Sony Group Q1 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

Quartr
Provided by Quartr
August 7, 2024

There are 3 speakers on the call.

Operator

It's time. We'd now like to start the Sony Group Corporation consolidated earnings announcement meeting. I am Okada from PR. I'll be serving as MC. I'd like to introduce the presenters: President, COO and CFO, Hiroki Totoki Senior Vice President in charge of Corporate Planning and Control, Lead of Group DEI, Support for Finance Business and Entertainment Area, Naomi Matsuoka, Senior Vice President in Charge of Finance and IR, Satahiko Hayakawa Sony Financial Group Inc, Senior Managing Director and CFO, Kazuhiro Yamada.

Operator

These 4 will be making presentations about the results of the Q1 fiscal 2024 and forecast for the full year and afterwards we'll have Q and A. Mr. Totoki, please.

Speaker 1

First, I would like to briefly discuss the recent changes in the financial market environment. We are extremely concerned about the sudden fluctuations in exchange rates and possibility of economic downturn, particularly in the United States. The result the forecast we are presenting today does not incorporate any of the recent rapid market changes. I believe that your interest in foreign exchange, the assumption assumed rate is evaluated at the rate very similar to today's rate. And with that, we evaluate our performance.

Speaker 1

However, we will closely monitor the impact on the real economy and our business going forward and aim to take any necessary actions swiftly and provide an update if any significant changes occur. Now we will explain this content. Starting from this time, Mr. Yamada from Sony Financial Group will provide an explanation of the Financial Services segment in addition to Ms. Matsuoka and Mr.

Speaker 1

Hayakawa. And I will then give a summary at the end. Now Hayakawa san, please. Consolidated sales, including the Financial Services segment, for the quarter increased a significant 12% compared to the same quarter of the previous fiscal year to JPY 2,567,400,000,000 And operating income increased a significant JPY 50,600,000,000 to 249,100,000,000 yen Consolidated sales increased 2% year on year to 3,000,000,000,011,600,000,000 yen Operating income increased JPY 26,100,000,000 to JPY 279,100,000,000 and the income net income increased 14,100,000,000 yen to 231,600,000,000 yen The results by segment for this quarter are shown on this slide. Next, I will explain our consolidated result forecast for FY 'twenty four.

Speaker 1

The consolidated sales forecast, excluding Financial Services, has been upwardly revised by 3% to JPY 11,700,000,000,000. The operating income forecast has been upwardly revised by 35,000,000,000 yen to 1,165,000,000,000 yen and the net income forecast has been upwardly revised by 55,000,000,000 yen to 875,000,000,000 yen Our operating cash flow forecast remains unchanged from the previous forecast at 1,400,000,000,000 yen Consolidated sales expected to increase 2% from the previous forecast to 12,610,000,000,000 yen Operating income is expected to increase 35,000,000,000 yen to 1,310,000,000,000 yen And net income is expected to increase 55,000,000,000 yen to 980,000,000,000 yen The net income forecast is 9,400,000,000 yen higher than the recorded in the previous the fiscal year. Operating income on both on a consolidated basis, including Financial Services and the consolidated basis, expected to be record highs. The full year forecast by segment is shown here. Now I will move on to the explanation of the overview of each business.

Speaker 1

The first is the GN and S segment. Although hardware sales decreased FY 'twenty four, Q1 sales increased a significant 12% year on year to JPY 864,900,000,000 primarily due to the impact of foreign exchange rates and increased first party software sales. Operating income increased a significant 16,000,000,000 yen year on year to 65,200,000,000 yen mainly due to the benefit of increased revenue from the 1st party software and network services despite increased costs, including expenses resulting from the restructuring we undertook on a global basis. For FY 'twenty four, we are now forecasting sales to be 4,000,000,000,000 yen an increase of JPY 120,000,000,000 from the previous forecast and operating income to be JPY 320,000,000,000 yen an increase of JPY 10,000,000,000, despite not releasing any tentpole titles. User engagement during the quarter remained high, driven primarily by expanding PlayStation 5 installed base and contributions from the solid franchise software titles.

Speaker 1

The number of monthly active users of PlayStation was 116,000,000 accounts, the highest number ever recorded for June, up 7% compared with the same months of the previous fiscal year. And total play time also increased 8%. In terms of our software titles, Hill Diverse II is performing better than our May forecast, and PC version of Ghost of Tsushima and the Destiny II expansion content, the final shape are also contributing to earnings. This month, we plan to launch our live service game, Concorde, followed in September by Astro Bot and the PC version of our smash hit title, God of War, Ragnar Rock. As for the network services, U.

Speaker 1

S. Dollar based sales increased 13% year on year, driven mainly by a steady shift to premium services and increase in IARPU average revenue per user, resulting from price revisions in PS Plus. Under the new management structure, the platform business group is steadily maintaining and expanding the number of active users and user engagement as priority initiatives and intends to work to further strengthen the PS platform and establish a stable earnings space. Additionally, the Studio Business Group is strengthening its development schedule, the management, and optimizing development projects in order to consistently and continuously release hit titles. Next, the Music segment.

Speaker 1

FY 'twenty four Q1 sales increased a significant 23% year on year to JPY 442,000,000,000 primarily due to the impact of foreign exchange rates as well as increased live box office revenue and the streaming revenue in recorded music. Operating income increased JPY 12,500,000,000 year on year to JPY 85,900,000,000 mainly due to the benefit of the increased sales and favorite impact of foreign exchange rate. A 6,000,000,000 yen remeasurement gain resulting from the consultation of company previously accounted for using the equity method was recorded during the Q1 of the previous fiscal year. On a U. S.

Speaker 1

Dollar basis, FY 'twenty four Q1 streaming revenue in the recorded music increased 5%, and music publishing increased 20% year on year, 19% 36%, respectively, on a yen basis. For FY 'twenty four, we expect sales to increase JPY 50,000,000,000 from the previous forecast, JPY 1,740,000,000,000 and operating income to increase 15,000,000,000 yen to 330,000,000,000 yen

Speaker 2

Global market growth in calendar year 2023, it was 10% higher in recorded music and 11% high in music publishing, both compared to the previous year. In addition to an increase in the number of paying subscribers for streaming services and market expansion in emerging markets, recent price revision by music distributors have led to market growth for the 9th consecutive year in recorded music and the 11th consecutive year in music publishing. In the mid term, the market is expected to continue to grow at a mid- to high single digit average annual growth rate, driven by increased ARPU, ARPU and further growth in emerging markets. From early on, Sony Music Entertainment has been strategically focusing on capturing the expansion of the Indies market and building a robust ecosystem, as seen from the 100% consolidation of the Orchard in 2015 and the acquisition of AWOL in 2021. Through the Orchard's approximately 50 locations around the world, we are expanding our business in rapidly growing emerging markets by providing a wide range of services such as digital music distribution and data analysis using the latest technology.

Speaker 2

By actively pursuing strategic investments in emerging markets, including the Brazilian label and some label and Rimas Entertainment, the label of Latin Music Star Superstar Bad Bunny, to which the Orchard has been providing services, we have established a strong presence in Latin America, India, Africa and other markets around the world. As can be seen with the success of Sony Music Entertainment Japan and its artist, Yuasa Bi, in overseas markets, we have been able to create hits that transcend national and regional borders through the orchard. Next is the Pictures segment. FY 'twenty four, Q1 sales increased 5% year on year to 337,300,000,000 yen due to the impact of foreign exchange rates despite a decrease in U. S.

Speaker 2

Dollar based sales, primarily resulting from a decrease in the number of television programs delivered and a decrease in the number of theatrical releases. Operating income decreased JPY 4,700,000,000 year on year to JPY 11,300,000,000 primarily due to the impact of the decrease in U. S. Dollar based sales. For FY 'twenty four, we forecast sales to be 1,520,000,000,000 yen an increase of 40,000,000,000 yen from the previous forecast and operating income to be 125,000,000,000 yen an increase of 5,000,000,000 yen In the first half of the calendar year twenty twenty four, theatrical box office revenue in the U.

Speaker 2

S. Remained at a level approximately 20% lower than the previous year, primarily due to the impact of the strikes. However, from June onwards, the release of tentpole films from major studios, including ours, has increased, and we expect Box Office revenue to gradually improve. During the quarter, we the sequel to our popular franchise, Ride or Die and the Garfield movie, which we distributed worldwide, have both been hits. It Ends With Us, a film adaptation of a best selling novel, is scheduled to be released on August 9.

Speaker 2

The trailer set a record of approximately 130,000,000 views in the first 24 hours following its release, and we are hopeful that it will be an indicator of the success of our efforts to discover excellent original works and turn them into films. As for Crunchyroll, the number of paying subscribers exceeded 15,000,000 in July. In order to capitalize on the rapid expansion of the anime market, we have signed a global distribution agreement with Amazon Prime Channels. And after launching in the U. S.

Speaker 2

And the U. K. In October last year, we began distribution via Amazon in Brazil, France, India and other countries since April this year. In addition to further expand opportunities for engagement with anime fans, we've announced our plan to expand our e commerce site, Crunchyroll Store, which was previously only available in North America and Australia to 34 European countries. On June 12, Sony Pictures Entertainment completed its acquisition of Alamo Drafthouse ZIMA.

Speaker 2

Alamo operates 41 theaters across the U. S. Where customers can enjoy a movie while dining. The company is a leader in the dine in cinema industry and ranks 7th in North America in terms of box office share. It has approximately 4,000,000 enthusiastic loyalty members over indexing on younger demographics.

Speaker 2

By building upon Alamo's connections with this fan community, we look forward to creating synergies with our content IP, including not only movies but also games, music and anime. We also look forward to opportunities for Alamo and Crunchyroll to collaborate. With this acquisition, SP established a new business division, Sony Pictures Experiences, and aims to further strengthen its efforts in the experiential live entertainment business. And next is the ET and S segment. Although television sales decreased, FY 'twenty four Q1 sales increased 5% year on year to JPY 600,900,000,000 mainly due to the impact of foreign exchange rates.

Speaker 2

Operating income increased JPY 8,400,000,000 year on year to JPY 64,100,000,000, primarily due to the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates. For FY 'twenty four, we forecast sales to be JPY 2,420,000,000,000, an increase of JPY 50,000,000,000 from the previous forecast and operating income to be JPY 190,000,000,000, unchanged from the previous forecast. With regard to operating income, despite the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates, we are maintaining our previous forecast by incorporating the risk of the worsening market environment and the impact of rising logistics cost. Looking at the market environment during the quarter, our key product categories in Japan, Europe and North America trended accordingly according to our expectations, while in China, the television market contracted significantly and the digital camera market, including solutions, grew significantly. As for the television business, we were able to achieve highly resilient operations during the quarter by focusing on inventory control and cost cutting initiatives.

Speaker 2

We will aim to continue to do so while also focusing on high value added products such as the new BRAVIA 9 Series, which we believe will further enrich the cinema viewing experience at home. And as for the Imaging business, which includes digital cameras, we intend to pay close attention to demand trends in China where the market is growing rapidly and aim to further expand profitability by further diversifying our greater audience primarily through the launch of the new V LOG CAM product, ZVE10 Mark II. In addition, by emphasizing inventory control across the segment, we were able to further reduce inventory at the end of the quarter compared to the same quarter of the previous fiscal year, which is also contributing greatly to the stabilization of profitability in the business segment. In preparation for a possible future change in the business environment, we aim to focus on managing inventory and accounts receivable based on conservative demand forecast and thoroughly control cash flows.

Operator

Next is the I and SS segment. Fiscal 'twenty four Q1 sales increased significantly by 21% year on year to JPY 353,500,000,000 mainly due to the impact of foreign exchange rates and increased sales of image sensors for mobile devices. Operating income increased significantly by JPY 23,900,000,000 year on year to JPY 36,600,000,000 mainly due to the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates and the increased sales. For fiscal 2024, we expect sales to increase JPY 10,000,000,000 from the previous forecast to JPY 1,000,000,000,000, JPY 850,000,000,000. We expect operating income to increase JPY 5,000,000,000 from the previous forecast to JPY 275,000,000,000 as the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates is partially offset by the impact of a significant decrease in demand for micro OLEDs used in AR and VR.

Operator

The global smartphone product market during the quarter continued to show a gradual but steady recovery like in the previous quarter. In addition, the trend toward polarization of price ranges in the product market, particularly in China, continues. This has accelerated the expansion of the high end smartphone market, which has led to further progress of the expansion of the size of the sensors we ship. As such, the market environment is progressing generally in line with our previous forecast. From the Q2 onwards, we expect the trend towards larger sensors for ultra wide angle and telephoto cameras to continue.

Operator

We believe that this trend together with improved sensor performance to improve camera video capabilities will be medium term growth drivers for the mobile sensor market. In terms of production, improvements in yields for mobile sensors are progressing as planned in May, and we aim to achieve a normal run rate during this fiscal year. Additionally, we will aim to make maximum use of existing production capacity and be selective in making new investments. Together with other development and operational efficiency measures, we intend to work to improve profitability, a key theme of this mid range plan. Last is the Financial Services segment.

Operator

Fiscal 2024 Q1 Financial Services revenue decreased significantly by 34% year on year to JPY 448.6 1,000,000,000, primarily due to the impact of market fluctuations at Sony Life. Operating income decreased significantly by JPY 24,500,000,000 year on year to JPY 30,000,000,000 compared to the same quarter of the previous fiscal year, which benefited from the recording of a gain on the sale of bonds at Sony Life. Insurance Service results at Sony Life, which are the base load of profitability for the business, continued their stable trend at JPY 41,800,000,000. Fiscal 2024 forecast remains unchanged from the previous forecast with financial services revenue of JPY 910,000,000,000 and operating income of JPY 145,000,000,000. With regard to financial services revenue, gains from the separate accounts at Sony Live exceeded our May forecast due to the impact of market fluctuations.

Operator

However, taking into account factors such as uncertainty about market fluctuations, we are maintaining our previous forecast. Now we will discuss the opportunities and challenges for growing our Life Insurance business. Sales of insurance products at Sony Life have grown significantly over the last 5 years. In terms of sales channels, the agency channel has grown significantly in addition to our mainstay life planner channel. And in terms of customers, our business with corporate customers has grown significantly in addition to our traditional strengths in individual customers.

Operator

The new policy amount for the agency channel and with corporate customers in fiscal 2023 grew 2.3 times and 3.7 times, respectively, compared to fiscal 2019. Due to this growth, Sony Live's share of new policy amount in fiscal 2023 reached 16%, continuing to rank 1st in the industry for 2 consecutive years. Even though Japan's population is declining, we have continued to increase our sales of insurance products by expanding our share, and we believe that we have ample opportunities for growth going forward. On the other hand, we believe that there is an issue with how easily our business performance and financial soundness are affected by market fluctuation factors, particularly interest rates. Regarding new policies currently being sold, we have already reduced the sales ratio of so called high capital load products such as whole life insurance, and we are also preparing to further enhance hedging against market fluctuation risks.

Operator

Regarding our efforts to address financial issues, including existing contracts, we plan to present our progress to date and future initiatives at the Q2 earnings announcements. In the Financial Services segment, at the business segment meeting we held in May, we set adjusted net income of JPY 120,000,000,000 as a key performance indicator for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027. As a result, from this quarter, we have begun disclosing adjusted net income, the details of the adjustments and other metrics. Finally, I would like to give you a general summary. As I mentioned a bit at the beginning, looking whether it's uncertainty or instability of the market, making it more difficult to forecast the future performance.

Operator

But we have this 5th MRP, and we have a strategy to enhance our resilience to changes in the environment. And we recognize that we've entered in the period in which the real value of that strategy is being called into question. So in terms of our business portfolio, our entertainment area is the biggest. Relatively speaking, impact of macroeconomics is not so large. It's not so direct, but we have to think about various risks and carefully conduct our business.

Operator

So no change in that thinking. The key performance indicators for the entire group laid out in our mid range plan include a 10% or higher growth rate of operating income and a 10% or higher 3 year cumulative operating income margin on a consolidated basis, excluding Financial Services. Our Q1 results represent steady progress toward that goal. That we can say. We plan to make every effort to maintain these targets and our goal of strengthening shareholder returns, and we intend to regularly provide updates on our progress.

Operator

That's all for my presentation. So those are the presentations by Todoki, Matsuka, Hayakao and Yamada. From 4/27, we'll have Q and A session with the media. From around 6:50, we'll have QA with investors and analysts. We'll take approximately 20 minutes for each of those QA sessions.

Operator

Those who have pre registered to ask questions, please connect to the phone number provided. And please read the material provided for how to ask questions. Now please wait until we are ready to resume.

Speaker 1

Thank you very much for waiting. So now we would like to answer the questions from media. Those who answer the questions are the same as the speakers that made the presentation previously. So now we would like to begin question and answer session. Please limit your question to 2.

Speaker 1

So the first question is from Toyo Securities, Umejaki san. Umejaki san, please. So Umegaski from Toyo Keisai. Thank you. And I have a question about GNNS.

Speaker 1

For you conducted the restructuring, the exercise. And for Studio, the business group, for instance, management of the development project, etcetera, for over the last 3 months and going forward now is in August within this fiscal year. What kind of the structural the restructuring you are going to conduct? What is your plan for that? So at this moment, Banji restructuring has been already announced.

Speaker 1

And at this moment, as you correctly pointed out, for this restructuring, the purpose is cost structure and portfolio optimization. Those are the purposes. And simultaneously, we have to enhance the efficiency of the business. So back office functions, that should be integrated with the studio of SIE. So the banjo itself, as it is considered, Destiny 2 and new live service marathon title marathon, the headcounts and also resource will be concentrated there.

Speaker 1

So high quality and wonderful games, game experiences should be developed. So we would like to concentrate resources there. And functions other than that and other types of development, the title development that will be transferred to the play Station, the PS the studio group. And so there will be some reallocation of the resources. So in any case, the organizational the structure will be changed.

Speaker 1

And so we'd like to optimize our overall studio structure. That's all. Thank you.

Speaker 2

And next question? Nikkei Sato san, please. This is Sato from Nikkei. I have two questions. Thank you.

Speaker 2

First, about the IT strategy in general. Paramount's acquisition, Why do you not submit another proposal? And the Entertainment IT sector, what sort of size of investment are you planning for?

Operator

And

Speaker 2

of the operating income, how much of the proportion will the IP hold? What is your final vision? And the second is about the global economy. Well, there's a slowdown and also we see a division of the U. S.

Speaker 2

And China. How do you see this? And what other measures do you have in place to address this? And what are your expectations towards the next President or administration of the U. S?

Speaker 2

And what concern do you have? Well, about the IB strategy, well, in general, I believe that your question was asking about the general strategy. But as the reason why I did not propose again a proposal to acquire Paramount, well, we believe that at this point in time, Paramount Acquisition does not fit well with our strategy. That is the judgment that we have handed down. And the proportion of IP earnings within our operating, again, it's difficult.

Speaker 2

But the Entertainment business, in some way or other, IP is related. And so IP is at the core, based on which we carry out our business and generate revenue. And therefore, the proportion or the targeted proportion of IP earnings is difficult for me to say. So, Entertainment on the whole, we would like to focus on strengthening the IP. This remains unchanged.

Speaker 2

But do we have a target? Well, we, as much as possible, want to grow the business and therefore consolidated basis with MRP. It was CAGR, the operating income at 10% and also the profit margin 10%. We have this target, so we would like to put in different measures to achieve these goals. And about the global economy, well, currently, the global economy itself is led driven by the U.

Speaker 2

S, especially the consumption in the United States. And in our business, what we must focus on is the U. S. Economy and consumption in the United States. And currently, we see that there is are some signals indicating an economic slowdown.

Speaker 2

As a macroeconomics numbers figures, we do see that signal. But how deep this will be, how long it will continue, it's very difficult for us to foresee. But there are such signals, and therefore, we must watch closely the developments. And about the expectations towards the next U. S.

Speaker 2

Administration, well, Sony, at any rate, want to respect the choice of the American people. And what changes would result as a result of the election is something that we will keep an eye on. That is all. Thank you.

Operator

Next question? Nikkei Bibi, Iwato san, please. Iwato from Nikkei Business. Two questions about Crunch Roll. So surpassed $15,000,000 you said.

Operator

So I think that is a good news. That kind of momentum do you think will continue for the time being? What's the current situation and what's the future growth prospect? And in the presentation, you talked about enhancing resilience. So that's the strategy of the MRP, and you said that true value of that is being put into question.

Operator

So with the higher uncertainty and trying to enhance resilience, what will be the most important factor you think? First about Crunchyroll, current situation and our expectations. Matsuoka will respond to that question. Matsuoka san, please. For Crunchyroll, earlier, we talked about that.

Operator

So 15 we exceeded 50,000,000 in July. And so we have great works like Kimesu, Yaiba, Kaijohachigo, Boku no Hero. All of these works are contributing. And as was mentioned, in the well, we are using Amazon Prime and platforms, so we have the partnerships with them that's contributing to the increased subscribers. And also, we're distributing through theaters, and that is also going well.

Operator

So anime creators in Japan, we have strong partnerships with them and capitalizing on that. We are expanding our contents. In terms of price, we are providing at an attractive price level, very valuable service. And so we have established a very advantageous position. And overseas, we are trying to cultivate a great IP and we have a co production with Japanese animators and co creators.

Operator

And so in Europe, Latin America, India, Southeast Asia, So globally expanding and working on multiple languages, we'll focus on that. And so that's one initiative. And also for the expansion of the partnerships that I mentioned earlier, that will be harnessed to try to increase the number of subscribers. To respond to the second question, how to strengthen the resilience. So uncertainty is rising.

Operator

What's the most important to enhance resilience was the question. In the short term, financially, inventory control, cash flow control, those things. What we can do with finance, we certainly will do. And I personally what I think is most essentially important is diversity of people. We have diverse operations and that's one reason we need diverse people.

Operator

But with diverse people, you have diverse ideas being generated. And we will not be focused on just one idea. We will have the power to generate new ideas, and we'll be able to analyze from various angles. So we can have that kind of synergy effect. It's difficult, of course, to manage diversity, but I personally would like to pursue the diversity of our people.

Operator

That's all.

Speaker 1

So we'd like to move on to the next question. Tanaka san from Asahi Shimbun, please. Tanaka san, can you hear me? Can you hear me? This is Tanaka speaking from Asahi Shimbun.

Speaker 1

Can you hear me? Yes, we can hear you. So thank you for the opportunity. This is Tanaka from Asahi Shimbun. In connection to the previous question regarding Paramount, I have additional question.

Speaker 1

After now, you made proposal about acquisition, and you did not make it very clear even then. And if there is anything that you can disclose, what was your motivation or intention to start your move on acquisition? And you also said that you would not repropose because it is not well fitted to your strategy. So can you elaborate on that, please? As Sony's strategy, what is the place what is the point which is unfitted to your business acquisition case.

Speaker 1

For each individual, the project, it's very difficult for me to answer the question. However, as I have mentioned so far, on our part, well, high quality IP and we have been focusing on the asset. And that particular asset at the appropriate price and that can be acquired. And if that kind of deal structure is established, we would like to become very serious about acquiring that kind of the target company. But the company, Paramount, that the corporation is quite large in size.

Speaker 1

And for instance, if we have to acquire the entire organization, it would be quite risky because our capital allocation itself, it may not be well fitted to our capital allocation strategy. That is the primary reason. Thank you.

Speaker 2

Next question, please. Nishigata san, please. Nishigata from NHK. Two questions. First about the Paramount acquisition.

Speaker 2

If you were able to submit another proposal, if you had thought that you could strike a deal at an appropriate price, would you have done so? And the second is about the CMOS sensor. Well, EVs are being produced internally in China these days. And are there any concerns that you have in terms of the sales of your CMOS sensors because EVs are mainly being produced in China? Well, in regards to your first question, I think I've already answered that.

Speaker 2

So I really don't have anything to add to what I've already responded. I apologize. And secondly, about your second question, about the electric vehicles and the fact that they are trying to produce domestically electric vehicles. Well, the sensors for automobiles, I think you're talking about. But we, including the Chinese manufacturers, are not just doing business in China, but instead, we are supplying to global OEMs, the sensors for automobiles.

Speaker 2

And therefore, in China also, we have competitors, and we want to make sure that we do not lose out in terms of our technology. But sensors for automobiles and sensors for smartphones, they're different. And the market is still small for automotive sensors. How much this will grow is something that we have to observe carefully. That is all.

Speaker 2

Thank you. Thank you.

Operator

We're starting right out of time. So we will take one more question. So please make it just one question because of time constraints. Are there no more questions? Seeing none, we will end this Q and A session for the media.

Operator

Investor analyst Q and A session will start at 4:48. We will soon start the investor analyst Q and A session. Please wait a little while longer until we start. Thank you for waiting. I'd like to start the investor analyst Q and A session.

Operator

I'm with IR Group, Kondo. I'll be serving as moderator. And as was the case for the media session, these 4 will be responding to your questions. In terms of how to operate your phone in asking questions, please refer to the information previously provided. Please limit your questions to maximum 2 per person.

Operator

I'd like to start the Q and A. Those who have a question, please So first question, BOVA Securities, Hirakawa san please. Hirakawa of BOVA Securities. About games and music, I have a question. So about games, monthly active user, 7% Y on Y growth.

Operator

That was a very strong growth. And can you talk about the background in a little more detail? Because there was an update of large update that last year and that led to increased monthly active users. And are there any other factors? I want to ask the background.

Operator

That's the first question. And should I continue the questions, please? About the music, earlier, you talked about music streaming sales, midterm growth, mid to higher single digits was your forecast. And until Q3 last year was double digit without the ForEx impact. So that was the growth you had.

Operator

Now 6% in Q1 seems to be slowing down a bit. And so do you think that you've come down to the mid term growth trajectory? Or was there one time factor for Q1? And it's slower than this year's overall pace. Because at the beginning of the year, you said for this year, subscription price rise was expected.

Operator

So I was expecting a little bit higher. So those questions, please. Thank you for the questions. So let's take the first game network service question. I'll respond to that.

Operator

The music question, Matsuoka will respond. So for games, MAU year on year 7% growth, very good number is how we see it. And of course, the 5 installed base is accumulating, PS5. And we have the franchise software contribution. So 3rd party free to play are also strong.

Operator

I won't go into the individual title names, but those tailwinds have had an effect. I think that's one of the factors. Masako san, please. So streaming service. So if you look at that, the overall growth is in line with previous trends.

Operator

And it may seems as if growth is slowing. The factors behind that are for Q1 over a year ago, we raised the prices for multiple DSCP. And so the impact of that is now diminished. And for and we have the ad streaming service revenue of that, that is declining a bit. And however, in a constant currency basis, well, earlier we said 5% in dollar terms.

Operator

But if you look at that in constant terms, it's higher, 6% in the 6% range according to our calculations. So overall streaming growth rate is in line with our projections.

Speaker 1

Thank you. Next question is from SMBC Nikko Katsura san, please. Can you hear me? My name is Katsura from SMBC Nikko. So my question pertains to INSS Semiconductor and also regarding the financial services.

Speaker 1

And regarding INSS, so mostly supply to major companies in North America. And if you have any plus and minus over the last 3 months, please share that with us. Now at this moment, you increased the production. In your supplementary document and the production capacity compared to our original the projection seems to be stronger and bigger. So what is your concept on that?

Speaker 1

And the mid- to long term, there is a risk of your competitors entering the market. I think that has been discussed in the market. So from mid- to long term, what is your view of your position in the market? This is the first question about semiconductor. And regarding my second question on the operating income of the Q2, I think the progress rate is the 21% and operating income.

Speaker 1

And of course, there are the upside and downside risk under the current market condition. What is your view about that? Thank you for your question. Regarding INSS, I would like to answer the question. And about financial services, and I would like to ask Yamada san to answer the question.

Speaker 1

And regarding INSS, well, regarding individual, the customers, setting this aside, well, we increased the production that you mentioned. The reason is for the high end, the products. We have increased the shipping for that. For that reason, we have increased the production. And the risk of other companies entering the market, it did not it has not started now under the very severe competitive environment.

Speaker 1

We always have competitors. And we constantly analyze our competitors, and we try to overcome our weakness so that we can be advantageous in technology position. And as for the long term, it's very difficult to make comments. But during the MLP period, the risk from our competitors joining the market, if there is any concrete examples, I believe that the probability of this risk is quite small. That's my answer.

Speaker 1

And so about Financial Services, Yamada san, please. Thank you for your question. The Q1, the progress rate, the 25%, that is a little bit low. There are two reasons. The first is at Sony Life, there is a larger number of surrender increased surrender, particularly dollar based.

Speaker 1

The rate interest rate has getting higher, and there is yen depreciation. And for that reason, that leads to surrender of the products policies. And about the non life, for instance, natural disaster has impacted and for that reason. And of course, we try to overcome that in midterm and how we should look at these ups and downs. And for during the Q1, our sales performance has been quite good, and that is considered to be upside potential.

Speaker 1

But for the life insurance, the sales performance, even that is good, does not lead to profitability. Depending upon the offering of the services, the well, the effects have been penetrated gradually. And for the sales activities, there is increase of surrender. And of course, that is mainly due to the market condition, but life planners that we have to provide good information to the customers so that they are able to make good judgment. I think that will give upside potential.

Speaker 1

And also for the market downside, the market, there is a change in conditions. But at the compared to the end of June, the interest rate falls. And also for the stock market, there is some fall. And foreign exchange, we see the yen appreciation. So for the interest rate, we are quite positive about that.

Speaker 1

And foreign exchange and stock, the price, we are negative. And so this market condition may be reflected in upside and downside. So we have to pay constant attention to the market condition so that we can always constantly control the profitability. Thank you.

Speaker 2

And next from Mizuho Securities, Nakane san, please. Thank you very much. This is Nakane from Mizuho Securities. I also have 2 questions. Well, it's a related question, but first is the investor return and buyback and the next is balance sheet.

Speaker 2

From May, looking at your buybacks, in 3 months, it's closer to JPY 100,000,000,000. And on average, the price is more than JPY 14,000. So irrelevant to the share price, you are continuing with the buyback. And it seems to be that you well, there's invest in strategic investments, so it's best to invest in Sony. And that is the reason why you're investing in Sony.

Speaker 2

And so I think that that was your stance. But have you changed your policy? So that is one thing. And also the second is excluding financial service, your balance sheet. Well, I think we had less than 30% capital ratio, but now it's more than 40%.

Speaker 2

And when it was 30%, you said that more than 40% would be your target more or less, I believe. But now you currently exceed 50% and the leverage is not working. So excluding Financial Service, the shareholders' equity ratio, what is the minimum that you have in mind? So please tell me about that. So these are my 2 questions.

Speaker 2

Thank you very much. There are 2 questions. So Hayako san will first respond. Yes. And thank you for the question.

Speaker 2

About your first question, yes. As you said, we as a company have been buying back our shares, and it has been part of our strategic investment. Looking at the financial situation, our business performance, our share prices have been trying to do it with agility. And so this has not changed, but from this fiscal year, the 5th MRP, we want to strengthen our shareholder return. And therefore, FY we want to increase the total payout ratio to 40%.

Speaker 2

And therefore, I think we are strengthening our shareholder return. And this has been incorporated. And also, currently, they're looking at the share prices we are buying. So please understand that, that is the current case. That's, the answer to your first question.

Speaker 2

The second, as you say, as of the end of June, I'm looking at, it's a 15.4 percent shareholder equity ratio. And as of the and we think that the losing the for the shareholder equity ratio, we have not changed our thinking, and we want to have a healthy balance sheet. And looking at the investment opportunity and market changes, we want to have a competitive finance in place, and we want to try to achieve a 40% more, excluding financial service. And from that point of view, currently, we because of the share to equity ratio has increased, but we think that with the buybacks that was explained, we can try to improve the capital efficiency on our balance sheet. That is all.

Speaker 2

Thank you.

Operator

Thank you very much. Next, JPMorgan Securities, Iada san, please. Iada from JPMorgan. I also have two questions about games and I and SS. First about games.

Operator

Add on sales growing substantially in dollar basis, about 20% growth in revenue it seems. But the breakdown, I want to know if you can make some supplemental comments about that. What's included here? First add on and the 3rd party add on, first being less share and large titles that were strong, but the last year and others within 3rd party, I think you can have those 3 categorization. So can you show the breakdown?

Operator

And 1Q add on structure, how is that going to reflect it in the Q2 onwards? And the second question is about INSS Inventory as of end of from end of March has increased about JPY 100,000,000,000. And so I think there's because of seasonal factors, work in progress. But if you look at the final inventory, what's the current level? Is it high, low?

Operator

I think the unit price is going up for chips and that's why the value is going up. But in terms of volume terms, finished product inventory, is it sufficient? And based on that, Q2 onwards, what will be the utilization? What's your view on that, please? Thank you.

Operator

I'd like to answer both questions. First, game and network service add on sales growing. You point out that, that's correct. Most from 3rd party. 1st party, a little bit, but mostly, it's for 3rd party.

Operator

I think I can say it that way. And also for individual titles, it's difficult to comment. But for several well, it's divided into several titles. And the biggest title that you can imagine that is growing and that is true. But others as well, there are various titles growing steadily.

Operator

I think I can put it that way. Also, NSS, basically, as you point out, there's an impact of seasonality. That is the big impact. And the finished inventory in terms of volume, is it sufficient was your question. Looking at the sales size, it's at a rational level, reasonable level.

Operator

Q2 onwards, what will be your utilization? Mobile image sensors were at full capacity almost. That's my our view. Thank you.

Speaker 1

The time is running short. So the next question will be the last question. So please limit your question to one question. Yasui san from UBS Securities, please. Thank you.

Speaker 1

My question is about economic condition. That Tokyo san already explained that the foreign exchange and also U. S. Are the major impact factors. And for those two factors, well, I believe that depending upon the categories, I think there is a change in the impact.

Speaker 1

So what are the categories which are affected? And for instance, U. S. Economy and the foreign exchange, you put more emphasis. And in your business model, in a realistic way, if the well, I think are there any things that you're worried about?

Speaker 1

If those things happen, you're worried about that. If you are how do you define and interpret the future of economic, the concerns this time? Thank you very much. So regarding foreign exchange, the sensitivity issue should be addressed. So Hayakawa san will answer that question.

Speaker 1

Thank you for your question. And for our forecast for the financial results. By presenting that, in immediate past, there was the rapid foreign exchange, the fluctuation. But so we have updated with yen the depreciation for both the euro and the U. S.

Speaker 1

Dollar. And ISS is most affected in terms of sensitivity. And so the immediate forecast, we have to update for each category. And as for the foreign exchange sensitivity for music and pictures, the accounting translation is included: $141,000.50 the sensitivity exists. And so including the accounting, the translation.

Speaker 1

And for euros, JPY 65. So by those numbers, you can see the impact. But that is the sensitivity for the next one year. And so there is the foreign exchange hedge the hedge effect, and that will be offset to a certain extent. And on 5th, there was yen appreciation up to JPY 140.

Speaker 1

But currently, JPY 140 6 or JPY 147, still volatility is high, but we would like to check the factors for fluctuation. And we would like to address this issue properly and manage that. And if it is needed for electronics, the product price revision has been carried out. So we will be very flexible in even including the transferring that impact into price. And so in overall picture, after August, if there is a yen that yen depreciation in dollar and euro will move in parallel with that.

Speaker 1

In that assumption, in terms of sensitivity, on a consolidated basis, the JPY 70,000,000,000 to JPY 80,000,000,000 worsening is anticipated. But that is just a matter of assimilation. And before foreign exchange moves that way, of course, we do have the some of the advance the countermeasures taken. And we have to also make some adjustment. And also, cost will be the cut in accordance with that, so may not directly impact our financial results.

Speaker 1

And at this moment, overall sales And compared to our business scale, on a consolidated basis, the foreign exchange impact is not that great within a certain range. So we'd like to continue to control this and manage this solidly. And from the perspective business model, in macro picture, the risks which may impact our business significantly, Well, it's very difficult to think about them, but geopolitical risk is certainly the big risk. And when it appears in the macro picture, that may give a major impact. For image sensor, U.

Speaker 1

S.-China relations have significantly impacted our business in the past. We do experience this. So regarding geopolitical risk, we have to be always very cautious about it.

Speaker 2

Thank you very much. It's time for us to end. And we'd like to thank you for taking part in our Q1 earnings announcement meeting. Thank you.

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Earnings Conference Call
Sony Group Q1 2025
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