Sony lifts outlook after record quarterly profit as music and sensors shine
Sony raised its full-year forecast on Thursday after posting a record quarterly operating profit, driven by strong performances in its image sensor and music divisions and supported by a weak yen, even as sales of its PlayStation 5 console declined.
Operating profit climbed 22% to 515 billion yen ($3.3 billion), beating market expectations by 9%, according to LSEG data. The company also increased its full-year operating profit outlook by 8% to 1.54 trillion yen. Sony has steadily shifted away from traditional consumer electronics toward entertainment and components, though its shares have recently come under pressure as investors question its next long-term growth engines.
Sales of Sony’s image sensors, widely used in smartphones, rose 21%, benefiting from strong demand and favorable currency movements. The company’s music division also delivered solid growth, with revenue rising 13% on the back of streaming, live events and merchandising across recorded music. The business represents a key pillar of Sony’s earnings stability as digital consumption continues to expand globally.
Sony also announced an expansion of its share buyback program, increasing the planned amount to 150 billion yen from 100 billion yen previously, offering additional support to shareholder returns.
