Sony Group on November 5 reported record second-quarter results, with sales up 10% year on year to ¥3.4294 trillion and operating profit up 45% to ¥622.3 billion. Both were the highest ever for a second quarter.
Tariff refunds and some demand pulled forward into the quarter also lifted profit. First-half consolidated operating profit passed ¥1 trillion for the first time, and Sony raised its full-year operating profit forecast to ¥1.87 trillion, 9% above its previous estimate.
Entertainment carried the quarter. A new Spider-Man film ranked third in worldwide box office history as of September 28, and higher game engagement and growing music streaming added to the result.
TSMC tie-up in image sensors
In semiconductors, Sony signed a definitive agreement in August to set up a joint venture with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC). The companies aim to improve image sensor performance and cost competitiveness, and to speed up value creation and capital efficiency for what Sony calls the physical AI era.
PlayStation accounts in focus
Cybersecurity drew attention at the earnings briefing as concern spread among users over unauthorized access to PlayStation accounts at Sony Interactive Entertainment. Chief Financial Officer Lin Tao addressed the situation and the company's response.
Asked how Sony views the attacks and what it is doing company-wide, she apologized to customers and stakeholders for the trouble and worry. "As cyberattacks grow more complex and sophisticated, we feel that more must be done than before," she said, adding that Sony will raise the priority of countermeasures across the group, including using AI on the defense side.
On PlayStation accounts specifically, she said Sony has already investigated the confirmed account-related incidents and taken the necessary measures. "We would like you to understand that we have already acted, including on the impact on customers," she said.
The concern follows social media posts from users saying family accounts were added to their PlayStation online service without their permission, bypassing passwords and two-step verification. The posts raised the possibility of unauthorized access aimed at personal and credit card data. As of 6 p.m. on October 26, Sony had not responded to a request for comment from the Sankei Shimbun.
Sony's quarter shows gaming revenue now rests as much on defending accounts as on selling consoles. The company's profit record and its security pledge arrived in the same briefing.