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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000
Commission file number 1-6439
SONY KABUSHIKI KAISHA
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
SONY CORPORATION
(Translation of Registrant's name into English)
JAPAN
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
7-35, KITASHINAGAWA 6-CHOME, SHINAGAWA-KU, TOKYO
141-0001, JAPAN
(Address of principal executive offices)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
Title of each class Name of each exchange
on which registered
American Depositary Shares* New York Stock Exchange
Pacific Stock Exchange
Chicago Stock Exchange
Common Stock** New York Stock Exchange
Pacific Stock Exchange
Chicago Stock Exchange
* American Depositary Shares evidenced by American Depositary
Receipts Each American Depositary Share represents one share of
Common Stock.
** Par value 50 Japanese yen per share
Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing of
American Depositary Shares pursuant to the requirements of the
relevant exchanges
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
None
------------------------------------------------------------
(Title of Class)
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Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to
Section 15(d) of the Act.
None
------------------------------------------------------------
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes
of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual
report.
OUTSTANDING AS OF
MARCH 31, 2000 MARCH 30, 2000
TITLE OF CLASS (TOKYO TIME) (NEW YORK TIME)
- ---------------- -------------- ---------------
Common Stock 453,639,163***
American Depositary Shares 31,630,893***
*** No adjustment has been made to the number of shares as of March 31, 2000,
regarding two-for-one stock split that has become effective on
May 19, 2000.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has
elected to follow.
Item 17 [ ] Item 18 [ X ]
In this document, Sony Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries are
together referred to as "Sony." In addition, sales and operating revenue is
referred to as "sales" in the narrative description except in Consolidated
Financial Statements.
The noon buying rate for yen in New York City as certified for customs
purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on July 26, 2000 was
109.28 yen = U.S. 1 dollar.
As of March 31, 2000, Sony Corporation had 1,080 consolidated subsidiaries.
It has applied the equity accounting method in respect to its 81 affiliated
companies.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT WITH RESPECT TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
STATEMENTS MADE IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT WITH RESPECT TO SONY'S CURRENT PLANS,
ESTIMATES, STRATEGIES AND BELIEFS AND OTHER STATEMENTS THAT ARE NOT HISTORICAL
FACTS ARE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ABOUT THE FUTURE PERFORMANCE OF SONY. THESE
STATEMENTS ARE BASED ON MANAGEMENT'S ASSUMPTIONS AND BELIEFS IN LIGHT OF THE
INFORMATION CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO IT AND THEREFORE YOU SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE
RELIANCE ON THEM. SONY CAUTIONS YOU THAT A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT FACTORS COULD
CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE DISCUSSED IN THE
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. SUCH FACTORS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
(I) GENERAL 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; AND (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).
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PART I
Item 1. Description of Business
General
Sony Corporation was established in Japan in May 1946 as Tokyo Tsushin
Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha. In January 1958, it changed its name to Sony Kabushiki
Kaisha ("Sony Corporation" in English).
Sony is engaged in the development, design, manufacture, and sale of
various kinds of electronic equipment, instruments, and devices for consumer and
professional markets. Sony's principal manufacturing facilities are located in
Japan, the U.S. and Mexico, Europe, and Asia, and its products are marketed by
sales subsidiaries and unaffiliated local distributors as well as direct sales
via the Internet throughout the world. In addition to internationalizing its
production operations, Sony has been promoting the transfer of research and
development activities and management functions overseas to bring its overseas
operations in closer proximity to local communities and markets.
Sony develops, produces, manufactures, and markets home-use entertainment
hardware and software, principally through Sony Computer Entertainment ("SCE").
Sony is engaged in the development, production, manufacture, and
distribution of recorded music, in all commercial formats and musical genres
worldwide, through Sony Music Entertainment Inc. ("SMEI"), and, in Japan,
through Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. ("SMEJ").
Sony is also engaged in the development, production, manufacture,
marketing, distribution, and broadcasting of image-based software, including
film, video, television, and new entertainment technologies, principally through
Sony Pictures Entertainment ("SPE").
Sony conducts insurance operations principally through Sony Life Insurance
Co., Ltd. ("Sony Life"), a Japanese stock life insurance subsidiary, and Sony
Assurance Inc. ("Sony Assurance"), a Japanese non-life insurance subsidiary.
In addition, Sony is engaged in financial business through leasing and
credit financing, satellite distribution services including program supplying
businesses in Japan, Internet-related businesses, location-based entertainment
complexes, and other businesses.
Realigning the Network Companies
In October 1999, Sony combined the B&P Company, which is in charge of
broadcast- and professional-use equipment, with Digital Network Solutions
("DNS"), which is in charge of network related technologies and service
businesses, to establish the Communication System Solutions Network Company
("CSNC"). By combining both companies' technical expertise, CSNC aims to expand
existing businesses and develop new businesses in the digital network era.
Following this step, the Electronics business is consolidated into four network
companies, which are internal business units, the Home Network Company ("HNC"),
the Personal IT Network Company ("PNC"), the Core Technology and Network Company
("CNC"), and CSNC.
In addition, Sony announced plans to establish Semiconductor Network
Company ("SNC"), a new network company, effective as of August 1, 2000. SNC will
be in charge of semiconductor business currently included in CNC. SNC will work
to develop system LSI with its latest manufacturing technologies to be used in
end products. By working closely with Sony's product development divisions, SNC
will seek to closely reflect the trends and needs of semiconductors that
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are required for new product development.
Privatizing Three Sony Group Subsidiaries
On January 5, 2000, the acquisition transactions by way of exchanges of
stock, whereby SMEJ, Sony Chemicals Corporation, and Sony Precision Technology
Inc. became wholly-owned subsidiaries of Sony Corporation, were completed.
Products and Services
Within the Electronics segment, sales are reported using the following five
product categories: "Audio", "Video", "Televisions", "Information and
communications", and "Electronic components and other."
The following table sets forth Sony's sales by operating segments and
product categories.
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
--------------------------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
--------- --------- ---------
(YEN IN MILLIONS)
Electronics 4,380,084 4,356,254 4,395,906
(64.8) (64.0) (65.7)
--------- --------- ---------
Audio 1,127,788 1,072,621 934,865
(16.7) (15.8) (14.0)
Video 870,854 969,129 976,705
(12.9) (14.2) (14.6)
Televisions 709,043 702,620 714,188
(10.5) (10.3) (10.7)
Information and communications 894,810 914,140 1,052,707
(13.2) (13.4) (15.7)
Electronic components and other 777,589 697,744 717,441
(11.5) (10.3) (10.7)
--------- --------- ---------
Game 699,574 760,071 630,662
(10.4) (11.2) (9.4)
--------- --------- ---------
Music 658,381 717,297 665,047
(9.7) (10.5) (10.0)
--------- --------- ---------
Pictures 644,183 545,693 492,093
(9.5) (8.0) (7.4)
--------- --------- ---------
Insurance 291,061 339,368 380,317
(4.3) (5.0) (5.7)
--------- --------- ---------
Other 87,721 85,499 122,636
(1.3) (1.3) (1.8)
--------- --------- ---------
Sales and operating revenue 6,761,004 6,804,182 6,686,661
========= ========= =========
Figures in parentheses indicate percentage of sales and operating revenue.
The Electronics business is managed as a single operating segment by Sony's
management. However, Sony believes that the product category information in
the Electronics segment is useful to investors in understanding the sales
contributions of the products in this business segment. Operating income
information by product category is not available.
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Electronics
Audio:
Audio includes MiniDisc ("MD") systems, CD players, headphone stereos,
personal component stereos, hi-fi components, radio-cassette tape recorders,
tape recorders, IC recorders, radios, headphones, car audio, professional-use
audio equipment, audiotapes, and recordable MDs.
Video:
Video includes 8mm/Digital 8-, DV-, and VHS-format VTRs, DVD-Video
players, digital still cameras, broadcast- and professional-use video
equipment, and videotapes.
Televisions:
Televisions includes color TVs, projection TVs, flat panel displays,
personal LCD monitors, car TVs, and professional-use monitors/projectors.
Information and communications:
Information and communications includes computer displays, personal
computers, computer peripherals, data media, IC recording media, satellite
broadcasting reception systems, cellular phones, telephones, car navigation
systems, and video printers.
Electronic components and other:
Electronic components and other includes semiconductors, LCDs, electronic
components, cathode ray tubes ("CRTs"), optical pickups, batteries,
FA systems, and an Internet-related business in Japan.
Game
SCE develops, designs, and sells PlayStation, PS one, and PlayStation 2
entertainment hardware and related software, principally in Japan, the U.S., and
Europe, and enters into licenses with third party software developers.
Music
SMEI and SMEJ produce recorded music and video through contracts with many
top artists worldwide in all musical genres. SMEI and SMEJ manufacture, market,
and distribute CDs, MDs, DVDs, Super Audio CDs, and pre-recorded audio and video
cassettes, and produce and manufacture CD-ROMs.
The Music business has an extensive and geographically diversified
software manufacturing capacity, with plants in the U.S., Austria, Japan,
Brazil, Australia, India, Canada, Hong Kong, and Mexico. Software is
manufactured principally for the Music business, the Game business, and third
parties.
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Pictures
Pictures business global operations encompass motion picture production,
acquisition and distribution, television programming and syndication,
production, acquisition and distribution, home video acquisition and
distribution, television broadcasting, and operation of studio facilities.
SPE's motion picture arm, the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group,
includes SPE's principal motion picture production organization, Columbia
Pictures, Screen Gems, as well as Sony Pictures Classics, Sony Pictures
Releasing, and Columbia TriStar Film Distributors International.
SPE's Columbia TriStar Television Group is principally comprised of
Columbia TriStar Television, Columbia TriStar Television Distribution, Columbia
TriStar International Television, the Game Show Networks, and various
investments relating to television broadcasting.
SPE's home video operations are conducted through Columbia TriStar Home
Video.
SPE's digital production, online distribution, and broadband services will
be operated through the newly formed Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment.
SPE also manages two studio facilities, Sony Pictures Studios and The
Culver Studios, both of which are located at SPE's world headquarters in Culver
City, California.
Insurance
Insurance includes insurance-related underwriting business, primarily
individual life insurance business in Japan conducted through Sony Life and
individual automobile insurance business in Japan conducted through Sony
Assurance.
Other
Other business consists of various operating activities, primarily
including a leasing and credit financing business through Sony Finance
International, Inc., a business focused on parts trading services within the
Sony group through Sony Trading International Corporation, satellite
distribution services including program supplying businesses in Japan,
principally through Sony Broadcast Media Co., Ltd., and location-based
entertainment businesses in Japan, the U.S., and Germany.
Sales and Distribution
The following table shows Sony's sales in each of its major markets for the
periods indicated.
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
----------------------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
--------- --------- ---------
(YEN IN MILLIONS)
Japan 1,848,023 1,917,028 2,121,249
(27.3) (28.2) (31.7)
United States 2,101,222 2,158,006 2,027,129
(31.1) (31.7) (30.3)
Europe 1,568,830 1,667,010 1,470,447
(23.2) (24.5) (22.0)
Other Areas 1,242,929 1,062,138 1,067,836
(18.4) (15.6) (16.0)
--------- --------- ---------
Sales and operating revenue 6,761,004 6,804,182 6,686,661
========= ========= =========
Figures in parentheses indicate percentage of sales and operating revenue.
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Electronics
Sony's electronic products are sold throughout the world under the
trademark "Sony", which has been registered in 200 countries and territories.
In most cases, sales of Sony's electronic products are made to sales
subsidiaries of Sony Corporation located or responsible for sales in the
countries and territories where Sony's products are sold, and these subsidiaries
sell to local distributors and dealers. In some regions, sales of certain
products are made directly to local distributors by Sony Corporation.
Japan:
Sony Marketing (Japan) Inc. markets consumer products through retailers
and also markets broadcast- and professional-use products. In addition, Sony
Style.com Japan Inc. markets consumer products directly via the Internet.
For electronic components, Sony directly sells products to wholesalers and
manufacturers.
North America:
Sony Electronics Inc. markets Sony's consumer and non-consumer products
in the U.S. Sony Electronics Inc. has 18 sales and distribution branches and
offices throughout the U.S.
In Canada, Sony markets its products through Sony
of Canada Ltd.
Europe:
In Europe, Sony's consumer products are marketed through 17 sales
subsidiaries including Sony United Kingdom Limited, Sony Deutschland
G.m.b.H., and Sony France S.A. Sales of non-consumer products are made
through several divisions differentiated by product covering all of Europe.
Other Areas:
In overseas areas other than North America and Europe, Sony's products
are marketed through 20 sales subsidiaries, including Sony Corporation of
Hong Kong Limited, Sony Gulf FZE in United Arab Emirates, and Sony Comercio
e Industria Ltda. in Brazil. In some regions, sales of certain products are
made directly to local distributors by Sony Corporation.
Game
SCE markets and distributes PlayStation, PS one, and PlayStation 2
entertainment hardware and related software. This business is conducted through
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. ("SCEI") in Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc. ("SCEA") in the U.S., and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
Limited. ("SCEE") in Europe.
Music
SMEI and SMEJ manufacture, market and distribute CDs, MDs, DVDs, Super
Audio CDs, and pre-recorded audio and video software.
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SMEI and its affiliates conduct business in countries other than Japan
under the "Columbia Records Group", "Epic Records Group", "LOUD Records", "Sony
Classical", and other labels. The Columbia House Company, a 50:50 partnership
between Sony and Time Warner Inc., is engaged in direct marketing of music and
home-video products in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
SMEJ conducts business in Japan under the "Sony Records", "Epic Records",
"Ki/oon Records", "SMEJ Associated Records", and other labels.
Pictures
SPE, with its global operations in 67 countries, generally secures all
rights relating to the worldwide distribution of its internally produced motion
pictures, including rights for theatrical exhibition, home videocassette, and
DVD distribution, pay and free television exhibition and other markets. SPE may
also acquire distribution rights to motion pictures produced by other companies,
and these rights may be limited to particular geographic regions or specific
forms of media. SPE uses its own distribution service business for the U.S.
theatrical release of its films and those acquired from and produced by others.
Outside the U.S., SPE generally distributes and markets its films through
one of its Columbia TriStar Film Distributors International subsidiaries.
However, in certain countries, SPE has joint distribution arrangements with
other studios or arrangements with independent local distributors.
The worldwide home video distribution of motion pictures, television
programs, and other video products of SPE (and those acquired or licensed from
others) is handled through Columbia TriStar Home Video, except in certain
countries where SPE has joint distribution arrangements with other studios or
arrangements with independent local distributors.
SPE produces television programming and licenses it to U.S. network and
cable television or first run syndication for prime-time or daytime broadcast.
SPE also licenses rights to its library of television programming and motion
pictures to network affiliates and independent stations in the U.S. and to
international television stations and other broadcasters throughout the world.
SPE produces original programming in eight different languages around the
world in conjunction with local partners. SPE has worldwide broadcasting
investments in more than 25 international channels including AXN, branded
channels offering programming in several countries in Asia, Spain, and Japan;
Sony Entertainment Television, channels in several countries in Latin America
and India providing U.S. movies and television programming; and Telemundo, a
U.S. network and station group providing programming for the U.S. Hispanic
market.
Insurance
Sony Life conducts life insurance business primarily in Japan, using
Lifeplanner financial consultants to serve customers. As of March 31, 2000, Sony
Life employed approximately 4,440 such consultants. Sony Life maintains an
extensive service network including 97 Lifeplanner branch offices, 26 regional
sales offices, and 1,572 independent agencies in Japan at the end of March 2000.
In addition, aiming to apply Sony Life's insurance expertise in countries other
than Japan, Sony Life Insurance (Philippines) Corporation, a newly established
subsidiary, began operations in the Philippines in November 1999.
Sony Assurance conducts non-life insurance business starting in October
1999. Using a direct marketing model that Sony believes is tailored to today's
networked society, the new company is working to build a new type of
relationship between an insurer and its customers. Sony Assurance started
selling automobile insurance directly to individuals by telephone and over the
Internet.
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Overseas Operations
Sony has pursued a long-term strategy of actively expanding its production
capabilities outside Japan following a general policy seeking to manufacture its
products in the markets in which they are sold. As of March 31, 2000, it
operated 16 manufacturing facilities in North America and Mexico, 11 in Europe,
and 23 in other areas outside Japan. To build a corporate structure less
susceptible to the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations and to reduce
inventory and cost, Sony continues to seek to localize its overseas production,
research and development, design, materials and parts procurement, and
management.
After-Sales Service
Sony provides repair and servicing functions in the countries where its
electronic products are sold. In large markets, such as Japan, the U.S., and
Europe, Sony provides these services through its own service centers, authorized
independent service centers and authorized servicing dealers, and its
subsidiaries; other markets are principally serviced through authorized
servicing dealers.
In line with industry practice, almost all of Sony's electronic products
sold in Japan carry a warranty, generally for a period of one year from the date
of purchase for repairs, free of charge, for malfunctions occurring in the
course of ordinary use. In the case of broadcast- and professional-use products,
Sony maintains support contracts with customers in addition to warranties.
Overseas warranties are generally provided for various periods of time depending
on the product and the country where it is marketed.
To further ensure customer satisfaction, Sony maintains customer
information centers in its principal markets.
Competition
In each of its principal product lines, Sony encounters intense competition
throughout the world. Sony believes, however, that in the aggregate it competes
successfully and has a major position in all of the principal product lines in
which it is engaged, although the strength of its position varies with products
and markets.
In the Electronics business, Sony believes that its attractive product
planning, the high quality of its products, its record of innovative product
introductions and product improvements, and its extensive marketing and
servicing efforts are important factors in maintaining its competitive position.
The Game business is a historically volatile and highly dynamic industry
and Sony's competitive position is affected by changing technology and product
introductions, limited platform life cycles, popularity of software titles,
seasonality, consumer spending and other economic trends. Sony's chief
competitors in the field of hardware also market their own game consoles and
software titles. In the software business, development of hit titles is becoming
increasingly difficult.
Success in the music entertainment business is dependent to a large extent
upon the artistic and creative abilities of employees and outside talent and is
subject to the vagaries of public taste. Although SMEI is one of the largest
recorded music companies in the world, its competitive position in the future
depends on its continuing ability to attract and develop talent that can achieve
a high degree of public acceptance. This position also depends on making
appropriate investments in new technologies for digitization and networking. In
addition, the recorded music business continues to be adversely affected by
counterfeiting, piracy, and parallel imports.
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SPE faces intense competition from other major motion picture studios and,
to a lesser extent, from independent production companies, to attract the
attention of the movie-going public worldwide. Competition in television
production, distribution, and syndication is also intense because available
broadcast time is limited and the audience is increasingly fragmented among
broadcast, cable, and other networks both in the U.S. and internationally.
Additionally, in supplying television programming, SPE faces significant
long-term competition from U.S. network productions.
In the Insurance business, as Japan begins the deregulation of the
insurance industry, the marketplace will likely become increasingly product and
price competitive with more newcomers entering the business from other
industries and from outside Japan. Although Sony Life and Sony Assurance have
competitive strengths in products and marketing, it is not possible to predict
the impact which the deregulation of the insurance market will have on the
business of Sony Life and Sony Assurance.
Research and Development
Sony believes research and development activities are vital to the growth
of its business in the digital network era. Accordingly, Sony actively carries
out research and development in various areas. Regarding Sony's activities,
areas that require rapid introduction to market are handled at each business
unit, and strategic long-term areas are handled at corporate laboratories
directly supervised by Sony Headquarters. Also, overseas laboratories in the
U.S., Europe, and Asia, taking advantage of resources available in their
respective areas, actively collaborate with the business units and the corporate
laboratories. The corporate laboratories consist of the following four units.
- - Frontier Science Laboratories (Materials and Devices)
- - Information & Network Technologies Laboratories (Networks, Communications,
and Computing)
- - A3 Laboratory (Digital Signal Processing)
- - Digital Creatures Laboratory (Entertainment Robots)
Major items that have recently resulted from Sony's research and
development include:
- - MagicGate ("MG") and OpenMG copyright management technologies for digital
music content that conform to the Secure Digital Music Initiative ("SDMI").
These technologies have been incorporated into various portable players,
devices, and PC software applications, including Memory Stick Walkman and
the IC recording media, MG Memory Stick. The electronic distribution of
music initiated by SMEJ and SMEI conforms to these technologies.
- - The high definition ("HD") quality 1080/24P production system. The system was
developed for digital broadcasting and movie creation. In addition to making
possible, from recording to editing, video imaging in the 1080 lines/24
frames progressive format, through use of a multi-format converter, the
system allows the conversion of images to various formats including HDTV,
SD (standard definition) TV, and movie film.
- - FeliCa, a contactless smart card system which has achieved durability,
security, and easy operation. Under the joint collaboration of Sony, The
Sakura Bank Limited, and others, the system was introduced as an electronic
money testing operation for shopping mall-office complexes in Japan.
- - AIBO, an entertainment robot which can exhibit behavior resembling emotion,
instinct, learning, and growth, as well as functions necessary for an
autonomous four-legged robot, such as motion
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control and audio/video signal processing. The software of this robot can be
recorded on a Memory Stick. Accordingly, users can enjoy various kinds of
behavior.
- - The Graphic Synthesizer, the fastest graphics processor currently available,
and the EmotionEngine, the 128-bit CPU co-developed by Toshiba Corporation
and Sony Computer Entertainment ("SCE"). These technologies are incorporated
into PlayStation 2.
Sony incurred research and development expenses of 394.5 billion yen in
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000; 375.3 billion yen in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1999; and 318.0 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 31, 1998.
Patents and Licenses
Sony has a number of Japanese and foreign patents relating to its products.
Many of the patents owned by Sony are licensed to others, under reasonable terms
and conditions. Sony is licensed to use a number of patents owned by others,
covering a wide range of products. Certain licenses are important to Sony's
business, and Sony considers its overall license position beneficial to its
operations.
Sources of Supply
Sony pursues procurement of raw materials, parts, and components to be used
in the production of its products on a global basis on the most favorable terms
that it can achieve. These items are purchased from various suppliers around the
world. Generally, Sony maintains multiple suppliers for every significant
category of parts and components.
Employee Relations
As of March 31, 2000, Sony had approximately 189,700 employees, including
fixed-term employees, an increase of approximately 4,500 from the number as of
March 31, 1999. The number of employees, including fixed-term employees, as of
March 31, 1999 was higher than that previously reported, principally due to
adjustments for undercounting. As of March 31, 2000, approximately 73,900
employees were located in Japan and 115,800 outside Japan, and approximately 14%
were members of labor unions. Regarding employee relations, since April 2000, a
labor dispute has been continuing at a manufacturing facility in Indonesia.
However, Sony believes that the impact of this dispute would not have a material
effect on Sony's consolidated results, as Sony has shifted most of the
facility's manufacturing activities temporarily to other nearby facilities in
that region. Sony generally considers its employee relations to be good.
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Item 2. Description of Property
Sony has a number of offices, plants and warehouses throughout the world.
Most of the buildings and land on which they are located are owned by Sony, free
from significant encumbrances.
The following table sets forth information as of March 31, 2000 with
respect to principal plants for the manufacturing of products for the
Electronics business and entertainment hardware for the Game business with floor
space of more than 500,000 square feet:
APPROXIMATE
LOCATION FLOOR SPACE PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED
- --------------------------------------------------- ------------- --------------------------------------
(SQUARE FEET)
In Japan:
Miyagi 1,654,000 Magnetic and optical storage media and
(Sony Corporation and Sony Miyagi Corporation) electronic components
Nagasaki 1,122,000 Semiconductors
(Sony Nagasaki Corporation and SCE)
Kagoshima 1,079,000 Semiconductors
(Sony Kokubu Corporation)
Fukushima 983,000 Batteries and electronic components
(Sony Fukushima Corporation)
Aichi 932,000 Video cameras, PCs,
(Sony Kohda Corporation) and entertainment hardware
Aichi 868,000 CRTs
(Sony Inazawa Corporation)
Aichi 831,000 Color TVs and computer displays
(Sony Ichinomiya Inc.)
Tochigi 813,000 Magnetic tapes, adhesives,
(Sony Chemicals Corporation) and electronic components
Tochigi 611,000 Magnetic and optical storage media and
(Sony Tochigi Corporation) batteries
Chiba 609,000 DVD-Video players
(Sony Kisarazu Corporation) and entertainment hardware
Shizuoka 571,000 Broadcast- and professional-use video and
(Sony Broadcast Products Corporation) audio equipment
Gifu 524,000 Video cameras, cellular phones, and
(Sony Minokamo Corporation) entertainment hardware
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APPROXIMATE
LOCATION FLOOR SPACE PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED
- ------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------------------------------
(SQUARE FEET)
Overseas:
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. 2,715,000 Color TVs and CRTs
(Sony Electronics Inc.)
San Diego, California, U.S.A. 2,143,000 Computer displays
(Sony Electronics Inc.)
Penang, Malaysia 973,000 Audio and data storage systems
(Sony Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.)
Tijuana, Mexico 953,000 Color TVs and computer displays
(Sony de Tijuana Este, S.A. de C.V.)
Dothan, Alabama, U.S.A. 883,000 Magnetic storage media
(Sony Magnetic Products Inc. of America)
Bangi, Malaysia 789,000 Color TVs, VTRs,
(Sony Technology Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.) and DVD-Video players
Jurong, Singapore 776,000 CRTs
(Sony Electronics (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.)
Bridgend, Wales, U.K. 732,000 CRTs
(Sony Manufacturing Company U.K.)
Pencoed, Wales, U.K. 707,000 Color TVs and computer displays
(Sony Manufacturing Company U.K.)
Nuevo Laredo, Mexico 606,000 Magnetic storage media
(Sony Nuevo Laredo, S.A. de C.V.)
Bekasi, Indonesia 576,000 Audio
(P.T. Sony Electronics Indonesia)
Barcelona, Spain 566,000 Color TVs
(Sony Espana, S.A.)
In addition to the above, Sony has a number of other plants for electronic
products throughout the world. Sony owns research and development facilities,
and employee housing and recreation facilities, as well as Sony Corporation's
headquarters buildings in Tokyo, Japan, where administrative functions and
product development activities are carried out. SCEI leases its corporate
headquarters buildings located in Tokyo, where administrative functions, product
development, and software production are carried out. SCEA and SCEE lease their
offices in the U.S. and Europe, respectively.
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The following table sets forth information as of March 31, 2000 with
respect to principal plants for the manufacturing of software for the Music and
Game businesses with floor space of more than 500,000 square feet:
APPROXIMATE
LOCATION FLOOR SPACE PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED
- --------------------------------------- ------------- -------------------------------
(SQUARE FEET)
Shizuoka, Japan 724,000 CDs, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and MDs
(Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.)
Carrollton, Georgia, U.S.A. 688,000 CDs and audio cassettes
(Sony Music Entertainment Inc.)
Terre Haute, Indiana, U.S.A. 645,000 CDs, CD-ROMs, and DVDs
(Digital Audio Disc Corporation)
In addition to the above, SMEI and its affiliates have several plants in
various parts of the world and lease their corporate headquarters located in New
York City. Most of SMEJ's offices, including leased premises, are located in
Tokyo, Japan.
SPE's corporate offices and major motion picture and television production
facilities are headquartered in Culver City, California, where it owns and
operates two studio facilities, Sony Pictures Studios and The Culver Studios.
(The aggregate approximate floor space of these two studios is 2,536,000 square
feet.) SPE also leases office spaces and motion picture and television support
facilities from affiliates of Sony Corporation and other third parties. Its film
and videotape storage operations are located in Inwood, New York, where SPE also
leases space.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
On or about July 23, 1996, SMEI was served with an antitrust civil
investigation demand from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of
Florida seeking the production of documents in connection with an investigation
to determine whether there "is, has been or may be" a "conspiracy to fix the
prices" of compact discs ("CDs") or conduct consisting of "unfair methods of
competition" or "unfair trade practices" in the sale and marketing of CDs. No
allegations of unlawful conduct have been made against SMEI. By letter dated
January 8, 1998, SMEI was notified by the Office of the Attorney General of the
State of Florida that certain documents that SMEI had produced to its office
were shared under a confidentiality provision in the Florida statutes with the
Office of the Attorney General of the State of Illinois and the Office of the
Attorney General of the State of New York. SMEI anticipates that litigation will
shortly be commenced by various State Attorneys General.
On May 10, 2000, the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") announced that it
had entered a settlement agreement with SMEI arising from the FTC's inquiry
concerning SMEI's minimum advertised price policy. Under the terms of the
consent decree, which did not require SMEI to make any payment, SMEI neither
admitted nor denied the substantive allegations of the accompanying FTC
complaint. That consent decree, which is subject to final approval by the FTC,
requires that SMEI refrain from (i) adopting, maintaining, enforcing or
threatening to enforce any minimum
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advertised pricing program for a period of seven years; (ii) entering into an
agreement with a dealer to control or maintain the resale price at which the
dealer may offer for sale or sell any Sony product and (iii) announcing resale
or minimum advertised prices of Sony products and an unilaterally terminating
those who fail to comply because of such failure for a period of five years; and
imposes certain other requirements on Sony.
On May 30, 1995, a purported class action was filed with the United States
District Court for the Central District of California, entitled Digital
Distribution Inc. d/b/a Compact Disc Warehouse v. CEMA Distribution, et al., No.
95-3536. The plaintiff, representing a class of direct purchasers of recorded
music CDs, alleged that SMEI and other defendants violated the federal antitrust
laws by engaging in a conspiracy to fix the prices of CDs, and sought an
injunction and treble damages. On January 9, 1996, the defendants' motion to
dismiss the amended complaint was granted and the action was dismissed, with
prejudice. Plaintiff appealed the dismissal to the United States Court of
Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, No. 96-55264. On July 3, 1997, the United States
Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed the dismissal of the amended
complaint and remanded the case to the District Court, holding that the amended
complaint was sufficient to meet the pleading requirements of the Federal Rules
of Civil Procedure and that the action should proceed. On October 29, 1997, the
District Court stayed proceedings in the action due to the filing on May 12,
1997 of a Chapter 7 Petition under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code by plaintiff. After
further proceedings in the bankruptcy court on the part of the plaintiff, the
Court lifted the stay and restored the matter to the docket. On August 25, 1998,
SMEI answered the amended complaint, denying its material allegations, asserting
affirmative defenses and demanding judgment against the plaintiffs.
On September 30, 1997, a purported class action was commenced in the United
States District Court for the Central District of California entitled Chandu
Dani d/b/a Compact Disc Warehouse and Record Revolution v. EMI Music
Distribution, Inc., Sony Music Entertainment, Inc., Warner Elektra Atlantic
Corporation, Universal Music and Video Distribution, Bertelsmann Music Group,
Inc., and PolyGram Group Distribution, Inc., No. 97-7226. Plaintiffs, purporting
to represent a class of direct purchasers of CDs, allege that defendants
violated the federal and state antitrust laws by engaging in a conspiracy to fix
the prices of CDs and seek an injunction and treble damages. On December 22,
1997, SMEI answered the amended complaint, denying its material allegations,
asserting affirmative defenses and demanding judgment against the plaintiffs. On
April 22, 1998, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated for
pretrial purposes this action with a number of other actions asserting
essentially the same claims filed in the federal district courts under the
caption In Re Compact Disc Antitrust Litigation, and assigned the coordinated
case to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. (In
August 1998, plaintiffs' counsel asked that the Digital action be added to the
coordinated proceedings as a "tag-along" action.) Discovery (other than that
related to expert issues) has concluded. In an order filed June 15, 2000, the
court denied plaintiffs motions to certify a class of all direct purchasers. The
case is currently scheduled for trial in December 2000 with respect to the
remaining individually named plaintiffs.
On February 17, 1998, a purported class action was commenced in the Circuit
Court of Cocke County, Tennessee at Newport, entitled Ottinger & Silvey, et al.
v. EMI Music Distribution, Inc., Sony Music Entertainment, Inc., Warner Elektra
Atlantic Corporation, UNI Distribution Corporation, Bertelsmann Music Group,
Inc., and PolyGram Group Distribution, Inc. The action is brought on behalf of
persons who from January 29, 1993 to the present purchased CDs indirectly from
the defendants in Alabama, Arizona, California, the District Court of Columbia,
Florida, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, North
Carolina, North Dakota,
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South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, and alleges that the
defendants are engaged in a conspiracy to fix the prices of CDs, in violation of
antitrust, unfair trade practices, and consumer protection statutes of each of
those jurisdictions. On May 11, 1998, SMEI and all of the other defendants moved
to dismiss the action. That motion is scheduled to be heard on September 15,
2000. Plaintiffs have also amended their complaint to add a class of direct
purchasers in Tennessee, and, inter alia, to add certain common law claims.
In addition, subsequent to the announcement of the FTC consent decree
described above, approximately 80 additional purported class actions have been
filed against SMEI and other record companies in state courts in New York and
California and elsewhere and in Federal courts in New York, California, and
other jurisdictions. These actions allege violation of U.S. federal and state
antitrust and other state unfair competition laws, based in whole or in part on
the adoption and implementation of minimum advertised pricing programs. Most of
the claims are brought on behalf of consumers and other indirect purchasers.
Some name specific retailers as defendants; many others refer to unnamed
retailer "co-conspirators." A motion has been made to coordinate all federal
actions for pretrial purposes. A motion has also been made to coordinate all
California state actions. Total damages sought cannot currently be determined,
although certain of the suits have set forth specific monetary damages claims of
as much as 500 million U.S. dollars, before trebling. Others do not identify a
specific dollar amount sought.
On October 24, 1996, the Italian Competition and Market Commission (the
"ICMC") commenced an investigation against Warner Music Italia S.p.A., PolyGram
Italia S.r.l., EMI Music Italy S.p.A., BMG Ricordi S.p.A., Sony Music
Entertainment S.p.A., and the Italian Music Industry Federation regarding prices
of CDs sold in Italy by those companies. On October 9, 1997, the ICMC issued an
administrative decision concluding, in part, that those record companies had
agreed on a uniform commercial structure for CDs sold to dealers. The ICMC
imposed monetary sanctions on each of the record companies identified above,
including a penalty against Sony Music Entertainment S.p.A. in the amount of
1,495,952,000 Italian Lira. Each of the record companies appealed the ICMC's
order to the Regional Administrative Court of Lazio, which denied the appeal.
Each of the record companies has further appealed the order to the Supreme Court
in Rome, and a hearing on the appeal is scheduled for November 2000.
In October 1993, 15 music performers or representatives of deceased
performers, on behalf of an alleged similarly-situated class, filed suit in the
United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against
approximately 50 record companies, including SMEI and certain other defendants.
(Samuel D. Moore, et al. v. American Federation of Television and Radio Artists,
et al., No. 93-Civ-2358) Plaintiffs claimed that the recording companies
under-reported and under-contributed to the American Federation of Television
and Radio Artists ("AFTRA") Health and Retirement Fund, in violation of Employee
Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA"), in breach of contract and fiduciary
duty through fraud and embezzlement, and in violation of Racketeer Influenced
and Corrupt Organizations ("RICO") Act. Plaintiffs sought substantial, but
unquantified, monetary damages, treble damages, attorneys' fees and costs and
the imposition of a constructive trust over their master recordings. The Court
consolidated with this action a second, similar lawsuit, commenced by the same
plaintiffs in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New
York. The Court has granted the record company defendants' motion to dismiss the
ERISA claims but denied the defendants' motion to dismiss state law claims for
breach of contract and fraud and defendants' motion for summary judgement on the
RICO claims. The Court has also denied plaintiffs' motions for class
certification of the remaining claims. On October 6, 1998, the
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Eleventh Circuit accepted the interlocutory review of the District Court's Order
denying class certification and consolidated that appeal with the appeal of the
dismissal of the plaintiffs' ERISA claims. On June 29, 2000, the Eleventh
Circuit affirmed the courts decisions denying class certification and denying
plaintiff's ERISA claims.
In addition, Sony Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries are
defendants in several other pending lawsuits. However, based upon the
information currently available to Sony, management of Sony believes that
damages from such lawsuits, if any, would not have a material effect on Sony's
consolidated financial position.
Item 4. Control of Registrant
(a) To the knowledge of Sony Corporation, it is not directly or indirectly
owned or controlled by any other corporation or by the Japanese government
or any foreign government.
(b) (1) To the knowledge of Sony Corporation, no person owns of record or
beneficially more than 10% of the outstanding Common Stock.
(2) The total number of shares of Sony Corporation's Common Stock
beneficially owned by the Directors, Statutory Auditors, and Executive
Officers (refer to Item 10.) as of May 31, 2000 was as follows:
NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENTAGE
TITLE OF CLASS IDENTITY OF PERSON OR GROUP BENEFICIALLY OWNED OF CLASS
- -------------- ------------------------------ ------------------ ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Common stock Directors, Statutory Auditors, 3,264 0.4%
and Executive Officers
(c) As far as is known to Sony Corporation, there is no arrangement, the
operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control
of Sony Corporation.
Item 5. Nature of Trading Market
The primary markets for Sony Corporation's Common Stock are the Tokyo Stock
Exchange (the "TSE") in the form of Common Stock and the New York Stock Exchange
(the "NYSE") in the form of American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") evidenced by
American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"). Each ADS represents one share of Common
Stock.
Sony Corporation's Common Stock, par value 50 yen per share, has been
listed on the TSE since 1958, and is also listed on the four other stock
exchanges in Japan: Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Sapporo. In addition, Sony
Corporation's Common Stock is listed on the following stock exchanges outside
Japan: Pacific, Chicago, Toronto, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf,
Brussels, Vienna, and Swiss.
Sony Corporation's ADRs have been traded in the U.S. since 1961 and have
been listed on the NYSE since 1970. Sony Corporation's ADRs are issued and
exchanged by Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Depositary.
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The following number of shares and the reported high and low share prices
of Sony Corporation have not been adjusted for the two-for-one stock split that
has become effective on May 19, 2000.
As of March 31, 2000, there were 453,639,163 shares of Common Stock
outstanding, of which 31,630,893 shares were in the form of ADRs and 57,233,433
shares were held of record in the form of Common Stock by residents in the U.S.
The number of registered ADR holders was 7,434 and the number of registered
holders of shares of Common Stock in the U.S. was 366.
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the reported high
and low sales prices of Sony Corporation's Common Stock on the TSE and the
reported high and low sales prices of ADSs on the NYSE.
TOKYO STOCK EXCHANGE PRICE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE PRICE
PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK PER AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARE
----------------------------- -----------------------------------------
HIGH LOW HIGH LOW
---------- ---------- ------------------ ------------------
The fiscal year ended March 31, 1999
1st quarter 12,040 yen 10,430 yen 89 5/16 dollars 77 1/2 dollars
2nd quarter 13,490 8,760 97 66 15/16
3rd quarter 9,420 7,230 76 7/8 60 1/4
4th quarter 11,930 7,290 100 3/4 65 1/2
The fiscal year ended March 31, 2000
1st quarter 13,460 yen 10,720 yen 110 3/8 dollars 89 7/16 dollars
2nd quarter 17,260 13,210 157 3/8 111 1/8
3rd quarter 30,300 15,130 289 15/16 144 15/16
4th quarter 33,900 23,900 313 1/2 216
Item 6. Exchange Controls and Other Limitations Affecting Security Holders
(a) Japanese Foreign Exchange Controls
Effective from April 1, 1998 the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Control
Law was amended and the title of the statute was changed to the Foreign Exchange
and Foreign Trade Law. Under the amended Law, all aspects of regulations on
foreign exchange and foreign trade transactions which were subject to licensing
or other approval or prior notification requirements are, with minor exceptions
relating to certain inward direct investments (which are not generally
applicable to Sony Corporation's shares), now subject to the post transaction
reporting requirements. Acquisitions and dispositions of shares of Common Stock
or ADSs by non-residents of Japan (including foreign corporations not resident
in Japan) are generally not subject to this reporting requirement. However, the
Minister of Finance has the power to impose a licensing requirement for certain
transactions in limited circumstances. Under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign
Trade Law as currently in effect, dividends paid on, and the proceeds of
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sales in Japan of, shares held by non-residents of Japan may in general be
converted into any foreign currency and repatriated abroad.
(b) Description of Common Stock
Set forth below is certain information relating to the Common Stock of Sony
Corporation, including brief summaries of certain provisions of Sony
Corporation's Articles of Incorporation and Shares Handling Regulations, as
currently in effect, and of the Commercial Code of Japan relating to a joint
stock company (Kabushiki Kaisha) and certain related legislation.
General
The presently authorized capital stock of Sony Corporation is 3,600,000,000
shares, which may be issued with a par value or without a par value. The
Commercial Code requires that shares be in registered form. Under the Commercial
Code, shares are transferable by delivery of share certificates, but in order to
assert shareholders' rights against Sony Corporation, the transferee must have
his name registered in Sony Corporation's register of shareholders. All of the
presently outstanding shares of Sony Corporation are of a par value of 50 yen
per share. Sony Corporation may, by a resolution of the Board of Directors,
convert par value shares into non-par value shares or vice versa. Shareholders
are required to file their names, addresses and seals with The Toyo Trust and
Banking Company, Limited, the transfer agent for Sony Corporation's Common
Stock, and shareholders not resident in Japan are required to file a mailing
address in Japan or appoint a resident proxy in Japan. These requirements do not
apply to the holders of ADRs.
The central clearing system of share certificates under the Law Concerning
Central Clearing of Share Certificates and Other Securities of Japan applies to
the shares of Common Stock of Sony Corporation. Pursuant to this system a holder
of shares of Common Stock is able to choose, at his discretion, to participate
in this system by depositing shares of Common Stock with the Japan Securities
Depository Center ("JASDEC"), the sole depository under the system (through a
participating institution, such as a securities company or bank, having a
clearing account with the clearing house, if the holder is not a participating
institution), and all such shares are registered in the name of JASDEC in Sony
Corporation's register of shareholders. Each participating shareholder is in
turn registered in the register of beneficial shareholders and treated the same
way as shareholders registered in Sony Corporation's register of shareholders.
For the purpose of transferring the deposited shares, delivery of share
certificates is not required. In general, beneficial owners of deposited shares
registered in the register of beneficial owners are entitled to the same rights
and benefits as the holders of shares registered in the register of
shareholders. The registered beneficial owners may exercise the rights attached
to the shares, such as voting rights, and will receive dividends (if any) and
notices to shareholders directly from Sony Corporation. The shares held by a
person as a registered shareholder and those held by the same person as a
registered beneficial owner are aggregated for these purposes. New shares issued
with respect to deposited shares, including those issued upon a stock split,
automatically become deposited shares. The beneficial owners are required to
file with Sony Corporation's transfer agent, principally through the relevant
participating institution, the same information as is required from the
registered shareholders. Beneficial owners may at any time withdraw their shares
from deposit and receive share certificates.
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Dividends
The Articles of Incorporation of Sony Corporation provide that the accounts
shall be closed on March 31 of each year and that dividends, if any, shall be
paid to the shareholders, beneficial shareholders and pledgees of record as of
the end of such day. After the close of the fiscal period, the Board of
Directors prepares, among other things, a proposed allocation of profits for
dividends and other purposes; this proposal is submitted to the Statutory
Auditors of Sony Corporation and to independent certified public accountants and
then submitted for approval to the ordinary general meeting of shareholders,
which is normally held in June each year. In addition to provisions for
dividends, if any, and for the legal reserve and other reserves, the allocation
of profits customarily includes a bonus to Directors and Statutory Auditors. In
addition to annual dividends, the Board of Directors of Sony Corporation may by
its resolution declare a cash distribution pursuant to Article 293-5 of the
Commercial Code (an "interim dividend") to shareholders, beneficial shareholders
and pledgees who are registered in Sony Corporation's register of shareholders
or beneficial shareholders at the end of each September 30, without prior
shareholders' approval, but subject to the limitations described below.
The Commercial Code provides that a company may not make any distribution
of profits by way of dividends or interim dividends for any fiscal period unless
it has set aside in its legal reserve an amount equal to at least one-tenth of
the amount paid by way of appropriation of retained earnings for such fiscal
period until the legal reserve is one-quarter of its stated capital. Under the
Commercial Code, Sony Corporation is permitted to distribute profits by way of
year-end or interim dividends out of the excess of its net assets over the
aggregate of:
(i) its stated capital;
(ii) its additional paid-in capital;
(iii) its accumulated legal reserve;
(iv) the legal reserve to be set aside in respect of the fiscal period
concerned;
(v) the excess, if any, of unamortized expenses incurred in preparation
for commencement of business and in connection with research and
development over the aggregate of amounts referred to in (ii), (iii)
and (iv) above;
(vi) if Sony Corporation has on its balance sheet a number of shares of
its Common Stock which Sony Corporation has acquired for the purpose
of transferring the same to its Directors and/or employees but such
shares are yet to be so transferred, the book value of such shares;
and
(vii) if certain assets of Sony Corporation are stated at market value
pursuant to the provisions of the Commercial Code, the aggregate
amount of the difference between their market value and acquisition
cost.
In the case of interim dividends, the net assets are calculated by
reference to the balance sheet as at the last closing of Sony Corporation's
accounts, but adjusted to reflect any subsequent payment by way of appropriation
of retained earnings and transfer to legal reserve in respect thereof, provided
that interim dividends may not be paid where there is a risk that at the end of
the fiscal year there might not be any excess of net assets over the aggregate
of the amounts referred to in (i) through (vii) above. In addition, if Sony
Corporation's shareholders have adopted a resolution for Sony Corporation's
purchase of shares of its Common Stock for the purpose of transferring the same
to its Directors and/or employees or for the purpose of retiring the same with
retained earnings, the total amount of purchase price authorized by such
resolution shall, so long as such resolution has not expired, and whether or not
such purchase has been effected, be deducted from the amount available for
interim dividends.
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21
The Commercial Code, currently in effect, does not provide for "stock
dividends." However, under the Code, the shareholders may by resolution transfer
any amount which is distributable as dividends to stated capital and the Board
of Directors may by resolution issue additional shares by way of a stock split
up to the aggregate par value equal to the amount so transferred; thus, the same
effect as a stock dividend can be achieved.
In Japan the "ex-dividend" date and the record date for dividends precede
the date of determination of the amount of the dividend to be paid.
Under its Articles of Incorporation, Sony Corporation is not obligated to
pay any dividends which are left unclaimed for a period of three years after the
date on which they first became payable.
Transfer of Additional Paid-in Capital and Legal Reserve to Stated Capital and
Stock Splits (Free Share Distributions)
When Sony Corporation issues new shares of Common Stock, the entire amount
of the issue price of such new shares is required to be accounted for as stated
capital, although Sony Corporation may account for an amount not exceeding
one-half of such issue price as additional paid-in capital (subject to the
remainder being not less than the total par value of the new shares being
issued). The Board of Directors may transfer the whole or any part of additional
paid-in capital and legal reserve to stated capital and grant to shareholders
additional shares of Common Stock free of charge by way of a stock split,
without affecting the par value thereof, with reference to the whole or any part
of the amount of additional paid-in capital and legal reserve so transferred to
stated capital; such additional shares may also be granted by reference to the
amount representing the portion of the issue price of shares of Common Stock in
excess of the par value thereof which has been accounted for as stated capital.
The Commercial Code permits Sony Corporation to make a partially free
distribution to shareholders by way of a rights issue at a subscription price
per share which is less than the par value thereof if:
(i) the difference between the subscription price and the par value
does not exceed the amount of the stated capital minus the aggregate
par value of all outstanding shares, divided by the number of new
shares to be issued pursuant to such rights issue;
(ii) the sum of the net assets of Sony Corporation (as appearing on the
latest balance sheet) and the total subscription price, divided by
the number of the shares outstanding immediately after the issue of
the new shares, is at least 500 yen; and
(iii) the subscription rights are made transferable.
In order to satisfy the requirement mentioned in (i) above, the Board of
Directors may transfer the whole or any part of additional paid-in capital or
legal reserve to stated capital.
General Meeting of Shareholders
The ordinary general meeting of shareholders to settle accounts of Sony
Corporation for each fiscal period is normally held in June each year in
Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan. In addition, Sony Corporation may hold an
extraordinary general meeting of shareholders whenever necessary by giving at
least two weeks' advance notice to shareholders.
Notice of a shareholders' meeting setting forth the place, time and purpose
thereof, must be mailed to each shareholder having voting rights (or, in the
case of a non-resident shareholder, to his resident proxy or mailing address in
Japan) at least two weeks prior to the date set for the meeting.
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22
Any shareholder holding at least 300 units of shares or 1% of the total
number of outstanding shares for six months or more may propose a matter to be
considered at a general meeting of shareholders by submitting a written request
to a Representative Director at least six weeks prior to the date set for such
meeting.
Voting Rights
A shareholder is entitled to one vote per share subject to the limitations
on voting rights set forth in the following paragraph and ""Unit" Share System
- --Voting rights of a holder of shares representing less than one unit" below.
Except as otherwise provided by law or by Sony Corporation's Articles of
Incorporation, a resolution can be adopted at a general meeting of shareholders
by a majority of the shares having voting rights represented at the meeting. The
Commercial Code and Sony Corporation's Articles of Incorporation provide,
however, that the quorum for the election of Directors and Statutory Auditors
shall not be less than one-third of the total number of outstanding shares
having voting rights. Sony Corporation's shareholders are not entitled to
cumulative voting in the election of Directors. A corporate shareholder, more
than one-quarter of whose outstanding shares are directly or indirectly owned by
Sony Corporation, may not exercise its voting rights in respect of the shares of
Sony Corporation. Sony Corporation has no voting rights with respect to its own
Common Stock. Shareholders may exercise their voting rights through proxies
provided that the proxies are also shareholders holding voting rights. Sony
Corporation's shareholders also may cast their votes in writing.
The Commercial Code provides that in order to amend the Articles of
Incorporation and in certain other instances, including a reduction of the
stated capital, the removal of a Director or Statutory Auditor, dissolution,
merger or consolidation of Sony Corporation requiring shareholders resolution,
the transfer of the whole or an important part of the business, the taking over
of the whole of the business of any other corporation, share exchange or share
transfer requiring shareholders resolutions for the purpose of establishing 100
percent parent-subsidiary relationships, any offering of new shares at a
"specially favorable" price (or any offering of convertible bonds or debentures
with "specially favorable" conversion conditions or of bonds or debentures with
warrants or rights to subscribe for new shares with "specially favorable"
conditions) to persons other than shareholders or granting to Directors and/or
employees rights to subscribe for new shares if the Articles of Incorporation so
permit, the quorum shall be a majority of the total number of shares having
voting rights outstanding and the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds
of the shares having voting rights represented at the meeting is required (the
"special shareholders resolution").
Subscription Rights
Holders of Sony Corporation's Common Stock have no pre-emptive rights under
its Articles of Incorporation. Authorized but unissued shares may be issued at
such times and upon such terms as the Board of Directors determines, subject to
the limitations as to the offering of new shares at a "specially favorable"
price mentioned above. The Board of Directors may, however, determine that
shareholders shall be given subscription rights regarding a particular issue of
new shares, in which case such rights must be given on uniform terms to all
shareholders as at a record date of which not less than two weeks prior public
notice must be given. Each of the shareholders to whom such rights are given
must also be given notice of the expiry thereof at least two weeks prior to the
date on which such rights expire.
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23
Rights to subscribe for new shares may be made generally transferable by
the Board of Directors. Whether Sony Corporation will make subscription rights
generally transferable in future rights offerings will depend upon the
circumstances at the time of such offerings. If subscription rights are not made
generally transferable, transfers by a non-resident of Japan or a corporation
organized under the laws of a foreign country or whose principal office is
located in a foreign country will be enforceable against Sony Corporation and
third parties only if Sony Corporation's prior written consent to each such
transfer is obtained. When such consent is necessary in the future for the
transfer of subscription rights, Sony Corporation intends to consent, on
request, to all such transfers by such a non-resident or foreign corporation.
The Commercial Code permits a company to provide in its articles of
incorporation that it may, by a special shareholders resolution, grant to its
directors and/or employees rights to subscribe for new shares if there exists a
justifiable reason. Sony Corporation has provided such a provision in its
Articles of Incorporation, and, therefore, may, if there exists a justifiable
reason, by a special shareholders resolution (which is effective for one year)
grant to its Directors and/or employees rights to subscribe for new shares (in
aggregate (together with the number of shares issuable upon exercise of all
outstanding subscription rights which have been granted to Directors and/or
employees, if any) not more than 10% of the total issued and outstanding shares)
to particular Directors and/or employees designated by such resolution which
rights may be made exercisable not more than ten years from the resolution in
accordance with the terms approved by the resolution. Such special shareholders
resolution cannot be taken if shareholders have already adopted a resolution for
repurchase by Sony Corporation of its shares for the purpose of transferring the
same to its Directors and/or employees by way of a stock option and any such
stock option is outstanding unexercised. No such special shareholders resolution
has yet been taken by Sony Corporation's shareholders.
Dilution
In the future it is possible that market conditions and other factors might
make a rights offering to shareholders at par or substantially below the market
price of shares of Common Stock desirable. If the number of shares offered in a
rights offering is substantial in relation to the number of shares outstanding
and the market price exceeds the subscription price at the time of the offering,
a shareholder who does not exercise and is unable otherwise to realize the full
value of his subscription rights would suffer economic dilution of his equity
interest in Sony Corporation. If the rights to subscribe for new shares are
granted to Sony Corporation's Directors and/or employees which rights are
exercisable at a price below the market price of the shares and the number of
shares issuable upon such exercise is substantial, existing shareholders' equity
interest in Sony Corporation will be diluted.
Liquidation Rights
In the event of a liquidation of Sony Corporation, the assets remaining
after payment of all debts and liquidation expenses and taxes will be
distributed among the shareholders in proportion to the respective numbers of
shares held.
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Liability to Further Calls or Assessments
All Sony Corporation's presently outstanding shares of Common Stock
including shares represented by the ADSs are fully paid and non-assessable.
Transfer Agent
The Toyo Trust and Banking Company, Limited is the transfer agent for Sony
Corporation's Common Stock; as such transfer agent, it keeps Sony Corporation's
register of shareholders in its office at 10-11, Higashisuna 7-chome, Koto-ku,
Tokyo, Japan, and makes transfer of record ownership upon presentation of the
certificates representing the transferred shares.
Record Date
March 31 is the record date for Sony Corporation's year-end dividends. The
shareholders and beneficial shareholders who are registered as the holders of
100 shares or more in Sony Corporation's register of shareholders and/or
beneficial shareholders at the end of each March 31 are also entitled to
exercise shareholders' rights at the ordinary general meeting of shareholders
with respect to the fiscal period ending on such March 31. September 30 is the
record date for interim dividends. In addition, Sony Corporation may set a
record date for determining the shareholders and/or beneficial shareholders
entitled to other rights and for other purposes by giving at least two weeks
prior public notice.
The price of the shares generally goes ex-dividend or ex-rights on Japanese
stock exchanges on the third business day prior to a record date (or if the
record date is not a business day, the fourth business day prior thereto), for
the purpose of dividends or rights offerings.
Repurchase by Sony Corporation of its Common Stock
Except as otherwise permitted by the Commercial Code and the Law of Special
Exception to the Commercial Code Concerning Retirement of Shares (the "Special
Retirement Law") as set out below, Sony Corporation or any of its subsidiaries
cannot acquire Sony Corporation's Common Stock except by means of a reduction of
capital in the manner provided in the Commercial Code. Sony Corporation may
acquire its Common Stock in response to a shareholder's request for purchase of
his shares representing less than one unit. See ""Unit" Share System -- Right of
a holder of shares representing less than one unit to require Sony Corporation
to purchase such shares" below. Shares so purchased must be sold or otherwise
transferred to a third party within a reasonable period thereafter.
Under the Commercial Code and the Special Retirement Law, Sony Corporation
may acquire its Common Stock for the following purposes, subject to the
authorization of shareholders at an ordinary general meeting (if the Articles of
Incorporation provide that the shares may be purchased for the purpose of
retirement by resolution of the Board of Directors if the Board deems it
especially necessary to do so in view of general economic condition, the
business and financial condition of Sony Corporation and other factors, by the
resolution of the Board of Directors):
(i) for the purpose of transferring the same to its Directors and/or
employees if there exists a justifiable reason; and
(ii) for the purpose of retirement thereof with retained earnings.
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Acquisition by Sony Corporation of shares of its Common Stock for the above
purposes is subject to, among other things, the following restrictions:
(a) the number of shares to be acquired does not exceed 10% of all issued
and outstanding shares (except in the case of purchase of shares for
retirement pursuant to shareholders' authorization);
(b) the total amount of purchase price does not exceed the amount of the
retained earnings available for dividend payment minus the amount to
be paid by way of appropriation of retained earnings for the fiscal
year and, if any amount of retained earnings is to be capitalized,
such amount (if the purchase is made pursuant to the resolution of the
Board of Directors as referred to in the parentheses above, one-half
of such permitted amount); and
(c) acquisition shall be made through a stock exchange transaction or by
way of tender offer.
No such acquisition pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors may
be made after the conclusion of the ordinary general meeting of shareholders for
the fiscal year ending immediately after the Board resolution. Sony
Corporation's shareholders have not given an authorization for the acquisition
of shares pursuant to (i) above. Sony Corporation's Articles of Incorporation
provide that Sony Corporation may purchase up to 90,000,000 shares by resolution
of the Board of Directors for the purpose of retiring the same with retained
earnings. No Board resolution has been made for this purpose.
The Special Retirement Law was amended in March 1998 enabling Sony
Corporation to acquire its own shares for the purpose of retiring the same with
additional paid-in capital by resolution of the Board of Directors if the
Articles of Incorporation so provide and if the Board deems it especially
necessary to do so in view of general economic condition, the business and
financial condition of Sony Corporation and other factors. In June 1998, Sony
Corporation amended its Articles of Incorporation to provide that Sony
Corporation may purchase shares of its Common Stock not exceeding 30,000,000
shares with the total purchase price not exceeding 400 billion yen by resolution
of the Board of Directors for the purpose of retiring the same with additional
paid-in capital. The acquisition of shares under this authorization is subject
to the restriction that:
(x) the total amount of the purchase price does not exceed the total
amount of additional paid-in capital and accumulated legal reserve
minus the amount equal to one-fourth of stated capital; and
(y) if the aggregate of the amounts of (i) through (vii) referred to
under "Dividends" above and the amount of interim dividend distributed
exceeds the net assets appearing on the balance sheets as at the
latest closing of Sony Corporation's accounts, no purchase of shares
for this purpose can be made.
"Unit" Share System
Pursuant to the Commercial Code, Sony Corporation has adopted 100 shares as
one unit of shares.
Transferability of shares representing less than one unit
Certificates for shares representing less than one unit may only be issued
in certain limited circumstances. Since the transfer of shares normally requires
delivery of the certificates therefor, fractions of a unit for which no share
certificates are issued are not transferable. Shares
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representing less than one unit for which share certificates have been issued
continue to be transferable, but the transfer may be registered in Sony
Corporation's register of shareholders only if the transferee is already a
registered shareholder (whether in respect of units or of shares representing
less than one unit).
A holder who owns ADRs evidencing less than 100 ADSs will indirectly own
less than a whole unit. Because transfer of ADRs does not require changes in the
ownership of the underlying shares of Common Stock, holders of ADRs evidencing
ADSs that constitute less than one unit of Common Stock are not affected by such
restrictions in their ability to transfer such ADRs. However, because transfers
of less than one unit of the underlying shares of Common Stock are normally
prohibited under the unit share system, under the Deposit Agreement relating to
the ADRs, the right of ADR holders to surrender their ADRs and withdraw the
underlying shares of Common Stock for sale in Japan may only be exercised as to
whole units of Common Stock. Although, as discussed below, under the unit share
system holders of less than a unit have the right to require Sony Corporation to
purchase their shares, holders of ADRs evidencing ADSs that represent other than
integral multiples of whole units are unable to withdraw the underlying shares
of Common Stock representing less than one unit and, therefore, are unable, as a
practical matter, to exercise the right to require Sony Corporation to purchase
such underlying shares. As a result, access to the Japanese markets by holders
of ADRs through the withdrawal mechanism will not be available for dispositions
of shares in lots of less than one unit.
Right of a holder of shares representing less than one unit to require Sony
Corporation to purchase such shares
A holder of shares representing less than one unit may at any time require
Sony Corporation to purchase such shares at their last reported sale price on
the Tokyo Stock Exchange on the day when such request is made or, if no sale
takes place on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on such day, the price at which the
first sale of the shares is effected on the Tokyo Stock Exchange thereafter,
less applicable brokerage commission.
Other rights of a holder of shares representing less than one unit
A holder of shares representing less than one unit has the following rights
in respect of such shares:
(i) the right to receive dividends (including interim dividends);
(ii) the right to receive shares and/or cash by way of a stock split or
upon consolidation or subdivision of shares, a capital decrease,
merger, share exchange or share transfer for the purpose of
establishing 100 percent parent-subsidiary relationship;
(iii) the right to be allotted subscription rights with respect to new
shares, convertible bonds and bonds with warrants to subscribe for
shares when such rights are granted to shareholders;
(iv) the right to participate in the distribution of surplus assets in
the event of the liquidation of Sony Corporation; and
(v) the right to require Sony Corporation to issue replacement share
certificates for lost, stolen or destroyed share certificates.
All other rights, including voting rights, cannot be exercised with respect
to shares representing less than one unit.
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Voting rights of a holder of shares representing less than one unit
A holder of shares representing less than one unit cannot exercise any
voting rights with respect to such shares. In calculating the quorum for various
voting purposes, the aggregate number of shares representing less than one unit
will be excluded from the number of outstanding shares. A holder of shares
representing one or more whole units will have one vote for each such share,
except as stated in "Voting Rights" above.
Consolidation by operation of law of shares constituting one unit into one share
The unit share system is intended to be an interim measure with a view
ultimately to achieve shares of a much higher denomination than at present. On a
date to be specified by separate legislation, the shares comprising one unit
will be deemed to be consolidated into one share. Presently it is not known when
the bill specifying such date will be submitted to the Japanese parliament. If
the consolidation takes place, the holder of any fractional share constituting
one-hundredth of one share or any integral multiple thereof, which may result
from such consideration, will be registered as the holder thereof in the
register of fractional shares and the holder of any fraction representing less
than a whole hundredth of one share will be entitled to receive a cash payment.
A registered holder of fractional shares may request that a company issue
certificates therefor, unless its articles of incorporation provide otherwise,
in which case such holder may request that the company purchase such fractional
shares. Fractional shares will not carry voting rights and, unless such
company's articles of incorporation provide otherwise, the entitlement thereof
will be limited and will not include the right to receive dividends.
A holder who owns ADRs evidencing less than 100 ADSs will indirectly own
less than a whole unit. Although, as discussed above, under the unit share
system holders of less than a unit have the right to require Sony Corporation to
purchase their shares, holders of ADRs evidencing ADSs that represent other than
integral multiples of whole units are unable to withdraw the underlying shares
of Common Stock representing less than one unit and, therefore, are unable, as a
practical matter, to exercise the right to require Sony Corporation to purchase
such underlying shares. As a result, access to the Japanese markets by holders
of ADRs through the withdrawal mechanism will not be available for dispositions
of shares in lots of less than one unit. The unit share system does not affect
the transferability of ADSs, which may be transferred in lots of any size.
(c) Reporting of Substantial Shareholdings
The Securities and Exchange Law of Japan, as amended, requires any person
who has become, beneficially and solely or jointly, a holder of more than 5% of
the total issued shares of a company listed on any Japanese stock exchange or
whose shares are traded on the over-the-counter market in Japan to file with the
Financial Reconstruction Commission within five business days a report
concerning such shareholdings.
A similar report must also be made in respect of any subsequent change of
1% or more in any such holding with certain exceptions. For this purpose, shares
issuable to such person upon conversion of convertible securities or exercise of
share subscription warrants are taken into account in determining both the
number of shares held by such holder and the issuer's total issued share
capital. Copies of each such report must also be furnished to the issuer of such
shares and all Japanese stock exchanges on which the shares are listed or (in
the case of shares traded over-the-counter) the Japan Securities Dealers
Association.
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Item 7. Taxation
Generally, a non-resident of Japan or a non-Japanese corporation is subject
to Japanese withholding tax on dividends paid by a Japanese corporation. Stock
splits in themselves (whether for the purpose of making a free distribution or
dividend in shares), subject as set out below, are not subject to Japanese
income tax. However, a transfer of retained earnings or legal reserve (but not
additional paid-in capital) to stated capital is treated as a dividend payment
to shareholders for Japanese tax purposes and is, in general, subject to
Japanese income tax.
Under the Income Tax Convention between the U.S. and Japan (the
"Convention"), the maximum rate of Japanese withholding tax that may be imposed
on dividends paid to a U.S. resident or corporation not having a "permanent
establishment" (as defined therein) in Japan is generally 15%.
For purposes of the Convention and the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code"), U.S. holders of ADRs will be treated as the owners of
the Common Stock underlying the ADSs evidenced by the ADRs. For purpose of this
discussion, a "U.S. holder" is a holder that (i) is a resident of the United
States for purposes of the Convention, (ii) does not maintain a permanent
establishment or fixed base in Japan to which ADRs or Common Stock are
attributable and through which the beneficial owner carries on or has carried on
business (or in the case of an individual, performs or has performed independent
personal services) and (iii) who is not otherwise ineligible for benefits under
the Convention with respect to income and gain derived in connection with the
ADRs or Common Stock.
Japanese Taxation of Common Stock or ADRs
Generally, a non-resident of Japan or a non-Japanese corporation is subject
to Japanese withholding tax on dividends paid by a Japanese corporation. Stock
splits (whether for the purpose of making a free distribution or dividend in
shares), subject as set out below, are not subject to Japanese income tax.
However, a transfer of retained earnings or legal reserve (but not capital
surplus) to stated capital is treated as a dividend payment to shareholders for
Japanese tax purposes and is, in general, subject to Japanese income tax.
In the absence of an applicable tax treaty, convention or agreement
reducing the maximum rate of withholding tax, the rate of Japanese withholding
tax on dividends paid by Japanese corporations to non-residents of Japan or
non-Japanese corporations is 20%.
Under the Convention, the maximum rate of Japanese withholding tax that may
be imposed on dividends paid to a U.S. resident or corporation not having a
"permanent establishment" (as defined therein) in Japan is generally 15%.
A non-resident holder who is entitled to a reduced rate of Japanese
withholding tax on payment of dividends by Sony Corporation is required to
submit an Application Form for Income Tax Convention regarding Relief from
Japanese Income Tax on Dividends in advance through Sony Corporation to the
relevant tax authority before payment of dividends. A standing proxy for a
non-resident holder may provide this application service. With respect to ADSs,
this reduced rate is applicable if the depository or its agent submits two
Application Forms for Income Tax Convention (one before payment of dividends,
the other within eight months after Sony Corporation's fiscal year-end). To
claim this reduced rate, a non-resident holder of ADSs will be required to file
proof of taxpayer status, residence and beneficial ownership (as applicable) and
to provide other information or documents as may be required by the depository.
A non-resident holder who does not submit an application in advance will be
entitled to claim the refund of withholding taxes withheld in excess of the rate
of an applicable tax treaty from the relevant Japanese tax authority.
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Gains derived by a non-resident of Japan or a non-Japanese corporation
from the sale of Common Stock or ADRs outside Japan, or from the sale of Common
Stock within Japan by a non-resident of Japan or by a non-Japanese corporation
not having a permanent establishment in Japan, are in general not subject to
Japanese income or corporation tax. Japanese inheritance or gift tax at
progressive rates may be payable by an individual who has acquired Common Stock
or ADRs as a legatee, heir or donee even though neither the individual nor the
deceased nor donor is a Japanese resident. Holders of shares of Common Stock or
ADRs should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect of these taxes and,
in the case of U.S. holders, the possible application of the Estate and Gift Tax
Treaty between the United States and Japan.
If Sony Corporation purchases shares of its Common Stock by way of a tender
offer for the purpose of cancellation with retained earnings as described under
"Item 6. Exchange Controls and Other Limitations Affecting Security Holders (b)
Description of Common Stock -- Repurchase by Sony Corporation of its Common
Stock" and so retires such shares, the selling shareholders (both individuals
and corporations) are in general deemed to have received a dividend in an amount
equal to the selling price less the aggregate of the stated capital and the
additional paid-in capital attributable to the shares so sold, provided however
that if such retirement is made on or before March 31, 2002, no such dividend is
deemed to have been received by any selling shareholders who are individuals but
gains realized by such sales are in general subject to Japanese income tax. In
addition, when shares acquired by Sony Corporation (whether by way of a tender
offer or otherwise) for the purpose of retirement with retained earnings are
retired by Sony Corporation, the shareholders (both individuals and
corporations) whose Shares were not retired are deemed to have received a
dividend in an amount equal to the amount of the stated capital attributable to
the retired shares (if such amount exceeds the amount of retained earnings used
for the retirement, the amount of such retained earnings) and calculated in
proportion to each shareholder's remaining shares, except that if such
retirement is made on or before March 31, 2002, no income tax is payable with
respect to such portion deemed as a dividend. However, corporate shareholders
have an option for such amount to be treated as dividend received for the
purpose of corporation tax.
United States Taxation of Common Stock or ADRs
Dividends received by an U.S. holder of ADRs or Common Stock will be
includable in income as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes to
the extent paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits of Sony
Corporation as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Subject to limitations set out in the Code, a U.S. holder of ADRs or Common
Stock of Sony Corporation will be entitled to a credit for Japanese tax withheld
in accordance with the Convention from dividends paid by Sony Corporation. For
purposes of the foreign tax credit limitation, dividends will be foreign source
income, but will constitute "passive" or "financial services" income.
Dividends paid by Sony Corporation to U.S. corporate holders of ADRs or
Common Stock will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
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Item 8. Selected Financial Data
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(YEN IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND YEN EXCHANGE RATES)
FOR THE YEAR
Sales and operating 4,586,740 5,658,253 6,761,004 6,804,182 6,686,661
revenue
Operating income 229,499 365,449 525,724 348,212 240,627
Income before income taxes 132,334 307,548 459,263 377,691 264,310
Net income 54,252 139,460 222,068 179,004 121,835
Depreciation 227,316 266,532 301,665 307,173 306,505
and amortization*
Capital expenditures 251,197 298,078 387,955 353,730 435,887
(additions to fixed
assets)
Research and development expenses 257,326 282,569 318,044 375,314 394,479
Per share data:
Net income
Basic 72.5 183.9 278.9 218.4 144.6
Diluted 67.0 154.6 241.7 195.5 131.7
Cash dividends declared
Interim 12.50 12.50 12.50 12.50 12.50
(12.24cents) (10.97cents) (9.62cents) (10.13cents) (12.01cents)
Year-end 12.50 15.00 17.50 12.50 12.50
(11.39cents) (13.08cents) (12.21cents) (10.25cents) (11.58cents)
AT YEAR-END
Net working capital 816,361 843,500 1,151,152 1,126,848 974,298
Long-term debt 1,203,592 1,099,765 1,104,420 1,037,460 813,828
Stockholders' equity 1,169,147 1,459,332 1,815,555 1,823,665 2,182,906
Stockholders' equity 1,562.77 1,899.31 2,230.69 2,224.35 2,409.36
per share
Total assets 5,045,699 5,680,246 6,403,043 6,299,053 6,807,197
Number of shares outstanding
in thousands:
At year-end 374,068 384,185 407,195 410,439 453,639
Yen exchange rates per U.S. dollar:
At year-end 107.00 123.72 133.20 118.43 102.73
Average 96.43 112.52 122.78 128.19 111.35
High 81.12 104.49 111.42 108.83 124.45
Low 107.29 124.54 133.99 147.14 101.53
* Including amortization of deferred insurance acquisition costs
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Notes to Selected Financial Data:
1. Basic net income per share ("EPS") is computed based on the average number
of shares of common stock outstanding during each period and diluted EPS
assumes the dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to
issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted
in the issuance of common stock.
2. All per share data have been restated for the two-for-one stock split that
has become effective on May 19, 2000. However, no restatement has been made
to the number of shares outstanding at year-end.
3. Cash dividends declared in U.S. dollars are based on the exchange rates at
each respective payment date.
4. Effective with the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, equity in net earnings
(losses) of affiliated companies, which was previously included in sales
and operating revenue, is shown separately below income before income taxes.
As a result, sales and operating revenue, operating income, and income
before income taxes figures for the prior years have been restated to
conform to the presentation for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000.
5. Income before income taxes and net income figures for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1999 include gains of 58.7 billion yen and 30.7 billion yen,
respectively, which resulted from a contribution of securities to an outside
trust for employee retirement benefit purposes.
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Item 9. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Finance and Liquidity Management
Sony's financial policy is to assure adequate financing and liquidity for
its operations and to maintain the strength of its balance sheet.
At present, Sony's primary financial policy for debt financing is to match
the duration of its funding requirements to the terms of its debt. Long-term
debt financing is utilized to meet long-term funding requirements, such as for
investments in manufacturing facilities. Sony funds its short-term requirements
with a combination of short-term and long-term financing. Sony uses long-term
debt to fund a portion of its short-term requirements because such funds are
necessary on an ongoing basis. Sony's long-term debt principally comprises notes
including convertible bonds. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, Sony
engaged in no new long-term financing, except for 4.0 billion yen of bonds with
detachable warrants.
In Japan, Sony Corporation centralizes the funding of most of its domestic
subsidiaries through intra-group deposits and loans, and maintains 300 billion
yen of Japanese commercial paper ("CP") issuance capacity. Sony Corporation
issued 80 billion yen of CP from November 1999 to March 2000 to fund a temporary
increase of working capital over the year-end. Sony Corporation started to
operate a domestic funds centralization arrangement in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1999 and most major domestic subsidiaries had joined the arrangement
in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000. Through this arrangement, all the funds
collected by domestic subsidiaries are automatically centralized in Sony
Corporation's master bank account through zero balance arrangements, and Sony
Corporation arranges payments on behalf of domestic subsidiaries so that those
subsidiaries do not have to keep their own cash. Also, since Sony Music
Entertainment (Japan) Inc. ("SMEJ"), Sony Chemicals Corporation, and Sony
Precision Technologies Inc. became wholly-owned subsidiaries of Sony Corporation
in January 2000 (refer to Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements),
the investment and funding functions of those three subsidiaries have been
transferred to Sony Corporation.
In the U.S., Europe, and Asia, Sony carries out financing functions
regionally through its finance subsidiaries in order to respond efficiently to
regional funding requirements. To meet long-term funding requirements and
working capital needs, Sony's finance subsidiary in the U.S. maintains a 3
billion U.S. dollar medium term note ("MTN") program targeted for investors in
the U.S. and a 2 billion U.S. dollar Euro MTN program. Also, Sony's finance
subsidiary in the United Kingdom maintains a 1 billion U.S. dollar Euro MTN
program. At March 31, 2000, the total outstanding balance of MTNs was
approximately 123.6 billion yen. In addition, finance subsidiaries in the U.S.
and the United Kingdom have U.S. CP programs of 6 billion U.S. dollars and 1
billion U.S. dollars, respectively, and finance requirements for working capital
through these programs. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, peak
month-end outstanding balances were approximately 81.3 billion yen and
approximately 31.6 billion yen, respectively. (There were no outstanding
balances of such CPs at March 31, 2000.) In the fiscal year ended March 31,
2000, Sony began to manage its excess cash globally among finance subsidiaries
in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Sony Corporation in order to
improve use of available cash balances and to reduce unnecessary cash as well as
debt. As of March 31, 2000, a total amount outstanding of approximately 82.8
billion yen was lent from cash-surplus subsidiaries in Asia to financial
subsidiaries in other regions. Furthermore, in the U.S., Sony set up a 900
million U.S. dollar
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accounts receivable financing facility in the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999
to enhance its short-term financing capacity.
It is a principal policy of Sony that it will keep total liquid assets
equal to at least 80% of the sum of the amount of the largest expected monthly
gross sales and the amount of the largest expected monthly debt redemption
during the fiscal year. Liquid assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, time
deposits, and marketable securities. In addition to these, Sony also includes
committed lines as liquid assets because funds are available from such lines
during the period of the contracts. Sony has contracts for committed lines with
banks in a total amount of approximately 310.0 billion yen at March 31, 2000.
All of those contracts are short-term, expiring in less than one year. As a
principal policy, Sony selects banks rated "C" or above in Moody's Bank
Financial Strength ratings for its contracts for committed lines, and enters
into contracts with banks rated "A" or "B" with respect to more than 70% of the
total amount. (The policy and figures in this paragraph exclude Sony Life
Insurance Co., Ltd., Sony Assurance Inc., and Aiwa Co., Ltd., each of whose
liquidity is separately managed from the remainder of Sony.)
On July 19, 2000, Sony Corporation filed a shelf registration statement
with the Japanese Ministry of Finance with respect to 300 billion yen of debt
securities in the Japanese market. The registration statement became effective
on July 27, 2000.
Sony's financial condition remains strong. Sony believes that its cash,
other liquid assets, free cash flows and access to capital markets, taken
together, provide adequate resources to fund ongoing operating requirements and
future capital expenditures related to the expansion of existing businesses and
development of new projects.
Assets, Liabilities, and Stockholders' Equity
Total assets increased by 508.1 billion yen, or 8.1%, to 6,807.2 billion
yen at March 31, 2000. (Total assets were significantly affected by currency
translation. It is estimated that total assets would have increased by
approximately 15% compared with the previous fiscal year-end if the value of the
yen had remained the same at March 31, 2000 as at the previous fiscal year-end.)
The increase was principally attributable to increases in goodwill, intangible
assets, securities investments and other, deferred insurance acquisition costs,
and notes and accounts receivable, trade.
Current assets increased by 65.2 billion yen, or 2.1%, to 3,134.6 billion
yen at March 31, 2000. This increase was principally due to increases in notes
and accounts receivable, trade, while inventories decreased. Among current
assets, liquid assets, comprising cash and cash equivalents, time deposits, and
marketable securities, slightly increased. Notes and accounts receivable, trade,
less allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns increased by 41.9 billion
yen, or 4.1%, to 1,055.5 billion yen at March 31, 2000 principally due to sales
increases in the Electronics business in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2000. Inventories decreased worldwide by 18.7 billion yen, or
2.1%, to 859.2 billion yen at March 31, 2000 principally due to currency
translation, although they increased at manufacturing facilities especially in
Japan, reflecting the start-up of PlayStation 2 in the Game business. The
inventory to cost of sales turnover ratio (based on the average of inventories
at March 31, 1999 and 2000) was 2.27 months, compared with 2.42 months in the
previous year.
Investments and advances increased by 94.9 billion yen, or 9.7%, to 1,075.6
billion yen at March 31, 2000. This was principally due to an increase in
securities investments and other although investments and advances to affiliated
companies slightly decreased. The decrease in investments and advances to
affiliated companies was principally due to recording of equity in net losses of
affiliated companies. The increase in securities investments and other was
principally due to higher investment assets in the Insurance business,
reflecting net increases in life insurance-in-
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force, increases in unrealized gains on securities investments, and investments
in other companies in such areas as new businesses in the U.S. during the year.
However, sales of certain investment securities partially offset the increase in
securities investments and other.
Tangible fixed assets increased by 5.8 billion yen, or 0.5%, to 1,255.6
billion yen at March 31, 2000 principally due to increases in capital
expenditures for semiconductor equipment in the Game business, offset by
decreases in capital expenditures in the Electronics and Music businesses.
Other assets increased by 360.4 billion yen, or 47.8%, to 1,115.0 billion
yen at March 31, 2000. Among other assets, goodwill and intangible assets
increased due to the acquisition transactions whereby three listed subsidiaries
became wholly-owned subsidiaries of Sony Corporation (refer to Note 3 of Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements). In addition, deferred insurance
acquisition costs increased due to net increases in life insurance-in-force in
the Insurance business.
Total current and long-term liabilities increased by 250.5 billion yen, or
5.8%, to 4,589.7 billion yen at March 31, 2000. (It is estimated that total
liabilities would have increased by approximately 10% compared with the previous
fiscal year-end if the value of the yen had remained the same at March 31, 2000
as at the previous fiscal year-end.) The increase was principally attributable
to increases in future insurance policy benefits and other and notes and
accounts payable, trade, despite decreases in total long-term debt. Among
current liabilities, the current portion of long-term debt increased due to
reclassifications from long-term debt, despite redemption of unsecured notes due
2000 of 50 billion yen by Sony Corporation. Notes and accounts payable, trade
increased due to increases in production reflecting sales increases in the
Electronics business in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31,
2000. Among long-term liabilities, the large decline in long-term debt was
principally due to the reclassification to the current portion of long-term debt
and the conversion of convertible bonds of Sony Corporation. As a result, the
total of short-term borrowings, the current portion of long-term debt, and
long-term debt decreased by 137.4 billion yen, or 11.8%, to 1,028.8 billion yen
at March 31, 2000. Increases in future insurance policy benefits and other were
due to net increases in life insurance-in-force in the Insurance business.
Stockholders' equity increased by 359.2 billion yen, or 19.7%, to 2,182.9
billion yen at March 31, 2000. This was principally attributable to increases in
common stock and additional paid-in capital reflecting the acquisition
transactions whereby three listed subsidiaries became wholly-owned subsidiaries
of Sony Corporation noted above. The ratio of stockholders' equity to total
assets increased from 29.0% to 32.1%. Based on the number of shares outstanding
at March 31, 2000, stockholders' equity per share (after taking into account the
split of Sony Corporation's shares completed on May 19, 2000) was 2,409.36 yen,
compared with 2,224.35 yen at the previous fiscal year-end. Foreign currency
translation adjustments at March 31, 2000 increased in amount as a reduction of
stockholders' equity to 483.6 billion yen from 284.4 billion yen at the previous
fiscal year-end, principally due to the yen's appreciation.
Cash Flows
(The fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 compared with the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1999)
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, Sony generated 579.5 billion
yen (a decrease of 83.8 billion yen, or 12.6%, compared with the previous year)
of cash from operating activities. Sony used 449.9 billion yen (an increase of
82.6 billion yen, or 22.5%, compared with the previous year) in investing
activities. Sony used 68.1 billion yen (a decrease of 44.2 billion yen, or
39.3%, compared with the previous year) in financing activities. As a result,
during the fiscal year ended March 31 2000, cash and cash equivalents at end of
year increased by 33.9 billion yen, or 5.7%,
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notwithstanding the negative effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash
equivalents of 27.6 billion yen, to 626.1 billion yen compared with the previous
year.
The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities during the year
was principally due to the increases in notes and accounts receivable as well as
inventories in addition to the decrease in net income, despite the increase in
notes and accounts payable (The decrease in inventories on the balance sheet was
due to the effect of currency translation). The increase in notes and accounts
receivable was principally due to the sales increases in the Electronics
business in the fourth quarter of the year. Inventories increased principally at
manufacturing facilities in Japan, reflecting the start-up of PlayStation 2 in
the Game business. However, notes and accounts payable increased due to sales
increases noted above. Increases in future insurance policy benefits and other
were due to net increases in life insurance-in-force in the Insurance business.
Depreciation and amortization (including amortization of deferred insurance
acquisition costs) during the year was 306.5 billion yen, which was comprised of
depreciation of fixed assets of approximately 261.0 billion yen, amortization of
intangible assets of approximately 22.8 billion yen, and amortization of
deferred insurance acquisition costs of approximately 22.7 billion yen. A gain
on securities contribution to an employee retirement benefit trust of 58.7
billion yen (pre-tax) in the previous year did not impact cash flows.
With respect to net cash used in investing activities during the year,
payments for purchases of fixed assets were 403.0 billion yen. Capital
expenditures (additions to fixed assets on the balance sheets) during the year
were 435.9 billion yen. The major components of capital expenditures (excluding
unallocated amounts) were approximately 227.3 billion yen principally for
semiconductors and new products equipment in the Electronics business,
approximately 119.0 billion yen principally for semiconductor equipment in the
Game business, approximately 24.6 billion yen principally for DVD discs
equipment in the Music business, approximately 11.3 billion yen in the Pictures
business, and approximately 48.5 billion yen principally for purchasing leasing
assets in a leasing and credit financing business in the Other business.
Payments for investments and advances and proceeds from sales of investment
securities and collections of advances were principally from activities in the
Insurance business. Excluding the Insurance business, payments for investments
and advances during the year included approximately 56.2 billion yen of
investments in other companies in such areas as new businesses in the U.S.
Proceeds from sales of investment securities and the collections of advances
included approximately 70.7 billion yen of proceeds from sales of certain
investment securities. In the previous year, cash flows from investing
activities included approximately 53.0 billion yen of proceeds from the merger
of Loews Theatres with Cineplex Odeon Corporation.
With respect to net cash used in financing activities during the year,
payments of long-term debt included redemption of unsecured notes due 2000 of 50
billion yen by Sony Corporation. Sony Corporation paid cash dividends of 20.6
billion yen during the year.
Cash Flows
(The fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 compared with the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1998)
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, Sony generated 663.3 billion
yen (an increase of 50.9 billion yen, or 8.3%, compared with the previous year)
of cash from operating activities. Sony used 367.3 billion yen (a decrease of
231.4 billion yen, or 38.7%, compared with the previous year) in investing
activities. Sony used 112.2 billion yen (an increase of 94.5 billion yen, or
532%, compared with the previous year) in financing activities. As a result,
during the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, cash and cash equivalents at end of
year increased by 168.9 billion yen, or 39.9%,
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notwithstanding the negative effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash
equivalents of 14.9 billion yen, to 592.2 billion yen compared with the previous
year.
The increase in net cash provided by operating activities during the year
was principally due to the decreases in notes and accounts receivable as well as
inventories, despite the decreases in net income and notes and accounts payable.
The decreases in notes and accounts receivable and inventories were principally
due to the decrease in sales and the reductions in production in the Electronics
business in the second half of the year. However, notes and accounts payable
decreased due to the reductions in production noted above. Increases in future
insurance policy benefits and other were due to net increases in life
insurance-in-force in the Insurance business. Depreciation and amortization
(including amortization of deferred insurance acquisition costs) during the year
was 307.2 billion yen, which was comprised of depreciation of fixed assets of
approximately 267.5 billion yen, amortization of intangible assets of
approximately 19.0 billion yen, and amortization of deferred insurance
acquisition costs of approximately 20.7 billion yen. A gain on securities
contribution to an employee retirement benefit trust of 58.7 billion yen
(pre-tax) did not impact cash flows.
With respect to net cash used in investing activities during the year,
payments for purchases of fixed assets were 368.4 billion yen. Capital
expenditures (additions to fixed assets) during the year were 353.7 billion yen.
The major components of capital expenditures (excluding unallocated amounts)
were approximately 252.4 billion yen principally for semiconductors, displays,
and recording media equipment in the Electronics business and approximately 45.2
billion yen principally for offices and manufacturing facilities in Japan in the
Music business. Payments for investments and advances and proceeds from sales of
investment securities and collections of advances were principally from
activities in the Insurance business. During the year, the portfolio was
actively rebalanced in the Insurance business due to volatile bond market
conditions in Japan. Excluding the Insurance business, payments for investments
and advances during the year included approximately 65.5 billion yen of
investments in other companies such as General Instruments Corp., Telemundo
group, and S.T. Liquid Crystal Display Corp. During the year, cash flows from
investing activities included approximately 53.0 billion yen of proceeds from
the merger of Loews Theatres with Cineplex Odeon Corporation. In addition,
proceeds from sales of marketable securities was principally from Sony
Corporation and the decrease in time deposits was principally from subsidiaries
outside Japan.
With respect to net cash used in financing activities during the year,
payments of long-term debt and decrease in short-term borrowings were
principally due to redemptions by subsidiaries in Japan and the U.S. Sony
Corporation paid cash dividends of 24.5 billion yen during the year.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(The fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 compared with the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1999)
Impact of Foreign Exchange Fluctuations and Basic Countermeasures
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, the average value of the yen
was 110.6 yen against the U.S. dollar, and 113.9 yen against the euro, which was
14.8% and 24.9% higher against the U.S. dollar and euro, respectively, compared
with the level of the previous year. (For comparative purposes only, the euro
until December 1998 is hypothetically computed based on the German mark.)
Operating results on a local currency basis described in "Consolidated Results"
show results of sales and operating revenue ("sales") and operating income
obtained by applying the yen's average exchange rate in the previous year to
local currency-denominated sales, cost of sales,
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and selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2000, assuming the value of the yen had remained the same. Regarding
the U.S. based Music and Pictures businesses, results of worldwide subsidiaries
(in the case of Music, excluding those of Japan) are consolidated on a
U.S. dollar basis. 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"). Also, 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.
Sony employs foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option
contracts to hedge against foreign exchange risks that arise from its export and
import transactions of materials, parts, and products. Furthermore, particularly
in the Electronics business, to minimize the adverse effects of foreign exchange
fluctuations on its financial results and to reduce inventory and costs, Sony
seeks, when appropriate, to localize material and parts procurement, design, and
manufacturing operations outside Japan.
OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Effective with the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, equity in net earnings
(losses) of affiliated companies, which was previously included in sales and
operating revenue, is shown separately below income before income taxes. As a
result, sales and operating revenue, operating income, and income before income
taxes figures for the prior years have been restated to conform to the
presentation for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, the U.S. economy continued to
expand, and the Western European economy steadily advanced, although economic
growth was sluggish in parts of South America such as Brazil. Eastern Europe and
Russia bottomed out and Asia excluding Japan ("Asia") continued its recovery. In
Japan, although a clear economic recovery could not be seen, demand relating to
information and communication areas was favorable. Under such market conditions
and reflecting the impact of the translation of financial results and condition
into yen, the currency in which the financial statements are prepared, in
accordance with U.S. GAAP, Sony's sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000
decreased 1.7% and operating income decreased 30.9% compared with the previous
year, due to the yen's appreciation. The decrease in sales was due to sales
decreases in the Game, Music, and Pictures businesses, while sales increased in
the Electronics, Insurance, and Other businesses. The decrease in operating
income was due to profit decreases in the Electronics, Game, Music, and Pictures
businesses and expansion of losses in the Other business, while profit increased
in the Insurance business.
On a local currency basis (In connection with all references herein to
results of operations expressed on a local currency basis, please refer to
"Impact of Foreign Exchange Fluctuations and Basic Countermeasures."), Sony's
sales for the year ended March 31, 2000 increased approximately 9% and operating
income increased approximately 39% compared with the previous year.
On January 5, 2000, the acquisition transactions by way of exchanges of
stock, whereby SMEJ, Sony Chemicals Corporation, and Sony Precision Technology
Inc. became wholly-owned subsidiaries of Sony Corporation, were completed (refer
to Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). As a result, of the
approximately 348 billion yen which represented the increase in total capital
(equivalent to the purchase price from external shareholders) of Sony
Corporation, approximately 236 billion yen, which represents the excess of this
amount over the total book value of the minority interests in the three
subsidiaries, was recorded as tangible and
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intangible assets and goodwill of approximately 283 billion yen and as deferred
tax liabilities of approximately 47 billion yen. The breakdown of the 236
billion yen is approximately 58 billion yen in the Electronics business, 158
billion yen in the Game business, and 20 billion yen in the Music business.
These intangible assets and goodwill will be amortized over the useful life of
up to a maximum of 20 years starting in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2000, and recorded in selling, general and administrative
expenses. At the same time, the corresponding deferred tax liabilities will be
reversed. During the fourth quarter, as a result of these factors, operating
income and income before income taxes each decreased approximately 4.2 billion
yen, and net income decreased approximately 3.3 billion yen. In addition, as a
result of these transactions, minority interests in the three subsidiaries was
eliminated and income or loss in minority interests in such subsidiaries is not
recognized after January 5, 2000, the date of the transactions.
Sales
Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 decreased by 117.5 billion
yen, or 1.7%, to 6,686.7 billion yen compared with the previous year, for the
reasons discussed above.
Cost of Sales and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (Excluding the
Insurance Business)
Cost of sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 decreased by 38.7
billion yen, or 0.8%, to 4,595.1 billion yen compared with the previous year and
increased from 71.7% to 72.9% as a percentage of sales. The decrease of cost of
sales was due to the yen's appreciation, although manufacturing expenses and
research and development expenses increased, reflecting increases in production
brought about by favorable demand. Research and development expenses for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 increased by 19.2 billion yen, or 5.1%, to
394.5 billion yen compared with the previous year and increased from 5.8% to
6.3% as a percentage of sales. Major areas of the research and development
expenses during the year were the Electronics business, for semiconductors,
telecommunications, and displays, and the Game business.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2000 decreased by 9.3 billion yen, or 0.6%, to 1,491.6 billion yen
compared with the previous year and increased from 23.2% to 23.7% as a
percentage of sales. The decrease of selling, general and administrative
expenses was due to the yen's appreciation, although personnel, freight,
advertising, and royalties expenses increased. Personnel expenses included a
charge of approximately 19.2 billion yen for stock-price linked incentive
compensation resulting from the sharp rise in Sony Corporation's stock price in
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, compared with a minor charge in the
previous year.
Operating Income
As a result of the factors discussed above, operating income for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2000 decreased by 107.6 billion yen, or 30.9%, to 240.6
billion yen compared with the previous year and the operating margin decreased
from 5.1% to 3.6%.
Operating Performance Highlights by Business Segment
The following discussion is based on segment information. Sales and
operating revenue in each business segment include intersegment transactions. In
the Electronics business, sales and
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operating revenue by product category represent sales to customers, which do not
include intersegment transactions (refer to Note 21 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements).
Business Segment Information (Yen in billions)
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
--------------------------
PERCENT CHANGE
ON A LOCAL
SALES AND OPERATING REVENUE 1999 2000 PERCENT CHANGE CURRENCY BASIS
- --------------------------- ------- ------- -------------- --------------
Electronics 4,669.7 4,719.6 + 1.1% + 13%
Game 783.8 654.7 - 16.5% - 6%
Music 758.7 706.9 - 6.8% + 3%
Pictures 545.8 492.1 - 9.8% + 3%
Insurance 339.4 380.3 + 12.1% --
Other 291.6 364.1 + 24.9% --
Elimination (584.8) (631.1) -- --
Consolidated 6,804.2 6,686.7 - 1.7% + 9%
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
--------------------------
PERCENT CHANGE
ON A LOCAL
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) 1999 2000 PERCENT CHANGE CURRENCY BASIS
- ------------------------------- ------- ------- -------------- --------------
Electronics 131.1 118.6 - 9.5% + 132%
Game 136.5 77.4 - 43.3% - 5%
Music 36.6 28.4 - 22.4% - 14%
Pictures 43.0 38.6 - 10.1% + 3%
Insurance 18.0 20.9 + 16.0% --
Other (4.5) (12.9) -- --
Elimination and
Unallocated Corporate expenses (12.4) (30.3) -- --
Consolidated 348.2 240.6 - 30.9% + 39%
Electronics
Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 increased by 49.9 billion
yen, or 1.1%, to 4,719.6 billion yen compared with the previous year. Operating
income decreased by 12.5 billion yen, or 9.5%, to 118.6 billion yen and the
operating margin decreased from 2.8% to 2.5%. During the year, despite strong
demand in various product categories, the sales increase was limited to a low
level and operating income decreased, principally due to the yen's appreciation.
Regarding sales by area, sales increased in Japan, where demand relating to
information and communication areas was favorable, and also increased in Asia,
where economies showed a recovery trend. Sales decreased in the U.S. due to the
weakness of the dollar against the yen and also decreased in Europe due to the
substantial depreciation of the euro against the yen. Sales decreased in South
America where economies continued to be sluggish. The decrease in operating
income was due to an increase in the cost of sales while the sales increase was
limited to a low level as a result of the yen's appreciation.
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Performance by product category
"Audio" sales decreased by 137.8 billion yen, or 12.8%, to 934.9 billion
yen. This was principally due to decreases in sales of home stereos,
radio-cassette tape recorders, and compact cassette headphone stereos. Although
sales of home stereos increased in Asia, such sales decreased in the U.S. and
South America, and also decreased in Europe, despite favorable demand, due to
the yen's appreciation. The decreases in sales of radio-cassette tape recorders
and compact cassette headphone stereos were principally due to decreases in
demand in the U.S. and Europe. However, sales of MD format headphone stereos
increased in the U.S. and Europe.
"Video" sales increased by 7.6 billion yen, or 0.8%, to 976.7 billion yen.
This was principally due to increases in sales of digital still cameras and
DVD-Video players although sales of home-use video decks and those of broadcast-
and professional-use equipment decreased. Regarding home-use video cameras,
sales of DV- and Digital 8-format video cameras increased, while those of analog
8mm format video cameras decreased, reflecting Sony's aggressive efforts for
digitization of these products and shifting consumer demand. Sales of home-use
video decks decreased due to the yen's appreciation although demand increased in
the U.S. and Europe. Regarding broadcast- and professional-use equipment, sales
decreased due to lower prices and the yen's appreciation despite favorable
demand for digital VTR systems. Sales of digital still cameras increased in all
areas principally due to Sony's efforts to improve picture quality and further
penetration of PCs. Sales of DVD-Video players increased, especially in the
U.S., reflecting increased software lineups and higher demand for home-theater
use.
"Televisions" sales increased by 11.6 billion yen, or 1.6%, to 714.2
billion yen. This was principally due to increases in sales of color TVs and
projection TVs. Regarding color TVs, demand significantly increased in all
areas, especially in Asia and the U.S., reflecting aggressive introductions of
large-screen color TVs which incorporate flat surface CRTs. In addition, demand
for large-screen projection TVs for home-theater use increased especially in the
U.S. As a result, overall sales of both categories increased despite sales
decreases in certain areas, such as Europe where the significant appreciation of
the yen negatively affected sales.
"Information and communications" sales increased by 138.6 billion yen, or
15.2%, to 1,052.7 billion yen. This was principally due to significant sales
increases of notebook PCs in Japan, the U.S., and Europe and increases in sales
of desktop PCs in Japan. Due to higher demand for recording of large amounts of
digital data, sales of CD-R/RW drives increased, primarily in the U.S. and Asia,
while those of CD-ROM drives decreased, primarily in the U.S. and Europe.
Regarding computer displays, despite strong demand primarily in the U.S., sales
decreased due to the yen's appreciation. Despite increased sales in Japan and
Western Europe, overall sales of cellular phones decreased due to the
termination of production in the U.S. brought about by the discontinuation of
the business in North America, excluding research and development and
after-sales service.
"Electronic components and other" sales increased by 19.7 billion yen, or
2.8%, to 717.4 billion yen. This was principally due to significant sales
increases of electronic components including CCDs, LCDs, system LSIs, and
optical pickups, reflecting higher demand for electronics products in all
categories including digital AV equipment, such as digital video cameras and
digital still cameras, and computer related equipment.
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The increase in the cost of sales, despite the yen's appreciation, was
principally attributable to the increased cost of raw materials reflecting
increases in production brought about by favorable demand and to depreciation
expenses in connection with a high level of capital expenditures, primarily for
semiconductors equipment. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased
due to the yen's appreciation although personnel, freight, and royalties
expenses increased. Regarding profit performance by product category, that of
such products as color TVs and broadcast- and professional-use equipment
deteriorated, while that of semiconductors, computer peripherals, optical
devices, and PCs improved reflecting higher sales of those products. The
performance of color TVs was negatively affected by increases in research and
development expenses in connection with broadcast digitization, and that of
broadcast- and professional-use equipment was negatively affected by an
increased number of competitors and severe price competition. In cellular
phones, although significant losses were recorded due to additional expenses
related to the discontinuation of the business in North America noted above, the
amount of losses decreased compared with the previous year. In addition, loss on
disposal of fixed assets in connection with this discontinuation was recorded
under "Other Income and Expenses."
During the year, regarding the geographical breakdown of Sony's total
production amount (excluding Aiwa, which represented less than 10% of sales in
Sony's Electronics business) and the final destination of such production, more
than half of the total production was in Japan, where production of digital AV
equipment, information and communication products, and electronic components
increased significantly, and approximately 50% of such production was destined
for other regions. Asia accounted for approximately a quarter of total
production, approximately 70% of which was destined for other regions. The
Americas and Europe together accounted for the remaining quarter of total
production, most of which was destined for use in the respective area of
production. Regarding consolidation of manufacturing facilities, during the
year, Sony restructured several manufacturing facilities in North America and
emphasized production in Mexico. In Europe, Sony terminated most of its
production in Germany. In Asia, Sony consolidated several manufacturing
facilities in Malaysia and also consolidated several facilities in Singapore. As
a result, the number of manufacturing facilities at the end of March 2000 was
reduced to 64, from 70 at the end of March 1999.
Results in the Electronics business were significantly negatively impacted
by the yen's appreciation. On a local currency basis, sales for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2000 increased approximately 13% and operating income increased
approximately 132% compared with the previous year. This was due to improved
profitability principally from higher demand for such products as PCs and
digital AV equipment and increases in sales in almost all regions except for
South America, along with improved efficiencies in manufacturing facilities.
Regarding sales by area on a local currency basis, in Japan, sales of such
products as PCs, cellular phones, and semiconductors increased, while those of
AV products such as color TVs and home-use video decks decreased. In the U.S.,
sales of such products as PCs, color TVs and projection TVs, digital still
cameras, DVD-Video players, home-use video cameras, computer peripherals, and
computer displays increased, while those of cellular phones decreased. In
Europe, sales of such products as PCs, home-use video cameras, home stereos, and
DVD-Video players increased in Western Europe. In Other areas, sales of such
products as color TVs, semiconductors, and home stereos increased in Asia.
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Game
Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 decreased by 129.1 billion
yen, or 16.5%, to 654.7 billion yen compared with the previous year. Operating
income decreased by 59.1 billion yen, or 43.3%, to 77.4 billion yen and the
operating margin decreased from 17.4% to 11.8%.
Sales fell due to such factors as decreased shipments of PlayStation
hardware in Japan and the U.S., reflecting high penetration ratios, as well as
strategic price reductions of hardware in certain areas, although hardware
shipments in Europe increased. The overall decrease in sales was limited, even
during the introduction period of PlayStation 2, due to higher demand for
software especially in the U.S. and Europe reflecting the increased penetration
of PlayStation hardware.
Worldwide shipments of PlayStation hardware for the fiscal year ended March
31, 2000 were 18.50 million units for the year compared with 21.60 million units
for the previous year, resulting in cumulative shipments of 72.92 million units
as of March 31, 2000. Cumulative shipments of PlayStation 2 hardware, which was
introduced in Japan in March 2000, were 1.41 million units as of March 31, 2000.
Worldwide shipments of PlayStation software (including both Sony and third
parties under Sony licenses) were 200 million units for the year compared with
194 million units for the previous year, resulting in cumulative shipments of
630 million units as of March 31, 2000. In addition, cumulative shipments of
PlayStation 2 software were 2.9 million units.
Profit decreased compared with the previous year due to the decrease in
sales and start-up expenses of PlayStation 2. Total capital expenditures for the
system's semiconductor production equipment, the "EmotionEngine" and the
"Graphics Synthesizer", are approximately 130 billion yen, approximately 110
billion yen of which was incurred during the year. Sony Computer Entertainment
("SCE") intends to introduce PlayStation 2 in North America and Europe in
October 2000. In line with these introductions, principally aiming at increases
in production for the system, SCE is planning additional investments for
semiconductor production equipment of approximately 125 billion yen. As a
result, cumulative capital expenditures in semiconductor production equipment
for the system will be approximately 255 billion yen. Based upon these
investments and the increase in semiconductor production capacity, SCE plans in
the future to sell the PlayStation 2 chipset to third parties and also to work
to develop and sell to third parties next-generation processors for digital home
electronics products.
Results in the Game business were significantly negatively impacted by the
yen's appreciation. On a local currency basis, sales for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2000 decreased approximately 6% and operating income decreased
approximately 5% compared with the previous year.
Also, SCE established PlayStation.com (Japan) Inc., with a view towards
direct sales through the Internet as well as future distribution services via
PlayStation 2, planned to begin in 2001, of content such as games, music, and
pictures. The newly established company began its service in February 2000, and
in March 2000 allocated newly issued shares to twelve third parties including
Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd.
Music
Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 decreased by 51.8 billion
yen, or 6.8%, to 706.9 billion yen compared with the previous year. Operating
income decreased by 8.2 billion yen, or 22.4%, to 28.4 billion yen and the
operating margin decreased from 4.8% to 4.0%.
Regarding results of Sony Music Entertainment Inc. ("SMEI"), the U.S. based
operation, sales and profit decreased. The decrease in sales was principally due
to sluggish sales in Europe and Brazil and the yen's appreciation, although
sales reached record levels in the U.S. Regarding
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profit performance, profit decreased due to the decrease in sales and the
inclusion in the previous year of a one-time license contract fee for direct
marketing results that did not reoccur as well as expenses for the year incurred
in advancing SMEI's digital media initiatives. Regarding results of the Music
business in Japan, comprised of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. ("SMEJ")
and its subsidiaries, although overall sales decreased slightly, profit
performance improved. The decrease in sales was principally due to decreases in
sales of creative goods and magazines at certain subsidiaries, although sales of
SMEJ itself increased due to the success of certain albums, the releases of
which were postponed from the previous year to this year. As a result, the
overall profit performance of the Music business in Japan improved.
Results in the Music business were significantly negatively impacted by the
yen's appreciation. On a local currency basis, sales for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2000 increased approximately 3% and operating income decreased
approximately 14% compared with the previous year.
Regarding digital music distribution services, in December 1999, SMEJ
started in Japan a fee-based music content distribution service in compliance
with SDMI (Secure Digital Music Initiative), a forum with the aim of protecting
copyrights of digital music content. In addition, SMEI started a similar kind of
service in the U.S. in April 2000.
Pictures
Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 decreased by 53.7 billion
yen, or 9.8%, to 492.1 billion yen compared with the previous year. Operating
income decreased by 4.3 billion yen, or 10.1%, to 38.6 billion yen and the
operating margin decreased from 7.9% to 7.8%.
The decreases in sales and profit were primarily due to the yen's
appreciation. In the Motion Picture group, although several theatrical releases
recorded losses, several other films contributed to box-office revenues, and
home video revenues increased, particularly from DVD format unit sales. In the
Television group, international pay television revenues increased and new
licensing revenues for television programs favorably impacted sales.
Results in the Pictures business were significantly negatively impacted by
the yen's appreciation. On a local currency basis, sales for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2000 increased approximately 3% and operating income increased
approximately 3% compared with the previous year.
In January 2000, Sony and Starz Encore Media Group LLC ("Starz Encore"), a
provider of cable and satellite-delivered premium movie channels in the U.S.,
jointly announced that they had entered into a long-term strategic partnership
which includes a license agreement that, beginning in January 2005, grants Starz
Encore exclusive, first-run pay television rights to all films released
theatrically in the U.S. by Sony during the initial 6 year term of the
agreement, with Sony having the option to extend the term for an additional 3
years. Under the agreement, Sony retains the right to distribute its films on
the Internet via video-on-demand during the Starz Encore "window" in the future
broadband network era.
In addition, Sony has decided to invest 75 million U.S. dollars during the
fiscal year ending March 31, 2001 in a film production company, "Revolution
Studios", established by Mr. Joe Roth, a former chairman of Walt Disney Studios.
Principal partners are Mr. Roth, Starz Encore, Sony, and Fox Entertainment
Group, Inc. The new company currently plans to produce approximately 36 films
over 6 years. Sony will pay a certain portion of production costs for these
films and distribute such films in the U.S. through theatres, home video, and
pay-per-view as well as in other certain territories through theatres, home
video, pay-per-view, and other forms of television. Sony holds distribution
rights in the U.S. and such other territories for 15 years after theatrical
release.
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Insurance
Insurance revenue for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 increased by
41.0 billion yen, or 12.1%, to 380.3 billion yen compared with the previous
year. Operating income increased by 2.9 billion yen, or 16.0%, to 20.9 billion
yen and the operating margin increased from 5.3% to 5.5%.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, regarding results of Sony Life
Insurance Co., Ltd., revenue and profit increased due to an increase in life
insurance-in-force and improved returns on investment income. Life
insurance-in-force increased in high margin individual life insurance products
such as whole life and medical expense coverage. However, losses were recorded
from start-up expenses for Sony Assurance Inc.
Condensed Insurance Business Balance Sheets
The Insurance business is included on a consolidated basis in Sony's
consolidated financial statements. The following schedule shows unaudited
condensed balance sheets for the Insurance business and for Sony with the
Insurance business' financial position reflected on the equity basis. (Although
inter-business balances between the Insurance business and businesses other than
the Insurance business are not eliminated in the respective balance sheets shown
below, such amounts are not material.) While this presentation differs from that
provided under U.S. GAAP used in Sony's consolidated financial statements,
because the Insurance business is different in nature from Sony's Electronics,
Game, Music, and Pictures businesses, Sony believes that this type of
comparative presentation helps the understanding and analysis of Sony's
consolidated financial statements.
SONY WITH
INSURANCE BUSINESS
INSURANCE BUSINESS ON THE EQUITY BASIS
------------------------ ------------------------
YEN IN MILLIONS YEN IN MILLIONS
------------------------ ------------------------
MARCH 31 MARCH 31
------------------------ ------------------------
1999 2000 1999 2000
--------- --------- --------- ---------
ASSETS
Cash and time deposits 114,695 218,995 501,819 413,207
Marketable securities 62,112 87,539 55,745 19,960
Other current assets 10,000 12,331 2,326,837 2,384,161
Investments and advances 720,020 810,963 260,716 264,631
Investments in insurance business -- -- 133,546 159,821
Deferred insurance acquisition costs 199,868 239,981 -- --
Other long-term assets 22,310 13,908 2,027,909 2,345,094
--------- --------- --------- ---------
1,129,005 1,383,717 5,306,572 5,586,874
========= ========= ========= =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY
Future insurance policy benefits and other 913,937 1,124,873 -- --
Other liabilities and minority interest 81,226 98,356 3,482,907 3,403,968
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total liabilities and minority interest 995,163 1,223,229 3,482,907 3,403,968
Stockholders' equity 133,842 160,488 1,823,665 2,182,906
--------- --------- --------- ---------
1,129,005 1,383,717 5,306,572 5,586,874
========= ========= ========= =========
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Other
The Other business consisted of various operating activities, including a
leasing and credit financing business in Japan, a business focused on parts
trading services within the Sony group, certain satellite distribution services
businesses in Japan, an advertising agency business in Japan, an
Internet-related business in the U.S., and location-based entertainment
businesses in the U.S. and Germany. Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31,
2000 were up by 72.5 billion yen, or 24.9%, to 364.1 billion yen, compared with
the previous year. Approximately 70 percent of sales in the Other business
reflected intersegment transactions during the year. The business posted an
operating loss of 12.9 billion yen.
During the year, sales increased primarily due to a subsidiary engaged in
an advertising agency business being newly consolidated and increased sales of a
subsidiary engaged in a parts trading services business within the Sony group.
Losses were recorded primarily from the location-based entertainment business in
the U.S. and certain satellite distribution services businesses in Japan.
Regarding the location-based entertainment business, an entertainment
complex including stores and theatres in San Francisco opened in June 1999.
Total investment for this project was approximately 13.8 billion yen. In
addition, a location-based entertainment business that opened in Tokyo in April
2000 will be included in the Other business starting in the fiscal year ending
March 31, 2001. Total investment for this project was approximately 13.0 billion
yen.
Other Income and Expenses
In consolidated results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, other
income decreased by 4.1 billion yen, or 2.7%, to 148.8 billion yen, while other
expenses increased by 1.7 billion yen, or 1.4%, to 125.2 billion yen.
The decrease in other income was principally due to inclusion in the
previous year of both a 58.7 billion yen gain on securities contribution to an
employee retirement benefit trust and a 5.2 billion yen gain resulting from the
merger of the Theatrical exhibition group in the Pictures business with Cineplex
Odeon Corporation (refer to Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements). This decrease was partly offset by an increase in foreign exchange
gain, net and by a gain of approximately 28.1 billion yen on certain investment
securities during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000. Interest and dividends
during the year was 17.7 billion yen, compared with 23.3 billion yen in the
previous year, principally due to decrease in interest received at subsidiaries
outside Japan.
To hedge risks from exchange rate fluctuations, Sony primarily employs
foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts.
Foreign exchange gain, net, was 27.5 billion yen, compared with 2.9 billion yen
in the previous year. This was principally due to gains from foreign exchange
hedging in Sony Corporation.
The increase in other expenses was principally due to loss on disposal of
fixed assets related to the discontinuation of the cellular phone business in
North America. Interest expense was 42.0 billion yen, compared with 48.3 billion
yen in the previous year. This was due to a decrease in the average outstanding
balances of debt outside Japan in addition to the yen's appreciation. As a
result, the balance of interest and dividends income, less interest expense,
improved by 0.6 billion yen compared with the previous year and net interest
expense came to 24.3 billion yen.
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Income before Income Taxes
Income before income taxes for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000
decreased by 113.4 billion yen, or 30.0%, to 264.3 billion yen compared with the
previous year. Excluding the effect of the one-time gain on securities to an
outside trust in the previous year noted above, the decrease of income before
income taxes would have been limited to 17.1%.
Income Taxes
Income taxes for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 decreased by 82.3
billion yen, or 46.5%, to 94.6 billion yen, and the percentage of income taxes
to income before income taxes (the effective tax rate) decreased from 46.9% to
35.8%. This was principally due to the performance improvement in certain U.S.
subsidiaries that had operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes and a
reduction in the Japanese corporate statutory income tax rate effective April 1,
1999, which had the effect of lowering the effective tax rate by approximately 6
percentage points.
Deferred tax assets are recognized on operating loss carryforwards for tax
purposes since these losses may reduce future taxable income. However, a
valuation allowance is established against those deferred tax assets that are
not expected to be realized because sufficient taxable income is not expected to
be generated before those loss carryforwards expire. Sony has recognized a
valuation allowance for deferred tax assets principally relating to operating
loss carryforwards of consolidated subsidiaries in the U.S.
Results of affiliated companies accounted for by the equity method
Equity affiliates included i) in the Electronics business -- S.T. Liquid
Crystal Display Corp. ("ST-LCD"), an LCD joint venture in Japan, ii) in the
Music business -- The Columbia House Company ("CHC"), a direct marketer of music
and videos, iii) in the Pictures business -- Telemundo group, a U.S. based
Spanish language television network and station group and Loews Cineplex
Entertainment Corporation, a theatrical exhibition company, and iv) in the Other
business -- several satellite distribution services businesses in Japan and a
commercial- and other- use facility in Germany.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, equity in net losses of
affiliated companies was 37.8 billion yen, compared with 9.6 billion yen in the
previous year, principally due to losses in CHC, ST-LCD, the commercial- and
other- use facility in Germany, Telemundo group, and several satellite
distribution services businesses in Japan. During the year, the expansion of
losses in CHC was largely due to approximately 7.6 billion yen of costs relating
to shortened amortization periods for and an impairment of deferred advertising
and member acquisition expenses (refer to Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements). Regarding the commercial- and other- use facility in
Berlin, Germany, which had been developed by a partnership of Sony, Tishman
Speyer Properties, Inc., and Kajima Corporation, a building complex to house
Sony Europe Headquarters, rental offices, stores, residences, a movie and
broadcasting museum with educational facilities, and an entertainment space was
completed. A grand opening ceremony of the complex was held in June 2000. The
total investment for this project was approximately 77 billion yen, of which
approximately 51 billion yen was arranged by the partnership in the form of
non-recourse project financing. Sony contributed the land and 19.8 billion yen
in cash in the form of preferred equity in the partnership. During the year,
additional expenses were incurred in the business due to an
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approximately 5.1 billion yen devaluation of real estate for sale (refer to Note
8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
In March 2000, Sony, Time Warner Inc., and CDNOW Inc., which sells music
and video software via the Internet, announced the termination of a merger plan
between CDNOW Inc. and CHC, which is equally owned by Sony and Time Warner Inc.
Instead, Sony and Time Warner Inc. committed a total of 51 million U.S. dollars
to CDNOW Inc. (50% of which is from Sony), by investing 21 million U.S. dollars
in addition to an existing 30 million U.S. dollar loan. On July 20, 2000,
Bertelsmann AG announced a definitive merger agreement under which it will
acquire CDNOW Inc. Also, Sony provided CHC in April 2000 with an approximately
93 million U.S. dollar loan.
During the year, Sony invested approximately 3.8 billion yen in Telemundo
group, which resulted in a total investment of approximately 18.9 billion yen.
In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001, it is expected that Sony will make an
additional investment of approximately 25.5 million U.S. dollars in Telemundo
group.
Net Income
Net income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 decreased by 57.2
billion yen, or 31.9%, to 121.8 billion yen compared with the previous year. As
a percentage of sales, net income decreased from 2.6% to 1.8%, and the return on
stockholders' equity (using the average of such amounts at March 31, 1999 and at
March 31, 2000) decreased from 9.8% to 6.1%. Net income in the previous year
included 30.7 billion yen (net of tax) from the aforementioned gain on
securities contribution to an employee retirement benefit trust which was
recorded in other income. Excluding this effect, the decrease of net income
would have been limited to 17.8%.
Basic net income per share was 144.6 yen compared with 218.4 yen in the
previous year, and diluted net income per share was 131.7 yen compared with
195.5 yen in the previous year (refer to Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements).
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(The fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 compared with the fiscal year ended March
31, 1998)
Impact of Foreign Exchange Fluctuations and Basic Countermeasures
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, the average value of the yen
was 127.0 yen against the U.S. dollar, and 142.3 yen against the euro, which was
4.1% and 5.8% lower against the U.S. dollar and euro, respectively, compared
with the level of the previous year. (For comparative purposes only, the euro
until December 1998 is hypothetically computed based on the German mark.)
Operating results on a local currency basis described in "Consolidated Results"
show results of sales and operating revenue ("sales") and operating income
obtained by applying the yen's average exchange rate in the previous year to
local currency-denominated sales, cost of sales, and selling, general and
administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, assuming the
value of the yen had remained the same. Regarding the U.S. based Music and
Pictures businesses, results of worldwide subsidiaries (in the case of Music,
excluding those of Japan) are consolidated on a U.S. dollar basis.
Sony employs foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option
contracts to hedge against foreign exchange risks that arise from its export and
import transactions of materials, parts, and products. Furthermore, particularly
in the Electronics business, to minimize the adverse
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48
effects of foreign exchange fluctuations on its financial results and to reduce
inventory and cost, Sony seeks, when appropriate, to localize material and parts
procurement, design, and manufacturing operations outside Japan.
OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Effective with the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, equity in net earnings
(losses) of affiliated companies, which was previously included in sales and
operating revenue, is shown separately below income before income taxes. As a
result, sales and operating revenue, operating income, and income before income
taxes figures for the prior years have been restated to conform to the
presentation for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000.
The general economic and operating environment worsened toward the end of
the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, reflecting factors which included economic
weakness in Asia excluding Japan ("Asia"), Russia and Eastern Europe, and Latin
America, as well as a rapid appreciation in the value of the yen in the second
half of the year. Under these circumstances, Sony's sales increased by only
0.6%, and operating income decreased by 33.8%. The low growth rate of sales was
primarily attributable to declines in sales in the Electronics and Pictures
businesses. On the other hand, sales in the Game, Music, Insurance, and Other
businesses increased. The large decrease in operating income was primarily
attributable to a substantial decline in profitability in the Electronics
business. Operating income in the Electronics business declined sharply due to
increases in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses as
well as the decrease in sales. Also, operating income in the Music and Insurance
businesses decreased, while the Other business has posted operating losses for
the second consecutive year. However, the Game business maintained positive
momentum principally outside Japan. In the Pictures business, operating income
also increased.
On a local currency basis, Sony's sales for the year ended March 31, 1999
decreased approximately 2% and operating income decreased approximately 47%
compared with the previous year.
Sales
Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 increased by 43.2 billion
yen, or 0.6%, to 6,804.2 billion yen compared with the previous year, for the
reasons discussed above.
Cost of Sales and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (Excluding the
Insurance Business)
Cost of sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 increased by 14.8
billion yen, or 0.3%, to 4,633.8 billion yen compared with the previous year and
increased from 71.4% to 71.7% as a percentage of sales. The increase of cost of
sales was due to increases in research and development, personnel, and
depreciation and amortization expenses in addition to the yen's depreciation,
while manufacturing expenses decreased, reflecting reductions in production
aimed at inventory adjustment. Research and development expenses for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 1999 increased by 57.3 billion yen, or 18.0%, to 375.3
billion yen compared with the previous year and increased from 4.9% to 5.8% as a
percentage of sales. Major areas of the research and development expenses during
the year were the Electronics business, for semiconductors, broadcast- and
professional-use equipment, and displays, and the Game business.
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Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1999 increased by 155.3 billion yen, or 11.5%, to 1,500.9 billion yen
compared with the previous year and increased from 20.8% to 23.2% as a
percentage of sales. The increase of selling, general and administrative
expenses was due to increases in advertising, personnel, and service expenses.
Operating Income
As a result of the factors discussed above, operating income for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 1999 decreased by 177.5 billion yen, or 33.8%, to 348.2
billion yen compared with the previous year and the operating margin decreased
from 7.8% to 5.1%.
Operating Performance Highlights by Business Segment
The following discussion is based on segment information. Sales and
operating revenue in each business segment include intersegment transactions. In
the Electronics business, sales and operating revenue by product category
represent sales to customers, which do not include intersegment transactions
(refer to Note 21 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
Business Segment Information (Yen in billions)
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
-------------------
PERCENT CHANGE
ON A LOCAL
SALES AND OPERATING REVENUE 1998 1999 PERCENT CHANGE CURRENCY BASIS
- --------------------------- ------- ------- -------------- --------------
Electronics 4,692.8 4,669.7 - 0.5% - 3%
Game 722.6 783.8 + 8.5% + 7%
Music 692.7 758.7 + 9.5% + 7%
Pictures 644.6 545.8 - 15.3% - 18%
Insurance 291.1 339.4 + 16.6% --
Other 251.6 291.6 + 15.9% --
Elimination (534.3) (584.8) -- --
Consolidated 6,761.0 6,804.2 + 0.6% - 2%
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
-------------------
PERCENT CHANGE
ON A LOCAL
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) 1998 1999 PERCENT CHANGE CURRENCY BASIS
- ----------------------- ------- ------- -------------- --------------
Electronics 317.3 131.1 - 58.7% - 78%
Game 116.9 136.5 + 16.7% + 11%
Music 52.1 36.6 - 29.8% - 30%
Pictures 37.0 43.0 + 16.1% + 11%
Insurance 20.3 18.0 - 11.2% --
Other (7.0) (4.5) -- --
Elimination and
Unallocated Corporate expenses (10.9) (12.4) -- --
Consolidated 525.7 348.2 - 33.8% - 47%
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Electronics
Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 were essentially flat,
decreasing by 23.1 billion yen, or only 0.5%, to 4,669.7 billion yen compared
with the previous year. Operating income decreased by 186.2 billion yen, or
58.7%, to 131.1 billion yen and the operating margin decreased from 6.8% to
2.8%. The lower sales were primarily attributable to intensified price
competition in many product categories and lower sales due to weak economic
conditions in Asia, Russia and Eastern Europe, and Latin America. By area, sales
increased in Japan and slightly increased in the U.S. and in Western Europe,
while sales sharply declined in Asia, Russia and Eastern Europe, and Latin
America. The large decline in operating income was principally attributable to
sluggish sales, increases in cost of sales and selling, general and
administrative expenses, and aggressive reductions in production aimed at
inventory adjustment in the second half of the year.
Performance by product category
"Audio" sales decreased by 55.2 billion yen, or 4.9%, to 1,072.6 billion
yen. Lower sales principally reflected a steep decline in sales of home stereos
and radio-cassette tape recorders in Asia, Russia and Eastern Europe, and Latin
America. Sales of compact cassette headphone stereos decreased worldwide,
particularly in Asia. Also, intensified price competition in the U.S. and
Western Europe hurt sales. However, sales of MD headphone stereos increased
primarily in Japan and Western Europe.
"Video" sales increased by 98.3 billion yen, or 11.3%, to 969.1 billion
yen. Home-use video cameras, digital still cameras, and DVD-Video players in the
U.S. and in Western Europe were responsible for much of this growth. In home-use
video decks, sales were weak principally in the U.S., Russia and Eastern Europe,
and Latin America. In broadcast- and professional-use video equipment, sales
increased only slightly, primarily due to the diversification of competitors in
line with digitization and intensified price competition. Although sales of
digital VTR systems increased principally in the U.S. and Western Europe, those
of analog VTR systems declined significantly.
"Televisions" sales decreased by 6.4 billion yen, or 0.9%, to 702.6 billion
yen. Sales of color TVs declined substantially in Asia, Russia and Eastern
Europe, and Latin America. However, the Wega series of color TVs, which
incorporates flat surface CRTs, performed extremely well in Japan and the U.S.
Sales of large-screen projection TVs also increased in the U.S. and Western
Europe.
"Information and communications" sales increased by 19.3 billion yen, or
2.2%, to 914.1 billion yen. The slow growth was primarily attributable to a
decline in sales of computer displays and cellular phones. Regarding computer
displays, sales substantially decreased, especially in the U.S., due to severe
industry-wide price competition resulting from pricing pressures from
manufacturers in Asia, an oversupply of product, and weak demand. Regarding
cellular phones, sales decreased in Europe and Japan principally due to
intensified price competition and a delay in new product introductions. Sales of
cellular phones in the U.S. decreased especially in the second half of the year
resulting primarily from quality issues of certain types of cellular phones
including the impact of correcting power emission levels. Regarding PCs, sales
in the U.S. decreased because notebook PC OEM sales, which recorded strong sales
in the previous year, ceased and because of intensified price competition in
desktop PCs. However, overall PC sales
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increased primarily due to much higher sales of both notebook and desktop VAIO
PCs in Japan. Also, CD-R/RW drives, which permit repeated recordings of massive
data, recorded strong sales growth in the U.S. and Western Europe, while sales
of CD-ROM drives declined.
"Electronic components and other" sales decreased by 79.8 billion yen, or
10.3%, to 697.7 billion yen. The significant decline in sales is principally due
to weak sales of semiconductors and electronic components including CRTs.
Semiconductor sales declined due to a decision to shrink the memory business,
which had low profit margins, and to weak sales of signal processing LSI devices
for video CD players and other applications especially in Asia. Sales of CRTs
also decreased, principally in Europe, due to intensified price competition and
weak demand. Sales of lithium-ion batteries rose due to growing demand for
notebook PCs.
The increase in the cost of sales was principally attributable to increases
in research and development expenses, primarily for technologies related to
semiconductors, broadcast- and professional-use equipment, and digital networks,
personnel expenses, and depreciation expenses in connection with a high level of
capital expenditures, primarily for semiconductor production equipment. Selling,
general and administrative expenses increased principally in personnel,
advertising, and service expenses. In addition, aggressive reductions in
production aimed at inventory adjustment in the second half of the year resulted
in lower profitability. Regarding profit performance by product category, that
of such products as cellular phones, computer displays, and semiconductors
deteriorated significantly and had a substantial negative impact on the overall
results of the Electronics business. Also, profit performance of such products
as broadcast- and professional-use equipment, CRTs, and lithium-ion batteries
deteriorated, while the performance of home-use video cameras was significantly
profitable. Significant losses were recorded in cellular phones due to decreases
in sales in Japan and Europe and in the U.S. in the second half of the year, as
noted above, as well as an increase in service expenses. Profit of computer
displays decreased significantly due to intensified price competition,
oversupply, and weak demand, as noted above. Profit performance of
semiconductors worsened because the reduced sales heightened the impact of the
depreciation of production equipment. Profit performance of broadcast- and
professional-use equipment deteriorated principally due to the decrease in sales
noted above and an increase in research and development expenses. Profit
performance of CRTs and lithium-ion batteries deteriorated principally due to
lower prices. Regarding profit performance of PCs, the positive contribution
from notebook PCs in the second half of the year was overshadowed by the overall
negative impact of desktop PCs.
Results in the Electronics business were positively impacted by the yen's
depreciation. On a local currency basis, sales for the fiscal year ended March
31, 1999 decreased approximately 3% and operating income decreased approximately
78% compared with the previous year.
Game
Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 increased by 61.3 billion
yen, or 8.5%, to 783.8 billion yen compared with the previous year. Operating
income increased by 19.6 billion yen, or 16.7%, to 136.5 billion yen and the
operating margin increased from 16.2% to 17.4%.
In Japan, despite strong sales of software, total sales declined due to
lower sales of PlayStation hardware as a result of such factors as the high
penetration ratio of hardware among Japanese households. On the other hand, in
the U.S. and Europe, sales increased significantly compared with the previous
year, as aggressive pricing strategies and increases in software titles resulted
in further demand for hardware and software.
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Worldwide shipments of PlayStation hardware for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1999 were 21.60 million units for the year compared with 19.37 million
units for the previous year, resulting in cumulative shipments of 54.42 million
units as of March 31, 1999. Worldwide shipments of PlayStation software
(including both Sony and third parties under Sony licenses) were 194 million
units for the year compared with 138 million units for the previous year,
resulting in cumulative shipments of 430 million units as of March 31, 1999.
Regarding profit performance, advertising expenses increased due to
aggressive advertising and promotion aiming at further sales expansion. In
addition, research and development expenses increased by 10.0 billion yen, or
250%, to 14.0 billion yen, principally for the development of next-generation
hardware. However, overall profit increased due to higher sales in the U.S. and
Europe.
Results in the Game business were positively impacted by the yen's
depreciation. On a local currency basis, sales for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1999 increased approximately 7% and operating income increased
approximately 11% compared with the previous year.
Music
Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 increased by 66.0 billion
yen, or 9.5%, to 758.7 billion yen compared with the previous year. Operating
income decreased by 15.5 billion yen, or 29.8%, to 36.6 billion yen and the
operating margin decreased from 7.5% to 4.8%.
Regarding results of Sony Music Entertainment Inc. ("SMEI"), the U.S. based
operation, sales and profit increased. While sales were sluggish in Brazil,
where economic turmoil and currency devaluation had a negative impact, SMEI
achieved record results including market share and chart share even in an
environment of flattening worldwide growth for the music industry. Regarding
profit performance, profit increased due to successful releases by global and
local artists as well as increased license fees from a new direct marketing
arrangement despite lower results in Brazil and increased costs associated with
advancing SMEI's online initiatives. In addition, increased production and
improved operating efficiencies in compact disc manufacturing facilities, which
supply disks for the Game business and for third parties in addition to the
Music business, also contributed to earnings. Regarding results of the Music
business in Japan, comprised of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. ("SMEJ")
and its subsidiaries, although overall sales increased slightly, profit
performance deteriorated substantially. This was principally due to the delayed
releases of several major Japanese artists' albums from SMEJ until the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2000 and increased advertising and promotion costs
associated with establishing new labels and artists in Japan.
Results in the Music business were positively impacted by the yen's
depreciation. On a local currency basis, sales for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1999 increased approximately 7% and operating income decreased
approximately 30% compared with the previous year.
Pictures
Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 decreased by 98.9 billion
yen, or 15.3%, to 545.8 billion yen compared with the previous year. Operating
income increased by 5.9 billion yen, or 16.1%, to 43.0 billion yen and the
operating margin increased from 5.7% to 7.9%.
The decrease in sales was principally due to the deconsolidation of the
Theatrical exhibition group, the inclusion of thirteen months of activity in the
previous year due to a change in the Pictures business fiscal year, and less
successful theatrical releases by comparison with the previous year's strong
Motion Picture group results, although sales in the Television group increased.
The reduction in highly successful theatrical releases also resulted in a
reduction in home video sales as
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fewer current year pictures were released as sell-through titles compared with
the previous year. Regarding profit performance, overall profit increased due to
steady profit contributions from the Television group, higher profits on home
video acquisitions, and a reduction in losses in the Digital Studio group's
special effects studio operations, although the profit of the Motion Picture
group decreased. In the Motion Picture group, although certain films released
during the year contributed to sales, profit decreased as a result of fewer
break-through hits in the release slate. In the Television group, steady profits
from off-network syndication, game shows and soap operas contributed to overall
profit, while losses were recorded from investments including in international
cable channels.
During the first quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, Sony
merged its Theatrical exhibition group, Loews Theatres, with Cineplex Odeon
Corporation of Canada to create one of the world's largest theatrical exhibition
companies, Loews Cineplex Entertainment Corporation ("Loews"). Subsequent to the
merger, Loews completed a public offering of its common stock. After these
transactions, Sony's ownership in Loews was 39.5%. As a result of these
transactions, Sony no longer consolidates the results of Loews; Loews results
are now reported on the equity basis. The previous year's results include sales
and operating income of 56.3 billion yen and 2.5 billion yen, respectively, for
the Theatrical exhibition group. After adjusting the previous year for the
deconsolidation of the Theatrical exhibition group, sales decreased by
46.7 billion yen, or approximately 8%, and operating income increased by
4.3 billion yen, or approximately 13%. In connection with the Loews merger and
the subsequent public offering, Sony received proceeds of 53.0 billion yen and
recorded a gain of 5.2 billion yen, which is recorded in other income. For
comparative purposes, if the impact of the Theatrical exhibition group's revenue
and the thirteenth months of activity are removed from the reported figures,
sales for the Pictures business were essentially flat compared with the previous
year.
Results in the Pictures business were positively impacted by the yen's
depreciation. On a local currency basis, sales for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1999 decreased approximately 18% and operating income increased
approximately 11% compared with the previous year.
Insurance
Insurance revenue for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 increased by
48.3 billion yen, or 16.6%, to 339.4 billion yen compared with the previous
year. Operating income decreased by 2.3 billion yen, or 11.2%, to 18.0 billion
yen and the operating margin decreased from 7.0% to 5.3%.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, regarding results of Sony Life
Insurance Co., Ltd. ("Sony Life"), revenue increased and profit decreased. The
revenue increase was due to significant net increases in life insurance-in-force
resulting from strong sales of traditional insurance products such as term-life
insurance and whole-life insurance as well as medical insurance despite the
sluggish insurance market in Japan. Regarding profit performance, the profit
decrease was principally the result of lower returns on fixed income investments
in Japan, where extremely low interest rates have prevailed, while Sony Life
conservatively managed its investment assets principally through government and
corporate bonds.
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Condensed Insurance Business Balance Sheets
The Insurance business is included on a consolidated basis in Sony's
consolidated financial statements. The following schedule shows unaudited
condensed balance sheets for the Insurance business and for Sony with the
Insurance business' financial position reflected on the equity basis. (Although
inter-business balances between the Insurance business and businesses other than
the Insurance business are not eliminated in the respective balance sheets shown
below, such amounts are not material.) While this presentation differs from that
provided under U.S. GAAP used in Sony's consolidated financial statements,
because the Insurance business is different in nature from Sony's Electronics,
Game, Music, and Pictures businesses, Sony believes that this type of
comparative presentation helps the understanding and analysis of Sony's
consolidated financial statements.
SONY WITH
INSURANCE BUSINESS
INSURANCE BUSINESS ON THE EQUITY BASIS
---------------------- -----------------------
YEN IN MILLIONS YEN IN MILLIONS
---------------------- -----------------------
MARCH 31 MARCH 31
---------------------- -----------------------
1998 1999 1998 1999
------- --------- --------- ---------
ASSETS
Cash and time deposits 76,135 114,695 454,290 501,819
Marketable securities 51,942 62,112 117,267 55,745
Other current assets 9,400 10,000 2,558,561 2,326,837
Investments and advances 573,858 720,020 276,604 260,716
Investments in insurance business -- -- 115,032 133,546
Deferred insurance acquisition costs 163,120 199,868 -- --
Other long-term assets 24,561 22,310 2,098,535 2,027,909
------- --------- --------- ---------
899,016 1,129,005 5,620,289 5,306,572
======= ========= ========= =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY
Future insurance policy benefits and other 713,970 913,937 -- --
Other liabilities and minority interest 69,766 81,226 3,804,734 3,482,907
------- --------- --------- ---------
Total liabilities and minority interest 783,736 995,163 3,804,734 3,482,907
Stockholders' equity 115,280 133,842 1,815,555 1,823,665
------- --------- --------- ---------
899,016 1,129,005 5,620,289 5,306,572
======= ========= ========= =========
Other
The Other business consisted of various operating activities, including a
leasing and credit financing business in Japan, a parts trading services
business within the Sony group, certain satellite distribution services
businesses in Japan, an Internet-related business in the U.S., and
location-based entertainment businesses in the U.S. and Germany. Sales for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 were up by 40.1 billion yen, or 15.9%, to 291.6
billion yen, compared with the previous year. Approximately 70 percent of sales
in the Other business reflected intersegment transactions during the year. The
business posted an operating loss of 4.5 billion yen.
During the year, sales increased primarily due to certain subsidiaries
engaged in satellite distribution services businesses in Japan being newly
consolidated and increased sales of a subsidiary engaged in a leasing and credit
financing business in Japan. Losses were recorded in the start-up of long-term
strategic businesses including certain satellite distribution services
businesses
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in Japan, an Internet-related business in the U.S., and a location-based
entertainment business in the U.S.
Other Income and Expenses
In consolidated results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, other
income increased by 68.9 billion yen, or 82.1%, to 152.9 billion yen, while
other expenses decreased by 27.0 billion yen, or 17.9%, to 123.4 billion yen.
The substantial increase in other income was principally due to a 58.7
billion yen gain on securities contribution to an employee retirement benefit
trust. In addition, a 5.2 billion yen gain resulting from the merger of the
Theatrical exhibition group in the Pictures business with Cineplex Odeon
Corporation (refer to Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) was
recorded in other income. Interest and dividends during the year were 23.3
billion yen, compared with 21.0 billion yen in the previous year, principally
due to an increase of the average outstanding balances of cash and cash
equivalents, time deposits, and marketable securities at subsidiaries primarily
outside Japan.
To hedge risks from exchange rate fluctuations, Sony primarily employs
foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts.
Foreign exchange gain, net, was 2.9 billion yen, compared with 10.1 billion yen
in the previous year. This is principally due to recording of foreign exchange
gains in Sony Corporation and certain subsidiaries in Japan despite foreign
exchange losses in subsidiaries primarily in Asia.
The decrease in other expenses was principally due to a decrease in
interest expense. Interest expense was 48.3 billion yen, compared with 62.5
billion yen in the previous year. This was principally due to a decrease in the
average outstanding balances of debt in the U.S. subsidiaries. As a result, the
balance of interest and dividends income, less interest expense, improved by
16.6 billion yen compared with the previous year and net interest expense came
to 25.0 billion yen.
Income before Income Taxes
Income before income taxes for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999
decreased by 81.6 billion yen, or 17.8%, to 377.7 billion yen compared with the
previous year. Excluding the effect of the one-time gain on securities to an
outside trust in the year noted above, the decrease of income before income
taxes would have been 30.5%.
Income Taxes
Income taxes for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 decreased by 37.9
billion yen, or 17.6%, to 177.0 billion yen, while the percentage of income
taxes to income before income taxes (the effective tax rate) increased from
46.8% to 46.9%. The increased effective tax rate was principally due to losses
at certain electronics and music subsidiaries from which there was no tax
benefit. However, the recalculation of deferred tax liabilities to reflect a
reduction in the Japanese corporate statutory income tax rate effective April 1,
1999 caused a tax benefit of 13.4 billion yen, which had the effect of lowering
the effective tax rate by 3.5 percentage points.
Results of affiliated companies accounted for by the equity method
Equity affiliates included i) in the Electronics business -- S.T. Liquid
Crystal Display Corp. ("ST-LCD"), an LCD joint venture in Japan, ii) in the
Music business -- The Columbia House
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Company ("CHC"), a direct marketer of music and videos, iii) in the Pictures
business -- Telemundo group, a U.S. based Spanish language television network
and station group and Loews Cineplex Entertainment Corporation, a theatrical
exhibition company, and iv) in the Other business -- several satellite
distribution services businesses in Japan.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, equity in net losses of
affiliated companies was 9.6 billion yen, compared with 5.5 billion yen in the
previous year, principally due to losses in several satellite distribution
services businesses in Japan, ST-LCD, and Telemundo group.
Net Income
Net income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 decreased by 43.1
billion yen, or 19.4%, to 179.0 billion yen compared with the previous year. As
a percentage of sales, net income decreased from 3.3% to 2.6%, and the return on
stockholders' equity (using the average of such amounts at March 31, 1998 and at
March 31, 1999) decreased from 13.6% to 9.8%. Net income included 30.7 billion
yen (net of tax) from the aforementioned gain on securities contribution to an
employee retirement benefit trust which was recorded in other income. Excluding
this effect, the decrease of net income would have been 33.2%.
Basic net income per share was 218.4 yen compared with 278.9 yen in the
previous year, and diluted net income per share was 195.5 yen compared with
241.7 yen in the previous year (refer to Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements).
STRATEGIES AND OUTLOOK
THIS SECTION CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ABOUT THE FUTURE
PERFORMANCE OF SONY AND SHOULD BE READ IN LIGHT OF THE CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON
THAT SUBJECT, WHICH APPEARS ON PAGE 2 AND APPLIES TO THIS ENTIRE DOCUMENT.
Sony's management is endeavoring to develop the most appropriate plans for
its businesses, considering the current general economic and operating
environment and available information. The following is a summary of certain of
Sony's current basic strategies and outlook for its fiscal year ending March 31,
2001.
Management Policy
At the dawn of the broadband network era, Sony aims to offer an environment
where individuals can enjoy new lifestyles of entertainment and convenience. To
achieve this vision, Sony has embarked on a series of corporate reforms
including the strengthening and reorganization of its Electronics business. Sony
regards the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001 as a second phase of accelerating
corporate reform and will strive to increase the corporate value of its entire
group.
Reinforcement of Sony Group Headquarters Accelerating Corporate Reform
As a model for group management in the broadband network era, Sony aims to
further promote the "unified dispersed" management model. This model combines
the function of Sony's Group Headquarters, which decides the basic group
management policy and plans and carries out overall strategy, with those of each
business unit, which autonomously operate under substantial delegation of
authority. The role of Sony Group Headquarters is to create new businesses that
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utilize the network environment, to convert the existing businesses and
management processes to those that correspond to a network context, and to
aggressively promote reform, aiming to adapt the Sony group to the new era. In
order to achieve these goals, Sony designated the Group Headquarters as "eHQ"
and will strive to clarify its role as a promoter of reform and to strengthen
its function.
Acceleration of Net Business as a New Growing Area
For a strategy of growth in the broadband network era, Sony is positioning
such terminals as digital TVs/set top boxes, PCs, PlayStation 2, and cellular
phones as network gateways. Sony intends to establish new businesses by
integrating these terminals with various services. To achieve these aims, Sony
recognizes the importance of strengthening such areas as major devices, content,
telecommunications, and services as a key way of differentiating itself from
other companies, and as necessary, Sony will seek to promote cooperation and
alliances with other companies. In line with this strategy, Sony is actively
proceeding with strategic investments in venture companies, especially in the
U.S. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, approximately 11.0 billion yen
of investments were made, both through Sony Corporation initiatives and through
digital media initiatives in the U.S. (most investments were for companies
principally in the U.S.) During the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001, Sony is
investing in a number of venture companies, including Transmeta Corporation
which is working on processor technologies for mobile terminals.
In addition, to establish platforms to develop Internet businesses
strategically, Sony, as a group, is aggressively promoting "So-net", originally
started for providing Internet services, and "PlayStation.com", which is working
to realize via the Internet direct sales and content distribution services in
the future over broadband networks. In addition, "SonyStyle.com", providing
customers with access to Sony products integrated with network services and
such, has begun operations. These Internet businesses will develop new
relationships with customers by responding to various individual needs.
In June 2000, Sony, Tokyu Corporation, and Tokyu Cable Television ("Tokyu
Cable") announced that they had reached an agreement in principle to collaborate
in order to develop a broadband network. Based on such agreement, Sony will
acquire 10% of Tokyu Cable's outstanding shares, which are currently owned by
Tokyu Corporation. Also, regarding additional financing of Tokyu Cable, the
three parties will discuss available options including Sony's underwriting of
additional Tokyu Cable shares. Utilizing Tokyu Cable's existing cable television
infrastructure, Sony plans to create content and to design and operate the
platform. Sony also plans to accelerate developing the technology for various
home-gateways for the broadband Internet and to develop the Sony group's
broadband network service businesses in the near future based on devices such as
PlayStation 2.
In July 2000, Sony launched a corporate broadband Internet service
("bit-drive") in Japan using WLL, or wireless local loop access system. During
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, Sony invested approximately 4.1 billion
yen in Crosswave Communications Inc. resulting in a total investment of 6.0
billion yen. Crosswave Communications Inc. was established for developing a
high-capacity and high-speed network infrastructure and is currently developing
next-generation network services in Japan.
In the entertainment area, which Sony believes will assume greater
importance in a networked society, Sony's efforts will be led by Sony Broadband
Entertainment Inc. ("SBE"), the newly renamed U.S. holding company of the Music
and Pictures businesses. To increase the value of these software assets, SBE
will pursue content creation and network distribution businesses including
potential strategic alliances.
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Strengthening the Electronics Business
As part of its strategy of building competitiveness in the existing
Electronics business, Sony is proceeding with its reorganization plans,
including focusing on key businesses, consolidation of manufacturing facilities,
optimization of logistics operations, maintaining of proper employment levels,
and the introduction of the Six Sigma method for improving management quality.
At the same time, for a strategy of future growth, Sony aims to develop
platforms for providing customers content and services via networks using Sony's
technologies in the Electronics business.
To realize new engineering and manufacturing systems directly linked to the
market, Sony will gradually reorganize a major portion of work relating to
design and manufacture by utilizing engineering, manufacturing, and customer
services ("EMCS") platform companies currently planned to be established in the
near future. In line with this project, Sony aims to establish in April 2001 an
EMCS platform company in Japan that will be responsible for the final assembly
of all electronics products. Also, Sony is considering how to establish the most
efficient design and manufacturing system in the areas of semiconductors and
electronic devices in Japan and in manufacturing facilities in countries outside
Japan.
Also, Sony recognizes that in order to grow in the future it is important
to establish e-platforms to realize services in the digital broadcasting era in
which broadcasting and telecommunication (Internet) technologies converge. To
achieve this goal, Sony, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., and Toshiba
Corporation intend to work jointly on basic technologies, including standards
setting for hard-disk equipped storage datacasting receivers, which are expected
to be core devices in the digital broadcasting era. Through these activities,
the three companies aim to realize new business models in the digital
broadcasting era such as providing various interactive services by allowing
instant access and retrieval of necessary data.
In addition, in the area of mobile terminals, based on development with
Palm Computing, Inc. ("Palm"), Sony intends to launch compact and lightweight
personal entertainment organizers, which incorporate Palm OS(R) software in
September 2000 in Japan. The terminal, equipped with a Memory Stick slot, would
allow the management of data such as schedules and address lists, the display
and handling of images, and interfacing with PCs. It also would allow the
utilization of networks to send e-mail messages and browse web pages by
connecting to a wireless phone. Sony plans to commercialize Memory Stick
expansion modules with various usages, such as digital imaging devices, Global
Positioning Systems, and wireless communications devices. Sony seeks to position
mobile terminals as one of its strategic products in the broadband network era
to provide new platforms where customers can easily enjoy a variety of content.
Regarding network related equipment, Sony, in collaboration with other
companies, is proceeding with the development of hard-disk based personal video
recorders, the establishment of a new-generation digital broadband
communications platform that will permit the offering of an array of advanced
interactive services including video-on-demand, the development of
next-generation handheld network products, and others.
In the area of next-generation display equipment, Sony reached an agreement
in principle in April 2000 to cooperate with Fujitsu Limited and Hitachi, Ltd.
in the plasma display panels business, by investing approximately 5.0 billion
yen in Fujitsu Hitachi Plasma Display Limited. Also, Sony is undertaking joint
development efforts with respect to high-voltage Field Emission Displays for
next-generation flat panel displays with Candescent Technologies Inc. In July
2000, aiming at the development of high-brightness, high-contrast large-scale
projectors, Sony entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Silicon
Light Machines ("SLM"), which holds Grating Light Valve(TM) ("GLV(TM)")
technology utilizing lasers as a light source. Sony also acquired the exclusive
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developing, manufacturing, and marketing rights for GLV devices and GLV products
for most display applications. The agreement provides that in the initial six
months of the agreement, SLM will conduct a transfer program of GLV technology
to Sony. After that time, Sony will seek to initially concentrate its efforts to
develop GLV-based projectors for the industrial market, and then seek to develop
such projectors for the consumer market.
Positioning of Finance and Insurance Businesses in the Sony Group
Sony is seeking to position such businesses as Sony Finance International,
Inc., Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Sony Assurance Inc., and a net bank that is
preparing to obtain a banking license together as another main business pillar
alongside such sectors as electronics and entertainment. The total
capitalization of the net bank, which Sony Corporation plans to establish with
The Sakura Bank, Limited and J.P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated or an affiliate,
will be 37.5 billion yen, 30.0 billion yen of which will be provided by Sony
Corporation.
Sony has invested in Monex, Inc., which was established for
providing individual customers with securities trading services via the
Internet. Monex, Inc. started the services in October 1999.
EVA
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, as part of Value Creation
Management, Sony introduced EVA*, which reflects the cost of capital, as a
measurement tool for evaluating performance. During and after the fiscal year
ending March 31, 2001, Sony intends to utilize EVA as one of the internal
measures for the Sony group to assist in evaluating business planning,
performance control, investment, and compensation, principally in the
Electronics business.
*EVA (Economic Value Added) is a trademark of Stern Stewart & Co.
Adoption of New Film Accounting Standard
In June 2000, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AcSEC") issued Statement of Position
("SOP") 00-2, "Accounting by Producers or Distributors of Films" and the
Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Financial Accounting
Standard ("FAS") 139, "Rescission of FASB Statement No.53 and Amendments to FASB
Statement No. 63, 89, and 121" which rescinded FAS 53, "Financial Reporting by
Producers and or Distributors of Motion Picture Films." SOP 00-2 significantly
changes the accounting rules applicable to all companies, including Sony, in the
motion picture and television business. SOP 00-2 is applicable for fiscal years
starting on or after December 16, 2000. Accordingly, Sony will be required to
adopt the new accounting standard in its fiscal year starting April 1, 2001.
However, as this is now considered a preferable basis of accounting for
companies in the motion picture and television business, Sony has decided to
adopt immediately the new accounting standard retroactive to the beginning of
the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2001. As such, the results of Sony's
motion picture and television business for the first quarter ended June 30, 2000
of the current fiscal year have been prepared in accordance with the new
accounting standard.
Under the new accounting standard, all exploitation costs, such as
advertising expenses and marketing costs, for theatrical and television product
will be expensed as incurred. Another significant change is that the costs for
abandoned development projects now must be charged directly to expense.
Additionally, all film costs will be classified in the balance sheet as a
non-current asset. Other provisions in the new accounting standard, such as
those relating to revenue recognition, are generally consistent with Sony's
previous accounting policies.
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Under the previously applicable accounting rules, exploitation costs were
deferred and amortized over the life of the film or television product as long
as the future revenue streams benefited from these costs. Long-term film
revenues, such as those resulting from sales of home videos and broadcasting of
films on television, all benefited from advertising incurred during the film's
initial distribution in movie theaters. Additionally, abandoned development
costs were capitalized as production overhead and expensed over time. In
connection with adopting the new accounting standard, the deferred portion of
the above costs as of March 31, 2000 has been removed from Sony's balance sheet,
as of the beginning of the current fiscal year, in a one-time non-cash
accounting adjustment.
The one-time non-cash cumulative adjustment for the change in accounting
principle which Sony has recorded during the first quarter ended June 30, 2000
of the current fiscal year, as a result of adopting the new accounting standard
appears in the income statement directly above the caption of "net income." This
charge has no impact on cash flow. The one-time effect of adopting the new
accounting standard is 101.7 billion yen. Additionally, in the current fiscal
year ending March 31, 2001, due to the adoption of the new accounting standard,
Sony's operating income, income before income taxes, and net income are expected
to decrease by approximately 250 million dollars to 280 million dollars each.
This decrease is solely related to adopting the new accounting standard.
Forecast of Consolidated Results
Factors which may affect Sony's financial performance include the
following: general market factors in major areas where Sony conducts its
businesses such as general economic conditions and levels of consumer spending,
foreign exchange fluctuations, taxation policies of individual countries, and
trading tariffs as well as subjective and changing consumer preferences and
changing demographics, penetration ratios of products, Sony's ability to
continue to design, develop, manufacture, sell, and win acceptance of its
products and services, procurement of key devices, high levels of research and
development expenses and long-term investment for making high value-added and
digital network products, and various costs including expenses for raw
materials, personnel, and licenses.
Regarding the forecast of consolidated results for the fiscal year ending
March 31, 2001, due to the adoption of the new film accounting standards
discussed above, net income for the fiscal year will decrease by 101.7 billion
yen reflecting a one-time non-cash cumulative effect adjustment for a change in
accounting principle. In addition to the one-time cumulative effect adjustment,
in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001, due to the adoption of the new
accounting standard, operating income, income before income taxes, and net
income are expected to decrease by approximately 250 million dollars to 280
million dollars each. As a result, Sony forecasts that sales are expected to
increase, operating income and income before income taxes to decrease, and net
income to decrease significantly, compared with the fiscal year ended March 31,
2000. This forecast assumes that the yen will continue to strengthen against the
U.S. dollar and euro compared with the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000.
The aforementioned consolidated forecast for the fiscal year ending March
31, 2001 includes the following factors. Research and development expenses for
the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001 are expected to remain at a high level as
in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000. Major areas are semiconductors,
communications, and displays. Capital expenditures for the fiscal year ending
March 31, 2001 are expected to be approximately 475.0 billion yen, which is
approximately 39.0 billion yen, or approximately 9%, higher than those in the
previous year. This is principally because investments for semiconductors and
new products production equipment in the Electronics business, for semiconductor
production equipment in the Game business, and for DVD discs manufactured in
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the Music business are expected to increase. Regarding the breakdown of capital
expenditures for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001, the portion attributable
to the Other business is expected to be the largest after the Electronics and
Game businesses. This is principally because the Other business includes large
amounts of purchases for leasing assets in the leasing and credit financing
business. Depreciation and amortization (including amortization of deferred
insurance acquisition costs) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001 is
expected to be approximately 350.0 billion yen, which is approximately 44.0
billion yen, or approximately 14%, higher than that in the previous year. This
is principally because investments for semiconductors and other products
production equipment in the Electronics business and for semiconductor
production equipment in the Game business are expected to increase.
In the Electronics business, although a difficult environment,
characterized by such factors as price competition, an increase in the number of
competitors that have new technologies, and a loss of sales opportunities which
may result from parts supply pressures, is expected to continue, Sony intends to
increase sales by introducing high value-added products in the areas of digital
equipment and electronic components where Sony believes it has advantages.
Regarding profit performance, although high levels of research and development
expenses aimed at developing new products and strengthening basic technologies
such as semiconductors, telecommunications, and displays; increases in
depreciation expenses for investments targeted at digital networks; increases in
advertising expenses for further sales expansion; and increases in licensing
expenses reflecting acquisition of indispensable technologies for expansion of
product lineups in information and communication areas are expected to partially
offset profit, profit is expected to increase due to sales expansion and
continuing cost control efforts.
In the Game business, although sales of PlayStation hardware and software,
entering into their sixth year since their initial introduction, have decreased
significantly, overall sales in the Game business are expected to increase due
to the introduction of PlayStation 2 hardware and software, as well as the
launch of PS one, a new-styled PlayStation console. However, regarding profit
performance, while Sony anticipates future cost savings to result from capital
expenditures for the production of semiconductors, such savings will not be
significantly reflected in results for the current fiscal year. Also, research
and development expenses relating to PlayStation 2 and increased depreciation
from the aforementioned capital expenditures are expected to pressure profits in
the current fiscal year, and thus a decrease in operating income is expected.
In the Music business, the market environment is expected to continue to be
relatively flat due to the saturation of the CD configuration in developed
markets, ongoing effects of worldwide piracy, continued diversification in
customers' preferences, and pricing pressures. In the U.S. based Music business,
despite both sluggish sales in the U.S. and soft market conditions in a number
of international territories where Sony expected recoveries and also the
strengthening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, Sony is seeking to
improve results by making efforts to increase sales. Expenses associated with
pursuing digital media initiatives are expected to affect profitability
negatively. In the music business in Japan, cost reductions in such areas as
advertising expenses are expected to improve profitability.
In the Pictures business, in the motion pictures group, although revenue is
expected to increase due to releases of certain event films during the fiscal
year ending March 31, 2001, losses on films released in the first quarter are
expected to impact negatively the fiscal year's profit performance. In the home
video group, Sony intends to increase video sales by focusing on
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the DVD format. In the television group, a decrease in the number of continuing
network television series is expected to adversely affect revenues during the
fiscal year. Expenses relating to development of new interactive services that
combine digital technology and film and television assets, and other strategic
investments are also expected to affect profit negatively.
In the Insurance business, although the life insurance business faces
increasing competition due to deregulation and a continuation of the difficult
environment for managing assets, Sony intends to expand the business through
offering products suitable for customers' needs and further strengthening of its
sales force. Start-up losses are expected in the non-life insurance business,
which commenced operations in September 1999.
In the Other business, losses are expected in such businesses as
location-based entertainment businesses in Japan, the U.S., and Germany
Amortization expenses (refer to Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements) in connection with the acquisitions of minority interests through
exchanges of stock in January 2000 are expected to negatively affect profit for
and after the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001.
In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001, the amount of gains on sales of
investment securities and equity of subsidiaries is expected to increase
compared with the previous year.
In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001, losses of certain affiliated
companies are expected to decrease. In particular, equity losses from The
Columbia House Company are expected to decrease from the previous year, which
included the shortened amortization periods and the impairment of deferred
advertising and certain other expenses (refer to Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements).
Dividend Policy
In the coming broadband network era, Sony Corporation, as the Sony Group
Headquarters, considers that it is important to return profit to each
shareholder by maintaining future competitiveness and increasing corporate
value. As for retained earnings, Sony Corporation plans to utilize them
effectively to carry out research and development and investments that are
indispensable for continuing future growth of the Sony group.
Sony Corporation completed the split of its shares at the ratio of 2 shares
for each share as of May 19, 2000. Pursuant to an approval at the ordinary
general meeting of shareholders held on June 29, 2000, Sony paid a year-end cash
dividend per share of Sony Corporation at the rate of 12.5 yen, resulting in an
annual cash dividend per share of 25 yen, as adjusted for the stock split.
Subject to Board of Directors and shareholder approval, the annual cash
dividend per share for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001 is expected to be
25 yen (12.5 yen for interim dividend).
The Year 2000 Issue
After the transition period toward 2000, Sony gathered information
through its customer service support centers and internal communication
structure for Year 2000 related issues. Although some minor issues have been
discovered in some internal information systems at the end of February 2000
relating to a leap year problem, Sony does not currently believe that any issues
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exist that will materially affect Sony's customers, operations, or consolidated
financial results or condition.
COMPLIANCE WITH STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Accounting by Producers or Distributors of Films:
In June 2000, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AcSEC") issued Statement of Position
("SOP") 00-2, "Accounting by Producers or Distributors of Films" and the FASB
issued FAS 139, "Rescission of FASB Statement No.53 and Amendments to FASB
Statement No. 63, 89, and 121" which rescinded FAS 53, "Financial Reporting by
Producers and Distributors of Motion Picture Films." SOP 00-2 significantly
changes the accounting rules applicable to all companies, including Sony, in the
motion picture and television business. SOP 00-2 is applicable for fiscal years
starting on or after December 16, 2000. Accordingly, Sony will be required to
adopt the new accounting standard in its fiscal year starting April 1, 2001.
However, as this is now considered a preferable basis of accounting for
companies in the motion picture and television business, Sony has decided to
adopt immediately the new accounting standard retroactive to the beginning of
the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001.
Under the new accounting standard, all exploitation costs, such as
advertising expenses and marketing costs, for theatrical and television product
will be expensed as incurred. Another significant change is that the costs for
abandoned development projects now must be charged directly to expense.
Additionally, all film costs will be classified in the balance sheet as a
non-current asset. Other provisions in the new accounting standard, such as
those relating to revenue recognition, are generally consistent with Sony's
previous accounting policies.
Under the previously applicable accounting rules, exploitation costs were
deferred and amortized over the life of the film or television product as long
as the future revenue streams benefited from these costs. Long-term film
revenues, such as those resulting from sales of home videos and broadcasting of
films on television, all benefited from advertising incurred during the film's
initial distribution in movie theaters. Additionally, abandoned development
costs were capitalized as production overhead and expensed over time. In
connection with adopting the new accounting standard, the currently deferred
portion of the above costs will be removed from Sony's balance sheet, as of the
beginning of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001, in a one-time non-cash
accounting adjustment.
The one-time non-cash cumulative adjustment for the change in accounting
principle which Sony will record as a result of adopting the new accounting
standard will be approximately 101,653 million yen and will appear in the income
statement directly above the caption of "net income." This charge will have no
impact on cash flow. Additionally, in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001, due
to the adoption of the new accounting standard, Sony's operating income, income
before income taxes, and net income are expected to decrease by approximately
250 million dollars to 280 million dollars each.
Revenue Recognition:
In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff
Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial
Statements." SAB No. 101 provides guidance on applying generally accepted
accounting principles to revenue recognition in financial
63
64
statements. Sony will adopt SAB No. 101 as required in the fourth quarter of the
fiscal year ending March 31, 2001. Sony is now in the process of assessing the
impact that such adoption may have on Sony's results of operations and financial
position.
Derivative instruments and hedging activities:
In June 1998, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("FAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities."
This standard requires all derivatives to be recognized in the balance sheet as
either assets or liabilities and measured at fair value. To implement this
standard, all hedging relationships must be reassessed. In June 1999, the FASB
issued FAS 137, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities --
Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133." The statement defers
the effective date of FAS 133 for one year until fiscal year beginning after
June 15, 2000. In June 2000, FASB issued FAS No. 138, "Accounting for Certain
Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities -- an amendment of FASB
Statement No. 133." This standard addresses a limited number of issues causing
implementation difficulties for numerous entities that apply FAS No. 133, and
Amends FAS No. 133 for certain derivative instruments and certain hedging
activities. Sony will adopt these standards as of April 1, 2001. Sony is now in
the process of assessing the impact that these standards will have on Sony's
results of operations and financial position.
Item 9A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The financial instruments including financial assets and liabilities that
Sony holds in the normal course of business are continuously exposed to
fluctuations in markets, such as currency exchange rates, interest rates, and
market prices of investments. In seeking to apply a consistent risk management
strategy in order to manage potential adverse effects caused by market
fluctuations in the cash flow value of these financial instruments, Sony hedges
the market risk of these financial assets and liabilities by using derivative
financial instruments which include foreign exchange forward contracts, foreign
currency option contracts, interest rate swap agreements, and interest rate and
currency swap agreements. Sony utilizes foreign exchange forward contracts and
foreign currency option contracts primarily to fix the value of cash flow
resulting from accounts receivable and payable and future transactions
denominated in foreign currencies in relation to the core currencies (Japanese
yen, U.S. dollars, and Euros) of Sony's major operating units. Interest rate
swap agreements and interest rate and currency swap agreements are used to
diversify funding methods and lower funding costs. Sony's basic policy is to use
fixed interest rates when procuring funds for investments having a long-term
recovery period and variable interest rates for funding requirements of a
short-term nature, such as working capital. The above swaps are utilized to
enable Sony to choose between fixed and variable interest rates depending on how
the funds are to be used, as well as to hedge foreign exchange risks that result
when assets denominated in one currency are funded by liabilities denominated in
a different currency. Sony uses these derivative financial instruments solely
for risk hedging purposes as described above, and no derivative transactions are
held or used for trading purposes. In addition, bond option contracts are used
as an integral part of short-term investing activities in order to fix the
yields from bonds held by Sony Life within certain ranges. Among the market
risks described above, no specific hedging activities are undertaken in respect
of the price fluctuations of equity securities held by Sony as marketable
securities (refer to Notes 2 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements).
64
65
Sony measures the effect of market fluctuations on the value of financial
instruments and derivatives by using Value-at-Risk (herein referred to as "VaR")
analysis. In order to comply with Item 9A disclosure requirements, Sony uses VaR
analysis to measure the potential maximum amount of loss in fair value resulting
from adverse market fluctuations, for a selected period of time and at a
selected level of confidence. Sony uses the variance/co-variance model in
calculation of VaR. The calculation includes financial instruments such as cash
and cash equivalents, time deposits, marketable securities, non-lease short- and
long-term borrowings and debt, investments and advances and derivatives, held by
Sony. Sony calculated VaR for one day from the portfolio of financial
instruments and derivatives as of June 30, 1999, September 30, 1999, December
31, 1999, and March 31, 2000, at a confidence level of 95%.
Based on this assumption, the following table shows Sony's consolidated VaR
as of such dates. These figures indicate the potential maximum loss in fair
value as predicted by the VaR analysis resulting from market fluctuations in one
day at a 95% confidence level. The VaR of currency exchange rate risk
principally consists of risks arising from the volatility of the exchange rates
between the yen and the U.S. dollar in which a relatively large amount of
financial assets and liabilities and derivative transactions is maintained. The
net VaR for Sony's entire portfolio is smaller than the simple aggregate of VaR
for each component of market risk. This is due to the fact that market risk
factors such as currency exchange rates, interest rates, and stock prices are
not completely independent, as a result of which a portion of overall measured
potential profits and losses are offset.
Calculated VaR does not include the effect of accounts receivable and
payable and anticipated transactions denominated in foreign currencies that are
the object of Sony's derivative hedging. Therefore, the following VaR amounts do
not reflect the full effect of the hedging activities related to all of the
underlying exposures. Sony expects that the actual risk would be less than the
disclosed VaR if those accounts receivable and payable and anticipated
transactions are taken into account in the calculation. The disclosed VaR
amounts simply represents the calculated potential maximum loss on the specified
date and does not necessarily indicate an estimate of actual or future loss.
(UNIT : BILLION YEN)
------------------------------------------------------------------
JUNE 30, SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
1999 1999 1999 2000
-------- ------------- ------------ ---------
Net VaR 3.6 10.8 4.9 5.6
VaR of currency exchange rate risk 4.3 11.6 6.2 6.8
VaR of interest rate risk 6.6 7.1 4.4 2.5
VaR of stock price risk 0.6 1.4 0.9 1.1
65
66
Item 10. Directors and Officers of Registrant
Set forth below are the names of Sony Corporation's Directors and Statutory
Auditors as of June 30, 2000.
DIRECTOR OR
STATUTORY AUDITOR
DIRECTORS SINCE
- --------- -----------------
Norio Ohga Board Chairman 1972
Nobuyuki Idei Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO),
Representative Director 1989
Kunitake Ando President and Chief Operating Officer (COO),
Representative Director 2000
Teruhisa Tokunaka Executive Deputy President
and Chief Financial Officer (CFO),
Representative Director 1999
Minoru Morio Vice Chairman,
Executive Representative, Technology 1988
Tamotsu Iba Vice Chairman,
Finance and Insurance Business 1992
Teruo Masaki Corporate Senior Executive Vice President,
Legal Matters and Telecommunications Business 1999
Howard Stringer Chairman and CEO
of Sony Corporation of America 1999
Ken Kutaragi President and CEO
of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. 2000
Peter G. Peterson Chairman of The Blackstone Group
(outside Director) 1991
Kenichi Suematsu Counsellor of The Sakura Bank, Limited
(outside Director) 1997
Iwao Nakatani Director of Research, Sanwa Research Institute
and Consulting Corporation (outside Director) 1999
Standing Statutory Auditors
- ---------------------------
Akihisa Ohnishi 1993
Takashi Hayashi 1999
Takafumi Abe 2000
Statutory Auditor
- -----------------
Kazuaki Morita 1995
66
67
Set forth below are the names of Sony Corporation's other Executive
Officers as of June 30, 2000.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS SINCE
- ------------------ -----------------
Executive Deputy President
Junichi Kodera Network Company President,
Communication System Solutions Network Company 1999
Corporate Senior Executive Vice President
Suehiro Nakamura Network Company President,
Core Technology & Network Company 1997
Kenichi Oyama Corporate Human Resources,
Corporate General Affairs 1997
Akiyoshi Kawashima Area & Network Business Strategy 1997
Masayoshi Morimoto Public Relations and Investor Relations 1997
Shizuo Takashino Network Company President,
Home Network Company 1997
Akira Kondoh Deputy CFO 2000
Corporate Executive Vice President
Mario Tokoro President,
Information & Network Technology Laboratories 1997
Katsumi Ihara Network Company President,
Personal IT Network Company 1997
Kenichiro Yonezawa Corporate Legal & Intellectual Property 1998
Corporate Senior Vice President
Akira Kubota President, Corporate IS Solutions 1997
Corporate Vice President
Tetsujiro Kondo President, A3 Research Center 1999
All of the aforementioned Directors, excluding the outside Directors, hold
their respective offices as Executive Officers in addition to Directors.
All of the aforementioned persons, with the exception of Mr. Peter G.
Peterson, Chairman of The Blackstone Group, Mr. Kenichi Suematsu, Counsellor of
The Sakura Bank, Limited, Mr. Iwao Nakatani, Director of Research, Sanwa
Research Institute and Consulting Corporation, and Mr. Kazuaki Morita, Chairman
of Morita and Co., are engaged full-time in the affairs of Sony.
All Directors and Statutory Auditors shall be elected by the general
meeting of shareholders. In general, the term of office of Directors shall
expire at the conclusion of the ordinary general meeting of shareholders held
with respect to the last closing of accounts within one year after their
assumption of office, and the term of office of Statutory Auditors shall expire
at the conclusion of the ordinary general meeting of shareholders held with
respect to the last closing of accounts within
67
68
three years after their assumption of office; however, they may serve any number
of consecutive terms.
From among the Directors, the Board of Directors shall elect one or more
Representative Directors. Each of the Representative Directors has the statutory
authority to represent Sony Corporation in the conduct of its affairs. The
"Executive Officers" indicated here are the Corporate Executive Officers and the
Group Executive Officer designated by the Board of Directors of Sony
Corporation, who, together with certain members of the Board, comprise the
Management Committee ("MC"), which formulates business strategies and makes
managerial decisions for Sony under the supervision of the Board of Directors.
In April 2000, Sony strengthened the top management team and reorganized its
management body MC by newly establishing an "eMC" and an "Electronics MC." The
"eMC" will set directions for business strategies of the entire group and
business planning for network service businesses. The "Electronics MC" will
carry out strategies for reinforcement and restructuring of the Electronics
business, which is Sony's core business. Under the group management policy
formulated by the board of directors, both MCs will closely cooperate and
function as the highest executive body of the "eHQ."
The Statutory Auditors of Sony Corporation are not required to be and are
not certified public accountants. However, at least one of the Statutory
Auditors should be a person who has not been a director, general manager or
employee of Sony Corporation or any of its subsidiaries during the five-year
period immediately prior to his election as a Statutory Auditor. The Statutory
Auditors may not at the same time be Directors, managers or employees of Sony
Corporation. Each Statutory Auditor has the statutory duty to examine the
financial statements and business reports to be submitted by the Board of
Directors at the general meeting of shareholders and also to supervise the
administration by the Directors of Sony Corporation's affairs. Statutory
Auditors are entitled to participate in meetings of the Board of Directors but
are not entitled to vote.
Under the Law concerning Special Measures to the Commercial Code with
respect to Audit, the Board of Statutory Auditors has a statutory duty to
prepare and submit its audit report to the Board of Directors each year. A
Statutory Auditor may note his opinion in the audit report if it is different
from the opinion of the Board of Statutory Auditors expressed in the audit
report. The Board of Statutory Auditors is empowered to establish audit
principles, the method of examination by Statutory Auditors of Sony
Corporation's affairs and financial position and other matters concerning the
performance of the Statutory Auditors' duties.
There is not any arrangement or understanding between a Director or a
Statutory Auditor and any other person pursuant to which he was selected as a
Director or a Statutory Auditor.
Item 11. Compensation of Directors and Officers
(a) The aggregate amount of remuneration including bonuses paid by Sony during
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 to all Directors, Statutory Auditors,
and Executive Officers of Sony Corporation who served during the year, as a
group (April to June 1999; 23 persons, July 1999 to March 2000; 24
persons), totaled 2,386 million yen. In addition, in connection with Sony's
incentive compensation arrangements, the value of warrants which represent
the right to subscribe for the share of Sony Corporation, granted to
aforementioned Directors and Executive
68
69
Officers as part of their remuneration during the year, totaled 574 million
yen at the time of grant by Sony Corporation.
(b) The aggregate amount accrued for lump-sum severance indemnities by Sony
during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 for all Directors, Statutory
Auditors, and Executive Officers of Sony Corporation who served during the
year, as a group, totaled 368 million yen (refer to Note 13 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements).
Item 12. Options to Purchase Securities from Registrant or Subsidiaries
As of July 31, 2000, the following warrants to purchase shares of Common
Stock previously issued by Sony Corporation to certain Directors, Corporate
Executive Officers, and Group Executive Officers as part of their remuneration
were outstanding:
(a) TOTAL AMOUNT OF SHARES TOTAL AMOUNT OF
TO BE CALLED TOTAL WARRANT VALUE SHARES TO BE CALLED PURCHASE PRICE
FOR AT THE TIME OF VALUE AT THE TIME AS OF JULY 31, PER SHARE AS OF
GRANT* OF GRANT 2000** JULY 31, 2000*** EXERCISE PERIOD
---------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------- --------------------
284,819 shares, with a 28,481 shares, with October 1,
total issue price of 2 200 million yen a total issue price of 3,511 yen 1996 to August 15,
billion yen 0.1 billion yen 2000
296,912 shares, with 315,914 shares, with November 2, 1998 to
a total issue price of 315 million yen a total issue price of 5,894 yen October 12, 2001
3.5 billion yen 1.9 billion yen
319,310 shares, with 575,397 shares, with September 1, 1999 to
a total issue price of 640 million yen a total issue price of 6,264 yen August 16, 2004
4 billion yen 3.6 billion yen
279,076 shares, with 558,152 shares, with September 1, 2000 to
a total issue price of 686 million yen a total issue price of 7,167 yen August 22, 2005
4 billion yen 4.0 billion yen
* Number of shares is estimated by using purchase price at the time of
grant and has not been adjusted for the two-for-one stock split that
has become effective on May 19, 2000.
** Number of shares is estimated by using purchase price as of July 31,
2000 and has been adjusted for the two-for-one stock split.
*** Purchase price per share as of July 31, 2000 is subject to
anti-dilution adjustment and has been adjusted for the two-for-one
stock split.
(b) The aggregate amount of Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of all such
warrants held by Directors and Executive Officers as of June 30, 2000, as a
group, was 876,272 shares with a total issue price of 5.8 billion yen.
Item 13. Interest of Management in Certain Transactions
(a) None of the information which Sony Corporation is required by Japanese law
or stock exchange requirements to disclose to its shareholders or otherwise
make public with respect to the interest
69
70
of management in certain transactions relates to any material transaction
required to be disclosed by this item.
(b) None
PART II
Item 14. Description of Securities to be Registered
Not applicable
PART III
Item 15. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None
Item 16. Changes in Securities, Changes in Security for Registered Securities
and Use of Proceeds
None
PART IV
Item 17. Financial Statements
Not applicable
Item 18. Financial Statements
Refer to Financial Statements.
Item 19. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(a) Financial Statements
Refer to accompanying index to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(b) Exhibits
(1) Articles of Incorporation, as amended (English translation)
(2) Regulations of the Board of Directors, as amended (English
translation)
(3) The stock exchange agreement between Sony Corporation and Sony Music
Entertainment (Japan) Inc. dated October 1, 1999 (not attached
hereto -- refer to Form 6-K filed with SEC on November 9, 1999)
(4) Certificate of English translations
70
71
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing
on Form 20-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SONY CORPORATION
-----------------------------------
(Registrant)
TERUHISA TOKUNAKA
------------------------------------
(Signature)
Teruhisa Tokunaka
Executive Deputy President
and Chief Financial Officer
Date July 28, 2000
72
SONY CORPORATION
AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2000
73
SONY CORPORATION
AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
----
Report of independent accountants F-2
Consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 1999 and 2000 F-3
Consolidated statements of income
for the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 F-5
Consolidated statements of cash flows
for the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 F-6
Consolidated statements of changes in stockholders' equity
for the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 F-8
Notes to consolidated financial statements F-9
Financial statement schedule for the years ended
March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000
II -- Valuation and qualifying accounts F-53
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required
information is shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
Financial statements of majority-owned subsidiaries of the registrant not
consolidated and of 50% or less owned persons accounted for by the equity method
have been omitted because the registrant's proportionate share of the income
from continuing operations before income taxes, and total assets of each such
company is less than 20% of the respective consolidated amounts, and the
investment in and advances to each company is less than 20% of consolidated
total assets.
F-1
74
Report of Independent Accountants
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of
Sony Corporation (Sony Kabushiki Kaisha)
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying
index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sony
Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries at March 31, 1999 and 2000, and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended March 31, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the company's management; our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We
conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards
generally accepted in the United States of America which require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.
PricewaterhouseCoopers
- ----------------------
(Signature)
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Tokyo, Japan
April 27, 2000, except for the stock split
as described in Note 16
as to which the date is May 19, 2000
F-2
75
SONY CORPORATION
AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
YEN IN MILLIONS
---------------------------
MARCH 31
---------------------------
1999 2000
--------- ---------
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents 592,210 626,064
Time deposits 24,304 6,138
Marketable securities 117,857 107,499
Notes and accounts receivable, trade 1,135,598 1,156,065
Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns (122,015) (100,596)
Inventories 877,898 859,174
Deferred income taxes 102,588 117,258
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 340,953 363,038
--------- ---------
Total current assets 3,069,393 3,134,640
--------- ---------
Noncurrent inventories -- film 244,537 226,387
--------- ---------
Investments and advances:
Affiliated companies 116,786 114,670
Securities investments and other 863,950 960,924
--------- ---------
980,736 1,075,594
--------- ---------
Property, plant and equipment:
Land 191,434 185,736
Buildings 781,876 774,372
Machinery and equipment 1,952,276 1,955,015
Construction in progress 76,736 92,787
--------- ---------
3,002,322 3,007,910
Less -- Accumulated depreciation 1,752,571 1,752,340
--------- ---------
1,249,751 1,255,570
--------- ---------
Other assets:
Intangibles, net 123,272 218,496
Goodwill, net 139,888 293,777
Deferred insurance acquisition costs 199,868 239,981
Other 291,608 362,752
--------- ---------
754,636 1,115,006
--------- ---------
6,299,053 6,807,197
========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-3
76
SONY CORPORATION
AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEN IN MILLIONS
---------------------------
MARCH 31
---------------------------
1999 2000
--------- ---------
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings 40,877 56,426
Current portion of long-term debt 87,825 158,509
Notes and accounts payable, trade 722,690 811,031
Accounts payable, other and accrued expenses 670,631 681,458
Accrued income and other taxes 107,031 87,520
Other 313,491 365,398
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities 1,942,545 2,160,342
--------- ---------
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt 1,037,460 813,828
Accrued pension and severance costs 129,115 129,604
Deferred income taxes 120,822 184,020
Future insurance policy benefits and other 913,937 1,124,873
Other 195,382 177,059
--------- ---------
2,396,716 2,429,384
--------- ---------
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries 136,127 34,565
--------- ---------
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, 50 yen par value --
Authorized: 1,350,000,000 shares
Issued and outstanding: 1999 -- 410,439,111 shares 416,373
2000 -- 453,639,163 shares 451,550
Additional paid-in capital 559,236 940,716
Retained earnings 1,123,591 1,223,761
Accumulated other comprehensive income --
Unrealized gains on securities 23,483 61,915
Minimum pension liability adjustment (8,999) (3,678)
Foreign currency translation adjustments (284,380) (483,553)
--------- ---------
(269,896) (425,316)
Treasury stock, at cost
(1999 -- 506,175 shares, 2000 -- 633,139 shares) (5,639) (7,805)
--------- ---------
1,823,665 2,182,906
--------- ---------
Commitments and contingent liabilities
6,299,053 6,807,197
========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-4
77
SONY CORPORATION
AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
YEN IN MILLIONS
-------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
-------------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
--------- --------- ---------
Sales and operating revenue:
Net sales 6,424,805 6,415,418 6,238,401
Insurance revenue 291,061 339,368 380,317
Other operating revenue 45,138 49,396 67,943
--------- --------- ---------
6,761,004 6,804,182 6,686,661
--------- --------- ---------
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales 4,618,961 4,633,787 4,595,086
Selling, general and administrative 1,345,584 1,500,863 1,491,560
Insurance expenses 270,735 321,320 359,388
--------- --------- ---------
6,235,280 6,455,970 6,446,034
--------- --------- ---------
Operating income 525,724 348,212 240,627
--------- --------- ---------
Other income:
Interest and dividends 20,976 23,313 17,700
Royalty income 16,197 19,720 21,704
Foreign exchange gain, net 10,094 2,895 27,466
Gain on securities contribution to employee
retirement benefit trust -- 58,698 --
Gain on sale of securities investments
and other, net 739 7,645 28,099
Other 35,957 40,634 53,879
--------- --------- ---------
83,963 152,905 148,848
--------- --------- ---------
Other expenses:
Interest 62,524 48,275 42,030
Loss on sale and disposal
of property, plant and equipment 15,698 13,359 19,117
Other 72,202 61,792 64,018
--------- --------- ---------
150,424 123,426 125,165
--------- --------- ---------
Income before income taxes 459,263 377,691 264,310
--------- --------- ---------
Income taxes:
Current 210,113 158,386 120,803
Deferred 4,755 18,587 (26,159)
--------- --------- ---------
214,868 176,973 94,644
--------- --------- ---------
Income before minority interest and
equity in net losses of affiliated companies 244,395 200,718 169,666
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries 16,813 12,151 10,001
Equity in net losses of affiliated companies 5,514 9,563 37,830
--------- --------- ---------
Net income 222,068 179,004 121,835
========= ========= =========
YEN
-------------------------------------------
Per share data:
Net income -- Basic 278.9 218.4 144.6
-- Diluted 241.7 195.5 131.7
Cash dividends 30.0 25.0 25.0
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-5
78
SONY CORPORATION
AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEN IN MILLIONS
--------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
--------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
-------- ------- -------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income 222,068 179,004 121,835
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities --
Depreciation and amortization, including amortization of deferred
insurance acquisition costs 301,665 307,173 306,505
Accrual for pension and severance costs, less payments 40,367 25,817 22,860
Loss on sale and disposal of property, plant and equipment,net 11,631 10,151 16,568
Gain on securities contribution to employee retirement benefit trust -- (58,698) --
Deferred income taxes 4,755 18,587 (26,159)
Equity in net losses of affiliated companies, net of dividends 6,588 14,580 38,699
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in notes and accounts receivable (113,050) 38,942 (132,566)
(Increase) decrease in inventories (96,138) 70,693 (35,498)
Increase in film inventories (7,194) (27,103) (34,330)
Increase (decrease) in notes and accounts payable 109,785 (24,063) 110,207
Decrease in accrued income and other taxes (28,775) (30,125) (15,433)
Increase in future insurance policy benefits and other 134,707 199,967 210,936
Increase in deferred insurance acquisition costs (39,553) (57,417) (62,821)
Changes in other current assets and liabilities, net 86,203 55,286 87,328
Other (20,709) (59,527) (28,668)
-------- ------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 612,350 663,267 579,463
======== ======= ========
(Continued on following page.)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-6
79
SONY CORPORATION
AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEN IN MILLIONS
---------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
---------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
-------- -------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for purchases of fixed assets (378,053) (368,355) (403,013)
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets 22,413 28,783 29,077
Payments for investments and advances
by insurance business (398,779) (651,226) (178,866)
Payments for investments and advances
(other than insurance business) (64,460) (89,827) (105,031)
Proceeds from sales of investment securities and
collections of advances by insurance business 297,186 498,738 97,200
Proceeds from sales of investment securities and
collections of advances (other than insurance business) 26,257 31,359 86,493
Proceeds from merger of Loews Theatres
exhibition business - 53,007 -
Payments for purchases of marketable securities (95,163) (121,483) (70,053)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities 46,730 171,868 78,370
(Increase) decrease in time deposits (54,831) 79,876 15,930
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (598,700) (367,260) (449,893)
-------- -------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 342,101 54,208 30,783
Payments of long-term debt (332,154) (69,889) (99,454)
Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings (2,345) (71,601) 19,824
Dividends paid (21,582) (24,501) (20,589)
Other (3,790) (445) 1,361
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used in financing activities (17,770) (112,228) (68,075)
-------- -------- --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (1,112) (14,855) (27,641)
-------- -------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (5,232) 168,924 33,854
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 428,518 423,286 592,210
-------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 423,286 592,210 626,064
======== ======== ========
Supplemental data:
Cash paid during the year for --
Income taxes 239,054 191,378 132,891
======== ======== ========
Interest 64,102 49,096 43,668
======== ======== ========
Non-cash investing and financing activities --
Integration of three listed subsidiaries
through exchange offerings
Fair value of assets acquired -- -- 282,488
Deferred tax liabilities thereon -- -- (46,794)
Minority interest eliminated -- -- 112,242
-------- -------- --------
Net -- -- 347,936
======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-7
80
SONY CORPORATION
AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEN IN MILLIONS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCUMULATED
ADDITIONAL OTHER TREASURY
COMMON PAID-IN RETAINED COMPREHENSIVE STOCK, AT
STOCK CAPITAL EARNINGS INCOME COST TOTAL
------- ---------- -------- ------------- --------- ---------
Balance at March 31, 1997 332,037 474,033 767,301 (113,943) (96) 1,459,332
Exercise of stock purchase warrants 861 860 1,721
Conversion of convertible bonds 73,298 73,214 146,512
Common stock warrants 315 315
Comprehensive income:
Net income 222,068 222,068
Other comprehensive income, net of tax --
Unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period (22,105) (22,105)
Minimum pension liability adjustment (5,714) (5,714)
Foreign currency translation adjustments 40,496 40,496
---------
Total comprehensive income 234,745
---------
Dividends declared (24,286) (24,286)
Purchase of treasury stock (7,948) (7,948)
Reissuance of treasury stock 5,164 5,164
------- ---------- --------- ------------- --------- ---------
Balance at March 31, 1998 406,196 548,422 965,083 (101,266) (2,880) 1,815,555
Exercise of stock purchase warrants 81 80 161
Conversion of convertible bonds 10,096 10,094 20,190
Common stock warrants 640 640
Comprehensive income:
Net income 179,004 179,004
Other comprehensive income, net of tax --
Unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period 9,009 9,009
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains
included in net income (30,699) (30,699)
Minimum pension liability adjustment (3,285) (3,285)
Foreign currency translation adjustments (143,655) (143,655)
---------
Total comprehensive income 10,374
---------
Dividends declared (20,496) (20,496)
Purchase of treasury stock (4,084) (4,084)
Reissuance of treasury stock 1,325 1,325
------- ---------- --------- ------------- --------- ---------
Balance at March 31, 1999 416,373 559,236 1,123,591 (269,896) (5,639) 1,823,665
Exercise of stock purchase warrants 1,025 1,025 2,050
Conversion of convertible bonds 32,503 32,494 64,997
Stock issued under exchange offerings 1,649 346,287 347,936
Common stock warrants 686 686
Comprehensive income:
Net income 121,835 121,835
Other comprehensive income, net of tax --
Unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period 52,819 52,819
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains
included in net income (14,387) (14,387)
Minimum pension liability adjustment 5,321 5,321
Foreign currency translation adjustments (199,173) (199,173)
---------
Total comprehensive income (33,585)
---------
Dividends declared (21,665) (21,665)
Purchase of treasury stock (8,697) (8,697)
Reissuance of treasury stock 988 6,531 7,519
------- ---------- --------- ------------- --------- ---------
Balance at March 31, 2000 451,550 940,716 1,223,761 (425,316) (7,805) 2,182,906
======= ========== ========= ============= ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-8
81
SONY CORPORATION
AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Nature of operations:
Sony Corporation and consolidated subsidiaries (hereinafter collectively
referred to as "Sony") are engaged in the development, design, manufacture, and
sale of various kinds of electronic equipment, instruments, and devices for
consumer and industrial markets. Sony's principal manufacturing facilities are
located in Japan, the United States of America and Mexico, Europe, and Asia, and
its products are marketed by sales subsidiaries and unaffiliated local
distributors as well as direct sales via the Internet throughout the world. Sony
also develops, produces, manufactures, and markets home-use game consoles and
software. Sony is engaged in the development, production, manufacture, and
distribution of recorded music, in all commercial formats and musical genres.
Sony is also engaged in the development, production, manufacture, marketing,
distribution and broadcasting of image-based software, including film, video,
and television. Further, Sony conducts insurance operations through a Japanese
stock life insurance subsidiary and non-life insurance subsidiaries. In addition
to the above, Sony is engaged in a financial business through leasing and credit
financing operations, satellite distribution services including program
supplying businesses in Japan, Internet-related businesses, development and
operation of location-based entertainment complexes, and others.
2. Summary of significant accounting policies:
Sony Corporation and its subsidiaries in Japan maintain their records and
prepare their financial statements in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in Japan while its foreign subsidiaries maintain their
records and prepare their financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the countries of their domiciles. Certain
adjustments and reclassifications have been incorporated in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements to conform with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). These
adjustments were not recorded in the statutory books of account.
F-9
82
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
Significant accounting policies are as follows:
Basis of consolidation and accounting for investments in affiliated companies --
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sony Corporation
and those of its majority-owned subsidiary companies. All intercompany
transactions and accounts are eliminated. Investments in which Sony has
significant influence or ownership of more than 20% but less than or equal to
50% are accounted for under the equity method. Under the equity method,
investments are stated at cost plus/minus Sony's equity in undistributed
earnings/losses. Consolidated net income includes Sony's equity in current
earnings/losses of such companies, after elimination of unrealized intercompany
profits. Effective with the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, equity in net
earnings/losses of affiliated companies, which were previously included in sales
and operating revenue, are shown separately below income before minority
interest and equity in net losses of affiliated companies.
On occasion, a subsidiary or affiliated company accounted for by the equity
method may issue its shares to third parties as either a public offering or upon
conversion of convertible debt to common stock at amounts per share in excess of
or less than Sony's average per share carrying value. With respect to such
transactions, the resulting gains or losses arising from the change in interest
are recorded in income for the year the change in interest transaction occurs.
The excess of the cost over the underlying net equity of investments in
subsidiaries and affiliated companies accounted for on an equity basis is
allocated to identifiable assets and liabilities based on fair values at the
date of acquisition. The unassigned residual value of the excess of the cost
over the underlying net equity is recognized as goodwill.
F-10
83
Translation of foreign currencies --
All asset and liability accounts of foreign subsidiaries and affiliates are
translated into Japanese yen at appropriate year-end current rates and all
income and expense accounts are translated at rates that approximate those rates
prevailing at the time of the transactions. The resulting translation
adjustments are accumulated as a component of accumulated other comprehensive
income.
Foreign currency receivables and payables are translated at appropriate year-end
current rates and the resulting translation gains or losses are taken into
income currently.
Revenue recognition --
Revenues from electronics, game and music sales are recognized when products are
shipped to customers.
Motion picture revenue is recognized beginning on the date of theatrical
exhibition. Revenue from television licensing agreements is recognized when the
motion picture or television series first becomes available for telecast.
Revenue from home videocassette sales is generally recognized on the date of
shipment.
Insurance premiums are reported as revenue when due from policyholders. Benefits
and expenses are associated with earned insurance premiums so as to result in
the recognition of profits over the life of the contracts. This association is
accomplished through a provision for liabilities for future benefits and
amortization of acquisition costs.
Cash and cash equivalents --
Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments, generally with
original maturities of three months or less, that are readily convertible to
known amounts of cash and are so near maturity that they present insignificant
risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates.
F-11
84
Marketable securities --
Marketable securities consist of debt and equity securities. Debt securities and
equity securities designated as available-for-sale, whose fair values are
readily determinable, are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses
included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of
applicable taxes. Debt and equity securities classified as trading securities
are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses included in income.
Debt securities that are expected to be held-to-maturity are carried at
amortized cost. Individual securities classified as either available-for-sale or
held-to-maturity are reduced to net realizable value by a charge to income for
other than temporary declines in fair value. Realized gains and losses are
determined on the average cost method and are reflected in income.
Inventories --
Inventories in electronics, game and music are valued at cost, not in excess of
market, cost being determined on the "average cost" basis except for the cost of
finished products carried by certain subsidiary companies which is determined on
the "first-in, first-out" basis.
Film costs include production, print, certain advertising costs and allocated
overhead. Film costs are amortized in the proportion that revenue for a period
relates to management's estimate of ultimate revenues.
Unamortized film costs are compared with estimated net realizable value on an
individual film basis and write-downs are recorded when indicated. Film costs
for motion pictures and television programs that are expected to be amortized
against revenues from primary markets are classified as current assets. Primary
markets for motion pictures include theatrical, home videocassette and pay
television. Primary markets for television programs include network and
first-run syndication. All other film costs are classified as noncurrent.
Property, plant and equipment and depreciation --
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of property,
plant and equipment is principally computed on the declining-balance method for
Sony Corporation and Japanese subsidiaries and on the straight-line method for
foreign subsidiary companies at rates based on estimated useful lives of the
assets, principally, ranging from 15 years up to 50 years for buildings and from
2 years up to 10 years for machinery and equipment. Significant renewals and
additions are capitalized at cost. Maintenance and repairs, and minor renewals
and betterments are charged to income as incurred.
F-12
85
Intangibles and goodwill --
Intangibles, which mainly consist of artist contracts, music catalogs and
trademarks, are being amortized on a straight-line basis principally over 16
years, 21 years and 20 years, respectively.
Goodwill recognized in acquisitions accounted for as purchases is being
amortized on a straight-line basis principally over a 20 or 40-year period.
Sony evaluates the amortization period of intangibles and goodwill on an ongoing
basis in light of changes in any business conditions, events or circumstances
that may indicate potential impairment of those assets.
Deferred insurance acquisition costs --
Costs that vary with and are primarily related to acquiring new insurance
policies are deferred as long as they are recoverable. The deferred insurance
acquisition costs are being amortized mainly over the premium-paying period of
the related insurance policies using assumptions consistent with those used in
computing policy reserves.
Future insurance policy benefits --
Future insurance policy benefits are computed based on actuarial assumptions.
Accounting for the impairment of long-lived assets --
Long-lived assets, certain identifiable intangibles, and goodwill related to
those assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not
be recoverable. When the sum of expected future cash flows (undiscounted and
without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an
impairment loss is recognized, based on the fair value of the asset. The fair
value of goodwill is determined using a discounted cash flows analysis.
Goodwill not identified with assets that are subject to an impairment loss is
evaluated by using discounted cash flow method.
F-13
86
Advertising cost --
Except for advertising costs for film product, insurance policies and
direct-response advertising, Sony expenses the production costs of advertising
the first time the advertising takes place. Advertising costs for film product
are capitalized and amortized over the related revenue streams in each market
that such costs are intended to benefit in accordance with Financial Accounting
Standards Board ("FASB") Statement No. 53, "Financial Reporting by Producers and
Distributors of Motion Picture Films." Advertising costs for acquiring new
insurance policies are deferred and amortized as part of the insurance
acquisition costs. Direct-response advertising costs are capitalized and
amortized over its expected period of future benefits.
Income taxes --
The provision for income taxes is computed based on the pretax income included
in the consolidated statements of income. The asset and liability approach is
used to recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future
tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the
tax bases of assets and liabilities.
Derivative financial instruments --
Derivative financial instruments, which include foreign exchange forward
contracts, foreign currency option contracts, interest rate swap agreements, and
interest rate and currency swap agreements, are used in Sony's risk management
of foreign currency and interest rate risk exposures of its financial assets and
liabilities.
Foreign exchange forward contracts:
Sony enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to limit exposure,
affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates, on accounts
receivable and payable and cash flows generated from anticipated
transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Foreign exchange forward
contracts which are designated and effective as hedges of such currency
exchange rate risk on existing assets and liabilities are marked to market
and included as an offset to foreign exchange gains/losses recorded on the
existing assets and liabilities. Such contracts on anticipated
transactions, including contracts used to hedge intercompany foreign
currency commitments, which do not qualify as firm commitments, are marked
to market with changes in value recognized in foreign exchange
gains/losses.
F-14
87
Foreign currency option contracts:
Sony enters into purchased foreign currency option contracts to limit
exposure, affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates, on cash
flows generated from anticipated transactions denominated in foreign
currencies. Sony also enters into written foreign currency option
contracts, of which the majority are part of range forward contracts
corresponding to the purchased foreign currency option contracts. In
addition to the range forward contracts, Sony enters into written foreign
currency option contracts to minimize its hedging costs. The carrying
values of all foreign currency option contracts are marked to market with
changes in value recognized in foreign exchange gains/losses.
Interest rate swap agreements and interest rate and currency swap
agreements:
Sony enters into interest rate swap agreements or interest rate and
currency swap agreements in order to lower funding costs, to diversify
sources of funding and to limit Sony's exposure in relation to underlying
debt instruments resulting from adverse fluctuations in interest rates or
foreign currency exchange rates. The related interest differentials paid or
received under the interest rate swap agreements and under the interest
rate and currency swap agreements are recognized over the terms of the
agreements in interest expense. Currency swap portions of the interest rate
and currency swap agreements which are designated and effective as hedges
of exposure resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates on
underlying debt denominated in foreign currency are marked to market and
included as an offset to foreign exchange gains/losses on the underlying
debt.
After an underlying hedged transaction is settled or ceases to exist, all
changes in fair value of related derivatives which have not been settled are
recognized in foreign exchange gains/losses.
Stock-based compensation --
In accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion ("APB") No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", stock-based compensation cost is
recognized in income based on the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of
the stock at the grant date of the award or other measurement date over the
stated exercise price of the award.
F-15
88
Free distribution of common stock --
On occasion, Sony Corporation may make a free distribution of common stock which
is accounted for either by a transfer of the applicable par value from
additional paid-in capital to the common stock account or with no entry if free
shares are distributed from the portion of previously issued shares accounted
for as excess of par value in the common stock account.
Under Japanese Commercial Code, a stock dividend can be effected by an
appropriation of retained earnings to the common stock account by resolution of
the General Shareholders' Meeting, followed by a free share distribution with
respect to the amount appropriated by resolution of the Board of Directors'
meeting.
Free distribution of common stock is recorded in the financial statements only
when it becomes effective, except for the calculation and presentation of per
share amounts.
Net income per share --
Basic net income per share ("EPS") is computed based on the average number of
shares of common stock outstanding during each period and diluted EPS assumes
the dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common
stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance
of common stock. Basic and diluted EPS for the current and prior years are
adjusted to reflect stock split that became effective subsequent to the date of
the financial statements but before the issuance of the statements.
Common stock issue costs --
Common stock issue costs are directly charged to retained earnings, net of tax,
in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as the Japanese Commercial
Code prohibits charging such stock issue costs to capital accounts which is the
prevailing practice in the United States of America.
Recent pronouncements --
Accounting by Producers or Distributors of Films:
In June 2000, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AcSEC") issued Statement of Position
("SOP") 00-2, "Accounting by Producers or Distributors of Films" and the FASB
issued FAS 139, "Rescission of FASB Statement No.53 and Amendments to FASB
Statement No. 63, 89, and 121" which rescinded FAS 53, "Financial Reporting by
Producers and Distributors of Motion Picture Films." SOP 00-2 significantly
changes the accounting rules applicable to all companies, including Sony, in the
motion picture and television business. SOP 00-2 is applicable for fiscal years
starting on or after December 16, 2000.
F-16
89
Accordingly, Sony will be required to adopt the new accounting standard in its
fiscal year starting April 1, 2001. However, as this is now considered a
preferable basis of accounting for companies in the motion picture and
television business, Sony has decided to adopt immediately the new accounting
standard retroactive to the beginning of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001.
Under the new accounting standard, all exploitation costs, such as advertising
expenses and marketing costs, for theatrical and television product will be
expensed as incurred. Another significant change is that the costs for abandoned
development projects now must be charged directly to expense. Additionally, all
film costs will be classified in the balance sheet as a non-current asset. Other
provisions in the new accounting standard, such as those relating to revenue
recognition, are generally consistent with Sony's previous accounting policies.
Under the previously applicable accounting rules, exploitation costs were
deferred and amortized over the life of the film or television product as long
as the future revenue streams benefited from these costs. Long-term film
revenues, such as those resulting from sales of home videos and broadcasting of
films on television, all benefited from advertising incurred during the film's
initial distribution in movie theaters. Additionally, abandoned development
costs were capitalized as production overhead and expensed over time. In
connection with adopting the new accounting standard, the currently deferred
portion of the above costs will be removed from Sony's balance sheet, as of the
beginning of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001, in a one-time non-cash
accounting adjustment.
The one-time non-cash cumulative adjustment for the change in accounting
principle which Sony will record as a result of adopting the new accounting
standard will be approximately 101,653 million yen and will appear in the income
statement directly above the caption of "net income." This charge will have no
impact on cash flow. Additionally, in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001, due
to the adoption of the new accounting standard, Sony's operating income, income
before income taxes, and net income are expected to decrease by approximately
250 million dollars to 280 million dollars each.
Revenue Recognition:
In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting
Bulletin ("SAB") No. 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements." SAB No.
101 provides guidance on applying generally accepted accounting principles to
revenue recognition in financial statements. Sony will adopt SAB No. 101 as
required in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001. Sony is
now in the process of assessing the impact that such adoption may have on Sony's
results of operations and financial position.
F-17
90
Derivative instruments and hedging activities:
In June 1998, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("FAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities."
This standard requires all derivatives to be recognized in the balance sheet as
either assets or liabilities and measured at fair value. To implement this
standard, all hedging relationships must be reassessed. In June 1999, the FASB
issued FAS 137, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities --
Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133." The statement defers
the effective date of FAS 133 for one year until fiscal year beginning after
June 15, 2000. In June 2000, FASB issued FAS No. 138, "Accounting for Certain
Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities -- an amendment of FASB
Statement No. 133." This standard addresses a limited number of issues causing
implementation difficulties for numerous entities that apply FAS No. 133, and
Amends FAS No. 133 for certain derivative instruments and certain hedging
activities. Sony will adopt these standards as of April 1, 2001. Sony is now in
the process of assessing the impact that these standards will have on Sony's
results of operations and financial position.
Reclassifications --
Certain reclassifications of the financial statements for the years ended
March 31, 1998 and 1999 have been made to conform to the presentation for the
year ended March 31, 2000.
3. Integration of three listed subsidiaries:
On January 5, 2000, Sony Corporation made three listed subsidiaries, Sony Music
Entertainment (Japan) Inc. ("SMEJ"), Sony Chemicals Corporation ("SCC") and Sony
Precision Technology Inc. ("SPT"), wholly owned subsidiary companies through
exchange offer procedures. Prior to the exchange offer procedures, Sony
Corporation owned 71.0%, 69.6% and 69.2% of common stock of SMEJ, SCC and SPT,
respectively. SMEJ operates primarily in the recording business; SCC is engaged
in manufacturing and sale of recording media, electrical parts and joint
materials; and SPT is engaged in manufacturing and sale of precise measuring and
recording machines and equipment. Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., which is
owned by Sony Corporation and SMEJ, also became a wholly owned subsidiary
company of Sony Corporation.
The share exchange ratios were one share of SMEJ, SCC and SPT for 0.835 shares,
0.565 shares and 0.203 shares of Sony Corporation, respectively. As a result,
approximately 26,156 thousand, 5,606 thousand and 1,218 thousand shares of Sony
Corporation's common stock were issued, respectively.
All of the exchanges were accounted for as purchases. The fair value of the
acquired minority
F-18
91
interests were determined based on the quoted market price of 10,550 yen per
share of Sony Corporation for a few days before and after March 9, 1999 when the
terms of the acquisition were agreed to and announced. The costs of the acquired
minority interest were 276,169 million yen, 59,174 million yen and 12,868
million yen for SMEJ, SCC and SPT, respectively. The direct costs were included
in the cost of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price of each subsidiary
over the net assets acquired has been allocated to identifiable assets such as
land and intangible assets (primarily the PlayStation trade name, PlayStation
format, music distribution agreements and artist contracts), based upon the
estimated fair value of such assets, and relevant deferred tax liabilities. The
excess of the acquisition costs over the sum of the amounts assigned to
identifiable assets less liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. Goodwill
on this transaction is being amortized on a straight-line basis over a 20-year
period.
Prior to the exchange those three subsidiaries were consolidated subsidiaries,
and Sony's consolidated financial statements include operating results of those
subsidiaries for the full year. After the date of the exchange, minority
interest income or losses relating to these subsidiaries were no longer
recognized in Sony's consolidated financial statements. The following unaudited
consolidated pro forma information shows the results of Sony's consolidated
operations for the years ended March 31, 1999 and 2000 as though the exchanges
were made as of the beginning of each year presented.
UNAUDITED
---------------------------
YEN IN MILLIONS
---------------------------
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
---------------------------
1999 2000
--------- ---------
Net sales (No change) 6,415,418 6,238,401
========= =========
Net income 174,870 123,183
========= =========
Yen
---------------------------
Net income per common share:
Basic 197.5 138.1
========= =========
Diluted 178.4 126.5
========= =========
F-19
92
The pro forma results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the actual
results of operations that would have occurred had the exchanges been
consummated at the beginning of the respective years, or of results that may
occur in the future. The pro forma net income per common share for the years
ended March 31, 1999 and 2000 reflects the two-for-one stock split that has
become effective on May 19, 2000.
4. Reconciliation of the differences between basic and diluted net income per
share ("EPS"):
Basic and diluted EPS as well as the number of shares in the following table are
restated for all periods to reflect the two-for-one stock split that has become
effective on May 19, 2000. Reconciliation of the differences between basic and
diluted EPS for the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 is as follows:
YEN IN THOUSANDS OF
MILLIONS SHARES YEN
---------- -------------- -----
WEIGHTED-
NET INCOME AVERAGE SHARES EPS
---------- -------------- -----
For the year ended March 31, 1998:
Basic EPS --
Net income available to common stockholders 222,068 796,363 278.9
---------- -------------- -----
Effect of Dilutive Securities --
Warrants 101
Convertible bonds 2,271 131,779
---------- -------------- -----
Diluted EPS --
Net income for computation 224,339 928,243 241.7
========== ============== =====
For the year ended March 31, 1999:
Basic EPS --
Net income available to common stockholders 179,004 819,506 218.4
---------- -------------- -----
Effect of Dilutive Securities --
Warrants 60
Convertible bonds 2,361 108,095
---------- -------------- -----
Diluted EPS --
Net income for computation 181,365 927,661 195.5
========== ============== =====
For the year ended March 31, 2000:
Basic EPS --
Net income available to common stockholders 121,835 842,679 144.6
---------- -------------- -----
Effect of Dilutive Securities --
Warrants 500
Convertible bonds 2,537 101,174
---------- --------------
Diluted EPS --
Net income for computation 124,372 944,353 131.7
========== ============== =====
F-20
93
5. Accumulated amortization of intangibles and goodwill:
Accumulated amortization of intangibles and goodwill amounted to 211,248 million
yen and 202,750 million yen at March 31, 1999 and 2000, respectively.
6. Proceeds from merger of Loews Theatres exhibition business:
During the quarter ended June 30, 1998, Sony merged its Loews Theatres
exhibition business with Cineplex Odeon Corporation to create Loews Cineplex
Entertainment Corporation ("Loews"). Subsequent to the merger, Loews completed a
public offering of its common stock.
After these transactions, Sony's ownership in Loews is 39.5%. As a result of
these transactions, Sony no longer consolidates the results of Loews; Loews'
results are now reported on an equity basis. In connection with the Loews merger
and the subsequent public offering, Sony received proceeds of 53,007 million yen
and recorded a gain of 5,181 million yen, which is reflected in gain on sale of
securities investments and other on the consolidated statement of income for the
year ended March 31, 1999.
7. Inventories:
Inventories comprise the following:
YEN IN MILLIONS
-----------------
MARCH 31
-----------------
1999 2000
------- -------
Current:
Finished products 525,548 461,675
Work in process 101,754 106,749
Raw materials, purchased components
and supplies 133,629 165,866
Film -- released 110,740 113,333
-- in process 6,227 11,551
------- -------
877,898 859,174
======= =======
Noncurrent:
Film -- released 159,877 137,920
-- in process 84,660 88,467
------- -------
244,537 226,387
======= =======
F-21
94
8. Investments in and transactions with affiliated companies:
Sony accounts for its investments in affiliated companies over which Sony has
significant influence or ownership of more than 20% but less than or equal to
50% under the equity method. Such investments include but are not limited to
Sony's interest in The Columbia House Company (50%), BE-ST Bellevuestrasse
Development GmbH & Co. First Real Estate KG, Berlin (50%) and ST Liquid Crystal
Display Corporation (50%).
Summarized combined financial information that is based on information provided
by equity investees is shown below:
YEN IN MILLIONS
------------------------
MARCH 31
------------------------
1999 2000
------- -------
Current assets 271,796 217,419
Property, plant and equipment 222,346 263,895
Other assets 162,648 207,338
------- -------
Total assets 656,790 688,652
======= =======
Current liabilities 247,672 288,838
Long-term liabilities 200,250 228,938
Stockholders' equity 208,868 170,876
------- -------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 656,790 688,652
======= =======
Number of companies at end of year 65 81
YEN IN MILLIONS
-----------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
-----------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
------- ------- -------
Net sales 369,443 459,168 503,186
Gross profit 109,716 146,678 135,828
Net income/(loss) (8,728) (36,862) (89,207)
During the year ended March 31, 2000, additional costs relating to shortened
amortization periods and an impairment of deferred direct-response advertising
and member acquisition expenses in The Columbia House Company and devaluation of
real estate for sale in BE-ST Bellevuestrasse Development GmbH & Co. First Real
Estate KG, Berlin, which develops and operates commercial-and other-use
facility, negatively affected the equity in net losses of affiliated companies
by approximately 7,632 million yen and 5,154 million yen, respectively.
F-22
95
An affiliated company accounted for by the equity method with carrying amounts
of 30,684 million yen and 24,958 million yen at March 31, 1999 and 2000,
respectively, was quoted on an established market at an aggregate value of
27,719 million yen and 8,584 million yen, respectively.
Account balances and transactions with affiliated companies are presented below:
YEN IN MILLIONS
-----------------------
MARCH 31
-----------------------
1999 2000
------ ------
Accounts receivable, trade 14,744 14,453
====== ======
Accounts payable, trade 132 1,085
====== ======
YEN IN MILLIONS
----------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
----------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
------ ------ ------
Sales 27,419 25,885 32,045
====== ====== ======
Purchases 3,199 1,932 5,301
====== ====== ======
Dividends from affiliated companies accounted for by the equity method for the
years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 were 1,074 million yen, 5,017 million
yen and 869 million yen, respectively.
9. Marketable securities and securities investments and other:
Marketable securities and securities investments and other include debt and
equity securities of which the aggregate cost, gross unrealized gains and losses
and fair value pertaining to available-for-sale securities are as follows:
YEN IN MILLIONS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31, 1999 MARCH 31, 2000
---------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
GROSS GROSS GROSS GROSS
UNREALIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED
COST GAINS LOSSES FAIR VALUE COST GAINS LOSSES FAIR VALUE
------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Available-for-sale
Debt securities 746,005 36,632 12,187 770,450 739,563 40,646 7,268 772,941
Equity securities 57,712 13,774 3,156 68,330 55,321 66,905 2,594 119,632
------- ------ ------ ------- ------- ------ ----- -------
Total 803,717 50,406 15,343 838,780 794,884 107,551 9,862 892,573
======= ====== ====== ======= ======= ======= ===== =======
F-23
96
At March 31, 2000, debt securities mainly consist of Japanese government and
municipal bonds and corporate debt securities due within 1 to 15 years.
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities were 359,815 million yen,
621,045 million yen and 231,419 million yen for the years ended March 31, 1998,
1999 and 2000, respectively. On those sales, gross realized gains computed on
the average cost basis were 18,028 million yen, 9,475 million yen and 21,572
million yen and gross realized losses were 13,793 million yen, 3,554 million yen
and 4,376 million yen, respectively.
In December 1998, Sony Corporation contributed certain marketable equity
securities, not including those of its subsidiaries and affiliated companies, to
an employee retirement benefit trust, with no cash proceeds thereon. The fair
value of these securities at the time of contribution was 81,413 million yen.
Upon contribution of these available-for-sale securities, the net unrealized
gain was realized and was disclosed as "gain on securities contribution to
employee retirement benefit trust" on the consolidated statement of income.
Since the unrealized gain, net of tax, had already been recorded as accumulated
other comprehensive income, the contribution itself did not impact the amount of
comprehensive income.
Marketable securities and securities investments and other as of March 31, 1999
and 2000 include short-term investments in money market funds and long-term
advances to third parties of 101,618 million yen and 136,854 million yen,
respectively.
In the ordinary course of business, Sony maintains long-term investment
securities, included in securities investments and other, issued by a number of
nonpublic companies. The aggregate carrying amounts of the investments in
nonpublic companies were 41,203 million yen and 38,826 million yen at March 31,
1999 and 2000, respectively. The corresponding fair values at those dates were
not computed as such estimation was not readily determinable.
The net change in unrealized gain or loss on trading securities that has been
included in earnings during the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 was
insignificant.
F-24
97
10. Short-term borrowings and long-term debt:
Short-term borrowings comprise the following:
YEN IN MILLIONS
------------------------
MARCH 31
------------------------
1999 2000
------ ------
Loans, principally from banks, with weighted-average
interest rates of 2.34% and 3.72% per annum at
March 31, 1999 and 2000, respectively 40,877 54,566
Commercial paper of a consolidated subsidiary in India with
interest of 10.5% per annum -- 1,860
------ ------
40,877 56,426
====== ======
F-25
98
Long-term debt comprises the following:
YEN IN MILLIONS
--------------------------
MARCH 31
--------------------------
1999 2000
--------- -------
Unsecured loans, representing obligations principally to banks:
Due 1999 to 2017 with interest ranging from 1.0% to 6.25% per annum 60,385
Due 2000 to 2018 with interest ranging from 1.0% to 6.39% per annum 58,193
Secured loans, representing obligations principally to banks:
Due 1999 to 2005 with interest ranging from 5.10% to 10.13% per annum 29,501
Due 2000 to 2009 with interest ranging from 5.10% to 6.25% per annum 24,833
Medium-term notes of consolidated subsidiaries:
Due 1999 to 2006 with interest ranging from 2.87% to 8.04% per annum 172,698
Due 2000 to 2006 with interest ranging from 3.21% to 7.55% per annum 123,625
Unsecured 2.0% convertible bonds due 2000, convertible currently at 2,080.0 yen for
one common share, redeemable before due date 330 53
Unsecured 0.15% convertible bonds due 2001, convertible currently at 3,259.5 yen for
one common share, redeemable before due date 89,762 34,114
Unsecured 1.5% convertible bonds due 2002, convertible currently at 2,194.0 yen for
one common share, redeemable before due date 700 338
Unsecured 1.4% convertible bonds due 2003, convertible currently at 2,707.8 yen for
one common share, redeemable before due date 13,627 9,380
Unsecured 1.4% convertible bonds due 2005, convertible currently at 3,995.5 yen for
one common share, redeemable before due date 297,586 293,120
Unsecured 0.1% bonds, due 1999 with detachable warrants 1,000 --
Unsecured 0.1% bonds, due 2000 with detachable warrants 2,000 2,000
Unsecured 0.1% bonds, due 2001 with detachable warrants 3,500 3,500
Unsecured 0.03% bonds, due 2004 with detachable warrants,
net of unamortized discount 3,671 3,733
Unsecured 0.1% bonds, due 2005 with detachable warrants,
net of unamortized discount -- 3,696
Unsecured 6.875% bonds due 2000, net of unamortized premium 50,066 --
Unsecured 4.4% bonds due 2001 80,000 80,000
Unsecured 6.125% U.S. dollar notes due 2003, net of unamortized discount 193,104 193,186
Unsecured 2.55% notes of a consolidated subsidiary, due 2000 5,000 5,000
Unsecured 5.01% yen/U.S. dollar dual currency notes of a consolidated subsidiary,
due 2000 23,356 20,465
Unsecured 2.0% bonds of a consolidated subsidiary, due 2001 15,000 15,000
Unsecured 1.35% bonds of a consolidated subsidiary, due 2001 15,000 15,000
Unsecured 2.5% bonds of a consolidated subsidiary, due 2003 15,000 15,000
Unsecured 2.0% bonds of a consolidated subsidiary, due 2005 15,000 15,000
Unsecured fixed coupon U.S. dollar notes linked to the Yen/U.S. dollar
rate of a consolidated subsidiary, due 2001 784 690
Secured 3.8% bonds of a consolidated subsidiary, due 2001,
redeemable before due date 3,000 3,000
Long-term capital lease obligations:
Due 1999 to 2009 with interest ranging from 1.18% to 11.67% per annum 21,568
Due 2000 to 2013 with interest ranging from 1.20% to 11.67% per annum 35,808
Guarantee deposits received 13,647 17,603
--------- -------
1,125,285 972,337
Less -- Portion due within one year 87,825 158,509
--------- -------
1,037,460 813,828
========= =======
F-26
99
A summary of the exercise rights of the detachable warrants as of March 31, 2000
is as follows:
EXERCISE
PRICE
-------- NUMBER OF SHARES
ISSUED ON EXERCISABLE DURING YEN PER WARRANT STATUS OF EXERCISE
- ---------------- ------------------------ -------- -------------------- ---------------------------
August 16, 1996 October 1, 1996 through 3,511 569 shares of common 950 warrants exercised;
August 15, 2000 stock of Sony 50 warrants outstanding
Corporation
October 13, 1997 November 2, 1998 5,894 339 shares of common 701 warrants exercised;
through October 12, 2001 stock of Sony 1,049 warrants outstanding
Corporation
August 17, 1998 September 1, 1999 6,264 319 shares of common 152 warrants exercised;
through August 16, 2004 stock of Sony 1,848 warrants outstanding
Corporation
August 23, 1999 September 1, 2000 7,167 279 shares of common 2,000 warrants outstanding
through August 22, 2005 stock of Sony
Corporation
The conversion prices, exercise prices and the number of shares in the
proceeding tables are restated for all periods to reflect the two-for-one stock
split that has become effective on May 19, 2000.
On March 4, 1998, Sony Corporation issued unsecured 1.5 billion U.S. dollar
Notes due 2003 with an interest rate of 6.125%. By entering into several
interest rate and currency swap agreements and interest rate swap agreements,
Sony has effectively converted the cash stream for these Notes into yen with
fixed interest rates of 1.287% to 1.515% per annum for 150,000 million yen
principled amount and LIBOR plus 0.06997% per annum for 43,425 million yen
principled amount as of March 31, 1999 and thereafter.
At March 31, 2000, property, plant and equipment with a book value of 4,060
million yen was mortgaged as collateral for loans and bonds issued by
consolidated subsidiaries.
Aggregate amounts of annual maturities of long-term debt during the next five
years are as follows:
YEAR ENDING MARCH 31 YEN IN MILLIONS
- -------------------- ---------------
2001 158,509
2002 163,001
2003 226,288
2004 39,581
2005 309,938
F-27
100
At March 31, 2000, Sony had unused committed lines of credit amounting to
346,070 million yen and can borrow up to generally 90 days from the bank with
whom Sony has committed line contracts. Furthermore, Sony had Commercial Paper
Programs, size of which was 1,064,910 million yen. At March 31, 2000, the total
outstanding balance of commercial paper was 1,860 million yen. In the United
States of America, Sony set up a 95,535 million yen accounts receivable
financing facility to enhance its short-term financing capacity. Under those
programs and the facility, Sony can issue commercial papers and sell receivables
for the period not in excess of generally 270 days up to the size of the
programs and the facility. In addition, for non-current financing purposes, Sony
had Medium Term Notes programs, size of which was 636,900 million yen. At
March 31, 2000, the total outstanding balance of Medium Term Notes was
123,625 million yen.
The basic agreements with certain banks in Japan include provisions that
collateral (including sums on deposit with such banks) or guarantors will be
furnished upon the banks' request and that any collateral furnished, pursuant to
such agreements or otherwise, will be applicable to all present or future
indebtedness to such banks.
11. Insurance-related operations:
Sony's stock life and non-life insurance subsidiaries in Japan maintain
accounting records as described in Note 2 in accordance with the accounting
principles and practices prescribed by the Japanese Ministry of Finance (the
"MOF"), which vary in some respects from U.S. GAAP.
Those differences are mainly that insurance acquisition costs are charged to
income when incurred in Japan whereas in the United States of America those
costs are deferred and amortized generally over the premium-paying period of the
insurance policies, and that future policy benefits calculated locally under the
authorization of the MOF are comprehensively adjusted to a net level premium
method with certain adjustments of actuarial assumptions for U.S. GAAP purposes.
For purposes of preparing the consolidated financial statements, appropriate
adjustments have been made to reflect such items in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The amounts of statutory net equity of the subsidiaries as of March 31, 1999 and
2000 were 40,626 million yen and 49,791 million yen, respectively.
F-28
101
Deferred insurance acquisition costs --
Insurance acquisition costs, such as commission expenses, medical examination
and inspection report fees, advertising costs, etc., that vary with and are
primarily related to acquiring new insurance policies are deferred as long as
they are recoverable. The deferred insurance acquisition costs are amortized
mainly over the premium-paying period of the related insurance policies using
assumptions consistent with those used in computing policy reserves.
Amortization charged to income for the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000
amounted to 21,838 million yen, 20,669 million yen and 22,708 million yen,
respectively.
Future insurance policy benefits --
Liabilities for future policy benefits are established in amounts adequate to
meet the estimated future obligations of policies in force. These liabilities
are computed by the net level premium method based upon estimates as to future
investment yield, mortality and withdrawals. Future policy benefits are computed
using interest rates ranging from approximately 2.25% to 5.5%, generally graded
down after 10 to 20 years. Mortality, morbidity and withdrawal assumptions for
all policies are based on either the life insurance subsidiary's own experience
or various actuarial tables.
At March 31, 1999 and 2000, future insurance policy benefits amounted to 865,814
million yen and 1,070,303 million yen, respectively.
12. Financial instruments:
Sony has certain financial instruments including financial assets and
liabilities and off-balance-sheet financial instruments incurred in the normal
course of business. In applying a consistent risk management strategy, Sony
manages the exposure to market rate movements of its financial assets and
liabilities through the use of derivative financial instruments which include
foreign exchange forward contracts, foreign currency option contracts, interest
rate swap agreements and interest rate and currency swap agreements designated
as hedges. These instruments are executed with creditworthy financial
institutions, and virtually all foreign currency contracts are denominated in
U.S. dollars, euros and other currencies of major countries. Although Sony may
be exposed to losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties or
interest and currency rate movements, it does not anticipate significant losses
due to the nature of its counterparties or the hedging arrangements.
F-29
102
Following are explanatory notes regarding the financial assets and liabilities
and off-balance-sheet financial instruments.
Cash and cash equivalents and time deposits --
In the normal course of business, substantially all cash and cash equivalents
and time deposits are highly liquid and are carried at amounts which approximate
fair value.
Short-term borrowings and long-term debt --
The fair values of short-term borrowings and total long-term debt, including the
current portion, were estimated based on either the market value or the
discounted amounts of future cash flows using Sony's current incremental
borrowing rates for similar liabilities.
Derivative financial instruments --
Sony utilizes foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option
contracts primarily to fix the cash flow value resulting from accounts
receivable and payable and future transactions denominated in foreign currencies
in relation to the core currencies (Japanese yen, U.S. dollars and euros) of
Sony's major operating units.
Foreign exchange forward contracts, the majority of which mature within three
months, are used to hedge this risk which is substantially associated with
accounts receivable and payable and anticipated transactions denominated in
foreign currencies. The contracted amounts outstanding at March 31, 1999 and
2000 were 718,474 million yen and 822,644 million yen, respectively. The fair
values of these contracts were estimated based on market quotations.
Sony has entered into purchased foreign currency option contracts in the
notional principal amounts of 414,896 million yen and 495,949 million yen at
March 31, 1999 and 2000, respectively. The majority of these contracts expire
within three months of the balance sheet dates. Sony has also entered into
written foreign currency option contracts in the notional principal amounts of
344,890 million yen and 574,656 million yen at March 31, 1999 and 2000,
respectively. The majority of these contracts are part of range forward contract
arrangements and expire in the same month with the corresponding purchased
foreign currency option contracts described above. The fair values of such
foreign currency options were estimated based on market quotations.
F-30
103
Sony has entered into interest rate swap agreements and interest rate and
currency swap agreements which mature from 2000 to 2010 to reduce its exposure
resulting from adverse fluctuations in interest rates or foreign currency
exchange rates on underlying debt instruments. At March 31, 1999 and 2000, the
aggregate notional principal amounts of the interest rate swap agreements were
210,085 million yen and 225,801 million yen, respectively, and those of the
interest rate and currency swap agreements were 390,734 million yen and 362,437
million yen, respectively. The fair values of such agreements were estimated
based on the discounted amounts of net future cash flows.
Sony's stock life insurance subsidiary has entered into written government bond
futures option contracts as an integral part of short-term investing activities
in order to secure the yields of bond investments on hand. All of these
contracts expire within two months of the balance sheet date and their notional
principal amounts were 108,700 million yen and 102,580 million yen at March 31,
1999 and 2000, respectively. For accounting purposes, those transactions do not
qualify for hedge accounting. Accordingly, those written bond futures option
contracts were marked to market. The fair values of such written bond futures
option contracts were estimated based on market quotations. The average fair
value and the net gain/loss from those written bond futures option contracts
during the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 were insignificant.
The estimated fair values of Sony's financial instruments, both on and off the
balance sheets excluding notes and accounts receivable, trade and notes and
accounts payable, trade that are carried at amounts which approximate fair value
and excluding debt and equity securities disclosed in Note 9, are summarized as
follows:
YEN IN MILLIONS
--------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31
--------------------------------------------------------------
1999 2000
--------------------------- --------------------------
CARRYING ESTIMATED CARRYING ESTIMATED
AMOUNT FAIR VALUE AMOUNT FAIR VALUE
---------- ---------- -------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents 592,210 592,210 626,064 626,064
Time deposits 24,304 24,304 6,138 6,138
Short-term borrowings (40,877) (40,877) (56,426) (56,426)
Long-term debt including the current portion (1,125,285) (1,351,358) (972,337) (1,893,521)
Forward exchange contracts (516) (4,423) 986 2,479
Currency option contracts purchased 3,252 3,252 7,422 7,422
Currency option contracts written (4,226) (4,226) (2,892) (2,892)
Interest rate swap agreements (549) (1,025) (253) (457)
Interest rate and currency swap agreements -- (21,470) -- (32,362)
Bond futures option contracts written (436) (436) (179) (179)
F-31
104
13. Pension and severance plans:
Upon terminating employment, employees of Sony Corporation and subsidiaries in
Japan are entitled, under most circumstances, to lump-sum indemnities or pension
payments as described below. For employees voluntarily retiring, under normal
circumstances, minimum payment is an amount based on current rates of pay and
lengths of service. In calculating the minimum payment for employees
involuntarily retiring, including employees retiring due to meeting mandatory
retirement age requirements, Sony may grant additional benefits. With respect to
directors' and statutory auditors' resignations, lump-sum severance indemnities
are calculated using a similar formula and are normally paid subject to the
approval of Sony's stockholders.
Sony Corporation and most subsidiaries in Japan have contributory funded defined
benefit pension plans, which are pursuant to the Japanese Welfare Pension
Insurance Law. The contributory pension plans cover a portion of the
governmental welfare pension program, under which the contributions are made by
the companies and their employees, and an additional portion representing the
substituted noncontributory pension plans. Under the contributory pension plans,
the defined benefits representing the noncontributory portion of the plans, in
general, cover 60% of the indemnities under the existing regulations to
employees. The remaining indemnities are covered by severance payments by the
companies. The pension benefits are determined based on years of service and the
compensation amounts, as stipulated in the aforementioned regulations, are
payable at the option of the retiring employee in a lump-sum amount or on a
monthly pension. Contributions to the plans are funded through several financial
institutions in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.
Most foreign subsidiaries have defined benefit pension plans or severance
indemnity plans which substantially cover all of their employees, under which
the cost of benefits is currently funded or accrued. Benefits awarded under
these plans are based primarily on current rate of pay and lengths of service.
F-32
105
The components of net pension and severance costs for the years ended March 31,
1998, 1999 and 2000 were as follows:
Japanese plans:
YEN IN MILLIONS
---------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
---------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
------- ------- --------
Service cost 35,318 41,743 46,306
Interest cost 13,303 14,020 14,898
Expected return on plan assets (7,978) (9,618) (11,236)
Amortization of net transition asset (375) (375) (375)
Recognized actuarial loss 6,369 8,032 5,733
Amortization of prior service cost 1,178 1,234 1,335
------ ------ -------
Net periodic benefit cost 47,815 55,036 56,661
====== ====== =======
Foreign plans:
YEN IN MILLIONS
--------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
--------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
------ ------ ------
Service cost 15,625 15,842 17,836
Interest cost 4,911 5,333 6,095
Expected return on plan assets (3,900) (4,475) (4,989)
Amortization of net transition asset (122) (122) (108)
Recognized actuarial (gain) loss 308 342 (46)
Amortization of prior service cost (70) (274) (142)
------ ------ ------
Net periodic benefit cost 16,752 16,646 18,646
====== ====== ======
F-33
106
The changes in benefit obligation and plan assets, funded status and composition
of amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
JAPANESE PLANS FOREIGN PLANS
------------------------ ---------------------
YEN IN MILLIONS
-------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31
-------------------------------------------------------
1999 2000 1999 2000
-------- -------- -------- --------
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year 476,068 562,861 85,159 92,970
Service cost 41,743 46,306 15,842 17,836
Interest cost 14,020 14,898 5,333 6,095
Plan participants' contributions 4,273 4,806 176 821
Amendments -- (7,665) (1,079) 161
Actuarial loss 45,933 122,021 8,060 11,564
Foreign currency exchange rate changes -- -- (9,322) (13,861)
Benefits paid (19,176) (13,424) (11,199) (11,594)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Benefit obligation at end of year 562,861 729,803 92,970 103,992
-------- -------- -------- --------
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 236,966 369,321 54,597 60,297
Actual return on plan assets 27,845 109,355 7,005 18,748
Foreign currency exchange rate changes -- -- (6,223) (8,332)
Employer contribution 106,738 30,721 8,274 12,302
Plan participants' contributions 4,273 4,806 176 821
Benefits paid (6,501) (6,260) (3,532) (4,994)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 369,321 507,943 60,297 78,842
-------- -------- -------- --------
Funded status 193,540 221,860 32,673 25,150
Unrecognized actuarial loss (102,739) (121,184) (8,983) (811)
Unrecognized net transition asset 2,354 1,979 263 210
Unrecognized prior service cost (12,805) (3,805) 2,847 2,110
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net amount recognized 80,350 98,850 26,800 26,659
-------- -------- -------- --------
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet
consist of:
Accrued pension and severance costs, including
current portion 106,343 106,022 26,800 26,659
Intangibles (10,451) (820) -- --
Accumulated other comprehensive income (15,542) (6,352) -- --
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net amount recognized 80,350 98,850 26,800 26,659
======== ======== ======== ========
F-34
107
Assumptions used as of March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 were as follows:
Japanese plans:
MARCH 31
---------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
---- ---- ----
Discount rate 3.0% 2.7% 2.7%
Expected return on plan assets 4.0% 4.0% 4.0%
Rate of compensation increase 3.0% 3.0% 3.0%
Foreign plans:
MARCH 31
------------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
------- ------- -------
Discount rate 6.5-8.0% 4.4-7.3% 4.5-7.5%
Expected return on plan assets 6.5-9.8% 6.9-9.8% 6.5-9.1%
Rate of compensation increase 2.5-4.9% 2.8-4.8% 2.0-4.8%
As required under FAS 87 "Employers' Accounting for Pensions", the assumptions
are reviewed in accordance with changes in circumstances. Amounts arising from
actuarial loss for the years ended March 31, 1999 and 2000 were primarily due to
changes in the discount rate and to the change in the method of calculating the
benefit obligation to adjust for the backloading of the benefits as well as to a
review of certain assumptions, respectively.
Under FAS 87, Sony has recorded a pension liability to cover the amount of the
projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, considering unrealized
items and the minimum pension liability. The minimum pension liability which
Sony has recognized on substantially all of the Japanese plans at March 31, 1999
and on substantially all of the Japanese subsidiaries' plans at March 31, 2000
represents the excess of accumulated benefit obligation over plan assets and
accrued pension and severance costs already recognized before recording the
minimum pension liability. A corresponding amount was recognized as an
intangible asset to the extent of unrecognized prior service cost, and the
balance was recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income,
net of tax. The accumulated benefit obligation of the Japanese plans was 461,815
million yen as of March 31, 1999. As of March 31, 2000, the accumulated benefit
obligation and fair value of plan assets of the plans for which Sony has
recognized the minimum pension liability were 232,624 million yen and 140,147
million yen, respectively.
As discussed in Note 9, in December 1998, Sony Corporation contributed certain
marketable equity securities to an employee retirement benefit trust. The
securities held in this trust are qualified as plan assets under U.S. GAAP.
F-35
108
14. Restructuring charges:
Sony discontinued its engineering, sales, and marketing operations for the
cellular phone business in North America by September 30, 1999 and focused its
effort on the research and development of next-generation telecommunications
technology. As a result, Sony recorded a one-time expense totaling 9,646 million
yen in the year ended March 31, 2000. This charge consisted of facility closing
costs of 7,420 million yen, machinery and equipment write-downs of 1,802 million
yen and personnel related costs of 424 million yen.
15. Income taxes:
Income before income taxes and income tax expense comprise the following:
YEN IN MILLIONS
------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
------------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
------- ------- -------
Income before income taxes:
Sony Corporation and subsidiaries in Japan 298,657 203,944 70,892
Foreign subsidiaries 160,606 173,747 193,418
------- ------- -------
459,263 377,691 264,310
======= ======= =======
Income taxes -- Current:
Sony Corporation and subsidiaries in Japan 145,890 85,970 59,239
Foreign subsidiaries 64,223 72,416 61,564
------- ------- -------
210,113 158,386 120,803
======= ======= =======
Income taxes -- Deferred:
Sony Corporation and subsidiaries in Japan 7,221 16,433 (17,977)
Foreign subsidiaries (2,466) 2,154 (8,182)
------- ------- -------
4,755 18,587 (26,159)
======= ======= =======
Sony is subject to a number of different income taxes. Due to changes in
Japanese income tax regulations, the statutory rate was reduced from 51% to 48%
effective April 1, 1998 and was further reduced from 48% to 42% effective April
1, 1999. The respective newly enacted rates were used in calculating the future
expected tax effects of temporary differences as of March 31, 1998 and 1999. The
effect of the change in the tax rate on the balance of deferred tax assets and
liabilities was insignificant as of March 31, 1998 and reduced the net deferred
tax liability and income tax expense by approximately 13,400 million yen as of
March 31, 1999.
F-36
109
Reconciliation of the differences between the statutory tax rate and the
effective income tax rate is as follows:
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
---------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
-------- -------- --------
Statutory tax rate 51.0% 48.0% 42.0%
Increase (reduction) in taxes resulting from:
Income tax credit (2.4) (1.3) (1.3)
Valuation allowance recognized on current losses of
subsidiaries 1.9 5.4 2.8
Decrease in deferred tax liabilities on
undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries (2.7) (2.8) (5.6)
Changes in Japanese income tax rates (0.8) (3.5) --
Other (0.2) 1.1 (2.1)
-------- -------- --------
Effective income tax rate 46.8% 46.9% 35.8%
======== ======== ========
The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as
follows:
YEN IN MILLIONS
---------------------------
MARCH 31
---------------------------
1999 2000
-------- --------
Deferred tax assets:
Operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes 70,120 63,761
Accrued pension and severance costs 61,123 63,490
Warranty reserve and accrued expenses 57,085 61,049
Inventory -- intercompany profits and write-down 39,469 45,293
Future insurance policy benefits 37,393 40,774
Accrued bonus 17,565 19,912
Other 90,309 95,261
-------- --------
Gross deferred tax assets 373,064 389,540
Less: Valuation allowance (122,656) (112,191)
-------- --------
Total deferred tax assets 250,408 277,349
-------- --------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Insurance acquisition costs (72,352) (86,873)
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries (55,106) (60,518)
Intangible assets acquired through exchange offerings -- (45,872)
Unrealized gains on securities (11,243) (35,437)
Gain on securities contribution to employee retirement benefit trust (24,712) (23,097)
Other (71,123) (55,778)
-------- --------
Gross deferred tax liabilities (234,536) (307,575)
-------- --------
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) 15,872 (30,226)
======== ========
F-37
110
The valuation allowance mainly relates to deferred tax assets of consolidated
subsidiaries with operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes that are not
expected to be realized. The net changes in the total valuation allowance for
the year ended March 31, 1998 was an increase of 3,650 million yen, and for the
years ended March 31, 1999 and 2000 were decreases of 3,252 million yen and
10,465 million yen, respectively. During the year ended March 31, 2000,
approximately 17,700 million yen of tax benefits have been realized through
utilization of operating loss carryforwards.
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) are included in the consolidated balance
sheets as follows:
YEN IN MILLIONS
-------------------------
MARCH 31
-------------------------
1999 2000
-------- --------
Current assets -- Deferred income taxes 102,588 117,258
Other assets -- Other 39,483 42,852
Current liabilities -- Other (5,377) (6,316)
Long-term liabilities -- Deferred income taxes (120,822) (184,020)
-------- --------
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) 15,872 (30,226)
======== ========
At March 31, 2000, no deferred income taxes have been provided on undistributed
earnings of foreign subsidiaries not expected to be remitted in the foreseeable
future totaling 408,061 million yen, and on the gain of 61,544 million yen on a
subsidiary's sale of stock arising from the issuance of common stock of Sony
Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. in a public offering to third parties in
November 1991, as Sony does not anticipate any significant tax consequences on
possible future disposition of its investment based on its tax planning
strategies. The unrecognized deferred tax liabilities as of March 31, 2000 for
such temporary differences amounted to 92,268 million yen.
Operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes of consolidated subsidiaries at
March 31, 2000 amounted to approximately 181,200 million yen and are available
as an offset against future taxable income of such subsidiaries. These
carryforwards, except for approximated 37,100 million yen with no expiration
period, expire at various dates primarily up to 12 years. Realization is
dependent on such subsidiaries generating sufficient taxable income prior to
expiration of the loss carryforwards. Although realization is not assured,
management believes it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax
assets, less valuation allowance, will be realized. The amount of such net
deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could be changed in the near
term if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are
changed.
F-38
111
16. Stockholders' equity:
Changes in the number of shares issued and outstanding during the years ended
March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 have resulted from the following:
NUMBER OF SHARES
----------------
Balance at March 31, 1997 384,185,043
Exercise of stock purchase warrants 264,562
Conversion of convertible bonds 22,745,666
----------------
Balance at March 31, 1998 407,195,271
Exercise of stock purchase warrants 26,774
Conversion of convertible bonds 3,217,066
----------------
Balance at March 31, 1999 410,439,111
Exercise of stock purchase warrants 192,162
Conversion of convertible bonds 10,028,119
Stock issued under exchange offerings 32,979,771
----------------
Balance at March 31, 2000 453,639,163
================
At March 31, 2000, 44,502,906 shares of common stock would be issued upon
conversion or exercise of all convertible debentures and warrants outstanding.
On May 19, 2000, Sony Corporation completed a two-for-one stock split. The
number of shares issued was 453,639,163 shares. There was no increase in the
common stock account because the new shares were distributed from the portion of
previously issued shares accounted for as excess of par value in the common
stock account in accordance with the Japanese Commercial Code. The above share
information does not reflect the increase derived from this stock split.
On November 20, 1991, Sony Corporation made a free share distribution of
33,908,621 shares in ratios of one share for each ten shares held for which no
accounting entry was required in Japan. Had the distribution been accounted for
in the manner adopted by companies in the United States of America, 201,078
million yen would have been transferred from retained earnings to the
appropriate capital accounts. This has been the only free distribution of common
stock where no accounting entry was required in Japan.
Conversions of convertible bonds into common stock are accounted for in
accordance with the provisions of the Japanese Commercial Code by crediting
approximately one-half of the conversion proceeds to the common stock account
and the remainder to the additional paid-in capital account.
F-39
112
The amounts of statutory retained earnings of Sony Corporation available for the
payments of dividends to stockholders as of March 31, 1999 and 2000 were 610,133
million yen and 617,403 million yen, respectively. The appropriation of retained
earnings for the year ended March 31, 2000, which have been incorporated in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements, will be proposed for approval at
the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 29, 2000 and
will be recorded in the statutory books of account, in accordance with the
Japanese Commercial Code, after stockholders' approval. The above statutory
amounts available for dividends include cash dividends for the six-month periods
ended March 31, 1999 and 2000, respectively, which have been incorporated in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Retained earnings include Sony's equity in undistributed earnings of affiliated
companies accounted for by the equity method in the amount of 20,159 million yen
and 7,699 million yen at March 31, 1999 and 2000, respectively.
The Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held on June 27, 1997 authorized
Sony Corporation, pursuant to the Japanese regulations, to acquire and retire up
to a total not exceeding 30 million outstanding shares of its common stock with
its profit, on and after June 28, 1997, whenever deemed necessary by the Board
of Directors in view of general economic conditions, Sony's business performance
and financial condition and other factors. Subsequently, the Ordinary General
Meeting of Shareholders held on June 29, 2000 increased the maximum number of
shares to 90 million shares on and after June 30, 2000. At March 31, 2000, no
common stock had been acquired under this authorization.
The Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held on June 26, 1998 approved that
(a) in addition to the shares discussed in the preceding paragraph, on and after
June 27, 1998, Sony Corporation may, by a resolution of the Board of Directors,
acquire and retire up to a total not exceeding 30 million outstanding shares of
its common stock with its additional paid-in capital at prices in total not
exceeding 400 billion yen and (b) Sony Corporation may grant share subscription
rights to directors and/or employees pursuant to the Japanese regulations. At
March 31, 2000, no common stock had been acquired nor had any share subscription
rights been granted under this approval.
F-40
113
Other comprehensive income for the year ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000, was
as follows:
YEN IN MILLIONS
-------------------------------------------
PRE-TAX TAX NET-OF-TAX
AMOUNT EXPENSE AMOUNT
-------- -------- ----------
For the year ended March 31, 1998:
Unrealized gains on securities --
Unrealized holding gains arising during
the period (56,704) 34,599 (22,105)
Minimum pension liability adjustment (10,925) 5,211 (5,714)
Foreign currency translation adjustments 35,985 4,511 40,496
-------- -------- ----------
Other comprehensive income (31,644) 44,321 12,677
======== ======== ==========
For the year ended March 31, 1999:
Unrealized gains on securities --
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period 7,484 1,525 9,009
Less: Reclassification adjustment
for gains included in net income (58,698) 27,999 (30,699)
Minimum pension liability adjustment (4,617) 1,332 (3,285)
Foreign currency translation adjustments (151,971) 8,316 (143,655)
-------- -------- ----------
Other comprehensive income (207,802) 39,172 (168,630)
======== ======== ==========
For the year ended March 31, 2000:
Unrealized gains on securities --
Unrealized holding gains arising during
the period 79,822 (27,003) 52,819
Less: Reclassification adjustment
for gains included in net income (17,196) 2,809 (14,387)
Minimum pension liability adjustment 9,190 (3,869) 5,321
Foreign currency translation adjustments (202,596) 3,423 (199,173)
-------- -------- ----------
Other comprehensive income (130,780) (24,640) (155,420)
======== ======== ==========
17. Stock-based compensation plans:
The number of shares and the exercise prices in the following information are
adjusted for all periods to reflect the two-for-one stock split that has become
effective on May 19, 2000.
Sony has two types of stock-based compensation plans as incentive plans for
directors and selected employees. One plan uses bonds with detachable warrants
which are described in Note 10 ("Warrant plan") and the other plan grants stock
appreciation rights ("SARs") to selected employees ("SAR plan").
F-41
114
Warrant plan --
Upon issuance of unsecured bonds with detachable warrants, Sony Corporation has
purchased all of the detachable warrants and distributed them to the directors
and selected employees of Sony Corporation. By exercising a warrant, directors
and selected employees can purchase the common stock of Sony Corporation, the
number of which is calculated as 2 million yen divided by the strike price. The
warrants generally vest ratably over a period of three years, and are generally
exercisable up to six years from the date of grant.
Presented below is a summary of the warrant plan activity for the years shown:
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------
WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED-
NUMBER OF AVERAGE NUMBER OF AVERAGE NUMBER OF AVERAGE
SHARES EXERCISE PRICE SHARES EXERCISE PRICE SHARES EXERCISE PRICE
--------- -------------- --------- -------------- --------- --------------
YEN YEN YEN
-------------- -------------- --------------
Outstanding at beginning
of year 708,471 3,283 773,078 5,306 1,357,568 5,846
Granted 593,250 5,894 638,000 6,264 558,000 7,167
Exercised (528,643) 3,254 (53,510) 3,025 (383,995) 5,333
--------- --------- ---------
Outstanding at end
of year 773,078 5,306 1,357,568 5,846 1,531,573 6,456
========= ========= =========
Exercisable at end
of year 179,828 3,366 719,568 5,476 541,966 5,877
========= ========= =========
A summary of warrants outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2000 is as
follows:
OUTSTANDING EXERCISABLE
------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------
WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED-
NUMBER OF AVERAGE AVERAGE NUMBER OF AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICE RANGE SHARES EXERCISE PRICE REMAINING LIFE SHARES EXERCISE PRICE
- -------------------- --------- -------------- -------------- --------- --------------
YEN YEN YEARS YEN
- -------------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
3,511 - 5,000 28,450 3,511 0.42 28,450 3,511
5,001 - 7,167 1,503,123 6,511 4.12 513,516 6,008
--------- ---------
3,511 - 7,167 1,531,573 6,456 4.05 541,966 5,877
========= =========
F-42
115
As the exercise prices were determined based on the prevailing market price
shortly before the date of grant, the compensation expense for warrant plan was
not significant for the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively.
In accordance with FAS 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", Sony has
elected to account for stock-based compensation under the provisions of APB 25.
Had compensation for Sony's warrant plan been recognized based on the fair value
on the grant date under the methodology prescribed by FAS 123, Sony's net income
and net income per share ("EPS") for the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and
2000 would have been impacted as shown in the following table:
YEN IN MILLIONS
--------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
--------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
-------- -------- --------
Net income:
As reported 222,068 179,004 121,835
Pro forma 221,885 178,505 121,191
YEN
--------------------------------------
Basic EPS:
As reported 278.9 218.4 144.6
Pro forma 278.6 217.8 143.8
Diluted EPS:
As reported 241.7 195.5 131.7
Pro forma 241.5 195.0 131.0
The weighted-average fair value per share at the date of grant for warrants
granted during the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 was 1,009 yen,
896 yen and 1,398 yen, respectively. The fair value of warrants granted on the
date of grant, which is amortized to expense over the vesting period in
determining the pro forma impact, is estimated using the Black-Scholes
option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
----------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
-------- -------- --------
Risk-free interest rate 1.15% 0.80% 0.60%
Expected lives 2.78 years 2.78 years 2.78 years
Expected volatility 28.35% 24.42% 33.12%
Expected dividend 0.46% 0.46% 0.40%
F-43
116
SAR plan --
Sony adopted separate SAR plans in Japan, Europe and the United States of
America for selected employees. Under the terms of these plans, employees on
exercise receive cash equal to the amount that the market price of Sony
Corporation's common stock exceeds the strike price of the SARs. The SARs
generally vest ratably over a period of three years, and are generally
exercisable up to six years from the date of grant. Sony holds treasury stock
for the SAR plan in Japan to minimize cash flow exposure associated with the
SARs. In addition, Sony uses various strategies to minimize the compensation
expense associated with certain SAR plans in the United States of America and
Europe.
The status of the SAR plans is summarized as follows:
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
NUMBER EXERCISE NUMBER EXERCISE NUMBER EXERCISE
OF SARs PRICE OF SARs PRICE OF SARs PRICE
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
YEN YEN YEN
------------ ------------ ------------
Outstanding at beginning
of year -- -- 484,400 6,106 2,190,750 5,426
Granted 484,400 6,106 1,725,850 5,234 2,306,610 5,896
Exercised -- -- -- -- (439,736) 5,308
Expired or forfeited -- -- (19,500) 5,275 (11,134) 5,502
------------ ------------ ------------
Outstanding at end
of year 484,400 6,106 2,190,750 5,426 4,046,490 5,443
============ ============ ============
Exercisable at end
of year -- -- -- -- 745,496 5,711
============ ============ ============
A summary of SARs outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2000 is as follows:
OUTSTANDING EXERCISABLE
--------------------------------- ------------------------------
WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICE NUMBER OF EXERCISE REMAINING NUMBER OF EXERCISE
RANGE SARs PRICE LIFE SARs PRICE
- -------------- ------------ -------------- -------------- ------------ --------------
YEN YEN YEARS YEN
- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
3,194 - 5,000 952,330 4,432 4.25 80,964 4,601
5,001 - 7,500 3,086,360 5,736 4.94 664,532 5,846
7,501 - 13,250 7,800 12,865 5.83 -- --
------------ ------------
3,194 - 13,250 4,046,490 5,443 4.78 745,496 5,711
============ ============
F-44
117
In accordance with APB 25 and its related interpretations, SAR compensation
expense is recognized over the vesting period as the excess of the quoted market
price of Sony Corporation's common stock over the SARs strike price, which is
consistent with the accounting treatment prescribed for SAR plans in FAS 123.
For the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000, Sony recognized 0 million
yen, 886 million yen and 19,174 million yen of SAR compensation expense,
respectively.
18. Research and development expenses and advertising costs:
Research and development expenses --
Research and development expenses charged to cost of sales for the years ended
March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 were 318,044 million yen, 375,314 million yen and
394,479 million yen, respectively.
Advertising costs --
Advertising costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses for
the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 were 268,985 million yen, 315,310
million yen and 293,303 million yen, respectively.
19. Leased assets:
Sony leases certain plant facilities, office space, warehouses, employees'
residential facilities and other assets.
An analysis of leased assets under capital leases is as follows:
YEN IN MILLIONS
--------------------------
MARCH 31
--------------------------
CLASS OF PROPERTY 1999 2000
- ----------------------------- ------- -------
Land 2,277 1,799
Buildings 19,616 15,713
Machinery and equipment 8,581 28,059
Accumulated amortization (11,730) (19,981)
------- -------
18,744 25,590
======= =======
F-45
118
The following is a schedule by year of the future minimum lease payments under
capital leases together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments
as of March 31, 2000:
YEN IN
MILLIONS
--------
Year ending March 31:
2001 10,222
2002 8,857
2003 7,490
2004 4,721
2005 2,947
Later years 8,243
--------
Total minimum lease payments 42,480
Less -- Amount representing interest 6,672
--------
Present value of net minimum lease payments 35,808
Less -- Current obligations 9,420
--------
Long-term capital lease obligations 26,388
========
Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease income of 7,693
million yen due in the future under noncancelable subleases.
Rental expenses under operating leases for the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999
and 2000 were 87,564 million yen, 98,925 million yen and 91,340 million yen,
respectively. The minimum rental payments required under operating leases that
have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at
March 31, 2000 are as follows:
YEN IN
MILLIONS
--------
Year ending March 31:
2001 40,351
2002 34,392
2003 29,847
2004 23,259
2005 19,508
Later years 107,647
-------
Total minimum future rentals 255,004
=======
F-46
119
20. Commitments and contingent liabilities:
Commitments outstanding at March 31, 2000 for the purchase of property, plant
and equipment and other assets approximated 24,600 million yen.
Contingent liabilities for guarantees given in the ordinary course of business
and for employee loans amounted to 93,310 million yen at March 31, 2000.
Certain subsidiaries in the music business have entered into long-term contracts
with recording artists and companies for the production and/or distribution of
prerecorded music and videos. These contracts cover various periods mainly
through March 31, 2004. As of March 31, 2000, these subsidiaries were committed
to make payments under such long-term contracts of 49,110 million yen.
Sony Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries are defendants in several
pending lawsuits. However, based upon the information currently available to
both Sony and its legal counsel, management of Sony believes that damages from
such lawsuits, if any, would not have a material effect on Sony's consolidated
financial statements.
21. Business segment information:
Effective for the year ended March 31, 1998, Sony adopted FAS 131, "Disclosures
about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" which requires
disclosure of financial and descriptive information about Sony's reportable
operating segments. The operating segments reported below are the segments of
Sony for which separate financial information is available and for which
operating profit/loss amounts are evaluated regularly by executive management in
deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.
The Electronics segment designs, develops, manufactures and distributes
audiovisual, informational and communicative equipment, instruments and devices
throughout the world. The Game segment designs, develops and sells PlayStation
game consoles and related software mainly in Japan, the United States of America
and Europe, and licenses to third party software developers. The Music segment
is mainly engaged worldwide in the development, production, manufacture, and
distribution of recorded music, in all commercial formats and musical genres.
The Pictures segment develops, produces and manufactures image-based software,
including film, video, and television mainly in the United States of America,
and markets, distributes and broadcasts in the worldwide market. The Insurance
segment represents insurance-related underwriting business, primarily individual
life insurance and non-life insurance businesses in the Japanese market. The
F-47
120
Other segment consists of various operating activities, primarily including
leasing and credit financing businesses in Japan, a business focused on parts
trading services within the Sony group, advertising agents in Japan, satellite
distribution services including program supplying businesses in Japan,
Internet-related businesses in the United States of America, and development and
operation of location-based entertainment complexes in the United States of
America and Germany. Sony's products and services are generally unique to a
single operating segment.
Business segments --
Sales and operating revenue:
YEN IN MILLIONS
-------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
-------------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
--------- --------- ---------
Sales and operating revenue:
Electronics --
Customers 4,380,084 4,356,254 4,395,906
Intersegment 312,764 313,448 323,719
--------- --------- ---------
Total 4,692,848 4,669,702 4,719,625
Game --
Customers 699,574 760,071 630,662
Intersegment 22,977 23,751 24,074
--------- --------- ---------
Total 722,551 783,822 654,736
Music --
Customers 658,381 717,297 665,047
Intersegment 34,307 41,394 41,837
--------- --------- ---------
Total 692,688 758,691 706,884
Pictures --
Customers 644,183 545,693 492,093
Intersegment 450 59 4
--------- --------- ---------
Total 644,633 545,752 492,097
Insurance --
Customers 291,061 339,368 380,317
Intersegment 7 1 2
--------- --------- ---------
Total 291,068 339,369 380,319
Other --
Customers 87,721 85,499 122,636
Intersegment 163,841 206,137 241,485
--------- --------- ---------
Total 251,562 291,636 364,121
Elimination (534,346) (584,790) (631,121)
--------- --------- ---------
Consolidated total 6,761,004 6,804,182 6,686,661
========= ========= =========
Electronics intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the Game
business. Other intersegment amounts primarily consist of transactions with the
Electronics business.
F-48
121
Segment profit or loss:
YEN IN MILLIONS
-----------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
-----------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
-------- -------- --------
Operating income (loss):
Electronics 317,276 131,106 118,629
Game 116,936 136,500 77,352
Music 52,058 36,566 28,357
Pictures 37,013 42,954 38,616
Insurance 20,326 18,048 20,929
Other (6,959) (4,538) (12,945)
-------- -------- --------
Total 536,650 360,636 270,938
Elimination 10,749 10,313 10,387
Unallocated amounts --
Corporate expenses (21,675) (22,737) (40,698)
-------- -------- --------
Consolidated operating income 525,724 348,212 240,627
Other income 83,963 152,905 148,848
Other expenses (150,424) (123,426) (125,165)
-------- -------- --------
Consolidated income before income taxes 459,263 377,691 264,310
======== ======== ========
Operating income is sales and operating revenue less costs and operating
expenses. The increase in unallocated corporate expenses in the year ended
March 31, 2000 was primarily due to an increase in stock-based compensation
expenses.
Assets:
YEN IN MILLIONS
-------------------------------------------
MARCH 31
-------------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
--------- --------- ---------
Total assets:
Electronics 3,253,990 3,058,355 3,074,917
Game 197,605 188,796 446,085
Music 835,939 755,765 742,678
Pictures 915,545 836,134 805,762
Insurance 899,016 1,129,005 1,383,717
Other 309,150 388,497 474,354
--------- --------- ---------
Total 6,411,245 6,356,552 6,927,513
Elimination (221,112) (215,732) (273,514)
Corporate assets 212,910 158,233 153,198
--------- --------- ---------
Consolidated total 6,403,043 6,299,053 6,807,197
========= ========= =========
Unallocated corporate assets consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and
marketable securities maintained for general corporate purposes.
F-49
122
Other significant items:
YEN IN MILLIONS
---------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
---------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
-------- -------- --------
Depreciation and amortization:
Electronics 197,449 218,608 212,275
Game 12,536 3,895 13,414
Music 30,933 34,523 32,807
Pictures 16,668 11,329 10,468
Insurance, including deferred insurance
acquisition costs 22,410 21,085 23,699
Other 17,539 15,402 10,797
-------- -------- --------
Total 297,535 304,842 303,460
Corporate 4,130 2,331 3,045
-------- -------- --------
Consolidated total 301,665 307,173 306,505
======== ======== ========
Capital expenditures for segment assets:
Electronics 301,197 252,363 227,322
Game 17,114 3,941 118,960
Music 28,361 45,222 24,644
Pictures 13,477 10,747 11,293
Insurance 633 836 2,979
Other 24,102 36,574 48,455
-------- -------- --------
Total 384,884 349,683 433,653
Corporate 3,071 4,047 2,234
-------- -------- --------
Consolidated total 387,955 353,730 435,887
======== ======== ========
The capital expenditures in the above table represent the additions to fixed
assets of each segment.
The following table is a breakdown of Electronics sales and operating revenue to
external customers by product category. The Electronics business is managed as a
single operating segment by Sony's management.
YEN IN MILLIONS
----------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
----------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
--------- --------- ---------
Audio 1,127,788 1,072,621 934,865
Video 870,854 969,129 976,705
Televisions 709,043 702,620 714,188
Information and Communications 894,810 914,140 1,052,707
Electronic components and other 777,589 697,744 717,441
--------- --------- ---------
Total 4,380,084 4,356,254 4,395,906
========= ========= =========
F-50
123
Geographic information --
Sales and operating revenue which are attributed to countries based on location
of customers and long-lived assets for the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and
2000 are as follows:
YEN IN MILLIONS
---------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
---------------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
--------- --------- ---------
Sales and operating revenue:
Japan 1,848,023 1,917,028 2,121,249
U.S.A. 2,101,222 2,158,006 2,027,129
Europe 1,568,830 1,667,010 1,470,447
Other 1,242,929 1,062,138 1,067,836
--------- --------- ---------
Total 6,761,004 6,804,182 6,686,661
========= ========= =========
YEN IN MILLIONS
---------------------------------------------
MARCH 31
---------------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
--------- --------- ---------
Long-lived assets:
Japan 843,800 903,345 1,321,357
U.S.A. 845,887 703,208 614,294
Europe 192,695 181,621 162,019
Other 209,984 143,006 131,785
--------- --------- ---------
Total 2,092,366 1,931,180 2,229,455
========= ========= =========
There are not any individually material countries with respect to the sales and
operating revenue and long-lived assets included in Europe and Other areas.
Transfers between reportable business or geographic segments are made at
arms-length prices.
There are no sales and operating revenue with a single major external customer
for the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000.
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124
The following information shows sales and operating revenue and operating income
by geographic origin for the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000. In
addition to the disclosure requirements under FAS 131, Sony discloses this
supplemental information in accordance with disclosure requirements of the
Japanese Securities and Exchange Law, to which Sony, as a Japanese public
company, is subject.
YEN IN MILLIONS
---------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
---------------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000
---------- ---------- ----------
Sales and operating revenue:
Japan --
Customers 2,366,871 2,345,717 2,560,839
Intersegment 1,697,655 1,822,282 1,837,048
---------- ---------- ----------
Total 4,064,526 4,167,999 4,397,887
U.S.A. --
Customers 2,155,110 2,232,816 2,082,505
Intersegment 153,603 140,239 170,889
---------- ---------- ----------
Total 2,308,713 2,373,055 2,253,394
Europe --
Customers 1,340,334 1,480,076 1,302,917
Intersegment 62,506 65,466 48,751
---------- ---------- ----------
Total 1,402,840 1,545,542 1,351,668
Other --
Customers 898,689 745,573 740,400
Intersegment 715,156 724,240 718,321
---------- ---------- ----------
Total 1,613,845 1,469,813 1,458,721
Elimination (2,628,920) (2,752,227) (2,775,009)
---------- ---------- ----------
Consolidated total 6,761,004 6,804,182 6,686,661
========== ========== ==========
Operating income:
Japan 353,595 215,416 99,943
U.S.A. 74,757 78,909 97,993
Europe 76,166 81,080 51,928
Other 68,828 47,771 73,952
Corporate and elimination (47,622) (74,964) (83,189)
---------- ---------- ----------
Consolidated total 525,724 348,212 240,627
========== ========== ==========
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125
SCHEDULE II
SONY CORPORATION
AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
YEN IN MILLIONS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONS
BALANCE AT CHARGED TO BALANCE AT
BEGINNING OF COSTS AND DEDUCTIONS OTHER END OF
PERIOD EXPENSES (NOTE 1) (NOTE 2) PERIOD
-------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- --------------
Year ended March 31, 1998:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
and sales returns 93,732 70,836 (55,855) 6,198 114,911
============== ============== ============ ========== ==============
Year ended March 31, 1999:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
and sales returns 114,911 82,813 (65,510) (10,199) 122,015
============== ============== ============ ========== ==============
Year ended March 31, 2000:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
and sales returns 122,015 60,801 (67,806) (14,414) 100,596
============== ============== ============ ========== ==============
Notes: 1. Amounts written off.
2. Translation adjustment.
BALANCE AT BALANCE AT
BEGINNING OF OTHER END OF
PERIOD ADDITIONS DEDUCTIONS (NOTE 1) PERIOD
-------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ --------------
Year ended March 31, 1998:
Valuation allowance
-- Deferred tax assets 122,258 13,102 (15,032) 5,580 125,908
============== ============== ============== ============ ==============
Year ended March 31, 1999:
Valuation allowance
-- Deferred tax assets 125,908 20,847 (13,921) (10,178) 122,656
============== ============== ============== ============ ==============
Year ended March 31, 2000:
Valuation allowance
-- Deferred tax assets 122,656 28,142 (24,393) (14,214) 112,191
============== ============== ============== ============ ==============
Note: 1. Translation adjustment.
F-53