Sony Group lifted its operating profit forecast for fiscal 2025 to JPY1.43 trillion (approx. US$9.3 billion) from JPY1.33 trillion, beating the average estimate of JPY1.423 trillion from 22 analysts. Bloomberg and Nikkei attributed the upward revision to stronger semiconductor and music earnings and lower tariff-related costs.
Sony's semiconductor arm, led by its CMOS image sensor (CIS) business, saw the sharpest profit growth across divisions, boosted by the yen's continued depreciation. From October 2025, the company assumes JPY145 to the US dollar and JPY164 to the euro, both weaker than prior estimates, while cost reductions have further improved margins.
Strong demand for Sony's image sensors in new iPhone models has reinforced its semiconductor momentum, prompting analysts to question how long the growth can be sustained.
In music and entertainment, Sony's Aniplex studio under the Vision & Character Business Group co-produced Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns, which has earned US$654 million worldwide as of October 17, 2025.
Credit: AFP
Roughly 70% of Sony's projected operating profit this fiscal year comes from its core entertainment businesses in gaming, music, and film. The spin-off and listing of its financial unit in September 2025 highlighted the growing dominance of entertainment within the group's structure.
Sony's gaming division remains a key growth driver. Five years after its debut, the PlayStation 5 continues to expand its user base and deliver steady platform revenue gains, helped by favorable exchange rates.
Sony continues to stress the strategic importance of its entertainment ecosystem. Through active acquisitions of studios and IPs in music, animation, and gaming, the company has built a strong content base that anchors its long-term growth and profitability.
Article edited by Jack Wu
