,261
 
    


  


  


  


F-6


Table of Contents
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
 
    
Nine months ended December 31

 
    
2001

    
2002

    
      2002      

 
    
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                          
Net income
  
¥
20,768
 
  
¥
226,663
 
  
$
1,889
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities—  
                          
Depreciation and amortization, including amortization of deferred insurance acquisition costs
  
 
262,179
 
  
 
255,684
 
  
 
2,131
 
Amortization of film costs
  
 
165,105
 
  
 
232,727
 
  
 
1,939
 
Accrual for pension and severance costs, less payments
  
 
8,922
 
  
 
20,125
 
  
 
168
 
Loss on sale, disposal or impairment of long-lived assets, net
  
 
23,099
 
  
 
23,539
 
  
 
196
 
Gain on sales of securities investments, net
  
 
(317
)
  
 
(70,870
)
  
 
(591
)
Deferred income taxes
  
 
(29,698
)
  
 
(65,648
)
  
 
(547
)
Equity in net losses of affiliated companies, net of dividends
  
 
28,938
 
  
 
30,880
 
  
 
257
 
Cumulative effect of accounting changes
  
 
(5,978
)
  
 
 
  
 
 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                          
Increase in notes and accounts receivable, trade
  
 
(52,521
)
  
 
(298,009
)
  
 
(2,483
)
(Increase) decrease in inventories
  
 
150,272
 
  
 
(41,752
)
  
 
(348
)
Increase in film costs
  
 
(197,605
)
  
 
(226,738
)
  
 
(1,889
)
Increase (decrease) in notes and accounts payable, trade
  
 
(149,850
)
  
 
139,788
 
  
 
1,165
 
Increase (decrease) in accrued income and other taxes
  
 
(44,042
)
  
 
69,970
 
  
 
583
 
Increase in future insurance policy benefits and other
  
 
203,054
 
  
 
167,718
 
  
 
1,398
 
Increase in deferred insurance acquisition costs
  
 
(53,848
)
  
 
(49,808
)
  
 
(415
)
Changes in other current assets and liabilities, net
  
 
51,479
 
  
 
35,476
 
  
 
296
 
Other
  
 
(49,189
)
  
 
53,321
 
  
 
443
 
    


  


  


Net cash provided by operating activities
  
 
330,768
 
  
 
503,066
 
  
 
4,192
 
    


  


  


Cash flows from investing activities:
                          
Payments for purchases of fixed assets
  
 
(293,123
)
  
 
(203,552
)
  
 
(1,696
)
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets
  
 
34,216
 
  
 
23,567
 
  
 
196
 
Payments for investments and advances by financial service business
  
 
(469,028
)
  
 
(686,800
)
  
 
(5,723
)
Payments for investments and advances (other than financial service business)
  
 
(78,465
)
  
 
(49,961
)
  
 
(416
)
Proceeds from sales of securities investments, maturities of marketable securities and collections of advances by financial service business
  
 
190,585
 
  
 
385,984
 
  
 
3,216
 
Proceeds from sales of securities investments, maturities of marketable securities and collections of advances (other than financial service business)
  
 
26,560
 
  
 
127,389
 
  
 
1,062
 
Increase in time deposits
  
 
(1,641
)
  
 
(1,196
)
  
 
(10
)
    


  


  


Net cash used in investing activities
  
 
(590,896
)
  
 
(404,569
)
  
 
(3,371
)
    


  


  


Cash flows from financing activities:
                          
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
  
 
223,888
 
  
 
10,506
 
  
 
88
 
Payments of long-term debt
  
 
(163,992
)
  
 
(23,101
)
  
 
(193
)
Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings
  
 
239,434
 
  
 
(22,147
)
  
 
(185
)
Increase in deposits from customers in the banking business
  
 
63,602
 
  
 
106,462
 
  
 
887
 
Proceeds from issuance of subsidiary tracking stock
  
 
9,529
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
Dividends paid
  
 
(22,951
)
  
 
(22,965
)
  
 
(191
)
Other
  
 
17,195
 
  
 
(8,219
)
  
 
(68
)
    


  


  


Net cash provided by financing activities
  
 
366,705
 
  
 
40,536
 
  
 
338
 
    


  


  


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
  
 
30,345
 
  
 
(24,198
)
  
 
(202
)
    


  


  


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
  
 
136,922
 
  
 
114,835
 
  
 
957
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
  
 
607,245
 
  
 
683,800
 
  
 
5,698
 
    


  


  


Cash and cash equivalents at end of the third quarter
  
¥
744,167
 
  
¥
798,635
 
  
$
6,655
 
    


  


  


F-7


Table of Contents
(Notes)
 
1.
 
U.S. dollar amounts have been translated from yen, for convenience only, at the rate of ¥120 = U.S.$1, the approximate Tokyo foreign exchange market rate as of December 30, 2002.
 
2.
 
As of December 31, 2002, Sony had 1,050 consolidated subsidiaries. It has applied the equity accounting method in respect to its 83 affiliated companies.
 
3.
 
Sony calculates and presents per share data separately for Sony’s Common stock and for the subsidiary tracking stock which is linked to the economic value of Sony Communication Network Corporation, based on Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) No.128, “Earnings per Share”. The holders of the tracking stock have the right to participate in earnings, together with common stock holders. Accordingly, Sony calculates per share data by the “two-class” method based on FAS No.128. Under this method, basic net income per share for each class of stock is calculated based on the earnings allocated to each class of stock for the applicable period, divided by the weighted-average number of outstanding shares in each class during the applicable period. The earnings allocated to the subsidiary tracking stock are determined based on the subsidiary tracking stockholders’ economic interest in the targeted subsidiary’s earnings available for dividends. The earnings allocated to Common stock are calculated by subtracting the earnings allocated to the subsidiary tracking stock from Sony’s net income for the period.
 
    
 
Weighted-average shares used for computation of earnings per share of Common stock are as follows. The dilutive effect mainly resulted from convertible bonds. In accordance with FAS No.128, the computation of diluted net income per share for the nine months ended December 31, 2001 uses the same weighted-average shares used for the computation of diluted income before cumulative effect of accounting changes per share, and reflects the effect of the assumed conversion of convertible bonds in diluted net income.
 
    
Three months ended
December 31

Weighted-average shares

  
2001

  
2002

    
(Thousands of shares)
Net income
         
—  Basic
  
918,470
  
920,961
—  Diluted
  
996,345
  
999,828
Weighted-average shares

  
(Thousands of shares)

    
Nine months ended
December 31

    
2001

  
2002

      
Income before cumulative effect of accounting changes and net income
         
—  Basic
  
918,450
  
919,337
—  Diluted
  
921,407
  
998,275
 
    
 
Weighted-average shares used for computation of earnings per share of the subsidiary tracking stock for the three months and nine months ended December 31, 2001 and 2002 are 3,072 thousand shares. There were no potentially dilutive securities for the subsidiary tracking stock outstanding at December 31, 2001 and 2002.
 
4.
 
Sony’s comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes changes in unrealized gains or losses on securities, unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments, minimum pension liability adjustment and foreign currency translation adjustments. Net income, other comprehensive income (loss) and comprehensive income for the three months and nine months ended December 31, 2001 and 2002 were as follows:

F-8


Table of Contents
 
 
    
Three months ended December 31

    
Nine months ended December 31

 
    
2001

    
2002

    
2002

    
    2001    

    
       2002       

    
    2002    

 
    
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Net income
  
¥
064,023
 
  
¥
125,431
 
  
$
1,045
 
  
¥
20,768
 
  
¥
226,663
 
  
$
1,889
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) :
                                                     
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities
  
 
(9,251
)
  
 
(744
)
  
 
(6
)
  
 
(35,913
)
  
 
(8,173
)
  
 
(68
)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
  
 
1,087
 
  
 
(1,066
)
  
 
(9
)
  
 
2,821
 
  
 
(3,414
)
  
 
(28
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
  
 
131,886
 
  
 
(12,467
)
  
 
(104
)
  
 
87,871
 
  
 
(101,715
)
  
 
(848
)
    


  


  


  


  


  


    
 
123,722
 
  
 
(14,277
)
  
 
(119
)
  
 
54,779
 
  
 
(113,302
)
  
 
(944
)
    


  


  


  


  


  


Comprehensive income
  
¥
187,745
 
  
¥
111,154
 
  
$
926
 
  
¥
75,547
 
  
¥
113,361
 
  
$
945
 
    


  


  


  


  


  


 
5.
 
On April 1, 2001, Sony adopted FAS No.133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” as amended by FAS No.138, “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities—an Amendment of FASB Statement No.133”. As a result of the adoption of the new standard, Sony recorded a one-time non-cash after-tax unrealized gain of ¥1,089 million in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheet, as well as an after-tax gain of ¥5,978 million in the cumulative effect of accounting changes in the consolidated statement of income.
 
6.
 
In the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2002, Sony adopted Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 01-09, “Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer or Reseller of the Vendor’s Products”, retroactive to April 1, 2001. As a result of the adoption of new statement, certain cooperative advertising and product placement costs previously classified as selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months and nine months ended December 31, 2001 have been reclassified as a reduction of revenues to conform to the presentation for the three months and nine months ended December 31, 2002.
 
7.
 
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
 
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets
 
On April 1, 2002, Sony adopted FAS No.144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”. This statement establishes a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale and modifies the accounting and disclosure rules for discontinued operations. The adoption of this statement did not have an impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.
 
FAS No.145, “Rescission of FASB Statements No.4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No.13, and Technical Corrections”
 
In April 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FAS No.145. This statement rescinds certain authoritative pronouncements and amends, clarifies or describes the applicability of others, effective for fiscal years beginning or transactions occurring after May 15, 2002, with early adoption encouraged. Sony elected early adoption of this statement retroactive to the beginning of the fiscal year. The adoption of this statement did not have an impact on Sony’s results of operations and financial position.

F-9


Table of Contents
 
Other Consolidated Financial Data
    
Three months ended December 31

 
    
2001

    
2002

    
Change

    
2002

 
    
(Millions of yen, millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Capital expenditures (additions to fixed assets)
  
¥
75,160
 
  
¥
56,937
 
  
-24.2
%
  
$
474
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses*
  
 
94,603
 
  
 
88,716
 
  
-6.2
 
  
 
739
 
(Depreciation expenses for tangible assets)
  
 
(77,572
)
  
 
(70,304
)
  
(-9.4
)
  
 
(586
)
R&D expenses
  
 
98,918
 
  
 
105,564
 
  
+6.7
 
  
 
880
 
    
Nine months ended December 31

 
    
2001

    
2002

    
Change

    
2002

 
Capital expenditures (additions to fixed assets)
  
¥
254,594
 
  
¥
184,631
 
  
-27.5
%
  
$
1,539
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses*
  
 
262,179
 
  
 
255,684
 
  
-2.5
 
  
 
2,131
 
(Depreciation expenses for tangible assets)
  
 
(215,646
)
  
 
(205,136
)
  
(-4.9
)
  
 
(1,709
)
R&D expenses
  
 
325,283
 
  
 
311,749
 
  
-4.2
 
  
 
2,598
 

*
 
Including amortization expenses for intangible assets and for deferred insurance acquisition costs.

F-10


Table of Contents
SONY
 
News & Information
    
6-7-35 Kita-shinagawa
Shinagawa-ku
Tokyo, 141-0001 Japan

      
No: 03-002E
Date: January 28, 2003
 

Subsidiary Tracking Stock
Sony Communication Network Corporation
Financial Results For the Third Quarter
and the Nine-Month Period Ended December 31, 2002

 
Sony Communication Network Corporation (hereinafter, the “SCN Group”), a subsidiary the performance of which is linked to a tracking stock issued by Sony Corporation, announced today its consolidated results for both the third quarter ended December 31, 2002 (the period from October 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002) and the nine-month period ended December 31, 2002 (the period from April 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002).
 
Summary of Consolidated Results
 
The following is a summary of the SCN Group’s consolidated results for both the third quarter and the nine-month period ended December 31, 2002. These results are based on the generally accepted accounting standards of Japan.
 
Consolidated Results for the Third Quarter
    
Quarter ended December 31

    
2001

    
2002

    
Change (%)

    
(Millions of Yen)
Sales
  
¥
8,625
 
  
¥
9,933
 
  
+15.2
Operating income (loss)
  
 
(519
)
  
 
76
 
  
Ordinary income (loss)
  
 
(687
)
  
 
(17
)
  
Net income (loss)
  
 
(457
)
  
 
201
 
  
Consolidated Results for the Nine-Month Period
    
Nine months ended December 31

    
2001

    
2002

    
Change (%)

    
(Millions of Yen)
Sales
  
¥
24,141
 
  
¥
29,307
 
  
+21.4
Operating income (loss)
  
 
(1,356
)
  
 
973
 
  
Ordinary income (loss)
  
 
(1,861
)
  
 
695
 
  
Net income (loss)
  
 
(1,506
)
  
 
276
 
  

1/12


Table of Contents
 
Summary of Consolidated Operations (October 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002)
 
Regarding the Japanese economy during the third quarter ended December 31, 2002; there was a growing sense of being at a standstill. Several factors of uncertainty- the strengthening of the yen against the dollar due to anxiousness over the United States economy accompanied by a more tense international situation including Iraq, as well as declining stock prices and uneasiness towards the government’s economic policies- caused a worsening in consumer and business confidence.
 
In spite of this economic environment, in the Internet market, dedicated-line broadband services, such as CATV, FTTH, and in particular ADSL, continued to spread. A marked result of this was the number of ADSL subscribers in Japan as of the end of December passing 5.65 million, according to the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications.
 
In this business environment, the SCN Group worked to enrich its connection services, including IP telephony, and to enrich its broadband content offerings, such as video distribution and online games. The SCN Group also worked to strengthen and expand its marketing efforts, including expanding subscription routes and advertising, and to strengthen cooperation with Sony Corp. and Sony Marketing (Japan) Inc. hardware.
 
As a result, sales during the quarter under review were 9,933 million yen, an increase of 15.2% over the year earlier period. The number of So-net subscribers increased by 130,000 over the year earlier period, to 2.29 million. Of those, broadband subscribers, mainly of “So-net ADSL,” numbered 370,000, an increase of 260,000 over the year earlier period.
 
Affecting profit performance, marketing, advertising, and sales promotion expenditures totaling 1,247 million yen, an increase of 129 million yen over the year earlier period, were carried out as part of efforts to strengthen marketing activities. This was a result of implementation of joint promotions with “TSUTAYA” and “am/pm” and television advertising aimed at raising brand awareness and consumer recognition of sales campaigns.
 
On the other hand, the SCN Group worked to promote a stronger management system for the entire group, to rationalize and improve the efficiency of call center operation.
 
Furthermore, the SCN Group worked to review the number of ports for access points. These measures helped to reduce total selling, general and administrative costs. As a result, operating income of 76 million yen was recorded, compared with an operating loss of 519 million yen in the year earlier period.
 
Also, equity losses of 68 million yen were recorded for affiliated companies accounted for by the equity method, an improvement of 111 million yen over the year earlier period. This was because of increased profitability, along with an expansion of sales, at DeNA Co., Ltd. However, due to losses including charges resulting from the cancellation of leasing contracts connected with systems integration in the Internet provider services, an ordinary loss of 17 million yen was recorded, compared with an ordinary loss of 687 million yen in the year earlier period.
 
Furthermore, following the merger agreement between the SCN and So-net Be Media Corp. (hereinafter, “SBM”), the SCN Group recorded deferred tax assets corresponding with the portion within SBM’s tax loss carryforwards that is expected to be utilized by SCN. Stemming from this, during the quarter under review, the SCN Group recorded deferred tax benefit of 301 million yen. As a result, net income for the quarter under review was 201 million yen, compared with a net loss of 457 million yen in the year earlier period.

2/12


Table of Contents
 
Sales by Category
 
The third quarter ended December 31, 2002
      
3rd Quarter ended December 31, 2001
(millions of yen)

  
Percentage of total
(%)

    
3rd Quarter ended December 31, 2002
(millions of yen)

  
Percentage of total
(%)

  
Year-on-year
change
(%)

 
Operating revenue
  
Internet provider services
    
7,186
  
83.3
    
8,220
  
82.7
  
+14.4
 
    
Internet-Related services
    
1,222
  
14.2
    
1,317
  
13.3
  
+7.8
 
Merchandise sales
    
217
  
2.5
    
396
  
4.0
  
+82.3
 
Total
    
8,625
  
100.0
    
9,933
  
100.0
  
+15.2
 
The nine-month period ended December 31, 2002
                              
      
Nine-months ended
December 31, 2001
(millions of yen)

  
Percentage of total (%)

    
Nine-months ended
December 31, 2002
(millions of yen)

  
Percentage of total (%)

  
Year-on-year
change
(%)

 
Operating revenue
  
Internet provider services
    
19,703
  
81.6
    
24,483
  
83.5
  
+24.3
 
    
Internet-related services
    
3,991
  
16.5
    
3,807
  
13.0
  
(4.6
)
Merchandise sales
    
447
  
1.9
    
1,018
  
3.5
  
+127.6
 
Total
    
24,141
  
100.0
    
29,307
  
100.0
  
+21.4
 
 
<<Operating revenue>>
 
ISP services
 
In this category, the SCN Group must work to enrich its new service offerings aimed at the spread of dedicated-line broadband connections, and during the quarter under review, the SCN Group announced offerings including the start of test service of “So-net Phone,” an IP telephony service, and PHS Packet Communication Service.
 
In the area of cooperation with Sony Corp., the SCN Group is offering the new Home Network Service, and also announced a decision to sell from the beginning of this February the broadband AV router “HN-RT1,” aimed at broadband subscribers.
 
Furthermore, as a way of strengthening marketing in order to attract subscribers, the SCN Group developed a So-net new subscriber campaign involving joint promotions and sales cooperation with “TSUTAYA” and “am/pm” stores. The SCN Group has also developed joint promotions including cooperation on Sony hardware with Sony Marketing (Japan) Inc.
 
Overall, sales of ISP services for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 were 8,220 million yen, an increase of 14.4% compared with the year earlier period. Such sales accounted for 82.7% of total sales.

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Internet-related services
 
In this category, although content subscription fees and the sales of subsidiaries increased, compared to the year earlier period, sales stemming from the construction of authentication and settlement systems as well as content sales related to “PostPet” decreased. Furthermore, in terms of measures to strengthen and expand content services aimed at broadband, the SCN Group began Beta-version testing of “Ever Quest,” a massively multiplayer online role-playing game jointly offered by Sony Corp. and the SCN Group. Also, the SCN Group pre-opened “So-net TV,” a broadband portal site, and offered over 10 streaming original new programs.
 
Overall, sales in this category increased 7.8% compared with year earlier period to 1,317 million yen. Such sales accounted for 13.3% of total sales.
 
<<Merchandise sales>>
 
This category includes sales of CS-broadcast receivers, “PostPet V3,” a popular e-mail software program that went on sale in early December, and “PlayStation BB units,” as well as related products outsourced to sell in Japanese-market and ADSL modems. During the quarter under review, sales in this category increased by 82.3% to 396 million yen. Such sales accounted for 4.0% of total sales.
 
Results of Consolidated Subsidiaries and of Affiliated Companies Accounted for by the Equity Method
 
The SCN Group includes the following five consolidated subsidiaries: So-net Be Media Corp., So-net Sports.com Corp., So-net M3 Inc., Skygate, Co., Ltd., and Drivegate Inc., and two affiliated companies accounted for by the equity method: Label Gate Co., Ltd. and DeNA Co., Ltd. During the quarter under review, equity in net losses of affiliated companies of 68 million yen was recorded, compared with 179 million yen in the year earlier period.
 
Furthermore, during the quarter under review, a decision was reached for So-net Be Media Corp. to merge with SCN as of January 1, 2003.
 
In terms of profitability, the six companies except for So-net M3 Inc. continued to record operating losses as in the second quarter, but thanks to sales increases and improving profitability, the trend was one of improvement.
 
Cash Flow
 
Cash and cash equivalents were 5,115 million yen at December 31, 2002, which was an increase of 15 million yen compared with the end of the year earlier period. During the nine-month period under review, the SCN Group generated 2,145 million yen of cash from operating activities, used 630 million yen of cash in investing activities, and used 1,040 million yen of cash in financing activities, which resulted in an increase in cash and cash equivalents of 475 million yen since March 31, 2002.
 
<Cash flow from operating activities>
 
During the nine-month period ended December 31, 2002, regarding cash flows from operating activities, the SCN Group generated 2,145 million yen, a significant improvement over the year earlier period, when the SCN Group used 358 million yen. During the period under review, this was mainly due to the recording of net income before income taxes of 695 million yen during the nine-month period, compared with a loss of 1,824 million yen in the year earlier period.

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<Cash flow from investing activities>
 
During the nine-month period ended December 31, 2002, regarding cash flows from investing activities, the SCN Group used 630 million yen, while during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2001, the SCN Group used 2,677 million yen. During the period under review, factors influencing cash flows from investing activities included outlays of 498 million yen for acquiring intangible assets such as connection service and e-commerce systems as well as outlays of 206 million yen due to loans to affiliated companies.
 
<Cash flow from financing activities>
 
During the nine-month period ended December 31, 2002, regarding cash flows from financing activities, the SCN Group used 1,040 million yen, while during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2001, the SCN Group generated 7,676 million yen. During the period under review, this reflected the repayment of short and long-term debt to Sony Corp.
 

 
For inquiries, please contact:
   
Sony Corp, IR Department
   
7-35, Kita-Shinagawa 6-chome Shinagawa-ku,
 
Tel: (03) 5448-2180

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Segment Information
 
<Operating segment information>
 
Third quarter ended December 31, 2002
Nine-month period ended December 31, 2002
 
The SCN Group is involved solely in network service-related operations; thus, as it operates a single business segment, information in this section has been omitted.
 
<Geographic segment information>
 
Third quarter ended December 31, 2002
Nine-month period ended December 31, 2002
 
Disclosures relating to geographic segment are not applicable because the group does not operate outside of Japan.
 
<Overseas sales>
 
Third quarter ended December 31, 2002
Nine-month period ended December 31, 2002
 
Because overseas sales accounted for less than 10 percent of overall sales, disclosures relating to overseas sales have been omitted.

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
 
For the three months ended December 31, 2002
 
    
Three-months ended December 31

 
    
2001

    
2002

    
Change

 
    
(Millions of yen)
 
Sales
         
  8,625
 
         
  9,933
 
  
15.2
%
Cost of sales
         
4,961
 
         
5,735
 
      
Gross profit
         
3,664
 
         
4,197
 
      
Selling, general and administrative expenses
         
4,183
 
         
4,121
 
      
Operating income (loss)
         
(519
)
         
76
 
  
%
Non-operating income
         
18
 
         
19
 
      
Non-operating expenses
                                  
Equity in net loss of affiliated companies
  
 179
 
         
68
 
             
Other
  
7
 
  
186
 
  
45
 
  
113
 
      
Ordinary income (loss)
         
(687
)
         
(17
)
  
%
Extraordinary gain
                                  
Gain on issuances of stock by equity investee
         
78
 
         
 
      
Extraordinary loss
         
 
         
 
      
Net income (loss) before income taxes
         
(609
)
         
(17
)
  
%
Income tax current
  
(73
)
         
96
 
             
Income tax deferred
  
75
 
  
2
 
  
(301
)
  
(204
)
      
Minority interest loss
         
154
 
         
14
 
      
Net income (loss)
         
(457
)
         
201
 
  
%
 
For the nine-months ended December 31, 2002
 
    
Nine-months ended December 31

 
    
2001

    
2002

  
Change

 
    
(Millions of yen)
 
Sales
         
24,141
 
         
29,307
  
21.4
%
Cost of sales
         
14,292
 
         
16,996
      
Gross profit
         
9,849
 
         
12,312
      
Selling, general and administrative expenses
         
11,205
 
         
11,339
      
Operating income (loss)
         
(1,356
)
         
973
  
%
Non-operating income
         
46
 
         
62
      
Non-operating expenses
                                
Equity in net loss of affiliated companies
  
490
 
         
273
 
           
Other
  
61
 
  
551
 
  
66
 
  
340
      
Ordinary income (loss)
         
(1,861
)
         
695
  
%
Extraordinary gain
                                
Gain on issuances of stock by consolidated subsidiary and equity investee
         
97
 
         
0
      
Extraordinary loss
                                
Extraordinary depreciation of fixed assets
         
60
 
         
      
Net income (loss) before income taxes
         
(1,824
)
         
695
  
%
Income tax current
  
75
 
         
 469
 
           
Income tax deferred
  
(164
)
  
(90
)
  
(22
)
  
447
      
Minority interest loss
         
228
 
         
28
      
Net income (loss)
         
(1,506
)
         
276
  
%
 

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
 
    
December 31 2001

    
March 31 2002

    
December 31 2002

 
    
(Millions of yen)
 
ASSETS
                    
Current assets
  
9,624
 
  
9,408
 
  
9,932
 
    

  

  

Cash and bank deposit
  
545
 
  
523
 
  
459
 
Notes and account receivable, trade
  
3,816
 
  
3,962
 
  
3,954
 
Inventories
  
116
 
  
64
 
  
105
 
Deposits in parent company
  
4,555
 
  
4,118
 
  
 
Deposits in Sony group company
  
 
  
 
  
4,657
 
Other
  
636
 
  
770
 
  
791
 
Allowance for bad debt
  
(43
)
  
(28
)
  
(33
)
Noncurrent assets
  
5,013
 
  
4,789
 
  
4,428
 
    

  

  

Property, plant and equipment
  
520
 
  
456
 
  
383
 
    

  

  

Intangible assets
  
2,809
 
  
2,724
 
  
2,577
 
    

  

  

Software
  
1,123
 
  
1,108
 
  
1,168
 
Goodwill
  
1,382
 
  
1,275
 
  
1,182
 
Other
  
303
 
  
341
 
  
227
 
Investment and other assets
  
1,684
 
  
1,609
 
  
1,468
 
    

  

  

Investment in affiliates and others
  
830
 
  
833
 
  
749
 
Other
  
854
 
  
776
 
  
719
 
    

  

  

Total assets
  
14,638
 
  
14,197
 
  
14,361
 
    

  

  

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                    
Current liabilities
  
4,938
 
  
5,460
 
  
6,176
 
    

  

  

Account payable, trade
  
1,652
 
  
1,963
 
  
2,331
 
Current portion of long-term borrowing from parent
  
900
 
  
1,200
 
  
1,100
 
Company
                    
Accrued expense
  
2,033
 
  
1,693
 
  
1,853
 
Other
  
353
 
  
603
 
  
892
 
Long-term liabilities
  
1,165
 
  
869
 
  
83
 
    

  

  

Long-term borrowing from parent company
  
1,100
 
  
800
 
  
 
Other
  
65
 
  
69
 
  
83
 
Total liabilities
  
6,103
 
  
6,329
 
  
6,259
 
    

  

  

Minority interest
  
(140
)
  
(213
)
  
(241
)
    

  

  

Common stock
  
5,246
 
  
5,246
 
  
5,246
 
Additional paid-in capital
  
4,765
 
  
4,765
 
  
4,765
 
Retained earnings (accumulated losses)
  
(1,350
)
  
(1,945
)
  
(1,669
)
Unrealized exchange gains of investment securities
  
15
 
  
16
 
  
1
 
    

  

  

Total stockholders’ equity
  
8,675
 
  
8,081
 
  
8,343
 
    

  

  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  
14,638
 
  
14,197
 
  
14,361
 
    

  

  

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow (Unaudited)
 
    
Nine-months ended December 31

 
    
  2001  

    
  2002  

 
    
(Millions of yen)
 
I.  Cash flows from operating activities
             
Net Income (loss) before income taxes
  
(1,824
)
  
695
 
Depreciation and amortization
  
658
 
  
589
 
Extraordinary depreciation of fixed assets
  
60
 
  
 
Amortization for goodwill
  
82
 
  
234
 
Equity in net losses of affiliated companies
  
490
 
  
273
 
Gain on issuances of stock by consolidated subsidiary and equity investee
  
(97
)
  
(0
)
Decrease in accrued bonuses
  
(189
)
  
(239
)
Increase in accrued severance costs for employees
  
12
 
  
17
 
Increase in accrued severance indemnities for directors
  
16
 
  
9
 
Increase in allowance for bad debt
  
7
 
  
5
 
Interest income
  
(2
)
  
(2
)
Interest expenses
  
7
 
  
6
 
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
  
9
 
  
21
 
Loss on sales of tangible fixed assets
  
1
 
  
 
(Increase) decrease in account receivable, trade
  
(169
)
  
33
 
(Increase) decrease in inventories
  
68
 
  
(41
)
(Increase) decrease in other current assets
  
53
 
  
(34
)
Increase in accounts payable, trade
  
278
 
  
363
 
Increase in accrued expenses
  
534
 
  
140
 
Increase in other current liabilities
  
26
 
  
250
 
    

  

Sub Total
  
21
 
  
2,318
 
    

  

Receipt of interest
  
2
 
  
2
 
Payments for interest
  
(7
)
  
(6
)
Payments for income taxes
  
(375
)
  
(170
)
    

  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  
(358
)
  
2,145
 
    

  

II.  Cash flows from investing activities
             
Payment for securities investment
  
(154
)
  
(16
)
Payment for acquisition of fixed assets
  
(103
)
  
(37
)
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets
  
2
 
  
6
 
Payment for acquisition of intangible assets
  
(593
)
  
(498
)
Proceeds from sales of intangible assets
  
1
 
  
20
 
Payment for deposits
  
(20
)
  
(27
)
Proceeds from deposits
  
 
  
101
 
Payments for long term prepaid expenses
  
(19
)
  
(2
)
Net cash increase resulting from acquiring subsidiary
  
 
  
30
 
Net cash decrease resulting from acquiring subsidiary
  
(1,496
)
  
 
Payments for acquisition of subsidiaries’ stock held by
minority shareholders
  
(16
)
  
 
Payments for loan
  
(281
)
  
(206
)
    

  

Net cash used in investing activities
  
(2,677
)
  
(630
)
    

  

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Nine-months ended December 31

 
    
2001

    
2002

 
    
(Millions of yen)
 
III.  Cash flows from financing activities
             
Decrease in short-term borrowing
  
(1,872
)
  
(140
)
Payments of long term debt
  
 
  
(900
)
Proceeds from issuances of stock to minority shareholders
  
19
 
  
 
Proceeds from issuances of stocks
  
9,529
 
  
 
    

  

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
  
7,676
 
  
(1,040
)
    

  

IV.  Effect of exchange rate difference on cash and cash equivalents
  
 
  
 
V.  Increase in cash and cash equivalents
  
4,641
 
  
475
 
VI.  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
  
483
 
  
4,641
 
VII.  Decrease in cash and cash equivalents resulting from deconsolidation
  
(24
)
  
 
    

  

VIII.  Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
  
5,100
 
  
5,115
 
    

  

 
(Notes)
 
1.
 
Consolidated Financial statements of the SCN Group are based on the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in Japan.
 
2.
 
As of December 31, 2002, the SCN Group included five consolidated subsidiaries and two affiliated companies accounted for by the equity method. On January 1, 2003, SCN merged with one of the consolidated subsidiaries, So-net Be Media Corp.
 
3.
 
While the cash previously deposited in Sony Corp. was recorded under “Deposit in parent company” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, it is recorded as “Deposit in Sony group company” in this fiscal year because the cash is deposited in Sony Corp’s treasury subsidiary company from December 1.2002.
 
(For reference)
 
      
Three-months ended
December 31, 2001

    
Three-months ended
December 31, 2002

  
Change (%)

 
      
(millions of yen)
 
Increase in fixed assets
    
59
    
11
  
(81.2
)
Increase in intangible assets
    
225
    
125
  
(44.7
)
Depreciation of fixed assets*
    
54
    
34
  
(37.2
)
Amortization of intangible assets
    
171
    
144
  
(16.1
)
R&D expenses
    
    
  
 
      
Nine-months ended December 31, 2001

    
Nine-months ended December 31, 2002

  
Change (%)

 
Increase in fixed assets
    
128
    
34
  
(73.7
)
Increase in intangible assets
    
725
    
438
  
(39.6
)
Depreciation of fixed assets*
    
203
    
98
  
(51.5
)
Amortization of intangible assets
    
503
    
460
  
(8.5
)
R&D expenses
    
    
  
 

*
 
Including extraordinary depreciation of fixed assets

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Strategy and Outlook
 
Going forward
 
Under a vision of offering “Sony Fun Broadband” services, during the current fiscal year, the SCN Group is working to enrich its basic connection services and high-value added services aimed at dedicated-line broadband as well as its content offerings. The SCN Group is also striving towards the goals of strengthening its subsidiaries and affiliated companies and strengthening cooperation with the Sony Group.
 
Furthermore, regarding the SCN Group’s subsidiaries and affiliated companies, the SCN Group is working to steadily expand sales and improve profitability.
 
Going forward, the SCN Group will work to further strengthen cooperation with the Sony Group and at the same time to continue to focus on acquiring subscribers. Furthermore, the SCN Group will strive to further improve the level of management, including that of subsidiaries and affiliated companies.
 
Forecast of Consolidated Results
 
Regarding the forecast of the consolidated results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2003, the figures announced on April 25, 2002 have been revised as follows:
 
Consolidated Results
           
(millions of yen)
Change from previous year

 
Sales
  
39,000
 
    
+17.6%  
 
Operating income (loss)
  
800
 
    
—  
 
Ordinary income (loss)
  
200
 
    
—  
 
Net income (loss)
  
(300
)
    
—  
 
(For reference)
               
Forecast announced on April 25, 2002 for Consolidated Results for the year ending March 31, 2003:
           
(millions of yen)
Change from revious year

 
Sales
  
40,000
 
    
+20.7%  
 
Operating income (loss)
  
(400
)
    
—%  
 
Ordinary income (loss)
  
(800
)
    
—%  
 
Net income (loss)
  
(1,000
)
    
—%  
 
Consolidated Results for the year ended March 31, 2002:
           
(millions of yen)
Change from previous year

 
Sales
  
33,151
 
    
(4.4%
)  
Operating income (loss)
  
(1,707
)
    
—%  
 
Ordinary income (loss)
  
(2,559
)
    
—%  
 
Net income (loss)
  
(2,101
)
    
—%  
 
 
The above revisions to the forecast for the year ending March 31, 2003 are based on the following factors:

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It is expected that the number of SCN Group subscribers at the end of the year ending March 31, 2003 will be 2.32 million, rather than the previously forecast 2.56 million.
 
Regarding the “Sales” forecast, in the category of ISP services there is an impact from such factors as the number of currently forecast subscribers not being as high as originally forecast, the 3-months-free promotion campaign that began in October for So-net ADSL, and price decreases.
 
In regards to profitability, operating income has been revised upwards by 1,200 million yen, ordinary income by 1,000 million yen, and net income by 700 million yen. This stems from strengthening the structure of the SCN Group and implementation of measures to enhance services as well as careful consideration of first half advertising and marketing costs and sales promotion costs.
 
Cautionary statement:
 
Statements made in this release with respect to Sony Communication Network’s (“SCN”) current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of SCN. These statements are based on management’s assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it. Therefore, SCN 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.

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SONY
 
ERICSSON
Sony Corporation
 
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
6-7-35, Kitashinagawa
 
SE-126 25 Stockholm
Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 141-0001 Japan
 
Sweden
 
Sony and Ericsson Announce Eur 300 million Capital Injection
to Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications and Report the Joint Venture’s
Fourth Quarter Results
 
Tokyo and Stockholm, January 29 — Sony and Ericsson today announced that the two companies have decided to make an additional capital injection to their 50:50 jointly owned Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, AB (“SEMC”).
 
In order to strengthen SEMC’s capital structure and support business expansion, Sony and Ericsson have decided that during the quarter ending March 31, 2003, each company will contribute Eur 150 million to SEMC. This capital injection represents the continuing commitment of Sony and Ericsson to the joint venture.
 
SEMC estimates that approximately 115 million units were sold (sell-through) in the total market during the fourth quarter and approximately 395 million during the full year of 2002, compared with approximately 390 million in 2001. SEMC forecasts that total market sales will be approximately 435 million units during 2003, representing year-on-year growth of about 10%.
 
Sony and Ericsson today also announced SEMC’s fourth quarter results ended December 31, 2002. Units shipped in the quarter reached 7.1 million, which is 4% higher year-on-year and 42% higher compared to the third quarter. Net sales for the quarter were Eur 1,235 million, representing year-on-year and sequential increases of 18% and 42%, respectively. Income before taxes in the quarter was Eur -77 million and net income was Eur -69 million, which represent year-on-year improvements of Eur 75 million and Eur 70 million, respectively.
 
Note: As a 50:50 joint venture, 50% of SEMC’s results are reported by Sony and Ericsson as a joint venture accounted for under the equity method.
 
Contacts:
 
Investors/Analysts
Ericsson Investor Relations:  Gary Pinkham, Vice President +46(0)8-719-0000
Sony Investor Relations:  Takeshi Sudo, General Manager (Tokyo) +81(0)3-5448-2180; or Chris Hohman, Senior Manager (London) +44(0)20-7426-8739
 
Press/Media
Ericsson External Relations:  Pia Gideon, Vice President +46(0)8-719-2864
Sony Corporate Communications:  Kei Sakaguchi, General Manager +81(0)3-5448-2200